WesBanco Growth Seen to Strengthen on Expansion, Loan Demand, RBC Capital Markets Says

11:56 AM EDT, 09/14/2026 (MT Newswires) -- WesBanco (WSBC) could see faster loan growth, steady margins and stronger earnings as its Florida and Tennessee expansion adds business, while lower loan payoffs could push growth toward the high-single-digit range, RBC Capital Markets said in a note Monday. The investment firm said Florida could become an important growth driver, with loans there seen to reach about $500 million by the end of 2026 and potentially $2 billion in 2028, while Nashville could add another $1 billion opportunity and revenue from new markets could improve operating leverage as those businesses grow. RBC said WesBanco's net interest margin should stay near 3.60% in H2 as higher yields on loans and securities help offset rising deposit costs. WesBanco is likely to focus its capital on organic growth rather than major stock buybacks or acquisitions in the near term, with continued tangible book value growth also supporting the shares over time, according to the note. The firm maintained its 2026 earnings estimate at $3.63 per share and its 2027 estimate at $3.90. RBC Capital Markets kept its sector perform rating on the stock, with a $44 price target. Price: 40.15, Change: -0.03, Percent Change: -0.07