Business
Westamerica Bancorporation Reports Fourth Quarter 2020 Financial Results
SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Jan. 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Westamerica Bancorporation (Nasdaq: WABC), parent company of Westamerica Bank, generated net income for
About this update from Westamerica Bancorporation
[{"type":"text","content":"SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Jan. 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Westamerica Bancorporation (Nasdaq: WABC), parent company of Westamerica Bank, generated net income for the fourth quarter 2020 of $23.8 million and diluted earnings per common share (\"EPS\") of $0.89. Fourth quarter 2020 results include a gain on sale of a closed branch building, make-whole interest income on corporate bonds redeemed prior to maturity, and a customary adjustment to the tax provision for the filed 2019 tax returns which increased EPS $0.15. These results compare to net income of $20.1 million and EPS of $0.74 for the third quarter 2020 and net income of $20.7 million and EPS of $0.77 for the fourth quarter 2019. \"Westamerica remains focused on maintaining superior customer service during the pandemic. In keeping all our branches open, we are following all health orders affecting our business to provide a safe environment for our customers and employees. Operating expenses were $24.5 million for the fourth quarter 2020, representing only 43 percent of revenues on a fully-taxable equivalent basis. Westamerica’s revenues continue to reflect current operating conditions, including reduced demand for certain bank products and services due to the pandemic, and low market interest rates. Credit quality remained stable with nonperforming loans of $4.8 million at December 31, 2020,” said Chairman, President and CEO David Payne. “Fourth quarter 2020 results generated an annualized 13.2 percent return on average common equity, and shareholders were paid a $0.41 per common share dividend during the quarter,” concluded Payne. Net interest income on a fully-taxable equivalent (FTE) basis was $43.3 million for the fourth quarter 2020, including make-whole interest income on called corporate bonds of $1.9 million. Fourth quarter 2020 net interest income (FTE) compares to $41.8 million for the third quarter 2020 and $40.5 million for the fourth quarter 2019. Average total deposits grew $123 million from the third quarter 2020 to the fourth quarter 2020. Checking and savings deposits represented ninety-seven percent of the Company’s average deposit base during the fourth quarter 2020 generating a 0.03 percent annualized cost of funding interest-earning assets. At December 31, 2020, nonperforming loans totaled $4.8 million and the allowance for credit losses on loans was $23....