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 March 31, 1998
                         Commission File Number 1-13253

                           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, 5,859,472 shares outstanding
                              as of May 12, 1998













                                     1

THE PEOPLES HOLDING COMPANY INDEX PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION PAGE Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997...............3 Consolidated Statements of Income - Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 and 1997......................4 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 and 1997.........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 6.(b) Reports on Form 8-K..............................11 Signatures..................................................11 2

THE PEOPLES HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS MARCH 31 DECEMBER 31 1998 1997 ------------ ----------- (Unaudited) (Note 1) Assets Cash and due from banks ................ $ 38,276,988 $ 32,932,007 Federal funds sold ..................... 14,000,000 6,000,000 ---------- ---------- Cash and cash equivalents ......... 52,276,988 38,932,007 Interest bearing balances with banks 13,337,005 14,972,568 Securities held-to-maturity (market value-$65,928,847 and $60,555,766 at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively) ................. 65,223,876 59,893,375 Securities available-for-sale (amortized cost-$216,708,174 and $187,836,120 at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively) ....................... 217,835,216 188,738,354 Loans, net of unearned income ......... 628,181,893 627,945,380 Allowance for loan losses ........... (9,145,895) (9,103,828) ----------- ------------ Net Loans ........................ 619,035,998 618,841,552 Premises and equipment ................. 24,083,237 23,492,657 Other assets ........................... 26,095,935 26,184,367 ----------- ------------ Total Assets .................. $ 1,017,888,255 $ 971,054,880 ============= ============ Liabilities Deposits: Noninterest-bearing ................. $ 121,317,519 $ 120,828,654 Certificates of deposit exceeding $100,000 ........................ 108,150,650 106,952,104 Interest bearing .................... 649,473,954 607,133,427 ------------ ------------ Total Deposits ............ 878,942,123 834,914,185 Treasury tax and loan note account ..... 7,415,868 6,101,276 Borrowings ................. ........... 17,876,724 18,454,080 Other liabilities ...................... 13,532,379 13,434,422 ------------ ------------ Total Liabilities ......... $ 917,767,094 $ 872,903,963 Shareholders' Equity Common Stock, $5 par value-7,500,000 shares authorized, 5,859,472 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively .. 29,297,360 29,297,360 Additional paid-in capital ............. 39,875,796 39,875,796 Unrealized gains on securities, available-for-sale, net of tax........ 706,655 565,708 Retained earnings ...................... 30,241,350 28,412,053 ------------ ------------ Total Shareholders' Equity ... 100,121,161 98,150,917 ------------ ------------ Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity ....... $ 1,017,888,255 $ 971,054,880 ============= ============ See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 3

THE PEOPLES HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31 1998 1997 ---- ---- (Unaudited) Interest Income Loans ................................ $ 14,541,502 $ 13,129,673 Securities: Taxable ......................... 3,140,091 3,203,063 Tax-exempt ...................... 822,381 719,164 Other ................................ 377,733 206,791 ------- ------- Total interest income ...... 18,881,707 17,258,691 Interest Expense Time deposits exceeding $100,000 ..... 1,448,496 867,639 Other deposits ....................... 6,733,000 6,266,525 Borrowings ........................... 346,271 299,077 ------ ------ Total interest expense ..... 8,527,767 7,433,241 --------- --------- Net interest income ........ 10,353,940 9,825,450 Provision for loan losses .................. 640,668 570,000 ------- ------- Net interest income after provision for loan losses .. 9,713,272 9,255,450 Noninterest income: Service charges on deposit accounts... 1,697,268 1,598,356 Fees and commission .................. 445,110 440,016 Trust revenue ........................ 180,000 149,700 Gains on sale of securities and loans. 230,039 90,655 Other ................................ 839,191 571,700 ------- ------- Total noninterest income ... 3,391,608 2,850,427 Noninterest expense: Salaries and employee benefits ....... 5,101,579 4,655,620 Net occupancy ........................ 643,821 684,009 Equipment ............................ 497,016 445,062 Other ................................ 2,842,645 2,567,258 --------- --------- Total noninterest expense... $ 9,085,061 $ 8,351,949 --------- --------- Income before income taxes ................. 4,019,819 3,753,928 Income taxes ............................... 1,165,094 1,152,762 --------- --------- Net income ................. $ 2,854,725 $ 2,601,166 ========= ========= Basic and diluted earnings per share ....... $ .49 $ .44 ===== ===== Weighted average shares outstanding ........ 5,859,472 5,859,472 ========= ========= See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 4

THE PEOPLES HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31 1998 1997 ---- ---- (Unaudited) Operating Activities Net income ............................ $ 2,854,725 $ 2,601,166 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Provision for loan losses ............. 640,668 570,000 Provision for depreciation and amortization ..................... 635,034 618,633 Net amortization (accretion) of securities premiums/discounts .... 43,054 166,494 Gains on sales/calls of securities ....................... (230,039) (90,655) Increase in other liabilities ......... 97,957 938,418 Deferred income taxes (credits)........ 164,136 (98,387) Losses on sales of premises and equipment ................... 38,187 103,693 Increase in other assets .............. (61,167) (333,169) -------- -------- Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities .................. 4,182,555 4,476,193 Investing Activities Net decrease (increase) in balances with other banks ................. 1,635,563 (480,555) Proceeds from maturities/calls of securities held-to-maturity ...... 579,400 342,000 Proceeds from maturities/calls of securities available-for-sale .... 12,444,774 28,706,824 Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale .... 0 6,090,655 Purchases of securities held-to-maturity ................. (5,895,046) (462,000) Purchases of securities available-for-sale ............... (41,374,737) (55,541,198) Net increase in loans ................. (22,414,244) (14,421,919) Proceeds from sale of loans ........... 21,555,019 5,512,496 Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment ....................... 97,392 153,406 Purchases of premises and equipment ... (1,205,441) (1,135,786) -------- -------- Net Cash Used in Investing Activities .................. (34,577,320) (31,236,077) Financing Activities Net increase in noninterest-bearing deposits ..... 488,865 4,578,491 Net increase in other interest-bearing deposits ......................... 43,539,073 12,103,779 Net increase in treasury tax and loan note account ........ 1,314,592 1,663,573 Increase (decrease) in borrowings ..... (577,356) 4,519,924 Cash dividends paid ................... (1,025,428) (781,335) -------- -------- Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities .................. 43,739,746 22,084,432 ---------- ---------- Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents ........ 13,344,981 (4,675,452) ---------- ---------- Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period ................... 38,932,007 46,874,641 ---------- ---------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period .. $ 52,276,988 $ 42,199,189 ========== ========== Non-cash transactions: Transfer of loans to other real estate $ 254,150 $ 137,542 ======= ======= See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 5

THE PEOPLES HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1 Basis of Presentation The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 1997 has been derived from the audited consolidated 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 summary of accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements included in the Registrant's annual report for the year ended December 31, 1997. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in 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 Comprehensive Income As of January 1, 1998, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." SFAS No. 130 establishes new rules for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components; however, the adoption of this Statement had no impact on the Company's net income or shareholders' equity. SFAS No. 130 requires unrealized gains or losses on the Company's available-for-sale securities, which prior to adoption were reported separately in shareholders' equity, to be included in other comprehensive income. Prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the requirements of SFAS No. 130. During the first quarter of 1998 and 1997, total comprehensive income amounted to $2,995,672 and $1,696,555. Note 3 Other Accounting Pronouncements In February 1998, SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures About Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits," was issued, superseding the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," and SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions." SFAS No. 132 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997, and therefore the Company will adopt the new requirements in its 1998 annual report. SFAS No. 132 suggests a parallel format for presenting information about pensions and other postretirement benefits, but the information disclosed is not substantially different than what is required under current guidance. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this statement will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial condition 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 $971,054,880 on December 31, 1997, to $1,017,888,255 on March 31, 1998, or 4.82% for the three month period. Total securities increased from $248,631,729 on December 31, 1997, to $283,059,092 on March 31, 1998, with the majority of growth in Mortgage-backed securities. Loans, net of unearned income, increased $236,513 or .04%. Total deposits for the first three months of 1998 grew from $834,914,185 at December 31, 1997 to $878,942,123 at March 31, 1998, or an increase of 5.27%, with the majority of growth in public fund interest bearing demand deposits. The equity capital to total assets ratio was 9.84% and 10.11% for March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively. The decrease is mainly due to the significant growth in assets funded primarily by deposits. Capital grew 2.01% from December 31, 1997 to March 31, 1998 due to record earnings. Results of Operations-Quarter Ended March 31, 1998 compared to 1997 - ------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company's net income for the three month period ending March 31, 1998 was $2,854,725 compared to $2,601,166 from the first quarter of 1997. The increase in net income for the first quarter of 1998 compared to 1997 is the result of customary and usual deposit gathering and lending operations. The first quarter for 1998 and 1997 experienced the same annualized return of average assets of 1.16%. 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. Net interest income was $10,353,940 and $9,825,450 for the three months ending March 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Earning assets averaged $916.6 million for first quarter ending March 31, 1998 compared to $839.0 million for the same period in 1997. The net interest margin was 4.82% and 4.96% for the three months ending March 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The decrease in net interest margin is due to increases in the volume and rate of costing liabilities and the subsequent investment of those funds into short-term assets instead of higher yielding long-term assets. Although net interest margin decreased, net interest income increased. The provision for loan losses 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 absorb inherent 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 $640,668 and $570,000 for quarters ending March 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of net loans outstanding was 1.46% and 1.45% as of March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997. Net charge-offs to average loans was .10% for each three month period ending March 31, 1998 and 1997. Noninterest income, excluding gains from the sales of securities and loans, was $3,161,569 for the quarter ending March 31, 1998, compared to $2,759,772 for same period in 1997, or a increase of 14.56%. Service charges increased $98,912 due to the growth in deposits. The increase in other noninterest income was due in part to increases in revenue from fees charged on credit card loans, mortgage loans, and deposit accounts of the Company. Noninterest expenses were $9,085,061 for the quarter ending March 31, 1998, compared to $8,351,949 for the same period in 1997, or an increase of 8.78%. Salaries and employee benefits increased 9.58% due to an increase in personnel to support growth and new facilities. The increase in other noninterest expenses of approximately $275,000 is due to increases in computer processing costs, courier costs, and supply costs related to the growth in deposits. Income tax expense was $1,165,094 for the three months ending March 31, 1998, compared to $1,152,762 for the same period in 1997. The increase is due to increased profits for the first quarter of 1998 compared to 1997. The Company continues to invest in assets whose earnings are given favorable tax treatment. 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. 8

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. The Company has worked toward lowering its dependence on other public funds. This has added more stability to the Company's core deposit base reducing the dependence on highly liquid assets. Approximately 88% of the Company's deposits are composed of accounts with balances less than $100,000. The Company maintains targets for both volatile dependency and liquidity. At March 31, 1998, these targets were well within the guidelines set by the Asset-Liability Committee. 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 or the treasury tax and loan note account. 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 March 31, 1998, the Bank has met all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject. As of March 31, 1998, 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. 9

The Bank's actual capital amounts and applicable ratios are as follows: Actual Amount Ratio ------ ----- (000) As of March 31, 1998 Total Capital .................... $101,319 15.6% (to Risk Weighted Assets) Tier I Capital ................... $ 93,215 14.4% (to Risk Weighted Assets) Tier I Capital ................... $ 93,215 9.4% (to Average Assets) As of December 31, 1997 Total Capital .................... $ 99,223 15.7% (to Risk Weighted Assets) Tier I Capital ................... $ 91,315 14.5% (to Risk Weighted Assets) Tier I Capital ................... $ 91,315 9.9% (to 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 $17.09 and $16.75 at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively. Quarterly cash dividends were raised to $.175 per share, up from $.133 per share during the first quarter of 1997. 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 were no material proceedings pending at March 31 1998, against the registrant or its subsidiary. Item 6(b) Reports on Form 8-K There were no reports filed on Form 8-K during the first quarter of 1998. 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: May 12, 1998 /s/ John W. Smith --------------------------- John W. Smith President & Chief Executive Officer 11

  

9 1000 3-MOS DEC-31-1998 MAR-31-1998 38277 13337 14000 0 217835 65224 65929 628182 9146 1017888 878942 7416 13532 17877 0 0 29297 70824 1017888 14542 3962 378 18882 8181 8528 10354 641 230 9085 4020 4020 0 0 2855 .49 .49 8.44 1711 2213 0 0 9104 700 102 9147 9147 0 9147