PEOPLES BANCORP INC. DECLARES QUARTERLY DIVIDEND

Rhea-AI Summary

Peoples Bancorp Inc. declares a quarterly cash dividend of $0.39 per common share, representing a payout of approximately $13.8 million or 40.7% of reported fourth quarter 2023 earnings. The dividend produces an annualized yield of 4.93%. Peoples Bancorp Inc. is a diversified financial services holding company with $9.2 billion in total assets and 150 locations across several states. The company has a long-standing heritage of financial stability, growth, and community impact.

Financial Analyst

The announcement of Peoples Bancorp Inc.'s quarterly cash dividend of $0.39 per common share is a significant indicator of the company's current financial health and its commitment to shareholder returns. The payout ratio of approximately 40.7% of the company's reported earnings for the fourth quarter of 2023 suggests a balanced approach to dividend distribution, as it allows the company to retain a majority of its earnings for reinvestment and operational needs. This ratio is within a prudent range, considering that a payout ratio between 30% and 50% is generally viewed as sustainable and indicative of a company's confidence in its ongoing profitability.

Furthermore, the annualized yield of 4.93% based on the closing stock price is notably higher than the average savings account interest rate and certain government bond yields, making it an attractive figure for income-focused investors. However, investors should also consider the company's growth prospects and the stability of its dividend, as a high yield could also be a sign that the market is requiring a higher risk premium for holding the stock.

Market Research Analyst

Peoples Bancorp's status as a member of the Russell 3000 index implies a certain level of stability and recognition within the U.S. stock market. The index membership can provide increased visibility among institutional investors and can be associated with a more liquid market for the company's shares. It is also noteworthy that the company operates a diversified financial services holding company, which can be a double-edged sword in terms of risk. On one hand, diversification across different financial services can mitigate risk; on the other hand, it exposes the company to a variety of market conditions and regulatory environments.

Investors might also pay attention to the company's extensive geographic footprint across several states, which offers a mix of regional market exposure. This could be beneficial in terms of diversification and resilience against local economic downturns. However, it also requires efficient management of a widespread network, which could impact operational costs and overall profitability.

MARIETTA, Ohio, Jan. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Peoples Bancorp Inc. ("Peoples") (Nasdaq: PEBO) declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.39 per common share on January 22, 2024, payable on February 20, 2024, to shareholders of record on February 5, 2024.

This dividend represents a payout of approximately $13.8 million, or 40.7% of Peoples' reported fourth quarter 2023 earnings. Based on the closing stock price of Peoples' common shares of $31.63 on January 19, 2023, the quarterly dividend produces an annualized yield of 4.93%.

Peoples Bancorp Inc. is a diversified financial services holding company and makes available a complete line of banking, trust and investment, insurance and premium financing solutions through its subsidiaries. Peoples Bank has been headquartered in Marietta, Ohio since 1902. Peoples has established a heritage of financial stability, growth and community impact. Peoples had $9.2 billion in total assets as of December 31, 2023, and 150 locations, including 133 full-service bank branches in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland. Peoples is a member of the Russell 3000 index of U.S. publicly-traded companies. Learn more about Peoples at www.peoplesbancorp.com.

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SOURCE Peoples Bancorp Inc.

What is the quarterly cash dividend declared by Peoples Bancorp Inc.?

Peoples Bancorp Inc. declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.39 per common share on January 22, 2024.

What is the annualized yield of the quarterly dividend declared by Peoples Bancorp Inc.?

The quarterly dividend produces an annualized yield of 4.93% based on the closing stock price of Peoples' common shares on January 19, 2023.

How much are the total assets of Peoples Bancorp Inc.?

Peoples Bancorp Inc. had $9.2 billion in total assets as of December 31, 2023.

How many locations does Peoples Bancorp Inc. have?

Peoples Bancorp Inc. has 150 locations, including 133 full-service bank branches in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland.

What is the heritage of Peoples Bancorp Inc.?

Peoples Bancorp Inc. has established a heritage of financial stability, growth, and community impact.