Lakeland Financial Corporation (LKFN) vs Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC)

A side-by-side comparison of Lakeland Financial Corporation and Westamerica Bancorporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Total return — LKFN vs WABC

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
LKFN +113.3% (+7.9%/yr)WABC +59.3% (+4.8%/yr)LKFN compounded faster over this window
100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$213$159
LKFN WABC

LKFN vs WABC: by the numbers

  • •LKFN is the larger company ($1.45B vs $1.38B market cap).
  • •WABC trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (12.94 vs 13.34 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •WABC converts more revenue to profit (41.70% vs 26.04% net margin).
  • •LKFN grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.42% vs 4.52% CAGR).
  • •LKFN pays the higher dividend yield (3.53% vs 3.20%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricLKFNWABC
P/E ratio13.3412.94
Forward P/E13.2812.68
PEG ratio3.361.48
P/S ratio3.395.19
P/B ratio1.871.62

Profitability

MetricLKFNWABC
Operating margin31.81%56.07%
Net margin26.04%41.70%
ROE14.38%12.99%

Lakeland Financial Corporation: Gross margin is not shown for a lender or insurer: its revenue is interest, premiums and fees rather than the sale of goods, so there is no cost of goods sold to measure it against.

Westamerica Bancorporation: Gross margin is not shown for a lender or insurer: its revenue is interest, premiums and fees rather than the sale of goods, so there is no cost of goods sold to measure it against.

Dividends

MetricLKFNWABC
Dividend yield3.53%3.20%
Payout ratio47.25%41.41%

Growth (annualized)

MetricLKFNWABC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)13.42%4.52%
EPS CAGR (5Y)3.96%8.74%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-1.77%4.64%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, LKFN or WABC?
WABC has the lower trailing P/E: LKFN trades at 13.34 and WABC at 12.94. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, LKFN or WABC?
Over the past five years, LKFN grew revenue faster — LKFN at a 13.42% CAGR versus WABC at 4.52%.
Does LKFN or WABC pay a bigger dividend?
LKFN yields 3.53% and WABC yields 3.20% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is LKFN or WABC more profitable?
WABC runs the higher net margin — LKFN at 26.04% versus WABC at 41.70%.
How have LKFN and WABC total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, LKFN delivered 7.84% and WABC delivered 4.55% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.