Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEBK) Short Interest Update

Key Points

• Short Interest Growth: Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina saw a significant increase in short interest, with a total of 37,300 shares reported as of August 15th, reflecting a growth of 28.6% from the previous month.
• Institutional Investment Activity: Several institutional investors increased their stakes in the company during the 4th quarter, with notable increases from BNP Paribas Financial Markets and Wells Fargo, indicating growing confidence in the bank's performance.
• Upcoming Dividend Payment: The company announced a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share, which will be paid on September 15th, providing a yield of 2.5% and reflecting a payout ratio of 25.72%.

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEBK - Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in the month of August. As of August 15th, there was short interest totaling 37,300 shares, an increase of 28.6% from the July 31st total of 29,000 shares. Approximately 0.8% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 9,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 4.1 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 9,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 4.1 days. Approximately 0.8% of the shares of the company are short sold.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey acquired a new position in Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina during the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. State of Wyoming lifted its holdings in shares of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina by 34.1% during the 1st quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 1,435 shares of the bank's stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 365 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. bought a new position in shares of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina during the 2nd quarter worth about $63,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina during the 2nd quarter worth about $70,000. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company MN lifted its holdings in shares of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina by 27.8% during the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 2,590 shares of the bank's stock worth $81,000 after acquiring an additional 564 shares during the period. 43.83% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina Stock Performance

Shares of NASDAQ PEBK traded down $0.26 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $31.55. 2,570 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,583. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.84. The company's 50 day moving average is $29.93 and its 200 day moving average is $28.46. The firm has a market capitalization of $172.26 million, a P/E ratio of 10.14 and a beta of 0.67. Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina has a one year low of $23.74 and a one year high of $33.31.

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina (NASDAQ:PEBK - Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, July 21st. The bank reported $0.95 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $22.29 million during the quarter. Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina had a net margin of 15.49% and a return on equity of 12.39%.

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, September 3rd will be paid a dividend of $0.20 per share. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.5%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, September 3rd. Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina's dividend payout ratio is presently 25.72%.

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina Company Profile

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Peoples Bank that provides various banking products and services for individuals and small-to medium-sized businesses. It offers checking, savings, money market, and retirement accounts; certificates of deposits; and credit and debit cards.