Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina Inc., the parent company of Peoples Bank, reported its second quarter 2025 financial results, revealing a net income of $5.2 million, or $0.97 per share, and $0.95 per diluted share. This marks an increase from the same period in 2024, when net earnings were $4.9 million, or $0.93 per share, and $0.89 per diluted share. The company's net interest margin improved to 3.57% for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 3.35% for the same period in 2024. Non-interest expense rose to $15.8 million from $15.1 million a year earlier, driven by a $633,000 increase in appraisal management fee expense and a $341,000 rise in salaries and employee benefits expense. These were partially offset by decreases in other non-interest expenses, including a $218,000 drop in debit card expense and a $47,000 decrease in occupancy expense. Peoples Bancorp operates 16 banking offices in North Carolina and maintains loan production offices in several counties. Its common stock is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "PEBK."