By the close of today, February 16, 2024, Westamerica Bancorp (NASDAQ:WABC) will issue a dividend payout of $0.44 per share, resulting in an annualized dividend yield of 3.54%. This payout is exclusively for shareholders who held the stock before the ex-dividend date on February 02, 2024.

Westamerica Bancorp Recent Dividend Payouts

In terms of dividend yield, Westamerica Bancorp finds itself in the middle ground among its industry peers, while Northwest Bancshares (NASDAQ:NWBI) takes the lead with the highest annualized dividend yield at 6.64%.

Analyzing Westamerica Bancorp Financial Health

Companies that pay out steady cash dividends are attractive to income-seeking investors, and companies that are financially healthy tend to maintain their dividend payout schedule. For this reason, investors can find it insightful to see if a company has been increasing or decreasing their dividend payout schedule and if their earnings are growing.

YoY Growth in Dividend Per Share

From 2020 to 2023, the company's dividend per share showed a positive trend, increasing steadily from $1.64 in 2020 to $1.72 in 2023. This demonstrates the company's commitment to rewarding shareholders by consistently raising dividends.

YoY Earnings Growth For Westamerica Bancorp

The earnings chart illustrates an increase in Westamerica Bancorp's earnings per share, from $2.97 in 2020 to $6.04 in 2023. This positive earnings growth provides income-seeking investors with optimism, as it suggests potential for higher cash dividend payouts in the future.

Recap

This article takes an in-depth look at Westamerica Bancorp's recent dividend payout and its implications for shareholders. The company is currently distributing a dividend of $0.44 per share today, translating to an annualized dividend yield of 3.54%.

In terms of dividend yield, Westamerica Bancorp finds itself in the middle ground among its industry peers, while Northwest Bancshares takes the lead with the highest annualized dividend yield at 6.64%.

With an increase in dividend per share and earnings per share from 2020 to 2023, Westamerica Bancorp demonstrates a healthy financial status and is likely to maintain their dividend distribution to investors.

To stay well-informed about potential changes in financials or dividend disbursements, investors should closely observe the company's performance in the upcoming quarters.

To stay up-to-date with the companies that are announcing their dividends, click here to visit our Dividends Calendar.

This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.