NWBI - Northwest Bancshares: Acquisition To Benefit Earnings In A Tough Operating Environment
Earnings of Northwest Bancshares, Inc. (NWBI) plunged by 69% sequentially in the first quarter to $0.07 per share. A jump in provision expense amid the economic downturn was the major contributor to the earnings decline. Earnings will likely improve in the remaining three quarters of the year due to NWBI's acquisition of MutualFirst Financial (MFSF) in April. However, earnings will likely decline on a year-over-year basis in the remainder of the year due to above-normal provision expense. Additionally, the federal funds rate cuts will likely squeeze the net interest margin, which