Peoples Bancorp, Inc. (Marietta, OH) PEBO

MARIETTA, Ohio, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Peoples Bancorp Inc. ("Peoples") (Nasdaq: PEBO) today announced results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. Peoples reported net income of $31.9 million for the third quarter of 2023, representing earnings per diluted common share of $0.90. In comparison, Peoples reported net income of $21.1 million, representing earnings per diluted common share of $0.64, for the second quarter of 2023, and net income of $26.0 million, representing earnings per diluted common share of $0.92, for the third quarter of 2022. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, Peoples recorded net income of $79.5 million, or $2.47 per diluted common share, compared to $74.4 million, or $2.65 per diluted common share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

The provision for (recovery of) credit losses recorded represents the amount needed to maintain the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses based on management's quarterly estimates. The provision for credit losses negatively impacted earnings per diluted common share by $0.09 for the third quarter of 2023, compared to $0.19 for the second quarter of 2023, and $0.05 for the third quarter of 2022. For the first nine months of 2023, the provision negatively impacted earnings per diluted common share by $0.33, compared to the release of provision positively impacting earnings per diluted common share by $0.16 for the first nine months of 2022.

Non-core items, and the related tax effect of each, in net income primarily included acquisition-related expenses and a $2.4 million pension settlement charge recognized in the third quarter of 2023. Non-core items negatively impacted earnings per diluted common share by $0.16 for the third quarter of 2023, $0.28 for the second quarter of 2023, and $0.01 for the third quarter of 2022. Non-core items negatively impacted earnings per diluted share by $0.52 and $0.07 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

"We are proud to continue our trend of strong earnings and asset quality. We generated record net income and we had many other positive metrics for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2023 compared to prior periods," said Chuck Sulerzyski, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are looking forward to capitalizing on our recent successes and will continue to develop our relationships with our clients. Our associates are focused on working together to identify client needs and improve our overall client experience."

Pension Plan Termination
During the third quarter of 2023, Peoples terminated its pension plan by settling the remaining benefit obligation of $7.7 million. The pension plan had been closed to new entrants since January 1, 2010. Peoples recorded a settlement charge of $2.4 million in the third quarter of 2023 in relation to the termination of the pension plan. Peoples does not anticipate further expenses related to the termination.

Completion of the Limestone Merger:
As of close of business on April 30, 2023, Peoples completed its previously announced merger with Limestone Bancorp, Inc. ("Limestone"), a bank holding company headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, and the parent company of Limestone Bank, pursuant to a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") dated October 24, 2022. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Limestone merged with and into Peoples, and immediately thereafter Limestone Bank merged with and into Peoples' wholly-owned subsidiary, Peoples Bank (collectively, the "Limestone Merger"), in a transaction valued at $177.9 million. Peoples recorded acquisition-related expenses primarily related to the Limestone Merger which included $4.4 million and $15.7 million in other non-interest expense for the third quarter and the nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. For the third quarter of 2023, the $4.4 million of acquisition-related non-interest expense consisted of $2.1 million in other non-interest expense, $1.3 million in data processing and software expense, $0.6 million in salaries and employee benefit costs, and $0.4 million in professional fees. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the $15.7 million of acquisition-related non-interest expense primarily consisted of $5.7 million in salaries and employee benefit costs, $5.5 million in professional fees, $3.0 million in other non-interest expense, $1.3 million in data processing and software expense, and $0.2 million in various other non-interest expense line items. The other non-interest expenses were primarily due to $1.8 million of early contract termination fees on Limestone contracts driven by the system conversions, which took place in the third quarter of 2023.

Investment Portfolio Restructuring:
During the first quarter of 2023, Peoples executed the sales of $96.7 million of its lower yielding available-for-sale investment securities for an after-tax loss of $1.6 million. Proceeds from the sales were used to pay down overnight borrowings. The loss on the sale of these available-for-sale investment securities had a nominal impact on tangible book value as such loss was previously reflected in capital through accumulated other comprehensive loss. The realized losses recognized due to these transactions are projected to be earned back within the 2023 fiscal year.

Statement of Operations Highlights:

• Net interest income for the third quarter of 2023 increased $8.4 million, or 10%, compared to the linked quarter and increased $26.2 million, or 39%, compared to the third quarter of 2022.
  • Net interest margin increased 16 basis points to 4.70% for the third quarter of 2023, compared to 4.54% for the linked quarter and increased 53 basis points compared to 4.17% for the third quarter of 2022.
  • The increase in net interest margin for the third quarter of 2023 compared to the linked quarter was primarily driven by a full quarter of accretion on the acquired Limestone portfolio in the third quarter compared to only two months in the second quarter. The third quarter was also impacted by a true-up of $3.6 million to the preliminary Limestone-related accretion recorded in the second quarter of 2023, $1.9 million of which would have benefited the net interest margin for the second quarter of 2023.
  • The increase in net interest income for the third quarter of 2023 compared to the third quarter of 2022 was driven by increases in market interest rates and the accretion on the acquired Limestone portfolio.
• Peoples recorded a provision for credit losses of $4.1 million for the third quarter of 2023, compared to a provision for credit losses of $8.0 million for the second quarter of 2023, and a provision for credit losses of $1.8 million for the third quarter of 2022.
  • The provision for credit losses in the third quarter of 2023 was driven by (i) loan growth, (ii) an increase in net charge-offs, (iii) updates to our prepayment, curtailment, and funding rates, and (iv) a deterioration in macro-economic conditions used within the current expected credit loss ("CECL") model, partially offset by the release of reserves on individually analyzed loans.
  • Net charge-offs were $2.3 million, or 0.15% of average total loans annualized, for the third quarter of 2023, compared to $1.2 million, or 0.09%, for the linked quarter and $1.7 million, or 0.15%, for the third quarter of 2022.
• Total non-interest income, excluding net gains and losses, for the third quarter of 2023 increased $0.7 million, or 3%, compared to the linked quarter, and increased $3.1 million, or 15%, compared to the third quarter of 2022.
  • The increase in non-interest income, excluding gains and losses, for the third quarter of 2023 when compared to the second quarter of 2023 was primarily due to increases in other non-interest income and bank owned life insurance income due to a death benefit recognized in the third quarter of 2023, partially offset by a decrease in lease income. The increase in other non-interest income was attributable to an increase in operating lease income, which was partially offset by operating lease expense recognized in other non-interest expense when compared to the linked quarter.
  • Total non-interest income, excluding net gains and losses, for the first nine months of 2023 was 21% of total revenue (defined as net interest income plus total non-interest income excluding net gains and losses).
• Total non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2023 increased $1.1 million, or 2%, compared to the linked quarter and increased $19.4 million, or 37%, compared to the third quarter of 2022.
  • The increase in total non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2023 when compared to the linked quarter was primarily attributable to increases in other non-interest expense, data processing and software expenses, and amortization of other intangible assets. The increase in other non-interest expense was due to expenses recognized in relation to the pension plan termination, Limestone acquisition-related expenses, and operating lease depreciation expenses. The increase in total non-interest expense was partially offset by decreases in professional fees and salaries and employee benefit costs, due to lower acquisition-related expenses.
  • Excluding acquisition-related expenses, total non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2023 increased $7.3 million when compared to the linked quarter, primarily due to increases in (i) other non-interest expenses, (ii) salaries and employee benefit costs, and (iii) data processing and software expense. The increase in other non-interest expenses was primarily due to the previously discussed pension plan termination and operating lease expenses and a full quarter of expense from Limestone in the third quarter of 2023 compared to only two months in the linked quarter.
  • For the third quarter of 2023, the efficiency ratio was 58.4% compared to 62.7% for the linked quarter. When adjusted for non-core items, the efficiency ratio was 52.5% for the third quarter of 2023 compared to 53.3% for the linked quarter.

Balance Sheet Highlights:

• Period-end total loan and lease balances at September 30, 2023 increased $109.8 million, or 7% annualized, compared to June 30, 2023.
  • The increases in period-end and average total loan and lease balances were primarily the result of growth in (i) commercial real estate loans, (ii) premium finance loans and (iii) leases, partially offset by reductions in construction loans and commercial and industrial loans. The increase in average total loan and lease balances was also impacted by a full quarter of loan balances acquired in the Limestone Merger compared to only two months in the linked quarter.
• Asset quality metrics remained stable during the quarter.
  • Delinquency trends remained stable as loans considered current comprised 99.0% of the loan portfolio at both September 30, 2023 and at June 30, 2023.
  • Nonperforming assets at September 30, 2023 increased $0.6 million compared to June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in nonperforming leases, which were largely offset by decreases in nonperforming commercial real estate loans.
  • Criticized loans decreased $6.7 million during the third quarter of 2023 when compared to June 30, 2023. The decrease was primarily driven by criticized loan pay-offs, partially offset by loan downgrades.
  • Classified loans increased $13.9 million during the third quarter of 2023 when compared to June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily driven by loan downgrades, partially offset by classified loan pay-offs.
• Period-end total deposit balances at September 30, 2023 increased $77.6 million, or 1%, compared to at June 30, 2023.
  • The increase was driven by growth in (i) retail certificates of deposit, (ii) governmental deposit accounts and (iii) brokered deposits, partially offset by reductions in (i) savings accounts, (ii) non-interest-bearing checking accounts and (iii) interest-bearing checking accounts.
  • The percentages of retail deposit balances and commercial deposit balances of the total deposit balance at September 30, 2023 were 79% and 21%, respectively, compared to 78% and 22%, respectively, at June 30, 2023.
  • Total demand deposit balances were 39% and 42% of total deposit balances at September 30, 2023 and at June 30, 2023, respectively.
  • Total loan balances were 86% of total deposit balances at both September 30, 2023 and June 30, 2023.
  • Deposit balances that exceeded the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insurance limit of $250,000 were 31% of total deposits at September 30, 2023 and 32% of total deposits at June 30, 2023. Peoples pledges investment securities against certain governmental deposit accounts, which collateralized $812.7 million, or 42%, of the uninsured deposit balances at September 30, 2023.

Net Interest Income:
Net interest income was $93.3 million for the third quarter of 2023, an increase of $8.4 million, or 10%, compared to the linked quarter. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to a full quarter of net interest income provided by the Limestone Merger in the third quarter compared to only two months of net interest income in the linked quarter. Net interest margin was 4.70% for the third quarter of 2023, compared to 4.54% for the linked quarter. The increase in net interest margin was primarily driven by a full quarter of the accretion on the acquired Limestone portfolio compared to two months in the linked quarter. The increase in net interest margin was also impacted by a true-up of $3.6 million in the third quarter of 2023 to the preliminary Limestone-related accretion, $1.9 million of which would have benefited the second quarter of 2023. Also impacting the increases in net interest income and net interest margin was six basis points of improvement in investment yields due to sales of lower-yielding investment securities and a full quarter of yields from the securities acquired in the Limestone Merger compared to two months in the linked quarter. Partially offsetting these benefits was an increase in interest expense resulting from a shift in the composition of funding sources to retail and brokered certificates of deposits ("CDs") from non-interest bearing deposits combined with an increase in market interest rates for deposits and other funding sources.

Net interest income for the third quarter of 2023 increased $26.2 million, or 39%, compared to the third quarter of 2022. Net interest margin for the third quarter of 2023 increased 53 basis points compared to 4.17% for the third quarter of 2022. The increase in net interest income compared to the third quarter of 2022 was driven by increases in market interest rates, the Limestone Merger, and organic growth.

Accretion income, net of amortization expense, from acquisitions was $9.8 million for the third quarter of 2023, $4.5 million for the second quarter of 2023 and $2.8 million for the third quarter of 2022, which added 49 basis points, 24 basis points and 16 basis points, respectively, to net interest margin. The increases in accretion income for the third quarter of 2023 when compared to the linked quarter and the third quarter of 2022 were driven by accretion from the Limestone Merger and the aforementioned third quarter 2023 true-up to the preliminary Limestone-related accretion.

For the first nine months of 2023, net interest income increased $68.2 million, or 37%, compared to the first nine months of 2022, while net interest margin increased 93 basis points to 4.74%. The increase in net interest income was driven by increases in market interest rates, the additional net interest income from the Limestone Merger, and improvement in investment yields. Partially offsetting these benefits was an increase in interest expense resulting from a shift in the composition of funding sources combined with an increase in market interest rates for deposits and other funding sources.

Accretion income, net of amortization expense, from acquisitions was $16.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $9.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, which added 30 and 20 basis points, respectively, to net interest margin. The increase in accretion income for the first nine months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 was due to higher accretion recognized from the Limestone Merger than was recorded due to the acquisitions of Vantage Financial, LLC ("Vantage") and NS Leasing, LLC ("NSL") and the merger with Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. ("Premier") in the prior period.

Provision for (Recovery of) Credit Losses:
The provisions for credit losses were $4.1 million, $8.0 million, and $1.8 million for the third quarter of 2023, the linked quarter, and the third quarter of 2022, respectively. The provision for credit losses for the third quarter of 2023 was driven by (i) loan growth, (ii) an increase in net charge-offs, (iii) updates to our prepayment, curtailment and funding rates, and (iv) a deterioration in macro-economic conditions used within the CECL model, partially offset by the release of reserves on individually analyzed loans. The provision for credit losses in the linked quarter was due to a provision of $9.4 million for the non-purchased credit deteriorated loans acquired in the Limestone Merger, partially offset by the release of reserves of $1.7 million on individually analyzed loans and a recovery of $1.0 million due to improvements in macro-economic conditions. The provision for credit losses for the third quarter of 2022 was largely attributable to a deterioration of macro-economic conditions, partially offset by a release of reserves on individually analyzed loans.

The provision for credit losses for the first nine months of 2023 was $13.9 million, compared to a recovery of credit losses of $5.8 million for the first nine months of 2022. The provision for credit losses during the first nine months of 2023 was driven by (i) the addition of the provision for the non-purchased credit deteriorated loans acquired in the Limestone Merger, (ii) loan growth and (ii) economic forecast deterioration, partially offset by a reduction in the reserves for individually analyzed loans and the use of updated loss drivers. The recovery of credit losses for the first nine months of 2022 was primarily due to the impact of economic assumptions used in the CECL model.

Net charge-offs for the third quarter of 2023 were $2.3 million, or 0.15% of average total loans annualized, compared to net charge-offs of $1.2 million, or 0.09% of average total loans annualized, for the linked quarter and net charge-offs of $1.7 million, or 0.15% of average total loans annualized, for the third quarter of 2022. Net charge-offs for the first nine months of 2023 were $5.1 million, or 0.13% of average total loans annualized, compared to net charge-offs of $5.1 million, or 0.15% annualized, for the first nine months of 2022. For additional information on credit trends and the allowance for credit losses, see the "Asset Quality" section below.

Net Gains and Losses:
Net gains and losses include gains and losses on investment securities, asset disposals and other transactions, which are included in total non-interest income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The net loss realized during the third quarter of 2023 was $0.3 million, compared to net losses of $1.8 million and $14,000 for the linked quarter and the third quarter of 2022, respectively. The net loss for the third quarter of 2023 was due to $0.3 million of net losses on repossessed assets. The net loss for the linked quarter was primarily due to the $1.6 million write-down of an other real estate owned ("OREO") property due to a pending sale of the property.

The net loss realized during the first nine months of 2023 was $4.3 million, compared to $207,000 for the first nine

months of 2022. The net loss for the first nine months of 2023 was primarily driven by the $2.0 million pre-tax ($1.6 million after-tax) net loss on the sales of the available-for-sale investment securities during the first quarter of 2023, as mentioned above, and the $1.6 million write-down of the OREO property during the second quarter of 2023, as mentioned above. The net loss recognized in the first nine months of 2022 was attributable to (i) a $119,000 loss recorded on repossessed assets, (ii) a $44,000 loss on the sale of investment securities in order to reinvest into higher-yielding securities, and (iii) an adjustment to the gain on sale of loans recognized in the fourth quarter of 2021 due to a measurement period adjustment to the acquisition-date fair value of Premier loans acquired that were subsequently sold.

Total Non-interest Income, Excluding Net Gains and Losses:
Total non-interest income, excluding net gains and losses, for the third quarter of 2023 increased $0.7 million compared to the linked quarter. The increase in non-interest income, excluding net gains and losses, was due to a $1.4 million increase in other non-interest income and a $0.5 million increase in bank owned life insurance income, mostly offset by a $1.8 million decrease in lease income. The increase in other non-interest income was attributable to a $1.0 million increase in operating lease income, which was partially offset by a $0.6 million increase in operating lease expense recognized in other non-interest expense when compared to the linked quarter. Bank owned life insurance income increased primarily due to a death benefit of $0.4 million recognized in the third quarter of 2023.

Compared to the third quarter of 2022, non-interest income, excluding net gains and losses, increased $3.1 million, due to (i) a $1.5 million increase in other non-interest income, (ii) a $1.2 million increase in electronic banking income, (iii) a $0.7 million increase in deposit account service charges, (iv) a $0.7 million increase in bank owned life insurance income due to the aforementioned death benefit, and (v) a $0.6 million increase in insurance income. The increase in other non-interest income was due to the increase in operating lease income mentioned above. Insurance income increased due to new business and market increases for premiums. The other increases were primarily due to the additional customers brought in from the Limestone Merger when compared to the third quarter of 2022.

For the first nine months of 2023, total non-interest income, excluding gains and losses, increased $7.6 million, or 13%, compared to the first nine months of 2022. The increase was driven by (i) a $2.4 million increase in electronic banking income, (ii) a $1.7 million increase in insurance income due to growth in the property and casualty insurance line, (iii) a $1.4 million increase in deposit account service charges, (iv) a $1.4 million increase in other non-interest income, and (v) a $1.0 million increase in bank owned life insurance income. The increase in other non-interest income was due to the increase in operating lease income mentioned above. Insurance income increased due to new business and market increases for premiums. Bank owned life insurance income increased primarily due to the aforementioned death benefit. The other increases were primarily due to the additional customers brought in from the Limestone Merger when compared to the first nine months of 2022.

Total Non-interest Expense:
Total non-interest expenses for the third quarter and the nine months ended September 30, 2023 were impacted by the Limestone Merger and acquisition-related non-interest expenses. Total acquisition-related non-interest expenses added $4.4 million and $15.7 million, respectively, across various line-items within non-interest expense. During the third quarter of 2023, the acquisition-related expenses recognized were primarily attributable to early contract termination fees, system conversion costs, salaries and employee benefit costs, and professional fees attributable to the Limestone Merger. For the second quarter of 2023, the acquisition-related non-interest expenses were primarily attributable to salaries and employee benefit costs and professional fees related to the Limestone Merger.

The table below summarizes the amount of acquisition-related expenses for each line item that is a component of non-interest expense. Acquisition-related expenses are considered a non-core non-interest expense by Peoples. This information is used by Peoples to provide information useful to investors in understanding Peoples' operating performance and trends.

Total non-interest expense increased $1.1 million, or 2%, for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the linked quarter. Excluding acquisition-related expense, total non-interest expense increased $7.3 million, or 12%, primarily due to increases of (i) $3.1 million in salaries and employee benefit costs, (ii) $2.9 million in other non-interest expense, (iii) $0.5 million in amortization of other intangible assets, and (iv) $0.4 million in professional fees. For the third quarter of 2023, additional total non-interest expenses from the Limestone Merger excluding acquisition-related expenses, were $7.2 million compared to $5.4 million in the linked quarter. The increase in the third quarter of 2023 total non-interest expenses attributable to the Limestone Merger, excluding acquisition-related expense, when compared to the linked quarter was due to a full quarter of expenses in the third quarter from the Limestone Merger compared to only two months of expenses in the linked quarter. Excluding the impact from the Limestone Merger, the increase in other non-interest expenses was also due to the previously discussed pension plan settlement charge as well as a $0.6 million increase in operating lease depreciation expenses. The increases in salaries and employee benefit costs and data processing and professional fees were primarily due to growth.

Compared to the third quarter of 2022, total non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2023 increased $19.4 million, or 37%. Excluding acquisition-related expenses, non-interest expenses increased $15.3 million, or 30%, primarily due to a $7.4 million increase in salaries and employee benefit costs, a $3.7 million increase in other non-interest expense, a $1.8 million increase in data processing and software expense, and a $1.3 million increase in amortization of other intangible assets. The increases were impacted by total non-interest expenses attributable to the Limestone Merger, excluding acquisition-related expense, which added $7.2 million throughout the non-interest expense line items. A majority of the remaining variance, excluding acquisition-related expense, was due to the Limestone Merger. The increase in other non-interest expenses was primarily due to the previously discussed pension plan settlement charges and a $0.9 million increase in operating lease depreciation expenses, while the other increases were due to growth.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, total non-interest expense increased $45.0 million, or 29.3%, compared to the first nine months of 2022. Excluding acquisition-related expenses, non-interest expenses increased $31.6 million, or 20.9%. This variance was driven by increases of $17.1 million, $6.2 million, $5.5 million and $2.2 million in salaries and employee benefit costs, other non-interest expense, data processing and software expense and amortization of other intangible assets, respectively, partially offset by a $3.2 million decrease in electronic banking expense. The increases were impacted by $12.6 million of total non-interest expenses attributable to the Limestone Merger, excluding acquisition-related expense, which impacted various non-interest expense line items. The increase in other non-interest expense was primarily due to the previously discussed pension plan settlement charges and a $1.1 million increase in operating lease depreciation expenses, while the other increases were due to growth.

The efficiency ratio for the third quarter of 2023 was 58.4%, compared to 62.7% for the linked quarter, and 57.2% for the third quarter of 2022. The decrease in the efficiency ratio compared to the linked quarter was primarily due to higher net interest income due to an increase in market interest rates and a full quarter with the additional customers from the Limestone Merger compared to two months in the linked quarter and less acquisition-related expenses, partially offset by an increase in non-acquisition-related non-interest expenses. The increase in the efficiency ratio compared to the prior year quarter was primarily due to the increase in non-interest expense, primarily from the Limestone Merger, which was mostly offset by higher net interest income due to increases in the market interest rates and additional customers from the Limestone Merger. The efficiency ratio, adjusted for non-core items, was 52.5% for the third quarter of 2023, compared to 53.3% for the linked quarter and 56.6% for the third quarter of 2022. Peoples continues to focus on controlling expenses, while recognizing necessary costs in order to continue growing the business.

Income Tax Expense: 
Peoples recorded income tax expense of $8.8 million with an effective tax rate of 21.7% for the third quarter of 2023, compared to income tax expense of $6.2 million with an effective tax rate of 22.6% for the linked quarter, and income tax expense of $7.4 million with an effective tax rate of 22.2% for the third quarter of 2022. Income tax expense for the third quarter of 2023, compared to the linked quarter and third quarter of 2022, increased due to higher net income before income taxes. The effective rate decrease for the third quarter of 2023, when compared to the linked quarter and the third quarter of 2022, was primarily due to updates to the blended state tax rate. Peoples recorded income tax expense of $22.1 million with an effective tax rate of 21.7% in the first nine months of 2023 and $20.2 million with an effective tax rate of 21.4% in the first nine months of 2022. The increase in income tax expense for the first nine months of 2023 when compared to the same 2022 period was driven by higher pre-tax income.

Investment Securities and Liquidity:
Peoples' investment portfolio primarily consists of available-for-sale investment securities reported at fair value and held-to-maturity investment securities reported at amortized cost. The available-for-sale investment securities balance at September 30, 2023 decreased $114.9 million, $112.8 million, and $151.3 million when compared to at June 30, 2023, at December 31, 2022, and at September 30, 2022, respectively. The decrease in the balance when compared to the prior periods was due to a reduction in market value of available-for-sale securities driven by the recent increases in market interest rates and the sales of the lower-yielding available-for-sale securities mentioned above. The decreases in the balances from December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2022 were partially offset by available-for-sale investment securities acquired in the Limestone Merger. The balances of unrealized losses, net of tax, on available-for-sale investment securities recognized within accumulated other comprehensive loss were $148.1 million, $121.5 million, $129.9 million and $138.1 million at September 30, 2023, at June 30, 2023, at December 31, 2022 and at September 30, 2022, respectively.

The held-to-maturity investment securities balance at September 30, 2023 increased $1.5 million, $115.2 million, and $267.6 million when compared to at June 30, 2023, at December 31, 2022, and at September 30, 2022, respectively. The increases when compared to prior periods were driven by purchases of agency mortgage-backed securities, agency collateralized mortgage obligations, and agency debentures. Most of the securities purchased during 2023 were classified as held-to-maturity, which has contributed to the reduction of available-for-sale securities as a percentage of the bond portfolio. Management purchased these securities to increase portfolio yield and reduce Peoples' sensitivity to falling intermediate and long-term interest rates. The balances of net unrealized losses on held-to-maturity investment securities were $105.5 million, $79.7 million, $81.7 million and $81.3 million at September 30, 2023, at June 30, 2023, at December 31, 2022 and at September 30, 2022, respectively.

The duration of the investment portfolio as of September 30, 2023 was estimated to be 5.74 years. The duration of Peoples' investments is managed as part of its Asset Liability Management program, and has the potential to impact both liquidity and capital, as mismatches in duration may require a liquidation of investment securities at market prices to meet funding needs. These assets are one component of Peoples liquidity profile, which is discussed in further detail below.

Peoples maintains a number of liquid and liquefiable assets, borrowing capacity, and other contingent sources of liquidity to ensure the availability of funds. At September 30, 2023, Peoples had liquid and liquefiable assets of $576.6 million, which included (i) cash and cash equivalents, (ii) unpledged government and agency investment securities and (iii) unpledged non-agency investment securities that could be liquidated. At September 30, 2023, Peoples had a borrowing capacity of $572.8 million available through the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB"), the Federal Reserve Bank ('FRB"), and federal funds. Additionally at September 30, 2023, Peoples had other contingent sources of liquidity totaling $2.0 billion. 

Loans and Leases:
The period-end total loan and lease balances at September 30, 2023 increased $109.8 million, or 7% annualized, compared to at June 30, 2023. The increase in the period-end loan and lease balance was primarily driven by increases of (i) $118.5 million in other commercial real estate loans, (ii) $26.9 million in premium finance loans and (iii) $24.8 million in leases, partially offset by decreases of $44.7 million in construction loans and $31.5 million in commercial and industrial loans.

The period-end total loan and lease balance at September 30, 2023 increased $1.4 billion compared to at December 31, 2022 primarily due to the Limestone Merger. Excluding the loans acquired in the Limestone Merger, the period-end loan and lease balance increased $358.6 million, or 10% annualized, driven by increases of $182.8 million, $57.5 million, $48.4 million, $38.9 million and $30.1 million in other commercial real estate loans, leases, construction loans, indirect consumer loans, and premium finance loans, respectively. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $13.1 million in consumer residential real estate loans.

The period-end total loan and lease balance increased $1.5 billion compared to at September 30, 2022 primarily due to the Limestone Merger. Excluding the loans acquired in the Limestone Merger, the period-end loan and lease balance increased $454.6 million, or 10% annualized, primarily due to increases of $182.9 million, $89.8 million, $79.8 million, $76.1 million and $21.6 million in other commercial real estate loans, leases, construction loans, indirect consumer loans, and premium finance loans, respectively. These increases were partially offset by a reduction of $23.1 million in consumer residential real estate loans.

The quarterly average loan and lease balance increased $449.8 million, or 8%, in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the linked quarter, mostly due to a full quarter with the loans acquired in the Limestone Merger in the third quarter of 2023 compared to only two months in the linked quarter. Compared to the third quarter of 2022, the quarterly average loan and lease balances increased $1.4 billion, or 31%, primarily driven by the loans acquired in the Limestone Merger.

For the first nine months of 2023, the average loan and lease balance increased $659.6 million, or 15%, compared to the same period of 2022. The increase was driven by loans acquired in the Limestone Merger, and to lesser extents, growth in commercial real estate loans, leases, commercial and industrial loans and indirect consumer loans.

Asset Quality:
Asset quality metrics remained stable during the third quarter of 2023. Total nonperforming assets increased $0.6 million, or 1%, compared to at June 30, 2023, decreased $2.7 million, or 6%, compared to at December 31, 2022, and decreased $2.6 million, or 6%, compared to at September 30, 2022. The increase in nonperforming assets at September 30, 2023 compared to at June 30, 2023 was primarily attributable to increases in nonperforming leases, largely offset by decreases in nonperforming commercial real estate loans. The decreases from at December 31, 2022 and at September 30, 2022 were driven by reductions in nonaccrual commercial real estate loans and OREO, partially offset by increases in nonperforming leases. Nonperforming assets as a percent of total loans and OREO were 0.70% at both September 30, 2023 and June 30, 2023, down from 0.96% at December 31, 2022, and 0.98% at September 30, 2022.

Criticized loans, which are those categorized as special mention, substandard or doubtful, decreased $6.7 million compared to at June 30, 2023, and increased $21.8 million and $48.4 million compared to at December 31, 2022 and at September 30, 2022, respectively. As a percent of total loans, criticized loans were 3.50% at September 30, 2023, compared to 3.68% at June 30, 2023, 4.18% at December 31, 2022 and 3.57% at September 30, 2022. The decrease in the amount of criticized loans compared to at June 30, 2023 was primarily driven by criticized loan pay-offs, partially offset by loan downgrades. The increases in criticized loans compared to at December 31, 2022 and at September 30, 2022 were primarily driven by the acquisition of criticized loans in the Limestone Merger. However, criticized loans as a percent of total loans decreased, as criticized loans made up a smaller relative portion of the total loans acquired in the Limestone Merger.

Classified loans, which are those categorized as substandard or doubtful, increased $13.9 million, $35.2 million and $30.0 million compared to at June 30, 2023, at December 31, 2022 and at September 30, 2022, respectively. As a percent of total loans, classified loans were 2.05% at September 30, 2023, compared to 1.86% at June 30, 2023, 1.96% at December 31, 2022 and 2.06% at September 30, 2022. The increase in classified loans compared to at June 30, 2023 was primarily driven by loan downgrades, partially offset by classified loan pay-offs. The increases in classified loans compared to at December 31, 2022 and at September 30, 2022 were primarily driven by the acquisition of classified loans in the Limestone Merger.

Annualized net charge-offs were 0.15% of average total loans for the third quarter of 2023, compared to 0.09% for the linked quarter and 0.15% for the prior year third quarter, with the increase relative to the linked quarter driven by an increase in charge-offs on leases, commercial real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans during the third quarter of 2023. The increase in net charge-offs during the third quarter of 2023 versus the prior year third quarter was primarily attributable to an increase in charge-offs on indirect consumer loans, commercial real estate loans and leases, partially offset by increase in recoveries. Annualized net charge-offs were 0.13% of average total loans for the first nine months of 2023, compared to 0.15% for the same 2022 period. The decrease was driven by an increase in recoveries and a decrease in charge-offs on commercial and industrial loans, partially offset by an increase in charge-offs on indirect consumer loans.

At September 30, 2023, the allowance for credit losses was $62.9 million, compared to $61.2 million at June 30, 2023, $53.2 million at December 31, 2022 and $52.9 million at September 30, 2022. The allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2023 and at June 30, 2023 was impacted by the establishment of an allowance for credit losses for loans acquired in the Limestone Merger during the second quarter of 2023 when compared to at December 31, 2022 and at September 30, 2022. The ratio of the allowance for credit losses as a percent of total loans was 1.03% at September 30, 2023, compared to 1.02% at June 30, 2023 and 1.15% at September 30, 2022.

Deposits:
At September 30, 2023, period-end total deposits increased $77.6 million, or 1%, compared to at June 30, 2023, primarily driven by increases of (i) $248.0 million in retail certificates of deposit, (ii) $56.0 million in governmental deposits and (iii) $49.0 million in brokered deposits, which are primarily used as a source of funding, partially offset by decreases of (a) $129.5 million in savings accounts, (b) $113.5 million in non-interest-bearing demand deposit accounts,  and (c) $44.6 million in interest-bearing demand deposit accounts. The increase in governmental deposit accounts was due to the seasonality of the balances, which are typically higher in the first quarter and third quarter of each year.

Period-end total deposits at September 30, 2023 increased $1.3 billion, or 23%, compared to at December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily driven by deposits acquired in the Limestone Merger. Excluding Limestone deposit balances, total deposits at September 30, 2023 increased $399.8 million, or 7%, compared to at December 31, 2022, primarily due to increases of $483.3 million in brokered certificates of deposit and of $444.1 million in retail certificates of deposit, partially offset by decreases of $203.5 million, $180.6 million, and $174.0 million in non-interest bearing deposits, savings accounts, and interest-bearing demand deposit accounts, respectively.

Period-end total deposits at September 30, 2023 increased $1.2 billion, or 20%, compared to at September 30, 2022 due to the deposits acquired in the Limestone Merger. Excluding Limestone deposit balances, total deposits at September 30, 2023 increased $251.1 million, or 4%, compared to at September 30, 2022. The increase was primarily driven by increases of $522.8 million in brokered deposits and $429.6 million in retail certificates of deposit, partially offset by decreases of $250.0 million, $189.5 million, $175.9 million and $78.8 million in non-interest-bearing demand deposit accounts, savings accounts, interest-bearing demand deposit accounts, and governmental deposit accounts, respectively.

The percentages of retail deposit balances and commercial deposit balances of the total deposit balance at September 30, 2023 were 79% and 21%, respectively, compared to 78% and 22%, respectively, at June 30, 2023, 74% and 26%, respectively, at December 31, 2022 and 73% and 27%, respectively, at September 30, 2022.

Uninsured deposits were 31%, 32%, 33% and 34% of total deposits at September 30, 2023, at June 30, 2023, at December 31, 2022 and at September 30, 2022, respectively. Uninsured amounts are estimated based on the portion of customer account balances that met or exceeded the FDIC limit of $250,000. Peoples pledges investment securities against certain governmental deposit accounts, which collateralized $812.7 million, or 42%, of the uninsured deposit balances at September 30, 2023.

Average deposit balances during the third quarter of 2023 increased $444.5 million compared to the linked quarter. Compared to the third quarter of 2022, quarterly average deposits increased $1.1 billion. These increases were driven by the deposits acquired in the Limestone Merger. Total demand deposits comprised 39%, 42%, 48% and 48% of total deposits at September 30, 2023, at June 30, 2023, at December 31, 2022 and at September 30, 2022, respectively.

Stockholders' Equity:
Total stockholders' equity at September 30, 2023 decreased by $5.7 million compared to at June 30, 2023, which was primarily due to an increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $24.9 million and dividends paid of $13.8 million, partially offset by net income for the third quarter of 2023 of $31.9 million. The change in accumulated other comprehensive loss was primarily the result of the changes in the market value of available-for-sale investment securities during the period. Accumulated unrealized losses related to the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio were $148.1 million and $121.5 million at September 30, 2023 and at June 30, 2023, respectively.

Total stockholders' equity at September 30, 2023 increased by $207.9 million compared to at December 31, 2022, which was primarily due to common shares issued in the Limestone Merger and net income for the first nine months of 2023 of $79.5 million, partially offset by an increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $16.7 million and dividends paid of $37.9 million. Accumulated unrealized losses related to the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio were $129.9 million at December 31, 2022.

Total stockholders' equity at September 30, 2023 increased $232.7 million compared to at September 30, 2022, which was primarily due to 6.8 million common shares issued (valued at $177.9 million) in the Limestone Merger and net income of $106.4 million in the last twelve months, partially offset by dividends paid of $48.7 million and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $8.9 million. The increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss was the result of an increase of $10.0 million in unrealized losses related to the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio from September 30, 2022 to September 30, 2023, partially offset by the realization of $2.4 million of pre-tax accumulated losses for the pension plan when it was terminated during the third quarter of 2023. Accumulated unrealized losses related to the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio were $138.1 million at September 30, 2022.

At September 30, 2023, the tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 12.23%, compared to 12.10% at June 30, 2023, 12.19% at December 31, 2022, and 12.08% at September 30, 2022. The common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 11.49% at September 30, 2023, compared to 11.36% at June 30, 2023, 11.92% at December 31, 2022, and 11.80% at September 30, 2022. The total risk-based capital ratio was 13.06% at September 30, 2023, compared to 12.92% at June 30, 2023, 13.06% at December 31, 2022, and 12.98% at September 30, 2022. Peoples adopted the five-year transition to phase in the impact of the adoption of CECL, effective January 1, 2020, on regulatory capital ratios. Compared to at June 30, 2023, these capital ratios increased slightly due to higher net income, primarily due to a full quarter of net income from the Limestone Merger compared to only two months of income in the linked quarter, partially offset by an increase in expenses from the Limestone Merger. Compared to at September 30, 2022 and at December 31, 2022, the tier 1 risk-based capital and the total risk-based capital ratios improved due to higher net income, partially offset by the impact of the Limestone Merger and dividends paid. The common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio at September 30, 2023 decreased compared to at December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2022 due to the common shares issued in the Limestone Merger.

Book value per common share and tangible book value per common share, which excludes goodwill and other intangible assets, were $28.06 and $16.52, respectively, at September 30, 2023, compared to $28.24 and $16.56, respectively, at June 30, 2023, $27.76 and $16.23, respectively, at December 31, 2022, and $26.89 and $15.28, respectively, at September 30, 2022.

The ratio of total stockholders' equity to total assets was 11.11% at September 30, 2023, compared to 11.37% at June 30, 2023, 10.90% at December 31, 2022 and 10.86% at September 30, 2022. The ratio increased from at December 31, 2022 and at September 30, 2022 due primarily to additional common shares issued in the Limestone Merger as well as net income over the comparative prior periods. The tangible equity to tangible assets ratio, which excludes goodwill and other intangible assets, was 6.85% at September 30, 2023, compared to 7.00%, 6.67% and 6.47% at June 30, 2023, at December 31, 2022 and at September 30, 2022, respectively. The ratio decreased compared to at June 30, 2023 due to an increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The ratio increased compared to at December 31, 2022 and at September 30, 2022 primarily due to net income over the prior comparative periods, partially offset by an increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Peoples Bancorp Inc. ("Peoples", Nasdaq: PEBO) is a diversified financial services holding company that makes available a complete line of banking, trust and investment, insurance, premium financing and equipment leasing solutions through its subsidiaries. Peoples has been headquartered in Marietta, Ohio since 1902. Peoples had $8.9 billion in total assets as of September 30, 2023, and 149 locations, including 132 full-service bank branches in Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland. Peoples' vision is to be the Best Community Bank in America.

Peoples is a member of the Russell 3000 index of United States ("U.S.") publicly-traded companies. Peoples offers services through Peoples Bank (which includes the divisions of Peoples Investment Services, Peoples Premium Finance and North Star Leasing), Peoples Insurance Agency, LLC and Vantage Financial, LLC.

Conference Call to Discuss Earnings:
Peoples will conduct a facilitated conference call to discuss third quarter 2023 results of operations on October 24, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, with members of Peoples' executive management participating. Analysts, media and individual investors are invited to participate in the conference call by calling (866) 890-9285. A simultaneous webcast of the conference call audio will be available online via the "Investor Relations" section of Peoples' website, www.peoplesbancorp.com. Participants are encouraged to call or sign in at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled conference call time to ensure participation and, if required, to download and install the necessary software. A replay of the call will be available on Peoples' website in the "Investor Relations" section for one year.

Use of Non-US GAAP Financial Measures:
This news release contains financial information and performance measures determined by methods other than in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("US GAAP"). Management uses these "non-US GAAP" financial measures in its analysis of Peoples' performance and the efficiency of its operations. Management believes that these non-US GAAP financial measures provide a greater understanding of ongoing operations and enhance comparability of results with prior periods and peers. Peoples also uses the non-US GAAP financial measures for calculating incentive compensation. These disclosures should not be viewed as substitutes for financial measures determined in accordance with US GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-US GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. Below is a listing of the non-US GAAP financial measures used in this news release:

• Core non-interest expense is a non-US GAAP financial measure since it excludes the impact of acquisition-related expenses, pension settlement charges, COVID-19-related expenses and COVID-19 Employee Retention Credits received.
• The efficiency ratio is calculated as total non-interest expense (less amortization of other intangible assets) as a percentage of fully tax-equivalent net interest income plus total non-interest income, excluding net gains and losses. This ratio is a non-US GAAP financial measure since it excludes amortization of other intangible assets and all gains and losses included in earnings, and uses fully tax-equivalent net interest income.
• The efficiency ratio adjusted for non-core items is calculated as core non-interest expense (less amortization of other intangible assets) as a percentage of fully tax-equivalent net interest income plus total non-interest income, excluding net gains and losses. This ratio is a non-US GAAP financial measure since it excludes the impact of acquisition-related expenses, pension settlement charges, COVID-19-related expenses, COVID-19 Employee Retention Credits received and the amortization of other intangible assets and all gains and losses included in earnings, and uses fully tax-equivalent net interest income.
• Tangible assets, tangible equity, the tangible equity to tangible assets ratio and tangible book value per common share are non-US GAAP financial measures since they exclude the impact of goodwill and other intangible assets acquired through acquisitions on both total stockholders' equity and total assets.
• Total non-interest income, excluding net gains and losses, is a non-US GAAP financial measure since it excludes all gains and losses included in earnings.
• Pre-provision net revenue is defined as net interest income plus total non-interest income, excluding net gains and losses, minus total non-interest expense. This measure is a non-US GAAP financial measure since it excludes the provision for (recovery of) credit losses and all gains and losses included in net income.
• Return on average assets adjusted for non-core items is calculated as annualized net income (less the after-tax impact of all gains and losses, acquisition-related expenses, pension settlement charges, COVID-19-related expenses, and COVID-19 Employee Retention Credits received) divided by average assets. This measure is a non-US GAAP financial measure since it excludes the after-tax impact of all gains and losses, acquisition-related expenses, pension settlement charges, COVID-19-related expenses and COVID-19 Employee Retention Credits received.
• Return on average tangible equity is calculated as annualized net income (less the after-tax impact of amortization of other intangible assets) divided by average tangible equity. This measure is a non-US GAAP financial measure since it excludes the after-tax impact of amortization of other intangible assets from net income and the impact of average goodwill and other average intangible assets acquired through acquisitions on average stockholders' equity.

A reconciliation of these non-US GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable US GAAP financial measures is included at the end of this news release under the caption of "Non-US GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited)."

Safe Harbor Statement:
Certain statements made in this news release regarding Peoples' financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are identified by the fact they are not historical facts and include words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "may," "feel," "expect," "believe," "plan," "will," "will likely," "would," "should," "could," "project," "goal," "target," "potential," "seek," "intend," "continue," "remain," and similar expressions.

These forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations based on all information available to management and its knowledge of Peoples' business and operations. Additionally, Peoples' financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

As required by US GAAP, Peoples is required to evaluate the impact of subsequent events through the issuance date of Peoples' September 30, 2023 consolidated financial statements as part of Peoples' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to be filed with the SEC. Accordingly, subsequent events could occur that may cause Peoples to update its critical accounting estimates and to revise its financial information from that which is contained in this news release.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SOURCE Peoples Bancorp Inc.