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NWBI vs WABC
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Northwest Bancshares (NWBI) vs. Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- NWBI and WABC are both regional bank holding companies, but they operate in very different geographies and pursue different growth strategies.
- Northwest Bancshares is expanding through acquisition and commercial lending, while Westamerica Bancorporation runs a more capital-conservative, efficiency-focused California franchise.
- Both stocks have delivered strong year-to-date returns in the roughly 25% to 30% range, broadly outperforming the broader market.
- NWBI offers a materially higher dividend yield, while WABC shows higher profitability and return on equity.
- Relative performance has been closely matched, so the comparison centers on risk profile, catalysts, and market positioning rather than raw returns.
Introduction
Investors weighing regional bank exposure often compare stocks that share a sector but diverge in business model, geography, and growth posture. NWBI (Northwest Bancshares) and WABC (Westamerica Bancorporation) offer a useful stock comparison: both are well-established community and regional lenders with long operating histories, yet they sit at different points in the growth and profitability spectrum. This analysis is relevant for income-oriented investors evaluating dividend yields, as well as traders tracking relative performance and momentum in the financial sector. Understanding how these two institutions compare on valuation, profitability, and recent market activity can help clarify which name may align better with a given investment objective.
NWBI Overview and Recent Performance
NWBI is the holding company for Northwest Bank, a state-chartered savings bank serving personal and commercial customers across Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Indiana. Recent market activity has been shaped by a growth-oriented agenda, including the integration of the Penns Woods Bancorp acquisition and the announcement of a new corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ohio. The company has reported record quarterly net income in recent periods, supported by commercial loan activity and net interest margin (NII margin, the spread between interest earned and interest paid) expansion.
Over the past year, NWBI has posted a total return of roughly 24% to 29%, with a year-to-date gain near the top of that range. The stock has traded in a 52-week range of about $11.25 to $16.16, reflecting a strong recovery from earlier lows. Sentiment has been supported by a dividend yield in the low-to-mid 5% range and a relatively low beta, indicating muted volatility relative to the broader market. Risks to watch include credit quality trends in commercial real estate and the execution of its expansion strategy.
WABC Overview and Recent Performance
WABC is the holding company for Westamerica Bank, which provides deposit, lending, and related banking services to individuals and businesses primarily in Northern and Central California. Founded in 1884 and headquartered in San Rafael, the company emphasizes a conservative, efficiency-driven operating model with a notably high profit margin and return on assets relative to many peers.
In recent weeks, WABC has traded near the upper portion of a 52-week range of about $44.93 to $63.61, with a year-to-date return around 30% and a one-year total return in the mid-to-high 20% range. The stock carries a lower beta than NWBI, signaling even lower relative volatility. Its dividend yield is more modest at roughly 3.2%, but its return on equity (a measure of profitability relative to shareholder capital) is notably higher. Key considerations include the bank's concentration in California and a more limited acquisition-driven growth trajectory.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two institutions is strategic posture. NWBI is pursuing an expansion-and-integration model, using acquisitions and commercial loan growth to drive revenue and scale. This creates potential catalysts but also introduces execution and credit integration risk. WABC, by contrast, runs a steadier, more internally focused franchise that emphasizes operating efficiency and balance-sheet conservatism, which has translated into higher profitability margins and return on assets.
On valuation and income, the trade-off is equally clear. NWBI offers a substantially higher dividend yield, appealing to income-focused investors, while carrying a somewhat higher price-to-earnings ratio. WABC trades at a lower earnings multiple and boasts superior profitability metrics, but its yield is more modest. Geographically, NWBI is diversified across four Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states, whereas WABC is concentrated in California, exposing it to regional economic dynamics. Both carry below-market betas, though WABC has been the lower-volatility name.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, relative positioning, and stability, Tickeron's AI would likely weigh WABC and NWBI differently by objective. For momentum and lower-volatility trend-following, WABC's steadier uptrend, higher profitability, and lower beta may register as the more stable candidate. For income and catalyst-driven strategies, NWBI's higher yield and acquisition-driven growth could present a stronger fundamental case. On balance, an AI model oriented toward trend consistency and risk-adjusted stability would be somewhat more likely to favor WABC, while acknowledging that NWBI holds an edge on dividend income and growth catalysts. This is a probabilistic assessment of market positioning rather than a definitive prediction.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is NWBI is a Hold and WABC is a Hold.
Momentum Indicator for NWBI turns negative, indicating new downward trend
NWBI saw its Momentum Indicator move below the 0 level on September 17, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new downward move. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 78 similar instances where the indicator turned negative. In 48 of the 78 cases, the stock moved further down in the following days. The odds of a decline are at 62%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for NWBI turned negative on September 17, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 47 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 28 of the 47 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 60%.
NWBI moved below its 50-day moving average on September 21, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for NWBI crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 22, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 9 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 60%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where NWBI declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 49%.
The Aroon Indicator for NWBI entered a downward trend on September 11, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator is in the oversold zone. Keep an eye out for a move up in the foreseeable future.
Following a +2.36% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where NWBI advanced for three days, in 156 of 303 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 51%.
NWBI may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 15 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.149) is normal, around the industry mean (1.323). P/E Ratio (14.680) is within average values for comparable stocks, (23.509). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.090) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). NWBI has a moderately high Dividend Yield (0.053) as compared to the industry average of (0.030). P/S Ratio (3.193) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 16 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 16 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 35 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 57, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 46 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. NWBI’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
NWBI | WABC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 70 | 90 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 15 Undervalued | 78 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 35 | 65 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 16 | 27 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 46 | 44 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 16 | 20 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | 85 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
NWBI's Valuation (15) in the Savings Banks industry is somewhat better than the same rating for WABC (78) in the Regional Banks industry. This means that NWBI’s stock grew somewhat faster than WABC’s over the last 12 months.
NWBI's Profit vs Risk Rating (35) in the Savings Banks industry is in the same range as WABC (65) in the Regional Banks industry. This means that NWBI’s stock grew similarly to WABC’s over the last 12 months.
NWBI's SMR Rating (16) in the Savings Banks industry is in the same range as WABC (27) in the Regional Banks industry. This means that NWBI’s stock grew similarly to WABC’s over the last 12 months.
WABC's Price Growth Rating (44) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as NWBI (46) in the Savings Banks industry. This means that WABC’s stock grew similarly to NWBI’s over the last 12 months.
NWBI's P/E Growth Rating (16) in the Savings Banks industry is in the same range as WABC (20) in the Regional Banks industry. This means that NWBI’s stock grew similarly to WABC’s over the last 12 months.
| NWBI | WABC | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 1 day ago 56% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 62% | 1 day ago 58% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 1 day ago 44% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 52% | 1 day ago 56% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 55% | 1 day ago 49% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 12 days ago 51% | 12 days ago 53% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 49% | 7 days ago 56% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 1 day ago 61% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 54% | 1 day ago 56% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
NWBI’s FA Score shows that 3 FA rating(s) are green while WABC’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- NWBI’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
- WABC’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
NWBI’s TA Score shows that 3 TA indicator(s) are bullish while WABC’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- NWBI’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 6 bearish.
- WABC’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
NWBI (@Regional Banks) experienced а -1.54% price change this week, while WABC (@Regional Banks) price change was -0.17% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Regional Banks industry was -1.36%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -4.31%, and the average quarterly price growth was +6.10%.
Reported Earning Dates
NWBI is expected to report earnings on Oct 26, 2026.
WABC is expected to report earnings on Oct 15, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Regional Banks (-1.36% weekly)Regional banks have a smaller reach than major banks, and cater mostly to one region of a country, such as a state or within a group of states. They offer services often similar – albeit with some limitations/smaller scale – compared to major banks. Taking deposits, making loans, mortgages, leases, credit cards , fund management, insurance and investment banking. SunTrust Banks, State Street Corp., M&T Bank Corp. are some examples of U.S. regional banks.
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WABC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, WABC has been closely correlated with EFSC. These tickers have moved in lockstep 75% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if WABC jumps, then EFSC could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To WABC | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WABC | 100% | -0.68% | ||
| EFSC - WABC | 75% Closely correlated | -0.59% | ||
| SBSI - WABC | 75% Closely correlated | +0.26% | ||
| NWBI - WABC | 75% Closely correlated | -1.08% | ||
| NBTB - WABC | 74% Closely correlated | -0.40% | ||
| UVSP - WABC | 74% Closely correlated | -0.93% | ||
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