Peoples Ltd. Boosts Dividend by 15%, Signaling Robust Financial Health

WYALUSING, PA – May 28, 2026 – Peoples Ltd. (OTC: PPLL), the holding company for the century-old PS Bank, delivered a strong message of confidence to its shareholders this week, announcing a significant increase in its quarterly cash dividend.

In a move that underscores the company's powerful financial performance, the Board of Directors declared a second-quarter cash dividend of $0.35 per share. This represents a substantial 15.22% increase over the dividend paid in the same quarter of 2025 and marks the 14th consecutive year of dividend increases for the community-focused institution.

The dividend will be payable on June 30, 2026, to shareholders of record as of June 15, 2026. The declaration was made during a regular board meeting on May 27.

"Anthony J. Gabello, President and Chief Executive Officer of Peoples Ltd., has announced that the Board of Directors has declared a second quarter cash dividend in the amount of $0.35 per share," the company stated in its official press release. This decision follows a period of exceptional profitability and strategic growth for the Pennsylvania-based bank.

A Foundation of Soaring Profits

The double-digit dividend hike is not an arbitrary gesture but a direct reflection of the company's impressive financial results. Peoples Ltd. has demonstrated remarkable growth in profitability, providing a solid foundation for enhanced shareholder returns.

For the first quarter of 2026, the company reported a consolidated net income of $3.15 million, or $1.73 per share. This represents a staggering 52.27% increase from the $2.07 million, or $1.14 per share, reported in the first quarter of 2025. Key performance metrics that measure a bank's profitability and efficiency also surged. The company’s Return on Average Assets (ROAA) climbed to 1.95% from 1.43% a year prior, while its Return on Average Equity (ROAE) jumped to 18.68% from 14.90%.

This strong start to 2026 builds on a banner year in 2025. PS Bank, the company's banking subsidiary, posted a net income of $10.11 million for the full year 2025—a 40.1% increase over 2024. The bank’s ROAA and ROAE figures for 2025 placed it in the top 5% of all banks in Pennsylvania, a clear indicator that it is outperforming many of its peers in the state.

Management has attributed this success to a combination of factors, including robust loan growth, favorable repricing of both loans and investments, an increase in noninterest-bearing deposits, and disciplined control over interest expenses. Total assets have continued their upward trajectory, growing to $663.6 million as of March 31, 2026, alongside steady growth in both deposits and total loans.

A Community Bank Powering Regional Economies

Beyond the impressive numbers, the success of Peoples Ltd. and PS Bank is deeply intertwined with the economic vitality of the five Pennsylvania counties it serves: Bradford, Sullivan, Wyoming, Lackawanna, and Susquehanna. Established in 1914, PS Bank has been a fixture in these communities for over a century, and its financial health often mirrors and supports the local economy.

The operating environment across these counties presents a nuanced picture. While some areas have seen slight declines in employment figures over the past year, this is counterbalanced by rising property values across the board. For instance, Lackawanna County saw a 6.27% increase in median property values in 2024, while Sullivan County experienced a 5.74% rise. This suggests a resilient and growing real estate market, a key driver for banking activity.

PS Bank's balanced approach, with a loans-to-deposits ratio of 74.35%, indicates it is prudently lending into these communities without overextending its resources. The bank's ability to thrive is a testament to its effective navigation of the opportunities and challenges within this diverse economic landscape, from the natural resource-rich areas benefiting from Marcellus Shale to communities leveraging economic development programs to attract new business.

By providing capital for small businesses, mortgages for homeowners, and stable financial services, a thriving community bank like PS Bank acts as a crucial economic engine. The profits that fuel shareholder dividends are first generated through this local economic activity, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits residents, businesses, and investors alike.

A Beacon of Stability for Investors

In a market that can often be volatile, Peoples Ltd.'s announcement offers a compelling narrative for investors seeking stability and reliable income. The 14-year history of consecutive dividend increases, capped by the latest 15.22% boost, establishes the company as a dependable performer. Based on the new dividend, the stock offers an annual yield of approximately 2.4%.

For investors, a consistently growing dividend is often considered a hallmark of a well-managed company with a confident outlook on its future earnings potential. It signals that the board and management believe the current high level of performance is sustainable. The company's strong balance sheet, with growing assets and a healthy loan portfolio, further reinforces this perception of stability.

As an institution that has weathered more than a century of economic cycles, PS Bank, under its parent Peoples Ltd., represents a model of durability. The recent financial achievements and the resulting reward to shareholders suggest that this long-standing community bank is not only preserving its legacy but actively building on it, positioning itself for continued success in the years to come.