We have reiterated our long-term 'Underperform' recommendation
on
Westamerica Bancorp.
(
WABC
). Though the company's second quarter results were in line with
the Zacks Consensus Estimate, we believe that a weak interest rate
environment and low investment returns will restrict any
significant bottom-line improvement in the near term.
Westamerica's quarterly results were negatively impacted by lower
top line. However, a fall in non-interest expenses, improving
credit quality and stable capital ratios were among the positives.
As a result of the difficult economic environment, Westamerica's
net interest margin (NIM) in the second quarter of 2012 fell 49
basis points on a year-over-year basis to 4.89%. Slow economic
recovery and the Federal Reserve's decision to keep the short-term
interest rates low till 2014 are expected to keep NIM under
pressure in the next several quarters.
Though the asset quality has been showing improvement over the last
few quarters, Westamerica is anticipated to experience credit
quality pressures in the upcoming quarters. The main reasons
include the strong buoyancy observed in macro indicators such as
private consumption, unemployment and interest rates.
Additionally, Westamerica's average interest earnings assets dipped
1.5% from the prior-year quarter to $4.13 billion as of June 30,
2012. Given the weak interest rates and low investment returns amid
the ongoing sluggish economic recovery, we do not expect any
substantial growth in interest earnings assets over the next few
quarters.
However, the scenario is relatively better, given its stable
capital and liquidity position. Over the last few years,
Westamerica has been continuously enhancing shareholders' value
through dividend hikes and share repurchases. In July, the company
announced a new share buyback program under which it will be
repurchasing up to 2 million common shares through September 2013.
In addition, the company repurchased 566,000 shares for $26.1
million in the first six months of 2012. Moreover, the company's
dividend payout ratio increased to 49% in the first half of 2012
from 48% in the year-ago period.
Further, Westamerica remains one of the most profitable banks in
the industry, on the basis of its strong return on equity (ROE) and
return on assets (ROA). Though ROE was relatively flat at 15.6% in
the second quarter as against the prior-year quarter, ROA declined
to 1.69% from 1.73% in the year-ago period. Yet, both these ratios
remained well above the peer group average.
Westamerica currently retains a Zacks #4 Rank, which translates
into a short-term Sell rating. However, one of its peers,
Columbia Banking System Inc.
(
COLB
) retains a Zacks #3 Rank (short-term Hold rating).
COLUMBIA BK SYS (COLB): Free Stock Analysis
Report
WESTAMER BANCP (WABC): Free Stock Analysis
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