UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
     
FORM 10-K
 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2006
 
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.
( Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
North Carolina
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
 
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)
 
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
 
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
Common Stock, no par value
(title of class)
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
 
Yes
  o
No
   x
 
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act
 
Yes
  o
No
  x
 
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
  o  
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in
Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
  x
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, and accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.
Large Accelerated Filer
  o
Accelerated Filer
   x
Non-Accelerated Filer
  o  
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Yes     o
 
No
  x
 
 
State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked prices of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. $78,083,522 based on the closing price of such common stock on June 30, 2006, which was $26.01 per share.
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
3,834,175 shares of common stock, outstanding at February 28, 2007.
 
 

 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Annual Report of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2006 (the “Annual Report”), which will be included as Appendix A to the Proxy Statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, are incorporated by reference into Part I and Part II and included as Exhibit 13 to the Form 10-K.

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. to be held on May 3, 2007 (the “Proxy Statement”), are incorporated by reference into Part III.


 



 









This report contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (the “Company”). These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management of the Company and on the information available to management at the time that these disclosures were 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 (the “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 environment 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. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
 
 
 
2

 

PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC
FORM 10-K CROSS REFERENCE INDEX
 
 
 
2006 Form
10-K
Notice of 2007
Annual Meeting,
Proxy Statement
and Annual Report
 
Page
Page
PART I
   
Item 1 - Business
3 - 10
N/A
Item 1A - Risk Factors
10 - 12
N/A
Item 1B - Unresolved Staff Comments
12
N/A
Item 2 - Properties
13
N/A
Item 3 - Legal Proceedings
13
N/A
Item 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
13
N/A
     
PART II
   
Item 5 - Market for the Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and
   
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
14
A-24
Item 6 - Selected Financial Data
14
A-3
Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
   
Results of Operations
14
A-4 - A-25
Item 7A - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
14
A-22
Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
15
A-26 - A-56
Item 9 - Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
   
and Financial Disclosure
15
N/A
Item 9A - Controls and Procedures
15
N/A
Item 9B - Other Information
15
N/A
     
PART III
   
Item 10 - Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
15
7 - 11; 17 - 18
Item 11 - Executive Compensation
16
11 - 32
Item 12 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
16
4 - 7; 22
Item 13 - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
16
31
Item 14 - Principal Accountant Fees and Services
16
33 - 34
     
PART IV
   
Item 15 - Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
17 - 19
N/A
     
Signatures
20
N/A
 
 
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PART I

ITEM 1.     BUSINESS

General

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (the “Company”), was formed in 1999 to serve as the holding company for Peoples Bank (the “Bank”). The Company is a bank holding company registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”). The Company’s principal source of income is any dividends, which are declared and paid by the Bank on its capital stock. The Company has no operations and conducts no business of its own other than owning the Bank. Accordingly, the discussion of the business which follows concerns the business conducted by the Bank, unless otherwise indicated.

The Bank, founded in 1912, is a state-chartered commercial bank serving the citizens and business interests of the Catawba Valley and surrounding communities through 18 banking offices located in Lincolnton, Newton, Denver, Catawba, Conover, Maiden, Claremont, Hiddenite, Hickory, Charlotte and Monroe, North Carolina. The Bank also operates loan production offices in Davidson and Denver, North Carolina. At December 31, 2006, the Company had total assets of $818.9 million, net loans of $643.1 million, deposits of $633.8 million, investment securities of $117.6 million, and shareholders’ equity of $62.8 million.

The Bank has a diversified loan portfolio, with no foreign loans and few agricultural loans. Real estate loans are predominately variable rate commercial property loans, which include residential development loans to commercial customers. Commercial loans are spread throughout a variety of industries with no one particular industry or group of related industries accounting for a significant portion of the commercial loan portfolio. The majority of the Bank's deposit and loan customers are individuals and small to medium-sized businesses located in the Bank's market area. The Bank’s loan portfolio also includes Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) mortgage loans generated thorough the Bank’s Banco de le Gente offices.   Additional discussion of the Bank’s loan portfolio and sources of funds for loans can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” on pages A-4 through A-26 of the Annual Report, which is included in this Form 10-K as Exhibit 13.

The operations of the Bank and depository institutions in general are significantly influenced by general economic conditions and by related monetary and fiscal policies of depository institution regulatory agencies, including the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) and the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks (the "Commissioner").

At December 31, 2006, the Bank employed 239 full-time equivalent employees.

Subsidiaries

The Bank is a subsidiary of the Company. The Bank has two subsidiaries, Peoples Investment Services, Inc. and Real Estate Advisory Services, Inc.   Through a relationship with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Peoples Investment Services, Inc. provides the Bank's customers access to investment counseling and non-deposit investment products such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, tax deferred annuities, and related brokerage services. Real Estate Advisory Services, Inc., provides real estate appraisal and real estate brokerage services.

In June 2006, the Company formed a second wholly-owned Delaware statutory trust, PEBK Capital Trust II (“PEBK Trust II”), which issued $20.0 million of guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in the Company’s junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures. All of the common securities of PEBK Trust II are owned by the Company. The proceeds from the issuance of the common securities and the trust preferred securities were used by PEBK Trust II to purchase $20.6 million of junior subordinated debentures of the Company, which pay a floating rate equal to three month LIBOR plus 163 basis points. The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the junior subordinated debentures were used in December 2006 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
 
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securities to the extent PEBK Trust II has funds with which to make the distributions and other payments. The net combined effect of the trust preferred securities transaction is that the Company is obligated to make the distributions and other payments required on the trust preferred securities.
 
These trust preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable upon maturity of the debentures on June 28, 2036, or upon earlier redemption as provided in the indenture. The Company has the right to redeem the debentures purchased by PEBK Trust II, in whole or in part, on or after June 28, 2011. As specified in the indenture, if the debentures are redeemed prior to maturity, the redemption price will be the principal amount and any accrued but unpaid interest.
 
Market Area

The Bank's primary market consists of the communities in an approximately 25-mile radius around its headquarters office in Newton, North Carolina. This area includes Catawba County, Alexander County, Lincoln County, Iredell County and portions of northeast Gaston County. The Bank is located only 40 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina and the Bank's primary market area is and will continue to be significantly affected by its close proximity to this major metropolitan area. The Bank has two offices in Mecklenburg County and one office in Union County specifically designed to serve the growing Latino market.

Employment in the Bank's primary market area is diversified among manufacturing, agricultural, retail and wholesale trade, technology, services and utilities. Catawba County’s largest employers include Catawba County Schools, Frye Regional Medical Center, CommScope, Inc. (manufacturer of fiber optic cable and accessories), Merchant Distributors, Inc (wholesale food distributor), Hickory Springs (manufacturer of foam rubber cushions), Catawba Valley Medical Center, Catawba County, Sherrill Furniture Company, CV Industries (furniture manufacturer) and McCreary Modern (furniture manufacturer).

Competition

The Bank has operated in the Catawba Valley region for more than 90 years and is the only financial institution headquartered in Newton. Nevertheless, the Bank faces strong competition both in attracting deposits and making loans. Its most direct competition for deposits has historically come from other commercial banks, credit unions and brokerage firms located in its primary market area, including large financial institutions. Two national money center commercial banks are headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Based upon June 30, 2006 comparative data, the Bank had 21.19% of the deposits in Catawba County, placing it second in deposit size among a total of 13 banks with branch offices in Catawba County; 10.70% of the deposits in Lincoln County, placing it seventh in deposit size among a total of eight banks with branch offices in Lincoln County and 12.45% of the deposits in Alexander County, placing it fifth in deposit size among a total of seven banks with branch offices in Alexander County.

The Bank also faces additional significant competition for investors' funds from short-term money market securities and other corporate and government securities. The Bank's deposit base has grown principally due to economic growth in the Bank's market area coupled with the implementation of new and competitive deposit products. The ability of the Bank to attract and retain deposits depends on its ability to generally provide a rate of return, liquidity and risk comparable to that offered by competing investment opportunities.

The Bank experiences strong competition for loans from commercial banks and mortgage banking companies. The Bank competes for loans primarily through the interest rates and loan fees it charges and the efficiency and quality of services it provides borrowers. Competition is increasing as a result of the continuing reduction of restrictions on the interstate operations of financial institutions.
 
Supervision and Regulation

Bank holding companies and commercial banks are extensively regulated under both federal and state law. The following is a brief summary of certain statutes and rules and regulations that affect or will affect the Company, the Bank and any subsidiaries. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular statute and regulatory provisions cited below and is not intended to be an exhaustive description of the statutes or regulations applicable to the business of the Company and the Bank. Supervision, regulation and examination of the Company and the Bank by the regulatory agencies are intended primarily for the protection of depositors rather than shareholders of the Company. Statutes and regulations which contain wide-ranging proposals for altering the structures, regulations and competitive relationship of financial institutions are introduced regularly. The Company cannot predict whether or in what form any
 
 
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proposed statute or regulation will be adopted or the extent to which the business of the Company and the Bank may be affected by such statute or regulation.
 
               General . There are a number of obligations and restrictions imposed on bank holding companies and their depository institution subsidiaries by law and regulatory policy that are designed to minimize potential loss to the depositors of such depository institutions and the FDIC insurance funds in the event the depository institution becomes in danger of default or in default. For example, to avoid receivership of an insured depository institution subsidiary, a bank holding company is required to guarantee the compliance of any insured depository institution subsidiary that may become “undercapitalized” with the terms of the capital restoration plan filed by such subsidiary with its appropriate federal banking agency up to the lesser of (i) an amount equal to 5% of the bank's total assets at the time the bank became undercapitalized or (ii) the amount which is necessary (or would have been necessary) to bring the bank into compliance with all acceptable capital standards as of the time the bank fails to comply with such capital restoration plan. The Company, as a registered bank holding company, is subject to the regulation of the Federal Reserve. Under a policy of the Federal Reserve with respect to bank holding company operations, a bank holding company is required to serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary depository institutions and to commit resources to support such institutions in circumstances where it might not do so absent such policy. The Federal Reserve under the BHCA also has the authority to require a bank holding company to terminate any activity or to relinquish control of a nonbank subsidiary (other than a nonbank subsidiary of a bank) upon the Federal Reserve's determination that such activity or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial soundness and stability of any bank subsidiary of the bank holding company.

In addition, insured depository institutions under common control are required to reimburse the FDIC for any loss suffered by its deposit insurance funds as a result of the default of a commonly controlled insured depository institution or for any assistance provided by the FDIC to a commonly controlled insured depository institution in danger of default. The FDIC may decline to enforce the cross-guarantee provisions if it determines that a waiver is in the best interest of the deposit insurance funds. The FDIC's claim for damages is superior to claims of stockholders of the insured depository institution or its holding company but is subordinate to claims of depositors, secured creditors and holders of subordinated debt (other than affiliates) of the commonly controlled insured depository institutions.

As a result of the Company's ownership of the Bank, the Company is also registered under the bank holding company laws of North Carolina. Accordingly, the Company is also subject to regulation and supervision by the Commissioner.

Capital Adequacy Guidelines for Holding Companies . The Federal Reserve has adopted capital adequacy guidelines for bank holding companies and banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System and have consolidated assets of $150 million or more. Bank holding companies subject to the Federal Reserve’s capital adequacy guidelines are required to comply with the Federal Reserve's risk-based capital guidelines. Under these regulations, the minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets is 8%. At least half of the total capital is required to be “Tier I capital,” principally consisting of common stockholders' equity, noncumulative perpetual preferred stock, and a limited amount of cumulative perpetual preferred stock, less certain goodwill items. The remainder (“Tier II capital”) may consist of a limited amount of subordinated debt, certain hybrid capital instruments and other debt securities, perpetual preferred stock, and a limited amount of the general loan loss allowance. In addition to the risk-based capital guidelines, the Federal Reserve has adopted a minimum Tier I capital (leverage) ratio, under which a bank holding company must maintain a minimum level of Tier I capital to average total consolidated assets of at least 3% in the case of a bank holding company which has the highest regulatory examination rating and is not contemplating significant growth or expansion. All other bank holding companies are expected to maintain a Tier I capital (leverage) ratio of at least 1% to 2% above the stated minimum.

Capital Requirements for the Bank. The Bank, as a North Carolina commercial bank, is required to maintain a surplus account equal to 50% or more of its paid-in capital stock. As a North Carolina chartered, FDIC-insured commercial bank which is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, the Bank is also subject to capital requirements imposed by the FDIC. Under the FDIC's regulations, state nonmember banks that (a) receive the highest rating during the examination process and (b) are not anticipating or experiencing any significant growth, are required to maintain a minimum leverage ratio of 3% of total consolidated assets; all other banks are required to maintain a minimum ratio of 1% or 2% above the stated minimum, with a minimum leverage ratio of not less than 4%. The Bank exceeded all applicable capital requirements as of December 31, 2006.

Dividend and Repurchase Limitations . The Company must obtain Federal Reserve approval prior to repurchasing its Common Stock in excess of 10% of its net worth during any twelve-month period unless the Company (i)
 
6

 
both before and after the redemption satisfies capital requirements for "well capitalized" state member banks; (ii) received a one or two rating in its last examination; and (iii) is not the subject of any unresolved supervisory issues.
 
Although the payment of dividends and repurchase of stock by the Company are subject to certain requirements and limitations of North Carolina corporate law, except as set forth in this paragraph, neither the Commissioner nor the FDIC have promulgated any regulations specifically limiting the right of the Company to pay dividends and repurchase shares. However, the ability of the Company to pay dividends or repurchase shares may be dependent upon the Company's receipt of dividends from the Bank.

North Carolina commercial banks, such as the Bank, are subject to legal limitations on the amounts of dividends they are permitted to pay. Dividends may be paid by the Bank from undivided profits, which are determined by deducting and charging certain items against actual profits, including any contributions to surplus required by North Carolina law. Also, an insured depository institution, such as the Bank, is prohibited from making capital distributions, including the payment of dividends, if, after making such distribution, the institution would become "undercapitalized" (as such term is defined in the applicable law and regulations).

Deposit Insurance . The deposits of the Bank are currently insured to a maximum of $100,000 per depositor, subject to aggregation rules. The FDIC establishes rates for the payment of premiums by federally insured banks and thrifts for deposit insurance. Since 1993, insured depository institutions like the Bank have paid for deposit insurance under a risk-based premium system. Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe and unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order, or condition imposed by the FDIC. Due to its severe consequences, the FDIC historically uses insurance termination as an enforcement action of last resort and the termination process itself involves substantial notice, a formal adjudicative hearing and federal appellate review. In instances where insurance deposit is terminated, the financial institution is required to notify its depositors and insured funds on the date of termination that they will continue to be insured for at least six months and up to two years, at the discretion of the FDIC. After the date of termination, no new deposits accepted by the financial institution will be federally insured.

Federal Deposit Insurance Reform . On February 8, 2006, President Bush signed the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 (FDIRA). The FDIC was required to adopt rules implementing the various provisions of FDIRA by November 5, 2006. Among other things, FDIRA changes the Federal deposit insurance system by:

 
·
raising the coverage level for retirement accounts to $250,000;
 
·
indexing deposit insurance coverage levels for inflation beginning in 2012;
 
·
prohibiting undercapitalized financial institutions from accepting employee benefit plan deposits;
 
·
merging the Bank Insurance Fund and Savings Association Insurance Fund into a new Deposit Insurance Fund (the DIF); and
 
·
providing credits to financial institutions that capitalized the FDIC prior to 1996 to offset future assessment premiums.

FDIRA also authorizes the FDIC to revise the current risk-based assessment system, subject to notice and comment and caps the amount of the DIF at 1.50% of domestic deposits. The FDIC must issue cash dividends, awarded on a historical basis, for the amount of the DIF over the 1.50% ratio. Additionally, if the DIF exceeds 1.35% of domestic deposits at year-end, the FDIC must issue cash dividends, awarded on a historical basis, for half of the amount of the excess.

Federal Home Loan Bank System . The FHLB system provides a central credit facility for member institutions. As a member of the FHLB of Atlanta, the Bank is required to own capital stock in the FHLB of Atlanta in an amount at least equal to 0.20% (or 20 basis points) of the Bank’s total assets at the end of each calendar year, plus 4.5% of its outstanding advances (borrowings) from the FHLB of Atlanta under the new activity-based stock ownership requirement. On December 31, 2006, the Bank was in compliance with this requirement.

Community Reinvestment.   Under the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”), as implemented by regulations of the FDIC, an insured institution has a continuing and affirmative obligation consistent with its safe and sound operation to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions, nor does it limit an institution’s discretion to develop, consistent with the CRA, the types of products and services that it believes are best
 
 
7

 
suited to its particular community. The CRA requires the federal banking regulators, in connection with their examinations of insured institutions, to assess the institutions’ records of meeting the credit needs of their communities, using the ratings of “outstanding,” “satisfactory,” “needs to improve,” or “substantial noncompliance,” and to take that record into account in its evaluation of certain applications by those institutions. All institutions are required to make public disclosure of their CRA performance ratings. The Bank received a “satisfactory” rating in its last CRA examination, which was conducted during March 2004.

Prompt Corrective Action.   The FDIC has broad powers to take corrective action to resolve the problems of insured depository institutions. The extent of these powers will depend upon whether the institution in question is "well capitalized," "adequately capitalized," "undercapitalized," "significantly undercapitalized," or "critically undercapitalized." Under the regulations, an institution is considered: (A) "well capitalized" if it has (i) a total risk-based capital ratio of 10% or greater, (ii) a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 6% or greater, (iii) a leverage ratio of 5% or greater and (iv) is not subject to any order or written directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure; (B) "adequately capitalized" if it has (i) a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% or greater, (ii) a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 4% or greater and (iii) a leverage ratio of 4% or greater (or 3% or greater in the case of an institution with the highest examination rating); (C)"undercapitalized" if it has (i) a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8%, (ii) a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of less than 4% or (iii) a leverage ratio of less than 4% (or 3% in the case of an institution with the highest examination rating); (D) "significantly undercapitalized" if it has (i) a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6%, or (ii) a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of less than 3% or (iii) a leverage ratio of less than 3%; and (E) "critically undercapitalized" if the institution has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets equal to or less than 2%.
 
               Changes in Control. The BHCA prohibits the Company from acquiring direct or indirect control of more than 5% of the outstanding voting stock or substantially all of the assets of any bank or savings bank or merging or consolidating with another bank holding company or savings bank holding company without prior approval of the Federal Reserve. Similarly, Federal Reserve approval (or, in certain cases, non-disapproval) must be obtained prior to any person acquiring control of the Company. Control is conclusively presumed to exist if, among other things, a person acquires more than 25% of any class of voting stock of the Company or controls in any manner the election of a majority of the directors of the Company. Control is presumed to exist if a person acquires more than 10% of any class of voting stock and the stock is registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or the acquiror will be the largest shareholder after the acquisition.

Federal Securities Law . The Company has registered its Common Stock with the SEC pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As a result of such registration, the proxy and tender offer rules, insider trading reporting requirements, annual and periodic reporting and other requirements of the Exchange Act are applicable to the Company.

Transactions with Affiliates.   Under current federal law, depository institutions are subject to the restrictions contained in Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act with respect to loans to directors, executive officers and principal shareholders. Under Section 22(h), loans to directors, executive officers and shareholders who own more than 10% of a depository institution (18% in the case of institutions located in an area with less than 30,000 in population), and certain affiliated entities of any of the foregoing, may not exceed, together with all other outstanding loans to such person and affiliated entities, the institution's loans-to-one-borrower limit (as discussed below). Section 22(h) also prohibits loans above amounts prescribed by the appropriate federal banking agency to directors, executive officers and shareholders who own more than 10% of an institution, and their respective affiliates, unless such loans are approved in advance by a majority of the board of directors of the institution. Any "interested" director may not participate in the voting. The FDIC has prescribed the loan amount (which includes all other outstanding loans to such person), as to which such prior board of director approval is required, as being the greater of $25,000 or 5% of capital and surplus (up to $500,000). Further, pursuant to Section 22(h), the Federal Reserve requires that loans to directors, executive officers, and principal shareholders be made on terms substantially the same as offered in comparable transactions with non-executive employees of the Bank. The FDIC has imposed additional limits on the amount a bank can loan to an executive officer.

Loans to One Borrower.   The Bank is subject to the Commissioner's loans to one borrower limits which are substantially the same as those applicable to national banks. Under these limits, no loans and extensions of credit to any borrower outstanding at one time and not fully secured by readily marketable collateral shall exceed 15% of the unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus of the bank. Loans and extensions of credit fully secured by readily marketable collateral may comprise an additional 10% of unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus.
 
8


Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. The federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “GLB Act”) dramatically changed various federal laws governing the banking, securities and insurance industries. The GLB Act has expanded opportunities for banks and bank holding companies to provide services and engage in other revenue-generating activities that previously were prohibited to them. However, this expanded authority also may present us with new challenges as our larger competitors are able to expand their services and products into areas that are not feasible for smaller, community oriented financial institutions. The GLB Act likely will have a significant economic impact on the banking industry and on competitive conditions in the financial services industry generally.

USA Patriot Act of 2001 . The USA Patriot Act of 2001 was enacted in response to the terrorist attacks that occurred in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001. The Act is intended to strengthen the ability of U.S. law enforcement and the intelligence community to work cohesively to combat terrorism on a variety of fronts. The potential impact of the Act on financial institutions of all kinds is significant and wide ranging. The Act contains sweeping anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws and contains various regulations, including standards for verifying customer identification at account opening, and rules to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement entities in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 . On July 30, 2002, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 was signed into law and became some of the most sweeping federal legislation addressing accounting, corporate governance and disclosure issues. The impact of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act is wide-ranging as it applies to all public companies and imposes significant new requirements for public company governance and disclosure requirements. Some of the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act became effective immediately while others are still being implemented.
 
                In general, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act mandates important new corporate governance and financial reporting requirements intended to enhance the accuracy and transparency of public companies’ reported financial results. It establishes new responsibilities for corporate chief executive officers, chief financial officers and audit committees in the financial reporting process and creates a new regulatory body to oversee auditors of public companies. It backs these requirements with new SEC enforcement tools, increases criminal penalties for federal mail, wire and securities fraud, and creates new criminal penalties for document and record destruction in connection with federal investigations. It also increases the opportunity for more private litigation by lengthening the statute of limitations for securities fraud claims and providing new federal corporate whistleblower protection.

The economic and operational effects of this new legislation on public companies, including us, will be significant in terms of the time, resources and costs associated with complying with the new law. Because the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, for the most part, applies equally to larger and smaller public companies, we will be presented with additional challenges as a smaller, community-oriented financial institution seeking to compete with larger financial institutions in our market.

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

Other.   Additional regulations require annual examinations of all insured depository institutions by the appropriate federal banking agency, with some exceptions for small, well-capitalized institutions and state chartered institutions examined by state regulators. Additional regulations also establish operational and managerial, asset quality, earnings and stock valuation standards for insured depository institutions, as well as compensation standards.

The Bank is subject to examination by the FDIC and the Commissioner. In addition, the Bank is subject to various other state and federal laws and regulations, including state usury laws, laws relating to fiduciaries, consumer credit and equal credit, fair credit reporting laws and laws relating to branch banking. The Bank, as an insured North Carolina commercial bank, is prohibited from engaging as a principal in activities that are not permitted for national banks, unless (i) the FDIC determines that the activity would pose no significant risk to the appropriate deposit insurance fund and (ii) the Bank is, and continues to be, in compliance with all applicable capital standards.

 
9

 
Under Chapter 53 of the North Carolina General Statutes, if the capital stock of a North Carolina commercial bank is impaired by losses or otherwise, the Commissioner is authorized to require payment of the deficiency by assessment upon the bank's shareholders, pro rata, and to the extent necessary, if any such assessment is not paid by any shareholder, upon 30 days notice, to sell as much as is necessary of the stock of such shareholder to make good the deficiency.
 
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
 
The following are potential risks that management considers material and that could affect the future operating results and financial condition of the Bank and the Company. The risks are not listed in any particular order of importance, and there is the potential that there are other risks that have either not been identified or that management believed to be immaterial but which could in fact adversely affect the Bank’s operating results and financial condition.

Loss of key personnel could adversely impact results
The success of the Bank has been and will continue to be greatly influenced by the ability to retain the services of existing senior management The Bank has benefited from consistency within its senior management team, with its top five executives averaging over 14 years of service with the Bank. The Company has entered into employment contracts with each of these top management officials. Nevertheless, the unexpected loss of the services of any of the key management personnel, or the inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel in the future, could have an adverse impact on the business and financial results of the Bank.

A significant amount of the Bank’s business is concentrated in lending which is secured by property located in the Catawba Valley and surrounding areas
In addition to the financial strength and cash flow characteristics of the borrower in each case, the Bank often secures its loans with real estate collateral. The real estate collateral in each case provides an alternate source of repayment in the event of default by the borrower and may deteriorate in value during the time the credit is extended. If the Bank is required to liquidate the collateral securing a loan during a period of reduced real estate values to satisfy the debt, the Bank’s earnings and capital could be adversely affected.

Additionally, with most of the Bank’s loans concentrated in the Catawba Valley and surrounding areas, a decline in local economic conditions could adversely affect the values of the Bank’s real estate collateral. Consequently, a decline in local economic conditions may have a greater effect on the Bank’s earnings and capital than on the earnings and capital of larger financial institutions whose real estate loan portfolios are geographically diverse.

An inadequate allowance for loan losses would reduce our earnings
The risk of credit losses on loans varies with, among other things, general economic conditions, the creditworthiness of the borrower over the term of the loan and, in the case of a collateralized loan, the value and marketability of the collateral for the loan. Management maintains an allowance for loan losses based upon, among other things, historical experience, an evaluation of economic conditions and regular reviews of delinquencies and loan portfolio quality. Considering such factors, management makes various assumptions and judgments about the ultimate collectability of the loan portfolio and provides an allowance for loan losses based upon a percentage of the outstanding balances within assigned risk grades and for specific loans when their ultimate collectability is considered questionable. If management’s assumptions and judgments prove to be incorrect and the allowance for loan losses is inadequate to absorb future losses, or if the bank regulatory authorities require the Bank to increase the allowance for loan losses as a part of their examination process, the Bank’s earnings and capital could be significantly and adversely affected. For further discussion related to our process for determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses, see “Allowance for Loan Losses” within “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results and Operation” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Changes in interest rates affect profitability and assets
Changes in prevailing interest rates may hurt the Bank’s business. The Bank derives its income primarily from the difference or “spread” between the interest earned on loans, securities and other interest-earning assets, and interest paid on deposits, borrowings and other interest-bearing liabilities. In general, the larger the spread, the more the Bank earns. When market rates of interest change, the interest the Bank receives on its assets and the interest the Bank pays on its liabilities will fluctuate. This can cause decreases in the “spread” and can adversely affect the Bank’s income. Changes in market interest rates could reduce the value of the Bank’s financial assets. Fixed-rate investments, mortgage-backed and related securities and mortgage loans generally decrease in value as interest rates rise. In addition, interest rates affect how much money the Bank lends. For example, when interest rates rise, the cost of borrowing increases and the loan
 
10

 
originations tend to decrease. If the Bank is unsuccessful in managing the effects of changes in interest rates, the financial condition and results of operations could suffer.

We measure interest rate risk under various rate scenarios using specific criteria and assumptions. A summary of this process, along with the results of our net interest income simulations is presented within “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Regional economic factors may have an adverse impact on our business
Substantially all of the Bank’s business is with customers in its local market areas. Most of the Bank’s customers are individuals and medium-sized businesses which are dependent upon the regional economy. Adverse changes in economic and business conditions in the Bank’s markets could adversely affect its borrowers, their ability to repay their loans and to borrow additional funds or buy financial services and products from the Bank.

The Bank faces strong competition from other banks and financial institutions which can hurt its business
The financial services industry is highly competitive. The Bank competes against commercial banks, savings banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, mortgage banks, brokerage firms, investment advisory firms, insurance companies and other financial institutions. Many of these entities are larger organizations with significantly greater financial, management and other resources than the Bank has. Moreover, two national money center commercial banks are headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, only 40 miles from the Bank's primary market area.

While management believes it can and does successfully compete with other financial institutions in our market, we may face a competitive disadvantage as a result of our smaller size and lack of geographic diversification.

Government regulations and policies impose limitations and may result in higher operating costs and competitive disadvantages
The Bank is subject to extensive federal government supervision and regulation that is intended primarily to protect depositors and the FDIC’s Bank Insurance Fund, rather than the Company’s shareholders. Existing banking laws subject the Bank to substantial limitations with respect to loans, the purchase of securities, the payment of dividends and many other aspects of banking business. Some of the banking laws may increase the cost of doing business or otherwise adversely affect the Bank and create competitive advantages for non-bank competitors. There can be no assurance that future legislation or government policy will not adversely affect the banking industry or the Bank’s operations. Federal economic and monetary policy may also affect the Bank’s ability to attract deposits, make loans and achieve satisfactory interest spreads.

Changes in technology may impact the Bank’s business
The Bank uses various technologies in its business and the banking industry is undergoing rapid technological changes. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs. The Bank’s future success will depend in part on its ability to address the needs of its customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience as well as create additional efficiencies in the Bank’s operations. The Bank’s competitors may have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements.

The trading volume in our common stock is less than that of larger public companies which can cause price volatility
            The trading history of our common stock has been characterized by relatively low trading volume. The value of a shareholder’s investment may be subject to sudden decreases due to the volatility of the price of our common stock, which trades on the NASDAQ Global Market.
 
The market price of our common stock may be volatile and subject to fluctuations in response to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed in other risk factors and the following:
 
 
l
actual or anticipated fluctuation in our operating results;
 
l
changes in interest rates;
 
l
changes in the legal or regulatory environment in which we operate;
 
l
press releases, announcements or publicity relating to us or our competitors or relating to trends in our industry;
 
l
changes in expectations as to our future financial performance, including financial estimates or recommendations by securities analysts and investors;
 
l
future sales of our common stock;
 
 
11

 

  ·  
changes in economic conditions in our market, general conditions in the U.S. economy, financial markets or the banking industry; and
·  
other developments affecting us or our competitors.
 
These factors may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance, and could prevent a shareholder from selling common stock at or above the current market price.
 
We may be subject to examinations by taxing authorities which could adversely affect our results of operations
 
In the normal course of business, we may be subject to examinations from federal and state taxing authorities regarding the amount of taxes due in connection with investments we have made and the businesses in which we are engaged. Recently, federal and state taxing authorities have become increasingly aggressive in challenging tax positions taken by financial institutions. The challenges made by taxing authorities may result in adjustments to the timing or amount of taxable income or deductions or the allocation of income among tax jurisdictions. If any such challenges are made and are not resolved in our favor, they could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We may not be able to pay dividends in the future in accordance with past practice
We have in the past paid a quarterly dividend to shareholders. However, we are dependent primarily upon the Bank for our earnings and funds to pay dividends on our common stock. The payment of dividends also is subject to legal and regulatory restrictions. Any payment of dividends in the future will depend, in large part, on the Bank’s earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors considered relevant by our Board of Directors.

ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
Not applicable.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12

 


ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES

At December 31, 2006, the Bank conducted its business from the headquarters office in Newton, North Carolina, and its 18 other branch offices in Lincolnton, Hickory, Newton, Catawba, Conover, Claremont, Maiden, Denver, Triangle, Hiddenite, Charlotte and Monroe, North Carolina. The Bank also operates loan production offices in Davidson and Denver, North Carolina. The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Bank's properties at December 31, 2006.
 
 
Owned
 
Leased
 
         
 
Corporate Office
 
1333 2nd Street NE
 
 
518 West C Street
 
Hickory, North Carolina 28601
 
 
Newton, North Carolina 28658
     
     
1910 East Main Street
 
 
420 West A Street
 
Lincolnton, North Carolina 28092
 
 
Newton, North Carolina 28658
     
     
2050 Catawba Valley Boulevard
 
 
2619 North Main Avenue
 
Hickory, North Carolina 28601
 
 
Newton, North Carolina 28658
     
     
760 Highway 27 West
 
 
213 1st Street, West
 
Lincolnton, North Carolina 28092
 
 
Conover, North Carolina 28613
     
     
102 Leonard Avenue
 
 
3261 East Main Street
 
Newton, North Carolina 28658
 
 
Claremont, North Carolina 28610
     
     
6300 South Boulevard
 
 
6125 Highway 16 South
 
Suite 100
 
 
Denver, North Carolina 28037
 
Charlotte, North Carolina 28217
 
         
 
5153 N.C. Highway 90E
 
4451 Central Avenue
 
 
Hiddenite, North Carolina 28636
 
Suite A
 
     
Charlotte, North Carolina 28205
 
 
200 Island Ford Road
     
 
Maiden, North Carolina 28650
 
3752/3754 Highway 16 North
 
     
Denver, North Carolina 28037
 
 
3310 Springs Road NE
     
 
Hickory, North Carolina 28601
 
209 Delburg Street
 
     
Suite 105
 
 
142 South Highway 16
 
Davidson, North Carolina 28036
 
 
Denver, North Carolina 28037
     
      501 West Roosevelt Boulevard  
 
106 North Main Street
  Monroe, NC  28110  
 
Catawba, North Carolina 28609
     
 
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
In the opinion of management, the Company is not involved in any material pending legal proceedings other than routine proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business.
 
ITEM 4.
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
No matter was submitted to a vote of the Company's shareholders during the quarter ended December 31, 2006
 
 
13

 

PART II
 
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
The information required by this Item is set forth under the section captioned "Market for the Company’s Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters" on page A-24 of the Annual Report.   The Annual Report is included in this Form 10-K as Exhibit (13).   See "Item 1. BUSINESS--Supervision and Regulation" above for regulatory restrictions which limit the ability of the Company to pay dividends.
 
The information required by Item 201(d) concerning securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is set forth in Item 12 hereof.
 

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
   
                               
October 1 - 31, 2006
   
-    
 
$
-   
   
-    
 
$
1,575,000
     
                               
November 1 - 30, 2006
   
569
   
29.71
   
-    
   
1,575,000
 
(1)
 
                               
December 1 - 31, 2006
   
-    
   
-    
   
-    
   
2,000,000
 
(2)
 
                               
Total
   
569
 
$
29.71
   
-    
 
$
2,000,000
     
                               
(1) The Company authorized a $2.0 million stock repurchase program effective December 1, 2005. This program expired November 30, 2006. The Company repurchased 19,250 shares pursuant to this program in first quarter 2006.
 
                               
(2) The Company authorized a $2.0 million stock repurchase program effective December 1, 2006. This program will expire November 30, 2007. No shares were repurchased pursuant to this program in 2006.
 
 
The information required by Item 201(e), the Performance Graph, is set forth in the section captioned “Stock Performance Graph” on page A-25 of the Annual Report, which is included in this Form 10-K as Exhibit (13).
 
ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The information required by this Item is set forth in the table captioned "Selected Financial Data" on page A-3 of the Annual Report, which table is included in this Form 10-K as Exhibit (13).

ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The information required by this Item is set forth in the section captioned “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” on pages A-4 through A-25 of the Annual Report, which section is included in this Form 10-K as Exhibit (13).

ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The information required by this Item is set forth in the section captioned “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” on page A-22 of the Annual Report, which section is included in this Form 10-K as Exhibit (13).  
 
 
14

 
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The consolidated financial statements of the Company and supplementary data set forth on pages A-26 through A-56 of the Annual Report are included in this Form 10-K as Exhibit (13).
 
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.
 
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company have concluded, based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Report, that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13A-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed or submitted by it under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the applicable rules and forms.

There have been no significant changes in internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2006 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.   Please see "Management's Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting" on page A-28 of the Annual Report included in this Form 10-K as Exhibit (13).

ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION

                None

PART III

ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The information required by this Item regarding directors and executive officers of the Company is set forth under the sections captioned “Proposal 1 - Election of Directors - Nominees” contained in  the Proxy Statement and “Proposal 1 - Election of Directors - Executive Officers” contained in  the Proxy Statement, which sections are incorporated herein by reference.

The information required by this Item regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is set forth under the section captioned “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” contained in the Proxy Statement, which section is incorporated herein by reference.

The information required by this Item regarding identification of members of the Company’s Audit Committee is set forth under the section captioned “Proposal 1 - Election of Directors” contained in  the Proxy Statement, which section is incorporated herein by reference. 

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to the Company’s employees, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer.   The Company has also adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee, which is reviewed annually, and amended as needed, by the Committee.  The Company will provide to any person, without charge, upon request, a copy of these documents. To request a copy, a written request should be submitted to the Company’s corporate headquarters, addressed to the attention of A. Joseph Lampron, Chief Financial Officer. These documents are also available on the Bank’s website (www.peoplesbanknc.com) under "Investor Relations."
 
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this Item is set forth under the sections captioned “Proposal 1 - Election of Directors” contained in the Proxy Statement, which sections are incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
15

 
 
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the section captioned “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” contained in  the Proxy Statement and the section captioned “Equity Compensation Plan Information” contained in  the Proxy Statement.
 
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

See the section captioned “Proposal 1 - Election of Directors - Indebtedness of and Transactions with Management and Directors” contained in  the Proxy Statement, which section is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

See the section captioned “Proposal 3 - Ratification of Selection of Independent Auditor” contained in  the Proxy Statement, which section is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16

 
PART IV
 
ITEM 15.
   EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

15(a)1.
 
Consolidated Financial Statements (contained in the Annual Report attached hereto as Exhibit (13) and incorporated herein by reference)

 
(a)
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 
(b)
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2006 and 2005

 
(c)
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

 
(d)
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

 
(e)
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

 
(f)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

 
(g)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

15(a)2.
 
Financial Consolidated Statement Schedules

All schedules have been omitted as the required information is either inapplicable or included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
15(a)3.
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 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

17



 
Exhibit (10)(d)
Employment Agreement between Peoples Bank and Lance A. Sellers
   
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(e) to the Form 10-K filed with
   
the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2000
     
 
Exhibit (10)(e)
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. Omnibus Stock Ownership and
   
Long Term Incentive Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(f) to
   
the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
    March 30, 2000
     
  Exhibit (10)(e)(i) Amendment No. 1 to the Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.
    Omnibus Stock Ownership and Long Term Incentive Plan
     
 
Exhibit (10)(f)
Employment Agreement between Peoples Bank and A. Joseph Lampron,
   
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(g) to the Form 10-K filed with the
   
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2002
     
 
Exhibit (10)(g)
Peoples Bank Directors' and Officers' Deferral Plan, incorporated by
   
reference to Exhibit (10)(h) to the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and
   
Exchange Commission on March 28, 2002
     
 
Exhibit (10)(h)
Rabbi Trust for the Peoples Bank Directors' and Officers' Deferral Plan,
   
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(i) to the Form 10-K filed with the
   
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2002
     
 
Exhibit (10)(i)
Description of Service Recognition Program maintained by Peoples Bank,
   
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(i) to the Form 10-K filed with the
   
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2003
     
 
Exhibit (10)(j)
Capital Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of June 26, 2006, by and
   
among Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc., PEBK Capital Trust II
   
and Bear, Sterns Securities Corp., incorporated by reference to Exhibit
   
10(j) to the Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange
   
Commission on November 13, 2006
     
 
Exhibit (10)(k)
Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of PEBK Capital Trust II, dated
   
as of June 28, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(k) to the
   
Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
   
November 13, 2006
     
 
Exhibit (10)(l)
Guarantee Agreement of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. dated
   
as of June 28, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(l) to the
   
Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
   
November 13, 2006
     
 
Exhibit (10)(m)
Indenture, dated as of June 28, 2006, by and between Peoples Bancorp of
   
North Carolina, Inc. and LaSalle Bank National Association, as Trustee,
   
relating to Junior Subordinated Debt Securities Due September 15, 2036,
   
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(m) to the Form 10-Q filed with
   
the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2006
     
 
Exhibit (12)
Statement Regarding Computation of Ratios
     
 
Exhibit (13)
2006 Annual Report of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.
     
 
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

 
18

 

  Exhibit (21) Subsidiaries of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc., incorporated by
    reference to Exhibit 21 to the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and
    Exchange Commission on March 27, 2003
     
 
Exhibit (23)
Consent of Porter Keadle Moore, LLP
     
  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
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19

 

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.  
    (Registrant)        
               
   
By:
/s/ Tony W. Wolfe       
    Tony W. Wolfe        
    President and Chief Executive Officer      
               
    Date: March 15, 2007        
 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
/s/ Tony W. Wolfe
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
March 15, 2007
Tony W. Wolfe
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
         
/s/ James S. Abernethy
 
Director
 
March 15, 2007
James S. Abernethy
       
         
/s/ Robert C. Abernethy
 
Chairman of the Board and Director
 
March 15, 2007
Robert C. Abernethy
       
         
/s/ Douglas S. Howard
 
Director
 
March 15, 2007
Douglas S. Howard
       
         
/s/ A. Joseph Lampron
 
Executive Vice President and Chief
 
March 15, 2007
A. Joseph Lampron
 
Financial Officer (Principal Financial
   
   
and Principal Accounting Officer)
   
         
/s/ John W. Lineberger, Jr.
 
Director
 
March 15, 2007
John W. Lineberger, Jr.
 
 
   
         
/s/ Gary E. Matthews
 
Director
 
March 15, 2007
Gary E. Matthews
       
         
/s/ Billy L. Price, Jr., M.D.
 
Director
 
March 15, 2007
Billy L. Price, Jr., M.D.
       
         
/s/ Larry E. Robinson
 
Director
 
March 15, 2007
Larry E. Robinson
       
         
/s/ William Gregory Terry
 
Director
 
March 15, 2007
William Gregory Terry
       
         
/s/ Dan Ray Timmerman, Sr.
 
Director
 
March 15, 2007
Dan Ray Timmerman, Sr.
       
         
/s/ Benjamin I. Zachary
 
Director
 
March 15, 2007
Benjamin I. Zachary
       

20

 

EXHIBIT 10 (e)(i)

AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO THE
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA
OMNIBUS STOCK OWNERSHIP AND
LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN


This is Amendment No. 1 to the Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina Omnibus Stock Ownership and Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”) of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, a North Carolina corporation with its principal office in Newton, North Carolina (the “Company”) under which ISOs, and Non-Qualified Options to acquire shares of the Stock, Restricted Stock, SARs, Book Value Shares and/or Units have been, prior to the date hereof, and may be granted from time to time in the future to Eligible Directors and Eligible Employees of the Company and any of its Subsidiaries. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan.

Whereas, the Plan was established to promote the interests of the Company by attracting and retaining directors and employees of outstanding ability and to provide executive and other key employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries greater incentive to make material contributions to the success of the Company by providing them with equity based compensation, which will increase in value based upon the market performance of the Company’s common stock and corporate achievement of financial and other performance goals.

Whereas, the Plan was approved by the Company’s shareholders on May 13, 1999.

Whereas, as of December 31, 2006 only Rights representing 36,455 shares of common stock were remaining to be awarded under the Plan.

Whereas, the Company’s Board of Directors is committed to the stated goals of the Plan and believes that continuing such Plan is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders.

Whereas, the Board of Directors, subject to shareholder approval at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 3, 2007, has approved amending the Plan to provide for additional shares to the Plan Pool as set forth in this Amendment No. 1.

AMENDMENT

The definition of “Plan Pool”, contained in ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS, shall be amended to include an additional 390,000 shares of authorized but unissued Common Stock, as adjusted pursuant to Section 2.3(b) from time to time, which shall be available as Stock under the Plan.

All other definitions and all other rights, terms and conditions set forth in the Plan shall remain the same with the same force and effect as originally adopted and approved by the Company’s shareholders.

EXHIBIT (12)

STATEMENT REGARDING COMPUTATION OF RATIOS

The averages used in computing the performance ratios provided in Item 6 represent average daily balances.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 



EXHIBIT (13)
 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

General Description of Business
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (the “Company”), was formed in 1999 to serve as the holding company for Peoples Bank (the “Bank”). The Company is a bank holding company registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”). The Company’s principal source of income is any dividends, which are declared and paid by the Bank on its capital stock. The Company has no operations and conducts no business of its own other than owning the Bank. Accordingly, the discussion of the business which follows concerns the business conducted by the Bank, unless otherwise indicated.

The Bank, founded in 1912, is a state-chartered commercial bank serving the citizens and business interests of the Catawba Valley and surrounding communities through 18 banking offices located in Lincolnton, Newton, Denver, Catawba, Conover, Maiden, Claremont, Hiddenite, Hickory, Charlotte and Monroe, North Carolina. The Bank also operates loan production offices in Davidson and Denver, North Carolina. At December 31, 2006, the Company had total assets of $818.9 million, net loans of $643.1 million, deposits of $633.8 million, investment securities of $117.6 million, and shareholders’ equity of $62.8 million.

The Bank has a diversified loan portfolio, with no foreign loans and few agricultural loans. Real estate loans are predominately variable rate commercial property loans, which include residential development loans to commercial customers. Commercial loans are spread throughout a variety of industries with no one particular industry or group of related industries accounting for a significant portion of the commercial loan portfolio. The majority of the Bank's deposit and loan customers are individuals and small to medium-sized businesses located in the Bank's market area. The Bank’s loan portfolio also includes Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) mortgage loans generated thorough the Bank’s Banco de le Gente offices.   Additional discussion of the Bank's loan portfolio and sources of funds for loans can be found in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" on pages A-4 through A-26 of the Annual Report.

The operations of the Bank and depository institutions in general are significantly influenced by general economic conditions and by related monetary and fiscal policies of depository institution regulatory agencies, including the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) and the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks (the "Commissioner").

At December 31, 2006, the Bank employed 239 full-time equivalent employees.

The Bank is a subsidiary of the Company. The Bank has two subsidiaries, Peoples Investment Services, Inc. and Real Estate Advisory Services, Inc.   Through a relationship with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Peoples Investment Services, Inc. provides the Bank's customers access to investment counseling and non-deposit investment products such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, tax deferred annuities, and related brokerage services. Real Estate Advisory Services, Inc., provides real estate appraisal and real estate brokerage services.

In June 2006, the Company formed a second wholly-owned Delaware statutory trust, PEBK Capital Trust II (“PEBK Trust II”), which issued $20.0 million of guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in the Company’s junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures. All of the common securities of PEBK Trust II are owned by the Company. The proceeds from the issuance of the common securities and the trust preferred securities were used by PEBK Trust II to purchase $20.6 million of junior subordinated debentures of the Company, which pay a floating rate equal to three month LIBOR plus 163 basis points. The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the junior subordinated debentures were used in December 2006 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 the trust preferred securities transaction is that the Company is obligated to make the distributions and other payments required on the trust preferred securities.

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

A-1

 
This report contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (the “Company”). These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management of the Company and on the information available to management at the time that these disclosures were 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 (the “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 environment 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. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A-2

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
                       
Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts
 
                       
                       
 
           2006
           2005
           2004
          2003
                2002
 
Summary of Operations
                               
Interest income
 
$
55,393
   
41,913
   
35,095
   
33,799
   
35,550
 
Interest expense
 
23,110
   
15,429
   
12,335
   
12,749
   
15,777
 
                                 
Net interest income
   
32,283
   
26,484
   
22,760
   
21,050
   
19,773
 
Provision for loan losses
 
2,513
   
3,110
   
3,256
   
6,744
   
5,432
 
                                 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
29,770
   
23,374
   
19,504
   
14,306
   
14,341
 
Non-interest income
   
7,554
   
6,668
   
6,000
   
5,825
   
6,443
 
Non-interest expense
 
22,983
   
20,330
   
18,840
   
17,072
   
15,636
 
                                 
Income before taxes
   
14,341
   
9,712
   
6,664
   
3,059
   
5,148
 
Income taxes
 
5,170
   
3,381
   
2,233
   
1,055
   
1,712
 
Net income
$
9,171
   
6,331
   
4,431
   
2,004
   
3,436
 
                                 
Selected Year-End Balances
                               
Assets
 
$
818,948
   
730,280
   
686,348
   
674,032
   
645,638
 
Available for sale securities
   
117,581
   
115,158
   
105,598
   
79,460
   
71,736
 
Loans, net
   
643,078
   
559,239
   
527,419
   
542,404
   
519,122
 
Mortgage loans held for sale
   
-
   
2,248
   
3,783
   
587
   
5,065
 
Interest-earning assets
   
780,082
   
692,835
   
653,111
   
639,934
   
609,052
 
Deposits
   
633,820
   
582,854
   
556,522
   
549,802
   
515,739
 
Interest-bearing liabilities
   
650,364
   
576,681
   
553,135
   
550,357
   
527,525
 
Shareholders' equity
 
$
62,835
   
54,353
   
50,938
   
48,554
   
48,605
 
Shares outstanding*
 
3,830,634
   
3,784,886
   
3,793,175
   
3,793,594
   
3,791,592
 
                                 
Selected Average Balances
                               
Assets
 
$
772,585
   
706,843
   
684,385
   
661,077
   
625,227
 
Available for sale securities
   
118,137
   
108,690
   
93,770
   
72,072
   
77,414
 
Loans
   
604,427
   
550,545
   
547,753
   
539,559
   
507,879
 
Interest-earning assets
   
732,244
   
668,614
   
650,528
   
626,197
   
593,380
 
Deposits
   
605,407
   
570,997
   
558,142
   
533,703
   
499,224
 
Interest-bearing liabilities
   
613,686
   
563,210
   
553,880
   
540,676
   
516,747
 
Shareholders' equity
 
$
62,465
   
55,989
   
51,978
   
49,971
   
48,257
 
Shares outstanding*
 
3,801,219
   
3,794,860
   
3,805,317
   
3,791,761
   
3,813,890
 
                                 
Profitability Ratios
                               
Return on average total assets
   
1.19
%
 
0.90
%
 
0.65
%
 
0.30
%
 
0.55
%
Return on average shareholders' equity
   
14.68
%
 
11.31
%
 
8.52
%
 
4.01
%
 
7.12
%
Dividend payout ratio
 
20.78
%
 
22.34
%
 
28.37
%
 
62.56
%
 
36.58
%
                                 
Liquidity and Capital Ratios (averages)
                               
Loan to deposit
   
99.84
%
 
96.42
%
 
98.14
%
 
101.10
%
 
101.73
%
Shareholders' equity to total assets
 
8.09
%
 
7.92
%
 
7.59
%
 
7.56
%
 
7.72
%
                                 
Per share of common stock*
                               
Basic net income
 
$
2.41
   
1.67
   
1.16
   
0.53
   
0.90
 
Diluted net income
 
$
2.36
   
1.64
   
1.15
   
0.53
   
0.90
 
Cash dividends
 
$
0.50
   
0.37
   
0.33
   
0.33
   
0.33
 
Book value
$
16.40
   
14.36
   
13.43
   
12.80
   
12.82
 
                                 
*Shares outstanding and per share computations have been retroactively restated to reflect 10% stock dividends during first quarter 2005 and second quarter 2006.
 
 
A-3


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is a discussion of our financial position and results of operations and should be read in conjunction with the information set forth under Item 1A Risk Factors and the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto on pages A-26 through A-56.

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 the Company, for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004. The Company is a registered bank holding company operating under the supervision of the Federal Reserve Board and the parent company of Peoples Bank (the “Bank”). 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 loans 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 (the “Federal Reserve”), inflation, interest rates, market and monetary fluctuations. Lending activities are affected by the demand for commercial and other types of loans, which in turn is affected by the interest rates at which such financing may be offered. Our cost of funds is influenced by interest rates on competing investments and by rates offered on similar investments by competing financial institutions in our market area, as well as general market interest rates. These factors can cause fluctuations in our net interest income and other income. In addition, local economic conditions can impact the credit risk of our loan portfolio, in that (1) local employers may be required to eliminate employment positions of individual borrowers, and small businesses and (2) commercial borrowers may experience a downturn in their operating performance and become unable to make timely payments on their loans. Management evaluates these factors in estimating its allowance for loan losses, and changes in these economic conditions could result in increases or decreases to the provision for loan losses.

Our business emphasis has been to operate as a well-capitalized, profitable and independent community-oriented financial institution dedicated to providing quality customer service. We are committed to meeting the financial needs of the communities in which we operate. We believe that we can be more effective in serving 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 December 31, 2006. These increases had a positive impact on 2006 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 qualified as an accelerated filer in accordance with Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, effective December 31, 2006. Therefore, the Company is now subject to the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX 404”). The Company incurred additional consulting and audit expenses in becoming
 
A-4

 
compliant with SOX 404, and will continue to incur additional audit expenses to comply with SOX 404 going forward.   Management does not expect expenses related to SOX 404 to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

The Bank opened a new 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 new traditional banking offices in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties, North Carolina in Cornelius and Mooresville, respectively during 2007. Management expects to continue to open at least one new traditional office in Mecklenburg or Iredell counties in each of the next two to three years and additional Banco de la Gente offices in other metropolitan areas in North Carolina.

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 its 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 3, 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

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 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 (“SFAS”) No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (SFAS 133). For a more complete discussion of policies, see the notes to consolidated financial statements.

In February 2006, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments” (SFAS 155) - an amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140 .  SFAS 155 permits fair value remeasurement for any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation and requires that entities evaluate interests in securitized financial assets to distinguish whether the interests are freestanding derivatives or hybrid financial instruments containing an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation.  The Statement also clarifies which interest-only strips and principal-only strips are not subject to the requirements of SFAS 133, and also clarifies that concentrations of credit risk in the form of subordination are not embedded derivatives.  The Statement also amends SFAS 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, to eliminate the prohibition on a qualifying special-purpose entity from holding a derivative financial instrument that pertains to a beneficial interest other than another derivative financial instrument.  This standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or disclosures.

In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, “Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets” (SFAS 156) - an amendment of SFAS 140.  SFAS 156 requires the recognition of a servicing asset or servicing liability each time an entity assumes an obligation to service a financial asset, that the servicing asset or servicing liability be initially measured at fair value, outlines the subsequent measurement methodologies permitted and the presentation and disclosure of servicing assets and servicing liabilities in financial statements.  This standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or disclosures.

 
A-5

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

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

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting  for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans” (SFAS 158) - an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R).  SFAS 158 requires employers to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income.  SFAS 158 requires an employer to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-end statement of financial position, with limited exceptions.  This standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or disclosures.  

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

The remainder of management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s results of operations and financial position should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes presented on pages A-26 through A-56.

Results of Operations
Summary. The Company reported earnings of $9.2 million in 2006, or $2.41 basic net earnings per share and $2.36 diluted net earnings per share, a 45% increase as compared to $6.3 million, or $1.67 basic net earnings per share and $1.64 diluted net earnings per share, for 2005. Net earnings from recurring operations for 2006 were $9.8 million, or $2.59 basic net earnings per share and $2.53 diluted net earnings per share, representing a 44% increase over net earnings from recurring operations of $6.8 million, or $1.80 basic net earnings per share and $1.77 diluted net earnings per share in 2005. Net non-recurring losses on disposition of assets in 2006 amounted to $863,000, which included a $592,000 loss on sale of securities and a $271,000 net loss on the disposition of assets, which included a $185,000 write-down on the Bank’s mortgage servicing asset and an $110,000 write-down on foreclosed property partially offset by a gain on the disposition of assets. This is an increase over net non-recurring losses on disposition of assets for the year ended December 31, 2005, which amounted to $746,000. The Company’s increase in recurring earnings for 2006 is primarily attributable to an increase in net interest income, an increase in non-interest income and a decrease in the provision for loan losses, which were partially offset by an increase in non-interest expense.

Net earnings for 2005 represented an increase of 43% as compared to 2004 net earnings of $4.4 million. Net earnings from recurring operations for 2005 increased 48% when compared to $4.6 million, or $1.21 basic net earnings per share and $1.19 diluted net earnings per share for 2004. Net earnings for 2004 included non-recurring losses on the sale of securities of $64,000. The increase in 2005 recurring earnings was primarily attributable to a decrease in the provision for loan losses, an increase in net interest income and an increase in non-interest income, which were partially offset by an increase in non-interest expense.

 
A-6

 
The return on average assets in 2006 was 1.19%, compared to 0.90% in 2005 and 0.65% in 2004. Excluding non-recurring gains and losses on disposition of assets, the return on average assets was 1.27%, 0.96% and 0.67% in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The return on average shareholders’ equity was 14.68% in 2006 compared to 11.31% in 2005 and 8.52% in 2004. Excluding non-recurring gains and losses on disposition of assets, the return on average shareholders’ equity was 15.58%, 12.07% and 8.81% in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income, the major component of the Company's net income, is the amount by which interest and fees generated by interest-earning assets exceed the total cost of funds used to carry them. Net interest income is affected by changes in the volume and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, as well as changes in the yields earned and rates paid. Net interest margin is calculated by dividing tax-equivalent net interest income by average interest-earning assets, and represents the Company’s net yield on its interest-earning assets.

Net interest income was $32.3 million for 2006, or 22% over net interest income of $26.5 million in 2005. The increase was attributable to an increase in interest income due to an increase in the prime rate resulting from Federal Reserve interest rate increases combined with an increase in the average outstanding balance of loans and available for sale securities. Net interest income increased 16% in 2005 from $22.8 million in 2004.

Table 1 sets forth for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the average amounts outstanding, the interest incurred on such amounts and the average rate earned or incurred for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004. The table also sets forth the average rate earned on total interest-earning assets, the average rate paid on total interest-bearing liabilities, and the net yield on average total interest-earning assets for the same periods. Yield information does not give effect to changes in fair value that are reflected as a component of shareholders’ equity. Yields and interest income on tax-exempt investments have been adjusted to tax equivalent basis using an effective tax rate 38.55% for securities that are both federal and state tax exempt and an effective tax rate of 6.90% for state tax exempt securities. Non-accrual loans and the interest income that was recorded on these loans, if any, are included in the yield calculations for loans in all periods reported.
 
Table 1- Average Balance Table
                                     
                                       
   
December 31, 2006
December 31, 2005
December 31, 2004
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Average Balance
Interest
Yield /
Rate
Average Balance
Interest
Yield /
Rate
Average Balance
Interest
Yield /
 Rate
 
Interest-earning assets:
                                                       
                                                         
Loans
 
$
604,427
   
49,665
   
8.22
%
 
550,545
   
37,234
   
6.76
%
 
547,753
   
29,826
   
5.45
%
Interest rate swap agreements
   
-
   
(698
)
 
-0.12
%
 
-
   
(575
)
 
-0.14
%
 
-
   
1,056
   
2.21
%
Loan fees
   
-
   
701
   
0.12
%
 
-
   
464
   
0.80
%
 
-
   
191
   
0.03
%
Total loans
   
604,427
   
49,668
   
8.22
%
 
550,545
   
37,123
   
6.74
%
 
547,753
   
31,073
   
5.67
%
                                                         
Investments - taxable
   
29,784
   
1,306
   
4.38
%
 
37,487
   
1,595
   
4.25
%
 
35,920
   
1,545
   
4.30
%
Investments - nontaxable*
   
88,353
   
4,642
   
5.25
%
 
71,202
   
3,472
   
4.88
%
 
57,850
   
2,741
   
4.74
%
Federal funds sold
   
1,766
   
85
   
4.81
%
 
2,272
   
73
   
3.21
%
 
3,363
   
35
   
1.05
%
Other
   
7,914
   
424
   
5.36
%
 
7,108
   
269
   
3.61
%
 
5,642
   
161
   
2.70
%
                                                         
Total interest-earning assets
   
732,244
   
56,125
   
7.66
%
 
668,614
   
42,532
   
6.36
%
 
650,528
   
35,555
   
5.47
%
                                                         
Cash and due from banks
   
17,022
               
15,149
               
13,058
             
Other assets
   
31,218
               
30,891
               
30,185
             
Allowance for loan losses
   
(7,899
)
             
(7,811
)
             
(9,386
)
           
                                                         
Total assets
 
$
772,585
               
706,843
               
684,385
             
                                                         
                                                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                       
                                                         
NOW accounts
 
$
87,329
   
1,214
   
1.39
%
 
110,852
   
1,468
   
1.32
%
 
106,832
   
1,292
   
1.21
%
Regular savings accounts
   
19,768
   
57
   
0.29
%
 
21,205
   
65
   
0.31
%
 
21,845
   
72
   
0.33
%
Money market accounts
   
66,035
   
1,789
   
2.71
%
 
56,858
   
1,112
   
1.96
%
 
51,069
   
535
   
1.05
%
Time deposits
   
335,092
   
14,189
   
4.23
%
 
292,807
   
8,923
   
3.05
%
 
300,175
   
7,145
   
2.38
%
FHLB borrowings
   
74,082
   
3,588
   
4.84
%
 
65,934
   
2,889
   
4.38
%
 
58,656
   
2,603
   
4.44
%
Demand notes payable to U.S. Treasury
   
722
   
34
   
4.71
%
 
702
   
21
   
3.02
%
 
678
   
8
   
1.14
%
Trust preferred securities
   
24,878
   
1,963
   
7.89
%
 
14,433
   
938
   
6.50
%
 
14,433
   
677
   
4.69
%
Other
   
5,780
   
276
   
4.78
%
 
419
   
13
   
3.00
%
 
192
   
3
   
1.46
%
                                                         
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
613,686
   
23,110
   
3.77
%
 
563,210
   
15,429
   
2.74
%
 
553,880
   
12,335
   
2.23
%
                                                         
Demand deposits
   
97,183
               
89,275
               
78,221
             
Other liabilities
   
3,044
               
1,275
               
2,137
             
Shareholders' equity
   
62,465
               
55,989
           
51,978
         
                                                         
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity
 
$
776,378
           
709,749
           
686,216
         
                                                         
Net interest spread
     
$
33,015
   
3.89
%
     
27,103
   
3.62
%
     
23,220
   
3.24
%
                                                         
Net yield on interest-earning assets
             
4.51
%
           
4.05
%
         
3.57
%
                                                         
Taxable equivalent adjustment
                                                       
Investment securities
     
$
731
           
619
           
460
     
                                                         
Net interest income
     
$
32,284
           
26,484
           
22,760
     
                                                         
*Includes U.S. government agency securities that are non-taxable for state income tax purposes of $65.9 million in 2006, $50.7 million in 2005 and $40.4 million in 2004. An effective tax rate of 6.90% was used to calculate the tax equivalent yield on these securities.
 
 
A-7

 
                Changes in interest income and interest expense can result from variances in both volume and rates. Table 2 describes the impact on the Company’s tax equivalent net interest income resulting from changes in average balances and average rates for the periods indicated. The changes in interest due to both volume and rate have been allocated to volume and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the changes in each.
 
Table 2 - Rate/Volume Analysis-Tax Equivalent Basis
                         
                           
   
December 31, 2006
 
December 31, 2005
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Changes in
average
volume
Changes in
average
rates
Total
Increase (Decrease)
Changes in
average
volume
Changes in
average
rates
Total
Increase (Decrease)
 
Interest Income:
                         
                                       
Loans: Net of unearned income
 
$
4,030
   
8,515
   
12,545
   
173
   
5,877
   
6,050
 
                                       
Investments - taxable
   
(333
)
 
44
   
(289
)
 
67
   
(17
)
 
50
 
Investments - nontaxable
   
869
   
301
   
1,170
   
642
   
89
   
731
 
Federal funds sold
   
(20
)
 
32
   
12
   
(23
)
 
61
   
38
 
Other
   
37
   
118
   
155
   
49
   
59
   
108
 
                                       
Total interest income
   
4,583
   
9,010
   
13,593
   
908
   
6,069
   
6,977
 
                                       
Interest expense:
                                     
                                       
NOW accounts
   
(320
)
 
66
   
(254
)
 
51
   
125
   
176
 
Regular savings accounts
   
(4
)
 
(4
)
 
(8
)
 
(2
)
 
(5
)
 
(7
)
Money market accounts
   
214
   
463
   
677
   
87
   
490
   
577
 
Time deposits
   
1,540
   
3,726
   
5,266
   
(200
)
 
1,978
   
1,778
 
FHLB Borrowings
   
375
   
324
   
699
   
321
   
(35
)
 
286
 
Demand notes payable to
                                     
U.S. Treasury
   
1
   
12
   
13
   
-
   
13
   
13
 
Trust Preferred Securities
   
752
   
273
   
1,025
   
24
   
237
   
261
 
Other
   
208
   
55
   
263
   
5
   
5
   
10
 
                                       
Total interest expense
   
2,766
   
4,915
   
7,681
   
286
   
2,808
   
3,094
 
                                       
Net interest income
 
$
1,817
   
4,095
   
5,912
   
622
   
3,261
   
3,883
 
 
Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis totaled $33.0 million in 2006, increasing 22% or $5.9 million from 2005. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the yield on interest-earning assets partially offset by an increase in the cost of funds. The interest rate spread, which represents the rate earned on interest-earning assets less the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, was 3.89% in 2006, an increase from the 2005 net interest spread of 3.62%. The net yield on interest-earning assets in 2006 increased to 4.51% from the 2005 net interest margin of 4.05%.

Tax equivalent interest income increased $13.6 million or 32% in 2006 primarily due to an increase in the Bank’s prime lending rate from an average rate of 6.19% in 2005 to 7.96% in 2006. The increase in rates combined with a $63.6 million increase in average interest-earning assets resulted in an increase in the yield on interest-earning assets to 7.66% in 2006 as compared to 6.36% in 2005. The $63.6 million increase in average interest-earning assets was attributable primarily to a $53.9 million increase in average loans. Average investment securities in 2006 increased 9% to $118.1 million when compared to 2005. All other interest-earning assets including federal funds sold were $7.9 million in 2006 and $7.1 million in 2005.

Interest expense increased $7.7 million or 50% in 2006 due to an increase in the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities combined with a $50.5 million increase in volume of interest-bearing liabilities. The cost of funds increased to 3.77% in 2006 from 2.74% in 2005. This increase in the cost of funds was primarily attributable to increases in the average rate paid on interest-bearing checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit. The $50.5 million growth in average interest-bearing liabilities was primarily attributable to an increase in time deposits of $42.3 million to $335.1 million in 2006 from $292.8 million in 2005.
 
A-8

 
In 2005 net interest income on a tax equivalent basis increased $3.9 million or 17% to $27.1 million in 2005 from $23.2 million in 2004. The interest rate spread was 3.62% in 2005, an increase from the 2004 net interest spread of 3.24%. The net yield on interest-earning assets in 2005 increased to 4.05% from the 2004 net interest margin of 3.57%.

Provision for Loan Losses. Provision for loan losses are charged to income in order to bring the total allowance for loan losses to a level deemed appropriate by management of the Company based on factors such as management’s judgment as to losses within the Company’s loan portfolio, including the valuation of impaired loans in accordance with SFAS No. 114 and No. 118, loan growth, net charge-offs, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, delinquencies and management’s assessment of the quality of the loan portfolio and general economic climate.

The provision for loan losses was $2.5 million, $3.1 million, and $3.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The decrease in the provision for loan losses for 2006 is primarily attributable to a decrease in net charge-offs of $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 when compared to the year ended December 31, 2005, offset by the effect of loan growth. Please see the section below entitled “Allowance for Loan Losses” for a more complete discussion of the Bank’s policy for addressing potential loan losses.

Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income for 2006 totaled $7.6 million, an increase of $886,000 or 13% from non-interest income of $6.7 million for 2005. The increases in non-interest income for 2006 are primarily due to an increase in service charges and fees resulting from activity in new branches opened in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and an increase in miscellaneous other income. Non-interest income for 2005 increased $668,000 or 11% from non-interest income of $6.0 million for 2004. The increase in non-interest income for 2005 is primarily due to an increase in fee income from new branches, increases in debit card fee income and an increase in mortgage banking income. Excluding non-recurring gains or losses on the disposition of assets, non-interest income for 2006 increased 14% to $8.4 million as compared to $7.4 million in 2005. Non-interest income, excluding non-recurring gains or losses on the disposition of assets, totaled $6.2 million for 2004.

Service charges on deposit accounts totaled $3.9 million during 2006, an increase of $150,000, or 4% over 2005. Service charge income increased $345,000, or 10% in 2005 compared to 2004. These increases are primarily attributable to growth in the deposit base coupled with normal pricing changes, which resulted in an increase in account maintenance fees.

Other service charges and fees increased 35% to $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared to $1.1 million for the same period one year ago. This increase is primarily attributable to fee income from new branches.

The Company reported net losses on sale of securities of $592,000, $730,000 and $64,000 in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Losses on the sale of securities were primarily due to restructuring of the Bank’s investment portfolio to reduce exposure to a decrease in interest rates.

Mortgage banking income decreased to $289,000 in 2006 from $469,000 in 2005. During 2005 mortgage banking income increased $112,000 from the $357,000 reported in 2004. The decrease in mortgage banking income for 2006 was primarily attributable to the $185,000 write-down of the Bank’s mortgage servicing asset due to Management’s assessment that there was minimal fair value in the mortgage servicing rights due to the small remaining balance in the loans serviced for others.

Net losses on repossessed assets were $108,000 for 2006 compared to net losses on repossessed assets of $38,000 for 2005. The increase in net losses on repossessed assets during 2006 was primarily attributable to a $110,000 write-down on foreclosed property partially offset by a gain on the disposition of assets. Management determined that the market value of these assets had decreased significantly and charges were appropriate during fourth quarter 2006. During 2004 a net loss on repossessed assets of $180,000 was recognized.

Miscellaneous income for 2006 totaled $2.1 million, an increase of 27% from $1.7 million for 2005. The increase in miscellaneous income was primarily attributable to an increase in debit card fee income primarily associated with increased card usage due to an increased number of demand accounts and income amounting to $118,000 distributed by a SBIC investment owned by the Bank. During 2005, miscellaneous income increased 23% primarily due to an increase in debit card fee income.

 
A-9

Table 3 presents a summary of non-interest income for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004.
 
Table 3 - Non-Interest Income
             
               
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
         2006
 
 
          2005
 
 
           2004
 
Service charges
 
$
3,930
   
3,780
   
3,435
 
Other service charges and fees
   
1,540
   
1,142
   
677
 
Gain (loss) on sale of securities
   
(592
)
 
(730
)
 
(64
)
Mortgage banking income
   
289
   
469
   
356
 
Insurance and brokerage commissions
   
389
   
387
   
430
 
Loss on foreclosed and repossessed assets
   
(108
)
 
(38
)
 
(179
)
Miscellaneous
   
2,106
   
1,658
   
1,345
 
Total non-interest income
 
$
7,554
   
6,668
   
6,000
 
 
Non-Interest Expense. Total non-interest expense amounted to $23.0 million for 2006, an increase of 13% from 2005. Non-interest expense for 2005 increased 8% to $20.3 million from non-interest expense of $18.8 million for 2004.

Salary and employee benefit expense was $11.8 million in 2006, compared to $10.9 million during 2005, an increase of $921,000 or 8%, following a $604,000 or 6% increase in salary and employee benefit expense in 2005 over 2004. The increase in salary and employee benefits in 2006 and 2005 is primarily due to normal salary increases and increased incentive expense combined with the additional expense associated with the new branches added in 2005 and 2006.

The Company recorded occupancy expenses of $4.2 million in 2006, compared to $3.9 million during 2005, an increase of $231,000 or 6%, following an increase of $277,000 or 8% in occupancy expenses in 2005 over 2004. The increase in 2006 is primarily due to an increase in furniture and equipment expense and lease expense. Increases in 2005 are attributable to an increase in repairs and maintenance expense and an increase in lease expense. During 2003, the Company sold two branch locations with net book values of approximately $3.1 million and is currently leasing the facilities from the buyers. As a result of the sales, the Company deferred a gain of approximately $633,000 and is recognizing the gain over the lease term. Approximately $22,000 of the deferred gain was recognized for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004. Annual rent expense related to these two locations is $243,000.

The total of all other operating expenses increased $1.5 million or 27% during 2006. Other operating expense increased $610,000 or 12% in 2005 over 2004. The increase in other expense for 2006 is primarily attributable to increases of $342,000 in consulting expenses due to Sarbanes-Oxley related expenses and disaster recovery planning expenses, and increase of $444,000 in amortization of the issuance costs of the trust preferred securities issued in 2001 that were called on December 31, 2006, an increase in $206,000 in debit card expense and an increase of $117,000 in advertising expense.

Table 4 presents a summary of non-interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004.
 
Table 4 - Non-Interest Expense
             
               
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
    2006
 
    2005
 
  2004
Salaries and wages
 
$
 9,368
   
7,162
   
7,023
 
Employee benefits
   
2,417
   
3,702
   
3,237
 
Total personnel expense
   
11,785
   
10,864
   
10,260
 
Occupancy expense
   
4,180
   
3,949
   
3,672
 
Office supplies
   
436
   
314
   
314
 
FDIC deposit insurance
   
75
   
76
   
81
 
Professional services
   
239
   
389
   
290
 
Postage
   
307
   
264
   
211
 
Telephone
   
338
   
403
   
337
 
Director fees and expense
   
423
   
334
   
351
 
Marketing and public relations
   
772
   
656
   
620
 
Consulting fees
   
575
   
233
   
306
 
Taxes and licenses
   
293
   
218
   
200
 
Other operating expense
   
3,560
 
2,630
   
2,198
 
Total non-interest expense
 
$
 22,983
   
20,330
   
18,840
 
 
 
A-10

 
Income Taxes. Total income tax expense was $5.2 million in 2006 compared with $3.4 million in 2005 and $2.2 million in 2004. The primary reason for the increase in taxes for 2006 as compared to 2005 and 2004 was the increase in pretax income, which reduced the impact of non-taxable income. The Company’s effective tax rates were 36.05%, 34.81% and 33.51% in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

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 December 31, 2006 such unfunded commitments to extend credit were $151.7 million, while commitments in the form of standby letters of credit totaled $4.6 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 December 31, 2006, the Company’s core deposits totaled $439.6 million, or 69% of total deposits.

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

At December 31, 2006, the Bank had a significant amount of deposits in amounts greater than $100,000, including brokered deposits of $60.0 million, which mature over the next two years. The balance and cost of these deposits are more susceptible to changes in the interest rate environment than other deposits. For additional information, please see the section below entitled “Deposits”.

The Bank has a line of credit with the FHLB equal to 20% of the Bank’s total assets, with an outstanding balance of $89.3 million at December 31, 2006. The remaining availability at FHLB was $44.5 million at December 31, 2006. The Bank also had the ability to borrow up to $35.0 million for the purchase of overnight federal funds from three correspondent financial institutions as of December 31, 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 31.15% at December 31, 2006, 36.81% at December 31, 2005 and 34.82% 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%.

As disclosed in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included elsewhere herein, net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $14.8 million during 2006. Net cash used in investing activities of $92.2 million consisted primarily of a net increase in loans of $86.8 million. Net cash provided by financing activities amounted to $79.1 million, primarily from $51.0 million net increase in deposits.

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 done in conjunction with the need to maintain adequate liquidity and the overall goal of maximizing net interest income. Table 5 presents an interest rate sensitivity analysis for the interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2006.

A-11

 

Table 5 - Interest Sensitivity Analysis
                         
                           
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Immediate
 
1-3
months
 
4-12
months
 
Total Within
 One Year
 
Over One
  Year & Non-sensitive
 
Total
Interest-earning assets:
                                     
Loans
 
$
465,884
   
19,944
   
10,724
   
496,552
   
154,829
 
$
651,381
 
Mortgage loans available for sale
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Investment securities
   
-
   
1,415
   
-
   
1,415
   
116,166
   
117,581
 
Federal funds sold
   
2,640
   
-
   
-
   
2,640
   
-
   
2,640
 
Interest-bearing deposit accounts
   
1,471
   
-
   
-
   
1,471
   
-
   
1,471
 
Other interest-earning assets
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
7,009
   
7,009
 
                                       
Total interest-earning assets
   
469,995
   
21,359
   
10,724
   
502,078
   
278,004
 
$
780,082
 
                                       
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                     
NOW, savings, and money market deposits
   
174,578
   
-
   
-
   
174,578
   
-
 
$
174,578
 
Time deposits
   
86,059
   
119,909
   
127,463
   
333,431
   
24,418
   
357,849
 
Other short term borrowings
   
1,600
   
-
   
-
   
1,600
   
-
   
1,600
 
FHLB borrowings
   
19,800
   
42,500
   
-
   
62,300
   
27,000
   
89,300
 
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase
   
6,418
   
-
   
-
   
6,418
   
-
   
6,418
 
Trust preferred securities
   
-
   
20,619
   
-
   
20,619
   
-
   
20,619
 
                                       
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
288,455
   
183,028
   
127,463
   
598,946
   
51,418
 
$
650,364
 
                                       
Interest-sensitive gap
 
$
181,540
   
(161,669
)
 
(116,739
)
 
(96,868
)
 
226,586
 
$
129,718
 
                                       
Cumulative interest-sensitive gap
 
$
181,540
   
19,871
   
(96,868
)
 
(96,868
)
 
129,718
       
                                       
Interest-earning assets as a percentage of interest-bearing liabilities
 
 
 162.94 
 
11.67   %   8.41   %   83.83   %   540.67   %      
 
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. As shown in Table 5, 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. Rate sensitive assets at December 31, 2006 totaled $780.1 million, exceeding rate sensitive liabilities of $650.4 million by $129.7 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 December 31, 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 from payments on the first $150.0 million of certain variable rate commercial, construction and home equity loans against the downward effects of their repricing in the event of a decreasing rate environment for a period of three years ending in July 2008, November 2008, January 2009 and June 2009. If the prime rate falls below 6.25% during the term of the contract on the first floor, the Company will receive payments based on the $35.0 million notional amount times the difference between 6.25% and the weighted average prime rate for the quarter. No payments will be received by the Company if the weighted average prime rate is 6.25% or higher. The Company paid a premium of $161,000 on this contact. On the second floor if the prime rate falls below 7.00% during the term of the contract, the Company will receive payments based on the $35.0 million notional amount times the difference between 7.00% and the weighted average prime rate for the quarter. No payments will be received by the Company if the weighted average prime rate is 7.00% or higher. The Company paid a premium of $203,000 on
 
A-12

 
 
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 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 year ended December 31, 2006, losses of approximately $386,000 were recognized.

The Bank also utilizes interest rate floors on certain variable rate loans to protect against further downward movements in the prime rate. At December 31, 2006, the Bank had $67.5 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 $19.4 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 2.22% lower than the indexed rate on the promissory notes without the interest rate caps.

An analysis of the Company’s financial condition and growth can be made by examining the changes and trends in interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. A discussion of these changes and trends follows.

Analysis of Financial Condition
Investment Securities. All of the Company’s investment securities are held in the available-for-sale (“AFS”) category . At December 31, 2006 the market value of AFS securities totaled $117.6 million, compared to $115.2 million and $105.6 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The increase in 2006 investment securities is the result of net securities purchases that are part of management’s objective to grow the investment portfolio in an effort to manage the credit risk in the balance sheet. This increase in AFS securities was partially offset by paydowns on mortgage-backed securities, calls and maturities. Table 6 presents the market value of the AFS securities held at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004.
 
Table 6 - Summary of Investment Portfolio
             
               
(Dollars in Thousands)
    2006
     2005
          2004
 
Obligations of United States government
                   
agencies and corporations
 
$
72,744
   
60,243
   
46,570
 
                     
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
24,366
   
21,609
   
20,649
 
                     
Mortgage backed securities
   
19,220
   
31,004
   
36,543
 
                     
Trust preferred securities
   
750
   
1,750
   
1,750
 
                     
Equity securities
   
501
   
552
   
86
 
                     
Total securities
 
$
117,581
   
115,158
   
105,598
 
 
The composition of the investment securities portfolio reflects the Company’s investment strategy of maintaining an appropriate level of liquidity while providing a relatively stable source of income. The investment portfolio also provides a balance to interest rate risk and credit risk in other categories of the balance sheet while providing a vehicle for the investment of available funds, furnishing liquidity, and supplying securities to pledge as required collateral for certain deposits.
 
A-13

 
The Company’s investment portfolio consists of U.S. government agency securities, municipal securities, U.S. government agency sponsored mortgage-backed securities, trust preferred securities and equity securities. AFS securities averaged $118.1 million in 2006, $108.7 million in 2005 and $93.8 million in 2004. Table 7 presents the amortized cost of AFS securities held by the Company by maturity category at December 31, 2006. Yield information does not give effect to changes in fair value that are reflected as a component of shareholders’ equity. Yields are calculated on a tax equivalent basis . Yields and interest income on tax-exempt investments have been adjusted to tax equivalent basis using an effective tax rate 38.55% for securities that are both federal and state tax exempt and an effective tax rate of 6.90% for state tax exempt securities.
 
Table 7 - Maturity Distribution and Weighted Average Yield on Investments
                             
                                           
                                           
           
After One Year
 
After 5 Years
                 
   
One Year or Less
 
Through 5 Years
 
Through 10 Years
 
After 10 Years
 
Totals
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Amount
 
Yield   
 
Amount
 
Yield   
 
Amount
 
Yield   
 
Amount
 
Yield   
 
Amount
 
Yield   
 
Book value:
                                                             
                                                               
United States Government agencies
 
$
-
   
-
   
49,535
   
4.74%
 
 
23,303
   
5.31%
 
 
-
   
-
 
$
72,838
   
4.92%
 
                                                               
States and political subdivisions
   
910
   
7.19%
 
 
9,598
   
4.98%
 
 
10,261
   
5.74%
 
 
3,725
   
7.03%
 
 
24,494
   
5.69%
 
                                                               
Mortgage backed securities
   
17
   
4.95%
 
 
580
   
4.63%
 
 
4,008
   
4.38%
 
 
15,061
   
4.50%
 
 
19,666
   
4.31%
 
                                                               
Trust preferred securities
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
750
   
8.70%
 
 
750
   
8.70%
 
                                                               
Equity securities
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
815
   
0.22%
 
 
815
   
0.22%
 
                                                               
Total securities
 
$
927
   
7.15%
 
 
59,713
   
4.78%
 
 
37,572
   
5.33%
 
 
20,351
   
4.94%
 
$
118,563
   
4.97%
 
 
Loans. The loan portfolio is the largest category of the Company’s earning assets and is comprised of commercial loans, real estate mortgage loans, real estate construction loans and consumer loans. 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 and Union counties. 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. In management’s opinion, there are no significant concentrations of credit with particular borrowers engaged in similar activities .

The composition of the Company’s loan portfolio is presented in Table 8.
 
Table 8 - Loan Portfolio
                                         
                                           
   
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Amount
 
% of Loans
 
Amount
 
% of Loans
 
Amount
 
% of Loans
 
Amount
 
% of Loans
 
Amount
 
% of Loans
 
Breakdown of loan receivables:
                                         
Commercial
 
$
85,064
   
13.06%
 
 
79,902
   
14.10%
 
 
79,189
   
14.79%
 
 
90,558
   
16.41%
 
 
92,141
   
17.51%
 
Real estate - mortgage
   
364,595
   
55.97%
 
 
330,227
   
58.28%
 
 
312,988
   
58.45%
 
 
332,730
   
60.26%
 
 
322,987
   
61.36%
 
Real estate - construction
   
187,960
   
28.86%
 
 
141,420
   
24.96%
 
 
127,042
   
23.73%
 
 
110,392
   
19.99%
 
 
80,552
   
15.30%
 
Consumer
   
13,762
   
2.11%
 
 
15,115
   
2.66%
 
 
16,249
   
3.03%
 
 
18,446
   
3.34%
 
 
30,690
   
5.83%
 
                                                     
Total loans
 
$
651,381
   
100.00%
 
 
566,664
   
100.00%
 
 
535,468
   
100.00%
 
 
552,126
   
100.00%
 
 
526,370
   
100.00%
 
                                                               
Less: Allowance for loan losses
   
8,303
         
7,425
         
8,049
         
9,722
         
7,248
       
                                                               
Net loans
 
$
643,078
         
559,239
         
527,419
         
542,404
         
519,122
       
 
As of December 31, 2006, gross loans outstanding were $651.4 million, an increase of $84.7 million or 15% from the December 31, 2005 balance of $566.7 million. Commercial loans increased $5.2 million in 2006. Real estate mortgage loans grew $34.4 million when compared to 2005 due to an increase in non-conforming mortgage loans and commercial real estate loans. Real estate construction loans increased $46.5 million in 2006 as a result of an increase in real estate development loans. Consumer loans decreased $1.4 million in 2006.  
 
The Company had no mortgage loans held for sale at December 31, 2006. Mortgage loans held for sale were $2.2 million at December 31, 2005.

 
A-14

 
Table 9 identifies the maturities of all loans as of December 31, 2006 and addresses the sensitivity of these loans to changes in interest rates.
 
Table 9 - Maturity and Repricing Data for Loans
                 
                   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Within one
year or less
 
After one year through five
years
 
After five
years
 
Total Loans
 
Commercial
 
$
71,767
   
12,258
   
1,039
 
$
85,064
 
Real estate - mortgage
   
243,720
   
82,895
   
37,980
   
364,595
 
Real estate - construction
   
175,369
   
10,177
   
2,414
   
187,960
 
Consumer
   
5,696
   
7,002
   
1,064
   
13,762
 
                           
Total loans
 
$
496,552
   
112,332
   
42,497
 
$
651,381
 
                           
Total fixed rate loans
 
$
15,852
   
74,376
   
42,497
 
$
132,725
 
Total floating rate loans
   
480,700
   
37,956
   
-
   
518,656
 
                           
Total loans
 
$
496,552
   
112,332
   
42,497
 
$
651,381
 
 
In the normal course of business, there are various commitments outstanding to extend credit that are not reflected in the financial statements. At December 31, 2006, outstanding loan commitments totaled $151.7 million. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Additional information regarding commitments is provided below in the section entitled “Contractual Obligations” and in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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

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

As an additional measure, the Bank engages an independent third party to review the underwriting, documentation, risk grading analyses and the methodology of determining the adequacy of the allowance for losses. This independent third party reviews and evaluates all loans greater than $1,000,000. The third party’s evaluation and report is shared with management and the Bank’s Board of Directors.

 
A-15

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

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

The allowance for loan losses is comprised of three components: specific reserves, general reserves and unallocated reserves. After a loan has been identified as impaired, management measures impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 114, “Accounting By Creditors for Impairment of a Loan.” When the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the amount of the impairment is recorded as a specific reserve. These specific reserves are determined on an individual loan basis based on management’s current evaluation of the Company’s loss exposure for each credit, given the payment status, financial condition of the borrower, and value of any underlying collateral. Loans for which specific reserves are provided are excluded from the general allowance calculations as described below. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the recorded investment in loans that were considered to be impaired under SFAS No. 114 was approximately $7.6 million and $3.5 million, respectively, with related allowance for loan losses of approximately $1.2 million and $478,000, respectively.

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

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

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

There were no significant changes in the estimation methods or fundamental assumptions used in the evaluation of the allowance for loan losses for the year ended December 31,2006 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2005. Such revisions, estimates and assumptions are made in any period in which the supporting factors indicate that loss levels may vary from the previous estimates.

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

Net charge-offs for 2006 were $1.6 million. The ratio of net charge-offs to average total loans was 0.27%   in 2006, 0.68% in 2005 and 0.90% in 2004. Charge-offs in 2004 included charges of $1.0 million and $550,000 related to loans to customers that were formerly directors of the Company . The allowance for loan losses increased to $8.3 million or 1.27% of total loans outstanding at December 31, 2006. This increase in the allowance for loan losses was the result of a reduction in net charge-offs of $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. For December 31, 2005 and 2004, the allowance for loan losses amounted to $7.4 million or 1.31% of total loans outstanding and $8.0 million, or 1.50% of total loans outstanding, respectively.
 
A-16

 
Table 10 presents an analysis of the allowance for loan losses, including charge-off activity.
 
Table 10 - Analysis of Allowance for Loan Losses
                     
                       
                       
(Dollars in Thousands)
2006   
 
2005   
 
2004   
 
 2003    
 
2002        
Reserve for loan losses at beginning
 
$
7,425
   
8,049
   
9,722
   
7,248
   
6,091
 
                                 
Loans charged off:
                               
Commercial
   
505
   
293
   
1,004
   
1,179
   
3,737
 
Real estate - mortgage
   
568
   
2,141
   
3,842
   
2,422
   
158
 
Real estate - construction
   
250
   
1,250
   
4
   
251
   
-
 
Consumer
   
636
   
516
   
535
   
630
   
546
 
                                 
Total loans charged off
   
1,959
   
4,200
   
5,385
   
4,482
   
4,441
 
                                 
Recoveries of losses previously charged off:
                               
                                 
Commercial
   
64
   
144
   
162
   
36
   
40
 
Real estate - mortgage
   
108
   
162
   
144
   
18
   
-
 
Real estate - construction
   
2
   
-
   
-
   
1
   
4
 
Consumer
   
150
   
160
   
150
   
157
   
122
 
                                 
Total recoveries
   
324
   
466
   
456
   
212
   
166
 
                                 
Net loans charged off
   
1,635
   
3,734
   
4,929
   
4,270
   
4,275
 
                                 
Provision for loan losses
   
2,513
   
3,110
   
3,256
   
6,744
   
5,432
 
                                 
Reserve for loan losses at end of year
 
$
8,303
   
7,425
   
8,049
   
9,722
   
7,248
 
                                 
Loans charged off net of recoveries, as
                               
a percent of average loans outstanding
   
0.27
%
 
0.68
%
 
0.90
%
 
0.79
%
 
0.84
%
 
Non-performing Assets. Non-performing assets, comprised of non-accrual loans, other real estate owned, other repossessed assets and loans for which payments are more than 90 days past due totaled $8.0 million at December 31, 2006 compared to $5.0 million at December 31, 2005. Non-accrual loans were $7.6 million at December 31, 2006, an increase of $4.1 million from non-accruals of $3.5 million at December 31, 2005. As a percentage of loans outstanding, non-accrual loans were 1.16% and 0.62% at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Bank had loans ninety days past due and still accruing at December 31, 2006 of $78,000 as compared to $946,000 for the same period in 2005. Other real estate owned totaled $344,000 and $531,000 as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Bank had no repossessed assets as of December 31, 2006 and 2005.

At December 31, 2006 the Company had non-performing loans, defined as non-accrual and accruing loans past due more than 90 days, of $7.6 million or 1.17% of total loans. Non-performing loans for 2005 were $4.4 million, or 0.79% of total loans and $5.3 million, or 1.00% of total loans for 2004. Interest that would have been recorded on non-accrual loans for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, had they performed in accordance with their original terms, amounted to approximately $429,000, $507,000 and $264,000 respectively. Interest income on impaired loans included in the results of operations for 2006, 2005, and 2004 amounted to approximately $144,000, $77,000 and $123,000, respectively.

Management continually monitors the loan portfolio to ensure that all loans potentially having a material adverse impact on future operating results, liquidity or capital resources have been classified as non-performing. Should economic conditions deteriorate, the inability of distressed customers to service their existing debt could cause higher levels of non-performing loans.

It is the general policy of the Company to stop accruing interest income and place the recognition of interest on a cash basis when a loan is placed on non-accrual status and any interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed
 
A-17

 
against current income. Generally a loan is placed on non-accrual status when it is over 90 days past due and there is reasonable doubt that all principal will be collected.

A summary of non-performing assets at December 31 for each of the years presented is shown in Table 11.
 
Table 11 - Non-performing Assets
                     
                       
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
2006   
 
 
2005   
 
 
2004   
 
 
2003   
 
 
2002   
 
Non-accrual loans
 
$
7,560
   
3,492
   
5,097
   
4,343
   
4,602
 
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing
   
78
   
946
   
245
   
271
   
239
 
Total non-performing loans
   
7,638
   
4,438
   
5,342
   
4,614
   
4,841
 
All other real estate owned
   
344
   
531
   
682
   
1,447
   
240
 
All other repossessed assets
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
206
   
1,538
 
Total non-performing assets
 
$
7,982
   
4,969
   
6,024
   
6,267
   
6,619
 
                                 
As a percent of total loans at year end
                               
Non-accrual loans
   
1.16
%
 
0.62
%
 
0.95
%
 
0.79
%
 
0.87
%
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing
   
0.01
%
 
0.17
%
 
0.05
%
 
0.05
%
 
0.05
%
Total non-performing assets
   
1.23
%
 
0.88
%
 
1.12
%
 
1.14
%
 
1.26
%
 
               Deposits. The Company primarily uses deposits to fund its loan and investment portfolios. The Company offers a variety of deposit accounts to individuals and businesses. Deposit accounts include checking, savings, money market and time deposits. As of December 31, 2006, total deposits were $633.8 million, an increase of $50.9 million or 9% increase over the December 31, 2005 balance of $582.9 million.   Core deposits, which include demand deposits, savings accounts and certificates of deposits of denominations less than $100,000, to $439.6 million at December 31, 2006 from $430.4 million at December 31, 2005.

Time deposits in amounts of $100,000 or more totaled $194.2 million at December 31, 2006, $152.4 million and $154.3 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The increase in brokered deposits provided funding for increased loan demand. At December 31, 2006, brokered deposits amounted to $60.0 million as compared to $40.3 million at December 31, 2005. Brokered deposits are generally considered to be more susceptible to withdrawal as a result of interest rate changes and to be a less stable source of funds, as compared to deposits from the local market. Brokered deposits outstanding as of December 31, 2006 have a weighted average rate of 5.11% with a weighted average original term of 11 months.

Table 12 is a summary of the maturity distribution of time deposits in amounts of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2006.

Table 12 - Maturities of Time Deposits over $100,000
     
         
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
          2006
 
Three months or less
 
$
70,290
 
Over three months through six months
   
63,214
 
Over six months through twelve months
   
41,234
 
Over twelve months
   
19,438
 
Total
 
$
194,176
 
 
Borrowed Funds. The Company has access to various short-term borrowings, including the purchase of federal funds and borrowing arrangements from the FHLB and other financial institutions. At December 31, 2006, FHLB borrowings totaled $89.3 million compared to $71.6 million at December 31, 2005 and $59.0 million at December 31, 2004. Average FHLB borrowings for 2006 were $74.1 million, compared to average balances of $65.9 million for 2005 and $58.7 million for 2004. The maximum amount of outstanding FHLB borrowings was $99.5 million in 2006, and $77.6 in 2005 and $70.7 in 2004.   The FHLB advances outstanding at December 31, 2006 had both fixed and adjustable interest rates ranging from 3.71% to 6.49%. Currently $22.3 million of the FHLB advances outstanding have contractual maturities prior to December 31, 2007. The FHLB has the option to convert $27.0 million of the total advances to a floating rate and, if converted, the Bank may repay advances without a prepayment fee. The Company also has an additional $40.0 million in variable rate convertible advances, which may be repaid without a prepayment fee if converted by the FHLB. Additional information regarding FHLB advances is provided in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
A-18

Demand notes payable to the U. S. Treasury, which represent treasury tax and loan payments received from customers, amounted to approximately $1.6 million, $1.5 million and $1.2 million at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase amounted to $6.4 million and $981,000 as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company had no securities sold under agreements to repurchase as of December 31, 2004.

The Company had no federal funds purchased as of December 31, 2006, 2005 or 2004.

Junior Subordinated Debentures (related to Trust Preferred Securities). In June 2006 the Company formed a second wholly owned Delaware statutory trust, PEBK Capital Trust II (“PEBK Trust II”), which issued $20.0 million of guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in the Company’s junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures. All of the common securities of PEBK Trust II are owned by the Company. The proceeds from the issuance of the common securities and the trust preferred securities were used by PEBK Trust II to purchase $20.6 million of junior subordinated debentures of the Company, which pay a floating rate equal to three month LIBOR plus 163 basis points. The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the junior subordinated debentures were used to repay in December 2006 the trust preferred securities issued by PEBK 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 the trust preferred securities transaction is that the Company is obligated to make the distributions and other payments required on the trust preferred securities.

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

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. The Company’s contractual obligations and other commitments as of December 31, 2006 are summarized in Table 13 below. The Company’s contractual obligations include the repayment of principal and interest related to FHLB advances and junior subordinated debentures, as well as certain payments under current lease agreements. Other commitments include commitments to extend credit. Because not all of these commitments to extend credit will be drawn upon, the actual cash requirements are likely to be significantly less than the amounts reported for other commitments below.
 
Table 13 - Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments
                     
                       
(Dollars in Thousands)
Within one
year
 
One to Three Years
 
Three to Five Years
 
Five Years or More
 
Total
 
Contractual Cash Obligations
                               
Long-term borrowings*
 
$
2,500
   
-
   
42,000
   
25,000
 
$
69,500
 
Junior subordinated debentures
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
20,619
   
20,619
 
Operating lease obligations
   
1,067
   
1,907
   
1,385
   
3,650
   
8,009
 
                                 
Total
 
$
3,567
   
1,907
   
43,385
   
49,269
 
$
98,128
 
                                 
Other Commitments
                               
Commitments to extend credit
 
$
3,547
   
72,373
   
8,027
   
67,750
 
$
151,697
 
Standby letters of credit
                               
and financial guarantees written
   
4,570
   
4
   
-
   
-
   
4,574
 
                                 
Total
 
$
8,117
   
72,377
   
8,027
   
67,750
 
$
156,271
 
                                 
*Excludes $19.8 million adjustable rate credit due to the FHLB, which matured in February 2007.
                     
 
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
 
A-19

 
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. Therefore, the derivative amounts recorded on the balance sheet do not represent the amounts that may ultimately be paid under these contracts. Further discussions of derivative instruments are included above in the section entitled “Asset Liability and Interest Rate Risk Management” beginning on page A-10 and in Notes 1, 10, 11 and 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Capital Resources. Shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2006 was $62.8 million compared to $54.4 million at December 31, 2005 and $50.9 million at December 31, 2004. At December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, amounted to losses of $771,000, $1.4 million and $121,000, respectively. Average shareholders’ equity as a percentage of total average assets is one measure used to determine capital strength. Average shareholders’ equity as a percentage of total average assets was 8.09%, 7.92% and 7.59% for 2006, 2005 and 2004. The return on average shareholders’ equity was 14.68% at December 31, 2006 as compared to 11.31% and 8.52% as of December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. Total cash dividends paid during 2006 amounted to $1.9 million. Cash dividends totaling $1.4 million and $1.3 million were paid during 2005 and 2004, respectively.

In November 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $2.0 million in common shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock effective through the end of November 2006. During 2006, the Company repurchased a total of 19,250 shares at a total price of $425,000.

In November 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $2.0 million in common shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock effective through the end of November 2007. No shares have been repurchased under the current plan.

Under regulatory capital guidelines, financial institutions are currently required to maintain a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, with a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.0% or greater. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as shareholders' equity and trust preferred securities less all intangible assets and goodwill. Tier 1 capital at December 31, 2006 includes $20.0 million in trust preferred securities. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, Tier 1 capital includes $14.0 million in trust preferred securities. The Company’s Tier 1 capital ratio was 11.70%, 11.02% and 10.97% at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Total risk-based capital is defined as Tier 1 capital plus supplementary capital. Supplementary capital, or Tier 2 capital, consists of the Company's allowance for loan losses, not exceeding 1.25% of the Company's risk-weighted assets. Total risk-based capital ratio is therefore defined as the ratio of total capital (Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 capital) to risk-weighted assets. The Company’s total risk-based capital ratio was 12.86%, 12.19% and 12.22% at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, 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 10.80%, 9.84% and 9.50% at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

The Bank’s Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 10.21%, 10.46% and 10.35% at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The total risk-based capital ratio for the Bank was 11.37%, 11.64% and 11.60% at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The Bank’s Tier 1 leverage capital ratio was 9.41%, 9.33% and 8.95% at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 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 December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004.
 
The Company’s key equity ratios as of December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 are presented in Table 14.
 
Table 14 - Equity Ratios
             
               
 
2006
2005
  2004
Return on average assets
   
1.19%
 
 
0.90%
 
 
0.65%
 
Return on average equity
   
14.68%
 
 
11.31%
 
 
8.52%
 
Dividend payout ratio
   
20.78%
 
 
22.34%
 
 
28.37%
 
Average equity to average assets
   
8.09%
 
 
7.92%
 
 
7.59%
 
 
 
A-20

Quarterly Financial Data. The Company’s consolidated quarterly operating results for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 are presented in table 15.
 
Table 15 - Quarterly Financial Data
                                 
                                   
   
2006
 
2005
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
First
Second
 
Third
 
Fourth
 
       First
 
Second
 
Third
 
Fourth
 
                                                   
Total interest income
 
$
12,484
   
13,559
   
14,390
   
14,961
   
9,216
   
9,984
   
10,987
   
11,726
 
Total interest expense
   
4,863
   
5,429
   
6,243
   
6,575
   
3,346
   
3,686
   
3,978
   
4,418
 
                                                   
Net interest income
   
7,621
   
8,130
   
8,147
   
8,386
   
5,870
   
6,298
   
7,009
   
7,308
 
                                                   
Provision for loan losses
   
759
   
413
   
686
   
655
   
690
   
723
   
930
   
767
 
Other income
   
1,929
   
2,017
   
2,043
   
1,564
   
1,632
   
1,835
   
1,788
   
1,413
 
Other expense
   
5,307
   
5,548
   
5,787
   
6,341
   
4,888
   
4,929
   
5,016
   
5,498
 
                                                   
Income before income taxes
   
3,484
   
4,186
   
3,717
   
2,954
   
1,924
   
2,481
   
2,851
   
2,456
 
Income taxes
   
1,249
   
1,525
   
1,344
   
1,052
   
647
   
873
   
1,010
   
851
 
                                                   
Net earnings
 
$
2,235
   
2,661
   
2,373
   
1,902
   
1,277
   
1,608
   
1,841
   
1,605
 
                                                   
Basic earnings per share
 
$
0.59
   
0.70
   
0.62
   
0.50
   
0.35
   
0.42
   
0.48
   
0.42
 
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.58
   
0.68
   
0.61
   
0.49
   
0.32
   
0.42
   
0.48
   
0.42
 


 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A-21


QUANTATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk reflects the risk of economic loss resulting from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. This risk of loss can be reflected in either diminished current market values or reduced potential net interest income in future periods.

The Company’s market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in its lending and deposit taking activities. The structure of the Company’s loan and deposit portfolios is such that a significant decline (increase) in interest rates may adversely (positively)   impact net market values and interest income. Management seeks to manage the risk through the utilization of its investment securities and off-balance sheet derivative instruments. During the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, the Company used interest rate contracts to manage market risk as discussed above in the section entitled “Asset Liability and Interest Rate Risk Management.”

Table 16 presents in tabular form the contractual balances and the estimated fair value of the Company’s on-balance sheet financial instruments and the notional amount and estimated fair value of the Company’s off-balance sheet derivative instruments at their expected maturity dates for the period ended December 31, 2006. The expected maturity categories take into consideration historical prepayment experience as well as management’s expectations based on the interest rate environment at December 31, 2006. As of December 31, 2006, all fixed rate advances are callable at the option of FHLB. For core deposits without contractual maturity (i.e. interest bearing checking, savings, and money market accounts), the table presents principal cash flows based on management’s judgment concerning their most likely runoff or repricing behaviors.
 
Table 16 - Market Risk Table
                             
                               
(Dollars In Thousands)
 
Principal/Notional Amount Maturing in Year Ended December 31,
 
Loans Receivable
   2007
 
     2008
 
    2009
 
2010 & 2011
 
Thereafter
 
          Total
 
Fair Value
 
Fixed rate
 
$
25,067
   
18,783
   
17,991
   
34,946
   
35,937
 
$
132,725
 
$
131,681
 
Average interest rate
   
7.59%
 
 
7.25%
 
 
7.35%
 
 
7.38%
 
 
7.23%
 
           
Variable rate
 
$
198,692
   
69,214
   
50,713
   
73,559
   
126,478
 
$
518,656
 
$
518,036
 
Average interest rate
   
8.76%
 
 
8.63%
 
 
8.49%
 
 
8.49%
 
 
8.46%
 
           
                                 
$
651,381
 
$
649,717
 
Investment Securities
 
 
                       
Interest bearing cash
 
$
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,471
 
$
1,471
 
$
1,471
 
Average interest rate
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
5.26%
 
           
Federal funds sold
 
$
2,640
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
$
2,640
 
$
2,640
 
Average interest rate
   
5.13%
 
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
             
Securities available for sale
 
$
14,719
   
23,292
   
25,077
   
43,336
   
11,156
 
$
117,581
 
$
117,581
 
Average interest rate
   
4.77%
 
 
4.74%
 
 
4.77%
 
 
4.32%
 
 
3.57%
 
           
Nonmarketable equity securities
 
$
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
7,295
 
$
7,295
 
$
7,295
 
Average interest rate
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
5.48%
 
           
                                             
Debt Obligations
                           
Deposits
 
$
339,620
   
30,295
   
13,080
   
2,682
   
248,143
 
$
633,820
 
$
633,771
 
Average interest rate
   
4.28%
 
 
4.47%
 
 
4.60%
 
 
3.95%
 
 
1.65%
 
           
Advances from FHLB
 
$
62,300
   
-
   
15,000
   
12,000
   
-
 
$
89,300
 
$
88,819
 
Average interest rate
   
4.78%
 
 
-
   
4.65%
 
 
5.08%
 
 
-
             
Demand notes payable to U.S. Treasury
 
$
1,600
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
$
1,600
 
$
1,600
 
Average interest rate
   
4.95%
 
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
             
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase
 
$
6,418
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
$
6,418
 
$
6,418
 
Average interest rate
   
5.25%
 
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
             
Junior subordinated debentures
 
$
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
20,619
 
$
20,619
 
$
20,619
 
Average interest rate
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
6.99%
 
           
                                             
Derivative Instruments (notional amount)
                       
Interest rate floor contracts
 
$
-
   
70,000
   
80,000
   
-
   
-
 
$
150,000
 
$
481
 
Average interest rate
   
-
   
6.63%
 
 
7.72%
 
 
-
   
-
             
 

A-22


Table 17 presents the simulated impact to net interest income under varying interest rate scenarios and the theoretical impact of rate changes over a twelve-month period referred to as “rate ramps.” The table shows the estimated theoretical impact on the Company’s tax equivalent net interest income from hypothetical rate changes of plus and minus 1% and 2% as compared to the estimated theoretical impact of rates remaining unchanged. The table also shows the simulated impact to market value of equity under varying interest rate scenarios and the theoretical impact of immediate and sustained rate changes referred to as “rate shocks” of plus and minus 1% and 2% compared to the theoretical impact of rates remaining unchanged. The prospective effects of the hypothetical interest rate changes are based upon various assumptions, including relative and estimated levels of key interest rates. This type of modeling has limited usefulness because it does not allow for the strategies management would utilize in response to sudden and sustained rate changes. Also, management does not believe that rate changes of the magnitude presented are likely in the forecast period presented.
 
Table 17 - Interest Rate Risk
         
(Dollars in thousands)
         
   
Estimated Resulting Theoretical Net
Interest Income
 
Hypothetical rate change
 (ramp over 12 months)
 
Amount
 
% Change
 
+2%
 
$
38,283
   
7.46
%
+1%
 
$
36,968
   
3.77
%
0%
 
$
35,627
   
0.00
%
-1%
 
$
34,382
   
-3.49
%
-2%
 
$
33,375
   
-6.32
%
               
               
               
 
   
Estimated Resulting Theoretical
Market Value of Equity    
 
Hypothetical rate change
(immediate shock)
   
Amount
 
 
% Change
 
+2%
 
$
57,371
   
-7.03
%
+1%
 
$
59,416
   
-3.71
%
0%
 
$
61,708
   
0.00
%
-1%
 
$
64,568
   
4.63
%
-2%
 
$
67,893
   
10.02
%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A-23


MARKET FOR THE COMPANY’S COMMON EQUITY
AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

Peoples Bancorp common stock is traded on the over-the-counter (OTC) market and quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market, under the symbol “PEBK.” Scott and Stringfellow, Inc., Ryan, Beck & Co. and Sterne Agee & Leach, Inc. are market makers for the Company’s shares.

Although the payment of dividends by the Company is subject to certain requirements and limitations of North Carolina corporate law, neither the Commissioner nor the FDIC have promulgated any regulations specifically limiting the right of the Company to pay dividends and repurchase shares. However, the ability of the Company to pay dividends and repurchase shares may be dependent upon the Company’s receipt of dividends from the Bank. The Bank’s ability to pay dividends is limited. North Carolina commercial banks, such as the Bank, are subject to legal limitations on the amounts of dividends they are permitted to pay. Dividends may be paid by the Bank from undivided profits, which are determined by deducting and charging certain items against actual profits, including any contributions to surplus required by North Carolina law. Also, an insured depository institution, such as the Bank, is prohibited from making capital distributions, including the payment of dividends, if, after making such distribution, the institution would become “undercapitalized” (as such term is defined in the applicable law and regulations). Based on its current financial condition, the Bank does not expect that this provision will have any impact on the Bank’s ability to pay dividends.

As of March 9, 2007, the Company had 689 shareholders of record, not including the number of persons or entities   whose stock is held in nominee or street name through various brokerage firms or banks. The market price for the Company’s common stock was $27.50 on March 9, 2007.

Table 18 presents certain market and dividend information for the last two fiscal years. Over-the-counter quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
 
Table 18 - Market and Dividend Data
           
                     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Dividend
 
2006
   
Low Bid
 
 
High Bid
 
 
Per Share
 
First Quarter
 
$
20.06
   
24.55
   
0.10
 
                     
Second Quarter
 
$
23.66
   
29.21
   
0.11
 
                     
Third Quarter
 
$
24.27
   
29.20
   
0.11
 
                     
Fourth Quarter
 
$
26.95
   
30.13
   
0.18
 
                     
                     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Dividend
 
2005
   
Low Bid
 
 
High Bid
   
Per Share
 
First Quarter
 
$
16.14
   
20.25
   
0.09
 
                     
Second Quarter
 
$
15.68
   
20.00
   
0.09
 
                     
Third Quarter
 
$
16.51
   
20.25
   
0.09
 
                     
Fourth Quarter
 
$
17.70
   
21.82
   
0.10
 
 
 
 

A-24

 
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph compares the Company’s cumulative shareholder return on its Common Stock with a NASDAQ index and with a southeastern bank index. The graph was prepared by SNL Securities, L.C., Charlottesville, Virginia, using data as of December 31, 2006.


COMPARISON OF SIX-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS
Performance Report for
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
Period Ending
Index
12/31/01
12/31/02
12/31/03
12/31/04
12/31/05
12/31/06
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.
100.00
101.19
138.16
144.23
188.93
263.12
NASDAQ Composite
100.00
68.76
103.67
113.16
115.57
127.58
SNL Southeast Bank Index
100.00
110.46
138.72
164.50
168.39
197.45
             
             
Source : SNL Financial LC, Charlottesville, VA
     
 
  (434) 977-1600
© 2007
          www.snl.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A-25

 

PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
 
 
   
INDEX
   
 
PAGE(S)
   
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A-27
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial
 
Reporting
A-28 - A-29
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on the Consolidated Financial Statements
A-30
   
   
Financial Statements
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005
A-31
   
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
A-32
   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31,
 
2006, 2005 and 2004
A-33
   
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005
 
and 2004
A-34
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
A-35 - A-36
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
A-37 - A-56
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A-26

 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and depositions of the assets of the company, (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006. In making this assessment, management used the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on our assessment and those criteria, management believes that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006.

The Company’s independent registered public accountants have issued an audit report on our assessment of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. Their report is included herein.
 
/s/ Tony W. Wolfe   /s/ A. Joseph Lampron
Tony W. Wolfe   A. Joseph Lampron
Chief Executive Officer    Chief Financial Officer
March 15, 2007   March 15, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A-27

 
Porter Keadle Moore, LLP
 
 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM



To the Board of Directors
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.
Newton, North Carolina

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting, that Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide a reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparations of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
 
 
 

Certified Public Accountants
Suite 1800 Ÿ 235 Peachtree Street NE Ÿ Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Ÿ Phone 404-588-4200 Ÿ Fax 404-588-4222 Ÿ
www.pkm.com


A-28

 
In our opinion, management’s assessment that Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Also in our opinion, Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statement of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc., and our report dated February 27, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion.




                                                                          /s/ Porter Keadle Moore, LLP
       
Atlanta, Georgia
   
 
February 27, 2007
         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
A-29


 
Porter Keadle Moore, LLP
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 



To the Board of Directors
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.
Newton, North Carolina

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated February 27, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
 

      /s/ Porter Keadle Moore, LLP
       
Atlanta, Georgia
   
 
February 27, 2007
     

 
 
 

Certified Public Accountants
Suite 1800 Ÿ 235 Peachtree Street NE Ÿ Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Ÿ Phone 404-588-4200 Ÿ Fax 404-588-4222 Ÿ
www.pkm.com
 
 
 
A-30

 
 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2006 and 2005
           
 
Assets
 
     2006
 
     2005
 
           
               
Cash and due from banks, including reserve requirements
 
$
18,860,318
   
18,468,999
 
of $6,243,000 and $5,229,000
             
Federal funds sold
   
2,640,000
   
1,347,000
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
21,500,318
   
19,815,999
 
               
Investment securities available for sale
   
117,581,000
   
115,158,184
 
Other investments
   
7,295,449
   
5,810,749
 
Total securities
   
124,876,449
   
120,968,933
 
               
Mortgage loans held for sale
   
-     
   
2,247,900
 
               
Loans
   
651,381,129
   
566,663,416
 
Less allowance for loan losses
   
(8,303,432
)
 
(7,424,782
)
Net loans
   
643,077,697
   
559,238,634
 
               
Premises and equipment, net
   
12,816,385
   
12,662,153
 
Cash surrender value of life insurance
   
6,532,406
   
6,311,757
 
Accrued interest receivable and other assets
   
10,144,283
   
9,034,239
 
Total assets
 
$
818,947,538
   
730,279,615
 
               
  Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
             
               
Deposits:
             
Non-interest bearing demand
 
$
101,393,142
   
94,660,721
 
NOW, MMDA & savings
   
174,577,641
   
183,248,699
 
Time, $100,000 or more
   
194,176,291
   
152,410,976
 
Other time
   
163,673,215
   
152,533,265
 
Total deposits
   
633,820,289
   
582,853,661
 
               
Demand notes payable to U.S. Treasury
   
1,600,000
   
1,473,693
 
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase
   
6,417,803
   
981,050
 
FHLB borrowings
   
89,300,000
   
71,600,000
 
Junior subordinated debentures
   
20,619,000
   
14,433,000
 
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
   
4,355,073
   
4,585,217
 
Total liabilities
   
756,112,165
   
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 3,830,634 shares in 2006
             
and 3,440,805 shares in 2005
   
51,122,147
   
41,096,500
 
Retained earnings
   
12,484,463
   
14,656,160
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(771,237
)
 
(1,399,666
)
Total shareholders' equity
   
62,835,373
   
54,352,994
 
               
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
818,947,538
   
730,279,615
 
               
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
             
 
 
A-31

 
 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
               
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
               
For the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
               
   
  2006
 
  2005
 
  2004
 
                     
                     
Interest income:
                   
Interest and fees on loans
 
$
49,667,700
   
37,123,327
   
31,073,135
 
Interest on federal funds sold
   
85,307
   
72,578
   
35,236
 
Interest on investment securities:
                   
U.S. Government agencies
   
4,321,346
   
3,584,755
   
2,903,865
 
States and political subdivisions
   
798,185
   
735,892
   
660,227
 
Other
   
521,077
   
396,020
   
422,377
 
Total interest income
   
55,393,615
   
41,912,572
   
35,094,840
 
                     
Interest expense:
                   
NOW, MMDA & savings deposits
   
3,060,201
   
2,644,413
   
1,899,249
 
Time deposits
   
14,188,623
   
8,923,488
   
7,145,486
 
FHLB borrowings
   
3,588,169
   
2,888,785
   
2,602,866
 
Junior subordinated debentures
   
1,962,692
   
938,145
   
676,547
 
Other
   
310,188
   
33,790
   
10,518
 
Total interest expense
   
23,109,873
   
15,428,621
   
12,334,666
 
                     
Net interest income
   
32,283,742
   
26,483,951
   
22,760,174
 
                     
Provision for loan losses
   
2,513,282
   
3,110,000
   
3,256,000
 
                     
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
29,770,460
   
23,373,951
   
19,504,174
 
                     
Other income:
                   
Service charges
   
3,929,956
   
3,779,933
   
3,434,544
 
Other service charges and fees
   
1,539,367
   
1,141,879
   
677,191
 
Loss on sale of securities
   
(591,856
)
 
(729,727
)
 
(63,688
)
Mortgage banking income
   
289,293
   
469,109
   
356,782
 
Insurance and brokerage commissions
   
388,559
   
386,662
   
429,788
 
Loss on sale of repossessed assets
   
(107,712
)
 
(37,811
)
 
(179,886
)
Miscellaneous
   
2,106,188
   
1,658,189
   
1,345,100
 
Total other income
   
7,553,795
   
6,668,234
   
5,999,831
 
                     
Other expense:
                   
Salaries and employee benefits
   
11,785,094
   
10,863,779
   
10,259,795
 
Occupancy
   
4,180,058
   
3,948,694
   
3,672,051
 
Other
   
7,017,986
   
5,517,832
   
4,907,923
 
Total other expenses
   
22,983,138
   
20,330,305
   
18,839,769
 
                     
Earnings before income taxes
   
14,341,117
   
9,711,880
   
6,664,236
 
                     
Income taxes
   
5,170,300
   
3,380,900
   
2,233,300
 
                     
Net earnings
 
$
9,170,817
   
6,330,980
   
4,430,936
 
                     
Basic earnings per share
 
$
2.41
   
1.67
   
1.16
 
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
2.36
   
1.64
   
1.15
 
Cash dividends declared per share
 
$
0.50
   
0.37
   
0.33
 
                     
                     
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                   
 
 
A-32

 
 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
                       
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
                       
For the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
                       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Accumulated 
       
 
 
                   
Other  
       
 
   
Common Stock  
   
    Retained
   
Comprehensive
       
 
   
    Shares  
 
 
    Amount
 
 
    Earnings
   
Income (Loss)
 
 
    Total
 
                                 
                                 
Balance, December 31, 2003
   
3,135,202
 
$
35,121,510
   
12,844,524
   
587,862
   
48,553,896
 
                                 
Cash dividends declared
   
-     
   
-     
   
(1,257,254
)
 
-     
   
(1,257,254
)
                                 
Repurchase and retirement of common
                               
stock
   
(15,100
)
 
(290,826
)
 
-     
   
-     
   
(290,826
)
                                 
Exercise of stock options
   
14,972
   
209,706
   
-     
   
-     
   
209,706
 
                                 
Net earnings
   
-     
   
-     
   
4,430,936
   
-     
   
4,430,936
 
                                 
Change in accumulated other
                               
comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
   
-     
   
-     
   
-     
   
(708,606
)
 
(708,606
)
                                 
Balance, December 31, 2004
   
3,135,074
   
35,040,390
   
16,018,206
   
(120,744
)
 
50,937,852
 
                                 
10% stock dividend
   
313,546
   
6,274,087
   
(6,274,087
)
 
-     
   
-     
 
                                 
Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares
   
-     
   
-     
   
(4,700
)
 
-     
   
(4,700
)
                                 
Cash dividends declared
   
-     
   
-     
   
(1,414,239
)
 
-     
   
(1,414,239
)
                                 
Repurchase and retirement of common
                               
stock
   
(15,000
)
 
(314,750
)
 
-     
   
-     
   
(314,750
)
                                 
Exercise of stock options
   
7,185
   
96,773
   
-     
   
-     
   
96,773
 
                                 
Net earnings
   
-     
   
-     
   
6,330,980
   
-     
   
6,330,980
 
                                 
Change in accumulated other
                               
comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
   
-     
   
-     
   
-     
   
(1,278,922
)
 
(1,278,922
)
                                 
Balance, December 31, 2005
   
3,440,805
   
41,096,500
   
14,656,160
   
(1,399,666
)
 
54,352,994
 
                                 
10% stock dividend
   
343,850
   
9,430,532
   
(9,430,532
)
 
-     
   
-     
 
                                 
Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares
   
-     
   
-     
   
(6,426
)
 
-    
   
(6,426
)
                                 
Cash dividends declared
   
-     
   
-     
   
(1,905,556
)
 
-     
   
(1,905,556
)
                                 
Repurchase and retirement of common
                               
stock
   
(19,250
)
 
(425,000
)
 
-     
   
-     
   
(425,000
)
                                 
Exercise of stock options
   
65,229
   
771,325
   
-     
   
-     
   
771,325
 
                                 
Stock option tax benefit
   
-     
   
243,100
   
-     
   
-     
   
243,100
 
                                 
Stock option compensation expense
   
-     
   
5,690
   
-     
   
-     
   
5,690
 
                                 
Net earnings
   
-     
   
-     
   
9,170,817
   
-     
   
9,170,817
 
                                 
Change in accumulated other
                               
comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
   
-     
   
-     
   
-     
   
628,429
   
628,429
 
                                 
Balance, December 31, 2006
   
3,830,634
 
$
51,122,147
   
12,484,463
   
(771,237
)
 
62,835,373
 
                                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                               
 
 
A-33

 
 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
               
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
               
For the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
                     
     
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
                     
                     
Net earnings
 
$
9,170,817
   
6,330,980
   
4,430,936
 
                     
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                   
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities
                   
available for sale
   
197,569
   
(3,045,565
)
 
30,988
 
Reclassification adjustment for losses on
                   
sales of securities available for sale included
                   
in net earnings
   
591,856
   
729,727
   
63,688
 
Unrealized holding losses on derivative
                   
financial instruments qualifying as cash flow
                   
hedges
   
(345,049
)
 
(283,493
)
 
(702,000
)
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) on
                   
derivative financial instruments qualifying as
                   
cash flow hedges included in net earnings
   
386,285
   
483,715
   
(553,375
)
                     
Total other comprehensive income (loss),
                   
before income taxes
   
830,661
   
(2,115,616
)
 
(1,160,699
)
                     
Income tax expense (benefit) related to other
                   
comprehensive income:
                   
                     
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities
                   
available for sale
   
76,953
   
(1,186,248
)
 
12,070
 
Reclassification adjustment for losses on
                   
sales of securities available for sale included
                   
in net earnings
   
230,528
   
284,229
   
24,806
 
Unrealized holding losses on derivative
                   
financial instruments qualifying as cash flow
                   
hedges
   
(255,707
)
 
(123,082
)
 
(273,429
)
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) on
                   
derivative financial instruments qualifying as
                   
cash flow hedges included in net earnings
   
150,458
   
188,407
   
(215,540
)
                     
Total income tax expense (benefit) related to
                   
other comprehensive income
   
202,232
   
(836,694
)
 
(452,093
)
                     
Total other comprehensive income (loss),
                   
net of tax
   
628,429
   
(1,278,922
)
 
(708,606
)
                     
Total comprehensive income
 
$
9,799,246
   
5,052,058
   
3,722,330
 
                     
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                   
 
 
A-34

 
 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
                     
     
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
                     
Cash flows from operating activities:
                   
Net earnings
 
$
9,170,817
   
6,330,980
   
4,430,936
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to
                   
net cash provided by operating activities:
                   
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
   
1,616,558
   
1,643,459
   
1,563,245
 
Provision for loan losses
   
2,513,282
   
3,110,000
   
3,256,000
 
Deferred income taxes
   
(615,626
)
 
332,806
   
341,441
 
Loss on sale of investment securities
   
591,856
   
729,727
   
63,688
 
Recognition of gain (loss) on sale of
                   
derivative instruments
   
386,285
   
483,715
   
(553,375
)
Amortization of deferred gain on sale of premises
   
(20,896
)
 
(21,984
)
 
(22,412
)
Loss (gain) on sale of repossessed assets
   
(2,288
)
 
(2,189
)
 
15,412
 
Writedown of other real estate and repossessions
   
110,000
   
40,000
   
164,474
 
Amortization of deferred issuance costs on
                   
trust preferred securities
   
461,298
   
17,742
   
17,742
 
Stock option compensation expense
   
5,690
   
-     
   
-     
 
Change in:
                   
Mortgage loans held for sale
   
2,247,900
   
1,535,275
   
(3,195,680
)
Cash surrender value of life insurance
   
(220,649
)
 
(277,569
)
 
(988,739
)
Other assets
   
(1,206,937
)
 
444,944
   
(3,460,214
)
Other liabilities
   
(230,144
 
651,204
   
1,470,823
 
                     
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
14,807,146
   
15,018,110
   
3,103,341
 
                     
Cash flows from investing activities:
                   
Purchases of investment securities available for sale
   
(30,579,262
)
 
(49,431,813
)
 
(48,667,610
)
Proceeds from calls and maturities of investment securities
                   
available for sale
   
8,562,058
   
9,655,995
   
19,413,975
 
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available
                   
for sale
   
19,871,979
   
27,768,392
   
2,986,313
 
Purchases of other investments
   
(12,748,200
)
 
(5,367,790
)
 
(4,822,500
)
Proceeds from sale of other investments
   
11,263,500
   
4,239,000
   
3,642,514
 
Net change in loans
   
(86,825,349
)
 
(35,062,738
)
 
12,578,820
 
Purchases of premises and equipment
   
(1,624,299
)
 
(1,373,019
)
 
(1,502,346
)
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
   
-     
   
1,750
   
-     
 
Proceeds from sale of repossessed assets
   
825,115
   
246,218
   
2,153,103
 
Purchases of derivative financial instruments
   
(961,500
)
 
(364,000
)
 
-     
 
Proceeds from (payment on) settlement of
                   
derivative financial instruments
   
-     
   
(870,000
)
 
-     
 
                     
Net cash used by investing activities
   
(92,215,958
)
 
(50,558,005
)
 
(14,217,731
)
                     
Cash flows from financing activities:
                   
Net change in deposits
   
50,966,628
   
26,331,588
   
6,719,841
 
Net change in demand notes payable to U.S. Treasury
   
126,307
   
289,301
   
741,008
 
Net change in securities sold under agreement to repurchase
   
5,436,753
   
981,050
   
-     
 
Proceeds from FHLB borrowings
   
700,800,000
   
162,300,000
   
95,850,000
 
Repayments of FHLB borrowings
   
(683,100,000
)
 
(149,700,000
)
 
(94,850,000
)
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities
   
20,619,000
   
-     
   
-     
 
Repayments of trust preferred securities
   
(14,433,000
)
 
-     
   
-     
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
1,014,425
   
96,773
   
209,706
 
Common stock repurchased
   
(425,000
)
 
(314,750
)
 
(290,826
)
Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares
   
(6,426
)
 
(4,700
)
 
-     
 
Cash dividends paid
   
(1,905,556
)
 
(1,414,239
)
 
(1,257,254
)
                     
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
79,093,131
   
38,565,023
   
7,122,475
 
                     
Net change in cash and cash equivalent
   
1,684,319
   
3,025,128
   
(3,991,915
)
                     
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
19,815,999
   
16,790,871
   
20,782,786
 
                     
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
21,500,318
   
19,815,999
   
16,790,871
 
 
 
A-35

 
 
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
                     
                     
     
  2006
 
 
  2005
 
 
  2004
 
                     
                     
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
                   
Cash paid during the year for:
                   
Interest
 
$
23,171,572
   
15,189,559
   
11,833,234
 
Income taxes
 
$
6,398,100
   
2,245,000
   
2,483,394
 
                     
Noncash investing and financing activities:
                   
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities
                   
available for sale, net
 
$
481,944
   
(1,413,819
)
 
57,800
 
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial
                   
instruments, net
 
$
146,485
   
134,897
   
(766,406
)
Transfer of loans to other real estate and repossessions
 
$
746,004
   
133,210
   
1,362,138
 
Financed portion of sale of other real estate
 
$
273,000
   
-     
   
2,212,142
 
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.
                   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A-36


PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1)         Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (“Bancorp”) received regulatory approval to operate as a bank holding company on July 22, 1999, and became effective August 31, 1999. Bancorp is primarily regulated by the Federal Reserve Bank, and serves as the one-bank holding company for Peoples Bank.

Peoples Bank (the “Bank”) commenced business in 1912 upon receipt of its banking charter from the North Carolina State Banking Commission (the “SBC”). The Bank is primarily regulated by the SBC and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and undergoes periodic examinations by these regulatory agencies. The Bank, whose main office is in Newton, North Carolina, provides a full range of commercial and consumer banking services primarily in Catawba, Alexander, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Iredell and Union counties in North Carolina.

Peoples Investment Services, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank and began operations in 1996 to provide investment and trust services through agreements with an outside party.

Real Estate Advisory Services, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank and began operations in 1997 to provide real estate appraisal and property management services to individuals and commercial customers of the Bank.

Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary 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.

Basis of Presentation
The accounting principles followed by the Company, and the methods of applying these principles, conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and with general practices in the banking industry. In preparing the financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Material estimates common to the banking industry that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term include, but are not limited to, the determination of the allowance for loan losses and valuation of real estate acquired in connection with or in lieu of foreclosure on loans.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and due from banks and federal funds sold are considered cash and cash equivalents for cash flow reporting purposes. Generally, federal funds are sold for one-day periods.

Investment Securities
The Company classifies its securities in one of three categories: trading, available for sale, or held to maturity. Trading securities are bought and held principally for sale in the near term. Held to maturity securities are those securities for which the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity. All other securities not included in trading or held to maturity are classified as available for sale. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company had classified all of its investment securities as available for sale.

Available for sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized.

A decline in the market value of any available for sale investment below cost that is deemed other than temporary is charged to earnings and establishes a new cost basis for the security.

Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to the yield. Realized gains and losses for securities classified as available for sale are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold.

A-37

Other Investments
Other investments include equity securities with no readily determinable fair value. These investments are carried at cost.

Mortgage Loan Held for Sale
Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market value. The Company did not have any mortgage loans held for sale at December 31, 2006. At December 31, 2005, the cost of mortgage loans held for sale approximates the market value.

Loans
Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of the allowance for loan losses. Interest on loans is calculated by using the simple interest method on daily balances of the principal amount outstanding. Loan origination fees and direct origination costs of loans are recognized at the time the loan is recorded on the books. Because the loan origination fee approximates the cost to originate most loans, the effect on net income is immaterial.

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 the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. A loan is 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.

Accrual of interest is discontinued on a loan when management believes, after considering economic conditions and collection efforts that the borrower’s financial condition is such that collection of interest is doubtful. Interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period earnings and interest is recognized on a cash basis when such loans are placed on non-accrual status.

Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes the collectability of the principal is unlikely. The allowance represents an amount, which, in management’s judgment, will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible.

Management’s judgment in determining the adequacy of the allowance is based on evaluations of the collectability of loans. These evaluations take into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions that may affect the borrower’s ability to pay, overall portfolio quality, and review of specific problem loans. In determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, management uses a loan grading system that rates individual loans into nine risk classifications. These risk categories are assigned allocations of loss based on management’s estimate of potential loss, which is generally based on an analysis of historical loss experience, current economic conditions, performance trends, and discounted collateral deficiencies. The combination of these results is compared monthly to the recorded allowance for loan losses and material differences are adjusted by increasing or decreasing the provision for loan losses. Management uses an independent external loan reviewer to challenge and corroborate the loan grading system and provide additional analysis in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and the future provisions for estimated losses.

While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize additions to the allowance based on judgments different than those of management.

Mortgage Banking Activities
Mortgage banking income represents net gains from the sale of mortgage loans and fees received from borrowers and loan investors related to the Company’s origination of single-family residential mortgage loans.

Mortgage servicing rights (“MSR's”) represent the unamortized cost of purchased and originated contractual rights to service mortgages for others in exchange for a servicing fee. MSRs are amortized over the period of estimated net servicing income and are periodically adjusted for actual prepayments of the underlying mortgage loans. The Company amortized approximately $227,000, $56,000, and $88,000 during 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company fully amortized the remaining balance of the Bank’s MSRs. Management determined there was minimal fair value in the MSRs due to the small remaining balance in the loans serviced for others. No new servicing assets were recognized during 2006, 2005 and 2004.
 
A-38

Mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying balance sheets. The unpaid principal balances of mortgage loans serviced for others was approximately $14.8 million, $18.1 million and $22.6 million at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

The Company originates certain fixed rate mortgage loans and commits these loans for sale. The commitments to originate fixed rate mortgage loans and the commitments to sell these loans to a third party are both derivative contracts. The fair value of these derivative contracts is immaterial and have no effect on the recorded amounts in the financial statements.

Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss is reflected in earnings for the period. The cost of maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend the useful life of the respective asset is charged to earnings as incurred, whereas significant renewals and improvements are capitalized. The range of estimated useful lives for premises and equipment are generally as follows:
 
Buildings and improvements
 
 10 - 50 years
Furniture and equipment
 
 3 - 10 years
                            
Foreclosed Assets
Foreclosed assets include all assets received in full or partial satisfaction of a loan and include real and personal property. Foreclosed assets are reported at the lower of carrying amount or net realizable value, and are included in other assets on the balance sheet.

Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Additionally, the recognition of future tax benefits, such as net operating loss carryforwards, is required to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the assets and liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date.

In the event the future tax consequences of differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities results in deferred tax assets, an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by such asset is required. A valuation allowance is provided for the portion of the deferred tax asset when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the realizability of the deferred tax assets, management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into derivative contracts to manage interest rate risk by modifying the characteristics of the related balance sheet instruments in order to reduce the adverse effect of changes in interest rates. All derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value in the financial statements.

On the date a derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, or a trading instrument. Changes in the fair value of instruments used as fair value hedges are accounted for in the earnings of the period simultaneous with accounting for the fair value change of the item being hedged. Changes in the fair value of the effective portion of cash flow hedges are accounted for in other comprehensive income rather than earnings. Changes in fair value of instruments that are not intended as a hedge are accounted for in the earnings of the period of the change.

If a derivative instrument designated as a fair value hedge is terminated or the hedge designation removed, the difference between a hedged item’s then carrying amount and its face amount is recognized into income over the original hedge period. Likewise, if a derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge is terminated or the hedge designation removed, related amounts accumulated in other accumulated comprehensive income are reclassified into earnings over the original hedge period during which the hedged item affects income.
 
A-39

The Company formally documents all hedging relationships, including an assessment that the derivative instruments are expected to be highly effective in offsetting the changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items.

Advertising Costs
The costs of advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
At December 31, 2006, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of net unrealized losses on securities available for sale of $600,000 and net unrealized losses on derivatives of $171,000. At December 31, 2005, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of net unrealized losses on securities available for sale of $1.1 million and net unrealized losses on derivatives of $318,000.

Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has an Omnibus Stock Ownership and Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) whereby certain stock-based rights, such as stock options, restricted stock, performance units, stock appreciation rights, or book value shares, may be granted to eligible directors and employees. A total of 389,450 shares were reserved for possible issuance under this Plan. All rights must be granted or awarded within ten years from the effective date.

Under the Plan, the Company has 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 vested over a five-year period. Options granted subsequent to 1999 vest over a three-year period. All options expire after ten years. A summary of the activity in the Plan is presented below:


Stock Option Activity
For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
                           
 
 
 
    Shares  
   
Weighted
Average Option
Price Per Share
   
Weighted Average Remaining
Contractual Term (in years)
 
 
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2003
   
238,409
 
$
12.91
             
                           
Granted during the period
   
4,840
   
15.66
             
Forfeited during the period
   
(2,486
)
 
11.99
             
Exercised during the period
   
(18,112
)
 
11.57
             
                           
Outstanding, December 31, 2004
   
222,652
   
12.17
             
                           
Granted during the period
   
-     
   
-     
             
Forfeited during the period
   
(1,313
)
 
11.65
             
Exercised during the period
   
(8,210
)
 
11.79
             
                           
Outstanding, December 31, 2005
   
213,128
   
12.19
             
                           
Granted during the period
   
-     
   
-     
             
Forfeited during the period
   
(110
)
 
11.07
             
Exercised during the period
   
(65,229
)
 
11.81
             
                           
Outstanding, December 31, 2006
   
147,789
 
$
12.36
   
4.94
 
$
2,314,401
 
                           
Exercisable, December 31, 2006
   
146,175
 
$
12.32
   
4.91
 
$
2,294,448
 
 
Options outstanding at December 31, 2006 are exercisable at option prices ranging from $10.49 to $15.85, as presented in the table above. Such options have a weighted average remaining contractual life of approximately seven years.
 
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 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 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 123). The Company recognized compensation expense for
 
A-40

 
employee stock options of $6,000 for the year ended December 31, 2006. As of December 31, 2006, there was $5,000 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 year ended December 31, 2005.
 
Prior to the adoption of SFAS 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 123 as of December 31, 2005 and 2004.
 
           
2005
 
 
2004
 
                     
Net earnings
   
As reported
 
$
6,330,980
   
4,430,936
 
 
   
Effect of grants
   
(143,747
)
 
(312,444
)
 
   
Effect of forfeitures
   
5,253
   
14,092
 
                     
 
   
Proforma
 
$
6,192,486
   
4,132,584
 
                     
Basic earnings per share
   
As reported
 
$
1.67
   
1.16
 
 
   
Proforma
 
$
1.63
   
1.09
 
                     
Diluted earnings per share
   
As reported
 
$
1.64
   
1.15
 
 
   
Proforma
 
$
1.61
   
1.07
 
 
The weighted average fair value of options at grant date in 2004 was $4.27. The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes options-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants in 2004 - dividend yield of 2.14%; risk free interest rate of 4.22%; expected volatility of 0.153; and an expected life of 10 years.

No options were granted during the years ended December 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 was $923,000 and $44,000, respectively. There were 1,614 options vested during the year ended December 31, 2006 and 1,612 options vested during the year ended December 31, 2005. Cash received from option exercises for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 was $771,000 and $97,000, respectively. The tax benefit for the tax deductions from option exercises totaled $243,000 and $11,000, respectively for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005.

Net Earnings Per Share
Net earnings per 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.

The reconciliations of the amounts used in the computation of both “basic earnings per share” and “diluted earnings per share” for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 are as follows:
 
For the year ended December 31, 2006:
   
  Net Earnings
   
   Common
   Shares
   
   Per Share  
    Amount  
 
Basic earnings per share
 
$
9,170,817
   
3,801,219
 
$
2.41
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Stock options
   
-    
   
89,943
       
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
9,170,817
   
3,891,162
 
$
2.36
 
                     
For the year ended December 31, 2005:
   
Net Earnings
   
  Common
   Shares
   
Per Share
Amount
 
Basic earnings per share
 
$
6,330,980
   
3,794,860
 
$
1.67
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Stock options
   
-    
   
59,825
       
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
6,330,980
   
3,854,685
 
$
1.64
 
 
 
A-41

 

For the year ended December 31, 2004:
   
Net Earnings
   
  Common
  Shares
   
  Per Share
   Amount
 
Basic earnings per share
 
$
4,430,936   
   
3,805,317    
 
$
1.16   
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Stock options
   
-     
   
47,396    
       
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
4,430,936   
   
3,852,713    
 
$
1.15   
 
 
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. The stock and cash dividends were paid on June 16, 2006 to shareholders of record on June 5, 2006. All previously reported per share amounts have been restated to reflect this stock dividend.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In February 2006, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments” (SFAS 155) - an amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140 .  SFAS 155 permits fair value remeasurement for any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation and requires that entities evaluate interests in securitized financial assets to distinguish whether the interests are freestanding derivatives or hybrid financial instruments containing an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation.  The Statement also clarifies which interest-only strips and principal-only strips are not subject to the requirements of SFAS 133, and also clarifies that concentrations of credit risk in the form of subordination are not embedded derivatives.  The Statement also amends SFAS 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, to eliminate the prohibition on a qualifying special-purpose entity from holding a derivative financial instrument that pertains to a beneficial interest other than another derivative financial instrument.  This standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or disclosures.
 
In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, “Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets” (SFAS 156) - an amendment of SFAS 140.  SFAS 156 requires the recognition of a servicing asset or servicing liability each time an entity assumes an obligation to service a financial asset, that the servicing asset or servicing liability be initially measured at fair value, outlines the subsequent measurement methodologies permitted and the presentation and disclosure of servicing assets and servicing liabilities in financial statements.  This standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or disclosures.
 
In June 2006, FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”) “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” - an interpretation of SFAS No. 109. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. This interpretation will be effective for the Company beginning in January of 2007. The Company has assessed the impact of FIN 48 and has determined that there are no significant positions taken in the preparation of its tax return and therefore FIN 48 will not have a material impact on its financial position or its results of operations.
 
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 September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157).  SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  SFAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements.  This standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or disclosures.
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting  for Defined Benefit Pension and
 
A-42

 
Other Postretirement Plans” (SFAS 158) - an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R).  SFAS 158 requires employers to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income.  SFAS 158 requires an employer to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-end statement of financial position, with limited exceptions.  This standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or disclosures.
 
Reclassification

Certain amounts in the 2005 and 2004 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2006 presentation.
 
(2)
Investment Securities
 
                Investment securities available for sale at December 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:

   
  December 31, 2006
   
  Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated Fair
Value
 
                    
Mortgage-backed securities
  $
  19,666,345
 
-     
 
446,751
 
19,219,594
 
U.S. government agencies
 
  72,838,407
 
171,828
 
265,821
 
72,744,414
 
State and political subdivisions
   
24,493,444
   
242,204
   
369,178
   
24,366,470
 
Trust preferred securities
   
750,000
   
-     
   
-     
   
750,000
 
Equity securities
   
814,995
   
-     
   
314,473
   
500,522
 
                           
Total
$
 
118,563,191
   
414,032
   
1,396,223
   
117,581,000
 
                           
 
 
 
December 31, 2005  
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Estimated Fair Value
 
                           
Mortgage-backed securities
  $
 
31,865,547
   
-     
   
861,583
   
31,003,964
 
U.S. government agencies
   
60,751,179
   
83,410
   
591,506
   
60,243,083
 
State and political subdivisions
   
21,748,079
   
268,720
   
407,307
   
21,609,492
 
Trust preferred securities
   
1,750,000
   
-     
   
-     
   
1,750,000
 
Equity securities
   
814,995
   
-     
   
263,350
   
551,645
 
                           
Total
  $
 
116,929,800
   
352,130
   
2,123,746
   
115,158,184
 
 
The current fair value and associated unrealized losses on investments in debt securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2006 and 2005 are summarized in the table below, with the length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous loss position.
 
 
   
December 31, 2006  
 
 
 
 
Less than 12 Months 
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Losses
 
                                       
Mortgage-backed securities
 
$
-   
   
-     
   
19,202,188
   
446,751
   
19,202,188
   
446,751
 
U.S. government agencies
   
23,069,770
   
13,361
   
21,510,425
   
252,460
   
44,580,195
   
265,821
 
State and political subdivisions
   
1,445,462
   
35,988
   
11,589,682
   
333,190
   
13,035,144
   
369,178
 
Equity securities
   
-     
   
-     
   
500,522
   
314,473
   
500,522
   
314,473
 
                                       
Total
 
$
24,515,232
   
49,349
   
52,802,817
   
1,346,874
   
77,318,049
   
1,396,223
 
 
 
A-43

 

 
 
 
December 31, 2005  
 
 
 
 
Less than 12 Months  
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
 
 
 
Fair Value  
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Losses
 
                                       
Mortgage-backed securities
 
$
19,267,931
   
436,110
   
11,725,154
   
425,473
   
30,993,085
   
861,583
 
U.S. government agencies
   
27,541,468
   
313,598
   
11,221,262
   
277,908
   
38,762,730
   
591,506
 
State and political subdivisions
   
5,986,444
   
106,833
   
6,546,483
   
300,474
   
12,532,927
   
407,307
 
Equity securities
   
479,050
   
235,950
   
72,595
   
27,400
   
551,645
   
263,350
 
                                       
Total
 
$
53,274,893
   
1,092,491
   
29,565,494
   
1,031,255
   
82,840,387
   
2,123,746
 
 
At December 31, 2006, unrealized losses in the investment securities portfolio related to debt securities totaled $1.1 million. The unrealized losses on these debt securities arose due to changing interest rates and are considered to be temporary. From the December 31, 2006 tables above, 35 out of 71 securities issued by state and political subdivisions contained unrealized losses and 43 out of 57 securities issued by U.S. government agencies and government sponsored corporations, including mortgage-backed securities, contained unrealized losses. These unrealized losses are considered temporary because of acceptable investment grades on each security and the repayment sources of principal and interest are government backed.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities available for sale at December 31, 2006, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities of mortgage-backed securities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
 
   
Amortized
Cost  
   
Estimated Fair Value
 
               
Due within one year
 
$
910,301
   
914,199
 
Due from one to five years
   
59,133,199
   
58,715,846
 
Due from five to ten years
   
33,563,846
   
33,669,408
 
Due after ten years
   
4,474,505
   
4,561,431
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
19,666,345
   
19,219,594
 
Equity securities
   
814,995
   
500,522
 
               
Total
 
$
118,563,191
   
117,581,000
 
 
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale during 2006, 2005 and 2004 were $19.9 million, $27.8 million and $3.0 million, respectively. Gross losses of $592,000, $730,000 and $64,000 for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, were realized on those sales.

Securities with a carrying value of approximately $25.5 million and $25.7 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes as required by law.

(3)         Loans

Major classifications of loans at December 31, 2006 and 2005 are summarized as follows:
 
     
2006
 
 
2005
 
               
Commercial
 
$
85,064,322
   
79,902,157
 
Real estate - mortgage
   
364,595,188
   
330,226,315
 
Real estate - construction
   
187,959,880
   
141,420,338
 
Consumer
   
13,761,739
   
15,114,606
 
               
Total loans
   
651,381,129
   
566,663,416
 
               
Less allowance for loan losses
   
8,303,432
   
7,424,782
 
               
Total net loans
 
$
643,077,697
   
559,238,634
 
 
 
A-44

 
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 and Union Counties. Although the Bank has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of the loan portfolio is collateralized by improved and unimproved real estate, the value of which is dependent upon the real estate market.

At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the recorded investment in loans that were considered to be impaired was approximately $7.6 million and $3.5 million, respectively. In addition, the Company had approximately $78,000 and $946,000 in loans past due more than ninety days and still accruing interest at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The related allowance for loan losses on impaired loans was approximately $1.2 million and $478,000 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The average recorded investment in impaired loans for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was approximately $4.7 million, $6.2 million and $5.3 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, the Company recognized approximately $144,000, $77,000 and $123,000, respectively, of interest income on impaired loans.

Changes in the allowance for loan losses were as follows:
 
     
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
                     
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
7,424,782
   
8,048,627
   
9,722,267
 
Amounts charged off
   
(1,958,551
)
 
(4,199,650
)
 
(5,385,199
)
Recoveries on amounts previously charged off
   
323,919
   
465,805
   
455,559
 
Provision for loan losses
   
2,513,282
   
3,110,000
   
3,256,000
 
                     
Balance at end of year
 
$
8,303,432
   
7,424,782
   
8,048,627
 
 
(4)         Premises and Equipment

                Major classifications of premises and equipment are summarized as follows:
 
     
2006
 
 
2005
 
               
Land
 
$
2,349,041
   
2,187,254
 
Buildings and improvements
   
10,618,896
   
10,405,684
 
Furniture and equipment
   
13,992,524
   
12,743,224
 
               
Total premises and equipment
   
26,960,461
   
25,336,162
 
               
Less accumulated depreciation
   
14,144,076
   
12,674,009
 
               
Total net premises and equipment
 
$
12,816,385
   
12,662,153
 
 
Depreciation expense was approximately $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 and $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2004.

During 2003, the Company sold two branch locations with net book values of approximately $3,115,000 and is currently leasing the facilities from the buyer. As a result of the sales, the Company deferred a gain of approximately $633,000 and is recognizing the gain over the lease term. For the period ended December 31, 2006 the Company recognized approximately $21,000 of the deferred gain and for the periods ended December 31 2005 and 2004, approximately $22,000 of the deferred gain was recognized.

(5)         Time Deposits

At December 31, 2006, the scheduled maturities of time deposits are as follows:
 
2007
 
$
333,430,893
 
2008
   
17,734,675
 
2009
   
4,001,857
 
2010
   
2,478,971
 
2011 and thereafter
   
203,110
 
         
Total
 
$
357,849,506
 
 
 
A-45

 
At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company has approximately $60.0 million and $40.3 million, respectively, in time deposits purchased through third party brokers. The weighted average rate of brokered deposits as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 was 5.11% and 3.64%, respectively.

(6)         Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

The Bank has advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”) with monthly or quarterly interest payments at various maturity dates and interest rates ranging from 3.71% to 6.49% at December 31, 2006. The FHLB advances are collateralized by a blanket assignment on all residential first mortgage loans, commercial real estate loans, home equity lines of credit and loans secured by multi-family real estate that the Bank owns. At December 31, 2006, the carrying value of loans pledged as collateral totaled approximately $215.2 million.

Advances from the FHLB outstanding at December 31, 2006 consist of the following:
 
Maturity Date
 
Call Date
 
Rate
 
Rate Type
 
Amount   
 
                           
February 2, 2007
   
N/A
   
5.490
%
 
Daily Rate
 
$
19,800,000
 
                           
March 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2000 and every
                   
 
   
three months thereafter
   
5.880
%
 
Convertible
   
5,000,000
 
                           
May 24, 2010
   
May 24, 2001 and every three
                   
 
   
months thereafter  
   
6.490
%
 
Convertible
   
2,000,000
 
                           
January 25, 2007
   
N/A
   
5.397
%
 
Adjustable
   
2,500,000
 
                           
June 24, 2015
   
June 24, 2010
   
3.710
%
 
Convertible
   
5,000,000
 
                           
July 23, 2012
   
July 23, 2007
   
4.850
%
 
Convertible
   
5,000,000
 
                           
March 25, 2019
   
March 25, 2009
   
4.865
%
 
Convertible
   
5,000,000
 
                           
March 31, 2016
   
March 31, 2009 and every
                   
 
   
three months thereafter  
   
4.620
%
 
Convertible
   
5,000,000
 
                           
October 5, 2016
   
October 5, 2009
   
4.450
%
 
Convertible
   
5,000,000
 
                           
October 5, 2011
   
April 5, 2007 and every
                   
 
   
month thereafter  
   
4.350
%
 
Convertible
   
30,000,000
 
                           
December 12, 2011
   
December 12, 2007 and every
   
4.210
%
 
Convertible
   
5,000,000
 
 
   
three months thereafter
                   
                           
                     
$
89,300,000
 
 
The FHLB has the option to convert $27.0 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 $40.0 million in variable rate convertible advances, which may be repaid without a prepayment fee if converted by the FHLB.

The Bank is required to purchase and hold certain amounts of FHLB stock in order to obtain FHLB borrowings. No ready market exists for the FHLB stock, and it has no quoted market value. The stock is redeemable at $100 per share subject to certain limitations set by the FHLB. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Bank owned FHLB stock amounting to $5.5 million and $4.6 million, respectively.

(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 were 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.
 
A-46

 
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.

(8)         Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes in summarized as follows:
 
     
                2006 
 
 
     2005  
 
 
       2004  
 
Current
 
$
5,785,926
   
3,048,094
   
1,891,859
 
Deferred
   
(615,626
)
 
332,806
   
341,441
 
Total
 
$
5,170,300
   
3,380,900
   
2,233,300
 
 
The differences between the provision for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to earnings before income taxes are as follows:

     
         2006  
 
 
              2005      
 
 
             2004      
 
Pre-tax income at statutory rates (34%)
 
$
4,875,980
   
3,302,039
   
2,265,840
 
Differences:
                   
Tax exempt interest income
   
(280,826
)
 
(263,555
)
 
(243,346
)
Nondeductible interest and other expense
   
45,872
   
30,511
   
21,588
 
Cash surrender value of life insurance
   
(75,021
)
 
(73,973
)
 
(65,871
)
State taxes, net of federal benefits
   
576,444
   
363,264
   
236,544
 
Other, net
   
27,851
   
22,614
   
18,545
 
Total
 
$
5,170,300
   
3,380,900
   
2,233,300
 
 
The following summarized the tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities. The net deferred tax asset is included as a component of other assets at December 31, 2006 and 2005.

     
        2006  
 
 
         2005  
 
Deferred tax assets:
             
Allowance for loan losses
 
$
3,201,305
   
2,862,550
 
Amortizable intangible assets
   
108,472
   
141,010
 
Accrued retirement expense
   
664,581
   
533,155
 
Income from non-accrual loans
   
72,475
   
9,639
 
Deferred gain on sale of premises
   
212,820
   
220,876
 
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges
   
328,933
   
223,684
 
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities
   
382,564
   
690,044
 
Other
   
-     
   
33,578
 
Total gross deferred tax assets
   
4,971,150
   
4,714,536
 
               
Deferred tax liabilities:
             
Deferred loan fees
   
1,310,178
   
1,135,448
 
Premises and equipment
   
291,107
   
545,570
 
Deferred income from servicing rights
   
-     
   
87,330
 
Other
   
10,283
   
-     
 
Total gross deferred tax liabilities
   
1,611,568
   
1,768,348
 
Net deferred tax asset
 
$
3,359,582
   
2,946,188
 
 
A-47

 
(9)          Related Party Transactions
 
The Company conducts transactions with its directors and executive officers, including companies in which they have beneficial interests, in the normal course of business. It is the policy of the Company that loan transactions with directors and officers be made on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time made for comparable loans to other persons. The following is a summary of activity for related party loans for 2006:
 
Beginning balance
 
 
 $                   7,220,72
 
New loans
   
1,882,173
 
Repayments
   
1,828,124
 
         
Ending balance
 
$
7,274,778
 
 
At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company had deposit relationships with related parties of approximately $9.1 million and $8.9 million, respectively .

The Company also enters into contracts from time to time with certain directors for the construction of bank facilities. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company had no outstanding construction contracts with these directors. During the year ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, total costs for construction, remodeling and repair for bank facilities paid to directors were approximately $0, $0 and $44,000, respectively.

(10)       Commitments and Contingencies

The Company leases various office spaces for banking and operational facilities and equipment under operating lease arrangements. Future minimum lease payments required for all operating leases having a remaining term in excess of one year at December 31, 2006 are as follows:
 
Year
     
2007
 
$                               1,067,414
 
2008
   
1,035,118
 
2009
   
871,441
 
2010
   
725,288
 
2011
   
659,848
 
Thereafter
   
3,649,845
 
         
Total minimum obligation
 
$
8,008,954
 
 
Total rent expense was approximately $959,000, $956,000 and $873,000 for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The contract amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.

The exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.

In most cases, the Company requires collateral or other security to support financial instruments with credit risk.
 
 
 
 
Contractual Amount
 
     
2006
 
 
2005
 
Financial instruments whose contract amount represent credit risk:
             
               
Commitments to extend credit
 
$
151,696,931
   
133,409,227
 
               
Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written
 
$
4,573,544
   
2,692,192
 
 
 
A-48

 
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates and because they may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount of $156.3 million does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.

Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to businesses in the Company’s delineated trade area. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Company holds real estate, equipment, automobiles and customer deposits as collateral supporting those commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary.

The Company has an overall interest rate-risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings that are caused by interest rate volatility. By using derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to credit and market risk. If the counterparty fails to perform, credit risk is equal to the extent of the fair-value gain in the derivative. The Company attempts to minimize the credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with counterparties that are reviewed periodically by the Company and are believed to be of high quality.

In the normal course of business, the Company is a party (both as plaintiff and defendant) to a number of lawsuits. In the opinion of management and counsel, none of these cases should have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Bank or the Company.

The Company has employment agreements with certain key employees. The agreements, among other things, include salary, bonus, incentive stock option, and change in control provisions.

The Company has $35.0 million available for the purchase of overnight federal funds from three correspondent financial institutions.

(11)        Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Transactions

The Company has an overall interest rate risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings that are caused by interest rate volatility. By using derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to credit and market risk. If the counterparty fails to perform, credit risk is equal to the extent of the fair-value gain in the derivative. The Company minimizes the credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties that are reviewed periodically by the Company.

As of December 31, 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 from payments on the first $150.0 million of certain variable rate commercial, construction and home equity loans against the downward effects of their repricing in the event of a decreasing rate environment for a period of three years ending in July 2008, November 2008, January 2009 and June 2009. If the prime rate falls below 6.25% during the term of the contract on the first floor, the Company will receive payments based on the $35.0 million notional amount times the difference between 6.25% and the weighted average prime rate for the quarter. No payments will be received by the Company if the weighted average prime rate is 6.25% or higher. The Company paid a premium of $161,000 on this contact. On the second floor if the prime rate falls below 7.00% during the term of the contract, the Company will receive payments based on the $35.0 million notional amount times the difference between 7.00% and the weighted average prime rate for the quarter. No payments will be received by the Company if the weighted average prime rate is 7.00% or higher. The Company paid a premium of $203,000 on this contract. On the third floor if the prime rate falls below 7.50% during the term of the contract, the Company will receive payments based on the $45.0 million notional amount times the difference between 7.50% and the weighted average prime rate for the quarter. No payments will be received by the Company if the weighted average prime rate is 7.50% or higher. The Company paid a premium of $562,500 on this contract. On the fourth floor 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 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
 
A-49


losses realized upon settlement were recognized over the original term of the agreements and during the year ended December 31, 2006, losses of approximately $386,000 were recognized.

(12)         Employer and Director Benefit Programs

The Company has a profit sharing and 401(k) plan for the benefit of substantially all employees subject to certain minimum age and service requirements. Under this plan, the Company matches employee contributions to a maximum of five percent of annual compensation. The Company’s contribution pursuant to this formula was approximately $405,000, $360,000 and $363,000 for the years of 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Investments of the plan are determined by the compensation committee consisting of selected outside directors and senior executive officers. No investments in Company stock have been made by the plan. The vesting schedule for the plan begins at 20 percent after two years of employment and graduates 20 percent each year until reaching 100 percent after six years of employment.

In December 2001, the Company initiated a postretirement benefit plan to provide retirement benefits to key officers and its Board of Directors and to provide death benefits for their designated beneficiaries. Under the plan, the Company purchased life insurance contracts on the lives of the key officers and each director. The increase in cash surrender value of the contracts constitutes the Company’s contribution to the plan each year. Plan participants are to be paid annual benefits for a specified number of years commencing upon retirement. Expenses incurred for benefits relating to this plan were approximately $240,000, $245,000 and $223,000 during 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

The Company is currently paying medical benefits for certain retired employees. Postretirement benefits expense, including amortization of the transition obligation, as applicable, was approximately $23,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, and $16,000, for the year ended December 31, 2004. The following table sets forth the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, which represents the liability for accrued postretirement benefit costs:
 
     
2006
   
2005
 
               
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
 
$
196,002
   
244,304
 
Unrecognized gain (loss)
   
(38,327
)
 
(80,495
)
               
Net liability recognized
 
$
157,675
   
163,809
 
 
In September 2006, the FASB released SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans” which requires employers to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit postretirement plans. The effective date for public companies is for years ending after December 15, 2006. Management has compared the accrued postretirement benefit expense, as calculated in accordance with SFAS 106 and 132 to the requirement under SFAS 158 and determined that the difference is immaterial.

Members of the Board of Directors are eligible to participate in the Company’s Omnibus Stock Ownership and Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Stock Benefits Plan”). Each director has been awarded 5,365 book value shares under the Stock Benefits Plan. Nine directors were awarded book value shares on September 28, 1999. The book value of the common stock on September 28, 1999 was $11.45 and has been adjusted to reflect a 10% stock dividend on April 24, 2000, a 10% stock dividend on March 16, 2005 and a 10% stock divided on June 16, 2006. The book value shares awarded vest 20% annually, with the first 20% vesting on September 28, 2000 and the final 20% vesting on September 28, 2005. One director was awarded 5,365 book value shares upon his election to the Board of Directors on May 3, 2001. The book value of the common stock on May 3, 2002 was $13.95. These book value shares vest at a rate of 25% annually with the first 25% having vested on May 3, 2002, and the final 25% vesting on May 3, 2006. Four directors were awarded 5,365 book value shares on May 6, 2005. The book value of the common stock on May 6, 2005 was $15.68. Their shares vest at a rate of 20% annually, with the first 20% vesting on May 6, 2006, and the final 20% vesting on May 6, 2009. The Company recorded expenses of approximately $128,000, $102,000 and $92,000 associated with the benefits of this plan in the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
 
 
A-50

 
A summary of book value shares activity under the Stock Benefits Plan for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 is presented below.
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
                                       
 
 
 
Shares
   
Weighted Average
Price of
Book Value Shares
   
Shares
   
Weighted Average
Price of
Book Value Shares
   
Shares
   
Weighted Average
Price of
Book Value Shares
 
                                       
Outstanding, beginning of period
   
64,918
 
$
11.07
   
77,900
 
$
10.80
   
58,425
   $
9.70
 
Granted during the period
   
-    
 
$
-   
   
-    
 
$
-   
   
25,966
   $
12.95
 
Forfeited during the period
   
-    
 
$
-   
   
-    
 
$
-   
   
(1,298
)
 $
9.46
 
Exercised during the period
   
-    
 
$
-   
   
(12,982
)
$
9.46
   
(5,193
)
 $
9.46
 
                                       
Outstanding, end of period
   
64,918
 
$
-   
   
64,918
 
$
11.07
   
77,900
   $
10.80
 
                                       
Number of shares exercisable
   
49,332
 
$
10.47
   
44,139
 
$
10.18
   
50,305
   $
9.66
 
 
(13)         Regulatory Matters

The Company is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of capital in relation to both on- and off-balance sheet items at various risk weights. Total capital consists of two tiers of capital. Tier 1 Capital includes common shareholders’ equity and trust preferred securities less adjustments for intangible assets. Tier 2 Capital consists of the allowance for loan losses up to 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and other adjustments. Management believes, as of December 31, 2006, that the Company and the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

As of December 31, 2006, the most recent notification from the FDIC categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category.
The Company’s and the Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios are presented below:
 
 
 
 
A-51

 

   
Actual
 
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
 
To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
                           
   
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
                                       
As of December 31, 2006:
                                     
                                       
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
                                     
Consolidated
 
 
$91,718
   
12.86%
 
 
57,056
   
8.00%
 
 
N/A
   
N/A
 
Bank
 
 
$80,857
   
11.37%
 
 
56,875
   
8.00%
 
 
71,094
   
10.00%
 
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
                                     
Consolidated
 
 
$83,415
   
11.70%
 
 
28,528
   
4.00%
 
 
N/A
   
N/A
 
Bank
 
 
$72,554
   
10.21%
 
 
28,438
   
4.00%
 
 
42,656
   
6.00%
 
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
                                     
Consolidated
 
 
$83,415
   
10.80%
 
 
30,903
   
4.00%
 
 
N/A
   
N/A
 
Bank
 
 
$72,554
   
9.41%
 
 
30,857
   
4.00%
 
 
38,571
   
5.00%
 
                                       
As of December 31, 2005:
                                     
                                       
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
                                     
Consolidated
 
 
$76,993
   
12.19%
 
 
50,514
   
8.00%
 
 
N/A
   
N/A
 
Bank
 
 
$73,265
   
11.64%
 
 
50,360
   
8.00%
 
 
62,951
   
10.00%
 
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
                                     
Consolidated
 
 
$69,568
   
11.02%
 
 
25,257
   
4.00%
 
 
N/A
   
N/A
 
Bank
 
 
$65,840
   
10.46%
 
 
25,180
   
4.00%
 
 
37,770
   
6.00%
 
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
                                     
Consolidated
 
 
$69,568
   
9.84%
 
 
28,273
   
4.00%
 
 
N/A
   
N/A
 
Bank
 
 
$65,840
   
9.33%
 
 
28,217
   
4.00%
 
 
35,272
   
5.00%
 
 
(14)        Shareholders’ Equity

In November 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $2.0 million in common shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock effective through the end of November 2006. During 2006, the Company repurchased a total of 19,250 shares at a total price of $425,000.

In November 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $2.0 million in common shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock effective through the end of November 2007. No shares have been repurchased under the current plan.

The Board of Directors, at its discretion, can issue shares of preferred stock up to a maximum of 5,000,000 shares. The Board is authorized to determine the number of shares, voting powers, designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights.

The Board of Directors of the Bank may declare a dividend of all of its retained earnings as it may deem appropriate, subject to the requirements of the General Statutes of North Carolina, without prior approval from the requisite regulatory authorities. As of December 31, 2006, this amount was approximately $12.5 million.

(15)       Other Operating Expense

                Other operating expense for the years ended December 31 included the following items that exceeded one percent of total revenues:
 
 
 
            2006
 
           2005
 
           2004
Advertising
 
 $
 772,917
 
 656,184
 
 619,731
 
 
A-52

 
(16)        Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company is required to disclose fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized on the face of the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. The assumptions used in the estimation of the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments are detailed below. Where quoted prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using discounted cash flows and other valuation techniques. The use of discounted cash flows can be significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. The following disclosures should not be considered a surrogate of the liquidation value of the Company, but rather a good faith estimate of the increase or decrease in value of financial instruments held by the Company since purchase, origination, or issuance.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
For cash, due from banks and federal funds sold, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Investment Securities Available for Sale
Fair values for investment securities are based on quoted market prices.

Other Investments
For other investments, the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Loans and Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings. For variable rate loans, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Mortgage loans held for sale are valued based on the current price at which these loans could be sold into the secondary market.

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance
For cash surrender value of life insurance, the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Mortgage Servicing Rights
Fair value of mortgage servicing rights is determined by estimating the present value of the future net servicing income, on a disaggregated basis, using anticipated prepayment assumptions.

Deposits and Demand Notes Payable
The fair value of demand deposits, interest-bearing demand deposits, savings, and demand notes payable to U.S. Treasury is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of certificates of deposit is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

FHLB Advances
The fair value of FHLB advances is estimated based upon discounted future cash flows using a discount rate comparable to the current market rate for such borrowings.

Junior Subordinated Debentures
Because the Company’s junior subordinated debentures were issued at a floating rate, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Derivative Instruments
For derivative instruments, fair value is estimated as the amount that the Company would receive or pay to terminate the contracts at the reporting date, taking into account the current unrealized gains or losses on open contracts.

Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit
Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are generally short-term and at variable interest rates. Therefore, both the carrying value and estimated fair value associated with these instruments are immaterial.

Limitations
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial
 
A-53

 
instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on many judgments. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments include the deferred income taxes and premises and equipment. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:
 
 
 
 
2006       
   
2005       
 
     
Carrying
Amount 
 
 
Estimated
Fair Value 
   
Carrying
Amount 
   
Estimated
Fair Value 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
                           
Assets:
                         
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
21,500
   
21,500
   
19,816
   
19,816
 
Investment securities available for sale
 
$
117,581
   
117,581
   
115,158
   
115,158
 
Other investments
 
$
7,295
   
7,295
   
5,811
   
5,811
 
Mortgage loans held for sale
 
$
-
   
-
   
2,248
   
2,248
 
Loans, net
 
$
643,078
   
641,414
   
559,239
   
559,122
 
Cash surrender value of life insurance
 
$
6,532
   
6,532
   
6,312
   
6,312
 
Mortgage servicing rights
 
$
-
   
-
   
227
   
227
 
Derivative instruments
 
$
481
   
481
   
176
   
176
 
                           
Liabilities:
                         
Deposits and demand notes payable
 
$
635,420
   
635,371
   
584,327
   
584,786
 
FHLB advances
 
$
89,300
   
88,819
   
71,600
   
71,804
 
Junior subordinated debentures
 
$
20,619
   
20,619
   
14,433
   
14,433
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
A-54


 
(17)         Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (Parent Company Only) Condensed Financial Statements
               
                
Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2006 and 2005
 
                     
Assets
         
2006
 
 
2005
 
                     
Cash
       
$
1,646,880
   
519,089
 
Interest-bearing time deposit
         
8,000,000
   
2,000,000
 
Investment in subsidiaries
         
72,593,671
   
65,057,096
 
Investment securities available for sale
         
750,521
   
801,645
 
Other investments
         
600,000
   
-    
 
Other assets
         
293,049
   
683,493
 
                     
Total assets
       
$
83,884,121
   
69,061,323
 
                     
   Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
                   
                     
Accrued expenses
       
$
429,748
   
275,329
 
Junior subordinated debentures
         
20,619,000
   
14,433,000
 
Shareholders' equity
         
62,835,373
   
54,352,994
 
                     
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
       
$
83,884,121
   
69,061,323
 
                     
                     
                     
                     
Statements of Earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
 
                     
Revenues:
   
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
                     
Dividends from subsidiaries
 
$
3,855,556
   
2,346,897
   
1,942,254
 
Interest and dividend income
   
672,922
   
111,777
   
84,172
 
                     
Total revenues
   
4,528,478
   
2,458,674
   
2,026,426
 
                     
Expenses:
                   
                     
Interest
   
1,962,692
   
938,145
   
676,547
 
Other operating expenses
   
786,014
   
289,691
   
280,002
 
                     
Total expenses
   
2,748,706
   
1,227,836
   
956,549
 
                     
Earnings before income tax benefit and equity in
                   
undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
   
1,779,772
   
1,230,838
   
1,069,877
 
                     
Income tax benefit
   
705,800
   
379,500
   
296,700
 
                     
Earnings before undistributed earnings in subsidiaries
   
2,485,572
   
1,610,338
   
1,366,577
 
                     
Equity in undistributed earnings in subsidiaries
   
6,685,245
   
4,720,642
   
3,064,359
 
                     
Net earnings
 
$
9,170,817
   
6,330,980
   
4,430,936
 
 
 
 
A-55

 
 
                
Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
 
                     
     
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                   
                     
Net earnings
 
$
9,170,817
   
6,330,980
   
4,430,936
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net
                   
cash provided by operating activities:
                   
Amortization
   
461,298
   
17,742
   
17,742
 
Book value shares accrual
   
128,444
   
21,818
   
66,933
 
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
   
(6,685,245
)
 
(4,720,642
)
 
(3,064,359
)
Deferred income tax benefit
   
(49,520
)
 
(8,412
)
 
(25,806
)
Change in:
                   
Accrued income
   
(1,421
)
 
17,930
   
(9,033
)
Accrued expense
   
25,975
   
(21,063
)
 
-     
 
                     
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
3,050,348
   
1,638,353
   
1,416,413
 
                     
Cash flows from investing activities:
                   
                     
Net change in interest-bearing time deposit
   
(6,000,000
)
 
-     
   
-     
 
Purchases of other investments
   
(600,000
)
 
-     
   
(250,000
)
Purchase of equity in PEBK Capital Trust II
   
(619,000
)
 
-     
   
-     
 
Proceeds from liquidation of PEBK Capital Trust I
   
433,000
   
-     
   
-     
 
                     
Net cash used by investing activities
   
(6,786,000
)
 
-     
   
(250,000
)
                     
Cash flows from financing activities:
                   
                     
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities
   
20,619,000
   
-     
   
-     
 
Repayments of trust preferred securities
   
(14,433,000
)
 
-     
   
-     
 
Cash dividends paid
   
(1,905,556
)
 
(1,414,239
)
 
(1,257,254
)
Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares
   
(6,426
)
 
(4,700
)
 
-     
 
Common stock repurchased
   
(425,000
)
 
(314,750
)
 
(290,826
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 
1,014,425
   
96,773
   
209,706
 
                     
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
   
4,863,443
   
(1,636,916
)
 
(1,338,374
)
                     
Net change in cash
   
1,127,791
   
1,437
   
(171,961
)
                     
Cash at beginning of year
   
519,089
   
517,652
   
689,613
 
                     
Cash at end of year
 
$
1,646,880
   
519,089
   
517,652
 
 
 
A-56

 
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

DIRECTORS

Robert C. Abernethy - Chairman
Chairman of the Board, Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. and Peoples Bank;
President, Secretary and Treasurer, Carolina Glove Company, Inc. (glove manufacturer)

James S. Abernethy
President and Assistant Secretary, Midstate Contractors, Inc. (paving company)

Douglas S. Howard
Vice President, Howard Ventures, Inc. (private equity firm)

John W. Lineberger, Jr.
President, Lincoln Bonded Warehouse Company (commercial warehousing and distribution facility)

Gary E. Matthews
President and Director, Matthews Construction Company, Inc. (general contractor)

Billy L. Price, Jr. MD
Practicing Internist and Partner, Catawba Valley Internal Medicine, P.A.

Larry E. Robinson
President and Chief Executive Officer, The Blue Ridge Distributing Co., Inc. (beer and wine distributor)

William Gregory (Greg) Terry
Executive Vice President, Drum & Willis-Reynolds Funeral Homes and Crematory

Dan Ray Timmerman, Sr.
President, Timmerman Manufacturing, Inc. (wrought iron furniture manufacturer)

Benjamin I. Zachary
President, Treasurer and Member of the Board of Directors,
Alexander Railroad Company

OFFICERS

Tony W. Wolfe
President and Chief Executive Officer

Joseph F. Beaman, Jr.
Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary

Lance A. Sellers
Executive Vice President and Assistant Corporate Secretary

William D. Cable
Executive Vice President and Assistant Corporate Treasurer

A. Joseph Lampron
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Treasurer


A-57

 

EXHIBIT (23)

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM



We have issued our report, dated February 27, 2007, accompanying the consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in the Annual Report of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of said report in the Registration Statement of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. on Form S-3 (File No. 333-43426, effective August 10, 2000), and on Form S-8 (File No. 333-46860, effective September 28, 2000).



                                                                                    /s/ PORTER KEADLE MOORE, LLP



Atlanta, Georgia
March 15, 2007

EXHIBIT (31)(a)

CERTIFICATIONS


I, Tony W. Wolfe, certify that:

1.  
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina Inc.;

2.  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.  
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a)  
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)  
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

c)  
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.  
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)  
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)  
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.





March 15, 2007
 
/s/ Tony W. Wolfe
 
Date
 
Tony W. Wolfe
 
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
   
(Principal Executive Officer)
 

 
 
 
 

 




EXHIBIT (31)(b)

CERTIFICATIONS


I, A. Joseph Lampron, certify that:

1.  
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina Inc.;

2.  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.  
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a)  
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)  
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation ; and

c)  
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.  
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)  
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)  
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


 

 

March 15, 2007
 
/s/ A. Joseph Lampron
 
Date
 
A. Joseph Lampron
 
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
   
(Principal Financial and Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 



 
 
 
 

 

EXHIBIT (32)

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. § 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2006, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), each of the undersigned certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best knowledge of the undersigned:


(1)   The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.






Dated: March 15, 2007
 
/s/ Tony W. Wolfe
 
   
Tony W. Wolfe
 
   
Chief Executive Officer
 
       
       
Dated: March 15, 2007
 
/s/ A. Joseph Lampron
 
   
A. Joseph Lampron
 
   
Chief Financial Officer