On Friday, Piper Sandler adjusted its stance on Westamerica Bancorp (NASDAQ:WABC), reducing the price target to $50 from $51 while maintaining a Neutral rating on the stock.
The adjustment follows the company's first-quarter earnings report for 2024, which revealed earnings per share (EPS) of $1.37, aligning with the consensus but falling slightly short of Piper Sandler's expectation by $0.02.
The shortfall in Westamerica's earnings, according to the firm, was primarily due to a lower-than-anticipated net interest income (NII), which contributed a $0.03 deficit per share. The bank's margin declined by 11 basis points, settling at 4.30%, compared to the 4.38% Piper Sandler had projected. Additionally, fee income did not meet the firm's forecast by $0.01, a difference attributed to rounding.
The financial institution's latest quarterly results have prompted Piper Sandler to revise its financial model for Westamerica Bancorp. The firm noted that it now expects lower margins and fee income for the bank, although these are somewhat balanced by reduced expenses. Consequently, Piper Sandler has decreased its EPS estimates for the years 2024 and 2025 by $0.05, to $5.30 and $4.65, respectively.
The new price target of $50 reflects a multiple of 9.4 times Piper Sandler's 2024 EPS estimate for Westamerica Bancorp. The revised target is indicative of the firm's recalibrated expectations following the bank's latest financial disclosures.
InvestingPro Insights
Westamerica Bancorp's (NASDAQ:WABC) steadfast approach to dividends is highlighted by its record of raising them for 31 consecutive years, showcasing a strong commitment to shareholder returns. This is complemented by the company's dividend yield standing at 3.86%, which is attractive for income-focused investors. While the bank's P/E ratio is currently at 7.69, reflecting a valuation that might appeal to value investors, it is important to note that analysts have revised their earnings downwards for the upcoming period, indicating potential headwinds.
Despite recent challenges, the bank remains profitable over the last twelve months with a reported net income growth. Moreover, the InvestingPro platform reveals additional insights, including two more InvestingPro Tips for Westamerica Bancorp, which can be accessed by visiting: https://www.investing.com/pro/WABC. For readers interested in a deeper analysis, use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription, and unlock the full spectrum of data and tips available on InvestingPro.
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