Core Insights - WesBanco reported revenue of $162.89 million for Q4 2024, a year-over-year increase of 9.3% and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $157 million by 3.75% [1] - The company achieved an EPS of $0.71, up from $0.55 a year ago, representing a surprise of 31.48% compared to the consensus estimate of $0.54 [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Net Interest Margin was reported at 3%, matching the average estimate from two analysts [4] - Annualized net loan charge-offs and recoveries as a percentage of average loans stood at 0.1%, better than the average estimate of 0.2% [4] - Efficiency Ratio was recorded at 61.2%, outperforming the average estimate of 64.5% [4] - Mortgage banking income reached $1.23 million, slightly above the average estimate of $1.15 million [4] - Total Non-Interest Income was $36.39 million, significantly higher than the average estimate of $30.20 million [4] Stock Performance - WesBanco shares have returned -4.2% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's increase of 2.1% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Group 1 - WesBanco reported quarterly earnings of $0.71 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.54 per share, and showing an increase from $0.55 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of 31.48% [1] - The company posted revenues of $162.89 million for the quarter ended December 2024, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.75%, compared to $149.07 million in the same quarter last year [2] - WesBanco has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times over the last four quarters and has also topped consensus revenue estimates two times during the same period [2] Group 2 - The stock has underperformed the market, losing about 1.8% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has gained 2.9% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.60 on revenues of $196 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $3.09 on revenues of $961 million [7] - The Zacks Industry Rank for Banks - Southeast is in the top 24% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook compared to the bottom 50% [8]

Core Viewpoint - WesBanco, Inc. reported strong financial performance for the fourth quarter and the full year of 2024, with significant loan and deposit growth, alongside a pending merger with Premier Financial Corp. [1][3] Financial Performance - Net income for Q4 2024 was $47.1 million, or $0.70 per share, compared to $32.4 million and $0.55 per share in Q4 2023, marking a 45.2% increase in net income year-over-year [1][2] - For the full year 2024, net income was $141.4 million, or $2.26 per share, down from $148.9 million, or $2.51 per share in 2023 [1][2] - Excluding restructuring and merger-related expenses, net income for 2024 was $146.4 million, or $2.34 per share, compared to $151.9 million, or $2.56 per share in 2023 [1][2] Loan and Deposit Growth - Total loans increased by $1 billion, or 8.7%, year-over-year, reaching $12.7 billion, driven by a 10.7% increase in commercial loans [4][11] - Deposits rose to $14.1 billion, up 7.3% year-over-year, with a 3.9% increase when excluding certificates of deposit [5][11] - The loan-to-deposit ratio was 89.2%, indicating continued capacity for loan growth [11] Credit Quality - Total loans past due as a percentage of the loan portfolio was 0.47%, with non-performing assets at 0.22%, both remaining low historically [7] - The allowance for credit losses was $138.8 million, providing a coverage ratio of 1.10% [7] Net Interest Margin and Income - The net interest margin for Q4 2024 was 3.03%, an improvement of 8 basis points from Q3 2024 [8] - Net interest income for Q4 2024 was $126.5 million, a 7.4% increase year-over-year, while total net interest income for the year was $478.2 million, a slight decrease of 0.7% [9][11] Non-Interest Income - Non-interest income for Q4 2024 was $36.4 million, a 21.0% increase from Q4 2023, driven by higher service charges and trust fees [10][11] - For the full year, non-interest income increased by $7.5 million, or 6.3%, to $128.0 million [12] Non-Interest Expense - Non-interest expense for Q4 2024 was $100.5 million, a 1.0% increase year-over-year, primarily due to higher equipment and software expenses [13][14] - For the full year, non-interest expense increased by $9.3 million, or 2.4%, to $395.5 million [14] Capital Position - As of December 31, 2024, WesBanco maintained strong regulatory capital ratios, with a Tier I leverage ratio of 10.68% and a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 12.07% [15]

Group 1 - The upcoming report from WesBanco (WSBC) is expected to reveal quarterly earnings of $0.54 per share, indicating a decline of 1.8% compared to the year-ago period, while revenues are forecasted at $157 million, representing an increase of 5.3% year over year [1] - Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged, indicating analysts' reassessment of their initial projections [1] - Prior to earnings announcements, revisions to earnings estimates are crucial as they serve as significant indicators for predicting potential investor actions regarding the stock [2] Group 2 - Analysts predict 'Net Interest Margin' at 3.0%, an increase from the year-ago value of 3% [4] - The 'Efficiency Ratio' is estimated to be 64.5%, down from the year-ago value of 66.8% [4] - 'Total Non-Interest Income' is forecasted to reach $30.20 million, slightly up from the year-ago figure of $30.07 million [4] Group 3 - Shares of WesBanco have demonstrated returns of -4.1% over the past month, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.4% change, indicating underperformance [5] - WesBanco holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), suggesting it is expected to lag the overall market performance in the near future [5]

WHEELING, W.Va., Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- WesBanco, Inc. (Nasdaq: WSBC), a diversified, multi-state bank holding company, announced today that it has been named to Forbes' 2025 Most Trusted Companies in America, one of just 300 public companies to make the list. This recognition is a testament to the bank's steadfast commitment to living its Mission, Vision and Pledge, which serve as its foundation and guide towards sustained success. WesBanco named to Forbes' Inaugural Most Trusted Companies in Ame ...

Financial Results Announcement - Wesbanco, Inc. will release its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024 after the market close on January 22, 2025[5] - Management will host a conference call to discuss Q4 2024 financial results on January 23, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. ET[5] - The press release announcing the Q4 2024 earnings release and conference call is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to the report[8] Merger Approval and Documentation - The proposed merger with Premier Financial was approved by shareholders of both companies on December 11, 2024[6] - The Form S-4 registration statement, including the joint proxy statement/prospectus, was declared effective on October 28, 2024[6] - Shareholders and interested parties are urged to review the Form S-4 and joint proxy statement/prospectus for important merger details[6] - The Form S-4 and related documents are available for free on the SEC's website and the websites of Wesbanco and Premier Financial[6]

WHEELING, W. Va., Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- WesBanco, Inc. (Nasdaq: WSBC), a diversified, multi-state bank holding company, announced today it will host a conference call at 3:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Jeffrey H. Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Daniel K. Weiss, Jr., Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will review financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024. Results for the quarter are expected to be released after the market close on Wedne ...

Core Points - WesBanco, Inc. and Premier Financial Corp. have received overwhelming shareholder approval for their merger agreement, with approximately 85% of WesBanco's shareholders and 68% of Premier's shareholders voting in favor [1][2] - The merger is expected to create a regional financial services institution with approximately $27 billion in assets, enhancing economies of scale and profitability metrics [3] - The completion of the merger is anticipated in the first quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions [2] Company Overview - WesBanco, Inc. has over 150 years of experience as a community-focused financial services partner, with total assets of $18.5 billion as of September 30, 2024, and a strong presence in retail and commercial banking, trust, brokerage, and wealth management [4] - Premier Financial Corp. operates 73 branches and nine loan offices across Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, focusing on community banking and wealth management services [5]

WesBanco, Inc. (WSBC) announced a quarterly cash dividend of 37 cents per share, reflecting an increase of 2.8% from the prior payout. The dividend will be paid out on Jan. 2, 2025, to shareholders of record as of Dec. 6, 2024. This represents the 18th increase in the quarterly dividend since 2010.Prior to this, the company increased its dividend by 2.9% to 36 cents per share in July 2024. The company has a five-year annualized dividend growth of 3.19%. At present, its payout ratio is 67% of its earnings. B ...

WHEELING, W.Va., Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WesBanco, Inc. (Nasdaq: WSBC), a diversified, multi-state bank holding company, announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a 2.8% increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.37 per common share from the previous quarterly dividend of $0.36 per common share.  The higher dividend rate will be payable on January 2, 2025 to shareholders of record on December 6, 2024.  This is the eighteenth increase in the quarterly dividend since 2010 and represent ...