Peoples Bancorp Inc

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The disclosure have been no material changes from thosbelow supplements the risk factors previously disclosed under ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS of Part I of Peoples 2024 Form 10-K. These risk factors are not the only risks Peoples faces. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to management or that management currently deems to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect Peoples business, financial condition and/or operating results. 

Economic, Political, Environmental and Market Risks

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. Current and future local, regional, national and international economic conditions (including the impact of persistent inflation, supply chain issues or labor shortages, supply-demand imbalances affecting local real estate prices, high unemployment rates in the local or regional economies in which Peoples operates and/or the U.S. economy generally, the current or future U.S. government shutdown, an increasing federal government budget deficit, the failure of the federal government to raise the federal debt ceiling, potential or imposed tariffs, a U.S. withdrawal from or significant renegotiation of trade agreements, trade wars and other changes in trade regulations, and/or changes in the relationship of the U.S. and U.S. global trading partners), changes in the federal, state and local governmental policy and other factors beyond Peoples control may adversely affect Peoples Banks deposit levels and composition, the quality of investment securities available for purchase, the demand for loans, the ability of Peoples Banks borrowers to repay their loans, and the value of the collateral securing the loans Peoples Bank makes. 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 capital, as well as the ability of Peoples Banks customers to repay loans.

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 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 inflation and changes in market interest rates 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 Banks 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 Banks ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure.

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