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SBSI vs WABC
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Southside Bancshares (SBSI) vs. Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- SBSI is a Texas-focused community bank leveraging steady loan growth, while WABC is a conservative California lender emphasizing balance-sheet quality and capital returns.
- SBSI recently posted double-digit net income growth and improving asset quality, whereas WABC reported earnings beats but slower year-over-year profitability.
- Both names offer meaningful shareholder returns: SBSI carries a higher dividend yield, while WABC has been actively expanding share repurchases.
- Market positioning diverges on growth versus stability, making this a useful stock comparison for regional-bank investors.
Introduction
Regional banks often move as a group, but their underlying business models can produce sharply different risk-reward profiles. This stock comparison examines SBSI (Southside Bancshares, Inc.) and WABC (Westamerica Bancorporation), two established community-oriented bank holding companies trading at similar price-to-earnings multiples but operating in very different geographies. Investors weighing relative performance, growth drivers, and market positioning in the financial sector may find this comparison useful. It is particularly relevant for those seeking dividend income, exposure to regional economic momentum, or a defensive balance-sheet profile in an environment shaped by shifting interest rates and credit conditions.
SBSI Overview and Recent Performance
Southside Bancshares, Inc., headquartered in Tyler, Texas, is the holding company for Southside Bank, serving individuals, businesses, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations across East and Central Texas. The institution maintains a commercial banking focus and has reported mid-single-digit loan growth in recent periods, reflecting its exposure to economically active Texas markets.
Recent market activity has highlighted improving fundamentals. In its latest quarterly report, SBSI posted adjusted earnings above consensus, with net income rising roughly 23% year over year on higher net interest income and disciplined expense management. Credit quality has been a notable strength, with nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets declining sharply from prior-year levels. The company has also executed a share repurchase program, and management has signaled confidence in meeting loan growth targets. These factors have supported a generally constructive, if measured, tone in recent weeks, even as net interest margin (NIM), a key bank profitability metric, has held in a narrow range near 2.8% to 2.9%.
WABC Overview and Recent Performance
Westamerica Bancorporation, based in San Rafael, California, is the parent company of Westamerica Bank, which operates commercial banking and trust offices throughout Northern and Central California. The company is widely regarded for a conservative operating philosophy, maintaining a low-cost deposit franchise and a balance sheet that holds a substantial portion of assets in securities rather than loans.
In recent quarters, WABC has consistently exceeded earnings expectations, helped by an exceptionally low cost of funding and resilient expense control. However, year-over-year net income has trended modestly lower, reflecting a gradual runoff in certain lending books and only slight relief on net interest margin. The board has demonstrated commitment to shareholder returns, increasing the quarterly dividend and expanding its stock repurchase authorization by 2 million shares. Recent analyst activity has included price-target increases, and the stock's relative performance has been steady, though growth catalysts remain more limited than at peers pursuing aggressive loan expansion.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two banks lies in their growth posture. SBSI operates in high-growth Texas markets and is actively expanding its loan book, which offers upside tied to regional economic momentum but introduces exposure to commercial real estate and competitive lending dynamics. WABC, by contrast, prioritizes capital preservation and low-cost funding over growth, producing steadier but more limited earnings potential.
On capital returns, SBSI offers the higher current dividend yield, while WABC has been more aggressive with buybacks and dividend increases. Risk profiles also differ: SBSI carries geographic concentration in Texas, whereas WABC faces California-specific economic exposure and a securities-heavy balance sheet sensitive to rate movements. From a sentiment standpoint, SBSI has benefited from improving credit and earnings momentum, while WABC has drawn support from stability, analyst target increases, and shareholder-friendly actions.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings momentum, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward SBSI as the more favorable near-term candidate. The combination of accelerating net income, strengthening credit quality, active capital deployment, and a growth-oriented loan book suggests a comparatively stronger momentum profile. WABC remains an attractive defensive holding with a stable balance sheet and dependable shareholder returns, but its slower growth trajectory may present fewer catalysts. This assessment is probabilistic in nature and reflects current market conditions 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 SBSI is a StrongBuy and WABC is a Buy.
SBSI's RSI Oscillator climbs out of oversold territory
The RSI Indicator for SBSI moved out of oversold territory on October 01, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 21 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 15 of the 21 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 19, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on SBSI as a result. In 55 of 92 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for SBSI just turned positive on October 13, 2026. Looking at past instances where SBSI's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 35 of 52 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
SBSI moved above its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +3.15% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SBSI advanced for three days, in 141 of 268 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The 50-day moving average for SBSI moved below the 200-day moving average on October 02, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SBSI 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 61%.
SBSI broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for SBSI entered a downward trend on October 16, 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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 18 (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 28 (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 Valuation Rating of 45 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued 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 (1.073) is normal, around the industry mean (1.269). P/E Ratio (12.455) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.317). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.140) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.047) settles around the average of (0.035) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.826) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 51 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. SBSI’s price grows at a lower 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.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 95 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. SBSI’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 56, placing this stock worse than average.
Aroon Indicator for WABC shows an upward move is likely
WABC's Aroon Indicator triggered a bullish signal on September 30, 2026. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor detected that the AroonUp green line is above 70 while the AroonDown red line is below 30. When the up indicator moves above 70 and the down indicator remains below 30, it is a sign that the stock could be setting up for a bullish move. Traders may want to buy the stock or look to buy calls options. A.I.dvisor looked at 230 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator showed a similar pattern. In 143 of the 230 cases, the stock moved higher in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move higher at 62%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 34 of 62 cases where WABC's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 13, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on WABC as a result. In 47 of 76 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for WABC just turned positive on October 15, 2026. Looking at past instances where WABC's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 24 of 41 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
WABC moved above its 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for WABC crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 19 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
Following a +4.40% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where WABC advanced for three days, in 163 of 308 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where WABC 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 56%.
WABC broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 15, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 15 (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 27 (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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 42 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. WABC’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 62 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 56, placing this stock slightly worse than average.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 75 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly 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.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 90 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued 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 (1.663) is normal, around the industry mean (1.269). P/E Ratio (13.550) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.317). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.480) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.031) settles around the average of (0.035) among similar stocks. WABC's P/S Ratio (5.797) is slightly higher than the industry average of (3.738).
SBSI | WABC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 28 | 27 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 45 Fair valued | 90 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 95 | 62 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 28 | 27 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 51 | 42 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 18 | 15 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | 75 |
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.
SBSI's Valuation (45) in the Regional Banks industry is somewhat better than the same rating for WABC (90). This means that SBSI’s stock grew somewhat faster than WABC’s over the last 12 months.
WABC's Profit vs Risk Rating (62) in the Regional Banks industry is somewhat better than the same rating for SBSI (95). This means that WABC’s stock grew somewhat faster than SBSI’s over the last 12 months.
WABC's SMR Rating (27) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as SBSI (28). This means that WABC’s stock grew similarly to SBSI’s over the last 12 months.
WABC's Price Growth Rating (42) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as SBSI (51). This means that WABC’s stock grew similarly to SBSI’s over the last 12 months.
WABC's P/E Growth Rating (15) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as SBSI (18). This means that WABC’s stock grew similarly to SBSI’s over the last 12 months.
| SBSI | WABC | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 58% | 2 days ago 55% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 2 days ago 62% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 59% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 53% | 2 days ago 55% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 53% | 2 days ago 51% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 53% | 9 days ago 53% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 18 days ago 61% | 18 days ago 56% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 65% | 2 days ago 50% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 2 days ago 62% |
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).
SBSI’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while WABC’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- SBSI’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 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.
SBSI’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while WABC’s TA Score has 7 bullish TA indicator(s).
- SBSI’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- WABC’s TA Score: 7 bullish, 2 bearish.
Price Growth
SBSI (@Regional Banks) experienced а +3.59% price change this week, while WABC (@Regional Banks) price change was +0.16% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Regional Banks industry was +2.29%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.59%, and the average quarterly price growth was +9.12%.
Reported Earning Dates
SBSI is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
WABC is expected to report earnings on Jan 21, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Regional Banks (+2.29% 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 SBSI. 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 SBSI could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To WABC | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WABC | 100% | -0.87% | ||
| SBSI - WABC | 75% Closely correlated | +0.41% | ||
| NWBI - WABC | 75% Closely correlated | +0.26% | ||
| EFSC - WABC | 75% Closely correlated | +0.56% | ||
| FMBH - WABC | 73% Closely correlated | +0.24% | ||
| NBHC - WABC | 73% Closely correlated | -0.21% | ||
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