Community banks are navigating a backdrop shaped by competitive deposit pricing, elevated operating costs and a renewed emphasis on disciplined credit oversight. In this environment, Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (PEBK) and Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. (BOTJ) stand out as two community-oriented institutions with similar community banking foundations, but different operating models that shape their risk-return profiles. PEBK operates primarily through Peoples Bank and supports its franch ...