WesBanco rises after KBW upgrades to 'outperform'

Wesbanco

10/02/2025 17:42

** Shares of regional lender WesBanco  WSBC.O  rise as much as 3%; last up 2.5% at $36.29
    ** KBW upgrades WSBC to "outperform" from "market perform"; raises PT to $44 from $40, a
24.2% upside to stock's last close
    ** Brokerage says it is encouraged by WSBC's improved net interest margin outlook and the
potential earlier close for the bank's $959 million all-stock deal to buy smaller rival Premier
Financial  PFC.O  
    ** KBW moves up estimated closing date of PFC deal to February 28 from April 1, given WSBC
is now only waiting on the Federal Reserve's approval
    ** Meanwhile, KBW expects rate cuts and asset repricing opportunities to improve WSBC's NIM
— a key measure of banking profitability
    ** Further opportunities within PFC's bond book and additional cost savings could provide
additional support to WSBC's earnings — KBW
    ** Four of seven brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher and three "hold"; their median PT
is $41, according to data compiled by LSEG
    ** WSBC stock rose 3.7% in 2024

 (Reporting by Arasu Kannagi Basil in Bengaluru)
 ((ArasuKannagi.Basil@thomsonreuters.com))