American Century Discloses 6.4% Stake in Westamerica Bancorp

TL;DR

**American Century just revealed a 6.4% stake in Westamerica Bancorp, a bullish signal.**

AI Summary

American Century Investment Management, Inc. reported on February 12, 2024, that as of December 31, 2023, they beneficially own 1,900,000 shares of WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION's Common Stock, representing 6.4% of the company. This filing indicates a significant institutional stake in the bank, signaling confidence from a major investment firm. For current or prospective shareholders, this means a large, professional investor sees value in Westamerica, which can be a positive indicator for the stock's stability and future performance.

Why It Matters

A major institutional investor, American Century Investment Management, Inc., has taken a significant position in WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION, which can be seen as a vote of confidence in the company's prospects.

Risk Assessment

Risk Level: low — This filing indicates a significant institutional investment, generally viewed as a positive sign of confidence and stability, thus lowering perceived risk.

Analyst Insight

A smart investor would view this significant institutional stake as a positive signal, potentially indicating underlying value or strong fundamentals for WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION, and might consider further research into the company or initiating a position.

Key Numbers

• 1,900,000 — Shares Beneficially Owned (Represents the total number of shares of WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION's Common Stock held by American Century Investment Management, Inc.)
• 6.4% — Percentage of Class (Indicates the proportion of WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION's Common Stock owned by American Century Investment Management, Inc., a significant stake.)

Key Players & Entities

• American Century Investment Management, Inc. (company) — the reporting person and institutional investor
• WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION (company) — the issuer of the securities
• 1,900,000 (dollar_amount) — shares beneficially owned
• 6.4% (dollar_amount) — percentage of class beneficially owned
• December 31, 2023 (person) — date of event requiring the filing

Forward-Looking Statements

• Other institutional investors may increase their positions in WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION, following American Century's lead. (WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION) — medium confidence, target: Q2 2024

FAQ

Filing Documents

• westamericabancorp13g.htm (SC 13G) — 80KB
• image_8.jpg (GRAPHIC) — 0KB
• 0000052388-24-000133.txt ( ) — 82KB

If this statement is filed pursuant to 240.13d-1(b) or 240.13d-2(b) or (c), check whether the person filing is a

Item 3. If this statement is filed pursuant to 240.13d-1(b) or 240.13d-2(b) or (c), check whether the person filing is a 1) American Century Investment Management, Inc. is an investment adviser in accordance with 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E). 2) American Century Companies, Inc. is a parent holding company or control person in accordance with 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(G). 3) Stowers Institute for Medical Research is a parent holding company or control person in accordance with 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(G).

Ownership

Item 4. Ownership. Reference is made to Items 5-9 and 11 on the cover page of this filing.

Ownership of Five Percent or Less of a Class

Item 5. Ownership of Five Percent or Less of a Class. If this statement is being filed to report the fact that as of the date hereof the reporting person has ceased to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the class of securities, check the following

Ownership of More than Five Percent on Behalf of Another Person

Item 6. Ownership of More than Five Percent on Behalf of Another Person. Various persons, including the investment companies and separate institutional investor accounts that American Century Investment Management, Inc. ("ACIM") serves as investment adviser, have the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of, the securities that are the subject of this schedule. Except as may be otherwise indicated if this is a joint filing, not more than 5% of the class of securities that is the subject of this schedule is owned by any one client advised by ACIM. Item 7. Identification and Classification of the Subsidiary Which Acquired the Security Being Reported on By the Parent Holding Company or Control Person. See attached Exhibit A.

Identification and Classification of Members of the Group

Item 8. Identification and Classification of Members of the Group. Not applicable.

Notice of Dissolution of Group

Item 9. Notice of Dissolution of Group Not applicable Page 6 of 8 Pages

Certification

Item 10. Certification By signing below I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the securities referred to above were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect. SIGNATURE After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct. Dated this 9th day of February, 2024. AMERICAN CENTURY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC. ("ACIM") AMERICAN CENTURY COMPANIES, INC. ("ACC") By __ s John Pak __________________________ John Pak Senior Vice President, ACIM and ACC STOWERS INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH, solely in its capacity as control entity of ACC By __ s Richard W. Brown ____________________ Richard W. Brown Chairman SCHEDULE 13G – To be included in statements filed pursuant to Rule 13d-1(b) or 13d-2(b). EXHIBIT A This Exhibit has been prepared to identify each subsidiary of American Century Companies, Inc. ("ACC"), which is controlled by the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, that is a beneficial owner of securities that are the subject of this schedule (the "Subject Securities"). American Century Investment Management, Inc. ("ACIM") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACC and an investment adviser registered under 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. SCHEDULE 13G – To be included in statements filed pursuant to Rule 13d-1(b) or 13d-2(b) and Rule 13d-1(f) (1) Agreement. Page 7 of 8 Pages EXHIBIT B Each of the undersigned hereby agrees and consents to the execution and joint filing on its behalf by American Century Investment Management, Inc. of this Schedule 13G respecting the beneficial ownership of the securities which are the subject of t