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PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA INC - Quarter Report: 2006 September (Form 10-Q)

10-Q for Sept 30, 2006

 
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, 2006
 
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
   
Non-Accelerated Filer
    X
 
 
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.
3,813,807 shares of common stock, outstanding at October 31, 2006.
 
 

 

   
INDEX
 
       
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
PAGE(S)
       
Item 1.
 
Financial Statements
 
       
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2006 (Unaudited) and
 
   
December 31, 2005
3
       
   
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three months ended
 
   
September 30, 2006 and 2005 (Unaudited), and for the nine months ended
 
 
 
September 30, 2006 and 2005 (Unaudited)
4
       
   
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months
 
   
ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 (Unaudited), and for the nine months 
 
    ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 (Unaudited)
 5
       
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended
 
   
September 30, 2006 and 2005 (Unaudited)
6-7
       
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
8-12
       
Item 2.
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
 
   
and Results of Operations
13-22
       
Item 3.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
23
       
Item 4.
 
Controls and Procedures
24
       
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
       
Item 1.
 
Legal Proceedings
25
Item 1A.
  Risk Factors
 25
Item 2.
 
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
25
Item 3.
 
Defaults upon Senior Securities
25
Item 4.
 
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
25
Item 5.
 
Other Information
25
Item 6.
 
Exhibits
25-26
Signatures
   
27
Certifications
   
28-30
 

 
              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, 2005
 
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
   
2006
   
2005
 
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
               
Cash and due from banks
 
$
19,727,439
   
18,468,999
 
Federal funds sold
   
2,258,000
   
1,347,000
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
21,985,439
   
19,815,999
 
               
Investment securities available for sale
   
118,084,586
   
115,158,184
 
Other investments
   
6,822,949
   
5,810,749
 
Total securities
   
124,907,535
   
120,968,933
 
               
Mortgage loans held for sale
   
1,289,217
   
2,247,900
 
               
Loans
   
624,302,284
   
566,663,416
 
Less allowance for loan losses
   
(8,132,844
)
 
(7,424,782
)
Net loans
   
616,169,440
   
559,238,634
 
               
Premises and equipment, net
   
12,870,691
   
12,662,153
 
Cash surrender value of life insurance
   
6,466,938
   
6,311,757
 
Accrued interest receivable and other assets
   
11,311,108
   
9,034,239
 
Total assets
 
$
795,000,368
   
730,279,615
 
               
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
             
               
Deposits:
             
Non-interest bearing demand
 
$
98,155,787
   
94,660,721
 
NOW, MMDA & savings
   
170,887,226
   
183,248,699
 
Time, $100,000 or more
   
175,609,612
   
152,410,976
 
Other time
   
161,831,432
   
152,533,265
 
Total deposits
   
606,484,057
   
582,853,661
 
               
Demand notes payable to U.S. Treasury
   
1,600,000
   
1,473,693
 
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase
   
8,602,041
   
981,050
 
FHLB borrowings
   
78,800,000
   
71,600,000
 
Junior subordinated debentures
   
35,052,000
   
14,433,000
 
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
   
3,594,467
   
4,585,217
 
Total liabilities
   
734,132,565
   
675,926,621
 
               
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 3,813,807 shares in 2006
             
and 3,440,805 shares in 2005
   
50,674,267
   
41,096,500
 
Retained earnings
   
11,272,225
   
14,656,160
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(1,078,689
)
 
(1,399,666
)
Total shareholders' equity
   
60,867,803
   
54,352,994
 
               
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
795,000,368
   
730,279,615
 
               
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,
 
     
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
 
 
(Unaudited) 
   
(Unaudited)
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
                           
Interest income:
                         
Interest and fees on loans
 
$
13,302,338
   
10,156,112
   
37,373,713
   
27,838,237
 
Interest on federal funds sold
   
40,818
   
35,041
   
62,020
   
37,946
 
Interest on investment securities:
                         
U.S. Government agencies
   
1,114,266
   
893,602
   
3,206,274
   
2,596,159
 
States and political subdivisions
   
201,248
   
181,479
   
587,409
   
543,974
 
Other
   
126,404
   
92,588
   
389,311
   
284,535
 
Total interest income
   
14,785,074
   
11,358,822
   
41,618,727
   
31,300,851
 
                           
Interest expense:
                         
NOW, MMDA & savings deposits
   
817,878
   
647,734
   
2,174,238
   
1,923,016
 
Time deposits
   
3,715,792
   
2,363,754
   
10,136,246
   
6,254,678
 
FHLB borrowings
   
909,702
   
722,818
   
2,763,657
   
2,144,602
 
Junior subordinated debentures
   
700,220
   
234,536
   
1,277,540
   
667,526
 
Other
   
99,234
   
8,763
   
183,077
   
19,874
 
Total interest expense
   
6,242,826
   
3,977,605
   
16,534,758
   
11,009,696
 
                           
Net interest income
   
8,542,248
   
7,381,217
   
25,083,969
   
20,291,155
 
                           
Provision for loans losses
   
686,282
   
930,000
   
1,858,282
   
2,343,000
 
                           
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
7,855,966
   
6,451,217
   
23,225,687
   
17,948,155
 
                           
Non-interest income:
                         
Service charges
   
976,515
   
988,294
   
2,918,390
   
2,740,863
 
Other service charges and fees
   
394,030
   
308,184
   
1,153,059
   
823,677
 
Loss on sale of securities
   
(163,702
)
 
(139,727
)
 
(337,453
)
 
(139,727
)
Mortgage banking income
   
115,802
   
133,543
   
355,678
   
338,299
 
Insurance and brokerage commissions
   
80,523
   
87,006
   
294,206
   
299,526
 
Miscellaneous
   
639,683
   
410,802
   
1,605,443
   
1,192,298
 
Total non-interest income
   
2,042,851
   
1,788,102
   
5,989,323
   
5,254,936
 
                           
Non-interest expense:
                         
Salaries and employee benefits
   
3,396,804
   
3,060,582
   
9,900,606
   
9,094,848
 
Occupancy
   
1,049,911
   
1,020,332
   
3,055,732
   
2,977,958
 
Other
   
1,735,065
   
1,306,732
   
4,871,334
   
3,874,376
 
Total non-interest expenses
   
6,181,780
   
5,387,646
   
17,827,672
   
15,947,182
 
                           
Earnings before income taxes
   
3,717,037
   
2,851,673
   
11,387,338
   
7,255,909
 
                           
Income taxes
   
1,344,300
   
1,010,200
   
4,118,100
   
2,529,600
 
                           
Net earnings
 
$
2,372,737
   
1,841,473
   
7,269,238
   
4,726,309
 
                           
Basic earnings per share
 
$
0.62
   
0.48
   
1.92
   
1.24
 
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.61
   
0.48
   
1.87
   
1.23
 
Cash dividends declared per share
 
$
0.11
   
0.09
   
0.32
   
0.27
 
                           
                           
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,
 
     
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
Net earnings
 
$
2,372,737
 
 
1,841,473
 
 
7,269,238
 
 
4,726,309
 
                           
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                         
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities
                         
available for sale
   
2,261,854
   
(317,691
)
 
(84,515
)
 
(1,224,117
)
Reclassification adjustment for losses on
                         
sales of securities available for sale included
                         
in net earnings
   
163,702
   
139,727
   
337,453
   
139,727
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on derivative
                         
financial instruments qualifying as cash flow
                         
hedges
   
412,427
   
(114,006
)
 
(254,476
)
 
(189,181
)
Reclassification adjustment for losses on
                         
derivative financial instruments qualifying as
                         
cash flow hedges included in net earnings
   
84,655
   
200,458
   
386,285
   
283,256
 
                           
Total other comprehensive income (loss),
                         
before income taxes
   
2,922,638
   
(91,512
)
 
384,747
   
(990,315
)
                           
Income tax expense (benefit) related to other
                         
comprehensive income:
                         
                           
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities
                         
available for sale
   
880,992
   
(123,741
)
 
(32,919
)
 
(476,794
)
Reclassification adjustment for losses on
                         
sales of securities available for sale included
                         
in net earnings
   
63,762
   
54,424
   
131,438
   
54,424
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on derivative
                         
financial instruments qualifying as cash flow
                         
hedges
   
125,418
   
(48,620
)
 
(185,207
)
 
(77,900
)
Reclassification adjustment for losses on
                         
derivative financial instruments qualifying as
                         
cash flow hedges included in net earnings
   
32,974
   
78,079
   
150,458
   
110,328
 
                           
Total income tax expense (benefit) related to
                         
other comprehensive income
   
1,103,146
   
(39,858
)
 
63,770
   
(389,942
)
                           
Total other comprehensive income (loss),
                         
net of tax
   
1,819,492
   
(51,654
)
 
320,977
   
(600,373
)
                           
Total comprehensive income
 
$
4,192,229
   
1,789,819
   
7,590,215
   
4,125,936
 
                           
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, 2006 and 2005
 
               
     
   2006
 
 
   2005
 
 
 
 
      (Unaudited) 
   
      (Unaudited)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
             
Net earnings
 
$
7,269,238
   
4,726,309
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to
             
net cash provided by operating activities:
             
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
   
1,059,551
   
1,268,632
 
Provision for loan losses
   
1,858,282
   
2,343,000
 
Loss on sale of investment securities
   
337,453
   
139,727
 
Recognition of loss on sale of derivative instruments
   
386,285
   
283,256
 
Amortization of deferred gain on sale of premises
   
(15,672
)
 
(15,672
)
Loss on sale of premises and equipment
   
-    
   
(1,088
)
Loss (gain) on sale of repossessed assets
   
(10,463
)
 
40,309
 
Amortization of deferred issuance costs on trust preferred securities
   
309,010
   
13,307
 
Stock option compensation expense
   
4,268
   
-    
 
Change in:
             
Mortgage loans held for sale
   
958,683
   
(387,055
)
Cash surrender value of life insurance
   
(155,181
)
 
(223,177
)
Other assets
   
(1,818,777
)
 
663,274
 
Other liabilities
   
(990,750
)
 
242,056
 
               
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
9,191,927
   
9,092,878
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
             
Purchases of investment securities available for sale
   
(17,706,818
)
 
(22,660,876
)
Proceeds from calls and maturities of investment securities available for sale
   
5,333,051
   
7,761,195
 
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale
   
9,421,024
   
8,358,392
 
Purchases of other investments
   
(9,737,700
)
 
(5,052,790
)
Proceeds from sale of other investments
   
8,725,500
   
4,104,000
 
Net change in loans
   
(59,416,093
)
 
(28,153,561
)
Purchases of premises and equipment
   
(1,295,262
)
 
(1,101,163
)
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
   
-    
   
1,750
 
Proceeds from sale of repossessed assets
   
498,290
   
64,719
 
Purchases of derivative financial instruments
   
(961,500
)
 
(870,000
)
               
Net cash used by investing activities
   
(65,139,508
)
 
(37,548,334
)
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
             
Net change in deposits
   
23,630,396
   
31,036,699
 
Net change in demand notes payable to U.S. Treasury
   
126,307
   
415,608
 
Net change in securities sold under agreement to repurchase
   
7,620,991
   
-    
 
Proceeds from FHLB borrowings
   
593,700,000
   
148,200,000
 
Repayments of FHLB borrowings
   
(586,500,000
)
 
(140,200,000
)
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities
   
20,619,000
   
-    
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
567,968
   
70,855
 
Common stock repurchased
   
(425,000
)
 
(207,000
)
Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares
   
(6,426
)
 
(4,700
)
Cash dividends paid
   
(1,216,215
)
 
(1,035,858
)
               
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
58,117,021
   
38,275,604
 
               
Net change in cash and cash equivalent
   
2,169,440
   
9,820,148
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
19,815,999
   
16,790,871
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
21,985,439
   
26,611,019
 
 
 
6

 

PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued
 
           
Nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005
 
               
     
   2006
 
 
   2005
 
 
 
 
      (Unaudited) 
   
      (Unaudited)
 
               
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
             
Cash paid during the year for:
             
Interest
 
$
16,715,025
   
10,988,218
 
Income taxes
 
$
5,167,100
   
1,568,000
 
               
Noncash investing and financing activities:
             
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities
             
available for sale, net
 
$
(154,419
)
 
(662,020
)
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial
             
instruments, net
 
$
(166,558
)
 
61,647
 
Transfer of loans to other real estate and repossessions
 
$
627,004
   
93,710
 
Transfer of retained earnings to common stock for
             
issuance of stock dividend
 
$
9,430,532
   
6,274,087
 
Reclassification of a security from other investments
             
to securities available for sale
 
$
-  
   
715,000
 
               
               
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 4, 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) ratified the conclusions reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) on EITF 06-4, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements.” This issue will require companies to recognize an obligation for either the present value of the entire promised death benefit or the annual “cost of insurance” required to keep the policy in force during the post-retirement years. This will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. Management is currently evaluating the effect of the proposal on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition, as the Bank has split-dollar policies in place in its BOLI.

In June 2006, FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”) Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement 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 will be effective for the Company beginning in January of 2007. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of this interpretation on its financial position and results of operations.
 
(2)
 Allowance for Loan Losses
 
 The following is an analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005:
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
               
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
7,424,782
   
8,048,627
 
Provision for loan losses
   
1,858,282
   
2,343,000
 
Less:
             
Charge-offs
   
(1,420,320
)
 
(3,410,070
)
Recoveries
   
270,100
   
353,274
 
Net charge-offs
   
(1,150,220
)
 
(3,056,796
)
               
Balance, end of period
 
$
8,132,844
   
7,334,831
 
               
 
 
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(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 10% stock dividend approved on April 20, 2006 by the Board of Directors of the Company.

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
 
Common Shares
 
 Per Share Amount
 
                     
Basic earnings per share
 
$
2,372,737
   
3,804,878
 
$
0.62
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Stock options
   
-    
   
89,125
       
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
2,372,737
   
3,894,003
 
$
0.61
 
                     
                     
For the nine months ended September 30, 2006
                   
                     
 
 
 
Net Earnings 
 
 
Common Shares
   
Per Share Amount
 
                     
Basic earnings per share
 
$
7,269,238
   
3,793,896
 
$
1.92
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Stock options
   
-    
   
92,035
       
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
7,269,238
   
3,885,931
 
$
1.87
 
 
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, 2005 is as follows:
       
For the three months ended September 30, 2005
              
                
 
 
 
Net Earnings 
   
Common Shares
   
Per Share Amount
 
                     
Basic earnings per share
 
$
1,841,473
   
3,798,833
 
$
0.48
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Stock options
   
-    
   
59,902
       
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
1,841,473
   
3,858,735
 
$
0.48
 
                     
                     
For the nine months ended September 30, 2005
                   
                     
 
 
 
Net Earnings 
   
Common Shares
   
Per Share Amount
 
                     
Basic earnings per share
 
$
4,726,309
   
3,797,352
 
$
1.24
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Stock options
   
-    
   
57,237
       
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
4,726,309
   
3,854,589
 
$
1.23
 
 

(4)
 Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
 
The Company entered into a new interest rate floor contract with a notional amount of $45.0 million during the first quarter of 2006. This derivative instrument is used to hedge future cash flows of the first $45.0 million of certain prime rate based variable rate 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 January 2009. If the prime rate falls
 
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below 7.50% during the term of this 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 on these loans is 7.50% or higher. The Company paid a premium of $562,500 on this contract.

The Company also entered into another new interest rate floor contract with a notional amount of $35.0 million during the second quarter of 2006. This derivative instrument is used to hedge future cash flows of the first $35.0 million of certain prime rate based variable rate construction loans against the downward effects of their repricing in the event of a decreasing rate environment for a period of three years ending in June 2009. If the prime rate falls below 8.00% during the term of this 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 on these loans is 8.00% or higher. The Company paid a premium of $399,000 on this contract.

(5)
 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 354,046 shares were reserved for possible issuance under this Plan. All rights must be granted or awarded within ten years from the 1999 effective date.

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, 2006. A summary of the activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 is presented below:
 
   
Three months ended
 
   
September 30, 2006
 
   
Shares
 
Weighted
Average Option Price Per Share
 
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
 
Aggregate
 Intrinsic
 Value
 
                   
Outstanding, beginning of period
   
190,249
 
$
12.20
             
Granted during the period
   
-    
   
-    
             
Forfeited during the period
   
(110
)
 
11.07
             
Exercised during the period
   
(25,523
)
 
11.19
             
                           
Outstanding, end of period
   
164,616
 
$
12.33
   
5.05
 
$
2,432,743
 
                           
Number of shares exercisable
   
162,195
 
$
12.28
   
5.00
 
$
2,405,172
 
                           
 
   
Nine months ended 
 
 
   
September 30, 2006 
 
 
   
Shares 
   
Weighted
Average Option Price Per Share
 
 Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term in years)
 
 Aggregate
 Intrinsic
 Value
 
                           
Outstanding, beginning of period
   
213,128
 
$
12.19
             
Granted during the period
   
-    
   
-    
             
Forfeited during the period
   
(110
)
 
11.07
             
Exercised during the period
   
(48,402
)
 
11.71
             
                           
Outstanding, end of period
   
164,616
 
$
12.33
   
5.05
 
$
2,432,743
 
                           
Number of shares exercisable
   
162,195
 
$
12.28
   
5.00
 
$
2,405,172
 
 
 
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The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS No. 123(R)”), on January 1, 2006 using the “modified prospective” method. Under this method, awards that are granted, modified, or settled after December 31, 2005, are measured and accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R). Also under this method, expense is recognized for unvested awards that were granted prior to January 1, 2006, based upon the fair value determined at the grant date under SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (“SFAS No. 123”). The Company recognized compensation expense for employee stock options of $3,000 and $4,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively. The Company has not recognized any tax benefit on compensation expense from employee stock options in either the three or nine months ended September 30, 2006. As of September 30, 2006, there was $6,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested employee stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a period of two years. The Company did not recognize any compensation expense for employee stock options for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005.

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company accounted for stock compensation under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations. Accordingly, the Company previously recognized no compensation cost for employee stock options. The following table illustrates the effect on net earnings and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 as of September 30, 2005.
 

       
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
       
September 30, 2005
 
September 30, 2005
 
                     
Net earnings
As reported  
 
 
$
1,841,473
   
4,726,309
 
 
Effect of grants
       
(34,562
)
 
(108,939
)
 
Effect of forfeitures
       
-
   
5,253
 
                     
 
Proforma      
$
1,806,911
   
4,622,623
 
                     
Basic earnings per share
As reported  
 
 
$
0.48
   
1.24
 
 
Proforma      
$
0.48
   
1.22
 
                     
Diluted earnings per share
As reported  
 
 
$
0.48
   
1.23
 
 
Proforma      
$
0.47
   
1.20
 
 
No options were granted during the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005. The total intrinsic value (amount by which the fair market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of an option on exercise date) of options exercised during the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was $395,000 and $4,000, respectively. There were no options vested during the three months ended September 30, 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2005. Cash received from option exercises for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was $287,000 and $6,000, respectively. The tax benefit for the tax deductions from option exercises totaled $79,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006. There was no tax benefit for the tax deductions from option exercises for the three months ended September 30, 2005.

No options were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005. The total intrinsic value (amount by which the fair market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of an option on exercise date) of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was $639,000 and $28,000, respectively. There were 807 options vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 806 options vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Cash received from option exercises for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was $568,000 and $71,000, respectively. The tax benefit for the tax deductions from option exercises totaled $176,000 and $16,000, respectively for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005.
 
(6)
 Stock Dividend
 
On April 20, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a 10% stock dividend and a $0.11 per share cash dividend. As a result of the stock dividend, each shareholder received one new share of stock for every ten 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 dividend. The cash dividend was paid based on the number of shares held by shareholders as adjusted by the stock dividend. All previously reported per share amounts have been restated to reflect this stock dividend.
 
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(7)
 Junior Subordinated Debentures
 
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 are intended to be used to repay in December 2006 the trust preferred securities issued by PEBK Trust 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 all the documents entered into in connection with the trust preferred securities is that the Company is liable 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.





12

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

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 Federal Reserve Board. 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 Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 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 local employers may be required to eliminate employment positions of borrowers, and small businesses and other 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 Federal Reserve has increased the Federal Funds Rate a total of 3.00% since December 31, 2004 with the rate set at 5.25% as of September 30, 2006. These increases had a positive impact on third quarter earnings and should continue to have a positive impact on the Bank’s net interest income in the future periods. The positive impact from the increase in the Federal Funds Rate has been partially offset by the decrease in earnings realized on interest rate contracts, including both interest rate swaps and interest rate floors, utilized by the Company. The swaps were put in place during the time that the Federal Funds Rate approached 1.00% and helped to offset the decline in income experienced in 2003 and 2004 because of the reductions in the Federal Funds Rate that the Federal Reserve implemented from January 2001 to June 2003. Additional information regarding the Company’s interest rate contacts is provided below in the section entitled “Asset Liability and Interest Rate Risk Management.”

The Company currently qualifies as a non-accelerated filer in accordance with Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Therefore, the Company is not currently subject to the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX 404”). The Company will qualify as an accelerated filer and be required to comply with SOX 404 effective December 31, 2006. The Company will incur additional consulting and audit expenses in becoming compliant and continuing to comply with SOX 404. 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 Banco de la Gente office in Union County, in Monroe, North Carolina in June 2006 in a continuing effort to serve the Latino community. The Bank also plans to open a new traditional banking office in Iredell County, in Mooresville, North Carolina during the first six months of 2007. Management expects to continue to open at
 
13

 
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.

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. The following is a summary of some of the more subjective and complex accounting policies of the Company. 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 4, 2006 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 December 2004, the FASB revised SFAS No. 123 (“SFAS No. 123 (R)”). SFAS No. 123 (R), “Share-Based Payment”, requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative to financial statement recognition. SFAS No. 123 (R) is effective for periods beginning after December 31, 2005. The Company recognized compensation expense for employee stock options of $3,000 and $4,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively. The Company did not recognize any tax benefit on compensation expense from employee stock options in either the first, second or third quarter of 2006.

In September 2006, the FASB ratified the conclusions reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) on EITF 06-4, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements.” This issue will require companies to recognize an obligation for either the present value of the entire promised death benefit or the annual “cost of insurance” required to keep the policy in force during the post-retirement years. This will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. Management is currently evaluating the effect of the proposal on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition, as the Bank has split-dollar policies in place in its BOLI.

In June 2006, FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”) Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement 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 will be effective for the Company beginning in January of 2007. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of this interpretation on its financial position and results of operations.

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.
 
14

 
Results of Operations
Summary. Net earnings for the third quarter of 2006 were $2.4 million, or $0.62 basic net earnings per share and $0.61 diluted net earnings per share as compared to $1.8 million, or $0.48 basic and diluted net earnings per share for the same period one year ago. Net earnings from recurring operations for the three months ended September 30, 2006 were $2.5 million, or $0.65 basic net income per share and $0.64 diluted net income per share, as compared to the third quarter of 2005 net income from recurring operations of $2.0 million, or $0.51 basic and diluted net income per share. The increase in net earnings 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 1.21% for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared to 1.02% for the same period in 2005, and annualized return on average shareholders' equity was 15.75% for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared to 13.44% for the same period in 2005.

Net earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 were $7.3 million, or $1.92 basic net earnings per share and $1.87 diluted net earnings per share. Net earnings from recurring operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 were $7.6 million, or $2.00 basic net income per share and $1.95 diluted net income per share, representing a 57% increase over net earnings from recurring operations of $4.8 million, or $1.27 basic net income per share and $1.25 diluted net income per share, for the same period one year ago. The increase in net earnings for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 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 1.27% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to 0.90% for the same period in 2005, and annualized return on average shareholders’ equity was 16.08% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to 11.55% for the same period in 2005.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income, the major component of the Company's net earnings, was $8.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, an increase of 16% over the $7.4 million earned in the same period in 2005. The increase in net interest income for the third quarter of 2006 was primarily attributable to increases in the prime rate resulting from Federal Reserve interest rate increases combined with increases in the average outstanding balances of loans and investment securities available-for-sale.

Interest income increased $3.4 million or 30% for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005. The increase was due to an increase in the average yield received on loans resulting from Federal Reserve interest rate increases combined with an increase in the average outstanding balance of loans and investment securities available-for-sale. The average yield earned on loans, including fees, was 8.67% for the three months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to 7.25% for the same period of 2005. During the quarter ended September 30, 2006, average loans increased $52.9 million to $608.6 million from $555.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005. During the quarter ended September 30, 2006, average investment securities available-for-sale increased $11.2 million to $119.3 million from $108.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005.

Interest expense increased $2.3 million or 57% for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005. The increase in interest expense was due to an increase in the cost of funds to 4.00% for the three months ended September 30, 2006 from 2.78% for the same period in 2005, 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 deposits. The average rate paid on interest-bearing checking and savings accounts was 1.89% for the three months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to 1.37% for the same period of 2005. The average rate paid on certificates of deposits was 4.40% for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared to 3.17% for the same period one year ago.

Net interest income for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 was $25.1 million, an increase of 24% over net interest income of $20.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. 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 $10.3 million or 33% to $41.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to $31.3 million for the same period in 2005. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the average yield received on loans resulting from Federal Reserve interest rate increases combined with an increase in the average
 
15

 
outstanding balance of loans and investment securities available-for-sale. The average yield earned on loans, including fees, was 8.40% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to 6.81% for the same period of 2005. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, average loans increased $48.8 million to $595.2 million from $546.4 million for the same period in 2005. Average investment securities available-for-sale increased 11% to $117.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. All other interest-earning assets including federal funds sold increased to an average of $9.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 from $8.8 million in the same period in 2005. The tax equivalent yield on average earning assets increased to 7.80% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 from 6.42% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.

Interest expense increased 50% to $16.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to $11.0 million for the corresponding period in 2005. The increase in interest expense was due to an increase in the cost of funds to 3.65% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 from 2.64% for the same period in 2005. 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 1.69% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to 1.36% for the same period in 2005. The average rate paid on certificates of deposits was 4.09% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 from 2.91% for the same period one year ago.

Provision for Loan Losses. For the three months ended September 30, 2006, a contribution of $686,000 was made to the provision for loan losses compared to $930,000 for the same period one year ago. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006 a contribution of $1.9 million was made to the provision for loan losses compared to a $2.3 million contribution to the provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The decrease in the provision for loan losses is primarily attributable to a decrease in non-accrual loans of $2.0 million when compared to September 30, 2005.

Non-Interest Income. Total non-interest income was $2.0 million in the third quarter of 2006, a 14% increase over the $1.8 million for the same period in 2005. This increase is primarily due to an increase in service charge and fee income and other miscellaneous income resulting from activity in new branches opened in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Service charges were $977,000 and $988,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. This decrease is primarily due to a decrease of $41,000 in NSF Fee income. Other service charges and fees increased 28% to $394,000 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2006 when compared to the same period one year ago. This increase is primarily attributable to an increase of $38,000 in check cashing fee income. Mortgage banking income decreased $18,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to the corresponding period in 2005. Miscellaneous income was $640,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006, a 56% increase from $411,000 for the same period in 2005. This increase in miscellaneous income was partially attributable to income amounting to $118,000 distributed by a Small Business Investment Corporation (SBIC) investment owned by the Bank, an increase of $53,000 in debit card fee income primarily associated with increased card usage due to an increased number of demand accounts and a $24,000 increase in income from the Bank’s Real Estate Advisory Services, Inc. subsidiary. These increases were partially offset by a $164,000 loss on sale of securities. Recurring non-interest income amounted to $2.2 million and $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The increase in recurring non-interest income is primarily due to an increase in service charges and fees and miscellaneous other income. Net non-recurring losses on the disposition of assets totaled $161,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and included a $164,000 loss on the sale of securities partially offset by a gain on the disposition of assets.

Total non-interest income was $6.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, a 14% increase over the $5.3 million for the same period in 2005. This increase is primarily due to an increase in fee income and other miscellaneous income resulting from activity in new branches opened in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Service charges were $2.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, a 6% increase over the same period in 2005. This increase is primarily due to an increase of $92,000 in account maintenance income. Other service charges and fees increased 40% to $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 when compared to the same period one year ago. This increase is primarily attributable to an increase of $184,000 in check cashing fee income and an increase of $58,000 in miscellaneous fee income. Mortgage banking income increased 5% to $356,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 when compared to the same period in 2005. Miscellaneous income increased 35% to $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This increase in miscellaneous income was partially attributable to an increase of $154,000 in debit card fee income primarily associated with increased card usage due to an increased number of demand accounts, income amounting to $118,000 distributed by a SBIC investment owned by the Bank and a $69,000 increase in income from the Bank’s Real Estate Advisory Services, Inc. subsidiary. These increases were partially offset by a $337,000 loss on sale of securities, which reflects management’s efforts to reposition the Bank’s investment portfolio in order to reduce exposure to a decrease in interest rates. Recurring non-interest income amounted to $6.3 million and $5.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Net non-recurring losses on the disposition of assets totaled $311,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and included the $337,000 loss on the sale of securities partially offset by a $26,000 gain on the disposition of assets.
 
16

 
Non-Interest Expense. Total non-interest expense increased 15% to $6.2 million for the third quarter of 2006 as compared to $5.4 million for the corresponding period in 2005. Salary and employee benefits totaled $3.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, an increase of 11% from the same period in 2005. The increase in salary and employee benefits is due to normal salary increases and increased employee incentive expense. Occupancy expense increased 3% to $1.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2006. Other non-interest expense increased 33% to $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005. The increase in other non-interest expense is attributable to an increase of $136,000 in consulting expense due to Sarbanes-Oxley related expenses, an increase of $148,000 in amortization of the issuance costs of the trust preferred securities issued in 2001 that management intends to call on December 31, 2006 and an increase of $53,000 in advertising expense.

Total non-interest expense was $17.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, an increase of 12% over the same period in 2005. Salary and employee benefits totaled $9.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, an increase of 9% over the same period in 2005. The increase in salary and employee benefits is primarily due to normal salary increases and increased incentive expense. Occupancy expense increased 3% to $3.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Other non-interest expense increased 26% to $4.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005. The increase in other non-interest expense is attributable to an increase of $178,000 in consulting expense due to Sarbanes-Oxley related expense, an increase of $296,000 in amortization of the issuance costs of the trust preferred securities issued in 2001 that management intends to call on December 31, 2006 and an increase of $165,000 in debit card expense. The Company also had non-recurring expense of $178,000 from a prepayment fee associated with the early termination of a $5.0 million Federal Home Loan Bank advance during the first quarter of 2006. Recurring non-interest expense increased 11% to $17.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, as compared to $15.9 million for the same period last year.

Income Taxes. The Company reported income taxes of $1.3 million and $1.0 million for the third quarters of 2006 and 2005, respectively. This represented effective tax rates of 36% and 35% for the respective periods.

The Company reported income taxes of $4.1 million and $2.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. This represented effective tax rates of 36% and 35% for the respective periods.

Analysis of Financial Condition
Investment Securities. Available-for-sale securities amounted to $118.1 million at September 30, 2006 compared to $115.2 million at December 31, 2005. This increase is primarily the result of net securities purchases that are part of management’s objective to grow the investment portfolio. This increase in the available-for-sale securities portfolio was partially offset by paydowns on mortgage-backed securities, calls and maturities. Average investment securities available for sale for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 amounted to $117.7 million compared to $108.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Loans. At September 30, 2006, loans amounted to $624.3 million compared to $566.7 million at December 31, 2005, an increase of $57.6 million. Average loans represented 82% of total earning assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and the year ended December 31, 2005. Mortgage loans held for sale were $1.3 million and $2.2 million at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.

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.
 
An analysis of the credit quality of the loan portfolio and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is prepared by the Bank’s credit administration personnel and presented to the Bank’s Board of Directors on a regular basis. The allowance is the total of specific reserves allocated to significant individual loans plus a general reserve. After individual loans with specific allocations have been deducted, the general reserve is calculated by applying general reserve percentages to the nine risk grades within the portfolio. Loans are categorized as one of nine risk grades based on
 
17

 
management’s assessment of the overall credit quality of the loan, including payment history, financial position of the borrower, underlying collateral and internal credit review. The general reserve percentages are determined by management based on its evaluation of losses inherent in the various risk grades of loans. The allowance for loan losses is established through charges to expense in the form of a provision for loan losses. Loan losses and recoveries are charged and credited directly to the allowance.

The following table presents the percentage of loans assigned to each risk grade along with the general reserve percentage applied to loans in each risk grade at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005.
 
LOAN RISK GRADE ANALYSIS:
 
Percentage of Loans
 
General Reserve
 
   
By Risk Grade*
Percentage
 
   
09/30/2006
 
12/31/2005
 
09/30/2006
 
12/31/2005
 
                           
Risk 1 (Excellent Quality)
   
12.37%
 
 
14.28%
 
 
0.15%
 
 
0.15%
 
Risk 2 (High Quality)
   
16.17%
 
 
18.16%
 
 
0.50%
 
 
0.50%
 
Risk 3 (Good Quality)
   
58.61%
 
 
56.40%
 
 
1.00%
 
 
1.00%
 
Risk 4 (Management Attention)
   
10.29%
 
 
8.38%
 
 
2.50%
 
 
2.50%
 
Risk 5 (Watch)
   
0.59%
 
 
0.88%
 
 
7.00%
 
 
7.00%
 
Risk 6 (Substandard)
   
0.93%
 
 
0.42%
 
 
12.00%
 
 
12.00%
 
Risk 7 (Low Substandard)
   
0.53%
 
 
0.86%
 
 
25.00%
 
 
25.00%
 
Risk 8 (Doubtful)
   
0.00%
 
 
0.00%
 
 
50.00%
 
 
50.00%
 
Risk 9 (Loss)
   
0.00%
 
 
0.00%
 
 
100.00%
 
 
100.00%
 
                           
*Excludes non-accrual loans
                         
 
At September 30, 2006 there were no relationships exceeding $1.0 million in the Watch risk grade, one relationship which totaled $1.4 million in the Substandard risk grade and one relationship which totaled $3.1 million in the Low Substandard risk grade. These customers continue to meet payment requirements. These relationships would not become non-performing assets unless they are unable to meet those payment requirements.

An allowance for loan losses is also established, as necessary, for individual loans considered to be impaired in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 114. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan will not be collected. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. At September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the recorded investment in loans that were considered to be impaired under SFAS No. 114 was approximately $3.1 million and $3.5 million, respectively, with related allowance for loan losses of approximately $362,000 and $478,000, respectively.

The allowance for loan losses totaled $8.1 million at September 30, 2006 and $7.4 million at December 31, 2005, which represented 1.30% of total loans outstanding at September 30, 2006 and 1.31% of total loans outstanding as of December 31, 2005.

The Bank’s allowance for loan losses is also subject to regulatory examinations and determinations as to adequacy, which may take into account such factors as the methodology used to calculate the allowance for loan losses and the size of the allowance for loan losses compared to a group of peer banks identified by the regulators. During their routine examinations of banks, the FDIC and the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

While it is the Bank's policy to charge off in the current period loans for which a loss is considered probable, there are additional risks of future losses which cannot be quantified precisely or attributed to particular loans or classes of loans. Because these risks include the state of the economy, management’s judgment as to the adequacy of the allowance is necessarily approximate and imprecise. After review of all relevant matters affecting loan collectability, management believes that the allowance for loan losses is appropriate.

The Company grants loans and extensions of credit primarily within the Catawba Valley region of North Carolina, which encompasses Catawba, Alexander, Iredell and Lincoln counties and also in Mecklenburg County. Although the Bank has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of the loan portfolio is collateralized by real estate, which is dependent upon the real estate market. Non-real estate loans also can be affected by local economic conditions. At September 30, 2006, approximately 5% of the Company’s portfolio was not secured by any type of collateral. Unsecured loans generally involve higher credit risk than secured loans and, in the event of customer default, the Company has a higher exposure to
 
18

 
potential loan losses.

Non-performing Assets. Non-performing assets totaled $3.8 million at September 30, 2006 or 0.48% of total assets, compared to $5.0 million at December 31, 2005, or 0.68% of total assets. Non-accrual loans were $3.1 million at September 30, 2006 and $3.5 million at December 31, 2005. As a percentage of total loans outstanding, non-accrual loans were 0.50% at September 30, 2006 compared to 0.62% at December 31, 2005. There were no loans ninety days past due and still accruing at September 30, 2006 as compared to $946,000 at December 31, 2005. Other real estate owned totaled $650,000 as of September 30, 2006 as compared to $531,000 at December 31, 2005. Repossessed assets as of September 30, 2006 were $20,000. The Bank had no repossessed assets as of December 31, 2005.

Total non-performing loans, which include non-accrual loans and loans ninety days past due and still accruing, were $3.1 million and $4.4 million at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. The ratio of non-performing loans to total loans was 0.50% at September 30, 2006, as compared to 0.79% at December 31, 2005.

   Deposits. Total deposits at September 30, 2006 were $606.5 million, an increase of $23.6 million over deposits of $582.9 million at December 31, 2005. Core deposits, which include non-interest bearing demand deposits, NOW, MMDA, savings and certificates of deposits of denominations less than $100,000, were $430.9 million at September 30, 2006 as compared to $430.4 million at December 31, 2005. Certificates of deposit in amounts of $100,000 or more totaled $175.6 million at September 30, 2006 as compared to $152.4 million at December 31, 2005. NOW, MMDA and savings accounts decreased $12.4 million to $170.9 million at September 30, 2006 as compared to $183.3 million at December 31, 2005 due to customers transferring balances to certificates of deposits with higher rates. At September 30, 2006, brokered deposits amounted to $54.8 million as compared to $40.3 million at December 31, 2005. The increase in brokered deposits provided funding for the increased loan demand. Brokered deposits outstanding as of September 30, 2006 had a weighted average rate of 4.96% with a weighted average original term of 11 months.

Borrowed Funds. Borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”) totaled $78.8 million at September 30, 2006 compared to $71.6 million at December 31, 2005. The average balance of FHLB borrowings for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $75.8 million compared to $65.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. At September 30, 2006, FHLB borrowings with maturities exceeding one year amounted to $27.0 million. The FHLB has the option to convert $17.0 million of the total advances to a floating rate and, if converted, the Bank may repay advances without payment of a prepayment fee. The Company also has an additional $10.0 million in variable rate convertible advances, which may be repaid without a prepayment fee if converted by the FHLB. At September 30, 2006, the Company had $35.0 million in a short term fixed rate advance. The Company had no federal funds purchased as of September 30, 2006 or December 31, 2005.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase amounted to $8.6 million and $981,000 as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.

Junior Subordinated Debentures (related to Trust Preferred Securities). In December 2001 the Company formed a wholly owned Delaware statutory trust, PEBK Capital Trust I (“PEBK Trust”), which issued $14.0 million of guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in the Company’s junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures that qualify as Tier 1 capital under Federal Reserve Board guidelines. All of the common securities of PEBK Trust are owned by the Company. The proceeds from the issuance of the common securities and the trust preferred securities were used by PEBK Trust to purchase $14.4 million of junior subordinated debentures of the Company, which pay a floating rate equal to prime plus 50 basis points. The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the junior subordinated debentures were used for general purposes, primarily to provide capital to the Bank. The debentures represent the sole asset of PEBK Trust. PEBK Trust is not included in the consolidated financial statements.

The trust preferred securities issued by PEBK Trust accrue and pay quarterly distributions based on the liquidation value of $50,000 per capital security at a floating rate of prime plus 50 basis points. The Company has guaranteed distributions and other payments due on the trust preferred securities to the extent PEBK Trust has funds with which to make the distributions and other payments. The net combined effect of all the documents entered into in connection with the trust preferred securities is that the Company is liable 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 December 31, 2031, or upon earlier redemption as provided in the indenture. The Company has the right to redeem the debentures purchased by PEBK Trust, in whole or in part, on or after December 31, 2006. 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. Management intends to call these trust preferred securities on December 31, 2006. In June 2006, as a result of management’s decision to call these securities, the amortization of the related issuance cost was revised so it will be fully
 
19

 
amortized by year end. The remaining unamortized issuance cost at September 30, 2006 was $152,000.

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 are intended to be used to repay the trust preferred securities issued by PEBK Trust 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 all the documents entered into in connection with the trust preferred securities is that the Company is liable 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 September 15, 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.

Management expects to call the PEBK Trust securities and issued the new PEBK Trust II securities in an effort to reduce interest expense. Based on interest rates in effect at September 30, 2006, the rate on the PEBK Trust securities was 8.75%, while the interest rate on the PEBK Trust II securities was 7.02%.

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.

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, 2006 totaled $722.6 million, exceeding average rate sensitive liabilities of $605.9 million by $116.7 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, 2006, 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 of 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
 
20

 
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 if the prime rate falls 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 amortization expense recognized on these four interest rate floor contracts totaled $221,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006.

The Company settled two previously outstanding interest rate swap agreements during 2005. The first swap, with a notional amount of $25.0 million and maturing in April 2006 was sold for a loss of $318,000. The second swap with a notional amount of $30.0 million and maturing in September 2006 was sold for a loss of $552,000. The losses realized upon settlement were recognized over the original term of the agreements and during the nine-month period, ended September 30, 2006, losses of approximately $386,000 were recognized.

The Bank utilizes interest rate floors on certain variable rate loans to protect against further downward movements in the prime rate. At September 30, 2006, the Bank had $70.4 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 $19.9 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 2.08% 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, 2006 such unfunded commitments to extend credit were $145.4 million, while commitments in the form of standby letters of credit totaled $3.9 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, 2006, the Company’s core deposits totaled $430.9 million, or 71% 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 System on a short-term basis.

At September 30, 2006, the Bank had a significant amount of deposits in amounts greater than $100,000, including brokered deposits of $54.8 million, which mature over the next year. The balance and cost of these deposits are more susceptible to changes in the interest rate environment than other deposits.

The Bank had a line of credit with the FHLB equal to 20% of the Bank’s total assets, with an outstanding balance of $78.8 million at September 30, 2006. The remaining availability at FHLB was $52.6 million at September 30, 2006. The Bank also had the ability to borrow up to $26.0 million for the purchase of overnight federal funds from three correspondent financial institutions as of September 30, 2006.

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 33.09% at September 30, 2006 and 36.81% at December 31, 2005. 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, 2006 and December 31, 2005 are summarized in the table below. The Company’s
 
21

 
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, 2006
 
December 31, 2005
 
               
Contractual Cash Obligations
             
Long-term borrowings
 
$
27,000
   
67,000
 
Junior subordinated debentures
   
35,052
   
14,433
 
Operating lease obligations
   
7,990
   
8,599
 
               
Total
 
$
70,042
   
90,032
 
               
Other Commitments
             
Commitments to extend credit
 
$
145,422
   
133,409
 
Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written
   
3,854
   
2,692
 
               
Total
 
$
149,276
   
136,101
 
 
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, 2006 was $60.9 million compared to $54.4 million at December 31, 2005. At September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, unrealized losses, net of taxes, amounted to $1.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The decrease in unrealized losses at September 30, 2006 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, 2006 was 16.08% compared to 9.96% for the year ended December 31, 2005. Total cash dividends paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 amounted to $1.2 million as compared to total cash dividends of $1.0 million paid for the first nine months of 2005.

Since implementation of a stock repurchase plan implemented in November 2005, which expires in November 2006, the Company has repurchased $425,000, or 17,500 shares of its common stock.

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. The Company’s Tier 1 capital ratio was 11.93% and 11.02% at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, 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 15.06% and 12.19% at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, 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 10.79% and 9.84% at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.

The Bank’s Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 10.42% and 10.46% at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. The total risk-based capital ratio for the Bank was 11.61% and 11.64% at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. The Bank’s Tier 1 leverage capital ratio was 9.41% and 9.33% at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, 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, 2006.
 
22

 
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, 2006 from that presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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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.
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

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PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
   
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
 In the opinion of management, the Company is not involved in any pending legal proceedings other than routine, non-material 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 24, 2006.
 

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, 2006
   
505
 
$
27.48
   
-    
 
$
1,575,000
 
                           
Aug 1 - 31, 2006
   
194
   
27.17
   
-    
   
1,575,000
 
                           
September 1 - 30, 2006
   
-    
   
-    
   
-    
   
1,575,000
 
                           
Total
   
699
 
$
27.39
   
-    
 
$
1,575,000
 
 
 
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
   
 
Not applicable
   
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
   
 
Not applicable
   
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
     
 
Exhibit (3)(ii)
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.,
   
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3)(ii) to the Form 10-K filed with the
   
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 2004
     
 
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
 
 
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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)(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.
     
  Exhibit (10)(k) Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of PEBK Capital Trust II, dated as of
    June 28, 2006
     
  Exhibit (10)(l) Guarantee Agreement of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. dated as of June
    28, 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
    Junior Subordinated Debt Securities Due September 15, 2036
     
 
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
 
 
26

 
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 10, 2006
 
/s/ Tony W. Wolfe
Date
 
Tony W. Wolfe
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
(Principal Executive Officer)
     
     
     
November 10, 2006
 
/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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