Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Starts Peoples Bancorp (PEBO) at Outperform; Pursuing Operating Leverage

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods initiates coverage on Peoples Bancorp (NASDAQ: PEBO) with an Outperform. PT $21.00.

KBW analyst says, "Faced with near-term organic growth challenges, Peoples is focusing on the controllable- reducing operating expenses- with a primary goal of achieving positive operating leverage this year. We believe this strategy will likely be complimented by the return to the M&A arena, something that could serve as a positive catalyst to estimates and the shares and ultimately help drive additional efficiency gains."

For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on Peoples Bancorp click here. For more ratings news on Peoples Bancorp click here.

Shares of Peoples Bancorp closed at $17.37 yesterday.

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