Ohio Valley Banc Gains 16.5% in 6 Months: How to Play the Stock?

Ohio Valley Banc Corp. OVBC investors have been experiencing some short-term gains from the stock lately, despite its bumpy ride over recent months. Shares of the Gallipolis, OH-based holding company have gained 16.5% in the past six months compared with the industry’s 4% rise. In the same time frame, the stock also outperformed the sector and the S&P 500’s 7.7% and 13.5% gain, respectively.

A key recent development for OVBC was the release of its third-quarter 2025 results (in October 2025). The company reported a solid improvement in profitability for the quarter, driven by strong growth in net interest income and a meaningful expansion in net interest margin. Higher earning assets, supported by loan growth and improved asset yields, more than offset pressure from elevated credit provisioning and a decline in noninterest income related to securities repositioning.

Management continued to emphasize balance sheet optimization, including reinvesting lower-yielding securities into higher-yielding assets and benefiting from lower funding costs tied to core deposit growth. These actions position OVBC for continued margin support and steady earnings momentum going forward.

OVBC’s Six Months Price Comparison

Over the past six months, the stock underperformed its peers like CSB Bancorp, Inc. CSBB but outperformed its other peer, United Bancorp, Inc. UBCP. CSB Bancorp and United Bancorp’s shares have gained 22.6% and lost 0.1%, respectively, in the same time frame.

Despite several challenges within the banking industry, including heightened competition for deposits and customers, the favorable share price movement indicates that the company might be able to maintain the positive market momentum at present.

Ohio Valley Banc operates via its main banking subsidiary, The Ohio Valley Bank Company, which, along with its other subsidiaries, provides a wide range of community banking services in southeastern Ohio and western West Virginia. OVBC offers both commercial and consumer banking services, personal and commercial loans, construction and real estate loans, safe deposit boxes and trust services. It also extends its offerings to online banking, bill payment services, and seasonal tax-related lending solutions such as Tax Refund Advance Loans.

Ohio Valley Banc’s Strong Fundamentals Weigh In

A key driver is Ohio Valley Banc’s deliberate focus on higher-quality, relationship-based lending. The company has prioritized growth in commercial, commercial real estate and residential real estate loans while scaling back less profitable consumer lending. This strategy aligns the loan portfolio more closely with local economic activity in Ohio and West Virginia, helping support asset quality and providing a more stable foundation for long-term performance.

Another important factor is the company’s emphasis on balance sheet optimization and funding stability. Ohio Valley Banc benefits from a core deposit base tied to its community banking footprint, which supports relatively low-cost funding. Active management of liquidity and the securities portfolio has positioned the balance sheet to support loan growth and interest income generation while maintaining flexibility across interest rate cycles.

Supporting these drivers is a conservative operating model underpinned by a solid capital position. The company remains well-capitalized under regulatory standards and continues to prioritize prudent risk management. This approach enables Ohio Valley Banc to sustain shareholder returns, including dividends, while preserving financial strength and reinforcing investor confidence in the durability of its business model.

Challenges Ahead for OVBC

Ohio Valley Banc faces challenges tied to its concentrated geographic footprint and operating environment. With lending and deposit activities centered mainly in Ohio and West Virginia, the company remains sensitive to local economic conditions that can affect loan demand, asset quality and deposit growth. At the same time, competitive pressures from larger regional banks, credit unions and non-bank financial providers continue to weigh on pricing, customer retention and the ability to sustain long-term growth.

Ohio Valley Banc’s Stock’s Valuation

OVBC’s trailing 12-month P/E of 13.4X is higher than the industry’s average of 11.9X and its five-year median of 9.9X.

CSB Bancorp and United Bancorp’s trailing 12-month P/E currently stand at 10.3X and 10.5X, respectively, in the same time frame.

Our Final Take on OVBC

Ohio Valley Banc appears well-positioned from a fundamental standpoint, supported by its stable community banking franchise, disciplined lending approach, solid capital position and a focus on balance sheet and funding stability. The company’s emphasis on relationship-based lending and core deposit strength provides a steady foundation for sustaining profitability and navigating shifting interest rate conditions. These factors create a constructive backdrop for longer-term performance, making the stock suitable for investors seeking stable exposure to a regional bank with a conservative operating profile.

However, valuation warrants some caution. OVBC is currently trading at a premium to the broader banking industry as well as its own historical average, suggesting that much of the recent operational progress is already reflected in the share price. With limited room for upside purely from multiple expansion, future gains are likely to hinge on Ohio Valley Banc’s ability to maintain asset quality, funding discipline and earnings consistency. As such, existing investors may find it reasonable to stay invested, while new entrants may prefer to await a more attractive entry point.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research