Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

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, comprehensive income or loss, net cash provided by operating activities or stockholders' equity.

Consolidation

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 and Peoples Investment Company, along with their wholly-owned subsidiaries, and NB&T Statutory Trust III, for which Peoples holds all of the common securities. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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. Included in interest-bearing deposits in other banks was $1.0 million in funds at December 31, 2017 and 2016, which were being used as collateral and not available for withdrawal.

Investment Securities

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, and any resulting gain or loss, is based on the specific identification method and recognized as of the trade date.

Management 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 holding gains and losses reported in stockholders' equity as a separate component of other accumulated comprehensive income or loss, net of applicable deferred income taxes.

Certain restricted equity 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 as 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").

Management systematically evaluates investment securities for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. This analysis requires management to consider various factors, which include (1) the duration and magnitude of the decline in value, (2) the financial condition of the issuer or issuers, and (3) the structure of the security.

An impairment loss is recognized in earnings only when (1) Peoples intends to sell the debt security, (2) it is more likely than not that Peoples will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, or (3) Peoples does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. In situations where Peoples intends to sell or when it is more likely than not that Peoples will be required to sell the security, the entire impairment loss must be recognized in earnings. In all other situations, only the portion of the impairment loss representing the credit loss must be recognized in earnings, with the remaining portion being recognized in stockholders' equity as a component of accumulated comprehensive income or loss, net of applicable deferred taxes.

Fair Value Measurements

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 contracts 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 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

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase: Peoples enters into sales of securities under agreements to repurchase (“Repurchase Agreements”) with customers and other financial service companies, which are considered financings. As such, these obligations are recorded as a liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and disclosed in Note 8 and Note 9, 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. 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 and Loans Held-For-Sale

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, charge-offs and an allowance for loan 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 $7.5 million and $5.4 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

A loan is considered impaired when information and events indicate it is probable that collection of all contractual principal and interest payments is doubtful. Impairment is evaluated collectively for smaller balance loans of a similar nature, primarily consumer and residential real estate loans, and on an individual loan basis for all loans to borrowers with an aggregate unpaid principal balance in excess of $1 million on an annual basis for possible credit deterioration. This loan review process provides Peoples with opportunities to identify potential problem loans and take proactive actions to assure repayment of the loan or minimize Peoples' risk of loss, such as reviewing the relationship more frequently based upon the loan quality rating and aggregate debt outstanding. Upon detection of the reduced ability of a borrower to meet cash flow obligations, the loan is reviewed for possible downgrade or placement on nonaccrual status. Loan relationships whose aggregate debt to Peoples is equal to or less than $1 million are reviewed on an event driven basis. Peoples also completes evaluation procedures for a selection of larger loan relationships on a quarterly basis. Triggers for review include knowledge of adverse events affecting the business, receipt of financial statements indicating deteriorating credit quality and other events. Peoples typically places any loan deemed to be impaired on nonaccrual status and allocates a specific portion of the allowance for loan losses, if necessary, to reduce the net carrying value of the loan to its estimated net realizable value. Impaired loans, or portions thereof, are charged off when deemed uncollectable. Upon detection of the reduced ability of a borrower to meet cash flow obligations, consumer and residential real estate loans typically are charged down to the net realizable value, with the residual balance placed on nonaccrual status.

Loans acquired in a business combination that have evidence of deterioration of credit quality, commonly referred to as "purchased credit impaired" loans, since origination and for which it is probable, at acquisition, that Peoples will be unable to collect all contractually required payments which are initially recorded at fair value (the present value of the amounts expected to be collected) with no valuation allowance. The difference between the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition and the investment in the loan is recognized as interest income on a level yield method over the life of the loan. Contractually required payments for interest and principal that exceed the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition are not recognized. Over the life of these acquired loans, management continues to monitor each acquired purchased credit impaired loan portfolio for changes in credit quality. Increases in expected cash flows subsequent to acquisition are recognized prospectively over the remaining life of the acquired purchased credit impaired loans as a yield adjustment on the loans. Subsequent decreases in expected cash flows are recognized as an impairment, with the amount of the expected loss included in management's evaluation of the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses. These purchased credit impaired loans are considered to be accruing and performing even though collection of contractual payments on the loans may be in doubt, as income continues to be accreted as long as expected cash flows can be reasonably estimated.

Loans acquired in a business combination that are not impaired are recorded at 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. Subsequent to the acquisition date, the method utilized to estimate the required allowance for loan losses for these loans is similar to originated loans; however, Peoples records a provision for loan losses only when the required allowance exceeds the remaining discount.

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 loan 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.

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 as either an other asset or an other liability. 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 Loan Losses

Allowance for Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses is a valuation reserve established through provisions for loan losses charged against income. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level that management deems sufficient to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Loans deemed to be uncollectable are charged against the allowance for loan losses, while recoveries of previously charged off amounts are credited to the allowance for loan losses.

The allowance for loan losses is comprised of specific valuation allowances for loans evaluated individually for impairment and general allocations for pools of homogeneous loans with similar risk characteristics and trends. Peoples' homogenous loan pools include similarly risk-graded commercial and industrial loans, similarly risk-graded commercial real estate loans, real estate construction loans (both commercial and residential), residential real estate loans, consumer home equity loans, and indirect and other consumer loans. Management's evaluation of the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses and the related provision for loan losses is based upon a quarterly analysis of the portfolio. While portions of the allowance for loan losses may be allocated to specific loans, the entire allowance for loan losses is available for any loan charged off by management.

The allowance for loan losses related to specific loans is 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. The general allocations to specific loan pools are based on the historical loss rates for specific loan types and the internal risk grade, if applicable, adjusted for both internal and external qualitative risk factors. The calculation of historical loss rates for pools of similar loans with similar characteristics is based upon the proportion of actual charge-offs experienced to the total population of loans in the pool. The historical loss rates are periodically updated based on actual charge-off experience. The qualitative economic and business conditions and developments that affect the collectibility of the portfolio, including the condition of various market segments, which are considered by management include, among other factors, (1) changes in international, national, regional and local economic and business conditions, (2) changes in asset quality, (3) changes in loan portfolio volume, (4) the composition and concentrations of credit, (5) changes in the value of underlying collateral due to economic or market conditions, (6) the impact of interest rate changes on portfolio risk, and (7) effectiveness of Peoples' loan policies, procedures and internal controls. The total allowance for loan losses established for each homogenous loan pool represents the product of the historical loss rate, adjusted for qualitative factors, and the total dollar amount of the loans in the pool.

Peoples categorizes loans involving commercial borrowers into risk categories based upon an established grading matrix. This system is used to manage the risk within its commercial lending activities, evaluate changes in the overall credit quality of the loan portfolio and evaluate the appropriateness of the allowance for loan 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 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 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 generally 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 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 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.

Troubled Debt Restructuring

Troubled Debt Restructuring: The restructuring of a loan is considered a troubled debt restructuring ("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 impaired 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 considered impaired loans and are evaluated individually to determine if a write-down is required and if they should be on accrual or nonaccrual status.

Bank Premises and Equipment

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 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 of income tax expense. The unamortized amount of the investments is recorded in other assets and totaled $4.7 million and $5.0 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other Real Estate Owned: 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. Peoples had OREO totaling $208,000 at December 31, 2017 and $661,000 at December 31, 2016.

Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]

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 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 December 31, 2017, based upon the estimated fair value of Peoples' single reporting unit.

Peoples' other intangible assets include customer relationship, 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.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

Servicing Rights: Servicing rights (“SRs”) represent the right to service loans sold to third-party investors. SRs are recognized separately as a servicing asset or liability whenever Peoples undertakes an obligation to service financial assets. SRs 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 SRs 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 in proportion to, and 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 SRs 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.

Trust Assets Under Management

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 Recognition: Interest income on loans and investment securities is recognized by methods that result in level rates of return on principal amounts outstanding, including yield adjustments resulting from the amortization of loan costs and premiums on investment securities, and accretion of loan fees and discounts on investment securities. 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.

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.

Other Income Recognition

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 formulas in written contracts, such as loan agreements or securities contracts.

Other Income Recognition: Service charges on deposits include cost recovery fees associated with the services provided, such as overdraft and non-sufficient funds. Trust and investment income consists of revenue from fiduciary activities, which include fees for services such as asset management, recordkeeping, retirement services and estate management, and investment commissions and fees related to the sale of investments. Income from these activities is recognized at the time the related services are performed.

Insurance income consists of commissions and fees from the sales of insurance policies and related insurance services. Insurance income is recognized when it is earned and can be reasonably estimated. Performance-based commissions from insurance companies are recognized when received and no contingencies remain.

Income Taxes

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 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 “Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017 and ASC 740 required Peoples to reflect the changes associated with the Act’s provisions in the fourth quarter of 2017. The Act is complex and has extensive implications for Peoples’ federal taxes. At December 31, 2017, Peoples completed the accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act; however, in certain cases as described below, Peoples made reasonable estimates of the effects of a reduced federal tax rate on its existing deferred tax balances. In other cases, Peoples has not been able to make a reasonable estimate and continued to account for those items based on its existing accounting under ASC 740 and the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately prior to enactment. For the items for which Peoples was able to determine a reasonable estimate, Peoples recognized a provisional amount of $0.9 million, which is included as a component of income tax expense from continuing operations. In all cases, Peoples will continue to make and refine its calculations during the remeasurement period as additional analysis is completed. In addition, these estimates may also be affected as Peoples gains a more thorough understanding of the tax law.

Peoples releases the impact of income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive loss in the period in which they occur. The Act resulted in stranded income tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive loss, for which new accounting guidance was issued under ASU 2018-02. This guidance allowed for Peoples to early adopt and retrospectively apply the reclassification of stranded income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings. As of December 31, 2017, Peoples had reclassified all income tax effects resulting from the Act from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings, and the components of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss included in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity were computed based upon a 21% statutory federal tax rate. As of December 31, 2016, the components of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss included in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity were computed based upon a 35% statutory federal tax rate.

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' valuation allowance and uncertain income tax positions and unrecognized benefits are disclosed in Note 12.

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs: Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per Share: Basic and diluted earnings per common share (“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 earnings per common share are computed by dividing net earnings allocated to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted earnings per common share are 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

Operating Segments: Peoples' business activities are currently confined to one reporting unit and reportable 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: Compensation expense for stock appreciation rights and restricted stock awards are measured at the fair value of these awards on their grant date. Compensation expense is recognized over the required service period, generally the vesting period for stock appreciation rights and the restriction period for restricted stock awards. For all awards, only the expense for the portion of the awards expected to vest is recognized. For service-based awards, compensation expense for awards granted to employees who are eligible for retirement is recognized to the date the employee is first eligible to retire.

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements: From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("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.

ASU 2018-02 - Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Allows for a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Act. This amendment eliminates the stranded tax effects resulting from the Act and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. The amendment will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption of the amendment is permitted for public business entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The amendment should be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Act is recognized. Peoples has elected to early adopt this accounting guidance effective December 31, 2017, and has reclassified income tax effects of the Act of approximately $0.9 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings.

ASU 2018-01 - Leases (Topic 842): Improvements of transparency and comparability by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing transactions. This update provides an optional practical expedient that affects entities with land easements that existed or expired before an entity's adoption of Topic 842, provided that the entity does not account for those land easements as leases under Topic 840. The amendments in this ASU affect the amendments in ASU 2016-02, which are not yet effective but may be early adopted. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments are the same as the effective date and transition requirements in ASU 2016-02. Peoples will adopt this guidance as required, in conjunction with the adoption of ASU 2016-02 described below, however this update is not expected to materially alter the implementation of ASU 2016-02, or to have a material impact on Peoples' consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2017-12 - Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted improvements to accounting for hedging activities. The amendments in this ASU better align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. To meet that objective, the amendments expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and align the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. The amendments will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (effective January 1, 2019 for Peoples). Peoples will adopt this new accounting guidance as required, and it is not expected to have a material impact on Peoples' consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2017-11 - Earnings Per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480); Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): (Part 1) Accounting for certain financial instruments with down round features and (Part II), Replacement of the indefinite deferral for mandatory redeemable financial instruments of certain nonpublic entities and certain mandatory redeemable noncontrolling interests with a scope exception. (Part I) of the update addresses the complexity of accounting for certain financial instruments with down round features of certain equity-linked instruments and will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (effective January 1, 2019 for Peoples). Peoples will adopt this new accounting guidance as required, and it is not expected to have a material impact on Peoples' consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2017-09 - Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope and Modification Accounting. An entity may change the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award for many different reasons, and the nature and effect of the change can vary significantly. Modification is currently defined as "a change in any of the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award." The amendments in this ASU provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in accordance with Topic 718. The amendments will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (effective January 1, 2018 for Peoples). Peoples adopted this new accounting guidance effective January 1, 2018, and it is not expected to have a material impact on Peoples' consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2017-08 - Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The amendments in this ASU shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. The amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The amendments will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (effective January 1, 2019 for Peoples). Peoples will adopt this new accounting guidance as required, and it is not expected to have a material impact on Peoples' consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2017-07 - Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. The amendments in this ASU require that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. The amendments will improve the consistency, transparency, and usefulness of financial information and will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (effective January 1, 2018 for Peoples). Peoples adopted this new accounting guidance effective January 1, 2018, and it will have no impact on Peoples' consolidated financial statements as the accrual for pension plan benefits for all participants was frozen as of March 1, 2011.

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 will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 (effective January 1, 2020 for Peoples). Peoples will adopt this new accounting guidance as required, and it is not expected to have a material impact on Peoples' consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2017-01 - Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The amendments in this ASU clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting, including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill and consideration. ASU 2017-01 will become effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (effective January 1, 2018 for Peoples). Peoples will adopt Phase 1 of this new accounting guidance as required and management will apply this guidance to future transactions upon adoption. Phase 2, which was released as ASU 2017-05, will not impact 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 current “incurred loss” model for recognizing credit losses with an “expected loss” model referred to as the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) model. Under the CECL model, Peoples will be required to present certain financial assets carried at amortized cost, such as loans held-for-investment and held-to-maturity debt securities, at the net amount expected to be collected.

The measurement of expected credit losses is to be based on information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. This measurement will take 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 required under current US GAAP, which delays recognition until it is probable a loss has been incurred. Accordingly, Peoples expects that the adoption of the CECL model will materially affect how the allowance for loan losses is determined and could require significant increases to the allowance for loan losses. Moreover, the CECL model may create more volatility in the level of Peoples' allowance for loan losses. If required to materially increase the level of allowance for loan losses for any reason, such increase could adversely affect Peoples' business, financial condition and results of operations.

The new CECL standard will become effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 (effective January 1, 2020 for Peoples). Peoples is currently evaluating the impact that the CECL model will have on Peoples' financial statements and expects to recognize a one-time cumulative-effect adjustment to the allowance for loan loss provision as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the new standard is effective, consistent with regulatory expectations set forth in interagency guidance issued at the end of 2016. Peoples has not yet determined the magnitude of any such one-time cumulative adjustment or of the overall impact of the new standard on Peoples' financial condition or results of operations.

ASU 2016-09 - Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The amendments in this ASU require all excess income tax benefits or tax deficiencies of stock awards to be recognized in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. The amendments also allow an employer to repurchase more of an employee’s shares than the employer could under previous guidance for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting and to make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. Peoples adopted this pronouncement as of January 1, 2017, and will continue using an estimated forfeiture rate. In 2017, Peoples recorded a tax benefit of $154,000 associated with the adoption of this ASU for the tax benefit related to awards that settled or vested during the year, with the majority recorded in the first quarter of 2017.

ASU 2016-02 - Leases (Topic 842): The amendments in this ASU were issued to improve the financial reporting of leasing activities and provide a faithful representation of leasing transactions and improve understanding and comparability of a lessee's financial statements. Additional aspects of this new accounting guidance are still being interpreted and the FASB has issued updates to certain aspects of the guidance to address implementation issues. The FASB issued updates in September of 2017 and January of 2018, clarifying several areas of the guidance. Under the new accounting guidance, a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. This ASU will require both finance and operating leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. This ASU will affect all companies and organizations that lease real estate. This ASU will become effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (effective January 1, 2019 for Peoples). Peoples will adopt this new accounting guidance as required, and it is not expected to have a material impact on Peoples' consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2016-01 - Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The amendments in this ASU are intended to enhance the reporting model for financial instruments to provide users of financial statements with more useful information. The amendments require equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. However, a reporting organization may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment (if any,) from observable price changes in orderly transactions for similar investments of the same issuer. This ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (effective January 1, 2018 for Peoples). Peoples adopted this accounting guidance as of January 1, 2018, which will result in an impact to the income statement on a quarterly and annual basis as market values fluctuate. As of December 31, 2017, Peoples had net unrealized gains on equity securities of $6.4 million.

ASU 2014-09 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The FASB issued updates in March, April, May and December of 2016, and in September and November of 2017, clarifying several areas of the guidance. These clarifications included:

•Principal versus agent considerations,

•Collectibility, sales tax and non-cash consideration, practical expedients for contract modifications and

completed contracts,

•Identification of performance obligations,

•Licensing implementation guidance, and

• Transition provisions for public business entities that otherwise would not meet the definition of a public business entity except for a requirement to include, or the inclusion of, its financial statements or financial information in another public business entity's filing.

This accounting guidance can be implemented using either a full retrospective method or a modified retrospective approach. This accounting guidance will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (effective January 1, 2018 for Peoples). Early adoption is permitted but only for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Peoples adopted this new accounting guidance in 2018, as required, and will use 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. Peoples' analysis indicates that certain non-interest income financial statement line items contain revenue streams that are in the scope of this update, the most substantial of which is insurance income, and also includes trust and investment income, e-banking income, deposit account service charges, commercial loan swap fee income and certain revenue included in other non-interest income.

As of January 1, 2018, Peoples will record a cumulative-effect adjustment and expects to record a reduction to retained earnings of approximately $3 million, which is net of federal income taxes. This analysis is preliminary, and is subject to further review. Beginning in 2018, Peoples will begin recording insurance income under the new guidance, which is not expected to have a significant impact on Peoples’ financial condition or results of operations.