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4 Reasons Why Peoples Bancorp (PEBO) Stock is Worth Buying

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If you are thinking of investing in banking stocks, this is the right time. An improving operating backdrop, rising rate environment and expectations of lesser regulations along with the strengthening of domestic economy have created optimism.

From the vast universe of the banking stocks, today we have chosen – Peoples Bancorp Inc. (PEBO - Free Report) – for you to consider. Based in Marietta, OH, the company offers a profitable investment opportunity driven by steady earnings growth.

Peoples Bancorp not only beat estimates in the first quarter, but also has been witnessing upward estimate revisions, reflecting analysts’ optimism about its growth prospects. Over the last 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2017 and 2018 increased 4.3% and 4%, respectively.

Further, shares of this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock have rallied 4% over the last six months, outperforming 0.2% gain for the Zacks categorized Midwest Banks industry.



Additionally, Peoples Bancorp has a number of other aspects that make it an attractive investment option.

Revenue Strength: Peoples Bancorp’s revenues increased at a CAGR of 12.4% over the last five years (2012–2016). Further, the top line is expected to grow 6% in 2017, higher than the industry average of 2.6%.

Earnings Growth: Peoples Bancorp witnessed earnings growth of 12.4% in the last three to five years. This earnings momentum is likely to continue in the near term as reflected by the company’s projected EPS growth rate (F1/F0) of 13.1%.

Further, the company’s long-term (three to five years) estimated EPS growth rate of 8% promises rewards for investors in the long run.

Strong Leverage: Peoples Bancorp’s debt/equity ratio is 0.39 compared with the industry average of 0.43. The relatively strong financial health of the company will help it perform better than its peers under a dynamic business environment.

Valuation Looks Reasonable: Peoples Bancorp has a Value Style Score of ‘B’. The Value Style Score condenses all valuation metrics into one actionable score that helps investors steer clear of ‘value traps’ and identify stocks that are truly trading at a discount. Our research shows that stocks with Style Scores of ‘A’ or ‘B’, when combined with Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or #2, offer the best upside potential.

Other Stocks Worth Considering

Some other stocks worth considering in the same industry include PrivateBancorp, Inc. , Old Second Bancorp, Inc. (OSBC - Free Report) and Enterprise Financial Services Corp (EFSC - Free Report) . All three stocks carry a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

PrivateBancorp has witnessed an upward earnings estimate revision of 3.4% for the current year, over the past 60 days. Also, over the last six months, its share price jumped 27.6%.

Old Second Bancorp earnings estimates were revised 14.8% upward for the current year, in the past 60 days. Also, its share price increased 29% over the last six months.

Enterprise Financial recorded an upward earnings estimate revision of 1.9% for the current year, in the past 60 days. Also, its share price has seen a 6% rise over the last six months.

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