BlackRock, Inc. Reduces Stake in Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina Inc to 4.8%

BlackRock, Inc. filed a Schedule 13G/A on April 27, 2026, reporting a 4.8% ownership stake in Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina Inc (PEBK). As of the event date on March 31, 2026, BlackRock beneficially owned 259,426 shares of common stock. This filing represents an amendment to a previous position, indicating that BlackRock's ownership has fallen below the 5% threshold, as noted by the 'Item 5' declaration that the reporting person has ceased to be the beneficial owner of more than 5 percent of the class of securities. The filing specifies that BlackRock holds sole voting power over 256,021 shares and sole dispositive power over the full 259,426 shares. The securities were acquired in the ordinary course of business and are not held for the purpose of influencing or changing the control of the issuer. Various subsidiaries under the BlackRock umbrella are identified as having the right to receive dividends or proceeds from the sale of these shares, though no single person's interest exceeds 5% of the total outstanding common shares.