WARREN, Penn., Jan. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Northwest Bancshares, Inc. (NasdaqGS: NWBI) announced net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 of $16.2 million, or $0.16 per diluted share. This represents a decrease of $1.1 million, or 6.6%, compared to the same quarter last year when net income was $17.3 million, or $0.19 per diluted share. The annualized returns on average shareholders' equity and average assets for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 were 5.83% and 0.77% compared to 6.42% and 0.88% for the same quarter last year. Earnings for the current quarter include acquisition expenses of $1.3 million relating to the merger of LNB Bancorp, Inc. ("LNB") on August 14, 2015. Excluding the after-tax impact of these expenses, non-GAAP net operating income for the quarter was $17.1 million, or $0.17 per diluted share. The non-GAAP annualized returns on average shareholders' equity and average assets for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 were 6.16% and 0.82%.

The Company also announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share payable on February 18, 2016, to shareholders of record as of February 4, 2016. This represents a 7.1% increase over the prior quarter and is the 85th consecutive quarter in which the Company has paid a cash dividend.

In making this announcement, William J. Wagner, President and CEO, noted, "2015 was an exciting year for Northwest as we completed the largest acquisition in the history of our company and with that, established a solid foundation for future growth in northeastern Ohio. Our fourth quarter earnings demonstrate the significant impact that this franchise will have on Northwest's core earnings. We also were pleased to continue to realize solid internal growth in our areas of primary focus, with loans growing by 5% and checking balances increasing by 10%. Looking ahead, we will continue to pursue strategies to strengthen our balance sheet by diversifying our loan and deposit mixes while also pursuing opportunities to enhance efficiency in all areas of operations."

Net interest income increased by $8.6 million, or 13.7%, to $71.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2015, from $62.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2014. This increase was due primarily to an increase in interest income on loans receivable of $9.7 million, or 13.6%, as a result of internal loan growth of $304.1 million over the prior year, while the LNB acquisition provided net loans of $928.1 million. Partially offsetting this increase was a decrease in interest received on tax-free investment securities of $631,000 and an increase in interest expense of $504,000 due primarily to the addition of $1.034 billion in deposits from the LNB acquisition.

The provision for loan losses increased by $3.5 million to $4.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2015, from $1.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2014. This increase is due primarily to the prior year provision being one of the lowest quarterly provisions over the past seven years. Asset quality improved compared to last year as classified loans decreased $24.4 million, or 11.2%, and total nonaccrual loans decreased $8.1 million, or 10.2%.

Noninterest income increased by $2.3 million, or 13.5%, to $19.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2015, from $17.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2014. This improvement is due primarily to an increase in service charges and fees of $1.2 million, or 13.6%. This increase was attributable to additional fees earned from the continued growth in checking accounts, as well as from the additional loan and deposit accounts provided by the LNB acquisition. Additionally, other operating income increased by $892,000, or 110.8%, due primarily to recoveries on loans acquired from LNB.

Noninterest expense increased by $6.0 million, or 10.9%, to $61.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2015, from $55.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2014. This increase was due primarily to a $1.3 million, or 19.9%, increase in processing expenses, due primarily to technology upgrades and the additional costs associated with the 21 offices acquired during the third quarter. Acquisition expense and premises and occupancy costs increased by $953,000 and $887,000, respectively, as a result of LNB merger and the costs associated with the acquired properties.

Income tax expense increased by $2.5 million, or 40.3%, to $8.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 from $6.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2014. This increase relates to the increase in net income before tax and the uncertainty of Pennsylvania's Education Improvement Tax credit program. Due to this uncertainty, the Company did not participate in the program during the current year.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2015 of $60.5 million represents a decrease of $1.5 million, or 2.3%, compared to net income of $62.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. This decrease in annual earnings was due to $9.8 million of acquisition expenses, a $3.9 million, or 3.3%, increase in compensation and employee benefits as a result of the LNB acquisition, a $4.1 million, or 15.4%, increase in processing expense due primarily to recent technology upgrades, and a $6.2 million increase in income tax expense due primarily to a decrease in interest income from tax-free municipal bonds, as well as lower state tax credits. These factors were partially offset by a $14.4 million, or 5.8%, increase in net interest income and a $10.6 million, or 52.2%, decrease in the provision for loan losses. Diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased to $0.64 per share from $0.67 per share last year. The annualized returns on average shareholders' equity and average assets were 5.49% and 0.73%, respectively, for the current year compared to 5.69% and 0.79%, respectively, in the prior year. Excluding the after-tax impact of $9.8 million of acquisition expenses, non-GAAP net operating income for the year was $67.0 million, or $0.71 per diluted share. The non-GAAP annualized returns on average shareholders' equity and average assets for the year ended December 31, 2015 were 6.08% and 0.80%.

The Company also announced plans to optimize its office network. In recent years, the Company has invested heavily in alternative delivery channels such as online and mobile banking, depository ATMs, and automated telephone banking which enables customers to transact business outside of the branch and beyond normal business hours. As a result, the number of transactions conducted in offices has significantly decreased over the past several years and has created an opportunity to improve operating efficiency. Based on these changes in customer preferences, the Company expects by mid-year 2016 to consolidate 24 of its offices into nearby locations and convert two full-service offices into drive-up only facilities. Expenses associated with these changes are expected to be approximately $5.0 million, which will be incurred during the first half of 2016, and the annual reduction in pre-tax operating expenses beginning in 2017 is expected to be between $5.0 million and $6.0 million.

Headquartered in Warren, Pennsylvania, Northwest Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company of Northwest Bank. Founded in 1896, Northwest Bank is a full-service financial institution offering a complete line of business and personal banking products, employee benefits and wealth management services, as well as the fulfillment of business and personal insurance needs. Northwest operates 176 full-service community banking offices in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Maryland, five free standing drive-up facilities in Pennsylvania, and 51 consumer finance offices in Pennsylvania through its subsidiary, Northwest Consumer Discount Company. Northwest Bancshares, Inc.'s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market ("NWBI"). Additional information regarding Northwest Bancshares, Inc. and Northwest Savings Bank can be accessed on-line at www.northwestsavingsbank.com.

Forward-Looking Statements - This release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition and results of operations of Northwest Bancshares, Inc. including, without limitations, statements relating to the earnings outlook of the Company. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements, include among others, the following possibilities: (1) changes in the interest rate environment; (2) competitive pressure among financial services companies; (3) general economic conditions including an increase in non-performing loans; (4) changes in legislation or regulatory requirements; (5) difficulties in continuing to improve operating efficiencies; (6) difficulties in the integration of acquired businesses; and (7) increased risk associated with commercial real-estate and business loans. Management has no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date of this release.




                                                                    Northwest Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                                                  Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

                                                                 (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


                                                                                                        December 31,            December 31,

    Assets                                                                                                      2015                     2014
    ------                                                                                                      ----                     ----

    Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                           $92,263                            87,401

    Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions                                                 74,510                            152,671

    Federal funds sold and other short-term investments                                                          635                                634

    Marketable securities available-for-sale (amortized cost of $868,956 and
     $906,702)                                                                                               874,405                            912,371

    Marketable securities held-to-maturity (fair value of $32,552 and $106,292)                               31,689                            103,695
                                                                                                              ------                            -------

    Total cash, interest-earning deposits and marketable securities                                        1,073,502                          1,256,772


    Residential mortgage loans                                                                             2,750,564                          2,521,456

    Home equity loans                                                                                      1,187,106                          1,066,131

    Other consumer loans                                                                                     510,617                            242,744

    Commercial real estate loans                                                                           2,351,434                          1,801,184

    Commercial loans                                                                                         422,400                            358,376
                                                                                                             -------                            -------

    Total loans receivable                                                                                 7,222,121                          5,989,891

    Allowance for loan losses                                                                               (62,672)                          (67,518)
                                                                                                             -------                            -------

    Loans receivable, net                                                                                  7,159,449                          5,922,373


    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost                                                                     40,903                             33,293

    Accrued interest receivable                                                                               21,072                             18,623

    Real estate owned, net                                                                                     8,725                             16,759

    Premises and Equipment, net                                                                              154,351                            143,909

    Bank owned life insurance                                                                                168,509                            144,362

    Goodwill                                                                                                 261,736                            175,323

    Other intangible assets                                                                                    8,982                              3,033

    Other assets                                                                                              54,670                             60,586

    Total assets                                                                                                     $8,951,899                         7,775,033
                                                                                                                     ==========                         =========


    Liabilities and Shareholders' equity
    ------------------------------------

                                               Liabilities

    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits                                                                              $1,177,256                                   $891,248

    Interest-bearing demand deposits                                                                       1,080,086                            874,623

    Money market deposit accounts                                                                          1,274,504                          1,179,070

    Savings deposits                                                                                       1,386,017                          1,209,287

    Time deposits                                                                                          1,694,718                          1,478,314
                                                                                                           ---------                          ---------

    Total deposits                                                                                         6,612,581                          5,632,542

    Borrowed funds                                                                                           975,007                            888,109

    Advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance                                                             33,735                             30,507

    Accrued interest payable                                                                                   1,993                                936

    Other liabilities                                                                                         54,207                             57,198

    Junior subordinated debentures                                                                           111,213                            103,094
                                                                                                             -------                            -------

    Total liabilities                                                                                      7,788,736                          6,712,386


                                          Shareholders' equity

    Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued                               -                                 -

    Common stock, $0.01 par value: 500,000,000 shares authorized, 101,871,737 shares
     and 94,721,453 shares issued and outstanding, respectively                                                1,019                                947

    Paid-in-capital                                                                                          717,603                            626,134

    Retained earnings                                                                                        489,292                            481,577

    Unallocated common stock of Employee Stock Ownership Plan                                               (20,216)                          (21,641)

    Accumulated other comprehensive loss                                                                    (24,535)                          (24,370)
                                                                                                             -------                            -------

    Total shareholders' equity                                                                             1,163,163                          1,062,647

    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                                                                       $8,951,899                         7,775,033
                                                                                                                     ==========                         =========


    Equity to assets                                                                                          12.99%                            13.67%

    Tangible common equity to assets                                                                          10.28%                            11.64%

    Book value per share                                                                                                 $11.42                             11.22

    Tangible book value per share                                                                                         $8.76                              9.34

    Closing market price per share                                                                                       $13.39                             12.53

    Full time equivalent employees                                                                             2,186                              2,042

    Number of banking offices                                                                                    181                                162




                                     Northwest Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                          Consolidated Statements of Income

                                   (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


                                                       Quarter ended
                                                       -------------

                                     December 31,                         September 30,
                                     ------------

                                 2015                      2014                         2015
                                 ----                      ----                         ----

    Interest income:

    Loans receivable                     $80,882                                             $71,182            76,087

    Mortgage-backed
     securities                 2,301                                  2,357                              2,230

    Taxable investment
     securities                 1,108                                  1,032                              1,238

    Tax-free investment
     securities                   836                                  1,467                                986

    FHLB dividends                499                                    383                                451

    Interest-earning
     deposits                      13                                    164                                 99
                                  ---                                    ---                                ---

    Total interest income      85,639                                 76,585                             81,091


    Interest expense:

    Deposits                    6,435                                  6,106                              6,163

    Borrowed funds              8,051                                  7,876                              7,987
                                -----                                  -----                              -----

    Total interest expense     14,486                                 13,982                             14,150


    Net interest income        71,153                                 62,603                             66,941

    Provision for loan
     losses                     4,595                                  1,078                              3,167
                                -----                                  -----                              -----

    Net interest income
     after provision for
     loan losses               66,558                                 61,525                             63,774


    Gain on sale of
     investments                  116                                    381                                260

    Service charges and
     fees                      10,530                                  9,268                              9,945

    Trust and other
     financial services
     income                     3,410                                  3,291                              3,062

    Insurance commission
     income                     2,490                                  2,181                              2,398

    Loss on real estate
     owned, net                 (156)                                  (30)                             (246)

    Income from bank owned
     life insurance             1,251                                  1,057                              1,166

    Mortgage banking
     income                       208                                    269                                267

    Other operating income      1,697                                    805                              1,288
                                -----                                    ---                              -----

    Total noninterest
     income                    19,546                                 17,222                             18,140


    Noninterest expense:

    Compensation and
     employee benefits         32,003                                 31,405                             31,000

    Premises and occupancy
     costs                      6,403                                  5,516                              6,072

    Office operations           4,504                                  3,677                              3,892

    Processing expenses         8,057                                  6,720                              8,126

    Marketing expenses          1,642                                  1,434                              1,691

    Federal deposit
     insurance premiums         1,299                                  1,316                              1,177

    Professional services       1,933                                  1,970                              1,529

    Amortization of
     intangible assets            729                                    331                                422

    Real estate owned
     expense                      393                                    406                                471

    Acquisition expense         1,347                                    394                              7,590

    Other expense               2,917                                  2,043                              1,834

    Total noninterest
     expense                   61,227                                 55,212                             63,804
                               ------                                 ------                             ------


    Income before income
     taxes                     24,877                                 23,535                             18,110

    Income tax expense          8,684                                  6,190                              5,238
                                -----                                  -----                              -----


    Net income                           $16,193                                             $17,345            12,872
                                         =======                                             =======            ======


    Basic earnings per
     share                                 $0.16                                               $0.19              0.14


    Diluted earnings per
     share                                 $0.16                                               $0.19              0.13


    Annualized return on
     average equity             5.83%                                 6.42%                             4.54%

    Annualized return on
     average assets             0.77%                                 0.88%                             0.59%


    Basic common shares
     outstanding           98,741,393                             91,741,487                         95,256,807

    Diluted common shares
     outstanding           99,500,056                             92,103,069                         95,825,798




                            Northwest Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                 Consolidated Statements of Income

                         (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


                                                     Year ended

                                                    December 31,
                                                  ------------

                                              2015                       2014
                                              ----                       ----

    Interest income:

    Loans
     receivable                                       $298,665                           282,050

    Mortgage-
     backed
     securities                              8,823                                10,320

    Taxable
     investment
     securities                              4,520                                 4,130

    Tax-free
     investment
     securities                              4,313                                 6,281

    FHLB
     dividends                               2,828                                 1,809

    Interest-
     earning
     deposits                                  431                                   837
                                               ---                                   ---

    Total
     interest
     income                                319,580                               305,427


    Interest expense:

    Deposits                                24,055                                25,322

    Borrowed
     funds                                  32,272                                31,265
                                            ------                                ------

    Total
     interest
     expense                                56,327                                56,587


    Net
     interest
     income                                263,253                               248,840

    Provision
     for loan
     losses                                  9,712                                20,314
                                             -----                                ------

    Net
     interest
     income
     after
     provision
     for loan
     losses                                253,541                               228,526


    Noninterest income:

    Gain on
     sale of
     investments                             1,037                                 4,930

    Service
     charges
     and fees                               38,362                                36,383

    Trust and
     other
     financial
     services
     income                                 12,342                                12,369

    Insurance
     commission
     income                                  9,526                                 8,760

    Loss on
     real
     estate
     owned,
     net                                   (1,989)                                (967)

    Income
     from
     bank
     owned
     life
     insurance                               4,338                                 4,191

    Mortgage
     banking
     income                                    933                                 1,022

    Other
     operating
     income                                  4,287                                 4,078
                                             -----                                 -----

    Total
     noninterest
     income                                 68,836                                70,766


    Noninterest expense:

     Compensation
     and
     employee
     benefits                              119,818                               115,967

    Premises
     and
     occupancy
     costs                                  24,641                                23,455

    Office
     operations                             15,584                                14,721

     Processing
     expenses                               30,780                                26,671

    Marketing
     expenses                                8,499                                 8,213

    Federal
     deposit
     insurance
     premiums                                5,109                                 5,193

     Professional
     services                                6,906                                 7,661

     Amortization
     of
     intangible
     assets                                  1,688                                 1,323

    Real
     estate
     owned
     expense                                 2,070                                 2,140

     Acquisition
     expense                                 9,751                                   394

    Other
     expense                                 9,031                                 9,797
                                             -----                                 -----

    Total
     noninterest
     expense                               233,877                               215,535
                                           -------                               -------


    Income
     before
     income
     taxes                                  88,500                                83,757

    Income
     tax
     expense                                27,960                                21,795
                                            ------                                ------


    Net
     income                                            $60,540                            61,962
                                                       =======                            ======


    Basic
     earnings
     per
     share                                               $0.64                              0.68


    Diluted
     earnings
     per
     share                                               $0.64                              0.67


     Annualized
     return
     on
     average
     equity                                  5.49%                                5.69%

     Annualized
     return
     on
     average
     assets                                  0.73%                                0.79%


    Basic
     common
     shares
     outstanding                        94,314,420                            91,535,298

    Diluted
     common
     shares
     outstanding                        94,829,789                            92,274,997




                                                                                          Northwest Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                                                                        Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Net Income *

                                                                                       (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


                                                                                                              Quarter ended                                    Year ended

                                                                                                               December 31,                                   December 31,
                                                                                                             ------------                               ------------

                                                                                                          2015                    2014                    2015                     2014
                                                                                                          ----                    ----                    ----                     ----

    Operating results (non-GAAP):

       Net interest income                                                                                        $71,153                              62,603                              263,253                              248,840

       Provision for loan losses                                                                         4,595                               1,078                               9,712                               20,314

       Noninterest income                                                                               19,546                              17,222                              68,836                               70,766

       Noninterest expense                                                                              59,880                              55,212                             224,126                              215,535

       Income taxes                                                                                      9,111                               6,190                              31,239                               21,795
                                                                                                         -----                               -----                              ------                               ------

        Net operating income (non-GAAP)                                                                           $17,113                              17,345                               67,012                               61,962
                                                                                                                  =======                              ======                               ======                               ======


         Diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP)                                                                      $0.17                                0.19                                 0.71                                 0.67
                                                                                                                    =====                                ====                                 ====                                 ====


    Reconciliation of net operating income to net income:                                                         $17,113                              17,345                               67,012                               61,962

        Net operating income (non-GAAP)

    Non-operating expenses, net of tax:

       Acquisition expenses, net of tax benefit                                                          (920)                                           -                             (6,472)                                   -
                                                                                                          ----                                          ---                              ------                                  ---

        Net income (GAAP)                                                                                         $16,193                              17,345                               60,540                               61,962
                                                                                                                  =======                              ======                               ======                               ======


         Diluted earnings per share (GAAP)                                                                          $0.16                                0.19                                 0.64                                 0.67
                                                                                                                    =====                                ====                                 ====                                 ====


    * - The table summarizes the Company's results from operations on a GAAP basis and on an operating (non-GAAP) basis for the periods indicated. Operating results exclude acquisition expenses, net of tax benefit. The Company believe this non-
     GAAP presentation provides a meaningful comparison of operational performance and facilitates a more effective evaluation and comparison of results to assess performance in relation to ongoing operations.




                                                              Northwest Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                                                             Asset quality

                                                                        (Dollars in thousands)


                                             December 31,           December 31,             December 31,  December 31,
                                                                          2014                      2013           2012
                                                     2015
                                                     ----

    Nonaccrual loans current:

    Residential mortgage
     loans                                                 $1,393                                    1,169                  1,361               797

    Home equity loans                               1,108                             1,527                           835               635

    Other consumer loans                              140                                88                            98                44

    Commercial real estate
     loans                                         14,018                            23,703                        17,866            24,960

    Commercial loans                                4,604                             5,917                        13,357             5,424

    Total nonaccrual loans
     current                                              $21,263                                   32,404                 33,517            31,860
                                                          =======                                   ======                 ======            ======


    Nonaccrual loans delinquent 30 days to
     59 days:

    Residential mortgage
     loans                                                   $430                                    1,545                    427                 -

    Home equity loans                                 375                               712                           404                       -

    Other consumer loans                               97                                48                            15                       -

    Commercial real estate
     loans                                          2,192                             1,128                         3,468             5,549

    Commercial loans                                  322                                 9                         7,650             2,002

    Total nonaccrual loans
     delinquent 30 days to
     59 days                                               $3,416                                    3,442                 11,964             7,551
                                                           ======                                    =====                 ======             =====


    Nonaccrual loans delinquent 60 days to
     89 days:

    Residential mortgage
     loans                                                 $2,139                                      784                    864                 -

    Home equity loans                                 389                               724                           280                       -

    Other consumer loans                              315                               234                            87                       -

    Commercial real estate
     loans                                            762                               763                         2,036             2,802

    Commercial loans                                  110                               131                           716             9,652

    Total nonaccrual loans
     delinquent 60 days to
     89 days                                               $3,715                                    2,636                  3,983            12,454
                                                           ======                                    =====                  =====            ======


    Nonaccrual loans delinquent 90 days or
     more:

    Residential mortgage
     loans                                                $15,810                                   17,696                 24,625            24,286

    Home equity loans                               5,650                             6,606                         8,344             8,479

    Other consumer loans                            2,900                             2,450                         2,057             1,936

    Commercial real estate
     loans                                         16,449                            10,215                        18,433            24,550

    Commercial loans                                2,459                             4,359                         4,298             9,096

    Total nonaccrual loans
     delinquent 90 days or
     more                                                 $43,268                                   41,326                 57,757            68,347
                                                          =======                                   ======                 ======            ======


    Total nonaccrual loans                                $71,662                                   79,808                107,221           120,212
                                                          =======                                   ======                =======           =======


                                             December 31,           December 31,             December 31,  December 31,
                                                                          2014                      2013           2012
                                                     2015
                                                     ----

    Nonaccrual loans                                      $71,662                                   79,808                107,221           120,212

    Loans 90 days past
     maturity and still
     accruing                                       1,334                               235                           690             1,698
                                                    -----                               ---                           ---             -----

    Nonperforming loans                            72,996                            80,043                       107,911           121,910

    Real estate owned, net                          8,725                            16,759                        18,203            26,165

    Nonperforming assets                                  $81,721                                   96,802                126,114           148,075
                                                          =======                                   ======                =======           =======


    Nonaccrual troubled
     debt restructuring *                                 $21,118                                   24,459                 28,889            41,166

    Accruing troubled debt
     restructuring                                 29,997                            37,329                        50,277            48,278

    Total troubled debt
     restructuring                                        $51,115                                   61,788                 79,166            89,444
                                                          =======                                   ======                 ======            ======


    Nonperforming loans to
     total loans                                    1.01%                            1.34%                        1.86%            2.14%


    Nonperforming assets
     to total assets                                0.91%                            1.25%                        1.60%            1.86%


    Allowance for loan
     losses to total loans                          0.87%                            1.13%                        1.23%            1.28%


    Allowance for loan
     losses to
     nonperforming loans                           85.86%                           84.35%                       66.12%           60.06%


    * Amounts included in nonperforming loans above.



                                                                                           Northwest Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                                                                   Loans by credit quality indicators as of December 31, 2015

                                                                                                     (Dollars in thousands)


                                                Pass              Special              Substandard **                Doubtful                  Loss          Recorded

                                                                  mention *                                                                                  investment

                                                                                                                                                           in loans

                                                                                                                                                          receivable
                                                                                                                                                            ----------

    Personal Banking:

    Residential mortgage
     loans                                             $2,735,164                                       -                              14,060                              -        1,340                2,750,564

    Home equity loans                        1,178,735                           -                                       8,371                         -                              -               1,187,106

    Other consumer loans                       508,074                           -                                       2,543                         -                              -                 510,617
                                               -------                         ---                                       -----                       ---                            ---                 -------

    Total Personal Banking                   4,421,973                           -                                      24,974                         -                      1,340         4,448,287


    Business Banking:

    Commercial real estate
     loans                                   2,170,951                      53,390                                      126,978                       115                               -               2,351,434

    Commercial loans                           359,403                      23,730                                       38,157                     1,110                               -                 422,400
                                               -------

    Total Business Banking                   2,530,354                      77,120                                      165,135                     1,225                               -               2,773,834
                                             ---------                      ------                                      -------                     -----                             ---               ---------


                                                       $6,952,327                                  77,120                              190,109                          1,225         1,340                7,222,121
                                                       ==========                                  ======                              =======                          =====         =====                =========


    * - Includes $7.6 million of acquired loans.

    ** - Includes $18.6 million of acquired loans.




                                                                       Northwest Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                                                Loans by credit quality indicators as of December 31, 2014

                                                                                  (Dollars in thousands)


                              Pass              Special              Substandard                 Doubtful                  Loss          Recorded

                                                 mention                                                                                 investment

                                                                                                                                       in loans

                                                                                                                                      receivable
                                                                                                                                        ----------

    Personal Banking:

    Residential mortgage
     loans                           $2,507,269                                     -                            12,763                                -        1,424                2,521,456

    Home equity loans      1,059,525                          -                                      6,606                         -                              -               1,066,131

    Other consumer loans     240,947                          -                                      1,797                         -                              -                 242,744
                             -------                        ---                                      -----                       ---                            ---                 -------

    Total Personal Banking 3,807,741                          -                                     21,166                         -                      1,424         3,830,331


    Business Banking:

    Commercial real estate
     loans                 1,570,649                     36,908                                     145,502                       505                               -               1,753,564

    Commercial loans         333,854                     23,690                                      46,280                     2,172                               -                 405,996
                             -------                     ------                                      ------                     -----                             ---                 -------

    Total Business Banking 1,904,503                     60,598                                     191,782                     2,677                               -               2,159,560
                           ---------                     ------                                     -------                     -----                             ---               ---------


                                     $5,712,244                                60,598                            212,948                            2,677         1,424                5,989,891
                                     ==========                                ======                            =======                            =====         =====                =========




                                                                                                                                                            Northwest Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                                                                                                                                                            Delinquency

                                                                                                                                                                      (Dollars in thousands)



    Loan delinquency schedule

    (Number of loans and dollar amount of loans)


                                                                December 31,                        *                December 31,         *           December 31,                       *              December 31,             *
                                                                                                                                    2014                                2013                                               2012
                                                                              2015
                                                                              ----

    Loans delinquent 30
    days to 59 days:

    Residential mortgage                                      349                                      $25,943                 0.9%              377                             $27,443                 1.1%                     374           $27,486    1.1%     430          $32,921    1.4%
    loans

    Home equity loans                                         173                            5,806                     0.5%                161             5,752                               0.5%                    213               6,946      0.6%    224    6,534   0.6%

    Consumer loans                                          1,234                            7,101                     1.4%              1,193             5,572                               2.3%                  1,010               4,515      2.0%  1,122    5,456   2.4%

    Commercial real estate loans                               48                           24,877                     1.1%                 56             4,956                               0.3%                     73               8,449      0.5%     87   13,001   0.8%

    Commercial loans                                           31                            2,868                     0.7%                 26             2,262                               0.6%                     34               9,243      2.3%     41    3,233   0.8%

    Total loans delinquent 30 days to
     59 days                                                1,835                                      $66,595                 0.9%            1,813                             $45,985                 0.8%                   1,704           $56,639    1.0%   1,904          $61,145    1.1%
                                                            =====                                      =======                  ===             =====                             =======                  ===                    =====           =======     ===    =====          =======     ===


    Loans delinquent 60 days to 89 days:

    Residential mortgage loans                                100                                       $7,790                 0.3%              100                              $6,970                 0.3%                     103            $7,568    0.3%     100           $9,387    0.4%

    Home equity loans                                          50                            2,478                     0.2%                 49             1,672                               0.2%                     67               2,243      0.2%     65    1,977   0.2%

    Consumer loans                                            521                            2,521                     0.5%                525             2,435                               1.0%                    507               1,866      0.8%    448    1,830   0.8%

    Commercial real estate loans                               21                            8,228                     0.3%                 21             2,038                               0.1%                     35               3,968      0.2%     33    4,596   0.3%

    Commercial loans                                            7                              598                     0.1%                  4               209                               0.1%                     16               1,555      0.4%     17   10,158   2.6%

    Total loans delinquent 60 days to
     89 days                                                  699                                      $21,615                 0.3%              699                             $13,324                 0.2%                     728           $17,200    0.3%     663          $27,948    0.5%
                                                              ===                                      =======                  ===               ===                             =======                  ===                      ===           =======     ===      ===          =======     ===


    Loans delinquent 90 days or more: **

    Residential mortgage loans                                215                                      $16,350                 0.6%              225                             $17,696                 0.7%                     273           $24,625    1.0%     266          $24,286    1.0%

    Home equity loans                                         143                            6,112                     0.5%                139             6,606                               0.6%                    171               8,344      0.8%    175    8,479   0.8%

    Consumer loans                                            523                            2,926                     0.6%                539             2,450                               1.0%                    470               2,057      0.9%    427    1,936   0.8%

    Commercial real estate loans                              113                           19,031                     0.8%                102            10,215                               0.6%                    124              18,433      1.1%    146   24,550   1.5%

    Commercial loans                                           25                            2,599                     0.6%                 25             4,359                               1.1%                     31               4,298      1.1%     61    9,096   2.3%

    Total loans delinquent 90 days or
     more                                                   1,019                                      $47,018                 0.7%            1,030                             $41,326                 0.7%                   1,069           $57,757    1.0%   1,075          $68,347    1.2%
                                                            =====                                      =======                  ===             =====                             =======                  ===                    =====           =======     ===    =====          =======     ===


    Total loans delinquent                                  3,553                                     $135,228                 1.9%            3,542                            $100,635                 1.7%                   3,501          $131,596    2.3%   3,642         $157,440    2.8%
                                                            =====                                     ========                  ===             =====                            ========                  ===                    =====          ========     ===    =====         ========     ===


    * - Represents delinquency, in dollars, divided by the respective total amount of that type of loan outstanding.

    ** - Includes $3.7 million of purchased credit impaired loans.




                                                  Northwest Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                                           Allowance for loan losses

                                                            (Dollars in thousands)


                                      Quarter ended                                      Year ended

                                       December 31,                                     December 31,
                                     ------------                                 ------------

                                 2015                      2014                    2015                    2014
                                 ----                      ----                    ----                    ----

    Allowance for loan losses

    Beginning
     balance                             $60,547                                71,650                          67,518             71,348

    Provision                   4,595                                 1,078                              9,712              20,314

    Charge-offs
     residential
     mortgage                   (171)                                (487)                           (1,126)            (2,181)

    Charge-offs
     home equity              (1,097)                                (493)                           (2,424)            (1,783)

    Charge-offs
     other consumer           (2,561)                              (1,813)                           (8,274)            (6,423)

    Charge-offs
     commercial real
     estate                   (1,216)                              (2,931)                           (6,326)            (8,422)

    Charge-offs
     commercial                 (508)                              (1,070)                           (8,183)           (11,936)

    Recoveries                  3,083                                 1,584                             11,775               6,601
                                -----                                 -----                             ------               -----

    Ending balance                       $62,672                                67,518                          62,672             67,518
                                         =======                                ======                          ======             ======


    Net charge-offs
     to average
     loans,
     annualized                 0.14%                                0.35%                             0.23%              0.41%




                                                                                                                         Northwest Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                                                                                                                    Average balance sheet

                                                                                                                                   (Dollars in thousands)


    The following table sets forth certain information relating to the Company's average balance sheet and reflects the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the periods indicated. Such yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of assets or liabilities,
     respectively, for the periods presented.  Average balances are calculated using daily averages.


                                                                                                                                              Quarter ended December 31,
                                                                                                                                              --------------------------

                                                                                                                                                   2015                                                               2014
                                                                                                                                                   ----                                                               ----

                                                                                                                                                    Avg.                                                                              Avg.

                                                                                                     Average                  Interest               Yield/                   Average                      Interest                    Yield/

                                                                                                     Balance                                        Cost (g)                  Balance                                                 Cost (g)
                                                                                                     -------                                        -------                   -------                                                 -------

    Assets:
    -------

    Interest-earning assets:

    Loans receivable (a) (b) (d)                                                                                 $7,148,603                            81,428                            4.52%                                           $5,961,303                            71,669                         4.77%

    Mortgage-backed securities (c)                                                                    519,736                                2,301                           1.77%                               536,990                                   2,357                           1.76%

    Investment securities (c) (d)                                                                     427,363                                2,394                           2.24%                               495,554                                   3,289                           2.65%

    FHLB stock                                                                                         38,651                                  499                           5.12%                                36,315                                     383                           4.22%

    Other interest-earning deposits                                                                    40,410                                   13                           0.13%                               251,229                                     164                           0.26%
                                                                                                       ------                                  ---                                                               -------                                     ---


    Total interest-earning assets                                                                   8,174,763                               86,635                           4.20%                             7,281,391                                  77,862                           4.28%


    Noninterest earning assets (e)                                                                    747,317                                                                         546,946
                                                                                                      -------                                                                         -------


    Total assets                                                                                                 $8,922,080                                                                                  $7,828,337
                                                                                                                 ==========                                                                                  ==========


    Liabilities and shareholders' equity:
    -------------------------------------

    Interest-bearing liabilities:

    Savings deposits                                                                                             $1,378,377                               871                            0.25%                                           $1,209,117                               828                         0.27%

    Interest-bearing demand deposits                                                                1,083,524                                  157                           0.06%                               884,542                                     147                           0.07%

    Money market deposit accounts                                                                   1,279,181                                  873                           0.27%                             1,182,041                                     797                           0.27%

    Time deposits                                                                                   1,720,895                                4,534                           1.05%                             1,506,526                                   4,334                           1.14%

    Borrowed funds (f)                                                                                906,574                                6,730                           2.95%                               894,509                                   6,694                           2.97%

    Junior subordinated debentures                                                                    116,626                                1,321                           4.43%                               103,094                                   1,182                           4.49%
                                                                                                      -------                                -----                                                               -------                                   -----


    Total interest-bearing liabilities                                                              6,485,177                               14,486                           0.89%                             5,779,829                                  13,982                           0.96%


    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits                                                             1,145,276                                                                         897,082

    Noninterest bearing liabilities                                                                   133,323                                                                          79,850
                                                                                                      -------                                                                          ------


    Total liabilities                                                                               7,763,776                                                                       6,756,761


    Shareholders' equity                                                                            1,158,304                                                                       1,071,576
                                                                                                    ---------                                                                       ---------


    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                                                                   $8,922,080                                                                                  $7,828,337
                                                                                                                 ==========                                                                                  ==========


    Net interest income/ Interest rate spread                                                                                  72,149                           3.31%                                                       63,880                                3.32%


    Net interest-earning assets/ Net interest margin                                                             $1,689,586                                                 3.53%                                         $1,501,562                                                     3.51%


    Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-                                                        1.26    X                                                                       1.26    X
    bearing liabilities


    (a)               Average gross loans
                      receivable includes
                      loans held as
                      available-for-sale
                      and loans placed on
                      nonaccrual status.

    (b)               Interest income
                      includes accretion/
                      amortization of
                      deferred loan fees/
                      expenses, which was
                      not material.

    (c)               Average balances do
                      not include the
                      effect of unrealized
                      gains or losses on
                      securities held as
                      available-for-sale.

    (d)               Interest income on
                      tax-free investment
                      securities and tax-
                      free loans are
                      presented on a fully
                      taxable equivalent
                      basis.

    (e)               Average balances
                      include the effect of
                      unrealized gains or
                      losses on securities
                      held as available-
                      for-sale.

    (f)               Average balances
                      include FHLB
                      borrowings and
                      collateralized
                      borrowings.

    (g)               Shown on a FTE basis.
                      GAAP basis yields for
                      the periods indicated
                      were: Loans - 4.49%
                      and 4.74%,
                      respectively,
                      Investment securities
                      - 1.82% and 2.02%,
                      respectively,
                      Interest-earning
                      assets - 4.16% and
                      4.21%, respectively.
                      GAAP basis net
                      interest rate spreads
                      were 3.27% and 3.25%,
                      respectively, and
                      GAAP basis net
                      interest margins were
                      3.48% and 3.44%,
                      respectively.




                                                                                                                          Northwest Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                                                                                                                     Average balance sheet

                                                                                                                                    (Dollars in thousands)


    The following table sets forth certain information relating to the Company's average balance sheet and reflects the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the periods indicated. Such yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of assets or liabilities, respectively,
     for the periods presented.  Average balances are calculated using daily averages.


                                                                                                                                                Year ended December 31,
                                                                                                                                                -----------------------

                                                                                                                                                    2015                                                               2014
                                                                                                                                                    ----                                                               ----

                                                                                                                                                     Avg.                                                                              Avg.

                                                                                                     Average                  Interest                Yield/                   Average                      Interest                    Yield/

                                                                                                     Balance                                        Cost (g)                   Balance                                                 Cost (g)
                                                                                                     -------                                         -------                   -------                                                 -------

    Assets:
    -------

    Interest-earning assets:

    Loans receivable (a) (b) (d)                                                                                 $6,460,078                            300,638                            4.65%                                           $5,883,244                            284,107                         4.83%

    Mortgage-backed securities (c)                                                                    500,797                                8,823                            1.76%                               581,906                                  10,320                            1.77%

    Investment securities (c) (d)                                                                     469,568                               11,155                            2.38%                               499,718                                  13,792                            2.76%

    FHLB stock (h)                                                                                     37,500                                1,788                            4.77%                                41,975                                   1,809                            4.33%

    Other interest-earning deposits                                                                   179,201                                  431                            0.24%                               325,201                                     837                            0.25%
                                                                                                      -------                                  ---                                                                -------                                     ---


    Total interest-earning assets                                                                   7,647,144                              322,835                            4.22%                             7,332,044                                 310,865                            4.24%


    Noninterest earning assets (e)                                                                    677,449                                                                          561,107
                                                                                                      -------                                                                          -------


    Total assets                                                                                                 $8,324,593                                                                                   $7,893,151
                                                                                                                 ==========                                                                                   ==========


    Liabilities and shareholders' equity:
    -------------------------------------

    Interest-bearing liabilities:

    Savings deposits                                                                                             $1,300,102                              3,387                            0.26%                                           $1,221,304                              3,286                         0.27%

    Interest-bearing demand deposits                                                                  976,789                                  568                            0.06%                               882,980                                     587                            0.07%

    Money market deposit accounts                                                                   1,202,143                                3,222                            0.27%                             1,181,235                                   3,174                            0.27%

    Time deposits                                                                                   1,540,905                               16,878                            1.10%                             1,575,595                                  18,275                            1.16%

    Borrowed funds (f)                                                                                925,683                               27,347                            2.95%                               881,118                                  26,574                            3.02%

    Junior subordinated debentures                                                                    108,507                                4,925                            4.48%                               103,094                                   4,691                            4.49%
                                                                                                      -------                                -----                                                                -------                                   -----


    Total interest-bearing liabilities                                                              6,054,129                               56,327                            0.93%                             5,845,326                                  56,587                            0.97%


    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits                                                             1,001,263                                                                          864,322

    Noninterest bearing liabilities                                                                   166,530                                                                           94,298
                                                                                                      -------                                                                           ------


    Total liabilities                                                                               7,221,922                                                                        6,803,946


    Shareholders' equity                                                                            1,102,671                                                                        1,089,205
                                                                                                    ---------                                                                        ---------


    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                                                                   $8,324,593                                                                                   $7,893,151
                                                                                                                 ==========                                                                                   ==========


    Net interest income/ Interest rate spread                                                                                 266,508                            3.29%                                                      254,278                                3.27%


    Net interest-earning assets/ Net interest margin                                                             $1,593,015                                                  3.49%                                         $1,486,718                                                      3.47%


    Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-                                                        1.26    X                                                                        1.25    X
    bearing liabilities


    (a)               Average gross loans
                      receivable includes
                      loans held as
                      available-for-sale
                      and loans placed on
                      nonaccrual status.

    (b)               Interest income
                      includes accretion/
                      amortization of
                      deferred loan fees/
                      expenses, which was
                      not material.

    (c)               Average balances do
                      not include the
                      effect of unrealized
                      gains or losses on
                      securities held as
                      available-for-sale.

    (d)               Interest income on
                      tax-free investment
                      securities and tax-
                      free loans are
                      presented on a fully
                      taxable equivalent
                      basis.

    (e)               Average balances
                      include the effect of
                      unrealized gains or
                      losses on securities
                      held as available-
                      for-sale.

    (f)               Average balances
                      include FHLB
                      borrowings and
                      collateralized
                      borrowings.

    (g)               Shown on a FTE basis.
                      GAAP basis yields for
                      the periods indicated
                      were: Loans - 4.62%
                      and 4.79%,
                      respectively,
                      Investment securities
                      - 1.88% and 2.08%,
                      respectively,
                      Interest-earning
                      assets - 4.17% and
                      4.17%, respectively.
                      GAAP basis net
                      interest rate spreads
                      were 3.24% and 3.20%,
                      respectively, and
                      GAAP basis net
                      interest margins were
                      3.43% and 3.39%,
                      respectively.

    (h)               Excludes $1.0 million
                      special dividend paid
                      in February 2015 from
                      the average yield
                      calculation.



                                                                                                                         Northwest Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                                                                                                                    Average balance sheet

                                                                                                                                   (Dollars in thousands)


    The following table sets forth certain information relating to the Company's average balance sheet and reflects the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the periods indicated. Such yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of assets or liabilities,
     respectively, for the periods presented.  Average balances are calculated using daily averages.


                                                                                                                      Quarter ended                                                  Quarter ended

                                                                                                                    December 31, 2015                                             September 30, 2015
                                                                                                                    -----------------                                             ------------------

                                                                                                                                                    Avg.                                                                              Avg.

                                                                                                     Average                  Interest               Yield/                   Average                      Interest                    Yield/

                                                                                                     Balance                                        Cost (g)                  Balance                                                 Cost (g)
                                                                                                     -------                                        -------                   -------                                                 -------

    Assets:
    -------

    Interest-earning assets:

    Loans receivable (a) (b) (d)                                                                                 $7,148,603                            81,428                            4.52%                                           $6,584,664                            76,583                         4.61%

    Mortgage-backed securities (c)                                                                    519,736                                2,301                           1.77%                               498,757                                   2,230                           1.79%

    Investment securities (c) (d)                                                                     427,363                                2,394                           2.24%                               482,666                                   2,754                           2.28%

    FHLB stock                                                                                         38,651                                  499                           5.12%                                39,552                                     451                           4.52%

    Other interest-earning deposits                                                                    40,410                                   13                           0.13%                               162,041                                      99                           0.24%
                                                                                                       ------                                  ---                                                               -------                                     ---


    Total interest-earning assets                                                                   8,174,763                               86,635                           4.20%                             7,767,680                                  82,117                           4.19%


    Noninterest earning assets (e)                                                                    747,317                                                                         846,439
                                                                                                      -------                                                                         -------


    Total assets                                                                                                 $8,922,080                                                                                  $8,614,119
                                                                                                                 ==========                                                                                  ==========


    Liabilities and shareholders' equity:
    -------------------------------------

    Interest-bearing liabilities:

    Savings deposits                                                                                             $1,378,377                               871                            0.25%                                           $1,324,620                               865                         0.26%

    Interest-bearing demand deposits                                                                1,083,524                                  157                           0.06%                             1,022,585                                     149                           0.06%

    Money market deposit accounts                                                                   1,279,181                                  873                           0.27%                             1,217,122                                     825                           0.27%

    Time deposits                                                                                   1,720,895                                4,534                           1.05%                             1,577,159                                   4,324                           1.09%

    Borrowed funds (f)                                                                                906,574                                6,730                           2.95%                               906,410                                   6,713                           2.94%

    Junior subordinated debentures                                                                    116,626                                1,321                           4.43%                               111,213                                   1,274                           4.48%
                                                                                                      -------                                -----                                                               -------                                   -----


    Total interest-bearing liabilities                                                              6,485,177                               14,486                           0.89%                             6,159,109                                  14,150                           0.91%


    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits                                                             1,145,276                                                                       1,054,270

    Noninterest bearing liabilities                                                                   133,323                                                                         275,435


    Total liabilities                                                                               7,763,776                                                                       7,488,814


    Shareholders' equity                                                                            1,158,304                                                                       1,125,305
                                                                                                    ---------                                                                       ---------


    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                                                                   $8,922,080                                                                                  $8,614,119
                                                                                                                 ==========                                                                                  ==========


    Net interest income/ Interest rate spread                                                                                  72,149                           3.31%                                                       67,967                                3.28%


    Net interest-earning assets/ Net interest margin                                                             $1,689,586                                                 3.53%                                         $1,608,571                                                     3.50%


    Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-                                                        1.26    X                                                                       1.26    X
    bearing liabilities


    (a)               Average gross loans
                      receivable includes
                      loans held as
                      available-for-sale
                      and loans placed on
                      nonaccrual status.

    (b)               Interest income
                      includes accretion/
                      amortization of
                      deferred loan fees/
                      expenses, which was
                      not material.

    (c)               Average balances do
                      not include the
                      effect of unrealized
                      gains or losses on
                      securities held as
                      available-for-sale.

    (d)               Interest income on
                      tax-free investment
                      securities and tax-
                      free loans are
                      presented on a fully
                      taxable equivalent
                      basis.

    (e)               Average balances
                      include the effect of
                      unrealized gains or
                      losses on securities
                      held as available-
                      for-sale.

    (f)               Average balances
                      include FHLB
                      borrowings and
                      collateralized
                      borrowings.

    (g)               Shown on a FTE basis.
                      GAAP basis yields for
                      the periods indicated
                      were: Loans - 4.49%
                      and 4.58%,
                      respectively,
                      Investment securities
                      - 1.82% and 1.84%,
                      respectively,
                      Interest-earning
                      assets - 4.16% and
                      4.14%, respectively.
                      GAAP basis net
                      interest rate spreads
                      were 3.27% and 3.23%,
                      respectively, and
                      GAAP basis net
                      interest margins were
                      3.48% and 3.45%,
                      respectively.


To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/northwest-bancshares-inc-announces-fourth-quarter-2015-earnings-and-increase-in-quarterly-dividend-300209129.html

SOURCE Northwest Bancshares, Inc.