WesBanco's Quarterly Earnings Slightly Exceed Analyst View
WesBanco earned $0.89 per share in the quarter, narrowly exceeding the $0.88 analyst forecast. Revenue was $272.74 million, slightly below the $274.88 million expected by analysts. The company also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.38 per share and posted a 23.35% net margin.
WesBanco's latest quarter showed earnings per share of $0.89, one cent above the analyst consensus, while revenue of $272.74 million fell just short of the $274.88 million estimate. The bank reported a 23.35% net margin and 9.72% return on equity. It declared a $0.38 quarterly dividend, equal to $1.52 annually, a 4.0% yield and 44.19% payout ratio.
Shares changed hands at $37.65, up two cents, on volume below the usual average. The stock's 50-day average was $39.35 and its 200-day average $37.83, within a 52-week range of $29.57 to $43.02. Analysts' average target was $43.60 with a Hold consensus, and insiders sold 35,195 shares last quarter.
WesBanco's narrow earnings beat and steady dividend could matter most to shareholders and income-focused investors, while the revenue shortfall may prompt closer scrutiny of lending and fee trends. Customers and local communities served by the bank may be indirectly affected if management adjusts lending, branch, or pricing strategies; however, one quarter's results are unlikely to signal broad societal change.