DUNN — New Century Bancorp, the holding company for New Century Bank, reported net income of $744,000 for the quarter ended June 30, and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.11, compared to a net loss of ($861,000) and basic and diluted losses per share of ($0.13) for the quarter ended June 30, 2011. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, the company reported net income of $2.9 million, and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.41, compared to a net loss of ($740,000) and basic and diluted losses per share of ($0.11) for the same period a year ago.

Total assets for the company as of June 30, were $563.0 million, total deposits were $471.2 million, and total loans were $390.4 million, compared to total assets of $629.1 million, total deposits of $538.8 million, and total loans of $458.5 million for the same date in 2011.

Early in the second quarter, New Century completed the sale of its Pembroke and Raeford offices to Lumbee Guaranty Bank, resulting in a one-time gain of $557,000 which was included in non-interest income.

“We are pleased with our second quarter and year-to-date results,” said William L. Hedgepeth, president and CEO of New Century Bancorp and New Century Bank. “Through a focused approach, asset quality has improved, non-performing loans have been reduced, and net interest margin has remained steady. Another positive indicator is that our capital ratios have continued to improve, and we remain well-capitalized which is the highest capital category. As always, we are working to strengthen New Century Bank through the products and services we offer our customers and how we serve them, as well as through a process of continually improving and upgrading our systems. We believe this is critical for remaining a strong community bank as we go forward.”

New Century Bank has branch offices in these North Carolina communities: Dunn, Clinton, Fayetteville, Goldsboro, Lillington, Lumberton, and a loan production office in Greenville.