SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549


FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


February 26, 2004


Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported)


THE PEOPLES HOLDING COMPANY


(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)


Mississippi
1-13253
64-0676974
(State or Other Jurisdiction (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Identification Number)
of Incorporation)    


209 Troy Street, Tupelo, Mississippi 38802-0709


(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)



Registrant’s Telephone Number: (662)680-1001





ITEM 7: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS.

(c) The following exhibit is filed herewith:
   
99.1    Press Release, dated February 26, 2004, issued by The Peoples Holding Company.

ITEM 9: REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE.

At the close of business on February 26, 2004, The Peoples Holding Company issued a press release announcing the declaration of a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of $0.20 per share payable April 1, 2004, to its shareholders of record on March 15, 2004. The press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K.




SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

     
  THE PEOPLES HOLDING COMPANY
 
  Registrant  
     
     
DATE: February 26, 2004 /s/ E. Robinson McGraw
 
  E. Robinson McGraw
  President & Chief Executive Officer





EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
99.1      Press Release, dated February 26, 2004, issued by The Peoples Holding Company.