Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK)
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) trades at $42.06 with AI Score 78/100 (Grade A). Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. Market cap: $229.71M, Sector: Financial services.
Price live · AI analysis from May 10, 2026Analyst Coverage for PEBK: PEBK does not currently have published analyst price targets in our coverage universe. This is common for smaller-cap names with limited Wall Street coverage. In the absence of analyst consensus, our AI model evaluates PEBK against Financial Services peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns a relatively strong fundamental profile based on the underlying data.
PEBK: 5/7 perspectives are bullish. Dominant signal: Seth Klarman bullish.
How is this calculated? →Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) Financial Services Profile
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc., founded in 1912, provides commercial and consumer banking services, including loan products and investment services, primarily in North Carolina. With a market capitalization of $229.71M and a P/E ratio of 11.03, the company focuses on serving individuals and small to medium-sized businesses in the regional banking sector.
What Is the Investment Thesis for PEBK?
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. presents a compelling investment case based on its established regional presence, diverse service offerings, and attractive valuation metrics. With a market capitalization of $229.71M and a P/E ratio of 11.03, the company trades at a reasonable multiple compared to its peers. The dividend yield of 2.37% provides an additional incentive for investors. Growth catalysts include the expansion of loan production offices and the potential for increased market share within its existing footprint. The company's focus on serving small to medium-sized businesses positions it well to capitalize on economic growth in North Carolina. Potential risks include interest rate sensitivity and competition from larger regional and national banks. However, the company's strong gross margin of 76.4% and a beta of 0.31 suggest financial stability and lower volatility.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
PEBK Key Highlights
- Market capitalization of $229.71M indicates a solid regional banking presence.
- P/E ratio of 11.03 suggests a reasonable valuation compared to industry peers.
- Profit margin of 18.3% demonstrates efficient operations and profitability.
- Gross margin of 76.4% highlights the company's ability to manage costs effectively.
- Dividend yield of 2.37% provides an attractive income stream for investors.
Who Are PEBK's Competitors?
PEBK is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCHB Mechanics Bank | $16.24 | +0.17% | $3.58B | 71 |
| STLE Steele Bancorp Inc. | $43.25 | +0.22% | $80.38M | 69 |
| NASB NASB Financial, Inc. | $40.30 | +0.00% | $289.22M | 68 |
| GBOOY Grupo Financiero Banorte, S.A.B. de C.V. | $53.76 | -0.92% | $30.25B | 67 |
| CIBEY Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E | $2.61 | -0.76% | $8.61B | 67 |
| ASBA Associated Banc-Corp | $24.48 | -0.21% | $4.04B | 67 |
| LRBI Lake Ridge Bancorp Inc. | $146.00 | +1.92% | $287.14M | 67 |
| SOMC Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc. | $31.90 | -0.31% | $146.25M | 66 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are PEBK's Key Strengths?
- Strong regional presence in North Carolina.
- Diversified loan portfolio.
- Experienced management team.
- Established customer relationships.
What Are PEBK's Weaknesses?
- Limited geographic diversification.
- Reliance on traditional banking services.
- Smaller scale compared to larger regional and national banks.
- Potential vulnerability to interest rate fluctuations.
What Could Drive PEBK Stock Higher?
- Potential for increased loan demand driven by economic growth in North Carolina.
- Expansion of loan production offices to increase market reach.
- Continued investment in digital banking services to attract and retain customers.
What Are the Key Risks for PEBK?
- Financial-distress signal — its Altman Z-Score of 0.33 sits in the distress zone (elevated bankruptcy risk).
- Interest rate fluctuations impacting net interest margin.
- Increased competition from larger regional and national banks.
- Economic downturns affecting loan quality and demand.
- Regulatory changes impacting the banking industry.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for PEBK?
- Growth opportunity 1: Expansion of Loan Production Offices: Peoples Bancorp can expand its loan production offices in high-growth areas within North Carolina, such as Charlotte and Raleigh. This strategy allows the company to increase its loan portfolio and market share without the overhead costs associated with opening new branches. The market for commercial and residential loans in these areas is substantial, with potential for double-digit growth in the coming years. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Growth opportunity 2: Enhanced Digital Banking Services: Investing in and enhancing digital banking services can attract younger customers and improve customer retention. By offering user-friendly mobile banking apps, online account management tools, and digital payment options, Peoples Bancorp can compete more effectively with larger banks and fintech companies. The market for digital banking services is rapidly expanding, with projections indicating significant growth in the next five years. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Growth opportunity 3: Strategic Acquisitions: Peoples Bancorp can pursue strategic acquisitions of smaller community banks or credit unions in adjacent markets. This strategy allows the company to expand its geographic footprint and customer base quickly. The market for community bank acquisitions is active, with numerous opportunities available. Timeline: Potential.
- Growth opportunity 4: Increased Focus on Wealth Management Services: Expanding its wealth management services can generate additional fee income and diversify revenue streams. By offering comprehensive financial planning, investment management, and retirement planning services, Peoples Bancorp can attract high-net-worth individuals and families. The market for wealth management services is growing, driven by an aging population and increasing affluence. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Growth opportunity 5: Leveraging ITIN Mortgage Loans: Peoples Bancorp's experience with Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) mortgage loans provides a unique opportunity to serve a growing demographic. By expanding its ITIN mortgage loan program, the company can tap into a market underserved by traditional banks. This could lead to increased loan volume and enhanced community relationships. Timeline: Ongoing.
What Opportunities Does PEBK Have?
- Expansion into new markets within North Carolina.
- Increased focus on digital banking services.
- Strategic acquisitions of smaller community banks.
- Growth in wealth management services.
What Threats Does PEBK Face?
- Competition from larger regional and national banks.
- Economic downturns affecting loan demand.
- Regulatory changes impacting the banking industry.
- Technological disruptions from fintech companies.
What Are PEBK's Competitive Advantages?
- Established regional presence and brand recognition in North Carolina.
- Strong relationships with local businesses and communities.
- Diversified range of banking and financial services.
- Experienced management team with deep industry knowledge.
What Does PEBK Do?
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. serves as the bank holding company for Peoples Bank, offering a range of commercial and consumer banking products and services tailored to individuals and small to medium-sized businesses. Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Newton, North Carolina, the company has a long-standing history in the regional banking sector. Peoples Bank provides various deposit products, including checking, savings, money market, and time deposits, as well as demand deposits and certificates of deposit. Its loan products encompass commercial real estate, commercial, construction and land development, single-family residential, residential mortgage, and individual taxpayer identification number mortgage loans, alongside agricultural loans. In addition to traditional banking services, Peoples Bancorp offers investment counseling and non-deposit investment products such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and tax-deferred annuities, complemented by brokerage services. The company also provides real estate appraisal and brokerage services and acts as a clearing-house for appraisal services for community banks. Furthermore, it manages and disposes of real property and other assets acquired through debt collection, and offers insurance agency services. As of December 31, 2021, Peoples Bancorp operated 17 banking offices across North Carolina, including locations in Lincolnton, Newton, and Charlotte, along with loan production offices in several cities.
What Products and Services Does PEBK Offer?
- Provides checking, savings, and money market accounts.
- Offers commercial real estate and commercial loans.
- Provides construction and land development loans.
- Offers single-family residential and residential mortgage loans.
- Provides individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) mortgage loans.
- Offers agricultural loans.
- Provides investment counseling and brokerage services.
- Offers real estate appraisal and brokerage services.
How Does PEBK Make Money?
- Generates revenue through interest income from loans.
- Earns fees from deposit accounts and other banking services.
- Generates revenue from investment counseling and brokerage services.
- Earns fees from real estate appraisal and brokerage services.
What Industry Does PEBK Operate In?
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. operates within the regional banking sector, which is characterized by intense competition and evolving customer preferences. The industry is influenced by factors such as interest rate fluctuations, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. Regional banks like Peoples Bancorp compete with larger national banks, credit unions, and fintech companies. The company's focus on serving small to medium-sized businesses and its strong local presence provide a competitive advantage in this landscape. The regional banking sector is expected to grow modestly, driven by economic expansion and increased demand for financial services.
Who Are PEBK's Key Customers?
- Individuals seeking personal banking services.
- Small to medium-sized businesses requiring commercial banking solutions.
- Real estate developers and investors.
- Farmers and agricultural businesses.
- High-net-worth individuals seeking wealth management services.
Company Profile
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. operates in the Banks - Regional industry within the Financial Services sector. It is headquartered in Newton, US. The company is led by CEO William D. Cable. PEBK has traded publicly since 1985.
F-Score 7/9Financial Health
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.'s Piotroski F-Score is 7/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — signaling solid underlying fundamentals. Its Altman Z-Score of 0.33 places it in the distress zone, a signal of elevated financial risk.
ROE 13%Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. stands at 13.1%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 1.1%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. PEBK trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 11.71, below the Financial Services sector average of ~18x. Its free cash flow yield is 8.1%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 57.95 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is 8.5%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
PEBK Valuation & Market Position
With a $229.71M market cap, Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. sits in the micro-cap segment of the market. Relative to its peer group, PEBK's quantitative score of 78/100 is roughly in line with the peer average of 68/100.
PEBK Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Insiders seem to be holding steady, which suggests they aren't running for the exits. That's usually a good sign.
- The community chatter is generally positive, seems like folks are happy with the direction.
- The overall feeling is that PEBK is a stable player, which matters in the current climate.
- There's a sense that PEBK is undervalued, like it's a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Bear Case
- There's been some grumbling about growth being slow compared to peers.
- The community is worried about increasing competition in their market.
- Some investors are concerned about the long-term impact of changing regulations on community banks.
- The general market perception is 'steady but not exciting,' which might limit upside potential.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · March 2026
PEBK Latest News
No recent news available for PEBK.
PEBK Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for PEBK.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for PEBK.
PEBK MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates PEBK's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Leadership: William D. Cable
Unknown
Information on William D. Cable's background is not available in the provided context. Without further information, it's impossible to detail his career history, education, or previous roles.
Track Record: Information on William D. Cable's track record is not available in the provided context. Without further information, it's impossible to detail his key achievements, strategic decisions, or company milestones under his leadership.
PEBK Financial Services Stock FAQ
What does Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. do?
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc., operating as Peoples Bank, provides a range of commercial and consumer banking products and services to individuals and small to medium-sized businesses. These services include checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as various loan products such as commercial real estate, construction, residential mortgage, and agricultural loans. The company also offers investment counseling, brokerage services, and real estate appraisal services, primarily operating within North Carolina.
What do analysts say about PEBK stock?
Analyst coverage of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) is not available within the provided context. Therefore, a neutral summary of analyst consensus, key valuation metrics, and growth considerations cannot be provided. Further research into analyst ratings and price targets from various financial analysis platforms would be needed to answer this question comprehensively. This information would typically include consensus ratings (buy, hold, sell), price targets, and earnings estimates.
What are the main risks for PEBK?
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. faces several risks inherent to the regional banking sector. Interest rate fluctuations can significantly impact the company's net interest margin, affecting profitability. Increased competition from larger regional and national banks, as well as fintech companies, poses a threat to market share. Economic downturns in North Carolina could lead to decreased loan demand and increased loan defaults. Additionally, regulatory changes in the banking industry could impose additional compliance costs and operational challenges.
What are the key factors to evaluate for PEBK?
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) holds an AI score of 78/100 (high). Not financial advice.
How frequently does PEBK data refresh on this page?
PEBK prices update in real time during U.S. market hours. Fundamentals refresh after quarterly filings; analyst ratings and AI insights update daily; news is aggregated continuously.
What has driven PEBK's recent stock price performance?
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Strong regional presence in North Carolina. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider PEBK overvalued or undervalued right now?
Valuing Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) requires multiple metrics. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
What research should beginners do before buying PEBK?
Before investing in Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK), research these four areas: (1) the company's revenue model and competitive position (see Company Overview), (2) financial health through revenue growth, margins, and cash flow (see MoonshotScore), (3) what Wall Street analysts recommend and their price targets (see Analyst tab), and (4) specific risk factors that could impact the stock (see Risk Factors section).
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Information is based on the provided company description and financial data as of December 31, 2021, and 2026-05-10. More current data may alter the analysis.