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SBSI vs WABC
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Southside Bancshares (SBSI) vs. Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both SBSI and WABC are well-capitalized regional banks, but they pursue contrasting strategies: SBSI is a growth-oriented Texas lender, while WABC emphasizes a low-cost deposit base and capital returns.
- WABC currently holds a stronger net interest margin (NIM) of roughly 3.81%, aided by a funding cost near 0.26%, versus SBSI's NIM of about 2.90%, which has faced compression in recent quarters.
- SBSI is expanding its loan book and branch footprint in fast-growing Texas markets, while WABC is returning capital through dividends and buybacks against a flatter growth profile.
- Analysts have trimmed price targets on SBSI due to net interest margin pressure, whereas WABC has maintained a steady Hold consensus with exceptional credit quality.
- Credit quality remains a shared strength, with both banks reporting very low nonperforming assets relative to their balance sheets.
- For deeper detail on developments and intraday moves, explore SBSI Major News and SBSI Today's Price Move, along with WABC Major News and WABC Today's Price Move.
- To see how AI-driven strategies are positioning across these and thousands of other tickers, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Regional bank stocks often trade on the same macro forces—interest rates, deposit costs, and credit quality—yet their underlying business models can produce very different risk and return profiles. This stock comparison examines SBSI (Southside Bancshares, Inc.) and WABC (Westamerica Bancorporation), two established community and regional lenders operating on opposite sides of the country. The analysis is most relevant for income-oriented investors weighing dividend stability, and for traders monitoring relative performance and market positioning within the financial sector. By contrasting a Texas growth story with a California low-cost-deposit model, investors can better understand how similar rate environments produce divergent results.
SBSI Overview and Recent Performance
SBSI (Southside Bancshares, Inc.) is a Texas-based financial holding company with total assets near $8.8 billion and a loan portfolio of roughly $4.95 billion. The bank is concentrated in fast-growing Texas markets and has been actively expanding its footprint, including new branches and a build-out of its wealth management business. In recent quarters, loan production has strengthened, with a pipeline around $1.47 billion, though elevated commercial real estate payoffs have kept balances relatively flat.
Recent market activity has been shaped by margin dynamics. The company's net interest margin (NIM)—the spread between what a bank earns on loans and pays on deposits—declined to roughly 2.90% amid higher funding costs and a shift toward wholesale borrowings. As a result, several analysts trimmed price targets, citing softer net interest income and guidance for further NIM compression. Offsetting these pressures, credit quality remains strong, with nonperforming assets near 0.11% of total assets, and the board recently raised the quarterly dividend by 2.8% to $0.37 per share.
WABC Overview and Recent Performance
WABC (Westamerica Bancorporation) is the San Rafael, California-based parent of Westamerica Bank. Its defining advantage is an exceptionally low-cost deposit base: roughly 46% of deposits are non-interest-bearing checking accounts, which held the annualized cost of funding to about 0.26% in the most recent quarter. This underpins a comparatively high net interest margin (NIM) of approximately 3.81%, well above many regional peers.
In recent weeks, WABC reported modestly higher earnings per share (EPS) driven by tight expense control and disciplined share-count management, even as revenue and net income remained broadly flat year over year. Credit quality is a standout, with nonperforming assets of just $476 thousand at quarter-end. The company has consistently returned capital to shareholders, raising its dividend to $0.48 per share, expanding its repurchase authorization, and retiring shares each quarter. Market reaction has been measured, with the stock trading in a relatively narrow range and analyst consensus holding at a steady valuation.
Trending AI Robots
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between the two banks lies in their earnings engines. SBSI is oriented toward organic loan growth and geographic expansion, carrying meaningful commercial real estate exposure and a Texas-centric footprint. That model offers upside in a growing regional economy but introduces sensitivity to payoff timing and, more recently, net interest margin compression. WABC, by contrast, relies on a stable, ultra-low-cost deposit base and a conservative balance sheet, producing a higher and steadier NIM but limited top-line momentum.
On capital returns, WABC has been more aggressive, combining a $0.48 dividend with regular buybacks and a larger repurchase authorization. SBSI pays a lower absolute dividend but carries a higher yield, reflecting its lower share price. Risk factors also differ: SBSI's key concerns include commercial real estate concentration and funding-cost pressure, while WABC's principal challenge is muted earnings growth. Market sentiment has favored WABC's stability and credit quality, even as SBSI's valuation reflects a discounted outlook tied to margin headwinds.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor WABC in the current environment. The bank's stable net interest margin, exceptionally low funding cost, near-perfect credit quality, and consistent capital returns present a steadier trend profile and fewer near-term catalysts for downside. By contrast, SBSI is contending with margin compression and downward analyst revisions, which weighs on trend consistency despite its stronger growth narrative. This preference is probabilistic rather than definitive: if interest-rate conditions stabilize and Texas loan growth accelerates, SBSI's discounted positioning could become more attractive. As always, the relative outlook can shift with changes in rates, credit trends, and regional economic conditions.
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 Hold and WABC is a Hold.
SBSI in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on October 29, 2026
The 10-day moving average for SBSI crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 29, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 16 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 62%.
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 51 of 91 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
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 26 of 50 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
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 +2.96% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SBSI advanced for three days, in 140 of 264 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 105 of 193 cases where SBSI Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 54%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for SBSI moved out of overbought territory on November 05, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 24 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 18 of the 24 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 75%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 33 of 52 cases where SBSI's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 63%.
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 62%.
SBSI broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 29, 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 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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 35 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 41 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. SBSI’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 48 (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 (1.151) is normal, around the industry mean (1.262). P/E Ratio (13.365) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.479). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.140) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.043) settles around the average of (0.036) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.826) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued 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 78 (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.
WABC in downward trend: price may decline as a result of having broken its higher Bollinger Band on October 15, 2026
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. The A.I.dvisor looked at 46 similar instances where the stock broke above the upper band. In 27 of the 46 cases the stock fell afterwards. This puts the odds of success at 59%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 05, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on WABC as a result. In 40 of 75 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 53%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for WABC turned negative on November 05, 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 41 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 20 of the 41 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 49%.
WABC moved below its 50-day moving average on November 13, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
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%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 6 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
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 13 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 68%.
Following a +0.47% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where WABC advanced for three days, in 161 of 306 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 127 of 236 cases where WABC Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 54%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
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 Seasonality Score of 21 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued 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 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 45 (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 60 (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 Valuation Rating of 89 (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 (1.621) is normal, around the industry mean (1.262). P/E Ratio (13.210) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.479). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.480) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.032) settles around the average of (0.036) 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 | 34 | 83 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 48 Fair valued | 89 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 78 | 60 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 28 | 27 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 41 | 45 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 35 | 16 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 21 |
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 (48) in the Regional Banks industry is somewhat better than the same rating for WABC (89). This means that SBSI’s stock grew somewhat faster than WABC’s over the last 12 months.
WABC's Profit vs Risk Rating (60) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as SBSI (78). This means that WABC’s stock grew similarly to 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.
SBSI's Price Growth Rating (41) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as WABC (45). This means that SBSI’s stock grew similarly to WABC’s over the last 12 months.
WABC's P/E Growth Rating (16) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as SBSI (35). This means that WABC’s stock grew similarly to SBSI’s over the last 12 months.
| SBSI | WABC | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 56% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 56% | 1 day ago 53% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 52% | 1 day ago 49% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 54% | 1 day ago 55% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 53% | 1 day ago 51% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 53% | 6 days ago 53% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 62% | 4 days ago 56% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 1 day ago 59% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 54% | 1 day ago 54% |
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 1 FA rating(s) are green while WABC’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- SBSI’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 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 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while WABC’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- SBSI’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- WABC’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
SBSI (@Regional Banks) experienced а +1.94% price change this week, while WABC (@Regional Banks) price change was -0.62% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Regional Banks industry was +1.00%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +3.45%, and the average quarterly price growth was +11.77%.
Reported Earning Dates
SBSI is expected to report earnings on Jan 22, 2027.
WABC is expected to report earnings on Jan 21, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Regional Banks (+1.00% 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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SBSI and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, SBSI has been closely correlated with BUSE. These tickers have moved in lockstep 79% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if SBSI jumps, then BUSE could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To SBSI | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBSI | 100% | -0.69% | ||
| BUSE - SBSI | 79% Closely correlated | -0.03% | ||
| AUB - SBSI | 78% Closely correlated | +0.74% | ||
| FULT - SBSI | 78% Closely correlated | +0.63% | ||
| BY - SBSI | 78% Closely correlated | +0.33% | ||
| PFIS - SBSI | 77% Closely correlated | -0.22% | ||
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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 76% 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% | -0.29% | ||
| EFSC - WABC | 76% Closely correlated | -0.29% | ||
| SBSI - WABC | 75% Closely correlated | -0.69% | ||
| FCF - WABC | 75% Closely correlated | +0.05% | ||
| FMBH - WABC | 75% Closely correlated | +0.25% | ||
| FFBC - WABC | 75% Closely correlated | +0.28% | ||
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