Peoples Bancorp reported fourth-quarter earnings per share of $0.89, beating analyst expectations of $0.88 and representing a 7% increase from the linked quarter’s $0.83 and a 17% rise from $0.76 a year ago. Revenue for the period totaled $117.32 million, narrowly below consensus of $117.98 million but reflecting solid topline performance in a challenging rate environment. Net income reached $31.8 million, underscoring resilient profitability despite a modest revenue shortfall relative to forecasts.

Total loan balances rose by $28.2 million sequentially, a 2% annualized increase driven by strength in commercial and industrial lending and construction loans. Year-over-year loan growth stood at $398.9 million, or 6%. Asset quality metrics also improved: criticized loans declined by $31.9 million, or 12% quarter over quarter, and nonperforming assets as a percentage of total loans and other real estate owned fell to 0.63% from 0.66%. These trends highlight effective credit underwriting and proactive portfolio management.

Peoples Bancorp enters 2026 with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44 and a current ratio of 2.06, indicating ample liquidity to support ongoing growth and cover near-term obligations. Net interest income was $91.0 million, only slightly below the prior quarter’s $91.3 million, while net interest margin narrowed modestly to 4.12% from 4.16%. The company’s price-to-earnings ratio stands at 10.38 and its price-to-sales ratio at 1.90, with an enterprise-value-to-sales multiple of 2.61, reflecting market confidence in its earnings power and revenue base.