UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
                                    FORM 10-Q

                   QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                       For the quarter ended June 30, 1997
                         Commission File Number 0-12154

                           THE PEOPLES HOLDING COMPANY
             -------------------------------------------------------
           (Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter)

                             MISSISSIPPI 64-0676974
        ------------------------ --------------------------------------
        (State of Incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

            209 Troy Street, P. O. Box 709, Tupelo, Mississippi 38801
           ----------------------------------------------------------
                    (Address of principal executive offices)

         Registrant's telephone number including area code 601-680-1001

 Indicate by check whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to
 be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
 the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
                             for the past 90 days.
                                 YES__X__NO_____

  Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
                common stock, as to the latest practicable date.

            Common stock, $5 Par Value, 3,906,675 shares outstanding
                               as of August 13, 1997






















                                       1

THE PEOPLES HOLDING COMPANY INDEX PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION PAGE Item 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996.................. 3 Consolidated Statements of Income - Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996......................... 4 Consolidated Statements of Income - Three Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996......................... 4 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996.............. 5 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................ 6 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.................. 7 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings....................................... 11 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Shareholders......... 11 Item 6.(b) Reports on Form 8-K..................................... 11 Signatures.................................................. 12 2

THE PEOPLES HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS JUNE 30 DECEMBER 31 1997 1996 ------------ ----------- (Unaudited) (Note 1) Assets Cash and due from banks .................. $ 37,041,607 $ 38,374,641 Federal Fund Sold ........................ 8,500,000 ---------- ---------- 37,041,607 46,874,641 Interest bearing balances with banks ..... 6,792,109 1,824,031 Securities held-to-maturity (market value-$52,955,525 and $52,334,931 at June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively) ................... 52,525,362 52,051,251 Securities available-for-sale (amortized cost-$215,970,045 and $193,696,615 June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1995, respectively) ......................... 216,036,226 194,058,997 Loans .................................... 586,873,660 562,752,505 Allowance for loan losses ........... (9,306,960) (9,309,354) ----------- ------------ Net Loans ........................ 577,566,700 553,443,151 Premises and equipment ................... 22,250,582 21,559,955 Other assets ............................. 23,973,822 23,277,326 ----------- ------------ Total Assets .................. $ 936,186,408 $ 893,089,352 =========== ============ Liabilities Deposits: Noninterest-bearing ................. $ 118,283,628 $ 118,638,526 Certificates of deposit exceeding $100,000 ........................ 96,420,213 89,435,562 Interest bearing .................... 591,558,174 564,767,920 ------------ ------------ Total Deposits ............ 806,262,015 772,842,008 Treasury tax and loan note account ..... 8,517,494 6,354,142 Borrowings ............................. 15,153,335 11,174,638 Other liabilities ...................... 12,287,711 12,157,744 ------------ ------------ Total Liabilities ......... $ 842,220,555 $ 802,528,532 Shareholders' Equity Common Stock, $5 par value-7,500,000 authorized, 3,906,675 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively .......................... 19,533,375 19,533,375 Additional paid-in capital .............. 39,875,796 39,875,796 Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net of tax ........ 41,495 227,214 Retained earnings ....................... 34,515,187 30,924,435 ------------ ------------ Total Shareholders' Equity .... 93,965,853 90,560,820 ------------ ------------ Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity ........ $ 936,186,408 $ 893,089,352 ============ ============ See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 3

THE PEOPLES HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30 THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30 1997 1996 1997 1996 ---- ---- ---- ---- (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Interest Income Loans ................................ $ 26,764,006 $ 24,769,781 $ 13,634,333 $ 12,504,522 Securities: Taxable ......................... 6,611,262 6,084,321 3,408,199 3,105,054 Tax-exempt ...................... 1,431,272 1,348,120 712,108 631,098 Other ................................ 359,996 544,510 153,205 245,732 ------- ------- ----- ----- Total interest income ...... 35,166,536 32,746,732 17,907,845 16,486,406 Interest Expense Time deposits exceeding $100,000 ..... 2,409,665 1,843,044 1,542,026 977,949 Other deposits ....................... 12,265,105 11,888,769 5,998,580 5,834,721 Borrowings .......................... 626,694 143,674 327,617 116,953 ------- ------- ------ ------ Total interest expense ..... 15,301,464 13,875,487 7,868,223 6,929,623 ---------- ---------- --------- --------- Net interest income ........ 19,865,072 18,871,245 10,039,622 9,556,783 Provision for loan losses .................. 1,140,000 1,260,450 570,000 630,225 --------- --------- ------- ------- Net interest income after provision for loan losses .. 18,725,072 17,610,795 9,469,622 8,926,558 Noninterest income: Service charges on deposit accounts .. 3,287,673 3,211,701 1,689,317 1,611,205 Fees and commissions ................. 991,120 836,453 551,104 417,153 Trust revenue ........................ 299,400 270,000 149,700 135,000 Security gains(losses) ............... 77,711 161,423 (12,944) 52,973 Other ................................ 1,052,575 796,537 480,875 325,309 ------- ------- ------- ------- Total noninterest income ... 5,708,479 5,276,114 2,858,052 2,541,640 Noninterest expenses: Salaries and employee benefits ....... 9,446,115 9,257,253 4,790,495 4,619,025 Net occupancy ........................ 1,247,362 1,119,080 563,353 571,075 Equipment ............................ 858,117 746,644 413,055 402,543 Other ................................ 5,426,665 5,232,170 2,859,407 2,657,238 --------- --------- --------- --------- Total noninterest expenses . 16,978,259 16,355,147 8,626,310 8,249,881 ---------- ---------- --------- --------- Income before income taxes ................. 7,455,292 6,531,762 3,701,364 3,218,317 Income taxes ............................... 2,223,737 1,961,424 1,070,975 955,447 --------- --------- --------- --------- Net income ................. $ 5,231,555 $ 4,570,338 $ 2,630,389 $ 2,262,870 ========== ========== ============ ============ Earnings per share ........................ $ 1.34 $ 1.17 $ .67 $ .58 ====== ====== ====== ====== Weighted average shares outstanding ....... 3,906,675 3,906,675 3,906,675 3,906,675 ========= ========= ========= ========= See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 4

THE PEOPLES HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30 1997 1996 ---- ---- (Unaudited) Operating Activities Net Income ............................. $ 5,231,555 $ 4,570,338 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Provision for loan losses .............. 1,140,000 1,260,450 Provision for depreciation and amortization ...................... 1,165,995 989,550 Net amortization (accretion) of securities premiums/discounts ..... 1,335,899 (731,941) Losses (gains) on sales/calls of securities ........................ 61,869 (90,899) Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 129,967 (169,942) Deferred income taxes (credits)......... (124,567) 120,913 Losses (gains) on sales of premises and equipment ............ 106,712 (15,360) Increase in other assets ............... (485,867) (778,462) -------- -------- Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities ................... 8,561,563 5,154,647 Investing Activities Net (increase) decrease in balances with other banks .................. (4,968,078) 6,010,469 Proceeds from maturities/calls of securities held-to-maturity ....... 1,772,594 669,581 Proceeds from maturities/calls of securities available-for-sale ..... 37,377,232 37,835,540 Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale ..... 31,311,869 18,590,899 Purchases of securities held-to-maturity .................. (2,782,000) (4,034,555) Purchases of securities available-for-sale ................ (91,825,004) (88,208,602) Net increase in loans .................. (25,531,038) (9,447,845) Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment ..................... 153,406 96,170 Purchases of premises and equipment .... (1,824,831) (1,233,606) ---------- ---------- Net Cash Used in Investing Activities ................... (56,315,850) (39,721,949) Financing Activities Net decrease in noninterest-bearing deposits ...... (354,898) (519,282) Net increase in certificate of deposits exceeding $100,000 ................. 6,984,651 19,818,422 Net increase in other interest-bearing deposits .......... 26,790,254 6,967,951 Net increase in treasury tax and loan note account ......... 2,163,352 725,112 Increase in borrowings ................. 3,978,697 2,594,548 Cash dividends paid .................... (1,640,803) (1,450,200) ---------- ---------- Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities ................... 37,921,253 28,136,551 ---------- ---------- Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents ......... (9,833,034) (6,430,751) Cash and Cash Equivalents at beginning of period ............... 46,874,641 63,918,819 ---------- ---------- Cash and Cash Equivalents at end of period ..................... $ 37,041,607 $ 57,488,068 ============ ============ Non-cash transactions: Transfer of loans to other real estate .............................. $ 267,489 $ 568,621 ============ ============ See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 5

THE PEOPLES HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) JUNE 30, 1997 Note 1 Basis of Presentation: The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 1996, has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normally recurring accruals) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. The statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the Registrant's annual report for the year ended December 31, 1996. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been omitted in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Note 2 Earnings Per Share In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share". Statement No. 128 simplifies the calculation of earnings per share (EPS) standards, and is effective for both interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 1997. The Company does not believe that the adoption of this statement will have a material effect on its consolidated financial position or results of operations. 6

THE PEOPLES HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS This Form 10-Q may contain or incorporate by reference statements which may constitute "forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees for future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Important factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include significant fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, economic recession, significant changes in the federal and state legal and regulatory environment, significant underperformance in the Company's portfolio of outstanding loans, and competition in the Company's markets. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time. Financial Condition - ------------------- Total assets of The Peoples Holding Company grew from $893,089,352 on December 31, 1996, to $936,186,408 on June 30, 1997, or 4.83% for the six month period. Total securities increased from $246,110,248 on December 31, 1996, to $268,561,588 on June 30, 1997, with the majority of growth in US Government Agencies and Mortgage-backed securities. Loans, net of unearned income, increased $24,121,155 or 4.29%. Total deposits for the first six months of 1997 grew from $772,842,008 on December 31, 1996 to $806,262,015 on June 30, 1997, or an increase of 4.32%, with the majority of growth in time deposits. The equity capital to total assets ratio was 10.04% and 10.14% for June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively. The decrease is mainly due to the decline in unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale at June 30, 1997. Results of Operations-June 30, 1997 compared to June 30, 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company's net income for the six month period ending June 30, 1997, was $5,231,555 representing an increase of $661,217 or 14.47% over net income for the six month period ending June 30, 1996 which totaled $4,570,338. The increase in net income for the six month period came from usual and customary deposit gathering and lending operations. Net income was $2,630,389 and $2,262,870 for the second quarter ending June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The annualized returns on average assets for the six month period ending June 30, 1997 and 1996, was 1.14% and 1.05%, respectively. 7

Net interest income, the difference between interest earned on assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, is the largest component of the Company's net income. The primary items of concern in managing net interest income are the mix and maturity balance between interest-sensitive assets and related liabilities. The net interest income for the six month periods ending June 30, 1997 and 1996, was $19,865,072 and $18,871,245, respectively. The net interest income was $10,039,622 and $9,556,783 for the three month periods ending June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Earning assets averaged $846.7 million for the six month period ending June 30, 1997, compared to $782.4 million for the same period in 1996. The increase in average earning assets is mainly due to the increase in loan volume, based on consumer demand, and an increase in the securities portfolio. The net interest margin was 4.94% and 5.06% for the six month periods ending June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The decrease in net interest margin is due to the increase in the volume and rate of costing liabilities in 1997. The provision for loan losses charged to operating expense is an amount which, in the judgement of management, is necessary to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level that is adequate to meet the present and potential risks of losses on the Company's current portfolio of loans. The appropriate level of the allowance is based on a quarterly analysis of the loan portfolio including consideration of such factors as the risk rating of individual credits, size and diversity of the portfolio, economic conditions, prior loss experience, and the results of periodic credit reviews by internal loan review and regulators. The provision for loan losses totaled $1,140,000 and $1,260,450 for the six month periods ending June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The allowance for loan losses as a percent of net loans outstanding was 1.59% and 1.65% as of June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively. Net charge-offs to average loans was .20% and .23% for the six month periods ending June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Noninterest income was $5,708,479 for the six month period ending June 30, 1997, compared to $5,276,114 for same period in 1996, or an increase of 8.19%. The increase in deposits at June 30, 1997 compared to same period in 1996 resulted in an increase in service charges and fees and commissions. The increase in other income for the six months ending June 30, 1997, compared to the same period in 1996, was attributable to an increase in debit card and merchant activity and mortgage loan servicing. Noninterest income for the quarter ending June 30, 1997 increased $316,412 or 12.45% compared to the same period in 1996. The increase is mainly due to an increase in fees and commissions along with the increased loan and deposit volume, coupled with security losses in the quarter ending June 30, 1997 compared to securities gains in the same quarter of 1996. Noninterest expenses were $16,978,259 for six month period ending June 30,1997, compared to $16,355,147 for the same period 1996, or an increase of 3.81%. The components of noninterest expenses for the quarter ending and six months ending June 30, 1997 and 1996, reflect normal increases for personnel related expenses and general inflation in the cost of services and supplies purchased by the Company. Noninterest expenses for the quarter ending June 30, 1997 increased $376,429 or 4.56% compared to the same period in 1996. 8

Income tax expense was $2,223,737 for the six month period ending June 30, 1997, compared to $1,961,424 for the same period in 1996. The increase is due to increased profits for the six month period ending 1997 compared to 1996. The Company continues to invest in assets whose earnings are given favorable tax treatment, which lowered the indicated tax rate from 30.03% to 29.83%, respectively. Liquidity Risk Liquidity management is the ability to meet the cash flow requirements of customers who may be either depositors wishing to withdraw funds or borrowers needing assurance that sufficient funds will be available to meet their credit needs. Core deposits are a major source of funds used to meet cash flow needs. Maintaining the ability to acquire these funds as needed in a variety of money markets is a key to assuring liquidity. Approximately 88% of the Company's deposits are composed of accounts with balances less than $100,000. When evaluating the movement of these funds even during large interest rate changes, it is apparent that the Company continues to attract deposits that can be used to meet cash flow needs. Management continues to monitor the liquidity and potentially volatile liabilities ratios to ensure compliance with Asset Liability Committee targets. These targets are set to ensure that the Company meets the liquidity requirements deemed necessary by management and regulators. Other sources available for meeting the Company's liquidity needs include available-for-sale securities. The available-for-sale portfolio is composed of securities with a readily available market that can be used to convert to cash if the need arises. In addition, the Company maintains a federal funds position that provides day-to-day funds to meet liquidity needs and may also obtain advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) or the treasury tax and loan note account, in order to meet liquidity needs. Historically, the Company has not relied upon these sources to meet long-term liquidity needs. Sources of funds derived from the FHLB are used primarily to match mortgage loan originations in order to minimize interest rate risk. Capital Resources The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Bank's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank's assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank's capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios. All banks are required to have core capital (Tier I) of at least 4% of risk-weighted assets (as defined), 4% of average assets (as defined), and total capital of 8% of risk-weighted assets (as defined). As of June 30, 1997, the Bank has met all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject. 9

As of June 30, 1997, the most recent notification from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based, and Tier I leverage ratios of 10%, 6%, and 5%, respectively. In the opinion of management, there are no conditions or events since the last notification that have changed the institution's category. The Bank's actual capital amounts and applicable ratios are as follows: Actual Amount Ratio ------ ----- (000) As of June 30, 1997 Total Capital .................... $ 96,975 16.3% (to Risk Weighted Assets) Tier I Capital ................... $ 89,504 15.0% (to Risk Weighted Assets) Tier I Capital ................... $ 89,504 9.8% (to Adjusted Average Assets) As of December 31, 1996 Total Capital .................... $ 92,734 16.4% (to Risk Weighted Assets) Tier I Capital ................... $ 85,618 15.1% (to Risk Weighted Assets) Tier I Capital ................... $ 85,618 9.9% (to Adjusted Average Assets) Management recognizes the importance of maintaining a strong capital base. As the above ratios indicate, the Company exceeds the requirements for a well capitalized bank. Book value per share was $ 24.05 and $23.18 at June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively. Quarterly cash dividends were raised to $.22 per share during the second quarter of 1997, up from $.19 per share during the second quarter of 1996. The Company's capital policy is to evaluate future needs based on growth, earnings trends and anticipated acquisitions. 10

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings There have been no material proceding against the Company during the quarter ending June 30, 1997. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Shareholders The annual meeting of the shareholders of The Peoples Holding Company was held on April 8, 1997, for the purpose of electing five members to the board of directors for a three year term, and one member to the board of directors for a one year term, and to ratify the appointment of the independent auditors. Proxies for the meeting were solicited pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Election of Directors For Withheld Not Voting THREE-YEAR TERM George H. Booth, II 3,118,308 0 788,367 Frank B. Brooks 3,114,693 3,615 788,367 Robert C. Leake 3,118,308 0 788,367 Larry Michael 3,113,162 5,146 788,367 J. Heywood Washburn 3,117,438 870 788,367 ONE-YEAR TERM John M. Creekmore 3,117,635 673 788,367 For Against Abstain Ratify appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors for 1997 3,120,481 0 786,194 Item 6(b) Reports on Form 8-K Form 8-K was not filed during the quarter ending June 30, 1997. 11

SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. THE PEOPLES HOLDING COMPANY --------------------------- Registrant DATE: August 13, 1997 /s/ John W. Smith --------------------------- John W. Smith President & Chief Executive Officer 12

  

9 1000 6-MOS DEC-31-1997 JUN-30-1997 37042 6792 0 0 216036 52525 52956 586574 9307 936186 806262 8517 12288 15153 0 0 19533 74432 936186 26764 8043 360 35167 14675 15301 19865 1140 78 16978 7455 7455 0 0 5232 1.34 1.34 4.94 1213 3715 0 1213 9309 1530 388 9307 9307 0 9307