SCHEDULE: BlackRock Discloses 5% Stake in Peoples Bancorp

BlackRock, Inc. has reported a 5.00% beneficial ownership stake in Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina Inc., holding 273,510 common shares as of December 31, 2025.

Summary

• BlackRock, Inc. has filed a Schedule 13G, disclosing its beneficial ownership in Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina Inc.
• As of December 31, 2025, BlackRock beneficially owns 273,510 shares of Peoples Bancorp's Common Stock.
• This ownership represents 5.00% of the total outstanding shares of the class.
• BlackRock holds sole voting power over 270,105 shares and sole dispositive power over 273,510 shares.
• The filing indicates that the securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business, not for the purpose of changing or influencing control of the issuer.
• Several BlackRock subsidiaries, including BlackRock Advisors, LLC, BlackRock Fund Advisors, BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, National Association, BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., and BlackRock Investment Management, LLC, are identified as entities through which the ownership is held, with some potentially owning 5% or greater individually.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The filing is a neutral, factual disclosure of an institutional ownership stake. It does not contain inherently positive or negative operational or financial news for the issuer, but the presence of a major institutional investor can be viewed as a positive signal.

Positives

• The disclosure of a 5% stake by a major institutional investor like BlackRock can be seen as a vote of confidence in Peoples Bancorp.
• BlackRock's stated intent to hold shares in the ordinary course of business suggests a passive investment, reducing concerns about potential activist interventions.

Negatives

• No specific negative information is contained within this routine ownership disclosure.

Risks

• The filing itself does not detail specific risks related to Peoples Bancorp's operations or financial health; it is a disclosure of ownership.

Future Outlook

The filing is a disclosure of current ownership and does not provide any forward-looking statements or guidance regarding Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina Inc.'s future performance or BlackRock's future investment intentions beyond the ordinary course of business.

Management Comments

• The filing includes a certification from BlackRock, Inc. stating that the securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and not for the purpose of changing or influencing the control of the issuer.

Industry Context

This Schedule 13G filing is a routine disclosure by a large institutional investor, BlackRock, Inc., indicating a passive ownership stake in Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina Inc. Such filings are common for investment managers who cross the 5% ownership threshold in publicly traded companies, reflecting their portfolio management activities rather than a strategic move to influence the company's operations or control.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• This filing is a standard disclosure for institutional investors like BlackRock when their beneficial ownership in a public company reaches 5%. It aligns with regulatory requirements for transparency in the financial industry.
• There are no specific comparable companies or projects mentioned in the filing itself to assess the results against global benchmarks, as it pertains to an ownership stake rather than operational performance.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Existing shareholders may view BlackRock's 5% stake as a positive signal of institutional confidence, potentially contributing to stability or positive sentiment.
• Management: Management of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina Inc. will be aware of a significant institutional holder, though BlackRock's stated passive intent suggests no immediate pressure for operational changes.
• Regulators: The filing ensures transparency regarding significant ownership stakes, fulfilling regulatory requirements.

Next Steps

• The filing does not outline any specific future actions or milestones for Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina Inc. or BlackRock, Inc. beyond the ongoing management of the investment in the ordinary course of business.

Key Dates

Keywords

BlackRock, Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, PBNI, Schedule 13G, Institutional Ownership, Common Stock, Investment, Financial Services, Banking