Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina Inc. (NASDAQ:PEBK) reported an insider sale on February 27, 2026, when director Abernethy James S. disposed of two blocks of common stock. One of those transactions involved 523 shares sold at $38.91 apiece, producing proceeds of $20,349. The companys share price at the time of reporting stood at $38.21, which is close to the stocks 52-week high of $40.74.
On the same trading day, Abernethy also sold an additional 500 shares of common stock. Combined, the two sales amount to 1,023 shares traded by the director on February 27, 2026.
After completing these transactions, Abernethy retains direct ownership of 71,403 shares of Peoples Bancorp. His broader holdings also include 37,000 shares held indirectly through his son and 70,441 shares associated with his roles as Vice President, Secretary and Chairman of Alexander Railroad Co.
Dividend announcement
In a separate announcement, Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina declared a special cash dividend of $0.17 per share. The dividend will be paid to shareholders of record on February 4, 2026, with the payment scheduled for February 13, 2026. The company said the dividend is part of its efforts to deliver value to shareholders.
Peoples Bancorp operates multiple banking offices across several counties in North Carolina. The special dividend and the insider transactions are part of the companys recent financial activity and strategic actions related to shareholder returns.
Context and observed facts
- The director completed two sales on February 27, 2026: 523 shares at $38.91 (total $20,349) and a separate sale of 500 shares.
- Following those sales, Abernethy directly owns 71,403 shares; he also has indirect ownership of 37,000 shares via his son and 70,441 shares tied to his role at Alexander Railroad Co.
- Peoples Bancorp announced a $0.17 per share special cash dividend for shareholders of record on February 4, 2026, payable February 13, 2026.
What is and is not addressed here
The report presents the transactions, ownership holdings and dividend terms as recorded. It does not provide additional details on the reasons behind the directors sales or on broader corporate strategy beyond the dividend declaration. Investors and observers should note the limits of the disclosed information when assessing implications for shareholder value or future stock performance.