Peoples Bancorp Annual Report 2020

Plain-text annual report

20 20 T R O P E R L A U N N A I . C N I P R O C N A B S E L P O E P WORKING TOGETHER. BUILDING SUCCESS. P047045 Cover 2021_PB_A.indd 1 P047045 Cover 2021_PB_A.indd 1 2/23/21 9:58 AM 2/23/21 9:58 AM PEOPLES BANCORP INC. Peoples Bancorp Inc. (Peoples) is a diversiﬁ ed ﬁ nancial services holding company and makes available a complete line of banking, trust and investment, insurance and premium ﬁ nancing solutions through its subsidiaries, Peoples Bank and Peoples Insurance Agency, LLC. Peoples’ common shares are traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market® under the symbol “PEBO”, and Peoples is a member of the Russell 3000 index of U.S. publicly-traded companies. TOTAL ANNUAL RETURN AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020 1-YEAR 3-YEAR 5-YEAR 18% 3% -2% -2% -3% -17% -18% 14% 12% 15% 8% 7% PEBO PEER GROUP RUSSELL 2000 FINANCIAL SERVICES S&P 500 Total Return includes impact of dividends Peers include: SRCE, NWBI, CHCO, CCNE, CTBI, PRK, SMNB, SCF, HBNC, PFC, SNMF, THFF, GABC, STBA, LKSN, SYBT, TMP, FISI, TSC, CIVB, NBTB Source: Bloomberg PEOPLES BANK has been headquartered in Marietta, Ohio since 1902 and has established a heritage of ﬁ nancial stability, growth and community impact. Peoples had $4.8 billion in total assets as of December 31, 2020, and 88 locations, including 76 full-service bank branches in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. CLEVELAND COLUMBUS MARIETTA CHARLESTON CINCINNATI LEXINGTON P047045 Cover 2021_PB_A.indd 2 P047045 Cover 2021_PB_A.indd 2 2/23/21 9:58 AM 2/23/21 9:58 AM A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO Dear Fellow Shareholders, 2020 was a rollercoaster! Peoples associates worked tirelessly for our clients and our communities during a once in a lifetime pandemic and a year full of civic unrest. Bank stocks were not treated well in 2020. Fortunately, Peoples common stock performed modestly better in total shareholder return for 2020 than the average of our proxy peer group. This consistent performance has led us to beat the average total shareholder return of our proxy peer group over the last one, three and ﬁ ve year periods. For the past ﬁ ve years, our total shareholder return performance is ﬁ ve percentage points greater than the average of our proxy peer group. During this time, bank stocks have underperformed the S&P 500 index, which has been partially fueled by tech stocks. As of January 31, 2021, small cap bank stocks have rallied and have closed much of the underperformance relative to the S&P 500. Pandemic Efforts and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) In March 2020, the nation shut down to ﬁ ght the pandemic. Our branch lobbies went to ”Open by Appointment” and our non-client facing associates largely started to work from home. Heroic efforts by our technology and facilities teams enabled us to quickly get people working from home or in safe, socially distant ofﬁ ce space. During this time, we decided to move forward with our technology plans to update both our consumer and commercial loan origination systems. This proved to be fortuitous. In Q3 2020, we had record indirect lending volume, almost double our Q3 2019 volume. We would not have been able to process the volume on our old consumer loan origination system. The Paycheck Protection Program provided protection to businesses across our footprint. Our team worked day and night, seven days a week, to help our clients as well as customers whose banks were not able to perform. We have secured hundreds of new clients and successfully expanded relationships with insurance, investments and additional banking services to these new customers. Current Expected Credit Losses (CECL) and Business Results CECL is an accounting convention we adopted in 2020. It requires banks to reserve funds for future credit losses that are embedded in its portfolio. The models are built based on economic factors. The jolt the economy suffered because of the spring shutdown caused unemployment forecasts to rise and GDP growth forecast to crater. As a result, we were required to put $33 million aside for reserves in the ﬁ rst three quarters in 2020. Fortunately, things were beginning to look better and in the fourth quarter and we were able to bring $7 million of this back into earnings. We expect CECL to cause some volatility to our earnings for years to come. Chuck Sulerzyski President & CEO P047045 2021_PB_AnnualReport_MECH - Text.indd 1 P047045 2021_PB_AnnualReport_MECH - Text.indd 1 1 2/23/21 8:01 AM 2/23/21 8:01 AM $1.32 $1.37 $1.16 $4.0 $4.4 $4.8 2018 2020 2019 CASH DIVIDENDS (Paid on Common Shares) 2018 2020 2019 TOTAL ASSETS ($ Billions) 15 bps .0% .5% .0% .5% 0% 4 bps 5 bps 2018 2019 2020 NET CHARGE OFF (as a Percent of Average Total Loans) 2020 was a record year for Peoples in production of indirect loans and mortgages. Our consumer lending team and the operations professionals who support these business worked tirelessly to book these loans. Consumer demand remained high despite the economic conditions. Peoples Premium Finance and Future Acquisitions We had the good fortune to acquire an insurance premium ﬁ nance business in July of 2020. This business provides loans across the country to businesses who desire to ﬁ nance their insurance premiums. We see this as a support to our insurance agency and an opportunity for growth. In the last 6 months of the year, premium ﬁ nance loan balances grew from $85 million to $115 million. We remain optimistic about our ability to acquire additional banks and insurance, investment and specialty ﬁ nance businesses. Speciﬁ cally, we would like to acquire banks contiguous to our footprint or that densify our existing footprint. Community and Employee Support The economic shock of the pandemic caused a huge increase in need for hunger relief from food assistance programs. Peoples Board of Directors approved a $250,000 grant to The Peoples Bank Foundation to primarily ﬁ ght hunger. We also were able to get $85,000 in matching funds from business partners including FIS, Raymond James and JobsOhio. Even more impressive was the $116,055 our employees donated out of their own pockets to help ﬁ ght hunger. We are also proud to be one of the ﬁ rst corporate sponsors, along with Kroger and Bose, of the Joe Burrow Hunger Relief Fund. The Peoples Bank Foundation awarded almost $750,000 in grants in 2020, the most it has ever awarded in a single year. This included grants to ﬁ ght COVID-19, including a $100,000 matching challenge for Marietta Memorial Hospital that was met by the donors of the Mid-Ohio Valley region in just a few weeks. The stress of the pandemic to our associates has been huge. Again, I am proud that our Board of Directors provided support, including a stock grant to associates under the level of Vice President, providing emergency funds for employee hardship situations, and reimbursement for the cost of additional child and elder care expenses. Our associates rose to the challenge with the implementation of system changes, the participation in the PPP, the production of record numbers of indirect and mortgage loans, and the attention given to client service throughout the year. 2 P047045 2021_PB_AnnualReport_MECH - Text.indd 2 P047045 2021_PB_AnnualReport_MECH - Text.indd 2 2/23/21 8:01 AM 2/23/21 8:01 AM Management and Board Changes We reorganized several executive positions in the company during 2020. These include: • Jason Eakle, Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer, effective April 1, 2020 • Richard Vaughan, Executive Vice President, Retail and Business Banking, effective July 1, 2020 • Katie Bailey, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, effective October 1, 2020 • Tyler Wilcox, Executive Vice President, President of Community Banking Group effective October 1, 2020 • Mark Augenstein, Executive Vice President, Chief Administration Officer, effective October 1, 2020 These professionals, combined with other team members, will provide leadership for decades to come. I am in awe of their ability, optimistic about their growth potential and grateful for their dedication. In October 1, 2020, David Mead stepped down as Chairman of the Board and announced that he would retire from the Board of Directors on March 31, 2021. David has provided 15 years of wisdom and counsel to Peoples. He has made many meaningful contributions, including serving as interim CEO from 2010-2011. I am thankful for the education and support he has provided me. Susan Rector became our new Chairman of the Board on October 1, 2020. Susan has served on the Board of Directors for over 10 years, providing a voice of reason and wisdom. We are very fortunate to have such an accomplished individual step into this very important role. We also welcomed Michael Vittorio as a member of the Board of Directors in January of 2021. Mike was a successful CEO of The First National Bank of Long Island for 17 years. I look forward to beneﬁ ting from his experience and knowledge. Sadly, former director, Paul Theisen, passed away in December of 2020. Paul ably served the Board from 1978-2012. We will miss and remember his wisdom, humor and caring manner. Last and Most Important....Our Culture “Working Together, Building Success” is our tag line and our way of life. In 2020, our team moved mountains and outperformed much larger banks in taking care of the client. Why? Because it is in our DNA to take care of ourselves, each other and our clients. All of us help each other to improve our knowledge and execution through active coaching and engagement. It is this spirit of caring that creates partnerships across the businesses to positively impact customers and communities. It is our culture that deﬁ nes what people do when no one is looking. And in 2020, the excellence of our colleagues shined through the clouds created by dire health and economic conditions. We are very thankful to our shareholders for the faith they have shown in us. We will continue to strive for superior shareholder returns. For our clients, we will continue to keep our services at the highest level of excellence, whether you prefer electronic or personal delivery. For our associates, we will continue to do everything we can to provide an environment that allows you to show your excellence. For our communities, we will continue to be committed to making a difference where we work and live. Thank you all for your love of Peoples! All the best, ki P ident and Chuck Sulerzyski, President and CEO P047045 2021_PB_AnnualReport_MECH - Text.indd 3 P047045 2021_PB_AnnualReport_MECH - Text.indd 3 3 2/23/21 8:01 AM 2/23/21 8:01 AM OUR COMMUNITIES AND OUR ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT ARE VITAL TO OUR SUCCESS. 4 P047045 2021_PB_AnnualReport_MECH - Text.indd 4 P047045 2021_PB_AnnualReport_MECH - Text.indd 4 2/23/21 8:01 AM 2/23/21 8:01 AM STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION Stock Listing NASDAQ Symbol: PEBO NASDAQ Global Select Market, CUSIP 709789101 Alternate Newspaper Listings: PEBOOH and PeBcOh Corporate Ofﬁ ces Peoples’ Headquarters: 138 Putnam Street, PO Box 738 Marietta, OH 45750-0738 Investor Relations: 740.374.6136 peoplesbancorp.com Stock Transfer Agent, Registrar Shareowner Services 161 N. Concord Exchange South St. Paul, MN 55075 800.468.9716 • shareowneronline.com General Shareholder Inquiries Peoples Bancorp Inc. Attn: Investor Relations 138 Putnam Street, PO Box 738 Marietta, OH 45750-0738 P047045 2021_PB_AnnualReport_MECH - Text.indd 5 P047045 2021_PB_AnnualReport_MECH - Text.indd 5 5 2/23/21 8:01 AM 2/23/21 8:01 AM PEOPLES BANCORP INC. AND PEOPLES BANK DIRECTORS TARA M. ABRAHAM Chairman and Co-CEO Accel, Inc. S. CRAIG BEAM Owner Thorobeam Farm, LLC BROOKE W. JAMES Partner WMSALL Farms DAVID L. MEAD Professor (Retired) Marietta College GEORGE W. BROUGHTON SUSAN D. RECTOR Vice Chairman, Peoples Bancorp Inc. Chairman, Peoples Bancorp Inc. and Peoples Bank Owner and President and Peoples Bank Attorney-At-Law Broughton Commercial Properties, LLC Peterson Conners LLP GWB Oil & Gas, LLC DAVID F. DIERKER Banking Executive (Retired) SunTrust Banks, Inc. JAMES S. HUGGINS Attorney-At-Law Theisen Brock, LPA CHUCK SULERZYSKI President and Chief Executive Ofﬁ cer Peoples Bancorp Inc. and Peoples Bank MICHAEL N. VITTORIO Banking Executive (Retired) The First National Bank of Long Island 6 P047045 2021_PB_AnnualReport_MECH - Text.indd 6 P047045 2021_PB_AnnualReport_MECH - Text.indd 6 2/23/21 8:01 AM 2/23/21 8:01 AM OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS EMERITUS Peoples Bancorp Inc. Officers CHUCK SULERZYSKI President and Chief Executive Ofﬁ cer KATHRYN M. BAILEY Executive Vice President Chief Financial Ofﬁ cer and Treasurer MARK J. AUGENSTEIN Executive Vice President Operations JASON M. EAKLE Executive Vice President Chief Credit Ofﬁ cer DOUGLAS V. WYATT Executive Vice President Chief Commercial Banking Ofﬁ cer TYLER J. WILCOX Executive Vice President Community Banking Peoples Bancorp Inc. Directors Emeritus DAVE M. ARCHER BRENDA F. JONES, M.D. CARL L. BAKER, JR. FRED R. PRICE FRANK L. CHRISTY ROBERT W. PRICE WILFORD D. DIMIT T. PAT SAUBER RICHARD FERGUSON THOMAS J. WOLF M. RYAN KIRKHAM Executive Vice President General Counsel and Corporate Secretary DAVID A. GROSSMAN Controller KRISTEN K. HAYNES-WICKLINE Assistant Controller AMY M. AUCH Assistant Corporate Secretary ANNE P. GILLILAND Assistant Corporate Secretary CATHY M. LAWRENCE Assistant Corporate Secretary Peoples Bank Director Emeritus HAROLD D. LAUGHLIN P047045 2021_PB_AnnualReport_MECH - Text.indd 7 P047045 2021_PB_AnnualReport_MECH - Text.indd 7 7 2/23/21 8:01 AM 2/23/21 8:01 AM MAP AND LOCATIONS MAP AND LOCATIONS Warren County Carlisle Franklin Hamilton Township Lebanon Mason Springboro Waynesville Washington County Belpre Lowell Marietta Reno WEST VIRGINIA Cabell County Huntington Kanawha County Charleston Mason County Point Pleasant Tyler County Sistersville Wetzel County New Martinsville Wood County Parkersburg Vienna OHIO Athens County Athens Nelsonville Brown County Georgetown Mount Orab Sardinia Clermont County Batavia Milford Williamsburg Clinton County Blanchester New Vienna Sabina Wilmington Coshocton County Coshocton Cuyahoga County Beachwood Lyndhurst Fairﬁ eld County Baltimore Lancaster Franklin County Worthington Gallia County Gallipolis Guernsey County Byesville Cambridge Hamilton County Cincinati Madeira Montgomery Highland County Hillsboro Jackson County Jackson Wellston Knox County Mount Vernon Licking County Heath Newark Meigs County Pomeroy Morgan County McConnelsville Muskingum County Zanesville Noble County Caldwell Pike County Waverly Scioto County Portsmouth Sciotoville Wheelersburg Summit County Akron Cuyahoga Falls Munroe Falls Norton Stark County North Canton KENTUCKY Boyd County Ashland Summit Floyd County Martin Prestonsburg Greenup County Greenup Russell Johnson County Paintsville Magofﬁ n County Salyersville Martin County Inez Pike County Pikeville Scott County Georgetown (Not pictured) MISSOURI Jackson County Lee’s Summit CLEVELAND COLUMBUS MARIETTA CHARLESTON CINCINNATI LEXINGTON 8 Peoples locations as of March 12, 2021 P047045 2021_PB_AnnualReport_MECH - Text.indd 8 P047045 2021_PB_AnnualReport_MECH - Text.indd 8 2/23/21 8:01 AM 2/23/21 8:01 AM UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (Mark One) ☒ For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 OR TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 ☐ For the transition period from ____ to ____ Commission File Number: 000-16772 PEOPLES BANCORP INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Ohio (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 31-0987416 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 138 Putnam Street, P.O. Box 738, Marietta, Ohio (Address of principal executive offices) 45750-0738 (Zip Code) Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: (740) 373-3155 Title of each class Common shares, without par value Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered PEBO The Nasdaq Stock Market None Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes x No o Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer o o Accelerated filer Smaller reporting company Emerging growth company x ☐ ☐ If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report . ☒ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No x State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter: As of June 30, 2020 (the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter), the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common shares (the only common equity of the registrant) held by non-affiliates was $404,671,000 based upon the closing price as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market®. For this purpose, executive officers and directors of the registrant are considered affiliates. Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date: 19,623,956 common shares, without par value, at February 26, 2021. Document Incorporated by Reference: Portions of Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 22, 2021 (the "2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders"), are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I ITEM 1 ITEM 1A ITEM 1B ITEM 2 ITEM 3 ITEM 4 PART II Business Risk Factors Unresolved Staff Comments Properties Legal Proceedings Mine Safety Disclosures (not applicable) ITEM 5 Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of ITEM 6 ITEM 7 Equity Securities Selected Financial Data Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ITEM 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ITEM 8 ITEM 9 ITEM 9A ITEM 9B PART III ITEM 10 ITEM 11 ITEM 12 ITEM 13 ITEM 14 PART IV ITEM 15 ITEM 16 SIGNATURES Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure Controls and Procedures Other Information Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance Executive Compensation Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence Principal Accountant Fees and Services Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules Form 10-K Summary (not applicable) 4 20 34 34 35 35 36 38 40 82 82 82 83 83 145 145 145 146 146 147 147 153 3 As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this "Form 10-K"), "Peoples" refers to Peoples Bancorp Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries collectively, except where the context indicates the reference relates solely to the registrant, Peoples Bancorp Inc. Unless otherwise indicated, all note references contained in this Form 10-K refer to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included immediately following "ITEM 9B OTHER INFORMATION" of this Form 10-K. PART I ITEM 1 BUSINESS The disclosures set forth in this Item are qualified by "ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS" and the section captioned "Forward-Looking Statements" in "ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Form 10-K and other cautionary statements set forth elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Corporate Overview Peoples Bancorp Inc. is a financial holding company, which was organized in 1980. Peoples operates principally through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Peoples Bank, an Ohio state-chartered bank which was first chartered in 1902. Peoples' other wholly- owned subsidiaries are Peoples Investment Company ("PIC") and Peoples Risk Management, Inc., a captive insurance subsidiary. Peoples also holds all of the common securities of NB&T Statutory Trust III. Peoples Bank's operating subsidiaries include Peoples Insurance Agency, LLC ("Peoples Insurance"), and an asset management company, Peoples Tax Credit Equity, LLC. Business Overview Peoples makes available a complete line of commercial and consumer banking, trust and investment, insurance and premium financing solutions through its financial subsidiaries – Peoples Bank and Peoples Insurance. These products and services include the following: various demand deposit accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts and certificates of deposit; commercial loans, residential real estate loans, home equity lines of credit, consumer loans and Overdraft Privilege; debit and automated teller machine ("ATM") cards; credit cards for individuals and businesses; ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ merchant credit card transaction processing services; person-to-person payment processing via Zelle®; ◦ ◦ mobile banking features including check deposit, withdrawals with cardless cash, alert notifications, Apple Pay® and Samsumg Pay®; safe deposit rental facilities; ◦ ◦ money orders and cashier's checks; ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ a full range of life, health, and property and casualty insurance products; third-party insurance administration services; insurance premium financing; brokerage services; custom-tailored fiduciary and trust services; asset management and administration services; and employee benefit, retirement, and health care plan administration services. Peoples' financial products and services are primarily offered through its financial service locations and ATMs in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia, as well as through online resources that are web and mobile based. Peoples' premium financing services are offered nationwide. Brokerage services are offered exclusively through an unaffiliated registered broker-dealer located at Peoples Bank's offices. Indirect consumer lending activities are offered through approved dealerships. Peoples Bank credit card and merchant processing services are provided through joint marketing arrangements with third parties. Peoples' business activities are currently limited to one reporting unit and reportable operating segment, which is community banking. For a discussion of Peoples' financial performance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, see Peoples' Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Peoples has a history of expanding its business, including its customer base and primary market area, through a combination of internal growth and targeted acquisitions. The internal growth may include the opening of de novo banking and loan production offices located in or near Peoples' existing market area. Acquisitions have consisted of traditional banking offices and loan production offices, both individually and as part of entire financial institutions, insurance agencies and financial advisory books of business. The primary objectives of Peoples' expansion efforts include: (1) providing opportunities to integrate non-traditional products and services, such as insurance and investment administration and management, and insurance premium financing, with the traditional banking products offered to Peoples' clients; (2) increasing market share in existing markets; (3) expanding Peoples' core financial service businesses of banking, insurance and investment and investment management; and (4) improving operating efficiency by directing resources toward offices and markets with the greatest earnings opportunities. 4 Recent Corporate Developments On January 29, 2021, Peoples announced that on January 28, 2021, Peoples' Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program authorizing Peoples to purchase up to an aggregate of $30 million of its outstanding common shares. This program replaced the previous share repurchase program, which had authorized Peoples to purchase up to an aggregate of $40 million of its outstanding common shares and under which an aggregate of $28.4 million had been purchased through the termination of the previous share repurchase program on January 28, 2021. Effective July 1, 2020, Peoples completed the business combination under which Peoples Bank acquired the operations and assets of Triumph Premium Finance (referred to as the "premium finance acquisition"), a division of TBK Bank, SSB. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the division operating as Peoples Premium Finance continues to provide insurance premium financing loans for commercial customers to purchase property and casualty insurance products through its growing network of independent insurance agency partners nationwide. Peoples Bank acquired $84.7 million in loans, at acquisition date, after fair value adjustments. Peoples also recorded $4.3 million of other intangible assets and $5.5 million of goodwill. As of December 31, 2020, Peoples Premium Finance loans had grown to $114.8 million. Refer to "Note 19 Acquisitions" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. Primary Market Area and Customers Peoples considers its primary market area to be comprised of those counties where it has a physical branch presence and their contiguous counties. This includes northeastern, central, southwestern and southeastern Ohio, eastern and central Kentucky, and west central West Virginia. Peoples currently operates 64 locations in Ohio, 13 locations in Kentucky, 10 locations in West Virginia and a premium finance lending office in Missouri. Peoples' market area consists of rural, small urban and metropolitan markets and serves a diverse group of industries and employers. Principal industries served in Peoples' primary markets include manufacturing, distribution, commercial real estate, health care, education, municipal, agricultural, automotive, wholesale and retail trade, franchise, and service-related industries. This broad-based economic region provides diversity, which helps prevent Peoples' revenue and earnings from being largely dependent upon any single industry segment. The COVID-19 pandemic has created disruptions throughout Peoples' primary market area. Governments, businesses, and the public have taken unprecedented actions to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to mitigate its effects, including quarantines, travel bans, shelter-in-place orders, closures of businesses and schools, government fiscal stimulus, payment programs, and legislation designed to deliver monetary aid and other Federal Reserve Board monetary policy. This has had a negative impact on the customers of Peoples, including businesses and individuals. The effectiveness and timing of the rollout of vaccines to the general public is unpredictable, and therefore, the pandemic could continue to impact Peoples' market area and customers. Lending Activities Peoples Bank originates various types of loans, including commercial loans (comprised of commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, and construction loans), premium finance loans, residential real estate loans, home equity lines of credit, consumer loans (comprised of both indirect and direct loans) and Overdraft Privilege. Peoples Bank's lending activities are focused principally on lending opportunities within its primary market areas, with the exception of its premium finance lending, although Peoples Bank may occasionally originate loans outside its primary markets. In general, Peoples Bank retains the majority of loans it originates; however, certain longer-term fixed rate mortgage loan originations, primarily one-to-four family residential mortgages, and portions of select commercial real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans are sold into the secondary market or to other financial institutions. Peoples Bank's loans consist of credit extensions to borrowers spread over a broad range of industrial classifications. At December 31, 2020, Peoples Bank had no concentration of loans to borrowers engaged in the same or similar industries that exceeded 10% of total loans (also referred to as "loans, net of deferred fees and costs"), nor did Peoples Bank have any loans outstanding to non- United States ("U.S.") entities. Commercial Lending Commercial loans include commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, and construction loans. Commercial loans represented the largest portion of Peoples Bank's total loan portfolio, comprising approximately 59.0% and 55.2% of total loans at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Commercial lending inherently carries a significant degree of risk of loss since commercial loan relationships generally involve larger loan balances than other loan classes. Commercial loan terms include amortization schedules and interest rates commensurate with the purpose of each loan, the identified source of repayment, and the risk involved. The majority of Peoples Bank's commercial loans carry variable interest rates equal to an underlying index rate plus a margin, although Peoples Bank also originates commercial loans with fixed interest rates for periods generally ranging from three to ten years. At December 31, 2020, the commercial loan portfolio consisted of 42.3% in variable interest rate loans and 57.7% in fixed interest rate loans. In determining whether to grant a commercial loan, Peoples Bank primarily reviews a schedule of cash flows to evaluate whether the borrower's anticipated future cash flows will be adequate to service both interest and principal due. 5 Peoples Bank also originates variable rate loans with interest rate swaps, where the customer enters into an interest rate swap with Peoples Bank on terms that match the terms of the loan. By entering into the interest rate swap with the customer, Peoples Bank effectively provides the customer with a fixed rate loan while creating a variable rate asset for Peoples Bank. Peoples Bank offsets its exposure in the swap by entering into an offsetting interest rate swap with an unaffiliated financial institution. These interest rate swaps do not qualify as designated hedges; therefore, each swap is accounted for as a standalone derivative. Peoples Bank evaluates all commercial loan relationships whose aggregate credit exposure is greater than $1.0 million on an annual basis for possible credit deterioration. This loan review process provides Peoples Bank with opportunities to identify potential problem loans and take proactive actions to assure repayment of the loan or minimize Peoples Bank's risk of loss, such as reviewing the relationship more frequently based upon the loan quality rating and aggregate outstanding exposure. Upon detection of the reduced ability of a borrower to meet cash flow obligations, the loan is reviewed for possible downgrade in the loan quality rating or placement on nonaccrual status. Peoples Bank also completes evaluation procedures for a selection of larger loan relationships on a quarterly basis. Loan relationships whose aggregate credit exposure to Peoples Bank is equal to or less than $1.0 million are reviewed on an event driven basis. Triggers for review include a borrower's request to renew a maturing loan or line of credit, actual knowledge of adverse events affecting the borrower's business, receipt of financial statements indicating deteriorating credit quality, or other similar events. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020, as amended (the “CARES Act”), was signed into law on March 27, 2020, to provide national emergency economic relief measures. The CARES Act amended the loan program of the Small Business Administration (the “SBA”), in which Peoples Bank participates, to create a guaranteed, unsecured loan program, the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”), to fund operational costs of eligible businesses, organizations and self-employed persons during COVID-19. An extension of these economic relief measures was taken upon the enactment in December 2020 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Commercial and Industrial Loans Commercial and industrial loans are loans to operating companies for purposes of financing working capital needs, fixed asset acquisitions, acquisitions of other businesses, and other business activities. Typically, these loans are secured with business assets and, in some cases, owner-occupied real estate, and are personally guaranteed by the owners of the operating companies. The primary source of repayment of this type of loan is generally cash flows generated from operations of the business, which can be susceptible to adverse changes in economic conditions of the general economy as a whole or within a specific industry. Also included in commercial and industrial loan balances were the PPP loans. At December 31, 2020, commercial and industrial loans comprised 28.6% of Peoples Bank's total loan portfolio compared to 23.1% at December 31, 2019. Commercial Real Estate Loans Peoples Bank's portfolio of commercial real estate loans comprised 27.3% of total loans at December 31, 2020, and 29.0% at December 31, 2019. Peoples Bank originates commercial real estate loans for both owner-occupied commercial real estate and non-owner-occupied investment commercial real estate. Generally, the real estate securing these loans is stabilized and typically the loans are personally guaranteed by the owners of the borrowing entities. Normally, owner-occupied commercial real estate loans are secured by office buildings, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and other commercial and industrial properties occupied by operating companies. The source of repayment for this type of loan is typically cash flow from the operating company occupying the real estate. Investment commercial real estate generally includes office buildings and complexes, retail facilities, multifamily complexes, land under development, and industrial properties, as well as other commercial or industrial real estate. Typically, the primary source of repayment of this type of loan is rental income generated from leasing activities. Construction Loans Peoples Bank originates construction loans to provide temporary financing during the construction phase for commercial and residential properties. Peoples Bank's construction lending is focused primarily on commercial and residential projects of select real estate developers. These projects include the construction of apartment, office, retail, industrial complexes, and other commercial and residential projects. The underwriting criteria for construction loans are generally the same as for non- construction loans. Construction loans comprised 3.1% of Peoples Bank's total loan portfolio at both December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Construction financing is generally considered to involve higher credit risk since Peoples Bank is dependent largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property's value at the completion of construction and the estimated cost (including interest) of construction. If the estimated construction cost proves to be inaccurate, Peoples Bank may be required to advance funds beyond the amount originally committed to enable completion of the project. If the estimate of value proves inaccurate, Peoples Bank may be confronted, at or prior to the maturity of the loan, with a property having a value insufficient to ensure full repayment, should the borrower default. In the event a default on a construction loan occurs and foreclosure follows, Peoples Bank must take control of the project and attempt to either arrange for completion of construction or sell the collateral of the unfinished project. In certain cases, such as real estate development projects, repayment of construction loans occurs as a result of 6 subsequent sale of the developed real estate. Additional risk exists in these cases as the developer may lack funds to repay the loan if the property is not sold upon completion. To mitigate the risk of construction lending, Peoples Bank requires periodic site inspections, typically completed by an independent third party, to ensure appropriate completion of the project prior to any disbursements. Construction loans are structured to provide sufficient time to complete construction, giving consideration to weather or other variables that influence completion time. Peoples Bank typically requires the term of its construction loans to be less than three years. Premium Finance Loans Peoples Bank's portfolio of premium finance loans comprised 3.4% of total loans at December 31, 2020, with the portfolio having been acquired during 2020. The premium finance loans are originated through independent insurance agency partners nationwide and provide funding for the purchase by borrowers of property and casualty insurance policies from the insurance agency partners. The loans are secured by the refundable, unearned premiums with respect to the underlying insurance policies. These loans require a 15%-20% down payment followed by no less than nine consecutive, equal monthly payments of principal plus interest. This type of lending is relatively low risk, as the loan amount is generally less than the refundable, unearned premiums of the underlying insurance policy. If the loan becomes delinquent, the underlying insurance policy is cancelled, and the unearned premiums are refunded directly to Peoples Bank. Residential Real Estate Loans Peoples Bank's portfolio of residential real estate loans comprised 16.9% of total loans at December 31, 2020, and 23.0% at December 31, 2019. The residential real estate loans originated by Peoples Bank may either be retained in its loan portfolio, or sold into the secondary market with servicing either retained by Peoples Bank or sold with the loan. Peoples Bank also had $4.7 million of residential real estate loans held for sale and was servicing $486.0 million of loans, consisting primarily of one-to-four family residential mortgages, which had previously been sold into the secondary market, in each case, as of December 31, 2020. Peoples Bank also originates and retains jumbo residential mortgage loans for primary and secondary residences, which are nonconforming loans that have higher loan amounts than those acceptable for sale to the government-sponsored enterprises to which Peoples Bank typically sells residential mortgage loans. Peoples Bank originates both fixed rate and variable rate residential real estate loans. From time-to-time, Peoples Bank sells its longer-term fixed rate real estate loans into the secondary market; however, Peoples Bank may retain certain fixed rate real estate loans. Peoples Bank typically requires residential real estate loan amounts to be no more than 80% of the purchase price or the appraised value of the real estate securing the loan, whichever is lower, unless private mortgage insurance is obtained by the borrower for the percentage exceeding 80%. In limited circumstances, Peoples Bank may lend up to 100% of the appraised value of the real estate, although such lending currently is limited to loans that qualify under established federally-backed rural housing programs or through a designated low-to-moderate income loan program. Numerous risk factors attributable to real estate lending are considered during underwriting for the purposes of establishing an interest rate commensurate with the inherent risks of the loan. Residential real estate loans are typically secured by first mortgages with evidence of title in favor of Peoples Bank in the form of an attorney's opinion of the title or a title insurance policy. Peoples Bank requires insurance, with Peoples Bank named as the mortgagee and loss payee. Peoples Bank requires evidence of insurance at the time of the loan closing. Additionally, Peoples Bank has a blanket insurance policy to cover loans secured by real estate with outstanding balances of less than $1 million that do not include an insurance escrow account. For loans secured by real estate with outstanding balances over $1 million or those that include an insurance escrow account, Peoples Bank force-places an insurance policy to cover the residential real estate loan when the borrower fails to maintain adequate insurance. Licensed appraisals are required for all residential real estate loans, and are completed by an independent third party. A compliance officer assigned to the line of business is responsible for working with the management team to identify, implement and test regulatory compliance controls. Home Equity Lines of Credit Peoples Bank originates home equity lines of credit that provide consumers with greater flexibility in financing personal expenditures. At December 31, 2020, outstanding home equity lines of credit comprised 3.6% of Peoples Bank's total loans, compared to 4.6% at December 31, 2019. Peoples Bank currently offers home equity lines of credit with a prime-based variable rate for the entire 10-year term of the loan and fixed rate installment loans with five-year to 20-year terms. At December 31, 2020, Peoples Bank's home equity loan portfolio consisted of 98.0% in variable interest rate loans and 2.0% in fixed interest rate loans. Peoples Bank also offers a home equity line of credit product whose terms include a fixed rate for the first five years, which converts to a variable interest rate for the remaining five years. At December 31, 2020, 17.6% of the total home equity loan portfolio was represented by convertible rate home equity lines of credit, with total outstanding principal balances and available credit amounts of $26.1 million and $31.6 million, respectively, and a weighted-average remaining maturity of 7.3 years. The average original loan amount under these convertible rate home equity lines of credit was $40,000 at December 31, 2020. 7 Home equity lines of credit are generally made as second mortgages by Peoples Bank. The maximum amount of a home equity line of credit is generally limited to 80% of the appraised value of the property less the balance of the first mortgage. Peoples Bank may lend up to 90% of the appraised value of the property (less the balance of the first mortgage) at higher interest rates that are commensurate with the additional risk being assumed in these situations. The home equity lines of credit are written with 10-year terms and are subject to a new underwriting review upon request for renewal. Consumer Lending Peoples Bank's consumer lending activities include consumer indirect loans and consumer direct loans, which primarily involve loans secured by automobiles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles and other personal property, as well as unsecured loans and personal lines of credit. Consumer loans generally involve more risk as to collectability than real estate mortgage loans because of the type and nature of the collateral or, in certain instances, the absence of collateral. As a result, consumer lending collections are dependent upon the borrower's continued financial stability, and are at more risk from adverse changes in personal circumstances. In addition, application of various state and federal laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, could limit the amount that may be recovered under these loans. Credit approval for consumer loans typically requires demonstration of sufficiency of income to repay principal and interest due, stability of employment, an established credit record and sufficient collateral for secured loans. It is the policy of Peoples Bank to review its consumer loan portfolio monthly and to charge-off loans that do not meet its ongoing standards, while strictly adhering to all laws and regulations governing consumer lending. A compliance officer assigned to the line of business is responsible for working with the management team to identify, implement and test regulatory compliance controls. Consumer Indirect Loans Peoples Bank originates consumer indirect loans through select dealerships, which generally include loans secured by automobiles, motorcycles and recreational vehicles. At December 31, 2020, consumer indirect loans comprised 14.8% of Peoples Bank's total loan portfolio, compared to 14.5% at December 31, 2019. Consumer indirect loans are originated at the point of sale, or dealership, and are subject to the same pricing structure and underwriting process as consumer loans originated through the retail branch channel. Consumer indirect lending offers Peoples Bank the opportunity to access additional customers outside of its primary office locations. Peoples Bank offers consumer indirect lending for new and pre-owned vehicles through approved franchise or independent dealerships. These dealerships undergo an approval process whereby Peoples Bank reviews the dealership licensing and industry experience, evaluates customer experience with the dealership and completes an inspection of the inventory, showroom, and general facilities. On an ongoing basis, the dealerships are monitored based on production volume, application approval rates, portfolio default rates, and adherence to loan pricing guidelines. Consumer Direct Loans Peoples Bank originates consumer direct loans primarily through its office locations. Consumer direct loans generally include loans secured by automobiles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles and other personal property; unsecured loans; and personal lines of credit. Consumer direct loans differ from consumer indirect loans as they include expanded products, such as unsecured loans, or loans secured by stock or deposits. Consumer direct loans comprised 2.3% of Peoples Bank's total loan portfolio at December 31, 2020 and 2.7% of total loans at December 31, 2019. Overdraft Privilege Peoples Bank grants Overdraft Privilege to qualified customers. Overdraft Privilege is a service that provides overdraft protection to deposit customers, both individual and business, by establishing an Overdraft Privilege amount. After a 60-day waiting period to verify account activity, each new checking account usually receives an Overdraft Privilege amount of $400, $700 or $1,000 based on the type of account and other parameters, such as previous charge-off history or credit loss. Customers also have the ability to opt-out of Overdraft Privilege offered by Peoples. Once established, customers are permitted to overdraw their checking account at Peoples Bank's discretion, up to their Overdraft Privilege limit, with each item being charged Peoples Bank's regular overdraft fee, with a maximum of seven charges per day when the customer's account is overdrawn more than $5. Customers repay the overdraft with their next deposit. Overdraft Privilege is designed to allow Peoples Bank to fill the void between traditional overdraft protection, such as a line of credit, and "check cashing stores." Under federal banking regulations, Peoples Bank is required to obtain the consent of its customers in order to apply Overdraft Privilege to ATM and one-time debit card transactions. While Overdraft Privilege generates fee income, these fees may be offset by additions to the provision for credit losses necessary to ensure the maintenance of an appropriate allowance for credit losses against overdrafts deemed uncollectable. This allowance, along with the related provision and net charge-offs, was included in determining Peoples Bank's allowance for credit losses. At December 31, 2020, the unfunded commitment related to Overdraft Privilege was $50.1 million. Investment Activities At December 31, 2020, investment securities comprised 18.0% of Peoples' total assets, compared to 23.2% at December 31, 2019. The majority of Peoples' investment activities are conducted through Peoples Bank, although Peoples and its non-banking subsidiary, PIC, also may engage in investment activities from time to time. Investment activity by Peoples Bank is subject to certain regulatory guidelines and limitations on the types of securities eligible for purchase. As a result, the investment securities 8 owned by Peoples Bank at December 31, 2020 included agencies and corporations of the U.S. government, including mortgage- backed securities, bank eligible obligations of any state or political subdivision in the U.S. and bank eligible corporate obligations, including private-label mortgage-backed securities. Peoples Bank also invests in tax credit funds. The investments owned by Peoples are comprised of common stocks issued by unrelated bank holding companies. The investments owned by PIC consist of tax credit funds, municipal obligations, privately issued mortgage-backed securities, and subordinated debt issued by a non- related banking entity. Peoples Bank's investment activities are governed internally by a policy approved by the Board of Directors of Peoples Bank, which is administered by Peoples Bank's Asset-Liability Management Committee ("ALCO"). The primary purpose of Peoples Bank's investment portfolio is to: (1) employ excess funds not needed to support loan demand; (2) provide a source of liquid assets to accommodate unanticipated deposit and loan fluctuations, and overall liquidity needs; (3) provide eligible securities to secure public and trust funds; and (4) earn the maximum overall return commensurate with Peoples Bank's risk appetite and liquidity needs. Investment strategies to achieve these objectives are reviewed and approved by the ALCO. In its evaluation of investment strategies, the ALCO considers various factors, including the interest rate environment, balance sheet mix, actual and anticipated loan demand, funding opportunities and Peoples Bank's overall interest rate sensitivity. The ALCO also has much broader responsibilities, which are discussed in the "Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity" section of "ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Form 10-K. Funding Sources Peoples' primary sources of funds for lending and investing activities are interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing deposits. Cash flows from both the loan and investment portfolios, which include scheduled payments, as well as prepayments, calls and maturities, also provide a relatively stable source of funds. Peoples also utilizes a variety of short-term and long-term borrowings to fund asset growth and satisfy liquidity needs. Peoples' funding sources are managed through Peoples' asset-liability management process and monitored by the ALCO, which is discussed further in the "Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity" section of "ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Form 10-K. The following is a brief description of the various sources of funds utilized by Peoples: Deposits Peoples Bank obtains deposits principally from individuals and businesses within its primary market area by offering a broad selection of deposit products to clients. Deposits to individuals have account terms that vary with respect to the minimum balance required, the time the funds must remain on deposit, and service charge schedules. Interest rates paid on specific deposit types are determined based on (1) the interest rates offered by competitors, (2) the anticipated amount and timing of funding needs, (3) the availability and cost of alternative sources of funding, and (4) the anticipated future economic conditions and interest rates. Business deposits, which include traditional commercial business as well as governmental entities, are obtained through an offering of multiple deposit account types as well as cash management solutions. Depending on the need of the entity, these deposits could be either interest or non-interest bearing. The ability of Peoples Bank to offer competitive cash management solutions to its customers, enables it to obtain valuable operating account funds as well as non-operating account funds. Retail and business deposits are attractive sources of funding because of their stability and cost, relative to wholesale funding alternatives, in addition to providing opportunities for Peoples to build long-term client relationships through the cross-selling of its other products and services. Peoples Bank also offers its customers the ability to receive multi-million dollar federal deposit insurance coverage for certificates of deposit ("CDs") through the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service ("CDARS") program and money market deposit accounts through the Insured Cash Sweep Services ("ICS") network. Under these programs, funds from large customer deposits are placed into accounts issued by other members of the CDARS program or ICS network in increments below the federal deposit insurance limits to ensure both principal and interest remain eligible for insurance. Peoples Bank also purchases certain "one-way buy" CDARS deposits, and overnight ICS network deposits which are utilized as a wholesale funding source, and these deposits are classified as brokered CDs in "Note 7 Deposits" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Peoples Bank occasionally obtains deposits from clients outside its primary market area, generally in the form of CDs, and has the ability, if determined to be appropriate, to obtain deposits from deposit brokers. These deposits are used to supplement Peoples Bank's deposits to fund loans originated to customers located outside its primary market area, as well as provide diversity in funding sources. While these deposits may carry slightly higher interest costs than other wholesale funds, they do not require Peoples Bank to secure the funds with collateral, unlike most other borrowed funds. Additionally, in recent years, Peoples has issued brokered CDs to fund fixed-rate interest rate swaps. Additional information regarding the amounts and composition of Peoples Bank's deposits can be found in the "Deposits" section of "ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Form 10-K and in "Note 7 Deposits" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 9 Borrowed Funds Peoples obtains funds through a variety of short-term and long-term borrowings, which typically include advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (the "FHLB") and repurchase agreements. Peoples also has the ability to obtain funds, if determined to be appropriate, through federal funds purchased and advances from the Federal Reserve Discount Window. In addition, Peoples has the ability to obtain funds from unrelated financial institutions in the form of term loans or revolving lines of credit. Short-term borrowings are used generally to manage Peoples' daily liquidity needs since they typically may be repaid, in whole or part, at any time without a penalty. In recent years, Peoples has utilized interest rate swaps to obtain short-term borrowings at long-term fixed rates, effectively replacing maturing long-term borrowings. Long-term borrowings provide cost- effective options for funding asset growth and satisfying capital needs, due to the variety of pricing and maturity options available. Additional information regarding the amounts and composition of Peoples' borrowed funds can be found in the "Borrowed Funds" section of "ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Form 10-K and in "Note 8 Short-Term Borrowings" and "Note 9 Long-Term Borrowings" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Competition Peoples experiences intense competition within its primary market area due to the presence of several national, regional and local financial institutions and other service providers, including finance companies, financial technology companies, insurance agencies and mutual fund providers. Competition within the financial services and insurance industries continues to increase as a result of mergers between, and expansion of, financial services and insurance providers within and outside of Peoples' primary market areas. In addition, the deregulation of the financial services industry (see the discussion of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 in the section of this item captioned "Supervision and Regulation – Bank Holding Company Regulation") has allowed securities firms and insurance companies that have elected to become financial holding companies to acquire commercial banks and other financial institutions, which can create additional competitive pressure. In addition, financial technology, or "fintech", startups are emerging in key areas of banking. Peoples primarily competes based on client service, convenience and responsiveness to customer needs, product characteristics, interest rates on loans and deposits, and the availability and pricing of fiduciary, employee benefit plan, brokerage and insurance services. However, some competitors may have greater resources, including additional technology offerings and higher lending limits than Peoples, which may adversely affect Peoples' ability to compete. Peoples' business strategy includes the use of a "needs-based" sales and service approach to serve customers and is intended to promote customers' continued use of multiple financial products and services. Peoples continues to emphasize the integration of traditional commercial banking products with non-traditional financial products, such as insurance and investment products. In addition, Peoples continuously works to improve its online and mobile capabilities to ensure customers are able to use its products and services utilizing many channels. Historically, Peoples has focused on providing its full range of products and services in smaller metropolitan markets and certain major metropolitan areas. Management believes Peoples has developed a level of expertise in serving the financial service needs of all communities. Peoples' primary market area has expanded into larger metropolitan areas, such as central, southwestern and northeastern Ohio. These larger areas typically contain entrenched service providers with existing customer bases much larger than Peoples' current position. As a result, Peoples may be forced to compete more aggressively in order to grow its market share in these areas, which could reduce current and future profit potential derived from such markets. Human Capital Resources At December 31, 2020, Peoples had 894 full-time equivalent employees, compared to 900 at December 31, 2019. Peoples makes it a priority to provide a first class workplace for its employees, focusing on providing quality benefits, recognizing and rewarding performance, cultivating diversity, promoting a culture of learning and coaching in every direction. Peoples offers paid time off, medical, dental and vision insurance, along with wellness programs, a 401(k) program, an employee stock purchase program, programs to assist with education-related costs, reward and recognition programs, as well as other various programs and benefits. Peoples has also implemented a $15 minimum wage throughout the organization. Peoples strives to be an inclusive and diverse workplace, free of harassment, and encourages employees to voice their opinions. Peoples works to attract and retain top quality talent, and in doing so, promotes a learning environment where positive constructive feedback can be given at any level of the organization. Employees are encouraged to communicate their thoughts, whether it is with a co-worker, management or the Human Resources Department. Peoples also provides many reward programs for employees and management to recognize contributions by individuals and teams within the organization. Peoples provides internal training throughout the organization, as well as opportunities to attend external and online training events. Managers complete quarterly performance reviews with employees, and semi-annual employee satisfaction pulse surveys are completed. Peoples tracks and monitors employee turnover and executes exit interviews to better understand why employees choose to leave the organization. Peoples maintains a high level of commitment to its communities, which is shown both through employees volunteering and with donations made to many organizations within the Peoples footprint. 10 The safety of Peoples' employees is of utmost priority, and during 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused several changes. A portion of Peoples' workforce began working remotely, to facilitate a smaller number of employees in the same location if not necessary. Peoples has closed lobbies to appointment-only during times of heightened transmission of COVID-19 to protect the health of its employees. It has also expanded the cleaning and sanitization of office locations, along with providing employees with appropriate protection equipment. Peoples has supported its employees during the pandemic, and provided time off with pay for those who have either tested positive, or those caring for a family member who has tested positive, without requiring the employee to use paid time off that has been accrued. In addition, Peoples is conducting scheduled calls to speak to employees about the changes and ask for feedback about plans regarding COVID-19, and encouraging employees who are sick to stay home. Intellectual Property and Proprietary Rights Peoples has registered the service marks "Peoples Bank (with logo)," "Peoples Bancorp," "Peoples Bank," Peoples in motion logo consisting of three arched ribbons, "Working Together. Building Success.", "Peoples Insurance (with logo)", "Peoples Investment Services" "Peoples Premium Finance" and "peoplesbancorp.com" with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (the "USPTO"). These service marks currently have expiration dates ranging from 2021 to 2027. Peoples may renew the registrations of service marks with the USPTO generally for additional five-year to 10-year periods indefinitely, provided it continues to use the service marks and files appropriate maintenance and renewal documentation with the USPTO at the times required by the federal trademark laws and regulations. Peoples intends to continue to use its registered service marks and to timely renew the registration of each of them. Peoples has proprietary interests in the Internet domain names "peoplespf.com," "pebo.com" and "peoplesbancorp.com." Internet domain names in the U.S. and in foreign countries are regulated, but the laws and regulations governing the Internet are continually evolving. Supervision and Regulation Peoples and its subsidiaries are subject to extensive supervision and regulation by federal and state agencies. The regulation of financial holding companies and their subsidiaries is intended primarily for the protection of consumers, depositors, borrowers, the Deposit Insurance Fund and the banking system as a whole, and not for the protection of shareholders. Applicable laws and regulations restrict permissible activities and investments, and require actions to protect loan, deposit, brokerage, fiduciary and other customers, as well as the Deposit Insurance Fund. Such laws and regulations may also restrict Peoples' ability to repurchase its common shares or to receive dividends from Peoples Bank, and impose capital adequacy and liquidity requirements. The following is a summary of the regulatory agencies, statutes and related regulations that have, or could have, a material impact on Peoples' business. This discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to such regulations and statutes. Financial Holding Company Peoples is a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries and affiliated companies. As a financial holding company, Peoples is subject to regulation under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHC Act"), and to inspection, examination and supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve Board"). The Federal Reserve Board has extensive enforcement authority over financial holding companies. In general, the Federal Reserve Board may initiate enforcement actions for violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices. The Federal Reserve Board may assess civil money penalties, issue cease and desist or removal orders, and require that a financial holding company divest subsidiaries, including subsidiary banks. Peoples is routinely required to file reports and other information with the Federal Reserve Board regarding Peoples' business operations and those of its subsidiaries. Subsidiary Bank Peoples Bank is subject to regulation and examination primarily by the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions ("ODFI") and the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland ("FRB"). Peoples Bank must also follow the regulations promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the "CFPB"), which regulates consumer financial products and services and certain financial services providers. Various requirements and restrictions under the laws of the U.S, and the states of Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia affect the operations of Peoples Bank, including requirements to maintain reserves against deposits, restrictions on the nature and amount of loans that may be made and the interest that may be charged thereon, restrictions relating to investments and other activities, limitations on credit exposure to correspondent banks, limitations on activities based on capital and surplus, limitations on transactions between Peoples Bank and Peoples, limitations on the payment of dividends, and limitations on branching. Consumer laws and regulations that are designed to prevent unfair, deceptive and abusive acts and practices and that ensure that consumers have access to fair, transparent and competitive markets for consumer financial products and services also affect the services provided by Peoples Bank. Non-Banking Subsidiaries Peoples' non-banking subsidiaries are also subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Board and other applicable federal and state agencies. Peoples Insurance, as a licensed insurance agency, is subject to regulation by the Ohio Department of 11 Insurance and the state insurance regulatory agencies of those states where it conducts business. Peoples Risk Management, Inc., a Nevada-chartered captive insurance company, is subject to the laws and regulations of the State of Nevada and undergoes periodic examinations by the Nevada Division of Insurance. Other Regulatory Agencies Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and the Nasdaq Global Select Market® ("Nasdaq") Peoples is also under the jurisdiction of the SEC and certain state securities commissions for matters relating to the offering and sale of its securities. Peoples is subject to the registration, disclosure, reporting and regulatory requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and the regulations promulgated under each of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as administered by the SEC. Peoples' common shares are listed with Nasdaq under the symbol "PEBO" and Peoples is subject to the rules for Nasdaq listed companies. Federal Home Loan Bank Peoples Bank is a member of the FHLB, which provides credit to its members in the form of advances. As a member of the FHLB, Peoples Bank must maintain an investment in the capital stock of the FHLB in a specified amount. Upon the origination or renewal of an advance, the FHLB is required by law to obtain and maintain a security interest in certain types of collateral. The FHLB is required to establish standards of community investment or service that its members must maintain for continued access to long-term advances from the FHLB. The standards take into account a member's performance under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, as amended (the "CRA"), and the member's record of lending to first-time homebuyers. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") The FDIC is an independent federal agency which insures the deposits, up to prescribed statutory limits, of federally-insured banks and savings associations, and safeguards the safety and soundness of the financial institution industry. Peoples Bank's deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC and Peoples Bank is subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the Deposit Insurance Fund. The general insurance limit is $250,000 per separately insured depositor. This insurance is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. As insurer, the FDIC is authorized to conduct examinations of and to require routine reporting by insured institutions, including Peoples Bank, to prohibit any insured institution from engaging in any activity the FDIC determines by regulation or order to pose a threat to the Deposit Insurance Fund, and to take enforcement actions against insured institutions. The FDIC may terminate insurance of deposits of any insured institution if the FDIC finds that the insured institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC or any other regulatory agency. Insured depository institutions are required to remit quarterly deposit insurance premiums to the FDIC, which are used to fund the Deposit Insurance Fund. Insurance premiums for each insured depository institution are determined based upon the institution's capital level and supervisory rating provided to the FDIC by the institution's primary federal regulator and other information the FDIC determines to be relevant to the risk posed to the Deposit Insurance Fund by the insured depository institution. The assessment rate determined by considering such information is then applied to the amount of the insured depository institution's average assets minus average tangible equity to determine the insured depository institution's insurance premium. An increase in the assessment rate could have a material adverse effect on the earnings of the affected insured depository institution, depending on the amount of the increase. The FDIC assesses a quarterly deposit insurance premium on each insured depository institution based on risk characteristics of the institution and may also impose special assessments in emergency situations. Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, as amended (the "Dodd-Frank Act"), the FDIC has established 2.0% as the designated reserve ratio ("DRR"), which is the amount in the Deposit Insurance Fund as a percentage of all Deposit Insurance Fund insured deposits. In March 2016, the FDIC adopted final rules designed to meet the statutory minimum DRR of 1.35% by September 30, 2020, the deadline imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act. At September 30, 2018, the DRR met the statutory minimum of 1.35%. As a result, the previous surcharge imposed on banks with assets of $10 billion or more was lifted. In addition, preliminary assessment credits were determined by the FDIC for banks with assets of less than $10 billion, which had previously contributed to the increase of the DRR to 1.35%. On June 30, 2019, the DRR reached 1.40%, and the FDIC applied credits for banks with assets of less than $10 billion ("small bank credits") beginning with the September 30, 2019 assessment invoice (for the second quarter of 2019), and on the December 31, 2019 assessment invoice (for the third quarter of 2019), the March 31, 2020 assessment invoice (for the fourth quarter of 2019) and the June 30, 2020 assessment invoice (for the first quarter of 2020). Peoples utilized all available credits, which were exhausted during the first quarter of 2020 (which was on the June 30, 2020 assessment invoice). Bank Holding Company Regulation In general, the BHC Act limits the business of bank holding companies to banking, managing or controlling banks, and other activities that the Federal Reserve Board determines to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident thereto. As a result of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 – also known as the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 – which 12 amended the BHC Act, bank holding companies that are financial holding companies may engage in any activity, or acquire and retain the shares of a company engaged in any activity, that is either (1) financial in nature or incidental to such financial activity (as determined by the Federal Reserve Board in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury), or (2) complementary to a financial activity, and that does not pose a substantial risk to the safety and soundness of depository institutions or the financial system generally. Activities that are financial in nature include securities underwriting and dealing, insurance underwriting and making merchant banking investments. In 2002, Peoples elected, and received approval from the Federal Reserve Board, to become a financial holding company. In order for a financial holding company to commence any new activity permitted by the BHC Act, or to acquire a company engaged in any new activity permitted by the BHC Act, the financial holding company must be "well managed" and "well capitalized," and each insured depository institution subsidiary of the financial holding company must be well capitalized under the prompt corrective action provisions, be well managed and have received a rating of at least "satisfactory" in its most recent examination under the CRA. The CRA is more fully discussed in the section captioned "Community Reinvestment Act" included later in this item. In addition, financial holding companies, such as Peoples, are permitted to acquire companies engaged in activities that are financial in nature and in activities that are incidental and complementary to financial activities without prior Federal Reserve Board approval. The BHC Act and other federal and state statutes regulate acquisitions of commercial banks. The BHC Act requires the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board for the direct or indirect acquisition of more than 5% of the voting shares of a commercial bank or its parent holding company. Under the federal Bank Merger Act, as amended, the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board is required for a state-chartered, Federal Reserve Bank member bank to merge with another bank or purchase the assets or assume the deposits of another bank. In reviewing an application seeking approval of a merger or acquisition transaction, the bank regulatory authorities consider, among other factors, the competitive effect and public benefits of the transaction, the capital position of the combined organization, the applicant's performance record under the CRA and fair housing laws, and the effectiveness of the subject organizations in combating money laundering activities. A financial holding company is required by law and Federal Reserve Board policy to act as a source of financial strength to each subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support each subsidiary bank. The Federal Reserve Board may require a financial holding company to contribute additional capital to an undercapitalized subsidiary bank and may disapprove of the payment of dividends to shareholders if the Federal Reserve Board believes the payment of such dividends would be an unsafe or unsound practice. Transactions with Affiliates, Directors, Executive Officers and Shareholders Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and Federal Reserve Board Regulation W generally: • • • limit the extent to which a bank or its subsidiaries may engage in "covered transactions" with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10.0% of the bank's capital stock and surplus; limit the extent to which a bank or its subsidiaries may engage in "covered transactions" with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20.0% of the bank's capital stock and surplus; and require that all such transactions be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the bank or subsidiary, as those provided to a non-affiliate. An affiliate of a bank is any company or entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the bank. The term "covered transaction" includes the making of loans to the affiliate, the purchase of assets from the affiliate, the issuance of a guarantee on behalf of the affiliate, the purchase of securities issued by the affiliate and other similar types of transactions. A bank's authority to extend credit to executive officers, directors and greater than 10.0% shareholders, as well as entities such persons control, is subject to Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation O promulgated under the Federal Reserve Act by the Federal Reserve Board. Among other things, these loans must be made on terms (including interest rates charged and collateral required) substantially similar to those offered to unaffiliated individuals, or be made as part of a benefit or compensation program and on terms widely available to employees, and must not involve a greater than normal risk of repayment. In addition, the amount of loans a bank may make to these persons is based, in part, on the bank's capital position, and specified approval procedures must be followed in making loans which exceed specified amounts. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020 and Initiatives Related to COVID-19 In response to the novel COVID-19 pandemic (“COVID-19”), the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020, as amended (the “CARES Act”), was signed into law on March 27, 2020, to provide national emergency economic relief measures. Many of the CARES Act’s programs are dependent upon the direct involvement of U.S. financial institutions, such as Peoples and Peoples Bank, and have been implemented through rules and guidance adopted by federal departments and agencies, including the U.S. Department of Treasury, the Federal Reserve Board and other federal banking agencies, including those with direct supervisory jurisdiction over Peoples and Peoples Bank. Furthermore, as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic evolves, federal regulatory authorities continue to issue additional guidance with respect to the implementation, lifecycle, and eligibility requirements for the various CARES Act programs as well as industry-specific recovery procedures for COVID-19. In addition, it is possible that the U.S. Congress will enact supplementary COVID-19 response legislation, including amendments to the 13 CARES Act or new bills comparable in scope to the CARES Act. Peoples is continuing to assess the impact of the CARES Act and other statutes, regulations and supervisory guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Section 1102 of the CARES Act amended the loan program of the SBA, in which Peoples Bank participates, to create a guaranteed, unsecured loan program, the PPP, to fund operational costs of eligible businesses, organizations and self-employed persons during the COVID-19 pandemic. These loans are eligible to be forgiven if certain conditions are satisfied and are fully guaranteed by the SBA. In June 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act was enacted, which, among other things, gave borrowers additional time and flexibility to use PPP loan proceeds. Shortly thereafter, and due to the evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, additional legislation was enacted authorizing the SBA to resume accepting PPP applications on July 6, 2020, and extending the PPP application deadline to August 8, 2020. No collateral or personal guarantees were required. Neither the government nor lenders are permitted to charge the recipients of PPP loans any fees. It is anticipated that additional revisions to the SBA's interim final rules on forgiveness and loan review procedures will be forthcoming to address these and related changes. On December 27, 2020, the President signed into law omnibus federal spending and economic stimulus legislation titled the "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021" that included the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act (the "HHSB Act"). Among other things, the HHSB Act renewed the PPP, allocating $284.5 billion for both new first- time PPP loans under the existing PPP and the expansion of existing PPP loans for certain qualified, existing PPP borrowers. In addition to extending and amending the PPP, the HHSB Act also created a new program for "shuttered venue operators." As a participating lender in the PPP, Peoples Bank continues to monitor legislative, regulatory, and supervisory developments related thereto. On September 29, 2020, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that neutralizes the regulatory capital and liquidity coverage ratio effects of participating in certain COVID-19 liquidity facilities due to the fact there is no credit or market risk in association with exposures pledged to such facilities. As a result, the final rule supports the flow of credit to households and businesses affected by COVID-19. The CARES Act encouraged the Federal Reserve Board, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, to establish or implement various programs to help mitigate the adverse effects of COVID-19 on midsize businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities. In April 2020, the Federal Reserve established the Main Street Lending Program (“MSLP”) to implement certain of these recommendations. The MSLP supported lending to small and medium-sized businesses that were in sound financial condition before the onset of COVID-19. On November 19, 2020, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin indicated that he would not reauthorize extending the MSLP past December 31, 2020. However, the Federal Reserve Board extended the program to January 8, 2021, in order to process loans that were submitted on or before December 14, 2020. The program ended on January 8, 2021. Peoples did not participate in the MSLP. On November 20, 2020, the federal bank regulatory agencies announced an interim final rule that provides temporary relief for specified community banking organizations related to certain regulations and reporting requirements as a result, in large part, of their growth in size from the response to COVID-19. Community banking organizations are subject to different rules and requirements based on their risk profile and asset size. Due to their involvement in federal COVID-19 response programs (such as the PPP) and other lending that supports the U.S. economy, many community banking organizations have experienced rapid and unexpected increases in their sizes, which are generally expected to be temporary. The temporary increase in size could subject community banking organizations to new regulations or reporting requirements. Community banking organizations with assets approaching the $10.0 billion threshold and that would otherwise become subject to additional regulatory requirements upon crossing such threshold, including requirements related to capital adequacy standards, debit card interchange fees and routing, and management official interlocks, will generally will have until 2022 to either reduce their size or to prepare for new regulatory and reporting standards. Capital Adequacy and Prompt Corrective Action The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991, as amended ("FDICIA"), identifies five capital categories for insured depository institutions and requires the applicable regulatory agencies to implement systems for "prompt corrective action" for insured depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements within such categories. The regulatory agencies, including the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC, the ODFI, and the Office of Comptroller of the Currency, have adopted substantially similar regulatory capital guidelines and regulations consistent with the requirements of FDICIA, and have established a system of prompt corrective action to resolve certain problems of undercapitalized institutions. This system is based on five capital level categories for insured depository institutions: "well capitalized," "adequately capitalized," "undercapitalized," "significantly undercapitalized," and "critically undercapitalized." The regulatory agencies may (or in some cases must) take certain supervisory actions depending upon a bank's capital level. For example, the banking agencies must appoint a receiver or conservator for a bank within 90 days after the bank becomes "critically undercapitalized" unless the bank's primary regulator determines, with the concurrence of the FDIC, that other action would better achieve regulatory purposes. Banking operations otherwise may be significantly affected depending on a bank's capital category. For example, a bank that is not "well capitalized" generally is prohibited from accepting brokered deposits and offering interest rates on deposits higher than the prevailing rate in its market, and the holding company of any undercapitalized bank must guarantee, in part, specific aspects of the bank's capital plan for the plan to be acceptable. 14 The Federal Reserve Board has adopted risk-based capital guidelines for financial holding companies and other bank holding companies, as well as state member banks. The guidelines provide a systematic analytical framework which makes regulatory capital requirements sensitive to differences in risk profiles among banking organizations, takes off-balance sheet exposures expressly into account in evaluating capital adequacy, and minimizes disincentives to holding liquid, low-risk assets. Capital levels, as measured by these standards, are also used to categorize financial institutions for purposes of certain prompt corrective action regulatory provisions. In July 2013, the U.S. banking regulators issued capital rules (the "Basel III Capital Rules") applicable to smaller banking organizations which also implement certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. Community banking organizations, including Peoples and Peoples Bank, began transitioning to the rules on January 1, 2015. The minimum capital requirements became effective on January 1, 2015; whereas, the capital conservation buffer and deductions from common equity capital phased in from January 1, 2016 through January 1, 2019, and most deductions from common equity tier 1 capital phased in from January 1, 2015 through January 1, 2019. As of January 1, 2019, Peoples had fully phased in the Basel III Capital Rules. The Basel III Capital Rules include: (a) a minimum common equity tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (b) a minimum tier 1 risk- based capital ratio of 6.0%; (c) a minimum total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0%; and (d) a minimum tier 1 leverage ratio of 4.0%. Common equity for the common equity tier 1 capital ratio generally consists of common stock (plus related surplus), retained earnings, accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") (unless an institution elects to exclude such income from regulatory capital), and limited amounts of minority interests in the form of common stock, subject to applicable regulatory adjustments and deductions. Tier 1 capital generally consists of common equity as defined for the common equity tier 1 capital ratio, plus certain non- cumulative preferred stock and related surplus, cumulative preferred stock and related surplus, trust preferred securities that have been grandfathered (but which are not otherwise permitted), and limited amounts of minority interests in the form of additional tier 1 capital instruments, less certain deductions. Tier 2 capital, which can be included in the total capital ratio, generally consists of other preferred stock and subordinated debt meeting certain conditions plus limited amounts of the allowance for credit losses, subject to specified eligibility criteria, less applicable deductions. The deductions from common equity tier 1 capital include goodwill and other intangibles, certain deferred tax assets, mortgage-servicing assets above certain levels, gains on sale in connection with a securitization, investments in a banking organization’s own capital instruments and investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions (above certain levels). Under the guidelines, capital is compared to the relative risk included in the balance sheet. To derive the risk included in the balance sheet, one of several risk weights is applied to different balance sheet and off-balance sheet assets, primarily based on the relative credit risk of the counterparty. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors. The Basel III Capital Rules also place restrictions on the payment of capital distributions, including dividends and share repurchases, and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers if the banking organization does not hold a capital conservation buffer of greater than 2.5% composed of common equity tier 1 capital above its minimum risk-based capital requirements, or if its eligible retained income is negative in that quarter and its capital conservation buffer ratio was less than 2.5% at the beginning of the quarter. In September 2019, the Federal Reserve Board, along with the other federal banking regulatory agencies, issued a final rule, effective January 1, 2020, that gave community banks, including Peoples Bank, the option to calculate a simple leverage ratio to measure capital adequacy if the community banks met certain requirements. Under the rule, a community bank was eligible to elect the Community Bank Leverage Ratio ("CBLR") framework if the community bank had less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets, limited amounts of certain trading assets and liabilities and of off-balance sheet exposures, and a leverage ratio greater than 9.0%. Qualifying institutions that elected to use the CBLR framework and that maintain a leverage ratio of greater than 9.0% were be considered to have satisfied the risk-based and leverage capital requirements in the regulatory agencies' generally applicable capital rules and to have met the well-capitalized ratio requirements. Peoples has opted out of the simplified framework and continues to follow existing capital rules. In December 2018, the federal banking agencies issued a final rule to address regulatory capital treatment of credit loss allowances under the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model (accounting standard). The rule revises the federal banking agencies’ regulatory capital rules to identify which credit loss allowances under the CECL model are eligible for inclusion in regulatory capital and to provide banking organizations the option to phase in over three years the day-one adverse effects on regulatory capital that may result from the adoption of the CECL model. During 2020, regulatory agencies issued guidance allowing additional phase-in periods for the impact of the CECL model for regulatory capital purposes. This additional phase-in period includes a 25% deferment of the impact on regulatory capital of the estimated increase in the allowance for credit losses related to the CECL model, which is applied during the first two years of application. For the first two years of the phase-in 15 period, 100% of the transition adjustment due to the implementation of the CECL model is excluded for regulatory capital purposes, along with 25% of the increase in the allowance for credit losses compared to the January 1, 2020 allowance for credit losses. In year three of the phase-in, 75% of the transition adjustment, and the cumulative 25% increase in the allowance for credit losses compared to January 1, 2020, are excluded from regulatory capital, while 50% and 25% of these amounts are excluded in years four and five, respectively, under this phase-in period. Additional information on the impact of Peoples' adoption of the CECL methodology can be found under the "FINANCIAL CONDITION - Allowance for Credit Losses" section of "ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Form 10-K. In order to be "well capitalized," a bank must have a common equity tier 1 capital ratio of at least 6.5%, a tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8.0%, a total risk-based capital of at least 10.0%, and a tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 5.0%, and the bank must not be subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive or prompt corrective action directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measures. Peoples' management believes that Peoples Bank meets the ratio requirements to be deemed "well capitalized" according to the guidelines described above. Additional information regarding Peoples' regulatory matters can be found in "Note 16 Regulatory Matters" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Safety and Soundness Regulations In accordance with the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (the "FDIA"), the federal bank regulatory agencies adopted safety and soundness guidelines establishing general standards relating to internal controls, information systems, internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate risk exposure, asset growth, asset quality, earnings, compensation, fees and benefits. In general, the guidelines require, among other things, appropriate systems and practices to identify, monitor, and manage the risks and exposures specified in the guidelines. The guidelines prohibit excessive compensation as an unsafe and unsound practice and describe compensation as excessive when the amounts paid are unreasonable or disproportionate to the services performed by an executive officer, employee, director or principal shareholder. In addition, regulations adopted by the federal bank regulatory agencies authorize the agencies to require that an institution that has been given notice that it is not satisfying any of such safety and soundness standards to submit a compliance plan. If, after being so notified, the institution fails to submit an acceptable compliance plan or fails in any material respect to implement an accepted compliance plan, the agency must issue an order directing corrective actions and may issue an order directing other actions of the types to which an undercapitalized institution is subject under the "prompt corrective action" provisions of FDIA. If the institution fails to comply with such an order, the agency may seek to enforce such order in judicial proceedings and to impose civil money penalties. Community Reinvestment Act The CRA requires depository institutions to assist in meeting the credit needs of their market areas consistent with safe and sound banking practice. Under the CRA, each depository institution is required to help meet the credit needs of its market areas by, among other things, providing credit or other financial assistance to low-income and moderate-income individuals and communities. Depository institutions are periodically examined for compliance with the CRA and are assigned ratings. The most recent performance evaluation by the Federal Reserve Board (which was Peoples Bank's primary federal banking regulator at the time of the examination) of Peoples Bank was conducted in 2017 and resulted in an overall rating of "Satisfactory." The most recent CRA examination for Peoples Bank occurred in March of 2020, and is still pending final results. Dividend Restrictions Current banking regulations impose restrictions on Peoples Bank's ability to pay dividends to Peoples. These restrictions include a limit on the amount of dividends that may be paid in a given year without prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board and a prohibition on paying dividends that would cause Peoples Bank's total capital to be less than the required minimum levels under the capital requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve Board and the amount of the capital conservation buffer. Ohio law also limits the amount of dividends that may be paid in any given year without prior approval of the Ohio Superintendent of Financial Institutions. Peoples Bank may not declare or pay a dividend if the total of all dividends declared during the calendar year, including the proposed dividend, exceeds the sum of Peoples Bank's net income during the current calendar year and the retained net income of the prior two calendar years, unless the dividend has been approved by the ODFI and the Federal Reserve Board. Peoples Bank's regulators may prohibit the payment of dividends at any time if the regulators determine the dividends represent unsafe and/or unsound banking practices, or reduce Peoples Bank's total capital below adequate levels. For further discussion regarding regulatory restrictions on dividends, refer to "Note 16 Regulatory Matters" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Peoples' ability to pay dividends to its shareholders may also be restricted. Current Federal Reserve Board policy requires a financial holding company to act as a source of financial strength to each of its banking subsidiaries. Under this policy, the Federal Reserve Board may require Peoples to commit resources or contribute additional capital to Peoples Bank, which could restrict the amount of cash available for dividends. The Federal Reserve Board has also issued a policy statement with regard to the payment of cash dividends by financial holding companies and other bank holding companies. The policy statement provides that, as a matter of prudent banking, a financial holding company or bank holding company should not maintain a rate of cash dividends unless its net income available to common shareholders over the current year has been sufficient to fully fund the dividends, and the prospective rate of earnings 16 retention appears to be consistent with the financial holding company's or bank holding company's capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. Accordingly, a financial holding company or bank holding company should not pay cash dividends that exceed its net income or that can only be funded in ways that weaken the financial holding company's or bank holding company's financial health, such as by borrowing. Peoples also has entered into certain agreements that place restrictions on dividends. Specifically, Peoples Bank is prohibited from paying dividends in an amount greater than permitted by law without requiring prior Federal Reserve Board or other regulatory approval. In addition, if Peoples were to elect to defer payments of interest on the junior subordinated debt securities held by the NB&T Statutory Trust III, or an event of default were to occur under the indenture governing those junior subordinated debt securities, Peoples will be prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends on Peoples' common shares. Even where the declaration or payment of a dividend would not otherwise be restricted under applicable laws, Peoples or Peoples Bank may decide to limit the payment of dividends in order to retain earnings for corporate use. Customer Privacy and Other Consumer Protections Peoples Bank is subject to regulations limiting the ability of financial institutions to disclose non-public information about consumers to nonaffiliated third parties. These limitations require disclosure of privacy policies to consumers and, in some circumstances, allow consumers to prevent disclosure of certain personal information to a nonaffiliated party. Peoples Bank is also subject to numerous federal and state laws aimed at protecting consumers, including the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the authority granted to banking regulators under the Federal Trade Commission Act with respect to unfair or deceptive acts or practices ("UDAP"). The CFPB issued its final small dollar loan rule related to payday, vehicle title and certain high cost installment loans (the “Final Small Dollar Rule”) on July 22, 2020, which became fully effective on October 20, 2020. The Final Small Dollar Rule rescinds the Mandatory Underwriting Provisions of the 2017 Payday Rule after re-evaluating the legal and evidentiary bases for these provisions and finding them to be insufficient. The Final Small Dollar Rule does not rescind or alter the Payments Provisions of the 2017 Payday Rule. Specifically, in the Final Small Dollar Rule, the CFPB revoked provisions that: (i) provide that it is an unfair and abusive practice for a lender to make a covered short-term or longer term balloon-payment loan, including payday and vehicle title loans, without reasonably determining that consumers have the ability to repay those loans according to their terms; (ii) prescribe mandatory underwriting requirements for making the ability-to-repay determination; (iii) exempt certain loans from the mandatory underwriting requirements; and (iv) establish related definitions, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements. No lenders are required to comply until the later of November 19, 2020, or until the court in litigation challenging the Final Small Dollar Rule lifts its stay of the compliance date. The federal bank regulatory agencies also issued interagency guidance on May 20, 2020, to encourage banks, savings associations, and credit unions to offer responsible small-dollar loans to customers for consumer and small business purposes. Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulation The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions against targeted foreign countries and regimes, under authority of various laws, including designated foreign countries, nationals and others. OFAC publishes lists of specially designated targets and countries. Peoples is responsible for, among other things, blocking accounts of, and transactions with, such targets and countries, prohibiting unlicensed trade and financial transactions with them and reporting blocked transactions after their occurrence. Failure to comply with these sanctions could have serious financial, legal and reputational consequences, including causing applicable bank regulatory authorities not to approve merger or acquisition transactions when regulatory approval is required or to prohibit such transactions even if approval is not required. Regulatory authorities have imposed cease and desist orders and civil money penalties against institutions found to be violating these obligations. Anti-Money Laundering Act The Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 (the "AMLA"), which amends the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970 (the "BSA"), was enacted in January 2021. The AMLA is intended to be a comprehensive reform and modernization to U.S. bank secrecy and anti- money laundering laws. Among other things, it codifies a risk-based approach to anti-money laundering compliance for financial institutions; requires the development of standards for evaluating technology and internal processes for BSA compliance; expands enforcement-related and investigation-related authority, including increasing available sanctions for certain BSA violations and instituting BSA whistleblower initiatives and protections. USA Patriot Act The Uniting and Strengthening of America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, as amended (the "USA Patriot Act"), and related regulations, among other things, require financial institutions to establish programs specifying procedures for obtaining identifying information from customers seeking to establish new accounts and establishing enhanced due diligence policies, procedures and controls designed to detect and report suspicious activity. Peoples Bank has established policies and procedures that Peoples believes comply with the requirements of the USA Patriot Act. 17 Monetary Policy The Federal Reserve Board regulates money, credit conditions and interest rates in order to influence general economic conditions primarily through open market operations in U.S. government securities, changes in the discount rate on bank borrowings, and changes in the reserve requirements against deposits of depository institutions. These policies and regulations significantly affect the overall growth and distribution of loans, investments and deposits, as well as interest rates charged on loans and paid on deposits. The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve Board have had a significant effect on the operating results of financial institutions in the past and are expected to continue to have significant effects in the future. In light of the changing conditions in the U.S. economy, including changes brought about by COVID-19, the money markets and the activities of monetary and fiscal authorities, Peoples can make no definitive predictions as to future changes in interest rates, credit availability or deposit levels. Executive and Incentive Compensation The Dodd-Frank Act requires that the federal banking agencies, including the Federal Reserve Board, issue a rule related to incentive-based compensation. No final rule implementing this provision of the Dodd-Frank Act has, as of the date of the filing of this Form 10-K, been adopted, but a proposed rule was published in 2016 that expanded upon a prior proposed rule published in 2011. The proposed rule is intended to: (i) prohibit incentive-based payment arrangements that the banking agencies determine could encourage certain financial institutions to take inappropriate risks by providing excessive compensation or that could lead to material financial loss; (ii) require the board of directors of those financial institutions to take certain oversight actions related to incentive-based compensation; and (iii) require those financial institutions to disclose information concerning incentive-based compensation arrangements to the appropriate federal regulator. Although a final rule has not been issued, Peoples and Peoples Bank have undertaken efforts to ensure that their incentive compensation plans do not encourage inappropriate risks, consistent with the principles identified above. In June 2010, the Federal Reserve Board, the OCC and the FDIC issued comprehensive final guidance on incentive compensation policies intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies of banking organizations do not undermine the safety and soundness of such organizations by encouraging excessive risk-taking. The guidance, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an organization, either individually, or as a part of a group, is based upon the key principles that a banking organization's incentive compensation arrangements should (i) provide incentives that do not encourage risk-taking beyond the organization's ability to effectively identify and manage risks, (ii) be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management and (iii) be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the organization's board of directors. These three principles are incorporated into the proposed joint compensation regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act, described above. The Federal Reserve Board reviews, as part of its regular, risk-focused examination process, the incentive compensation arrangements of banking organizations, such as Peoples Bank, that are not "large, complex banking organizations." These reviews are tailored to each organization based on the scope and complexity of the organization's activities and the prevalence of incentive compensation arrangements. Deficiencies will be incorporated into the organization's supervisory ratings, which can affect the organization's ability to make acquisitions and take other actions. Enforcement actions may be taken against a banking organization if its incentive compensation arrangements, or related risk-management control or governance processes, pose a risk to the organization's safety and soundness and the organization is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies. Public company compensation committee members must meet heightened independence requirements and consider the independence of compensation consultants, legal counsel and other advisors to the compensation committee. A compensation committee must have the authority to hire advisors, and the public company must fund the reasonable compensation of such advisors. SEC regulations require public companies such as Peoples to provide various disclosures about executive compensation in annual reports and proxy statements, and to present to their shareholders a non-binding vote on the approval of executive compensation. Public companies will be required, once stock exchanges adopt additional listing requirements under the Dodd-Frank Act, to implement "clawback" procedures for incentive compensation payments and to disclose the details of the procedures which allow recovery of incentive compensation that was paid on the basis of erroneous financial information necessitating an accounting restatement due to material noncompliance with financial reporting requirements. This clawback policy is intended to apply to compensation paid within a three-year look-back window of the restatement and would cover all executives (including former executives) who received incentive awards. Peoples has implemented a clawback policy and it is posted under the "Corporate Overview – Governance Documents" tab of the "Investor Relations" page of Peoples' Internet website. Cybersecurity In March 2015, federal regulators issued two related statements regarding cybersecurity. One statement indicates that financial institutions should design multiple layers of security controls to establish several lines of defense and to ensure that their risk management processes also address the risk posed by compromised customer credentials, including security measures to 18 reliably authenticate customers accessing Internet-based services of the financial institution. The other statement indicates that a financial institution’s management is expected to maintain sufficient business continuity planning processes to ensure the rapid recovery, resumption and maintenance of the financial institution’s operations after a cybersecurity attack involving destructive malware. A financial institution is also expected to develop appropriate processes to enable recovery of data and business operations and address rebuilding network capabilities and restoring data if the financial institution or its critical service providers fall victim to this type of cybersecurity attack. If Peoples Bank fails to observe the regulatory guidance, it could be subject to various regulatory sanctions, including financial penalties. In February 2018, the SEC published interpretive guidance to assist public companies in preparing disclosures about cybersecurity risks and incidents. These SEC guidelines, and any other regulatory guidance, are in addition to notification and disclosure requirements under state and federal banking law and regulations. State regulators have also been increasingly active in implementing privacy and cybersecurity standards and regulations. Recently, several states have adopted regulations requiring certain financial institutions to implement cybersecurity programs and providing detailed requirements with respect to these programs, including data encryption requirements. Many states have also recently implemented or modified their data breach notification and data privacy requirements. Peoples expects this trend of state-level activity in those areas to continue, and continues to monitor developments in the states in which Peoples' customers are located. In the ordinary course of business, Peoples relies on electronic communications and information systems to conduct its operations and to store sensitive data. Peoples employs an in-depth, layered, defensive approach that leverages people, processes, and encryption and multi-factor authentication technology to manage and maintain cybersecurity controls. Peoples employs a variety of preventative and detective tools to monitor, block, and provide alerts regarding suspicious activity, as well as to report on any suspected advanced persistent threats. Notwithstanding the strength of Peoples’ defensive measures, the threat from cybersecurity attacks is severe, attacks are sophisticated and increasing in volume, and attackers respond rapidly to changes in defensive measures. While to date, Peoples has not detected a significant compromise, significant data loss or any material financial losses related to cybersecurity attacks, Peoples’ systems and those of its customers and third-party service providers are under constant threat and it is possible that Peoples could experience a significant event in the future. Risks and exposures related to cybersecurity attacks are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future due to the rapidly evolving nature and sophistication of these threats, as well as due to the expanding use of Internet banking, mobile banking and other technology- based products and services by Peoples and Peoples' customers. See “ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS” for a further discussion of risks related to cybersecurity. Volcker Rule In December 2013, five federal agencies adopted a final regulation implementing the Volcker Rule provision of the Dodd- Frank Act (the "Volcker Rule"). The Volcker Rule placed limits on the trading activity of insured depository institutions and entities affiliated with depository institutions, subject to certain exceptions. Such trading activity included the purchase or sale as principal of a security, derivative, commodity future, option or similar instrument in order to benefit from short-term price movements or to realize short-term profits. The Volcker Rule exempts trading in specified U.S. government, agency, state and/or municipal obligations. The Volcker Rule also excepted (i) trading conducted in certain capacities; (ii) trading to satisfy a debt previously contracted; (iii) trading under certain repurchase and securities lending agreements; and (iv) trading in connection with risk-mitigating hedging activities. In addition, the Volcker Rule prohibited a banking entity from having an ownership interest in, or substantial relationships with, a hedge fund or private equity fund, also known as "covered funds", subject to a number of exceptions. In July 2019, the federal agencies that adopted the Volcker Rule adopted a final rule to exempt certain community banks, including Peoples Bank, from the Volcker Rule, consistent with the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. Under the final rule, community banks with $10 billion or less in total consolidated assets and total trading assets and liabilities of 5.0% or less of total consolidated assets are excluded from the restrictions of the Volcker Rule. On June 25, 2020, the federal bank regulatory agencies also finalized a rule modifying the Volcker Rule's prohibition on banking entities investing in or sponsoring covered funds. Such rule permits certain banking entities to offer financial services and engage in other activities that do not raise concerns that the Volcker Rule was originally intended to address. To the extent that Peoples Bank engages in any of the trading activities or has any ownership interest in or relationship with any of the types of funds regulated by the Volcker Rule, Peoples Bank believes that its activities and relationships comply with such rule, as amended. Effect of Environmental Regulation Compliance with federal, state and local provisions regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, has not had a material effect upon the capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position of Peoples and its subsidiaries. Peoples believes the nature of the operations of its subsidiaries has little, if any, environmental impact. As a result, Peoples anticipates no material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities for its current fiscal year or for the foreseeable future. 19 Peoples believes its primary exposure to environmental risk is through the lending activities of Peoples Bank. Peoples limits its exposure to environmental risk by lending to a diverse range of consumer and commercial customers. In cases where management believes environmental risk potentially exists, Peoples Bank mitigates its environmental risk exposure by requiring environmental site assessments at the time of loan origination to confirm collateral quality as to commercial real estate parcels posing higher than normal potential for environmental impact, as determined by reference to present and past uses of the subject property and adjacent sites. In addition, environmental assessments are typically required prior to any foreclosure activity involving non-residential real estate collateral. Future Legislation Various and significant legislation affecting financial institutions and the financial industry is from time to time introduced by the U.S. Congress. The CARES Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act ("CAA") were enacted during 2020. These Acts provided significant funding for PPP loans for businesses and fiscal stimulus funding for individuals, as well as updates related to reporting for troubled debt restructurings and other various changes. There were sweeping reforms in the Dodd-Frank Act adopted in 2010, and the rollback of the Dodd-Frank Act that began in 2018. Many of the regulations mentioned above were adopted or amended pursuant to the guidance issued. Such legislation may continue to change banking statutes and regulations, and the operating environment of Peoples and its subsidiaries in substantial and unpredictable ways, and such legislation could significantly increase or decrease costs of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities, and/or affect the competitive balance among financial institutions. The enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act, the subsequent rollback and the continuing implementation of final rules and regulations thereunder, and continuing political change and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic makes the nature and extent of future legislative and regulatory changes affecting financial institutions unpredictable. Website Access to Peoples' SEC Filings Peoples maintains an Internet website at www.peoplesbancorp.com (this uniform resource locator, or URL, is an inactive textual reference only and is not intended to incorporate Peoples' Internet website into this Form 10-K). Peoples makes available free of charge on or through its website, its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as well as Peoples' definitive proxy statement filed pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after Peoples electronically files each such report, amendment or proxy statement with, or furnishes it to, the SEC. ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS The following are certain risks that management believes are specific to Peoples' business. This should not be viewed as an all- inclusive list of risks or presenting the risk factors listed in any particular order. Additional risks that are not presently known or that Peoples presently deems to be immaterial could also have a material adverse impact on Peoples' business, financial condition or results of operations. Economic, Political, Environmental and Market Risks • The economic impact of COVID-19 or any other pandemic could adversely affect Peoples' business, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic and the President of the U.S. declared COVID-19 a national emergency. COVID-19 has caused significant economic dislocation in the U.S. as many state and local governments have ordered non-essential businesses to close and residents to shelter in place at home. This has resulted in an unprecedented slow-down in economic activity and a related increase in unemployment. Various state governments and federal agencies are requiring lenders to provide forbearance and other relief to borrowers (e.g., waiving late payment and other fees). The federal bank regulatory agencies have encouraged financial institutions to prudently work with affected borrowers, and new legislation has provided relief from reporting loan classifications due to modifications related to COVID-19. Given the ongoing and dynamic nature of COVID-19, it is difficult to predict the full impact of the outbreak on Peoples' business. The extent of such impact will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, including when COVID-19 can be controlled and abated, and when and how the economy may be reopened. As of December 31, 2020, Peoples' held and serviced PPP loans. These PPP loans are subject to the provisions of the CARES Act and to complex and evolving rules and guidance issued by the SBA and other government agencies. Peoples expects that the great majority of PPP borrowers will seek full or partial forgiveness of their loan obligations. Peoples has credit risk on the PPP loans if the SBA determines that there is a deficiency in the manner in which Peoples originated, funded or serviced loans, including any issue with the eligibility of a borrower to receive a PPP loan. Peoples could face additional risks in its administrative capabilities to service PPP loans, and risk with respect to the determination of loan forgiveness. In the event of a loss resulting from a default on a PPP loan and a determination by the SBA that there was a deficiency in the manner in which Peoples originated, funded or serviced the PPP loan, the SBA may deny its liability under the guaranty, reduce the amount of the guaranty or, if the SBA has already paid under the guaranty, seek recovery of any loss related to the deficiency. 20 The spread of COVID-19 has also caused Peoples to modify business practices, including employee travel, employee work locations, and cancellation of physical participation in meetings, events and conferences. Further, technology in employees’ homes may not be as robust as in Peoples' offices and could cause the networks, information systems, applications and other tools available to such employees to be more limited or less reliable. The continuation of these work-from-home measures also introduces additional operational risk, including increased cybersecurity risk from phishing, malware and other cybersecurity attacks, all of which could expose us to risks of data or financial loss, and could seriously disrupt Peoples' operations and the operations of any impacted customers. COVID-19, or a new pandemic, could subject us to any of the following risks, any of which could, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on Peoples' business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations: • • demand for Peoples' products and services may decline, making it difficult to grow assets and income; if the economy is unable to substantially reopen, and high levels of unemployment continue for an extended period of time, loan delinquencies, problem assets, and foreclosures may increase, resulting in increased charges and reduced income; collateral for loans, especially real estate, may decline in value, which could cause credit losses to increase; • • Peoples' allowance for credit losses may have to be increased if borrowers experience financial difficulties beyond • • • • forbearance periods, which will adversely affect net income; the net worth and liquidity of loan guarantors may decline, impairing their ability to honor commitments to us; as the result of the decline in the Federal Reserve Board’s target federal funds rate, the yield on Peoples' assets may decline to a greater extent than the decline in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, reducing Peoples' net interest margin and spread, and reducing net income; a material decrease in net income or a net loss over several quarters could result in a decrease in the rate of Peoples' quarterly cash dividend; a prolonged weakness in economic conditions resulting in a reduction of future projected earnings could result in Peoples recording a valuation allowance against current outstanding deferred tax assets; • we rely on third-party vendors for certain services and the unavailability of a critical service due to COVID-19 could have an adverse effect on us; and continued adverse economic conditions could result in protracted volatility in the price of Peoples' common shares. • Moreover, Peoples' future success and profitability substantially depend on the management skills of the executive officers and directors. The unanticipated loss or unavailability of key employees due to COVID-19, or any similar pandemic, could harm Peoples' ability to operate its business or execute its business strategy. Peoples may not be successful in finding and integrating suitable successors in the event of key employee loss or unavailability. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, the U.S. economy will likely require time to recover, the length of which is unknown and during which the U.S. may experience a recession. Peoples' business could be materially and adversely affected by any such recession. To the extent the effects of COVID-19 adversely impact Peoples' business, financial condition, liquidity or results of operations, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this section. • Changes in economic and political conditions could adversely affect Peoples’ earnings and capital through declines in deposits, quality of investment securities, loan demand, the ability of Peoples' borrowers to repay loans and the value of the collateral securing Peoples' loans. Peoples’ success depends, in part, on local and national economic and political conditions, as well as governmental fiscal and monetary policies. Conditions such as inflation, recession, unemployment, changes in interest rates, fiscal and monetary policy, an increasing federal government, budget deficit, slowing gross domestic product, tariffs, a U.S. withdrawal from or significant renegotiation of trade agreements, trade wars, the election of a new U.S. President and changes in the membership of Congress in 2021, and other factors beyond Peoples’ control may adversely affect Peoples Bank's deposit levels and composition, the quality of investment securities available for purchase, the demand for loans, the ability of Peoples Bank's borrowers to repay their loans, and the value of the collateral securing the loans Peoples Bank makes. Recent political developments have resulted in substantial changes in economic and political conditions for the U.S. and the remainder of the world. Disruptions in U.S. and global financial markets, and changes in oil production in the Middle East also affect the economy and stock prices in the U.S., which can affect Peoples' earnings and Peoples' capital, as well as the ability of Peoples Bank's customers to repay loans. The effects on the U.S. of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union (Brexit) are currently unknown. The local economies of the majority of Peoples' market areas historically have been less robust than the economy of the nation as a whole and typically are not subject to the same extent of fluctuations as the national economy. In general, a favorable business environment and economic conditions are characterized by, among other factors, economic growth, efficient capital markets, low inflation, low unemployment, high business and investor confidence, and strong business earnings. Unfavorable or uncertain economic and market conditions can be caused by declines in economic growth, business activity, or investor or business confidence; limitations on the availability or increases in the cost of credit and capital; increases in inflation or interest 21 rates; high unemployment; volatility in pricing and availability of natural resources; natural disasters; or a combination of these or other factors. The continued impact on economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic could have an adverse effect on Peoples' asset quality, deposit levels and loan demand, and, therefore, Peoples' financial condition and results of operations. Because a significant amount of Peoples Bank's loans are secured by either commercial or residential real estate, decreases in real estate values could adversely affect the value of property used as collateral and Peoples Bank's ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure. • Changes in interest rates may adversely affect Peoples' profitability. Peoples' earnings and cash flows are dependent to a significant degree on net interest income, which is the amount by which interest income exceeds interest expense. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond Peoples' control, including general economic conditions and the policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, in particular, the Federal Reserve Board. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, not only could influence the interest Peoples receives on loans and securities, and the amount of interest Peoples pays on deposits and borrowings, but such changes could also affect (1) Peoples' ability to originate loans and obtain deposits, (2) the fair value of Peoples' financial assets and liabilities, and (3) the average duration of Peoples' mortgage-backed securities portfolio. If the interest rates paid on deposits and borrowings increase at a faster rate than the interest rates received on loans and other investments, Peoples' net interest income and, therefore, earnings, could be adversely affected. Earnings could also be adversely affected if the interest rates received on loans and other investments fall more quickly than the interest rates paid on deposits and borrowings. Changes in interest rates may also negatively affect the ability of Peoples' borrowers to repay their loans, particularly as interest rates rise and adjustable-rate loans become more expensive. Recent global public health concerns have caused significant disruption in the equity markets and a significant drop in interest rates. The duration of the impact is unknown. Should interest rates remain low for an extended period, it could have a significant adverse impact on the profitability of Peoples. Peoples' management uses various measures to monitor interest rate risk and believes it has implemented effective asset and liability management strategies to reduce the potential effects of changes in interest rates on Peoples' results of operations. Peoples' management also periodically adjusts the mix of assets and liabilities to manage interest rate risk. However, any substantial, unexpected, prolonged change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on Peoples' financial condition and results of operations. Peoples' net interest income, lending activities, deposits and profitability could be negatively affected by volatility in interest rates caused by uncertainties stemming from COVID-19. In March 2020, the Federal Reserve lowered the target range for the federal funds rate to a range from 0% to 0.25%, citing concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on markets and stress in the energy sector, and maintained this target range as of December 31, 2020. A prolonged period of extremely volatile and unstable market conditions would likely increase Peoples' funding costs and negatively affect market risk mitigation strategies. Higher revenue volatility from changes in interest rates and spreads to benchmark indices could cause a loss of future net interest income and a decrease in the fair market values of Peoples' assets. Fluctuations in interest rates will impact both the level of income and expense recorded on most of Peoples' assets and liabilities and the market value of all interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on Peoples' net income, results of operations and financial condition. Low rates increase the risk in the U.S. of a negative interest rate environment in which interest rates drop below zero, either broadly or for some types of instruments. Such an occurrence would likely further reduce the interest Peoples earns on loans and other earning assets, while also likely requiring Peoples to pay to maintain its deposits with the Federal Reserve. Peoples' systems may not be able to adequately handle a negative interest rate environment and not all variable rate instruments are designed for such a circumstance. Peoples cannot predict the nature or timing of future changes in monetary policies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak or the precise effects that they may have on Peoples activities and financial results. See the sections captioned "Interest Income and Expense" and "Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity" in "ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Form 10-K for further discussion related to Peoples' interest rate risk. • A transition away from the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") as a reference rate for financial instruments could negatively impact Peoples' income and expenses, and the value of various financial instruments. LIBOR is used extensively in the U.S. and globally as a benchmark for various commercial and financial contracts, including adjustable rate mortgages, corporate debt, interest rate swaps and other derivatives. LIBOR is set based on interest rate information reported by certain banks, which may stop reporting such information after 2021. In November 2020, the administrator of LIBOR announced it will consult on its intention to extend the retirement date of certain offered rates whereby 22 the publication of the one week and two month LIBOR offered rates will cease after December 31, 2021; but, the publication of the remaining LIBOR offered rate will continue until June 30, 2023. In November 2020, the Federal Reserve Board issued a statement supporting the release of a proposal and supervisory statements designed to provide a clear end date for U.S. Dollar LIBOR (“USD LIBOR”), and the federal banking agencies issued a release encouraging banks to stop entering into USD LIBOR contracts by the end of 2021, noting that entering into new contracts that use LIBOR as a reference rate after December 31, 2021, would create safety and soundness risks and bank practices will be examined accordingly. It is uncertain at this time the extent to which those entering into financial contracts will transition to any other particular benchmark. Other benchmarks may perform differently than LIBOR or other alternative benchmarks or have other consequences that cannot currently be anticipated. It is also uncertain what will happen with instruments that rely on LIBOR for future interest rate adjustments and which remain outstanding if LIBOR ceases to exist. The Federal Reserve Board, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a steering committee comprised of large U.S. financial institutions, is considering replacing USD LIBOR with a new index calculated by short-term repurchase agreements, backed by U.S. Treasury securities, otherwise known as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"). SOFR is observed and backward-looking, which stands in contrast with LIBOR under the current methodology, which is an estimated forward-looking rate and relies, to some degree, on the expert judgment of submitting panel members. Given that SOFR is a secured rate backed by government securities, it will be a rate that does not take into account bank credit risk (as is the case with LIBOR). SOFR is therefore likely to be lower than LIBOR and is less likely to correlate with the funding costs of financial institutions. Whether or not SOFR attains traction as a LIBOR replacement tool remains in question, although transactions using SOFR have been completed, including by Fannie Mae. Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac ceased accepting adjustable rate mortgages tied to LIBOR and began accepting mortgages based on SOFR in 2020. Peoples has a significant number of loans, derivative contracts, borrowings and other financial instruments with attributes that are either directly or indirectly dependent on LIBOR. The transition from LIBOR could create considerable costs and additional risk. Since proposed alternative rates are calculated differently, payments under financial instruments referencing new rates will differ from those referencing LIBOR. The transition will change Peoples’ market risk profiles, requiring changes to risk and pricing models, valuation tools, product design and hedging strategies. Furthermore, failure to adequately manage this transition process with Peoples’ customers could adversely impact its reputation. Although Peoples is currently unable to assess what the ultimate impact of the transition from LIBOR will be, failure to adequately manage the transition could have a material adverse effect on Peoples’ business, financial condition and results of operations. In 2019, Peoples Bank formed a LIBOR Change Committee. The goal of the LIBOR Change Committee is to monitor Peoples Bank's efforts to ensure an orderly transition away from LIBOR by the end of 2021, should such a transition become necessary. The LIBOR Change Committee has already taken actions to ensure that documentation in the loan portfolios provides for a substitution of an index if the original index is either no longer available or is replaced by a new index. Documentation on interest rate swaps will be amended in the International Swaps and Derivative Association agreements. While the Peoples Bank’s securities portfolio is not heavily invested in variable rate securities, there is LIBOR exposure in the agency collateralized mortgage obligation sector. Peoples Bank will be monitoring the transition of these securities to the new index over the next several months. • Changes in market rates and economic conditions could cause the interest rate swaps Peoples Bank has entered into to become ineffective. The accounting treatment of the interest rate swaps entered into by Peoples as part of its interest rate management strategy may change if the hedging relationship is not as effective as currently anticipated. These interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and involve the receipt of variable rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for fixed payments from Peoples. As of December 31, 2020, Peoples had seventeen effective interest rate swaps, with an aggregate notional value of $160.0 million, of which $50.0 million were funded by 90-day brokered CDs and $110.0 million were funded by brokered demand and savings deposits. Brokered CDs and deposits are expected to be extended every 90 days through the maturity dates of the swaps. Although Peoples expects that the hedging relationships described above will be highly effective, such relationships could prove ineffective. As of December 31, 2020, the termination value of derivative financial instruments in a net liability position was $12.1 million, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk. As of December 31, 2020, Peoples had $41.0 million of collateral posted with certain of its derivative counterparties. However, the counterparties had no collateral posted against their obligations under these agreements. If Peoples had breached any of the provisions of the 23 agreements at December 31, 2020, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at the termination value. Business Operations Risks • Peoples is exposed to operational risk. Similar to any large organization, Peoples is exposed to many types of operational risk, including those discussed in more detail in this Item, such as reputational risk, cyber, legal and compliance risk, the risk of fraud or theft by employees or outsiders, unauthorized transactions by employees or operational errors, including clerical or record-keeping errors or those resulting from faulty or disabled computer or telecommunications systems. These risks are heightened in light of COVID-19. Peoples may be subject to disruptions of its operating systems arising from events that are wholly or partially beyond its control, which may include, for example, computer viruses, cyber-attacks, spikes in transaction volume and/or customer activity, electrical or telecommunications outages, or natural disasters. Peoples could be adversely affected by operating systems disruptions if new or upgraded business management systems are defective, not installed properly or not properly integrated into existing operating systems. Although Peoples has programs in place related to business continuity, disaster recovery and information security to maintain the confidentiality, integrity and availability of its operating systems, business applications and customer information, such disruptions may give rise to interruptions in service to customers, loss of data privacy and loss or liability to Peoples. Any failure or interruption in Peoples' operating or information systems, or any security or data breach, could cause reputational damage, jeopardize the confidentiality of customer information, result in a loss of customer business, subject Peoples to regulatory intervention or expose Peoples to civil litigation and financial loss or liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on Peoples. Negative public opinion can result from Peoples’ actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities, including lending practices, corporate governance and acquisitions, social media and other marketing activities, and from actions taken by governmental regulators and community organizations in response to those activities. Negative public opinion can adversely affect Peoples’ ability to attract and keep customers, and can expose Peoples to potential litigation and regulatory action. Given the volume of transactions Peoples processes, certain errors may be repeated or compounded before they are discovered and successfully rectified. Peoples’ necessary dependence upon automated systems to record and process its transaction volume may further increase the risk that technical system flaws or employee tampering or manipulation of those systems will result in losses that are difficult to detect and which may give rise to disruption of service to customers and to financial loss or liability. Peoples is further exposed to the risk that its external vendors may be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations (or will be subject to the same risk of fraud or operational errors by their respective employees as Peoples) or that Peoples' (or its vendors’) business continuity and data security systems will prove to be inadequate. Current and future restrictions on the access of Peoples' workforce to its facilities could limit Peoples' ability to meet customer service expectations and have a material adverse effect on operations. Peoples relies on business processes and branch activity that largely depends on people and technology, including access to information technology systems as well as information, applications, payment systems and other services provided by third parties. In response to COVID-19, Peoples has modified its business practices with a portion of employees working remotely from their homes to limit interruptions to operations as much as possible and to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 infecting entire departments. Reduced workforces, which may be caused by, but not limited to, illness, quarantine, stay at home or other government mandates, or difficulties transitioning back to an in office environment, could result in an adverse impact to Peoples' operations and financial performance. Employees with health conditions putting them at higher risk of adverse effects from COVID-19 are working remotely. Peoples encouraged virtual meetings and conference calls throughout 2020 in place of in- person meetings, including the annual shareholders meeting which was held virtually this year. Additionally, travel has been restricted. Peoples is promoting social distancing, frequent hand washing and thorough disinfection of all surfaces. Peoples' financial service location lobbies re-opened in June 2020, and became appointment-only again in November 2020. Branch drive- ups, call center, ATMs and online/mobile banking services continue to operate and are the preferred option of service. Even with the precautions undertaken, the continued spread or prolonged impact of COVID-19 could negatively impact the availability of key personnel or significant numbers of Peoples' staff, who are necessary to conduct Peoples' business. Further, technology in employees’ homes may not be as robust as in Peoples' offices and could cause the networks, information systems, applications, and other tools available to employees to be more limited or less reliable than in the offices. The continuation of these work-from-home measures also introduces additional operational risk, including increased cybersecurity risks. These cybersecurity risks include greater phishing, malware, and other cybersecurity attacks, vulnerability to disruptions of Peoples' information technology infrastructure and telecommunications systems for remote operations, increased risk of unauthorized dissemination of confidential information, limited ability to restore the systems in the event of a systems failure or interruption, greater risk of a security breach resulting in destruction or misuse of valuable information, and potential 24 impairment of Peoples' ability to perform critical functions, including wiring funds, all of which could expose Peoples to risks of data or financial loss, litigation and liability and could seriously disrupt operations and the operations of any impacted customers. Moreover, Peoples relies on many third parties in business operations, including appraisers of real property collateral, vendors that supply essential services such as loan servicers, providers of financial information, systems and analytical tools, and providers of electronic payment and settlement systems, and local and federal government agencies, offices, and courthouses. In light of the developing measures responding to the pandemic, many of these entities may limit the availability and access of their services. For example, loan origination could be delayed due to the limited availability of real estate appraisers for the underlying collateral. Loan closings could be delayed due to reductions in available staff in recording offices or the closing of courthouses in certain counties, which slows the process for title work, and mortgage and UCC filings in those counties. If the third-party service providers continue to have limited capacities for a prolonged period, or if additional limitations or potential disruptions in these services materialize, it may negatively affect Peoples' operations. • Failures or material breaches in security of Peoples' systems and telecommunications networks, or those of a third-party service provider, may have a material adverse effect on Peoples' results of operations and financial condition and the price of Peoples' common shares. Peoples collects, processes and stores sensitive consumer data by utilizing computer systems and telecommunications networks operated by both Peoples and third-party service providers. Peoples' necessary dependence upon automated systems to record and process Peoples' transactions poses the risk that technical system flaws, employee errors, tampering or manipulation of those systems, or attacks by third parties will result in losses and may be difficult to detect. Peoples has security and backup and recovery systems in place, as well as a business continuity plan, designed to ensure the computer systems will not become inoperable, to the extent possible. Peoples also routinely reviews documentation of such controls and backups related to third- party service providers. Peoples' inability to use or access those information systems at critical points in time could unfavorably impact the timeliness and efficiency of Peoples' business operations. Risks to Peoples' systems result from a variety of factors, including the potential for bad acts on the part of hackers, criminals, employees or others. In recent years, several banks have experienced denial of service attacks in which individuals or organizations flood the bank’s website with extraordinarily high volumes of traffic, with the goal and effect of disrupting the ability of the bank to process transactions. Other businesses have been victims of ransomware attacks in which the business becomes unable to access its own information and is presented with a demand to pay a ransom in order to once again have access to its information. Peoples is also at risk from the impact of natural disasters, terrorism and international hostilities on its systems or for the effects of outages or other failures involving power or communications systems operated by others. These risks also arise from the same types of threats to businesses with which Peoples deals. Peoples could be adversely affected if one of its employees causes a significant operational break down or failure, either as a result of human error or where the individual purposefully sabotages or fraudulently manipulates Peoples’ operations or systems. Peoples is further exposed to the risk that the third-party service providers may be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations (or will be subject to the same risks as Peoples). These disruptions may interfere with service to Peoples’ customers, cause additional regulatory scrutiny and result in a financial loss or liability. Misconduct by employees could include fraudulent, improper or unauthorized activities on behalf of clients or improper use of confidential information. Peoples may not be able to prevent employee errors or misconduct, and the precautions Peoples takes to detect this type of activity might not be effective in all cases. Employee errors or misconduct could subject Peoples to civil claims for negligence or regulatory enforcement actions, including fines and restrictions on Peoples’ business. In addition, there have been instances where financial institutions have been victims of fraudulent activity in which criminals pose as customers to initiate wire and automated clearinghouse transactions out of customer accounts. Although Peoples has policies and procedures in place to verify the authenticity of its customers, Peoples cannot ensure that such policies and procedures will prevent all fraudulent transfers. Such activity can result in financial liability and harm to Peoples’ reputation. Peoples has implemented security controls to prevent unauthorized access to its computer systems and requires its third-party service providers to maintain similar controls. However, Peoples' management cannot be certain that these measures will be successful. A security breach of the computer systems and loss of confidential information, such as customer account numbers and related information, could result in a loss of customers’ confidence and, thus, loss of business. Peoples could also lose revenue if competitors gain access to confidential information about Peoples’ business operations and use it to compete with Peoples. In addition, unauthorized access to or use of sensitive data could subject Peoples to litigation and liability, and costs to prevent further such occurrences. Further, Peoples may be affected by data breaches at retailers and other third parties who participate in data interchanges with Peoples and its customers that involve the theft of customer debit card data, which may include the theft of Peoples’ consumer and business debit card personal identification numbers and commercial card information used to make purchases at such retailers and other third parties. Such data breaches could result in Peoples incurring significant expenses to reissue debit cards and cover losses, which could result in a material adverse effect on Peoples’ results of operations. To date, Peoples has not experienced any material losses relating to cyber-attacks or other information security breaches, but there can be no assurance that Peoples will not 25 suffer such attacks or attempted breaches, or incur resulting losses in the future. Peoples' risk and exposure to these matters remains heightened because of, among other things, the evolving nature of these threats, and Peoples' plans to continue to implement Internet and mobile banking capabilities to meet customer demand. As cyber and other data security threats continue to evolve, Peoples may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify and enhance its protective measures or to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities. Peoples’ assets at risk for cyber-attacks include financial assets and non-public information belonging to customers. Peoples uses several third-party vendors who have access to Peoples’ assets via electronic media or data transfer protocols. Certain cybersecurity risks arise due to this access, including cyber espionage, blackmail, ransom and theft. All of the types of cyber incidents discussed above could result in damage to Peoples’ reputation, loss of customer business, increased costs of incentives to customers or business partners in order to maintain their relationships, litigation, increased regulatory scrutiny and potential enforcement actions, repairs of system damage, increased investments in cybersecurity (such as obtaining additional technology, making organizational changes, deploying additional personnel, training personnel and engaging consultants), increased insurance premiums, and loss of investor confidence and a reduction in the price of Peoples’ common shares, all of which could result in financial loss and material adverse effects on Peoples’ results of operations and financial condition. While Peoples maintains specific "cyber" insurance coverage, which would apply in the event of various breach scenarios, the amount of coverage may not be adequate in any particular case. Furthermore, because cyber threat scenarios are inherently difficult to predict and can take many forms, some breaches may not be covered under Peoples' cyber insurance coverage. • Noncompliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations could cause Peoples a material financial loss. The BSA and the USA Patriot Act contain anti-money laundering and financial transparency provisions intended to detect and prevent the use of the U.S. financial system for money laundering and terrorist financing activities. The Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by the USA Patriot Act and Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 ("AMLA"), requires depository institutions and their holding companies to undertake activities including maintaining an anti-money laundering program, verifying the identity of clients, monitoring for and reporting suspicious transactions, reporting on cash transactions exceeding specified thresholds, and responding to requests for information by regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (also known as FinCEN), a unit of the U.S. Treasury Department that administers the Bank Secrecy Act, is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and has recently engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts with the federal banking regulatory agencies, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Internal Revenue Service. The AMLA is intended to be a comprehensive reform and modernization to U.S. bank secrecy and anti-money laundering laws, which includes a codified risk-based approach to anti-money laundering compliance for financial institutions; requires the development of standards for evaluating technology and internal processes for BSA compliance; expands enforcement and investigation-related authority, including increasing available sanctions for certain BSA violations and instituting BSA whistleblower incentives and protections. There is also increased scrutiny of compliance with the rules enforced by OFAC. If Peoples' policies, procedures, and systems are deemed deficient, or if the policies, procedures, and systems of the financial institutions that Peoples has already acquired or may acquire in the future are deficient, Peoples may be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory actions such as restrictions on Peoples' ability to pay dividends and the necessity to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain planned business activities, including acquisition plans, which could negatively impact Peoples' business, financial condition, and results of operations. Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could also have serious reputational consequences for Peoples. For a more complete discussion of the BSA, the USA Patriot Act and the AMLA, see the section captioned "Supervision and Regulation" in "ITEM 1 BUSINESS" of this Form 10-K. • Peoples' business could be adversely affected through events impacting third parties who perform significant operational services on behalf of Peoples. The third parties performing operational services for Peoples are subject to risks similar to those faced by Peoples relating to cybersecurity, breakdowns or failures of their own systems, or misconduct of their employees. Like many other community banks, Peoples relies, in significant part, on a single vendor for the systems which allow Peoples to provide banking services to Peoples’ customers, with the systems being maintained on Peoples' behalf by this single vendor. One or more of the third parties utilized by Peoples may experience a cybersecurity event or operational disruption and, if any such event or disruption does occur, it may not be adequately addressed, either operationally or financially, by such third party. Certain of these third parties may have limited indemnification obligations to Peoples in the event of a cybersecurity event or operational disruption, or may not have the financial capacity to satisfy their indemnification obligations. 26 Financial or operational difficulties of a third-party provider could also impair Peoples' operations if those difficulties interfere with such third party’s ability to serve Peoples. If a critical third-party provider is unable to meet the needs of Peoples in a timely manner, or if the services or products provided by such third party are terminated or otherwise delayed, and if Peoples is not able to develop alternative sources for these services and products quickly and in a cost-effective manner, Peoples’ business could be materially adversely affected. Additionally, regulatory guidance adopted by federal banking regulators addressing how banks select, engage and manage their third-party relationships, could affect the circumstances and conditions under which Peoples works with third parties and the cost of managing such relationships. • Peoples' failure to be in compliance with any material provision or covenant of its debt instruments could have a material adverse effect on Peoples' liquidity and operations. On April 2, 2020, Peoples entered into a Loan Agreement (the “U.S. Bank Loan Agreement”) with U.S. Bank National Association. The U.S. Bank Loan Agreement has a one-year term and provides Peoples with a revolving line of credit in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $20.0 million. The U.S. Bank Loan Agreement imposes operating and financial covenants on Peoples. These restrictions may affect Peoples' operations and may limit the ability to take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise. Peoples' ability to comply with the covenants may be affected by events beyond Peoples' control, including deteriorating economic conditions, and these events could require Peoples to seek waivers or amendments of covenants, or alternative sources of financing. Peoples' ability to obtain such waivers, amendments or alternative financing, may be on terms unfavorable to Peoples. A breach of any of the covenants or restrictions contained in any of the existing or future financing agreements, including financial covenants, could result in an event of default under the agreements. Such a default could allow the lenders under the financing agreements, if the agreements so provide, to discontinue lending, to accelerate the related debt, and/or to declare all borrowings outstanding thereunder to be due and payable. In addition, the lenders could terminate any commitments they have to provide Peoples with further funds. If any of these events occur, Peoples may not have sufficient funds available to pay in full the total amount of obligations that become due as a result of any such acceleration, or Peoples may not be able to find additional or alternative financing to refinance any such accelerated obligations. Even if additional or alternative financing is obtained, it may be on terms that are unfavorable to Peoples. The U.S. Bank Loan Agreement matures on April 1, 2021. Peoples is in the process of renewing this facility and expects that it will be renewed prior to its expiration. • Peoples' exposure to credit risk could adversely affect Peoples' earnings and financial condition. There are certain risks inherent in making loans. These risks include interest rate changes over the time period in which loans are to be repaid, risks resulting from changes in the economy, risks that Peoples will have inaccurate or incomplete information about borrowers, risks that borrowers will become unable to repay loans, and, in the case of loans secured by collateral, risks resulting from uncertainties about the future value of the collateral. Commercial loans comprise a significant portion of Peoples' loan portfolio. Commercial loans generally are viewed as having a higher degree of credit risk than residential real estate or consumer loans because commercial loans usually involve larger loan balances to a single borrower and are more susceptible to a risk of default during an economic downturn. Since Peoples' loan portfolio contains a significant number of commercial loans, the deterioration of one or a few of these loans could cause a significant increase in nonperforming loans, and ultimately could have a material adverse effect on Peoples' earnings and financial condition. Peoples may also have credit exposures concentrated in a particular industry, resulting in a risk of a material adverse effect on earnings or financial condition, if there is an event adversely affecting such industry. Peoples' risks of timely loan repayment and the value of collateral supporting the loans are affected by the strength of the business of Peoples' commercial borrowers and the financial circumstances of Peoples' consumer borrowers. Concern about the spread of COVID-19 had caused and is likely to continue to cause business shutdowns and slowdowns, limitations on commercial activity and financial transactions, labor shortages, supply chain interruptions, increased unemployment and commercial property vacancy rates, reduced profitability and ability for property owners to make mortgage, auto and other consumer loan payments, and overall economic and financial market instability, which may affect individuals, households and business differently, and decreased consumer confidence generally, all of which may cause Peoples' customers to be unable to make scheduled loan payments. If the effects of COVID-19 result in widespread and sustained repayment shortfalls on loans in Peoples' portfolio, Peoples could incur significant delinquencies, foreclosures and credit losses, particularly if the available collateral is insufficient to cover Peoples' exposure. The future effects of COVID-19 on economic activity could negatively affect the collateral values associated with existing loans, the ability to liquidate the real estate collateral securing residential and commercial real estate loans, Peoples' ability to maintain loan origination volume and to obtain additional financing, the future demand for or profitability of Peoples' lending and services, and the financial condition and credit risk of Peoples' customers, both commercial and consumer. Further, in the event of delinquencies, regulatory changes and policies designed to protect borrowers may slow or prevent Peoples from making business decisions or may result in a delay in taking certain remediation actions, such as foreclosure. In addition, Peoples 27 has unfunded commitments to extend credit to customers. During a challenging economic environment like now, customers are more dependent on credit commitments and increased borrowings under these commitments could adversely impact Peoples' liquidity. Furthermore, in an effort to support Peoples' communities during the pandemic, Peoples is participating in the PPP under the CARES Act whereby loans to small businesses are made and those loans are subject to the regulatory requirements that would require forbearance of loan payments for a specified time or that would limit Peoples' ability to pursue all available remedies in the event of a loan default. If the borrower under the PPP loan fails to qualify for loan forgiveness, Peoples is at the heightened risk of holding the loan at an unfavorable interest rate as compared to the loans to customers that Peoples would have otherwise extended credit. Rules providing for forgiveness have been constantly evolving, including an automatic forgiveness if the amount of the PPP loan was not larger than a specified floor. Additional information regarding Peoples' credit exposure concentration as of December 31, 2020 can be found in the section captioned "Loan Concentration" in "ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Form 10-K. • Peoples' allowance for credit losses may be insufficient to absorb the expected, lifetime losses in its loan portfolio. Peoples maintains an allowance for credit losses that is believed to be a reasonable estimate of the expected losses within the CECL model, based on management's quarterly analysis of the loan portfolio. The determination of the allowance for credit losses requires management to make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of Peoples' loans, including the creditworthiness of its borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of loans. Additional information regarding Peoples' allowance for credit losses methodology and the sensitivity of the estimates can be found in the discussion of "Critical Accounting Policies" included in "ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Form 10-K. Peoples' estimation of future credit losses is susceptible to changes in economic, operating and other conditions, including changes in regulations and interest rates, which may be beyond Peoples' control, and the losses may exceed current estimates. Peoples cannot be assured of the amount or timing of losses, nor whether the credit loss allowance will be adequate in the future. If Peoples' assumptions prove to be incorrect, Peoples' allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient to cover the expected losses from its loan portfolio, resulting in the need for additions to the allowance for credit losses which could have a material adverse impact on Peoples' financial condition and results of operations. In addition, bank regulators periodically review Peoples' allowance for credit losses as part of their examination process and may require management to increase the allowance or recognize further loan charge-offs based on judgments different than those of management. On June 16, 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2016-13 "Financial Instruments – Credit Losses", which replaced the incurred loss model with the CECL model, which is an expected loss model. The new accounting guidance became effective for Peoples beginning January 1, 2020, and included most debt instruments under the new framework. Under the CECL model, Peoples is required to use historical information, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts to estimate the expected credit losses. If the methodologies and assumptions used by Peoples in the CECL model prove to be incorrect, or inadequate, the allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient, resulting in the need for additional allowance for credit losses to be established, which could have a material adverse impact on Peoples' financial condition and results of operations. The adoption of CECL by Peoples resulted in a reduction to the retained earnings balance of $3.7 million, net of income tax, and a pre-tax increase to the allowance for credit losses of $5.8 million. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Peoples' financial results were negatively impacted as deteriorating economic conditions forecasted increased Peoples' expectations for credit losses, resulting in higher provision for credit losses during 2020. As a result of the implementation of the CECL model, the time horizon over which Peoples is required to estimate future credit losses expanded, which could result in increased volatility in future provisions for credit losses. Peoples may also experience a higher or more volatile provision for credit losses due to higher levels of nonperforming loans and net charge-offs if commercial and consumer customers are unable to make scheduled loans payments. • Peoples' accounting estimates and risk management processes rely on analytical and forecasting models. The processes Peoples uses to estimate Peoples' expected credit losses and to measure the fair value of financial instruments, as well as the processes used to estimate the effects of changing interest rates and other market measures on Peoples' financial condition and results of operations, depend upon the use of analytical and forecasting models. These models reflect assumptions that may not be accurate, particularly in times of market stress or other unforeseen circumstances. Even if these assumptions are accurate, the models may prove to be inadequate or inaccurate because of other flaws in their design or their implementation. If the models Peoples uses for interest rate risk and asset-liability management are inadequate, Peoples may incur increased or unexpected losses upon changes in market interest rates or other market measures. If the models used by Peoples for determining expected credit losses are inadequate, the allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient to support future charge-offs. If the 28 models used by Peoples to measure the fair value of financial instruments are inadequate, the fair value of such financial instruments may fluctuate unexpectedly or may not accurately reflect what Peoples could realize upon sale or settlement of such financial instruments. Any such failure in Peoples' analytical or forecasting models could have a material adverse effect on Peoples' business, financial condition and results of operations. • Peoples and Peoples Bank may elect or be compelled to seek additional capital in the future, but such capital may not be available when needed. Peoples and Peoples Bank are required by federal and state regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support their operations. Federal banking agencies have adopted extensive changes to their capital requirements, including raising required amounts and eliminating the inclusion of certain instruments from the calculation of capital. If Peoples Bank experiences significant losses, additional capital may be needed. In addition, Peoples and Peoples Bank may elect to raise additional capital to support the businesses or to finance acquisitions, if any, or for other unanticipated reasons. The ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on financial performance, conditions in the capital markets, economic conditions and a number of other factors, many of which are outside of Peoples' control. Therefore, there can be no assurance that additional capital will be available or that capital will be available on acceptable terms. The inability to raise capital may have a material adverse effect on Peoples' financial condition, results of operations or potential acquisitions. • Peoples and Peoples Bank operate in a highly regulated industry, and the laws and regulations that govern Peoples’ operations, corporate governance, executive compensation and financial accounting, or financial reporting, including changes in, or failure to comply with, such laws and regulations may adversely affect Peoples. The banking industry is highly regulated. Peoples is subject to supervision, regulation and examination by various federal and state regulators, including the Federal Reserve Board, the SEC, the CFPB, the FDIC, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (also known as FINRA), and various state regulatory agencies. The statutory and regulatory framework that governs Peoples is generally designed to protect depositors and customers, the Deposit Insurance Fund, the U.S. banking and financial system, and financial markets as a whole and not to protect Peoples' shareholders. These laws and regulations, among other matters, prescribe minimum capital requirements, restrict the ability of Peoples Bank to guarantee Peoples Bancorp Inc.'s debt, and impose limitations on Peoples’ business activities (including foreclosure and collection practices), limit the dividends or distributions that Peoples can pay, and impose certain specific accounting requirements that may be more restrictive and may result in greater or earlier charges to earnings or reductions in capital than would otherwise be required under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("US GAAP"). Compliance with laws and regulations can be difficult and costly, and changes to laws and regulations often impose additional compliance costs. Both the scope of the laws and regulations, and the intensity of the supervision to which Peoples is subject, have increased in recent years in response to the perceived state of the financial services industry, as well as other factors such as technological and market changes. Such regulation and supervision may increase Peoples’ costs and limit its ability to pursue business opportunities. Further, Peoples’ failure to comply with these laws and regulations, even if the failure was inadvertent or reflects a difference in interpretation, could subject Peoples to restrictions on business activities, fines, and other penalties, any of which could adversely affect results of operations, the capital base, and the price of Peoples’ common shares. Further, any new laws, rules, or regulations could make compliance more difficult or expensive or otherwise adversely affect Peoples’ business and financial condition. • Peoples may not be able to adapt to technological change. The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers and to reduce costs. Peoples’ future success depends, in part, upon its ability to address customer needs by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in its operations. Peoples may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to its customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological changes affecting the financial services industry could negatively affect Peoples’ growth, revenue and net income. • Peoples may not be able to attract and retain skilled key employees. Peoples' success depends, in large part, on its ability to attract, retain, motivate and develop key employees. Competition for key employees is ongoing and Peoples may not be able to attract, retain or hire the key employees who are wanted or needed, which may also negatively impact Peoples' ability to execute identified business strategies. Many of Peoples’ offices are located in rural areas, resulting in the possible need for Peoples to offer higher compensation than what is offered in metropolitan areas to attract or retain key employees, which may adversely affect salaries and employee benefit costs. Various restrictions on the compensation which may be paid to certain executive officers were imposed under the Dodd- Frank Act and other legislation and regulations. In addition, Peoples' incentive compensation structure is subject to review by regulators, who may identify deficiencies in the structure or issue additional guidance on Peoples' compensation practices, causing Peoples to make changes that may affect its ability to offer competitive compensation to these individuals or that place it at a 29 disadvantage to non-financial service competitors. Peoples' ability to attract and retain talented employees may be affected by these restrictions, or any new executive compensation limits or regulations. • Peoples' ability to pay dividends is limited, and Peoples may not be in the position to pay dividends in the future. Although Peoples has paid dividends on its common shares in the past, Peoples may, at the discretion of its Board of Directors, reduce or eliminate dividends in the future, for any reason, including a determination to use funds for other purposes, or due to regulatory constraints. Peoples is a separate and distinct legal entity from Peoples' subsidiaries. Peoples receives nearly all of its liquidity from dividends from Peoples Bank, which are limited by federal and state banking laws and regulations. These dividends also serve as the primary source of funds to pay dividends on Peoples' common shares. The inability of Peoples Bank to pay sufficient dividends to Peoples could have a material, adverse effect on its business. Further discussion of Peoples' ability to pay dividends can be found under the caption "Supervision and Regulation – Dividend Restrictions" in "ITEM 1 BUSINESS" of this Form 10-K and "Note 16 Regulatory Matters" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. • Peoples depends upon the accuracy and completeness of information about customers and counterparties. In deciding whether to extend credit or enter into other transactions with customers and counterparties, Peoples may rely on information provided by customers and counterparties, including financial statements and other financial information. Peoples may also rely on representations of customers and counterparties as to the accuracy and completeness of that information and, with respect to financial statements, on reports of independent auditors. For example, in deciding whether to extend credit to a business, Peoples Bank may assume that the customer’s audited financial statements conform with US GAAP and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the customer. Peoples Bank may also rely on the audit report covering those financial statements. Peoples’ financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be negatively impacted to the extent that Peoples Bank relies on financial statements that do not comply with US GAAP or on financial statements and other financial information that are materially misleading. • Peoples Bank may be required to repurchase loans it has sold or to indemnify loan purchasers under the terms of the sale agreements, which could adversely affect Peoples’ liquidity, results of operations and financial condition. When Peoples Bank sells a mortgage loan, it may agree to repurchase or substitute a mortgage loan if Peoples Bank is later found to have breached any representation or warranty Peoples Bank made about the loan or if the borrower is later found to have committed fraud in connection with the origination of the loan. While Peoples Bank has underwriting policies and procedures designed to avoid breaches of representations and warranties and borrower fraud, there can be no assurance that a breach or fraud will never occur. Required repurchases, substitutions or indemnifications could have an adverse effect on Peoples’ liquidity, results of operations and financial condition. • Peoples and its subsidiaries are subject to examinations and challenges by tax authorities. In the normal course of business, Peoples and its subsidiaries are routinely subject to examinations and challenges from federal and state tax authorities regarding positions taken regarding their respective tax returns. State tax authorities have become increasingly aggressive in challenging tax positions taken by financial institutions, especially those positions relating to tax compliance and calculation of taxes subject to apportionment. Any challenge or examination by a tax authority may result in adjustments to the timing or amount of taxable net worth or taxable income, or deductions or the allocation of income among tax jurisdictions. Management believes it has taken appropriate positions with respect to all tax returns and does not anticipate that any examination would have a material impact on Peoples' Consolidated Financial Statements. However, the outcome of any such examination and the ultimate resolution of any resulting assessments are inherently difficult to predict. Thus, no assurance can be given that Peoples' tax liability for any tax year open to examination will be as reflected in Peoples' current and historical Consolidated Financial Statements. Further information can be found in the "Critical Accounting Policies – Income Taxes" section of "ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Form 10-K. Legislative, Regulatory and Tax Change Risks • Legislative or regulatory changes or actions could adversely impact Peoples or the businesses in which it is engaged. The financial services industry is heavily regulated under both federal and state law. Peoples is subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve Board, and Peoples Bank is subject to regulation and supervision by the ODFI, the FRB, the FDIC and the CFPB. These regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors and the Deposit Insurance Fund, not Peoples' shareholders. Peoples' non-bank subsidiaries are also subject to the supervision of the Federal Reserve Board, in addition to other regulatory and self-regulatory agencies, including the SEC, and state securities and insurance regulators. Regulations affecting banks and financial services businesses are undergoing continuous change, especially in light of COVID-19 and the stimulus programs implemented in connection therewith, and Peoples' management cannot predict the effect of those changes. While such changes are generally intended to lessen the regulatory burden on financial institutions, the impact 30 of any changes to laws and regulations or other actions by regulatory agencies could adversely affect Peoples' business. Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on the operation of an institution, the classification of assets held by an institution, the appropriateness of an institution's allowance for credit losses and the ability to complete acquisitions. Additionally, actions by regulatory agencies or significant litigation against Peoples could cause Peoples to devote significant time and resources to defending its business and may lead to penalties that materially affect Peoples and its shareholders. Even the reduction of regulatory restrictions could have an adverse effect on Peoples and its shareholders if such lessening of restrictions increases competition within the financial services industry or Peoples' market area. In light of conditions in the global financial markets and the global economy that occurred in the last decade, regulators have increased their focus on the regulation of the financial services industry. Most recently, the U.S. Congress and the federal agencies regulating the financial services industry have acted on an unprecedented scale in responding to the stresses experienced in the global financial markets. Some of the laws enacted by the U.S. Congress and regulations promulgated by federal regulatory agencies subject Peoples, Peoples Bank and other financial institutions to which such laws and regulations apply, to additional restrictions, oversight and costs that may have an impact on Peoples' business, results of operations or the trading price of Peoples' common shares. Further information about government regulation of Peoples' business can be found under the caption "Supervision and Regulation" in "ITEM 1 BUSINESS" of this Form 10-K. • Changes in accounting standards, policies, estimates or procedures may impact Peoples' reported financial condition or results of operations. The accounting standard setters, including the FASB, the SEC and other regulatory bodies, periodically change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of Peoples' Consolidated Financial Statements. The pace of change continues to accelerate and changes in accounting standards can be difficult to predict and can materially impact how Peoples records and reports its financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, Peoples could be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, resulting in the restatement of prior period financial statements. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make significant estimates that affect the financial statements. Due to the inherent nature of these estimates, actual results may vary materially from management's estimates. Additional information regarding Peoples' critical accounting policies and the sensitivity of estimates can be found in the section captioned "Critical Accounting Policies" in "ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Form 10-K. • Increases in FDIC insurance premiums may have a material adverse effect on Peoples' earnings. Peoples Bank has limited ability to control the amount of premiums it is required to pay for FDIC insurance. The Deposit Insurance Fund is funded by fees assessed on insured depository institutions, such as Peoples Bank. If the costs of future bank failures increase, deposit insurance premiums may also increase. Increases in FDIC insurance premiums may have a material adverse effect on Peoples' results of operations and ability to continue to pay dividends on its common shares at the current rate or at all. The FDIC has adopted rules revising its assessments in a manner benefiting banks with assets totaling less than $10 billion in assets. There can be no assurance, however, that assessments may not be changed in the future. Federal deposit insurance is described in more detail in the section captioned "Supervision and Regulation" in "ITEM 1 BUSINESS" of this Form 10-K. Strategic Risks • Peoples' ability to complete acquisitions and integrate completed acquisitions may be unsuccessful or more difficult, time- consuming or costly than expected, which could have an adverse effect on Peoples' business, earnings and financial condition. Peoples actively evaluates opportunities to acquire other businesses. However, Peoples may not have the opportunity to make suitable acquisitions on favorable terms in the future, which could negatively impact the growth of its business. Peoples expects that other banking and financial companies, many of which have significantly greater resources, will compete to acquire compatible businesses. This competition could increase prices for acquisitions that Peoples would likely pursue, and its competitors may have greater resources to pay such acquisition prices. In addition, acquisitions of regulated businesses, such as banks, are subject to various regulatory approvals. If Peoples fails to receive the appropriate approvals, it will not be able to consummate an acquisition that it believes is in its best interest. Peoples may not be able to integrate new acquisitions without encountering difficulties, including the loss of key employees and customers, the disruption of ongoing businesses or possible inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies. Peoples may not be able to fully achieve the strategic objectives and operating efficiencies anticipated in the acquisitions it completes. Future acquisitions may also result in other unforeseen difficulties, including in the integration of the combined 31 companies. Further, benefits such as enhanced earnings anticipated from the acquisitions may not develop and future results of the combined companies may be materially below those estimated. In addition, Peoples may issue equity securities in connection with acquisitions, which could dilute the economic and voting interests of Peoples' shareholders. Recent changes in the stock price of financial institutions could impact the valuation of potential target companies and, therefore, Peoples' ability to compete for acquisitions. • Changes in retail distribution strategies and consumer behavior may adversely impact Peoples’ investments in its financial service office premises and equipment and other assets, and may lead to increased expenditures to change its retail distribution channel. Peoples has significant investments in financial service office premises and equipment for its financial service office network, including 85 financial service offices as well as its retail work force and other financial service office banking assets. Advances in technology such as e-commerce, telephone, internet and mobile banking, and in-branch self-service technologies including automatic teller machines and other equipment, as well as changing customer preferences for these other methods of accessing Peoples’ products and services, could affect the value of Peoples’ financial service office network or other retail distribution assets and may cause Peoples to change its retail distribution strategy, close and/or sell certain financial service offices and restructure or reduce its remaining financial service offices and work force. Further advances in technology and/or changes in customer preferences including those related to social media could result in additional changes in Peoples’ retail distribution strategy and/or financial service office network. These actions could lead to losses on these assets or could adversely impact the carrying value of other long-lived assets and may lead to increased expenditures to renovate and reconfigure remaining financial service offices or to otherwise reform Peoples’ retail distribution channel. • Anti-takeover provisions may delay or prevent an acquisition or change in control by a third party. Provisions in the Ohio General Corporation Law, Peoples' Amended Articles of Incorporation and Peoples' Code of Regulations, including a supermajority vote requirement for significant corporate changes, could discourage potential takeover attempts and make attempts by shareholders to remove Peoples' Board of Directors and management more difficult. These provisions may also have the effect of delaying or preventing a transaction or change in control that might be in the best interests of Peoples' shareholders. General Risks • Adverse changes in the financial markets may adversely impact Peoples' results of operations. While Peoples generally invests in securities issued by U.S. government agencies and sponsored entities and U.S. state and local governments with limited credit risk, certain investment securities held by Peoples possess higher credit risk since they represent beneficial interests in structured investments collateralized by residential mortgages, debt obligations and similar asset- backed assets. Even securities issued by governmental agencies and entities may entail risk depending on political and economic changes. Regardless of the level of credit risk, all investment securities are subject to changes in market value due to changing interest rates, implied credit spreads and credit ratings. Peoples' ability to access short-term funding or liquidity may be limited as a result of the impact of COVID-19 on local and global markets. This situation could further be exacerbated by a reduced deposit base either through customer withdrawals or non-renewal of term deposits. Market stress from the virus could result in reduced cash flow from earning assets including other- than-temporary impairment on investment securities and sustained repayment shortfalls on loans. It is possible that sources of wholesale funding such as the FHLB, the FRB, or the brokered certificate of deposit market would no longer be accessible to fund daily liquidity needs. • Peoples is subject to environmental liability risk associated with lending activities. A significant portion of Peoples' loan portfolio is secured by real property. During the ordinary course of business, Peoples forecloses on and takes title to properties securing certain loans. In doing so, there is a risk that hazardous or toxic substances could be found on these properties. If hazardous or toxic substances are found, Peoples may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage. Environmental laws may require Peoples to incur substantial expenses and may materially reduce the affected property’s value or limit Peoples' ability to use or sell the affected property. In addition, future laws or more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws may increase Peoples' exposure to environmental liability. Environmental reviews of real property before initiating foreclosure actions may not be sufficient to detect all potential environmental hazards. The remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on Peoples' business, financial condition and results of operations. • The value of Peoples’ goodwill and other intangible assets may decline in the future. As of December 31, 2020, Peoples had $184.6 million of goodwill and other intangible assets. A significant decline in expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in the business climate, slower growth rates or a significant and sustained decline in the price of Peoples’ common shares may necessitate taking charges in the future related to the impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets. If Peoples were to conclude that a future write-down of goodwill and other intangible assets is 32 necessary, the appropriate charge will be recorded, which could have a material adverse effect on Peoples' business, financial condition and results of operations. • Peoples is at risk of increased losses from fraud. Criminals are committing fraud at an increasing rate and are using more sophisticated techniques. In some cases, these individuals are part of larger criminal rings, which allow them to be more effective. Such fraudulent activity has taken many forms, ranging from debit card fraud, check fraud, mechanical devices attached to ATM machines, social engineering and phishing attacks to obtain personal information, or impersonation of clients through the use of falsified or stolen credentials. Additionally, an individual or business entity may properly identify itself, yet seek to establish a business relationship for the purpose of perpetrating fraud. An emerging type of fraud even involves the creation of synthetic identification in which fraudsters "create" individuals for the purpose of perpetrating fraud. In addition to fraud committed directly against Peoples, Peoples may suffer losses as a result of fraudulent activity committed against third parties. Increased deployment of technologies, such as chip card technology, defray and reduce certain aspects of fraud; however, criminals are turning to other sources to steal personally identifiable information, such as unaffiliated healthcare providers and government entities, in order to impersonate consumers and thereby commit fraud. • Peoples may not be able to remain competitive. Peoples experiences significant competition in originating loans, obtaining deposits, and maintaining and growing insurance and trust customers, principally from other commercial banks, savings associations, credit unions, trust and brokerage companies, insurance agencies, fintechs and online service providers. Several of Peoples' competitors have greater resources, larger branch systems and wider arrays of banking and non-banking services. This competition could reduce Peoples' net income by decreasing the number and size of loans that Peoples originates and the interest rates it can charge on these loans. Moreover, technology and other changes are allowing businesses and individuals to utilize alternative methods to complete financial transactions that historically have involved banks. For example, consumers can now maintain funds that have historically been held as bank deposits in brokerage accounts, mutual funds, or high yield savings accounts with online banks. Consumers can also complete transactions such as paying bills and/or transferring funds directly without the assistance of banks. The process of eliminating the use of banks to complete financial transactions could result in the loss of fee income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and the related income generated from those deposits. The loss of these revenue streams and lower cost deposits as a source of funding could have a material adverse effect on Peoples' financial condition and results of operations. If Peoples is unable to compete effectively, Peoples will lose market share, which could reduce income generated from deposits, loans and other products. For a more complete discussion of Peoples' competitive environment, see the section captioned "Competition" in "ITEM 1 BUSINESS" of this Form 10-K. • Climate change, severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, the emergence of a pandemic and other adverse external events could significantly impact Peoples' business. Natural disasters, including severe weather events of increasing strength and frequency due to climate change, acts of war or terrorism, pandemics or concern about a possible pandemic, and other adverse external events could have a significant impact on Peoples' ability to conduct business or upon third parties who perform operational services for Peoples or its customers. Such events could affect the stability of Peoples' deposit base, impair the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, disrupt the infrastructure that supports Peoples' business and the communities Peoples is located in, negatively impact financial markets and interest rates, result in lost revenue or cause Peoples to incur additional expenses. The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted Peoples' business and financial results, and the ultimate continued impact on both will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including the scope and duration of the pandemic and actions taken by governmental and nongovernmental authorities in response to the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic is creating extensive disruptions to the global economy and to the lives of individuals throughout the world. Governments, businesses, and the public are taking unprecedented actions to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to mitigate its effects, including quarantines, travel bans, shelter-in-place orders, closures of businesses and schools, government fiscal stimulus, and legislation designed to deliver monetary aid and other Federal Reserve Board monetary policy. While the scope, duration, and full effects of COVID-19 are rapidly evolving, including the effectiveness and timing of the rollout of vaccines to the general public, the pandemic and related efforts to contain it have disrupted global economic activity, adversely affected the functioning of financial markets, impacted interest rates, increased economic and market uncertainty, and disrupted trade and supply chains. If these effects continue for a prolonged period or result in sustained economic stress or recession, many of the risk factors identified in Peoples' 2020 Form 10-K could be exacerbated and such effects could have a material adverse impact on Peoples in a number of ways related to credit, collateral, customer demand, funding, operations, interest rate risk, and human capital. 33 • Peoples or one of its subsidiaries may be a defendant from time to time in a variety of litigation and other actions, which could have a material adverse effect on Peoples' financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Peoples and its subsidiaries may be involved from time to time in a variety of litigation arising out of their respective businesses. The risk of litigation increases in times of increased troubled loan collection activity. Peoples' insurance may not cover all claims that may be asserted against Peoples and its subsidiaries, and any claims asserted against them, regardless of merit or eventual outcome, may harm their respective reputations. Should the ultimate judgments or settlements in any litigation exceed the applicable insurance coverage, they could have a material adverse effect on Peoples' financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, Peoples or one of its subsidiaries may not be able to obtain appropriate types or levels of insurance in the future or adequate replacement policies with acceptable terms. • Defaults by larger financial institutions could adversely affect Peoples' business, earnings and financial condition. Many financial institutions and their related operations are closely intertwined, and the soundness of such financial institutions may, to some degree, be interdependent. As a result, concerns about, or a default or threatened default by, one institution could lead to significant market-wide liquidity and credit problems, losses or defaults by other institutions. This "systemic risk" may adversely affect Peoples' business. Additionally, Peoples' investment portfolio continues to include a limited amount of investments in individual bank-issued trust preferred securities. Under current market conditions, the fair value of these security types is based predominately on the present value of cash flows expected to be received in the future. Significant defaults by other financial institutions could adversely affect conditions within the financial services industry, thereby causing investors to require higher rates of return for these investments. These factors could cause Peoples to recognize impairment losses on its investment in bank-issued trust preferred securities in future periods. • Changes in tax laws could adversely affect Peoples' performance. Peoples is subject to extensive federal, state and local taxes, including income, excise, sales/use, payroll, franchise, withholding and other taxes. Changes to tax laws could have a material adverse effect on Peoples' results of operations, fair values of net deferred tax assets and obligations of states and political subdivisions held in Peoples' investment securities portfolio. In addition, Peoples' customers are subject to a wide variety of federal, state and local taxes. Changes in taxes paid by Peoples' customers may adversely affect their ability to purchase homes or consumer products, which could adversely affect their demand for loans and deposit products. In addition, such negative effects on Peoples' customers could result in defaults on the loans made by Peoples Bank and decrease the value of mortgage-backed securities in which Peoples has invested. ITEM 1B UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None. ITEM 2 PROPERTIES Peoples' sole banking subsidiary, Peoples Bank, generally owns its offices, related facilities and unimproved real property. At December 31, 2020, Peoples Bank operated 62 offices in Ohio, 12 offices in Kentucky, 10 offices in West Virginia and 1 office in Missouri. Of these 85 offices, 19 are leased and the rest are owned by Peoples Bank. Peoples Insurance rents office space in various Peoples Bank offices, and also leases office space from third parties in Lyndhurst, Ohio; Sciotoville, Ohio; and in Pikeville, Kentucky. 34 Rent expense on the leased properties totaled $1.6 million in 2020 and $1.3 million in 2019, which excludes intercompany rent expense. The following are the only properties that have a lease term expiring on or before June 2022: Location Address Lease Expiration Date Lancaster Fair Avenue Office Lyndhurst Insurance Office Huntington Business Production Office Athens Mall Office Akron Business Production Office Cincinnati East Loan Production Office North Canton Loan Production Office Pikeville Insurance Office Munroe Falls Office Cincinnati West Loan Production Office Charleston Commercial Office 2211 West Fair Avenue Lancaster, Ohio 5231 Mayfield Road Lyndhurst, Ohio 1200 Third Avenue Huntington, West Virginia 801 East State Street Athens, Ohio 354 South Main Street Akron, Ohio 151 Castleberry Court Milford, Ohio 125 South Main Street North Canton, Ohio 108 Trivett Drive Pikeville, Kentucky 34 South Main Street Munroe Falls, Ohio 6701 Ruwes Oak Drive, Suite 4 Cincinnati, Ohio 10 Hale Street Charleston, West Virginia (a) Current lease agreement has no remaining extensions available. (b) Current lease agreement has one three-year extension remaining. (c) Current lease agreement has one two-year extension remaining. (d) Current lease agreement has three five-year extensions remaining. March 2021 (a) April 2021 (a) May 2021 (b) June 2021 (b) June 2021 (a) June 2021 (b) June 2021 (c) September 2021 (a) December 2021 (a) April 2022 (d) May 2022 (b) Peoples considers its offices and related facilities to be suitable and adequate for the present needs of Peoples and its subsidiaries. Peoples evaluates on a continuing basis the suitability and adequacy of its offices and related facilities, and has opened, relocated, remodeled or closed them as appropriate to maintain efficient and attractive premises. Additional information concerning the property and equipment owned or leased by Peoples and its subsidiaries is incorporated herein by reference from "Note 5 Bank Premises and Equipment" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. ITEM 3 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS In the ordinary course of their respective businesses or operations, Peoples or one of its subsidiaries may be named as a plaintiff, a defendant, or a party to a legal proceeding or any of their respective properties may be subject to various pending and threatened legal proceedings and various actual and potential claims. In view of the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of such matters, Peoples cannot state what the eventual outcome of any such matters will be; however, based on current knowledge and after consultation with legal counsel, Peoples' management believes these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity of Peoples. ITEM 4 MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not applicable. 35 PART II ITEM 5 MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES Peoples' common shares are traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market® under the symbol PEBO. At December 31, 2020, Peoples had 3,149 shareholders of record. Peoples plans to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends comparable to those paid historically, subject to certain regulatory restrictions described in "Note 16 Regulatory Matters" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as in the section captioned "Supervision and Regulation – Dividend Restrictions" of "ITEM 1 BUSINESS" of this Form 10-K. Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities The following table details repurchases by Peoples and purchases by "affiliated purchasers" as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, of Peoples' common shares during the three months ended December 31, 2020: (a) Total Number of Common Shares Purchased (b) Average Price Paid per Common Share 77,122 (1)(2) $ 102,991 (1)(2) $ 3,085 (1)(2) $ $ 183,198 23.29 (1)(2) 24.00 (1)(2) 25.73 (1)(2) 23.73 (c) Total Number of Common Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1) (d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Common Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1) 75,189 $ 102,266 $ 2,370 $ 179,825 $ 13,945,155 11,491,559 11,431,179 11,431,179 Period October 1 – 31, 2020 November 1 – 30, 2020 December 1 – 31, 2020 Total (1) On February 28, 2020, Peoples announced that on February 27, 2020, Peoples' Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program (the "February 27, 2020 share repurchase program") authorizing Peoples to purchase up to an aggregate of $40 million of its outstanding common shares. On January 29, 2021, Peoples announced that on January 28, 2021, Peoples' Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program authorizing Peoples to purchase up to an aggregate of $30.0 million of its outstanding common shares, replacing the February 27, 2020 share repurchase program which terminated on January 28, 2021. Peoples purchased 75,189, 102,266, and 2,370 common shares under the February 27, 2020 share repurchase program in October, November, and December, respectively. Additional information regarding the share repurchase programs can be found in "Note 10 Stockholders' Equity" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Information includes 1,933 common shares, 725 common shares, and 715 common shares purchased in open market transactions during October, November, and December, respectively, by Peoples Bank under the Rabbi Trust Agreement. The Rabbi Trust Agreement establishes a rabbi trust that holds assets to provide funds for the payment of the benefits under the Peoples Bancorp Inc. Third Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors of Peoples Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries. (2) 36 Performance Graph The following Performance Graph and related information shall not be deemed "soliciting material" or to be "filed" with the SEC, nor shall such information be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that Peoples specifically incorporates the Performance Graph by reference into such filing. The following line graph compares the five-year cumulative total shareholder return of Peoples' common shares, based on an initial investment of $100 on December 31, 2015, and assuming reinvestment of dividends, against two indices. The first is the Russell 2000 Index, which is a leading benchmark for small cap domestic stocks and is comprised of the stocks ranked 1,001 to 3,000 in order of descending market capitalization in the Russell 3000 Index. The second is the Russell 2000 Financial Services Index, which is comprised of the financial services companies within the Russell 2000 Index. COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN AMONG PEOPLES BANCORP INC., RUSSELL 2000 INDEX, AND RUSSELL 2000 FINANCIAL SERVICES INDEX 2015 2016 At December 31, 2018 2017 2019 2020 Peoples Bancorp Inc. $ 100.00 $ 177.58 $ 183.08 $ 174.35 $ 209.12 $ 173.00 Russell 2000 Index Russell 2000 Financial Services Index $ 100.00 $ 121.28 $ 139.02 $ 123.69 $ 155.22 $ 186.15 $ 100.00 $ 131.05 $ 138.56 $ 123.41 $ 153.15 $ 150.02 37 ITEM 6 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The information below has been derived from Peoples' Consolidated Financial Statements. (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Operating Data (a) Total interest income Total interest expense Net interest income Provision for credit losses (b) Net (loss) gain on investment securities Net loss on asset disposals and other transactions At or For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 $ 157,104 $ 170,095 $ 151,264 $ 126,525 $ 115,444 18,181 29,257 21,652 13,148 10,579 138,923 140,838 129,612 113,377 104,865 26,254 2,504 5,448 (368) (290) 164 (782) (146) (334) 3,772 2,983 3,539 930 (63) (1,133) Total non-interest income excluding net gains and losses (c) 64,330 64,892 57,234 52,653 51,070 Total non-interest expense Net income (d) Balance Sheet Data (a) Total investment securities 133,695 137,250 125,977 107,975 106,911 $ 34,767 $ 53,695 $ 46,255 $ 38,471 $ 31,157 $ 857,031 $ 1,010,578 $ 871,837 $ 874,486 $ 859,455 Loans, net of deferred fees and costs ("total loans") 3,402,940 2,873,525 2,728,778 2,357,137 2,224,936 Allowance for credit losses Goodwill and other intangible assets Total assets Non-interest-bearing deposits Brokered certificates of deposits Other interest-bearing deposits Short-term borrowings 50,359 21,556 20,195 18,793 18,429 184,597 177,503 162,085 144,576 146,018 4,760,764 4,354,165 3,991,454 3,581,686 3,432,348 997,323 671,208 607,877 556,010 734,421 170,146 207,939 263,854 159,618 38,832 2,742,990 2,412,265 2,083,734 2,014,702 1,759,605 73,261 316,977 356,198 209,491 305,607 Junior subordinated debentures held by subsidiary trust 7,611 7,451 7,283 7,107 6,924 Other long-term borrowings Total stockholders' equity Tangible assets (e) Tangible equity (e) Per Common Share Data (a) Earnings per common share – basic Earnings per common share – diluted Cash dividends declared per common share Book value per common share (f) Tangible book value per common share (e)(f) Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding – basic Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding – diluted 102,957 75,672 102,361 136,912 138,231 575,673 594,393 520,140 458,592 435,261 4,576,167 4,176,662 3,829,369 3,437,110 3,286,330 $ 391,076 $ 416,890 $ 358,055 $ 314,016 $ 289,243 $ 1.74 $ 2.65 $ 2.42 $ 2.12 $ 1.73 1.37 2.63 1.32 2.41 1.12 2.10 0.84 29.43 28.72 26.59 25.08 $ 19.99 $ 20.14 $ 18.30 $ 17.17 $ 1.72 1.71 0.64 23.92 15.89 19,721,772 20,120,119 18,991,768 18,050,189 18,013,693 19,843,806 20,273,725 19,122,260 18,208,684 18,155,463 Common shares outstanding at end of period (f) 19,563,979 20,698,941 19,565,029 18,287,449 18,200,067 Closing stock price at end of period (f) $ 27.09 $ 34.66 $ 30.10 $ 32.62 $ 32.46 38 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Significant Ratios (a) Return on average stockholders' equity Return on average tangible equity (g) Return on average assets Return on average assets adjusted for non-core items (h) Average stockholders' equity to average assets Average total loans to average deposits Net interest margin (i) Efficiency ratio (j) Efficiency ratio adjusted for non-core items (k) Pre-provision net revenue to total average assets (l) Dividend payout ratio Total loans to deposits (f) Total investment securities as percentage of total assets (f) Asset Quality Ratios (a) Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans (f)(m) Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets (f)(m) Nonperforming assets as a percent of total loans and other real estate owned ("OREO") (f)(m) Criticized loans as a percent of total loans (f)(n) Classified loans as a percent of total loans (f)(o) Allowance for credit losses as a percent of total loans (f)(p) Allowance for credit losses as a percent of nonperforming loans (f)(m)(p) Provision for credit losses as a percent of average total loans (b) Net charge-offs as a percent of average total loans (q) Capital Information (a)(f) Common equity tier 1 capital ratio (r) Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio Total risk-based capital ratio (tier 1 and tier 2) Tier 1 leverage ratio Common equity tier 1 capital Tier 1 capital Total capital (tier 1 and tier 2) Total risk-weighted assets Total stockholders' equity to total assets Tangible equity to tangible assets (e) At or For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 6.04 % 9.48 % 9.48 % 8.54 % 7.20 % 9.47 0.73 0.83 12.14 86.28 3.24 63.86 61.94 1.47 79.14 87.14 14.35 1.27 1.43 13.41 86.35 3.69 64.74 61.09 1.62 50.08 87.50 14.81 1.19 1.32 12.61 89.37 3.71 65.33 61.32 1.57 46.65 92.51 13.33 1.10 1.08 12.83 86.10 3.62 62.20 61.85 1.65 39.86 86.42 11.86 0.94 0.97 13.03 83.22 3.54 65.13 64.30 1.48 37.40 88.81 18.00 % 23.21 % 21.84 % 24.42 % 25.04 % 0.82 % 0.59 0.75 % 0.50 0.71 % 0.49 0.73 % 0.49 1.13 % 0.75 0.84 3.72 2.13 1.48 0.76 3.37 2.30 0.75 0.71 4.18 1.61 0.74 0.74 3.84 1.97 0.80 1.16 4.46 2.59 0.83 180.14 99.28 104.35 108.52 73.43 0.81 0.05 % 0.09 0.04 % 0.21 0.15 % 0.16 0.15 % 0.17 0.09 % 13.01 % 14.59 % 13.66 % 13.26 % 12.91 % 13.25 14.50 8.97 % 14.84 15.58 10.41 % 13.92 14.65 9.99 % 13.55 14.43 9.75 % 13.21 14.11 9.65 % $ 409,400 $ 427,415 $ 378,855 $ 327,172 $ 306,506 417,011 434,866 386,138 334,279 313,430 456,384 456,422 406,333 355,977 334,957 $ 3,146,767 $ 2,930,355 $ 2,773,383 $ 2,466,620 $ 2,373,359 12.09 % 8.55 % 13.65 % 9.98 % 13.03 % 9.35 % 12.80 % 9.14 % 12.68 % 8.80 % (a) Reflects the impact of the acquisition of Triumph Premium Finance beginning July 1, 2020, First Prestonsburg Bancshares Inc. ("First Prestonsburg") beginning April 12, 2019 and ASB Financial Corp. ("ASB") beginning April 13, 2018. (b) On January 1, 2020, Peoples adopted ASU 2016-13 and implemented the CECL model. Prior to the adoption of the CECL model, the provision for credit losses was the "provision for loan losses." The provision for credit losses includes changes related to the allowance for credit losses on loans (which includes purchased credit deteriorated loans), held-to-maturity investment securities, and the unfunded commitment liability in 2020. Additional information regarding the implementation of the CECL model can be found in "Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. (c) Total non-interest income excluding net gains and losses, is a non-US GAAP financial measure since it excludes all gains and/or losses included in earnings. Additional information regarding the calculation of total non-interest income excluding net gains and losses can be found in "ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Form 10-K under the caption "Core Non-Interest Income and Expense (non-US GAAP)." 39 (d) Net income includes non-core non-interest expenses totaling $3.9 million in 2020, $7.6 million in 2019, $7.5 million in 2018, $583,000 in 2017, and $1.3 million in 2016. Additional information regarding the non-core non-interest expense can be found in "ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Form 10-K under the caption "Core Non-Interest Income and Expense (non-US GAAP)." (e) These amounts represent non-US GAAP financial measures since they exclude the balance sheet impact of goodwill and other intangible assets acquired through acquisitions on total stockholders’ equity and total assets. Additional information regarding the calculation of these amounts can be found in "ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Form 10-K under the caption "Capital/Stockholders’ Equity." (f) Data presented as of the end of the year indicated. (g) Return on average tangible equity represents a non-US GAAP financial measure since it excludes the after-tax impact of amortization of other intangible assets from earnings and it excludes the balance sheet impact of goodwill and other intangible assets acquired through acquisitions on total stockholders’ equity. Additional information regarding the calculation of this amount can be found in "ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Form 10-K under the caption "Return on Average Tangible Equity (non-US GAAP)." (h) Return on average assets adjusted for non-core items represents a non-US GAAP financial measure since it excludes the release of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities, the after-tax impact of all gains and/or losses, core banking system conversion revenue and expenses, acquisition-related expenses, pension settlement charges, severance expenses, and COVID-19- related expenses in earnings. Additional information regarding the calculation of this amount can be found in "ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Form 10-K under the caption "Return on Average Assets Adjusted for Non-Core Items (non-US GAAP)." (i) (j) Information presented on a fully tax-equivalent ("FTE") basis using a 21% statutory federal corporate income tax rate for 2020, 2019 and 2018 and a 35% statutory federal corporate income tax rate for 2017 and 2016. The efficiency ratio is defined 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 all gains and losses). This amount represents a non-US GAAP financial measure since it excludes amortization of other intangible assets, and all gains and/or losses included in earnings, and uses FTE net interest income. Additional information regarding the calculation of this amount can be found in "ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Form 10-K under the caption "Efficiency Ratio (non-US GAAP)." (k) The efficiency ratio adjusted for non-core items is defined as core non-interest expense (less amortization of other intangible assets) as a percentage of FTE net interest income plus core non-interest income excluding all gains and losses. This amounts represents a non-US GAAP financial measure since it excludes the impact of all gains and/or losses, core banking system conversion revenue and expenses, acquisition-related expenses, pension settlement charges, severance expenses, and COVID-19-related expenses in earnings, and uses FTE net interest income. Additional information regarding the calculation of this amount can be found in "ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Form 10-K under the caption "Efficiency Ratio (non-US GAAP)." (l) Pre-provision net revenue is defined as net interest income plus total non-interest income (excluding all gains and losses) minus total non-interest expense. Pre- provision net revenue excludes income tax expense. This ratio represents a non-US GAAP financial measure since it excludes the provision for loan losses and all gains and/or losses included in earnings. This measure is a key metric used by federal banking regulatory agencies in their evaluation of capital adequacy for financial institutions. Additional information regarding the calculation of this ratio can be found in "ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Form 10-K under the caption "Pre-Provision Net Revenue (non-US GAAP)." (m) Nonperforming loans include loans 90+ days past due and accruing, renegotiated loans and nonaccrual loans. Nonperforming assets include nonperforming loans and other real estate owned. (n) (o) Includes loans categorized as special mention, substandard and doubtful. Includes loans categorized as substandard and doubtful. (p) On January 1, 2020, Peoples adopted ASU 2016-13 and adopted the CECL model. Prior to the adoption of the CECL model, the allowance for credit losses was the "allowance for loan losses." (q) (r) Included $2.5 million in recoveries during 2020 and $1.8 million in recoveries during 2019 on one single large commercial relationship. Peoples' capital conservation buffer was 6.50% at December 31, 2020, 7.58% at December 31, 2019, 6.65% at December 31, 2018, 6.43% at December 31, 2017, and 6.11% at December 31, 2016. ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made in this Form 10-K, which are not historical fact, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act , Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "may," "feel," "expect," "believe," "plan," "will," "will likely," "would," "should," "could," "project," "goal," "target," "potential," "seek," "intend," and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (1) the ever-changing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic - the duration, extent and severity of which are impossible to predict, including the possibility of further resurgence in the spread of COVID-19 - on economies (local, national and international) and markets, and on Peoples' customers, counterparties, employees and third-party service providers, as well as the effects of various responses of governmental and nongovernmental authorities to the COVID-19 pandemic, including public health actions directed toward the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic (such as quarantines, shut downs, and other restrictions on travel and commercial, social and other activities), the development, availability and 40 (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) effectiveness of vaccines, and the implementation of fiscal stimulus packages, which could adversely impact sales volumes, add volatility to the global stock markets, and increase loan delinquencies and defaults; changes in the interest rate environment due to economic conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic or other factors and/or the fiscal and monetary policy measures undertaken by the U.S. government and the Federal Reserve Board in response to such economic conditions, which may adversely impact interest rates, the interest rate yield curve, interest margins, loan demand and interest rate sensitivity; the success, impact, and timing of the implementation of Peoples' business strategies and Peoples' ability to manage strategic initiatives, including the expansion of commercial and consumer lending activities, in light of the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on customers' operations and financial condition; competitive pressures among financial institutions, or from non-financial institutions, which may increase significantly, including product and pricing pressures, which can in turn impact Peoples' credit spreads, changes to third-party relationships and revenues, changes in the manner of providing services, customer acquisition and retention pressures, and Peoples' ability to attract, develop and retain qualified professionals; uncertainty regarding the nature, timing, cost, and effect of legislative or regulatory changes or actions, or deposit insurance premium levels, promulgated and to be promulgated by governmental and regulatory agencies in the State of Ohio, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which may subject Peoples, its subsidiaries, or one or more acquired companies to a variety of new and more stringent legal and regulatory requirements which adversely affect their respective businesses, including in particular the rules and regulations promulgated and to be promulgated under the CARES Act and the follow-up legislation enacted as the CAA, on December 27, 2020, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, and the Basel III regulatory capital reform; the effects of easing restrictions on participants in the financial services industry; local, regional, national and international economic conditions (including the impact of potential or imposed tariffs, a U.S. withdrawal from or significant renegotiation of trade agreements, trade wars and other changes in trade regulations, and changes in the relationship of the U.S. and its global trading partners) and the impact these conditions may have on Peoples, its customers and its counterparties, and Peoples' assessment of the impact, which may be different than anticipated; Peoples may issue equity securities in connection with future acquisitions, which could cause ownership and economic dilution to Peoples' current shareholders; changes in prepayment speeds, loan originations, levels of nonperforming assets, delinquent loans, charge-offs, and customer and other counterparties performance and creditworthiness generally, which may be less favorable than expected in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and adversely impact the amount of interest income generated; (10) Peoples may have more credit risk and higher credit losses to the extent there are loan concentrations by location or industry of borrowers or collateral; (11) (12) (13) (14) changes in accounting standards, policies, estimates or procedures may adversely affect Peoples' reported financial condition or results of operations; the impact of assumptions, estimates and inputs used within models, which may vary materially from actual outcomes, including under the CECL model; the discontinuation of LIBOR and other reference rates which may result in increased expenses and litigation, and adversely impact the effectiveness of hedging strategies; adverse changes in the conditions and trends in the financial markets, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related responses by governmental and nongovernmental authorities to the pandemic, which may adversely affect the fair value of securities within Peoples' investment portfolio, the interest rate sensitivity of Peoples' consolidated balance sheet, and the income generated by Peoples' trust and investment activities; (15) the volatility from quarter to quarter of mortgage banking income, whether due to interest rates, demand, the fair value of mortgage loans, or other factors; (16) Peoples' ability to receive dividends from its subsidiaries; (17) Peoples' ability to maintain required capital levels and adequate sources of funding and liquidity; (18) the impact of larger or similar-sized financial institutions encountering problems, which may adversely affect the banking industry and/or Peoples' business generation and retention, funding and liquidity; 41 (19) Peoples' ability to secure confidential information and deliver products and services through the use of computer systems and telecommunications networks, including those of Peoples' third-party vendors and other service providers, which may prove inadequate, and could adversely affect customer confidence in Peoples and/or result in Peoples incurring a financial loss; (20) Peoples' ability to anticipate and respond to technological changes, and Peoples' reliance on, and the potential failure of, a number of third-party vendors to perform as expected, including Peoples' primary core banking system provider, which can impact Peoples' ability to respond to customer needs and meet competitive demands; (21) (22) (23) operational issues stemming from and/or capital spending necessitated by the potential need to adapt to industry changes in information technology systems on which Peoples and its subsidiaries are highly dependent; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and saving habits, whether due to changes in retail distribution strategies, consumer preferences and behavior, changes in business and economic conditions (including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic), legislative or regulatory initiatives (including those in response to the COVID-19 pandemic), or other factors, which may be different than anticipated; the adequacy of Peoples' internal controls and risk management program in the event of changes in strategic, reputational, market, economic, operational, cybersecurity, compliance, legal, asset/liability repricing, liquidity, credit and interest rate risks associated with Peoples' business; (24) the impact on Peoples' businesses, personnel, facilities, or systems, of losses related to acts of fraud, theft, or violence; (25) (26) (27) the impact on Peoples' businesses, as well as on the risks described above, of various domestic or international widespread natural or other disasters, pandemics (including COVID-19), cybersecurity attacks, system failures, civil unrest (including any resulting branch closures or damage), military or terrorist activities or international conflicts; the impact on Peoples' businesses and operating results of any costs associated with obtaining rights in intellectual property claimed by others and adequately protecting Peoples' intellectual property; risks and uncertainties associated with Peoples' entry into new geographic markets and risks resulting from Peoples' inexperience in these new geographic markets; (28) Peoples' ability to identify, acquire, or integrate suitable strategic acquisitions, which may be unsuccessful, or may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; (29) Peoples' continued ability to grow deposits; (30) (31) (32) the impact of future governmental and regulatory actions upon Peoples' participation in and execution of government programs related to the COVID-19 pandemic; uncertainty regarding the impact of changes to the U.S. presidential administration and Congress on the regulatory landscape, capital markets, elevated government debt, potential changes in tax legislation that may increase tax rates and the response to and management of the COVID-19 pandemic; and other risk factors relating to the banking industry or Peoples as detailed from time to time in Peoples' reports filed with the SEC, including those risk factors included in the disclosures under the heading "ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS" of this Form 10-K. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the filing date of this Form 10-K and are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements. Although management believes the expectations in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of management’s knowledge of Peoples’ business and operations, it is possible that actual results may differ materially from these projections. Additionally, Peoples undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the filing date of this Form 10-K or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as may be required by applicable legal requirements. Copies of documents filed with the SEC are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and/or through Peoples' website – www.peoplesbancorp.com under the "Investor Relations" section. The following discussion and analysis of Peoples' Consolidated Financial Statements is presented to provide insight into management's assessment of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, as well as the ratios and statistics, contained elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Summary of Significant Transactions and Events The following is a summary of transactions or events that have impacted or are expected by management to impact Peoples’ results of operations or financial condition: 42 ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ On January 29, 2021, Peoples announced that on January 28, 2021, Peoples' Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program authorizing Peoples to purchase up to an aggregate of $30 million of its outstanding common shares. This program replaced the share repurchase program authorizing Peoples to purchase up to an aggregate of $40 million of its outstanding common shares, which Peoples' Board of Directors had authorized on February 27, 2020 and which was terminated on January 28, 2021. During 2020, Peoples repurchased 1,299,577 common shares for $29.3 million compared to 26,427 common shares for $805,000 during 2019. Peoples originated $489.0 million of PPP loans during 2020 under the loan guarantee program created under the CARES Act. These loans were targeted to provide small businesses with support to cover payroll and certain other expenses. Loans made under the PPP are fully guaranteed by the SBA. Additional information can be found later in this discussion under the caption “FINANCIAL CONDITION - COVID-19 Loan Impacts." As of December 31, 2020, Peoples had $366.9 million in PPP loans outstanding, which were included in commercial and industrial loan balances. Peoples recognized interest income of $10.7 million on PPP loans during 2020, which included $7.5 million for deferred fee/cost accretion. During 2020, Peoples recorded a provision for credit losses of $26.3 million, compared to $2.5 million for 2019 and $5.4 million for 2018. During 2020, Peoples recorded $932,000 of the provision for credit losses to establish the allowance for credit losses for the loans acquired from Triumph Premium Finance. The increase in the provision for credit losses compared to 2019 was primarily related to the impact of COVID-19 on the CECL model, as well as the implementation of the CECL accounting standard. Peoples has been providing relief solutions to consumer and commercial borrowers, including forbearance and modifications, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional information can be found later in this discussion under the caption “FINANCIAL CONDITION - COVID-19 Loan Impacts." Peoples was selected to partner with JobsOhio, a private nonprofit organization charged with economic development. Additional information can be found later in this discussion under the caption “FINANCIAL CONDITION - COVID-19 Loan Impacts." Peoples incurred $1.1 million in pension settlement charges in 2020 and $267,000 in 2018, due to the aggregate amount of lump-sum distributions to participants in Peoples' defined benefit pension plan exceeding the threshold for recognizing settlement charges during the period. There were no such settlement charges during 2019. During 2020, Peoples recorded $1.3 million of expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These expenses were primarily related to donations made to community food banks and pantries, as well as contributions to funds to support employees, including, in the second quarter of 2020, the issuance of unrestricted common share awards totaling $396,000 granted to employees at the Assistant Vice President level and below. During 2020, Peoples incurred $489,000 of acquisition-related expenses, compared to $7.3 million for each of 2019 and 2018. The acquisition-related expenses in 2020 were related to the Triumph Premium Finance acquisition, while the expenses during 2019 and 2018 were due to the First Prestonsburg and ASB acquisitions, respectively. During 2020, Peoples sold restricted Class B Visa stock for a gain of $680,000, which was recorded in other non-interest income. Peoples also sold restricted Class B Visa stock during 2019, resulting in a gain of $787,000. Effective July 1, 2020, Peoples completed the business combination under which Peoples Bank acquired the operations and assets of Triumph Premium Finance (referred to as the "premium finance acquisition"), a division of TBK Bank, SSB. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the division operating as Peoples Premium Finance will continue to provide insurance premium financing loans for commercial customers to purchase property and casualty insurance products through its growing network of independent insurance agency partners nationwide. Peoples Bank acquired $84.7 million in loans, at acquisition date, after fair value adjustments. Peoples also recorded $4.3 million of other intangible assets and $5.5 million of goodwill. Total consideration paid for this acquisition was $94.5 million. As of December 31, 2020, Peoples Premium Finance loans had grown to $114.8 million. During 2020, Peoples recognized credits to its FDIC insurance expense as the FDIC issued credits to member banks to offset against the quarterly assessment as a result of the deposit insurance fund reaching its target threshold for smaller banks. These credits were used by Peoples beginning in 2019 and were fully exhausted during the second quarter of 2020. On April 2, 2020, Peoples entered into a First Amendment to the Loan Agreement with U.S. Bank National Association (the “U.S. Bank Loan Agreement”), entered into on April 3, 2019, to extend the maturity. The First Amendment to Loan Agreement extends the maturity from April 2, 2020 to April 1, 2021. The U.S. Bank Loan Agreement provides Peoples with a revolving line of credit in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $20.0 million that may be used: (i) for working capital purposes; (ii) to finance dividends or other distributions (other than stock dividends and stock splits) on or in respect of Peoples’ capital stock and redemptions, repurchases or other acquisitions of any of Peoples’ capital stock permitted under the U.S. Bank Loan Agreement; and (iii) to finance acquisitions permitted under the U.S. Bank Loan Agreement. 43 ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ During 2020, Peoples recognized $109,000 in bank owned life insurance ("BOLI") income related to tax-free death benefits, compared to $482,000 in 2019. In an effort to stimulate an economy that was being adversely impacted by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve Board first lowered the benchmark Federal Funds Target Rate by 50 basis points on March 3, 2020 and then lowered the target rate another 100 basis points at the next FOMC meeting on March 15, 2020. The Federal Funds Target Rate range was 0% - 0.25% as of March 31, 2020 and maintained this rate as of December 31, 2020. According to the Chair of the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Funds Target Rate is not likely to drop below this range. However, the Federal Reserve Board does have other tools available that it can employ and has expressed an intention to do so in order to maintain a targeted level of liquidity. Furthermore, the Federal Reserve Board has indicated it is committed to a target 0% - 0.25% range for Federal Funds through at least 2023. On January 1, 2020, Peoples Insurance acquired a property and casualty-focused independent insurance agency for a purchase price amount equal to $866,000, and recorded $735,000 of customer relationship intangibles, and $27,000 of other assets, resulting in $104,000 of goodwill. On August 22, 2019, Peoples Risk Management, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Peoples, was formed. Peoples Risk Management, Inc. is a Nevada-chartered captive insurance company which insures against certain risks unique to the operations of Peoples and for which insurance may not be currently available or economically feasible. Peoples Risk Management, Inc. pools resources with several other similar insurance company subsidiaries of financial institutions to help minimize the risk allocable to each participating insurer. At the close of business on April 12, 2019, Peoples completed the merger with First Prestonsburg. First Prestonsburg merged into Peoples and First Prestonsburg's wholly-owned subsidiary, The First Commonwealth Bank of Prestonsburg, Inc., which operated nine full-service bank branches in central and eastern Kentucky, merged into Peoples Bank. First Prestonsburg shareholders received total merger consideration of $43.7 million, of which $11.3 million was in the form of a special cash dividend paid by First Prestonsburg to its shareholders prior to the merger with the remainder being paid in the form of an aggregate of 1,005,478 Peoples common shares by Peoples. The merger added $129.4 million of total loans and $257.2 million of total deposits at the acquisition date, after fair value adjustments. Peoples also recorded $4.3 million of other intangible assets and $15.2 million of goodwill. Refer to "Note 19 Acquisitions" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. At the close of business on April 13, 2018, Peoples completed the merger with ASB. ASB merged into Peoples, and ASB's wholly-owned subsidiary, American Savings Bank, fsb, which operated seven full-service bank branches and two loan production offices in southern Ohio and eastern Kentucky, merged into Peoples Bank. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Peoples paid total merger consideration of $41.5 million. The merger added an aggregate of $239.2 million of total loans and loans held for sale, and $198.6 million of total deposits at the acquisition date, after fair value adjustments. Peoples also recorded $2.6 million of other intangible assets and $18.1 million of goodwill. The impact of these transactions, where material, is discussed in the applicable sections of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Critical Accounting Policies The accounting and reporting policies of Peoples conform to US GAAP and to general practices within the financial services industry. A summary of significant accounting policies is contained in "Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. While all of these policies are important to understanding the Consolidated Financial Statements, certain accounting policies require management to exercise judgment and make estimates or assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes. These estimates and assumptions are based on information available as of the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the Consolidated Financial Statements could reflect different estimates or assumptions. Management has identified four accounting policies as those that, due to the judgments, estimates and assumptions inherent in the policies, are critical to an understanding of Peoples' Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The four accounting policies identified were the allowance for credit losses, business combinations, goodwill, and income taxes. These four accounting policies are described in further detail below. Allowance for Credit Losses Peoples adopted ASU 2016-13 "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" on January 1, 2020, and began using the CECL model to estimate its allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses is estimated by management using relevant available information, from both internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The allowance for credit losses is measured on a pool basis, with loans collectively evaluated when similar risk characteristics exist. Peoples evaluated risk characteristics, including but not limited to: internal or third-party credit scores or credit ratings, risk ratings or classifications, financial asset type, collateral type, size, effective interest rate, term, geographical location, industry of the borrower, vintage, 44 historical or credit loss patterns, and reasonable and supportable forecast periods. Peoples identified 17 segments for which it believes there are similar risk characteristics and utilized a discounted cash flow methodology in determining an allowance for credit losses for each segment. In estimating credit losses, Peoples uses a loss driver method, which analyzes one or more economic variables to the change in default rate using a regression analysis. Variables that had a strong correlation were selected as economic factors, or variables, for the model. If a single variable was not found to be strongly correlated, additional variables were included. Peoples utilizes the U.S. unemployment, Ohio unemployment, Ohio Gross Domestic Product, and the Ohio Case Shiller Home Price Indices as economic factors in modeling. In general, Peoples completes a quarterly evaluation based on several qualitative factors to determine if there should be adjustments made to the allowance for credit losses. These factors include economic conditions, collateral, concentrations, troubled assets, Peoples' loss trends, peer loss trends, delinquency trends, portfolio composition and loan growth, underwriting, and certain other risks. The allowance for credit losses related to specific loans was based on management's estimate of potential losses on impaired loans as determined by (1) the present value of expected future cash flows, (2) the fair value of collateral if the loan is determined to be collateral dependent, or (3) the loan's observable market price. There can be no assurance that the allowance for credit losses will be adequate to cover all losses, but management believes the allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2020 was adequate to provide for expected losses from existing loans based on information available at that time. While management uses available information to estimate losses, the ultimate collectability of a substantial portion of the loan portfolio, and the need for future additions to the allowance, will be based on changes in economic conditions and other relevant factors. As such, adverse changes in economic activity could reduce currently estimated cash flows for both commercial and individual borrowers, which would likely cause Peoples to experience increases in problem assets, delinquencies and losses on loans in the future. Peoples also completes a quarterly evaluation for unfunded commitments for loans that are not unconditionally cancellable, which includes construction loans, floor plan lines of credit, home equity lines of credit, other credit lines and letters of credit. Peoples performed a study to determine the historical funding rates of unadvanced portions of loans, and applied these funding rates to the unfunded commitments at period end. The loss rates, including qualitative factors, in determining the allowance for credit losses were applied at the segment level to the unfunded commitment amounts to determine the allowance for credit loss liability for unfunded commitments. Prior to January 1, 2020, Peoples utilized the incurred loss model for estimating its allowance for loan losses. Business Combinations Peoples utilizes the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. As of the acquisition date, Peoples records the acquired company's net assets at fair value. The determination of fair value as of the acquisition date requires management to consider various factors that involve judgment and estimation, including the application of discount rates, prepayment rates, attrition rates, future estimates of interest rates, as well as many other assumptions. These assumptions can have a material impact on the estimated fair value, and as a result, the goodwill recorded in a business combination. Goodwill Peoples records goodwill as a result of acquisitions accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method, Peoples is required to allocate the consideration paid for an acquired company to the assets acquired, including identified intangible assets, and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill represents the excess cost over the fair value of net assets acquired and is not amortized but is tested for impairment when indicators of impairment exist, and, in any case, at least annually. The value of recorded goodwill is supported by revenue that is driven by the volume of business transacted and Peoples' ability to provide quality, cost-effective services in a competitive market place. A decline in earnings as a result of a lack of growth or the inability to deliver cost-effective services over sustained periods can lead to impairment of goodwill that could adversely impact earnings in future periods. Goodwill impairment exists when the carrying value of the reporting unit (as defined by US GAAP) exceeds its fair value value and an impairment loss is recognized in earnings in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The process of evaluating goodwill for impairment involves highly subjective and complex judgments, estimates and assumptions regarding the fair value of Peoples' reporting unit and, in some cases, goodwill itself. As a result, changes to these judgments, estimates and assumptions in future periods could result in materially different results. Peoples currently maintains a single reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing. While quoted market prices exist for Peoples' common shares since they are publicly traded, these market prices do not necessarily reflect the value 45 associated with gaining control of an entity. Thus, management takes into account all appropriate fair value measurements in determining the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. Peoples elected to early adopt Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-04 "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment" as of January 1, 2019. The amendments in this ASU simplify how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. Peoples performs its required annual impairment test as of October 1st each year. Peoples first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. In this evaluation, Peoples assesses relevant events and circumstances, which may include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance, events specific to Peoples, significant changes in the reporting unit, or a sustained decrease in stock price. If Peoples determines that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then performing the quantitative impairment test is unnecessary. However, Peoples has the option to complete the quantitative impairment test to corroborate the findings of its qualitative analysis. If Peoples determines that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, Peoples must complete the quantitative impairment test. At October 1, 2020, management elected to bypass the qualitative assessment and completed a quantitative impairment test due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and its related impact on stock prices during 2020. This test resulted in management concluding that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value. Peoples is required to perform interim tests for goodwill impairment in subsequent quarters if events occur or circumstances change that indicate potential goodwill impairment exists, such as adverse changes to Peoples' business or a significant decline in Peoples' market capitalization. For further information regarding goodwill, refer to "Note 6 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Income Taxes Income taxes are recorded based on the liability method of accounting, which includes the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. In general, Peoples records deferred tax assets when the event giving rise to the tax benefit has been recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements. A valuation allowance is recognized to reduce any deferred tax asset when, based upon available information, it is more-likely-than-not all, or any portion, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Assessing the need for, and amount of, a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets requires significant judgment and analysis of evidence regarding realization of the deferred tax assets. In most cases, the realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon Peoples generating a sufficient level of taxable income in future periods, which can be difficult to predict. Peoples' largest deferred tax assets involve differences related to Peoples' allowance for credit losses, available-for-sale securities, and accrued employee benefits. Management determined a valuation allowance of $805,000 at December 31, 2017, to be recorded against the deferred tax assets associated with its investment in a partnership investment. In 2018, Peoples released the valuation allowance, which reduced income tax expense by $805,000. Peoples sold $6.7 million of equity investment securities in the second quarter of 2018, which resulted in a capital gain for tax purposes. This capital gain was large enough to offset an anticipated future capital loss, which was expected to be recognized due to the structure of the historical tax credit investment, resulting in the release of the valuation allowance. There were no valuation allowances recorded at December 31, 2020 or 2019. The calculation of tax liabilities is complex and requires the use of estimates and judgment since it involves the application of complex tax laws that are subject to different interpretations by Peoples and the various tax authorities. Peoples' interpretations are subject to challenge by the tax authorities upon audit or to reinterpretation based on management's ongoing assessment of facts and evolving case law. From time-to-time and in the ordinary course of business, Peoples is involved in inquiries and reviews by tax authorities that normally require management to provide supplemental information to support certain tax positions taken by Peoples in its tax returns. Uncertain tax positions are initially recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements when it is more-likely-than-not the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions are initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits was immaterial at both December 31, 2020 and 2019. Management believes it has taken appropriate positions on its tax returns, although the ultimate outcome of any tax review cannot be predicted with certainty. Consequently, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of these matters will not be different than what is reflected in the current and historical financial statements. 46 Fair Value Measurements As a financial services company, the carrying value of certain financial assets and liabilities is impacted by the application of fair value measurements, either directly or indirectly. In certain cases, an asset or liability is measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis, such as available-for-sale investment securities. In other cases, management must rely on estimates or judgments to determine if an asset or liability not measured at fair value warrants an impairment write-down or whether a valuation reserve should be established. Given the inherent volatility, the use of fair value measurements may have a significant impact on the carrying value of assets or liabilities, or result in material changes to the consolidated financial statements, from period to period. Detailed information regarding fair value measurements can be found in "Note 2 Fair Value of Financial Instruments" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Net income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $34.8 million, compared to $53.7 million in 2019 and $46.3 million in 2018, representing earnings per diluted common share of $1.73, $2.63 and $2.41, respectively. The decline in earnings compared to 2019 was driven by a higher provision for credit losses, which was impacted by the new CECL accounting methodology implemented on January 1, 2020, coupled with the effect that COVID-19 had on the economic assumptions used within the CECL model. Non-core items contained in net income included net gains and losses, COVID-19-related expenses, severance expenses, pension settlement charges and acquisition-related costs. These non-core items negatively impacted earnings per diluted common share by $0.22 for 2020 compared to $0.30 for 2019 and $0.13 for 2018. Net interest income declined 1% to $138.9 million for 2020, compared to $140.8 million for 2019, and totaled $129.6 million for 2018. The decrease compared to 2019 was largely due to the low interest rate environment that began in early 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a negative impact on interest income from loans and investment securities, and was partially offset by lower interest expense as Peoples closely managed funding costs. Net interest margin was 3.24% in 2020, compared to 3.69% in 2019 and 3.71% in 2018. Net interest margin compressed during 2020 as loan yields declined due to the low interest rate environment and investment securities yields decreased as premium amortization increased due to higher refinancing activity. Included in net interest income during 2020 was the impact of the PPP loans, which added $10.7 million in interest income and 2 basis points to net interest margin. Funding costs were controlled during 2020, and declined 36 basis points compared to 2019. Net interest income grew during 2019, compared to 2018, largely due to loan growth, which was positively impacted by the First Prestonsburg and ASB acquisitions, and higher loan yields. Accretion income, net of amortization expense, from acquisitions totaled $2.8 million for 2020, $4.9 million for 2019 and $2.2 million for 2018, adding 7 basis points, 12 basis points and 6 basis points, respectively, to the net interest margin. During 2018, proceeds of $0.9 million were received on an investment security that, in prior years, had been written down due to an other-than-temporary impairment, which added 3 basis points to net interest margin. Provision for credit losses grew to $26.3 million for 2020, compared to $2.5 million for 2019. This growth was due to the combination of the implementation of the CECL model at the beginning of 2020, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economic forecasts utilized within the model. Provision for credit losses declined during 2019 compared to 2018, reflecting lower net charge-offs, which included a $1.8 million recovery on a previously charged-off loan, and reduced loan growth compared to the prior year. Net charge-offs as a percent of average total loans were 0.05% for 2020, 0.04% for 2019 and 0.15% for 2018. Total non-interest income declined 1% compared to 2019, and was largely due to a $2.3 million reduction in deposit account service charges, which was driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and the higher balances being maintained by customers throughout 2020. The decline in deposit account service charges was partially offset by higher mortgage banking income, as a result of higher refinancing activity due to the low interest rate environment during 2020. Increases in trust and investment income and electronic banking income were more than offset by decreases in insurance income, commercial loan swap fee income and bank owned life insurance income. Compared to 2018, total non-interest income during 2019 increased 13%, and was mostly due to higher electronic banking income, deposit account service charges and swap fee income. Total non-interest income was positively impacted during 2019 due to the additional deposit accounts and cardholders associated with the acquisitions of First Prestonsburg and ASB. Total non-interest expense decreased $3.6 million, or 3%, from 2019 and was driven by a reduction in acquisition-related expenses. Declines in salaries and employee benefit costs, which were mostly due to increased deferred personnel costs associated with the origination of PPP loans, were partially offset by higher data processing and software expense that was largely a result of implementation of new software, coupled with higher core processing costs. Peoples also recorded higher FDIC insurance expense during 2020 compared to the prior year, as credits had been received and recognized during 2019, and were fully utilized during the second quarter of 2020. Included in total non-interest expense during 2020 were certain non-core expenses which included COVID-19-related expenses of $1.3 million, severance expenses and pension settlement charges that totaled $1.1 million each, and acquisition-related expenses of $0.5 million. During 2019, non-core expenses included $7.3 million of acquisition-related expenses. Compared to 2018, total non-interest expense during 2019 grew $11.3 million, or 9%. This was mostly related to increases in salaries and employee benefit costs, net occupancy and equipment expense, electronic banking expense and data processing and software expense, which were partially offset by lower FDIC insurance expense and professional fees. The growth in salaries and employee benefit costs compared to 2018 was primarily due to higher base salaries, which were impacted by merit increases, including 47 continued movement towards a $15 per hour minimum wage throughout Peoples' organization, and the employees added from the acquisitions in 2019 and 2018. Peoples' efficiency ratio, which is calculated as total non-interest expense less amortization of other intangible assets divided by fully tax-equivalent ("FTE") net interest income, plus total non-interest income, excluding all gains and losses, was 63.9% for 2020, compared to 64.7% for 2019 and 65.3% for 2018. The improvement in the efficiency ratio during 2020 was mostly due to a reduction in total non-interest expense, which more than offset declines in revenue. The decline in the efficiency ratio during 2019 was primarily related to higher total revenue, which outpaced increases in total non-interest expense. The efficiency ratio, when adjusted for non-core items, was 61.9% for 2020, 61.1% for 2019 and 61.3% for 2018. The increase in the adjusted efficiency ratio for 2020 was mostly due to lower revenue, as a result of the low interest rate environment. Income tax expense totaled $7.9 million for 2020, compared to $11.7 million for 2019 and $8.7 million for 2018. The effective tax rate for 2020 was 18.5%, an increase from 17.8% for 2019 and 15.9% for 2018. Included in income tax expense during 2020 was $863,000 related to a correction for the prior year. Total assets increased 9% to $4.76 billion at December 31, 2020, compared to $4.35 billion at year-end 2019. The key contributor to the increase was loan growth, which added $500.6 million, and was primarily related to the PPP loans and the premium finance acquisition. The allowance for credit losses increased to $50.4 million or 1.48% of total loans, net of deferred fees and costs, compared to $21.6 million and 0.75%, respectively, at December 31, 2019. The increase in the allowance for credit losses compared to December 31, 2019 was due to the implementation of ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the underlying assumptions within the CECL model. Total liabilities were $4.19 billion at December 31, 2020, an increase of $425.3 million since December 31, 2019. Total deposits increased $619.0 million, to $3.91 billion at December 31, 2020. The significant growth in deposits compared to December 31, 2019 was largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in customers maintaining higher balances due to changed customer habits, coupled with the influx of fiscal stimulus funds and proceeds from PPP loans. Total demand deposits comprised 43% of total deposits at December 31, 2020 and were 40% of total deposits at December 31, 2019. Total stockholders' equity was $575.7 million at December 31, 2020, a decline of 3% from December 31, 2019. The decrease compared to 2019 was due to combination of the repurchase of common shares in the amount of $29.3 million and dividends paid of $27.5 million, which were partially offset by net income of $34.8 million. Peoples also had a $3.7 million reduction to retained earnings related to the adoption of the CECL accounting standard on January 1, 2020. Peoples continued to exceed the capital required by the Federal Reserve Board to be deemed "well capitalized." Peoples' tier 1 capital ratio was 13.25% at December 31, 2020, versus 14.84% at December 31, 2019, while the total capital ratio was 14.50% at December 31, 2020, versus 15.58% at December 31, 2019. The common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 13.01% at December 31, 2020 compared to 14.59% at December 31, 2019. Regulatory capital declined compared to 2019, mostly due to the impact of the repurchase of common shares during 2020. Peoples' book value and tangible book value per share were $29.43 and $19.99, respectively, at December 31, 2020, compared to $28.72 and $20.14, respectively, at December 31, 2019. Additional information regarding capital requirements can be found in "Note 16 Regulatory Matters" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Net Interest Income Peoples earns interest income on loans and investments, and incurs interest expense on interest-bearing deposits and borrowed funds. Net interest income, the amount by which interest income exceeds interest expense, remains Peoples' largest source of revenue and was 69% of total revenue during 2020. The amount of net interest income earned by Peoples is affected by various factors, including changes in market interest rates due to the Federal Reserve Board's monetary policy, the level and degree of pricing competition for both loans and deposits in Peoples' markets, and the amount and composition of Peoples' earning assets and interest- bearing liabilities. Peoples monitors net interest income performance and manages its balance sheet composition through regular ALCO meetings. The asset-liability management process employed by the ALCO is intended to mitigate the impact of future interest rate changes on Peoples' net interest income and earnings. However, the frequency and/or magnitude of changes in market interest rates are difficult to predict, and may have a greater impact on net interest income than adjustments management is able to make. As part of the analysis of net interest income, management converts tax-exempt income earned on obligations of states and political subdivisions to the pre-tax equivalent of taxable income using a statutory federal corporate income tax rate of 21% for 2020, 2019 and 2018. Management believes the resulting FTE net interest income allows for a more meaningful comparison of tax-exempt income and yields to their taxable equivalents. Net interest margin, which is calculated by dividing 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 earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. 48 The following table details the calculation of FTE net interest income for the years ended December 31: 2020 2019 2018 $ 138,923 $ 140,838 $ 129,612 1,054 881 $ 139,977 $ 141,906 $ 130,493 1,068 (Dollars in thousands) Net interest income Taxable equivalent adjustments FTE net interest income 49 The following table details Peoples’ average balance sheets, with corresponding income/expense and yield/cost, for the years ended December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Short-term investments Investment securities (a)(b)(c): Taxable (d) Nontaxable Total investment securities Loans (b)(c)(e): Construction Commercial real estate, other Commercial and industrial Premium finance Residential real estate (f) Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Consumer, direct Total loans Allowance for credit losses Net loans Total earning assets Goodwill and other intangible assets Other assets Total assets Interest-bearing deposits: Savings accounts Government deposit accounts Interest-bearing demand accounts Money market accounts Retail certificates of deposit Brokered deposits Total interest-bearing deposits Borrowed funds: Short-term FHLB advances Repurchase agreements and other Total short-term borrowings Long-term FHLB advances Other borrowings Total long-term borrowings Total borrowed funds Total interest-bearing liabilities Non-interest-bearing deposits Other liabilities Total liabilities Stockholders’ equity Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Interest rate spread (b) Net interest margin (b) 2020 2019 2018 Average Balance $ 103,767 $ Income/ Expense 343 Yield/ Cost 0.33 % $ Average Balance 43,157 $ Income/ Expense 919 Yield/ Cost 2.13 % $ Average Balance 19,462 $ Income/ Expense 402 Yield/ Cost 2.07 % 868,930 14,370 101,965 3,146 970,895 17,516 1.65 % 3.09 % 1.80 % 870,921 106,437 977,358 23,420 3,331 26,751 2.69 % 3.13 % 2.74 % 784,108 94,023 878,131 23,283 3,123 26,406 2.97 % 3.32 % 3.01 % 4,883 107,862 854,749 36,499 925,060 34,458 2,855 50,687 660,025 31,155 127,454 5,799 453,379 19,364 5,286 79,138 3,258,354 140,299 (47,692) 3,210,662 140,299 4,285,324 158,158 181,526 272,439 $ 4,739,289 111,734 829,581 601,900 — 641,053 132,235 416,768 78,838 6,008 4.45 % 44,574 4.20 % 31,611 3.66 % — 5.54 % 30,671 4.72 % 7,715 4.55 % 17,350 4.27 % 5,564 6.68 % 4.26 % 2,812,109 143,493 (21,239) 4.33 % 2,790,870 143,493 3.66 % 3,811,385 171,163 122,007 819,606 517,026 — 577,858 127,852 373,450 73,171 5,970 5.30 % 41,102 5.30 % 26,042 5.18 % — — % 25,965 4.78 % 6,712 5.83 % 14,627 4.16 % 4,919 7.06 % 5.06 % 2,610,970 125,337 (19,359) 5.10 % 2,591,611 125,337 4.46 % 3,489,204 152,145 4.83 % 4.95 % 4.97 % — % 4.49 % 5.25 % 3.92 % 6.72 % 4.75 % 4.80 % 4.33 % 173,529 237,568 $ 4,222,482 158,115 224,513 $ 3,871,832 $ 571,676 $ 375,305 658,214 549,276 473,244 223,940 175 2,226 455 1,416 6,748 2,480 2,851,655 13,500 0.03 % $ 511,112 $ 323,768 0.59 % 605,637 0.07 % 425,207 0.26 % 465,381 1.43 % 1.11 % 272,553 0.47 % 2,603,658 437 3,220 1,111 2,745 8,002 6,695 22,210 0.09 % $ 468,624 $ 306,356 0.99 % 564,345 0.18 % 386,607 0.65 % 383,929 1.72 % 2.46 % 220,109 0.85 % 2,329,970 303 1,521 750 1,359 4,842 4,930 13,705 0.06 % 0.50 % 0.13 % 0.35 % 1.26 % 2.24 % 0.59 % 129,928 2,489 1.92 % 197,987 4,455 2.25 % 219,897 4,494 2.04 % 46,706 176,634 107,935 8,757 116,692 293,326 82 2,571 1,740 370 2,110 4,681 3,144,981 18,181 46,812 0.18 % 244,799 1.46 % 87,472 1.61 % 7,368 4.23 % 94,840 1.81 % 1.59 % 339,639 0.58 % 2,943,297 257 4,712 1,814 521 2,335 7,047 29,257 79,149 0.55 % 299,046 1.92 % 109,944 2.07 % 7,338 7.07 % 117,282 2.46 % 2.07 % 416,328 0.99 % 2,746,298 744 5,238 2,192 517 2,709 7,947 21,652 0.94 % 1.75 % 1.99 % 7.05 % 2.31 % 1.90 % 0.79 % 924,799 94,123 4,163,903 575,386 $ 4,739,289 653,082 59,980 3,656,359 566,123 $ 4,222,482 591,592 45,803 3,383,693 488,139 $ 3,871,832 $ 139,977 3.08 % 3.24 % $ 141,906 3.47 % 3.69 % $ 130,493 3.54 % 3.71 % (a) Average balances are based on carrying value. (b) Interest income and yields are presented on an fully-tax-equivalent basis using a 21% statutory federal corporate income tax rate. (c) On January 1, 2020, Peoples adopted ASU 2016-13 and adopted the CECL model, which resulted in the establishment of a $7,000 allowance for credit losses for held-to-maturity investment securities; an increase in loan balances of $2.6 million to establish the allowance for credit losses for purchased credit deteriorated loans; an increase to the allowance for credit losses (which was the "allowance for loan losses" prior to January 1, 2020) of $5.8 million; the addition of $1.5 million 50 unfunded commitment liability included in accrued expense and other liabilities; and a reduction to retained earnings of $3.7 million, net of statutory federal corporate income tax. (d) Interest income and yield presented for 2018 includes $0.9 million of proceeds on an investment security for which an other-than-temporary-impairment had been recorded in previous years. There was no proceeds recorded in 2020 and 2019. (e) Average balances include nonaccrual, impaired loans, and loans held for sale. 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. (f) Loans held for sale are included in the average loan balances listed. Related interest income on loans originated for sale prior to the loan being sold is included in loan interest income. The following table provides an analysis of the changes in FTE net interest income: (Dollars in thousands) Increase (decrease) in: INTEREST INCOME: Short-term investments Investment Securities (b): Taxable Nontaxable Changes from 2019 to 2020 Volume Rate Total (a) Changes from 2018 to 2019 Volume Rate Total (a) $ (1,163) $ 587 $ (576) $ 24 $ 493 $ 517 Total investment income (9,043) (192) (9,235) (2,497) 2,842 (8,997) (53) (9,050) (2,309) 2,446 (46) (139) (185) (188) 396 Loans (b): Construction (925) (200) (1,125) Commercial real estate, other (9,372) 1,297 (8,075) Commercial and industrial (10,807) 13,654 Premium finance Residential real estate — 2,855 (416) 900 2,847 2,855 484 Home equity lines of credit (1,646) (270) (1,916) 556 2,967 1,149 — (518) 505 4,420 — 1,750 2,956 767 957 252 236 1,766 393 459 (298) 1,555 2,014 20 (278) (23,005) 19,811 (3,194) 8,398 9,758 18,156 (33,211) 20,206 (13,005) 5,925 13,093 19,018 Consumer, indirect Consumer, direct Total loan income Total interest income INTEREST EXPENSE: Deposits: Savings accounts Government deposit accounts Interest-bearing demand accounts Money market accounts Retail certificates of deposit Brokered deposit Total deposit cost Borrowed funds: Short-term borrowings Long-term borrowings (309) (1,448) (745) (1,973) (1,387) 47 454 89 644 133 (262) (994) (656) (1,329) (1,254) (3,182) (1,033) (4,215) (9,044) 334 (8,710) 105 1,608 303 1,238 1,995 510 5,759 29 91 58 148 1,165 1,255 2,746 (1,605) (536) (2,141) (687) 462 (225) 49 87 (575) (461) 137 208 345 38 3,472 5,569 — 4,706 1,003 2,723 645 134 1,699 361 1,386 3,160 1,765 8,505 (526) (374) (900) Total borrowed funds cost (2,292) (74) (2,366) 136 (1,036) Total interest expense (11,336) 260 (11,076) 5,895 1,710 7,605 Net interest income $ (21,875) $ 19,946 $ (1,929) $ 30 $ 11,383 $ 11,413 (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 changes 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 decreased $1.9 million, or 1% compared to 2019, and net interest margin declined to 3.24%, compared to 3.69% for 2019. Net interest income and net interest margin were negatively impacted by the low interest rate environment during 2020, which also led to a $5.0 million increase in premium amortization on Peoples' investment securities portfolio during 2020, compared to 2019. Peoples recorded $10.7 million in interest income on PPP loans during 2020, which included the impact of accretion of net deferred loan fees and costs, which added 2 basis points to net interest margin. Premium finance loans added 51 $2.9 million of interest income during 2020, and 2 basis points to net interest margin. Funding costs declined to 58 basis points compared to 99 basis points for 2019, which was driven by reductions in interest rates on deposits, coupled with controlled borrowing costs. During 2020, Peoples recognized accretion income, net of amortization expense, from acquisitions of $2.8 million, which added 7 basis points to net interest margin, compared to $4.9 million and 12 basis points in 2019, and $2.2 million and 6 basis points in 2018. Accretion income during 2020 was impacted by increased prepayment activity. During 2018, proceeds of $894,000 were received on an investment security that had been, in previous years, written-down due to an other-than-temporary impairment, which added 3 basis points to the net interest margin, while there were no similar proceeds in 2019 and 2020. Additional interest income in 2020 from prepayment fees and interest recovered on nonaccrual loans was $738,000, compared to $564,000 in 2019 and $420,000 in 2018. Net interest income grew 9% during 2019, compared to 2018. The primary driver of the increase in net interest income was higher interest income on loans due to a combination of loan growth, which was boosted by the acquisitions of ASB in 2018 and First Prestonsburg in 2019, and higher yields on loans. Net interest margin was relatively stable during 2019, compared to 2018, as the increase in loan yields nearly outpaced the reduction in investment yields and higher funding costs. Detailed information regarding changes in the Consolidated Balance Sheets can be found under appropriate captions of the "FINANCIAL CONDITION" section of this discussion. 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 discussion under the caption "Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity." Provision for Credit Losses On January 1, 2020, Peoples adopted the provisions of ASU 2016-13 "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments", commonly referred to as the CECL model. Prior to the adoption of the CECL methodology, the provision for credit losses was the "provision for loan losses." The following table details Peoples’ provision for credit losses recognized for the years ended December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Provision for other credit losses Provision for checking account overdrafts Provision for credit losses 2020 $ 25,798 456 $ 26,254 As a percent of average total loans 0.81 % $ $ 2019 1,845 659 2,504 0.09 % $ $ 2018 4,677 771 5,448 0.21 % The provision for credit losses represents the amount needed to maintain the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses based on management’s formal quarterly analysis of the loan portfolio and procedural methodology that estimates the amount of probable credit losses. The CECL methodology utilized by Peoples relies on economic forecasts, as well as other key assumptions including prepayments, probability of default and loss given default. Under the incurred loss model (the accounting methodology prior to 2020), the process for estimating allowance for loan losses considered various factors that affect losses, such as changes in Peoples’ loan quality and historical loss experience. Given the relatively low recent loss history, the incurred loss model was highly dependent on qualitative factors to arrive at an appropriate allowance for loan losses in periods prior to 2020. These qualitative factors included current economic conditions, and other environmental factors such as changes in real estate market conditions, unemployment, and the economic impact of tariffs. During 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the economic outlook and assumptions used in the CECL model to be unfavorable, and as a result, caused the need for additional provision for credit losses to be recorded resulting in higher allowance for credit losses for the year, compared to prior years. The lower provision for loan losses for 2019 compared to 2018 was due to lower charge-offs and less loan growth compared to 2018. Net charge-offs in 2019 included a recovery of $1.8 million recorded on a previously charged-off commercial loan. Additional information regarding changes in the allowance for credit losses and loan credit quality can be found later in this discussion under the caption "Allowance for Credit Losses." Net (Losses) Gains Included in Total Non-Interest Income Net (losses) gains include gains and losses on investment securities, asset disposals and other transactions, which are recognized in total non-interest income. 52 The following table details the net (losses)gains for the years ended December 31 recognized by Peoples: (Dollars in thousands) Net (loss) gain on investment securities Net loss on asset disposals and other transactions: Net loss on other assets Net loss on debt extinguishment Net loss on OREO Net gain (loss) on other transactions $ $ Net loss on asset disposals and other transactions $ 2020 2019 2018 (368) $ 164 $ (146) (367) $ (692) $ (224) — (120) 197 (290) $ — (98) 8 (782) $ (13) (21) (76) (334) The net loss on other assets during 2020 was primarily due to the loss of $145,000 on the sale of a closed branch from the ASB acquisition, and market value write-down of $108,000 related to closed offices that were held for sale. The net gain on other transactions during 2020 was due to receiving $197,000 in funds from a limited partnership investment. The net loss on other assets during 2019 was driven by net losses on repossessed assets of $320,000, the write-offs of fixed assets acquired from First Prestonsburg of $243,000 and market value write-downs related to closed offices that were held for sale. The net loss on other assets during 2018 was primarily due to the disposal of $190,000 of ASB fixed assets acquired coupled with $198,000 of market value write-downs related to closed offices that were held for sale. The net loss on other transactions during 2018 was due to the write-down of a limited partnership investment. Total Non-Interest Income, Excluding Net Gains and Losses Peoples generates total non-interest income excluding net gains and losses from four primary sources: electronic banking income ("e-banking"); insurance income; trust and investment income; and deposit account service charges. Peoples continues to focus on revenue growth from non-interest income sources in order to maintain a diversified revenue stream through greater reliance on total non-interest income excluding net gains and losses. As a result, total non-interest income excluding net gains and losses accounted for 31.7% of Peoples' total revenues (defined as net interest income plus total non-interest income excluding net gains and losses) in 2020, compared to 31.5% in 2019 and 30.6% in 2018. The increase in Peoples' total non-interest income excluding net gains and losses as a percent of total revenue during 2019 from 2018 was due to increases in nearly all non-interest income categories, combined with the interest rate environment and a high amount of loan payoffs constraining net interest income in the latter half of 2019. E-banking income comprised the largest portion of Peoples' total non-interest income, excluding net gains and losses, for 2020. The following table shows Peoples' e-banking income for the years ended December 31: (Dollars in thousands) E-banking income 2020 2019 2018 $ 14,246 $ 13,680 $ 11,477 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 clients. Revenue is derived largely from ATM and debit cards, as other services are mainly provided at no charge to the customers. The amount of e- banking income is largely dependent on the timing and volume of customer activity. During 2020, e-banking income increased $566,000, or 4%, largely due to increased usage of debit cards, coupled with the full year impact of the First Prestonsburg acquired accounts. The growth in e-banking income in 2019, compared to 2018, was the result of the increased volume of customers and usage of debit cards, which includes the impact of additional customers and accounts added in the acquisition of First Prestonsburg in 2019 and of ASB in 2018. In 2020, Peoples' customers used their debit cards to complete $1.0 billion of transactions, versus $913.7 million in 2019 and $801.2 million in 2018. The following table details Peoples’ insurance income for the years ended December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Property and casualty insurance commissions Life and health insurance commissions Performance-based commissions Other fees and charges Insurance income 2020 2019 2018 $ 10,240 $ 10,605 $ 10,512 1,897 1,457 448 14,042 $ 2,065 1,530 602 14,802 $ 2,276 1,452 572 14,812 $ Insurance income declined 5% during 2020, compared to 2019, and decreased across each category of insurance income. The decrease compared to 2019 was mostly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to 2018, insurance income was relatively flat for 2019. The majority of performance-based commissions typically is recorded annually in the first quarter and is 53 based on a combination of factors, such as loss experience of insurance policies sold, production volumes and overall financial performance of the individual insurance carriers. Peoples' fiduciary and brokerage revenues continue to be based primarily upon the value of assets under administration and management. The following table details Peoples’ trust and investment income for the years ended December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Fiduciary Brokerage Employee benefits fees Trust and investment income 2020 2019 2018 $ $ 6,906 $ 4,560 2,196 13,662 $ 6,761 $ 4,198 2,200 13,159 $ 6,579 4,001 1,963 12,543 The following table details Peoples’ assets under administration and management at year-end December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Trust Brokerage Total Annual average 2020 2018 2019 $ 1,885,324 $ 1,572,933 $ 1,384,113 1,009,521 849,118 $ 2,894,845 $ 2,516,935 $ 2,233,231 $ 2,510,596 $ 2,382,017 $ 2,342,102 944,002 Trust and investment income increased $503,000, or 4%, compared to 2019. Peoples grew assets under management by 15% during 2020, driving the increase in both fiduciary and brokerage income compared to the prior year. This increase was partially due to new assets under management, coupled with the improvement in market values of assets under management at December 31, 2020. Employee benefits fees for 2020 were relatively flat compared to 2019. During 2019, the increases in fiduciary and brokerage revenues compared to 2018 were due to a combination of an increase in the market value of accounts during the latter part of 2019 and new assets under administration and management. Average assets under administration and management during 2019 were impacted by the lower balance at the beginning of 2019 as a result of the downward shift in U.S. financial markets at the end of 2018 and in early 2019. Income from employee benefit plans in 2019 increased compared to 2018 due to the continued growth in administration of 401(k) plans for businesses. Peoples has added experienced financial advisors in previously underserved market areas, and generated new business and revenue related to retirement plans for which it manages the assets and provides services. Deposit account service charges are based on the costs associated with services provided by Peoples. The following table details deposit account service charges for the years ended December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Overdraft and non-sufficient funds fees Account maintenance fees Other fees and charges Deposit account service charges 2020 2019 2018 $ $ 5,073 $ 3,573 772 9,418 $ 7,069 $ 3,832 799 11,700 $ 6,571 2,718 489 9,778 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 fees to ensure they are reasonable based on operational costs and similar to fees charged in Peoples' markets by competitors. During 2020, deposit account service charges declined 20% as customer habits changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in customers maintaining higher balances, coupled with fiscal stimulus funds provided by the government to individuals and proceeds from PPP loans to businesses. Income from deposit account service charges increased in 2019 compared to 2018 primarily due to the First Prestonsburg and ASB acquisitions, respectively, coupled with changes in fee schedules. Peoples implemented a new deposit account fee schedule in March 2019, which also positively impacted deposit account service charges compared to 2018. The following table details the other items included within Peoples' total non-interest income for the years ended December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Mortgage banking income Bank owned life insurance income Commercial loan swap fees Other non-interest income (a) 2020 2019 2018 $ 6,499 $ 4,328 $ 1,977 1,741 2,745 $ 2,430 2,228 2,565 $ $ 3,333 1,955 681 2,655 (a) As of January 1, 2018, Peoples adopted ASU 2016-01, resulting in a gain in income of $660,000 for 2020, $831,000 for 2019, and $207,000 for 2018. Mortgage banking income is comprised mostly of net gains from the origination and sale of long-term, fixed rate real estate loans in the secondary market, as well as servicing income for sold loans. 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. 54 Mortgage banking income increased significantly during 2020, by 50% compared to 2019, as the low interest rate environment during the year resulted in heavy refinance activity. Mortgage banking income also increased in 2019, compared to 2018, due to higher customer demand, which was driven by the decline in mortgage interest rates during second half of 2019. In 2020, Peoples sold approximately $111.9 million of loans to the secondary market with servicing retained and sold approximately $150.9 million in loans with servicing released, compared to approximately $98.2 million and $55.4 million, respectively, in 2019. Peoples sold $66.3 million of loans to the secondary market with servicing retained and $56.4 million of loans with servicing released during 2018. The volume of sales has a direct impact on the amount of mortgage banking income. BOLI income declined $453,000 compared to 2019, and the reduction was largely driven by the recognition of $482,000 of tax- free death benefits that exceeded the cash surrender value of the insurance policies during 2019. These proceeds were also the contributor to the increase in BOLI income during 2019 compared to 2018. Peoples purchased no additional BOLI policies during 2020, 2019 and 2018. Commercial loan swap fees are largely dependent on the timing and volume of customer activity. During 2020, the low interest rate environment resulted in the $487,000 decrease in commercial loan swap fee income, as customer demand lessened. Compared to 2018, commercial loan swap fees in 2019 more than tripled, and were also driven by an increase in customer demand as a result of the interest rate declines in the latter half of 2019. Other non-interest income during 2020 and 2019 included additional income related to gains recorded on the sale of restricted Class B Visa stock of $680,000 and $787,000, respectively. Other non-interest income in 2019 also included a decline in SBA income of $559,000, or 80%, compared to 2018 as a result of lower volume of loan originations and sales. During 2018, other non-interest income also included $207,000 recorded in connection with the implementation of a new accounting standard, which modified how the change in the fair value of equity investment securities was recorded beginning on January 1, 2018. Total Non-Interest Expense Salaries and employee benefit costs remain Peoples’ largest non-interest expense, accounting for over half of the total non-interest expense. The following table details Peoples’ salaries and employee benefit costs for the years ended December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Base salaries and wages Sales-based and incentive compensation Employee benefit costs Stock-based compensation Deferred personnel costs 2020 2019 2018 $ 52,016 $ 51,835 $ 12,200 11,850 8,510 3,607 8,497 3,655 46,438 11,703 6,528 2,575 (4,342) (2,768) (2,151) Payroll taxes and other employment costs Salaries and employee benefit costs 4,370 76,361 $ 4,791 77,860 $ 4,215 69,308 $ Full-time equivalent employees: Actual at end of the period Average during the period 894 894 900 900 871 840 Base salaries and wages in 2020 were relatively flat compared to 2019. Both 2019 and 2018 included $2.2 million of one-time expenses associated with acquisitions, whereas Peoples incurred $1.1 million in severance expenses in 2020, due primarily to a management restructuring that occurred in the latter half of 2020. Base salaries and wages were impacted by merit increases, as well as continued movement towards a $15 per hour minimum wage throughout Peoples' organization. The $15 per hour minimum wage was phased in beginning in 2018 and was largely implemented as of January 1, 2020. Base salaries and wages were also impacted by the addition of employees, primarily as a result of the First Prestonsburg acquisition in 2019 and the ASB acquisition in 2018. Sales-based and incentive compensation increased in 2020 and 2019 largely due to higher incentive compensation related to the overall company performance measures combined with mortgage banking income growth of real estate loans sold in the secondary market. Peoples' sales-based and incentive compensation plans are designed to grow core earnings while managing risk, and do not encourage unnecessary and excessive risk-taking that could threaten the value of Peoples. The sales-based and incentive compensation plans reward employees for appropriate behaviors and include provisions addressing inappropriate practices with respect to Peoples and its customers, including clawbacks for executives. During 2020, employee benefit costs were relatively flat compared to 2019. The increase in employee benefits in 2019 compared to 2018 was impacted by the First Prestonsburg and ASB acquisitions, and included an increase in medical insurance costs of $1.8 million due primarily to higher medical claims, which was impacted by an increase in the number of participants in the insurance plan. Stock-based compensation is generally recognized over the vesting period, which generally ranges from immediate vesting to vesting at the end of three years, and an adjustment is made at the vesting date to reverse expense for non-vested awards. The majority of Peoples' stock-based compensation is attributable to annual equity-based incentive awards to employees, which are awarded in the first quarter and based upon Peoples achieving certain performance goals during the prior year. During the years presented in the table 55 above, Peoples granted restricted common shares to officers and key employees with performance-based vesting periods and time- based vesting periods, generally with a three-year cliff vesting. Stock-based compensation was relatively flat for 2020, compared to 2019. The increase in stock-based compensation during 2019, compared to 2018, correlates to Peoples' improved performance, and was also driven by higher expense related to stock grants made to retirement eligible grantees. Stock grants to retirement eligible grantees are expensed either immediately or over a shorter period than the vesting period. Additional information regarding Peoples' stock-based compensation plans and awards can be found in "Note 17 Stock-Based Compensation" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 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, which increased in 2020 compared to 2019. Materially impacting the comparison was the recognition of $921,000 in deferred personnel costs during 2020 related to the origination of PPP loans. Increased production in residential real estate and indirect consumer loans resulted in higher deferred personnel costs in 2020 compared to 2019. Additional information regarding Peoples' loan activity can be found later in this discussion under the caption "Loans." Payroll taxes and other employee costs decreased during 2020 due to $454,000 in dividends received from Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation in an effort to ease the impact of COVID-19 on the state's business community and workforce. Payroll taxes and other employee costs increased during 2019 as a result of higher base salaries and wages, sales-based and incentive compensation, and employee benefits. Peoples’ net occupancy and equipment expense for the years ended December 31 was comprised of the following: (Dollars in thousands) Depreciation expense Repairs and maintenance costs Net rent expense Property taxes, utilities and other costs $ Net occupancy and equipment expense $ 2020 2019 2018 5,955 $ 2,988 1,293 2,572 12,808 $ 5,702 $ 3,016 1,022 2,691 12,431 $ 4,937 2,825 961 2,549 11,272 During 2020, net occupancy and equipment expense increased primarily due to increased depreciation expense and net rent expense. Depreciation expense increased due to a full year of depreciation related to the First Prestonsburg acquisition in 2019. Net rent expense increased due to the addition of new leases for the recent insurance acquisition and premium finance acquisition, as well as a full year of rent expense for the First Prestonsburg branches. Net occupancy and equipment expense increased during 2019 primarily due to the increased maintenance costs, property taxes, utilities and other costs related to the addition of nine full-service bank branches from the First Prestonsburg acquisition; a full year of expenses related to the additional locations from the ASB acquisitions in 2018; and ongoing increased operating costs associated with the expanded footprint. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in ATM repairs and maintenance costs resulting from a new vendor servicing agreement. The following table details the other items included within Peoples' total non-interest expense for the years ended December 31: (Dollars in thousands) E-banking expense Data processing and software expense Professional fees Franchise tax expense Amortization of other intangible assets Marketing expense Other loan expenses FDIC insurance expense Communication expense Other non-interest expense 2020 2019 2018 7,777 $ 7,441 6,912 3,506 3,223 2,101 1,584 1,302 1,134 9,546 $ 7,186 $ 6,332 7,095 3,071 3,359 2,291 1,956 602 1,181 13,886 $ 6,057 5,419 7,862 2,771 3,338 1,962 1,431 1,546 1,265 13,746 $ $ Peoples' e-banking expense is comprised of costs associated with debit and ATM cards, as well as Internet and mobile banking costs. E-banking expense was up for 2020, compared to 2019, due to an increased usage by customers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which in turn increased the volume of transactions involving debit cards and Peoples' internet and mobile banking service. The increase in 2019, compared to 2018, was due to customers completing a higher volume of transactions using their debit cards, and Peoples' Internet and mobile banking service. Also contributing to the increase was the addition of accounts related to the acquisitions of First Prestonsburg in 2019 and ASB in 2018, as well as the annual increase in the cost of each unit of service in internet and mobile banking. The increased volume of customers and usage of debit cards also produced a greater increase in the corresponding e-banking revenues over the same period. 56 Data processing and software expense includes software support, maintenance and depreciation expense. The increase in data processing and software expense for 2020 was driven by systems and software upgrades, annual contractual increases and overall growth, which included: the implementation of enhanced functionalities for Peoples' core banking system, including making certain mobile banking tools available to customers; software upgrades; and additional network capacity and security features. The increase in these costs during 2019 was driven by systems and software upgrades and overall growth, which included: the implementation of enhanced functionalities for Peoples' core banking system, including making certain mobile banking tools available to customers; increases in customer accounts and customer usage of mobile and online banking tools; software upgrades; and additional network capacity and security features. Professional fees were down compared to 2019, mainly due to lower consulting fees and legal expenses. Professional fees were lower in 2019 compared to 2018 mainly due to lower legal expenses and consulting work performed during 2018, which was not duplicated in 2019, combined with a decline in acquisition-related expenses of $481,000 compared to 2018. Peoples is subject to state franchise taxes, which are based largely on Peoples' equity at year-end, in the states where Peoples has a physical presence. Expenses related to state franchise taxes increased in 2020 due to higher equity as of December 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018, coupled with additional taxes in Kentucky as a result of the First Prestonsburg acquisition in 2019. 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. Peoples' amortization of other intangible assets is driven by acquisition-related activity. Amortization of other intangible assets declined in 2020 due to the reduced amortization from previous acquisitions. Amortization of other intangible assets increased slightly during 2019 as a result of additional amortization related to the acquisition of First Prestonsburg. Marketing expense, which includes advertising, donations, marketing campaigns, including the premium finance line of business and other public relations costs, decreased slightly in 2020 due to declines in electronic and print media, ad agency fees and other public relations expenses. Marketing expense was higher during 2019, compared to 2018, due to overall increases in spending on brand awareness, donations to Peoples Bank Foundation, Inc., and product marketing campaigns. Peoples Bank Foundation, Inc. was formed by Peoples in 2004 as a private foundation to make charitable contributions to organizations within Peoples' primary market area. The increases in marketing expense were also impacted by Peoples' expanded footprint due to the First Prestonsburg acquisition in 2019 and the ASB acquisition in 2018. Other loan expenses declined during 2020, primarily due to higher deferral of costs associated with increased origination volume of consumer indirect loans. Other loan expenses increased during 2019 due to higher real estate loan expense, which was driven by the mortgage banking demand due to interest rate declines in the latter half of 2019. Other loan expenses increased during 2018 due to higher real estate loan expense and collection expenses. The increase in collection expenses was related to the growth in indirect consumer lending. Peoples recorded higher FDIC insurance expense during 2020 compared to the prior year, as credits were received and recognized during 2019, and were fully utilized during the second quarter of 2020. Peoples' FDIC insurance expense declined in 2019 due to two credits received related to its quarterly assessments as a result of the deposit insurance fund reaching its target threshold for smaller banks (banks with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion) to recognize a credit to their insurance expense. Peoples cannot reasonably anticipate any future recognition of credits, as the deposit insurance fund is analyzed on a quarterly basis, and is the premise for receiving credits. The FDIC quarterly assessment rate is applied to average total assets less average tangible equity, and is based on the leverage ratio, net income before taxes, nonperforming loans as a percent of total assets, OREO, loan mix and asset growth. Peoples experienced improvements in each of these categories during 2018, leading to a reduction in the quarterly FDIC assessment rate in 2018, which offset increases in the expense that were attributable to the asset growth experienced during 2018. Additional information regarding Peoples' FDIC insurance assessments may be found in "ITEM 1 BUSINESS" of this Form 10-K in the section captioned "Supervision and Regulation." The decrease in communication expense during 2019 and 2018 was attributable to the re-negotiation of contracts with vendors, as well as the elimination of analog circuits that have been replaced with newer more efficient technology. Other non-interest expense decreased $4.3 million in 2020 compared to 2019, and increased $140,000 in 2019 compared to 2018. The decrease during 2020 compared to 2019, and increase during 2019 compared to 2018, were driven by $3.9 million of one-time acquisition-related expenses in 2019 and $3.6 million in 2018. The 2019 and 2018 acquisition-related expenses related mainly to contract termination fees and other costs related to the system conversion. Income Tax Expense A key driver for the amount of income tax expense or benefit recognized by Peoples each year is the amount of pre-tax income. In addition to the expense recognized, Peoples receives tax benefits from tax-exempt investments and loans, BOLI, stock awards that settled or vested during the year, and investments in tax credit funds, which reduce Peoples' effective tax rate. A reconciliation of Peoples' recorded income tax expense/benefit and effective tax rate to the statutory tax rate can be found in "Note 12 Income Taxes" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 57 For the full year of 2020, income tax expense totaled $7.9 million, compared to $11.7 million in 2019, and $8.7 million in 2018, and the effective tax rate for 2020 was 18.5%, compared to 17.8% for 2019, and 15.9% for 2018. The decrease in income tax expense in 2020 compared to 2019 was the result of lower pre-tax income in 2020 related to the increase in the provision for credit losses recorded during 2020. During 2020, income tax expense and the effective tax rate were positively impacted by tax exempt interest income, non-taxable BOLI income and the full-year impact of the investment in Peoples Risk Management, Inc., which reduced income tax expense by $412,000. Income tax expense for 2020 was also impacted by additional income tax expense related to an adjustment from the prior year of $863,000. During 2019, income tax expense and the effective tax rate were positively impacted by a tax benefit of $508,000 related to non- taxable BOLI income. In 2018, Peoples released a valuation allowance, which reduced income tax expense by $805,000. The valuation allowance was related to a historic tax credit that Peoples had invested in during 2015. Peoples sold $6.7 million of equity investment securities in 2018, which resulted in a capital gain for tax purposes. This capital gain was large enough to offset an anticipated future capital loss which is expected to be recognized due to the structure of the historic tax credit investment, resulting in the release of the valuation allowance. During 2018, the final remeasurement of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at the changed statutory federal corporate income tax rate from the Tax Cuts and Jobs ("TCJ") Act resulted in a reduction to income tax expense of $705,000. The initial remeasurement at the statutory federal corporate income tax rate resulted in write-down of $897,000 of Peoples' net deferred tax assets, which increased income tax expense recorded during 2017. Additionally, as of December 31, 2017, Peoples early adopted ASU 2018-02 - Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and elected to reclassify, from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings, the stranded income tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive loss resulting from the TCJ Act. Peoples also recorded tax benefits of $5,000 in 2020, $195,000 in 2019, and $332,000 in 2018 related to stock awards that settled or vested during the year, with the majority recorded in the first quarter of each year. 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. PPNR excludes income tax 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 ratio represents a non-US GAAP financial measure since it excludes the provision for credit losses and all gains and losses included in earnings. 58 The following table provides a reconciliation of this non-US GAAP financial measure to the amounts of income before income taxes reported in Peoples' Consolidated Financial Statements for the periods presented: (Dollars in thousands) Income before income taxes Add: provision for credit losses (a) Add: net loss on debt extinguishment Add: net loss on OREO Add: net loss on investment securities Add: net loss on other assets Add: net loss on other transactions Less: net gain on investment securities Less: net gain on other assets Less: net gain on other transactions Pre-provision net revenue 2020 $ 42,646 26,254 — 120 368 170 — — — — $ 69,558 2019 65,358 2,504 — 98 — 692 — 164 8 — 68,480 $ $ 2018 54,941 5,448 13 21 146 224 76 — — — 60,869 $ $ 2017 57,203 3,772 — 116 — — — 2,983 28 25 58,055 $ $ 2016 45,282 3,539 707 34 — 188 204 930 — — 49,024 $ $ Total average assets $ 4,739,289 $ 4,222,482 $ 3,871,832 $ 3,510,274 $ 3,320,447 Pre-provision net revenue to total average assets Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted Pre-provision net revenue per common share - diluted 1.47 % 1.62 % 1.57 % 1.65 % 1.48 % 19,843,806 20,273,725 19,122,260 18,208,684 18,155,463 $ 3.49 $ 3.37 $ 3.18 $ 3.19 $ 2.70 (a) On January 1, 2020, Peoples adopted ASU 2016-13 and implemented the CECL model. Prior to the adoption of CECL, the provision for credit losses was the "provision for loan losses." The provision for credit losses includes changes related to the allowance for credit losses on loans, which includes purchased credit deteriorated loans, held-to-maturity investment securities, and the unfunded commitment liability. PPNR increased in 2020 mostly due to the reduction in acquisition-related expenses incurred during 2020, compared to 2019, offset by a decrease in net interest income due to the low interest rate environment. The continued increase in PPNR in recent years has been driven by acquisitions, coupled with the focus of growing revenues at a higher rate than expenses on a percentage basis. The ratio of PPNR to total average assets for 2018 declined compared to 2017 due to $7.3 million of acquisition-related expenses during 2018, mitigating the increase in PPNR, combined with the growth of average assets during the year, which was partially attributable to the ASB acquisition. Core Non-Interest Income and Expense (non-US GAAP) Core non-interest income and core non-interest expense are financial measures used to evaluate Peoples' recurring revenue and expense streams. These measures are non-US GAAP since they exclude the impact of all gains and/or losses, core banking system conversion revenue and expenses, acquisition-related expenses, pension settlement charges, severance expenses, and COVID-19- related non-recurring expenses. The following tables provide reconciliations of these non-US GAAP measures to the amounts of total non-interest income and total non-interest expense reported in Peoples' Consolidated Financial Statements for the periods presented: (Dollars in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Core non-interest income: Total non-interest income Less: net (loss) gain on investment securities $ 63,672 $ 64,274 $ 56,754 $ 55,573 $ 50,867 930 (1,133) 2,983 (63) (146) (334) (368) (290) 164 (782) Less: net loss on asset disposals and other transactions Total non-interest income excluding net losses and gains $ 64,330 $ 64,892 $ 57,234 $ 52,653 $ 51,070 85 Plus: core banking system conversion revenue waived Core non-interest income excluding net losses and gains $ 64,330 $ 64,892 $ 57,234 $ 52,653 $ 51,155 — — — — 59 (Dollars in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Core non-interest expense: Total non-interest expense Less: COVID-19-related expenses Less: severance expenses Less: pension settlement charges Less: acquisition-related expenses Less: system conversion expenses Core non-interest expense Efficiency Ratio (non-US GAAP) $ 133,695 $ 137,250 $ 125,977 $ 107,975 $ 106,911 — — — — 1,259 $ 129,765 $ 129,693 $ 118,448 $ 107,392 $ 105,652 — — 267 7,262 — — 270 — 7,287 — 1,332 1,055 1,054 489 — — — 242 341 — 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/or losses included in earnings, and uses FTE net interest income. The following table provides a reconciliation of this non-US GAAP financial measure to the amounts of total non-interest income and total non-interest expense reported in Peoples' Consolidated Financial Statements for the periods presented: (Dollars in thousands) Efficiency ratio: Total non-interest expense Less: amortization of other intangible assets 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 $ 133,695 3,223 $ 137,250 3,359 $ 125,977 3,338 $ 107,975 3,516 $ 106,911 4,030 Adjusted total non-interest expense 130,472 133,891 122,639 104,459 102,881 Total non-interest income Less: net (loss) gain on investment securities Less: net loss on asset disposals and other transactions Total non-interest income, excluding net gains and losses 63,672 (368) 64,274 164 56,754 (146) 55,573 2,983 50,867 930 (290) (782) (334) (63) (1,133) 64,330 64,892 57,234 52,653 51,070 Net interest income 138,923 140,838 129,612 113,377 104,865 Add: fully-tax-equivalent adjustment (a) 1,054 1,068 881 1,912 2,027 Net interest income on a fully-tax equivalent basis 139,977 141,906 130,493 115,289 106,892 Adjusted revenue Efficiency ratio $ 204,307 $ 206,798 $ 187,727 $ 167,942 $ 157,962 63.86 % 64.74 % 65.33 % 62.20 % 65.13 % Efficiency ratio adjusted for non-core items: Core non-interest expense $ 129,765 $ 129,693 $ 118,448 $ 107,392 Less: amortization of other intangible assets 3,223 3,359 3,338 3,516 $ 105,652 4,030 Adjusted core non-interest expense 126,542 126,334 115,110 103,876 101,622 Core non-interest income excluding net gains and losses 64,330 64,892 57,234 52,653 51,155 Net interest income on a fully-tax-equivalent basis 139,977 141,906 130,493 115,289 106,892 Adjusted core revenue $ 204,307 $ 206,798 $ 187,727 $ 167,942 $ 158,047 Efficiency ratio adjusted for non-core items 61.94 % 61.09 % 61.32 % 61.85 % 64.30 % (a) Based on a 21% statutory federal corporate income tax rate for 2020, 2019 and 2018 and a 35% statutory federal corporate income tax rate for 2017 and 2016. The efficiency ratio for 2020 improved due to a decrease in non-interest expense. The higher efficiency ratio adjusted for non- core items for 2020, compared to 2019, was driven by lower revenue, while adjusted core non-interest expense was relatively flat. The decline in the efficiency ratio for 2019 from 2018 was mostly due to higher revenues, which grew at a faster pace than non- interest expense. The increase in the efficiency ratio between 2018 and 2017 was driven by acquisition-related expenses of $7.3 60 million in 2018, compared to $341,000 in 2017. The improvement in the efficiency ratio adjusted for non-core items in 2017 through 2019 was driven by acquisitions, coupled with the focus of growing revenues at a higher rate than expenses on a percentage basis. Furthermore, managing expenses has been a major focus over recent years; however, during this time Peoples has continued to make meaningful investments in its infrastructure and systems. Return on Average Assets Adjusted for Non-Core Items (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 ratio adjusted for non-core items represents a non-US GAAP financial measure since it excludes the release of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, the impact of the TCJ Act on the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities, and the after-tax impact of all gains and losses, core banking system conversion revenue and expenses, acquisition-related expenses, pension settlement charges, severance expenses, and COVID-19-related non-recurring expenses in earnings. The following table provides a reconciliation of this non-US GAAP financial measure to the amount of net income reported in Peoples' Consolidated Financial Statements for the periods presented: (Dollars in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Net income adjusted for non-core items: Net income $ 34,767 $ 53,695 $ 46,255 $ 38,471 $ 31,157 Add: core banking system conversion revenue waived Less: tax effect of core banking system conversion revenue waived (a) Add: net loss on investment securities Less: tax effect of net loss on investment securities (a) Less: net gain on investment securities Add: tax effect of net gain on investment securities (a) Add: net loss on asset disposals and other transactions Less: tax effect of net loss on asset disposals and other transactions (a) Add: system conversion expenses Less: tax effect of system conversion expenses (a) Add: acquisition-related expenses Less: tax effect of acquisition-related expenses (a) Add: severance expenses Less: tax effect of severance expenses (a) Add: pension settlement charges (a) Less: tax effect of pension settlement charges (a) Less: release of deferred tax asset valuation allowance Less: impact of TCJ Act on deferred tax liability Add: impact of TCJ Act on deferred tax assets Add: COVID-19-related expenses Less: tax effect of COVID-19-related expenses (a) — — 368 77 — — 290 61 — — 1,459 306 1,055 222 1,054 221 — — — 1,332 280 — — — — 164 34 782 164 — — 7,530 1,581 270 57 — — — — — — — — — 146 31 — — 334 70 — — 7,262 1,525 — — 267 56 805 705 — — — — — — — 2,983 1,044 63 22 — — 341 119 — — 242 85 — — 897 — — 85 30 — — 930 325 1,133 397 1,259 441 — — — — — — — — — — — Net income adjusted for non-core items (after tax) $ 39,158 $ 60,345 $ 51,072 $ 37,849 $ 32,161 Return on average assets: Net income Total average assets Return on average assets Return on average assets adjusted for non-core items: $ 34,767 4,739,289 $ 53,695 4,222,482 $ 46,255 3,871,832 $ 38,471 3,510,274 $ 31,157 3,320,447 0.73 % 1.27 % 1.19 % 1.10 % 0.94 % Net income adjusted for non-core items $39,158 $60,345 $51,072 $37,849 $32,161 Total average assets Return on average assets adjusted for non-core items 4,739,289 4,222,482 3,871,832 3,510,274 3,320,447 0.83 % 1.43 % 1.32 % 1.08 % 0.97 % (a) Based on a 21% statutory federal corporate income tax rate for 2020, 2019 and 2018 and a 35% statutory federal corporate income tax rate for 2017 and 2016. 61 The decreases in return on average assets and return on average assets, adjusted for non-core items for 2020 were driven by a reduction in income due to the implementation of CECL, which was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The increases in return on average assets and return on average assets adjusted for non-core items from 2016 through 2019 has been driven by the acquisitions in 2019 and 2018, coupled with the focus of growing revenues at a higher rate than expenses on a percentage basis. Managing expenses has been a major focus over the last four years; however, during this time Peoples has continued to make meaningful investments in its infrastructure and systems. The ratios in 2019 and 2018 were also positively impacted by the lower statutory federal corporate income tax rate compared to 2017. Return on Average Tangible Equity (non-US GAAP) The return on average tangible equity ratio is a key financial measure used to monitor performance. The return on tangible equity is calculated as net income (less after-tax impact of amortization of other intangible assets) divided by 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. (Dollars in thousands) Net income excluding amortization of other intangible assets: 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Net income $ 34,767 $ 53,695 $ 46,255 $ 38,471 $ 31,157 Add: amortization of other intangible assets Less: tax effect of amortization of other intangible assets (a) Net income excluding amortization of other intangible assets Average tangible equity: Total average stockholders' equity Less: average goodwill and other intangible assets Average tangible equity Return on average stockholders' equity ratio: 3,223 3,359 3,338 3,516 4,030 677 705 701 1,231 1,411 37,313 56,349 48,892 40,756 33,776 $ 575,386 $ 566,123 $ 488,139 $ 450,379 $ 432,666 181,526 173,529 158,115 144,696 147,981 $ 393,860 $ 392,594 $ 330,024 $ 305,683 $ 284,685 Net income $ 34,767 $ 53,695 $ 46,255 $ 38,471 $ 31,157 Average stockholders' equity $ 575,386 $ 566,123 $ 488,139 $ 450,379 $ 432,666 Return on average stockholders' equity Return on average tangible equity ratio: Net income excluding amortization of other intangible assets 6.04 % 9.48 % 9.48 % 8.54 % 7.20 % $ 37,313 $ 56,349 $ 48,892 $ 40,756 $ 33,776 Average tangible equity $ 393,860 $ 392,594 $ 330,024 $ 305,683 $ 284,685 Return on average tangible equity 9.47 % 14.35 % 14.81 % 13.33 % 11.86 % (a) Based on a 21% statutory federal corporate income tax rate for 2020, 2019 and 2018 and a 35% statutory federal corporate income tax rate for 2017 and 2016. The decrease in return on average tangible equity for 2020 was driven by a reduction in net income due to the implementation of CECL, which was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The decline in return on average tangible equity ratio in 2019 compared to 2018, was impacted by the First Prestonsburg acquisition, which increased capital. The return on average stockholders' equity and average tangible equity ratios increased in 2018 compared to 2017, reflecting the increase in net income which outpaced the increases in average stockholders' equity and average tangible equity. Average stockholders' equity and average tangible equity increased due mainly to net income and the ASB acquisition, partially offset by dividends declared. FINANCIAL CONDITION Cash and Cash Equivalents Peoples considers cash and cash equivalents to consist of federal funds sold, cash and balances due from banks, interest-bearing balances in other institutions and other short-term investments that are readily liquid. The amount of cash and cash equivalents fluctuates on a daily basis due to customer activity and Peoples' liquidity needs. At December 31, 2020, excess cash reserves at the FRB of Cleveland were $25.1 million, compared to $15.6 million at December 31, 2019. The amount of excess cash reserves maintained is dependent upon Peoples' daily liquidity position, which is driven primarily by changes in deposit and loan balances. In 2020, Peoples' total cash and cash equivalents increased $36.9 million, as cash provided by operating activities and financing activities of $85.5 million and $345.3 million, respectively, were partially offset by cash used in investing activities of $393.9 million. Peoples' investing activities reflected a net increase of $444.1 million in loans and $261.4 million in purchases of available-for-sale investment securities, which were partially offset by $444.6 million in net proceeds from sales, principal payments, calls and 62 prepayments on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investment securities. Financing activities included a $618.9 million net increase in deposits and $50.0 million of proceeds from long-term borrowings, offset partially by a decrease of $263.7 million in short-term borrowings, as well as the purchase of $29.3 million of treasury stock under the share repurchase program and $27.1 million of cash dividends paid. In 2019, Peoples' total cash and cash equivalents increased $37.6 million, as cash provided by operating activities and financing activities of $67.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively, were largely offset by cash used in financing activities of $30.6 million. Cash used in financing activities was primarily due to a reduction in short-term borrowings of $76.9 million and dividends paid of $25.9 million, partially offset by the growth in deposit balances of $77.7 million. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was due primarily to $53.7 million of net income. Further information regarding the management of Peoples' liquidity position can be found later in this discussion under "Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity." Investment Securities The following table provides information regarding Peoples’ investment portfolio at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Available-for-sale securities, at fair value: Obligations of: U.S. government sponsored agencies States and political subdivisions Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Bank-issued trust preferred securities Equity investment securities (a) Total fair value Total amortized cost Net unrealized gain (loss) Held-to-maturity securities, at amortized cost: Obligations of: States and political subdivisions (b) Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Total amortized cost Other investment securities (a) Total investment securities: Amortized cost Carrying value $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 5,363 $ 114,919 623,218 4,783 4,730 — 753,013 $ 734,544 $ 18,469 $ 8,209 $ 114,104 791,009 18,088 4,691 — 936,101 $ 929,395 $ 6,706 $ — $ 88,587 692,608 6,707 3,989 — 791,891 $ 804,655 $ (12,764) $ — $ 101,569 673,664 6,976 5,129 7,849 795,187 $ 797,732 $ (2,545) $ 1,000 117,230 626,567 19,291 4,899 8,953 777,940 777,017 923 35,199 $ 25,890 5,429 66,518 $ 4,346 $ 21,494 5,907 31,747 $ 4,403 $ 29,044 3,514 36,961 $ 3,810 $ 32,487 4,631 40,928 $ 3,820 33,858 5,466 43,144 37,560 $ 42,730 $ 42,985 $ 38,371 $ 38,371 838,622 $ 1,003,872 $ 857,091 $ 1,010,578 $ 884,601 $ 871,837 $ 877,031 $ 874,486 $ 858,532 859,455 (a) As of January 1, 2018, Peoples adopted ASU 2016-01, resulting in the reclassification of equity investment securities from available-for-sale investment securities to other investment securities. At December 31, 2018, $277,000 of equity investment securities were included in other investment securities compared to $7.8 million of equity investment securities included in available-for-sale investment securities at December 31, 2017. (b) Amortized cost is presented net of the allowance for credit losses of $60,000 at December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2020, Peoples' investment securities represented approximately 18.0% of total assets, compared to 23.2% at December 31, 2019. Investment securities decreased $153.4 million compared to 2019 due to the acceleration of paydowns and maturities. During 2020, Peoples sold $82.6 million of available-for-sale securities and reinvested the majority of the proceeds in held-to-maturity investment securities to minimize the volatility in the securities portfolio, should interest rates begin to rise. During 2019, Peoples acquired, in the First Prestonsburg acquisition, investment securities totaling $139.7 million and subsequently sold $65.1 million of acquired available-for-sale investment securities. In April and May of 2019, $53.7 million of the proceeds were reinvested. Additionally, the fair value of investment securities increased, driven by overall declines in market interest rates during the latter half of 2019. During 2018, Peoples acquired, in the ASB acquisition, investment securities totaling $18.8 million and subsequently sold $14.6 million of acquired available-for-sale investment securities. Proceeds from the sale of investment securities were used to reduce overnight borrowing at the FHLB. Peoples designates certain securities as "held-to-maturity" at the time of their purchase if management determines Peoples would have the intent and ability to hold the purchased securities until maturity. The unrealized gain or loss related to held-to-maturity 63 investment securities does not directly impact total stockholders' equity, in contrast to the impact from the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio. Additional information regarding Peoples' investment portfolio can be found in "Note 3 Investment Securities" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Loans The following table provides information regarding outstanding loan balances at or for the year ended December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Originated loans: Construction Commercial real estate, other Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Premium finance Residential real estate Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Consumer, direct Consumer Deposit account overdrafts Total originated loans Acquired loans: Construction Commercial real estate, other Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Premium finance Residential real estate Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Consumer, direct Consumer Total acquired loans (a) Total loans Average total loans Average allowance for credit losses Average loans, net of average allowance for credit losses 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 $ 103,169 $ 83,283 $ 124,013 $ 107,118 $ 84,626 780,324 671,576 632,200 595,447 531,557 883,493 754,859 756,213 702,565 616,183 943,024 622,175 530,207 438,051 378,131 100,571 — — — — 281,623 314,935 296,860 304,523 307,490 93,296 93,013 93,326 88,902 85,617 503,526 417,127 407,167 340,390 252,024 75,591 70,852 71,674 67,010 67,579 579,117 487,979 478,841 407,400 319,603 351 $ 2,881,475 878 $ 2,273,839 583 $ 2,156,030 849 $ 1,942,290 1,080 $ 1,708,104 $ 3,623 $ 5,235 $ 12,404 $ 8,319 $ 10,100 149,529 161,662 184,711 165,120 204,466 153,152 30,621 14,187 292,384 166,897 40,818 — 346,541 197,115 35,537 — 296,937 173,439 34,493 — 184,864 214,566 44,208 — 228,435 27,617 1 3,503 39,691 58 5,681 40,653 136 2,370 20,575 329 1,147 25,875 808 2,940 3,504 $ 521,465 $ 3,402,940 3,258,354 5,739 $ 599,686 $ 2,873,525 2,812,109 2,506 $ 572,748 $ 2,728,778 2,610,970 1,476 $ 414,847 $ 2,357,137 2,293,980 3,748 $ 516,832 $ 2,224,936 2,133,175 (47,692) (21,239) (19,359) (18,713) (17,564) $ 3,210,662 $ 2,790,870 $ 2,591,611 $ 2,275,267 $ 2,115,611 64 (Dollars in thousands) Percent of loans to total loans: Construction Commercial real estate, other Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Premium finance Residential real estate Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Consumer, direct Consumer Deposit account overdrafts (b) Total percentage 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 3.1 % 27.3 % 30.4 % 28.6 % 3.4 % 16.9 % 3.6 % 14.8 % 2.3 % 17.1 % 3.1 % 29.0 % 32.1 % 23.1 % — % 23.0 % 4.6 % 14.5 % 2.7 % 17.2 % 5.1 % 29.9 % 35.0 % 20.7 % — % 21.8 % 4.9 % 14.9 % 2.7 % 17.6 % 4.9 % 32.3 % 37.2 % 20.0 % — % 20.8 % 4.6 % 14.5 % 2.9 % 17.4 % 4.3 % 33.0 % 37.3 % 19.0 % — % 24.1 % 5.0 % 11.4 % 3.2 % 14.6 % NM 100.0 % NM 100.0 % NM 100.0 % NM 100.0 % NM 100.0 % Residential real estate loans being serviced for others $ 485,972 $ 496,802 $ 461,256 $ 412,965 $ 398,134 (a) Includes all loans acquired, and related loan discount recorded as part of acquisition accounting, in 2012 and thereafter. Loans that were acquired and subsequently re-underwritten are reported as originated upon execution of such credit actions (for example, renewals and increases in lines of credit). (b) NM = not meaningful. As of December 31, 2020, total loans increased $529.4 million, or 18%, compared to December 31, 2019. The growth compared to December 31, 2019 was mostly driven by PPP loans added during 2020, which are included in commercial and industrial loan balances, and the new loans being originated through the acquired premium finance sector. At December 31, 2020, PPP loan balances totaled $366.9 million, while the premium finance loans totaled $114.8 million. Consumer indirect loans also contributed to the growth during 2020, and were up $86.3 million, or 21%. During 2019, total loans grew 5%, or $144.7 million. Total originated loans (excluding acquired loans) grew 5%, or $117.8 million due to an increase in commercial and industrial loans of $92.0 million, or 17%. The increase in total acquired loans during 2019 was due to the First Prestonsburg acquisition, partially offset by the decline in the loan balances acquired in previous acquisitions. During 2018, total loans grew 16%, or $371.6 million. Total originated loans (excluding acquired loans) grew 11%, or $213.7 million, due to increases in all categories except residential real estate and deposit account overdrafts. The increase in total acquired loans during 2018 was due to the ASB acquisition, partially offset by the decline in the loan balances acquired in previous acquisitions. During 2017, total loans grew 6%, or $132.2 million. The increase was primarily the result of commercial loan growth of $95.5 million, or 8%, which includes commercial real estate, and commercial and industrial loan balances. Additionally, continued emphasis on growing indirect consumer lending led to growth of $87.9 million, or 35%, compared to December 31, 2016, and was partially offset by reductions in residential real estate loans. 65 The following table details the maturities of Peoples' commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans at December 31, 2020: (Dollars in thousands) Construction: Fixed Variable Total Commercial real estate, other: Fixed Variable Total Commercial and industrial: Fixed Variable Total Premium finance: Fixed Total commercial loans: Fixed Variable Total Due in One Year or Less Due in One to Five Years Due After Five Years Total % of Total $ 1,398 $ 31,265 32,663 298 $ 68,409 68,707 2,511 $ 2,911 5,422 4,207 102,585 106,792 35,301 67,558 102,859 81,980 136,679 218,659 96,566 162,503 259,069 431,594 103,454 535,048 168,610 399,315 567,925 34,572 185,366 219,938 300,477 629,376 929,853 548,146 425,499 973,645 3.9 % 96.1 % 100.0 % 32.3 % 67.7 % 100.0 % 56.3 % 43.7 % 100.0 % 114,758 — — 114,758 100.0 % 233,437 235,502 468,939 $ 528,458 334,366 862,824 $ 967,588 205,693 1,157,460 587,592 793,285 $ 2,125,048 $ 45.5 % 54.5 % 100.0 % Loan Concentration Peoples categorizes its commercial loans according to standard industry classifications and monitors for concentrations in a single industry or multiple industries that could be impacted by changes in economic conditions in a similar manner. Peoples' commercial lending activities continue to be spread over a diverse range of businesses from all sectors of the economy, with no single industry comprising over 10% of Peoples' total loan portfolio. Loans secured by commercial real estate, including commercial construction loans, continue to comprise the largest portion of Peoples' loan portfolio. The following table provides information regarding the largest concentrations of commercial real estate loans within the loan portfolio at December 31, 2020: (Dollars in thousands) Construction: Apartment complexes Assisted living facilities and nursing homes Student housing Land only Lodging and lodging related Residential property Other (a) Construction Outstanding Balance Available Loan Commitments Total Exposure % of Total $ $ 33,510 $ 23,847 14,607 12,216 497 1,899 20,216 106,792 $ 87,211 $ 26,258 201 351 9,785 3,507 9,324 136,637 $ 120,721 50,105 14,808 12,567 10,282 5,406 29,540 243,429 49.6 % 20.6 % 6.1 % 5.2 % 4.2 % 2.2 % 12.1 % 100.0 % (a) All other outstanding balances are less than 2% of the total loan portfolio. 66 (Dollars in thousands) Commercial real estate, other: Office buildings and complexes: Owner occupied Non-owner occupied Total office buildings and complexes Mixed commercial use facilities: Owner occupied Non-owner occupied Total mixed commercial use facilities Apartment complexes Retail facilities: Owner occupied Non-owner occupied Total retail Light industrial facilities: Owner occupied Non-owner occupied Total light industrial facilities Warehouse facilities: Owner occupied Non-owner occupied Total warehouse facilities Assisted living facilities and nursing homes: Owner occupied Non-owner occupied Total assisted living facilities Lodging and lodging related: Owner occupied Non-owner occupied Total lodging and lodging related Education services: Owner occupied Non-owner occupied Total education services Gas station facilities: Owner occupied Non-owner occupied Total gas station facilities Agriculture Other (a) Outstanding Balance Available Loan Commitments Total Exposure % of Total $ 77,357 $ 2,216 $ 62,783 140,140 55,594 37,037 92,631 96,548 38,632 56,271 94,903 50,432 20,505 70,937 34,843 27,467 62,310 34,454 26,786 61,240 12,454 40,230 52,684 15,980 26,217 42,197 3,388 5,604 1,591 758 2,349 3,187 473 250 723 987 1,088 2,075 3,650 8 3,658 — 250 250 — — — 98 4,000 4,098 79,573 66,171 145,744 57,185 37,795 94,980 99,735 39,105 56,521 95,626 51,419 21,593 73,012 38,493 27,475 65,968 34,454 27,036 61,490 12,454 40,230 52,684 16,078 30,217 46,295 8.2 % 6.8 % 15.0 % 5.9 % 3.9 % 9.8 % 10.3 % 4.0 % 5.8 % 9.8 % 5.3 % 2.2 % 7.5 % 4.0 % 2.8 % 6.8 % 3.5 % 2.8 % 6.3 % 1.3 % 4.1 % 5.4 % 1.7 % 3.1 % 4.8 % 21,664 5,428 27,092 18,630 170,541 929,853 $ 10,873 — 10,873 709 8,125 41,651 $ 32,537 5,428 37,965 19,339 178,666 971,504 3.3 % 0.6 % 3.9 % 2.0 % 18.4 % 100.0 % Commercial real estate, other $ (a) All other outstanding balances are less than 2% of the total loan portfolio. Peoples' commercial lending activities continue to focus on lending opportunities inside its primary and secondary market areas within Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. In all other states, the aggregate outstanding balances of commercial loans in each state were not material at either December 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019. Additional information regarding Peoples' loan portfolio can be found in "Note 4 Loans" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 67 COVID-19 Loan Impacts Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program In March 2020, the CARES Act created a new loan guarantee program called the PPP targeted to provide small businesses with support to cover payroll and certain other expenses. Loans made under the PPP are fully guaranteed by the SBA. The PPP loans also afford borrowers forgiveness up to the principal amount of the PPP covered loan, plus accrued interest, if the loan proceeds are used to retain workers and maintain payroll and/or to make certain mortgage interest, lease and utility payments, and certain other criteria are satisfied. The SBA will reimburse PPP lenders for any amount of a PPP covered loan that is forgiven, and PPP lenders will not be held liable for any representations made by PPP borrowers in connection with their requests for loan forgiveness. Peoples is a PPP participating lender, and as of December 31, 2020, Peoples had aggregate principal balances of PPP loans of $374.8 million, net of payoffs during the year, included in commercial and industrial loans. Peoples also recorded deferred loan origination fees related to the PPP loans, net of deferred loan origination costs, which totaled $7.9 million at December 31, 2020. Peoples recorded accretion of net deferred loan origination fees of $7.5 million on PPP loans as of December 31, 2020. The net deferred loan origination fees will be accreted over the life of the respective loans, or until forgiven by the SBA, and will be recognized in net interest income. JobsOhio Partnership Peoples has also been selected to partner with JobsOhio, a private nonprofit organization charged with economic development. JobsOhio will provide a 90% guarantee on the first $25 million of increased exposure to small businesses, where customers may obtain up to $200,000 of additional financing, subject to certain eligibility requirements. Through December 31, 2020, Peoples had assisted 176 Ohio small businesses with approximately $10.0 million in loans. Payment Relief and Loan Modifications Peoples is also providing relief solutions to consumer and commercial borrowers. For consumer borrowers, Peoples is providing interest-only payment options to customers for a period of up to 90 days, with the ability to extend if needed. Peoples is also providing forbearance to its consumer borrowers which allows them to defer their principal and interest payments for up to 90 days for non-residential real estate consumer loans and up to 180 days for residential real estate consumer loans. In addition, for commercial borrowers who meet certain criteria, Peoples is providing interest-only payment options, principal and interest deferrals, and increased financing. Peoples continues to prudently work with borrowers and review any additional requests for deferment more closely. These requests are maintained within the CARES Act guidance and have not exceeded twelve consecutive months of deferred payment. At December 31, 2020, Peoples had $17.0 million of commercial loans on deferment, and $4.0 million of consumer loan deferments. Borrowers within the lodging industry account for nearly two-thirds of the deferments at December 31, 2020. The lodging industry continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a negative outlook for travel demand among both business and leisure customers. Portfolio Exposure Peoples has evaluated its portfolio exposure to certain industries most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes restaurants, lodging and lodging related businesses, floorplans, office and retail facilities, as well as daycare facilities. Peoples has been proactive in working with clients within these industries, and is keeping in close communication with them. Peoples has made loan modifications, when it is prudent to do so, and is monitoring early warnings signs of risk within these industry segments. These segments comprise approximately 61% of the total commercial loan modifications approved in response to COVID-19. Below is a table detailing Peoples' outstanding balance of loans as of December 31, 2020, within certain industries that have been impacted: (Dollars in thousands) Restaurants (a) Multifamily Floorplans (b) Assisted living facilities and nursing homes (c) Lodging and lodging related (d) Total Outstanding Balance % of Total Loans Loan-to- Value Total Commitment $ $ 212,351 123,137 91,586 99,907 73,862 600,843 6.2 % 3.6 % 2.7 % 2.9 % 2.2 % 17.6 % 57.8 % $ 63.6 % 100.0 % 72.6 % 65.9 % $ 226,165 195,213 170,100 128,760 83,846 804,084 (a) Restaurants outstanding balance included $55.3 million in PPP loans. (b) Individual units financed under dealer floor plan agreements are generally financed in line with industry standards at 100% of manufacturer invoice, auction cost, or wholesale value. (c) Assisted living facilities and nursing homes outstanding balance included $13.6 million in PPP loans. (d) Lodging and lodging related outstanding balance included $2.1 million in PPP loans. 68 Approximately 73% of Peoples' outstanding balance to restaurants was to McDonald's franchise operators, which have additional guarantor support, as well as McDonald's corporate assistance with rent and service fee deferments. At its peak of deferrals during the second quarter of 2020, Peoples had $116.3 million of deferments to restaurant operators granted due to the pandemic. Of the $116.3 million of deferments granted, $1.5 million of the deferments remained at December 31, 2020. The total restaurant portfolio outstanding balance of non-McDonald’s operators was $56.6 million at December 31, 2020, which included $24.9 million of PPP loans. The loans to non-McDonald's operators included $4.2 million of loans for which there is a government guarantee enhancement through the CARES Act. In addition, for multifamily loans, Peoples has sponsors with extensive experience and substantial liquidity. The top five relationships, in terms of aggregate credit exposures, accounted for 47% of the portfolio balances. The top five relationships consist of five properties with an average loan-to-value of 72%. Peoples' commercial loan policy for this specific property type is a maximum loan-to-value of 80%. Additional support is provided by guarantor strength on the majority of these relationships. One of the largest loans in the portfolio accounts for 13% of the portfolio balances. The loan has notable guarantor support, with a reported unencumbered liquidity level of more than $400 million. For floorplan loans, Peoples has a detailed monitoring and audit process, and performs collateral audits frequently. Approximately 80% of the assisted living facilities and nursing homes are private pay and are not dependent upon Medicare, and as of December 31, 2020, Peoples had no requests from these customers for relief. The majority of Peoples' lodging and lodging related outstanding balances is represented by loans to larger established franchises. At December 31, 2020, this portfolio included $2.1 million of PPP loans. The top three relationships, in terms of aggregate credit exposures, account for 46% of the portfolio balance. Peoples has provided payment relief to 80% of the lodging and lodging related portfolio since the start of the pandemic, which consists of primarily 13 properties, which have an average loan-to-value ratio of 64%. Peoples' commercial loan policy for this specific property type is a maximum loan-to-value of 65%. These properties include ten nationally franchised locations, while two of the remaining properties are cabin rentals, which have not been as heavily impacted by the pandemic. The guarantor liquidity is strong on half of the properties securing the lodging and lodging related portfolio. Peoples' exposure to energy loans was not material at December 31, 2020. Energy loan balances were $4.8 million, or less than 1% of total loans, as of December 31, 2020, with a total commitment of $8.2 million. Peoples' energy loans are mostly to operators who provide support services for oil and gas companies. Allowance for Credit Losses On January 1, 2020, Peoples adopted the provisions of ASU 2016-13 "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments", commonly referred to as the CECL model. Prior to the adoption of the CECL model, the allowance for credit losses was the "allowance for loan losses." The amount of the allowance for credit losses at the end of each period represents management's estimate of expected credit losses from existing loans based upon its formal quarterly analysis of the loan portfolio described in the "Critical Accounting Policies" section of this discussion. While this process involves allocations being made to specific loans and pools of loans, the entire allowance is available for all losses incurred within the loan portfolio. The following details management's allocation of the allowance for credit losses at December 31: $ (Dollars in thousands) Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Total commercial Premium finance Residential real estate Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Consumer, direct Consumer Deposit account overdrafts Originated allowance for credit losses Acquired allowance for credit losses (a) Allowance for credit losses (b) $ 2020 19,423 12,763 32,186 1,095 6,044 1,860 8,030 1,081 9,111 63 50,359 — 50,359 2019 7,333 8,432 15,765 — 1,191 546 2,937 294 3,231 94 20,827 729 21,556 $ $ $ $ 2018 8,003 6,178 14,181 — 1,214 618 3,214 351 3,565 81 19,659 536 20,195 2017 7,797 5,813 13,610 — 904 693 2,944 464 3,408 70 18,685 108 18,793 $ $ $ $ 2016 7,172 6,353 13,525 — 982 688 2,312 518 2,830 171 18,196 233 18,429 As a percent of total loans 1.48 % 0.75 % 0.74 % 0.80 % 0.83 % 69 (a) Beginning on January 1, 2020, the amounts previously included in "acquired allowance for credit losses" were included in the "originated allowance for credit losses" under the CECL model. (b) Beginning on January 1, 2020, Peoples calculated the allowance for credit losses using the CECL model, while previous periods used the incurred loss model. Peoples implemented ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, which resulted in an increase of $5.8 million in the allowance for credit losses. The remaining significant increase in the allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2020 compared to December 31, 2019 was mostly due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting impact on economic forecasts utilized in the CECL model. Peoples calculates its allowance for credit losses using a discounted cash flow model, and incorporates economic forecasts, including U.S. unemployment, Ohio unemployment, Ohio Gross Domestic Product, and the Ohio Case Shiller Home Price Indices as economic factors. During 2019, the increase in allowance for loan losses was primarily related to continued loan growth in most of the originated loan portfolios. The allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans was relatively flat in 2019 compared to 2018 as a result of relatively stable asset quality metrics and trends, combined with loan growth during 2019. The ratio included all acquired loans, from both First Prestonsburg and previous acquisitions, of $599.7 million and allowance for acquired loan losses of $729,000 at the end of 2019. During 2018, the increase in allowance for loan losses was primarily related to continued loan growth in most of the originated loan portfolios. The allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans decreased six basis points in 2018 compared to 2017 as a result of relatively stable asset quality metrics and trends, and the loans acquired in the ASB acquisition. During 2017, the increase in allowance for loan losses related primarily to growth in consumer indirect loan balances. During 2016, the increase of 9% in the allowance for loan losses related to total commercial and consumer indirect balance growth. Additional information regarding Peoples' allowance for credit losses can be found in "Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" and "Note 4 Loans" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 70 The following table summarizes the changes in the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Allowance for credit losses, January 1 Gross charge-offs: 2020 25,868 2019 20,195 $ 2018 18,793 $ 2017 18,429 $ $ 2016 16,779 $ Commercial real estate (a)(b) Commercial and industrial Premium finance Residential real estate (c) Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Consumer, direct (d) Consumer Deposit account overdrafts Total gross charge-offs Recoveries: Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Premium finance Residential real estate Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Consumer, direct Consumer Deposit account overdrafts Total recoveries Net charge-offs (recoveries): Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Premium finance Residential real estate Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Consumer, direct Consumer Deposit account overdrafts Total net charge-offs Provision for credit losses, December 31 (e)(f) Allowance for credit losses, December 31 (g) 528 1,565 3 353 103 1,923 187 2,110 673 5,335 200 2,521 — 302 12 302 49 351 186 3,572 156 1,062 — 312 55 1,829 211 2,040 851 4,476 151 2,415 — 229 11 270 52 322 205 3,333 328 (956) 3 51 91 1,621 138 1,759 487 1,763 26,254 50,359 $ $ 5 (1,353) — 83 44 1,559 159 1,718 646 1,143 2,504 21,556 $ $ $ $ 849 38 — 357 107 2,515 358 2,873 965 5,189 60 18 — 232 14 474 140 614 205 1,143 789 20 — 125 93 2,041 218 2,259 760 4,046 5,448 20,195 408 175 — 637 131 2,110 379 2,489 1,038 4,878 146 1 — 152 13 764 179 943 215 1,470 262 174 — 485 118 1,346 200 1,546 823 3,408 3,772 18,793 $ $ $ $ Net charge-offs (recoveries) as a percent of average total loans (g): 0.01 % (0.03) % — % — % — % 0.05 % — % 0.05 % 0.02 % 0.05 % Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Premium finance Residential real estate Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Consumer, direct Consumer Deposit account overdrafts Total — % (0.05) % — % — % — % 0.06 % 0.01 % 0.07 % 0.02 % 0.04 % 0.03 % — % — % — % — % 0.08 % 0.01 % 0.09 % 0.03 % 0.15 % 0.01 % 0.01 % — % 0.02 % — % 0.06 % 0.01 % 0.07 % 0.04 % 0.15 % 68 1,017 — 611 73 2,072 583 2,655 774 5,198 1,209 306 — 278 56 1,059 226 1,285 175 3,309 (1,141) 711 — 333 17 1,013 357 1,370 599 1,889 3,539 18,429 (0.05) % 0.03 % — % 0.02 % — % 0.04 % 0.02 % 0.06 % 0.03 % 0.09 % Includes purchased credit impaired loan charge-offs of $0 in 2019, $0 in 2018, $0 in 2017, and $44,000 in 2016. Includes nonimpaired loan charge-offs of $2,000 in 2019 and $0 in 2018, 2017, and 2016. Includes purchased credit impaired loan charge-offs of $0 in 2019, $2,000 in 2018, $0 in 2017, and $23,000 in 2016 Includes purchased credit impaired loan charge-offs of $0 in 2019, $0 in 2018, $7,000 in 2017, and $23,000 in 2016 Includes purchased credit impaired loan provision for credit losses of $19,000 in 2019, $0 in 2018, $117,000 in 2017, and $66,000 in 2016. Includes nonimpaired loan provision for credit losses of $215,000 in 2019, $383,000 in 2018 and $0 in 2017 and 2016. (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) Beginning on January 1, 2020, the amounts previously included in "acquired allowance for credit losses" were included in the "originated allowance for credit losses" under the CECL model. 71 Net charge-offs for 2020 were $1.8 million, or 0.05% of average total loans, an increase of $0.6 million compared to $1.1 million, or 0.04% of average total loans, for 2019. Net charge-offs in 2020 included a recovery of $2.5 million on a single commercial loan relationship that was previously charged-off; while in 2019, a $2.4 million recovery occurred on the same relationship. The increase in commercial real estate net charge-offs in 2020 compared to 2019 was due to an increase in charge-off activity in 2020. This activity consisted of two larger commercial real estate loans with a total of $200,000 in charge-offs coupled with other smaller commercial real estate charge-offs. Net charge-offs for 2018 increased $638,000 compared to 2017, driven by a charge-off of $827,000 related to one acquired commercial loan relationship. Indirect consumer lending provided significant growth during 2018, resulting in the growth in the allowance for loan losses and net charge-offs within that category. The increase in net charge-offs from 2016 to 2017 was primarily related to a decline in recoveries of commercial loans and an increase in net charge-offs of consumer indirect loans due to higher balances from recent loan growth. During 2016, net charge-offs were nominal at 0.09% of average total loans and were positively impacted by a $1.0 million recovery of a prior period commercial real estate loan charge-off. Gross charge-offs totaled $5.2 million in 2016, and were largely associated with the growth in the consumer loan portfolio. The following table details Peoples’ nonperforming assets at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Loans 90+ days past due and accruing (a): Commercial real estate, other Commercial and industrial Premium finance Residential real estate Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Consumer, direct Consumer $ Total loans 90+ days past due and accruing Nonaccrual loans (a): Construction Commercial real estate, other Commercial real estate Commercial and industrial Residential real estate Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Consumer, direct Consumer Total nonaccrual loans 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 — 50 589 1,975 82 39 17 56 2,752 4 8,744 8,748 4,017 6,080 708 883 160 1,043 20,596 $ 907 155 — 2,677 108 — 85 85 3,932 411 6,699 7,110 1,824 4,471 955 629 48 677 15,037 $ 801 18 — 1,430 7 — — — 2,256 710 6,730 7,440 1,304 4,075 1,023 324 56 380 14,222 $ 215 45 — 1,278 72 — 16 16 1,626 754 6,348 7,102 506 4,267 772 158 32 190 12,837 $ 1,506 387 — 1,855 — — 23 23 3,771 826 10,792 11,618 1,620 4,481 554 9 81 90 18,363 72 (Dollars in thousands) Nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings (TDRs): 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Commercial real estate, other Commercial and industrial Residential real estate Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Consumer, direct Total nonaccrual TDRs Total nonperforming loans (NPLs) OREO: Commercial Residential Total OREO Total nonperforming assets (NPAs) Criticized loans (b) Classified loans (c) Asset Quality Ratios: 367 2,175 2,295 159 190 11 5,197 28,545 102 331 1,890 210 211 — 2,744 21,713 154 405 1,951 210 156 — 2,876 19,354 721 492 1,447 90 98 7 2,855 17,318 751 482 1,614 60 6 49 2,962 25,096 — 134 134 28,679 $ $ 126,619 145 82 227 $ 21,940 $ 96,830 — 94 94 $ 19,448 $ 114,188 — 208 208 $ 17,526 $ 90,418 594 67 661 $ 25,757 $ 99,182 72,518 66,154 43,818 46,380 57,736 NPLs as a percent of total loans (d)(e) NPAs as a percent of total assets (d)(e) NPAs as a percent of total loans and OREO (d)(e) Allowance for credit losses as a percent of NPLs (d)(e) Criticized loans as a percent of total loans (b)(d) Classified loans as a percent of total loans (c)(d) 0.82 % 0.59 % 0.84 % 0.75 % 0.50 % 0.76 % 0.71 % 0.49 % 0.71 % 0.73 % 0.49 % 0.74 % 180.14 % 3.72 % 2.13 % 99.28 % 3.37 % 2.30 % 104.35 % 4.18 % 108.52 % 3.84 % 1.61 % 1.97 % 1.13 % 0.75 % 1.16 % 73.43 % 4.46 % 2.59 % (a) The new accounting for purchased credit deteriorated loans under ASU 2016-13 resulted in the movement of $3.9 million of loans from the 90+ days past due and accruing category to the nonaccrual category as of January 1, 2020. As of December 31, 2019, these loans were presented as 90+ days past due and accruing. Although they were not accruing contractual interest income, they were accreting income from the discount that was recognized due to acquisition accounting. (b) Includes loans categorized as special mention, substandard or doubtful. (c) Includes loans categorized as substandard or doubtful. (d) Data presented as of the end of the year indicated. (e) Nonperforming loans include loans 90+ days past due and accruing, troubled debt restructured loans and nonaccrual loans. Nonperforming assets include nonperforming loans and OREO. The increase in nonperforming assets during 2020 was due to two commercial relationships aggregating $3.2 million and several smaller commercial relationships being placed on nonaccrual. The new accounting for purchased credit deteriorated loans under ASU 2016-13 resulted in the movement of $3.9 million of loans from the 90+ days past due and accruing category to the nonaccrual category as of January 1, 2020. As of December 31, 2019, these loans were presented as 90+ days past due and accruing. Although they were not accruing contractual interest income, they were accreting income from the discount that was recognized due to acquisition accounting. Criticized loans, which are those categorized as special mention, substandard or doubtful, increased $29.8 million, or 31%, compared to December 31, 2019. Classified loans, which are those categorized as substandard or doubtful, grew $6.4 million, or 10%, compared to December 31, 2019. During 2020, Peoples downgraded several relationships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-related downgrades contributed $29.8 million of additional criticized loans and $9.4 million of additional classified loans compared to balances at December 31, 2019. Based on the provisions provided by the CARES Act, on March 22, 2020, federal and state government banking regulators issued a joint statement, with which the FASB concurred as to the approach, regarding accounting for loan modifications for borrowers affected by COVID-19. In this guidance, short-term modifications, made on a good faith basis in response to COVID-19, to borrowers who were current prior to any relief, are not considered TDRs. This includes short-term modifications such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or other delays in payment which are insignificant. Under the guidance, borrowers that are considered current are those that are less than 30 days past due on their contractual payments at the time a modification program is implemented. In addition, modification or deferral programs mandated by the U.S. federal government or any state government related to COVID-19 are not in the scope of ASC 310-40. 73 On August 3, 2020, federal and state banking regulators issued a joint statement, encouraging financial institutions to consider prudent accommodation options to mitigate losses for the borrower and financial institution beyond the initial accommodation period. In this guidance, institutions should also provide consumers with available options for repaying missed payments at the end of their accommodation to avoid delinquencies, as well as options for changes to terms to support sustainable and affordable payments for the long term. These considerations should also include prudent risk management practices at the financial institution based on the credit risk of the borrower. Peoples is actively working with its customers to address any further accommodation needs while carefully evaluating the associated credit risk of the borrowers. Nonperforming loans increased in 2019 due to acquired loans from First Prestonsburg, which comprised of $1.9 million of nonperforming assets during 2019. The increase in loans 90+ days past due and accruing during 2018 was driven primarily by one commercial loan, which was in the process of renewal at December 31, 2018. During 2018, the growth in nonaccrual loans was driven primarily by one commercial loan that was over 90 days past due. Nonperforming loans decreased in 2017, largely due to a decrease in nonaccrual loans, coupled with a decline in loans 90+ days past due and accruing. The decrease in nonaccrual loans was driven by several commercial real estate relationships that were paid off in 2017. The majority of Peoples' nonaccrual commercial real estate loans consists primarily of owner occupied commercial properties. In general, management believes repayment of these loans is dependent on the sale of the underlying collateral. As such, the carrying values of these loans are ultimately supported by management's estimate of the net proceeds Peoples would receive upon the sale of the collateral. These estimates are based in part on market values provided by independent, licensed or certified appraisers periodically, but no less frequently than annually. Given the volatility in commercial real estate values, management continues to monitor changes in real estate values from quarter-to-quarter and updates its estimates as needed based on observable changes in market prices and/or updated appraisals for similar properties. Peoples discontinues the accrual of interest on a loan when conditions cause management to believe collection of all or any portion of the loan's contractual interest is doubtful. Such conditions may include the borrower being 90 days or more past due on any contractual payments or the availability of updated information regarding the borrower's financial condition and repayment ability. All unpaid accrued interest deemed uncollectable is reversed, which would reduce Peoples' net interest income. Interest received on nonaccrual loans is included in income only if principal recovery is reasonably assured. Interest income on loans classified as nonaccrual and renegotiated at each year-end that would have been recorded under the original terms of the loans was $1.6 million for 2020, $1.4 million for 2019 and $1.3 million for 2018. No portion of these amounts were recorded during 2020, 2019 or 2018. Overall, management believes the allowance for credit losses was appropriate at December 31, 2020, based on all significant information currently available. Still, there can be no assurance that the allowance for credit losses will be adequate to cover future losses in Peoples’ loan portfolio. Additional information regarding Peoples' allowance for credit losses can be found in "Note 4 Loans" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Deposits The following table details Peoples’ deposit balances at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Non-interest-bearing deposits (a) Interest-bearing deposits: Interest-bearing demand accounts (a) Savings accounts Retail CDs Money market deposit accounts Governmental deposit accounts Brokered deposits Total interest-bearing deposits Total deposits $ 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 $ 997,323 $ 671,208 $ 607,877 $ 556,010 $ 734,421 692,113 628,190 445,930 591,373 385,384 170,146 2,913,136 3,910,459 $ 635,720 521,914 490,830 469,893 293,908 207,939 2,620,204 3,291,412 $ 573,702 468,500 394,335 379,878 267,319 263,854 2,347,588 2,955,465 $ 593,415 446,714 338,673 371,376 264,524 159,618 2,174,320 2,730,330 $ 278,975 436,344 361,725 407,754 251,671 38,832 1,775,301 2,509,722 (a) The sum of amounts presented are considered total demand deposits. At December 31, 2020, the period-end deposit increase of $619.0 million, or 19%, compared to December 31, 2019, was primarily due to an increase of $326.1 million in non-interest-bearing deposits. The growth in non-interest-bearing deposits was related to customers maintaining higher balances due to changes in customer habits in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as fiscal stimulus funds and PPP loan proceeds. During 2020, Peoples had reduced its reliance on higher-rate brokered deposits, which included one-way buy Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Services. This was partially offset by the issuance of 90-day brokered 74 demand and savings deposits to fund interest rate swaps. As of December 31, 2020, Peoples had seventeen effective interest rate swaps, with an aggregate notional value of $160.0 million, which were funded by $50.0 million in 90-day brokered CDs and $110.0 million in overnight brokered deposits, which are expected to be extended every 90 days through the maturity dates of the swaps. The increase in total deposits between December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was largely due to deposits of $194.2 million acquired in the First Prestonsburg acquisition. During 2019, Peoples issued $50.0 million of 90-day brokered CDs to fund five $10.0 million interest rate swaps with a notional value in the aggregate of $50.0 million. The swaps will pay a fixed rate of interest while receiving three-month LIBOR, which offsets the rate on the brokered CDs. The brokered CDs are expected to be extended every 90 days through the maturity dates of the swaps. The increase in total deposits between December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was largely due to $198.6 million of balances in deposit accounts acquired from ASB on April 13, 2018, coupled with higher one-way buy CDARS deposits, which are included in brokered CD balances. The increase in total deposit balances at December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016 was primarily due to increases of $314.4 million in interest-bearing demand deposits and $120.8 million in brokered CDs, partially offset by a decrease of $178.4 million in non-interest-bearing demand deposits. Shifts in balances occurred between non-interest-bearing deposits and interest- bearing demand account balances as Peoples migrated consumers to new products during the second half of 2017. During this migration, customer accounts were evaluated based on certain characteristics, and some accounts that were traditionally non-interest- bearing deposits were converted to interest-bearing demand accounts as Peoples moved to a relationship-based deposit product. The increase in brokered CDs in 2017 was the result of adding relatively shorter term funding on the balance sheet to secure fixed rate funding in a rising rate environment. Peoples' governmental deposit accounts represent savings and interest-bearing transaction accounts from state and local governmental entities. These funds are subject to periodic fluctuations based on the timing of tax collections and subsequent expenditures or disbursements. Peoples normally experiences an increase in balances annually during the first and third quarter, corresponding with tax collections, with declines normally in the second and fourth quarter of each year, corresponding with expenditures by the governmental entities. Peoples continues to emphasize growth of low-cost deposits that do not require Peoples to pledge assets as collateral, which is required in the case of governmental deposit accounts. The maturities of retail CDs with total balances of $100,000 or more at December 31 were as follows: (Dollars in thousands) 3 months or less Over 3 to 6 months Over 6 to 12 months Over 12 months Total 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 $ 55,402 $ 56,516 36,448 70,452 27,780 20,102 25,028 75,860 $ 218,818 $ 239,914 $ 178,659 $ 146,107 $ 148,770 36,623 $ 48,581 49,796 104,914 24,118 $ 20,011 27,129 74,849 28,214 $ 28,436 32,578 89,431 Additional information regarding Peoples' deposits can be found in "Note 7 Deposits" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 75 Borrowed Funds The following table details Peoples’ short-term and long-term borrowings at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Short-term borrowings: Overnight borrowings FHLB 90-day advances Current portion of long-term FHLB advances Repurchase agreements Unamortized debt issuance costs (a) Total short-term borrowings Long-term borrowings: FHLB advances National market repurchase agreements Unamortized debt issuance costs (a) Junior subordinated debt securities Total long-term borrowings Total borrowed funds 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 $ — $ 141,000 $ 165,000 $ 62,000 $ 231,000 — 110,000 110,000 — 20,000 53,261 — 23,009 42,968 — 30,000 30,592 51,202 116,899 74,607 (4) — — — — 73,261 316,977 356,198 209,491 305,607 102,957 75,672 102,361 136,939 — — — — — — — (27) 7,611 7,451 7,283 7,107 98,282 40,000 (51) 6,924 110,568 183,829 $ 83,123 400,100 $ 109,644 465,842 $ 144,019 353,510 $ 145,155 450,762 $ (a) Unamortized debt issuance costs are related to the costs associated with the Credit Agreement with Raymond James Bank, N.A. which Peoples terminated as of April 3, 2019. Total borrowed funds, which include overnight borrowings, are mainly a function of loan growth and changes in total deposit balances. Peoples continually evaluates the overall balance sheet position given the interest rate environment. Long-term FHLB advances increased due to a borrowing of a $50.0 million long-term FHLB putable, non-amortizing fixed rate advance and the reclassification of $20.0 million to short-term borrowings as the time to maturity of these advances had become less than one year. In years prior to 2020, Peoples' short-term FHLB advances generally consisted of overnight borrowings maintained in connection with the management of Peoples' daily liquidity position. During 2019, Peoples had seventeen effective interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional value of $160.0 million, of which $110.0 million were funded by FHLB 90 day advances. The remaining $50.0 million were funded by 90-day brokered CDs. Long- term FHLB advances declined by $26.7 million due to the reclassification to short-term borrowings as the time to maturity of these advances had become less than one year. During 2018, Peoples entered into twelve effective interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional value of $110.0 million, all of which were funded by FHLB 90-day advances. Long-term FHLB advances declined by $30 million due to the reclassification to short-term borrowings as the time to maturity of these advances had become less than one year. During 2017, $50.6 million of long-term FHLB advances were reclassified to short-term borrowings due to the time to maturity of these advances becoming less than one year. Of these reclassified borrowings, $30.6 million remained outstanding as of December 31, 2017. Short-term retail repurchase agreements increased due to the reclassification of these repurchase agreements from long-term borrowings, as the time to maturity had become less than one year. Effective April 3, 2019, Peoples terminated the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 4, 2016 between Peoples, as Borrower, and Raymond James Bank, N.A., as Lender (the "RJB Credit Agreement"), which provided for a revolving line of credit in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $15.0 million. On April 3, 2019, Peoples entered into a Loan Agreement (the “U.S. Bank Loan Agreement”) with U.S. Bank National Association, the term of which has been extended to April 1, 2021 through an amendment in April 2020. The U.S. Bank Loan Agreement provides Peoples with a revolving line of credit in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $20.0 million. Additional information regarding Peoples' borrowed funds can be found in "Note 8 Short-Term Borrowings" and "Note 9 Long- Term Borrowings" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Capital/Stockholders’ Equity During 2020, Peoples' total stockholders' equity declined $18.7 million, or 3%. This reduction was driven by repurchases of shares of $29.3 million and dividends paid to shareholders of $27.5 million, which were partially offset by net income of $34.8 million. Also contributing to the decline was the implementation of ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, in which Peoples recorded a one-time transition adjustment to reduce retained earnings by $3.7 million. This adjustment reflected the increase in the allowance for credit losses for loans (excluding the gross up of loan balances related to the establishment of an allowance for credit losses for purchased credit deteriorated loans), the allowance for credit losses for held-to-maturity investment securities and the addition of an 76 unfunded commitment liability, net of statutory federal corporate income taxes. Based on current accounting guidance, Peoples is electing to utilize the five-year phase-in period for the transition adjustment due to the implementation of ASU 2016-13. This phase- in period also includes a 25% deferment of the impact on regulatory capital of the estimated increase in the allowance for credit losses related to the CECL model, which is applied during the first two years of application. For the first two years of the phase-in period, 100% of the transition adjustment due to ASU 2016-13 is excluded for regulatory capital purposes, along with 25% of the increase in the allowance for credit losses compared to the January 1, 2020 allowance for credit losses. In year three of the phase-in, 75% of the transition adjustment, and the cumulative 25% increase in the allowance for credit losses compared to January 1, 2020, are excluded from regulatory capital, while 50% and 25% of these amounts are excluded in years four and five, respectively, under this phase-in period. At December 31, 2020, capital levels for both Peoples and Peoples Bank remained substantially higher than the minimum amounts needed to be considered "well capitalized" under banking regulations. These higher capital levels reflect Peoples' desire to maintain a strong capital position. During 2019, total stockholders' equity increased compared to 2018 mainly due to net income of $53.7 million, $32.4 million of common shares issued in connection with the acquisition of First Prestonsburg, and an increase in the market value of available-for- sale investment securities, partially offset by dividends paid of $26.9 million. During 2018, Peoples' total stockholders' equity increased compared to 2017 mainly due to $40.9 million of common shares issued in connection with the acquisition of ASB. Also contributing to the increase in total stockholders' equity was net income of $46.3 million, partially offset by dividends paid of $21.6 million and declines in the market value of available-for-sale investment securities. In 2017, Peoples' total stockholders' equity increased compared to 2016 due to higher retained earnings offset slightly by declines in the market value of available-for-sale investment securities. Under the risk-based capital rules, in order to avoid limitations on dividends, equity repurchases and compensation, Peoples must exceed the three minimum required ratios by at least the capital conservation buffer. These three minimum required ratios are the common equity tier 1 capital ratio, tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and total risk-based capital ratio. Peoples had a capital conservation buffer of 6.50% at December 31, 2020, 7.58% at December 31, 2019, 6.43% at December 31, 2017, and 6.11% at December 31, 2016. As such, Peoples exceeded the minimum ratios, including the capital conservation buffer, at December 31, 2020. The following table details Peoples' actual risk-based capital levels and corresponding ratios at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Capital Amounts: 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Common equity tier 1 Tier 1 Total (tier 1 and tier 2) Net risk-weighted assets $ 409,400 417,011 456,384 $ 3,146,767 $ 427,415 434,866 456,422 $ 2,930,355 $ 378,855 386,138 406,333 $ 2,773,383 $ 327,172 334,279 355,977 $ 2,466,620 $ 306,506 313,430 334,957 $ 2,373,359 Capital Ratios: Common equity tier 1 Tier 1 Total (tier 1 and tier 2) Tier 1 leverage ratio 13.01 % 13.25 % 14.50 % 8.97 % 14.59 % 14.84 % 15.58 % 10.41 % 13.66 % 13.92 % 14.65 % 9.99 % 13.26 % 13.55 % 14.43 % 9.75 % 12.91 % 13.21 % 14.11 % 9.65 % In addition to traditional capital measurements, management uses tangible capital measures to evaluate the adequacy of Peoples' total stockholders' equity. Such financial measures represent non-US GAAP financial information since they exclude the impact of goodwill and other intangible assets acquired through acquisitions on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Peoples' management believes this information is useful to investors since it facilitates the comparison of Peoples' operating performance, financial condition and trends to peers, especially those without a level of intangible assets similar to that of Peoples. Further, intangible assets generally are difficult to convert into cash, especially during a financial crisis, and could decrease substantially in value should there be deterioration in the overall franchise value. As a result, tangible equity represents a conservative measure of the capacity for Peoples to incur losses but remain solvent. 77 The following table reconciles the calculation of these non-US GAAP financial measures to amounts reported in Peoples' Consolidated Financial Statements at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Tangible equity: Total stockholders' equity Less: goodwill and other intangible assets Tangible equity Tangible assets: Total assets Less: goodwill and other intangible assets Tangible assets Tangible book value per common share: Tangible equity Common shares outstanding 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 $ 575,673 184,597 $ 391,076 $ 594,393 177,503 $ 416,890 $ 520,140 162,085 $ 358,055 $ 458,592 144,576 $ 314,016 $ 435,261 146,018 $ 289,243 $ 4,760,764 184,597 $ 4,576,167 $ 4,354,165 177,503 $ 4,176,662 $ 3,991,454 162,085 $ 3,829,369 $ 3,581,686 144,576 $ 3,437,110 $ 3,432,348 146,018 $ 3,286,330 $ 391,076 19,563,979 $ 416,890 20,698,941 $ 358,055 19,565,029 $ 314,016 18,287,449 $ 289,243 18,200,067 Tangible book value per common share $ 19.99 $ 20.14 $ 18.30 $ 17.17 $ 15.89 Tangible equity to tangible assets ratio: Tangible equity Tangible assets $ 391,076 $ 4,576,167 $ 416,890 $ 4,176,662 $ 358,055 $ 3,829,369 $ 314,016 $ 3,437,110 $ 289,243 $ 3,286,330 Tangible equity to tangible assets 8.55 % 9.98 % 9.35 % 9.14 % 8.80 % The decline in tangible equity to tangible assets at December 31, 2020, compared to 2019, was partially due to the origination of PPP loans during 2020, coupled with the repurchase of common shares completed during the year and dividends paid to shareholders, which exceeded net income for the year. The increase in the tangible equity to tangible assets ratio for 2019 was the result of higher retained earnings, combined with common shares issued in connection with the First Prestonsburg acquisition and an increase in the market value of available-for-sale investment securities. The increase in the tangible equity to tangible assets ratio for each of 2018 and 2017 was the result of higher retained earnings, partially offset by the decline in the market value of available-for-sale investment securities. Also contributing to the increase in 2019 and 2018 was the issuance of common shares in connection with the First Prestonsburg and ASB acquisition, respectively. Future Outlook The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on Peoples' business and financial performance during 2020. The pandemic caused a sudden shift in interest rates to near zero, which negatively impacted net interest income, while increasing expected credit losses under the CECL model, in turn, increasing provision for credit losses during the year. As a result, Peoples closely monitored its expenses, including deposit and borrowing costs, coupled with non-interest expense. During 2020, Peoples completed its premium finance acquisition, further diversifying its loan portfolio and future opportunities for growth. Peoples also participated in the SBA PPP during 2020, originating $489.0 million of loans under the program, which resulted in an additional $10.7 million of interest income. Peoples spent much of the year supporting its associates and communities during the pandemic, and will continue to do so in the coming periods. While the future is unpredictable as the pandemic continues, and uncertainty around timing of vaccination of the majority of individuals is still evolving, Peoples is committed to managing through the process with its clients and associates as a priority, in addition to improving shareholder value. For more information regarding risks and uncertainties that could impact the projections described, please refer to "ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS" of this Form 10-K. Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity While Peoples is exposed to various business risks, the risks relating to interest rate sensitivity and liquidity are major risks that can materially impact future results of operations and financial condition due to their complexity and dynamic nature. The objective of Peoples' asset-liability management function is to measure and manage these risks in order to optimize net interest income within the constraints of prudent capital adequacy, liquidity and safety. This objective requires Peoples to focus on interest rate risk exposure and adequate liquidity through its management of the mix of assets and liabilities, their related cash flows and the rates earned and paid on those assets and liabilities. Ultimately, the asset-liability management function is intended to guide management in the acquisition and disposition of earning assets and selection of appropriate funding sources. 78 Interest Rate Risk Interest rate risk ("IRR") is one of the most significant risks arising in the normal course of business of financial services companies like Peoples. IRR is the potential for economic loss due to future interest rate changes that can impact the earnings stream, as well as market values, of financial assets and financial liabilities. Peoples' exposure to IRR is due primarily to differences in the maturity or repricing of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. In addition, other factors, such as prepayments of loans and investment securities, or early withdrawal of deposits, can affect Peoples' exposure to IRR and increase interest costs or reduce revenue streams. Peoples has assigned overall management of IRR to the ALCO, which has established an IRR management policy that sets minimum requirements and guidelines for monitoring and managing the level of IRR. The objective of Peoples' IRR management policy is to assist the ALCO in its evaluation of the impact of changing interest rate conditions on earnings and the economic value of equity, as well as assist with the implementation of strategies intended to reduce Peoples' IRR. The management of IRR involves either maintaining or changing the level of risk exposure by changing the repricing and maturity characteristics of the cash flows for specific assets or liabilities. Additional oversight of Peoples' IRR is provided by the Board of Directors of Peoples Bank, who reviews and approves Peoples' IRR management policy at least annually. The ALCO uses various methods to assess and monitor the current level of Peoples' IRR and the impact of potential strategies or other changes. However, the ALCO predominantly relies on simulation modeling in its overall management of IRR since it is a dynamic measure. Simulation modeling also estimates the impact of potential changes in interest rates and balance sheet structures on future earnings and projected economic value of equity. The methods used by ALCO to assess IRR remain largely unchanged from those disclosed at December 31, 2019. The modeling process starts with a base case simulation using the current balance sheet and current interest rates held constant for the next twenty-four months. Alternate scenarios are prepared which simulate the impact of increasing and decreasing market interest rates, assuming parallel yield curve shifts. Comparisons produced from the simulation data, showing the changes in net interest income from the base interest rate scenario, illustrate the risks associated with the current balance sheet structure. Additional simulations, when deemed appropriate or necessary, are prepared using different interest rate scenarios from those used with the base case simulation and/or possible changes in balance sheet composition. The additional simulations include non-parallel shifts in interest rates whereby the direction and/or magnitude of changes in short-term interest rates is different from the changes applied to longer-term interest rates. Comparisons showing the net interest income and economic value of equity variances from the base case are provided to the ALCO for review and discussion. The ALCO has established limits on changes in the twelve-month net interest income forecast and the economic value of equity from the base case. The ALCO may establish risk tolerances for other parallel and non-parallel rate movements, as deemed necessary. The following table details the current policy limits used to manage the level of Peoples' IRR: Immediate and Sustained Shift in Interest Rates + / - 100 basis points + / - 200 basis points + / - 300 basis points Net Interest Income -5% -10% -15% Economic Value of Equity -10% -15% -20% The following table shows the estimated changes in net interest income and the economic value of equity based upon a standard, parallel shock analysis with balances held constant (dollars in thousands): Increase (Decrease) in Interest Rates (in Basis Points) December 31, 2020 Estimated Increase (Decrease) in Net Interest Income December 31, 2019 December 31, 2020 Estimated (Decrease) Increase in Economic Value of Equity 300 200 100 (100) $ 22,034 15,899 8,981 (7,030) 17.3 % $ 14,806 12,063 12.5 % 7,895 7.1 % (12,524) (5.5) % 11.2 % $ 117,235 95,189 9.1 % 60,384 6.0 % (9.5) % (116,205) December 31, 2019 3.2 % 4.0 % 3.5 % (5.7) % 15.7 % $ 35,743 45,651 12.7 % 39,137 8.1 % (63,964) (15.5) % This table uses a standard, parallel shock analysis for assessing the IRR to net interest income and the economic value of equity. A parallel shock means all points on the yield curve (one year, two year, three year, etc.) are directionally changed the same amount of basis points. Management regularly assesses the impact of both increasing and decreasing interest rates. The table above shows the impact of upward parallel shocks and a downward parallel shock of 100 basis points. Downward parallel shocks of 300 and 200 basis points are excluded from the table as they are not probable given the current interest rate environment. For the full year 2020, the weighted average rate on Peoples' non-maturity deposits was roughly 14 basis points. In the event of a parallel downward shift of 100 basis points, the expense on Peoples' non-maturity deposits would reach a floor at 79 zero, unable to experience the full benefit of falling rates. This floor at zero is consistent with an assumption of non-negative deposit rates. On the asset side of the balance sheet, a significant majority of the floating rate loans (primarily tied to LIBOR and prime) would be impacted by the downward 100 basis point shock. Estimated changes in net interest income and economic value of equity are partially driven by assumptions regarding the rate at which non-maturity deposits will reprice given a move in short-term interest rates. These assumptions are monitored closely by Peoples and are reviewed at least semi-annually. As of December 31, 2020, the actual deposit betas experienced by Peoples in the repricing of non-maturity deposits were lower than those used in Peoples’ interest rate risk modeling. While parallel interest rate shock scenarios are useful in assessing the level of IRR inherent in the balance sheet, interest rates typically move in a nonparallel manner with differences in the timing, direction and magnitude of changes in short-term and long- term interest rates. Thus, any benefit that might occur as a result of the Federal Reserve Board increasing short-term interest rates in the future could be offset by an inverse movement in long-term rates, and vice versa. For this reason, Peoples considers other interest rate scenarios in addition to analyzing the impact of parallel yield curve shifts. These include various flattening and steepening scenarios in which short-term and long-term rates move in different directions with varying magnitude. Peoples believes these scenarios to be more reflective of how interest rates change versus the severe parallel rate shocks described above. Given the shape of market yield curves at December 31, 2020, consideration of the bull flattener scenario provides insights which were not captured by parallel shifts. The key insight presented by the bull flattener scenario highlights the risk to net interest income when long-term rates fall while short-term rates remain constant. In such a scenario, Peoples’ deposit costs, which are correlated with short-term rates, remain constant while asset yields, which are correlated with long-term rates, fall. Asset yields being reduced through increased premium amortization of investment securities and lower rates on re-investment would not be offset by reductions in deposit or funding costs, resulting in a decreased amount of net interest income. During 2020, Peoples' Consolidated Balance Sheet was positioned to benefit from rising interest rates in terms of the potential impact on net interest income. The table illustrates this point as changes to net interest income increase in the rising rate scenarios. While the heavy concentration of floating rate loans remains the largest contributor to the level of asset sensitivity, the increase in asset sensitivity from December 31, 2019 was largely attributable to greater forecasted impacts of interest rate movements on the amount of premium amortization in the investment portfolio. Peoples has entered into interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. These interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and involve the receipt of variable rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for Peoples making fixed payments. As of December 31, 2020, Peoples had seventeen interest rate swap contracts, with an aggregate notional value of $160.0 million. Additional information regarding Peoples' interest rate swaps can be found in "Note 14 Derivative Financial Instruments" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. An asset/liability model used to produce the analysis above requires assumptions to be made such as prepayment rates on interest-earning assets and repricing impact on non-maturity deposits. These business assumptions are based on business plans, economic and market trends, and available industry data. Management believes that its methodology for developing such assumptions is reasonable; however, there can be no assurance that modeled results will be achieved. Liquidity In addition to IRR management, another major objective of the ALCO is to ensure sufficient levels of liquidity are maintained. The ALCO defines liquidity as the ability to meet anticipated and unanticipated operating cash needs, loan demand and deposit withdrawals without incurring a sustained negative impact on profitability. A primary source of liquidity for Peoples is deposits. Liquidity is also provided by cash generated from earning assets such as loans and investment securities. Peoples also uses various wholesale funding sources to supplement funding from customer deposits. These external sources provide Peoples with the ability to obtain large quantities of funds in a relatively short time period in the event of sudden unanticipated cash needs. However, an over-utilization of external funding sources can expose Peoples to greater liquidity risk, as these external sources may not be accessible during times of market stress. Additionally, Peoples may be exposed to the risk associated with providing excess collateral to external funding providers, commonly referred to as counterparty risk. As a result, the ALCO's liquidity management policy sets limits on the net liquidity position and the concentration of non-core funding sources, which includes wholesale funding and brokered deposits. In addition to external sources of funding, Peoples considers certain types of deposits to be less stable or "volatile funding." These deposits include special money market products, large CDs and public funds. Peoples has established volatility factors for these various deposit products, and the liquidity management policy establishes a limit on the total level of volatile funding. Additionally, Peoples measures the maturities of external sources of funding for periods of one month, three months, six months and twelve months, and has established policy limits for the amounts maturing in each of these periods. The purpose of these limits is to minimize exposure to what is commonly termed rollover risk. An additional strategy used by Peoples in the management of liquidity risk is maintaining a targeted level of liquid assets. These are assets that can be converted into cash in a relatively short period of time. Management defines liquid assets as unencumbered cash (including cash on deposit at the FRB of Cleveland), and the market value of U.S. government and agency 80 securities that are not pledged. Excluded from this definition are pledged securities, non-government securities, non-agency securities, municipal securities and loans. Management has established a minimum level of liquid assets in the liquidity management policy, which is expressed as a percentage of total loans and unfunded loan commitments. Peoples has also established a policy limit around the level of liquefiable assets expressed as a percentage of total loans and unfunded loan commitments. Liquefiable assets are defined as liquid assets plus the market value of unpledged securities not included in the liquid asset measurement. An essential element in the management of liquidity risk is a forecast of the sources and uses of anticipated cash flows. On a monthly basis, Peoples forecasts sources and uses of cash for the next twelve months. To assist in the management of liquidity, management has established a liquidity coverage ratio, which is defined as the total sources of cash divided by the total uses of cash. A ratio of greater than 1.0 times indicates that forecasted sources of cash are adequate to fund forecasted uses of cash. The liquidity management policy establishes a minimum limit of 1.0 times. As of December 31, 2020, Peoples had a ratio of 11.22 times, which was within policy limits. Peoples also forecasts secondary or contingent sources of cash, and this includes external sources of funding and liquid assets. These sources of cash would be required if and when the forecasted liquidity coverage ratio dropped below the policy limit of 1.0 times. An additional liquidity measurement used by management includes the total forecasted sources of cash and the contingent sources of cash divided by the forecasted uses of cash. Management has established a minimum ratio of 3.0 times for this liquidity management policy limit. As of December 31, 2020, Peoples had a ratio of 12.51 times, which was within policy limits. Disruptions in the sources and uses of cash can occur which can drastically alter the actual cash flows and negatively impact Peoples' ability to access internal and external sources of cash. Such disruptions might occur due to increased withdrawals of deposits, increases in the funding required for loan commitments, a decrease in the ability to access external funding sources and other factors that would increase the need for funding and limit Peoples' ability to access needed funds. As a result, Peoples maintains a liquidity contingency funding plan ("LCFP") that considers various degrees of disruptions and develops action plans around these scenarios. Peoples' LCFP identifies scenarios where funding disruptions might occur and creates scenarios of varying degrees of severity. The disruptions considered include an increase in funding of unfunded loan commitments, unanticipated withdrawals of deposits, decreases in the renewal of maturing CDs and reductions in cash earnings. Additionally, the LCFP creates stress scenarios where access to external funding sources, or contingency funding, is suddenly limited, which includes a significant increase in the margin requirements where securities or loans are pledged, limited access to funding from other banks and limited access to funding from the FHLB of Cincinnati and the FRB of Cleveland. Peoples' LCFP scenarios include a base scenario, a mild stress scenario, a moderate stress scenario and a severe stress scenario. Each of these is defined as to the related severity and action plans are developed around each. Liquidity management also requires the monitoring of risk indicators that may alert the ALCO to a developing liquidity situation or crisis. Early detection of stress scenarios allows Peoples to take actions to help mitigate the impact to Peoples Bank's business operations. The LCFP contains various indicators, termed key risk indicators ("KRIs") that are monitored on a monthly basis, at a minimum. The KRIs include both internal and external indicators and include loan delinquency levels, criticized and classified loan levels, non-performing loans to loans and to total assets, the total loan to total deposit ratio, the level of net non- core funding dependence, the level of contingency funding sources, the liquidity coverage ratio, changes in regulatory capital levels, forecasted operating loss and negative media concerning Peoples, irrational competitor pricing that persists, and an increase in rates for external funding sources. The LCFP establishes levels that define each of these KRIs under base, mild, moderate and severe scenarios. The LCFP is reviewed and updated at least on an annual basis by the ALCO and Peoples Bank's Board of Directors. Additionally, testing of the LCFP is required on an annual basis. Various stress scenarios and the related actions are simulated according to the LCFP. The results are reviewed and discussed, and changes or revisions are made to the LCFP accordingly. Additionally, every two years, the LCFP is subjected to a third-party review for effectiveness and regulatory compliance. Overall, management believes the current balance of cash and cash equivalents, and anticipated cash flows from the investment portfolio, along with the availability of other funding sources, will allow Peoples to meet anticipated cash obligations, as well as special needs and off-balance sheet commitments. Off-Balance Sheet Activities and Contractual Obligations Peoples routinely engages in activities that involve, to varying degrees, elements of risk that are not reflected in whole or in part in the Consolidated Financial Statements. These activities are part of Peoples' normal course of business and include traditional off- balance sheet credit-related financial instruments, interest rate contracts and commitments to make additional capital contributions in low-income housing tax credit investments. 81 The following is a summary of Peoples’ significant off-balance sheet activities and contractual obligations. Detailed information regarding these activities and obligations can be found in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as follows: Activity or Obligation Off-balance sheet credit-related financial instruments Operating lease obligations Long-term borrowing obligations Note 15 5 9 Traditional off-balance sheet credit-related financial instruments are primarily commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These activities are necessary to meet the financing needs of customers and could require Peoples to make cash payments to third parties in the event certain specified future events occur. The contractual amounts represent the extent of Peoples’ exposure in these off-balance sheet activities. However, since certain off-balance sheet commitments, particularly standby letters of credit, are expected to expire or be only partially used, the total amount of commitments does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Peoples continues to lease certain facilities and equipment under noncancellable operating leases with terms providing for fixed monthly payments over periods generally ranging from two to thirty years. Several of Peoples’ leased facilities are inside retail shopping centers or office buildings and, as a result, are not available for purchase. Management believes these leased facilities increase Peoples’ visibility within its markets and afford sales associates additional access to current and potential clients. For certain acquisitions, often those involving insurance businesses and wealth management books of business, a portion of the consideration is contingent upon revenue metrics being achieved. US GAAP requires that the amounts be recorded upon acquisition based on the best estimate of the future amounts to be paid at the time of acquisition. Any subsequent adjustment to the estimate is recorded in earnings. Based on the acquisitions completed to date, management does not expect contingent consideration to have a material impact on Peoples' future performance. The following table details the aggregate amount of future payments Peoples is required to make under certain contractual obligations as of December 31, 2020: (Dollars in thousands) Time deposits Long-term borrowings (a) Operating leases Contingent consideration related to acquisitions (b) Total Payments due by period Total Less than 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years More than 5 years $ 616,076 $ 461,579 $ 109,249 $ 110,568 8,425 339 17,678 1,897 224 $ 735,408 $ 464,861 $ 129,048 $ 1,979 1,188 115 45,186 $ 1,510 1,120 — 47,816 $ 62 89,401 4,220 — 93,683 (a) Amounts reflect solely the minimum required principal payments, and do not include interest. (b) Amounts assume projected revenue metrics are achieved. Management does not anticipate that Peoples’ current off-balance sheet activities will have a material impact on its future results of operations and financial condition based on historical experience and recent trends. Effects of Inflation on Financial Statements Substantially all of Peoples’ assets relate to banking and are monetary in nature. As a result, inflation does not impact Peoples to the same degree as companies in capital-intensive industries in a replacement cost environment. During a period of rising prices, a net monetary asset position results in a loss in purchasing power and conversely a net monetary liability position results in an increase in purchasing power. The opposite would be true during a period of decreasing prices. In the banking industry, monetary assets typically exceed monetary liabilities. The current monetary policy targeting low levels of inflation has resulted in relatively stable price levels. Therefore, inflation has had little impact on Peoples’ net assets. ITEM 7A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Refer to the section captioned "Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity" under "ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes, and the report of independent registered public accounting firm, are set forth immediately following "ITEM 9B OTHER INFORMATION" of this Form 10-K. ITEM 9 CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 82 No response required. ITEM 9A CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures Peoples’ management, with the participation of Peoples’ President and Chief Executive Officer and Peoples’ Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, has evaluated the effectiveness of Peoples’ disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2020. Based upon that evaluation, Peoples’ President and Chief Executive Officer and Peoples’ Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer have concluded that: (a) (b) information required to be disclosed by Peoples in this Form 10-K and other reports Peoples files or submits under the Exchange Act would be accumulated and communicated to Peoples’ management, including its President and Chief Executive Officer and its Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure; information required to be disclosed by Peoples in this Form 10-K and other reports Peoples files or submits under the Exchange Act would be recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms; and (c) Peoples’ disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K. Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting The "Report of Management's Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” required by Item 308(a) of SEC Regulation S-K is included on page 84 of this Form 10-K. Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Effectiveness of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” required by Item 308(b) of SEC Regulation S-K is included on page 85 of this Form 10-K. Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting There were no changes in Peoples’ internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Peoples’ internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 9B OTHER INFORMATION None. 83 Report of Management's Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Peoples' management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Peoples' internal control over financial reporting has been designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation, integrity, and fair presentation of Peoples' Consolidated Financial Statements for external purposes in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles. With the supervision and participation of its President and Chief Executive Officer and its Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, management evaluated the effectiveness of Peoples' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, using the Internal Control-Integrated Framework set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework). No matter how well designed, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements. Projection of the evaluation of effectiveness to future periods is subject to risks, including but not limited to (a) controls may become inadequate due to changes in conditions; (b) a deterioration may occur in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures; and (c) the possibility of control circumvention or override occurring, any of which may lead to misstatements due to undetected error or fraud. Effective internal control over financial reporting can provide only a reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and financial reporting. Management assessed the effectiveness of Peoples' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, and, based on this assessment, has concluded Peoples' internal control over financial reporting was effective at a reasonable assurance level as of that date. Peoples' independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP has audited the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and has issued an audit report on Peoples' internal control over financial reporting. By: /s/ CHARLES W. SULERZYSKI Charles W. Sulerzyski President and Chief Executive Officer By: /s/ KATIE BAILEY Katie Bailey Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer March 1, 2021 84 Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Peoples Bancorp Inc. Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting We have audited Peoples Bancorp Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Peoples Bancorp Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on the COSO criteria. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and our report dated March 1, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Basis for Opinion The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Report of Management’s Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Charleston, West Virginia March 1, 2021 85 Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Peoples Bancorp Inc. Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Peoples Bancorp Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (U.S.) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control- Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated March 1, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Adoption of New Accounting Standard As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method for accounting for the allowance for credit losses in 2020, due to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Statements. See below for discussion of our related critical audit matter. Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 86 Critical Audit Matter The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates. Description of the Matter How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit Accounting for the Allowance for Credit Losses As discussed above and in Note 1 of the financial statements, on January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (ASC 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (CECL). Upon adoption, a one-time cumulative effect adjustment was recorded which reduced retained earnings by $3.7 million, net of statutory corporate federal income taxes. The Company’s loan portfolio totaled $3.4 billion as of December 31, 2020, and the associated allowance for credit losses (ACL) was $50.4 million. As discussed in Note 1 and 4 of the financial statements, management estimates the ACL based on information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. The ACL is made up of both a quantitative modeled component as well as a qualitative component. The methodology for determining the quantitative component includes (1) a pooled component for loans that exhibit similar risk characteristics and (2) a specific component for those loans that do not exhibit similar risk characteristics. For loans exhibiting similar risk characteristics, Peoples uses a loss driver method, which analyzes one or more economic variables to the change in default rate using a regression analysis, and a discounted cash flow methodology in determining an ACL for each segment. Management applies judgment in determining the extent of qualitative factors used in the qualitative component to adjust the loss rates for loan segments to reflect the impact these factors may have on expected losses in the loan portfolio. These include economic conditions, collateral, concentrations, troubled assets, Peoples' loss trends, peer loss trends, delinquency trends, portfolio composition and loan growth, underwriting, and certain other risks. Auditing management’s estimate of the ACL involves a high degree of subjectivity due to the judgment and estimates required in evaluating management’s determination of the qualitative factors applied to the ACL. Management’s identification and measurement of the qualitative factors is highly judgmental and could have a significant effect on the ACL. We obtained an understanding of the Company’s processes for establishing the ACL at transition on January 1, 2020 and through the year ended December 31, 2020, including the qualitative factor adjustments made to the loss rates for each segment. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s ACL processes, which included, among others, management’s review and approval controls designed to assess the need and level of qualitative factors and the completeness and accuracy of the data utilized to support management’s assessment. To test the qualitative factors, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, the evaluation of the appropriateness of management’s methodology and assessment of whether all relevant risks were reflected in the ACL and the basis for the qualitative factors. Regarding the measurement of the qualitative factors, we evaluated the completeness, accuracy and relevance of the underlying internal and external market data utilized in management’s estimate and considered the existence of new or contrary information. We evaluated the data by independently obtaining and comparing it to other third party macro-economic data. With the support of an internal specialist, we assessed the completeness of the qualitative factors utilized in the calculation of the ACL. We also compared the total ACL to the Company’s historical losses through recent credit cycles as a way to evaluate that the total ACL inclusive of the qualitative factors is appropriately reflecting losses expected in the portfolio and analyzed the change in the ACL relative to the change in the current economic environment. Additionally, we evaluated whether the overall ACL, inclusive of the qualitative factors, appropriately reflected losses expected in the loan portfolio by comparing to peer bank data. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1995. Charleston, West Virginia March 1, 2021 87 PEOPLES BANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands) Assets Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and due from banks Interest-bearing deposits in other banks Total cash and cash equivalents Available-for-sale investment securities, at fair value (amortized cost of $734,544 at December 31, 2020 and $929,395 at December 31, 2019) (a) Held-to-maturity investment securities, at amortized cost (fair value of $68,082 at December 31, 2020 and $32,541 at December 31, 2019) (a)(b) Other investment securities Total investment securities (a)(b) Loans, net of deferred fees and costs (b)(c) Allowance for credit losses (b) Net loans (b) Loans held for sale Bank premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation Bank owned life insurance Goodwill Other intangible assets Other assets Total assets Liabilities Deposits: Non-interest-bearing Interest-bearing Total deposits Short-term borrowings Long-term borrowings Accrued expenses and other liabilities (b) Total liabilities Stockholders’ Equity Preferred stock, no par value, 50,000 shares authorized no shares issued at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 Common stock, no par value, 24,000,000 shares authorized, 21,193,402 shares issued at December 31, 2020 and 21,156,143 shares issued at December 31, 2019, including shares held in treasury Retained earnings (b) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes Treasury stock, at cost, 1,686,046 shares at December 31, 2020 and 504,182 shares at December 31, 2019 Total stockholders’ equity Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ $ $ December 31, 2020 2019 60,902 $ 91,198 152,100 53,263 61,930 115,193 753,013 936,101 66,458 31,747 37,560 857,031 3,402,940 (50,359) 3,352,581 4,659 60,094 71,591 171,260 13,337 78,111 4,760,764 $ 42,730 1,010,578 2,873,525 (21,556) 2,851,969 6,499 61,846 69,722 165,701 11,802 60,855 4,354,165 997,323 $ 2,913,136 3,910,459 73,261 110,568 90,803 4,185,091 671,208 2,620,204 3,291,412 316,977 83,123 68,260 3,759,772 — — 422,536 420,876 190,691 1,336 187,149 (1,425) (38,890) (12,207) 575,673 4,760,764 $ 594,393 4,354,165 $ (a) Available-for-sale investment securities and held-to-maturity investment securities are presented net of allowance for credit losses of $0 and $60,000, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. (b) On January 1, 2020, Peoples adopted ASU 2016-13 and adopted the current expected credit loss ("CECL") model, which resulted in the establishment of a $7,000 allowance for credit losses for held-to-maturity investment securities; an increase in loan balances of $2.6 million to establish the allowance for credit losses for purchased credit deteriorated loans; an increase to the allowance for credit losses (which was the "allowance for loan losses" prior to January 1, 2020) of $5.8 million; the addition of a $1.5 million unfunded commitment liability included in accrued expenses and other liabilities; and a reduction to retained earnings of $3.7 million, net of statutory federal corporate income tax. (c) Also referred to throughout this document as "total loans" and "loans held for investment." See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 88 PEOPLES BANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Interest income: Interest and fees on loans Interest and dividends on taxable investment securities Interest on tax-exempt investment securities Other interest income Total interest income Interest expense: Interest on deposits Interest on short-term borrowings Interest on long-term borrowings Total interest expense Net interest income Provision for credit losses (a) Net interest income after provision for credit losses Non-interest income: Electronic banking income Insurance income Trust and investment income Deposit account service charges Mortgage banking income Bank owned life insurance income Commercial loan swap fees Net loss on asset disposals and other transactions Net (loss) gain on investment securities Other non-interest income (b) Total non-interest income Non-interest expense: Salaries and employee benefit costs Net occupancy and equipment expense Electronic banking expense Data processing and software expense Professional fees Franchise tax expense Amortization of other intangible assets Marketing expense Other loan expenses FDIC insurance expense Communication expense Other non-interest expense Total non-interest expense Income before income taxes Income tax expense Net income Earnings per common share – basic Earnings per common share – diluted Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding – basic Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding – diluted 2020 2019 2018 $ 140,090 $ 14,188 2,484 342 157,104 143,340 $ 23,205 2,631 919 170,095 13,500 2,571 2,110 18,181 138,923 26,254 112,669 22,210 4,712 2,335 29,257 140,838 2,504 138,334 14,246 14,042 13,662 9,418 6,499 1,977 1,741 (290) (368) 2,745 63,672 13,680 14,802 13,159 11,700 4,328 2,430 2,228 (782) 164 2,565 64,274 125,263 23,132 2,467 402 151,264 13,705 5,238 2,709 21,652 129,612 5,448 124,164 11,477 14,812 12,543 9,778 3,333 1,955 681 (334) (146) 2,655 56,754 76,361 12,808 7,777 7,441 6,912 3,506 3,223 2,101 1,584 1,302 1,134 9,546 133,695 42,646 7,879 34,767 $ 1.74 $ 1.73 $ 69,308 11,272 6,057 5,419 7,862 2,771 3,338 1,962 1,431 1,546 1,265 13,746 125,977 54,941 8,686 46,255 $ 2.42 $ $ 2.41 19,721,772 20,120,119 18,991,768 19,843,806 20,273,725 19,122,260 77,860 12,431 7,186 6,332 7,095 3,071 3,359 2,291 1,956 602 1,181 13,886 137,250 65,358 11,663 53,695 $ 2.65 $ 2.63 $ (a) On January 1, 2020, Peoples adopted ASU 2016-13 and adopted the CECL model. Prior to the adoption of the CECL model, the provision for credit losses was the "provision for loan losses." The provision for credit losses includes changes related to the allowance for credit losses on loans (which includes purchased credit deteriorated loans), held- to-maturity investment securities, and the unfunded commitment liability. (b) As of January 1, 2018, Peoples adopted ASU 2016-01, resulting in realized and unrealized gains on equity investment securities recorded in other non-interest income of $660,000, $831,000, and $207,000 for the years ended December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019 , and December 31, 2018, respectively. See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 89 PEOPLES BANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Dollars in thousands) Net income Other comprehensive income (loss): Available-for-sale investment securities: Gross unrealized holding gain (loss) arising in the period Related tax (expense) benefit Reclassification adjustment for net loss (gain) included in net income Related tax (benefit) expense Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss per ASU 2016-01 (a) Net effect on other comprehensive income (loss) Defined benefit plans: Net (loss) gain arising during the period Related tax benefit (expense) Amortization of unrecognized gain on service benefit plans Related tax expense Recognition of gain due to settlement and curtailment Related tax expense Net effect on other comprehensive income (loss) Cash flow hedges: Net loss arising during the period Related tax benefit Net effect on other comprehensive loss Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Total comprehensive income 2020 2019 2018 $ 34,767 $ 53,695 $ 46,255 11,394 (2,393) 368 (77) 19,635 (4,123) (164) 34 — 9,292 — 15,382 (1,072) 225 127 (27) 1,054 (221) 86 (385) 81 72 (15) — — (247) (3,910) 821 146 (31) (5,020) (7,994) 325 (69) 99 (21) 267 (56) 545 (8,376) 1,759 (6,617) 2,761 37,528 $ (4,591) 964 (3,627) 11,508 65,203 $ (341) 72 (269) (7,718) 38,537 $ (a) As of January 1, 2018, Peoples adopted ASU 2016-01, which resulted in the reclassification of $5.0 million in net unrealized gains on equity investment securities from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings. See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 90 PEOPLES BANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Dollars in thousands) Balance, December 31, 2017 Net income Other comprehensive loss, net of tax (a) Cash dividends declared Exercise of stock appreciation rights Reissuance of treasury stock for common share awards Reissuance of treasury stock for deferred compensation plan for Boards of Directors Repurchase of treasury stock in connection with employee incentive plan and under compensation plan for Boards of Directors Common shares repurchased under share repurchase program Common shares issued under dividend reinvestment plan Common shares issued under compensation plan for Boards of Directors Stock-based compensation Common shares issued under employee stock purchase plan Issuance of common shares related to merger with ASB Financial Corp. ("ASB") Amounts reclassified out of retained earnings, net of tax, per ASU 2014-09 (b) Balance, December 31, 2018 Net income Other comprehensive loss, net of tax Cash dividends declared Reissuance of treasury stock for common share awards Reissuance of treasury stock for deferred compensation plan for Boards of Directors Repurchase of treasury stock in connection with employee incentive plan and under compensation plan for Boards of Directors Common shares repurchased under share repurchase program Common shares issued under dividend reinvestment plan Common shares issued under compensation plan for Boards of Directors Stock-based compensation Common shares issued under employee stock purchase plan Issuance of common shares related to merger with First Prestonsburg Bancshares Inc. ("First Prestonsburg") Common Stock Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Treasury Stock Total Stockholders' Equity $ 345,412 $ 134,362 $ (5,215) $ (15,967) $ 458,592 — — 46,255 5,020 — (21,578) (2) (2,748) — — — — — (7,718) — — — — — — — 2 2,748 46 46,255 (2,698) (21,578) — — 46 — — — (1,380) (1,380) — 668 104 2,359 123 40,898 — — — — — — — (3,713) — — — — — — — — — 194 — 270 — — — 668 298 2,359 393 40,898 (3,713) $ 386,814 $ 160,346 $ (12,933) $ (14,087) $ 520,140 — — 53,695 — — 11,508 — (26,892) (2,931) — — — — — — — — — 2,931 53 — — — (845) — 904 78 3,462 112 32,437 — — — — — — — — — — — — (805) — 235 — 311 — 53,695 11,508 (26,892) — 53 (845) (805) 904 313 3,462 423 32,437 Balance, December 31, 2019 $ 420,876 $ 187,149 $ (1,425) $ (12,207) $ 594,393 91 PEOPLES BANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED) Common Stock Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Treasury Stock Total Stockholders' Equity (Dollars in thousands) Net income Other comprehensive income, net of tax Cash dividends declared $ — $ 34,767 $ — — — (27,516) Reissuance of treasury stock for common share awards (2,729) — Reissuance of treasury stock for deferred compensation plan for Boards of Directors Repurchase of treasury stock in connection with employee incentive plan and under compensation plan for Boards of Directors Common shares repurchased under share repurchase program Common shares issued under dividend reinvestment plan Common shares issued under compensation plan for Boards of Directors Common shares issued under performance unit awards, net of tax Common shares issued under employee stock purchase plan Stock-based compensation — — — — 799 17 41 (24) 3,556 — — — — — — — Impact of adoption of new accounting standard, net of taxes (c) — (3,709) — $ 2,761 — — — — — — — — — — — — $ — — 2,729 59 (1,128) (29,281) — 360 138 440 — — 34,767 2,761 (27,516) — 59 (1,128) (29,281) 799 377 179 416 3,556 (3,709) Balance, December 31, 2020 $ 422,536 $ 190,691 $ 1,336 $ (38,890) $ 575,673 (a) As of January 1, 2018, Peoples adopted ASU 2016-01, which resulted in the reclassification of $5.0 million in net unrealized gains on equity investment securities from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings. (b) As of January 1, 2018, Peoples adopted ASU 2014-09, which resulted in a reduction to retained earnings of $3.7 million, net of statutory federal corporate income taxes, and an increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities of $4.7 million, to reflect uncompleted contracts in the initial application of the guidance. (c) On January 1, 2020, Peoples adopted ASU 2016-13, which resulted in a reduction to retained earnings of $3.7 million, net of statutory federal corporate income tax. See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 92 PEOPLES BANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Dollars in thousands) Operating activities: Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 2020 2019 2018 $ 34,767 $ 53,695 $ 46,255 Depreciation, amortization and accretion, net Provision for credit losses Bank owned life insurance income Net loss (gain) on investment securities Fair value adjustment on equity investment securities Loans originated for sale Proceeds from sales of loans Net gains on sales of loans Deferred income tax (benefit) expense Increase in accrued expenses (Increase) decrease in interest receivable Increase (decrease) in other assets Non cash lease expense Other, net Net cash provided by operating activities Investing activities: Available-for-sale investment securities: Purchases Proceeds from sales Proceeds from principal payments, calls and prepayments Held-to-maturity investment securities: Purchases Proceeds from principal payments Other investment securities: Purchases Proceeds from sales Proceeds from insurance claim Net increase in loans held for investment Net expenditures for premises and equipment Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned Proceeds from bank owned life insurance Business acquisitions, net of cash received Investment in limited partnership and tax credit funds Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities Financing activities: Net increase in non-interest-bearing deposits Net increase in interest-bearing deposits Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings Proceeds from long-term borrowings Payments on long-term borrowings Cash dividends paid Repurchase of treasury stock under share repurchase program Purchase of treasury stock in connection with employee incentive program and compensation plan for Boards of Directors to be held as treasury stock Proceeds from issuance of common shares Contingent consideration payments made after a business acquisition Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 93 25,639 26,254 (1,977) 368 (660) (260,974) 268,363 (6,446) (8,101) 799 (865) 1,006 47 7,263 85,483 17,861 2,504 (2,430) (164) (831) (156,058) 157,752 (3,667) 109 366 613 (1,227) 55 (1,421) 67,157 18,204 5,448 (1,955) 146 (207) (123,134) 124,796 (2,846) (309) 147 (854) (533) — 10,085 75,243 (261,395) 82,610 356,854 (271,924) 72,706 199,870 (137,818) 14,489 122,986 (40,112) 5,123 — 4,945 — 4,281 (6,261) 12,180 — (444,128) (4,299) 269 108 (94,856) (12) (393,919) 326,115 292,822 (263,716) 50,000 (2,715) (27,052) (29,281) (3,114) 7,340 26 (10,661) (2,809) 239 1,642 7,814 (5,021) 1,053 4,832 72,841 (76,809) — (3,501) (25,942) (805) (1,128) 594 (296) 345,343 36,907 115,193 152,100 $ (845) 6 (406) (30,629) 37,581 77,612 115,193 $ (2,689) 7,622 — (134,071) (4,531) 278 — 4,695 (5,398) (130,156) 22,380 3,449 61,883 — (4,591) (20,915) — (1,380) 25 (520) 60,331 5,418 72,194 77,612 PEOPLES BANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued) (Dollars in thousands) Supplemental cash flow information: Interest paid Income taxes paid Supplemental noncash disclosures: Transfers from loans to other real estate owned Lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lessee operating lease liabilities 2020 2019 2018 $ $ $ 18,939 $ 28,887 $ 19,920 6,135 11,450 12,500 296 $ 153 $ 62 $ 3,701 $ 90 — See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 94 PEOPLES BANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES TABLE OF CONTENTS TO THE NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Note 2. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Note 3. Investment Securities Note 4. Loans Note 5. Bank Premises and Equipment Note 6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Note 7. Deposits Note 8. Short-Term Borrowings Note 9. Long-Term Borrowings Note 10. Stockholders' Equity Note 11. Employee Benefit Plans Note 12. Income Taxes Note 13. Earnings Per Common Share Note 14. Derivative Financial Instruments Note 15. Off-Balance Sheet Risk Note 16. Regulatory Matters Note 17. Stock-Based Compensation Note 18. Revenue Note 19. Acquisitions Note 20. Parent Company Only Financial Information Note 21. Summarized Quarterly Information (Unaudited) 96 105 108 112 120 121 123 124 125 127 129 132 134 134 136 136 138 140 140 142 144 95 PEOPLES BANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Peoples Bancorp Inc. is a financial holding company that offers a full range of financial services and products, including commercial and retail banking, insurance, brokerage and trust services, through its principal operating subsidiary, Peoples Bank. Services are provided through 85 financial service locations, including 76 full-service bank branches and 85 automated teller machines in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia, as well as Internet-based and mobile banking. Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The accounting and reporting policies of Peoples Bancorp Inc. and subsidiaries ("Peoples" refers to Peoples Bancorp Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries collectively, except where the context indicates the reference relates solely to Peoples Bancorp Inc.) conform to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("US GAAP") and to general practices within the banking industry. The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain items in prior financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation, which had no impact on net income, total comprehensive income, net cash provided by operating activities or total stockholders' equity. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the financial statements: Consolidation: Peoples' Consolidated Financial Statements include subsidiaries in which Peoples has a controlling financial interest, principally defined as owning a voting interest of greater than 50%. In addition, entities not controlled by voting interest or in which the equity investors do not bear the residual economic risks, but for which Peoples is the primary beneficiary are also consolidated. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Peoples and its consolidated subsidiaries, Peoples Bank (along with its wholly-owned subsidiaries) Peoples Investment Company, Peoples Risk Management, Inc. and NB&T Statutory Trust III, for which Peoples holds all of the common securities. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, balances due from other banks, interest-bearing deposits in other banks, federal funds sold and other short-term investments with original maturities of ninety days or less. Peoples had $41.0 million of restricted funds at December 31, 2020, and $20.0 million restricted funds at December 31, 2019, held in interest-bearing deposits in other banks, which were being used as collateral and not available for withdrawal. Investment Securities: Investment securities are recorded initially at cost, which includes premiums and discounts if purchased at other than par or face value. Peoples amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as an adjustment to interest income on a level yield basis. The cost of investment securities sold, excluding equity investment securities, and any resulting gain or loss, is based on the specific identification method and recognized as of the trade date. The cost of equity investment securities is based on the weighted-average method. Peoples determines the appropriate classification of investment securities at the time of purchase. Held-to-maturity securities are those securities that Peoples has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity and are recorded at amortized cost. Available-for-sale securities are those securities that would be available to be sold in the future in response to Peoples' liquidity needs, changes in market interest rates, and asset-liability management strategies, among other considerations. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported in total stockholders' equity as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss ("AOCI"), net of applicable deferred income taxes. Certain restricted equity investment securities that do not have readily determinable fair values and for which Peoples does not exercise significant influence, are carried at cost. These cost method securities are reported in other investment securities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and consist primarily of shares of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (the "FHLB") and the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland (the "FRB"). Peoples evaluates available-for-sale investment securities on a quarterly basis to determine how much, if any, allowance for credit losses is required. Peoples reviews available-for-sale investment securities at an unrealized loss position, with potential exposure to a credit event (which excludes U.S. government and U.S. government sponsored agency securities) to determine if the unrealized loss was credit-related. An allowance for credit losses is recorded to the extent that the unrealized losses are credit- related and likely to be permanent. Peoples evaluates held-to-maturity investment securities on a quarterly basis in determining an allowance for credit losses. Peoples has determined that the loss given default for U.S. government sponsored enterprise investment securities is zero, due to the fact that it is unlikely the ultimate guarantor (the U.S. government) would not perform on its implicit guarantee in the event of 96 default. The remaining securities are included in the calculation of the allowance for credit losses for held-to-maturity investment securities. Fair Value Measurements: The measurement of fair value under US GAAP uses a hierarchy intended to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. This hierarchy uses three levels of inputs to measure the fair value of assets and liabilities as follows: Level 1: Quoted prices in active exchange markets for identical assets or liabilities; also includes certain U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government and agency securities actively traded in over-the-counter markets. Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level 1 including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in less active markets, or other observable inputs that can be corroborated by observable market data; also includes derivative financial instruments whose value is determined using a pricing model with observable market inputs or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. This category generally includes certain U.S. government and agency securities, corporate debt securities, derivative instruments, and residential mortgage loans held for sale. Level 3: Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity for financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as financial instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation; also includes observable inputs for single dealer nonbinding quotes not corroborated by observable market data. This category generally includes certain private equity investments, retained interests from securitizations, and certain collateralized debt obligations. Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase ("Repurchase Agreements"): Peoples enters into Repurchase Agreements with customers and other financial services companies, which are considered financings. As such, these obligations are recorded as a liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and disclosed in "Note 8 Short-Term Borrowings" and "Note 9 Long-Term Borrowings," as appropriate. Securities pledged as collateral under Repurchase Agreements are included in investment securities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are disclosed in "Note 3 Investment Securities." The fair value of the collateral pledged to a third party is continually monitored and additional collateral is pledged or returned, as deemed appropriate. Loans: Loans originated that Peoples has the positive intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or to maturity or payoff are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of deferred loan fees and costs, purchase premiums and discounts, charge- offs and an allowance for credit losses. The foreseeable future is based upon current market conditions and business strategies, as well as balance sheet management and liquidity. As the conditions change, so may management's view of the foreseeable future. Net deferred loan origination costs were $5.1 million and $9.8 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Peoples considers loans past due if any required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were required to be made under the terms of the loan agreement. Upon detection of the reduced ability of a borrower to meet cash flow obligations, consumer and residential real estate loans are typically charged down to the net realizable value, with the residual balance placed on nonaccrual status. Loans deemed to be uncollectable are charged against the allowance for credit losses, while recoveries of previously charged off amounts are credited to the allowance for credit losses. Loans acquired in a business combination that have evidence of more than insignificant credit deterioration, which includes loans that Peoples believes it is probable that Peoples will be unable to collect all contractually required payments, are considered "purchased credit deteriorated" loans. These loans are recorded at the purchase price, and an allowance for credit losses is determined using the same methodology as for other loans. The initial allowance for credit losses determined on a collective basis is allocated to individual loans. The total of the purchase price and allowance for credit losses is the initial amortized cost basis of these loans. The variance between the initial amortized cost basis and the par value of the loan is considered an interest premium or discount, which is amortized or accreted into interest income on a level yield method over the life of the loan. Loans acquired in a business combination that are not considered purchased credit deteriorated are recorded at the fair value and the difference between the acquisition date fair value and the contractual amounts due at the acquisition date represents the discount or premium to a loan's cost basis and is accreted or amortized to interest income over the loan's remaining life using the level yield method. Loans Held for Sale: Loans originated and intended to be sold in the secondary market, generally one-to-four family residential loans, are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value determined on an aggregate basis. Gains and losses on sales of loans held for sale are included in mortgage banking income. Loans originated with the intent to be held in the portfolio are subsequently transferred to held for sale when a decision is made to sell these loans. At the time of a loan's transfer to the held for sale classification, the loan is recorded at the lower of cost or its fair value. Any reduction in the loan's fair value is reflected as a write-down of the recorded investment resulting in a new cost basis, with a corresponding charge against the allowance for credit losses. If the fair value of a loan classified as held for sale in subsequent periods is less than its cost basis, the carrying value of the loan is adjusted accordingly, with the corresponding loss recognized in earnings. 97 Interest Rate Lock Commitments: Peoples enters into interest rate lock commitments with borrowers and best efforts commitments with investors on mortgage loans originated for sale into the secondary markets to manage the inherent interest rate and pricing risk associated with selling loans. An interest rate lock commitment generally terminates once the loan is funded, the lock period expires or the borrower decides not to contract for the loan. A best efforts commitment generally terminates once the loan is sold, the commitment period expires or the borrower decides not to contract for the loan. These commitments are considered derivatives, which are generally accounted for by recognizing their estimated fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in either other assets or accrued expenses and other liabilities. The valuation of such commitments does not consider expected cash flows related to the servicing of the future loan. Management has determined these derivatives do not have a material effect on Peoples' financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Allowance for Credit Losses: The allowance for credit losses includes both the allowance for credit losses for loans and the allowance for credit losses on lending-related commitments. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation reserve established through the provision for credit losses charged against income. The allowance for credit losses is estimated by management using relevant available information, from both internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The allowance for credit losses is measured on a pool basis, with loans collectively evaluated when similar risk characteristics exist. Peoples evaluated risk characteristics, including but not limited to: internal or third-party credit scores or credit ratings, risk ratings or classifications, financial asset type, collateral type, size, effective interest rate, term, geographical location, industry of the borrower, vintage, historical or credit loss patterns and reasonable and supportable forecast periods. Peoples identified 17 segments for which it believes there are similar risk characteristics and utilized a discounted cash flow methodology in determining an allowance for credit losses for each segment. In estimating credit losses, Peoples uses a loss driver method, which analyzes one or more economic variables to the change in default rate using a regression analysis. Variables that had a strong correlation were selected as economic factors, or variables, for the model. If a single variable was not found to be strongly correlated, additional variables were included. Peoples utilizes the U.S. unemployment, Ohio unemployment, Ohio Gross Domestic Product, and the Ohio Case Shiller Home Price Indices as economic factors in modeling. Probabilities of default are used in the loss driver model, and are analyzed on a quarterly basis to assess reasonableness. Peoples measured loss given default at the segment level due to statistical considerations using historical information. Peoples also utilized peer data due to somewhat volatile loss history in certain segments to normalize default curves, which provided more meaningful results. Peoples modeled amortizing loans with a prepayment rate annualized to one year. The prepayment rates were calculated using Peoples' historical data, at the segment level. Peoples models extensions of contractual terms in the following situations: when a loan is 60 days or more past due, when a partial charge-off has occurred, if the loan is in nonaccrual status, if a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR") has occurred, or if the loan is grade 5 or higher. When any of these criteria are met and the loan matures within the next 12 months, the loan will be modeled to extend for an additional 12 months. In general, Peoples completes a quarterly evaluation based on several qualitative factors to determine if there should be adjustments made to the allowance for credit losses. These factors include economic conditions, collateral, concentrations, troubled assets, Peoples' loss trends, peer loss trends, delinquency trends, portfolio composition and loan growth, underwriting, and certain other risks. The allowance for credit losses related to specific loans was based on management's estimate of potential losses on impaired loans as determined by (1) the present value of expected future cash flows, (2) the fair value of collateral if the loan is determined to be collateral dependent, or (3) the loan's observable market price. Peoples categorized loans involving commercial borrowers into risk categories based upon an established grading matrix. This system was used to manage the risk within Peoples' commercial lending activities, evaluate changes in the overall credit quality of the loan portfolio and evaluate the appropriateness of the allowance for credit losses. Loan grades are assigned at the time a new loan or lending commitment is extended by Peoples and may be changed at any time when circumstances warrant. Loans to borrowers with an aggregate unpaid principal balance in excess of $1 million are reviewed at least on an annual basis for possible credit deterioration. Loan relationships whose aggregate credit exposure to Peoples is equal to or less than $1 million are reviewed at least on an event driven basis. Triggers for review include knowledge of adverse events affecting the borrower's business, receipt of financial statements indicating deteriorating credit quality or other similar events. Adversely classified loans are reviewed on a quarterly basis. The primary factors considered when assigning a risk grade to a loan include (1) reliability and sustainability of the primary source of repayment, (2) past, present and projected financial condition of the borrower, and (3) current economic and industry conditions. Other factors that could influence the risk grade assigned include the type and quality of collateral and the strength of 98 any guarantors. The primary source of repayment for commercial real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans is normally the operating cash flow of the business available to repay debt. Management's analysis of operating cash flow for commercial real estate loans secured by non-owner occupied properties takes into account factors such as rent rolls and vacancy statistics. Management's analysis of operating cash flow for commercial real estate loans secured by owner occupied properties and all commercial and industrial loans considers the profitability, liquidity and leverage of the business. The evaluation of construction loans includes consideration of the borrower's ability to complete construction within the established budget. The primary factors considered when classifying residential real estate, home equity lines of credit and consumer loans include the loan's past due status and any declaration of bankruptcy by the borrower(s). The classification of residential real estate and home equity lines of credit also takes into consideration the current value of the underlying collateral. Peoples has elected the practical expedient not to measure allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivables. Unfunded Commitments: Peoples also completes a quarterly evaluation for unfunded commitments for loans that are not unconditionally cancellable, which includes construction loans, floor plan lines of credit, home equity lines of credit, other credit lines and letters of credit. Peoples performed a study to determine the historical funding rates of unadvanced portions of loans, and applied these funding rates to the unfunded commitments at period end. The loss rates, including qualitative factors, in determining the allowance for credit losses were applied at the segment level to the unfunded commitment amount to determine the allowance for credit loss liability for unfunded commitments. Troubled Debt Restructuring ("TDR"): The restructuring of a loan is considered a TDR if both (1) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and (2) the creditor has granted a concession. Loans acquired that are restructured after acquisition are not considered TDRs if the loans evidenced credit deterioration as of the acquisition date and are accounted for in pools of purchased credit deteriorated loans. In assessing whether or not a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, Peoples considers information currently available regarding the financial condition of the borrower. This information includes, but is not limited to, whether (1) the borrower is currently in payment default on any of the borrower's debt; (2) a payment default is probable in the foreseeable future without the modification; (3) the borrower has declared or is in the process of declaring bankruptcy; and (4) the borrower's projected cash flow is insufficient to satisfy contractual payments due under the original terms of the loan without a modification. Peoples considers all aspects of the modification to loan terms to determine whether or not a concession has been granted to the borrower. Key factors considered by Peoples include the borrower's ability to access funds at a market rate for loans with similar risk characteristics, the significance of the modification relative to the unpaid principal loan balance or collateral value underlying the loan, and the significance of a delay in the timing of payments relative to the original contractual terms of the loan. The most common concessions granted by Peoples generally include one or more modifications to the terms of the loan, such as (1) a reduction in the interest rate for the remaining life of the loan, (2) an extension of the maturity date at an interest rate lower than the current market rate for a new loan with similar risk, (3) a temporary period of interest-only payments, and (4) a reduction in the contractual payment amount for either a short period or the remaining term of the loan. All TDRs are evaluated individually to determine if a write-down is required and if they should be on accrual or nonaccrual status. On March 22, 2020, federal and state banking regulators issued a joint statement, with which the FASB concurred as to the approach, regarding accounting for loan modifications for borrowers affected by COVID-19, based on provisions included in the CARES Act. In this guidance, short-term modifications, made on a good faith basis in response to COVID-19, to borrowers who were current prior to any relief, are not considered TDRs. This includes short-term modifications such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or other delays in payment which are insignificant. Under the guidance, borrowers that are considered current are those that are less than 30 days past due on their contractual payments at the time a modification program is implemented. In addition, modification or deferral programs mandated by the U.S. federal government or any state government related to COVID-19 are not in the scope of accounting for TDRs defined in ASC 310-40. Based on this guidance, Peoples does not classify COVID-19 loan modifications as TDRs. On August 3, 2020, federal and state banking regulators issued a joint statement, encouraging financial institutions to consider prudent accommodation options to mitigate losses for the borrower and financial institution beyond the initial accommodation period. In this guidance, institutions should also provide consumers with available options for repaying missed payments at the end of their accommodation to avoid delinquencies, as well as options for changes to terms to support sustainable and affordable payments for the long term. These considerations should also include prudent risk management practices at the financial institution based on the credit risk of the borrower. Peoples is actively working with its customers to address any further accommodation needs while carefully evaluating the associated credit risk of the borrowers. Nonaccrual loans: Peoples discontinues the accrual of interest on a loan when conditions cause management to believe collection of all or any portion of the loan's contractual interest is doubtful. Such conditions may include the borrower being 90 days or more past due on any contractual payments, or current information regarding the borrower's financial condition and repayment ability. All unpaid accrued interest deemed uncollectable is reversed, which reduces Peoples' net interest income. Interest received on nonaccrual loans is included in income only if principal recovery is reasonably assured. 99 Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security ("CARES") Act, which was subsequently extended under legislation enacted in December 2020, borrowers who were making payments as required and were not considered past due prior to becoming affected by COVID-19 and then receive payment accommodations as a result of the effects of COVID-19 generally would not be reported as past due. If Peoples agrees to a payment deferral for a borrower under the CARES Act, this may result in no contractual payments being past due, and the loans are not considered past due during the period of the deferral. Under the guidance, during the time that Peoples maintains these short-term arrangements with borrowers, it should not report the loans as nonaccrual. Bank Premises and Equipment: Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets owned. Major improvements to leased facilities are capitalized and included in bank premises at cost less accumulated depreciation, which is calculated on the straight- line method over the lesser of the remaining term of the leased facility or the estimated economic life of the improvement. Investments in Affordable Housing Limited Partnerships: Investments in affordable housing consist of investments in limited partnerships that operate qualified affordable housing projects or that invest in other limited partnerships formed to operate affordable housing projects. These investments are considered variable interest entities for which Peoples is not the primary beneficiary. Peoples generally utilizes the effective yield method to account for these investments with the tax credits, net of the amortization of the investment, reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income as a reduction in income tax expense. The unamortized amount of the investments is recorded in other assets and totaled $13.0 million and $13.9 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO"): OREO, included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, is comprised primarily of commercial and residential real estate properties acquired by Peoples in satisfaction of a loan. OREO obtained in satisfaction of a loan is recorded at the lower of cost or estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell the property. Peoples had OREO totaling $134,000 at December 31, 2020 and $227,000 at December 31, 2019. Business Combinations: Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Under this accounting method, the acquired company's net assets are recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition, and the results of operations of the acquired company are combined with Peoples' from the acquisition date forward. Costs related to the acquisition are expensed as incurred. The purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired, including intangible assets with finite lives, is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired in the business combination. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment when indicators of impairment exist, or at least annually on October 1. Based upon the most recently completed goodwill impairment test, Peoples concluded the recorded value of goodwill was not impaired as of October 1, 2020, based upon the estimated fair value of Peoples' single reporting unit. Peoples' other intangible assets include customer relationship intangible assets, core deposit intangible assets and servicing rights representing the net present value of future economic benefit to be earned from acquired customer relationships with definite useful lives. These intangible assets are amortized on an accelerated basis over their estimated lives ranging from 7 to 10 years. Servicing Rights: Servicing rights represent the right to service loans sold to third-party investors. Loans that are sold are primarily mortgage loans, but also include small business and agricultural loans. Servicing rights are recognized separately as a servicing asset whenever Peoples undertakes an obligation to service financial assets. Servicing rights are reported in other intangible assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Serviced loans that have been completely sold are not included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Loan servicing income included in mortgage banking income includes servicing fees received from the third-party investors and certain charges collected from the borrowers. Peoples initially records servicing rights at fair value at the time of the sale of the loans to the third-party investor. Peoples follows the amortization method for the subsequent measurement of each class of separately recognized servicing assets and liabilities. Under the amortization method, Peoples amortizes the value of servicing assets or liabilities utilizing a straight-line basis approach over the period of estimated net servicing income or net servicing loss, and assesses servicing assets or liabilities for impairment or increased obligation based on the fair value at each reporting date. The fair value of the servicing rights is determined by using a discounted cash flow model, which estimates the present value of the future net cash flows of the servicing portfolio based on various factors, such as servicing costs, expected prepayment speeds and discount rates. Derivatives: Peoples enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known or expected cash amounts, the value of which is determined by interest rates. Peoples’ derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing and duration of Peoples' known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to certain variable rate borrowings. Peoples also has interest rate derivative financial instruments that result from a service provided to certain qualifying customers and, therefore, are not used to manage interest rate risk in Peoples' assets or liabilities. Peoples manages a matched book with respect 100 to customer-related derivative financial instruments in order to minimize its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions. Amounts reported in AOCI related to derivatives are reclassified to interest income or expense as interest payments are made or received on Peoples' variable-rate assets or liabilities. For derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of each derivative financial instrument is reported in AOCI (outside of earnings), net of tax, and subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings, and the ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative financial instrument is recognized directly in earnings. Peoples assesses the effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the changes in cash flows of the designated hedged transaction. Trust Assets Under Administration and Management: Peoples manages certain assets held in a fiduciary or agency capacity for customers. These assets under administration and management, other than cash on deposit at Peoples, are not included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets since they are not assets of Peoples. Interest Income Recognition: Interest income on loans and investment securities is recognized by methods that result in level rates of return on principal amounts outstanding. This includes yield adjustments resulting from the amortization of premiums on investment securities, loan costs and premiums, and accretion of discounts on investment securities, loan fees and discounts. Loans that have been placed on nonaccrual, and are subsequently returned to accruing status, recognize interest income similar to other accruing loans once they return to accruing status. Prior accrued interest that was reversed when the loan was placed on nonaccrual is recognized when received, after all of the principal of the loan outstanding has been paid. Since mortgage-backed securities comprise a sizable portion of Peoples' investment portfolio, a significant increase in principal payments on those securities can impact interest income due to the corresponding acceleration of premium amortization or discount accretion. Under the CARES Act, Peoples has made certain modifications that include the short-term deferral of interest for certain borrowers. In these cases, Peoples recognizes interest income as earned. The deferred interest will be repaid by the borrower in a future period. Revenue Recognition: Peoples recognizes revenues as they are earned based on contractual terms, or as services are provided and collectability is reasonably assured. Peoples’ principal source of revenue is interest income, which is recognized on an accrual basis primarily according to the terms in written contracts, such as loan agreements or securities contracts. As of January 1, 2018, Peoples adopted ASU 2014-09 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and all subsequent updates that modified Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606. Peoples elected to adopt this new accounting guidance using the modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach uses a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings to reflect uncompleted contracts in the initial application of the guidance. As of January 1, 2018, Peoples recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment for uncompleted contracts, which resulted in a reduction to retained earnings and an increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities of $3.7 million, which was net of federal income taxes. The impact during 2018 was an increase in insurance income and a decrease in retained earnings of $305,000 as a result of applying ASC 606. Prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those respective periods. Estimates of variable consideration are included in revenue to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue will not occur, once the uncertainty is resolved. Peoples' contracts with customers are short-term in nature, and were recognized under the following revenue streams: Insurance Income: Insurance income generally consists of commissions and fees from the sale of insurance policies, fees related to third-party administration services and performance-based commissions from insurance companies. Peoples recognizes commission income from the sale of insurance policies when it acts as an agent between the insurance carrier and policyholder, arranging for the insurance carrier to provide policies to policyholders, and acts on behalf of the insurance carrier by providing customer service to the policyholders during the respective policy periods. Commission income is recognized over time, using the output method of time elapsed, which corresponds with the underlying insurance policy period, during which Peoples is obligated to perform under contract with the insurance carrier. Commission income is variable, as it is comprised of a certain percentage of the underlying policy premium. Peoples estimates the variable consideration based upon the "most likely amount" method, and does not expect or anticipate a significant reversal of revenue in future periods, based upon historical experience. Payment is due from the insurance carrier for commission income once the insurance policy has been sold. Peoples has elected to apply a practical expedient related to capitalizable costs, which are the commissions paid to insurance producers, and will expense these commissions paid to insurance producers as incurred, as these costs are related to the commission income and would have been amortized within one year or less if they had been capitalized, the same period over which the commission income was earned. Fees related to third-party administration services performed are recognized over time, during the period in which services have been provided, and are recognized monthly in the month the services were performed. Performance-based commissions from insurance companies are recognized at a point in time, when received, and no contingencies remain. 101 Electronic Banking Income: Electronic banking income consists of two revenue streams related to interchange income, and promotional and usage income. Peoples recognizes interchange income over time, on a monthly basis, which is based on the transactional volume of debit card activity completed by its customers during the month in which income is recognized. Peoples is obligated, based on its contracts with third parties, to meet certain volumes of debit card activities, which are performed by Peoples' customers, over a certain period of time. Interchange income is variable as it is based on the transaction volume of debit card activity completed by Peoples' customers. Peoples estimates the variable consideration based upon the most likely amount method, and does not expect or anticipate a significant reversal of revenue in future periods. Payment is due for all PIN transactions from the vendor within one month of the completed customer debit card activity, while all other interchange transaction fees are earned and recorded on a daily basis. Peoples has elected to apply a practical expedient of right to invoice when recognizing interchange income, as Peoples has fulfilled the required performance obligations, the vendor has consumed the service, and Peoples has a right to the related income. Peoples also recognizes promotional and usage income over time, on a monthly basis, which is related to branding of debit cards and promotion or use of certain services provided by third-party vendors. Peoples is obligated to brand its debit cards in a certain manner, and promote and use services provided by third-party vendors. Promotional and usage income is variable as it is based on certain metrics achieved for promotion and usage of services provided by the third-party vendors. Peoples estimates the variable consideration based upon the most likely amount method, and does not expect or anticipate a significant reversal of revenue in future periods. Payment is due from the third-party vendors within 45 days of the monthly fulfillment of Peoples' performance obligation. Peoples has elected to apply a practical expedient of right to invoice when recognizing promotional and usage income, as Peoples has fulfilled the required performance obligations, the vendor has consumed the service, and Peoples has a right to the related income. Trust and Investment Income: Trust and investment income consists of revenue from fiduciary and brokerage activities, which includes fees for services such as asset management, record keeping, retirement services and estate management, and investment commissions and fees related to the sale of investments. Trust and investment income is recognized over time, which reflects the duration of the contract period for which services have been provided. Trust and investment income is variable as it is based on the value of assets under administration and management, and specific transactions. Peoples estimates the variable consideration based upon the most likely amount method, and does not expect or anticipate a significant reversal of revenue in future periods. Payment is due from the customer when billed, which is typically a monthly or quarterly billing for services rendered in the most recent period, for which the performance obligation has been satisfied. Peoples has elected to apply a practical expedient of right to invoice when recognizing trust and investment income, as Peoples has fulfilled the performance obligation, the customer has consumed the service, and Peoples has a right to the related income. Peoples has also elected to apply a practical expedient related to capitalizable costs, which are the commissions paid to financial advisors, and will expense these commissions paid to financial advisors as incurred, as these costs are related to the trust and investment income and would have been amortized within one year or less if they had been capitalized, the same period over which the income was earned. Deposit Account Service Charges: Deposit account service charges consist of two revenue streams related to ongoing maintenance fees for deposit accounts and transactional-based fees. Ongoing maintenance fees are recognized on a monthly basis, generally with the monthly period beginning on the day of the month on which the account was opened. Ongoing maintenance fee income is variable as these fees can be reduced if a customer meets certain qualifying metrics. Peoples estimates the variable consideration based upon the most likely amount method, and does not expect or anticipate a significant reversal of revenue in future periods. For accounts that are assessed maintenance fees through the account analysis process, payment is due from the customer within one month after the monthly period in which the account activity occurred. For all other accounts, monthly maintenance fees are assessed to the account on the last day of the monthly period. Peoples has elected to apply a practical expedient of right to invoice when recognizing ongoing maintenance fees for deposit accounts, as Peoples has fulfilled the required performance obligations, the customer has consumed the service, and Peoples has a right to the related income. Transactional-based fees are recognized at a point in time, which is at the completion of the relevant transaction. Peoples is obligated to perform certain transactions as requested by its consumer and business deposit account customers, which are outside of the normal maintenance requirements. Transactional-based fee income is variable as these fees are directly related to a service request from the customer. Peoples estimates the variable consideration based upon the most likely amount method, and does not expect or anticipate a significant reversal of revenue in future periods. Payment is due from the customer at the time of completion of the requested transaction. Commercial Loan Swap Fees: Commercial loan swap fees consist of income related to transactions in which Peoples Bank originates variable rate loans with interest rate swaps, where the customer enters into an interest rate swap with Peoples Bank on terms that match the terms of the loan. By entering into the interest rate swap with the customer, Peoples Bank effectively provides the customer with a fixed rate loan while creating a variable rate asset for Peoples Bank. Peoples Bank offsets its 102 exposure in the swap by entering into an offsetting interest rate swap with an unaffiliated institution. Commercial loan swap fees are recognized at a point in time, when the transaction has been completed, and there is no recourse or further performance obligation required of Peoples. Commercial loan swap fees are variable as these fees are a certain percentage of the total swap fee collected on a completed transaction. Peoples estimates the variable consideration based upon the most likely amount method, and does not expect or anticipate a significant reversal of revenue in future periods. Payment is due from the customer at the time of completion of the requested transaction. Other Non-Interest Income: Other non-interest income includes certain revenues that are transactional-based, such as wire transfer fees, money order fees and other ancillary fees or services. These transactional-based fees are recognized as income at a point in time, at the completion of the relevant transaction. Transactional-based fee income is variable as these fees are directly related to a service request from the customer. Peoples estimates the variable consideration based upon the most likely amount method, and does not expect or anticipate a significant reversal of revenue in future periods. Payment is due from the customer at the time of completion of the requested transaction. Income Taxes: Peoples and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are provided as temporary differences between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its reported amount in the Consolidated Financial Statements at the statutory federal corporate income tax rate. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the expected amount most likely to be realized. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of a sufficient level of future taxable income and recoverable taxes paid in prior years. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "TCJ Act") was enacted on December 22, 2017, and Peoples' Consolidated Financial Statements fully reflect the impact of the TCJ Act as of December 31, 2018. As a result of the final impact of the TCJ Act, Peoples recorded a reduction to income tax expense of $0.7 million during 2018. At December 31, 2017, Peoples had completed the accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the TCJ Act; however, in certain cases, Peoples made reasonable estimates of the effects of a reduced statutory federal corporate income tax rate on its existing deferred tax balances. Peoples also early adopted and retrospectively applied the reclassification of stranded income tax effects from AOCI to retained earnings as of December 31, 2017, as permitted by ASU 2018-02. A tax position is initially recognized in the financial statements when it is more-likely-than-not the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions are initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. Penalties and interest incurred under the applicable tax law are classified as income tax expense. The amount of Peoples' uncertain income tax positions and unrecognized benefits are disclosed in "Note 12 Income Taxes." Advertising Costs: Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Earnings per Share ("EPS"): Basic and diluted EPS are calculated using the two-class method since Peoples has issued share- based payment awards considered participating securities because they entitle holders the rights to dividends during the vesting term. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines net income per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net earnings allocated to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net earnings allocated to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding adjusted to include the effect of potentially dilutive common shares. Potentially dilutive common shares include incremental common shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock appreciation rights and non- vested restricted common shares using the treasury stock method. Operating Segments: Peoples' business activities are currently confined to one reporting operating segment, which is community banking. As a community banking entity, Peoples offers its customers a full range of products including a complete line of banking, insurance, investment and trust solutions. Stock-Based Compensation: Stock-based compensation for restricted stock awards is measured at the fair value of these awards on their grant date. Stock-based compensation is recognized over the restriction period for restricted stock awards. Only the expense for the portion of the awards expected to vest is recognized. For service-based awards, stock-based compensation for awards granted to employees who are eligible for retirement is recognized on the date the employee is first eligible to retire. New Accounting Pronouncements: From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standard setting bodies that are adopted by Peoples as of the required effective dates. Unless otherwise discussed, management believes the impact of any recently issued standards, including those issued but not yet effective, will not have a material impact on Peoples' financial statements taken as a whole. Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2020-10 - Codification Improvements. This guidance provides clarification of the Codification or correct unintended application of guidance that are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting 103 practice or create significant administrative cost to most entities. This update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 (effective January 1, 2021 for Peoples). Peoples has reviewed and applied the improvements as applicable. ASU 2020-04 - Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying US GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. This guidance was further updated by ASU 2021-01. This update is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Per the guidance, Peoples is continuing to evaluate the impact of ASU 2020-04 on Peoples' consolidated financial statements. ASU 2017-04 – Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The amendments in this ASU simplify how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. This accounting guidance was to be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 (effective January 1, 2020 for Peoples). Peoples early adopted this new accounting guidance as of January 1, 2019, and it was incorporated in the October 1, 2019 annual goodwill and intangible assets impairment analysis, and did not have a material impact on Peoples' consolidated financial statements. ASU 2016-13 - Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This accounting guidance replaces the "incurred loss" model for recognizing credit losses with an "expected loss" model, referred to as the Current Expected Credit Loss ("CECL") methodology. Under the CECL methodology, Peoples is required to present certain financial assets carried at amortized cost, such as loans held-for-investment and held-to-maturity investment securities, at the net amount expected to be collected. ASU 2018-19 clarified that receivables arising from operating leases are not within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 326-20, and should be accounted for according to ASC 842. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. The measurement takes place at the time the financial asset is first added to the balance sheet and periodically thereafter. This differs significantly from the "incurred loss" model under previous US GAAP accounting guidance, which delayed recognition until it was probable a loss had been incurred. Peoples adopted ASU 2016-13 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost on January 1, 2020. Reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2019 are presented as required by ASU 2016-13, while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable US GAAP requirements. Peoples is using the prospective transition approach for financial assets purchased with credit deterioration that were previously classified as purchased credit impaired assets and accounted for under ASC 310-30. As of January 1, 2020, Peoples recorded a one-time cumulative-effect adjustment to reduce retained earnings by $3.7 million, net of statutory corporate federal income taxes, an increase in allowance for credit losses of $5.8 million and an increase in unfunded commitment liability of $1.5 million. On January 1, 2020, the amortized cost basis of the purchased credit deteriorated assets was adjusted to reflect the addition of $2.6 million to establish the allowance for credit losses. The remaining interest- related discount is being accreted into interest income at the effective interest rate beginning on January 1, 2020. As of January 1, 2020, Peoples did not record an allowance for credit losses for available-for-sale investment securities, as all unrealized losses on these securities were deemed to be non-credit in nature, with no credit deterioration upon review by Peoples. Peoples recorded an allowance for credit losses for held-to-maturity securities of $7,000 as of January 1, 2020. 104 The following table illustrates the impact on the allowance for credit losses from the adoption of ASU 2016-13: As Reported Under ASC 326 January 1, 2020 Pre-ASC 326 Adoption December 31, 2019 Impact of ASC 326 Adoption $ 2,876,147 $ 2,873,525 $ 2,622 (Dollars in thousands) Assets: Loans, at amortized cost Allowance for credit losses on loans: Construction Commercial real estate, other Commercial and industrial Residential real estate Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Consumer, direct Deposit account overdrafts Allowance for credit losses on loans Liabilities: Allowance for credit losses for unfunded commitments $ Note 2 Fair Value of Financial Instruments 651 8,549 5,820 4,360 1,572 5,389 890 94 27,325 1,188 6,560 8,568 1,296 612 2,942 296 94 21,556 (537) 1,989 (2,748) 3,064 960 2,447 594 — 5,769 1,495 $ — $ 1,495 Fair value represents the amount expected to be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in its principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In accordance with fair value accounting guidance, Peoples measures, records and reports various types of assets and liabilities at fair value on either a recurring or a non-recurring basis in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Those assets and liabilities are presented below in the sections entitled "Assets and Liabilities Required to be Measured and Reported at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis" and "Assets and Liabilities Required to be Measured and Reported at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis." Depending on the nature of the asset or liability, Peoples uses various valuation methodologies and assumptions to estimate fair value. The measurement of fair value under US GAAP uses a hierarchy, which is described in "Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies." Assets and liabilities are assigned to a level within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of significant input used to measure fair value. Assets and liabilities may change levels within the fair value hierarchy due to market conditions or other circumstances. Those transfers are recognized on the date of the event that prompted the transfer. There were no transfers of assets or liabilities required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis between levels of the fair value hierarchy during the periods presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements. 105 Assets and Liabilities Required to be Measured and Reported at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis The following table provides the fair value for assets and liabilities required to be measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis on the Consolidated Balance Sheets by level in the fair value hierarchy. (Dollars in thousands) Assets: Recurring Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Available-for-sale investment securities: Obligations of: U.S. government sponsored agencies States and political subdivisions $ Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Bank-issued trust preferred securities Total available-for-sale securities Equity investment securities (a) Derivative assets (b) Liabilities: Derivative liabilities (c) 5,363 $ — $ — 114,919 — 623,218 4,783 — — 4,730 — 753,013 192 107 27,332 — $ — — — — — — — — — $ 8,209 $ — 114,104 — 791,009 18,088 — — 4,691 — 936,101 198 123 11,419 — — — — — — — — — — $ — $ 39,395 $ — $ — $ 15,116 $ (a) Included in other investment securities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For additional information, see "Note 3 Investment Securities." (b) Included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For additional information, see "Note 14 Derivative Financial Instruments." (c) Included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For additional information, see "Note 14 Derivative Financial Instruments." Available-for-Sale Investment Securities: The fair values used by Peoples are obtained from an independent pricing service and represent either quoted market prices for the identical securities (Level 1) or fair values determined by pricing models using a market approach that considers observable market data, such as interest rate volatility, LIBOR yield curves, credit spreads and prices from market makers and live trading systems (Level 2). Management reviews the valuation methodology and quality controls utilized by the pricing services in management's overall assessment of the reasonableness of the fair values provided, and challenges prices when management believes a material discrepancy in pricing exists. Equity Investment Securities: The fair values of Peoples' equity investment securities are obtained from quoted prices in active exchange markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) or quoted prices in less active markets (Level 2). Derivative Assets and Liabilities: Derivative assets and liabilities are recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value within other assets, and accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively. The fair value for derivative financial instruments is determined based on market prices, broker-dealer quotations on similar products, or other related input parameters (Level 2). Assets and Liabilities Required to be Measured and Reported at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis The following table provides the fair value for each class of assets and liabilities required to be measured and reported at fair value on a non-recurring basis on the Consolidated Balance Sheets by level in the fair value hierarchy. (Dollars in thousands) Impaired loans (a) OREO Servicing rights (b)(c) Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 $ — $ — — $ — $ — — — 134 2,591 — $ — — — $ 29,100 227 — — 3,881 (a) Impaired loans for 2020 is $0 due to adopting ASU 2016-13. (b) Included in other intangible assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Servicing rights are carried at the lower of cost or market value. (c) Peoples established a valuation allowance on servicing rights of $161,000 during 2020, as the fair value of the servicing rights was less than the carrying value. Other Real Estate Owned: OREO, included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, is comprised primarily of commercial and residential real estate properties acquired by Peoples in satisfaction of a loan. OREO obtained in satisfaction of a loan is recorded at the lower of cost or estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell the property. The carrying value of OREO is not re-measured to fair value on a recurring basis, but is based on recent real estate appraisals and is updated at least annually. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including the comparable sales approach 106 and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available (Level 3). Financial Instruments Not Required to be Measured and Reported at Fair Value The following table provides the carrying amount for each class of assets and liabilities, and the fair value for certain financial instruments that are not required to be measured or reported at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (Dollars in thousands) Assets: Cash and cash equivalents Held-to-maturity investment securities: Obligations of: States and political subdivisions Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Total held-to-maturity securities Other investment securities: FHLB stock FRB stock Nonqualified deferred compensation Other investment securities Other investment securities (a) Net loans Loans held for sale Bank owned life insurance Financial liabilities: Deposits Short-term borrowings Long-term borrowings Fair Value Measurements of Other Financial Instruments December 31, 2019 December 31, 2020 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value $ 152,100 $ 152,100 $ 115,193 $ 115,193 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 3 2 2 2 4,791 21,569 6,181 32,541 27,235 13,310 1,499 35,139 25,890 5,429 66,458 35,484 26,742 5,856 68,082 4,346 21,494 5,907 31,747 21,718 13,311 1,867 365 37,261 21,718 13,311 1,867 365 37,261 3,352,581 3,408,373 4,733 71,591 4,659 71,591 27,235 13,310 1,499 365 42,409 365 42,409 2,851,969 3,147,190 6,553 69,722 6,499 69,722 $ 3,910,459 $ 3,773,602 $ 3,291,412 $ 3,292,950 317,973 82,701 316,977 83,123 73,261 110,568 74,170 117,364 (a) Other investment securities, as reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, also includes equity investment securities for 2020 and 2019, which are reported in the Assets and Liabilities Required to be Measured and Reported at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis table above. For certain financial assets and liabilities, carrying value approximates fair value due to the nature of the financial instrument. These financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, demand and other non-fixed-maturity deposits, and overnight borrowings. Peoples used the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of the following financial instruments: Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, balances due from other banks, interest- bearing deposits in other banks, federal funds sold and other short-term investments with original maturities of ninety days or less. The carrying amount for cash on hand and balances due from banks is a reasonable estimate of fair value (Level 1). Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities: The fair values used by Peoples are obtained from an independent pricing service and represent fair values determined by pricing models using a market approach that considers observable market data, such as interest rate volatility, relevant yield curves, credit spreads and prices from market makers and live trading systems (Level 2). Management reviews the valuation methodology and quality controls utilized by the pricing services in management's overall assessment of the reasonableness of the fair values provided, and challenges prices when management believes a material discrepancy in pricing exists. Other Investment Securities: Other investment securities are measured at their respective redemption values due to restrictions placed on their transferability (Level 2). Net Loans: The fair value of portfolio loans assumes the sale of the notes to a third-party financial investor. Accordingly, this value is not necessarily the value to Peoples if the notes were held to maturity. Peoples considered interest rate, credit and market factors in estimating the fair value of loans (Level 3). Fair values for loans are estimated using a discounted cash flow methodology. The discount rates take into account interest rates currently being offered to customers for loans with similar terms, the credit risk associated with the loan and other market factors, including liquidity. 107 Loans Held for Sale: Loans originated and intended to be sold in the secondary market, generally one-to-four family residential loans, are carried, in aggregate, at the lower of cost or estimated fair value. The use of a valuation model using quoted prices of similar instruments are significant inputs in arriving at the fair value (Level 2). Bank Owned Life Insurance: Peoples' bank owned life insurance policies are recorded at their cash surrender value (Level 3). Peoples recognizes tax-exempt income from the periodic increases in the cash surrender value of these policies and from death benefits. Servicing Rights: The fair value of the servicing rights is determined by using a discounted cash flow model, which estimates the present value of the future net cash flows of the servicing portfolio based on various factors, such as servicing costs, expected prepayment speeds and discount rates (Level 3). Deposits: The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit ("CDs") is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation based on current rates offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities (Level 2). Short-term Borrowings: The fair value of short-term borrowings is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on rates currently available to Peoples for borrowings with similar terms (Level 2). Long-term Borrowings: The fair value of long-term borrowings is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on rates currently available to Peoples for borrowings with similar terms (Level 2). Certain financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be measured or reported at fair value can be subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). These financial assets and liabilities include the following: customer relationships, the deposit base, and other information required to compute Peoples’ aggregate fair value, which are not included in the above information. Accordingly, the above fair values are not intended to represent the aggregate fair value of Peoples. Note 3 Investment Securities Available-for-sale The following table summarizes Peoples’ available-for-sale investment securities at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) 2020 Obligations of: U.S. government sponsored agencies States and political subdivisions Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Bank-issued trust preferred securities Total available-for-sale securities 2019 Obligations of: U.S. government sponsored agencies States and political subdivisions Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Bank-issued trust preferred securities Total available-for-sale securities Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value $ 4,960 $ 110,401 609,865 4,622 4,696 $ 734,544 $ 403 $ 4,642 15,377 161 192 20,775 $ — $ (124) (2,024) — (158) 5,363 114,919 623,218 4,783 4,730 (2,306) $ 753,013 $ 7,917 $ 111,217 787,430 18,135 4,696 $ 929,395 $ 292 $ 3,018 7,763 88 137 11,298 $ — $ (131) (4,184) (135) (142) 8,209 114,104 791,009 18,088 4,691 (4,592) $ 936,101 The unrealized losses related to residential mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 2020 and 2019 were attributable to changes in market interest rates and spreads since the securities were purchased. The gross gains and gross losses realized by Peoples from sales of available-for-sale securities for the years ended December 31 were as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Gross gains realized Gross losses realized Net (loss) gain realized 2020 2019 2018 $ $ 655 $ 1,022 (367) $ 252 $ 88 164 $ 6 152 (146) 108 The cost of investment securities sold, and any resulting gain or loss, were based on the specific identification method and recognized as of the trade date. The following table presents a summary of available-for-sale investment securities that had an unrealized loss at December 31: Less than 12 Months Unrealized Loss No. of Securities Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) 2020 Obligations of: 12 Months or More Unrealized Loss No. of Securities Fair Value Total Fair Value Unrealized Loss States and political subdivisions $ 17,651 $ 124 5 $ — $ Residential mortgage-backed securities Bank-issued trust preferred securities Total 2019 Obligations of: 156,659 1,795 494 6 45 1 9,892 1,848 $ 174,804 $ 1,925 51 $ 11,740 $ — 229 152 381 — $ 17,651 $ 124 13 166,551 2,024 2 2,342 158 15 $ 186,544 $ 2,306 States and political subdivisions $ 6,226 $ 74 2 $ 2,441 $ 57 1 $ 8,667 $ 131 Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Bank-issued trust preferred securities Total 284,096 2,527 62 88,993 1,657 39 373,089 4,184 970 — 21 — 1 — 2,409 114 1,858 142 3 2 3,379 1,858 135 142 $ 291,292 $ 2,622 65 $ 95,701 $ 1,970 45 $ 386,993 $ 4,592 Management systematically evaluates available-for-sale investment securities for an allowance of credit losses on a quarterly basis. At December 31, 2020, management concluded no individual securities at an unrealized loss position required an allowance for credit losses. At December 31, 2020, Peoples did not have the intent to sell, nor was it more-likely-than-not that Peoples would be required to sell, any of the securities with an unrealized loss prior to recovery. Further, the unrealized losses at both December 31, 2020 and 2019 were largely attributable to changes in market interest rates and spreads since the securities were purchased and were not credit related losses. Accrued interest receivable is not included in investment securities balances, and is presented in the "Other assets" line of the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with no recorded allowance for credit losses. Interest receivable on investment securities was $2.7 million at December 31, 2020 and $3.6 million at December 31, 2019 At December 31, 2020, approximately 99% of the fair value of mortgage-backed securities that had been at an unrealized loss position for twelve months or more were issued by U.S. government sponsored agencies. The remaining 1%, or two positions, consisted of privately issued mortgage-backed securities with all of the underlying mortgages originated prior to 2004. Neither of the two positions had a fair value of less than 90% of their book value. Management analyzed the underlying credit quality of these mortgage-backed securities and concluded the unrealized losses were primarily attributable to the floating rate nature of these investments and the low number of loans underlying these securities. The unrealized losses with respect to the two bank-issued trust preferred securities that had been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or more at December 31, 2020 were primarily attributable to the subordinated nature of the debt. 109 The table below presents the amortized cost, fair value and total weighted-average yield of available-for-sale securities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2020. The weighted-average yields are based on the amortized cost and are computed on a fully taxable-equivalent basis using a statutory federal corporate income tax rate of 21%. In some cases, the issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations without call or prepayment penalties prior to the contractual maturity date. (Dollars in thousands) Amortized cost Obligations of: Within 1 Year 1 to 5 Years 5 to 10 Years Over 10 Years Total U.S. government sponsored agencies States and political subdivisions Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Bank-issued trust preferred securities Total available-for-sale securities $ — 6,317 2 — — $ 6,319 $ 4,960 26,728 5,413 2,543 — $ 39,644 $ — 34,663 69,803 953 4,696 $ 110,115 $ — 42,693 534,647 1,126 — $ 578,466 $ 4,960 110,401 609,865 4,622 4,696 $ 734,544 Fair value Obligations of: U.S. government sponsored agencies States and political subdivisions Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Bank-issued trust preferred securities Total available-for-sale securities Total weighted-average yield $ — 6,375 2 — — $ 6,377 $ 5,363 27,905 5,498 2,601 — $ 41,367 $ — 36,996 70,376 991 4,730 $ 113,093 $ — 43,643 547,342 1,191 — $ 592,176 $ 5,363 114,919 623,218 4,783 4,730 $ 753,013 2.45 % 2.67 % 2.23 % 2.13 % 2.18 % Held-to-Maturity The following table summarizes Peoples’ held-to-maturity investment securities at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) 2020 Obligations of: States and political subdivisions Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Total held-to-maturity securities 2019 Obligations of: States and political subdivisions Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Total held-to-maturity securities Amortized Cost Allowance for Credit Losses (a) Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value $ $ $ $ 35,199 $ 25,890 5,429 66,518 $ 4,346 $ 21,494 5,907 31,747 $ (60) $ — — (60) $ 510 $ 852 427 1,789 $ (165) $ — — (165) $ 35,484 26,742 5,856 68,082 — $ — — — $ 445 $ 169 275 889 $ — $ (94) (1) (95) $ 4,791 21,569 6,181 32,541 (a) On January 1, 2020, Peoples adopted ASU 2016-13 and adopted the CECL model, which resulted in the establishment of a $7,000 allowance for credit losses for held-to-maturity investment securities There were no gross gains or gross losses realized by Peoples from sales of held-to-maturity securities for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. Management evaluates held-to-maturity investment securities for an allowance for credit losses on a quarterly basis. The majority of Peoples' held-to-maturity investment securities are issued by U.S. government sponsored agencies. The remaining securities are obligations of state and political subdivisions. Peoples analyzed these securities using cumulative default rate averages for investment grade municipal securities. As a result, at December 31, 2020, Peoples recorded $60,000 of allowance for credit losses for held-to-maturity securities, compared to $7,000 at January 1, 2020. 110 The following table presents a summary of held-to-maturity investment securities that had an unrealized loss at December 31: Less than 12 Months Unrealized Loss No. of Securities Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) 2020 Obligations of: 12 Months or More Unrealized Loss No. of Securities Fair Value Total Fair Value Unrealized Loss States and political subdivisions $ 18,662 $ $ 18,662 $ Total 165 165 5 $ 5 $ — $ — $ 2019 Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Total $ 7,731 $ 1,666 $ 9,397 $ 67 1 68 1 $ 890 $ 1 — 2 $ 890 $ — — 27 — 27 — $ 18,662 $ — $ 18,662 $ 165 165 1 $ 8,621 $ — 1,666 1 $ 10,287 $ 94 1 95 The table below presents the amortized cost, fair value and total weighted-average yield of held-to-maturity securities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2020. The weighted-average yields are based on the amortized cost and are computed on a fully taxable-equivalent basis using a statutory federal corporate income tax rate of 21%. In some cases, the issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations without call or prepayment penalties prior to the contractual maturity date. (Dollars in thousands) Amortized cost Obligations of: States and political subdivisions Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Total held-to-maturity securities Fair value Obligations of: States and political subdivisions Residential mortgage-backed securities Commercial mortgage-backed securities Total held-to-maturity securities Total weighted-average yield Within 1 Year 1 to 5 Years 5 to 10 Years Over 10 Years Total $ $ $ $ — — — — $ 988 — 374 $ 1,362 $ 2,511 2,715 3,737 $ 8,963 $ 31,700 23,175 1,318 $ 56,193 $ 35,199 25,890 5,429 $ 66,518 — — — — — % $ 1,163 — 382 $ 1,545 $ 2,832 2,820 4,128 $ 9,780 $ 31,489 23,922 1,346 $ 56,757 $ 35,484 26,742 5,856 $ 68,082 0.63 % 2.97 % 1.04 % 1.29 % Other Investment Securities Peoples' other investment securities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist largely of shares of FHLB of Cincinnati and FRB of Cleveland stock, and other equity investment securities. The following table summarizes the carrying value of Peoples' other investment securities at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) FHLB stock FRB stock Nonqualified deferred compensation Equity investment securities Other investment securities Total other investment securities $ $ 2020 2019 21,718 $ 13,311 1,867 299 365 37,560 $ 27,235 13,310 1,499 321 365 42,730 During 2020, Peoples redeemed $10.5 million of FHLB stock in order to be in compliance with the requirements of the FHLB. Peoples purchased $5.0 million of additional FHLB stock during 2020, as a result of the FHLB's capital requirements on FHLB advances during the year. During 2019, Peoples redeemed $4.9 million of FHLB stock in order to be in compliance with the requirements of the FHLB, and acquired $2.8 million of FHLB stock through the First Prestonsburg acquisition. As of January 1, 2018, Peoples adopted ASU 2016-01, which requires changes in the fair value of equity investment securities to be recognized in net income. Prior to 2018, changes in the fair value of equity investment securities were recognized through AOCI. During the year ended December 31, 2020, Peoples recorded the change in the fair value of equity investment securities held at December 31, 2020 in other non-interest income, resulting in an unrealized loss of $19,000. Net realized gains on sales of equity investment securities included in other non-interest income during 2020 consisted of a realized gain of $680,000 related to the sale of 111 restricted Class B Visa stock, which had been held at a carrying cost and fair value of zero due to the litigation liability associated with the stock. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Peoples recorded the change in the fair value of equity investment securities held at December 31, 2019 in other non-interest income, resulting in unrealized gain of $44,000. Additionally, the adoption of ASU 2016-01 resulted in the reclassification of equity investment securities from available-for-sale investment securities to other investment securities. Consequently, as of January 1, 2018, net realized gains on the sale of equity investment securities are included in other non-interest income on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Net realized gains on sales of equity investment securities, included in other non-interest income during 2019, consisted of a realized gain of $787,000 related to the sale of restricted Class B Visa stock, which had been held at a carrying cost and fair value of zero due to the litigation liability associated with the stock. During 2018, there was a $413,000 realized loss on the sale of equity investment securities, included in other non-interest income. At December 31, 2020, Peoples' investment in equity investment securities was comprised largely of common stocks issued by various unrelated bank holding companies. There were no equity investment securities of a single issuer that exceeded 10% of Peoples' stockholders' equity. Pledged Securities Peoples had pledged available-for-sale investment securities and held-to-maturity investment securities to secure public and trust department deposits, and Repurchase Agreements in accordance with federal and state requirements. Peoples also pledged available- for-sale investment securities and held-to-maturity securities to secure additional borrowing capacity at the FHLB and the FRB. The following table summarizes the carrying value of Peoples' pledged investment securities as of December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Securing public and trust department deposits, and Repurchase Agreements: Available-for-sale Held-to-maturity Securing additional borrowing capacity at the FHLB and the FRB: Available-for-sale Held-to-maturity Note 4 Loans Carrying Amount 2020 2019 $ 547,734 $ 16,971 1,685 11,316 527,655 12,975 44,618 14,155 Peoples' loan portfolio consists of various types of loans originated primarily as a result of lending opportunities within Peoples' primary market areas of northeastern, central, southwestern and southeastern Ohio, central and eastern Kentucky and west central West Virginia. Peoples also originates insurance premium finance loans nationwide through its premium finance division. Acquired loans consist of loans purchased in 2012 or thereafter. Loans that were acquired and subsequently re-underwritten are reported as originated upon execution of such credit actions (for example, renewals and increases in lines of credit). The major classifications of loan balances (in each case, net of deferred fees and costs) excluding loans held for sale, were as follows at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Construction Commercial real estate, other Commercial and industrial Premium finance Residential real estate Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Consumer, direct Deposit account overdrafts Total loans, at amortized cost 2020 2019 106,792 $ 929,853 973,645 114,758 574,007 120,913 503,527 79,094 351 3,402,940 $ 88,518 833,238 662,993 — 661,476 132,704 417,185 76,533 878 2,873,525 $ $ Commercial and industrial loan balances grew significantly compared to December 31, 2019. Peoples began participating as a Small Business Administration ("SBA") Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") lender during the second quarter of 2020, and 112 originated $488.9 million of PPP loans during 2020. At December 31, 2020, the PPP loans had an amortized cost of $366.9 million, and were included in commercial and industrial loan balances. Peoples recorded deferred loan origination fees related to the PPP loans, net of deferred loan origination costs, which totaled $7.9 million at December 31, 2020. During 2020, Peoples recorded accretion of net deferred loan origination fees of $7.5 million on PPP loans. The remaining net deferred loan origination fees will be accreted over the life of the respective loans, or until forgiven by the SBA, and will be recognized in net interest income. Accrued interest receivable is not included within the loan balances, but is presented in the “Other assets” line of the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with no recorded allowance for credit losses as Peoples elected the practical expedient not to measure allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivables. Interest receivable on loans was $10.9 million at December 31, 2020 and $9.1 million at December 31, 2019. Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans A loan is considered past due if any required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were required to be made under the terms of the loan agreement. A loan may be placed on nonaccrual status regardless of whether or not such loan is considered past due. The amortized cost of loans on nonaccrual status and loans delinquent for 90 days or more and accruing were as follows at December 31: 2020 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Construction Commercial real estate, other Commercial and industrial Premium finance Residential real estate Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Accruing Loans 90+ Days Past Due Nonaccrual (a) Accruing Loans 90+ Days Past Due (b) Nonaccrual (a)(b) $ 4 $ — $ 411 $ 9,111 6,192 — 8,375 867 1,073 — 50 589 1,975 82 39 6,801 2,155 — 6,361 1,165 840 — 907 155 — 2,677 108 — Consumer, direct Total loans, at amortized cost (a) There were $1.3 million of nonaccrual loans for which there was no allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2020 and $3.1 million of such loans 48 17,781 $ 171 25,793 $ 17 2,752 $ 85 3,932 $ at December 31, 2019. (b) The new accounting for purchased credit deteriorated loans under ASU 2016-13 resulted in the movement of $3.9 million of loans from the 90+ days past due and accruing category to the nonaccrual category as of January 1, 2020. At December 31, 2019, these loans were presented as 90+ days past due and accruing. As of December 31, 2020, Peoples had made short-term modifications, such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or other delays in payment for current borrowers, which were insignificant. Under the CARES Act and interagency guidance, borrowers that are considered current are those that are less than 30 days past due on their contractual payments at the time a modification program is implemented. As such, these modifications made under the CARES Act are not included in Peoples' nonaccrual or accruing loans 90+ days past due as of December 31, 2020. The new accounting for purchased credit deteriorated loans under ASU 2016-13 resulted in the movement of $3.9 million of loans from the 90+ days past due and accruing category to the nonaccrual category as of January 1, 2020. As of December 31, 2019, these loans were presented as 90+ days past due and accruing. Although they were not accruing contractual interest income, they were accreting income from the discount that was recognized due to acquisition accounting. The additional increase in nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2020, compared to December 31, 2019, was due to two commercial relationships aggregating $3.2 million and several smaller commercial relationships being placed on nonaccrual. The amount of interest income recognized on nonaccrual loans during 2020 was $1.6 million. 113 The following tables present the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) 2020 Construction Commercial real estate, other Commercial and industrial Premium finance Residential real estate Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Consumer, direct Deposit account overdrafts Total loans, at amortized cost 2019 Construction Commercial real estate, other Commercial and industrial Residential real estate Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Consumer, direct Deposit account overdrafts Total loans, at amortized cost Loans Past Due 30 – 59 days 60 – 89 days 90 + Days Total Current Total $ $ $ $ — $ 1,943 567 385 6,739 309 4,362 424 — 14,729 $ 5 $ 376 2,780 10,538 642 3,574 619 — 18,534 $ 344 $ 283 552 1,021 2,688 58 733 43 — 5,722 $ — $ 337 312 2,918 510 714 117 — 4,908 $ 4 $ 8,643 4,535 589 5,512 780 348 123 — 20,534 $ 411 $ 7,501 1,244 5,872 1,033 370 112 — 16,543 $ 348 $ 10,869 5,654 1,995 14,939 1,147 5,443 590 — 106,792 929,853 973,645 114,758 574,007 120,913 503,527 79,094 351 40,985 $ 3,361,955 $ 3,402,940 106,444 $ 918,984 967,991 112,763 559,068 119,766 498,084 78,504 351 416 $ 8,214 4,336 19,328 2,185 4,658 848 — 88,518 833,238 662,993 661,476 132,704 417,185 76,533 878 39,985 $ 2,833,540 $ 2,873,525 88,102 $ 825,024 658,657 642,148 130,519 412,527 75,685 878 The increase in loans 90+ days past due, compared to December 31, 2019, was mostly due to a $1.5 million commercial relationship. Delinquency trends remained stable as 98.8% of Peoples' portfolio was considered "current" at December 31, 2020, compared to 98.6% at December 31, 2019. Pledged Loans Peoples has pledged certain loans secured by one-to-four family and multifamily residential mortgages, and home equity lines of credit under a blanket collateral agreement to secure borrowings from the FHLB. Peoples also has pledged commercial loans to secure borrowings with the FRB. Loans pledged are summarized as follows at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Loans pledged to FHLB Loans pledged to FRB 2020 2019 $ 740,584 $ 107,340 458,227 172,693 During 2020, Peoples pledged additional collateral to the FHLB and FRB to secure potential funding needs in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to fund the PPP loan originations that occurred during the year. Related Party Loans In the normal course of its business, Peoples Bank has granted loans to certain directors and officers of Peoples, including their affiliates, families and entities in which they are principal owners. At December 31, 2020, no related party loan was past due 90 or more days, a TDR or on nonaccrual status. Activity in related party loans is presented in the table below. Other changes primarily consist of changes in related party status, and the addition and exit of directors during the year, as applicable. (Dollars in thousands) Balance, December 31, 2019 New loans and disbursements Repayments Other changes Balance, December 31, 2020 114 $ $ 15,380 3,932 (5,053) (1,128) 13,131 Credit Quality Indicators As discussed in "Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," Peoples categorizes the majority of its loans into risk categories based upon an established risk grading matrix using a scale of 1 to 8. Loan grades are assigned at the time a new loan or lending commitment is extended by Peoples and may be changed at any time when circumstances warrant. Loans to borrowers with an aggregate unpaid principal balance in excess of $1.0 million are reviewed at least on an annual basis for possible credit deterioration. Loan relationships whose aggregate credit exposure to Peoples is equal to or less than $1.0 million are reviewed on an event driven basis. Triggers for review include knowledge of adverse events affecting the borrower's business, receipt of financial statements indicating deteriorating credit quality or other similar events. Adversely classified loans are reviewed on a quarterly basis. A description of the general characteristics of the risk grades used by Peoples is as follows: "Pass" (grades 1 through 4): Loans in this risk category are to borrowers of acceptable-to-strong credit quality and risk who have the apparent ability to satisfy their loan obligations. Loans in this risk category would possess sufficient mitigating factors, such as adequate collateral or strong guarantors possessing the capacity to repay the loans if required, for any weakness that may exist. "Special Mention" (grade 5): Loans in this risk category are the equivalent of the regulatory "Other Assets Especially Mentioned" classification. Loans in this risk category possess some credit deficiency or potential weakness, which requires a high level of management attention. Potential weaknesses include declining trends in operating earnings and cash flows and/ or reliance on the secondary source of repayment. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in noticeable deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loans or in Peoples' credit position. "Substandard" (grade 6): Loans in this risk category are inadequately protected by the borrower's current financial condition and payment capability, or by the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have one or more well-defined weaknesses that jeopardize the orderly repayment of the loans. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that Peoples will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. "Doubtful" (grade 7): Loans in this risk category have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or orderly repayment in full, on the basis of current existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. Possibility of loss is extremely high, but because of certain important and reasonably specific factors that may work to the advantage and strengthening of the exposure, classification of these loans as an estimated loss is deferred until their more exact status may be determined. "Loss" (grade 8): Loans in this risk category are considered to be non-collectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. This does not mean each such loan has absolutely no recovery value, but rather it is neither practical nor desirable to defer writing off the loan, even though partial recovery may be obtained in the future. Charge-offs against the allowance for credit losses are taken in the period in which the loan becomes uncollectable. Consequently, Peoples typically does not maintain a recorded investment in loans within this risk category. Consumer loans and other smaller-balance loans are evaluated and categorized as "substandard," "doubtful" or "loss" based upon the regulatory definition of these classes and consistent with regulatory requirements. All other loans not evaluated individually, nor meeting the regulatory conditions to be categorized as described above, would be considered as being "not rated." 115 The following tables summarize the risk category of Peoples' loan portfolio based upon the most recent analysis performed at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Construction Pass Special mention Substandard 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Prior Revolving Loans Converted to Term Total Loans Revolving Loans $ 27,670 $ 56,361 $ 554 $ 15,089 $ 824 $ 1,194 $ 3,199 $ 2,003 $ 104,891 — — — — 496 — — 186 — — 143 1,076 — — — — 639 1,262 Total 27,670 56,361 1,050 15,275 824 2,413 3,199 2,003 106,792 Commercial real estate, other Pass 116,441 125,373 99,522 94,465 99,668 215,385 109,160 9,748 860,014 Special mention Substandard Doubtful 297 — — 5,806 1,191 — 999 677 — 5,296 1,709 — 5,125 1,663 — 12,932 27,066 78 3,967 3,033 — 60 110 — 34,422 35,339 78 Total 116,738 132,370 101,198 101,470 106,456 255,461 116,160 9,918 929,853 Commercial and industrial Pass 409,237 97,362 67,284 38,450 45,026 77,009 199,597 30,680 933,965 Special mention 1,034 366 2,018 287 1,453 1,452 12,429 526 Substandard 2,226 3,569 2,873 2,167 318 4,163 3,436 1,083 Doubtful Total Premium finance Pass Total — — — — 1,698 191 — 187 412,497 101,297 72,175 40,904 48,495 82,815 215,462 32,476 973,645 114,758 114,758 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 114,758 114,758 Residential real estate Pass Substandard Loss Total 47,147 40,223 24,235 29,142 43,105 309,795 65,168 305 558,815 — — — — — — — — — — 15,048 144 — — — — 15,048 144 47,147 40,223 24,235 29,142 43,105 324,987 65,168 305 574,007 Home equity lines of credit 19,039 18,752 1,889 16,469 13,513 12,548 12,382 11,869 40,626 13,506 4,091 120,913 16,469 13,513 12,548 12,382 11,869 40,626 13,506 4,091 120,913 Pass Total Consumer, indirect Pass Total Consumer, direct Total Deposit account overdrafts Total loans, at amortized cost 210,014 92,696 71,807 39,608 17,156 11,563 60,683 210,014 92,696 71,807 39,608 17,156 11,563 60,683 Pass 31,689 15,923 11,085 4,531 2,529 4,193 31,689 15,923 11,085 4,531 2,529 4,193 9,144 9,144 351 — — — — — — — — 503,527 503,527 — — — 79,094 79,094 351 $ 977,333 $ 452,383 $ 294,098 $ 243,312 $ 230,434 $ 722,058 $ 483,322 $ 48,793 $ 3,402,940 During 2020, Peoples downgraded several relationships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-related downgrades contributed to increases of $29.8 million of additional criticized loans and $9.4 million of additional classified loans compared to balances at December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2020, Peoples had a total of $1.5 million of loans secured by residential real estate mortgages that were in the process of foreclosure. 116 Collateral Dependent Loans Peoples has certain loans for which repayment is dependent upon the operation or sale of collateral, as the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. The underlying collateral can vary based upon the type of loan. The following provides more detail about the types of collateral that secure collateral dependent loans: • Commercial real estate loans can be secured by either owner occupied commercial real estate or non-owner occupied investment commercial real estate. Typically, owner occupied commercial real estate loans are secured by office buildings, warehouses, manufacturing facilities and other commercial and industrial properties occupied by operating companies. Non- owner occupied commercial real estate loans are generally secured by office buildings and complexes, retail facilities, multifamily complexes, land under development, industrial properties, as well as other commercial or industrial real estate. • Residential real estate loans are typically secured by first mortgages, and in some cases could be secured by a second mortgage. • Home equity lines of credit are generally secured by second mortgages on residential real estate property. • Consumer loans are generally secured by automobiles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles and other personal property. Some consumer loans are unsecured and have no underlying collateral. The following table details Peoples' amortized cost of collateral dependent loans at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Commercial real estate, other Commercial and industrial Residential real estate Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Consumer, direct Total collateral dependent loans 2020 2019 8,467 6,333 1,670 403 — — 16,873 $ $ 6,818 1,962 1,847 681 713 94 12,115 $ $ The increase in collateral dependent commercial and industrial loans at December 31, 2020 compared to December 31, 2019 was mostly due to two commercial relationship that became collateral dependent, coupled with some smaller relationships. In addition, the increase in collateral dependent consumer loans was driven by a change in the policy threshold for evaluation of individually impaired loans, which was previously $100,000 and on January 1, 2020 was changed to $250,000, thereby reducing the amount of loans considered collateral dependent which were no longer above the threshold. 117 The following table summarizes the loans that were modified as TDRs during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. (Dollars in thousands) 2020 Commercial real estate, other Commercial and industrial Residential real estate Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Consumer , direct Consumer Total 2019 Originated loans: Commercial and industrial Residential real estate Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Consumer, direct Consumer Total Acquired loans: Construction Commercial and industrial Residential real estate Home equity lines of credit Consumer, direct Total Recorded Investment (a) Number of Contracts Pre- Modification Post- Modification Remaining Recorded Investment 5 $ 2,294 $ 2,294 $ 6 16 7 27 7 34 68 $ 2 $ 3 4 17 3 20 29 $ 3,820 1,388 123 349 99 448 8,073 $ 3,820 1,423 123 349 99 448 8,108 $ 38 $ 38 $ 437 139 260 52 312 440 139 260 52 312 926 $ 929 $ 3 $ 101 $ 76 $ 5 38 8 10 1,557 2,069 172 124 1,557 2,069 173 124 64 $ 4,023 $ 3,999 $ 2,217 3,736 1,406 116 313 89 402 7,877 32 431 136 234 45 279 878 76 1,464 1,967 164 114 3,785 (a) The amounts shown are inclusive of all partial paydowns and charge-offs. Loans modified in a TDR that were fully paid down, charged-off or foreclosed upon by period end are not reported. 118 The following table presents those loans modified into a TDR during 2020 that subsequently defaulted (i.e., 90 days or more past due following a modification during 2020). There were no loans modified into a TDR during the year that subsequently defaulted in 2019. (Dollars in thousands) Commercial real estate, other Consumer, indirect Total 2020 Number of Contracts Recorded Investment (a) Impact on the Allowance for Credit Losses 1 1 2 $ 54 15 69 $ — — — (a) The amounts shown are inclusive of all partial paydowns and charge-offs. Loans modified in a TDR that were fully paid down, charged-off or foreclosed upon by period end are not reported. Peoples had no commitments to lend additional funds to the related borrowers whose loan terms have been modified in a TDR. Allowance for Credit Losses Changes in the allowance for credit losses for the period ended December 31, 2020 are summarized below: (Dollars in thousands) Beginning Balance, January 1, 2020 Initial Allowance for Purchased Credit Deteriorated Assets Provision for Credit Losses (a) Charge-offs Recoveries Ending Balance, December 31, 2020 Construction $ 600 $ 51 $ 1,236 $ — $ — $ Commercial real estate, other Commercial and industrial Premium finance Residential real estate Home equity lines of credit Consumer, indirect Consumer, direct Deposit account overdrafts Total $ 7,193 4,960 — 3,977 1,570 5,389 856 94 24,639 $ 1,356 860 — 383 2 — 34 9,315 5,987 1,098 1,735 379 (528) (1,565) (3) (353) (103) 4,262 (1,923) 329 (187) 200 2,521 — 302 12 302 49 — 2,686 $ 456 24,797 $ (673) (5,335) $ 186 3,572 $ 1,887 17,536 12,763 1,095 6,044 1,860 8,030 1,081 63 50,359 (a) Amount does not include the provision for unfunded commitment liability. The significant increase in the allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2020 compared to January 1, 2020 was mostly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting impact on economic forecasts utilized in the CECL model. Peoples calculates its allowance for credit losses using a discounted cash flow model, and incorporates economic forecasts, including U.S. unemployment, Ohio unemployment, Ohio Gross Domestic Product, and the Ohio Case Shiller Home Price Indices as economic factors. The economic forecast used in the December 31, 2020 calculation of the allowance for credit losses included higher unemployment rates and lower Ohio Gross Domestic Product than those at January 1, 2020, which drove much of the increase in the allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2020. In addition, Peoples recorded an increase of $5.8 million in allowance for credit losses on January 1, 2020 related to the implementation of ASU 2016-13. During 2020, Peoples recognized a recovery of $2.5 million on a commercial and industrial loan that was previously charged-off. As of December 31, 2020, Peoples had recorded an unfunded commitment liability of $2.9 million, an increase compared to the $1.5 million that was recorded on January 1, 2020. The unfunded commitment liability is presented in the “Accrued expenses and other liabilities” line of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 119 Note 5 Bank Premises and Equipment The major categories of bank premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, at December 31 are summarized as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Land Building and premises Furniture, fixtures and equipment Total bank premises and equipment Accumulated depreciation Net book value 2020 2019 $ 15,035 $ 74,807 32,482 122,324 (62,230) 60,094 $ $ 15,317 73,097 30,268 118,682 (56,836) 61,846 Peoples depreciates its building and premises, and furniture, fixtures and equipment over estimated useful lives generally ranging from five to forty years and two to ten years, respectively. Depreciation expense was $6.0 million in 2020, $5.7 million in 2019 and $4.9 million in 2018. Leases Peoples leases certain banking facilities and equipment under various agreements with original terms providing for fixed monthly payments over periods generally ranging from two to thirty years. Certain leases may include options to extend or terminate the lease. Only those renewal and termination options which Peoples is reasonably certain of exercising are included in the calculation of the lease liability. Certain leases contain rent escalation clauses calling for rent increases over the term of the lease, which are included in the calculation of the lease liability. Short-term leases of certain facilities and equipment, with lease terms of 12 months or less, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. At December 31, 2020, Peoples did not have any finance leases or any significant lessor agreements. Right of Use ("ROU") assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent an obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement or remeasurement date of a lease based on the present value of lease payments over the remaining lease term. Operating lease ROU assets include lease payments made at or before the commencement date and initial indirect costs. Operating lease ROU assets exclude lease incentives. Peoples elected certain practical expedients, in accordance with the adoption of ASC 842. Peoples elected to recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings on January 1, 2019 for the implementation of ASU 2016-02. Peoples also made an accounting policy election to account for each separate lease component of a contract and its associated non- lease components as a single lease component for all leases subject to ASC 842. The table below details Peoples' lease expense, which is included in net occupancy and equipment expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Operating lease expense Short-term lease expense Total lease expense 2020 2019 $ $ 1,308 $ 322 1,630 $ 1,227 137 1,364 Peoples utilizes an incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of lease payments for each lease, as the lease agreements do not provide an implicit rate. The estimated incremental borrowing rate reflects a secured rate and is based on the term of the lease and the interest rate environment at the lease commencement or remeasurement date. 120 The following table details the ROU asset, the lease liability and other information related to Peoples' operating leases: (Dollars in thousands) Right-of-use asset: Other assets Lease liability: Accrued expenses and other liabilities Other information: Weighted-average remaining lease term Weighted-average discount rate Cash paid during the year for operating leases Additions for right-of-use assets obtained during the year ended December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ $ $ $ 6,522 $ 6,776 $ 12.4 years 3.14 % 1,260 62 $ $ 7,606 7,813 12.4 years 3.16 % 1,172 3,701 The following table summarizes the future lease payments of operating leases: (Dollars in thousands) Payments Year ending December 31, 2021 $ Year ending December 31, 2022 Year ending December 31, 2023 Year ending December 31, 2024 Year ending December 31, 2025 Thereafter Total undiscounted lease payments Imputed interest Total lease liability $ $ 1,188 1,022 875 625 495 4,220 8,425 (1,649) 6,776 Note 6 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The following table details changes in the recorded amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Goodwill, beginning of year Goodwill recorded from acquisitions Goodwill, end of year 2020 2019 $ $ 165,701 $ 5,559 171,260 $ 151,245 14,456 165,701 Peoples performed the required annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2020, and concluded there was no impairment in the recorded value of goodwill as of October 1, 2020, based upon the estimated fair value of the single reporting unit. Peoples elected to bypass the qualitative assessment and perform the quantitative impairment test. On January 1, 2020, Peoples Insurance acquired a property and casualty-focused independent insurance agency, for which Peoples recorded $0.1 million of goodwill. On July 1, 2020, Peoples completed its acquisition of Triumph Premium Finance, for which Peoples recorded $5.5 million of goodwill. On April 12, 2019, Peoples completed its acquisition of First Prestonsburg, for which Peoples recorded $14.5 million of goodwill. For additional information on these acquisitions, refer to "Note 19 Acquisitions." 121 Other intangible assets Other intangible assets were comprised of the following at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Core Deposits Customer Relationships Total 2020 Gross intangibles $ 22,233 $ Intangibles recorded from acquisitions Accumulated amortization Total acquisition-related intangibles $ — (17,298) 4,935 $ Servicing rights Total other intangibles 2019 Gross intangibles Intangibles recorded from acquisitions Accumulated amortization $ Total acquisition-related intangibles $ 17,999 $ 4,234 (15,120) 7,113 $ Servicing rights Total other intangibles 7,480 $ 5,015 (6,579) 5,916 $ $ 7,480 $ — (5,533) 1,947 $ $ 29,713 5,015 (23,877) 10,851 2,486 13,337 25,479 4,234 (20,653) 9,060 2,742 11,802 Peoples performed other intangible assets impairment testing as of October 1, 2020 and concluded there was no impairment in the recorded value of other intangible assets as of October 1, 2020. During the annual other intangible assets impairment test, Peoples assessed qualitative factors, including relevant events and circumstances, to determine that it was more-likely-than-not that the fair value of other intangible assets exceeded the carrying value. Other intangible assets recorded from the above mentioned acquisitions in 2020 were $5.0 million of customer relationship intangible assets. Refer to "Note 19 Acquisitions" for additional information. Other intangible assets recorded from the First Prestonsburg acquisition in 2019 were $4.2 million of core deposit intangible assets. The following table details estimated aggregate future amortization of other intangible assets at December 31, 2020: (Dollars in thousands) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Total Core Deposits Customer Relationships Total $ 1,568 $ 1,189 $ 1,011 1,007 727 587 455 872 761 654 2,757 2,018 1,599 1,348 1,109 587 4,935 $ 1,433 5,916 $ 2,020 10,851 $ The weighted average amortization period of other intangibles is 8.4 years. The following is an analysis of activity of servicing rights for the years ended December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Balance, beginning of year Amortization Servicing rights originated Servicing rights acquired Valuation allowance Balance, end of year 2020 2019 2018 $ $ 2,742 $ (1,121) 1,026 — (161) 2,486 $ 2,655 $ (871) 958 — — 2,742 $ 2,305 (1,155) 1,229 276 — 2,655 During 2020, Peoples recorded a valuation allowance of $161,000 related to the decrease in the fair value of servicing rights. No valuation allowances were required at December 31, 2019 and 2018 for Peoples’ servicing rights since, at each date, the fair value equaled or exceeded the book value. 122 The fair value of servicing rights was $2.6 million and $3.9 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Fair value at December 31, 2020 was determined using discount rates ranging from 8.3% to 10.8%, and prepayment speeds ranging from 12.8% to 21.1%, depending on the stratification of the specific right, utilizing state delinquency to calculate the default rate. Fair value at December 31, 2019 was determined using discount rates ranging from 9.8% to 12.3%, and prepayment speeds ranging from 8.9% to 12.8%. Note 7 Deposits Peoples’ deposit balances were comprised of the following at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Retail CDs: $100,000 or more Less than $100,000 Retail CDs Interest-bearing deposit accounts Savings accounts Money market deposit accounts Governmental deposit accounts Brokered deposit accounts 2020 2019 $ 220,532 $ 242,476 225,398 445,930 692,113 628,190 591,373 385,384 170,146 248,354 490,830 635,720 521,914 469,893 293,908 207,939 Total interest-bearing deposits 2,913,136 2,620,204 Non-interest-bearing deposits Total deposits 997,323 671,208 $ 3,910,459 $ 3,291,412 Time deposits that meet or exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") limit of $250,000 were $89.0 million and $100.8 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The contractual maturities of CDs and brokered demand and savings deposits for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows: (Dollars in thousands) 2021 (a) 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Total CDs Retail Brokered Total $ 296,104 $ 165,475 $ 461,579 76,102 28,476 32,778 4,182 489 — 12,408 62 445,930 $ — — 170,146 $ $ 80,284 28,965 32,778 12,408 62 616,076 (a) Brokered includes $110.0 million of brokered demand and savings deposits. Deposits from related parties were $11.5 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019. As of December 31, 2020, Peoples had seventeen effective interest rate swaps, with an aggregate notional value of $160.0 million, of which $50.0 million were funded by 90-day brokered CDs and $110.0 million were funded by brokered demand and savings deposits. Brokered CDs and deposits are expected to be extended every 90 days through the maturity dates of the swaps. Additional information regarding Peoples' interest rate swaps can be found in "Note 14 Derivative Financial Instruments." 123 Note 8 Short-Term Borrowings Peoples utilizes various short-term borrowings as sources of funds, which are summarized as follows at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) 2020 Ending balance Average balance Highest month-end balance Interest expense Weighted-average interest rate: End of year During the year 2019 Ending balance Average balance Highest month-end balance Interest expense Weighted-average interest rate: End of year During the year 2018 Ending balance Average balance Highest month-end balance Interest expense Weighted-average interest rate: End of year During the year (a) NM = not meaningful. Retail Repurchase Agreements FHLB Advances National Market Repurchase Agreements Other (a) $ 53,261 44,902 53,261 77 $ $ 20,000 129,928 235,989 2,489 $ 0.06 % 0.17 % 1.78 % 1.92 % $ 42,968 46,686 49,081 266 $ $ 274,009 197,987 274,009 4,455 $ 0.37 % 0.57 % 1.74 % 2.25 % $ 51,202 64,519 72,822 194 $ $ 305,000 219,897 307,561 4,494 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ — — — — — % — % — — — — — % — % — 14,329 30,000 527 $ $ $ $ $ $ — 1,803 64,000 5 — % 0.25 % — 126 2,200 — — % NM (4) 301 1,553 23 0.48 % 0.30 % 2.32 % 2.04 % — % 3.68 % — % NM Peoples’ retail Repurchase Agreements consist of overnight agreements with Peoples’ commercial customers and serve as a cash management tool. The FHLB advances consist of overnight borrowings, 90-day advances used to fund interest rate swaps, other advances with an original maturity of one year or less, and the current portion of long-term advances due in less than one year. These advances, along with the long-term advances disclosed in "Note 9 Long-Term Borrowings," are collateralized by residential mortgage loans and investment securities. Peoples’ borrowing capacity with the FHLB is based on the amount of collateral pledged and the amount of FHLB common stock owned. Peoples reclassified $20.0 million and $23.2 million of FHLB advances from long-term borrowings to short-term borrowings in 2020 and 2019, respectively, due to maturity dates of less than one year. Peoples' FHLB advances of $163.0 million and $42.2 million matured in 2020 and 2019, respectively. Peoples' national market Repurchase Agreements consisted of agreements with unrelated financial service companies. Other short-term borrowings consisted primarily of federal funds purchased and advances from the Federal Reserve Discount Window. Federal funds purchased are short-term borrowings from correspondent banks that typically mature within one to ninety days. Interest on federal funds purchased is set daily by the correspondent bank based on prevailing market rates. The Federal Reserve Discount Window provides credit facilities to financial institutions, which are designed to ensure adequate liquidity by providing a source of short-term funds. Federal Reserve Discount Window advances are typically overnight and must be secured by collateral acceptable to the FRB. At December 31, 2020, Peoples had available Federal Reserve Discount Window credit of $102.3 million. Other short-term borrowings at December 31, 2018 also included the unamortized debt issuance costs related to the costs associated with the Credit Agreement (the "RJB Credit Agreement") with Raymond James Bank, N.A. which was terminated effective April 3, 2019. 124 As of April 3, 2019, Peoples entered into a Loan Agreement (the “U.S. Bank Loan Agreement”) with U.S. Bank National Association. The U.S. Bank Loan Agreement has a one-year term, which was renewed as of April 2, 2020, and provides Peoples with a revolving line of credit in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $20.0 million that may be used: (i) for working capital purposes; (ii) to finance dividends or other distributions (other than stock dividends and stock splits) on or in respect of Peoples’ capital stock and redemptions, repurchases or other acquisitions of any of Peoples’ capital stock permitted under the U.S. Bank Loan Agreement and (iii) to finance acquisitions permitted under the U.S. Bank Loan Agreement. The U.S. Bank Loan Agreement is unsecured. However, the U.S. Bank Loan Agreement contains negative covenants which preclude Peoples from: (i) taking any action which could, directly or indirectly, decrease Peoples' ownership (alone or together with any of Peoples' subsidiaries) interest in Peoples Bank (Peoples' Ohio state-chartered subsidiary bank) or any of Peoples Bank's subsidiaries to a level below the percentage of equity interests held as of April 3, 2019; (ii) taking any action to or allowing Peoples Bank or any of Peoples Bank's subsidiaries to take any action to directly or indirectly create, assume, incur, suffer or permit to exist any pledge, encumbrance, security interest, assignment, lien or charge of any kind or character on the equity interests of Peoples Bank or any of Peoples Bank's subsidiaries; or (iii) taking any action to or allow Peoples Bank or any of Peoples Bank's subsidiaries to sell, transfer, issue, reissue or exchange, or grant any option with respect to, any equity interest of Peoples Bank or any of Peoples Bank's subsidiaries. There are also negative covenants limiting the actions which may be taken with respect to the authorization or issuance of additional shares of any class of equity interests of Peoples Bank or any of Peoples Bank's subsidiaries or the grant to any person other than U.S. Bank of any proxy for existing equity interests of Peoples Bank or any of Peoples Bank's subsidiaries. The U.S. Bank Loan Agreement contains financial covenants, which are usual and customary for comparable transactions, applicable to Peoples and its subsidiaries including limitations on the ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens on property, enter into mergers or consolidations, sell property other than in the ordinary course of business, and make investments, all subject to permitted exceptions as more fully set forth in the U.S. Bank Loan Agreement. The U.S. Bank Loan Agreement also precludes Peoples from: (i) taking any action which would result in Peoples Bank no longer being a wholly-owned subsidiary of Peoples; and (ii) declaring and making dividends or stock repurchases if an Event of Default (as defined in the U.S. Bank Loan Agreement) has occurred and is continuing under the U.S. Bank Loan Agreement. Peoples and Peoples Bank are also required to satisfy certain financial covenants including: (i) Peoples (on a consolidated basis) and Peoples Bank must be "well capitalized" at all times, as defined and determined by the applicable governmental authority having jurisdiction over Peoples or Peoples Bank; (ii) Peoples (on a consolidated basis) must maintain a total risk-based capital ratio (as defined by the applicable governmental authority having regulatory authority over Peoples or Peoples Bank) of at least 12.0% at all times; (iii) Peoples (on a consolidated basis) must maintain a ratio of "Non-Performing Assets" to "Primary Capital" of not more than 15% as of the last day of each fiscal quarter; (iv) Peoples (on a consolidated basis) must maintain a ratio of "Return on Average Assets" of at least 0.5% as of the end of each fiscal quarter, with the items used in this ratio being determined on a trailing four-fiscal quarter basis. As of December 31, 2020, Peoples was in compliance with the applicable covenants imposed by the U.S. Bank Loan Agreement. The U.S. Bank Loan Agreement matures on April 1, 2021. Peoples is in the process of renewing this facility and expects that it will be renewed prior to its expiration. Note 9 Long-Term Borrowings Long-term borrowings consisted of the following at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) 2020 2019 Weighted- Average Rate Weighted- Average Rate Balance Balance FHLB putable, non-amortizing, fixed rate advances $ 95,000 1.52 % $ 65,000 FHLB amortizing, fixed rate advances Junior subordinated debt securities Long-term borrowings 7,957 1.75 % 7,611 110,568 $ 4.25 % 1.72 % $ 10,672 7,451 83,123 2.18 % 1.74 % 6.55 % 2.51 % Peoples continually evaluates its overall balance sheet position given the interest rate environment. During 2020, Peoples borrowed one additional $50.0 million FHLB putable, non-amortizing fixed-rate advance with an interest rate of 0.77%, which matures in 2030. At December 31, 2020, outstanding long-term FHLB non-amortizing advances, which have interest rates ranging from 0.77% to 3.20%, mature between 2022 and 2030. Outstanding long-term FHLB amortizing, fixed rate advances have interest 125 rates ranging from 1.25% to 3.83%, mature between 2026 and 2031. Peoples also reclassified two long-term FHLB non-amortizing advances totaling $20.0 million to short-term borrowings as the time to maturity became less than one year. The FHLB putable, non-amortizing, fixed rate advances have maturities ranging from one to nine years that may be repaid prior to maturity, subject to the payment of termination fees. The FHLB has the option, at its sole discretion, to terminate each advance after the initial fixed rate period of three months, requiring full repayment of the advance by Peoples, prior to the stated maturity. If an advance is terminated prior to maturity, the FHLB will offer Peoples replacement funding at the then-prevailing rate on an advance product then offered by the FHLB, subject to normal FHLB credit and collateral requirements. These advances require monthly interest payments, with no repayment of principal until the earlier of either an option to terminate being exercised by the FHLB or the stated maturity. The FHLB amortizing, fixed rate advances have a fixed rate for the term of each advance, with maturities ranging from five to ten years. These advances require monthly principal and interest payments, with some having a constant prepayment rate requiring an additional principal payment annually. These advances are not eligible for optional prepayment prior to maturity. Long-term FHLB advances are collateralized by assets owned by Peoples. During 2019, Peoples did not borrow any additional long-term advances from the FHLB. At December 31, 2019, outstanding long-term FHLB non-amortizing advances, which have interest rates ranging from 1.40% to 3.20%, mature between 2021 and 2027. During 2019, $20.0 million of long-term FHLB non-amortizing advances and $3.2 million long-term FHLB amortizing advances were reclassified to short-term borrowings as the time to maturity became less than one year. On March 6, 2015, Peoples completed its acquisition of NB&T Financial Group, Inc. ("NB&T"), which included the assumption of Fixed/Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debt Securities due in 2037 (the "junior subordinated debt securities") at an acquisition- date fair value of $6.6 million, held in a wholly-owned statutory trust whose common securities were wholly-owned by NB&T. The sole assets of the statutory trust are the junior subordinated debt securities and related payments. The junior subordinated debt securities and the back-up obligations, in the aggregate, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee of the obligations of the statutory trust under the Capital Securities held by third-party investors. Distributions on the Capital Securities are payable at the annual rate of 1.50% over the 3-month LIBOR rate. Distributions on the Capital Securities are included in interest expense in the Consolidated Financial Statements. These securities are considered tier I capital (with certain limitations applicable) under current regulatory guidelines. The junior subordinated debt securities are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, upon repayment of the Capital Securities at maturity or their earlier redemption at the liquidation amount. Subject to prior approval of the FRB, the Capital Securities are redeemable prior to the maturity date of September 6, 2037, and are redeemable at par. Distributions on the Capital Securities can be deferred from time to time for a period not to exceed 20 consecutive quarterly periods. At December 31, 2020, the aggregate minimum annual retirements of long-term borrowings in future periods were as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Balance Weighted- Average Rate (a) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 $ 1,979 16,521 1,157 869 641 Thereafter Total long-term borrowings 89,401 110,568 $ 1.53 % 1.98 % 1.5 % 1.47 % 1.45 % 1.53 % 1.6 % (a) The weighted-average rate includes the impact of accreting the current book value of the junior subordinated debt securities to face value over the period. The weighted-average rates for the FHLB advances are 1.71% in 2021, 2.00% in 2022, 1.73% in 2023, 1.74% in 2024, 1.76% in 2025, and 1.43% thereafter. 126 Note 10 Stockholders’ Equity The following table details the activity in Peoples’ common stock and treasury stock during the years ended December 31: Shares at December 31, 2017 Changes related to stock-based compensation awards: Grant of restricted common shares Release of restricted common shares Cancellation of restricted common shares Exercise of stock options for common shares Grant of common shares Changes related to deferred compensation plan for Boards of Directors: Purchase of treasury stock Sale of treasury stock Disbursed out of treasury stock Common shares issued under dividend reinvestment plan Common shares issued under compensation plan for Boards of Directors Common shares issued under employee stock purchase plan Issuance of common shares related to acquisition of ASB Shares at December 31, 2018 Changes related to stock-based compensation awards: Grant of restricted common shares Release of restricted common shares Cancellation of restricted common shares Grant of common shares Changes related to deferred compensation plan for Boards of Directors: Purchase of treasury stock Disbursed out of treasury stock Common shares repurchased under repurchase program Common shares issued under dividend reinvestment plan Common shares issued under compensation plan for Boards of Directors Common shares issued under employee stock purchase plan Issuance of common shares related to acquisition of First Prestonsburg Shares at December 31, 2019 Changes related to stock-based compensation awards: Grant of restricted common shares Release of restricted common shares Cancellation of restricted common shares Grant of common shares Changes related to deferred compensation plan for Boards of Directors: Purchase of treasury stock Disbursed out of treasury stock Common shares repurchased under repurchase program Common shares issued under dividend reinvestment plan Common shares issued under compensation plan for Boards of Directors Common shares issued under performance unit awards Common shares issued under employee stock purchase plan Shares at December 31, 2020 Common Stock 18,952,385 Treasury Stock 702,449 — — — — — (106,805) 32,082 2,011 (102) (16,544) — — — 19,282 — — 1,152,711 20,124,378 6,526 (10) (2,089) — (4,699) (11,530) — 601,289 — — — — (133,926) 19,174 11,113 (5,130) — — — 26,287 — — 1,005,478 21,156,143 7,227 (2,187) 26,427 — (6,755) (13,050) — 504,182 — — — — (128,402) 27,391 33,689 (23,482) — — — 37,259 — — — 21,193,402 12,005 (2,362) 1,299,577 — (11,553) (6,127) (18,872) 1,686,046 On January 29, 2021, Peoples announced that on January 28, 2021, Peoples' Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program authorizing Peoples to purchase up to an aggregate of $30.0 million of its outstanding common shares, replacing the February 27, 2020 share repurchase program which had authorized Peoples to purchase up to an aggregate of $40.0 million of its outstanding common shares. On February 27, 2020, Peoples' Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program authorizing Peoples to purchase up to an aggregate of $40.0 million of its outstanding common shares, replacing the previous share repurchase program which had 127 authorized Peoples to purchase up to an aggregate of $20 million of its outstanding common shares. An aggregate of $6.3 million of Peoples' common shares were purchased under the previous share repurchase program from inception through its termination date, which was February 27, 2020. During 2020, Peoples purchased an aggregate of $29.3 million of its outstanding common shares, $843,000 of which were purchased under the previous share repurchase program and $28.5 million of which were purchased under the share repurchase program authorized on February 27, 2020 and later terminated on January 28, 2021. During 2019, Peoples purchased an aggregate of 26,427 of its common shares through the then-authorized share repurchase program. No common shares were repurchased in 2018. Under its Amended Articles of Incorporation, Peoples is authorized to issue up to 50,000 preferred shares, in one or more series, having such voting powers, designations, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions as determined by Peoples' Board of Directors. At December 31, 2020, Peoples had no preferred shares issued or outstanding. The following table details the cash dividends declared per common share for the year ended December 31: 2020 2019 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter $ 0.34 $ 0.34 0.34 0.35 Total dividends declared $ 1.37 $ 0.30 0.34 0.34 0.34 1.32 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The following details the change in the components of Peoples’ accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income for the years ended December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Balance, December 31, 2017 Reclassification adjustments to net income: Realized gain on sale of securities, net of tax Realized loss due to settlement and curtailment, net of tax Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss per ASU 2016-01 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of reclassifications and tax Balance, December 31, 2018 Reclassification adjustments to net income: Realized gain on sale of securities, net of tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of reclassifications and tax Balance, December 31, 2019 Reclassification adjustments to net income: Realized gain on sale of securities, net of tax Realized loss due to settlement and curtailment, net of tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of reclassifications and tax Balance, December 31, 2020 Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities $ (2,088) $ Unrecognized Net Pension and Postretirement Costs Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (4,256) $ 1,129 $ (5,215) 115 — (5,020) — 211 — — — — (3,089) (10,082) $ $ 334 (3,711) $ (269) 860 $ 115 211 (5,020) (3,024) (12,933) 130 — — 130 15,512 5,560 $ $ (247) (3,958) $ (3,627) (2,767) $ 11,638 (1,425) 291 — — 833 — — 9,001 14,852 $ $ (747) (3,872) $ (6,617) (9,384) $ 291 833 1,637 1,336 As of January 1, 2018, Peoples adopted ASU 2016-01, which resulted in the reclassification of $5.0 million in net unrealized gains on equity investment securities from AOCI to retained earnings. 128 Note 11 Employee Benefit Plans Peoples sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan that covers substantially all employees hired before January 1, 2010. The plan provides retirement benefits based on an employee’s years of service and compensation. For employees hired before January 1, 2003, the amount of postretirement benefit is based on the employee’s average monthly compensation over the highest five consecutive years out of the employee’s last ten years with Peoples while an eligible employee. For employees hired on or after January 1, 2003, the amount of postretirement benefit is based on 2% of the employee’s annual compensation during the years 2003 through 2009 plus accrued interest. Effective January 1, 2010, the pension plan was closed to new entrants. Effective March 1, 2011, the accrual of pension plan benefits for all participants was frozen. Peoples recognized this freeze as a curtailment as of December 31, 2010 and March 1, 2011, under the terms of the pension plan. Effective July 1, 2013, a participant in the pension plan who is employed by Peoples may elect to receive or to commence receiving such person's retirement benefits as of the later of such person's normal retirement date or the first day of the month first following the date such person makes an election to receive his or her retirement benefits. Peoples also provides post-retirement health and life insurance benefits to former employees and directors. Only those individuals who retired before January 27, 2012 were eligible for life insurance benefits. As of January 1, 2011, all retirees who desire to participate in the Peoples Bank medical plan do so by electing COBRA, which provides up to 18 months of coverage; retirees over the age of 65 also have the option to pay to participate in a group Medicare supplemental plan. Peoples only pays 100% of the cost for those individuals who retired before January 1, 1993. For all others, the retiree is responsible for most, if not all, of the cost of the health benefits. Peoples’ policy is to fund the cost of the benefits as they arise. The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the benefit obligations and fair value of assets of the plans for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and a statement of the funded status as of December 31, 2020 and 2019: (Dollars in thousands) Change in benefit obligation: Obligation at January 1 Interest cost Plan participants’ contributions Actuarial loss Benefit payments Settlements Pension Benefits Post-retirement Benefits 2020 2019 2020 2019 $ 12,668 $ 10,995 $ 326 — 1,708 (238) (2,154) 438 — 1,696 (461) — $ 11,866 $ 10,234 $ 1,378 2,093 — — (238) (2,154) — — (461) — $ 10,852 $ 11,866 $ (1,458) $ (802) $ (1,458) $ (802) $ (1,458) $ (802) $ — 3,918 $ 3,918 $ — 4,004 $ 4,004 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 75 2 59 6 83 3 121 — (71) (132) $ $ $ — 71 71 — — 12 59 (71) — — $ (71) $ (71) $ (71) $ $ — (39) (39) $ — 75 75 — — 11 121 (132) — — (75) (75) (75) — (48) (48) Obligation at December 31 Accumulated benefit obligation at December 31 $ 12,310 $ 12,668 $ 12,310 $ 12,668 $ $ Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at January 1 Actual return on plan assets Employer contributions Plan participants’ contributions Benefit payments Settlements Fair value of plan assets at December 31 Funded status at December 31 Amounts recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets: Accrued benefit liability Net amount recognized Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss: Unrecognized prior service cost Unrecognized net loss (gain) Total Weighted-average assumptions at year-end: Discount rate 2.38 % 3.12 % 2.38 % 3.12 % 129 The estimated costs relating to Peoples’ pension benefits that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic cost over the next fiscal year are $137,000. Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) The following table details the components of the net periodic cost (benefit) for the plans at December 31: Pension Benefits 2019 2018 2020 Post-retirement Benefits 2018 2020 2019 (Dollars in thousands) Interest cost Expected return on plan assets $ 326 (747) $ 438 (782) $ 423 (640) Amortization of prior service credit — — Amortization of net loss (gain) Settlement of benefit obligation Net periodic cost (benefit) 132 1,054 $ 765 78 — $ (266) $ — 104 267 154 $ 2 — — (5) 3 $ — (1) (5) 3 $ — — (5) — $ (3) $ — — (2) (3) $ Weighted-average assumptions: Discount rate 2.53 % 4.20 % 3.55 % 3.12 % 4.20 % 3.40 % Expected return on plan assets 7.50 % 7.50 % 7.50 % Rate of compensation increase n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a For measurement purposes, a 4.5% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered benefits (i.e., health care cost trend rate) was assumed for 2020 and grade down to an ultimate rate of 4.0% in 2070. The health care trend rate assumption does not have a significant effect on the contributory defined benefit postretirement plan; therefore, a one percentage point increase or decrease in the trend rate is not material in the determination of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation or the ongoing expense. Under US GAAP, Peoples is required to recognize a settlement gain or loss when the aggregate amount of lump-sum distributions to participants equals or exceeds the sum of the service and interest cost components of the net periodic pension cost. The amount of settlement gain or loss recognized is the pro rata amount of the unrealized gain or loss existing immediately prior to the settlement. In general, both the projected benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets are required to be remeasured in order to determine the settlement gain or loss. There were $1.1 million in settlement charges recorded in 2020, compared to none recorded in 2019, and $267,000 recorded in 2018. Determination of Expected Long-term Rate of Return The expected long-term rate of return on the pension plan's total assets is based on the expected return of each category of the pension plan's assets. Peoples' investment strategy for the pension plan's assets continues to allocate 60%-75% to equity securities. Plan Assets Peoples' investment strategy, as established by Peoples' Retirement Plan Committee, is to invest assets of the pension plan based upon established target allocations, which include a target range of 60-75% allocation in equity securities, 20-40% in debt securities and 0-15% of other investments. The assets are reallocated periodically to meet the target allocations. The investment policy is reviewed periodically, under the advisement of a certified investment advisor, to determine if the policy should be changed. 130 The following table provides the fair values of investments held in Peoples' pension plan at December 31, by major asset category: (Dollars in thousands) 2020 Equity securities: Mutual funds – equity Debt securities: Mutual funds – taxable income Total fair value of pension assets 2019 Equity securities: Mutual funds – equity Debt securities: Mutual funds – taxable income Total fair value of pension assets $ $ $ $ Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Fair Value 7,794 $ 7,794 $ 2,898 10,692 $ 2,898 10,692 $ 8,443 $ 8,443 $ 3,163 11,606 $ 3,163 11,606 $ — — — — — — Pension plan assets also included cash and cash equivalents of $152,000 and accrued income of $8,000 at December 31, 2020. Cash and cash equivalents were $257,000 and accrued income was $2,000 at December 31, 2019. For further information regarding levels of input used to measure fair value, refer to "Note 2 Fair Value of Financial Instruments." Equity securities held as investments in Peoples' pension plan did not include any securities of Peoples or related parties in 2020 or 2019. Cash Flows Peoples expects to make between $10,000 to $15,000 of contributions to its pension plan in 2021; however, actual contributions are made at the discretion of the Retirement Plan Committee and Peoples' Board of Directors. Estimated future benefit payments, which reflect benefits attributable to estimated future service, for the years ending December 31 are as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Pension Benefits Post-retirement Benefits 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 $ 1,131 $ 976 697 752 618 2026 to 2030 Total $ 3,146 7,320 $ 11 10 9 8 7 23 68 Retirement Savings Plan Peoples also maintains a retirement savings plan, or 401(k) plan, which covers substantially all employees. The plan provides participants with the opportunity to save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis. From January 1, 2011, until December 31, 2019, matching contributions equaled 100% of participants' contributions that did not exceed 3% of the participants' compensation, plus 50% of participants' contributions between 3% and 5% of the participants' compensation. Matching contributions made by Peoples totaled $2.5 million in 2020, $2.0 million in 2019 and $1.7 million in 2018. Beginning January 1, 2020, Peoples began matching 100% of participants' contributions that did not exceed 4% of the participants' compensation, plus 50% of participants' contributions between 4% and 6% of the participants' compensation. 131 Note 12 Income Taxes The TCJ Act was enacted on December 22, 2017 and required Peoples to reflect the changes associated with the TCJ Act’s provisions in the fourth quarter of 2017. As of December 31, 2017, Peoples was not able to make reasonable estimates for all items based on its knowledge of accounting under ASC 740, and the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately prior to enactment. As of December 31, 2018, Peoples finalized the remeasurement of its net deferred tax assets and net deferred tax liabilities at the new statutory federal corporate income tax rate of 21%, which resulted in a reduction to income tax expense of $0.7 million in 2018. The final adjustment was mainly due to Peoples' contribution of $3.2 million to Peoples' defined benefit pension plan during 2018. The reported income tax expense and effective tax rate in the Consolidated Statements of Income differ from the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal corporate income tax rate as follows for the years ended December 31: (Dollars in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Income tax computed at statutory federal corporate income tax rate Differences in rate resulting from: Tax-exempt interest income Investments in tax credit funds Bank owned life insurance Stock awards Captive insurance benefit Release of valuation allowance TCJ Act Other, net Income tax expense Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate $ 8,956 21.0 % $ 13,725 21.0 % $ 11,505 21.0 % (668) (1.6) % (659) (1.0) % (554) (1.0) % (415) (1.0) % (530) (0.8) % (125) (0.2) % (415) (1.0) % (510) (0.8) % (393) (0.7) % (5) — % (135) (0.2) % (332) (0.6) % (412) (1.0) % — — — % — % — — — — % — % — % — — % (805) (1.5) % (705) (1.3) % 838 $ 7,879 2.1 % (228) 18.5 % $ 11,663 (0.4) % 17.8 % $ 95 8,686 0.2 % 15.9 % On January 1, 2018, Peoples began recognizing income tax expense at the 21% statutory federal corporate income tax rate. During 2018, Peoples released a valuation allowance which reduced income tax expense by $0.8 million. The valuation allowance was related to a historic tax credit that Peoples had invested in during 2015. Peoples sold $6.7 million of equity investment securities in 2018, which resulted in a capital gain for tax purposes. This capital gain was large enough to offset an anticipated future capital loss expected to be recognized due to the structure of the historic tax credit investment, resulting in the release of the valuation allowance. Peoples' reported income tax expense consisted of the following for the years ended December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Current income tax expense Deferred income tax (benefit) expense Income tax expense 2020 2019 2018 $ $ 15,980 $ 11,554 $ (8,101) 7,879 $ 109 11,663 $ 8,995 (309) 8,686 132 The significant components of Peoples' deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities consisted of the following at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Deferred tax assets: Allowance for credit losses Accrued employee benefits Lease obligation Tax credit investments Derivative instruments Other Total deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities: Purchase accounting adjustments Bank premises and equipment (a) Deferred loan income Lease right-of-use assets Available-for-sale securities Other Total deferred tax liabilities Net deferred tax asset (liability) 2020 2019 13,819 $ 2,706 1,423 1,799 2,494 5 22,246 $ 4,522 $ 3,274 2,174 1,370 3,886 583 15,809 $ 6,437 $ 9,714 2,039 1,640 1,130 736 14 15,273 5,970 3,300 3,120 1,597 1,410 797 16,194 (921) $ $ $ $ $ (a) Peoples elected Internal Revenue Code Section 179 bonus depreciation in 2019, which increased the bonus depreciation percentage from 50% to 100% for qualified properties acquired and placed in service after September 27, 2017, and before January 1, 2023. As of December 31, 2020, Peoples had no operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes. The federal income tax benefit from sales of investment securities was $77,000 in 2020 and $31,000 in 2018. The federal income tax expense from sales of investment securities was $34,000 in 2019. Income tax benefits are recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements for a tax position only if it is considered "more- likely-than-not" of being sustained in an audit, based solely on the technical merits of the income tax position. If the recognition criteria are met, the amount of income tax benefits to be recognized are measured based on the largest income tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized on ultimate resolution of the tax position. The following table provides a reconciliation of uncertain tax positions at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Uncertain tax positions, beginning of year Gross increase based on tax positions related to current year Gross increase for tax position taken during prior years Gross decrease due to the statute of limitations Uncertain tax positions, end of year 2020 2019 $ $ $ $ $ 250 $ 12 $ — $ (113) $ 149 $ 423 39 8 (220) 250 Peoples is subject to U.S. federal income tax, as well as to tax in various state income tax jurisdictions. Peoples' income tax returns are subject to review and examination by federal and state taxing authorities. Peoples is currently open to audit under the applicable statutes of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service for the years ended December 31, 2017 through 2019. The years open to examination by state taxing authorities vary by jurisdiction. 133 Note 13 Earnings Per Common Share The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended December 31 were as follows: (Dollars in thousands, except per common share data) 2020 2019 2018 Distributed earnings allocated to common shareholders $ 27,082 $ 26,503 $ 21,334 Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders 7,313 26,796 24,660 Net earnings allocated to common shareholders $ 34,395 $ 53,299 $ 45,994 Weighted-average common shares outstanding 19,721,772 20,120,119 18,991,768 Effect of potentially dilutive common shares 122,034 153,606 130,492 Total weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding 19,843,806 20,273,725 19,122,260 Earnings per common share: Basic Diluted $ $ 1.74 $ 1.73 $ 2.65 $ 2.63 $ 2.42 2.41 Anti-dilutive common shares excluded from calculation: Restricted shares, stock options and stock appreciation rights 64,145 — 1,748 Note 14 Derivative Financial Instruments Peoples utilizes interest rate swap agreements as part of its asset/liability management strategy to help manage its interest rate risk position. The notional amount of the interest rate swaps does not represent amounts exchanged by the parties. The amount exchanged is determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the individual interest rate swap agreements. The fair value of derivative financial instruments is included in other assets and accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and in the net other adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities – Risk Management Objective of Using Derivative Financial Instruments Peoples is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. Peoples principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. Peoples manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources and duration of its assets and liabilities, and through the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, Peoples enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known or expected cash amounts, the value of which is determined by interest rates. Peoples’ derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing and duration of Peoples' known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to certain variable rate borrowings. Peoples also has interest rate derivative financial instruments that result from a service provided to certain qualifying customers and, therefore, are not used to manage interest rate risk in Peoples' assets or liabilities. Peoples manages a matched book with respect to customer-related derivative financial instruments in order to minimize its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions. Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk Peoples' objectives in using interest rate derivative financial instruments are to add stability to interest income and expense, and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish these objectives, Peoples has entered into interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. These interest rate swaps were designated as cash flow hedges and involve the receipt of variable rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for Peoples making fixed payments. As of December 31, 2020, Peoples had entered into seventeen interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional value of $160.0 million. Peoples will pay a fixed rate of interest for up to ten years while receiving a floating rate component of interest equal to the three-month LIBOR rate. The interest received on the floating rate component is intended to offset the interest paid on rolling three-month brokered CDs, which will continue to be rolled through the life of the swaps. As of December 31, 2020, the interest rate swaps were funded by $110.0 million of Insured Cash Sweep Services ("ICS") demand deposits and $50.0 million rolling three-month brokered CDs. Amounts reported in AOCI related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest income or expense as interest payments are made or received on Peoples' variable-rate assets or liabilities. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, Peoples had reclassifications of loss to earnings of 134 $2.0 million and gains to interest expense of $133,000, respectively. During the next twelve months, Peoples estimates that minimal interest expense will be reclassified. For derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of each derivative financial instrument is reported in AOCI (outside of earnings), net of tax, and subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings, and the ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative financial instrument is recognized directly in earnings. Peoples assesses the effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the changes in cash flows of the designated hedged transaction. The reset dates and the payment dates on the 90-day advances or brokered CDs used to fund the swaps are matched to the reset dates and payment dates on the receipt of the three-month LIBOR floating rate portion of the swaps to ensure effectiveness of the cash flow hedge. Effectiveness is measured by ensuring that reset dates and payment dates are matched. The following table summarizes information about the interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Notional amount Weighted average pay rates Weighted average receive rates Weighted average maturity Pre-tax unrealized losses included in AOCI 2020 $ 160,000 $ 2.18 % 0.38 % 4.4 years (11,879) 2019 160,000 2.18 % 1.73 % 5.4 years (3,503) The following table presents net losses or gains recorded in AOCI and in the Consolidated Statements of Income related to the cash flow hedges for the years ended December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Amount of loss recognized in AOCI, pre-tax $ Amount of loss recognized in earnings 2020 2019 8,376 $ — 4,591 (19) The following table reflects the cash flow hedges, which are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) 2020 2019 Included in other assets: Interest rate swaps related to debt Total included in other assets Included in accrued expenses and other liabilities: Interest rate swaps related to debt Total included in accrued expenses and other liabilities Non-Designated Hedges Notional Amount Fair Value Notional Amount Fair Value — $ — $ — $ — $ 55,000 $ 55,000 $ 644 644 160,000 $ 160,000 $ 12,063 $ 12,063 $ 105,000 $ 105,000 $ 4,340 4,340 $ $ $ $ Peoples Bank maintains an interest rate protection program for commercial loan customers, which was established in 2010. Under this program, Peoples Bank originates variable rate loans with interest rate swaps, where the customer enters into an interest rate swap with Peoples Bank on terms that match the terms of the loan. By entering into the interest rate swap with the customer, Peoples Bank effectively provides the customer with a fixed rate loan while creating a variable rate asset for Peoples Bank. Peoples Bank offsets its exposure in the swap by entering into an offsetting interest rate swap with an unaffiliated institution. These interest rate swaps do not qualify as designated hedges; therefore, each swap is accounted for as a standalone derivative financial instrument. These interest rate swaps did not have a material impact on Peoples' results of operation or financial condition. 135 The following table reflects the non-designated hedges, which are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, at December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Included in other assets: 2020 2019 Notional Amount Fair Value Notional Amount Fair Value Interest rate swaps related to commercial loans $ 415,044 $ 27,332 $ 321,394 $ Total included in other assets 415,044 27,332 321,394 Included in accrued expenses and other liabilities: Interest rate swaps related to commercial loans $ 415,044 $ 27,332 $ 321,394 $ Total included in accrued expenses and other liabilities 415,044 27,332 321,394 10,776 10,776 10,776 10,776 Pledged Collateral When the fair value of Peoples' interest rate swaps are in a net liability position, Peoples must pledge collateral and when the interest rate swaps are in a net asset position, the counterparties must pledge collateral. At December 31, 2020, Peoples had $41.0 million of cash pledged, while the counterparties had no amount of cash pledged. At December 31, 2019, Peoples had $20.0 million of cash pledged, while the counterparties had no amount of cash pledged. Cash pledged is included in interest-bearing deposits in other banks on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Note 15 Off-Balance Sheet Risk Loan Commitments and Standby Letters of Credit Loan commitments are made to accommodate the financial needs of Peoples' customers. Standby letters of credit are instruments issued by Peoples Bank guaranteeing the beneficiary payment by Peoples Bank in the event of default by Peoples Bank's customer in the nonperformance of an obligation or service. Historically, most loan commitments and standby letters of credit expire unused. Peoples' exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counter-party to the financial instrument for loan commitments and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. Peoples uses the same underwriting standards in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. The amount of collateral obtained is based on management's credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable; inventory; property, plant, and equipment; and income-producing commercial properties. The total amounts of loan commitments and standby letters of credit at December 31 were: (Dollars in thousands) Home equity lines of credit Unadvanced construction loans Other loan commitments Loan commitments Standby letters of credit 2020 2019 117,792 $ 141,009 535,250 794,051 14,342 $ 112,464 102,491 353,137 568,092 12,498 $ $ Note 16 Regulatory Matters The following is a summary of certain regulatory matters affecting Peoples and its subsidiaries: Federal Reserve Board Requirements Peoples Bank is required to maintain a minimum level of reserves, consisting of cash on hand and non-interest-bearing balances with the FRB of Cleveland, based on the amount of total deposits. Average required reserve balances were approximately $3.7 million and $16.5 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively. Limits on Dividends The primary source of funds for the dividends paid by Peoples is dividends received from Peoples Bank. The payment of dividends by Peoples Bank is subject to various banking regulations. The most restrictive provision requires regulatory approval if dividends declared in any calendar year exceed the total net profits of that year plus the retained net profits of the preceding two years. 136 At December 31, 2020, Peoples Bank had approximately $73.1 million of net profits available for distribution to Peoples as dividends without regulatory approval. Capital Requirements Peoples and Peoples Bank are subject to various regulatory capital guidelines administered by the banking regulatory agencies. Under capital adequacy requirements and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, Peoples and Peoples Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of each entity's assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Peoples' and Peoples Bank's capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors. Failure to meet future minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by the regulators that, if undertaken, could have a material effect on Peoples' financial results. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy, and in effect at December 31, 2020, required Peoples and Peoples Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of common equity tier 1 capital, tier 1 capital and total capital (each as defined in the applicable regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of tier I capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Peoples and Peoples Bank met all capital adequacy requirements at December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the most recent notification from the banking regulatory agencies categorized Peoples Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action applicable to Peoples Bank. Peoples maintained the capital required by the Federal Reserve Board to be deemed well capitalized and remain a financial holding company. To be categorized as well capitalized, Peoples and Peoples Bank must maintain minimum common equity tier 1, tier 1 risk-based, total risk-based and tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the table below. There are no conditions or events since this notification that management believes have changed Peoples' or Peoples Bank's category. Peoples' and Peoples Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios as of December 31 are also presented in the following table: (Dollars in thousands) PEOPLES Common Equity Tier 1 (a) Actual For capital adequacy To be well capitalized Tier 1 (b) Actual For capital adequacy To be well capitalized Total Capital (c) Actual For capital adequacy To be well capitalized Tier 1 Leverage (d) Actual For capital adequacy To be well capitalized 2020 2019 Amount Ratio Amount Ratio $ 409,400 13.01 % $ 427,415 141,605 204,540 4.50 % 6.50 % 131,866 190,473 $ 417,011 13.25 % $ 434,866 188,806 251,741 6.00 % 8.00 % 175,821 234,428 $ 456,384 14.50 % $ 456,422 251,741 314,677 8.00 % 10.00 % 234,428 293,036 14.59 % 4.50 % 6.50 % 14.84 % 6.00 % 8.00 % 15.58 % 8.00 % 10.00 % $ 417,011 8.97 % $ 434,866 10.41 % 186,049 232,561 4.00 % 5.00 % 167,037 208,796 4.00 % 5.00 % 7.58 % 2.50 % Capital Conservation Buffer $ 204,643 6.50 % $ 221,994 Fully phased in Net Risk-Weighted Assets 78,669 2.50 % 73,259 $ 3,146,767 $ 2,930,355 137 (Dollars in thousands) PEOPLES BANK Common Equity Tier 1 (a) Actual For capital adequacy To be well capitalized Tier 1 (b) Actual For capital adequacy To be well capitalized Total Capital (c) Actual For capital adequacy To be well capitalized Tier 1 Leverage (d) Actual For capital adequacy To be well capitalized 2020 2019 Amount Ratio Amount Ratio $ 395,753 12.58 % $ 406,612 141,513 204,408 4.50 % 6.50 % 131,757 190,316 $ 395,753 12.58 % $ 406,612 188,684 251,579 6.00 % 8.00 % 175,676 234,235 $ 435,101 13.84 % $ 428,168 251,579 314,473 8.00 % 10.00 % 234,235 292,794 $ 395,753 12.58 % $ 406,612 185,845 232,306 4.00 % 5.00 % 166,898 208,622 13.89 % 4.50 % 6.50 % 13.89 % 6.00 % 8.00 % 14.62 % 8.00 % 10.00 % 9.75 % 4.00 % 5.00 % 6.62 % 2.50 % Capital Conservation Buffer $ 183,522 5.84 % $ 193,933 Fully phased in Net Risk-Weighted Assets 78,618 2.50 % 73,199 $ 3,144,734 $ 2,927,941 (a) Ratio represents common equity tier 1 capital to net risk-weighted assets (b) Ratio represents tier 1 capital to net risk-weighted assets (c) Ratio represents total capital to net risk-weighted assets (d) Ratio represents tier 1 capital to average assets Note 17 Stock-Based Compensation Under the Peoples Bancorp Inc. Third Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Plan (the "2006 Equity Plan"), Peoples may grant, among other awards, nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted common share awards, stock appreciation rights, performance units and unrestricted common share awards to employees and non-employee directors. The total number of common shares available under the 2006 Equity Plan is 891,340. The maximum number of common shares that can be issued for incentive stock options is 500,000 common shares. Since February 2009, Peoples has granted restricted common shares to employees, and periodically to non-employee directors, subject to the terms and conditions prescribed by the 2006 Equity Plan. Additionally, in 2017, Peoples granted performance units to certain officers. In general, common shares issued in connection with stock-based awards are issued from treasury shares to the extent available. If no treasury shares are available, common shares are issued from authorized but unissued common shares. Restricted Common Shares Under the 2006 Equity Plan, Peoples may award restricted common shares to officers, key employees and non-employee directors. In general, the restrictions on the restricted common shares awarded to employees expire after periods ranging from one to five years. Since 2018, common shares awarded to non-employee directors have vested immediately upon grant with no restrictions. In 2020, Peoples granted an aggregate of 80,338 restricted common shares subject to performance-based vesting to officers and key employees with restrictions that will lapse three years after the grant date; provided that in order for the restricted common shares to vest in full, Peoples must have reported positive net income and maintained a well-capitalized status by regulatory standards for each of the three fiscal years preceding the vesting date. During 2020, Peoples granted, to certain key employees, an aggregate of 48,064 restricted common shares subject to time-based vesting, the majority of which will vest three years after the grant date. 138 The following summarizes the changes to Peoples’ outstanding restricted common shares for the year ended December 31, 2020: Time-Based Vesting Number of Common Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Performance-Based Vesting Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Common Shares Outstanding at January 1 Awarded Released Forfeited Outstanding at December 31 32,230 $ 48,064 5,250 7,286 67,758 $ 33.05 19.67 32.76 31.85 23.71 253,884 $ 80,338 56,827 26,403 250,992 $ 33.29 32.91 32.42 33.33 33.36 The total intrinsic value of restricted common shares released was $2.0 million, $1.8 million and $2.8 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Performance Unit Awards Under the 2006 Equity Plan, Peoples may grant performance unit awards to officers, key employees and non-employee directors. On July 26, 2017, Peoples granted a total of seven performance unit awards to officers, with a maximum aggregate dollar amount of $1.3 million represented by the performance units subject to such awards and each performance unit representing $1.00. During 2019, one of the seven performance unit awards was forfeited as the individual to whom the performance unit award was granted left Peoples before meeting the minimum service requirement to retain the performance unit award. The performance unit awards granted covered the performance period beginning January 1, 2018 and ending on December 31, 2019, and were subject to two performance goals. Twenty-five percent of the performance units subject to each award was to vest if, but only if, the related company-specific target performance goal was achieved. As of December 31, 2019, the target level of achievement for the company- specific target performance goal was reached for the performance period. The remaining 75% of the performance units subject to each award was to vest based on the relative performance of Peoples compared to a defined peer group (measured by percentile ranking) with respect to the related maximum performance goal. As of December 31, 2019, Peoples did not achieve the second performance goal. On February 27, 2020, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors certified the level of achievement of the performance goals that had been satisfied and a portion of the performance unit awards vested based on the performance achieved. The vested performance unit awards were settled in common shares of Peoples equal to (i) the aggregate number of the participant's performance units (and equivalent dollar value of such performance units) that vested based on the performance achieved under both performance goals (ii) divided by the fair market value of a common share of Peoples on the date the performance units were deemed to have vested (which was the certification date) and rounded down to the nearest whole common share. As a result, during the first quarter of 2020, the remaining six officers holding performance unit awards received an aggregate of 9,395 common shares at a fair market value of $29.26 per common share on the date the performance units were deemed vested, with a related expense of $275,000, recorded in the prior year. Stock-Based Compensation Peoples recognizes stock-based compensation, which is included as a component of Peoples’ salaries and employee benefit costs, for restricted common shares and performance unit awards, as well as purchases made by participants in the employee stock purchase plan. For restricted common shares, Peoples recognizes stock-based compensation based on the estimated fair value of the awards expected to vest on the grant date. The estimated fair value is then expensed over the vesting period, which is normally three years. For performance unit awards, Peoples recognizes stock-based compensation, over the performance period, based on the portion of the awards that is expected to vest based on the expected level of achievement of the established performance goals. Peoples also has an employee stock purchase plan whereby employees can purchase Peoples' common shares at a discount of up to 15%. The following summarizes the amount of stock-based compensation and related tax benefit recognized for the years ended December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Employee stock-based compensation expense: Restricted common share grant expense Employee stock purchase plan expense Performance stock unit expense $ Total employee stock-based compensation expense Non-employee director stock-based compensation expense Total stock-based compensation expense Recognized tax benefit Net expense recognized $ 2020 2019 2018 3,556 $ 63 (12) 3,607 340 3,947 (818) 3,129 $ 3,462 $ 63 130 3,655 308 3,963 (832) 3,131 $ 2,359 60 156 2,575 345 2,920 (613) 2,307 Restricted common shares were the primary form of stock-based compensation awards granted by Peoples in 2020, 2019 and 2018. The fair value of restricted common share awards on the grant date is the market price of Peoples' common shares. Total 139 unrecognized stock-based compensation related to unvested restricted common share awards was $2.8 million at December 31, 2020, which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years. In 2020, the Board of Directors granted 3,680 unrestricted common shares to non-employee directors, with related stock-based compensation of $120,000. Note 18 Revenue The following table details Peoples' revenue from contracts with customers for the year ended December 31: (Dollars in thousands) Insurance income: Commission and fees from sale of insurance policies (a) $ Fees related to third-party administration services (a) Performance-based commissions (b) Trust and investment income (a) Electronic banking income: Interchange income (a) Promotional and usage income (a) Deposit account service charges: Ongoing maintenance fees for deposit accounts (a) Transactional-based fees (b) Commercial loan swap fees (b) Other non-interest income transactional-based fees (b) Total Timing of revenue recognition: Services transferred over time Services transferred at a point in time Total (a) Services transferred over time. (b) Services transferred at a point in time. $ $ $ 2020 2019 12,137 $ 448 1,457 13,662 11,160 3,086 3,573 5,845 1,741 820 53,929 $ 44,066 $ 9,863 53,929 $ 12,670 602 1,530 13,159 10,797 2,883 3,832 7,868 2,228 716 56,285 43,943 12,342 56,285 Peoples records contract assets for income that has been recognized over a period of time for the fulfillment of performance obligations, but has not yet been received, related to electronic banking income. This income typically relates to bonuses for which Peoples is eligible, but will not receive until a certain time in the future. Peoples records contract liabilities for payments received for commission income related to the sale of insurance policies, for which the performance obligations have not yet been fulfilled. The contract liabilities are recognized as income over time, during the period in which the performance obligations are fulfilled, which is over the insurance policy period. Peoples also records contract liabilities for bonuses received related to electronic banking income, for which income is recognized during the period in which the performance obligations are fulfilled. The following table details the changes in Peoples' contract assets and contract liabilities for the period ended December 31, 2020: (Dollars in thousands) Balance, January 1, 2020 Additional income receivable Additional deferred income Recognition of income previously deferred Balance, December 31, 2020 Contract Assets Contract Liabilities $ $ 600 $ 647 — — 1,247 $ 5,190 — 244 (210) 5,224 From more information on Peoples' revenue recognition policies, see "Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies." Note 19 Acquisitions Effective July 1, 2020, Peoples closed on a business combination under which Peoples Bank acquired the operations and assets of Triumph Premium Finance (referred to as "premium finance acquisition"), a division of TBK Bank, SSB. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the division operating as Peoples Premium Finance continues to provide insurance premium financing loans for commercial 140 customers to purchase property and casualty insurance products through its growing network of independent insurance agency partners nationwide. The following table provides the purchase price calculation as of the date of acquisition, and the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values. (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Total purchase price Net Assets at Fair Value Assets Cash and due from banks Loans, net of deferred fees and costs Bank premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation Customer relationship intangible assets Other assets Total assets Liabilities Accrued expenses and other liabilities Total liabilities Net assets Goodwill $ 94,526 $ $ $ $ $ $ 509 84,704 45 4,280 11 89,549 479 479 89,070 5,456 The accounting for the premium finance acquisition has been completed. The estimated fair values presented in the above table reflect additional information that was obtained during the three months ended December 31, 2020, which resulted in changes to certain fair value estimates made as of the date of acquisition. Adjustments to acquisition date estimated fair values are recorded during the period in which they occur and, as a result, previously recorded results have changed. The below table reflects the changes in the estimated fair value at December 31, 2020 from balances reported at September 30, 2020: (Dollars in thousands) Net assets Loans Customer relationship intangible assets Change in goodwill Change in Fair Value $ $ (113) 108 (5) Peoples recorded a customer relationship intangible of $4.3 million. Peoples expects to amortize the intangible over 10 years, and recorded $310,000 of intangible amortization during 2020. As of the acquisition date, Peoples estimated an allowance for credit losses of $923,000 for the acquired loans through the income statement, which was included in the provision for credit losses during the third quarter of 2020. Acquired loans are reported net of the unamortized fair value adjustment. The following table details the fair value adjustment for acquired loans as of the acquisition date: (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Nonimpaired Loans Triumph Premium Finance Contractual cash flows Nonaccretable difference Expected cash flows Accretable yield Fair value $ $ 84,968 (179) 85,147 443 84,704 On January 1, 2020, Peoples Insurance acquired a property and casualty-focused independent insurance agency for a purchase price amount equal to $866,000, and recorded $735,000 of customer relationship intangibles, and $27,000 of other assets, resulting in $104,000 of goodwill. The acquisition will not materially impact Peoples' financial position, results of operations or cash flows. As of December 31, 2020, Peoples had $339,000 of contingent consideration payable related to the acquisition. 141 Note 20 Parent Company Only Financial Information Condensed Balance Sheets (Dollars in thousands) Assets: Cash and due from other banks Interest-bearing deposits in subsidiary bank Due from subsidiary bank Other investment securities Investments in subsidiaries: Bank Non-bank Other assets Total assets Liabilities: Accrued expenses and other liabilities Dividends payable Mandatorily redeemable capital securities of subsidiary trust Total liabilities Total stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Condensed Statements of Income (Dollars in thousands) Income: Dividends from subsidiary bank Dividends from non-bank subsidiary Interest and other income Total income Expense: Trust preferred securities expense Intercompany management fees Other expense Total expense December 31, 2020 2019 $ 50 $ 50 14,313 20,094 659 225 140 237 561,870 573,429 11,771 3,546 592,434 $ 9,418 3,067 606,435 6,253 $ 602 9,906 1,955 342 9,745 16,761 575,673 592,434 $ 12,042 594,393 606,435 $ $ $ Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 $ 49,000 $ 37,000 $ 13,500 — 16 — 81 2,500 357 49,016 37,081 16,357 373 1,369 5,376 7,118 534 1,607 5,432 7,573 520 1,561 4,647 6,728 9,629 (2,511) 34,115 46,255 Income before federal income taxes and equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries Applicable income tax expense (Excess dividends from) equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries Net income 41,898 (1,128) (8,259) 34,767 $ 29,508 (1,670) 22,517 53,695 $ $ 142 Statements of Cash Flows (Dollars in thousands) Operating activities Net income Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 $ 34,767 $ 53,695 $ 46,255 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operations: Depreciation, amortization and accretion, net 161 168 9,177 Excess dividends from (equity in) undistributed earnings of subsidiaries 8,259 (22,517) (34,115) Gain on investment securities Other, net Net cash provided by operating activities Investing activities Net proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities Investment in subsidiaries Decrease in receivable from subsidiary Business combinations, net of cash received Other, net Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities Financing activities Purchase of treasury stock Proceeds from issuance of common stock Cash dividends paid Net cash used in financing activities Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year Supplemental cash flow information: Interest paid (8) — 8,492 3,801 — 31 51,671 35,147 21,348 10 — 5,388 (35,238) (18,874) (31,813) 34,719 — (76) 18,869 (1,438) 226 (585) (1,217) 32,236 (637) 228 5,402 (30,409) (1,650) (1,380) 594 6 25 (27,052) (25,942) (56,867) (27,586) (5,781) 20,144 6,344 13,800 (20,915) (22,270) 4,480 9,320 14,363 $ 20,144 $ 13,800 385 $ 544 $ 513 $ $ 143 Note 21 Summarized Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Total interest income Total interest expense Net interest income Provision (recovery) for credit losses (a) Net gain (loss) on investment securities (b) Net loss on asset disposals and other transactions (b) 2020 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter $ 40,862 $ 39,306 $ 39,013 $ 37,923 6,226 34,636 16,969 319 (87) 4,446 34,860 11,834 62 (122) 3,894 35,119 4,728 2 (28) 3,615 34,308 (7,277) (751) (53) Total non-interest income excluding net gains and losses (b) 15,505 14,724 16,796 17,305 Amortization of other intangible assets Acquisition-related expenses Total non-interest expense excluding amortization of other intangible assets and acquisition-related expenses Income tax (benefit) expense Net (loss) income (Loss) earnings per common share – basic (Loss) earnings per common share – diluted 729 30 33,566 (156) (765) $ (0.04) $ (0.04) $ 728 47 31,030 1,136 857 335 33,123 2,636 909 77 32,264 4,263 4,749 $ 10,210 $ 20,573 0.24 $ 0.23 $ 0.52 $ 0.51 $ 1.06 1.05 $ $ $ Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic 20,367,564 19,720,315 19,504,503 19,302,919 Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted 20,538,214 19,858,880 19,637,689 19,442,284 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Total interest income Total interest expense Net interest income (Recovery) provision for credit losses (a) Net gain (loss) on investment securities (b) Net loss on asset disposals and other transactions (b) Amortization of other intangible assets Acquisition-related expenses Total non-interest expense excluding amortization of other intangible and acquisition-related expenses Income tax expense Net income Earnings per common share – basic Earnings per common share – diluted 2019 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter $ 40,576 $ 43,621 $ 43,609 $ 42,289 6,662 33,914 (263) 30 (182) 694 253 30,913 3,377 7,572 36,049 626 (57) (293) 15,639 824 6,770 31,282 2,238 7,855 35,754 1,005 97 (78) 7,168 35,121 1,136 94 (229) 16,374 17,298 953 199 31,841 3,281 888 65 32,568 2,767 $ $ $ 14,369 $ 9,598 $ 14,868 $ 14,860 0.74 $ 0.73 $ 0.47 $ 0.46 $ 0.72 $ 0.72 $ 0.72 0.72 Total non-interest income excluding net gains and losses (b) 15,581 Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic 19,366,008 20,277,028 20,415,245 20,407,505 Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted 19,508,868 20,442,366 20,595,769 20,599,127 (a) On January 1, 2020, Peoples adopted ASU 2016-13 and implemented the CECL model. Prior to the adoption of CECL, the provision for credit losses was the "provision for loan losses." The provision for credit losses includes changes related to the allowance for credit losses on loans, which includes purchased credit deteriorated loans, held-to-maturity investment securities, and the unfunded commitment liability. (b) The sum of amounts are considered total non-interest income. 144 ITEM 10 DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PART III The information concerning (a) directors of Peoples Bancorp Inc. ("Peoples"), (b) the procedures by which shareholders of Peoples may recommend nominees to Peoples' Board of Directors, (c) the Audit Committee of Peoples' Board of Directors and (d) the Board of Directors' determination that Peoples has an "audit committee financial expert" serving on its Audit Committee required by Items 401, 407(c)(3), 407(d)(4) and 407(d)(5) of SEC Regulation S-K will be included in the sections captioned "PROPOSAL NUMBER 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS," "THE BOARD AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD" and "NOMINATING PROCEDURES" of the definitive Proxy Statement of Peoples Bancorp Inc. relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 22, 2021 ("Peoples' Definitive Proxy Statement"), which sections are incorporated herein by reference. The procedures by which shareholders of Peoples may recommend nominees to Peoples' Board of Directors have not changed materially from those described in Peoples' definitive Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on April 23, 2020. The information regarding Peoples' executive officers required by Item 401 of SEC Regulation S-K will be included in the section captioned "EXECUTIVE OFFICERS" of Peoples' Definitive Proxy Statement, which section is incorporated herein by reference. Information regarding beneficial ownership reporting compliance under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is incorporated by reference from the text to be included under the caption "DELINQUENT SECTION 16(a) REPORTS" of Peoples' Definitive Proxy Statement, to the extent that disclosure of information is required. The Board of Directors of Peoples has adopted charters for each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Executive Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Risk Committee. In accordance with the requirements of Rule 5610 of the Nasdaq Stock Market Corporate Governance Requirements, the Board of Directors of Peoples has adopted a Code of Ethics covering the directors, officers and employees of Peoples and its subsidiaries, including, without limitation, the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer, the principal accounting officer and the controller of Peoples. Peoples intends to disclose the following events, if they occur, in a Current Report on Form 8-K and on the "Investor Relations" page of Peoples' Internet website at www.peoplesbancorp.com within four business days following their occurrence: (A) the date and nature of any amendment to a provision of Peoples' Code of Ethics that (a) applies to the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller of Peoples, or persons performing similar functions, (b) relates to any element of the code of ethics definition set forth in Item 406(b) of SEC Regulation S-K, and (c) is not a technical, administrative or other non-substantive amendment; and (B) a description (including the nature of the waiver, the name of the person to whom the waiver was granted and the date of the waiver) of any waiver, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the Code of Ethics granted to the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller of Peoples, or persons performing similar functions, that relates to one or more of the elements of the code of ethics definition set forth in Item 406(b) of SEC Regulation S-K. In addition, Peoples will disclose any waivers from the provisions of the Code of Ethics granted to a director or an executive officer of Peoples in a Current Report on Form 8-K within four business days following their occurrence. Each of the Code of Ethics, the Audit Committee Charter, the Compensation Committee Charter, the Executive Committee Charter, the Governance and Nominating Committee Charter and the Risk Committee Charter is posted under the "Corporate Overview – Governance Documents" tab of the "Investor Relations" page of Peoples' Internet website. Interested persons may also obtain copies of the Code of Ethics without charge by writing to Peoples Bancorp Inc., Attention: Corporate Secretary, 138 Putnam Street, P.O. Box 738, Marietta, Ohio 45750-0738. ITEM 11 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The information required by this Item 11 will be included in the sections captioned "COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION," "EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS," "SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE FOR 2020," "GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS FOR 2020," "OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END 2020," "OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED FOR 2020," "PENSION BENEFITS FOR 2020," "NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION FOR 2020," "OTHER POTENTIAL POST EMPLOYMENT PAYMENTS," "DIRECTOR COMPENSATION" and "COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT" of Peoples' Definitive Proxy Statement, which sections are incorporated herein by reference. 145 ITEM 12 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The information required by this Item 12 regarding the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management will be included in the section captioned "SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT" of Peoples' Definitive Proxy Statement, which section is incorporated herein by reference. Equity Compensation Plan Information The table below provides information as of December 31, 2020, with respect to compensation plans under which common shares of Peoples are authorized for issuance to directors, officers or employees in exchange for consideration in the form of goods or services. These compensation plans include: the Peoples Bancorp Inc. Third Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Plan (the "2006 Equity Plan"); (i) (ii) the Peoples Bancorp Inc. Third Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors of Peoples Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries (the "Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan"); and (iii) the Peoples Bancorp Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP"). All of these compensation plans were approved by the shareholders of Peoples. (a) Number of common shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) Weighted- average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (c) Number of common shares remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding common shares reflected in column (a)) 360,241 360,241 (1) $ $ (2) — — (3) 476,280 476,280 Plan Category Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders Total (1) Includes an aggregate of 318,750 restricted common shares subject to time-based or performance-based vesting restrictions granted under the 2006 Equity Plan, and 41,491 common shares allocated to participants' bookkeeping accounts under the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan. (2) The weighted-average exercise price does not take into account the common shares allocated to participants' time-based or performance-based restricted common share awards granted under the 2006 Equity Plan or bookkeeping accounts under the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan. (3) Includes 261,483 common shares remaining available for future grants under the 2006 Equity Plan at December 31, 2020, as well as 214,797 common shares remaining available for issuance and delivery under the ESPP. No amount is included for potential future allocations to participants' bookkeeping accounts under the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan since the terms of the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan do not provide for a specified limit on the number of common shares which may be allocated to participants' bookkeeping accounts. Additional information regarding Peoples' stock-based compensation plans can be found in "Note 17 Stock-Based Compensation" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. ITEM 13 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE The information required by this Item 13 will be included in the sections captioned "TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS," "PROPOSAL NUMBER 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS," "THE BOARD AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD" and "COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION" of Peoples' Definitive Proxy Statement, which sections are incorporated by reference. ITEM 14 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES The information required by this Item 14 will be included in the section captioned "INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM" of Peoples' Definitive Proxy Statement, which section is incorporated herein by reference. 146 ITEM 15 EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES PART IV (a)(1) Financial Statements: The following reports of the independent registered public accounting firm and consolidated financial statements of Peoples Bancorp Inc. and subsidiaries are filed as required by Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data and set forth immediately following "ITEM 9B OTHER INFORMATION" of this Form 10-K: Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Ernst & Young LLP) on Effectiveness of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Ernst & Young LLP) on Consolidated Financial Statements Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements Peoples Bancorp Inc. Parent Company Only Financial Information is included in Note 20 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules Page 84 86 88 89 90 91 93 96 142 All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted. (a)(3) Exhibits The documents listed in the Index to Exhibits that immediately precedes the signature page of this Form 10-K, are filed/ furnished with this Form 10-K as exhibits or incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference as noted. Each management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-K is identified as such in the list below. (b) Exhibits The documents listed in the Index to Exhibits that immediately precedes the signature page of this Form 10-K are filed/ furnished with this Form 10-K as exhibits or incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference as noted. (c) Financial Statement Schedules None ITEM 16 FORM 10-K SUMMARY Not applicable. 147 INDEX TO EXHIBITS Description Exhibit Location Exhibit Number 2.1 2.2 3.1(c) 3.1(d) Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 23, 2017, between Peoples Bancorp Inc. and ASB Financial Corp.+ Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 29, 2018, as amended on December 18, 2018, between Peoples Bancorp Inc. and First Prestonsburg Bancshares Inc.+ 3.1(a) Amended Articles of Incorporation of Peoples Bancorp Inc. (as filed with the Ohio Secretary of State on May 3, 1993) P 3.1(b) Certificate of Amendment to the Amended Articles of Incorporation of Peoples Bancorp Inc. (as filed with the Ohio Secretary of State on April 22, 1994) Included as Annex A to the definitive proxy statement/prospectus which forms a part of the Registration Statement of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form S-4/A (Registration No. 333-222054) Included as Annex A to the definitive proxy statement/prospectus which forms a part of the Registration Statement of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form S-4/A (Registration No. 333-228745) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Registration Statement of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 8-B filed on July 20, 1993 (File No. 0-16772) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1(b) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Peoples Bancorp Inc. for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017 (File No. 0-16772) ("Peoples' September 30, 2017 Form 10-Q") Certificate of Amendment to the Amended Articles of Incorporation of Peoples Bancorp Inc. (as filed with the Ohio Secretary of State on April 9, 1996) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1(c) to Peoples’ September 30, 2017 Form 10-Q Certificate of Amendment to the Amended Articles of Incorporation of Peoples Bancorp Inc. (as filed with the Ohio Secretary of State on April 23, 2003) 3.1(e) Certificate of Amendment by Shareholders to the Amended Articles of Incorporation of Peoples Bancorp Inc. (as filed with the Ohio Secretary of State on January 22, 2009) 3.1(f) Certificate of Amendment by Directors to Articles filed with the Ohio Secretary of State on January 28, 2009, evidencing adoption of amendments by the Board of Directors of Peoples Bancorp Inc. to Article FOURTH of the Amended Articles of Incorporation to establish express terms of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Shares, Series A, each without par value, of Peoples Bancorp Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Peoples Bancorp Inc. for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2003 (File No. 0-16772) (“Peoples’ March 31, 2003 Form 10-Q”) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 8-K dated and filed on January 23, 2009 (File No. 0-16772) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 8-K dated and filed on February 2, 2009 (File No. 0-16772) 3.1(g) Amended Articles of Incorporation of Peoples Bancorp Inc. [This document represents the Amended Articles of Incorporation of Peoples Bancorp Inc. in compiled form incorporating all amendments. The compiled document has not been filed with the Ohio Secretary of State.] Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1(g) to the Annual Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 0-16772) (“Peoples’ 2008 Form 10- K”) 3.2(a) Code of Regulations of Peoples Bancorp Inc.P Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(b) to the Registration Statement of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 8-B filed July 20, 1993 (File No. 0-16772) 3.2(b) Certified Resolutions Regarding Adoption of Amendments to Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(c) to Sections 1.03, 1.04, 1.05, 1.06, 1.08, 1.10, 2.03(C), 2.07, 2.08, 2.10 and 6.02 of the Code of Regulations of Peoples Bancorp Inc. by shareholders on April 10, 2003 Peoples’ March 31, 2003 Form 10-Q 3.2(c) Certificate regarding adoption of amendments to Sections 3.01, 3.03, 3.04, 3.05, 3.06, 3.07, 3.08 and 3.11 of the Code of Regulations of Peoples Bancorp Inc. by shareholders on April 8, 2004 Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Quarterly Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004 (File No. 0-16772) +Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of SEC Regulation S-K, as in effect at the time of filing of the Agreement and Plan of Merger. A copy of any omitted schedules or exhibits will be furnished supplementally by Peoples Bancorp Inc. to the SEC on a confidential basis upon request. PPeoples Bancorp Inc. filed this exhibit with the SEC in paper form originally and this exhibit has not been filed with the SEC in electronic format. 148 Exhibit Number 3.2(d) Description Exhibit Location Certificate regarding adoption of amendments to Sections 2.06, 2.07, 3.01 and 3.04 of Peoples Bancorp Inc.’s Code of Regulations by the shareholders on April 13, 2006 3.2(e) Certificate regarding adoption of an amendment to Section 2.01 of Peoples Bancorp Inc.'s Code of Regulations by the shareholders on April 22, 2010 Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 8-K dated and filed on April 14, 2006 (File No. 0-16772) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2(e) to the Quarterly Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 10-Q/A (Amendment No. 1) for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010 (File No. 0-16772) 3.2(f) 3.2(g) 4.1 4.2(a) 4.2(b) 4.3(a) 4.3(b) 4.3(c) 4.4 Certificate regarding Adoption of Amendment to Division (D) of Section 2.02 of Code of Regulations of Peoples Bancorp Inc. by the Shareholders at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on April 26, 2018 Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 8-K dated and filed on June 28, 2018 (File No. 0-16772) ("Peoples' June 28, 2018 Form 8-K") Code of Regulations of Peoples Bancorp Inc. [This document represents the Code of Regulations of Peoples Bancorp Inc. in compiled form incorporating all amendments.] Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Peoples' June 28, 2018 Form 8-K Agreement to furnish instruments and agreements defining rights of holders of long-term debt Filed herewith Indenture, dated as of June 25, 2007, between NB&T Financial Group, Inc., as issuer, and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, relating to Fixed/Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debt Securities due 2037 First Supplemental Indenture, dated June 5, 2015, and made to be effective as of 6:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on March 6, 2015, between Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, and Peoples Bancorp Inc., as successor to NB&T Financial Group, Inc. Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of NB&T Statutory Trust III, dated and effective as of June 25, 2007 NOTE: Pursuant to the First Supplemental Indenture, dated June 5, 2015, and made to be effective as of 6:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on March 6, 2015, between Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, and Peoples Bancorp Inc., Peoples Bancorp Inc. succeeded to and was substituted for NB&T Financial Group, Inc. as "Sponsor" Notice of Removal of Administrators and Appointment of Replacements, dated June 5, 2015, delivered to Wilmington Trust Company by the Successor Administrators named therein and Peoples Bancorp Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Quarterly Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015 (File No. 0-16772) ("Peoples' June 30, 2015 Form 10-Q") Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(b) to Peoples' June 30, 2015 Form 10-Q Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2(a) to Peoples' June 30, 2015 Form 10-Q Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2(b) to Peoples' June 30, 2015 Form 10-Q Notice of Removal of Administrator and Appointment of Replacement, dated February 11, 2021, delivered to Wilmington Trust Company by the Continuing Administrators and the Successor Administrator named therein and Peoples Bancorp Inc. Filed herewith Guarantee Agreement, dated as of June 25, 2007, between NB&T Financial Group, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as guarantee trustee, relating to the Capital Securities (as defined therein) NOTE: Pursuant to the First Supplemental Indenture, dated June 5, 2015, and made to be effective as of 6:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on March 6, 2015, between Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, and Peoples Bancorp Inc., Peoples Bancorp Inc. succeeded to and was substituted for NB&T Financial Group, Inc. as "Guarantor" Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Peoples' June 30, 2015 Form 10-Q 4.5 Description of Capital Stock of Peoples Bancorp Inc. 10.1(a) Peoples Bancorp Inc. Third Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors of Peoples Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries (Amended and Restated Effective June 26, 2014)* *Management Compensation Plan or Agreement 149 Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Annual Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 (File No. 0-16772) ("Peoples' 2019 Form 10- K") Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1(a) to Peoples' 2015 Form 10-K Exhibit Number 10.1(b) 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 Description Exhibit Location Rabbi Trust Agreement, made January 6, 1998, between Peoples Bancorp Inc. and The Peoples Banking and Trust Company (predecessor to Peoples Bank, National Association and now known as Peoples Bank following conversion to state-chartered bank) as Trustee* Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1(c) to the Annual Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 (File No. 0-16772) Summary of Peoples Bancorp Inc. Annual Incentive Program for Executive Officers and other employees of Peoples Bancorp Inc. [Effective beginning with the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2012 and ending with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019]* Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2(c) to the Annual Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 (File No. 0-16772) Summary of Peoples Bancorp Inc. Annual Incentive Program for Executive Officers and other employees of Peoples Bancorp Inc. [Effective for fiscal year ended December 31, 2020]* Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Peoples' 2019 Form 10-K Summary of Peoples Bancorp Inc. Annual Incentive Program for Executive Officers and other employees of Peoples Bancorp Inc. [Effective beginning with the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2021]* Filed herewith Summary of Perquisites for Executive Officers of Peoples Bancorp Inc.* Filed herewith Summary of Base Salaries for Executive Officers of Peoples Bancorp Inc.* Filed herewith 10.7 Summary of Compensation for Directors of Peoples Bancorp Inc.* Filed herewith 10.8 10.9 10.10 Peoples Bancorp Inc. Third Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Plan (approved by the shareholders of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on April 26, 2018; successor to the Peoples Bancorp Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Plan, the Peoples Bancorp Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Plan and the Peoples Bancorp Inc. 2006 Equity Plan)* Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99 to the Current Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 8-K dated and filed on April 30, 2018 (File No. 0-16772) Peoples Bancorp Inc. Third Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Plan Time-Based Restricted Stock Award Agreement (for Executives) used and to be used to evidence awards of time-based restricted stock granted to executives of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on and after July 31, 2018 * Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018 (File No. 0-16772) ("Peoples' September 30, 2018 Form 10-Q") Peoples Bancorp Inc. Third Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Plan Performance-Based Restricted Stock Award Agreement (for Executives) used and to be used to evidence awards of performance- based restricted stock granted to executives of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on and after July 31, 2018* Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Peoples' September 30, 2018 Form 10-Q 10.11 Peoples Bancorp Inc. Amended and Restated Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (adopted effective July 11, 2019)* 10.12 Peoples Bancorp Inc. Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement between Peoples Bancorp Inc. and Charles W. Sulerzyski (adopted April 4, 2011)* 10.13 Peoples Bancorp Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan* Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2019 (File No. 0-16772) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2011 (File No. 0-16772) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 8-K dated and filed on April 28, 2014 (File No. 0-16772) 10.14 Form of Peoples Bancorp Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Plan Performance-Based Restricted Stock Agreement used to evidence awards of performance-based restricted stock granted to employees of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on and after January 29, 2015 and prior to July 31, 2018* Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017 (File No. 0-16772) ("Peoples' March 31, 2017 Form 10-Q") *Management Compensation Plan or Agreement 150 Exhibit Number 10.15 Description Exhibit Location Form of Peoples Bancorp Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Plan Performance-Based Restricted Stock Award Agreement used to evidence awards of performance-based restricted stock granted to executive officers of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on and after January 29, 2015 and prior to January 1, 2018* Incorporated herein by reference Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015 (File No. 0-16772) 10.16 Form of Peoples Bancorp Inc. Change in Control Agreement to be adopted by Peoples Bancorp Inc. and individuals who are first elected as executive officers of Peoples Bancorp Inc. after March 24, 2016* Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016 (File No. 0-16772) 10.17 10.18 10.19 10.20 10.21 10.22 10.23 Peoples Bancorp Inc. Change in Control Agreement between Peoples Bancorp Inc. and Douglas Wyatt (adopted May 2, 2016)* Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Peoples' March 31, 2017 Form 10-Q Loan Agreement, made and entered into as of April 3, 2019, between Peoples Bancorp Inc., as Borrower, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Lender Revolving Credit Note issued by Peoples Bancorp Inc. on April 3, 2019 to U.S. Bank National Association in the principal amount of $20,000,000 Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 8-K dated and filed on April 9, 2019 (File No. 0-16772) ("Peoples' April 9, 2019 Form 8-K") Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Peoples' April 9, 2019 Form 8-K First Amendment to Loan Agreement, made and entered into as of April 2, 2020, between Peoples Bancorp Inc., as Borrower, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Lender Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 8-K dated and filed on April 6, 2020 (File No. 0-16772) Form of Peoples Bancorp Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Plan Performance Unit Award Agreement used and to be used to evidence grants of performance units to executive officers of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on and after July 26, 2017* Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2017 (File No. 0-16772) Peoples Bancorp Inc. Change in Control Agreement between Peoples Bancorp Inc. and Ryan Kirkham (adopted January 1, 2019)* Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to Peoples' 2019 Form 10-K Peoples Bancorp Inc. Change in Control Agreement between Peoples Bancorp Inc. and Jason M. Eakle (adopted April 1, 2020)* 10.24 Peoples Bancorp Inc. Change in Control Agreement between Peoples Bancorp Inc. and Kathryn M. Bailey (adopted October 1, 2020)* Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2020 (File No. 0-16772) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report of Peoples Bancorp Inc. on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020 (File No. 0-16772) ("Peoples September 30, 2020 Form 10-Q") 10.25 10.26 10.27 21 23 24 Peoples Bancorp Inc. Change in Control Agreement between Peoples Bancorp Inc. and Mark J. Augenstein (adopted October 1, 2020)* Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Peoples' September 30, 2020 Form 10-Q Peoples Bancorp Inc. Change in Control Agreement between Peoples Bancorp Inc. and Tyler Wilcox (adopted October 1, 2020)* Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Peoples' September 30, 2020 Form 10-Q Separation Agreement and General Release between John C. Rogers (executed on October 5, 2020) and Peoples Bank (executed on October 6, 2020)* Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Peoples' September 30, 2020 Form 10-Q Subsidiaries of Peoples Bancorp Inc. Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Ernst & Young LLP Filed herewith Filed herewith Powers of Attorney of Directors and Executive Officers of Peoples Bancorp Inc. Filed herewith 31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications [President and Chief Filed herewith Executive Officer] *Management Compensation Plan or Agreement 151 Exhibit Number Description Exhibit Location 31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications [Executive Vice President, Filed herewith Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer] 32 Certifications Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code [President and Chief Executive Officer; and Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer] Furnished herewith 101.INS Inline XBRL Instance Document ## Submitted electronically herewith # 101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document Submitted electronically herewith # 101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document Submitted electronically herewith # 101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document Submitted electronically herewith # 101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document Submitted electronically herewith # 101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document Submitted electronically herewith # 104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy extension information contained in Exhibits 101) Submitted electronically herewith # Attached as Exhibit 101 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 of Peoples Bancorp Inc. are the following documents formatted in Inline XBRL (eXtensive Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018; and (vi) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. ## The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. 152 Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. SIGNATURES Date: March 1, 2021 PEOPLES BANCORP INC. By: /s/ CHARLES W. SULERZYSKI Charles W. Sulerzyski President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signatures Title /s/ CHARLES W. SULERZYSKI Charles W. Sulerzyski President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ KATIE BAILEY Katie Bailey /s/ TARA M. ABRAHAM* Tara M. Abraham /s/ S. CRAIG BEAM* S. Craig Beam /s/ GEORGE W. BROUGHTON* George W. Broughton Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) Director Director Director /s/ DAVID F. DIERKER* Director David F. Dierker /s/ JAMES S. HUGGINS* James S. Huggins Director /s/ BROOKE W. JAMES* Director Brooke W. James /s/ DAVID L. MEAD* David L. Mead /s/ SUSAN D. RECTOR* Susan D. Rector Director Chairman of the Board and Director /s/ MICHAEL N. VITTORIO* Director Michael N. Vittorio Date 3/1/2021 3/1/2021 3/1/2021 3/1/2021 3/1/2021 3/1/2021 3/1/2021 3/1/2021 3/1/2021 3/1/2021 3/1/2021 * The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this Annual Report on Form 10-K on behalf of each of the directors of the Registrant identified above pursuant to Powers of Attorney executed by the directors of the Registrant identified above, which Powers of Attorney are filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K in Exhibit 24. By: /s/ CHARLES W. SULERZYSKI Charles W. Sulerzyski President and Chief Executive Officer Attorney-in-Fact 153 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK $116,055 AMOUNT RAISED IN 2020 BY ASSOCIATE DONATIONS TO LOCAL FOOD BANKS DURING PANDEMIC OUR VISION Our vision is to be THE BEST COMMUNITY BANK IN AMERICA. EMPLOYEE PROMISE CIRCLE CLIENTS FIRST INTEGRITY ALWAYS RESPECT FOR ALL COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY LEAD THE WAY EXCELLENCE IN EVERYTHING 138 PUTNAM STREET I PO BOX 738 I MARIETTA, OH 45750 I 800.374.6123 peoplesbancorp.com P047045 Cover 2021_PB_A.indd 4 P047045 Cover 2021_PB_A.indd 4 2/23/21 9:58 AM 2/23/21 9:58 AM

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