PARKERSBURG, WV--United Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: UBSI) today announced that the board of directors declared a first quarter 2005 dividend of 26¢ per share for shareholders of record as of March 11, 2005. This is a 4% increase over the 25¢ paid in the first quarter of 2004.

The dividend payout of approximately $11.2 million on 43.0 million shares is payable April 1, 2005. The year 2005 is expected to be the 32nd consecutive year of dividend increases to United shareholders. The annualized 2005 dividend of $1.04 equates to a yield of approximately 3.1% based on recent UBSI market prices.

The dividend payout of approximately $11.2 million on 43.0 million shares is payable April 1, 2005. The year 2005 is expected to be the 32nd consecutive year of dividend increases to United shareholders. The annualized 2005 dividend of $1.04 equates to a yield of approximately 3.1% based on recent UBSI market prices.

United Bankshares stock is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market System under the quotation symbol "UBSI".