PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA INC
DEF 14A, 2000-04-13
STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE>

                                UNITED STATES
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                           SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

          Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
                    Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.  )

Filed by the Registrant [X]

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [_]

Check the appropriate box:

[_]  Preliminary Proxy Statement         [_]  CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE
                                              COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY
                                              RULE 14A-6(E)(2))

[X]  Definitive Proxy Statement

[X]  Definitive Additional Materials

[_]  Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12

                    Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)


Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

[X]  No fee required

[_]  Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.


     (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------


     (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------


     (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
         pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which
         the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------


     (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------


     (5) Total fee paid:

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------

[_]  Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

[_]  Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
     Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
     was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
     number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

     (1) Amount Previously Paid:

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------


     (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------


     (3) Filing Party:

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------


     (4) Date Filed:

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes:

<PAGE>

                             -----------------------
                                 PEOPLES BANCORP
                             OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
                             -----------------------




                         Notice of 2000 Annual Meeting,
                               Proxy Statement and
                                  Annual Report
<PAGE>

                     PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

                                 PROXY STATEMENT

                                Table of Contents

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----
Notice of 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders ................................ii

Proxy Statement
     Solicitation, Voting and Revocability of Proxies ........................ 1
     Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners ......................... 2
     Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance ................. 4
     Proposal 1 - Election of Directors ...................................... 5
     Report of Compensation Committee ........................................16
     Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation .............16
     Performance Graph 17.....................................................17
     Proposal 2 - Ratification of Selection of Independent Auditor ...........18
     Date for Receipt of Shareholder Proposals ...............................18
     Other Matters ...........................................................18
     Miscellaneous ...........................................................19

Appendix: Annual Report
     General Description of the Business .................................. A-1
     Selected Financial Data .............................................. A-3
     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
     Condition and Results of Operations .................................. A-4
     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ........... A-16
     Market For the Company's Common Equity and Related
     Shareholder Matters .................................................. A-17
     Directors and Officers of the Company ................................ A-18
     Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants ................... A-19
     Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 1999 and 1998 ............. A-20
     Consolidated Statements of Earnings - For the Years
        Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 ............................ A-21
     Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders'
     Equity - For the Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 ........ A-22
     Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income -
        For the Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 .............. A-23
     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - For the Years
        Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 ............................ A-24
     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ........................... A-26

                                       i
<PAGE>

                     PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
                               Post Office Box 467
                              218 South Main Avenue
                        Newton, North Carolina 28658-0467
                                 (828) 464-5620

                NOTICE OF 2000 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                           To Be Held on May 4, 2000

     NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the
"Meeting") of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (the "Company") will be
held on Thursday, May 4, 2000, at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time, at the
Newton-Conover Civic and Performance Place, 60 West 6th Street, Newton, North
Carolina.

     The Meeting is for the purpose of considering and voting upon the following
matters:

     1.   To elect three persons who will serve as directors of the Company for
          a three-year term expiring in 2003, or until their successors are duly
          elected and qualified;

     2.   To ratify the selection of Porter Keadle Moore, LLP ("PKM") as the
          independent auditor for the Company for the fiscal year ending
          December 31, 2000; and

     3.   To transact such other business as may properly come before the
          Meeting or any adjournments thereof. The board of directors of the
          Company (the "Board of Directors") is not aware of any other business
          to be considered at the Meeting.

     The Board of Directors has established April 3, 2000 as the record date for
the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Meeting and at any adjournments thereof. In the event there are not sufficient
shares present in person or by proxy to constitute a quorum at the time of the
Meeting, the Meeting may be adjourned in order to permit further solicitation of
proxies by the Company.

                                           By Order of the Board of Directors,


                                            /s/ Tony W. Wolfe

                                           Tony W. Wolfe
                                           President and Chief Executive Officer

Newton, North Carolina
April 13, 2000




A form of proxy is enclosed to enable you to vote your shares at the Meeting.
You are urged, regardless of the number of shares you hold, to complete, sign,
date and return the proxy promptly. A return envelope, which requires no postage
if mailed in the United States, is enclosed for your convenience.

                                      ii
<PAGE>

                     PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

                                 PROXY STATEMENT
                       2000 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                                   May 4, 2000


                SOLICITATION, VOTING AND REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES

General

     This Proxy Statement is being furnished to shareholders of the Company in
connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of the Company of
proxies to be used at the Meeting to be held on Thursday, May 4, 2000, at 11:00
a.m., Eastern Time, at the Newton-Conover Civic and Performance Place, 60 West
6th Street, Newton, North Carolina, and at any adjournments thereof. This Proxy
Statement and the accompanying form of proxy were first mailed to shareholders
on April 13, 2000.

     The Company's principal executive offices are located at 218 South Main
Avenue, Newton, North Carolina 28658, and its telephone number is (828)
464-5620.

     Other than the matters listed on the attached Notice of 2000 Annual Meeting
of Shareholders, the Board of Directors knows of no matters that will be
presented for consideration at the Meeting. Execution of a proxy, however,
confers on the designated proxyholders discretionary authority to vote the
shares represented thereby in accordance with their best judgment on such other
business, if any, that may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournments
thereof.

Revocability of Proxy

     A proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise by the filing of a
written notice of revocation with the Secretary of the Company, by delivering to
the Company a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or by attending the
Meeting and voting in person. However, if you are a shareholder whose shares are
not registered in your own name, you will need appropriate documentation from
your recordholder to vote personally at the Meeting.

Solicitation

     The cost of solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors
will be borne by the Company. Proxies may be solicited personally or by
telephone by directors, officers and regular employees of the Company, without
additional compensation therefor. The Company will also request persons, firms
and corporations holding shares in their names, or in the name of their
nominees, which are beneficially owned by others to send proxy material to, and
obtain proxies from, such beneficial owners and will reimburse such holders,
upon request, for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in doing so.

Voting Securities and Vote Required for Approval

     Regardless of the number of shares of the Company's common stock (the
"Common Stock") owned, it is important that shareholders be represented by proxy
or be present in person at the Meeting. Shareholders are requested to vote by
completing the enclosed form of proxy and returning it signed and dated in the
enclosed postage-paid envelope. Any shareholder may vote for, against, or
withhold authority to vote on any matter to come before the Meeting. If the
enclosed proxy is properly completed, signed, dated and returned, and not
revoked, it will be voted in accordance with the instructions therein. If no
instructions are given, the proxy will be voted "FOR" the nominees for election
to the Board of Directors named in this Proxy Statement and "FOR" the
ratification of PKM as the Company's independent auditor for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 2000. If instructions are given with respect to one but not
<PAGE>

both proposals, (i) such instructions as are given will be followed, and (ii)
with respect to the election of directors and the ratification of the selection
of the independent auditor, the proxy will be voted "FOR" the proposal on which
no instructions are given.

     The securities which may be voted at the Meeting consist of shares of
Common Stock. The close of business on April 3, 2000 has been fixed by the Board
of Directors as the record date (the "Record Date") for the determination of
shareholders of record entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting and any
adjournments thereof. The total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on
the Record Date was 2,926,318.

     The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of at least a majority
of the total number of shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at the Meeting is
necessary to constitute a quorum at the Meeting. Since many of our shareholders
cannot attend the Meeting, it is necessary that a large number be represented by
proxy. Accordingly, the Board of Directors has designated proxies to represent
those shareholders who cannot be present in person and who desire to be so
represented. In the event there are not sufficient votes for a quorum or to
approve or ratify any proposal at the time of the Meeting, the Meeting may be
adjourned in order to permit the further solicitation of proxies.

     In the election of directors, persons must be nominated and elected for a
term to expire at the 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. A nominee need only
receive a plurality of the votes cast in the election of directors in order to
be elected. As a result, those persons nominated who receive the largest number
of votes will be elected as directors. No shareholder has the right to
cumulatively vote his or her shares in the election of directors.

     As to the ratification of the independent auditor, each share of Common
Stock shall entitle its owner to one vote and the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present at the Meeting, in
person or by proxy and entitled to vote, is required to constitute shareholder
approval of the proposal.

     Abstentions will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is
present at the Meeting. Abstentions will not be counted in tabulating the votes
cast on any proposal submitted to the shareholders. Broker non-votes will not be
counted either for determining the existence of a quorum or for tabulating votes
cast on any proposal.

     Proxies solicited hereby will be returned to the Board of Directors, and
will be tabulated by one or more inspectors of election designated by the Board
of Directors.

                 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

     The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"),
requires that any person who acquires the beneficial ownership of more than five
percent of the Common Stock notify the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC") and the Company. Following is certain information, as of the Record Date,
regarding those persons or groups who held of record or who are known to the
Company to own beneficially, more than five per cent of the outstanding Common
Stock:

     Name and Address of         Amount and Nature of         Percent
     Beneficial Owner            Beneficial Ownership1        of Class2
     ----------------            ---------------------        ---------
     Christine S. Abernethy           299,8883, 4              10.25%
     P.O. Box 820
     Newton, NC  28658

- --------------------------
1    Unless otherwise noted, all shares are owned directly of record by the
     named individuals, by their spouses and minor children, or by other
     entities controlled by the named individuals. Voting and investment power
     is not shared unless otherwise indicated.

2    Based upon a total of 2,926,318 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of
     the Record Date.

3    Carolina Glove Company, Inc. has acquired 51,253 shares of Common Stock.
     Ms. Abernethy owns approximately 50% of the stock of Carolina Glove
     Company, Inc. The business is operated by a family committee. Ms. Abernethy
     has no active day-to-day participation in the business affairs of Carolina
     Glove Company, Inc.

4    Based upon the Schedule 13D filed by Ms. Abernethy on September 22, 1999.

                                       2
<PAGE>

     Set forth below is certain information, as of the Record Date, regarding
those shares of Common Stock owned beneficially by each of the members of the
Board of Directors and the named executive officers of the Company (including
nominees for election at the Meeting), and the directors and executive officers
of the Company as a group.
                                                 Amount and
                                                 Nature of      Percentage
                                                 Beneficial         of
Name and Address                                 Ownership1       Class2
- ----------------                                 ----------     ----------

James S. Abernethy                               58,450           2.00%
Post Office Box 327
Newton, NC 28658

Robert C. Abernethy                              98,4193          3.36%
Post Office Box 366
Newton, NC 28658

Joseph F. Beaman, Jr                              1,437              *
Post Office Box 467
Newton, NC 28658

Bruce R. Eckard                                  17,466              *
Post Office Box 563
Conover, NC 28613

John H. Elmore, Jr                               26,321              *
Post Office Box 445
Catawba, NC 28609

B. E. Matthews                                   11,935              *
210 First Avenue South
Conover, NC 28613

Charles F. Murray                               51,6134            1.76%
Post Office Box 1118
Claremont, NC 28610

Larry E. Robinson                               18,1575              *
Post Office Box 723
Newton, NC 28658

Lance A. Sellers                                      0              *
Post Office Box 467
Newton, NC 28658

Fred L. Sherrill, Jr                            12,5856              *
Post Office Box 816
Conover, NC 28613

Dan Ray Timmerman, Sr                            20,322              *
Post Office Box 1148
Conover, NC 28613

Tony W. Wolfe                                     1,549              *
Post Office Box 467
Newton, NC 28658

                                       3
<PAGE>

                                                 Amount and
                                                 Nature of      Percentage
                                                 Beneficial         of
Name and Address                                 Ownership1       Class2
- ----------------                                 ----------     ----------

Benjamin I. Zachary                                  3,948          *
Post Office Box 277
Taylorsville, NC 28681
                                                   324,536        11.09%
All current directors and executive
officers as a group (15 people)



*Does not exceed one percent of the Common Stock outstanding.

- ----------------------------------------------

1    Unless otherwise noted, all shares are owned directly of record by the
     named individuals, by their spouses and minor children, or by other
     entities controlled by the named individuals. Voting and investment power
     is not shared unless otherwise indicated.

2    Based upon a total of 2,926,318 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of
     the Record Date.

3    Includes 1,692 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Abernethy's spouse, for
     which Mr. Abernethy disclaims beneficial ownership.

4    Includes 802 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Murray's spouse, for which
     Mr. Murray disclaims beneficial ownership..

5    Includes 1,064 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Robinson's spouse, for
     which Mr. Robinson disclaims beneficial ownership.

6    Includes 5,094 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Sherrill's spouse, for
     which Mr. Sherrill disclaims beneficial ownership.


Directors James S. Abernethy and Robert C. Abernethy are brothers and sons of
Christine S. Abernethy, who owns in excess of 10% of the Common Stock. Directors
Bruce R. Eckard and Fred L. Sherrill, Jr. are first cousins by marriage.


             SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

     Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company's executive officers
and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of the Common Stock, to
file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Executive
officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners are required
by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms
they file.

     Based solely on a review of the copies of such forms furnished to the
Company and written representations from the Company's executive officers and
directors, the Company believes that during the fiscal year ended December 31,
1999, its executive officers and directors and greater than ten percent
beneficial owners complied with all applicable Section 16(a) filing
requirements.

                                       4
<PAGE>

                                   PROPOSAL 1

                              ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Nominees

     The Bylaws of the Company provide that the number of directors of the
Company shall not be less than five nor more than ten. The exact number of
directors is fixed by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has
currently fixed the size of the Board at ten members.

     The Board of Directors has nominated the three persons named below for
election as directors to serve for a three-year term or until their earlier
death, resignation, retirement, removal or disqualification or until their
successors shall be elected and shall qualify.

     The persons named in the accompanying form of proxy intend to vote any
shares of Common Stock represented by valid proxies received by them to elect
the three nominees listed below as directors for the terms specified, unless
authority to vote is withheld or such proxies are duly revoked. Each of the
nominees for election is currently a member of the Board of Directors whose term
expires in 2000. In the event that any of the nominees should become unavailable
to accept nomination or election, it is intended that the proxyholders will vote
to elect in his stead such other person as the present Board of Directors may
recommend. The present Board of Directors has no reason to believe that any of
the nominees named herein will be unable to serve if elected to office.

     The Company's bylaws provide that, in order to be eligible for
consideration at the annual meeting of shareholders, all nominations of
directors, other than those made by the Board of Directors, must be made in
writing and must be delivered to the Secretary of the Company not less than 30
days nor more than 50 days prior to the meeting at which such nominations will
be made; provided, however, if less than 21 days notice of the meeting is given
to shareholders, such nominations must be delivered to the Secretary of the
Company not later than the close of business on the seventh day following the
day on which the notice of meeting was mailed.

     The following table sets forth as to each nominee, his name, age, principal
occupation during the last five years, and the year he was first elected as a
director.

                          Age on          Principal Occupation          Director
  Name               December 31, 1999    During Last Five Years         Since
  ----               -----------------    ----------------------         -----

Robert C. Abernethy         49          President, Secretary and         1976
                                        Treasurer, Carolina Glove
                                        Company, Inc. (glove
                                        manufacturer); Secretary
                                        and Assistant Treasurer,
                                        Midstate Contractors, Inc.
                                        (paving company)

James S. Abernethy          45          Vice President, Carolina         1992
                                        Glove Company, Inc. (glove
                                        manufacturer); President and
                                        Assistant Secretary, Midstate
                                        Contractors, Inc. (paving
                                        company); Vice President,
                                        Assistant Secretary and
                                        Chairman of the Board of
                                        Directors, Alexander Railroad
                                        Company

Larry E. Robinson           54         President and Chief Executive     1993
                                       Officer, Blue Ridge Distributing
                                       Co., Inc. (beer and wine
                                       distributor); President and
                                       Chief Executive Officer,
                                       Associated Brands, Inc. (beer
                                       and wine distributor)



     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ALL OF THE ABOVE-LISTED
                                              ---
NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS. THE THREE NOMINEES RECEIVING THE HIGHEST
NUMBER OF VOTES SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN ELECTED.

                                       5
<PAGE>

         The following table sets forth as to each continuing director of the
Bank, his name, age, principal occupation during the last five years, the year
he was first elected as a director, and the year his current term expires.


                      Age on         Principal Occupation      Director   Term
  Name           December 31, 1999   During Last Five Years     Since    Expires
  ----           -----------------   ----------------------     -----    -------

Bruce R. Eckard         53           President, Eckard Vending   1994      2001
                                     Company, Inc. (vending
                                     machine servicer)

B. E. Matthews          71           President and Director,     1969      2001
                                     Matthews Construction
                                     Company of Conover, Inc.

Dan Ray Timmerman, Sr.  52           President, Timmerman        1995      2001
                                     Manufacturing, Inc.
                                     (wrought iron furniture
                                     manufacturer)

Benjamin I. Zachary     43           General Manager,            1995      2002
                                     Treasurer, Secretary and
                                     member of the Board
                                     of Directors, Alexander
                                     Railroad Company

John H. Elmore, Jr.     57           Chairman of the Board,      1974      2002
                                     Chief Executive Officer
                                     and Treasurer, Elmore
                                     Construction Company, Inc.

Charles F. Murray       56           President, Murray's         1990      2002
                                     Hatchery, Inc.

Fred L. Sherrill, Jr.   65           President and Chief         1989      2002
                                     Executive Officer, Conover
                                     Chair Co., Inc.

Board of Directors of the Bank

     Peoples Bank (the "Bank") currently has a ten-member board of directors
comprised of all of the same persons who are currently directors of the Company.

Meetings of the Board and Committees of the Board

     The Bank's board of directors is scheduled to meet every other month or as
needed. The Board of Directors and the Bank's board of directors met a total of
15 times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999. During the year ended
December 31, 1999, all members of the Board of Directors attended at least 75%
of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board of Directors, the Bank's board
of directors and committees of both boards on which they served.

     The Board of Directors has one standing committee - the Auditing and
Examining Committee. The Auditing and Examining Committee has five members,
Directors R. Abernethy, Robinson, Sherrill, Timmerman and Zachary, all of whom
are outside directors. The Committee's duties include reviewing the Internal
Auditor's reports as well as reports of the independent auditors. The Committee
also recommends to the Bank's board of directors the independent auditors for
the Bank. The Committee met seven times during the fiscal year ended December
31, 1999.

     The Bank's board of directors has several standing committees, including
Compensation Committee, Executive and Loan Committee and Strategic Planning
Committee.

     The Compensation Committee has seven members, Directors R. Abernethy,
Eckard, Elmore, Matthews, Sherrill, Timmerman and Zachary. The Committee reviews
and approves the recommendation of the President and Chief Executive Officer for
the compensation of the executive officers and makes recommendations to the
Board of Directors for the compensation of the President and Chief Executive
Officer. The Committee also makes recommendations to the Board of Directors
regarding the adoption of and amendments to employee benefit plans and
amendments to the salary administration plan. The Committee met six times during
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.

                                       6
<PAGE>

     The Executive and Loan Committee has seven members, Directors J. Abernethy,
R. Abernethy, Eckard, Elmore, Murray, Robinson and Sherrill. The Committee
conducts loan reviews and approves loans, monitors the overall operations of the
Bank, and has the power to act on behalf of the full Board of Directors in the
absence of a meeting of the entire Board of Directors. The Committee met eleven
times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.

     The Strategic Planning Committee has six members, Directors J. Abernethy,
R. Abernethy, Eckard, Murray, Robinson and Timmerman. The Committee's duties
include the investigation of and recommendations for future branching sites,
discussion of matters of general, strategic corporate direction, discussion of
capital expenses associated with technology, and recommending director
nominations to the full Board of Directors. The Committee met five times during
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.

Director Compensation

     Directors' Fees. Members of the Board of Directors receive no fees or
compensation for their service. However, all members of the Board of Directors
are also directors of the Bank and are compensated for that service. During the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, directors received a fee of $400 for each
Bank board of directors meeting attended. An additional fee of $150 was paid to
committee members for each committee meeting attended, with the exception of the
Executive and Loan Committee for which a fee of $250 was paid to committee
members for each meeting attended. In addition to these meeting fees, each
director also received an annual retainer of $7,200.

     The Bank's Service Recognition Plan for directors, officers and employees
was enhanced in 1999 to include a cash payment to compensate the recipient of an
award for income taxes associated with the award. Service awards were made under
the enhanced plan to four members of the Board of Directors in 1999. Mr. Eckard
received Common Stock having a value of $250 and $75 in cash for five years of
service, Mr. Sherrill received Common Stock having a value of $500 and $150 in
cash for ten years of service, Mr. Elmore received Common Stock having a value
of $3,000 and $750 in cash for 25 years of service, and Mr. Matthews received
Common Stock having a value of $4,000 and $1,000 in cash for more than 30 years
of service.

     Members of the Board of Directors are eligible to participate in the
Company's Omnibus Stock Ownership and Long Term Incentive Plan (the "Stock
Benefits Plan"). See "-- Executive Compensation - Stock Benefits Plan" for a
brief description of the plan and information about awards made to directors
under the plan during 1999.

                                       7
<PAGE>

Executive Officers

         The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
persons who are executive officers of either the Company or the Bank, or both.

                      Age on                                   Employed By the
                    December 31,   Positions and Occupations    Company or the
Name                   1999          During Last Five Years       Bank Since
- ----                -----------    -------------------------   ---------------

Tony W. Wolfe           53       President and Chief Executive       1990
                                 Officer of the Company and the
                                 Bank

Joseph F. Beaman, Jr.   50       Executive Vice President,           1977
                                 Chief Financial Officer, and
                                 Corporate Secretary of the
                                 Company and the Bank

Clifton A. Wike         50       Bank Senior Vice President -        1972
                                 Lending

William D. Cable        31       Bank Senior Vice President -        1995
                                 Information Systems; Vice
                                 President - Internal Auditor
                                 of the Bank from October
                                 1995 to April 1998; Financial
                                 Institutions Examiner, FDIC,
                                 prior to October 1995

Lance A. Sellers        37       Bank Executive Vice President -     1998
                                 Credit Administration, Mortgage
                                 Lending and Commercial Banking;
                                 prior to 1999 Bank Senior Vice
                                 President - Credit Administration;
                                 prior to August 1998 Senior Credit
                                 Officer at a large North Carolina
                                 bank

Management Compensation

     The executive officers of the Company are not paid any cash compensation by
the Company. However, the executive officers of the Company also are executive
officers of the Bank and receive compensation from the Bank.

     The following table shows, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997, the cash compensation received by, as well as certain other
compensation paid or accrued for those years, the Bank's Chief Executive Officer
and the Bank's executive officers whose total annual salary and bonus exceeded
$100,000.

                                       8
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                     All Other
                                           Annual Compensation             Long Term Compensation Awards         Compensation2,3,4
                                     --------------------------------      -----------------------------        --------------------

         Name and
    Principal Position        Year                                                   Securities Underlying
- ---------------------------   ----                                       Restricted   Options/Stock
                                                         Other Annual       Stock      Appreciation Rights
                                      Salary    Bonus   Compensation1      Awards     ("SARS") (in shares)
                                     --------  -------- ---------------   --------    --------------------
<S>                           <C>    <C>        <C>          <C>            <C>              <C>                    <C>
Tony W. Wolfe, President      1999   $162,818   $15,193      $ - -          - -              6,506/0                $9,579
and Chief Executive           1998    146,510    27,168        - -          - -                  - -                 8,802
Officer                       1997    135,243       - -        - -          - -                  - -                 7,895

Joseph F. Beaman, Jr.         1999   $115,647   $20,063      $ - -          - -              3,904/0                $8,088
Executive Vice President,     1998    108,960    16,615        - -          - -                  - -                 7,408
Chief Financial Officer,      1997    105,073       - -        - -          - -                  - -                 5,916
and Corporate Secretary

Lance A. Sellers              1999   $112,068   $16,610      $ - -          - -              2,444/0                $  175
Executive Vice President -    1998     36,827     4,370        - -          - -                  - -                    29
Credit Administration,
Mortgage Lending and
Commercial Banking
</TABLE>


- --------------
1    Perquisites for the fiscal year did not exceed the lesser of $50,000, or
     10% of salary and bonus as reported for the named employee.

2    For Mr. Wolfe, includes for 1999: $8,365 under the 401(k) plan and a $1,214
     premium paid for group term life insurance in excess of $50,000; for 1998:
     $7,339 under the 401(k) plan and a $1,463 premium paid for group term life
     insurance in excess of $50,000; for 1997: $6,646 under the 401(k) plan and
     a $1,249 premium paid for group term life insurance in excess of $50,000.

3    For Mr. Beaman, includes for 1999: $7,271 under the 401(k) plan and a $817
     premium paid for group term life insurance in excess of $50,000; for
     1998: $6,768 under the 401(k) plan and a $640 premium paid for group term
     life insurance in excess of $50,000; for 1997: $5,342 under the 401(k) plan
     and a $574 premium paid for group term life insurance in excess of $50,000.

4    For Mr. Sellers, includes for 1999: $0 under the 401(k) plan and a $175
     premium paid for group term life insurance in excess of $50,000; for 1998:
     $0 under the 401(k) plan and a $29 premium paid for group term life
     insurance in excess of $50,000.

                                       9
<PAGE>

Employment Agreements

     The Bank has entered into employment agreements with Tony W. Wolfe,
President and Chief Executive Officer, Joseph F. Beaman, Jr., Executive Vice
President and Corporate Secretary, Lance A. Sellers, Senior Vice
President/Credit Administration, Clifton A. Wike, Senior Vice President/Lending,
and William D. Cable, Senior Vice President/Information Systems, in order to
establish their duties and compensation and to provide for their continued
employment with the Bank. The agreements provide for an initial term of
employment of three years. Commencing on the first anniversary date and
continuing on each anniversary date thereafter, unless notice of a non-extension
is given by either party, each agreement is automatically extended for an
additional year so that the remaining term shall always be no less than two and
no more than three years. The agreements also provide that the base salary shall
be reviewed by the Board of Directors not less often than annually. In addition,
the employment agreements provide for profitability and discretionary bonuses
and participation in other pension, profit-sharing or retirement plans
maintained by the Bank, as well as fringe benefits normally associated with such
employee's office. The employment agreements provide that they may be terminated
by the Bank for cause, as defined in the agreements, and that they may otherwise
be terminated by the Bank (subject to vested rights) or by the employee.

     In the event of voluntary or involuntary termination in connection with, or
within six months after any "change  in control" of the Bank, as defined in the
employment agreement, the employee shall be paid an amount equal to 2.99 times
his "base amount" as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended.  Said sum shall be paid at the option of the employee,
either in one lump sum within 30 days of such termination, or in periodic
payments over a designated period of up to three years.  In addition, the
employee may voluntarily terminate his employment at any time following a change
in control and continue to receive his base salary for the remainder of the term
of the employment agreement, if, after the change in control, (i) the employee
is required to relocate his residence or office to a place more than 20 miles
beyond the Catawba County border, (ii) the person to whom the employee directly
reports is changed, (iii) the employee's compensation or benefits are reduced,
(iv) the employee is assigned duties not normally associated with his position
prior to the change in control, or (v) the employee's responsibilities or
authority are diminished.

     An additional eleven middle management officers were granted employment
agreements during the 1999 fiscal year for one or two year terms depending upon
the individual.  Those employment agreements contain provisions similar to those
discussed above.

Stock Benefit Plan

     General. The Board of Directors has implemented the Omnibus Stock Ownership
and Long Term Incentive Plan (the "Omnibus Plan") which was approved by the
Company's shareholders on May 13, 1999. The purpose of the Omnibus Plan is to
promote the interests of the Company by attracting and retaining directors and
employees of outstanding ability and to provide executive and other key
employees of the Company and its subsidiaries greater incentive to make material
contributions to the success of the Company by providing them with stock-based
compensation which will increase in value based upon the market performance of
the Common Stock and/or the corporate achievement of financial and other
performance objectives.

     The Omnibus Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board
of Directors (the "Committee"). Subject to the terms of the Omnibus Plan, the
Committee and the Board of Directors has authority to construe and interpret,
for eligible employees and eligible directors, respectively, the Omnibus Plan,
to determine the terms and provisions of Rights (as defined below) to be granted
under the Omnibus Plan, to define the terms used in the Omnibus Plan and in the
Rights granted thereunder, to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations
relating to the Omnibus Plan, to determine the individuals to whom and the times
at which Rights shall be granted and the number of shares to be subject to, or
to underlie, each Right awarded, and to make all other determinations necessary
or advisable for the administration of the Omnibus Plan.

     Rights Which May Be Granted. Under the Omnibus Plan, the Committee may
grant or award eligible participants Options, rights to receive restricted
shares of Common Stock, long term incentive units (each equivalent to one share
of Common Stock), SARs, and/or Book Value Shares. These grants and awards are
referred to herein as the "Rights." All Rights must be granted or awarded by
March 30, 2009, the tenth anniversary of the date the Board of Directors adopted
the Omnibus Plan.

     Options. Options granted under the Omnibus Plan to eligible directors and
employees may be either incentive stock options ("ISOs") or non-qualified
options ("NSOs"). The exercise price of an Option may not be less than 100% of
the last-transaction price for the Common Stock quoted by the Nasdaq National
Market on the date of grant.

                                      10
<PAGE>

     The Committee shall determine the expiration date of each Option granted,
up to a maximum of ten years from the date of grant. In the Committee's
discretion, it may specify the period or periods of time within which each
Option will first become exercisable, which period or periods may be accelerated
or shortened by the Committee.

     Each Option granted will terminate upon the expiration date established by
the Committee or upon the earlier of (i) twelve months after the holder ceases
to be an eligible employee or director by reason of death or disability, and
(ii) immediately as  of the date the holder is no longer an eligible employee or
director for any reason other than death or disability.  In the event of a
change in control (as that term is defined in the Omnibus Plan), any unvested
options granted under the Omnibus Plan will immediately and automatically vest.

     Restricted Stock. The Committee may award Rights to acquire shares of
Common Stock subject to certain transfer restrictions ("Restricted Stock") to
eligible participants under the Omnibus Plan for such purchase price per share,
if any, as the Committee, in its discretion, may determine appropriate. The
Committee shall determine the expiration date for each Restricted Stock award,
up to a maximum of ten years from the date of grant. In the Committee's
discretion, it may specify the period or periods of time within which each
Restricted Stock award will first become exercisable, which period or periods
may be accelerated or shortened by the Committee.

     Awards of Restricted Stock shall terminate in the same manner as described
above in connection with the termination of Options.

     Units. Under the Omnibus Plan, the Committee may grant to eligible
directors and employees awards of long term incentive units, each equivalent in
value to one share of Common Stock ("Units"). Except as otherwise provided,
Units awarded may be distributed only after the end of a performance period of
two or more years, as determined by the Committee, beginning with the year in
which the awards are granted.

     The percentage of the Units awarded that are to be distributed will depend
on the level of financial and other performance achieved by the Company during
the performance period. The Committee may adopt one or more performance
categories in addition to, or in substitution for, a performance category or may
eliminate all performance categories other than financial performance. All
performance categories other than financial performance may not be applied in
the aggregate as a factor of more than one against financial performance.

     As soon as practicable after each performance period, the percentage of
Units awarded that are to be distributed, based on the levels of performance
achieved, will be determined and distributed to the recipients of such awards in
the form of a combination of shares of Common Stock and cash. Units awarded, but
which the recipients are not entitled to receive, will be cancelled.

     In the event of the death or disability of a Unit recipient prior to the
end of any performance period, the number of Units awarded for such performance
period will be reduced in proportion to the number of months remaining in the
performance period after the date of death or disability; and the remaining
portion of the award, if any, may, in the discretion of the Committee, be
adjusted based upon the levels of performance achieved prior to the date of
death or disability, and distributed within a reasonable time after death or
disability. In the event a recipient of Units ceases to be an eligible director
or employee for any reason other than death or disability, all Units awarded,
but not yet distributed, will be cancelled.

     In the event of a change in control (as that term is defined in the Omnibus
Plan), any outstanding Units will immediately and automatically be reduced as
appropriate to reflect a shorter performance period.

     An amount equal to the dividend payable on one share of Common Stock (a
"dividend equivalent credit") will be determined and credited on the payment
date to each Unit recipient's account for each Unit awarded and not yet
distributed or cancelled. Such amount will be converted within the account to an
additional number of Units equal to the number of shares of Common Stock which
could be purchased at the last-transaction price of the Common Stock on the
Nasdaq National Market on the dividend payment date.

     No dividend equivalent credits or distribution of Units may be credited or
made if, at the time of crediting or distribution, (i) the regular quarterly
dividend on the Common Stock has been omitted and not subsequently paid or there
exists any default in payment of dividends on any such outstanding shares of
Common Stock; (ii) the rate of dividends on the Common Stock is lower than at
the time the Units to which the dividend equivalent credit relates were awarded,
adjusted for certain changes; (iii) estimated consolidated net income of the
Company for the twelve-month period preceding the month

                                      11
<PAGE>

the dividend equivalent credit or distribution would otherwise have been made is
less than the sum of the amount of the dividend equivalent credits and Units
eligible for distribution under the Omnibus Plan in that month plus all
dividends applicable to such period on an accrual basis, either paid, declared
or accrued at the most recently paid rate, on all outstanding shares of Common
Stock; or (iv) the dividend equivalent credit or distribution would result in a
default in any agreement by which the Company is bound.

     If an extraordinary event occurs during a performance period which
significantly alters the basis upon which the performance levels were
established, the Committee may make adjustments which it deems appropriate in
the performance levels. Such events may include changes in accounting practices,
tax, financial institution laws or regulations or other laws or regulations,
economic changes not in the ordinary course of business cycles, or compliance
with judicial decrees or other legal requirements.

     Stock Appreciation Rights. The Omnibus Plan provides that the Committee may
award to eligible directors and employees Rights to receive cash based upon
increases in the market price of Common Stock over the last transaction price of
the Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market (the "Base Price") on the date of
the award. The Committee may adjust the Base Price of a SAR based upon the
market value performance of the Common Stock in comparison with the aggregate
market value performance of a selected index or at a stated annual percentage
rate. The expiration date of a SAR may be no more than ten years from the date
of award.

     Each SAR awarded by the Committee may be exercisable immediately or may
become vested over such period or periods as the Committee may establish, which
periods may be accelerated or shortened in the Committee's discretion.

     Each SAR awarded will terminate upon the expiration date established by the
Committee, termination of the employment or directorship of the SAR recipient,
or in the event of a change in control, as described above in connection with
the termination of Options.

     Book Value Shares. The Omnibus Plan provides that the Committee may award
to eligible directors and eligible employees long term incentive units, each
equivalent in value to the book value of one share of Common Stock on the date
of award ("Book Value Shares"). The Committee shall specify the period or
periods of time within which each Book Value Share will vest, which period or
periods may be accelerated or shortened by the Committee. Upon redemption, the
holder of a Book Value Share will receive an amount equal to the difference
between the book value of the Common Stock at the time the Book Value Share is
awarded and the book value of the Common Stock at the time the Book Value Share
is redeemed, adjusted for the effects of dividends, new share issuances, and
mark-to-market valuations of the Company's investment securities portfolio in
accordance with FASB 115.

     The expiration date of each Book Value Share awarded shall be established
by the Committee, up to a maximum of ten years from the date of award. However,
awards of Book Value Shares shall earlier terminate in the same manner as
described above in connection with the termination of Options.

     Adjustments. In the event the outstanding shares of the Common Stock are
increased, decreased, changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind
of securities as a result of a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend,
recapitalization, merger, share exchange acquisition, or reclassification,
appropriate proportionate adjustments will be made in (i) the aggregate number
or kind of shares which may be issued pursuant to exercise of, or which
underlie, Rights; (ii) the exercise or other purchase price, or Base Price, and
the number and/or kind of shares acquirable under, or underlying, Rights; (iii)
and rights and matters determined on a per share basis under the Omnibus Plan.
Any such adjustment will be made by the Committee, subject to ratification by
the Board of Directors. As described above, the Base Price of a SAR may also be
adjusted by the Committee to reflect changes in a selected index. Except with
regard to Units and Book Value Shares awarded under the Omnibus Plan, no
adjustment in the Rights will be required by reason of the issuance of Common
Stock, or securities convertible into Common Stock, by the Company for cash or
the issuance of shares of Common Stock by the Company in exchange for shares of
the capital stock of any corporation, financial institution or other
organization acquired by the Company or a subsidiary thereof in connection
therewith.

     Any shares of Common Stock allocated to Rights granted under the Omnibus
Plan, which Rights are subsequently cancelled or forfeited, will be available
for further allocation upon such cancellation or forfeiture.

                                      12
<PAGE>

Federal Income Tax Consequences.

     Options. Under current provisions of the Code, the federal income tax
treatment of ISOs and NSOs is different. Options granted to employees under the
Omnibus Plan may be ISOs which are designed to result in beneficial tax
treatment to the employee but not a tax deduction to the Company.

     The holder of an ISO generally is not taxed for federal income tax
purposes on either the grant or the exercise of the option. However, the
optionee must include in his or her federal alternative minimum tax income any
excess (the "Bargain Element") of the acquired common stock's fair market value
at the time of exercise over the exercise price paid by the optionee.
Furthermore, if the optionee sells, exchanges, gives or otherwise disposes of
such common stock (other than in certain types of transactions) either within
two years after the option was granted or within one year after the option was
exercised (an "Early Disposition"), the optionee generally must recognize the
Bargain Element as compensation income for regular federal income tax purposes.
Any gain realized on the disposition in excess of the Bargain Element is subject
to recognition under the usual rules applying to dispositions of property. If a
taxable sale or exchange is made after such holding periods are satisfied, the
difference between the exercise price and the amount realized upon the
disposition of the common stock generally will constitute a capital gain or loss
for tax purposes.

     Options granted to directors under the Omnibus Plan would be "NSOs."
In general, the holder of an NSO will recognize at the time of exercise of the
NSO, compensation income equal to the amount by which the fair market value of
the common stock received on the date of exercise exceeds the sum of the
exercise price and any amount paid for the NSO.

     If an optionee exercises an ISO or NSO and delivers shares of common
stock as payment for part or all of the exercise price of the stock purchased
(the "Payment Stock"), no gain or loss generally will be recognized with respect
to the Payment Stock; provided, however, if the Payment Stock was acquired
pursuant to the exercise of an ISO, the optionee will be subject to recognizing
as compensation income the Bargain Element on the Payment Stock as an Early
Disposition if the exchange for the new shares occurs prior to the expiration of
the holding periods for the Payment Stock.

     The Company generally would not recognize gain or loss or be entitled
to a deduction upon either the grant of an ISO or NSO or the optionee's exercise
of an ISO. The Company generally will recognize gain or loss or be entitled to a
deduction upon the exercise of an NSO. If there is an Early Disposition, the
Company generally would be entitled to deduct the Bargain Element as
compensation paid to the optionee.

     Restricted Stock. Pursuant to Section 83 of the Code, recipients of
Restricted Stock awards under the Omnibus Plan will recognize ordinary income in
an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares of Common Stock granted
to them at the time that the shares vest and become transferable. The Company
will be entitled to deduct as a compensation expense for tax purposes the same
amounts recognized as income by recipients of Restricted Stock awards in the
year in which such amounts are included in income.

     Units. The Company expects that participants generally will not be
taxed on the award of Units. Instead, any cash and the then fair market value of
any Common Stock received by the participants upon the distribution of a Unit
generally will be taxable to the participants as compensation income upon such
distribution. At that time, the Company generally will be entitled to claim a
deduction in an amount equal to the compensation income.

     SARs. Pursuant to Section 83 of the code, recipients of SARs under the
Omnibus Plan will recognize, at the time a SAR award is exercised, ordinary
income in an amount equal to the difference between the fair market value of the
Common Stock at the time of award of the SAR and the fair market value of the
Common Stock at the time that the SAR is exercised. The Company will be entitled
to deduct as a compensation expense for tax purposes the same amounts recognized
as income by recipients of SAR awards in the year in which such amounts are
included in income.

     Book Value Shares. The Company expects that participants generally
will not be taxed on the award of Book Value Shares. Instead, any cash received
by the participants upon redemption of the Book Value Shares generally will be
taxable to the participant as compensation income upon distribution. At that
time, the Company generally will be entitled to claim a deduction in an amount
equal to the compensation income.

                                      13
<PAGE>

          The above description of tax consequences under federal law is
     necessarily general in nature and does not purport to be complete.
     Moreover, statutory provisions are subject to change, as are their
     interpretations, and their application may vary in individual
     circumstances. Finally, the consequences under applicable state and local
     income tax laws may not be the same as under the federal income tax laws.

     Grants and Awards Made During the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1999. On
September 28, 1999, each member of the Board of Directors was awarded 4,877 Book
Value Shares for a total award of 48,770 Book Value Shares. With the exception
of the Book Value Shares awarded to Mr. Matthews, these Book Value Shares will
vest over five years, with 20% vesting on September 28, 1999 and 20% vesting on
each anniversary thereafter. Mr. Matthews' Book Value Shares vested immediately.
All Book Value Shares must be redeemed no later than September 28, 2009. The
book value of the Common Stock was $12.60 on September 28, 1999, the date the
Book Value Shares were awarded.

     Also, on September 28, 1999, the Board of Directors granted stock options
to purchase a total of 25,136 shares of Common Stock to 35 officer and non-
officer employees of the Bank. Those options will vest on September 28, 2004.
All options granted must be exercised no later than September 28, 2009.

     Following is certain information related to the options granted to Tony W.
Wolfe, Joseph F. Beaman, Jr., and Lance A. Sellers.

                      Option/SAR Grants in Last Fiscal Year

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        Potential Realizable Value at Assumed
                                                                                             Annual Rates for Stock Price
                                               Individual Grants                             Appreciation for Option Term
                                               -----------------                             ----------------------------
                                  Number of        % of Total
                                  Securities      Options/SARs
                                  Underlying       Granted to    Exercise
                                 Options/SARs     Employees in    or Base   Expiration
Name                               Granted         Fiscal Year     Price       Date               5%            10%
- ---------------------------    ----------------  --------------- ---------  ----------        ----------    -----------
<S>                                <C>                 <C>       <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>
Tony W. Wolfe                      6,506/0/1/          25.9%     $18.00/2/     9/28/09        $73,648.59    $186,639.99
Joseph F. Beaman, Jr.              3,904/0/1/          15.5%     $18.00/2/     9/28/09        $44,193.68    $111,995.47
Lance A. Sellers                   2,444/0/1/           9.7%     $18.00/2/     9/28/09        $27,666.33    $ 70,111.92
</TABLE>

- -----------------
/1/  The options granted are exercisable on or after September 28, 2004.

/2/  Represents the closing market price per share of the underlying securities
     on the date of grant (September 28, 1999).

     No options were exercised by Mr. Wolfe, Mr. Beaman, or Mr. Sellers during
     the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.

                                      14
<PAGE>

              Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Last Fiscal Year
                     and Fiscal Year-End Option/SAR Values

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Number of Securities             Value of Unexercised
                                             Value       Underlying Unexercised               In-the-Money
                         Shares Acquired   Realized         Options/SARs at                 Options/SARs at
Name                     on Exercise (#)      ($)        Fiscal Year End/(1)/             Fiscal Year End/(2)/
- -----------------------  ----------------  ---------  ---------------------------     -----------------------------
                                                      Exercisable  Unexercisable      Exercisable     Unexercisable
                                                      -----------  -------------      -----------     -------------
<S>                                    <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>                 <C>               <C>
Tony W. Wolfe                          0         $0        0/0        6,506/0             0/0               0/0
Joseph F. Beaman, Jr.                  0         $0        0/0        3,904/0             0/0               0/0
Lance A. Sellers                       0         $0        0/0        2,444/0             0/0               0/0
</TABLE>

_______________________

/(1)/ All stock options were granted as of September 28,1999, and will vest on
      September 28, 2004.


/(2)/ The exercise price of the stock options is $18.00. On December 31, 1999,
      the closing market price per share for the Common Stock as reported on the
      Nasdaq National Market was $14.75.


Incentive Compensation Plans

     Upon recommendation from the Bank's Compensation Committee, the Bank's
board of directors approved a Management Incentive Plan for officers and an
Employee Incentive Plan for employees of the Bank during 1999. Eligibility under
the Employee Incentive Plan is granted to all employees upon one year of service
with the Bank. Participants in the Employee Incentive Plan are entitled to
receive quarterly cash incentives based upon a graduated schedule indexed to
attainment of corporate budget. Participants in the Management Incentive Plan
are recommended annually by the President and Chief Executive Officer to the
Bank's Board of Directors. Each individual's incentive pool is determined by a
formula which links attainment of corporate budget with attainment of individual
goals and objectives. Incentives under the Management Incentive Plan are paid
annually.

Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plans

     The Bank has a Profit Sharing Plan that covers substantially all employees
who have at least one year's continuous service. As the result of overfunding in
prior years, the Bank made no contribution to the profit sharing plan for the
year ended December 31, 1999. No investments in Bank stock have been made by the
plan.

     In addition to the Profit Sharing Plan, the Bank has a 401(k) Plan for all
eligible employees. Under this plan the Bank matches employee contributions to a
maximum of five percent of annual compensation. The Bank's 1999 contribution to
the 401(k) Plan pursuant to this formula was $183,688.20. All contributions to
the 401(k) Plan are tax deferred. No investments in Bank stock have been made
through the plan.

     The Bank's Profit Sharing Plan and 401(k) Plan permit participants to
choose from six investment funds which are selected by a committee comprised of
selected directors and senior management. Both the 401(k) Plan and Profit
Sharing Plan for the Bank require that participants be employed for one full
year in order to be eligible for plan participation. Both plans provide for
vesting of 20% of the benefit after three years employment and 20% each year
thereafter until participants are 100% vested after seven years employment.

Discretionary Bonuses and Service Awards

     In the past, the Bank has paid bonuses to its employees in amounts
determined in the discretion of the Bank's board of directors. The Bank
anticipates that discretionary bonuses will continue to be paid to its employees
in the future.

                                      15
<PAGE>

Indebtedness of and Transactions with Management

     Certain directors and executive officers of the Bank and their immediate
families and associates were customers of and had transactions with the Bank in
the ordinary course of business during 1999. All outstanding loans, extensions
of credit or overdrafts, endorsements and guarantees outstanding at any time
during 1999 (i) were made in the ordinary course of business, (ii) were made on
substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those
prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons, and (iii)
were transactions which in the opinion of management of the Bank did not involve
more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable
features.

     The Company and the Bank have secured insurance coverage, including, but
not limited to, financial institution bond, directors and officers liability,
property and casualty, business auto, mortgage holders' errors and omissions,
fiduciary responsibility, workers compensation, and umbrella liability, for 2000
at an approximate cost of $90,037.61 from First Security Company, Inc., of which
Director John H. Elmore, Jr. is a Director and holds less than a one percent
ownership interest. In the opinion of management of the Company, the terms of
the insurance coverage were no less favorable than could have been obtained from
unrelated parties.

     As a result of a fire which destroyed the Bank's Catawba Branch in July,
1997, the Bank established temporary banking facilities in a building previously
used by another banking institution. The building is owned by Catawba
Properties, Inc., of which Director John H. Elmore, Jr. holds a one-third
ownership interest. The new Catawba Branch was completed in May 24, 1999, at
which time lease expense for this branch ceased. During 1999, lease expense for
the temporary Catawba branch was $10,000.


                        REPORT OF COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

     The Company does not have a Compensation Committee. However, the Bank's
board of directors has a Compensation Committee which is now composed of
Directors R. Abernethy, Eckard, Elmore, Matthews, Sherrill, Timmerman and
Zachary. The Committee meets on an as needed basis to review the Bank's salary
program and to make recommendations to the Bank's board of directors regarding
compensation of the executive officers. The Bank's board of directors ultimately
determines such compensation. The salary of each of the executive officers is
determined based upon the executive officer's contributions to the Bank's
overall profitability, maintenance of regulatory compliance standards,
professional leadership, and management effectiveness in meeting the needs of
day-to-day operations. The Committee also compares the compensation of the
executive officers with compensation paid to executives of other businesses in
the Bank's market area, as well as to appropriate state and national salary
data. These factors were considered in establishing the compensation of Tony W.
Wolfe, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Joseph F. Beaman, Jr.,
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary,
during the 1999 fiscal year. In addition, all of the executive officers of the
Bank, including Mr. Wolfe and Mr. Beaman, are eligible to receive discretionary
bonuses declared by the Bank's board of directors. The amount of such bonuses
and incentive payments is based upon the net income of the Bank in comparison to
attainment of corporate budget and attainment of corporate goals and objectives.

                                         Robert C. Abernethy
                                         Bruce R. Eckard
                                         John H. Elmore, Jr.
                                         B. E. Matthews
                                         Fred L. Sherrill, Jr.
                                         Dan Ray Timmerman, Sr.
                                         Benjamin I. Zachary



                        COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS
                            AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

     No member of the Compensation Committee is now, or formerly was, an officer
or employee of the Company or the Bank. Tony W. Wolfe, President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Bank, makes recommendations to the Committee regarding
compensation of the executive officers. Mr. Wolfe participates in the
deliberations, but not the decisions, of the

                                      16
<PAGE>

Committee regarding compensation of executive officers other than himself. He
does not participate in the Committee's discussions or decisions regarding his
own compensation.


                               PERFORMANCE GRAPH

     The following graph compares the Company's cumulative shareholder return on
its Common Stock with a Nasdaq index and with a southeastern bank index. The
graph was prepared by the Center for Research in Securities Prices, Graduate
School of Business, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, using data as
of December 31, 1999.

                 COMPARISON OF SIX-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS
                             Performance Report for
                     Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.


                                     [GRAPH]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Period Ending
                         ----------------------------------------------------------
Index                    12/31/94  12/31/95  12/31/96  12/31/97  12/31/98 12/31/99
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>
Peoples Bancorp Inc.      100.00    109.73    117.47    197.22    151.77   136.98
NASDAQ-Total US           100.00    141.33    173.89    213.07    300.25   542.43
SNL Southeast Bank Index  100.00    149.98    205.88    312.10    332.25   261.46
</TABLE>

Notes:

     A.   The lines represent monthly index levels derived from compounded daily
          returns that include all dividends.

     B.   The indexes are reweighted daily, using the market capitalization on
          the previous trading day.

     C.   If the monthly interval, based on the fiscal year-end, is not a
          trading day, the preceding trading day is used.

     D.   The index level for all series was set to $100.0 on 12/31/94.


*The total return calculation consists of two components, stock appreciation and
dividend reinvestment. The total return calculation assumes that all dividends
are reinvested in the stock at the ex-dividend date, the date which determines
whether one is an official shareholder of a firm and thus eligible to receive a
declared dividend.

                                      17
<PAGE>

                                   PROPOSAL 2

                RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR

     Porter Keadle Moore, LLP Atlanta, Georgia ("PKM"), has been selected as the
Company's and the Bank's independent auditor for the year ending December 31,
2000. Such selection is being submitted to the Company's shareholders for
ratification. Representatives of PKM are expected to attend the Meeting and will
be afforded an opportunity to make a statement, if they so desire, and to
respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.

     On October 21, 1998, the Bank's board of directors approved the dismissal
of the KPMG LLP, accounting firm ("KPMG"). On the same date, PKM was engaged.
During the two years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the subsequent
interim period ended October 21, 1998, the Bank had not consulted PKM with
regard to either: (i) application of accounting principles to a specified
transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion that
might be rendered on the Bank's financial statements, or (ii) any matter that
was either the subject of a disagreement or a reportable event.

     KPMG's report on the financial statements for either of the two years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996, contained neither an adverse opinion nor a
disclaimer of opinion, nor was it qualified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or
accounting principles. Furthermore, there were no disagreements with the former
accountant on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial
statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure during the Bank's two most
recent fiscal years and any subsequent interim period through October 21, 1998.

     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR
RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF PKM AS INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FOR THE BANK FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2000.



                    DATE FOR RECEIPT OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

     It is presently anticipated that the 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of
the Company, will be held on April 26, 2001. In order for shareholder proposals
to be included in the Company's proxy materials for that meeting, such proposals
must be received by the Secretary of the Company at the Company's principal
executive office no later than December 28, 2000, and meet all other applicable
requirements for inclusion in the proxy statement.

     In the alternative, if a shareholder follows the Securities and Exchange
Commissions' proxy solicitation rules, the shareholder may commence his own
proxy solicitation and present a proposal from the floor at the 2001 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders of the Company. In order to do so, the shareholder must
notify the Secretary of the Company in writing, at the Company's principal
executive office no later than February 23, 2001, of his proposal. If the
shareholder does not notify the Secretary of the Company by February 23, 2001,
the Company may vote proxies under the discretionary authority granted by the
proxies solicited by the Board of Directors for such Annual Meeting.



                                  OTHER MATTERS

     Management knows of no other matters to be presented for consideration at
the Meeting or any adjournments thereof. If any other matters shall properly
come before the Meeting, it is intended that the proxyholders named in the
enclosed form of proxy will vote the shares represented thereby in accordance
with their judgment, pursuant to the discretionary authority granted therein.

                                      18
<PAGE>

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

     The Annual Report of the Company for the year ended December 31, 1999,
which includes financial statements audited and reported upon by the Company's
independent auditor, is being mailed as an appendix to this Proxy Statement;
however, it is not intended that the Annual Report be deemed a part of this
Proxy Statement or a solicitation of proxies.

     THE FORM 10-K FILED BY THE COMPANY WITH THE SEC, INCLUDING THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES THERETO, WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE UPON WRITTEN
REQUEST DIRECTED TO: PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC., POST OFFICE BOX
467, 218 SOUTH MAIN AVENUE, NEWTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28658-0467, ATTENTION: JOSEPH
F. BEAMAN, JR.

                                    By Order of the Board of Directors,


                                       /s/ TONY W. WOLFE
                                    -----------------------
                                    Tony W. Wolfe
                                    President and Chief Executive Officer



Newton, North Carolina
April 13, 2000
<PAGE>



                                   Appendix:
                                 Annual Report
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.


General Description of Business

     Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (the "Company" or "Peoples
Bancorp"), was formed in 1999 to serve as the holding company for Peoples Bank
(the "Bank"). The Company is a bank holding company registered with the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve") under the
Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHCA"). The Company's sole
activity consists of owning the Bank. The Company's principal source of income
is any dividends which are declared and paid by the Bank on its capital stock.

     The Bank, founded in 1912, is a state-chartered commercial bank serving the
citizens and business interests of the Catawba Valley and surrounding
communities. The Bank's deposits are insured by the Bank Insurance Fund (the
"BIF") of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC") to the maximum
amount permitted by law. It is also a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank
system. The Bank conducts its business from its corporate headquarters located
at 218 South Main Avenue, Newton, North Carolina and ten additional offices in
Newton, Denver, Triangle, Catawba, Conover, Maiden, Claremont, Hiddenite, and
Hickory, North Carolina. Ten branch offices provide automated teller machine
(ATM) access to Bank customers. The Bank also has a stand alone ATM located in a
retail establishment in Sherrills Ford. The Bank's training, mortgage loan
administration, bank card, finance department, and network systems operations
are operated in leased office space in Newton and Hickory. At December 31, 1999,
the Company had total assets of $432.4 million, net loans of $335.3 million,
deposits of $376.6 million, investment securities of $63.8 million, and
shareholders' equity of $38.0 million.

     The Bank is engaged primarily in the business of attracting retail and
commercial deposits from the general public and using those deposits to make
secured and unsecured loans. The Bank offers a full range of loan and deposit
products as well as non-deposit investment products. The Bank makes automobile,
credit card, mobile home, securities, first and second mortgage, boat and
recreational vehicle and deposit secured, as well as unsecured, consumer loans.
The Bank also offers a broad range of secured and unsecured commercial loan
products, including commercial construction/permanent loans, Small Business
Administration loans, Rural Economic and Community Development guaranteed loans,
commercial and standby letters of credit, equipment leasing for businesses and
municipalities, special community development loans, and agricultural loans.

     The Bank has a diversified loan portfolio, with no foreign loans and few
agricultural loans. Real estate loans are predominately variable rate commercial
property loans. Commercial loans are spread throughout a variety of industries
with no one particular industry or group of related industries accounting for a
significant portion of the commercial loan portfolio. At December 31, 1999,
approximately 9% of the Bank's portfolio was unsecured. Unsecured loans
generally involve higher credit risk than secured loans, and in the event of
customer default, the Bank has a higher exposure to potential loan losses. The
Bank has sold, servicing retained, approximately 31% of its loan portfolio.

     The majority of the Bank's deposit and loan customers are individuals and
small to medium-sized businesses located in the Bank's market area. Management
does not believe the Bank is dependent on a single customer or group of
customers concentrated in a particular industry whose loss or insolvency would
have a material adverse impact on operations.

     The Bank's primary source of revenue is interest income from its lending
activities. The Bank's other major sources of revenue are interest and dividend
income from investments, interest-earning deposits in other depository
institutions, and transaction and fee income from lending, deposit and
subsidiary activities. The major expenses of the Bank are interest on deposits
and general and administrative expenses such as employee compensation and
benefits, and occupancy expenses.

     The operations of the Bank and depository institutions in general are
significantly influenced by general economic conditions and by related monetary
and fiscal policies of depository institution regulatory agencies, including the
Federal Reserve, the FDIC and the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks (the
"Commissioner"). Deposit flows and cost of funds are influenced by interest
rates on competing investments and general market rates of interest. Lending
activities are affected by the demand for financing, which in turn are affected
by the interest rates at which financing may be offered and other factors
affecting local demand and availability of funds.

     At December 31, 1999, the Bank employed 196 full-time equivalent employees.

     The Company has no operations and conducts no business of its own other
than owning the Bank. Accordingly, the discussion of the business which follows
concerns the business conducted by the Bank, unless otherwise indicated.

                                      A-1
<PAGE>

Subsidiaries

     The Bank is the Company's only subsidiary.  The Bank has two subsidiaries,
Peoples Investment Services, Inc. and Peoples Real Estate and Appraisal
Services, Inc. Through a relationship with Raymond James Financial Services,
Inc, Peoples Investment Services, Inc. provides the Bank's customers access to
investment counseling and non-deposit investment products such as stocks, bonds,
mutual funds, tax deferred annuities, and related brokerage services. Peoples
Real Estate and Appraisal Services, Inc. provides real estate appraisal services
to customers of the Bank.

Market Area

     The Bank's primary market consists of the communities in an approximately
25-mile radius around its headquarters office in Newton, North Carolina.  This
area includes Catawba County, Alexander County, the western portion of Iredell
County, the northern portion of Lincoln County, and portions of northeast Gaston
County. The Bank is located only 40 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina
and the Bank's primary market area is and will continue to be significantly
affected by its close proximity to this major metropolitan area.

     Employment in the Bank's primary market area is diversified among
manufacturing, agricultural, retail and wholesale trade, technology, services
and utilities. Siecor (manufacturer of fiber optic cable and accessories) is the
largest employer in Catawba County. Other major employers include CommScope,
Inc. (manufacturer of fiber optic cable and accessories), Catawba County
Schools, and Frye Regional Medical Center, Inc. Employment in the Bank's primary
market area as of January 2000 was strong, with an unemployment rate below that
of North Carolina and national averages.

Competition

     The Bank has operated in the Catawba Valley region for more than 85 years
and is the only financial institution headquartered in Newton. However, the Bank
faces strong competition both in attracting deposits and making loans. Its most
direct competition for deposits has historically come from other commercial
banks, credit unions and brokerage firms located in its primary market area,
including large financial institutions. Two national money center commercial
banks are headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, only 40 miles from the
Bank's primary market area. Based upon June 30, 1999 comparative data, the Bank
had 17.49% of the deposits in Catawba County, placing it second in deposit size
among a total of eleven banks with branch offices in Catawba County.

     The Bank has also faced additional significant competition for investors'
funds from short-term money market securities and other corporate and government
securities. The Bank's deposit base has grown principally due to economic growth
in the Bank's market area coupled with the implementation of new and competitive
deposit products. The ability of the Bank to attract and retain deposits depends
on its ability to generally provide a rate of return, liquidity and risk
comparable to that offered by competing investment opportunities.

     The Bank experiences strong competition for loans from commercial banks and
mortgage banking companies. The Bank competes for loans primarily through the
interest rates and loan fees it charges and the efficiency and quality of
services it provides borrowers. Competition may increase as a result of the
continuing reduction of restrictions on the interstate operations of financial
institutions.


  This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements.  These statements are
subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements.
Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to,
changes in the interest rate environment, management's business strategy,
national, regional and local market conditions and legislative and regulatory
conditions.

  Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which
reflect management's view only as of the date hereof.  The Company undertakes no
obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect
subsequent events or circumstances. Readers should also carefully review the
risk factors described in other documents the Company files from time to time
with the Securities and Exchange Commission

                                      A-2
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            SELECTED
                                                         FINANCIAL DATA

                                          Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts


                                                                  1999           1998          1997          1996           1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                              <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>
Summary of Operations
Interest income                                                  32,302         29,215        23,783        18,956         16,407
Interest expense                                                 14,790         14,540        11,179         8,586          7,027
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net interest income                                              17,512         14,675        12,604        10,370          9,380
Provision for loan losses                                           425            445           696           980            700
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net interest income after provision for loan losses              17,087         14,230        11,908         9,390          8,680
Non-interest income                                               3,380          3,646         2,060         1,475          1,111
Non-interest expense                                             13,832         12,020        10,413         8,118          7,404
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Income before taxes                                               6,635          5,856         3,555         2,747          2,387
Income taxes                                                      2,093          1,847         1,149           722            653
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                                        4,542          4,009         2,406         2,025          1,734
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Selected Year-End Balances
Assets                                                          432,435        402,273       326,853       257,467        222,096
Available-for-sale securities                                    62,498         63,228        53,307        56,995         57,125
Loans                                                           336,959        306,748       238,449       179,304        143,777
Interest-earning assets                                         411,734        383,270       308,852       244,038        208,702
Deposits                                                        376,634        350,067       275,393       231,346        198,283
Interest-bearing liabilities                                    339,243        315,387       258,685       197,255        166,684
Shareholders' equity                                             37,998         35,924        24,930        22,911         22,120
Shares outstanding*                                           2,926,318      2,926,500     2,553,000     2,321,225      2,321,225
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Selected Average Balances
Assets                                                          417,387        369,864       295,879       243,094        204,352
Available-for-sale securities                                    60,642         59,824        57,508        53,294         50,302
Loans                                                           324,651        271,819       215,789       164,865        133,960
Interest-earning assets                                         396,606        351,730       281,215       229,631        192,144
Deposits                                                        363,692        321,371       252,998       216,052        180,914
Interest-bearing liabilities                                    326,164        293,631       233,901       186,101        152,690
Shareholders' equity                                             39,348         33,303        24,117        22,478         21,348
Shares outstanding*                                           2,926,318      2,780,145     2,553,000     2,553,000      2,553,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Profitability Ratios
Return on average total assets                                    1.09%          1.08%         0.81%         0.83%          0.85%
Return on average shareholders' equity                           11.54%         12.04%         9.98%         9.01%          8.12%
Dividend payout ratio                                            23.84%         22.61%        33.18%        36.67%         38.65%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Liquidity and Capital Ratios (averages)
Loans to deposit                                                 89.27%         84.58%        85.29%        76.31%         74.05%
Shareholders' equity to total assets                              9.43%          9.00%         8.15%         9.25%         10.45%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Per share of common stock*
Net income                                                         1.55           1.44          0.94          0.79           0.68
Cash dividends                                                     0.37           0.32          0.31          0.29           0.26
Book value                                                        12.99          12.28          9.77          9.87           9.53
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

* Shares outstanding and per share computations have been restated to reflect a
3 for 2 stock split during first quarter 1999, the 10% stock dividend
distributed during second quarter 1997 and the 15% stock dividend in fourth
quarter 1995. Prior to 1999 represents Bank only.

                                      A-3

<PAGE>

          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Introduction

     Management's discussion and analysis of earnings and related data are
presented to assist in understanding the consolidated financial condition and
results of operations of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (the
"Company"), for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997. The Company is
a registered bank holding company operating under the supervision of the Federal
Reserve Board and the parent company of Peoples Bank (the "Bank"). The Bank is a
North Carolina-chartered bank, with offices in Catawba, Lincoln and Alexander
Counties, operating under the banking laws of North Carolina and the Rules and
Regulations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC").

     This discussion and related financial data should be read in conjunction
with the audited consolidated financial statements and related footnotes.


Results of Operations

Summary

     The Company reported earnings of $4.5 million in 1999, or $1.55 basic
income per share, a 13% increase as compared to $4.0 million, or $1.44 basic
income per share, for 1998. Net income for 1998 represented an increase of 22%
as compared to 1997 net income of $2.4 million before recurring charges for
$855,000 associated with the Bank's profit sharing plan. Net income for 1998
increased 67% over 1997 after giving effect to the one-time charge to earnings
in 1997. The growth in net income in 1999 was due to effective management of the
Bank's net interest margin combined with an improvement in the Bank's loan
portfolio, resulting in increased net interest income. This increase was
partially offset by growth in non-interest expense during 1999. The increase in
net income in 1998 compared to 1997 resulted from increased net interest income
and non-interest income, partially offset by non-interest expense.

     Return on average assets in 1999 was 1.09%, compared to 1.08% in 1998 and
0.81% in 1997. Return on average shareholders' equity was 11.54% in 1999
compared to 12.04% in 1998 and 9.98% in 1997, including recurring charges.


Net Interest Income

     Net interest income, the largest component of the Company's income, is the
amount by which interest and fees generated by earning assets exceed the total
cost of funds used to carry them. Net interest income is affected by changes in
the volume and mix of earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, as well
as changes in the yields earned and rates paid. Net interest margin is
calculated by dividing tax-equivalent net interest income by average earning
assets, and represents the Company's net yield on its earning assets.

     Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis totaled $18.0 million in
1999, an increase of 19% or $2.8 million over the comparable figure in 1998. The
increase in net interest income on a tax equivalent basis in 1998 over 1997 was
$2.0 million or 16%. The interest rate spread, which represents the rate earned
on interest earning assets less the rate paid on interest bearing liabilities
increased to 3.74% during 1999 compared to 3.49% during 1998, slightly lower
than the 3.85% achieved in 1997. The net interest margin on earning assets
increased to 4.54% in 1999 from 4.30% in 1998, following a decrease from the
1997 net interest margin of 4.65%.

                                      A-4
<PAGE>

     Table 1 sets forth for each category of earning assets and interest-bearing
liabilities, the average amounts outstanding, the interest incurred on such
amounts and the average rate earned or incurred for the years ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997. The table also sets forth the average rate earned on total
earning assets, the average rate paid on total interest-bearing liabilities, and
the net interest margin on average total earning assets for the same periods.
Nonaccrual loans and the interest income that was recorded on these loans, if
any, are included in the yield calculations for loans in all periods reported.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        December 31, 1999           December 31, 1998          December 31, 1997
                                               -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Average            Yield /  Average             Yield /  Average           Yield/
                                                   Balance  Interest   Rate    Balance    Interest  Rate    Balance  Interest  Rate
                                               -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>        <C>       <C>    <C>        <C>       <C>    <C>       <C>       <C>
Earning Assets:
Loans: Net of unearned income                      324,651    28,375    8.74%  $271,819   $24,885   9.16%  $215,789  $19,991   9.27%

Investments - taxable                               39,122     2,348    6.00%    40,434     2,322   5.74%    37,448    2,390   6.38%
Investments - nontaxable                            21,520     1,475    6.86%    19,390     1,335   6.88%    20,060    1,420   7.08%
Federal funds sold                                   6,780       339    5.00%     5,950       323   5.43%     2,603      144   5.55%
Other                                                4,533       266    5.87%    14,137       804   5.69%     5,315      320   6.03%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total earning assets                               396,606    32,803    8.27%   351,730    29,669   8.44%   281,215   24,265   8.63%

Cash and due from banks                             10,667                        9,677                       8,448
Other assets                                        14,192                       13,053                      10,311
Allowance for loan losses                           (4,079)                      (4,596)                     (4,095)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total assets                                      $417,387                     $369,864                    $295,879
====================================================================================================================================


Interest bearing liabilities:

  Deposits:
   NOW accounts                                    $31,003      $429    1.38%   $27,642      $547   1.98%   $23,820     $585   2.45%
   Regular savings accounts                         26,258       490    1.87%    26,302       625   2.37%    29,031      698   2.40%
   Insured money market accounts                    54,757     2,435    4.45%    37,264     1,848   4.96%    12,426      388   3.12%
   Certificates of deposit $100,000 or more         83,845     4,475    5.34%    72,628     2,993   4.12%    55,037    3,228   5.87%
   Other time deposits                             115,786     6,178    5.34%   113,597     7,603   6.69%    95,132    5,254   5.52%
FHLB borrowings                                     13,532       736    5.44%    15,277       875   5.73%    16,749      966   5.78%
Demand notes payable to U.S. Treasury                  899        41    4.56%       898        47   5.23%     1,125       24   2.13%
Other                                                   83         5    5.95%        23         2   8.70%       581       35   6.02%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total interest bearing liabilities                 326,163    14,789    4.53%   293,631    14,540   4.95%   233,901   11,177   4.78%

Demand deposits                                     51,988                       43,938                      37,552
Other liabilities                                    2,166                        1,088                         309
Shareholder's equity                                39,348                       33,303                      24,117
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total liabilities and shareholder's equity        $419,665                     $371,960                    $295,879
====================================================================================================================================

Net interest spread                                           18,014    3.74%              15,129   3.49%             13,088   3.85%
====================================================================================================================================

Net yield on earning assets                                             4.54%                       4.30%                      4.65%
====================================================================================================================================

Taxable equivalent adjustment
        Investment securities                                    454                          454                        483
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net interest income                                           17,560                       14,675                     12,605
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                      A-5

<PAGE>

     Changes in interest income and interest expense can result from variances
in both volume and rates. Table 2 describes the impact on the Company's tax
equivalent net interest income resulting from changes in average balances and
average rates for the periods indicated. The changes in interest due to both
volume and rate have been allocated to volume and rate changes in proportion to
the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the changes in each.

Table 2 - Rate/Volume Variance Analysis
      Tax Equivalent Basis

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              December 31, 1999                        December 31, 1998
                                                  ---------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
                                                    Changes in    Changes in     Total       Changes in     Changes in       Total
                                                     average       average      Increase      average         average       Increase
                                                      volume       rates       (Decrease)     volume          rates       (Decrease)
                                                  ---------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>             <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>
Interest Income:

Loans: Net of unearned income                        $4,724       ($1,234)        $3,490      $5,169         (275)          $4,894

Investments - taxable                                   (77)          103             26         181         (249)             (68)
Investments - nontaxable                                146            (6)           140         (47)         (38)             (85)
Federal funds sold                                       43           (27)            16         184           (5)             179
Other                                                  (512)          (26)          (538)        449           35              484
                                                  ---------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------

Total interest income                                $4,324        (1,190)        $3,134      $5,936         (532)          $5,404

Interest bearing liabilities:

  Deposits:
   NOW accounts                                          57          (174)          (117)         85         (123)             (38)
   Regular savings accounts                              (1)         (134)          (135)        (65)          (8)             (73)
   Insured money market accounts                        823          (236)           587       1,003          457            1,460
   Certificates of deposit $100,000 or more             530           952          1,482         878       (1,113)            (235)
   Other time deposits                                  132        (1,557)        (1,425)      1,128        1,221            2,349
FHLB Borrowings                                         (95)          (44)          (139)        (84)          (7)             (91)
Demand notes payable to U.S. Treasury                     0            (6)            (6)         (8)          31               23
Other                                                     3            (0)             3        (269)         236              (33)
                                                  ---------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------

Total interest expense                               $1,449        (1,199)          $250      $2,668          694           $3,362
                                                  ---------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------

Net interest income                                  $2,875             9         $2,884      $3,268       (1,226)          $2,042
</TABLE>


     The increase in net interest income in 1999 was primarily attributable to
an increase in the volume of loans. The yield on earning assets decreased to
8.27% in 1999 from 8.44% in 1998. This decrease reflects a decrease in the
Company's average prime commercial lending rate in 1999, when compared to 1998.
The average balance of earning assets increased by $44.9 million, to $396.6
million in 1999 from $351.7 million in 1998. The increase in average loans
comprised $52.8 million of this amount. Interest-bearing liabilities increased
by $32.5 million, to $326.2 million in 1999 from $293.6 million in 1998. This
growth in interest-bearing liabilities is a direct result of the increase in
interest bearing deposits, which increased by $34.3 million, to $311.7 million
in 1999 from $277.4 million in 1998. The increase in interest bearing deposits
was primarily attributable to the growth in insured money market accounts which
increased $17.5 million to $54.8 million in 1999 from $37.3 million in 1998, as
well as the growth in certificates of deposit over $100,000 and other time
deposits which increased $13.4 million to $199.6 million in 1999 from $186.2
million in 1998. The cost of funds decreased from 4.95% in 1998 to 4.53% in
1999, mainly as a result of the decrease in the cost of deposits. The increase
in net interest margin in 1999 is primarily attributable to the increase in
volume of average interest earning assets, combined with a decrease in the
average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities.

     Tax-equivalent interest income on loans in 1999 increased $3.5 million or
14% from the $24.9 million recorded for 1998, following an increase of $4.9
million or 25% in 1998 over 1997. This increase was due to a $52.8 million
increase in average loans outstanding in 1999 compared to 1998, slightly offset
by a lower tax-equivalent yield on loans of 8.74% in 1999 compared to 9.16% in
1998. The increase in the net interest spread to 3.74% in 1999 from 3.49% in
1998 resulted from the decrease in the yield on earning assets to 8.27% in 1999
from 8.44% in 1998, while the cost of funds decreased to 4.53% in 1999 from
4.95% in 1998.

     Interest expense on FHLB borrowings totaled $736,000 during 1999 at an
average rate of 5.44% compared to $875,000 in 1998 at an average rate of 5.73%,
and $967,000 in 1997 at an average rate of 5.78%. Interest expense on federal
funds purchased, promissory notes and demand notes payable to the U.S. Treasury
totaled $46,000, $49,000 and $59,000 for 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

Provision for Loan Losses

     Provisions for loan losses are charged to income in order to bring the
total allowance for loan losses to a level deemed appropriate by management of
the Company based on such factors as management's judgment as to losses within
the Company's loan portfolio, loan growth, net charge-offs, changes in the
composition of the loan portfolio, delinquencies and management's assessment of
the quality of the loan portfolio and general economic climate.

                                      A-6
<PAGE>

     The provision for loan losses was $425,000, $445,000, and $696,500 for the
years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The ratio of net
charge-offs to total loans was 0.20% in 1999, 0.25% in 1998 and 0.03% in 1997.
Net charge-offs for 1999 were $638,000. Included in this amount is approximately
$476,000, which represents a charge-off related to one borrower. The ratio of
non-performing loans to total loans was 1.03% at December 31, 1999, as compared
to 1.20% and 1.52% at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
on-interest Income

     Non-interest income for 1999 totaled $3.4 million, a decrease of $265,000
or 6% from non-interest income of $3.7 million for 1998. The decrease in non-
interest income for 1999 resulted from a reduction in mortgage banking income of
$309,000 from 1998 due to an increase on mortgage loan rates during third
quarter of 1999 which resulted in a decrease in mortgage loan applications as
well as a loss on mortgage loans sold in the secondary market. The Company also
recognized a loss on sale on securities of approximately $35,000 during 1999
compared to a gain on sale of securities of approximately $168,000 during 1998.
During 1997 a loss of sale of securities of approximately $8,000 was recognized.
Non-interest income for 1998 increased $1.6 million or 76% over non-interest
income of $2.1 million for 1997. Service charge income increased $140,000, or
12% from 1998 to 1999, as a result of an increase in deposit volume and
associated charges.

     Increases in non-interest income for 1998 were attributable to an increase
in service charge income and mortgage banking income. Service charge income
increased $275,000, or 30% in 1998 compared to 1997. Mortgage banking income
increased $659,000 or 169% over 1997 levels, due to the growth of the Company's
mortgage operations during 1998.


Non-interest Expense

     Total non-interest expense for 1999 amounted to $13.8 million.  This was a
15% increase over the $12.0 million reported in 1998, and followed a 15%
increase in 1998 over the $10.4 million reported in 1997.

     Salary and employee benefit expense was $7.7 million in 1999, compared to
$6.4 million during 1998, an increase of $1.3 million or 20%, following a $1.7
million or 36% increase in salary and employee benefit expense in 1998 over
1997. The increase during 1999 resulted from merit increases, additional
participation in management and employee incentive plans, and increased staffing
levels to support overall Company growth. Increases during 1998 reflect merit
increases and the cost of additional personnel to staff two new branches.

     The Company recorded occupancy expense of $2.2 million in 1999, compared to
$2.0 million during 1998, an increase of $275,000 or 14%, following a $392,000
or 25% increase in occupancy expenses in 1998 over 1997. The increase in 1999
reflects additional leased properties due to Company growth, an increase in
property tax rates during 1999 and a full year of depreciation expense on a
teller platform and wide area network implemented in 1998. The increase during
1998 represents depreciation expense associated with new branches opened in 1997
and 1998 and implementation of a new teller platform system and wide area
network in 1998.

     The total of all other operating expenses increased $153,000 or 4% during
1999. This increase is primarily attributable to expenses associated with Year
2000 preparation incurred in 1999. Other operating expense decreased $407,000 or
10% in 1998 over 1997. Included in the 1997 amount is approximately $855,000 in
nonrecurring charges associated with the Bank's profit sharing plan.

Income Taxes

     Total income tax expense was $2.1 million in 1999 compared with $1.8
million in 1998 and $1.1 million in 1997. The primary reason for the increase in
taxes was the increase in pretax income. The Company's effective tax rates were
31.55%, 31.53% and 32.32% in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

Liquidity

     The Company's liquidity position is generally determined by the need to
respond to short term demand for funds created by deposit withdrawals and the
need to provide resources to fund assets, typically in the form of loans. How
the Company responds to these needs is affected by the Company's ability to
attract deposits, the maturity of the loans and securities, the flexibility of
assets within the securities portfolio, the current earnings of the Company, and
the ability to borrow funds from other sources. The Company's primary sources of
liquidity are cash and cash equivalents, available-for-sale securities, deposit
growth, and the cash flows from principal and interest payments on loans and
other earning assets. In addition, the Company is able, on a short-term basis,
to borrow funds from the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Home Loan Bank of
Atlanta (the "FHLB") and The Banker's Bank, and is also able to purchase federal
funds from other financial institutions. The liquidity ratio for the Company,
which is defined as net cash, interest bearing deposits with banks, Federal
Funds sold, certain investment securities and certain FHLB advances, as a
percentage of net deposits and short-term liabilities was 20.41% at December 31,
1999, 26.49% at December 31, 1998, and 21.23% at December 31, 1997.

     As disclosed in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
included elsewhere herein, net cash provided by operating activities was
approximately $13.6 million during 1999. Net cash used in investing activities
of $42.1 million

                                      A-7
<PAGE>

consisted primarily of a net change in loans of $38.3 million and securities
purchased of $23.7 million funded largely by sales, maturities and paydowns of
investment securities of $15.1 million. These changes resulted from management's
continued efforts to reinvest new funds in higher-yielding loans rather than
investment securities. Net cash provided by financing activities consisted
primarily of a $26.6 million net increase in deposits.

Asset Liability Management

     The Company's asset liability management strategies are designed to
minimize interest rate risk between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing
liabilities at various maturities, while maintaining the objective of assuring
adequate liquidity and maximizing net interest income. Table 3 presents an
interest rate sensitivity analysis for the interest earning assets and interest-
bearing liabilities for the year ended December 31, 1999.


Table 3 - Interest Sensitivity Analysis

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                                                                                  Over 5 years
(Dollars in Thousands)                              Immediate   1-3 months   4-12 months  1 - 5 years   & non-sensitive      Total
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>             <C>          <C>
Earning Assets:
Loans                                                $223,376       $9,599       $19,668      $42,711         $43,844      $339,198
Mortgage loans available for sale                       1,685            0             0            0               0         1,685
Investment securities                                       0          596         1,831       24,528          35,543        62,498
Federal funds sold                                      2,930            0             0            0               0         2,930
Interest bearing deposit account -FHLB                  3,383            0             0            0               0         3,383
Other earning assets                                        0            0             0            0           1,345         1,345
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total earning assets                                 $231,374      $10,195       $21,499      $67,239         $80,732      $411,039
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest bearing liabilities:
NOW, savings, and money market deposits              $109,309           $0            $0           $0              $0      $109,309
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more             7,816       14,068        56,498       10,924               0        89,306
Other time deposits                                     7,725       16,117        80,068       20,602               0       124,512
Other short term borrowings                             1,616            0             0            0               0         1,616
Other borrowed money                                        0       10,000             0        1,500           3,000        14,500
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total interest-bearing liabilities                   $126,466      $40,185      $136,566      $33,026          $3,000      $339,243
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interest-sensitive gap                                104,908      (29,990)     (115,067)      34,213          77,732        71,796

Cumulative interest-sensitive gap                     104,908       74,918       (40,149)      (5,936)         71,796
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cumulative interest-sensitive gap
to total earning assets                                25.52%       18.23%        -9.83%       -1.44%          17.47%
</TABLE>


     Management tries to minimize interest rate risk between interest earning
assets and interest bearing liabilities by attempting to minimize wide
fluctuations in net interest income due to interest rate movements. The ability
to control these fluctuations has a direct impact on the profitability of the
Company.  Management monitors this activity on a regular basis through analysis
of its portfolios to determine the difference between rate sensitive assets and
rate sensitive liabilities.

     In addition, the Company performs analysis on a monthly basis to determine
the approximate change in net interest income based upon a presumed positive and
negative shift in interest rates of 100 basis points. This analysis model is
based on an immediate change in interest rate levels of rate sensitive assets
and liabilities, with the change in rate levels sustained for a period of one
year. Management uses the rate sensitive gap (interest-earning assets less
interest-bearing liabilities) as a percentage of total assets to measure the
rate sensitivity of the Company's assets and liabilities. Management believes
that if this ratio is within a range of positive 15% to negative 15%, the rise
or fall in interest rates should not have a material impact on the Company's net
income. However, if the rate sensitive gap is greater than positive 15%, the
Company's net income will have a direct relationship with the rise or fall in
interest rates. If the rate sensitive gap is less than negative 15%, the
Company's net income will have an indirect relationship with the rise or fall in
interest rates.

     To determine the impact of interest rate changes to net interest income,
each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities is
weight adjusted by an earnings change ratio, which represents the approximate
rate sensitivity of that asset or liability type in the banking industry. Due to
their diversity and composition, the pricing indexes of the different types of
interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities do not respond to a
change in interest rates in the same manner. The impact of changes in interest
rates for each type may also be different in a rising interest rate environment
than in a declining interest rate environment. The Company therefore utilizes
earnings change ratios to appropriately account for these varying rate
sensitivities. Management relies on information provided by several banking
industry publications to determine the earnings change ratios for its gap
analysis model.

     At December 31, 1999, the Company's gap analysis indicated that an
immediate downward shift of 100 basis points in the Company's prime rate of
interest would result in a decrease in net interest income of $352,000 over the
next twelve months. An immediate upward shift of 100 basis points in the prime
rate of interest would subsequently result in an increase in net interest

                                       A-8

<PAGE>


income of $308,000 over the next twelve months. On December 31, 1999, the one
year cumulative interest sensitivity gap was a negative $53.4 million, for a
ratio of interest sensitive assets to interest sensitive liabilities of 82.45%.
At December 31, 1999, the Company's adjusted rate sensitive gap in a declining
rate environment was positive 8.13%, while the adjusted rate sensitive gap in a
rising rate environment was positive 7.12%.

     Peoples Bancorp's rate sensitive assets are those earning interest at
variable rates and those maturing within one year. Rate sensitive assets
therefore include both loans and available-for-sale securities. Rate sensitive
liabilities include interest-bearing checking accounts, money market deposit
accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit and borrowed funds. At
December 31, 1999, 64% of the Company's interest earning assets, excluding non-
accrual loans could be repriced within one year, compared to 89% of interest-
bearing liabilities. Rate sensitive assets at December 31, 1999 totaled $411.7
million, exceeding rate sensitive liabilities of approximately $339.2 million by
$72.5 million.

     Based upon the Company's asset liability management strategies, sensitivity
comparisons, and rate shift analysis, management does not anticipate the
Company's net interest margins to be materially affected by inflation and
changing prices.

     An analysis of the Company's financial condition and growth can be made by
examining the changes and trends in interest-earning assets and interest-bearing
liabilities, and a discussion of these changes and trends follows.


Analysis of Financial Condition

Investment Securities

     All of the Company's investment securities are held in the available-for-
sale ("AFS") category. At December 31, 1999 the market value of AFS securities
totaled $62.5 million, compared to $63.2 million and $53.3 million at December
31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Table 4 presents the market value of the
presently held AFS securities for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997.

Table 4 - Summary of Investment Portfolio

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Year ended         Year ended          Year ended
                                                                         December 31,       December 31,       December 31,
(Dollars in Thousands)                                                      1999               1998                1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                        <C>                <C>                <C>
United States government securities:
Market Value                                                                   900                912              2,118

Obligations of United States government
  agencies and corporations:
Market Value                                                                23,374             20,169             10,983

Obligations of states and political subdivisions:
Market Value                                                                22,012             22,192             20,141

Mortgage backed securities:
Market Value                                                                16,212             19,955             20,065

Total securities:
Market Value                                                                62,498             63,228             53,307
</TABLE>


     The composition of the investment securities portfolio reflects the
Company's investment strategy of maintaining an appropriate level of liquidity
while providing a relatively stable source of income. The investment portfolio
also provides a balance to interest rate risk and credit risk in other
categories of the balance sheet while providing a vehicle for the investment of
available funds, furnishing liquidity, and supplying securities to pledge as
required collateral for certain deposits.

                                      A-9


<PAGE>

     The Company's investment portfolio consists of U.S. government agency
securities, municipal securities, U.S. government agency sponsored mortgage-
backed securities, and U.S. Treasury securities. At December 31, 1999 and 1998,
U.S. government agency securities and municipal securities represented
substantially all of the Company's investment portfolio, with U.S. Treasury
securities representing approximately 1.4% of the portfolio at December 31, 1999
and 1998. AFS securities averaged $60.6 million in 1999, $59.8 million in 1998
and $53.3 million in 1997. Table 5 presents the AFS securities held by the
Company by maturity category at December 31, 1999.

Table 5 - Maturity Distribution and Weighted Average Yield on Investments

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           One Year or Less    After One Year     After 5 Years     After 10 Years      Totals
                                                              Through 5 Years    Through 10 Years
(Dollars in Thousands)                      Amount   Yield    Amount    Yield    Amount   Yield     Amount   Yield   Amount   Yield
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>     <C>     <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>        <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>
Book Value:

United States Government securities         $  900   5.60%   $    -       -      $   -      -       $   -      -      $900   5.60%

United States Government agencies                -      -    14,487    6.09%     9,344   7.08%          -      -    23,831   6.48%

States and political subdivisions            1,522   7.44%   10,340    6.96%     7,197   6.66%      3,329   6.96%   22,388   6.90%

Mortgage backed securities                       -      -         -       -          -      -      16,887   6.22%   16,887   6.21%

====================================================================================================================================
Total securities                            $2,422   6.76%  $24,827    6.45%   $16,541   6.90%    $20,216   6.34%  $64,006   6.54%
</TABLE>


Loans

     The loan portfolio is the largest category of the Company's earnings assets
and is comprised of commercial loans, real estate mortgage loans, real estate
construction loans and consumer loans. The Company restricts its primary lending
market to within the Catawba Valley region of North Carolina, which encompasses
Catawba and Alexander counties and portions of Iredell and Lincoln counties. The
mix of the loan portfolio consists primarily of loans secured by real estate and
commercial loans. In management's opinion, there are no significant
concentrations of credit with particular borrowers engaged in similar
activities.

     In the normal course of business, there are various commitments outstanding
to extend credit that are not reflected in the financial statements. At December
31, 1999, outstanding loan commitments totaled $68.3 million. Commitments to
extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no
violation of any condition established in a contract. Commitments generally have
fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a
fee. Since many of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the
total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

The composition of the Company's loan portfolio is presented in Table 6.

Table 6 - Loan Portfolio

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Year ended            Year ended          Year ended      Year ended          Year ended
                                     December 31, 1999   December 31, 1998   December 31, 1997  December 31, 1996  December 31, 1995
(Dollars in Thousands)               Amount  % of Loans  Amount  % of Loans  Amount % of Loans  Amount % of Loans  Amount % of Loans
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>
Breakdown of loan receivables:
Commercial, financial &
 agricultural                        $83,644    24.66%   $89,536   29.68%   $80,230   33.42%   $59,624   32.57%   $55,241   37.41%
Real Estate - Mortgage               190,921    56.29%   157,167   52.11%   115,768   48.22%    90,156   49.25%    64,266   43.52%
Real Estate - Construction            39,340    11.60%    29,927    9.92%    24,291   10.12%    14,875    8.13%     9,198    6.23%
Consumer                              25,293     7.46%    24,995    8.29%    19,793    8.24%    18,394   10.05%    18,952   12.84%
                                    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Total loans                         $339,198   100.00%  $301,625  100.00%  $240,082  100.00%  $183,049  100.00%  $147,657  100.00%

Less: Allowance for Loan Losses        3,924               4,137              4,375              3,745              3,880
                                    ---------          ---------          ----------         ----------         ---------

Net Loans                           $335,274            $297,488           $235,707           $179,304           $143,777
                                    =========          =========          ==========         ==========         =========
</TABLE>



     As of December 31, 1999, gross loans outstanding were $339.2 million, an
increase of $37.6 million or 12% over the December 31, 1998 balance of $301.6
million. Most of this growth was attributable to growth in real estate loans.
Real estate mortgage loans grew $33.8 million in 1999, while real estate
construction loans grew $9.4 million in 1999. The Company experienced a slight
decrease of $5.9 million in the commercial loan portfolio arising from
management's efforts to securitize

                                     A-10
<PAGE>

various relationships in its loan portfolio. This decrease was primarily
attributable to the pay down of one significant relationship due to industry
consolidation activities. As a percentage of the Company's total loan portfolio,
real estate mortgage loans represented 56.29% in 1999, 52.11% in 1998 and 48.22%
in 1997. Over the same period commercial loans represented 24.66%, 29.68% and
33.42% of the Company's total loan portfolio, respectively. Real estate
construction loans made up 11.60%, 9.92% and 10.12% of the Company's total loan
portfolio at December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Consumer loans
represented 7.46%, 8.29% and 8.24% of the Company's total loan portfolio at
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

     Mortgage loans held for sale were $1.7 million at December 31, 1999, a
decrease of $7.6 million over the December 31, 1998 balance of $9.3 million
which represented an increase of $6.6 million over the December 31, 1997 balance
of $2.7 million.


Table 7 identifies the maturities of all loans as of December 31, 1999 and
addresses the sensitivity of these loans to changes in interest rates.

Table 7 - Maturity and Repricing Data for Loans

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 After one year
                                                Within one        through five     After five
     (Dollars in Thousands)                    year or less          years           years      Total Loans
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>               <C>             <C>           <C>
Commercial, financial & agricultural               $69,920           $8,530          $5,194        $83,644
Real Estate - Mortgage                             131,694           12,835          46,392        190,921
Real Estate - Construction                          33,671            1,801           3,868         39,340
Consumer                                            10,108           11,707           3,478         25,293
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total Loans                                       $245,393          $34,873         $58,932       $339,198
===========================================================================================================
Total fixed rate loans                              10,433           34,873          58,932        104,238
Total floating rate loans                          234,960                0               0        234,960
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total loans                                       $245,393          $34,873         $58,932       $339,198
===========================================================================================================
</TABLE>


Asset Quality

     At December 31, 1999, approximately 9% of the Company's portfolio was not
secured by any type of collateral. Unsecured loans generally involve higher
credit risk than secured loans and, in the event of customer default, the
Company has a higher exposure to potential loan losses.  Additionally, the real
estate loan portfolio can be affected by the condition of the local real estate
markets. Non-real estate commercial loans also can be affected by local economic
conditions.

     The allowance for loan losses is established through charges to expense in
the form of a provision for loan losses. Loan losses and recoveries are charged
and credited directly to the allowance. The amount of the provision and level of
the allowance is based on management's judgment of potential losses within the
Company's loan portfolio, loan growth, net charge-offs, changes in the
composition of the loan portfolio, delinquencies, management's assessment of the
quality of the loan portfolio and general economic climate.


Non-performing Assets

    Nonperforming assets, comprised of nonaccrual loans, other real estate owned
and loans for which payments are more than 90 days past due totaled $3.6 million
at December 31, 1999 compared to $4.2 million at December 31, 1998.

     It is the general policy of the Company to stop accruing interest income
and place the recognition of interest on a cash basis when a loan is placed on
nonaccrual status and any interest previously accrued but not collected is
reversed against current income.

                                     A-11
<PAGE>

A summary of non-performing assets at December 31 for each of the years
presented is shown in table 8.


Table 8 - Non-performing Assets

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Dollars in Thousands)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year                                                      1999         1998        1997        1996         1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
Nonaccrual loans                                         $2,866       $3,292      $3,075      $3,961       $4,389
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing           645          328         586       1,143          261
     Total non-performing loans                           3,511        3,620       3,661       5,094        4,650
 All other real estate owned                                 44          545           -         333           67
     Total non-performing assets                          3,555        4,165      $3,661      $5,427       $4,717

As a percent of total loans at year end
Non-accrual loans                                         0.84%        1.09%       1.28%       2.16%        2.97%
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing         0.19%        0.11%       0.24%       0.62%        0.18%
Total non-performing assets                               1.05%        1.38%       1.52%       2.96%        3.20%
</TABLE>


     At December 31, 1999 the Company had non-performing loans, defined as non-
accrual and accruing loans past due more than ninety days, of $3.5 million or
1.03% of total loans. Non-performing loans for 1998 and 1997 were $3.6 million,
or 1.20% of total loans and $3.7 million, or 1.52% of total loans, respectively.
Interest that would have been recorded on non-accrual loans for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, had they performed in accordance with their
original terms, amounted to approximately $333,000, $398,000 and $326,000
respectively. Interest income on non-accrual loans included in the results of
operations for 1999, 1998, and 1997 amounted to approximately $61,000, $305,000
and $64,000, respectively. The interest income collected on non-accrual loans
in 1998 consists primarily of  income collected through the restructuring of one
large commercial relationship in December 1998.

     Management continually monitors the loan portfolio to ensure that all loans
potentially having a material adverse impact on future operating results,
liquidity or capital resources have been classified as non-performing.  Should
economic conditions deteriorate, the inability of distressed customers to
service their existing debt could cause higher levels of non-performing loans.

Allowance for Loan Losses

     The allowance for loan losses totaled $3.9 million, representing 1.16% of
total loans outstanding at December 31, 1999.  For December 31, 1998 and 1997,
the allowance for loan losses amounted to $4.1 million, or 1.37% of total loans
outstanding and $4.4 million, or 1.82% of total loans outstanding, respectively.
To determine the allowance needed, management evaluates the risk characteristics
of the loan portfolio under current economic conditions and considers such
factors as the financial condition of the borrower, fair market value of
collateral and other items that, in management's opinion, deserve current
recognition in estimating possible credit losses.

     Whenever a loan, or portion thereof, is considered by management to be
uncollectible, it is charged against the allowance for loan losses. Management
considers the established allowance for loan losses adequate to absorb inherent
losses that relate to loans outstanding at December 31, 1999, although future
additions to the reserve may be necessary based on changes in economic
conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of
their examination process, periodically review the Company's allowance for loan
losses. Such agencies may require the Company's to recognize additions to the
allowances based on their judgments about information available to them at the
time of their examination.

     The Company does not currently allocate the allowance for loan losses to
the various loan categories. There were no significant changes in the methods
and assumptions used to determine the adequacy of the allowance during 1999.
Management does not expect the level of net loan charge-offs as a percentage of
total loans for 2000 to be significantly different from the amount recorded in
1999.

     The reduction in the allowance for loan losses during 1999 reflects
management's belief in the improved quality of the loan portfolio, changes in
underwriting policies, and the belief that the allowance for loan losses
adequately covers anticipated losses. The Company has experienced a declining
trend of non-performing assets as a percentage of total loans. Management has
also increased staffing at the executive level to provide additional credit
administration oversight. Total non-performing

                                      A-12
<PAGE>

assets were $3.6 million in 1999, $4.2 million in 1998 and $3.7 million in 1997.
The ratio of net charge-offs to average total loans was 0.20% in 1999, 0.25% in
1998 and 0.03% in 1997. The ratio of non-performing assets to total loans was
1.05% at December 31, 1999, as compared to 1.38% and 1.52% at December 31, 1998
and 1997, respectively.

   Table 9 presents an analysis of the allowance for loan losses, including
charge-off activity.


Table 9 - Analysis of Allowance for Loan Losses

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Year ended       Year ended       Year ended       Year ended       Year ended
                                                    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,
(Dollars in Thousands)                                 1999             1998             1997             1996             1995
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                   <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Reserve for loan losses at beginning                  $4,137           $4,375           $3,745           $3,880           $3,360

Loans charged off:
Commercial, financial, and agriculture                   485              608                8            1,012              133
Real estate - mortgage                                    25                -                -                -               38
Real estate - construction                                 -                -                -                -                -
Consumer                                                 195              138              131              129               98
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total loans charged off                               $  705           $  746           $  139           $1,141           $  269
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recoveries of losses previously charged off:

Commercial, financial, and agriculture                    24               39               60                -               23
Real estate - mortgage                                     -                -                -                -               38
Real estate - construction                                 -                -                -                -                -
Consumer                                                  43               24               12               26               28
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total recoveries                                      $   67           $   63           $   72           $   26           $   89
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net loans charged off                                    638           $  683           $   67           $1,115           $  180

Provision for loan losses                                425              445              697              980              700
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reserve for loan losses at end of year                $3,924           $4,137           $4,375           $3,745           $3,880
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Loans charged off net of recoveries, as
a percent of average loans outstanding                  0.20%            0.25%            0.03%            0.68%            0.13%
</TABLE>


Deposits

     The Company primarily uses deposits to fund its loans and investment
portfolio. The Company offers a variety of deposit accounts to individuals and
businesses. Deposit accounts include checking, savings, money market and
certificates of deposit. Certificates of deposit in amounts of $100,000 or more
totaled $89.3 million at December 31, 1999, $75.1 million and $65.2 million at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Many of these deposits are from long-
standing customers and, therefore, are believed by the bank to be as stable as,
and for all practical purposes, no more rate sensitive than core deposits.

     As of December 31, 1999, total deposits were $376.6 million, an increase of
$26.5 million or 8% increase over the December 31, 1998 balance of $350.1
million. The increase in deposits in 1999 was a result of a deposit growth
campaign implemented in the fourth quarter of 1999.

Table 10 is a summary of the maturity distribution of certificates of deposit in
amounts of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 1999.


Table 10 - Maturities of Time Deposits over $100,000

(Dollars in Thousands)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maturity Period                                                         Amount
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three months or less                                                   $21,884
Over three months through six months                                    23,286
Over six months through twelve months                                   33,212
Over twelve months                                                      10,924
                                                               ----------------
     Total                                                             $89,306
                                                                       =======

                                      A-13
<PAGE>

Borrowed Funds

     The Company has access to various short-term borrowings, including the
purchase of Federal Funds and borrowing arrangements from the FHLB and other
financial institutions. At December 31, 1999, FHLB borrowings totaled $14.5
million compared to $13.6 million at December 31, 1998 and $21.8 million at
December 31, 1997. Average FHLB borrowings for 1999 were $13.5 million, compared
to average balances of $15.3 million for 1998 and $16.7 million for 1997. The
maximum amount of outstanding FHLB borrowings was $14.5 million in 1999, and
$21.8 in 1998 and 1997. The FHLB advances outstanding at December 31, 1999 had
both fixed and adjustable interest rates ranging from 4.55% to 5.86%.
Approximately $11 million of the FHLB advances outstanding mature prior to
December 31, 2000. Additional information regarding FHLB advances is provided in
note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

     Demand notes payable to the U. S. Treasury amounted to approximately $1.6
million, $139,000, and $1.8 million at December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
respectively.


Capital Resources

     Shareholders' equity at December 31, 1999 was $38.0 million compared to
$35.9 million and $24.9 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. At
December 31, 1999, unrealized gains and losses in the available-for-sale
securities portfolio amounted to a loss of $920,000. For the years ended
December 31, 1998 and 1997, unrealized gains and losses in the available-for-
sale securities portfolio amounted to gains of $459,000 and $355,000,
respectively. Average shareholders' equity as a percentage of total average
assets is one measure used to determine capital strength. The return on average
shareholders' equity to average assets was 11.54% at December 31, 1999 as
compared to 12.04% and 9.98% as of December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997,
respectively.

     Under the regulatory capital guidelines of the FDIC, financial institutions
are currently required to maintain a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or
greater, with a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.0% or greater. Tier 1
capital is generally defined as shareholders' equity less all intangible assets
and goodwill. The Company's Tier I capital ratio was 10.99%, 11.04% and 9.41% at
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Total risk based capital is
defined as Tier 1 capital plus supplementary capital. Supplementary capital, or
Tier 2 capital, consists of the Company's allowance for loan losses, not
exceeding 1.25% of the Company's risk-weighted assets. Total risk-based capital
ratio is therefore defined as the ratio of total capital (Tier 1 capital and
Tier 2 capital) to risk-weighted assets. The Company's total risk based capital
ratio was 12.11%, 12.29% and 10.67% at December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. In addition to the Tier I and total risk-based capital
requirements, financial institutions are also required by the FDIC to maintain a
leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to total average assets of 4.0% or greater. The
Company's Tier I leverage capital ratio was 9.21%, 9.41% and 7.40% at
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

     A Bank is considered to be "well capitalized" if it has a total risk-based
capital ratio of 10.0 % or greater, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or
greater, and has a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater. Based upon these
guidelines, the Bank was considered to be "well capitalized" at December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

The Company's key equity ratios as of December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 are
presented in Table 11:


Table 11 - Equity Ratios

                                               Years Ended December 31,
                                             1999         1998        1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return on average assets                     1.09%        1.08%       0.81%
Return on average equity                    11.54%       12.04%       9.98%
Dividend payout ratio                       23.84%       22.61%      33.18%
Average equity to average assets             9.43%        9.00%       8.15%


Company Reorganization

     Effective August 31, 1999, the Bank completed the process of converting to
the holding company form of organization. The Bank is now a subsidiary of the
Company, a one-bank holding company, headquartered in Newton, North Carolina.

     As a result of the reorganization, each share of the Bank's common stock
was automatically converted into one share of the Company's common stock. The
Company is now the sole shareholder of the Bank. The corporate reorganization
was accounted for in a manner similar to a pooling of interests.

     The Company's Board of Directors is composed of the same persons who are
directors of the Bank. Robert C. Abernethy, Chairman of the Board of the Bank,
is also Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors. The Bank's President

                                     A-14
<PAGE>

and Chief Executive Officer, Tony W. Wolfe, is also President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company. Joseph F. Beaman, Jr., who serves as Executive
Vice President and Corporate Secretary of the Bank will also serve as Executive
Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Treasurer of the Company.

Change in Accountants

     On October 21, 1998, the Board of Directors approved the dismissal of the
KPMG LLP, accounting firm ("KPMG"). On the same date, the Board engaged Porter
Keadle Moore, LLP ("PKM"). During the two years ended December 31, 1997 and
1996, and the subsequent interim period ended October 31, 1998, the Bank had not
consulted PKM with regard to either: (i) application of accounting principles to
a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit
opinion that might be rendered on the Bank's financial statements, or (ii) any
matter that was either the subject of a disagreement or a reportable event.

     KPMG's report on the financial statements for either of the two years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996, contained neither an adverse opinion nor a
disclaimer of opinion, nor was it qualified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or
accounting principles. Furthermore, there were no disagreements with the former
accountant on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial
statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure during the Bank's two most
recent fiscal years and any subsequent interim period through October 21, 1998.

                                      A-15
<PAGE>

          QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     Market risk reflects the risk of economic loss resulting from adverse
changes in market prices and interest rates. This risk of loss can be reflected
in either diminished current market values or reduced potential net interest
income in future periods.

     The Company's market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent
in its lending and deposit taking activities. The structure of the Company's
loan and deposit portfolios is such that a significant decline (increase) in
interest rates may adversely impact net market values and interest income.
Management seeks to manage the risk through the utilization of its investment
securities and off balance sheet derivative instruments. During the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Company has used interest rate contracts
to manage market risk. Interest rate floors are used to protect certain
designated variable rate financial instruments from the downward effects of
their repricing in the event of a decreasing rate environment. The Company is
using this financial instrument as a hedge against variable rate commercial
loans. In 1998, the Company entered into an interest rate cap to protect certain
designated deposit accounts from the upward effects of repricing in the event of
an increasing rate environment. The total cost of the interest rate floor and
cap arrangements was $92,000 and $21,600, respectively, which will be expensed
on a straight-line basis for the life of the instrument. For the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Company expensed $22,944, $31,747 and
$30,667, respectively, related to these financial instruments.

     Table 12 presents in tabular form the contractual balances and the
estimated fair value of the Company's on-balance sheet financial instruments and
the notional amount and estimated fair value of the Company's off-balance sheet
derivative instruments at their expected maturity dates for the period ended
December 31, 1999. The expected maturity categories take into consideration
historical prepayment experience as well as management's expectations based on
the interest rate environment at December 31, 1999. For core deposits without
contractual maturity (i.e. interest bearing checking, savings, and money market
accounts), the table presents principal cash flows based on management's
judgment concerning their most likely runoff or repricing behaviors.


Table 12- Market Risk Table

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In Thousands)                                               Principal/Notional Amount Maturing in:

                                                                                                        Year Ended
                                           Year Ended           Year Ended         Year Ended       December 31, 2003 &
Loans Receivable                        December 31, 2000   December 31, 2001   December 31, 2002           2004
=========================================================================================================================
<S>                                     <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Fixed rate                                   $  22,678         $   9,672            $   8,081            $  20,268
     Average interest rate                        9.43%             9.01%                8.99%                8.75%
Variable rate                                $ 233,294         $     436            $     608            $   2,333
     Average interest rate                        8.08%             9.21%                8.10%                7.81%

Investment Securities
=========================================================================================================================
Interest bearing cash                        $   3,383         $      -                     -            $       -
     Average interest rate                        4.97%               -                     -                    -
Federal funds sold                           $   2,930         $      -             $       -            $       -
     Average interest rate                        5.10%               -                     -                    -
Securities available for sale                $   2,427         $   2,017            $   4,026            $  18,485
     Average interest rate                        6.76%             5.08%                6.45%                6.45%
Nonmarketable equity securities              $       -         $       -            $       -            $       -
     Average interest rate                           -                 -                    -                    -

Debt Obligations
=========================================================================================================================
Deposits                                     $ 216,575         $  58,548            $  36,186            $  32,761
     Average interest rate                        5.41%             5.67%                5.33%                5.45%
Advances from FHLB                           $  11,000         $       -            $       -            $     500
     Average interest rate                        4.93%                -                    -                 5.86%

Derivative Financial Instruments
=========================================================================================================================
Interest rate cap                            $       -         $       -            $       -           $   4,000
     Average interest rate                           -                 -                    -                 n/a
Interest rate floor                          $       -         $       -            $       -           $       -
     Average interest rate                           -                 -                    -                   -
<CAPTION>

                                             Thereafter          Total             Fair Value
===============================================================================================
<S>                                          <C>               <C>                 <C>
Loans Receivable

Fixed rate                                   $  38,370         $  99,068            $  96,904
     Average interest rate                        8.44%
Variable rate                                $   3,460         $ 240,130            $ 239,996
     Average interest rate                       8.16%

Investment Securities
===============================================================================================
Interest bearing cash                        $       -         $   3,383            $   3,383
     Average interest rate                           -
Federal funds sold                           $       -         $   2,930            $   2,930
     Average interest rate                           -
Securities available for sale                $  35,543         $  62,498            $  62,498
     Average interest rate                        6.60%
Nonmarketable equity securities              $   1,345         $   1,345            $   1,345
     Average interest rate

Debt Obligations
===============================================================================================
Deposits                                     $  32,564         $ 376,634            $ 384,430
     Average interest rate                        5.00%
Advances from FHLB                           $   3,000         $  14,500            $  14,195
     Average interest rate                        5.07%

Derivative Financial Instruments
===============================================================================================
Interest rate cap                            $       -         $   4,000            $      28
     Average interest rate                           -
Interest rate floor                          $       -         $       -            $       -
     Average interest rate                           -
</TABLE>

                                      A-16
<PAGE>

                    MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S COMMON EQUITY
                        AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS


     Peoples Bancorp common stock is traded on the over-the counter (OTC) market
and quoted on the Nasdaq National Market, under the symbol "PEBK". Peoples
Bancorp stock is marketed by IJL/Wachovia and Scott & Stringfellow, Inc.

     Although the payment of dividends by the Company is subject to certain
requirements and limitations of North Carolina corporate law, except as set
forth in this paragraph, neither the Commissioner nor the FDIC have promulgated
any regulations specifically limiting the right of the Company to pay dividends
and repurchase shares. However, the ability of the Company to pay dividends and
repurchase shares may be dependent upon the Company's receipt of dividends from
the Bank. The Bank's ability to pay dividends is limited.

     As of March 1, 2000, the Company had 623 shareholders of record, not
including the number of persons or entries whose stock is held in nominee or
street name through various brokerage firms or banks. The market price for the
Company's common stock was $13.88 on March 16, 2000.

     Following is certain market and dividend information for the last two
fiscal years. Information for quarters prior to the third quarter of 1999
relates to the Bank's common stock. Over-the-counter quotations reflect inter-
dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark down or commission and may not
necessarily represent actual transactions.

                            MARKET AND DIVIDEND DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Cash Dividend
                                Low Bid               High Bid             Per Share *
<S>                          <C>                    <C>                   <C>
1999

   First Quarter             $      16.833          $     21.50           $       0.09

   Second Quarter                    19.00                21.50                   0.09

   Third Quarter                     17.50                20.00                   0.09

   Fourth Quarter                    14.50                18.00                   0.10


1998

   First Quarter             $       21.17          $     22.93           $       0.07

   Second Quarter                    21.17                24.25                   0.08

   Third Quarter                     17.33                22.50                   0.08

   Fourth Quarter                    16.67                18.92                   0.08
</TABLE>

*    Shares outstanding and per share computations have been restated to reflect
     a 3 for 2 stock split during first quarter 1999.

                                      A-17
<PAGE>

                     DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

DIRECTORS
- ---------

Robert C. Abernethy - Chairman
- ------------------------------
Chairman of the Board, Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. and Peoples Bank;
President, Secretary and Treasurer, Carolina Glove Company, Inc. (glove
manufacturer)

James S. Abernethy
- ------------------
President and Assistant Secretary, Midstate Contractors, Inc. (paving company)

Bruce R. Eckard
- ---------------
President, Eckard Vending Company, Inc. (vending machine servicer)

John H. Elmore, Jr.
- -------------------
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer; Elmore
Construction Co., Inc.

B. E. Matthews
- --------------
President and Director, Matthews Construction Company of Conover, Inc.

Charles F. Murray
- -----------------
President, Murray's Hatchery, Inc.

Larry E. Robinson
- -----------------
President and Chief Executive Officer, Blue Ridge Distributing Co., Inc. (beer
and wine distributor) & President and Chief Executive Officer, Associated
Brands, Inc. (beer and wine distributor)

Fred L. Sherrill, Jr.
- ---------------------
President and Chief Executive Officer, Conover Chair Company, Inc.

Dan Ray Timmerman, Sr.
- ----------------------
President, Timmerman Manufacturing, Inc. (wrought iron furniture manufacturer)

Benjamin I. Zachary
- -------------------
General Manager, Treasurer, Secretary and Member of the Board of Directors,
Alexander Railroad Company

OFFICERS
- --------

Tony W. Wolfe
- -------------
President and Chief Executive Officer

Joseph F. Beaman, Jr.
- ---------------------
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary and
Treasurer

George S. Earp
- --------------
Vice President - Finance and Assistant Treasurer

N. Michael Hamra
- ----------------
Vice President - Risk Management Services and Assistant Corporate Secretary

Krissy O. Price
- ---------------
Assistant Vice President and Assistant Corporate Secretary

                                      A-18
<PAGE>

              REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc.
Newton, North Carolina:


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Peoples Bancorp
of North Carolina, Inc. as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related
consolidated statements of earnings, changes in shareholders' equity,
comprehensive income and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit. The consolidated financial statements for 1997 were audited by other
auditors whose report dated January 30, 1998 expressed an unqualified opinion on
those statements.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the 1999 and 1998 consolidated financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and
the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.



/s/ Porter Keadle Moore, LLP

Atlanta, Georgia
January 14, 2000


                                      A-19
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

                          Consolidated Balance Sheets

                          December 31, 1999 and 1998

                                    Assets
                                    ------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1999          1998
                                                                           ----          ----
<S>                                                                    <C>            <C>
Cash and due from banks, including reserve requirements
   of $4,009,000 and $3,907,000                                        $ 14,067,311    11,844,077
Federal funds sold                                                        2,930,000     5,910,000
                                                                       ------------   -----------

     Cash and cash equivalents                                           16,997,311    17,754,077

Investment securities available for sale                                 62,498,359    63,227,690
Other investments                                                         1,345,100     1,495,300
Mortgage loans held for sale                                              1,685,472     9,259,817
Loans, net                                                              335,273,577   297,488,443
Premises and equipment, net                                               9,342,582     7,806,827
Accrued interest receivable and other assets                              5,292,453     5,240,878
                                                                       ------------   -----------

                                                                       $432,434,854   402,273,032
                                                                       ============   ===========

                      Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
                      ------------------------------------

Deposits:
   Demand                                                              $ 53,506,430    48,474,480
   Interest-bearing demand                                               31,752,477    31,034,112
   Savings                                                               77,556,576    78,686,479
   Time, $100,000 or more                                                89,306,653    75,099,131
   Other time                                                           124,512,233   116,773,176
                                                                       ------------  ------------

     Total deposits                                                     376,634,369   350,067,378

Demand notes payable to U. S. Treasury                                    1,600,000       139,235
FHLB borrowings                                                          14,500,000    13,642,857
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities                            1,702,006     2,499,427
                                                                       ------------   -----------

     Total liabilities                                                  394,436,375   366,348,897
                                                                       ------------   -----------

Commitments

Shareholders' equity:
   Preferred stock, no par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares;
     no shares issued and outstanding                                             -             -
   Common stock, no par value; authorized 20,000,000 shares;
     issued and outstanding 2,926,318 in 1999 and 2,926,500 in 1998      31,729,462    31,730,372
   Retained earnings                                                      7,189,417     3,735,171
   Accumulated other comprehensive income                                  (920,400)      458,592
                                                                       ------------   -----------

     Total shareholders' equity                                          37,998,479    35,924,135
                                                                       ------------   -----------

                                                                       $432,434,854   402,273,032
                                                                       ============   ===========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                     A-20
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

                      Consolidated Statements of Earnings

             For the Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1999         1998        1997
                                                              ----         ----        ----
<S>                                                       <C>           <C>         <C>
Interest income:
   Interest and fees on loans                             $28,375,391   24,885,434  19,991,450
   Interest on federal funds sold                             338,941      323,149     144,483
   Interest on investment securities:
     U. S. Treasuries                                          50,221       85,079     346,660
     U. S. Government agencies                              2,297,645    2,236,446   2,043,005
     State and political subdivisions                         973,744      881,058     937,123
     Other                                                    266,097      803,939     320,190
                                                          -----------   ----------  ----------

     Total interest income                                 32,302,039   29,215,105  23,782,911
                                                          -----------   ----------  ----------

Interest expense:
   Interest-bearing demand deposits                           430,253      547,343     584,578
   Savings deposits                                         2,925,123    2,472,910   1,085,808
   Time deposits                                           10,653,642   10,596,180   8,482,758
   FHLB borrowings                                            735,752      874,896     966,437
   Other                                                       45,501       48,639      59,132
                                                          -----------   ----------  ----------

     Total interest expense                                14,790,271   14,539,968  11,178,713
                                                          -----------   ----------  ----------

     Net interest income                                   17,511,768   14,675,137  12,604,198

Provision for loan losses                                     425,000      445,000     696,500
                                                          -----------   ----------  ----------

   Net interest income after provision for loan losses     17,086,768   14,230,137  11,907,698
                                                          -----------   ----------  ----------

Other income:
   Service charges                                          1,326,810    1,186,600     911,102
   Other service charges and fees                             298,454      281,542     205,581
   Gain (loss) on sale of securities                          (34,824)     168,448      (8,438)
   Mortgage banking income                                    740,031    1,049,402     389,917
   Insurance and brokerage commissions                        129,786      152,630     135,711
   Miscellaneous                                              919,804      807,331     426,571
                                                          -----------   ----------  ----------

     Total other income                                     3,380,061    3,645,953   2,060,444
                                                          -----------   ----------  ----------

Other expenses:
   Salaries and employee benefits                           7,737,404    6,353,745   4,731,154
   Occupancy                                                2,230,448    1,955,803   1,563,902
   Other operating                                          3,863,652    3,710,861   4,117,785
                                                          -----------   ----------  ----------

     Total other expenses                                  13,831,504   12,020,409  10,412,841
                                                          -----------   ----------  ----------

     Earnings before income taxes                           6,635,325    5,855,681   3,555,301

Income tax expense                                          2,093,380    1,846,483   1,148,904
                                                          -----------   ----------  ----------

     Net earnings                                         $ 4,541,945    4,009,198   2,406,397
                                                          ===========   ==========  ==========

Net earnings per share                                    $      1.55         1.44        0.94
                                                          ===========   ==========  ==========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                     A-21
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

          Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity

             For the Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           Accumulated
                                                                              Other
                                         Common Stock         Retained    Comprehensive
                                         ------------
                                     Shares       Amount      Earnings        Income         Total
                                     ------       ------      --------        ------         -----
<S>                                <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>             <C>

Balance, December 31, 1996         2,321,225   $20,389,014    2,583,806       (62,266)    22,910,554

Cash dividends declared
  ($.31 per share)                         -             -     (798,419)            -       (798,419)

10% stock dividend                   231,775     3,553,891   (3,553,891)            -              -

Cash paid in lieu of
  fractional shares                        -             -       (5,320)            -         (5,320)

Net earnings                               -             -    2,406,397             -      2,406,397

Change in net unrealized
  gain (loss) on investment
  securities available for
  sale, net of tax                         -             -            -       417,277        417,277
                                   ---------   -----------   ----------   -----------     ----------

Balance, December 31, 1997         2,553,000    23,942,905      632,573       355,011     24,930,489

Issuance of common stock             373,500     7,787,467            -             -      7,787,467

Cash dividends declared
  ($.32 per share)                         -             -     (906,600)            -       (906,600)

Net earnings                               -             -    4,009,198             -      4,009,198

Change in net unrealized
  gain (loss) on investment
  securities available for
  sale, net of tax                         -             -            -       103,581        103,581
                                   ---------   -----------   ----------   -----------     ----------

Balance, December 31, 1998         2,926,500    31,730,372    3,735,171       458,592     35,924,135

Redemption of fractional shares
   associated with stock split          (182)         (910)      (4,961)            -         (5,871)

Cash dividends declared
  ($0.37 per share)                        -             -   (1,082,738)            -     (1,082,738)

Net earnings                               -             -    4,541,945             -      4,541,945

Change in net unrealized
  gain (loss) on investment
  securities available for
  sale, net of tax                         -             -            -    (1,378,992)    (1,378,992)
                                   ---------   -----------   ----------   -----------     ----------

Balance, December 31, 1999         2,926,318   $31,729,462    7,189,417      (920,400)    37,998,479
                                   =========   ===========   ==========   ===========     ==========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                     A-22
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

                Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

             For the Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1999        1998        1997
                                                                ----        ----        ----
<S>                                                         <C>           <C>        <C>
Net earnings                                                $ 4,541,945   4,009,198  2,406,397
                                                            -----------   ---------  ---------
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
  Unrealized gains (losses) on investment
   securities available for sale:                            (2,293,615)    338,115    672,238
  Less reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) on
   sales of investment securities available for sale            (34,824)    168,448     (8,438)
                                                            -----------   ---------  ---------

     Total other comprehensive income (loss),
       before income taxes                                   (2,258,791)    169,667    680,676
                                                            -----------   ---------  ---------

Income tax expense (benefit) related to other comprehensive income:

  Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment
   securities available for sale                               (893,363)    131,696    260,112
  Less reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) on
   sales of investment securities available for sale            (13,564)     65,610     (3,287)
                                                            -----------   ---------  ---------

     Total income tax expense (benefit) related to
       other comprehensive income                              (879,799)     66,086    263,399
                                                            -----------   ---------  ---------

     Total other comprehensive income (loss),
       net of tax                                            (1,378,992)    103,581    417,277
                                                            -----------   ---------  ---------

     Total comprehensive income                             $ 3,162,953   4,112,779  2,823,674
                                                            ===========   =========  =========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                     A-23
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

                     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
             For the Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1999           1998          1997
                                                                       ----           ----          ----
<S>                                                                <C>            <C>           <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net earnings                                                     $  4,541,945     4,009,198     2,406,397
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net
   cash provided (used) by operating activities:
    Depreciation, amortization and accretion                          1,794,646     1,642,559     1,268,566
    Provision for loan losses                                           425,000       445,000       696,500
    Provision for deferred taxes                                        915,285       359,486      (382,654)
    Loss (gain) on sale of loans                                              -             -         3,495
    Loss (gain) on sale of investment securities                         34,824      (168,448)        8,438
    Loss (gain) on sale of premises and equipment                        12,925        (1,503)          (90)
    Loss (gain) on sale of mortgage loans                               369,583        44,659        (8,421)
    Loss (gain) on sale of other real estate                             64,943       (30,009)            -
    Change in:
     Other assets                                                    (1,006,947)     (763,080)     (317,361)
     Other liabilities                                                 (797,420)     (427,536)    1,155,805
     Mortgage loans held for sale                                     7,204,762    (6,562,004)   (2,734,051)
                                                                   ------------   -----------   -----------

       Net cash provided (used) by operating activities              13,559,546    (1,451,678)    2,096,624
                                                                   ------------   -----------   -----------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Purchase of investment securities available for sale              (23,737,969)  (43,374,408)  (11,617,463)
  Proceeds from calls and maturities of investment securities
   available for sale                                                15,076,886    25,818,882    12,841,737
  Proceeds from sales of investment securities available
   for sale                                                           6,896,296     7,616,174     2,991,562
  Change in other investments                                           150,200     1,524,300    (2,293,600)
  Net change in loans                                               (38,273,585)  (62,974,283)  (58,306,616)
  Purchases of premises and equipment                                (1,857,657)   (2,109,610)   (2,429,224)
  Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment                            4,500         4,900       419,633
  Construction in progress                                             (870,284)            -             -
  Proceeds from sale of loans                                                 -             -     1,135,071
  Improvements to other real estate                                    (241,951)     (167,445)            -
  Proceeds from sale of other real estate                               740,962       400,138             -
                                                                   ------------   -----------   -----------

       Net cash used by investing activities                        (42,112,602)  (73,261,352)  (57,258,900)
                                                                   ------------   -----------   -----------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Net change in deposits                                             26,566,991    74,674,475    44,132,391
  Net change in demand notes payable to U. S. Treasury                1,460,765    (1,677,366)      885,225
  Net change in FHLB borrowings                                         857,143    (8,142,823)   20,857,108
  Cash dividends                                                     (1,082,738)     (906,600)     (798,419)
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of offering costs               -     7,787,467             -
  Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares                                 (5,871)            -        (5,320)
                                                                   ------------   -----------   -----------

       Net cash provided by financing activities                     27,796,290    71,735,153    65,070,985
                                                                   ------------   -----------   -----------

Net change in cash and cash equivalents                                (756,766)   (2,977,877)    9,908,709

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                       17,754,077    20,731,954    10,823,245
                                                                   ------------   -----------   -----------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                           $ 16,997,311    17,754,077    20,731,954
                                                                   ============   ===========   ===========
</TABLE>

                                     A-24
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

               Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued

             For the Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1999         1998        1997
                                                        ------------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                     <C>           <C>         <C>
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
  Cash paid during the year for:
   Interest                                             $14,812,486   14,563,557  11,152,480
   Income taxes                                         $ 1,000,000    2,029,431   1,154,147

Noncash investing and financing activities:
  Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on investment
   securities available for sale, net of tax            $(1,378,992)     103,581     417,277
  Transfer of loans to other real estate                $   123,451      747,538           -
  Financed sales of other real estate                   $    60,000            -           -
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                     A-25
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

                  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


(1)  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     Organization
     ------------

     Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (Bancorp) received regulatory
     approval to operate as a bank holding company on July 22, 1999, and became
     effective August 31, 1999. Bancorp is primarily regulated by the Federal
     Reserve Bank, and serves as the one bank holding company for Peoples Bank.

     Peoples Bank (the "Bank") commenced business in 1912 upon receipt of its
     banking charter from the North Carolina State Banking Commission (the
     "SBC"). The Bank is primarily regulated by the SBC and the Federal Deposit
     Insurance Corporation and undergoes periodic examinations by these
     regulatory agencies. The Bank, whose main office is in Newton, North
     Carolina, provides a full range of commercial and consumer banking services
     primarily in Catawba, Alexander and Lincoln counties in North Carolina.

     Peoples Investment Services, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank
     which began operations in 1996 to provide investment and trust services
     through agreements with an outside party.

     Peoples Real Estate and Appraisal Services, Inc. is a wholly owned
     subsidiary of the Bank which began operations in 1997 to provide real
     estate appraisal and property management services to individuals and
     commercial customers of the Bank.

     Principles of Consolidation
     ---------------------------

     The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of
     Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary,
     Peoples Bank, along with its wholly owned subsidiaries, Peoples Investment
     Services, Inc. and Peoples Real Estate and Appraisal Services, Inc.
     (collectively called the "Company"). All significant intercompany balances
     and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

     Basis of Presentation
     ---------------------

     The accounting principles followed by the Company, and the methods of
     applying these principles, conform with generally accepted accounting
     principles ("GAAP") and with general practices in the banking industry. In
     preparing the financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management is
     required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
     in the financial statements. Actual results could differ significantly from
     these estimates. Material estimates common to the banking industry that are
     particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term include,
     but are not limited to, the determination of the allowance for loan losses
     and valuation of real estate acquired in connection with or in lieu of
     foreclosure on loans.

     Investment Securities
     ---------------------

     The Company classifies its securities in one of three categories: trading,
     available for sale, or held to maturity. Trading securities are bought and
     held principally for sale in the near term. Held to maturity securities are
     those securities for which the Company has the ability and intent to hold
     the security until maturity. All other securities not included in trading
     or held to maturity are classified as available for sale. At December 31,
     1999 and 1998, the Company had classified all of its investment securities
     as available for sale.

     Available for sale securities are recorded at fair value. Held to maturity
     securities are recorded at cost, adjusted for the amortization or accretion
     of premiums or discounts. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the
     related tax effect, on securities available for sale are excluded from
     earnings and are reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity
     until realized.

     A decline in the market value of any available for sale investment below
     cost that is deemed other than temporary is charged to earnings and
     establishes a new cost basis for the security.

     Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the
     related security as an adjustment to the yield. Realized gains and losses
     for securities classified as available for sale are included in earnings
     and are derived using the specific identification method for determining
     the cost of securities sold.

     Other Investments
     -----------------

     Other investments include equity securities with no readily determinable
     fair value. These investments are carried at cost.

                                     A-26
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(1)  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

     Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
     ----------------------------

     Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or
     market value. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the cost of mortgage loans
     held for sale approximates the market value.

     Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses
     -----------------------------------

     Loans are stated at principal amount outstanding, net of the allowance for
     loan losses. Interest on loans is calculated by using the simple interest
     method on daily balances of the principal amount outstanding.

     Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future
     cash flows, discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or at the
     loan's observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the
     loan is collateral dependent. A loan is impaired when, based on current
     information and events, it is probable that all amounts due according to
     the contractual terms of the loan will not be collected.

     Accrual of interest is discontinued on a loan when management believes,
     after considering economic conditions and collection efforts, that the
     borrower's financial condition is such that collection of interest is
     doubtful. Interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against
     current period earnings when such loans are placed on nonaccrual status.

     The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan
     losses charged to earnings. Loans are charged against the allowance for
     loan losses when management believes that the collectibility of the
     principal is unlikely. The allowance represents an amount which, in
     management's judgment, will be adequate to absorb probable losses on
     existing loans that may become uncollectible.

     Management's judgment in determining the adequacy of the allowance is based
     on evaluations of the collectibility of loans. These evaluations take into
     consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan
     portfolio, current economic conditions that may affect the borrower's
     ability to pay, overall portfolio quality, and review of specific problem
     loans.

     While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans,
     future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in
     economic conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an
     integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank's
     allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize
     additions to the allowance based on judgments different than those of
     management.

     Mortgage Banking Activities
     ---------------------------

     Mortgage banking income represents net gains from the sale of mortgage
     loans and fees received from borrowers and loan investors related to the
     Company's origination of single-family residential mortgage loans.

     As of December 31, 1999 and 1998, $970,318 and $574,027, respectively, were
     capitalized in connection with originating and acquiring the right to
     service mortgage loans.

     Mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying
     balance sheets. The unpaid principal balances of mortgage loans serviced
     for others was $91,194,374 and $49,724,063 at December 31, 1999 and 1998,
     respectively.

                                     A-27
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(1)  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

     Premises and Equipment
     ----------------------

     Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.
     Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the
     estimated useful lives of the assets. When assets are retired or otherwise
     disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from
     the accounts, and any gain or loss is reflected in earnings for the period.
     The cost of maintenance and repairs which do not improve or extend the
     useful life of the respective asset is charged to income as incurred,
     whereas significant renewals and improvements are capitalized. The range of
     estimated useful lives for premises and equipment are generally as follows:


          Buildings and improvements                  10 - 50 years
          Furniture and equipment                     3 - 10 years

     Income Taxes
     ------------

     Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
     consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
     carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective
     tax bases. Additionally, the recognition of future tax benefits, such as
     net operating loss carryforwards, is required to the extent that
     realization of such benefits is more likely than not. Deferred tax assets
     and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to
     taxable income in the years in which the assets and liabilities are
     expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and
     liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in
     the period that includes the enactment date.

     In the event the future tax consequences of differences between the
     financial reporting bases and the tax bases of the Company's assets and
     liabilities results in deferred tax assets, an evaluation of the
     probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by such
     asset is required. A valuation allowance is provided for the portion of the
     deferred tax asset when it is more likely than not that some portion or all
     of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the
     realizability of the deferred tax assets, management considers the
     scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable
     income, and tax planning strategies.

     Intangible Assets
     -----------------

     Deposit base premiums, representing the cost of acquiring deposits from
     other financial institutions, are being amortized by charges to earnings
     over seven years using the straight-line method. Amortization of deposit
     base premiums was approximately $174,000 for 1999, 1998 and 1997.

     Derivative Financial Instruments
     --------------------------------

     All derivative financial instruments held by the Company are held for
     purposes other than trading. The Company uses interest rate floors and caps
     for interest rate risk management. The net interest payable or receivable
     on floors and caps is accrued and recognized as an adjustment to interest
     income or interest expense of the related asset or liability. Premiums paid
     for purchased floors and caps are amortized over the shorter of the term of
     the instrument or the related asset or liability. Upon early termination,
     the net proceeds received or paid, including premiums, are deferred and
     included in other assets or liabilities and amortized over the shorter of
     the remaining contract life or the maturity of the related asset or
     liability. Upon disposition or settlement of the asset or liability being
     hedged, deferral accounting is discontinued and any other related premium
     is recognized in earnings.

                                     A-28
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(1)  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

     Net Earnings Per Common Share
     -----------------------------

     The Company is required to report earnings per common share on the face of
     the statements of earnings with and without the dilutive effects of
     potential common stock issuances from instruments such as options,
     convertible securities and warrants. Earnings per common share is based on
     the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period
     while the effects of potential common shares outstanding during the period
     are included in diluted earnings per share. Additionally, the Company must
     reconcile the amounts used in the computation of both "basic earnings per
     share" and "diluted earnings per share."

     Stock options granted in 1999 have not been included in the computation of
     "diluted earnings per share" as the effect of inclusion would be
     antidilutive. Additionally, the Company had no potential common stock
     issuances outstanding for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997.

     Therefore, since "basic earnings per share" and "diluted earnings per
     share" are the same for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
     the Company has chosen to present the calculation of basic earnings per
     share as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Net Earnings   Common Share   Per Share
                                                   (Numerator)   (Denominator)   Amount
                                                  -------------  -------------  ---------
          <S>                                       <C>          <C>            <C>
          For the Year Ended December 31, 1999      $4,541,945     2,926,318      $1.55
          For the Year Ended December 31, 1998      $4,009,198     2,780,145      $1.44
          For the Year Ended December 31, 1997      $2,406,397     2,553,000      $0.94
</TABLE>

     During 1997, the Company declared and distributed a 10% stock dividend to
     its shareholders. Additionally, the Company declared a 3 for 2 stock split
     in February, 1999. All previously reported per share amounts have been
     restated to reflect the stock dividend and stock split.

     Recent Accounting Pronouncements
     --------------------------------

     In 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement
     of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for
     Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". SFAS No. 133 establishes
     accounting and reporting standards for hedging derivatives and for
     derivative instruments including derivative instruments embedded in other
     contracts. It requires the fair value recognition of derivatives as assets
     or liabilities in the financial statements. The accounting for the changes
     in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the
     derivative instruments at inception. Fair value changes on instruments used
     as fair value hedges are recorded in the earnings of the period
     simultaneous with accounting for the fair value change of the item being
     hedged. Fair value changes on cash flow hedges are recorded in
     comprehensive income rather than earnings. Fair value changes on derivative
     instruments that are not intended as a hedge are recorded in the earnings
     of the period of the change. In 1999, the FASB issued SFAS No. 137 which
     deferred implementation of SFAS No. 133 to become effective for all fiscal
     quarters beginning after June 15, 2000, but initial application of the
     Statement must be made as of the beginning of the quarter. At the date of
     initial application, an entity may transfer any held to maturity security
     into the available for sale or trading categories without calling into
     question the entity's intent to hold other securities to maturity in the
     future. The Company believes the adoption of these standards will not have
     a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or
     liquidity.

                                     A-29
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(2)  Corporate Reorganization

     Effective August 31, 1999, Peoples Bank completed the process of converting
     to a holding company form of operation. Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina,
     Inc. has become the parent of Peoples Bank. Bancorp is a North Carolina,
     one-bank holding company, headquartered in Newton, North Carolina.

     Peoples Bank's shareholders approved the holding company reorganization at
     the Bank's annual meeting held in May, 1999. Regulatory approval was
     received on July 22, 1999. The holding company conversion was completed
     successfully on August 31, 1999. As a result of the conversion, each share
     of Bank $5 par value common stock was converted into one share of Bancorp
     no par value stock, and the Bank's common stock and additional paid-in
     capital accounts were combined into Bancorp's common stock account. Certain
     shareholders representing 182 shares were paid cash of $5,871 in lieu of
     the issuance of fractional shares. Bancorp is now the sole shareholder of
     the Bank.

(3)  Investment Securities

     Investment securities available for sale at December 31, 1999 and 1998 are
     as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        December 31, 1999
                                        -----------------------------------------------
                                                       Gross       Gross     Estimated
                                         Amortized   Unrealized  Unrealized     Fair
                                           Cost        Gains       Losses      Value
                                        -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  <S>                                   <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>
  U.S. Treasuries                       $   900,117           -         398     899,719
  U.S. Government agencies               23,830,736           -     456,322  23,374,414
  Mortgage-backed securities             16,886,862      22,058     696,722  16,212,198
  States and political subdivisions      22,388,260      96,955     473,187  22,012,028
                                        -----------     -------   ---------  ----------

     Total                              $64,005,975     119,013   1,626,629  62,498,359
                                        ===========     =======   =========  ==========

<CAPTION>
                                                        December 31, 1999
                                        -----------------------------------------------
                                                       Gross       Gross     Estimated
                                         Amortized   Unrealized  Unrealized     Fair
                                           Cost        Gains       Losses      Value
                                        -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  <S>                                   <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>
  U.S. Treasuries                       $   900,473      11,902           -     912,375
  U.S. Government agencies               20,032,421     136,137           -  20,168,558
  Mortgage-backed securities             19,894,887      82,923      23,309  19,954,501
  States and political subdivisions      21,648,735     572,049      28,528  22,192,256
                                        -----------     -------      ------  ----------

     Total                              $62,476,516     803,011      51,837  63,227,690
                                        ===========     =======      ======  ==========
</TABLE>

     The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities available for
     sale at December 31, 1999, by contractual maturity, are shown below.
     Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because
     borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call
     or prepayment penalties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Amortized     Estimated
                                                      Cost        Fair Value
                                                   -----------    ----------
     <S>                                           <C>            <C>
     Due within one year                           $ 2,422,170     2,427,262
     Due from one to five years                     24,826,931    24,527,774
     Due from five to ten years                     16,541,074    16,274,569
     Due after ten years                             3,328,938     3,056,556
     Mortgage-backed securities                     16,886,862    16,212,198
                                                   -----------    ----------

                                                   $64,005,975    62,498,359
                                                   ===========    ==========
</TABLE>

     Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale during 1999, 1998 and
     1997 were $6,896,296, $7,616,174 and $2,991,562, respectively. Gross gains
     of $39,788 and $168,448 for 1999 and 1998, respectively, along with gross
     losses of $74,612 and $8,438 for 1999 and 1997, respectively, were realized
     on those sales.

     Securities with a carrying value of approximately $20,113,000 and
     $14,787,000 at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, were pledged to
     secure public deposits and for other purposes as required by law.

                                     A-30
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(4)  Loans

     Major classifications of loans at December 31, 1999 and 1998 are summarized
     as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1999           1998
                                                         ----           ----
     <S>                                             <C>             <C>

     Commercial                                      $ 83,644,317     89,535,616
     Real estate - mortgage                           190,920,815    157,167,284
     Real estate - construction                        39,339,857     29,927,275
     Consumer                                          25,292,936     24,994,958
                                                     ------------    -----------

       Total loans                                    339,197,925    301,625,133
     Less allowance for loan losses                     3,924,348      4,136,690
                                                     ------------    -----------

       Total net loans                               $335,273,577    297,488,443
                                                     ============    ===========
</TABLE>

     The Company grants loans and extensions of credit primarily within the
     Catawba Valley region of North Carolina which encompasses Catawba and
     Alexander counties and portions of Iredell and Lincoln counties.

     At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Company had nonaccrual loans
     approximating $2,866,000 and $3,292,000, respectively. In addition, the
     Company had approximately $645,000 and $328,000 in loans past due more than
     ninety days and still accruing interest at December 31, 1999 and 1998,
     respectively. Interest income that would have been recorded on nonaccrual
     loans for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, had they
     performed in accordance with their original terms, amounted to
     approximately $333,000, $398,000 and $326,000, respectively. Interest
     income on nonaccrual loans included in the results of operations for 1999,
     1998 and 1997 amounted to approximately $61,000, $305,000 and $64,000,
     respectively.

     At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the recorded investment in loans that were
     considered to be impaired under SFAS No. 114 was approximately $3,718,000
     and $3,670,000, respectively, of which approximately $2,866,000 at December
     31, 1999 and $3,292,000 at December 31, 1998 was on nonaccrual. The related
     allowance for loan losses on these loans was approximately $711,000 and
     $866,000 at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The average recorded
     investment in impaired loans for the twelve months ended December 31, 1999
     and 1998 was approximately $4,000,000 and $5,097,000, respectively. For the
     years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Company recognized
     approximately $61,000, $264,000 and $82,000, respectively, of interest
     income on impaired loans.

     Changes in the allowance for loan losses were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1999         1998        1997
                                                          ----         ----        ----
     <S>                                               <C>          <C>         <C>
     Balance at beginning of year                      $4,136,690   4,374,641   3,745,211
     Amounts charged off                                 (705,277)   (746,280)   (139,415)
     Recoveries on amounts previously charged off          67,935      63,329      72,345
     Provision for loan losses                            425,000     445,000     696,500
                                                       ----------   ---------   ---------

     Balance at end of year                            $3,924,348   4,136,690   4,374,641
                                                       ==========   =========   =========
</TABLE>

                                     A-31
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(5)  Premises and Equipment

     Major classifications of premises and equipment are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1999          1998
                                                      ----          ----
       <S>                                        <C>            <C>
       Land                                       $ 2,655,024     1,964,996
       Buildings and improvements                   5,744,736     5,438,922
       Furniture and equipment                      7,751,921     6,954,135
                                                  -----------    ----------

                                                   16,151,681    14,358,053
       Less accumulated depreciation                7,679,383     6,551,226
                                                  -----------    ----------

                                                    8,472,298     7,806,827
       Construction in progress                       870,284             -
                                                  -----------    ----------

                                                  $ 9,342,582     7,806,827
                                                  ===========    ==========
</TABLE>

     Depreciation expense was $1,174,761, $988,988 and $947,603 for the years
     ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

(6)  Deposits

     At December 31, 1999, the scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit
     are as follows:

<TABLE>
       <S>                                             <C>
       2000                                            $182,291,995
       2001                                              27,701,335
       2002                                               3,623,378
       2003                                                  53,618
       2004 and thereafter                                  148,560
                                                       ------------

                                                       $213,818,886
                                                       ============
</TABLE>

(7)  FHLB Borrowings

     FHLB borrowings at December 31, 1999 and 1998 consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Interest       Rate
   Maturity Date                                 Rate         Type             1999        1998
   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   <S>                                         <C>       <C>               <C>
   March 27, 2000                                5.31%      Adjustable     $10,000,000  10,000,000
   December 20, 2000                             4.55%   Adjustable Daily    1,000,000           -
   September 24, 2002                            5.66%        Fixed                  -   3,000,000
   February 3, 2003 (with semi-annual
   principal payments of $71,429)                5.86%        Fixed            500,000     642,857
   September 30, 2009                            5.07%        Fixed          3,000,000           -
                                                                           -----------  ----------

                                                                           $14,500,000  13,642,857
                                                                           ===========  ==========
</TABLE>

     These borrowings are extended to the Bank under a $30,000,000 extension of
     credit. The Bank is required to purchase and hold certain amounts of FHLB
     stock in order to obtain FHLB borrowings. No ready market exists for the
     FHLB stock, and it has no quoted market value. The stock is redeemable at
     $100 per share subject to certain limitations set by the FHLB. At December
     31, 1999 and 1998 the Bank owned FHLB stock amounting to approximately
     $1,206,900 and $1,436,000, respectively.

     At December 31, 1999 and 1998, a blanket assignment on all residential
     first mortgage loans that the Bank owns was pledged as collateral for these
     borrowings.

     Additionally, the Company has $11,000,000 available for the purchase of
     overnight federal funds from two correspondent financial institutions.

                                     A-32
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(8)  Income Taxes

     The provision for income taxes is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                1999       1998        1997
                                                ----       ----        ----
     <S>                                     <C>         <C>        <C>
     Current:

     Federal                                 $1,134,834  1,368,106  1,344,907
     State                                       43,261    118,891    186,651
                                             ----------  ---------  ---------

                                              1,178,095  1,486,997  1,531,558
                                             ----------  ---------  ---------
     Deferred:
     Federal                                    814,506    290,996   (210,105)
     State                                      100,779     68,490   (172,549)
                                             ----------  ---------  ---------

                                                915,285    359,486   (382,654)
                                             ----------  ---------  ---------

     Total                                   $2,093,380  1,846,483  1,148,904
                                             ==========  =========  =========
</TABLE>

     The differences between the provision for income taxes and the amount
     computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to earnings
     before income taxes are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1999         1998        1997
                                                             ----         ----        ----
   <S>                                                    <C>          <C>         <C>
   Pre-tax income at statutory rates (34%)                $2,256,010   1,990,932   1,208,802
   Differences:
   Tax exempt interest income                               (343,143)   (299,560)   (319,570)
   Nondeductible interest and other expense                   54,805      32,789     295,475
   Other, net                                                 30,642      (1,349)      4,763
   State taxes, net of federal benefit                        95,066     123,671     106,122
   Change in the beginning of year valuation allowance
     for deferred tax assets                                       -           -    (146,688)
                                                          ----------   ---------   ---------

   Total                                                  $2,093,380   1,846,483   1,148,904
                                                          ==========   =========   =========
</TABLE>

     The following summarizes the tax effects of temporary differences that give
     rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax
     liabilities. The net deferred tax asset is included as a component of other
     assets at December 31, 1999 and 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1999          1998
                                                                 ----          ----
   <S>                                                        <C>            <C>
   Deferred tax assets:
   Allowance for loan losses                                  $1,124,657     1,258,707
   Amortizable intangible assets                                 199,584       139,169
   Accrued retirement expense                                    245,784       279,340
   Accrued contingent liabilities                                 85,098       104,254
   Foreclosed real estate                                         25,098        36,656
   Income from non-accrual loans                                 155,826        88,242
   Unrealized loss on available for sale securities              587,216             -
   Other                                                          41,308        11,273
                                                              ----------     ---------

   Total gross deferred tax assets                             2,464,571     1,917,641
                                                              ----------     ---------

   Deferred tax liabilities:
   Unrealized gain on available for sale securities                    -       292,583
   Prepaid FDIC premiums                                               -         9,466
   Deferred loan fees                                          1,200,305       522,167
   Fixed assets                                                  219,430       164,256
   Deferred income from servicing rights                         374,737       223,584
                                                              ----------     ---------

   Total gross deferred tax liabilities                        1,794,472     1,212,056
                                                              ----------     ---------

   Net deferred tax asset                                     $  670,099       705,585
                                                              ==========     =========
</TABLE>

                                     A-33
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(9)  Related Party Transactions

     The Company conducts transactions with directors and executive officers,
     including companies in which they have beneficial interests, in the normal
     course of business. It is the policy of the Company that loan transactions
     with directors and officers be made on substantially the same terms as
     those prevailing at the time made for comparable loans to other persons.
     The following is a summary of activity for related party loans for 1999:

<TABLE>
     <S>                                          <C>
     Beginning balance                            $ 12,235,842
     New loans                                      15,664,125
     Repayments                                    (15,391,497)
                                                  ------------

     Ending balance                               $ 12,508,470
                                                  ============
</TABLE>

     At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Company had deposit relationships with
     related parties of $7,949,415 and $8,186,192, respectively.

(10) Commitments

     The Company leases various office space for banking and operational
     facilities under operating lease arrangements. Future minimum lease
     payments required for all operating leases having a remaining term in
     excess of one year at December 31, 1999 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          Year                                Amount
          ----                                ------
          <S>                               <C>
          2000                              $  253,216
          2001                                 210,428
          2002                                 222,428
          2003                                 222,428
          2004                                 222,428
          Thereafter                         1,337,750
                                            ----------

          Total minimum obligation          $2,468,678
                                            ==========
</TABLE>

     The total rent expense was approximately $262,000, $249,000 and $38,000 for
     1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

     The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk
     in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its
     customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend
     credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees. Those
     instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess
     of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The contract amounts of
     those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in
     particular classes of financial instruments.

     The exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other
     party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and
     standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written is represented
     by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same
     credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it
     does for on-balance-sheet instruments.

     In most cases, the Company does require collateral or other security to
     support financial instruments with credit risk.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Contractual Amount
                                                    ------------------

                                                      1999       1998
                                                      ----       ----
     <S>                                          <C>          <C>
     Financial instruments whose contract
       amounts represent credit risk:
     Commitments to extend credit                 $68,330,000  66,828,000
     Standby letters of credit                    $ 4,006,000   3,456,000
</TABLE>

                                     A-34
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(10) Commitments, continued

     Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long
     as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.
     Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination
     clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments may
     expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not
     necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each
     customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of
     collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company, upon extension of
     credit is based on management's credit evaluation. Collateral held varies
     but may include unimproved and improved real estate, certificates of
     deposit, or personal property.

     Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written are conditional
     commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a
     customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to
     businesses in the Company's delineated trade area. The credit risk involved
     in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in
     extending loan facilities to customers. The Company holds real estate,
     equipment, automobiles and customer deposits as collateral supporting those
     commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary.

(11) Employee and Director Benefit Programs

     The Company has a 401(k) plan for the use of employees. Under this plan,
     the Company matches employee contributions to a maximum of five percent of
     annual compensation. The Company's contribution pursuant to this formula
     was approximately $163,000, $138,000 and $130,000 for the years of 1999,
     1998 and 1997, respectively. Investments of the plan are determined by the
     compensation committee consisting of selected outside directors and senior
     executive officers. No investments in Company stock have been made by the
     plan.

     The Company also has a profit sharing plan covering substantially all
     employees who have at least one year of continuous service. The Board of
     Directors elected not to make a discretionary contribution in 1999, 1998 or
     1997. Investments of the plan are determined by the compensation committee
     consisting of selected outside directors and senior executive officers. No
     investments in Company stock have been made by the plan.

     Both the 401(k) and the profit sharing plans for the Company require that
     the employee be employed for one full year in order to meet
     eligibility/participation requirements. The vesting schedule for both plans
     begins at 20 percent after three years of employment and graduates 20
     percent each year until reaching 100 percent after seven years of
     employment.

     The Company is currently paying medical benefits for certain retired
     employees. Postretirement benefits, including amortization of the
     transition obligation, were approximately $28,830, $25,253 and $23,010 for
     the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The
     following table sets forth the accumulated postretirement benefit
     obligation as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, which represents the liability
     for accrued postretirement benefit costs:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1999       1998
                                                          ----       ----
       <S>                                              <C>        <C>
       Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation    $179,815   175,637
       Unrecognized transition obligation                (52,231)  (69,643)
       Unrecognized gain                                   2,029     9,306
                                                        --------   -------

       Net liability recognized at
         December 31, 1999 and 1998                     $129,613   115,300
                                                        ========   =======
</TABLE>

     Effective May 13, 1999, the Company adopted an Omnibus Stock Ownership and
     Long Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan") whereby certain stock-based rights,
     such as stock options, restricted stock, performance units, stock
     appreciation rights, or book value shares, may be granted to eligible
     directors and employees. A total of 292,600 shares were reserved for
     possible issuance under this Plan. All rights must be granted or awarded
     within ten years from the effective date.

     Under the Plan, the Company awarded 4,877 book value shares to each of its
     ten directors with vesting for nine of the directors over a five year
     period, effective September 28, 1999, and immediate vesting for one
     director. Any recipient of book value shares shall have no rights as a
     shareholder with respect to such book value shares. The initial value of
     the book value shares awarded during 1999 was determined to be $12.60 per
     share. The Company recorded an expense of $3,414 associated with the
     benefits of this plan in the year ended December 31, 1999.

                                     A-35
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(11) Employee and Director Benefit Programs, continued

     Also under the Plan, the Company granted incentive stock options to certain
     eligible employees in order that they may purchase Company stock at a price
     equal to the fair market value on the date of the grant. The options vest
     over a five year period and expire after ten years.

     A total of 25,136 incentive stock options were granted to certain eligible
     employees in 1999 at an option price of $18.00 per share. The weighted
     average grant-date fair value of options granted in 1999 was $6.48. The
     total number of employee incentive stock options outstanding at December
     31, 1999 was 25,136, none of which are currently exercisable. The options
     have a weighted average remaining contractual life of approximately 10
     years.

     The Plan is accounted for under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25
     and related interpretations. No compensation expense has been recognized
     related to the grant of the incentive stock options. Had compensation cost
     been determined based upon the fair value of the options at the grant
     dates, the Company's net earnings and net earnings per share would have
     been reduced to the proforma amounts indicated below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1999
                                                                 ----
       <S>                              <C>                   <C>
       Net earnings                     As reported           $4,541,945
                                        Proforma              $4,440,959

       Basic earnings per share         As reported           $     1.55
                                        Proforma              $     1.52

       Diluted earnings per share       As reported           $     1.55
                                        Proforma              $     1.52
</TABLE>

     The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the
     Black-Scholes options-pricing model with the following weighted average
     assumptions used for grants in 1999 - dividend yield of 2.5%, risk free
     interest rate of 7%, and an expected life of 10 years. For disclosure
     purposes, the Company immediately recognized the expense associated with
     the option grants assuming that all awards will vest.



(12) Derivative Financial Instruments

     Off-balance-sheet derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate
     swaps, interest rate floor and cap arrangements and interest rate futures
     and option contracts are available to the Company to assist in managing
     interest rate risks. In 1998, the Company entered into an interest rate cap
     to protect certain designated deposit accounts from the upward effects of
     repricing in the event of an increasing rate environment. The total cost of
     the interest rate cap arrangement was $21,600, which is expensed on a
     straight-line basis for the life of the instrument. For the years ended
     December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Company expensed $22,944, $31,747 and
     $30,667, respectively, related to derivative financial instruments. The
     table below summarizes the Company's off-balance-sheet derivative financial
     instruments at December 31, 1999.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Remaining
                                   Notional    Floor/Cap     Contractual
                                    Amount       Rate       Term (Years)
                                    ------       ----       ------------
          <S>                    <C>           <C>          <C>

          Interest rate cap      $4,000,000      7.10%          3.75
</TABLE>

                                     A-36
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(13) Regulatory Matters

     The Company is subject to various regulatory capital requirements
     administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum
     capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional
     discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a
     direct material effect on the Company's financial statements. Under capital
     adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective
     action, the Company must meet specific capital guidelines that involve
     quantitative measures of the assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-
     sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The
     capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative
     judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other
     factors.

     Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy
     require the Company to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in
     the table below) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the
     regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital to
     average assets (as defined). Management believes, as of December 31, 1999,
     that Bancorp and the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which
     they are subject.

     As of December 31, 1999 the most recent notification from the FDIC
     categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for
     prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized the Bank
     must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1
     leverage ratios as set forth in the table. There are no conditions or
     events since that notification that management believes have changed the
     institution's category.

     The Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following
     table as the consolidated ratios are not materially different than the
     Bank's ratios:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           To Be Well
                                                                       Capitalized Under
                                                      For Capital      Prompt Corrective
                                     Actual       Adequacy Purposes:   Action Provisions
                                 ---------------  -------------------  ------------------
                                 Amount   Ratio    Amount     Ratio     Amount    Ratio
                                 -------  ------  ---------  --------  --------  --------
                                                  (dollars in thousands)
   <S>                           <C>      <C>     <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>
   As of December 31, 1999:
   Total Capital
    (to Risk Weighted Assets)    $42,319  12.11%     27,949      8.0%    34,937     10.0%
   Tier 1 Capital
    (to Risk Weighted Assets)     38,395  10.99%     13,975      4.0%    20,962      6.0%
   Tier 1 Capital
    (to Average Assets)           38,395   9.21%     16,675      4.0%    20,843      5.0%
   As of December 31, 1998:
   Total Capital
    (to Risk Weighted Assets)     38,741  12.29%     25,228      8.0%    31,534     10.0%
   Tier 1 Capital
    (to Risk Weighted Assets)     34,800  11.04%     12,614      4.0%    18,921      6.0%
   Tier 1 Capital
    (to Average Assets)           34,800   9.41%     14,795      4.0%    18,493      5.0%
</TABLE>

                                     A-37
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(14) Shareholders' Equity

     On June 12, 1998, the Company completed a public offering of 373,500 shares
     of common stock at a price of $23.00 per share. The net proceeds of this
     offering of $7,787,467 (after deducting issuance costs of $803,033) were
     used to increase the Bank's regulatory capital ratios and for general
     corporate purposes.

     On February 11, 1999, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a 3
     for 2 stock split to be effected in the form of a 50% stock dividend. On
     the date of distribution, 182 shares, representing all fractional shares,
     were paid cash of $5,871 representing the February 22, 1999 market price.
     In 1997, the Company declared and distributed a 10% stock dividend to its
     shareholders. All share and per share amounts have been changed to reflect
     the stock split and stock dividend as if it had occurred on December 31,
     1996.

     The Board of Directors, at its discretion, can issue shares of preferred
     stock up to a maximum of 5,000,000 shares. The Board is authorized to
     determine the number of shares, voting powers, designations, preferences,
     limitations and relative rights.

     The Board of Directors of the Bank may declare a dividend of all of its
     retained earnings as it may deem appropriate, subject to the requirements
     of the General Statutes of North Carolina, without prior approval from the
     requisite regulatory authorities. As of December 31, 1999, this amount was
     approximately $ 7,338,000.

(15) Other Operating Expense

     Other operating expense for the years ended December 31 included the
     following items that exceeded one percent of total revenues:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               1999        1998      1997
                                               ----        ----      ----
         <S>                                 <C>         <C>        <C>
         Advertising                         $207,425    272,924    269,682
         Office supplies                      317,670    300,117    263,365
         Telephone                            353,536    358,506    256,511
         Education and Consulting             366,488    214,918    211,989
</TABLE>

     During 1997, other operating expense also included nonrecurring charges of
     approximately $855,000 associated with the Company's profit sharing plan.

(16) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

     The Company is required to disclose fair value information about financial
     instruments, whether or not recognized on the face of the balance sheet,
     for which it is practicable to estimate that value. The assumptions used in
     the estimation of the fair value of the Company's financial instruments are
     detailed below. Where quoted prices are not available, fair values are
     based on estimates using discounted cash flows and other valuation
     techniques. The use of discounted cash flows can be significantly affected
     by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of
     future cash flows. The following disclosures should not be considered a
     surrogate of the liquidation value of the Company, but rather a good faith
     estimate of the increase or decrease in value of financial instruments held
     by the Company since purchase, origination, or issuance.

     Cash and Cash Equivalents
     -------------------------

     For cash, due from banks and federal funds sold, the carrying amount is a
     reasonable estimate of fair value.

     Investment Securities
     ---------------------

     Fair values for investment securities are based on quoted market prices.

     Other Investments
     -----------------

     The carrying amount of other investments approximates fair value.

     Loans and Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
     --------------------------------------

     The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting the future
     cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to
     borrowers with similar credit ratings. For variable rate loans, the
     carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Mortgage loans held
     for sale are valued based on the current price at which these loans could
     be sold into the secondary market.

                                     A-38
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(16) Fair Value of Financial Instruments, continued

     Interest Rate Contracts
     -----------------------

     The fair value of the interest rate contracts is obtained from dealer
     quotes. This value represents the estimated amount the Company would
     receive to terminate the agreement, taking into account current interest
     rates and, when appropriate, the current credit worthiness of the
     counterparty.

     Mortgage Servicing Rights
     -------------------------

     Fair value of mortgage servicing rights is determined by estimating the
     present value of the future net servicing income, on a disaggregated basis,
     using anticipated prepayment assumptions.

     Deposits and Demand Notes Payable
     ---------------------------------

     The fair value of demand deposits, interest-bearing demand deposits,
     savings, and demand notes payable to U.S. Treasury is the amount payable on
     demand at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed maturity certificates
     of deposit is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the
     rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

     FHLB Borrowings
     ---------------

     The fair value of FHLB borrowings is estimated based upon discounted future
     cash flows using a discount rate comparable to the current market rate for
     such borrowings.

     Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit
     ----------------------------------------------------------

     Because commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are made
     using variable rates, the contract value is a reasonable estimate of fair
     value.

     Limitations
     -----------

     Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on
     relevant market information and information about the financial instrument.
     These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result
     from offering for sale at one time the Company's entire holdings of a
     particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant
     portion of the Company's financial instruments, fair value estimates are
     based on many judgments. These estimates are subjective in nature and
     involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore
     cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could
     significantly affect the estimates.

     Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off-balance sheet
     financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of
     anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that
     are not considered financial instruments. Significant assets and
     liabilities that are not considered financial instruments include the
     deferred income taxes and premises and equipment. In addition, the tax
     ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses
     can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been
     considered in the estimates.

                                     A-39
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(16) Fair Value of Financial Instruments, continued

     The carrying amount and estimated fair values of the Company's financial
     instruments at December 31, 1999 and 1998 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1999                       1998
                                                          ----                       ----
                                                 Carrying     Estimated     Carrying     Estimated
                                                  Amount      Fair Value     Amount      Fair Value
                                                  ------      ----------     ------      ----------
                                                       (In thousands)            (In thousands)
     <S>                                         <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>
     Assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents                     $ 16,997       16,997        17,754       17,754
     Investment securities available for sale        62,498       62,498        63,228       63,228
     Other investments                                1,345        1,345         1,495        1,495
     Loans                                          335,274      332,975       297,488      297,154
     Mortgage loans held for sale                     1,685        1,685         9,260        9,260
     Mortgage servicing rights                          970          970           574          574
     Interest rate contracts                             16           28            49           50

     Liabilities:
     Deposits and demand notes payable              378,234      386,030       350,207      351,217
     FHLB borrowings                                 14,500       14,195        13,643       13,593

     Unrecognized financial instruments:
     Commitments to extend credit                    68,330       68,330        66,828       66,828
     Standby letters of credit                        4,006        4,006         3,456        3,456
</TABLE>

(17) Quarterly Operating Results (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1999                            1998
                                            ----                            ----
                                             (in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                   First  Second  Third  Fourth  First  Second  Third  Fourth
                                   -----  ------  -----  ------  -----  ------  -----  ------
<S>                             <C>       <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>    <C>
Total interest income             $7,551   7,851  8,187   8,713  6,769   7,319  7,651   7,476
Total interest expense             3,653   3,600  3,656   3,881  3,318   3,670  3,803   3,749
                                  ------   -----  -----   -----  -----   -----  -----   -----

Net interest income                3,898   4,251  4,531   4,832  3,451   3,649  3,848   3,727

Provision for loan losses              -       -     25     400    175     165     80      25
Other income                         902     868    866     744    667     754    920   1,305
Other expense                      3,218   3,434  3,719   3,461  2,596   2,753  3,183   3,488
                                  ------   -----  -----   -----  -----   -----  -----   -----

Income before income taxes         1,582   1,685  1,653   1,715  1,347   1,485  1,505   1,519
Income taxes                         507     542    526     518    480     451    513     403
                                  ------   -----  -----   -----  -----   -----  -----   -----

Net income                        $1,075   1,143  1,127   1,197    867   1,034    992   1,116
                                  ======   =====  =====   =====  =====   =====  =====   =====

Net income per share              $ 0.37    0.39   0.38    0.41   0.34    0.38   0.34    0.38
                                  ======   =====  =====   =====  =====   =====  =====   =====
</TABLE>

                                     A-40
<PAGE>

                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(18) Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (Parent Company Only) Condensed
     Financial Statements

                                 Balance Sheet

                               December 31, 1999

                                    Assets
                                    ------
<TABLE>
     <S>                                                          <C>
     Investment in Bank                                           $37,998,479
                                                                  ===========

                     Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
                     ------------------------------------

     Stockholders' equity                                         $37,998,479
                                                                  ===========

                             Statement of Earnings

                     For the Year Ended December 31, 1999


     Dividends from Bank                                          $ 1,082,738
                                                                  -----------

     Income before equity in undistributed income of Bank           1,082,738

     Equity in undistributed income of Bank                         3,459,207
                                                                  -----------
            Net earnings                                          $ 4,541,945
                                                                  ===========


                            Statement of Cash Flows

                      For the Year Ended December 31, 1999


     Cash flows from operating activities:
       Net earnings                                               $ 4,541,945
       Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
         provided by operating activities:
           Equity in undistributed income of the Bank              (3,459,207)
       Change in other                                                  5,871
                                                                  -----------

           Net cash provided by operating activities              $ 1,088,609
                                                                  -----------

     Cash flows from financing activities:
       Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares                          (5,871)
       Dividends paid                                              (1,082,738)
                                                                  -----------

           Net cash used in financing activities                  $(1,088,609)
                                                                  -----------
           Net change in cash                                             -

     Cash at beginning of year                                            -
                                                                  -----------

     Cash at end of year                                          $       -
                                                                  ===========
</TABLE>

                                     A-41
<PAGE>

[X] PLEASE MARK VOTES
    AS IN THIS EXAMPLE

                               REVOCABLE PROXY
                   PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

                         Annual Meeting of Shareholders
                           May 4, 2000 -- 11:00 a.m.
                (Solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors)
 The undersigned holder of Common Stock of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina,
Inc. (the "Company"), revoking all proxies heretofore given, hereby constitutes
and appoints the official proxy committee of the Company, comprised of all of
the members of the Board of Directors of the Company, each with full power of
substitution, for the undersigned and in the name, place and stead of the
undersigned to vote all of the undersigned's shares of said stock, according to
the number of votes and with all the powers the undersigned would possess if
personally present, at the 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Peoples
Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. to be held at the Newton-Conover Civic and
Performance Place, 60 West 6th Street, Newton, North Carolina, on May 4, 2000
at 11:00 A.M., Eastern Time, and at any adjournments or postponements thereof.


                                                      --------------------------
  Please be sure to sign and date                     Date
   this Proxy in the box below.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


- -- Stockholder sign above  --------------  Co-Holder (if any) sign above ------

                                                       With-      For      All
                                                       For       hold     Except
1. The approval of the election of                     [_]        [_]       [_]
   the following named directors:

Robert C. Abernethy, James C. Abernethy, and Larry E. Robinson will serve as
directors until the 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their
successors are duly elected and qualified.

INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, mark
"For All Except" and write that nominee's name in the space provided below.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       For      Against  Abstain
2. The ratification and approval of the                [_]        [_]      [_]
   appointment of Porter Keadle Moore, LLP as
   the Company's independent auditor for
   the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000.

3. The Proxies are authorized to vote in their discretion upon such other mat-
   ters as may properly come before the meeting.

 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" EACH OF THE LISTED PROPOSALS.

 The shares represented by this Proxy will be voted in the manner directed. In
the absence of any direction, the shares will be voted FOR each nominee listed
above, "FOR" the ratification and approval of the appointment of Porter Keadle
Moore, LLP as the Company's independent auditors for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2000, and in accordance with their discretion on such other
matters as may properly come before the Meeting. If instructions are given with
respect to one but not all proposals, such instructions as are given will be
followed and the proxy will be voted as indicated above on the proposal(s) for
which no instructions are given.

 Signature(s) should conform to names as registered. For jointly owned shares,
each owner should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator,
trustee, guardian or officer of a corporation, please give full title.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 +                                                                           +
           (up arrow)                                     (up arrow)
   Detach above card, sign, date and mail in postage paid envelope provided.
                    PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 The above signed hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Meeting
and Proxy Statement each dated April 13, 2000, relating to the Meeting
and hereby revokes any proxy or proxies heretofore given.
 Each properly executed Proxy will be voted in accordance with the
specifications made above and in the discretion of the Proxies on any
other matter that may come before the meeting. Where no choice is
specified, this Proxy will be voted (i) FOR all voted nominees to serve
as directors and (ii) FOR the ratification and approval of the
appointment of Porter Keadle Moore, LLP as the Company's independent
auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000 and in accordance
with their discretion on such other matters as may properly come before
the Meeting.
                              PLEASE ACT PROMPTLY
                    SIGN, DATE & MAIL YOUR PROXY CARD TODAY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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