** 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))
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