Peoples Bancorp reported fourth-quarter earnings per share of $0.95, surpassing the consensus estimate of $0.88. Revenue reached $119.57 million, ahead of the projected $117.77 million and representing a 5.1% increase compared to the same quarter a year ago. Net income for the period totaled $31.8 million, or $0.89 per diluted share, up from $0.76 in the prior-year quarter. These results reflect consistent growth in core banking operations and effective cost management.

The company maintains a conservative balance sheet, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44 and a current ratio of 2.06, indicating ample capacity to meet short-term obligations. Market valuation metrics remain attractive, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.38, a price-to-sales ratio of 1.90, and an enterprise-value-to-sales ratio of 2.61. Deposit balances stood at $2.17 billion at quarter end, supporting a loan-to-deposit ratio of 89%, up slightly from 88% in the prior quarter.

Total loans increased by $398.9 million, or 6% year-over-year, driven by a $28.2 million rise in period-end loan balances, particularly in commercial and industrial lending and construction financing. Net interest income was $91.0 million, with a net interest margin of 4.12%, modestly below the previous quarter's 4.16%. Provision for credit losses rose to $8.1 million from $7.3 million. Asset quality improved as criticized loans declined by $31.9 million sequentially and nonperforming assets fell to 0.63% of total loans and other real estate owned, down from 0.66% at September 30.