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Regional Banks Report Q2 Profit Gains Fueled by Higher Net Interest Income

Rising interest income, deposit growth and tighter margins pushed second-quarter profitability for Westamerica and Foresight and shifted the mix of revenue and expenses for both banks.

Overview

  • Westamerica posted second-quarter net income of $27.4 million and diluted EPS of $1.17, with fully tax-equivalent net interest income of $52.7 million, an annualized funding cost of 0.24 percent, no provision for credit losses and nonperforming assets of $808,000.
  • Foresight reported Q2 net income of $4.38 million and diluted EPS of $1.20, with tax-equivalent net interest margin expanding to 3.69 percent, net interest income rising to $14.92 million, improved efficiency and higher tangible book value per share.
  • Both firms said deposit growth and lower relative deposit costs helped lift net interest income, with Westamerica benefiting from a low cost of funds and Foresight realizing gains from prior consolidation and redeploying new liquidity into securities and loans.
  • Credit quality and capital positions were stable: Westamerica reduced its allowance for credit losses and took no provision in the quarter, while Foresight reported modest provisions, total nonperforming assets of $16.9 million and an improved allowance ratio.
  • Investors should watch deposit cost trends, the durability of margin expansion and the impact of nonrecurring items and integration or professional fees on future quarters because those factors drove year-over-year swings in revenue and expense mixes.