PEOPLES BANCORP INC

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Interest Income

Net interest income, the amount by which interest income exceeds interest expense, remains Peoples' largest source of revenue. The amount of net interest income earned by Peoples each quarter is affected by various factors, including changes in market interest rates due to the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, the level and degree of pricing competition for loans and deposits in Peoples’ markets, and the amount and composition of Peoples' earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

Net interest margin, which is calculated by dividing fully tax-equivalent ("FTE") net interest income by average interest-earning assets, serves as an important measurement of the net revenue stream generated by the volume, mix and pricing of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. FTE net interest income is calculated by increasing interest income to convert tax-exempt income earned on obligations of states and political subdivisions and tax-exempt loans to the pre-tax equivalent of taxable income using a federal statutory corporate income tax rate of 21% for all periods presented.

The following table details the calculation of FTE net interest income:

The following tables detail Peoples’ average balance sheets for the periods presented:

(a)Average balances are based on carrying value.

(b)Interest income and yields are presented on a fully tax-equivalent basis, using a 21% statutory federal corporate income tax rate.

(c)Average balances include nonaccrual and impaired loans. Interest income includes interest earned and received on nonaccrual loans prior to the loans being placed on nonaccrual status. Loan fees included in interest income were immaterial for all periods presented.

(d)Loans held for sale are included in the average loan balance listed. Related interest income on loans originated for sale prior to the loan being sold is included in loan interest income.

(e)Interest related to interest rate swap transactions is included, as appropriate to the transaction, in interest expense on short-term FHLB advances and interest expense on brokered CDs for the periods presented in which interest payments on FHLB advances or brokered CDs were being hedged.

(f)Included in other long-term borrowings are trust preferred securities and floating rate junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures.

Peoples' deposit balances have increased primarily due to an increase in retail certificates of deposits driven by special promotional rate offerings over the past year.

The following table provides an analysis of the changes in FTE net interest income:

(a)The change in interest due to both rate and volume has been allocated to rate and volume changes in proportion to the relationship of the dollar amounts of the change in each.

(b)Interest income and yields are presented on a fully tax-equivalent basis, using a 21% statutory federal corporate income tax rate.

Net interest income was $91.3 million for the third quarter of 2025 and increased $3.8 million when compared to the linked quarter. Net interest margin was 4.16% for the third quarter of 2025, compared to 4.15% for the linked quarter. The increase in net interest income and margin was primarily driven by higher loan balances and higher yields on investment securities, respectively.

Net interest income for the third quarter of 2025 increased $2.4 million, or 3%, compared to the third quarter of 2024. Net interest margin decreased 11 basis points when compared to the third quarter of 2024. The increase in net interest income was primarily driven by growth in loan portfolios and reduced deposit costs. The decrease in net interest margin was driven by reductions in loan yields, attributable to lower accretion income.

For the first nine months of 2025, net interest income increased $2.0 million compared to the first nine months of 2024, while net interest margin decreased 9 basis points to 4.15%. The decrease in net interest margin for the first nine months of 2025 compared to the first nine months of 2024 was primarily driven by lower accretion income.

Accretion income, net of amortization expense, from acquisitions was $1.7 million for the third quarter of 2025, $2.6 million for the linked quarter and $8.1 million for the third quarter of 2024, which added 8 basis points, 12 basis points and 39 basis points, respectively, to net interest margin. The decrease in accretion income for the third quarter of 2025 when compared to the linked quarter and the third quarter of 2024 was driven by fewer loan payoffs and more accretion income recognized in 2024 from the Limestone Merger. Accretion income, net of amortization expense, was $7.8 million and $20.3 million for the first nine months of 2025 and 2024, respectively. Accretion income added 12 basis points and 33 basis points to net interest margin for the first nine months of 2025 and 2024, respectively. The decrease in accretion income for the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 was due to less accretion recognized from the Limestone Merger.

Additional information regarding changes in the Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets can be found under appropriate captions of the “FINANCIAL CONDITION” section of this MD&A. Additional information regarding Peoples' interest rate risk and the potential impact of interest rate changes on Peoples' results of operations and financial condition can be found later in this MD&A under the caption "FINANCIAL CONDITION - Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity."

Provision for Credit Losses

The following table details Peoples’ provision for credit losses:

The provision for 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 for the third quarter of 2025 was primarily driven by (i) net charge offs, (ii) loan growth, and (iii) a slight deterioration in the economic forecasts used within the CECL model, partially offset by reductions in reserves for individually analyzed loans and leases. The provision for credit losses for the linked quarter of 2025 was primarily driven by (i) net charge offs, (ii) an increase in reserves for individually analyzed loans and leases, (iii) an increase in reserves for leases originated by our North Star Leasing division, (iv) a periodic refresh in loss drivers utilized within the CECL model, (v) deterioration in the economic forecasts used within the CECL model, and (vi) loan growth.

For the first nine months of 2025, the provision for credit losses was mainly a result of (i) net charge offs, (ii) an increase in reserves for individually analyzed loans and leases, (iii) an increase in reserves for leases originated by our North Star Leasing division, (iv) deterioration in the economic forecasts used within the CECL model, and (v) loan growth. For the same period of 2024, the provision for credit losses was driven by (i) net charge-offs, (ii) an increase in reserves for individually analyzed loans and leases, (iii) economic forecast deterioration, and (iv) loan growth.

Additional information regarding changes in the allowance for credit losses and loan credit quality can be found later in this MD&A under the caption “FINANCIAL CONDITION - Allowance for Credit Losses.”

Net Gain (Loss) Included in Total Non-Interest Income

Net gain (loss) includes net gains and losses on investment securities, asset disposals and other transactions, which are recognized in total non-interest income. The following table details Peoples’ net losses for the periods presented:

The net loss on investment securities for the third quarter of 2025 was driven by the sale of lower-yielding available for sale securities. The net loss on investment securities reported for the third quarter of 2024 was attributable to a loss recorded on a contingent call of a security. The net loss on other assets for all periods presented was driven by losses recorded on repossessed assets.

Total Non-Interest Income, Excluding Net Gains and Losses

Total non-interest income, excluding net gains and losses, comprised 23% of Peoples' total revenues (defined as net interest income plus total non-interest income excluding net gains and losses) for the third quarter of 2025, 24% for the linked quarter, and 22% for the third quarter of 2024. For the first nine months of 2025, total non-interest income, excluding net gains and losses, totaled 24% of total revenue compared to 23% for the same period in 2024.

For the third quarter of 2025, e-banking income comprised the largest portion of Peoples' total non-interest income, excluding net gains and losses. Peoples' e-banking services include ATM and debit cards, direct deposit services, internet and mobile banking, and remote deposit capture, and serve as alternative delivery channels to traditional sales offices for providing services to customers. The following table details Peoples' e-banking income:

Peoples' e-banking income is derived largely from ATM and debit cards, as other services are mainly provided at no charge to customers. The amount of e-banking income is largely dependent on the timing and volume of customer activity.

The following table details Peoples' insurance income:

Peoples' insurance income for the third quarter of 2025 decreased slightly when compared to the linked quarter. Insurance income for the third quarter of 2025 increased when compared to the third quarter of 2024 due to higher commissions. Insurance income in the first nine months of 2025 increased compared to the same period of 2024 due to higher commissions.

Peoples' trust and investment income, which includes fiduciary income, brokerage income, and employee benefit fees, continued to be based primarily upon the value of assets under administration and management, with additional income generated from transaction commissions, cross-selling of products and additional retirement plan services business. The following table details Peoples’ trust and investment income:

Brokerage income in the third quarter of 2025 increased when compared to the linked quarter and to the third quarter of 2024 and was driven by an increase in assets under administration and management. Trust and investment income increased $1.3 million for the first nine months of 2025 when compared to 2024, due to higher brokerage income, primarily reflecting the increase in assets under management.

The following table details Peoples' assets under administration and management:

The increase in assets under administration and management at September 30, 2025 compared to at June 30, 2025 was driven by market value fluctuations. The increase in assets under administration and management at September 30, 2025 when compared to at September 30, 2024 was primarily due to growth, as Peoples added new accounts and the underlying market values of assets under management grew.

Deposit account service charges are based on the recovery of costs associated with services provided. The following table details Peoples' deposit account service charges:

The amount of deposit account service charges, particularly fees for overdrafts and non-sufficient funds, is largely dependent on the timing and volume of customer activity. Management periodically evaluates its cost recovery fees to ensure they are reasonable based on operational costs and similar to fees charged in Peoples' markets by competitors. Deposit account service charges increased slightly for the third quarter of 2025 compared to the linked quarter. Deposit account service charges decreased when comparing the third quarter of 2025 to the third quarter of 2024. For the first nine months of 2025, total deposit account service charges decreased by $0.7 million from the same period of 2024, driven by timing of customer activity.

The following table details the other items included within Peoples' total non-interest income:

Lease income is primarily comprised of (i) operating lease income, (ii) gains on the early termination of leases, net of any associated purchase accounting adjustments, (iii) month-to-month lease payments beyond maturity of the net investment in the lease, net of any associated purchase accounting adjustment, (iv) fees received for referrals, (v) gains and losses recognized on the sales of residual assets, net of any purchase accounting impact, and (vi) syndication income. Lease income for the third quarter of 2025 decreased compared to the linked quarter due to gains on early terminated Vantage leases recognized in the linked quarter. The increase when compared to the third quarter of 2024 was driven by increases in operating lease income and month-to-month lease income. Lease income increased $4.0 million for the first nine months of 2025 when compared to the same period of 2024 due to increases in month-to-month lease income and operating lease income.

Other non-interest income decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2025 when compared to the linked quarter and remained relatively flat compared to the third quarter of 2024. For the first nine months of 2025, other non-interest income increased by $1.0 million from the same period of 2024, primarily due to the increase in swap fee income which is driven by customer demand.

BOLI income for the third quarter of 2025 remained flat when compared to the linked quarter and increased $0.7 million when compared to the prior year quarter. BOLI income increased for the first nine months of 2025 when compared to the same period of 2024 primarily due to changes in the cash surrender value of the underlying policies.

Mortgage banking income is comprised mostly of net gains from the origination and sale of real estate loans in the secondary market, and, to a lesser extent, servicing income for loans sold with servicing retained. As a result, the amount of income recognized by Peoples is largely dependent on customer demand and long-term interest rates for residential real estate loans offered in the secondary market. Mortgage banking income for the third quarter of 2025 decreased when compared to the third quarter of 2024 and was primarily driven by the decreased volume in loans sold as more production has been kept on the balance sheet relative to prior periods. Mortgage banking income decreased for the first nine months of 2025 when compared to the same period of 2024 due to lower production.

In the third quarter of 2025, Peoples sold $4.5 million in loans into the secondary market with servicing retained and $3.8 million in loans with servicing released, compared to $0.3 million and $10.2 million, respectively, in the second quarter of 2025, and $14.9 million and $12.0 million, respectively, in the third quarter of 2024. For the first nine months of 2025, Peoples sold $5.0 million in loans into the secondary market with servicing retained, and $18.8 million with servicing released, compared to $17.6 million and $30.8 million, respectively, for the same period of 2024.

Non-Interest Expense

Salaries and employee benefit costs remain Peoples' largest non-interest expense, accounting for over one-half of total non-interest expense. The following table details Peoples' salaries and employee benefit costs:

Base salaries and wages for the third quarter of 2025 and the first nine months of 2025 increased compared to the same periods in 2024, primarily driven by annual merit increases.

Sales-based and incentive compensation increased for the third quarter of 2025 compared to the linked quarter and the third quarter of 2024 and was driven by an increase in corporate incentives. Sales-based and incentive compensation increased for the first nine months of 2025 when compared to 2024, due to an increase in corporate incentives and insurance commissions.

The decrease in employee benefits for the third quarter of 2025 compared to the linked quarter was primarily related to lower medical costs and an adjustment related to prior period nonqualified deferred compensation expense. Employee benefits increased for the third quarter of 2025 and the first nine months of 2025 when compared to the same periods for 2024 due to higher medical costs.

Payroll taxes and other employment costs for the third quarter of 2025 and for the first nine months of 2025 increased slightly when compared to all prior periods.

Stock-based compensation is generally recognized over the vesting period, which generally ranges from immediate vesting to vesting at the end of three years. An adjustment is made at the vesting date to reverse expense relating to forfeitures for performance awards, and at the date of forfeiture to reverse expense for non-vested restricted common share awards. Stock grants to retirement eligible grantees are expensed either immediately or over a shorter period than three years. The majority of Peoples' stock-based compensation is attributable to annual equity-based incentive awards to employees, which are awarded in the first quarter of each year based upon Peoples achieving certain performance goals during the prior year, and are generally contingent on employment through the vesting period.

Deferred personnel costs represent the portion of current period salaries and employee benefit costs considered to be direct loan origination costs. These costs are capitalized and recognized over the life of the loan as a yield adjustment in interest income. As a result, the amount of deferred personnel costs for each period corresponds directly with the volume of loan originations, coupled with the average deferred costs per loan that are updated annually at the beginning of each year. Deferred personnel costs for the third quarter of 2025 increased when compared to the second quarter of 2025 and to the third quarter of 2024. Similarly, deferred personnel costs increased for the first nine months of 2025 when compared to 2024.

Peoples' net occupancy and equipment expense was comprised of the following:

Net occupancy and equipment expense remained roughly flat for the third quarter compared to the linked quarter and compared to the third quarter of 2024. Net occupancy and equipment expense for the first nine months of 2025 decreased when compared to the same period of the previous year due to an adjustment of property tax accruals resulting from a review of recent assessments.

The following table details the other items included in total non-interest expense:

Data processing and software expenses for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2025 increased compared to the same periods in 2024 due to costs associated with recent technology projects.

Professional fees for the third quarter of 2025 decreased when compared to the linked quarter due to decreased professional services. Professional fees increased for the first nine months of 2025 when compared to 2024 due to increased legal expenses and higher exam and audit fees.

Amortization of other intangible assets for the third quarter of 2025 remained flat compared to the linked quarter and decreased $0.6 million compared to the prior year quarter due to decreases in amortization on core deposits and customer relationship intangibles. Amortization of other intangible assets decreased for the first nine months of 2025 when compared to 2024 due to decreases in amortization on core deposits and customer relationship intangibles.

Peoples' e-banking expense is comprised of costs associated with debit and ATM cards and is driven by the timing and volume of customer activity. E-banking expense increased slightly compared to the linked quarter and the third quarter of 2024. E-banking expense increased for the first nine months of 2025 when compared to 2024 due to customer activity.

Peoples' FDIC insurance premiums for the third quarter of 2025 were flat when compared to the linked quarter and the third quarter of 2024. FDIC premiums increased slightly for the first nine months of 2025 when compared to 2024.

Other loan expenses during the third quarter of 2025 remained relatively flat when compared to the linked quarter and increased slightly compared to the third quarter of 2024. Other loan expenses increased for the first nine months of 2025 when compared to 2024 due to increased down payment assistance expenses.

Operating lease expense remained flat when compared to the linked quarter and the third quarter of 2024. Operating lease expense increased for the first nine months of 2025 when compared to 2024 due to an increased volume of leases.

Marketing expense for the third quarter of 2025 increased when compared to the linked quarter primarily driven by a vendor credit received in the second quarter. Marketing expense decreased for the first nine months of 2025 when compared to 2024 due to lower advertising expenses.

Travel and entertainment expenses remained flat compared to the linked quarter and to the third quarter of 2024. Travel and entertainment increased slightly for the first nine months of 2025 when compared to 2024 due to timing of travel.

Communication expense decreased for the third quarter of 2025 when compared to both the linked quarter and the same period of the prior year. Communication expense decreased slightly for the first nine months of 2025 when compared to 2024.

Peoples is subject to state franchise taxes, which are based largely on Peoples' equity, in the states where Peoples has a physical presence. Franchise tax expense also includes the Ohio Financial Institution Tax ("FIT"), which is a business privilege tax that is imposed on financial institutions organized for profit and doing business in Ohio. The Ohio FIT is based on the total equity capital in proportion to the taxpayer's gross receipts in Ohio as of the most recent year-end. The increase in franchise tax expense for the third quarter of 2025 compared to the linked quarter related to a one-time refund from the State of Ohio. Franchise tax expense remained flat for the first nine months of 2025 when compared to 2024.

Other non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2025 decreased when compared to the linked quarter primarily due to lower corporate expenses. Other non-interest expense increased for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2025 when compared to same periods in 2024 due to increased expense on operating leases.

Income Tax Expense

Peoples recorded income tax expense of $8.5 million with an effective tax rate of 22.4% for the third quarter of 2025, compared to income tax expense of $6.2 million with an effective tax rate of 22.7% for the linked quarter and income tax expense of $9.2 million with an effective tax rate of 22.5% for the third quarter of 2024. The increase in income tax expense when compared to the prior quarter was primarily due to higher pre-tax income. The effective tax rate compared to the prior year quarter was relatively flat. Peoples recorded income tax expense of $21.8 million and $24.3 million, through the first nine months of 2025 and 2024, respectively. The decrease for the first nine months of 2025 compared to 2024 was driven by lower pre-tax income.

Additional information regarding income taxes can be found in "Note 13. Income Taxes" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Peoples' 2024 Form 10-K.

Pre-Provision Net Revenue (Non-US GAAP)

Pre-provision net revenue ("PPNR") has become a key financial measure used by state and federal bank regulatory agencies when assessing the capital adequacy of financial institutions. PPNR is defined as net interest income plus total non-interest income, excluding all gains and losses, minus total non-interest expense. As a result, PPNR represents the earnings capacity that can be either retained in order to build capital or used to absorb unexpected losses and preserve existing capital. This measure represents a Non-US GAAP financial measure since it excludes the provision for (recovery of) credit losses and all gains and losses included in earnings.

The increase in the PPNR for the third quarter of 2025 compared to the linked quarter was driven by an increase in net interest income due to higher income on loans and investment securities. PPNR for the first nine months of 2025 decreased slightly compared to 2024, primarily driven by lower accretion income, partially offset by lower funding costs.

Efficiency Ratio (Non-US GAAP)

The efficiency ratio is a key financial measure used to monitor performance. The efficiency ratio is calculated as total non-interest expense (less amortization of other intangible assets) as a percentage of FTE net interest income plus total non-interest income excluding net gains and losses. This measure is Non-US GAAP since it excludes amortization of other intangible assets and all gains and losses included in earnings, and uses FTE net interest income.

(a) Interest income and yields are presented on a fully tax-equivalent basis, using a 21% statutory federal corporate income tax rate.

The efficiency ratio for the third quarter of 2025 was 57.1%, compared to 59.3% for the linked quarter and 55.1% for the third quarter of 2024. The efficiency ratio improved compared to the linked quarter mainly as the result of higher net interest income and lower non-interest expenses. The efficiency ratio increased compared to the prior year first nine months due to the increase in non-interest expense. Peoples continues to focus on controlling expenses, while recognizing necessary costs in order to continue growing the business.

Return on Average Assets Adjusted for Non-Core Items Ratio (Non-US GAAP)

In addition to return on average assets, management uses return on average assets adjusted for non-core items to monitor performance. The return on average assets adjusted for non-core items ratio represents a Non-US GAAP financial measure since it excludes the after-tax impact of all gains and losses and acquisition-related expenses.

(a) Based on a 21% statutory federal corporate income tax rate.

The return on average assets and the return on average assets adjusted for non-core items for the third quarter of 2025 increased when compared to the linked quarter due to higher annualized net income. The decrease in the return on average assets and return on average assets adjusted for non-core items for the third quarter of 2025, compared to the third quarter of 2024, was attributable to a decrease in annualized net income driven by an increase in provision for credit losses and an increase in average assets. The decrease in return on average assets and return on average assets adjusted for non-core items for the first nine months of 2025 when compared to the same period of 2024 was primarily driven by a decrease in annualized net income from an increase in provision for credit losses and an increase in average assets.

Return on Average Tangible Equity Ratio (Non-US GAAP)

The return on average tangible equity ratio is a key financial measure used to monitor performance. This ratio 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 Non-US GAAP since it excludes amortization of other intangible assets from earnings and the impact of goodwill and other intangible assets acquired through acquisitions on total stockholders' equity.

(a) Based on a 21% statutory federal corporate income tax rate.

The return on total average stockholders' equity and average tangible equity ratios increased when compared to the linked quarter due to an increase in annualized net income. The decreases in the return on total average stockholders' equity and average tangible equity ratios for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same periods of 2024 were driven by lower net income.