Northwest Bancshares, Inc. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013. For the quarter, the company reported net income of $15.3 million, or $0.17 per basic and diluted share, an increase of $117,000, or 0.8%, over the same quarter last year when net income was $15.2 million, or $0.16 per basic and diluted share. Total interest income was $80.134 million against $86.249 million a year ago. Net interest income was $64.489 million against $65.406 million a year ago. Income before income taxes was $21.737 million against $21.483 million a year ago. Annualized return on average equity was 5.45% against 5.29% a year ago. Annualized return on average assets was 0.78% against 0.76% a year ago. The changes in net interest income were primarily due to continued competitive pricing pressure, decreases in market interest rates and adjustable rate loans re-pricing at lower interest rates. For the quarter ended March 31, 2013, the company's net charge-offs, increased by $3.9 million, to $8.4 million compared to $4.5 million in the same quarter last year. The company also announced that its Board of Directors declared cash dividend for the first quarter of 2013 of $0.12 per share payable on May 16, 2013, to shareholders of record as of May 2, 2013.

The Board of Directors of Northwest Bancshares, Inc. announced the declaration of a special cash dividend of $0.12 per share. This dividend will be paid on May 16, 2013 to shareholders of record as of May 2, 2013 and will be in addition to the regular dividend that will be paid on the same day.

Northwest Bancshares, Inc., Annual General Meeting, Apr 17, 2013., at 11:00 US Eastern Standard Time. Location: The Struthers Library Theatre, located at 302 W. Third Avenue. Agenda: To consider election of five directors; to consider ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2013; and to consider an advisory, non-binding resolution to approve the executive compensation described in the Proxy Statement; and to consider such other matters as may properly come before the annual meeting, or any adjournments thereof.