body10qforsept302007.htm
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
     
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 
[ X ] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended: September 30, 2007
 
OR
 
[   ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from __________ to __________
 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
North Carolina
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
000-27205
56-2132396
(Commission File No.)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
518 West C Street, Newton, North Carolina
28658
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
(828) 464-5620
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark 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 (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes
    X
No
   
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
 
Large Accelerate Filer            Accelerated Filer     X                 Non-Accelerated Filer    
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Yes
 
No
     X
 
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
5,650,020 shares of common stock, outstanding at October 31, 2007.
 
 

 
 
   
INDEX
   
         
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
PAGE(S)
 
         
Item 1.
 
Financial Statements
   
         
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2007 (Unaudited) and
   
   
December 31, 2006
3
 
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three months ended
   
   
September 30, 2007 and 2006 (Unaudited), and for the nine months ended
   
   
September 30, 2007 and 2006 (Unaudited)
4
 
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months
   
   
ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 (Unaudited), and for the nine months
   
   
ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 (Unaudited)
5
 
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended
   
   
September 30, 2007 and 2006 (Unaudited)
6-7
 
         
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
8-10
 
         
Item 2.
 
Management's Discussion  and Analysis of Financial Condition
   
   
and Results of Operations
11-20
 
         
Item 3.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
21
 
         
Item 4.
 
Controls and Procedures
22
 
         
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
   
         
Item 1.
 
Legal Proceedings
23
 
Item 1A.
 
Risk Factors
23
 
Item 2.
 
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
23
 
Item 3.
 
Defaults upon Senior Securities
23
 
Item 4.
 
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
23
 
Item 5.
 
Other Information
23
 
Item 6.
 
Exhibits
23-25
 
Signatures
   
26
 
Certifications
   
27-29
 
 
 
Statements made in this Form 10-Q, other than those concerning historical information, should be considered forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management and on the information available to management at the time that this Form 10-Q was prepared.  These statements can be identified by the use of words like “expect,”  “anticipate,” “estimate,” and “believe,” variations of these words and other similar expressions.  Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, (1) competition in the markets served by Peoples Bank, (2) changes in the interest rate environment, (3) general national, regional or local economic conditions may be less favorable than expected, resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality and the possible impairment of collectibility of loans, (4) legislative or regulatory changes, including changes in accounting standards, (5) significant changes in the federal and state legal and regulatory environments and tax laws, (6) the impact of changes in monetary and fiscal policies, laws, rules and regulations and (7) other risks and factors identified in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to those described in Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
 
2

 
 
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES      
             
Consolidated Balance Sheets      
             
             
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
Assets
 
2007
   
2006
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
             
Cash and due from banks
  $
24,187,186
     
18,860,318
 
Federal funds sold
   
2,458,000
     
2,640,000
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
26,645,186
     
21,500,318
 
                 
Investment securities available for sale
   
120,210,033
     
117,581,000
 
Other investments
   
5,961,447
     
7,295,449
 
Total securities
   
126,171,480
     
124,876,449
 
                 
Loans
   
689,362,842
     
651,381,129
 
Less allowance for loan losses
    (8,687,033 )     (8,303,432 )
Net loans
   
680,675,809
     
643,077,697
 
                 
Premises and equipment, net
   
17,239,716
     
12,816,385
 
Cash surrender value of life insurance
   
6,713,988
     
6,532,406
 
Accrued interest receivable and other assets
   
9,927,386
     
10,144,283
 
Total assets
  $
867,373,565
     
818,947,538
 
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
               
                 
Deposits:
               
Non-interest bearing demand
  $
116,792,169
     
101,393,142
 
NOW, MMDA & savings
   
189,087,635
     
174,577,641
 
Time, $100,000 or more
   
188,982,647
     
194,176,291
 
Other time
   
180,586,078
     
163,673,215
 
Total deposits
   
675,448,529
     
633,820,289
 
                 
Demand notes payable to U.S. Treasury
   
1,600,000
     
1,600,000
 
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase
   
20,315,345
     
6,417,803
 
FHLB borrowings
   
77,000,000
     
89,300,000
 
Junior subordinated debentures
   
20,619,000
     
20,619,000
 
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
   
4,061,992
     
4,355,073
 
Total liabilities
   
799,044,866
     
756,112,165
 
                 
Shareholders' equity:
               
                 
Preferred stock, no par value; authorized
               
5,000,000 shares; no shares issued
               
and outstanding
   
-   
     
-   
 
Common stock, no par value; authorized
               
20,000,000 shares; issued and
               
outstanding 5,650,020 shares in 2007
               
and 3,830,634 shares in 2006
   
49,124,903
     
51,122,147
 
Retained earnings
   
18,814,608
     
12,484,463
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
389,188
      (771,237 )
Total shareholders' equity
   
68,328,699
     
62,835,373
 
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $
867,373,565
     
818,947,538
 
                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
               
 
 
3

 
 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES      
 
                         
Consolidated Statements of Earnings           
 
                         
                         
   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30,   
   
September 30,   
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
                         
Interest income:
                       
Interest and fees on loans
  $
14,095,485
     
12,907,042
     
41,466,693
     
36,187,827
 
Interest on federal funds sold
   
32,634
     
40,818
     
367,331
     
62,020
 
Interest on investment securities:
                               
U.S. Government agencies
   
1,150,619
     
1,114,266
     
3,411,555
     
3,206,274
 
States and political subdivisions
   
220,344
     
201,248
     
661,536
     
587,409
 
Other
   
125,663
     
126,404
     
363,625
     
389,311
 
Total interest income
   
15,624,745
     
14,389,778
     
46,270,740
     
40,432,841
 
                                 
Interest expense:
                               
NOW, MMDA & savings deposits
   
1,077,857
     
817,878
     
2,975,499
     
2,174,238
 
Time deposits
   
4,378,969
     
3,715,792
     
12,983,826
     
10,136,246
 
FHLB borrowings
   
964,334
     
909,702
     
2,781,347
     
2,763,657
 
Junior subordinated debentures
   
371,225
     
700,220
     
1,095,572
     
1,277,540
 
Other
   
245,997
     
99,234
     
543,468
     
183,077
 
Total interest expense
   
7,038,382
     
6,242,826
     
20,379,712
     
16,534,758
 
                                 
Net interest income
   
8,586,363
     
8,146,952
     
25,891,028
     
23,898,083
 
                                 
Provision for loans losses
   
296,000
     
686,282
     
1,253,000
     
1,858,282
 
                                 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
8,290,363
     
7,460,670
     
24,638,028
     
22,039,801
 
                                 
Non-interest income:
                               
Service charges
   
1,082,248
     
976,515
     
3,017,921
     
2,918,390
 
Other service charges and fees
   
488,737
     
394,030
     
1,423,461
     
1,153,059
 
Loss on sale of securities
    (367,430 )     (163,702 )     (561,832 )     (337,453 )
Mortgage banking income
   
135,863
     
115,802
     
435,475
     
355,678
 
Insurance and brokerage commissions
   
177,140
     
80,523
     
408,704
     
294,206
 
Miscellaneous
   
490,602
     
639,683
     
1,543,955
     
1,605,443
 
Total non-interest income
   
2,007,160
     
2,042,851
     
6,267,684
     
5,989,323
 
                                 
Non-interest expense:
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
   
3,235,765
     
3,001,508
     
9,907,668
     
8,714,720
 
Occupancy
   
1,204,188
     
1,049,911
     
3,518,721
     
3,055,732
 
Other
   
1,774,127
     
1,735,065
     
4,988,601
     
4,871,334
 
Total non-interest expense
   
6,214,080
     
5,786,484
     
18,414,990
     
16,641,786
 
                                 
Earnings before income taxes
   
4,083,443
     
3,717,037
     
12,490,722
     
11,387,338
 
                                 
Income taxes
   
1,470,800
     
1,344,300
     
4,500,841
     
4,118,100
 
                                 
Net earnings
  $
2,612,643
     
2,372,737
     
7,989,881
     
7,269,238
 
                                 
Basic earnings per share
  $
0.46
     
0.42
     
1.40
     
1.28
 
Diluted earnings per share
  $
0.45
     
0.41
     
1.37
     
1.26
 
Cash dividends declared per share
  $
0.12
     
0.07
     
0.29
     
0.21
 
                                 
                                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                         
 
 
4

 
 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES      
 
                         
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income           
 
                         
                         
   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30,   
   
September 30,   
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
                         
Net earnings
  $
2,612,643
     
2,372,737
     
7,989,881
     
7,269,238
 
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities
                               
available for sale
   
2,355,325
     
2,261,854
     
598,395
      (84,515 )
Reclassification adjustment for losses on
                               
sales of securities available for sale included
                               
in net earnings
   
367,430
     
163,702
     
561,832
     
337,453
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on derivative
                               
financial instruments qualifying as cash flow
                               
hedges
   
726,465
     
412,427
     
534,291
      (254,476 )
Reclassification adjustment for losses on
                               
derivative financial instruments qualifying as
                               
cash flow hedges included in net earnings
   
-   
     
84,655
     
-   
     
386,285
 
                                 
Total other comprehensive income,
                               
before income taxes
   
3,449,220
     
2,922,638
     
1,694,518
     
384,747
 
                                 
Income tax expense (benefit) related to other
                               
comprehensive income:
                               
                                 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities
                               
available for sale
   
917,399
     
880,992
     
233,075
      (32,919 )
Reclassification adjustment for losses on
                               
sales of securities available for sale included
                               
in net earnings
   
143,114
     
63,762
     
218,834
     
131,438
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on derivative
                               
financial instruments qualifying as cash flow
                               
hedges
   
238,374
     
125,418
     
82,184
      (185,207 )
Reclassification adjustment for losses on
                               
derivative financial instruments qualifying as
                               
cash flow hedges included in net earnings
   
-   
     
32,974
     
-   
     
150,458
 
                                 
Total income tax expense related to
                               
other comprehensive income
   
1,298,887
     
1,103,146
     
534,093
     
63,770
 
                                 
Total other comprehensive income,
                               
net of tax
   
2,150,333
     
1,819,492
     
1,160,425
     
320,977
 
                                 
Total comprehensive income
  $
4,762,976
     
4,192,229
     
9,150,306
     
7,590,215
 
                                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                         
 
 
5

 
 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES     
 
             
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows     
 
             
Nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006     
 
             
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net earnings
  $
7,989,881
     
7,269,238
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to
               
net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
   
1,152,024
     
1,059,551
 
Provision for loan losses
   
1,253,000
     
1,858,282
 
Loss on sale of investment securities
   
561,832
     
337,453
 
Recognition of loss on sale of derivative instruments
   
-  
     
386,285
 
Gain on sale of premises and equipment
    (9,967 )     (15,672 )
Loss (gain) on sale of repossessed assets
   
136,759
      (10,463 )
Amortization of deferred issuance costs on trust preferred securitites
   
-  
     
309,010
 
Stock option compensation expense
   
5,790
     
4,268
 
Change in:
               
Mortgage loans held for sale
   
-  
     
958,683
 
Cash surrender value of life insurance
    (181,582 )     (155,181 )
Other assets
    (356,426 )     (1,818,777 )
Other liabilities
    (293,081 )     (990,750 )
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
10,258,230
     
9,191,927
 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of investment securities available for sale
    (13,925,092 )     (17,706,818 )
Proceeds from calls and maturities of investment securities available for sale
   
4,903,721
     
5,333,051
 
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale
   
8,362,525
     
9,421,024
 
Purchases of other investments
    (4,383,400 )     (9,737,700 )
Proceeds from sale of other investments
   
4,923,000
     
8,725,500
 
Net change in loans
    (39,329,536 )     (59,416,093 )
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (5,652,751 )     (1,295,262 )
Proceeds from sale of repossessed assets
   
425,158
     
498,290
 
Purchases of derivative financial instruments
   
-  
      (961,500 )
                 
Net cash used by investing activities
    (44,676,375 )     (65,139,508 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Net change in deposits
   
41,628,240
     
23,630,396
 
Net change in demand notes payable to U.S. Treasury
   
-  
     
126,307
 
Net change in securities sold under agreement to repurchase
   
13,897,542
     
7,620,991
 
Proceeds from FHLB borrowings
   
184,200,000
     
593,700,000
 
Repayments of FHLB borrowings
    (196,500,000 )     (586,500,000 )
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities
   
 -   
       
20,619,000
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
272,166
     
567,968
 
Common stock repurchased
    (2,275,200 )     (425,000 )
Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares
    (3,354 )     (6,426 )
Cash dividends paid
    (1,656,381 )     (1,216,215 )
                 
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
39,563,013
     
58,117,021
 
                 
Net change in cash and cash equivalent
   
5,144,868
     
2,169,440
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
21,500,318
     
19,815,999
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $
26,645,186
     
21,985,439
 
 
 
6

 
 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES     
 
             
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued     
 
             
Nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006     
 
             
             
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
             
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
           
Cash paid during the year for:
           
Interest
  $
20,126,499
     
16,715,025
 
Income taxes
  $
4,224,000
     
5,167,100
 
                 
Noncash investing and financing activities:
               
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities
               
 available for sale, net
  $ (708,319 )     (154,419 )
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial
               
 instruments, net
  $ (452,106 )     (166,558 )
Transfer of loans to other real estate and repossessions
  $
478,424
     
627,004
 
Reclassification of an investment from other assets
               
to securities available for sale
  $
499,995
     
-   
 
Reclassification of an investment from other investments
               
to securities available for sale
  $
600,000
     
-   
 
Transfer of retained earnings to common stock for
               
issuance of stock dividend
  $
-   
     
9,430,532
 
                 
                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
               
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7

 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(1)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Peoples Bank (the “Bank”), along with the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Peoples Investment Services, Inc. and Real Estate Advisory Services, Inc. (collectively called the “Company”).  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The consolidated financial statements in this report are unaudited.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (none of which were other than normal accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented have been included.  Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Company’s accounting policies are fundamental to understanding management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition.  Many of the Company’s accounting policies require significant judgment regarding valuation of assets and liabilities and/or significant interpretation of the specific accounting guidance.  A description of the Company’s significant accounting policies can be found in Note 1 of the notes to consolidated financial statements in the Company’s 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders which is Appendix A to the Proxy Statement for the May 3, 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued Financial Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”) “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” – an interpretation of SFAS No. 109. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  This interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.  This interpretation was effective for the Company beginning in January of 2007.  The Company has assessed the impact of FIN 48 and has determined that there are no significant positions taken in the preparation of its tax return that create any uncertainties and therefore FIN 48 does not have a material impact on its financial position or its results of operations.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157).  SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  SFAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements.  This standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or disclosures.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (SFAS 159), which permits entities to choose to measure financial instruments and certain other instruments at fair value.  SFAS 159 is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2008.  This standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or disclosures.
 
(2)
Allowance for Loan Losses

The following is an analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:
 
   
     2007
   
     2006
 
             
Balance, beginning of period
  $
8,303,432
     
7,424,782
 
Provision for loan losses
   
1,253,000
     
1,858,282
 
Less:
               
Charge-offs
    (1,178,791 )     (1,420,320 )
Recoveries
   
309,392
     
270,100
 
Net charge-offs
    (869,399 )     (1,150,220 )
                 
Balance, end of period
  $
8,687,033
     
8,132,844
 
 
 
8

 
 
(3)
Net Earnings Per Share

Net earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period while the effects of potential common shares outstanding during the period are included in diluted earnings per share.  The average market price during the year is used to compute equivalent shares.  All previously reported per share amounts have been restated to reflect a 3-for-2 stock split, which occurred during third quarter 2007.
 
The reconciliation of the amounts used in the computation of both “basic earnings per share” and “diluted earnings per share” for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 is as follows:
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2007
                 
                   
   
Net Earnings
   
Weighted Average
Common Shares
   
Per Share Amount
 
                   
Basic earnings per share
  $
2,612,643
     
5,675,701
    $
0.46
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Stock options
   
-   
     
108,061
         
Restricted stock
   
-   
     
326
         
Diluted earnings per share
  $
2,612,643
     
5,784,088
    $
0.45
 
                         
For the nine months ended September 30, 2007
                       
                         
   
Net Earnings
   
Weighted Average Common Shares
   
Per Share Amount
 
                         
Basic earnings per share
  $
7,989,881
     
5,723,276
    $
1.40
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Stock options
   
-   
     
114,184
         
Restricted stock
   
-   
     
110
         
Diluted earnings per share
  $
7,989,881
     
5,837,570
    $
1.37
 
 
The reconciliation of the amounts used in the computation of both “basic earnings per share” and “diluted earnings per share” for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 is as follows:
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2006
                 
                   
   
Net Earnings
   
Weighted Average
Common Shares
   
Per Share Amount
 
                   
Basic earnings per share
  $
2,372,737
     
5,707,317
    $
0.42
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Stock options
   
-  
     
77,068
         
Diluted earnings per share
  $
2,372,737
     
5,784,385
    $
0.41
 
                         
For the nine months ended September 30, 2006
                       
                         
   
Net Earnings
   
Weighted Average Common Shares
   
Per Share Amount
 
                         
Basic earnings per share
  $
7,269,238
     
5,690,844
    $
1.28
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Stock options
   
-  
     
87,972
         
Diluted earnings per share
  $
7,269,238
     
5,778,816
    $
1.26
 
 
 
(4)
Stock-Based Compensation
 
The Company has an Omnibus Stock Ownership and Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) whereby certain stock-based rights, such as stock options, restricted stock, performance units, stock appreciation rights, or book value shares, may be granted to eligible directors and employees.  A total of 389,450 shares were reserved for possible issuance under this Plan.   All rights must be granted or awarded within ten years from the 1999 effective date.
 
9

 
Under the Plan, the Company granted incentive stock options to certain eligible employees in order that they may purchase Company stock at a price equal to the fair market value on the date of the grant.  The options granted in 1999 vest over a five-year period.  Options granted subsequent to 1999 vest over a three-year period.  All options expire ten years after issuance.  The Company did not grant any options during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

The Company granted 3,000 shares of restricted stock during the three months ended September 30, 2007.  These restricted stock grants cliff vest three years after issuance.  The fair value of the restricted stock granted is $17.40 per share. As of September 30, 2007, there was $50,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock grants, which is expected to be recognized over a period of 3 years

Shareholders approved an amendment to the Plan at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 3, 2007 to include an additional 390,000 shares of authorized but unissued Common Stock in the Plan, which will be available for future awards.
 
(5)
Stock Split
 
On April 19, 2007, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a 3-for-2 stock split that was paid in conjunction with the Company’s regular cash dividend for the second quarter of 2007.  As a result of the stock split, each shareholder received three new shares of stock for every two shares of stock they held as of the record date.  Shareholders received a cash payment in lieu of any fractional shares resulting from the stock split.  The cash dividend was paid based on the number of shares held by shareholders as adjusted by the stock split.  All previously reported per share amounts have been restated to reflect this stock split.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10

 
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is a discussion of our financial position and results of operations and should be read in conjunction with the information set forth under Item 1A Risk Factors and the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto on pages A-26  through A-56 of the Company’s 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders which is Appendix A to the Proxy Statement for the May 3, 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Introduction
Management's discussion and analysis of earnings and related data are presented to assist in understanding the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. Peoples Bancorp is the parent company of Peoples Bank (the “Bank”) and a registered bank holding company operating under the supervision of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). The Bank is a North Carolina-chartered bank, with offices in Catawba, Lincoln, Alexander, Mecklenburg, Iredell and Union counties, operating under the banking laws of North Carolina and the rules and regulations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”).

Overview
Our business consists principally of attracting deposits from the general public and investing these funds in loans secured by commercial real estate, secured and unsecured commercial and consumer loans. Our profitability depends primarily on our net interest income, which is the difference between the income we receive on our loan and investment securities portfolios and our cost of funds, which consists of interest paid on deposits and borrowed funds. Net interest income also is affected by the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. When interest-earning assets approximate or exceed interest-bearing liabilities, any positive interest rate spread will generate net interest income. Our profitability is also affected by the level of other income and operating expenses. Other income consists primarily of miscellaneous fees related to our loans and deposits, mortgage banking income and commissions from sales of annuities and mutual funds. Operating expenses consist of compensation and benefits, occupancy related expenses, federal deposit and other insurance premiums, data processing, advertising and other expenses.

Our operations are influenced significantly by local economic conditions and by policies of financial institution regulatory authorities. The earnings on our assets are influenced by the effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve, inflation, interest rates, market and monetary fluctuations.  Lending activities are affected by the demand for commercial and other types of loans, which in turn is affected by the interest rates at which such financing may be offered.  Our cost of funds is influenced by interest rates on competing investments and by rates offered on similar investments by competing financial institutions in our market area, as well as general market interest rates. These factors can cause fluctuations in our net interest income and other income. In addition, local economic conditions can impact the credit risk of our loan portfolio, in that (1) local employers may be required to eliminate employment positions of individual borrowers and small businesses and (2) commercial borrowers may experience a downturn in their operating performance and become unable to make timely payments on their loans. Management evaluates these factors in estimating its allowance for loan losses, and changes in these economic conditions could result in increases or decreases to the provision for loan losses.

Our business emphasis has been to operate as a well-capitalized, profitable and independent community-oriented financial institution dedicated to providing quality customer service. We are committed to meeting the financial needs of the communities in which we operate. We believe that we can be more effective in servicing our customers than many of our non-local competitors because of our ability to quickly and effectively provide senior management responses to customer needs and inquiries. Our ability to provide these services is enhanced by the stability of our senior management team.

The Company qualified as an accelerated filer in accordance with Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, effective December 31, 2006.  Therefore, the Company is now subject to the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX 404”).  The Company incurred additional consulting and audit expenses in becoming compliant with SOX 404, and will continue to incur additional audit expenses to comply with SOX 404 going forward.  Management does not expect expenses related to SOX 404 to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

The Bank opened a new office in Mecklenburg County, in Cornelius, North Carolina in June 2007.  The Bank plans to open a new Banco de la Gente office in Raleigh in 2007 in a continuing effort to serve the Latino community.  The Bank also plans to open a new traditional banking office in Iredell County, North Carolina in Mooresville in late 2007 or early 2008. Management will consider opening at least one new traditional office in Mecklenburg or Iredell counties in each of the next two to three years and additional Banco de la Gente offices in other metropolitan areas in North Carolina.

 
11

 
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Peoples Bank, along with the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Peoples Investment Services, Inc. and Real Estate Advisory Services, Inc. (collectively called the “Company”).  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company’s accounting policies are fundamental to understanding management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition.  Many of the Company’s accounting policies require significant judgment regarding valuation of assets and liabilities and/or significant interpretation of specific accounting guidance.  A more complete description of the Company’s significant accounting policies can be found in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders which is Appendix A to the Proxy Statement for the May 3, 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.  The following is a summary of the more subjective and complex accounting policies of the Company.

Many of the Company’s assets and liabilities are recorded using various techniques that require significant judgment as to recoverability.  The collectability of loans is reflected through the Company’s estimate of the allowance for loan losses.  The Company performs periodic and systematic detailed reviews of its lending portfolio to assess overall collectability.  In addition, certain assets and liabilities are reflected at their estimated fair value in the consolidated financial statements.  Such amounts are based on either quoted market prices or estimated values derived from dealer quotes used by the Company, market comparisons or internally generated modeling techniques.  The Company’s internal models generally involve present value of cash flow techniques.  The various techniques are discussed in greater detail elsewhere in management’s discussion and analysis and the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

There are other complex accounting standards that require the Company to employ significant judgment in interpreting and applying certain of the principles prescribed by those standards.  These judgments include, but are not limited to, the determination of whether a financial instrument or other contract meets the definition of a derivative in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”  For a more complete discussion of policies, see the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued Financial Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”) “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” – an interpretation of SFAS No. 109. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  This interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.  This interpretation was effective for the Company beginning in January of 2007.  The Company has assessed the impact of FIN 48 and has determined that there are no significant positions taken in the preparation of its tax return that create any uncertainties and therefore FIN 48 does not have a material impact on its financial position or its results of operations.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157).  SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  SFAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements.  This standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or disclosures.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (SFAS 159), which permits entities to choose to measure financial instruments and certain other instruments at fair value.  SFAS 159 is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2008.  This standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or disclosures.

Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Results of Operations
Summary.  Net earnings for the third quarter of 2007 were $2.6 million, or $0.46 basic net earnings per share and $0.45 diluted net earnings per share as compared to $2.4 million, or $0.42 basic net earnings per share and $0.41 diluted net earnings per for the same period one year ago.  The increase in net earnings is primarily attributable to an increase in net interest income and a decrease in the provision for loan losses, which were partially offset by an increase in non-interest expense.
 
 
12

 
The annualized return on average assets was 1.22% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to 1.21% for the same period in 2006, and annualized return on average shareholders' equity was 15.35% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to 15.75% for the same period in 2006.

Net earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $8.0 million, or $1.40 basic net earnings per share and $1.37 diluted net earnings per share as compared to $7.3 million, or $1.28 basic net earnings per share and $1.26 diluted net earnings per share for the same period in 2006.  The increase in net earnings for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2007 is primarily attributable to growth in interest-earning assets, which contributed to increases in net interest income, and non-interest income.  In addition the Company had a decrease in the provision for loan losses.  The increases in net interest income and non-interest income and the decrease in the provision for loan losses were partially offset by an increase in non-interest expense.

The annualized return on average assets was 1.28% and 1.27% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Annualized return on average shareholders’ equity was 15.41% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to 16.08% for the same period in 2006.

Net Interest Income.  Net interest income, the major component of the Company's net earnings, was $8.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, an increase of 5% over the $8.1 million earned in the same period in 2006. This increase is attributable to an increase in the average outstanding balances of loans and investment securities available-for-sale for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006.

Interest income increased $1.2 million or 9% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared with the same period in 2006.  The increase was due to an increase in the average outstanding balance of loans and investment securities available-for-sale.  The average yield on earning assets for the quarters ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was 7.82%.  During the quarter ended September 30, 2007, average loans increased $64.0 million to $672.6 million from $608.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  During the quarter ended September 30, 2007, average investment securities available-for-sale increased $747,000 to $120.5 million from $119.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006.

Interest expense increased $796,000 or 13% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared with the same period in 2006.  The increase in interest expense was due to an increase in the cost of funds to 4.19% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from 4.00% for the same period in 2006, combined with an increase in volume of interest-bearing liabilities.  The increase in the cost of funds is primarily attributable to increases in the average rate paid on interest-bearing checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit.  The average rate paid on interest-bearing checking and savings accounts was 2.27% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to 1.89% for the same period of 2006.  The average rate paid on certificates of deposits was 4.86% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to 4.40% for the same period one year ago.

Net interest income for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2007 was $25.9 million, an increase of 8% over net interest income of $23.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  This increase is attributable to an increase in interest income due to increases in the prime rate combined with increases in the average outstanding balances of loans and investment securities available-for-sale.

Interest income increased $5.8 million or 14% to $46.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to $40.4 million for the same period in 2006.  The increase was primarily due to an increase in the average yield received on loans resulting from Federal Reserve interest rate increases combined with increases in the average outstanding balance of loans and investment securities available for sale.  The average yield earned on loans, including fees, was 8.47% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to 8.13% for the same period of 2006.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, average loans increased $59.0 million to $654.2 million from $595.2 million for the same period in 2006.  Average investment securities available for sale increased 2% to $120.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.  All other interest-earning assets including federal funds sold increased to an average of $17.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $9.7 million in the same period in 2006.  The tax equivalent yield on average earning assets increased to 7.92% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from 7.58% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

Interest expense increased 23% to $20.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to $16.5 million for the corresponding period in 2006.  The increase in interest expense was due to an increase in the cost of funds to 4.15% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from 3.65% for the same period in 2006, combined with an increase in the volume of interest bearing liabilities.  The increase in the cost of funds is primarily attributable to increases in the average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits.  The average rate paid on interest-bearing checking and savings accounts was 2.17% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to 1.69% for the same period in 2006.  The average rate
 
 
13

 
paid on certificates of deposits was 4.83% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from 4.09% for the same period one year ago.

Provision for Loan Losses.  For the three months ended September 30, 2007, a contribution of $296,000 was made to the provision for loan losses compared to $686,000 for the same period one year ago.  The decrease in provision for loan losses is primarily attributable to a decrease in net charge-offs of $352,000.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 a contribution of $1.3 million was made to the provision for loan losses compared to a $1.9 million contribution to the provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  The decrease in the provision for loan losses is primarily attributable to slower growth in loan balances for the first nine months of 2007 when compared to the same period in 2006 and a reduction in net charge-offs of $281,000.

Non-Interest Income.  Total non-interest income was $2.0 million in the third quarter of 2007 and 2006.  Increases in components of non-interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same period last year were primarily attributable to increases in service charges and fees, brokerage commissions and mortgage banking income. Service charges were $1.1 million and $977,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Other service charges and fees increased 24% to $489,000 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2007 when compared to the same period one year ago.  The increase in service charges and fees is primarily attributable to activity related to new branches.  Insurance and brokerage commissions increased $97,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 when compared to same period last year due to an increase in income from the Bank’s investment subsidiary.  Mortgage banking income increased $20,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to the corresponding period in 2006 as a result of increased brokered loan activity.  These increases were offset by a decrease in miscellaneous income and an increase in losses on the sale of securities.  Miscellaneous income was $491,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007, a 23% decrease from $640,000 for the same period in 2006.  This decrease in miscellaneous income was primarily due to a decrease in income received from SBIC investments, which is included in miscellaneous non-interest income.  Losses on the sale of securities totaled $367,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to $164,000 for the same period in 2006.  The $367,000 in the loss on the sale of securities for the three months ended September 30, 2007 includes a $236,000 write-down of an asset classified as investment securities available for sale.  Management determined the market value of this investment had decreased significantly and was not a temporary impairment therefore a write-down was appropriate during third quarter 2007.

Total non-interest income was $6.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, a 5% increase over the $6.0 million for the same period in 2006.  This increase is primarily due to an increase in service charges and fees, brokerage commissions and mortgage banking income.  Service charges were $3.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to $2.9 million for the same period in 2006.  Other service charges and fees increased 23% to $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 when compared to the same period one year ago.  The increase in service charges and fees is primarily attributable to activity related to new branches.  Insurance and brokerage commissions increased $114,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 when compared to same period last year due to an increase in income from the Bank’s investment subsidiary.  Mortgage banking income increased 22% to $435,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 when compared to the same period in 2006 due to an increase in brokered loan activity.  These increases were offset by a decrease in miscellaneous income and an increase in losses on the sale of securities.  Miscellaneous income decreased 4% to $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.  This decrease in miscellaneous income was primarily due to a decrease in income received from SBIC investments, which is included in miscellaneous non-interest income.  Losses on the sale of securities increased $224,000 to $562,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $337,000 for the same period in 2006.

 Non-Interest Expense.  Total non-interest expense increased 7% to $6.2 million for the third quarter of 2007 as compared to $5.8 million for the corresponding period in 2006.  Salary and employee benefits totaled $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, an increase of 8% from the same period in 2006.  The increase in salary and employee benefits is due to normal salary increases and expense associated with additional staff for new branches.  Occupancy expense increased 15% for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 due to an increase in furniture and equipment expense and lease expense associated with new branches and new sales and lending platform implementations.  Other non-interest expense increased 2% to $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006.   This increase in other non-interest expense is attributable to an increase of $50,000 in professional fees, an increase of $56,000 in advertising expense and an increase of $26,000 in debit card expense.  These increases in non-interest expense other than salary, benefits and occupancy expenses were partially offset by a $152,000 decrease in amortization of trust preferred securities issuance costs.

Total non-interest expense was $18.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, an increase of 11% over the same period in 2006.  Salary and employee benefits totaled $9.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, an increase of 14% over the same period in 2006.  The increase in salary and employee benefits is primarily due to 
 
 
14

 
normal salary increases and expenses associated with additional staff for new branches.  Occupancy expense increased 15% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 due to an increase in furniture and equipment expense and lease expense associated with new branches and new sales and lending platform system implementations. Other non-interest expense increased 2% to $5.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006.  This increase in other non-interest expense is primarily attributable to an increase of $175,000 in professional fees, an increase of $145,000 in advertising expense, an increase of $85,000 in debit card expense and an increase of $55,000 in office supplies expense.  These increases in non-interest expense other than salary, benefits and occupancy expenses were partially offset by a $309,000 decrease in amortization of trust preferred securities issuance costs.  The Company paid a $178,000 prepayment fee in the first quarter of 2006 on the early termination of a $5.0 million Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”) advance.  This fee was included in other non-interest expense.

Income Taxes.  The Company reported income taxes of $1.5 million and $1.3 million for the third quarters of 2007 and 2006, respectively.  This represented an effective tax rate of 36% for the respective periods.

The Company reported income taxes of $4.5 million and $4.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  This represented an effective tax rate of 36% for the respective periods.

Analysis of Financial Condition
Investment Securities.  Available-for-sale securities amounted to $120.2 million at September 30, 2007 compared to $117.6 million at December 31, 2006.  Average investment securities available for sale for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 amounted to $120.4 million compared to $118.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Loans.  At September 30, 2007, loans amounted to $689.4 million compared to $651.4 million at December 31, 2006, an increase of $38.0 million.  Average loans represented 83% of total earning assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and the year ended December 31, 2006.

Allowance for Loan Losses.  The allowance for loan losses reflects management's assessment and estimate of the risks associated with extending credit and its evaluation of the quality of the loan portfolio.  The Bank periodically analyzes the loan portfolio in an effort to review asset quality and to establish an allowance for loan losses that management believes will be adequate in light of anticipated risks and loan losses.  In assessing the adequacy of the allowance, size, quality and risk of loans in the portfolio are reviewed. Other factors considered are:

·  
the Bank’s loan loss experience;
·  
the amount of past due and non-performing loans;
·  
specific known risks;
·  
the status and amount of other past due and non-performing assets;
·  
underlying estimated values of collateral securing loans;
·  
current and anticipated economic conditions; and
·  
other factors which management believes affect the allowance for potential credit losses.

Management uses several measures to assess and monitor the credit risks in the loan portfolio, including a loan grading system that begins upon loan origination and continues until the loan is collected or collectibility becomes doubtful. Upon loan origination, the Bank’s originating loan officer evaluates the quality of the loan and assigns one of nine risk grades, each grade indicating a different level of loss reserves. The loan officer monitors the loan’s performance and credit quality and makes changes to the credit grade as conditions warrant. When originated or renewed, all loans over a certain dollar amount receive in-depth reviews and risk assessments by the Bank’s Credit Administration. Before making any changes in these risk grades, management considers assessments as determined by the third party credit review firm (as described below), regulatory examiners and the Bank’s Credit Administration. Any issues regarding the risk assessments are addressed by the Bank’s senior credit administrators and factored into management’s decision to originate or renew the loan as well as the level of reserves deemed appropriate for the loan. The Bank’s Board of Directors reviews, on a monthly basis, an analysis of the Bank’s reserves relative to the range of reserves estimated by the Bank’s Credit Administration.

As an additional measure, the Bank engages an independent third party to review the underwriting, documentation, risk grading analyses and the methodology of determining the adequacy of the allowance for losses. This independent third party reviews and evaluates all loan relationships greater than $1.0 million.  The third party’s evaluation and report is shared with management and the Bank’s Board of Directors.

Management considers certain commercial loans with weak credit risk grades to be individually impaired and measures such impairment based upon available cash flows and the value of the collateral. Allowance or reserve levels are estimated for all other graded loans in the portfolio based on their assigned credit risk grade, type of loan and other matters related to credit risk.
 
15

 
Management uses the information developed from the procedures described above in evaluating and grading the loan portfolio. This continual grading process is used to monitor the credit quality of the loan portfolio and to assist management in determining the appropriate levels of the allowance for loan losses.

The allowance for loan losses is comprised of three components: specific reserves, general reserves and unallocated reserves.  After a loan has been identified as impaired, management measures impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 114, “Accounting By Creditors for Impairment of a Loan.” When the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the amount of the impairment is recorded as a specific reserve. These specific reserves are determined on an individual loan basis based on management’s current evaluation of the Company’s loss exposure for each credit, given the payment status, financial condition of the borrower, and value of any underlying collateral. Loans for which specific reserves are provided are excluded from the general allowance calculations as described below.  At September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the recorded investment in loans that were considered to be impaired under SFAS No. 114 was approximately $6.7 million and $7.6 million, respectively, with related allowance for loan losses of approximately $1.2 million for both periods.

The general allowance reflects reserves established under the provisions of SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies” for collective loan impairment.  These reserves are based upon historical net charge-offs using the last three years’ experience.  This charge-off experience may be adjusted to reflect the effects of current conditions.  The Bank considers information derived from its loan risk ratings and external data related to industry and general economic trends.

The unallocated allowance is determined through management’s assessment of probable losses that are in the portfolio but are not adequately captured by the other two components of the allowance, including consideration of current economic and business conditions and regulatory requirements. The unallocated allowance also reflects management’s acknowledgement of the imprecision and subjectivity that underlie the modeling of credit risk.  Due to the subjectivity involved in determining the overall allowance, including the unallocated portion, this unallocated portion may fluctuate from period to period based on management’s evaluation of the factors affecting the assumptions used in calculating the allowance.

Management considers the allowance for loan losses adequate to cover the estimated losses inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio as of the date of the financial statements. Management believes it has established the allowance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and in consideration of the current economic environment. Although management uses the best information available to make evaluations, significant future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic and other conditions, thus adversely affecting the operating results of the Company.

There were no significant changes in the estimation methods or fundamental assumptions used in the evaluation of the allowance for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2006. Such revisions, estimates and assumptions are made in any period in which the supporting factors indicate that loss levels may vary from the previous estimates.

Additionally, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowances for loan losses. Such agencies may require adjustments to the allowances based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examinations.

The allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2007 amounted to $8.7 million or 1.26% of total loans compared to $8.0 million or 1.27% of total loans at December 31, 2006.

Non-performing Assets.  Non-performing assets totaled $7.3 million at September 30, 2007 or 0.84% of total assets, compared to $8.0 million at December 31, 2006, or 0.97% of total assets.  Non-accrual loans were $6.7 million at September 30, 2007 and $7.6 million at December 31, 2006.  As a percentage of total loans outstanding, non-accrual loans were 0.97% at September 30, 2007 compared to 1.16% at December 31, 2006.  Non-accrual balances at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 include one classified loan relationship that was moved to non-accrual status in fourth quarter 2006.  This relationship totals $3.7 million at September 30, 2007 and has been appropriately reserved in the Bank’s allowance for loan losses.  The Bank had loans 90 days past due and still accruing at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 of $369,000 and $78,000, respectively.  Other real estate owned totaled $261,000 as of September 30, 2007 as compared to $344,000 at December 31, 2006.  The Bank had no repossessed assets as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006.

Total non-performing loans, which include non-accrual loans and loans 90 days past due and still accruing, were $7.1 million and $7.6 million at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.  The ratio of non-performing loans to total loans was 1.02% at September 30, 2007, as compared to 1.17% at December 31, 2006.
 
16

 
           Deposits.  Total deposits at September 30, 2007 were $675.4 million, an increase of $41.6 million over deposits of $633.8 million at December 31, 2006. Core deposits, which include non-interest bearing demand deposits, NOW, MMDA, savings and certificates of deposits of denominations less than $100,000, increased $46.9 million to $486.5 million at September 30, 2007 as compared to $439.6 million at December 31, 2006 due to concerted efforts to attract additional deposits from existing customers and to attract new customers in our existing offices along with deposits gathered in two new offices opened since June 2006.  The Bank has also introduced remote deposit capture for customers in 2007 which has enabled the Bank to gather additional deposits from several existing customers and has been helpful in attracting new customers at the new office in Cornelius, North Carolina.  Certificates of deposit in amounts greater than $100,000 or more totaled $189.0 million at September 30, 2007 as compared to $194.2 million at December 31, 2006.  At September 30, 2007, brokered deposits amounted to $34.2 million as compared to $60.0 million at December 31, 2006.  The decrease in brokered deposits reflects maturing brokered certificates of deposit that were not replaced due to an increase in core deposits.  Brokered deposits outstanding as of September 30, 2007 had a weighted average rate of 5.30% with a weighted average original term of 10 months.

Borrowed Funds. Borrowings from the FHLB totaled $77.0 million at September 30, 2007 compared to $89.3 million at December 31, 2006.  The average balance of FHLB borrowings for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $79.4 million compared to $74.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.  At September 30, 2007, all FHLB borrowings had maturities exceeding one year.  The FHLB has the option to convert $72.0 million of the total advances to a floating rate and, if converted, the Bank may repay advances without a prepayment fee.  The Company also has an additional $5.0 million in variable rate convertible advances, which may be repaid without a prepayment fee if converted by the FHLB.  The Company had no federal funds purchased as of September 30, 2007 or December 31, 2006.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase increased $13.9 million to $20.3 million at September 30, 2007 as compared to $6.4 million at December 31, 2006 as concerted efforts to promote cash management services has increased customer usage of securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

Junior Subordinated Debentures (related to Trust Preferred Securities).  In June 2006 the Company formed a second wholly owned Delaware statutory trust, PEBK Capital Trust II (“PEBK Trust II”), which issued $20.0 million of guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in the Company’s junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures.  All of the common securities of PEBK Trust II are owned by the Company.  The proceeds from the issuance of the common securities and the trust preferred securities were used by PEBK Trust II to purchase $20.6 million of junior subordinated debentures of the Company, which pay a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 163 basis points.  The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the junior subordinated debentures were used to repay in December 2006 the trust preferred securities issued by PEBK Capital Trust I in December 2001 and for general purposes.  The debentures represent the sole asset of PEBK Trust II.  PEBK Trust II is not included in the consolidated financial statements.

The trust preferred securities issued by PEBK Trust II accrue and pay quarterly at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 163 basis points.  The Company has guaranteed distributions and other payments due on the trust preferred securities to the extent PEBK Trust II has funds with which to make the distributions and other payments.  The net combined effect of the trust preferred securities transaction is that the Company is obligated to make the distributions and other payments required on the trust preferred securities.

These trust preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable upon maturity of the debentures on June 28, 2036, or upon earlier redemption as provided in the indenture.  The Company has the right to redeem the debentures purchased by PEBK Trust II, in whole or in part, on or after June 28, 2011.  As specified in the indenture, if the debentures are redeemed prior to maturity, the redemption price will be the principal amount and any accrued but unpaid interest.

Asset Liability and Interest Rate Risk Management.  The objective of the Company’s Asset Liability and Interest Rate Risk strategies is to identify and manage the sensitivity of net interest income to changing interest rates and to minimize the interest rate risk between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities at various maturities.  This is to be done in conjunction with the need to maintain adequate liquidity and the overall goal of maximizing net interest income.
 
The Company manages its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates through policies established by the Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) of the Bank.  The ALCO meets monthly and has the responsibility for approving asset/liability management policies, formulating and implementing strategies to improve balance sheet positioning and/or earnings and reviewing the interest rate sensitivity of the Company.  ALCO tries to minimize interest rate risk between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities by attempting to minimize wide fluctuations in net interest income due to interest rate movements.  The ability to control these fluctuations has a direct impact on the profitability of the Company. Management monitors this activity on a regular basis through analysis of its portfolios to determine the difference between rate sensitive assets and rate sensitive liabilities.
 
17

 
The Company’s rate sensitive assets are those earning interest at variable rates and those with contractual maturities within one year.  Rate sensitive assets therefore include both loans and available-for-sale securities.  Rate sensitive liabilities include interest-bearing checking accounts, money market deposit accounts, savings accounts, time deposits and borrowed funds.  The Company’s balance sheet is asset-sensitive, meaning that in a given period there will be more assets than liabilities subject to immediate repricing as interest rates change in the market.  Because most of the Company’s loans are tied to the prime rate, they reprice more rapidly than rate sensitive interest-bearing deposits.  During periods of rising rates, this results in increased net interest income.  The opposite occurs during periods of declining rates.  Average rate sensitive assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 totaled $792.1 million, exceeding average rate sensitive liabilities of $656.7 million by $135.4 million.

In order to assist in achieving a desired level of interest rate sensitivity, the Company entered into off-balance sheet contracts that are considered derivative financial instruments.    As of September 30, 2007, the Company had cash flow hedges with a notional amount of $150.0 million.  These derivative instruments consist of four interest rate floor contracts that are used to hedge future cash flows from payments on the first $150.0 million of certain variable rate commercial, construction and home equity loans against the downward effects of their repricing in the event of a decreasing rate environment for a period of three years ending in July 2008, November 2008, January 2009 and June 2009.  If the prime rate falls below 6.25% during the term of the contract on the first floor, the Company will receive payments based on the $35.0 million notional amount times the difference between 6.25% and the weighted average prime rate for the quarter.  No payments will be received by the Company if the weighted average prime rate is 6.25% or higher.  The Company paid a premium of $161,000 on this contact.  On the second floor if the prime rate falls below 7.00% during the term of the contract, the Company will receive payments based on the $35.0 million notional amount times the difference between 7.00% and the weighted average prime rate for the quarter.  No payments will be received by the Company if the weighted average prime rate is 7.00% or higher.  The Company paid a premium of $203,000 on this contract. On the third floor if the prime rate falls below 7.50% during the term of the contract, the Company will receive payments based on the $45.0 million notional amount times the difference between 7.50% and the weighted average prime rate for the quarter.  No payments will be received by the Company if the weighted average prime rate is 7.50% or higher.  The Company paid a premium of $562,500 on this contract.  On the fourth floor now that the prime rate has fallen below 8.00% during the term of the contract, the Company will receive payments based on the $35.0 million notional amount times the difference between 8.00% and the weighted average prime rate for the quarter.  No payments will be received by the Company if the weighted average prime rate is 8.00% or higher.  The Company paid a premium of $399,000 on this contract.

The Bank also utilizes interest rate floors on certain variable rate loans to protect against further downward movements in the prime rate.  At September 30, 2007, the Bank had $71.0 million in loans with interest rate floors; however, none of the floors were in effect pursuant to the terms of the promissory notes on these loans.

The Bank also had $6.6 million in loans that are tied to the prime rate and had interest rate caps in effect pursuant to the terms of the promissory notes on these loans.  The weighted average rate on these loans is 0.52% lower than the indexed rate on the promissory notes without the interest rate caps.

Liquidity. The objectives of the Company’s liquidity policy are to provide for the availability of adequate funds to meet the needs of loan demand, deposit withdrawals, maturing liabilities and to satisfy regulatory requirements.  Both deposit and loan customer cash needs can fluctuate significantly depending upon business cycles, economic conditions and yields and returns available from alternative investment opportunities.  In addition, the Company’s liquidity is affected by off-balance sheet commitments to lend in the form of unfunded commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.  As of September 30, 2007 such unfunded commitments to extend credit were $174.1 million, while commitments in the form of standby letters of credit totaled $3.2 million.

The Company uses several sources to meet its liquidity requirements.  The primary source is core deposits, which includes demand deposits, savings accounts and certificates of deposits of denominations less than $100,000.  The Company considers these to be a stable portion of the Company’s liability mix and the result of on-going consumer and commercial banking relationships.  As of September 30, 2007, the Company’s core deposits totaled $486.5 million, or 72% of total deposits.

The other sources of funding for the Company are through large denomination certificates of deposit, including brokered deposits, federal funds purchased and FHLB advances.  The Bank is also able to borrow from the Federal Reserve on a short-term basis.

At September 30, 2007, the Bank had a significant amount of deposits in amounts greater than $100,000, including brokered deposits of $34.2 million, which mature over the next ten months.  The balance and cost of these deposits are more susceptible to changes in the interest rate environment than other deposits.
 
18

 
The Bank had a line of credit with the FHLB equal to 20% of the Bank’s total assets, with an outstanding balance of $77.0 million at September 30, 2007.  The remaining availability at FHLB was $66.5 million at September 30, 2007.  The Bank also had the ability to borrow up to $35.0 million for the purchase of overnight federal funds from three correspondent financial institutions as of September 30, 2007.

The liquidity ratio for the Bank, which is defined as net cash, interest bearing deposits with banks, federal funds sold, certain investment securities and certain FHLB advances available under the line of credit, as a percentage of net deposits (adjusted for deposit runoff projections) and short-term liabilities was 30.30% at September 30, 2007 and 31.15% at December 31, 2006.  The minimum required liquidity ratio as defined in the Bank’s Asset/Liability and Interest Rate Risk Management Policy is 20%.

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.  The Company’s contractual obligations and other commitments as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 are summarized in the table below.  The Company’s contractual obligations include the repayment of principal and interest related to FHLB advances and junior subordinated debentures, as well as certain payments under current lease agreements.  Other commitments include commitments to extend credit.  Because not all of these commitments to extend credit will be drawn upon, the actual cash requirements are likely to be significantly less than the amounts reported for other commitments below.
 
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND OTHER COMMITMENTS:
       
(Dollars in Thousands)
           
             
   
September 30, 2007
   
December 31, 2006
 
             
Contractual Cash Obligations
           
Long-term borrowings
  $
77,000
     
69,500
 
Junior subordinated debentures
   
20,619
     
20,619
 
Operating lease obligations
   
5,152
     
8,009
 
                 
Total
  $
102,771
     
98,128
 
                 
Other Commitments
               
Commitments to extend credit
  $
174,139
     
151,697
 
Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written
   
3,224
     
4,574
 
                 
Total
  $
177,363
     
156,271
 
                 
 
The Company enters into derivative contracts to manage various financial risks.  A derivative is a financial instrument that derives its cash flows, and therefore its value, by reference to an underlying instrument, index or referenced interest rate.  Derivative contracts are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet with the fair value representing the net present value of expected future cash receipts or payments based on market interest rates as of the balance sheet date.  Derivative contracts are written in amounts referred to as notional amounts, which only provide the basis for calculating payments between counterparties and are not a measure of financial risk.  Further discussions of derivative instruments are included above in the section entitled “Asset Liability and Interest Rate Risk Management”.

Capital Resources.  Shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2007 was $68.3 million compared to $62.8 million at December 31, 2006.  At September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes, amounted to an unrealized gain of $389,000 and an unrealized loss of $771,000, respectively.  The increase in unrealized gains (losses) at September 30, 2007 is primarily attributable to an increase in the market value of available for sale securities and derivative instruments.  Management expects that accumulated comprehensive income (loss) will continue to fluctuate due to changes in the market value of available for sale investments securities and derivative instruments caused by changes in market interest rates.  Annualized return on average equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was 15.41% compared to 14.68% for the year ended December 31, 2006.  Total cash dividends paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 amounted to $1.7 million as compared to total cash dividends of $1.2 million paid for the first nine months of 2006.

In November 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $2.0 million in common shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock through its existing Stock Repurchase Plan effective through the end of November 2007.  The Company has repurchased $1.9 million, or 100,000 shares, of its common stock under this plan as of September 30, 2007.

In August 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 75,000 common shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock through its existing Stock Repurchase Plan effective through the end of August 2008.  The Company has repurchased $337,000, or 19,000 shares, of its common stock under this plan as of September 30, 2007.
 
19

 
Under the regulatory capital guidelines, financial institutions are currently required to maintain a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, with a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.0% or greater.  Tier 1 capital is generally defined as shareholders' equity and Trust Preferred Securities less all intangible assets and goodwill.  Tier 1 capital at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 includes $20.0 million in trust preferred securities.  The Company’s Tier 1 capital ratio was 11.54% and 11.70% at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.  Total risk-based capital is defined as Tier 1 capital plus supplementary capital.  Supplementary capital, or Tier 2 capital, consists of the Company's allowance for loan losses, not exceeding 1.25% of the Company's risk-weighted assets. Total risk-based capital ratio is therefore defined as the ratio of total capital (Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 capital) to risk-weighted assets.  The Company’s total risk-based capital ratio was 12.68% and 12.86% at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.  In addition to the Tier 1 and total risk-based capital requirements, financial institutions are also required to maintain a leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to total average assets of 4.0% or greater.  The Company’s Tier 1 leverage capital ratio was 10.52% and 10.80% at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

The Bank’s Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 10.20% and 10.21% at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.  The total risk-based capital ratio for the Bank was 11.34% and 11.37% at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.   The Bank’s Tier 1 leverage capital ratio was 9.29% and 9.41% at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

A bank is considered to be "well capitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0 % or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater, and has a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater.  Based upon these guidelines, the Bank was considered to be "well capitalized" at September 30, 2007.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20

 
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
There have been no material changes in the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risks as of September 30, 2007 from that presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
21

 

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.

There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22

 
 
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
   
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
In the opinion of management, the Company is not involved in any material pending legal proceedings other than routine proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business.
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
There are no material changes from the risk factors as previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K in response to Item 1A. to Part I to Form 10-K, filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2007.
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
                   
                               
 Period
 
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
   
Average
Price Paid
per Share
   
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or
Programs
   
Maximum
Number (or
Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
 
                               
 July 1 - 31, 2007
   
45,000
    $
18.89
     
45,000
    $
61,650   
    (1)
                                         
 August 1 - 31, 2007
   
940
     
17.81
     
-  
     
-      
   
                                         
 September 1 - 30, 2007
   
19,000
     
17.73
     
19,000
     
56,000   
    (2)
                                         
 Total
   
64,940
    $
18.54
     
64,000
                 
 
(1) Reflects dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the Stock Repurchase Plan through the end of November 30, 2007 as authorized by the Company's Board of Directors in November 2006.
               
(2)  Reflects number of shares that may yet be purchased under the Stock Repurchase Plan through the end of August 31, 2008 as authorized by the Company's Board of Directors in August 2007.
 
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
   
 
Not applicable
   
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
 
No matter was submitted to a vote of the Company's shareholders during the quarter ended September 30, 2007.
   
Item 5.
Other Information
   
 
Not applicable
 
Item 6.
  Exhibits
 
     
 
  Exhibit (3)(i)
Articles of Incorporation of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc., incorporated
   
by reference to Exhibit (3)(i) to the Form 8-A filed with the Securities and
   
Exchange Commission on September 2, 1999
 
 
23

 
 
 
Exhibit (3)(ii)
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.
     
 
Exhibit (4)
Specimen Stock Certificate, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4) to the Form 8-
   
A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 2, 1999
     
 
Exhibit (10)(a)
Employment Agreement between Peoples Bank and Tony W. Wolfe incorporated
   
by reference to Exhibit (10)(a) to the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and
   
Exchange Commission on March 30, 2000
     
 
Exhibit (10)(b)
Employment Agreement between Peoples Bank and Joseph F. Beaman, Jr.
   
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(b) to the Form 10-K filed with the
   
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2000
     
 
Exhibit (10)(c)
Employment Agreement between Peoples Bank and William D. Cable
   
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(d) to the Form 10-K filed with the
   
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2000
     
 
Exhibit (10)(d)
Employment Agreement between Peoples Bank and Lance A. Sellers incorporated
   
by reference to Exhibit (10)(e) to the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and
   
Exchange Commission on March 30, 2000
     
 
Exhibit (10)(e)
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. Omnibus Stock Ownership and Long
   
Term Incentive Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(f) to the Form 10-K
   
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2000
     
 
Exhibit (10)(e)(i)
Amendment No. 1 to the Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. Omnibus Stock
   
Ownership and Long Term Incentive Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit
   
(10)(e)(i) to the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
   
March 15, 2007
     
 
Exhibit (10)(f)
Employment Agreement between Peoples Bank and A. Joseph Lampron
   
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(g) to the Form 10-K filed with the
   
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2002
     
 
Exhibit (10)(g)
Peoples Bank Directors' and Officers' Deferral Plan, incorporated by reference to
   
Exhibit (10)(h) to the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange
   
Commission on March 28, 2002
     
 
Exhibit (10)(h)
Rabbi Trust for the Peoples Bank Directors' and Officers' Deferral Plan,
   
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(i) to the Form 10-K filed with the
   
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2002
     
 
Exhibit (10)(i)
Description of Service Recognition Program maintained by Peoples Bank,
   
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(i) to the Form 10-K filed with the
   
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2003
     
 
Exhibit (10)(j)
Capital Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of June 26, 2006, by and among
   
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc., PEBK Capital Trust II and Bear, Sterns
   
Securities Corp. incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(j) to the Form 10-Q
   
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2006
     
 
Exhibit (10)(k)
Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of PEBK Capital Trust II, dated as of
   
June 28, 2006 incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(k) to the Form 10-Q filed
   
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2006
     
 
Exhibit (10)(l)
Guarantee Agreement of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. dated as of June
   
28, 2006 incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(l) to the Form 10-Q filed with
   
the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2006
     
 
Exhibit (10)(m)
Indenture, dated as of June 28, 2006, by and between Peoples Bancorp of North
   
Carolina, Inc. and LaSalle Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to
 
 
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Junior Subordinated Debt Securities Due September 15, 2036 incorporated by
   
reference to Exhibit (10)(m) to the Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and
   
Exchange Commission on November 13, 2006
     
 
Exhibit (14)
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.,
   
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (14) to the Form 10-K filed with the
   
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 2005
     
 
Exhibit (31)(a)
Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-
   
Oxley Act of 2002
     
 
Exhibit (31)(b)
Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-
   
Oxley Act of 2002
     
 
Exhibit (32)
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section
   
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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SIGNATURES

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 thereunto duly authorized.
 
   
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.
     
     
     
     
  November 7,  2007
 
 /s/ Tony W. Wolfe
Date
 
Tony W. Wolfe
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
(Principal Executive Officer)
     
     
     
  November 7,  2007
 
 /s/ A. Joseph Lampron
Date
 
A. Joseph Lampron
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
(Principal Financial and Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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