NOTE 6. PENSION PLAN

The following table presents the net periodic pension cost for WesBanco’s Defined Benefit Pension Plan (the “Plan”) and the related components:


	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
*(unaudited, in thousands)*	2015			2014
Service cost - benefits earned during year	$	827		$	717
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		1,201			1,170
Expected return on plan assets		(1,907	)		(1,783	)
Amortization of prior service cost		6			11
Amortization of net loss		784			363

Net periodic pension cost	$	911		$	478

The Plan covers all employees of WesBanco and its subsidiaries who were hired on or before August 1, 2007 who satisfy minimum age and length of service requirements, and is not available to employees hired after such date.

A minimum required contribution of $3.1 million is due for 2015 which could be all or partially offset by the Plan’s $34.9 million available credit balance. WesBanco expects to make a voluntary contribution of $7.5 million to the Plan in 2015.