Peoples Bancorp Inc. (NASDAQ: PEBO) reported fourth-quarter earnings that slightly exceeded analyst expectations, while revenue came in marginally below forecasts.
The Ohio-based financial services firm reported net income of $31.8 million, or $0.89 per diluted share, compared with analyst estimates of $0.88. Earnings increased from $0.83 in the linked quarter and $0.76 in the year-ago period. Revenue totaled $117.32 million, narrowly missing consensus expectations of $117.98 million.
Period-end loan balances rose $28.2 million, or 2% on an annualized basis, from the prior quarter, driven by growth in commercial and industrial lending and construction loans. Year over year, total loans increased $398.9 million, or 6%.
Net interest income declined slightly to $91.0 million from $91.3 million in the previous quarter, while net interest margin narrowed to 4.12% from 4.16%. The provision for credit losses increased to $8.1 million from $7.3 million in the third quarter.
Asset quality improved, with criticized loans declining $31.9 million, or 12%, sequentially. Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total loans and other real estate owned stood at 0.63% at year-end, down from 0.66% at September 30, 2025. Total deposits declined $22.0 million quarter over quarter, with the loan-to-deposit ratio rising slightly to 89% from 88%.
