Peoples Bancorp Announces Authorization of Stock Repurchase Plan

Rhea-AI Summary

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina (NASDAQ:PEBK) announced the authorization of a stock repurchase program valued at up to $2 million. The company's Board of Directors approved the plan, set to enhance shareholder value by utilizing the company's strong balance sheet and capital position. As of March 31, 2024, the company reported assets of $1.7 billion and stockholder's equity of $121.1 million. Purchase decisions under this program will be driven by market conditions and other factors, with flexibility to suspend the program if necessary. Peoples Bank operates 16 banking offices across various counties in North Carolina and has loan production offices in additional counties.

Positive

• Authorization of a $2 million stock repurchase program.
• Strong balance sheet with $1.7 billion in assets.
• Stockholder's equity reported at $121.1 million.
• Board's confidence in capital position to enhance shareholder value.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Stock repurchase programs are often seen as a positive move by companies, particularly when they are in a healthy financial position. In this case, Peoples Bancorp is dedicating $2 million to buy back its own shares. This action can have several implications for investors. Firstly, it often signals that management believes the stock is undervalued and buying back shares can help increase the earnings per share (EPS) as the total number of outstanding shares decreases.

Moreover, with the company's assets standing at $1.7 billion and a stockholder's equity of $121.1 million as of March 31, 2024, the firm appears to be in a solid position to undertake this initiative without negatively impacting its financial stability. However, it's important for investors to monitor the broader market conditions as these will influence the timing and volume of repurchases.

In the short term, this move might generate positive sentiment and support the stock price. In the long term, the impact depends on how well the company utilizes its remaining capital to drive growth and profitability. Investors should also consider that repurchase programs can be halted at any time, so the full impact on shareholder value depends on how consistently and aggressively the company executes this plan.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, stock buybacks can increase demand for shares, which might support or boost the stock price. This could make Peoples Bancorp's stock more attractive to both current and potential investors. It’s also worth noting that the company's ability to repurchase shares might be influenced by various market conditions and legal requirements, which means that the actual execution of the buyback can be variable.

Peoples Bancorp has a modestly-sized market presence with 16 banking offices in North Carolina. This localized footprint means that the overall market impact might not be as pronounced as larger, more diversified banks. However, for shareholders and investors focused on this region, the repurchase program could be seen as a strategic move to enhance shareholder returns, especially if there's limited growth potential in its operational regions.

Investors should keep an eye on regional economic conditions and the performance of the banking sector in North Carolina, as these factors will influence the overall effectiveness and benefit of the repurchase plan.

NEWTON, NC / ACCESSWIRE / June 25, 2024 / Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEBK), the parent company of Peoples Bank, Newton, NC announced today that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase program, whereby up to $2 million will be allocated to repurchase the Company's common stock. At March 31, 2024, the Company had assets of $1.7 billion and stockholder's equity of $121.1 million.

Any purchases under the Company's repurchase program may be made periodically as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements in the open market or in privately-negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of any repurchase of shares will be determined by the Company's management, based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The repurchase program may be suspended at any time or from time-to-time without prior notice.

"The Board's decision to repurchase stock was based on the strength of the Company's balance sheet and capital position. We believe this is an appropriate way to utilize capital and enhance shareholder value," said Lance Sellers, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Peoples Bank currently operates 16 banking offices entirely in North Carolina, with offices in Catawba, Alexander, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Iredell and Wake Counties. The Bank also operates loan production offices in Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan and Forsyth Counties. The Company's common stock is publicly traded and is quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "PEBK."

Statements made in this press release, other than those concerning historical information, should be considered forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management and on the information available to management at the time that this release was prepared. These statements can be identified by the use of words like "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," and "believe," variations of these words and other similar expressions. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, (1) competition in the markets served by the Bank, (2) changes in the interest rate environment, (3) general national, regional or local economic conditions may be less favorable than expected, resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality and the possible impairment of collectibility of loans, (4) legislative or regulatory changes, including changes in accounting standards, (5) significant changes in the federal and state legal and regulatory environment and tax laws, (6) the impact of changes in monetary and fiscal policies, laws, rules and regulations and (7) other risks and factors identified in the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to those described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Contact:
Lance A. Sellers
President and Chief Executive Officer

Jeffrey N. Hooper
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

828-464-5620

SOURCE: Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What is the value of the stock repurchase program authorized by Peoples Bancorp (PEBK)?

The stock repurchase program authorized by Peoples Bancorp is valued at up to $2 million.

When did Peoples Bancorp (PEBK) announce their stock repurchase program?

Peoples Bancorp announced their stock repurchase program on June 25, 2024.

What are the assets and stockholder's equity of Peoples Bancorp (PEBK) as of March 31, 2024?

As of March 31, 2024, Peoples Bancorp reported assets of $1.7 billion and stockholder's equity of $121.1 million.

How many banking offices does Peoples Bank operate in North Carolina?

Peoples Bank operates 16 banking offices in various counties in North Carolina.

Under what conditions can Peoples Bancorp (PEBK) repurchase shares?

Peoples Bancorp can repurchase shares periodically as permitted by securities laws, in the open market, or in privately-negotiated transactions.