WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION

The board of directors of Westamerica Bancorporation approved an increase in its share repurchase program by 2,000,000 shares, leaving a total of 2,785,023 shares available for repurchase (11.8% of outstanding common shares as of March 31, 2026). Purchases may be made through the open market or via privately negotiated transactions through December 31, 2026. The stock trades at $54.85, near its 52‑week high, and is up about 15% year‑to‑date; management says this underscores its capital strength and continued capital return policy. » More on de.investing.com

Westamerica Bancorporation has appointed Carter Welch to its board of directors; he will also serve on the audit committee and the credit and investment committee. Welch brings nearly 40 years of experience in financial services, consumer goods, technology and marketing and will advise management on strategy, growth, risk management, corporate culture and operational execution. The appointment comes as the bank trades near its 52-week high and has a market capitalization of about $1.3 billion; the company has raised its dividend for 33 consecutive years. » More on de.investing.com

Shares of Westamerica Bancorporation rose to $53.51, marking a new 52-week high; year-to-date total return stands at 22.21%. The bank has a 33-year streak of dividend increases, a market capitalization of $1.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.62 and a dividend yield of 3.5%. Analyst KBW raised its price target to $55, while loan balances fell 11% year-over-year; the stock trades near its estimated fair value and, with a beta of 0.56, shows relative stability against market swings. » More on de.investing.com