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WesBanco Inc (WSBC)
NASDAQ:WSBC

WesBanco (WSBC) AI Stock Analysis

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WesBanco

(NASDAQ:WSBC)

Rating:73Outperform
Price Target:
$34.00
▲(11.70%Upside)
WesBanco's overall score reflects solid financial performance with strong revenue growth and operational efficiency. The positive sentiment from the earnings call, driven by successful acquisition and improved financial metrics, enhances the score. However, concerns about profitability, increased credit provisions, and macroeconomic uncertainties moderate the outlook. Technical indicators suggest neutral momentum, while valuation metrics indicate fair value with an attractive dividend yield.
Positive Factors
Financial Performance
WSBC's PPNR beat expectations by +13% on better NII and Fees with OpEx in line.
Growth and Profitability
WSBC remains Manuel's Top Pick this year on NIMs and growth, with turbocharge profitability as it integrates its PFC deal.
Market Expansion
WSBC is actively pursuing growth opportunities through mergers and acquisitions, particularly in Virginia and Tennessee, which could enhance its market presence.
Negative Factors
Forecast Adjustments
There are adjustments, including lowering net interest income forecasts and reducing future EPS estimates due to tighter NIM and delayed acquisition closing dates.
Valuation Concerns
WSBC trades at an unwarranted valuation discount compared to peers despite above-peer expectations for future returns.

WesBanco (WSBC) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

WesBanco Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionWesBanco, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for WesBanco Bank, Inc. that provides retail banking, corporate banking, personal and corporate trust, brokerage, and mortgage banking and insurance services. It operates in two segments, Community Banking, and Trust and Investment Services. The company offers commercial demand, individual demand, and time deposit accounts; money market accounts; interest bearing and non-interest bearing demand deposits, as well as savings deposits; and certificates of deposit. It also provides commercial real estate loans; commercial and industrial loans; residential real estate loans, including loans to purchase, construct, or refinance borrower's home; home equity lines of credit; installment loans to finance the purchase of automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, boats, and other recreational vehicles, as well as home equity installment loans, unsecured home improvement loans, and revolving lines of credit; and commercial, mortgage, and individual installment loans. In addition, the company offers trust and investment services, as well as various investment products comprising mutual funds and annuities; and securities brokerage services. Further, WesBanco, Inc., through its non-banking subsidiaries, acts as an agency that specializes in property, casualty, life, and title insurance, as well as benefit plan sales and administration to personal and commercial clients; provides broker dealer and discount brokerage services; holds investment securities and loans; and holds and leases commercial real estate properties, as well as acts as an investment adviser to a family of mutual funds. As of December 31, 2021, it operated 206 branches and 203 ATMs in West Virginia, Ohio, western Pennsylvania, Kentucky, southern Indiana, and Maryland, as well as seven loan production offices in West Virginia, Ohio, western Pennsylvania, Maryland, and northern Virginia. WesBanco, Inc. was founded in 1870 and is headquartered in Wheeling, West Virginia.
How the Company Makes MoneyWesBanco generates revenue predominantly through the interest income derived from its lending activities. The company offers various loan products, including commercial loans, residential mortgage loans, and consumer loans, which provide a steady stream of interest income. Additionally, WesBanco earns non-interest income from fees and service charges associated with its deposit accounts, wealth management, and trust services. The bank also benefits from securities brokerage commissions and income from its private banking offerings. Significant factors contributing to its earnings include strategic acquisitions to expand its geographic footprint and customer base, as well as maintaining a strong focus on community banking to enhance customer relationships and loyalty.

WesBanco Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Apr 29, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 3.01%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 29, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflects a generally positive sentiment with strong organic growth and successful acquisition of Premier Financial, leading to improved financial metrics. However, challenges such as negative GAAP net income, increased provisions, and macroeconomic uncertainties present areas of concern.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Successful Acquisition of Premier Financial
The acquisition of Premier Financial was successfully completed, elevating WesBanco into the ranks of the top 100 largest U.S. banks by asset size. Nearly 90% of Premier employees were retained, and the merger has received positive feedback.
Strong Organic Loan and Deposit Growth
First quarter organic loan growth was 8% year-over-year and 4% quarter-over-quarter annualized. Total deposits increased by $922 million year-over-year, with organic deposit growth, excluding CDs, at 5% year-over-year and nearly 11% quarter-over-quarter annualized.
Improved Financial Metrics
Net income, excluding merger and restructuring expenses, increased 54% from the prior year to $51.2 million. The net interest margin increased to 3.35%, and the efficiency ratio improved to 58.62%.
Positive Operating Leverage
The company delivered strong organic loan and deposit growth while achieving positive operating leverage. Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings grew by 25% year-over-year.
Negative Updates
Negative GAAP Net Income
Reported GAAP net income available to common shareholders was negative $11.5 million, or $0.15 per share, due to the day one provision for credit losses and merger-related expenses.
Increased Provision for Credit Losses
The first quarter provision for credit losses was $69 million, with $59 million related to the day one non-PCD provision. The allowance for credit losses increased the coverage ratio to 1.25% from 1.10% as of December 31, 2024.
Challenges in Managing Expenses
Non-interest expenses increased 17.2% year-over-year due to the addition of Premier's expense base and higher amortization of intangible assets. The company is operating two core systems until conversion, leading to higher equipment and software expenses.
Macroeconomic Uncertainty
The macroeconomic environment is extremely volatile due to trade war threats and tariffs, creating uncertainty for the company's performance.
Company Guidance
During the WesBanco First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, guidance provided highlighted several key metrics. The acquisition of Premier Financial was successfully completed, increasing WesBanco's standing among the top 100 largest U.S. banks by asset size. The company reported net income, excluding merger and restructuring expenses and the day-one provision on acquired loans, of $51.2 million, with diluted earnings per share increasing 18% year-over-year to $0.66. Net interest margin improved to 3.35%, with expectations to surpass 3.50% in the second quarter, while the efficiency ratio improved to 58.62%. Organic loan growth was robust at 8% year-over-year and 4% quarter-over-quarter annualized, supported by organic deposit growth of $922 million year-over-year. The commercial loan pipeline stood at approximately $1.3 billion, growing to $1.4 billion in the weeks after quarter-end. WesBanco's balance sheet grew significantly, with total assets increasing 54% year-over-year to $27.4 billion. The company anticipates mid-single-digit loan growth for 2025, despite the volatile macroeconomic environment, and maintains a focus on disciplined expense management to drive positive operating leverage.

WesBanco Financial Statement Overview

Summary
WesBanco demonstrates strong gross and EBIT margins, indicating operational efficiency, and a robust revenue growth rate. However, the low net profit margin and modest return on equity signal areas for improvement. The balance sheet is stable with moderate debt, but the equity ratio suggests a reliance on liabilities. Cash flow conversion is strong, yet declining free cash flow highlights maintenance challenges.
Income Statement
75
Positive
WesBanco shows a strong gross profit margin of 96.79% and a healthy EBIT margin of 66.75% for the TTM period, indicating strong operational efficiency. However, the net profit margin for the TTM period is relatively low at 12.53%, reflecting potential cost pressures or inefficiencies below the operating line. The revenue growth rate from the previous annual period to the TTM is robust at 42.10%, suggesting strong top-line growth.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The company maintains a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, indicating a balanced approach to leverage. The return on equity is modest at 2.83% for the TTM period, suggesting room for improvement in generating returns for shareholders. The equity ratio stands at 13.80%, which is relatively low, indicating a higher reliance on liabilities to finance assets.
Cash Flow
68
Positive
WesBanco's operating cash flow to net income ratio is strong at 1.12, indicating good cash conversion from earnings. However, the free cash flow growth rate is negative at -46.15% from the previous annual period to the TTM, highlighting potential challenges in maintaining free cash flow levels. The free cash flow to net income ratio stands at 1.01, reflecting adequate free cash flow generation relative to net earnings.
Breakdown
TTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
852.87M600.17M594.69M591.70M590.72M499.92M
Gross Profit
825.49M600.17M526.88M527.39M520.66M536.92M
EBIT
569.46M185.11M287.03M320.62M394.23M246.70M
EBITDA
159.86M200.40M197.88M440.00M406.27M0.00
Net Income Common Stockholders
106.83M151.51M159.03M192.11M242.26M122.04M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
3.39B2.81B2.79B2.94B4.26B2.88B
Total Assets
27.41B18.68B17.71B16.93B16.93B16.43B
Total Debt
1.98B1.47B1.73B1.12B458.67M983.24M
Net Debt
892.76M903.24M1.14B713.06M-792.68M77.80M
Total Liabilities
23.63B15.89B15.18B14.51B14.23B13.67B
Stockholders Equity
3.78B2.79B2.53B2.43B2.69B2.76B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
108.05M200.67M146.82M196.15M327.76M52.05M
Operating Cash Flow
119.94M211.00M169.32M204.14M336.30M59.61M
Investing Cash Flow
-499.54M-1.03B-535.22M-1.07B-328.50M57.79M
Financing Cash Flow
961.65M791.90M552.87M21.07M338.11M553.25M

WesBanco Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price30.44
Price Trends
50DMA
29.77
Positive
100DMA
31.42
Negative
200DMA
31.39
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.21
Negative
RSI
47.79
Neutral
STOCH
53.96
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For WSBC, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 30.44 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 30.81, above the 50-day MA of 29.77, and below the 200-day MA of 31.39, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.21 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 47.79 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 53.96 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for WSBC.

WesBanco Risk Analysis

WesBanco disclosed 35 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. WesBanco reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

WesBanco Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
73
Outperform
$3.03B20.683.38%4.72%17.74%-35.93%
72
Outperform
$3.01B11.6210.25%1.28%5.14%
CBCBU
71
Outperform
$3.03B15.8910.91%3.22%14.34%12.98%
70
Outperform
$2.91B13.166.63%6.85%-0.05%-15.66%
69
Neutral
$3.14B11.3110.07%3.05%2.76%-12.43%
FHFHB
66
Neutral
$3.04B12.749.11%4.31%-0.47%5.97%
64
Neutral
$12.93B9.707.85%78.03%12.07%-7.83%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WSBC
WesBanco
30.44
5.06
19.94%
CATY
Cathay General Bancorp
43.28
8.36
23.94%
CBU
Community Bank System
55.13
13.08
31.11%
FIBK
First Interstate Bancsystem
26.68
2.50
10.34%
WSFS
Wsfs Financial
51.71
8.20
18.85%
FHB
First Hawaiian
23.41
4.18
21.74%

WesBanco Corporate Events

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
WesBanco Highlights Q2 2025 Strategic Focus
Neutral
May 15, 2025

WesBanco has announced its Q2 2025 investor presentation, highlighting its strategic focus on disciplined growth and market presence. The company emphasizes its strong credit quality metrics, diversified business model, and long-term growth strategies. The merger with Premier Financial is expected to enhance its market positioning, although potential integration challenges and economic conditions could impact expected synergies and cost savings. WesBanco continues to leverage digital capabilities and maintain a focus on shareholder returns through effective capital management.

The most recent analyst rating on (WSBC) stock is a Buy with a $44.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on WesBanco stock, see the WSBC Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.