Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK)

You're looking at Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) because you know a bank's foundational statements-its Mission Statement, Vision, and Core Values-are the true bedrock, especially when its total assets hit $1.69 billion as of June 2025. Forget the boilerplate; these principles are the operating manual that translates into their Q3 2025 net income of $3.692 million, so you need to know if their stated values match their balance sheet reality. What risk are you taking if a bank with $1.52 billion in deposits doesn't truly live up to its core value of 'Exceptional Customer Service'?

Honestly, the difference between a community bank that thrives and one that gets acquired often comes down to how deeply its employees internalize its Vision-to be the bank that's exceptional at serving its communities, including employees, customers and shareholders. We'll map out Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.'s principles against their recent performance, like their non-performing assets sitting at a defintely manageable 0.30% of total assets in Q1 2025, and give you clear actions on what to watch next.

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) Overview

You need a clear picture of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) to weigh its strategic position, and the quick takeaway is that this long-standing regional bank is showing solid loan growth and an improving net interest margin, even as net earnings saw a slight dip in the most recent quarter.

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. has been the holding company for Peoples Bank since it was first established in 1912, building a legacy of community-focused banking across North Carolina. It operates as a full-service, hometown community bank, meaning its core business is deeply rooted in local relationships and personalized service. The company offers a diverse portfolio of financial products, which is key to its stability.

• Deposit Accounts: Checking, savings, money market, and Certificates of Deposit (CDs).
• Lending: Mortgage, home equity, auto, and commercial loans.
• Advisory Services: Through subsidiaries like Peoples Investment Services, Inc. and Real Estate Advisory Services, Inc.

As of its latest reporting period, the company continues to generate significant sales, with quarterly revenue for the third quarter of 2025 hitting $22.25 million. That's a strong revenue base for a regional player, and it reflects the consistent demand for their core banking products in the Catawba Valley region.

Q3 2025 Financial Performance: Growth in Core Banking

The third quarter of 2025, which ended September 30, 2025, tells a story of strong operational growth despite a minor headwind in net earnings. Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. reported net interest income of $15.1 million, an impressive 11.6% jump from the prior-year quarter. Here's the quick math: higher interest income and lower funding costs, aided by Federal Reserve rate reductions, drove that net interest margin (NIM) improvement to 3.58%.

Still, net earnings for the quarter came in at $3.7 million, a 6.7% decrease from the prior-year period. To be fair, this decline wasn't about a lack of business; it was mainly due to higher provisions for credit losses and rising non-interest expenses, reflecting increased reserves on construction loans and higher operating costs like legal and salary expenses. You're seeing the cost of an expanding loan portfolio and general inflationary pressure on overhead.

The growth in their main product lines-loans and deposits-is defintely the real story here. Total loans increased to $1.18 billion as of September 30, 2025, up from $1.14 billion at the end of 2024. Plus, total deposits rose to $1.55 billion from $1.48 billion in the same period, showing customers trust them with their money. That loan and deposit growth is the lifeblood of a community bank.

A Leading Regional Player in North Carolina

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. isn't a Blackrock-sized global giant, but in the regional banking space, it's one of the leading companies in its operating area. The company's success is a direct result of its deep community ties, operating primarily in the Catawba Valley region of North Carolina, including counties like Catawba, Iredell, Lincoln, and Mecklenburg. Its longevity since 1912, coupled with its consistent growth in loans and deposits, showcases a sustained ability to capture market share and serve its customer base effectively.

The recent financial results, particularly the strong 11.6% growth in net interest income and the expansion of its loan book to $1.18 billion, prove its operational strength in a competitive environment. This performance confirms the company's position as a prominent financial institution committed to local economic development. To understand the full mechanics of this business and why it continues to be successful, you should find out more below: Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money.

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) Mission Statement

You're looking for the bedrock of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.'s (PEBK) strategy, and honestly, it all comes down to their mission statement. It's not just corporate fluff; it's the three-part mandate that guides every lending decision and community investment.

The core takeaway is simple: PEBK is a community bank first, focused on balancing service, shareholder return, and local economic health. This clear focus is what allows them to maintain a strong position in the Catawba Valley region of North Carolina, even as larger banks consolidate.

Component 1: Superior Financial Services to Our Customers

The first pillar is a commitment to providing superior financial services, which translates directly into high-quality products and exceptional customer service. For a community bank, this means being a reliable, trusted financial partner, not just a transaction processor. They strive to surpass your expectations. [cite: 10 in step 1]

In the near-term, this focus is reflected in their asset quality. For example, the company's core value of 'Exceptional Customer Service' is backed by the fact that they reported an increase in average loans to $1.17 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2025, demonstrating continued growth in their core banking operations. They have to be defintely good at what they do to keep that momentum. This commitment is the primary driver for a subsidiary like Peoples Bank, which serves individuals and small to medium-sized businesses across their North Carolina footprint.

• Deliver exceptional customer service. [cite: 10 in step 1]
• Focus on customer needs, not just sales.
• Maintain integrity: be fair and truthful. [cite: 10 in step 1]

Component 2: A Fair Return to Our Shareholders

A mission statement is incomplete without a clear financial goal, and for PEBK, that's providing a fair return to shareholders. This is the realist part of the equation: community service is only sustainable if the business is profitable and well-managed. You can see the direct result of this focus in the latest financial reports.

Here's the quick math on their recent performance: for the third quarter of 2025, Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. reported Net Earnings of $3.7 million, translating to a Diluted Net Earnings Per Share of $0.67. This steady performance, coupled with a full-year 2024 net earnings of $16.4 million, shows their success in navigating a challenging rate environment while still delivering value. Also, the company's consistent cash dividend announcements, like the one declared in August 2025, reinforce their commitment to shareholder returns.

If you want a deeper dive into the numbers that make this return possible, you should check out Breaking Down Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.

Component 3: Support the Economic Viability and Quality of Life in the Communities We Serve

This is the heart of the community bank model: supporting the local economy in the Catawba Valley and surrounding counties. This isn't just about lending; it's about active investment and community engagement, which is a core value of the bank. [cite: 4, 10 in step 1]

The company's dedication to this mission component is quantifiable. In 2024, Peoples Bank reported a 15% rise in CRA volunteer contributions (Community Reinvestment Act), which is a clear, actionable increase in their commitment to serving low- and moderate-income areas. This tells you they are not just writing checks, but their employees are actively involved in fostering local growth and prosperity. They operate as a local, independent bank, and their success is tied to the success of their neighbors and local businesses.

This focus on local stability is crucial. The bank's total loans stood at $1.14 billion and total deposits at $1.48 billion at the end of 2024, showing the scale of their financial commitment within the communities they serve. This capital is the engine that helps local businesses grow and families thrive, which is the ultimate goal of supporting economic viability. They see change as an opportunity to be progressive and positive for their communities. [cite: 10 in step 1]

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) Vision Statement

You're looking for the true north of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK), and that means going beyond the stock ticker to the core principles driving their strategy. The company's vision isn't just marketing fluff; it's a clear, three-part mandate that maps directly to their operational focus and financial results. This vision acts as the blueprint for how they intend to compete in the regional banking space and deliver value to you, the investor, through 2025 and beyond.

For a deeper dive into the mechanics of their business, you can check out Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money. But honestly, the vision is where the rubber meets the road for future growth.

Pillar 1: Becoming the Financial Institution of Choice

PEBK's primary vision is simple: to be the financial institution of choice in the markets they serve. This isn't about being the biggest; it's about being the most trusted and preferred. For a community bank, that means deep local penetration, not just a wide footprint. Their mission explicitly targets providing superior financial services to customers, which translates to a focus on relationship banking over transactional volume.

Here's the quick math on their current scale: As of September 30, 2025, Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina had total loans of $1.18 billion and total deposits of $1.55 billion. That deposit base is the lifeblood of a community bank, so maintaining that choice status is defintely critical. When customers choose to keep $1.55 billion in deposits with you, it shows confidence in stability and service.

• Build trust through personalized service.
• Maintain local market relevance.
• Ensure product offerings meet community needs.

Pillar 2: Recognition for Outstanding Service and Community Involvement

The second pillar of the vision focuses on non-financial performance: being recognized for outstanding customer service and community involvement. In a highly competitive banking environment, service quality is a key differentiator, especially when interest rates are volatile. This commitment is tied directly to their mission to support the economic viability and quality of life in their communities.

This commitment is a strategic risk mitigator. Strong community ties often lead to better credit quality because the bank understands its borrowers better. For instance, their non-performing assets were low at $5.1 million, or 0.29% of total assets, as of Q3 2025. That low percentage suggests effective local underwriting, which is a direct result of being deeply involved and knowing the community. It's a virtuous cycle: good service leads to loyal customers, and local knowledge keeps credit losses in check.

Pillar 3: Being a High-Performing Company that Provides Value

The final pillar is what matters most to you as an investor: to be a high-performing company that provides value to both shareholders and employees. This is the financial analyst's translation of the mission to provide a fair return to shareholders. Performance is measured by profitability, efficiency, and capital strength.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, PEBK reported net earnings of $13.2 million, translating to diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.41. This performance is crucial for shareholder value, but also for attracting and retaining talent. Shareholders' equity stood at $149.5 million at the end of Q3 2025, showing a solid capital foundation to support future loan growth and manage regulatory capital requirements. Value is created when capital is deployed efficiently, so watch the efficiency ratio closely in the next earnings reports. Strong financial performance is the only way to fund the community and service goals.

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) Core Values

You're looking past the Q3 2025 diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.67 and into the foundation of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK). That's the right move. A bank's core values are a leading indicator of its long-term stability and return profile, especially in a volatile market. For PEBK, these values aren't just posters on a wall; they translate directly into a balance sheet that saw total assets grow to $1.69 billion in the first quarter of 2025. Here is the breakdown of the five principles guiding the bank's strategy and action.

For a deeper dive into how this stability attracts institutional capital, you should check out Exploring Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) Investor Profile: Who's Buying and Why?

Employees: We are informed, encouraged and committed.

This value is about recognizing that a community bank's primary asset walks out the door every evening. PEBK's commitment to its workforce is tangible, not abstract. In the second quarter of 2025, the company's investment in its people showed up as a $341,000 rise in salaries and employee benefits expense, a direct cost that supports retention and expertise. That's a clear investment in human capital.

The bank backs this up with specific financial support programs, ensuring employees are informed and encouraged to grow their own financial wellness. They offer a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:

• Student Loan Paydown Plan: Provides up to $200 a month toward existing student loans for eligible full-time associates.
• Tuition Forgiveness Loan Program: Helps finance associate, bachelor's, or master's degree tuition and fees.
• Chuck Sulerzyski Scholars Fund: Offers two distinct scholarship programs for the dependents of bank associates.

They put their money where their mouth is on training and development.

Integrity: We are fair and truthful.

Integrity in banking means prudent risk management (managing the risk of losses) and transparency with shareholders. You see this value in action through their financial reporting, particularly their approach to credit risk in 2025. For the third quarter of 2025, the provision for credit losses increased by 78.5% to $530,000, up from $297,000 a year earlier. Here's the quick math: that significant increase in reserves, especially on construction loans, shows a proactive, truthful approach to asset quality, not a hidden one. It's a sign of a realist management team that is fair to its shareholders by being prepared for potential economic shifts.

Exceptional Customer Service: We strive to surpass our customers' expectations.

For a community bank, service is the core competitive advantage (the moat). PEBK's strategy here is to pair local, relationship-based banking with digital convenience. The proof is in the sustained client activity: total deposits grew to $1.55 billion by the end of Q3 2025, up from $1.48 billion at the end of 2024. This growth demonstrates customer trust and satisfaction with the service model.

Specific 2025 initiatives to surpass expectations include:

• Launching Mobile Wire Transfers, which dramatically improves efficiency for business clients.
• Implementing a Bill Pay Upgrade to modernize the core digital banking experience.
• Offering a Financial Wellness Learning Center to help individuals and businesses with money management and personal financial insights.

They're not just friendly; they're defintely functional.

Accountability: We are accountable for our own actions and bank goals.

Accountability is measured by performance against goals and the return of value to shareholders. The bank's commitment to its ownership base is clear in its dividend policy and capital management. In 2025, the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share for Q1, plus a special cash dividend of $0.16 per share in February. Furthermore, in March 2025, the Board authorized a stock repurchase program of $3 million, signaling confidence in the stock's intrinsic value and a commitment to capital efficiency. This action directly supports shareholder value and shows management is accountable for capital allocation.

Progressive and Positive: We see change as an opportunity.

This value is the bank's roadmap for future relevance, focusing on technology adoption and efficiency. The bank is actively investing to stay ahead of the curve. In 2025, the bank announced Technology Leadership Promotions, specifically tasking the new leadership with driving business process automation and the strategic integration of artificial intelligence (AI). This isn't just talk; it's a structural change meant to boost the net interest margin (NIM), which already improved to 3.58% in Q3 2025. They are embracing change to keep their operations lean and their customer experience modern, ensuring the bank remains a leader in its North Carolina markets.