Renaissance Technologies LLC Sells 16,101 Shares of West Bancorporation, Inc. (NASDAQ:WTBA)

Renaissance Technologies LLC cut its position in shares of West Bancorporation, Inc. (NASDAQ:WTBA - Free Report) by 7.3% in the fourth quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 204,152 shares of the financial services provider's stock after selling 16,101 shares during the quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC owned 1.21% of West Bancorporation worth $4,420,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Proficio Capital Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of West Bancorporation during the fourth quarter valued at $785,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its position in shares of West Bancorporation by 121.4% in the fourth quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 57,439 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $1,244,000 after purchasing an additional 31,493 shares in the last quarter. Fortress Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of West Bancorporation during the fourth quarter worth approximately $407,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its position in West Bancorporation by 17.0% during the fourth quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 125,049 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $2,707,000 after purchasing an additional 18,154 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Trexquant Investment LP acquired a new stake in West Bancorporation during the fourth quarter valued at $356,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 44.30% of the company's stock.

West Bancorporation Stock Up 1.8 %

Shares of NASDAQ:WTBA traded up $0.33 on Friday, reaching $19.03. The company had a trading volume of 48,888 shares, compared to its average volume of 28,440. The stock has a market capitalization of $320.33 million, a P/E ratio of 13.31 and a beta of 0.91. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $20.16 and a 200 day moving average price of $21.45. West Bancorporation, Inc. has a twelve month low of $16.18 and a twelve month high of $24.85. The company has a quick ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86.

West Bancorporation (NASDAQ:WTBA - Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, April 24th. The financial services provider reported $0.46 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.38 by $0.08. West Bancorporation had a return on equity of 10.56% and a net margin of 12.12%. The firm had revenue of $23.10 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $21.61 million. On average, equities analysts expect that West Bancorporation, Inc. will post 1.65 EPS for the current year.

West Bancorporation Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, May 21st. Investors of record on Wednesday, May 7th will be issued a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, May 7th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.25%. West Bancorporation's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 69.93%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. Piper Sandler dropped their target price on West Bancorporation from $25.00 to $23.00 and set a "neutral" rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 27th. StockNews.com upgraded West Bancorporation from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Thursday, February 6th.

West Bancorporation Profile

West Bancorporation, Inc operates as the financial holding company provides community banking and trust services to individuals and small- to medium-sized businesses in the United States. It offers deposit services, including checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as time certificates of deposit.