PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA INC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (the “Company”) has served as the holding company to Peoples Bank (the “Bank”) since 1999. The Company is primarily regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and serves as the one-bank holding company for the Bank.

The Bank commenced business in 1912 upon receipt of its banking charter from the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks (the “Commissioner”). The Bank is primarily regulated by the Commissioner and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) 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 Wake counties in North Carolina.

Peoples Investment Services, Inc. (“PIS”) 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. (“REAS”) 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.

Community Bank Real Estate Solutions, LLC (“CBRES”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank and began operations in 2009 as a “clearing house” for appraisal services for community banks. Other banks are able to contract with CBRES to find and engage appropriate appraisal companies. In 2019, the Company launched PB Insurance Agency, which operated as a division of CBRES, until it was discontinued in 2022.

PB Real Estate Holdings, LLC (“PBREH”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank and began operation in 2015. PBREH acquires, manages and disposes of real property, other collateral and other assets obtained in the ordinary course of collecting debts previously contracted.

The Bank operates three banking offices focused on the Latino population that were formerly operated as a separate division of the Bank under the name Banco de la Gente (“Banco”). These offices, which offer the same banking services as our other branches offer, now operate under the same name as our other offices; however, we continue to separately categorize mortgage loans originated from these offices.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, the Bank, along with the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries, PIS, REAS, CBRES and PBREH. 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 credit losses and valuation of real estate acquired in connection with or in lieu of foreclosure on loans.

Business Segments

Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by management in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Management has determined that the Company has two significant operating segment: Banking Operations and CBRES, as discussed more fully in Note 16. In determining the appropriateness of segment definition, the Company considers the criteria of ASC 280, Segment Reporting.

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Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash, due from banks, interest-bearing deposits and federal funds sold are considered cash and cash equivalents (original maturity date less than 90 days) for cash flow reporting purposes.

Investment Securities

The Company uses three classifications for its investment securities: 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, 2023 and 2022, the Company 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.

Management evaluates investment securities for credit losses on a quarterly basis. A decline in the market value of any investment below cost that is deemed a credit loss is charged to earnings for the decline in value deemed to be credit related and a new cost basis in the security is established. The decline in value attributed to non-credit related factors is recognized in comprehensive income.

Premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities. 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.

Other Investments

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

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 credit losses. Interest on loans is calculated by using the simple interest method on daily balances of the principal amount outstanding. The recognition of certain loan origination fee income and certain loan origination costs is deferred when such loans are originated and amortized over the life of the loan.

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.

Allowance for Credit Losses (ACL)

The allowance for credit 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 that management believes will be adequate in light of anticipated risks and credit losses. In assessing the adequacy of the allowance, size, quality and risk of loans in the portfolio are reviewed.

The allowance for credit losses on loans is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans' amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off. Accrued interest receivable is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. The allowance for credit losses represents management’s estimate of lifetime credit losses inherent in loans as of December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses is estimated by management using relevant available information, from both internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The Company measures expected credit losses for loans on a pooled basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The Company calculates the allowance for credit losses using a WARM methodology.

Additionally, the allowance for credit losses calculation includes subjective adjustments for qualitative risk factors that are likely to cause estimated credit losses to differ from historical experience. These qualitative adjustments may increase or reduce reserve levels and include adjustments for: local, state and national economic outlook; levels and trends of delinquencies; trends in volume, mix and size of loans; seasoning of the loan portfolio; experience of staff; concentrations of credit; and interest rate risk.

Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. When management determines that foreclosure is probable or when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of collateral. To identify loans for individual analysis, management reviews all loans over $250,000 with a risk grade of 5 or 6, including loans modified due to the financial stress of the borrower, and other loans with significantly different characteristics from the established pools for potential loss rates that could result in additional provisioning that would be greater than internally established materiality thresholds.

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Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit issued to meet customer financing needs. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for off-balance sheet loan commitments is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

The Company records an allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures, unless the commitments to extend credit are unconditionally cancelable. The allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures is estimated by loan segment at each balance sheet date under the current expected credit loss model using the same methodologies as portfolio loans, taking into consideration the likelihood that funding will occur as well as any third-party guarantees. The allowance for unfunded commitments is included in other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

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 collectability becomes doubtful. Upon loan origination, the Bank’s originating loan officer evaluates the quality of the loan and assigns one of eight risk grades. 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. The Bank Board 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 and risk grading analyses. This independent third party reviews and evaluates loan relationships greater than or equal to $1.5 million as well as a periodic sample of commercial relationships with exposures below $1.5 million, excluding loans in default, and loans in process of litigation or liquidation. The third party’s evaluation and report is shared with management and the Bank Board.

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 estimating the allowance. The provision for credit losses charged or credited to earnings is based upon management’s judgment of the amount necessary to maintain the allowance at a level appropriate to absorb probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The amount each quarter is dependent upon many factors, including growth and changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, net charge-offs, delinquencies, management’s assessment of loan portfolio quality, the value of collateral, and other macro-economic factors and trends. The evaluation of these factors is performed quarterly by management through an analysis of the appropriateness of the allowance. Two loans, totaling $432,000, were individually evaluated as of December 31, 2023.

Since the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2023, the allowance for credit losses represents management’s estimate of credit losses for the remaining estimated life of the Bank’s financial assets, including loan receivables and some off-balance sheet credit exposures. Estimating the amount of the allowance for credit losses requires significant judgment and the use of estimates related to historical experience, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts, and the value of collateral on collateral-dependent loans. The loan portfolio also represents the largest asset type on our consolidated balance sheet. Loan losses are charged against the allowance, while recoveries of amounts previously charged off are credited to the allowance. A provision for credit losses is charged to operations based on management’s periodic evaluation of the factors previously mentioned, as well as other pertinent factors.

There are many factors affecting the allowance for credit losses; some are quantitative while others require qualitative judgment. Although management believes its process for determining the allowance adequately considers all the potential factors that could potentially result in credit losses, the process includes subjective elements and is susceptible to significant change. To the extent actual outcomes differ from management estimates, additional provision for credit losses could be required that could adversely affect our earnings or financial position in future periods.

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Beginning December 31, 2012, certain mortgage loans from the former Banco division of the Bank were, prior to the adoption of CECL, analyzed separately from other single-family residential loans in the Bank’s loan portfolio. These loans are first mortgage loans made to the Latino market, primarily in Mecklenburg, North Carolina and surrounding counties. These loans are non-traditional mortgages in that the customer normally did not have a credit history, so all credit information was accumulated by the loan officers. These loans are included in the single-family residential loan pool in the Company’s CECL model.

Various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowance. Such agencies may require adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examinations. Management believes it has established the allowance for credit losses pursuant to CECL, and has taken into account the views of its regulators and the current economic environment. Management considers the allowance adequate to cover the estimated losses inherent in the Bank’s loan portfolio as of the date of the financial statements. 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.

Mortgage Banking Activities

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

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 $244,000, $285,000 and $351,000 at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Mortgage servicing rights related to these loans are immaterial for all periods presented.

The Bank 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 has no effect on the recorded amounts in the financial statements.

Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market value. The cost of mortgage loans held for sale approximates the market value.

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 of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss is reflected in earnings for that 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:

Other Real Estate

Foreclosed assets include all assets received in full or partial satisfaction of a loan. Foreclosed assets are reported at fair value less estimated selling costs. Any write-downs at the time of foreclosure are charged to the allowance. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management, and a valuation allowance is established if fair value less estimated selling costs declines below carrying value. Costs relating to the development and improvement of the property are capitalized. Revenues and expenses from operations are included in other expenses. Changes in the valuation allowance are included in loss on sale and write-down of other real estate.

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 the realization of such benefits is more likely than not to occur. 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.

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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 a deferred tax asset, 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 a deferred tax asset, management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies.

Tax effects from an uncertain tax position can be recognized in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority that would have full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that meets the more likely than not recognition threshold is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more likely than not recognition threshold should be derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met. The Company assessed the impact of this guidance and determined that it did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or disclosures.

Revenue Recognition

The majority of the Company’s revenue is derived primarily from interest income from receivables (loans) and securities. Other revenues are derived from fees received in connection with deposit accounts, investment advisory, and appraisal services. Through the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, PIS, the Company contracts with a registered investment advisor to perform investment advisory services on behalf of the Company’s customers. The Company receives commissions from this third party investment advisor based on the volume of business that the Company’s customers do with such investment advisor. The Company utilizes third parties to contract with the Company’s customers to perform debit and credit card clearing services. These third parties pay the Company commissions based on the volume of transactions that they process on behalf of the Company’s customers. Through the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, REAS, the Company provides property appraisal services for negotiated fee amounts on a per appraisal basis. Through the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, CBRES, the Company provides appraisal management services. Appraisal management fee income and expense from CBRES are reported on separate line items under non-interest income and non-interest expense. None of the Company’s revenue is derived from contracts in which services are transferred over time. Revenue is recognized as the services are provided to customers. The Company has no contracts in which customers are billed in advance for services to be performed. There are no significant financing components in the Company’s contracts. Excluding deposit and appraisal service revenues which are primarily billed at a point in time as a fee for services incurred, all other contracts contain variable consideration in that fees earned are derived from market values of accounts which determine the amount of consideration to which the Company is entitled. The variability is resolved when the services are provided. The contracts do not include obligations for returns, refunds, or warranties. The contracts are specific to the amounts owed to the Company for services performed during a period should the contracts be terminated. All of the Company’s contracts create performance obligations that are satisfied at a point in time excluding some immaterial deposit revenues. Revenue is recognized as services are billed to the customers.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has an Omnibus Stock Ownership and Long Term Incentive Plan that was approved by shareholders on May 7, 2009 (the “2009 Plan”) whereby certain stock-based rights, such as stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, stock appreciation rights or book value shares, were granted to eligible directors and employees. The 2009 Plan expired on May 7, 2019 but still governs the rights and obligations of the parties for grants previously made thereunder. No new awards may be made after May 7, 2019.

The Company granted 16,583 restricted stock units under the 2009 Plan at a grant date fair value of $16.34 per share during the first quarter of 2015. The Company granted 5,544 restricted stock units under the 2009 Plan at a grant date fair value of $16.91 per share during the first quarter of 2016. The Company granted 4,114 restricted stock units under the 2009 Plan at a grant date fair value of $25.00 per share during the first quarter of 2017. The Company granted 3,725 restricted stock units under the 2009 Plan at a grant date fair value of $31.43 per share during the first quarter of 2018. The Company granted 5,290 restricted stock units under the 2009 Plan at a grant date fair value of $28.43 per share during the first quarter of 2019. The number of restricted stock units granted and grant date fair values for the restricted stock units granted in 2015 through 2017 have been restated to reflect the 10% stock dividend that was paid in the fourth quarter of 2017. The Company recognizes compensation expense on the restricted stock units over the vesting period (four years from the grant date for the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 grants). The amount of expense recorded each period reflects the changes in the Company’s stock price during such period. As of December 31, 2023, the Company did not have any unrecognized compensation expense related to the restricted stock unit grants under the 2009 Plan.

The Company also has an Omnibus Stock Ownership and Long Term Incentive Plan that was approved by shareholders on May 7, 2020 (the “2020 Plan”) whereby certain stock-based rights, such as stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, stock appreciation rights or book value shares, may be granted to eligible directors and employees. A total of 300,000 shares were reserved for possible issuance under the 2020 Plan when it was adopted. As of December 31, 2023, a total of 274,550 shares out of the initial 300,000 shares reserved remain available for future issuance under the 2020 Plan. No new awards may be made after May 7, 2030 (ten years from the 2020 Plan effective date).

The Company granted 7,635 restricted stock units under the 2020 Plan at a grant date fair value of $17.08 per share during the second quarter of 2020. The Company granted 7,060 restricted stock units under the 2020 Plan at a grant date fair value of $22.04 per share during the first quarter of 2021. The Company granted 5,385 restricted stock units under the 2020 Plan at a grant date fair value of $27.99 per share during the first quarter of 2022. The Company granted 5,370 restricted stock units under the 2020 Plan at a grant date fair value of $32.58 per share during the first quarter of 2023. The Company recognizes compensation expense on the restricted stock units over the vesting period (four years from the grant date for 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 grants). As of December 31, 2023, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to the restricted stock unit grants under the 2020 Plan was $287,000.

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The Company recognized compensation expense for restricted stock units granted under the 2009 Plan and 2020 Plan of $187,000, $249,000 and $181,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Net Earnings Per Share

Net earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period while the effects of potential common shares outstanding during the period are included in diluted earnings per common 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 common share” and “diluted earnings per common share” for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

The following tables provide a summary of Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) that the Company has recently adopted.

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by FASB or other standards-setting bodies are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or disclosures.

On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASC 326, which replaced the incurred loss impairment framework in prior GAAP with a current expected credit loss (“CECL”) framework, which requires an estimate of credit losses for the remaining estimated life of the financial asset using historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts and generally applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and some off-balance sheet credit exposures such as unfunded commitments to extend credit. Under CECL, financial assets measured at amortized cost are presented at the net amount expected to be collected by using an allowance for credit losses (“ACL”).

In addition, the adoption of CECL resulted in changes to the Company’s accounting for available for sale debt securities. One such change is to require credit losses to be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down on available for sale debt securities if management does not intend to sell and does not believe that it is more likely than not, they will be required to sell.

The Company adopted ASC 326 and all related subsequent amendments thereto effective January 1, 2023 using the modified retrospective approach for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. Adoption of ASC 326 resulted in an initial reduction to retained earnings of $838,000, net of tax, due to a $1.1 million increase in the allowance for credit losses, comprised of a $2.3 million increase in the allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments and a $1.2 million decrease in the allowance for credit losses on loans. There was no impact to the available for sale securities portfolio or other financial instruments. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2023 are presented under ASC 326 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP (referred to as the “Incurred Loss” methodology).

The Company adopted ASC 326 using the prospective transition approach for debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairment had been recognized prior to January 1, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the Company did not have any credit losses on investment securities. Therefore, upon adoption of ASC 326, the Company determined that an allowance for credit losses on available for sale securities was not deemed material.

The Company elected not to measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivable and instead elected to reverse interest income on loans or securities that are placed on nonaccrual status, which is generally when the instrument is 90 days past due, or earlier if the Company believes the collection of interest is doubtful. The Company has concluded that this policy results in the timely reversal of uncollectible interest. Accrued interest receivable totaled $5.1 million at December 31, 2023.

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The allowance for credit losses on loans is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans' amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off. Accrued interest receivable is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. The allowance for credit losses represents management’s estimate of lifetime credit losses inherent in loans as of December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses is estimated by management using relevant available information, from both internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The Company measures expected credit losses for loans on a pooled basis when similar risk characteristics exist. Two loans, totaling $432,000, were individually evaluated as of December 31, 2023. The Company has identified the following portfolio segments and calculates the allowance for credit losses for each using the WARM methodology:

• 1-4 family residential construction loans

• Other construction loans and all land development and other land loans

• Secured by farmland (including farm residential and other improvements)

• Home equity loans

• 1-4 family residential loans secured by first liens

• 1-4 family residential loans secured by junior liens

• Secured by multifamily residential properties

• Loans secured by owner-occupied, nonfarm nonresidential properties

• Loans secured by other nonfarm nonresidential properties

• Loans to finance agricultural production and other loans to farmers

• Commercial and industrial loans

• Other revolving credit plans

• Other consumer loans

• Obligations (other than securities and leases) of states and political subdivisions in the US

• Other loans

Under the WARM methodology, lifetime losses are calculated by determining the remaining life of the loan pool and then applying a loss rate which includes a forecast component over this remaining life of the loan pool. The methodology considers historical loss experience and a loss forecast expectation to estimate credit losses for the remaining balance of the loan pool. The calculated loss rate is applied to the contractual term (adjusted for prepayments) to determine the loan pool’s current expected credit losses. The Company’s forecast component projects the next four quarters to have similar loss rates to the period between November 1, 2015 and September 30, 2019, and then with a reversion back to the long-term average over four quarters. This period is intended to reflect the environment that began when the Federal Reserve started its last series of rate hikes beginning in November of 2015, and reflects the overall loan loss rates of the Company during this time of no higher than 0.4%. This period has been extended from the prior quarter by three months, and had minor impacts on the loss rates. The Company expects to adjust these time frames for affecting the forecast periods as the rate environment changes to reflect either increasing or decreasing loan loss rates that will adjust the historical loss rates. A straight-line reversion to normalize to an expected, long-term, through-the-cycle average loss rate will be used following the forecast period of four quarters over the remaining life of the pool. This remains constant for the life of loan beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast and reversion period.

A general forecast policy was set for all pools that projects the next four quarters to have similar loss rates of selected historical periods of Federal Reserve rate policy that seem to most likely reflect the current direction of rate policy, and then with a reversion back to the long-term average over four quarters. Starting in March of 2022, the Federal Reserve has been engaged in a restrictive monetary policy. As such, a similar period of restrictive policy has been selected from recent history to serve as the basis for the forecast policy periods.

For the January 1, 2023 model, a general forecast policy was set for all pools that projects the next four quarters to have similar loss rates to the period between November 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018. During this period the Company recognized $2.1 million in net losses, and a maximum and minimum quarterly loss rate of 0.3601% and 0.1346%, respectively.

For the December 31, 2023 model, a general forecast policy was set for all pools that projects the next four quarters to have similar loss rates to the period between November 1, 2015 and September 30, 2019. During this period the Company recognized $2.4 million in net losses, and a maximum and minimum quarterly loss rate of 0.3601% and 0.1346%, respectively. The impact to the December 31, 2023 ACL estimate was a total decrease of $3.6 million from the historical loss rate starting in the second quarter of 2008. This history would include the highest loss rates experienced by the Company from 2008 to 2013. The forecast period is adjusting these peak loss rates, to rates more commensurate with more recent loss experiences.

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The increase in allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2023 of $2.3 million is composed of a provision for the establishment of unfunded commitments of $1.1 million as part of the adoption of CECL in 2023, a provision for credit losses for loans individually assessed of $432,000, and $877,000 in increases for reserves in the loan pools of 1-4 family residential construction loans, other construction loans and all land development and other land loans, 1-4 family residential secured by first liens, and loans secured by other nonfarm nonresidential properties under the construction, land development, and other land loan categories of the loans secured by real estate. The increases in reserves in these categories were caused mainly by increases in loan balances during 2023 along with increases in the qualitative reserve ratios. Increases in the qualitative reserve ratios were impacted by increases in risk factors for both concentrations of credit and interest rate risk from minor risk to moderate risk for all categories of pooled loans.

Additionally, the allowance for credit losses calculation includes subjective adjustments for qualitative risk factors that are likely to cause estimated credit losses to differ from historical experience. These qualitative adjustments may increase or reduce reserve levels and include adjustments for: local, state and national economic outlook; levels and trends of delinquencies; trends in volume, mix and size of loans; seasoning of the loan portfolio; experience of staff; concentrations of credit; and interest rate risk.

Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. When management determines that foreclosure is probable and the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, the expected credit losses are based on the fair value of collateral at the reporting date adjusted for selling costs as appropriate. Two loans, totaling $432,000, were individually evaluated as of December 31, 2023.

Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit issued to meet customer financing needs. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for off-balance sheet loan commitments is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

The Company records an allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures, unless the commitments to extend credit are unconditionally cancelable. The allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures is estimated by loan segment at each balance sheet date under the current expected credit loss model using the same methodologies as portfolio loans, taking into consideration the likelihood that funding will occur as well as any third-party guarantees. The allowance for unfunded commitments is included in other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Reclassification

Certain amounts in the 2022 and 2021 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2023 presentation.

(2) Investment Securities

Investment securities available for sale at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

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The current fair value and associated unrealized losses on investments in debt securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are summarized in the tables below, with the length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous loss position.

At December 31, 2023, unrealized losses in the investment securities portfolio relating to debt securities totaled $51.3 million. The unrealized losses on these debt securities arose due to changing interest rates and are considered to be temporary. From the December 31, 2023 tables above, all three of the U.S. Treasury securities, all 108 of the securities issued by state and political subdivisions contained unrealized losses, all seven of the securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises (“GSE”), 114 of the 121 GSE mortgage-backed securities, and 12 of the 14 private label mortgage backed securities contained unrealized losses. The Company does not have an allowance for credit losses on available for sale securities at December 31, 2023, as no credit related losses were identified in the Company’s December 31, 2023 CECL analysis.

The Company periodically evaluates its investments for credit losses. There were no credit losses on investments in 2023, 2022 or 2021.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities available for sale at December 31, 2023, 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.

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During 2023, proceeds from sales of securities available for sale were $51.0 million and resulted in gross losses of $2.7 million and gross gains of $177,000. No securities available for sale were sold during 2022 and 2021.

Securities with a fair value of approximately $132.0 million and $96.0 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits, FHLB borrowings and for other purposes as required by law.

GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. There is a three-level fair value hierarchy for fair value measurements. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that a company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The table below presents the balance of securities available for sale, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Fair values of investment securities available for sale are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges when available. If quoted prices are not available, fair value is determined using matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities.

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(3) Loans

Major classifications of loans at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are summarized as follows:

The above table includes deferred costs, net of deferred fees, totaling $807,000 and $909,000 at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

The Bank makes 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, Wake, Rowan and Forsyth counties of North Carolina. 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. Risk characteristics of the major components of the Bank’s loan portfolio are discussed below:

Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received within 30 days of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on non-accrual status when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory provisions. 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. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received in excess of principal due. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

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On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the CARES Act, which established a $2 trillion economic stimulus package, including cash payments to individuals, supplemental unemployment insurance benefits and a $349 billion loan program administered through the PPP. Under the PPP, small businesses, sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed individuals were able to apply for loans from existing SBA lenders and other approved regulated lenders, subject to certain limitations and eligibility criteria. A second round of PPP funding provided a total of $320 billion additional funding for the PPP. The Bank participated as a lender in the PPP. Total PPP loans originated during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021 amounted to $128.1 million. The Bank did not have any PPP loans outstanding at December 31, 2023. The outstanding balance of PPP loans was $103,000 at December 31, 2022. These loans are classified as commercial loans in the tables above. The Bank recognized $948,000 and $3.4 million of PPP loan fee income for the year ended December 31, 2022 and year ended December 31, 2021, respectively. No PPP loan fee income was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2023.

The following tables present an age analysis of past due loans, by loan type, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

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The following table presents the Bank’s non-accrual loans as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

Interest income is not recognized on non-accrual loans.

The following table represents the accrued interest receivables written off by reversing interest income during the year ended December 31, 2023:

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Collateral-dependent loans are loans for which the repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral and the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. These loans do not share common risk characteristics and are not included within the collectively evaluated loans for determining the allowance for credit losses. Under CECL, for collateral-dependent loans, the Company has adopted the practical expedient to measure the allowance for credit losses based on the fair value of collateral. The allowance for credit losses is calculated on an individual loan basis based on the shortfall between the fair value of the loan's collateral, which is adjusted for liquidation costs/discounts, and amortized cost. If the fair value of the collateral exceeds the amortized cost, no allowance is required. There were no collateral dependent loans identified in the Company’s December 31, 2023 CECL analysis.

The allowance for credit losses incorporates an estimate of lifetime expected credit losses and is recorded on each asset upon origination or acquisition. The starting point for the estimate of the allowance for credit losses is historical loss information, which includes losses from modifications of receivables to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. An assessment of whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty is made on the date of a modification.

Because of the measurement methodologies used to estimate the allowance, a change to the allowance for credit losses is generally not recorded upon modification. Occasionally, the Bank modifies loans by providing principal forgiveness on certain loans. When principal forgiveness is provided, the amortized cost basis of the asset is written off against the allowance for credit losses. The amount of the principal forgiveness is deemed to be uncollectible; therefore, that portion of the loan is written off, resulting in a reduction of the amortized cost basis and a corresponding adjustment to the allowance for credit losses.

In some cases, the Bank may modify a certain loan by providing multiple types of concessions. Typically, one type of concession, such as a term extension, is granted initially. If the borrower continues to experience financial difficulty, another concession, such as principal forgiveness, may be granted.

The following table shows the amortized cost basis at December 31, 2023 of the loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that were modified during the year ended December 31, 2023, disaggregated by loan class and type of concession granted.

The following table describes the financial effect of the modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty.

Upon the Bank’s determination that a modified loan (or portion of a loan) has subsequently been deemed uncollectible, the loan (or a portion of the loan) is written off. Therefore, the amortized cost basis of the loan is reduced by the uncollectible amount and the allowance for credit losses is adjusted by the same amount.

No loans modified in the year ended December 31, 2023 that were made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty had been written off at December 31, 2023.

The Bank closely monitors the performance of those loans that are modified because borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty so as to understand the effectiveness of its modification efforts. The following table shows the performance of loans that have been modified in the year ended December 31, 2023.

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The following tables present impaired loans as of and for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, under the incurred loss methodology:

Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment totaled $4.9 million and $5.3 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively and are included in the tables above. Allowance on impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment totaled $44,000 and $48,000 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Past due Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDR”) loans and non-accrual TDR loans totaled $3.7 million and $2.2 million at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The terms of these loans have been renegotiated to provide a concession to original terms, including a reduction in principal or interest as a result of the deteriorating financial position of the borrower. There were no performing loans classified as TDR loans at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

There were no new TDR modifications during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

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There were no TDR loans with a payment default occurring within 12 months of the restructure date, and the payment default occurring during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. TDR loans are deemed to be in default if they become past due by 90 days or more.

The fair value measurements for mortgage loans held for sale, impaired loans and individually evaluated loans on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are presented below. The Bank’s valuation methodology is discussed in Note 15.

The following tables present changes in the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. The December 31, 2023 table reflects the CECL methodology and the December 31, 2022 and 2021 tables reflects the Incurred Loss methodology. PPP loans are excluded from the allowance for credit losses because PPP loans are guaranteed by SBA. Two loans, totaling $432,000, were individually evaluated as of December 31, 2023.

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The Bank utilizes several credit quality indicators to manage credit risk in an ongoing manner. The Bank uses an internal risk grade system that categorizes loans into pass, watch or substandard categories.

The Bank uses the following credit quality indicators:

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The following table presents by credit quality indicator, loan class and year of origination, the amortized cost of the Bank’s loans as of December 31, 2023.

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The following table presents by credit quality indicator, loan class and year of origination, gross loan charge-offs as of December 31, 2023.

The following table presents the credit risk profile of each loan type based on credit quality indicators as of December 31, 2022:

(4) Premises and Equipment

Major classifications of premises and equipment at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are summarized as follows:

The Bank recognized depreciation expense totaling $2.2 million, $2.4 million and $2.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The Bank had $184,000 net gains on the sale of and write-downs on premises and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Bank had $85,000 net losses on the sale of and write-downs on premises and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2022. The Bank had $105,000 net gains on the sale of and write-downs on premises and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2021.

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(5) Leases

The Bank leases various office spaces for banking and operational facilities and equipment under operating lease arrangements.

Total rent expense was approximately $804,000, $976,000 and $703,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

As of December 31, 2023, the Bank had operating right of use assets of $4.7 million and operating lease liabilities of $4.8 million. The Bank maintains operating leases on land and buildings for some of the Bank’s branch facilities and loan production offices. Most leases include one option to renew, with renewal terms extending up to 15 years. The exercise of renewal options is based on the judgment of management as to whether or not the renewal option is reasonably certain to be exercised. Factors in determining whether an option is reasonably certain of exercise include, but are not limited to, the value of leasehold improvements, the value of renewal rates compared to market rates, and the presence of factors that would cause a significant economic penalty to the Bank if the option is not exercised. Leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and instead are recognized in lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The following table presents lease cost and other lease information as of December 31, 2023.

The following table presents lease maturities as of December 31, 2023.

(6) Deposits

The composition of deposits at December 31, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:

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At December 31, 2023, the scheduled maturities of time deposits are as follows:

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Bank had $8.1 million in time deposits purchased through third party brokers.

(7) Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) and Federal Reserve Bank Borrowings

The Bank had no borrowings from the FHLB at December 31, 2023 and 2022. FHLB borrowings are collateralized by a blanket assignment on all residential first mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit and loans secured by multi-family real estate that the Bank owns. At December 31, 2023, the carrying value of loans pledged as collateral totaled approximately $214.1 million. The remaining availability under the line of credit with the FHLB was $122.2 million at December 31, 2023.

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. The Bank owned $1.1 million and $812,000 of FHLB stock, included in other investments, at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Bank had no borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”). FRB borrowings are collateralized by a blanket assignment on all qualifying loans that the Bank owns which are not pledged to the FHLB. At December 31, 2023, the carrying value of loans pledged as collateral totaled approximately $611.2 million. Availability under the line of credit with the FRB was $459.9 million at December 31, 2023. The Bank has completed the necessary steps in order to access the FRB’s Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”). The Bank has not pledged any collateral to the BTFP as of December 31, 2023.

(8) 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. 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 in December 2001 by PEBK Capital Trust, a wholly owned Delaware statutory trust of the Company, and for general purposes. The debentures represent the sole assets of PEBK Trust II. PEBK Trust II is not included in the consolidated financial statements. The Company redeemed $5.0 million of outstanding trust preferred securities in 2019.

Prior to September 15, 2023, the trust preferred securities accrued and paid interest quarterly at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 163 basis points. The three-month USD LIBOR rate ceased to be published after June 30, 2023. Effective September 15, 2023, the trust preferred securities accrue and pay interest quarterly at a floating rate of three-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 189 basis points, including a 26 basis point credit spread adjustment.

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

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(9) Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is summarized as follows:

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:

The following summarizes 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, 2023 and 2022.

The Company has analyzed the tax positions taken or expected to be taken in its tax returns and has concluded that it has no liability related to uncertain tax positions.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s Federal income tax filings for years 2020 through 2022 are open to audit by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company’s North Carolina income tax returns are currently under audit for tax year 2014-2016, tax years 2020, 2021 and 2022 remain open to audit by the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

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(10) 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. In accordance with Regulation O of the Federal Reserve, it is the policy of the Bank that loan transactions with directors and officers are 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 2023 and 2022:

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had deposit relationships with related parties of approximately $52.5 million and $44.5 million, respectively.

(11) Commitments and Contingencies

The Bank 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 Bank 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 Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.

In most cases, the Bank requires collateral or other security to support financial instruments with credit risk.

Commitments to extend credit are conditional agreements to lend to a customer. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates and because they may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount of $371.2 million does not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

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

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

The Company and the Bank have entered into employment agreements with certain key employees. The agreements, among other things, include salary, bonus, incentive compensation, and change in control provisions.

The Company has $90.5 million available for the purchase of overnight federal funds from four correspondent financial institutions as of December 31, 2023.

At December 31, 2017, the Bank committed to invest $3.0 million in an income tax credit partnership owning and developing two multifamily housing developments in Charlotte, North Carolina, with $1.5 million allocated to each property. As of December 31, 2023, the Bank had an unfunded commitment of $27,000. At December 31, 2023, the Bank had $1.9 million in unfunded commitments for SBA Small Business Investment Company (“SBIC”) investments.

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(12) Employee and Director Benefit Programs

The Bank has a profit sharing and 401(k) plan for the benefit of substantially all employees subject to certain minimum age and service requirements. Under the 401(k) plan, the Bank matched employee contributions to a maximum of 4.00% of annual compensation in 2021, 2022 and 2023. The Company’s contribution pursuant to this formula was approximately $759,000, $719,000 and $709,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Investments made available under the 401(k) plan are determined by a committee comprised of senior management. No investments in Company stock are available under the 401(k) plan. Contributions to the 401(k) plan are vested immediately.

In December 2001, the Company initiated a retirement 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 postretirement benefit plan, the Company purchased life insurance policies on the lives of the key officers and each director. The increase in cash surrender value of the policies constitutes the Company’s contribution to the postretirement benefit plan each year. Postretirement benefit plan participants are to be paid annual benefits for a specified number of years commencing upon retirement. Expenses incurred for benefits relating to the postretirement benefit plan were approximately $430,000, $369,000 and $447,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The Company paid medical benefits for certain retired employees through the first quarter of 2022. The Company did not incur any postretirement medical benefits expense in 2022 and 2021 due to an excess accrual balance.

The following table sets forth the change in the accumulated benefit obligation for the Company’s two postretirement benefit plans described above:

The amounts recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are shown in the following two tables:

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Net periodic benefit cost of the Company’s postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 consisted of the following:

The Company paid postretirement plan benefits totaling $275,000, $289,000 and $288,000 during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Information about the expected benefit payments for the Company’s postretirement benefit plan is as follows:

(13) Regulatory Matters

The Company and the Bank are subject to 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 Bank 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 and the Bank to maintain minimum capital ratios 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 credit losses, up to 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and other adjustments. Management believes, as of December 31, 2023, that the Company and the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

As of December 31, 2023, 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 below. There have been no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category.

In 2013, the Federal Reserve approved its final rule on the Basel III capital standards, which implement changes to the regulatory capital framework for banking organizations. The Basel III capital standards, which became effective January 1, 2015, include new risk-based capital and leverage ratios, which were phased in from 2015 to 2019. The new minimum capital level requirements applicable to the Company and the Bank under the final rules are as follows: (i) a new common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6% (increased from 4%); (iii) a total risk based capital ratio of 8% (unchanged from previous rules); and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4% (unchanged from previous rules). An additional capital conservation buffer was added to the minimum requirements for capital adequacy purposes beginning on January 1, 2016 and was phased in through 2019. This resulted in the following minimum ratios beginning in 2019: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%, (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5%, and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. Under the final rules, institutions would be subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. These limitations establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained earnings that could be utilized for such actions.

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The Company’s and the Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios are presented below:

(14) Other Operating Income and Expense

Miscellaneous non-interest income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 included the following items:

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Other non-interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 included the following items:

(15) 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 the value of financial instruments held by the Company since purchase, origination, or issuance.

The Company groups assets and liabilities at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For cash, due from banks and interest-bearing deposits, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Cash and cash equivalents are reported in the Level 1 fair value category.

Investment Securities Available for Sale

Fair values of investment securities available for sale are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges when available. If quoted prices are not available, fair value is determined using matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities. Fair values for investment securities with quoted market prices are reported in the Level 1 fair value category. Fair value measurements obtained from independent pricing services are reported in the Level 2 fair value category. All other fair value measurements are reported in the Level 3 fair value category.

Other Investments

For other investments, the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Other investments are reported in the Level 3 fair value category.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at lower of aggregate cost or market value. The cost of mortgage loans held for sale approximates the market value. Mortgage loans held for sale are reported in the Level 3 fair value category.

Loans

The fair value of loans, excluding previously presented impaired loans measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses. The discount rates used to determine fair value use interest rate spreads that reflect factors such as liquidity, credit, and nonperformance risk of the loans. Loans are reported in the Level 3 fair value category, as the pricing of loans is more subjective than the pricing of other financial instruments.

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Mutual Funds

For mutual funds held in the deferred compensation trust, the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Mutual funds held in the deferred compensation trust are included in other assets on the balance sheet and reported in the Level 1 fair value category.

Deposits

The fair value of demand deposits, interest-bearing demand deposits and savings 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. Deposits are reported in the Level 3 fair value category.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

For securities sold under agreements to repurchase, the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are reported in the Level 2 fair value category.

FHLB Borrowings

The fair value of FHLB borrowings is estimated based upon discounted future cash flows using a discount rate comparable to the current market rate for such borrowings. FHLB borrowings are reported in the Level 3 fair value category.

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. Junior subordinated debentures are reported in the Level 2 fair value category.

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 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 deferred income taxes and premises and equipment. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.

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The fair value presentation for recurring assets is presented in Note 2. There were no recurring liabilities at December 31, 2023 and 2022. The fair value presentation for non-recurring assets is presented in Note 3. There were no non-recurring liabilities at December 31, 2023 and 2022. The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

The tables below present the balance of mutual funds held in the deferred compensation trust, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

(16) Reportable Segments

The Company has two reportable segments as described below.

Banking Operations – This segment reflects the consolidated Bank, excluding CBRES. The primary source of revenue for this segment is net interest income.

CBRES – A Bank subsidiary that provides appraisal management services to community banks. The primary source of revenue for this segment is appraisal management fee income.

The following table presents financial information for the reportable segments. The information provided under the caption “Other” represents the parent company, which is not considered to be a reportable segment, is included to reconcile the results of the operating segments to the consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP.

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(17) Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (Parent Company Only) Condensed Financial Statements

Balance Sheets

December 31, 2023 and 2022

Statements of Earnings

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Statements of Cash Flows

(18) Quarterly Data

(19) Subsequent Events

The Company has reviewed and evaluated subsequent events and transactions for material subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has concluded that there were no material subsequent events.

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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)

Secretary and Assistant Treasurer, Midstate Contractors, Inc. (paving company)

James S. Abernethy

Vice President, Carolina Glove Company, Inc. (glove manufacturer)

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

Vice President, Secretary and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alexander Railroad Company

Kimberly Boyd-Leaks

Executive Vice President – Chief Retail Banking Support Officer, Peoples Bank

Douglas S. Howard

Vice President and Treasurer, Denver Equipment Company of Charlotte, Inc.

John W. Lineberger, Jr.

Vice President, Lineberger Brothers, Inc. (real estate development)

Gary E. Matthews

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

Director, Conover Metal Products

Billy L. Price, Jr. MD

Practitioner of Internal Medicine, BL Price Jr. Medical Consultants, PLLC

Larry E. Robinson

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, The Blue Ridge Distributing Co., Inc. (beer and wine distributor)

Director, United Beverages of North Carolina, LLC (beer distributor)

William Gregory (Greg) Terry

President, Clemson Legacy Designs

President, Collegiate Legacy Designs

Director/Consultant, Drum & Willis-Reynolds Funeral Homes & Crematory

Dan Ray Timmerman, Sr.

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Timmerman Manufacturing, Inc. (wrought iron furniture, railings and gates manufacturer)

Benjamin I. Zachary

President, Treasurer, General Manager and Director, Alexander Railroad Company

OFFICERS

Lance A. Sellers

President and Chief Executive Officer

Jeffrey N. Hooper

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Treasurer and Assistant Corporate Secretary

William D. Cable, Sr.

Executive Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Assistant Corporate Treasurer

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