Lountzis Asset Management Comments on Westamerica Bancorp

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Mar 21, 2014

Westamerica Bancorp is one of the finest banks in the country. However, the stock was selling for 3.5x tangible book value and 19x earnings, both representing excessive valuation levels. Furthermore, the net interest margin continued to decline from 5.11% over a year ago to under 4% today. Finally, with no growth in loan volumes and limited opportunities in the investment portfolio, we felt it was time to sell at a gain of over 40% including dividends.

From Lountzis Asset Management 2013 Annual Letter