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

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___________ to ___________

Commission file number 000-20908

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Kentucky 61-1206757
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
2883 Fifth Avenue
Huntington, West Virginia
 
 
25702
(Address of principal executive offices) 
(Zip Code)
   
Registrant’s telephone number    (304) 525-1600

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes     No .

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§230.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes     No .

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)

Large accelerated filer 
 
Accelerated filer 
Non-accelerated filer 
(Do not check if smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company 
Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act).  Yes Yes     No .☑.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, no par valuePFBIThe Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicalpracticable date.

Common stock, no par value, – 10,668,58914,662,257 shares outstanding at November 1, 2017April 29, 2020



PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017MARCH 31, 2020
INDEX TO REPORT



PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017MARCH 31, 2020


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

The accompanying information has not been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm; however, in the opinion of management such information reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim period.  All such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature.  Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc.’s (“Premier’s”) accounting and reporting policies are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Certain accounting principles used by Premier involve a significant amount of judgment about future events and require the use of estimates in their application.  The following policies are particularly sensitive in terms of judgments and the extent to which estimates are used: allowance for loan losses, the identification and evaluation of impaired loans, and the impairment of goodwill.  These estimates are based on assumptions that may involve significant uncertainty at the time of their use.  However, the policies, the estimates and the estimation process as well as the resulting disclosures are periodically reviewed by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and material estimates are subject to review as part of the external audit by the independent registered public accounting firm.

The accompanying financial statements are presented in accordance with the requirements of Form 10-Q and consequently do not include all of the disclosures normally required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America or those normally made in the registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K.  Accordingly, the reader of the Form 10-Q may wish to refer to the registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162019 for further information in this regard.

Index to consolidated financial statements:


PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017MARCH 31, 2020 AND DECEMBER 31, 20162019
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


  (UNAUDITED)    
  September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
ASSETS      
Cash and due from banks $41,831  $41,443 
Interest bearing bank balances  21,681   55,720 
Federal funds sold  11,632   7,555 
Cash and cash equivalents  75,144   104,718 
Time deposits with other banks  2,582   2,332 
Securities available for sale  289,203   288,607 
Loans  1,055,324   1,024,823 
Allowance for loan losses  (12,359)  (10,836)
Net loans  1,042,965   1,013,987 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost  3,185   3,200 
Premises and equipment, net  23,504   24,224 
Real estate and other property acquired through foreclosure  11,458   12,665 
Interest receivable  4,060   3,862 
Goodwill  35,371   35,371 
Other intangible assets  3,581   4,349 
Other assets  1,622   2,878 
Total assets $1,492,675  $1,496,193 
         
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY        
Deposits        
Non-interest bearing $327,965  $319,618 
Time deposits, $250,000 and over  64,919   66,378 
Other interest bearing  876,500   893,390 
Total deposits  1,269,384   1,279,386 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase  25,116   23,820 
Other borrowed funds  6,000   8,859 
Subordinated debt  5,368   5,343 
Interest payable  358   364 
Other liabilities  3,192   4,237 
Total liabilities  1,309,418   1,322,009 
         
Stockholders' equity        
Common stock, no par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 10,668,589 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017, and 10,640,735 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016  110,353   109,911 
Retained earnings  72,449   66,195 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)  455   (1,922)
Total stockholders' equity  183,257   174,184 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $1,492,675  $1,496,193 
         
  (UNAUDITED)    
  
March 31,
2020
  
December 31,
2019
 
ASSETS      
Cash and due from banks $23,455  $23,091 
Interest bearing bank balances  37,894   65,465 
Federal funds sold  8,134   5,902 
Cash and cash equivalents  69,483   94,458 
Time deposits with other banks  598   598 
Securities available for sale  404,478   390,754 
Loans  1,185,043   1,195,295 
Allowance for loan losses  (13,856)  (13,542)
Net loans  1,171,187   1,181,753 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost  4,314   4,450 
Premises and equipment, net  37,148   37,257 
Real estate acquired through foreclosure  12,709   12,242 
Interest receivable  5,192   4,699 
Goodwill  47,640   47,640 
Other intangible assets  5,134   5,376 
Other assets  1,350   1,783 
Total assets $1,759,233  $1,781,010 
         
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY        
Deposits        
Non-interest bearing $356,220  $367,870 
Time deposits, $250,000 and over  98,460   100,638 
Other interest bearing  1,007,700   1,027,245 
Total deposits  1,462,380   1,495,753 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase  19,694   20,428 
FHLB advances  7,986   6,375 
Subordinated debt  5,445   5,436 
Interest payable  865   912 
Other liabilities  13,938   11,865 
Total liabilities  1,510,308   1,540,769 
         
Stockholders' equity        
Common stock, no par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 14,662,257 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2020, and 14,657,432 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019  133,866   133,795 
Retained earnings  105,911   102,743 
Accumulated other comprehensive income  9,148   3,703 
Total stockholders' equity  248,925   240,241 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $1,759,233  $1,781,010 

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017MARCH 31, 2020 AND 20162019
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


  
Three Months Ended
September 30,
  
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
Interest income            
Loans, including fees $13,469  $13,375  $41,667  $39,084 
Securities available for sale                
Taxable  1,427   1,285   4,236   4,075 
Tax-exempt  62   82   198   254 
Federal funds sold and other  176   123   515   328 
Total interest income  15,134   14,865   46,616   43,741 
                 
Interest expense                
Deposits  954   965   2,854   2,917 
Repurchase agreements and other  7   10   21   28 
FHLB advances  -   10   -   32 
Other borrowings  68   101   234   321 
Subordinated debt  74   63   218   181 
Total interest expense  1,103   1,149   3,327   3,479 
                 
Net interest income  14,031   13,716   43,289   40,262 
Provision for loan losses  891   312   2,033   1,436 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses  13,140   13,404   41,256   38,826 
                 
Non-interest income                
Service charges on deposit accounts  1,136   1,031   3,201   2,975 
Electronic banking income  811   791   2,424   2,355 
Secondary market mortgage income  67   64   173   163 
Other  163   176   530   571 
   2,177   2,062   6,328   6,064 
Non-interest expenses                
Salaries and employee benefits  4,760   4,817   14,703   15,025 
Occupancy and equipment expenses  1,511   1,635   4,481   4,697 
Outside data processing  1,344   1,300   4,019   3,935 
Professional fees  196   167   721   500 
Taxes, other than payroll, property and income  189   156   589   473 
Write-downs, expenses, sales of other real estate owned, net  346   765   1,139   1,402 
Amortization of intangibles  252   278   768   862 
FDIC insurance  159   278   506   752 
Other expenses  1,168   1,212   3,401   3,674 
   9,925   10,608   30,327   31,320 
Income before income taxes  5,392   4,858   17,257   13,570 
Provision for income taxes  1,925   1,694   6,207   4,803 
                 
Net income $3,467  $3,164  $11,050  $8,767 
                 
Net income per share:                
Basic $0.33  $0.30  $1.04  $0.83 
Diluted  0.32   0.30   1.03   0.83 
  
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  2020  2019 
Interest income      
Loans, including fees $15,754  $16,289 
Securities available for sale        
Taxable  2,543   2,338 
Tax-exempt  89   92 
Federal funds sold and other  258   345 
Total interest income  18,644   19,064 
         
Interest expense        
Deposits  2,165   2,050 
Repurchase agreements and other  24   9 
Other borrowings  -   21 
FHLB advances  30   55 
Subordinated debt  83   94 
Total interest expense  2,302   2,229 
         
Net interest income  16,342   16,835 
Provision for loan losses  1,000   560 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses  15,342   16,275 
         
Non-interest income        
Service charges on deposit accounts  1,106   1,094 
Electronic banking income  818   822 
Secondary market mortgage income  66   24 
Other  259   236 
   2,249   2,176 
Non-interest expenses        
Salaries and employee benefits  5,408   5,199 
Occupancy and equipment expenses  1,725   1,664 
Outside data processing  1,531   1,384 
Professional fees  244   365 
Taxes, other than payroll, property and income  275   238 
Write-downs, expenses, sales of other real estate owned, net  68   249 
Amortization of intangibles  242   227 
FDIC insurance  (4)  124 
Other expenses  1,248   1,143 
   10,737   10,593 
Income before income taxes  6,854   7,858 
Provision for income taxes  1,486   1,682 
         
Net income $5,368  $6,176 
         
Net income per share:        
Basic $0.37  $0.42 
Diluted  0.36   0.42 
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017MARCH 31, 2020 AND 20162019
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


  
Three Months Ended
September 30,
  
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
Net income $3,467  $3,164  $11,050  $8,767 
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period  (68)  15   3,658   4,504 
Reclassification of realized amount  -   -   -   (4)
Net change in unrealized gain on securities  (68)  15   3,658   4,500 
Less tax impact  24   (5)  (1,281)  (1,576)
Other comprehensive income (loss)  (44)  10   2,377   2,924 
                 
Comprehensive income $3,423  $3,174  $13,427  $11,691 
  
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  2020  2019 
Net income $5,368  $6,176 
         
Other comprehensive income:
        
Unrealized gains arising during the period  6,892   5,604 
Reclassification of realized amount  -   - 
Net change in unrealized gain on securities  6,892   5,604 
Less tax impact  (1,447)  (1,177)
Other comprehensive income  5,445   4,427 
         
Comprehensive income $10,813  $10,603 

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
NINETHREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017MARCH 31, 2020 AND 2019
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


  
Common
Stock
  
Retained
Earnings
  
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (loss)
  Total 
Balances, January 1, 2019 $133,248  $87,333  $(3,852) $216,729 
Net income  -   6,176   -   6,176 
Other comprehensive income  -   -   4,427   4,427 
Cash dividends paid ($0.15 per share)  -   (2,195)  -   (2,195)
Stock options exercised  51   -   -   51 
Stock based compensation expense  39   -   -   39 
Balances, March 31, 2019 $133,338  $91,314  $575  $225,227 


 
Common
Stock
  
Retained
Earnings
  
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
  Total  
Common
Stock
  
Retained
Earnings
  
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (loss)
  Total 
Balances, January 1, 2017 $109,911  $66,195  $(1,922) $174,184 
Balances, January 1, 2020 $133,795  $102,743  $3,703  $240,241 
Net income  -   11,050   -   11,050  -  5,368  -  5,368 
Other comprehensive income  -   -   2,377   2,377  -  -  5,445  5,445 
Cash dividends paid ($0.45 per share)  -   (4,796)  -   (4,796)
Cash dividends paid ($0.15 per share) -  (2,200) -  (2,200)
Stock options exercised 31  -  -  31 
Stock based compensation expense  194   -   -   194   40   -   -   40 
Stock options exercised  248   -   -   248 
Balances, September 30, 2017 $110,353  $72,449  $455  $183,257 
Balances, March 31, 2020 $133,866  $105,911  $9,148  $248,925 

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NINETHREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017MARCH 31, 2020 AND 20162019
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)


  2017  2016 
Cash flows from operating activities      
Net income $11,050  $8,767 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities        
Depreciation  1,303   1,461 
Provision for loan losses  2,033   1,436 
Amortization (accretion), net  1,166   2,010 
OREO writedowns, net  434   508 
Stock compensation expense  194   160 
Changes in :        
Interest receivable  (198)  (259)
Other assets  (24)  (140)
Interest payable  (6)  (76)
Other liabilities  (1,045)  (2,071)
Net cash from operating activities  14,907   11,796 
         
Cash flows from investing activities        
Net change in time deposits with other banks  (250)  - 
Purchases of securities available for sale  (49,210)  (22,512)
Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available for sale  50,787   62,011 
Redemption of FRB and FHLB stock  15   190 
Net change in loans  (30,865)  (51,417)
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash received  -   16,385 
Purchases of premises and equipment, net  (654)  (413)
Proceeds from sales of other real estate acquired through foreclosure  1,827   870 
Net cash from (used in) investing activities  (28,350)  5,114 
         
Cash flows from financing activities        
Net change in deposits  (10,020)  8,246 
Net change in agreements to repurchase securities  1,296   3,282 
Repayment of other borrowed funds  (2,859)  (1,824)
Proceeds from stock option exercises  248   645 
Repayment of FHLB advances, net  -   (772)
Common stock dividends paid  (4,796)  (4,338)
Net cash from (used in) financing activities  (16,131)  5,239 
         
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  (29,574)  22,149 
         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  104,718   72,539 
         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $75,144  $94,688 
  2020  2019 
Cash flows from operating activities      
Net income $5,368  $6,176 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from
operating activities
        
Depreciation  460   467 
Provision for loan losses  1,000   560 
Amortization (accretion), net  94   (47)
Writedowns (gains on the sale) of other real estate owned, net  14   (15)
Stock compensation expense  40   39 
Changes in:        
Interest receivable  (493)  (343)
Other assets  434   (228)
Interest payable  (47)  127 
Other liabilities  455   1,131 
Net cash from operating activities  7,325   7,867 
         
Cash flows from investing activities        
Purchases of securities available for sale  (47,360)  (13,854)
Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available for sale  40,458   15,869 
Redemption of FHLB stock  136   60 
Net change in loans  8,960   (7,555)
Purchases of premises and equipment, net  (181)  (361)
Proceeds from sales of other real estate acquired through foreclosure  380   414 
Net cash from (used in) investing activities  2,393   (5,427)
         
Cash flows from financing activities        
Net change in deposits  (33,390)  23,637 
Net change in agreements to repurchase securities  (734)  (37)
Advances from FHLB  5,000   - 
Repayment of other borrowed funds  -

  (1,050)
Repayment of FHLB advances  (3,400
)
  (1,500)
Proceeds from stock option exercises  31   51 
Common stock dividends paid  (2,200)  (2,195)
Net cash from financing activities  (34,693)  18,906 
         
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  (24,975)  21,346 
         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  94,458   80,775 
         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $69,483  $102,121 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:      
Cash paid during period for interest $2,349  $2,102 
Loans transferred to real estate acquired through foreclosure  891   753 
Operating right-of-use asset resulting from lease liability  171   7,453 
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 AND 2016
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)


  2017  2016 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:      
Cash paid during period for interest $3,333  $3,555 
         
Cash paid during period for income taxes  6,395   5,122 
         
Loans transferred to real estate acquired through foreclosure  983   631 
         
Stock issued to acquire subsidiary  -   22,041 
         
Premises transferred to other real estate owned  71   - 

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. (the Company) and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Banks”):
        September 30, 2017 
    Year Total Net Income 
Subsidiary 
 
Location 
 Acquired Assets Qtr YTD 
Citizens Deposit Bank & Trust Vanceburg, Kentucky 1991 $425,115  $1,209  $3,509 
Premier Bank, Inc. Huntington, West Virginia 1998  1,060,991   2,734   9,007 
Parent and Intercompany Eliminations      6,569   (476)  (1,466)
  Consolidated Total      $1,492,675  $3,467  $11,050 

         March 31, 2020 
    Year     Net Income 
Subsidiary Location Acquired Assets  Qtr 
Citizens Deposit Bank & Trust Vanceburg, Kentucky 1991 $554,340  $1,583 
Premier Bank, Inc. Huntington, West Virginia 1998  1,197,522   4,233 
Parent and Intercompany Eliminations      7,371   (448)
  Consolidated Total      $1,759,233  $5,368 

All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Estimates in the Financial Statements:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates are, to a large degree, dependent upon our accounting policies. The selection and application of these accounting policies involve judgments, estimates, and uncertainties that are susceptible to change. Those accounting policies that management believes are the most important to the presentation and understanding of our financial condition and results of operations include the allowance for loan losses, business combinations and impairment of goodwill, and other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) of securities available for sale.  The estimates and assumptions used in these calculations affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided.  National and local participation in a worldwide effort to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus has resulted in and may continue to result in negative changes in the national and regional business climate in the geographic areas in which Premier operates.  As a result, management conducted an interim goodwill impairment test and concluded that the goodwill was not impaired as of March 31, 2020.  The effects of government measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus on the local or national economy are uncertain and could cause assumptions and conditions to change in the near term.  In the event that changes to assumptions or conditions than originally estimated were to prevail, and depending upon the severity of such changes, the possibility of materially different financial condition or results of operations is a reasonable likelihood.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The ASU creates a new topic, Topic 606, to provide guidance on revenue recognition for entities that enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enter into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Additional disclosures are required to provide quantitative and qualitative information regarding the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The new guidance was originally effective for annual reporting periods, and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. However, in April 2015, the FASB voted to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year, making the amendments effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those reporting periods.  Companies have the option to apply ASU 2014-09 as of the original effective date. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company plans to adopt the guidance during the first quarter of 2018.  Management continues to evaluate the impact ASU 2014-09 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as well as the most appropriate transition method of application.  Based on this evaluation to date, management has determined that the majority of the revenues earned by the Company are not within the scope of ASU 2014-09 because they are already governed by other accounting standards.  For those revenue streams management has determined to be within the scope of ASU 2014-09, namely elements of non-interest income such as service charges on deposit accounts that are governed by deposit account agreements with customers and the timing of revenue from the sale of real estate acquired through foreclosure, the guidance or any of its amendments is not anticipated to result in any material change in the timing of when the revenue is recognized.  Management will continue to evaluate the impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on the consolidated financial statements as new interpretations and guidance are issued, such as the applicability of Topic 606 to interchange revenues included in the Company’s electronic banking income, focusing on the new disclosures required by the adoption of ASU 2014-09.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION – continued

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  The ASU makes several modifications to Subtopic 825-10, including the elimination of the available-for-sale classification of equity investments, requiring equity investments with readily determinable fair values to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, and using an exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes.  This ASU will become effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of ASU No. 2016-01 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This standard requires organizations to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing requirements for leases that were historically classified as operating leases under previous generally accepted accounting principles. This ASU will become effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018.  The Company leases some of its branch locations.  Upon adoption of this standard, an asset will be recorded to recognize the right of the Company to use the leased facilities and a liability will be recorded representing the obligation to make all future lease payments on those facilities.  At September 30, 2017, the Company had $5,045,000 of future lease obligations excluding optional renewal periods.  Management is currently evaluating the amounts to be recognized upon the adoption of this guidance in the Company’s financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.  This ASU requires recognition of the income tax effects of share-based awards in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled (i.e., Additional Paid-in-Capital pools will be eliminated). The guidance in this ASU was adopted by the Company beginning January 1, 2017.  The adoption of ASU No. 2016-09 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.  This ASU replaces the measurement for credit losses from a probable incurred estimate with an expected future loss estimate, which is referred to as the “current expected credit loss” or “CECL”.  The standard pertains to financial assets measured at amortized cost such as loans, debt securities classified as held-to-maturity, and certain other contracts.contracts, in which organizations will now use forward-looking information to enhance their credit loss estimates on these assets.  The largest impact will be on the allowance for loan and lease losses.  This ASU will become effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. ManagementThe company has formed a steering committee thatto oversee the steps required in the adoption of the new current expected credit loss method.  The committee has selected a third-party vendor to assist in data analysis and modeling as well as the required disclosures. Management is currently evaluating the data gathering requirements, available economic forecasting and loss estimation models and potential software that would be employed by the Company to facilitateimpact of the adoption of this guidance and its required disclosures on the Company’s financial statements.  Upon adoption, management anticipates an initial one-timecumulative increase in the allowance for loan losses which will be offsetis currently anticipated by management along with a corresponding decrease in capital as permitted by the standard.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  1 - 10BASIS OF PRESENTATION -continued

However, due to the complexity of the calculation and evolving guidance on adoption management has not yet determined the one-time adjustment.  On July 17, 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) voted for a proposal to extend the implementation deadline for smaller reporting companies like Premier.  The proposal extends the implementation deadline for Premier for a period of three-years until January 1, 2023.  The proposal was approved on October 16, 2019.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  2 - SECURITIES

Amortized cost and fair value of investment securities, by category, at March 31, 2020 are summarized as follows:

2020 Amortized Cost  Unrealized Gains  Unrealized Losses  Fair Value 
Available for sale            
Mortgage-backed securities            
U. S. sponsored agency MBS - residential $282,478  $10,827  $(14) $293,291 
U. S. sponsored agency CMO’s - residential  56,361   566   (159)  56,768 
Total mortgage-backed securities of government sponsored agencies  338,839   11,393   (173)  350,059 
U. S. government sponsored agency securities  12,080   151   -   12,231 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  40,020   348   (56)  40,312 
Other securities  1,959   46   (129)  1,876 
Total available for sale $392,898  $11,938  $(358) $404,478 


Amortized cost and fair value of investment securities, by category, at December 31, 2019 are summarized as follows:

2019 Amortized Cost  Unrealized Gains  Unrealized Losses  Fair Value 
Available for sale            
Mortgage-backed securities            
U. S. sponsored agency MBS - residential $276,013  $3,618  $(322) $279,309 
U. S. sponsored agency CMO’s - residential  61,989   768   (113)  62,644 
Total mortgage-backed securities of government sponsored agencies  338,002   4,386   (435)  341,953 
U. S. government sponsored agency securities  30,538   280   (88)  30,730 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  15,570   453   (6)  16,017 
Other securities  1,956   98   -   2,054 
Total available for sale $386,066  $5,217  $(529) $390,754 

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  2 –SECURITIES

Amortized cost and fair value of investment securities, by category, at September 30, 2017 are summarized as follows:

2017 Amortized Cost  Unrealized Gains  Unrealized Losses  Fair Value 
Available for sale            
Mortgage-backed securities            
U. S. sponsored agency MBS - residential $199,483  $1,028  $(578) $199,933 
U. S. sponsored agency CMO’s - residential  56,330   553   (369)  56,514 
Total mortgage-backed securities of government sponsored agencies  255,813   1,581   (947)  256,447 
U. S. government sponsored agency securities  19,344   5   (74)  19,275 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  13,346   140   (5)  13,481 
Total available for sale $288,503  $1,726  $(1,026) $289,203 

Amortized cost and fair value of investment securities, by category, at December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:

2016 Amortized Cost  Unrealized Gains  Unrealized Losses  Fair Value 
Available for sale            
Mortgage-backed securities            
U. S. sponsored agency MBS - residential $177,105  $245  $(3,173) $174,177 
U. S. sponsored agency CMO’s - residential  73,163   761   (657)  73,267 
Total mortgage-backed securities of government sponsored agencies  250,268   1,006   (3,830)  247,444 
U. S. government sponsored agency securities  24,652   23   (174)  24,501 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  16,645   111   (94)  16,662 
Total available for sale $291,565  $1,140  $(4,098) $288,607 

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  2–SECURITIES - continued

The amortized cost and fair value of securities at September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 by contractual maturity are shown below.  Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 
Amortized
Cost
  
Fair
Value
  
Amortized
Cost
  
Fair
Value
 
Available for sale            
Due in one year or less $9,687  $9,701  $7,085  $7,124 
Due after one year through five years  17,073   17,070  29,988  29,948 
Due after five years through ten years  5,375   5,430  10,543  10,647 
Due after ten years  555   555  6,443  6,700 
Mortgage-backed securities of government sponsored agencies  255,813   256,447   338,839   350,059 
Total available for sale $288,503  $289,203  $392,898  $404,478 

There were no sales of securities during the first three months of 2020 and 2019.

Securities with unrealized losses at September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position are as follows:

 Less than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total  Less than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total 
Description of Securities Fair Value  Unrealized Loss  Fair Value  Unrealized Loss  Fair Value  Unrealized Loss  Fair Value  Unrealized Loss  Fair Value  Unrealized Loss  Fair Value  Unrealized Loss 
                                    
U.S government sponsored agency securities $17,242  $(74) $-  $-  $17,242  $(74)
U.S government sponsored agency MBS – residential  56,820   (429)  5,234   (149)  62,054   (578) $851  $(14) $-  $-  $851  $(14)
U.S government sponsored agency CMO’s – residential  11,256   (129)  11,184   (240)  22,440   (369)
U.S government sponsored agency CMO – residential 10,747  (109) 2,449  (50) 13,196  (159)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  619   (4)  775   (1)  1,394   (5) 4,968  (56) -  -  4,968  (56)
Other securities  848   (129)  -   -   848   (129)
Total temporarily impaired $85,937  $(636) $17,193  $(390) $103,130  $(1,026) $17,414  $(308) $2,449  $(50) $19,863  $(358)

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  2–2 - SECURITIES - continued

Securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 20162019 aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position are as follows:

 Less than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total  Less than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total 
Description of Securities Fair Value  Unrealized Loss  Fair Value  Unrealized Loss  Fair Value  Unrealized Loss  Fair Value  Unrealized Loss  Fair Value  Unrealized Loss  Fair Value  Unrealized Loss 
                                    
U.S government sponsored agency securities $17,207  $(174) $-  $-  $17,207  $(174) $10,851  $(84) $3,957  $(4) $14,808  $(88)
U.S government sponsored agency MBS – residential  157,022   (3,173)  -   -   157,022   (3,173) 50,945  (199) 12,930  (123) 63,875  (322)
U.S government sponsored agency CMO’s – residential  18,374   (373)  8,750   (284)  27,124   (657) 4,376  (3) 8,815  (110) 13,191  (113)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  7,961   (94)  -   -   7,961   (94)  1,866   (6)  -   -   1,866   (6)
Total temporarily impaired $200,564  $(3,814) $8,750  $(284) $209,314  $(4,098) $68,038  $(292) $25,702  $(237) $93,740  $(529)

The investment portfolio is predominately high credit quality interest-bearing bonds with defined maturity dates backed by the U.S. Government or Government sponsored entities.  The unrealized losses at September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and December 31, 20162019 are price changes resulting from changes in the interest rate environment and are considered to be temporary declines in the value of the securities.  Management does not intend to sell and it is likely that management will not be required to sell the securities prior to their anticipated recovery.  Their fair value is expected to recover as the bonds approach their maturity date and/or market conditions improve.


NOTE  3 - LOANS

Major classifications of loans at September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and December 31, 20162019 are summarized as follows:

 2017  2016  2020  2019 
Residential real estate $337,502  $342,294  $387,909  $389,985 
Multifamily real estate  70,698   74,165  40,286  36,684 
Commercial real estate:              
Owner occupied  134,773   129,370  168,102  164,218 
Non owner occupied  237,655   220,836 
Non-owner occupied 306,854  304,316 
Commercial and industrial  82,332   76,736  101,132  105,079 
Consumer  29,675   30,916  26,409  29,007 
Construction and land 119,415  136,138 
All other  162,689   
150,506
   34,936   29,868 
 $1,055,324  $1,024,823  $1,185,043  $1,195,295 

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  3–LOANS3 - continued

Activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was as follows:

Loan Class 
Balance
Dec 31, 2016
  Provision (credit) for loan losses  
Loans
charged-off
  Recoveries  
Balance
Sept 30, 2017
 
                
Residential real estate $2,948  $363  $(362) $52  $3,001 
Multifamily real estate  785   475   -   -   1,260 
Commercial real estate:                    
Owner occupied  1,543   (161)  (7)  242   1,617 
Non owner occupied  2,350   265   (8)  -   2,607 
Commercial and industrial  1,140   3   (138)  95   1,100 
Consumer  347   148   (214)  86   367 
All other  1,723   940   (373)  117   2,407 
Total $10,836  $2,033  $(1,102) $592  $12,359 

Activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the nine months ending September 30, 2016 was as follows:

Loan Class 
Balance
Dec 31, 2015
  Provision (credit) for loan losses  
Loans
charged-off
  Recoveries  
Balance
Sept 30, 2016
 
                
Residential real estate $2,501  $377  $(107) $19  $2,790 
Multifamily real estate  821   92   -   -   913 
Commercial real estate:                    
Owner occupied  1,509   (140)  -   2   1,371 
Non owner occupied  2,070   645   -   -   2,715 
Commercial and industrial  1,033   83   (29)  42   1,129 
Consumer  307   172   (232)  71   318 
All other  1,406   207   (207)  221   1,627 
Total $9,647  $1,436  $(575) $355  $10,863 



PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  3–LOANS - continued

Activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 was as follows:

Loan Class 
Balance
June 30, 2017
  Provision (credit) for loan losses  
Loans
charged-off
  Recoveries  
Balance
Sept 30, 2017
  
Balance
Dec 31, 2019
  Provision (credit) for loan losses  
Loans
charged-off
  Recoveries  
Balance
March 31, 2020
 
                              
Residential real estate $2,973  $170  $(163) $21  $3,001  $1,711  $216  $(93) $4  $1,838 
Multifamily real estate  1,337   (77)  -   -   1,260  1,954  150  -  -  2,104 
Commercial real estate:                                   
Owner occupied  1,618   5   (7)  1   1,617  2,441  342  (566) 3  2,220 
Non owner occupied  2,334   276   (3)  -   2,607 
Non-owner occupied 3,184  479  (24) 3  3,642 
Commercial and industrial  1,093   (6)  (4)  17   1,100  1,767  22  -  28  1,817 
Consumer  373   10   (49)  33   367  281  2  (69) 27  241 
Construction and land 1,724  (349) -  37  1,412 
All other  1,967   513   (110)  37   2,407   480   138   (74)  38   582 
Total $11,695  $891  $(336) $109  $12,359  $13,542  $1,000  $(826) $140  $13,856 


Activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three months ending September 30, 2016ended March 31, 2019 was as follows:

Loan Class 
Balance
June 30, 2016
  Provision (credit) for loan losses  
Loans
charged-off
  Recoveries  
Balance
Sept 30, 2016
  
Balance
Dec 31, 2018
  Provision (credit) for loan losses  
Loans
charged-off
  Recoveries  
Balance
March 31, 2019
 
                              
Residential real estate $2,747  $91  $(51) $3  $2,790  $1,808  $42  $(32) $5  $1,823 
Multifamily real estate  822   91   -   -   913  1,649  (61) -  2  1,590 
Commercial real estate:                                   
Owner occupied  1,442   (72)  -   1   1,371  2,120  236  (533) 1  1,824 
Non owner occupied  2,708   7   -   -   2,715 
Non-owner occupied 3,058  400  (57) -  3,401 
Commercial and industrial  1,111   43   (29)  4   1,129  1,897  (97) (110) 31  1,721 
Consumer  306   139   (142)  15   318  351  110  (107) 11  365 
Construction and land 2,255  (93) (13) -  2,149 
All other  1,668   13   (81)  27   1,627   600   23   (51)  34   606 
Total $10,804  $312  $(303) $50  $10,863  $13,738  $560  $(903) $84  $13,479 

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  3–3 - LOANS - continued

Purchased Impaired Loans

The Company holds purchased loans for which there was, at their acquisition date, evidence of deterioration of credit quality since their origination and it was probable, at acquisition, that all contractually required payments would not be collected.  The carrying amount of those loans is as follows at September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2016.2019.

 2017  2016  2020  2019 
Residential real estate $1,515  $1,619  $2,436  $2,565 
Commercial real estate              
Owner occupied  1,564   2,013  1,750  1,804 
Non owner occupied  -   5,396 
Non-owner occupied 2,533  2,628 
Commercial and industrial  214   232  291  305 
Consumer 19  22 
Construction and land 476  483 
All other  1,828   2,061   171   174 
Total carrying amount $5,121  $11,321  $7,676  $7,981 
Contractual principal balance $7,116  $14,784  $11,424  $11,681 
              
Carrying amount, net of allowance $5,071  $11,311  $7,676  $7,981 

For those purchased loans disclosed above, the Company increased the allowance for loan losses by $50,000 for the nine-months ended September 30, 2017, but did not increase the allowance for loan losses for purchased impaired loans during the nine-monthsthree-months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019.

For those purchased loans disclosed above, where the Company can reasonably estimate the cash flows expected to be collected on the loans, a portion of the purchase discount is allocated to an accretable yield adjustment based upon the present value of the future estimated cash flows versus the current carrying value of the loan and the accretable yield portion is being recognized as interest income over the remaining life of the loan.

Where the Company cannot reasonably estimate the cash flows expected to be collected on the loans, it has continued to account for those loans using the cost recovery method of income recognition.  As such, no portion of a purchase discount adjustment has been determined to meet the definition of an accretable yield adjustment on those loans accounted for using the cost recovery method.  If, in the future, cash flows from the borrower(s) can be reasonably estimated, a portion of the purchase discount would be allocated to an accretable yield adjustment based upon the present value of the future estimated cash flows versus the current carrying value of the loan and the accretable yield portion would be recognized as interest income over the remaining life of the loan.  Until such accretable yield can be calculated, under the cost recovery method of income recognition, all payments will be used to reduce the carrying value of the loan and no income will be recognized on the loan until the carrying value is reduced to zero.  Any loan accounted for under the cost recovery method is also still included as a non-accrual loan in the amounts presented in the tables below.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  3–LOANS - continued

The accretable yield, or income expected to be collected, on the purchased loans above is as follows at September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016.

  2017  2016 
Balance at January 1 $1,208  $185 
New loans purchased  -   1,151 
Accretion of income  (398)  (64)
Reclassification to non-accretable  -   - 
Disposals  -   - 
Balance at September 30 $810  $1,272 


PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  3–3 - LOANS - continued

The accretable yield, or income expected to be collected, on the purchased loans above is as follows at March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019.

  2020  2019 
Balance at January 1 $619  $642 
New loans purchased  -   - 
Accretion of income  (36)  (53)
Loans placed on non-accrual  -   (14)
Income recognized upon full repayment  (7)  (42)
Reclassifications from non-accretable difference  -   - 
Disposals  -   - 
Balance at March 31 $576  $533 

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  3 - LOANS - continued

Past Due and Non-performing Loans

The following tables present the recorded investment in nonaccrual and loans past due over 90 days still on accrual by class of loans as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2016.2019.  The recorded investment in non-accrual loans is less than the principal owed on non-accrual loans due to discounts applied to the carrying value of the loan at time of their acquisition and interest payments made by the borrower which have been used to reduce the recorded investment in the loan rather than recognized as interest income.

September 30, 2017 
Principal Owed on Non-accrual Loans
  
Recorded Investment in Non-accrual Loans
  
Loans Past Due Over 90 Days, still accruing
 
March 31, 2020 Principal Owed on Non-accrual Loans  Recorded Investment in Non-accrual Loans  Loans Past Due Over 90 Days, still accruing 
                  
Residential real estate $3,248  $2,846  $585  $5,478  $4,266  $710 
Multifamily real estate  11,101   11,095   334  4,184  3,797  - 
Commercial real estate                     
Owner occupied  2,052   1,974   63  3,125  2,396  10 
Non owner occupied  310   209   86 
Non-owner occupied 4,214  2,872  66 
Commercial and industrial  2,062   1,054   648  1,047  498  300 
Consumer  331   304   -  367  283  16 
Construction and land 374  337  - 
All other  6,984   6,863   -   75   60   - 
Total $26,088  $24,345  $1,716  $18,864  $14,509  $1,102 

December 31, 2016 
Principal Owed on Non-accrual Loans
  
Recorded Investment in Non-accrual Loans
  
Loans Past Due Over 90 Days, still accruing
 
December 31, 2019 Principal Owed on Non-accrual Loans  Recorded Investment in Non-accrual Loans  Loans Past Due Over 90 Days, still accruing 
                  
Residential real estate $3,467  $2,794  $606  $5,801  $4,618  $1,425 
Multifamily real estate  11,157   11,106   334  4,113  3,726  - 
Commercial real estate                     
Owner occupied  1,769   1,704   15  3,399  2,995  - 
Non owner occupied  294   196   36 
Non-owner occupied 3,120  1,852  340 
Commercial and industrial  2,537   1,209   1,008  1,026  420  451 
Consumer  366   347   -  364  313  9 
Construction and land 470  440  3 
All other  8,408   8,391   -   75   73   - 
Total $27,998  $25,747  $1,999  $18,368  $14,437  $2,228 

Nonaccrual loans and impaired loans are defined differently. Some loans may be included in both categories, and some may only be included in one category.  Nonaccrual loans include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  3–3 - LOANS - continued

The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 by class of loans:

Loan Class Total Loans  30-89 Days Past Due  Greater than 90 days past due  Total Past Due  
Loans Not
Past Due
  Total Loans  30-89 Days Past Due  Greater than 90 days past due  Total Past Due  
Loans Not
Past Due
 
                              
Residential real estate $337,502  $6,460  $1,717  $8,177  $329,325  $387,909  $5,829  $2,505  $8,334  $379,575 
Multifamily real estate  70,698   -   11,429   11,429   59,269  40,286  -  3,797  3,797  36,489 
Commercial real estate:                                   
Owner occupied  134,773   172   1,979   2,151   132,622  168,102  786  964  1,750  166,352 
Non owner occupied  237,655   374   227   601   237,054 
Non-owner occupied 306,854  3,058  849  3,907  302,947 
Commercial and industrial  82,332   179   1,628   1,807   80,525  101,132  1,370  655  2,025  99,107 
Consumer  29,675   365   121   486   29,189  26,409  128  152  280  26,129 
Construction and land 119,415  150  5  155  119,260 
All other  162,689   1,370   6,861   8,231   154,458   34,936   -   60   60   34,876 
Total $1,055,324  $8,920  $23,962  $32,882  $1,022,442  $1,185,043  $11,321  $8,987  $20,308  $1,164,735 


The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans as of December 31, 20162019 by class of loans:

Loan Class Total Loans  30-89 Days Past Due  Greater than 90 days past due  Total Past Due  
Loans Not
Past Due
  Total Loans  30-89 Days Past Due  Greater than 90 days past due  Total Past Due  
Loans Not
Past Due
 
                              
Residential real estate $342,294  $6,113  $1,596  $7,709  $334,585  $389,985  $9,479  $3,192  $12,671  $377,314 
Multifamily real estate  74,165   -   11,440   11,440   62,725  36,684  -  3,726  3,726  32,958 
Commercial real estate:                                   
Owner occupied  129,370   1,746   1,474   3,220   126,150  164,218  337  1,199  1,536  162,682 
Non owner occupied  220,836   1,803   159   1,962   218,874 
Non-owner occupied 304,316  838  1,017  1,855  302,461 
Commercial and industrial  76,736   330   2,120   2,450   74,286  105,079  245  708  953  104,126 
Consumer  30,916   403   223   626   30,290  29,007  309  230  539  28,468 
Construction and land 136,138  3,856  4  3,860  132,278 
All other  150,506   577   8,187   8,764   141,742   29,868   -   73   73   29,795 
Total $1,024,823  $10,972  $25,199  $36,171  $988,652  $1,195,295  $15,064  $10,149  $25,213  $1,170,082 


PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  3–3 - LOANS - continued

The following table presents the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment and based on impairment method as of September 30, 2017:March 31, 2020:

 Allowance for Loan Losses  Loan Balances  Allowance for Loan Losses  Loan Balances 
Loan Class Individually Evaluated for Impairment  Collectively Evaluated for Impairment  Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality  Total  Individually Evaluated for Impairment  Collectively Evaluated for Impairment  Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality  Total  Individually Evaluated for Impairment  Collectively Evaluated for Impairment  Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality  Total  Individually Evaluated for Impairment  Collectively Evaluated for Impairment  Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality  Total 
                                                
Residential real estate $-  $3,001  $-  $3,001  $320  $335,667  $1,515  $337,502  $-  $1,838  $-  $1,838  $62  $385,411  $2,436  $387,909 
Multifamily real estate  517   743   -   1,260   13,588   57,110   -   70,698  1,855  249  -  2,104  3,797  36,489  -  40,286 
Commercial real estate:                                                        
Owner occupied  301   1,316   -   1,617   3,725   129,484   1,564   134,773  -  2,220  -  2,220  1,492  164,860  1,750  168,102 
Non-owner occupied  88   2,519   -   2,607   5,583   232,072   -   237,655  407  3,235  -  3,642  4,064  300,257  2,533  306,854 
Commercial and industrial  105   945   50   1,100   1,129   80,989   214   82,332  456  1,361  -  1,817  773  100,068  291  101,132 
Consumer  19   348   -   367   19   29,656   -   29,675  -  241  -  241  -  26,390  19  26,409 
Construction and land -  1,412     1,412  325  118,614  476  119,415 
All other  518   1,889   -   2,407   7,177   153,684   1,828   162,689   -   582   -   582   -   34,765   171   34,936 
Total $1,548  $10,761  $50  $12,359  $31,541  $1,018,662  $5,121  $1,055,324  $2,718  $11,138  $-  $13,856  $10,513  $1,166,854  $7,676  $1,185,043 


The following table presents the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment and based on impairment method as of December 31, 2016:2019:

 Allowance for Loan Losses  Loan Balances  Allowance for Loan Losses  Loan Balances 
Loan Class Individually Evaluated for Impairment  Collectively Evaluated for Impairment  Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality  Total  Individually Evaluated for Impairment  Collectively Evaluated for Impairment  Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality  Total  Individually Evaluated for Impairment  Collectively Evaluated for Impairment  Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality  Total  Individually Evaluated for Impairment  Collectively Evaluated for Impairment  Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality  Total 
                                                
Residential real estate $-  $2,948  $-  $2,948  $379  $340,296  $1,619  $342,294  $-  $1,711  $-  $1,711  $63  $387,357  $2,565  $389,985 
Multifamily real estate  -   785   -   785   13,641   60,524   -   74,165  1,737  217  -  1,954  3,726  32,958  -  36,684 
Commercial real estate:                                                        
Owner occupied  244   1,299   -   1,543   2,801   124,556   2,013   129,370  653  1,788  -  2,441  2,685  159,729  1,804  164,218 
Non-owner occupied  -   2,350   -   2,350   2,373   213,067   5,396   220,836  271  2,913  -  3,184  3,830  297,858  2,628  304,316 
Commercial and industrial  266   864   10   1,140   1,418   75,086   232   76,736  390  1,377  -  1,767  678  104,096  305  105,079 
Consumer  -   347   -   347   -   30,916   -   30,916  -  281  -  281  -  28,985  22  29,007 
Construction and land 51  1,673  -  1,724  431  135,224  483  136,138 
All other  86   1,637   -   1,723   12,976   135,469   2,061   150,506   -   480   -   480   -   29,694   174   29,868 
Total $596  $10,230  $10  $10,836  $33,588  $979,914  $11,321  $1,024,823  $3,102  $10,440  $-  $13,542  $11,413  $1,175,901  $7,981  $1,195,295 
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  3–3 - LOANS - continued

In the tables below, total individually evaluated impaired loans include certain purchased loans that were acquired with deteriorated credit quality that are still individually evaluated for impairment.

The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans as of September 30, 2017.March 31, 2020.  The table includes $199,000$710,000 of loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality that the Company cannot reasonably estimate cash flows such that they are accounted for on the cost recovery method and are still individually evaluated for impairment.

 
Unpaid Principal Balance
  
Recorded Investment
  
Allowance for Loan Losses Allocated
  Unpaid Principal Balance  Recorded Investment  Allowance for Loan Losses Allocated 
With no related allowance recorded:                  
Residential real estate $360  $320  $-  $184  $62  $- 
Multifamily real estate  2,492   2,492   -  97  89  - 
Commercial real estate                     
Owner occupied  2,916   2,855   -  2,189  1,811  - 
Non owner occupied  3,604   3,512   - 
Non-owner occupied 1,668  830  - 
Commercial and industrial  1,767   1,012   -  509  -  - 
All other  3,186   3,066   - 
Construction and land  361   326   - 
  14,325   13,257   -  5,008  3,118  - 
With an allowance recorded:                     
Multifamily real estate $11,102  $11,095  $517  4,088  3,708  1,855 
Commercial real estate                     
Owner occupied  888   870   301 
Non owner occupied  2,072   2,072   88 
Non-owner occupied 3,760  3,624  407 
Commercial and industrial  468   316   155   786   773   456 
Consumer  19   19   19 
All other  4,116   4,111   518 
  18,665   18,483   1,598   8,634   8,105   2,718 
Total $32,990  $31,740  $1,598  $13,642  $11,223  $2,718 
            


PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  3–3 - LOANS - continued

The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans as of December 31, 2016.2019.  The table includes $208,000$758,000 of loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality thatfor which the Company cannot reasonably estimate cash flows such that they are accounted for on the cost recovery method and are still individually evaluated for impairment.

 
Unpaid Principal Balance
  
Recorded Investment
  
Allowance for Loan Losses Allocated
  Unpaid Principal Balance  Recorded Investment  Allowance for Loan Losses Allocated 
With no related allowance recorded:                  
Residential real estate $743  $379  $-  $188  $63  $- 
Multifamily real estate  13,692   13,641   -  96  89  - 
Commercial real estate                     
Owner occupied  1,803   1,766   -  2,201  1,842  - 
Non owner occupied  2,465   2,373   - 
Non-owner occupied 2,512  1,732  - 
Commercial and industrial  2,429   1,338   -   509   -   - 
All other  9,868   9,853   - 
  31,000   29,350   -  5,506  3,726  - 
With an allowance recorded:                     
Multifamily real estate $4,017  $3,637  $1,737 
Commercial real estate                     
Owner occupied $1,055  $1,035  $244  1,189  1,162  653 
Non-owner occupied 2,654  2,537  271 
Commercial and industrial  431   288   276  689  678  390 
All other  3,124   3,123   86 
Construction and land  460   431   51 
  4,610   4,446   606   9,009   8,445   3,102 
Total $35,610  $33,796  $606  $14,515  $12,171  $3,102 

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  3–3 - LOANS - continued

The following table presents the average balance of loans individually evaluated for impairment and interest income recognized on these loans for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019.  The table includes loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality that are still individually evaluated for impairment.

 Nine months ended Sept 30, 2017  Nine months ended Sept 30, 2016  Three months ended March 31, 2020  Three months ended March 31, 2019 
Loan Class Average Recorded Investment  Interest Income Recognized  Cash Basis Interest Recognized  Average Recorded Investment  Interest Income Recognized  Cash Basis Interest Recognized  Average Recorded Investment  Interest Income Recognized  Cash Basis Interest Recognized  Average Recorded Investment  Interest Income Recognized  Cash Basis Interest Recognized 
                                          
Residential real estate $339  $1  $1  $612  $16  $14  $62  $-  $-  $264  $-  $- 
Multifamily real estate  13,605   196   181   1,580   121   121  3,761  -  -  3,877  -  - 
Commercial real estate:                                          
Owner occupied  3,340   49   49   1,144   3   3  2,408  3  3  3,874  3  3 
Non-owner occupied  2,955   124   124   5,066   275   273  4,362  36  36  10,580  94  91 
Commercial and industrial  1,474   114   114   1,155   26   26  726  1  1  500  1  1 
Consumer  5   -   -   -   -   - 
All other  8,641   342   341   3,011   40   6 
Construction and land  378   -   -   1,341   8   8 
Total $30,359  $826  $810  $12,568  $481  $443  $11,697  $40  $40  $20,436  $106  $103 

The following table presents the average balance of loans individually evaluated for impairment and interest income recognized on these loans for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016  The table includes loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality that are still individually evaluated for impairment.

  Three months ended Sept 30, 2017  Three months ended Sept 30, 2016 
Loan Class Average Recorded Investment  Interest Income Recognized  Cash Basis Interest Recognized  Average Recorded Investment  Interest Income Recognized  Cash Basis Interest Recognized 
                   
Residential real estate $323  $-  $-  $667  $5  $5 
Multifamily real estate  13,590   66   60   2,594   63   63 
Commercial real estate:                        
Owner occupied  3,910   27   27   1,847   3   3 
Non-owner occupied  3,749   63   63   4,240   175   175 
Commercial and industrial  1,390   13   13   1,809   10   10 
Consumer  9   -   -   -   -   - 
All other  7,183   53   53   5,243   33   - 
Total $30,154  $222  $216  $16,400  $289  $256
 
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  3–3 - LOANS - continued

Troubled Debt Restructurings

A loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR") when loan terms are modified due to a borrower's financial difficulties and a concession is granted to a borrower that would not have otherwise been considered. Most of the Company’s loan modifications involve a restructuring of loan terms prior to maturity to temporarily reduce the payment amount and/or to require only interest for a temporary period, usually up to six months.  These modifications generally do not meet the definition of a TDR because the modifications are considered to be an insignificant delay in payment.  The determination of an insignificant delay in payment is evaluated based on the facts and circumstances of the individual borrower(s).

The following table presents TDR’s as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2016:2019:

September 30, 2017 TDR’s on Non-accrual  Other TDR’s  Total TDR’s 
          
Residential  real estate $317  $110  $427 
Multifamily  real estate  -   2,159   2,159 
Commercial real estate            
    Owner occupied  602   1,766   2,368 
Non owner occupied  -   3,875   3,875 
Commercial and industrial  57   508   565 
Consumer  -   -   - 
All other  4,783   297   5,080 
Total $5,759  $8,715  $14,474 
             
March 31, 2020 
TDR’s on
Non-accrual
  Other TDR’s  Total TDR’s 
          
Residential real estate $28  $153  $181 
Multifamily real estate  3,708   -   3,708 
Commercial real estate            
Owner occupied  -   202   202 
Non-owner occupied  -   2,637   2,637 
Commercial and industrial  191   -   191 
Total $3,927  $2,992  $6,919 

December 31, 2016 TDR’s on Non-accrual  Other TDR’s  Total TDR’s 
December 31, 2019 
TDR’s on
Non-accrual
  Other TDR’s  Total TDR’s 
                  
Residential real estate $129  $464  $593  $32  $157  $189 
Multifamily real estate  -   2,201   2,201  3,636  -  3,636 
Commercial real estate                     
Owner occupied  -   856   856  1,162  207  1,369 
Non-owner occupied -  2,656  2,656 
Commercial and industrial  62   352   414   191   -   191 
All other  751   4,395   5,146 
Total $942  $8,268  $9,210  $5,021  $3,020  $8,041 
            

At September 30, 2017 $640,000March 31, 2020, $2,108,000 in specific reserves werewas allocated to loans that had restructured terms resulting in a provision for loan losses of $203,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to a negative $65,000 in provision for loan losses on restructured loans during the three months ended March 31, 2019.  At December 31, 2019, $2,471,000 in specific reserves was allocated to loans that had restructured terms.  At December 31, 2016 $43,000 in specific reserves were allocated to loans that had restructured terms.  As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, thereThere were no commitments to lend additional amounts to these borrowers.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  3–3 - LOANS - continued

The following tables presentThere were no TDR’s that occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, and three months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016.

  Nine months ended Sept 30, 2017  Nine months ended Sept 30, 2016 
Loan Class Number of Loans  Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment  Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment  Number of Loans  Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment  Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment 
                   
Residential  real estate  -  $-  $-   8  $483  $483 
Commercial real estate                        
Owner occupied  2   1,525   1,525   3   865   865 
Non owner occupied  2   3,875   3,875   1   100   100 
Commercial and industrial  1   191   191   1   20   20 
All other  -   -   -   1   4,106   4,106 
Total  5  $5,591  $5,591   14  $5,574  $5,574 

  Three months ended Sept 30, 2017  Three months ended Sept 30, 2016 
Loan Class Number of Loans  Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment  Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment  Number of Loans  Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment  Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment 
                   
Residential  real estate  -  $-  $-   6  $184  $184 
Commercial real estate                        
Owner occupied  -   -   -   1   255   255 
Non owner occupied  2   3,875   3,875   -   -   - 
All other  -   -   -   1   4,106   4,106 
Total  2  $3,875  $3,875   8  $4,545  $4,545 

The modifications reported above for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 involve reducing the borrowers’ required monthly payment by offering extended interest only periods that exceed the timeframes customarily offered by the Company and/March 31, 2020 or lengthening the amortization period for loan repayment, each in an effort to help the borrowers keep their loan current.  The modifications did not include a permanent reduction of the recorded investment in the loans and did not decrease the stated interest rate on loans.   The Company increased the allowance for loan losses related to these loans by $88,000 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.

The modifications reported above for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 involve reducing the borrowers’ required monthly payment by offering extended interest only periods that exceed the timeframes customarily offered by the Company and/or lengthening the amortization period for loan repayment, each in an effort to help the borrowers keep their loan current.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  3–LOANS - continued

The modifications did not include a permanent reduction of the recorded investment in the loans and did not decrease the stated interest rate on loans.  The Company increased the allowance for loan losses related to these loans by $35,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2016, and by $181,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2019, there were no TDR’s for which there was a payment default within twelve months following the modification.

A loan is considered to be in payment default once it is 90 days contractually past due under the modified terms.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was signed into law at the end of March 2020.  Provisions of the CARES Act permit certain loan payment modifications by banks that would normally be considered TDR’s to be exempt from the TDR rules.  To date, management has exercised these provisions of the CARES Act on some loan modifications on an individually requested basis.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  3 - LOANS - continued

Credit Quality Indicators:

The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as:  current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors.  The Company analyzes non-homogeneous loans, such as commercial, commercial real estate, multifamily residential and commercial purpose loans secured by residential real estate, on a monthly basis.  For consumer loans, including consumer loans secured by residential real estate, and smaller balance non-homogeneous loans, the analysis involves monitoring the performing status of the loan.  At the time such loans become past due by 3090 days or more, the Company evaluates the loan to determine if a change in risk category is warranted. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

Special Mention.  Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management's close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution's credit position at some future date.

Substandard.  Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful.  Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process are considered to be pass rated loans.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  3–3 - LOANS - continued

As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2020, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is as follows:

Loan Class Pass  Special Mention  Substandard  Doubtful  Total Loans  Pass  Special Mention  Substandard  Doubtful  Total Loans 
                              
Residential real estate $324,121  $3,502  $9,878  $1  $337,502  $373,530  $3,210  $11,169  $-  $387,909 
Multifamily real estate  52,472   3,590   12,024   2,612   70,698  32,269  4,220  3,797  -  40,286 
Commercial real estate:                                   
Owner occupied  122,983   4,305   7,485   -   134,773  158,862  4,766  4,474  -  168,102 
Non-owner occupied  220,173   11,243   6,239   -   237,655  290,508  10,782  5,564  -  306,854 
Commercial and industrial  71,850   7,400   3,082   -   82,332  96,476  3,250  1,406  -  101,132 
Consumer  29,145   136   375   19   29,675  26,063  4  342  -  26,409 
Construction and land 111,084  7,667  664  -  119,415 
All other  148,216   5,479   8,994   -   162,689   34,876   -   60   -   34,936 
Total $968,960  $35,655  $48,077  $2,632  $1,055,324  $1,123,668  $33,899  $27,476  $-  $1,185,043 


As of December 31, 2016,2019, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is as follows:

Loan Class Pass  Special Mention  Substandard  Doubtful  Total Loans  Pass  Special Mention  Substandard  Doubtful  Total Loans 
                              
Residential real estate $328,905  $4,880  $8,507  $2  $342,294  $374,835  $3,477  $11,673  $-  $389,985 
Multifamily real estate  59,375   78   14,712   -   74,165  28,103  4,855  3,726  -  36,684 
Commercial real estate:                                   
Owner occupied  118,134   6,720   4,516   -   129,370  152,695  5,123  6,400  -  164,218 
Non-owner occupied  213,641   4,391   2,804   -   220,836  290,096  8,617  5,603  -  304,316 
Commercial and industrial  72,094   2,337   2,275   30   76,736  101,085  2,693  1,301  -  105,079 
Consumer  30,369   242   305   -   30,916  28,618  5  384  -  29,007 
Construction and land 123,473  11,868  797     136,138 
All other  134,945   1,958   13,603   -   150,506   29,698   97   73   -   29,868 
Total $957,463  $20,606  $46,722  $32  $1,024,823  $1,128,603  $36,735  $29,957  $-  $1,195,295 

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  4 - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REGULATORY MATTERS

The Company’s principal source of funds for dividend payments to shareholders is dividends received from the subsidiary Banks.  Banking regulations limit the amount of dividends that may be paid without prior approval of regulatory agencies.  Under these regulations, the amount of dividends that may be paid in any calendar year is limited to the current year’s net profits, as defined, combined with the retained net profits of the preceding two years, subject to the capital requirements and additional restrictions as discussed below.  During 2020 the Banks could, without prior approval, declare dividends to the Company of approximately $11.4 million plus any 2020 net profits retained to the date of the dividend declaration.

The Company and the subsidiary Banks are 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 Banks must meet specific guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.

In the first quarter of 2020, the Company elected to adopt regulatory capital simplification rules permitting bank holding companies of Premier’s size to utilize one measure of regulatory capital, the community bank leverage ratio (also known as the “CBLR”), to determine regulatory capital adequacy.  The community bank leverage ratio requires a higher amount of Tier 1 capital to average assets than the standard leverage ratio to be considered well capitalized.  However, meeting this higher standard eliminates the need to compute and monitor the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, the Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and the total risk-based capital ratio as well as maintain the 2.50% regulatory capital buffer necessary to avoid limitations on equity distributions and discretionary bonus payments.  Other criteria required to be able to utilize the CBLR as the sole measure of capital adequacy include 1.) total assets less than $10.0 billion, 2.) trading assets and liabilities equal to less than 5.0% of total assets and 3.) off-balance sheet exposures, such as the unused portion of conditionally cancellable lines of credit, equal to less than 25% of total assets.  Premier meets all three of these criteria and has elected to utilize the CBLR as its measure of regulatory capital adequacy on a consolidated basis as well as for its largest subsidiary bank.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  4-4 - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REGULATORY MATTERS - continued

The Company’s principal sourceA community bank leverage ratio of funds for dividend paymentsTotal Tier 1 capital to shareholders is dividends received fromquarterly average assets must be at least 9.00% to be considered well capitalized.  Premier’s Tier 1 capital totaled $196.4 million at March 31, 2020, which represents a community bank leverage ratio of 11.5%.  Premier’s wholly owned subsidiary Citizens Deposit Bank has not adopted the subsidiary Banks.  Banking regulations limitCBLR simplification standard as its Tier 1 leverage ratio was only 8.36% at March 31, 2020.  Nevertheless, utilizing the amount of dividends that maystandard risk-based capital ratio calculations, Citizens Deposit Bank was still considered to be paid without prior approval of regulatory agencies.  Under these regulations,well capitalized under the amount of dividends that may be paid in any calendar year is limited to the current year’s net profits, as defined, combined with the retained net profits of the preceding two years, subject to the capital requirements and additional restrictions as discussed below.  During 2017 the Banks could, without prior approval, declare dividends to the Company of approximately $4.1 million plus any 2017 net profits retained to the date of the dividend declaration.

The Company and the subsidiary Banks are 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 framework and maintained a capital conservation buffer of 6.58%, well in excess of the Banks must meet specific guidelines that involve quantitative measures2.50% buffer required for equity distributions.  Premier’s other wholly owned subsidiary bank, Premier Bank, Inc., has adopted the regulatory capital simplification rules and maintained a CBLR of their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated11.66%, well in excess of the 9.00% required to be considered well capitalized under regulatory accounting practices.the prompt corrective action framework.

These quantitative measures established by regulation to ensureShown below is a summary of regulatory capital adequacy require the Company and Banks to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table).  The final rules implementing the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s capital guidelines for U.S. Banks (Basel III rules) became effective for the Company and Banks on January 1, 2015 with full compliance with all of the requirements being phased in over a multi-year schedule by     January 1, 2019.  The net unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities is not included in computing regulatory capital.  Management believes, as of September 30, 2017, that the Company and the Banks meet all quantitative capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.Company:

  
Mar 31,
2020
  
December 31,
2019
  
Regulatory
Minimum
Requirements
  
To Be Considered
Well Capitalized
 
Tier 1 Capital to average assets (CBLR):  11.5%  11.3%  9.0%  9.0%


PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  4- STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY5 – PREMISES AND REGULATORY MATTERS - continuedEQUIPMENT

Shown below isThe Company leases certain banking facilities and equipment under various agreements with original terms provide for fixed monthly payments over periods generally ranging from two to sixteen years, including renewal options.  Certain leases contain renewal options and rent escalation clauses calling for rent increases of the term of the lease.  Short-term leases of equipment are recognized on a summarystraight-line basis over the lease term.  As of regulatory capital ratiosMarch 31, 2020, the weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases was 9.1 years and the weighted average discount rate used in the measurement of operating lease liabilities was 1.32%.

Total lease expense for the Company:three months ended March 31, 2020, which is included in net occupancy and equipment expense, was $332,000, consisting of $38,000 short-term lease expense and $294,000 of operating lease expense.
  
September 30,
2017
  
December 31,
2016
  
Regulatory
Minimum
Requirements
  
To Be Considered
Well Capitalized
 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)  13.8%  13.4%  4.5%  6.5%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)  14.4%  13.9%  6.0%  8.0%
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)  15.5%  15.0%  8.0%  10.0%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)  10.7%  10.1%  4.0%  5.0%

Beginning on January 1, 2016 an additional capital conservation buffer has been addedThe following table summarizes the future minimum rental commitments under operating leases:

2020 $834 
2021  1,067 
2022  1,050 
2023  805 
2024  680 
2025 and thereafter  3,494 
Total undiscounted cash flows  7,930 
Discounted cash flows  (607)
Total lease liability $7,323 


NOTE  6 - STOCK COMPENSATION EXPENSE

From time to time the minimum regulatory capital ratiosCompany grants stock options to its employees.  The Company estimates the fair value of the options at the time they are granted to employees and expenses that fair value over the vesting period of the option grant.

On March 18, 2020, 74,025 incentive stock options were granted under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  The capital conservation buffer will be measured as a percentage2012 Long Term Incentive Plan at an exercise price of risk weighted assets and will be phased-in over a four year period from 2016 thru 2019, resulting in a required capital conservation buffer$8.50, the closing market price of 0.625% in 2016 and 1.25% in 2017.  When fully implemented, the capital conservation buffer will be 2.50% of risk weighted assets over and above the regulatory minimum capital ratios for Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (CET1) to risk-weighted assets, Tier 1 Capital to risk-weighted assets, and Total Capital to risk-weighted assets.  The consequences of not meeting the capital conservation buffer thresholds include restrictionsPremier’s common stock on the paymentgrant date.  These options vest in three equal annual installments ending on March 18, 2023.  On March 20, 2019, 72,075 incentive stock options were granted under the 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan at an exercise price of dividends, restrictions$15.57, the closing market price of Premier’s common stock on the paymentgrant date.  These options vest in three equal annual installments ending on March 20, 2022.

Compensation expense of discretionary bonuses, and restrictions$40,000 was recorded for the first three months of 2020 while $39,000 was recorded for the first three months of 2019.  Stock-based compensation expense related to incentive stock option grants is recognized ratably over the requisite vesting period for all awards. Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options totaled $101,000 at March 31, 2020.  This unrecognized expense is expected to be recognized over the next 35 months based on the repurchasing of common shares by the Company.  The capital ratiosvesting periods of the Affiliate Banks and the Company already exceed the new minimum capital ratios plus the fully phased-in 2.50% capital buffer requiring a CET1 Capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of at least 7.00%, a Tier 1 Capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of at least 8.50% and a Total Capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of at least 10.50%.  The Company’s capital conservation buffer was 7.50% at September 30, 2017 and 6.95% at December 31, 2016, well in excess of the fully phased-in 2.50% required by December 31, 2019.options.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  5 – STOCK COMPENSATION EXPENSE

From time to time the Company grants stock options to its employees.  The Company estimates the fair value of the options at the time they are granted to employees and expenses that fair value over the vesting period of the option grant.  From time to time the Company also grants shares of stock to its employees.  The Company uses the closing price of the stock on the date of grant to determine the amount of compensation expense to record as a result of the stock grant.

On March 15, 2017, 55,500 incentive stock options were granted under the 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan at an exercise price of $19.01, the closing market price of Premier’s common stock on the grant date.  These options vest in three equal annual installments ending on March 15, 2020.  On March 16, 2016, 55,990 incentive stock options were granted under the 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan at an exercise price of $13.55, the closing market price of Premier’s common stock on the grant date.  These options vest in three equal annual installments ending on March 16, 2019.

On April 19, 2017, 6,000 shares of Premier’s common stock were granted to President and CEO, Robert W. Walker as stock-based bonus compensation under the 2012 Long-term Incentive Plan.  The fair value of the stock at the time of the grant was $20.70 per share based upon the closing price of Premier’s stock on the date of grant and $124,000 of stock-based compensation was recorded as a result.  On March 16, 2016, 7,700 shares of Premier’s common stock were granted to President and CEO, Robert W. Walker as stock-based bonus compensation under the 2012 Long-term Incentive Plan.  The fair value of the stock at the time of the grant was $13.55 per share based upon the closing price of Premier’s stock on the date of grant and $104,000 of stock-based compensation was recorded as a result.

Compensation expense of $194,000 was recorded for the first nine months of 2017 while $160,000 was recorded for the first nine months of 2016, including the compensation expense related to the stock grants to Mr. Walker.  Stock-based compensation expense related to incentive stock option grants is recognized ratably over the requisite vesting period for all awards. Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options totaled $92,000 at September 30, 2017. This unrecognized expense is expected to be recognized over the next 29 months based on the vesting periods of the options.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  6 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the earnings per common share and earnings per common share assuming dilution computations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 20162019 is presented below:

 
Three Months Ended
Sept 30,
  
Nine Months Ended
Sept 30,
  
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 2017  2016  2017  2016  2020  2019 
Basic earnings per share                  
Income available to common stockholders $3,467  $3,164  $11,050  $8,767  $5,368  $6,176 
Weighted average common shares outstanding  10,661,157   10,626,185   10,653,594   10,508,809   14,658,998   14,626,234 
Earnings per share $0.33  $0.30  $1.04  $0.83  $0.37  $0.42 
                      
Diluted earnings per share                      
Income available to common stockholders $3,467  $3,164  $11,050  $8,767  $5,368  $6,176 
Weighted average common shares outstanding  10,661,157   10,626,185   10,653,594   10,508,809  14,658,998  14,626,234 
Add dilutive effects of potential additional
common stock
  77,794   60,742   80,418   60,372   67,473   72,865 
Weighted average common and dilutive potential
common shares outstanding
  10,738,951   10,686,927   10,734,012   10,569,181   14,726,471   14,699,099 
Earnings per share assuming dilution $0.32  $0.30  $1.03  $0.83  $0.36  $0.42 

ThereStock options for 72,075 shares of common stock were no stock optionsnot considered antidilutivein computing diluted earnings per share for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016.March 31, 2019 because they were antidilutive.

On December 9, 2016, Premier paid a 10% stock dividend (1 share for every 10 shares owned on record date) to shareholders of record on December 2, 2016.  Outstanding shares and per share amounts prior to the payment date have been restated to reflect the additional shares issued as a result of the stock dividend to aid in the comparison to current period results.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  7 –8 - FAIR VALUE

Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

When possible, the Company looks to active and observable markets to price identical assets or liabilities. When identical assets and liabilities are not traded in active markets, the Company looks to observable market data for similar assets and liabilities. However, certain assets and liabilities are not traded in observable markets and the Company must use other valuation methods to develop a fair value.

Carrying amount is the estimated fair value for cash and due from banks, Federal funds sold, accrued interest receivable and payable, demand deposits, short-term debt, and variable rate loans or deposits that reprice frequently and fully.  Fair values of time deposits with other banks are based on current rates for similar time deposits using the remaining time to maturity.  It iswas not practicable to determine the fair value of Federal Home Loan Bank stock due to the restrictions placed on its transferability.  For fixed rate loans or deposits and for variable rate loans or deposits with infrequent repricing, or repricing limits, fair value is based on discounted cash flows using current market rates applied to the estimated lifelife.  Fair values for loans is measured at the exit price notion by using the discounted cash flow or collateral value but also incorporates additional factors such as using economic factors, credit risk, and credit risk.market rates and conditions.  Fair values for impaired loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis or underlying collateral values.  Fair value of debt is based on current rates for similar financing. The fair value of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is not material.

The Company used the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate the fair value of each type of financial instrument measured on a recurring basis:

Investment Securities:  The fair values for investment securities are determined by quoted market prices, if available (Level 1). For securities where quoted prices are not available, fair values are calculated based on market prices of similar securities (Level 2). For securities where quoted prices or market prices of similar securities are not available, fair values are calculated using discounted cash flows or other market indicators (Level 3).

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  8 - FAIR VALUE - continued

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at March 31, 2020 were as follows:

     Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2020 Using 
  
Carrying
Amount
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Financial assets               
Cash and due from banks $61,349  $61,349  $-  $-  $61,349 
Time deposits with other banks  598   -   598   -   598 
Federal funds sold  8,134   8,134   -   -   8,134 
Securities available for sale  404,478   -   404,478   -   404,478 
Loans, net  1,171,187   -   -   1,160,850   1,160,850 
Interest receivable  5,192   -   1,579   3,613   5,192 
                     
Financial liabilities                    
Deposits $(1,462,380) $(1,052,200) $(409,834) $-  $(1,462,034)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase  (19,694)  -   (19,694)  -   (19,694)
FHLB advance  (7,986)  -   (8,007)  -   (8,007)
Subordinated debt  (5,445)  -   (5,383)  -   (5,383)
Interest payable  (865)  (10)  (855)  -   (865)


The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at December 31, 2019 were as follows:

     Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2019 Using 
  
Carrying
Amount
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Financial assets               
Cash and due from banks $88,556  $88,556  $-  $-  $88,556 
Time deposits with other banks  598   -   599   -   599 
Federal funds sold  5,902   5,902   -   -   5,902 
Securities available for sale  390,754   -   390,754   -   390,754 
Loans, net  1,181,753   -   -   1,172,575   1,172,575 
Interest receivable  4,699   4   1,110   3,585   4,699 
                     
Financial liabilities                    
Deposits $(1,495,753) $(1,070,610) $(424,886) $-  $(1,495,496)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase  (20,428)  -   (20,428)  -   (20,428)
FHLB advance  (6,375)  -   (6,406)  -   (6,406)
Subordinated debt  (5,436)  -   (5,527)  -   (5,527)
Interest payable  (912)  (15)  (897)  -   (912)

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  8 - FAIR VALUE - continued

Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

     
Fair Value Measurements at
March 31, 2020 Using:
 
  Carrying Value  
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Available for sale            
Mortgage-backed securities            
U. S. agency MBS - residential $293,291  $-  $293,291  $- 
U. S. agency CMO’s - residential  56,768   -   56,768   - 
Total mortgage-backed securities of government sponsored agencies  350,059   -   350,059   - 
U. S. government sponsored agency securities  12,231   -   12,231   - 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  40,312   -   40,312   - 
Other securities  1,876   -   1,876   - 
Total securities available for sale $404,478  $-  $404,478  $- 

     
Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 2019 Using:
 
  Carrying Value  
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Available for sale            
Mortgage-backed securities            
U. S. agency MBS - residential $279,309  $-  $279,309  $- 
U. S. agency CMO’s  62,644   -   62,644   - 
Total mortgage-backed securities of government sponsored agencies  341,953   -   341,953   - 
U. S. government sponsored agency securities  30,730   -   30,730   - 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  16,017   -   16,017   - 
Other securities  2,054   -   2,054   - 
Total securities available for sale $390,754  $-  $390,754  $- 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during 2020 or 2019.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  8 - FAIR VALUE - continued

Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis

The Company used the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate the fair value of each type of financial instrument measured on a non-recurring basis:

Impaired loans:  The fair value of impaired loans with specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses is generally based on recent collateral appraisals. Real estate appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are typically significant and unique to each property and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.  Non-real estate collateral may be valued using an appraisal, net book value per the borrower’s financial statements, or aging reports. Management periodically evaluates the appraised collateral values and will discount the collateral’s appraised value to account for a number of factors including but not limited to the cost of liquidating the collateral, the age of the appraisal, observable deterioration since the appraisal, management’s expertise and knowledge of the client and client’s business, or other factors unique to the collateral.  To the extent an adjusted collateral value is lower than the carrying value of an impaired loan, a specific allocation of the allowance for loan losses is assigned to the loan.

Other real estate owned (OREO):  The fair value of OREO is based on appraisals less cost to sell at the date of foreclosure.  Management may obtain additional updated appraisals depending on the length of time since foreclosure.  These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.  Management periodically evaluates the appraised values and will discount a property’s appraised value to account for a number of factors including but not limited to the cost of liquidating the collateral, the age of the appraisal, observable deterioration since the appraisal, or other factors unique to the property. To the extent an adjusted appraised value is lower than the carrying value of an OREO property, a direct charge to earnings is recorded as an OREO write-down.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  8 - FAIR VALUE - continued

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at March 31, 2020 are summarized below:

     Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2020 Using 
  Carrying Value  
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Assets:            
Impaired loans:            
Multifamily real estate $1,853  $-  $-  $1,853 
Commercial real estate                
Non-owner occupied  3,217   -   -   3,217 
Commercial and industrial  317   -   -   317 
Total impaired loans $5,387  $-  $-  $5,387 
                 
Other real estate owned:                
Residential real estate $249  $-  $-  $249 
Multifamily real estate  9,533   -   -   9,533 
Construction and land  750   -   -   750 
Total OREO $10,532  $-  $-  $10,532 

Impaired loans, which are measured for impairment using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans, had a carrying amount of $8,105,000 at March 31, 2020 with a valuation allowance of $2,718,000 and a carrying amount of $8,445,000 at December 31, 2019 with a valuation allowance of $3,102,000 resulting in a provision for loan losses of $182,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to a $189,000 provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2019.  The detail of impaired loans by loan class is contained in Note 3 above.

Other real estate owned measured at fair value less costs to sell, had a net carrying amount of $10,532,000 which is made up of the outstanding balance of $11,906,000 net of a valuation allowance of $1,374,000 at March 31, 2020.  There were $25,000 of write downs during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and no write downs were recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2019.  At December 31, 2019, other real estate owned had a net carrying amount of $10,875,000, made up of the outstanding balance of $12,474,000, net of a valuation allowance of $1,599,000.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  8 - FAIR VALUE - continued

The significant unobservable inputs related to assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at March 31, 2020 are summarized below:

  
March 31,
2020
 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Range (Weighted Avg)
Impaired loans:         
Multifamily real estate $1,853 sales comparison adjustment for estimated realizable value 60.0%-60.0% (60.0%)
Commercial real estate           
Non-owner occupied  3,217 income approach adjustment for differences in net operating income expectations 13.9%-67.4% (43.3%)
Commercial and industrial  317 sales comparison adjustment for estimated realizable value 25.0%-86.5% (45.9%)
Total impaired loans $5,387        
            
Other real estate owned:           
Residential real estate $249 sales comparison adjustment for estimated realizable value 0.2%-59.8% (17.5%)
Multifamily real estate  9,533 income approach adjustment for differences in net operating income expectations 26.0%-26.0% (26.0%)
Construction and land  750 sales comparison adjustment for estimated realizable value 50.3%-69.9% (66.0%)
Total OREO $10,532        


PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  8 - FAIR VALUE - continued

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2019 are summarized below:

     
Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 2019 Using
 
  Carrying Value  
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Assets:            
Impaired loans:            
Multifamily real estate $1,900  $-  $-  $1,900 
Commercial real estate                
Owner occupied  509   -   -   509 
Non-owner occupied  2,266   -   -   2,266 
Commercial and industrial  288   -   -   288 
Construction and land  380   -   -   380 
Total impaired loans $5,343  $-  $-  $5,343 
                 
Other real estate owned:                
Residential real estate $249  $-  $-  $249 
Multifamily real estate  9,588   -   -   9,588 
Commercial real estate                
Owner occupied  288   -   -   288 
Construction and land  750   -   -   750 
Total OREO $10,875  $-  $-  $10,875 

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  8 - FAIR VALUE - continued

The significant unobservable inputs related to assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2019 are summarized below:

  
December 31,
2019
 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Range (Weighted Avg)
Impaired loans:         
Multifamily real estate $1,900 sales comparison adjustment for estimated realizable value 58.9%-58.9% (58.9%)
Commercial real estate           
Owner occupied  509 sales comparison adjustment for estimated realizable value 76.1%-76.1% (76.1%)
Non-owner occupied  2,266 income approach adjustment for differences in net operating income expectations 36.6%-67.4% (60.6%)
Commercial and industrial  288 sales comparison adjustment for estimated realizable value 25.0%-87.0% (43.6%)
Construction and land  380 sales comparison adjustment for estimated realizable value 56.5%-56.5% (56.5%)
Total impaired loans $5,343        
            
Other real estate owned:           
Residential real estate $249 sales comparison adjustment for estimated realizable value 0.2%-59.8% (17.5%)
Multifamily real estate  9,588 income approach adjustment for differences in net operating income expectations 25.6%-25.6% (25.6%)
Commercial real estate           
Owner occupied  288 sales comparison adjustment for estimated realizable value 14.6%-70.4% (34.0%)
Construction and land  750 sales comparison adjustment for estimated realizable value 50.3%-69.9% (66.0%)
Total OREO $10,875        


PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  9 – SUBSEQUENT EVENT

COVID-19 Virus
National and local participation in a worldwide effort to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus has resulted in and may continue to result in negative changes in the national and regional business climate in the geographic areas in which Premier operates.  Premier has loans originated to various industries believed to be more susceptible to future credit risk resulting from an economic slowdown such as lodging, restaurants, amusement, personal services and retail stores.  Due to government intervention efforts to stimulate the economy and maintain personal and business liquidity, the extent, if any, of the impact of the economic slowdown on such industries may not be known for quite some time in the future.

As an essential business, Premier has taken steps to modify its normal business operations to include keeping branches open with appropriate “social distancing” measures; utilizing permitted guidance provided by federal and state banking supervisory regulators to assist borrowers to avoid defaulting on their loans; and robustly participating in the U.S. Treasury’s and Small Business Administration’s Payroll Protection Program (“PPP”).  Through April 30, 2020, Premier has originated 667 PPP loans totaling over $80.6 million.  These efforts may or may not enhance Premier’s business model or future results of operations.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MARCH 31, 2020

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Management's discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that are provided to assist in the understanding of anticipated future financial performance. However, such performance involves risks and uncertainties, and there are certain important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.   Furthermore, uncertainty related to future economic conditions resulting from government actions designed to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus may affect Premier’s operations more or less than currently estimated.  These important factors include, but are not limited to, those set forth in Premier’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, under Item 1A – Risk Factors and the following:   economic conditions (both generally and more specifically in the markets in which Premier operates), competition for Premier's customers from other providers of financial services, government legislation and regulation (which changes from time to time) as well as state and local emergency orders related to COVID-19, changes in interest rates, Premier's ability to originate quality loans, collect delinquent loans and attract and retain deposits, the impact of Premier's growth or lack thereof, Premier's ability to control costs, and new accounting pronouncements, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of Premier.  The words “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “will,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “continue” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

A.          Results of Operations

A financial institution’s primary sources of revenue are generated by interest income on loans, investments and other earning assets, while its major expenses are produced by the funding of these assets with interest bearing liabilities.  Effective management of these sources and uses of funds is essential in attaining a financial institution’s optimal profitability while maintaining a minimum amount of interest rate risk and credit risk.

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $5,368,000, or $0.36 per diluted share, compared to net income of $6,176,000, or $0.42 per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2019.  The decrease in income in the first three months of 2019 is largely due to a decrease in interest income on loans, an increase in interest expense on deposits, an increase in non-interest expense, and an increase in provision for loan losses, all of which more than offset an increase in non-interest income.  The comparative increases in interest expense and non-interest expense are partially attributable to the operations of the newly acquired First National Bank of Jackson (“Jackson”), which were not included in the first quarter 2019 income statement results.  The provision for loan losses increased by $440,000, or 78.6%, largely to provide for estimated additional credit risk in the loan portfolio related to consequences of the national economic shutdown aimed to moderate the spread of the novel corona virus of 2019 “COVID-19”.  The annualized returns on average common shareholders’ equity and average assets were approximately 8.76% and 1.22% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to 11.14% and 1.46% for the same period in 2019.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MARCH 31, 2020

Net interest income for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 totaled $16.342 million, down $493,000, or 2.9%, from the $16.835 million of net interest income earned in the first quarter of 2019.  Interest income in 2020 decreased by $420,000, a 2.2% decrease, largely due to a $535,000, or 3.3%, decrease in interest income on loans.  Interest income on loans in the first quarter of 2020 included approximately $75,000 of income recognized from deferred interest and discounts recognized on loans that paid off during the quarter compared to approximately $719,000 of interest income of this kind recognized during the first quarter of 2019.  Excluding this loan income recognition, interest income on loans increased by $109,000, or 0.7%, in the first quarter of 2020, largely due to a higher average balance of loans outstanding although with a lower average yield during the first quarter of 2020 when compared to the first quarter of 2019.  The increase in average loans is largely due to loans added via the acquisition of Jackson.  The interest income earned on the Jackson loans during the first quarter of 2020 was approximately $457,000.  Without this additional loan interest income, interest income on loans would have decreased by $348,000, or 2.1%, when compared to the first quarter of 2019, largely due to a lower average balance of loans outstanding with a slightly lower average yield.   Interest income on investment securities in the first quarter of 2020 increased by $202,000, or 8.3%, largely due to a higher average balance of investments outstanding with higher average yields when compared to the first quarter of 2019.  Interest income from interest-bearing bank balances and federal funds sold decreased by $87,000, or 25.2%, largely due to a significant decrease in the yield earned on these balances in 2020 compared to the yield earned in 2019 resulting from decreases in the short-term interest rate policy of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.  The decrease in interest income from interest-bearing bank balances and federal funds sold occurred although the average balance outstanding during the first quarter of 2020 was $20.0 million higher than the first quarter of 2019.
In addition to the $420,000 decrease in interest income, net interest income decreased as a result of a $73,000, or 3.3%, increase in interest expense in the first quarter of 2020 when compared to the first quarter of 2019.  Interest expense on deposits increased by $115,000, or 5.6%, in the first quarter of 2020, largely due to a higher average of interest-bearing deposit balances outstanding in 2020 although on a slightly lower average rate paid on these deposits.  Average interest-bearing deposit balances were up $68.0 million, or 6.5%, in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter of 2019, largely due to the $69.7 million of deposits attributable to the two Jackson branches acquired in the fourth quarter of 2019.  The average interest rate paid on interest-bearing deposits decreased by 2 basis points from 0.80% in the first quarter of 2019 to 0.78% in the first quarter of 2020.  Adding to the interest expense increase in 2020 was $15,000 of additional interest expense paid on short-term borrowings, primarily customer repurchase agreements.  The additional interest expense was largely due to a 33 basis point increase in the average rate paid, partially offset by a 10.5% decrease in the average balance outstanding during the first quarter of 2020.  Partially offsetting these increases in interest expense was a $25,000 decrease in interest expense on the remaining Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) borrowings of First Bank of Charleston assumed by Premier as part of the 2018 acquisition.  Premier has been repaying these FHLB borrowings as they mature and has reduced the average balance outstanding in the first quarter of 2020 by 45.9% when compared to the first quarter of 2019.  Also partially offsetting the increase in interest expense on deposits during the first quarter of 2020 was an $11,000, or 11.7%, decrease in interest expense on Premier’s subordinated debt due to a decrease in the variable interest rate paid in 2020 compared to the first quarter of 2019.  The variable interest rate is indexed to the short-term three-month LIBOR interest rate, which was lower in the first quarter of 2020 in conjunction with decreases in short-term interest rate policy by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.  Lastly, interest expense on other borrowings also decreased in the first quarter of 2020 by $21,000 compared to the first quarter of 2019, as the outstanding borrowings at the parent company were fully repaid by June 30, 2019.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MARCH 31, 2020

Premier’s net interest margin during the first three months of 2020 was 4.00% compared to 4.35% for the same period in 2019.  A portion of the interest income on loans is the result of recognizing deferred interest income on loans that paid-off during the period.  Excluding this income, Premier’s net interest margin during the first three months of 2020 would have been 3.98% compared to 4.17% for the same period in 2019.  As shown in the table below, Premier’s yield earned on federal funds sold and interest-bearing bank balances decreased to 1.46% in the first three months of 2020, from the 2.74% earned in the first quarter of 2019.  The average yield earned on securities available for sale increased to 2.73% in the first three months of 2020, from the 2.68% earned in the first quarter of 2019.  The average yield earned on total loans outstanding decreased to 5.35% from the 5.73% average yield earned in the first three months of 2019.  The average yield on loans in the first three months of 2019 benefited from the $719,000 of interest income earned from deferred interest and discounts recognized on loans that paid off during the quarter.  The $719,000 added 26 basis point to the average loan yield in the first quarter of 2019.  Earning asset yields have decreased generally in response to decreases in long-term interest rates driven by economic uncertainty resulting from worldwide governmental actions intended to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  The Federal Reserve Board of Governors also dramatically reduced its the short-term interest rate policy as a means to stimulate the economy of the United States responsive to COVID-19 governmental actions.  As new loans have been made with lower interest rates, some borrowers have requested interest rate lowering adjustments on their existing loans with Premier.  Premier has been very selective in granting these loan interest rate concessions.  Nevertheless, the impact of both on the average loan yield in the first quarter of 2020 has been a decrease of approximately 15 basis points when compared to the first quarter of 2019.
Similar to the decrease in earning asset yields, the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities decreased in the first three months of 2020 from 0.84% during the first three months of 2019 to 0.81% in the first three months of 2020.  The average rates paid on interest-bearing deposits decreased from 0.80% in the first three months to 2019 to 0.78% during the first three months of 2020, largely due to lower rates paid on savings deposits and transaction based interest bearing deposits.  Furthermore, the average rate paid on Premier’s variable rate subordinated debentures decreased from 7.05% in the first three months of 2019 to 6.14% in the first three months of 2020 due to decreases in short-term interest rate policy by the Federal Reserve and the impact on market short-term interest rates.  Due to competition for funds in Premier’s Washington DC metro market, the average rate paid on short-term borrowings, primarily customer repurchase agreements, increased by 33 basis points to 0.49% in the first quarter of 2020, while the average interest rate on the fixed rate FHLB borrowings assumed in the acquisition of First Bank of Charleston remained unchanged.  The overall effect was to decrease Premier’s net interest spread by 33 basis points to 3.75% and decrease Premier’s net interest margin by 35 basis points to 4.00% in the first three months of 2020 when compared to the first three months of 2019.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MARCH 31, 2020

Additional information on Premier’s net interest income for the first quarter of 2020 and first quarter of 2019 is contained in the following table.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC. 
AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
AND NET INTEREST INCOME ANALYSIS 
  
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2020  Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 
  Balance  Interest  Yield/Rate  Balance  Interest  Yield/Rate 
Assets                  
Interest Earning Assets                  
Federal funds sold and other $71,171  $258   1.46% $51,145  $345   2.74%
Securities available for sale                        
Taxable  374,278   2,543   2.72   352,106   2,338   2.66 
Tax-exempt  14,780   89   3.05   13,569   92   3.43 
Total investment securities  389,058   2,632   2.73   365,675   2,430   2.68 
Total loans  1,184,383   15,754   5.35   1,153,448   16,289   5.73 
Total interest-earning assets  1,644,612   18,644   4.56%  1,570,268   19,064   4.92%
Allowance for loan losses  (13,593)          (13,817)        
Cash and due from banks  22,674           24,078         
Other assets  106,876           110,478         
Total assets $1,760,569          $1,691,007         
                         
Liabilities and Equity                        
Interest-bearing liabilities                        
Interest-bearing deposits $1,110,990   2,165   0.78  $1,042,947   2,050   0.80 
Short-term borrowings  19,847   24   0.49   22,171   9   0.16 
FHLB Advances  4,149   30   2.91   7,675   55   2.91 
Other borrowings  -   -   -   1,991   21   4.28 
Subordinated debt  5,440   83   6.14   5,408   94   7.05 
Total interest-bearing liabilities  1,140,426   2,302   0.81%  1,080,192   2,229   0.84%
Non-interest bearing deposits  363,560           377,442         
Other liabilities  11,400           11,690         
Stockholders’ equity  245,183           221,683         
Total liabilities and equity $1,760,569          $1,691,007         
                         
Net interest earnings     $16,342          $16,835     
Net interest spread          3.75%          4.08%
Net interest margin          4.00%          4.35%
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MARCH 31, 2020

Non-interest income increased by $73,000, or 3.4%, to $2,249,000 for the first three months of 2020 compared to the same three months of 2019, largely due to a $42,000, or 175.0% increase in secondary market mortgage income, a $23,000, or 9.7% increase in other non-interest income, and a $12,000, or 1.1% increase in service charges on deposit accounts.  These increases were partially offset by a $4,000, or 0.5% decrease in electronic banking income (income from debit/credit cards, ATM fees and internet banking charges).  A portion of the increase in non-interest income is the result of including the operations of the two branches added from the acquisition of Jackson in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Non-interest expenses for the first quarter of 2020 totaled $10,737,000, or 2.45% of average assets on an annualized basis, compared to $10,593,000, or 2.54% of average assets for the same period of 2019.  The $144,000, or 1.4% increase in non-interest expenses in 2020 when compared to the first quarter of 2019 was largely due to the operations of two branches added from the acquisition of Jackson.  Increases in operating costs include a $209,000, or 4.0%, increase in staff costs, a $147,000, or 10.6% increase in data processing expense, a $61,000, or 3.7%, increase in net occupancy and equipment expense, a $37,000, or 15.5%, increase in taxes not on income, a $129,000 increase in other operating expenses, and a $15,000, or 6.6% increase in the amortization of intangible assets.  These increases were partially offset by a $181,000, or 72.7%, decrease in OREO expenses, a $128,000, or 103.2% decrease in FDIC insurance, a $121,000, or 33.2% decrease in professional fees, and a $14,000, or 10.9% decrease in loan collection expenses.  FDIC insurance expense decreased by $128,000 due to the utilization of FDIC based community bank assessment credits used to fully offset the first quarter 2020 FDIC insurance premium.

Income tax expense was $1,486,000 for the first three months of 2020 compared to $1,682,000 for the first three months of 2019.  The decrease in income tax expense is largely due to the decrease in pretax income described above, as the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was 21.7% which compares similarly to the 21.4% effective tax rate for the same period in 2019.

As an essential business, Premier has taken steps to modify its normal business operations to include keeping branches open with appropriate “social distancing” measures; utilizing permitted guidance provided by federal and state banking supervisory regulators to assist borrowers to avoid defaulting on their loans; and robustly participating in the U.S. Treasury’s and Small Business Administration’s Payroll Protection Program.  These efforts may or may not enhance Premier’s business model or future results of operations.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MARCH 31, 2020

B.          Financial Position

Total assets at March 31, 2020 decreased by $21.8 million to $1.759 billion from the $1.781 billion at December 31, 2019.  The decrease in total assets since year-end is largely due to a $27.6 million decrease in interest bearing bank balances and a $10.3 million decrease in total loans, partially offset by a $13.7 million increase in securities available for sale and a $2.2 million increase in federal funds sold.  Earning assets decreased by $22.0 million from the $1.662 billion at year-end 2019 to end the quarter at $1.640 billion.

Cash and due from banks at March 31, 2020 was $23.5 million, a $364,000 increase from the $23.1 million at December 31, 2019.  Interest bearing bank balances decreased by $27.6 million from the $66.1 million reported at December 31, 2019.  Federal funds sold increased by $2.2 million to $8.1 million at March 31, 2020.  Changes in these highly liquid assets are generally in response to increases in deposits, the demand for deposit withdrawals or the funding of loans or investment purchases, and are part of Premier’s management of its liquidity and interest rate risks.

Securities available for sale totaled $404.5 million at March 31, 2020, a $13.7 million increase from the $390.8 million at December 31, 2019.  The increase was largely due to the purchase of $47.4 million of investment securities and a $6.9 million increase in market value of securities available for sale.  These increases more than offset $40.5 million of proceeds from monthly principal payments on Premier’s mortgage backed securities portfolio and securities that matured or were called during the quarter. The investment portfolio is predominately high quality residential mortgage backed securities backed by the U.S. Government or Government sponsored agencies.  Any unrealized losses on securities within the portfolio at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are believed to be price changes resulting from changes in the long-term interest rate environment and management anticipates receiving all principal and interest on these investments as they come due.  Additional details on investment activities can be found in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Total loans at March 31, 2020 were $1.185 billion compared to $1.195 billion at December 31, 2019, a decrease of approximately $10.3 million, or 0.9%. The decrease is largely due to regular principal payments, loan payoffs, and transfers of loans to OREO upon foreclosure partially offset by internal loan growth.  Higher risk categories of loans such as construction and land loans, decreased by approximately $16.7 million or 12.2%, and consumer loans, decreased by $2.6 million, or 9.0%.  These decreases more than offset a $3.6 million increase in multifamily residential loans, a $3.9 million increase in owner occupied commercial real estate loans and a $2.5 million increase in non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans.  The $5.1 million increase in other loans was largely due to a municipal entity line of credit draw on an economic development project well underway in Premier’s West Virginia market.  Loan payoffs during the first quarter of 2020 resulted in recognizing approximately $75,000 of remaining fair value discounts associated with the loans.

Premises and equipment decreased by $109,000, largely due to normal quarterly depreciation of fixed assets.  Other intangible assets decreased by $242,000, due to the amortization of core deposit intangibles.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MARCH 31, 2020

Deposits totaled $1.462 billion as of March 31, 2020, a $33.4 million, or 2.2%, decrease from the $1.496 billion in deposits at December 31, 2019.  The overall decrease in deposits is largely due to a $17.1 million, or 4.0% decrease in certificates of deposit, an $11.7 million, or 3.2% decrease in non-interest bearing deposits, and a $6.6 million, or 2.1% decrease in interest bearing transaction deposits.  Partially offsetting these decreases, savings and money market deposits increased by $2.0 million, or 0.5%.  The decrease in certificate of deposit balances are primarily the result of discontinuing CD rate specials as management lowered offering rates in response to decreases in market short-term and long-term interest rates.  The decrease in non-interest bearing deposits was largely due to an influx of these deposits in the fourth quarter of 2019 that were temporary in nature.  Repurchase agreements with corporate and public entity customers decreased by $734,000, or 3.6%.  Short-term FHLB borrowings increased by $5.0 million since year-end 2019 due to a 4-week advance to supplement Premier’s investment purchases.  Long-term FHLB advances decreased by $3.4 million due to payments at maturity on the FHLB advances assumed by Premier as part of its acquisition of First Bank of Charleston.   Subordinated debentures increased by $9,000, due to the regular amortization of the fair value adjustment.  Other liabilities increased by $2.1 million, primarily due to increases in net deferred tax liabilities related to the increase in the unrealized gain on securities available for sale and the accrual of income taxes on first quarter 2020 pretax income not due to be paid until after March 31, 2020.

The following table sets forth information with respect to the Company’s nonperforming assets at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

  (In Thousands) 
  2020  2019 
Non-accrual loans $14,509  $14,437 
Accruing loans which are contractually past due 90 days or more  1,102   2,228 
Accruing restructured loans  2,992   3,020 
Total non-performing loans  18,603   19,685 
Other real estate acquired through foreclosure (OREO)  12,709   12,242 
Total non-performing assets $31,312  $31,927 
         
Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans  1.57%  1.65%
         
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets  1.78%  1.79%

Total non-performing loans have decreased since year-end, largely due to a $1.1 million decrease in loans past due 90 days or more and a $28,000 decrease in accruing restructured loans.  These decreases in non-performing loans were partially offset by a $72,000 increase in non-accrual loans.  Total non-performing assets have decreased since year-end, largely due to the decrease in non-performing loans.  This decrease was partially offset by a $467,000 increase in other real estate owned acquired through foreclosure (“OREO”).  Other real estate owned increased by $467,000, or 3.8%, largely due to the foreclosure on one commercial real estate property previously categorized as an impaired loan with a specific allowance for loan losses allocation which resulted in a $566,000 loan charge-off upon foreclosure.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MARCH 31, 2020

Premier continues to make a significant effort to reduce its past due and non-performing loans by reviewing loan files, using the courts to bring borrowers current with the terms of their loan agreements and/or the foreclosure and sale of OREO properties.  As in the past, when these plans are executed, Premier may experience increases in non-performing loans and non-performing assets.  Furthermore, any resulting increases in loans placed on non-accrual status will have a negative impact on future loan interest income.  Also, as these plans are executed, other loans may be identified that would necessitate additional charge-offs and potentially additional provisions for loan losses.

Gross charge-offs totaled $826,000 during the first three months of 2020, largely due to the foreclosure on one commercial real estate property from a previously identified impaired loan relationship that also resulted in a $566,000 loan charge-off.  Any collections on charged-off loans, or partially charged-off loans, would be presented in future financial statements as recoveries of the amounts charged against the allowance.  Recoveries recorded during the first three months of 2020 totaled $140,000, resulting in net charge-offs for the first quarter of 2020 of $686,000.  This compares to $819,000 of net charge-offs recorded in the first quarter of 2019.  The allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2020 was 1.17% of total loans compared to 1.13% at December 31, 2019.  The increase in the ratio is largely due to a decrease in total loans outstanding and an increase in the amount of allowance allocated to loans collectively evaluated for impairment.

During the first quarter of 2020, Premier recorded $1,000,000 of provision for loan losses.  This provision compares to $560,000 of provision for loan losses recorded during the same quarter of 2019.  The increase in the provision for loan losses recorded during the first quarter of 2020 was primarily to provide for an estimate of additional identified credit risk in the loan portfolio due to uncertainty related to future economic conditions resulting from government actions designed to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  Premier added approximately $514,000 to its qualitative credit risk analysis of the loan portfolio related to loans originated to various industries believed to be more susceptible to future credit risk resulting from an economic slowdown such as lodging, restaurants, amusement, personal services and retail stores.   Due to government intervention efforts to stimulate the economy and maintain personal and business liquidity, the extent, if any, of the impact of the economic slowdown on such industries may not be known for quite some time in the future.  Management will continue to monitor past due and non-performing loans and work with borrowers within the permitted guidance provided by federal and state banking supervisory regulators to assist borrowers to avoid defaulting on their loans.

The provision for loan losses recorded during the first quarter of 2019 was primarily to provide for additional identified credit risk in Premier’s commercial real estate loan, residential real estate loan, and all other loan portfolios.  The level of provision expense is determined under Premier’s internal analyses of evaluating credit risk.  The provisions for loan losses recorded in 2019 and 2020 were made in accordance with Premier’s policies regarding management’s estimation of probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, which are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Future provisions to the allowance for loan losses, positive or negative, will depend on future improvement or deterioration in estimated credit risk in the loan portfolio as well as whether additional payments are received on loans having significant credit risk.  With the concentrations of commercial real estate loans in the Washington, DC, Richmond, Virginia, and Cincinnati, Ohio markets, fluctuations in commercial real estate values will be monitored. Premier also continues to monitor the impact of declines in the coal mining industry that may have a larger impact in the southern area of West Virginia and the decrease in the level of drilling activity in the oil & gas industry, which may have a larger impact in the central area of West Virginia. 
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MARCH 31, 2020

A resulting decline in employment could increase non-performing assets from loans originated in these areas.  In each of the last five years, Premier sold some OREO properties at a gain while other OREO properties have required subsequent write-downs to net realizable values. These factors are considered in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.  For additional details on the activity in the allowance for loan losses, impaired loans, past due and non-accrual loans and restructured loans, see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.


C.          Critical Accounting Policies

The Company follows financial accounting and reporting policies that are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.  These policies are presented in Note 1 to the consolidated audited financial statements in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.  Some of these accounting policies, as discussed below, are considered to be critical accounting policies.  Critical accounting policies are those policies that require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.  The Company has identified two accounting policies that are critical accounting policies, and an understanding of these policies is necessary to understand the financial statements.  These policies relate to determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and the identification and evaluation of impaired loans.  A detailed description of these accounting policies is contained in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.  There have been no significant changes in the application of these accounting policies since December 31, 2019.

Management believes that the judgments, estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are appropriate given the factual circumstances at the time.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MARCH 31, 2020

D.          Liquidity

Liquidity objectives for the Company can be expressed in terms of maintaining sufficient cash flows to meet both existing and unplanned obligations in a cost effective manner.  Adequate liquidity allows the Company to meet the demands of both the borrower and the depositor on a timely basis, as well as pursuing other business opportunities as they arise.  Thus, liquidity management embodies both an asset and liability aspect while attempting to maximize profitability. In order to provide for funds on a current and long-term basis, the Company’s subsidiary banks rely primarily on the following sources:


1.Core deposits consisting of both consumer and commercial deposits and certificates of deposit of $250,000 or more.  Management believes that the majority of its $250,000 or more certificates of deposit are no more volatile than its other deposits.  This is due to the nature of the markets in which the subsidiaries operate.


2.Cash flow generated by repayment of loans and interest.


3.Arrangements with correspondent banks for purchase of unsecured federal funds.


4.The sale of securities under repurchase agreements and borrowing from the Federal Home Loan Bank.


5.Maintenance of an adequate available-for-sale security portfolio.  The Company owns $404.5 million of securities at fair value as of March 31, 2020.

The cash flow statements for the periods presented in the financial statements provide an indication of the Company’s sources and uses of cash as well as an indication of the ability of the Company to maintain an adequate level of liquidity.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MARCH 31, 2020

E.          Capital

At March 31, 2020, total stockholders’ equity of $248.9 million was 14.1% of total assets.  This compares to total stockholders’ equity of $240.2 million, or 13.5% of total assets on December 31, 2019.  The increase in stockholders’ equity was largely due to the $5.4 million of first quarter net income and a $5.4 million, net of tax, increase in the market value of the investment portfolio available for sale.   This increase in stockholders’ equity was partially offset by a $0.15 per share cash dividend declared and paid during the first quarter of 2020.
In the first quarter of 2020, Premier elected to adopt regulatory capital simplification rules permitting bank holding companies of Premier’s size to utilize one measure of regulatory capital, the community bank leverage ratio (also known as the “CBLR”), to determine regulatory capital adequacy.  The community bank leverage ratio requires a higher amount of Tier 1 capital to average assets than the standard leverage ratio to be considered well capitalized.  However, meeting this higher standard eliminates the need to compute and monitor the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, the Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and the total risk-based capital ratio as well as maintain the 2.50% regulatory capital buffer necessary to avoid limitations on equity distributions and discretionary bonus payments.  Other criteria required to be able to utilize the CBLR as the sole measure of capital adequacy include 1.) total assets less than $10.0 billion, 2.) trading assets and liabilities equal to less than 5.0% of total assets and 3.) off-balance sheet exposures, such as the unused portion of conditionally cancellable lines of credit, equal to less than 25% of total assets.  Premier meets all three of these criteria and has elected to utilize the CBLR as its measure of regulatory capital adequacy on a consolidated basis as well as for its largest subsidiary bank.
A community bank leverage ratio of Total Tier 1 capital to quarterly average assets must be at least 9.00% to be considered well capitalized.  Premier’s Tier 1 capital totaled $196.4 million at March 31, 2020, which represents a community bank leverage ratio of 11.5%.  This ratio is up from the 11.3% Tier 1 leverage ratio and $192.7 million of Tier 1 capital at December 31, 2019.  The slight increase in the Tier 1 leverage ratio is largely due to the growth in Tier 1 capital combined with a slight decrease in the quarterly average total assets used to compute the CBLR.  Premier’s wholly owned subsidiary Citizens Deposit Bank has not adopted the CBLR simplification standard as its Tier 1 leverage ratio was only 8.36% at March 31, 2020.  Nevertheless, utilizing the standard risk-based capital ratio calculations, Citizens Deposit Bank was still considered to be well capitalized under the prompt corrective action framework and maintained a capital conservation buffer of 6.58%, well in excess of the 2.50% buffer required for equity distributions.  Premier’s other wholly owned subsidiary bank has adopted the regulatory capital simplification rules and maintained a CBLR of 11.66%, well in excess of the 9.00% required to be considered well capitalized under the prompt corrective action framework.
Book value per common share was $16.98 at March 31, 2020 and $16.39 at December 31, 2019.  The increase in book value per share was largely due to the $0.36 per share earned during the first quarter, partially offset by the $0.15 per share quarterly cash dividend to common shareholders declared and paid during the first quarter of 2020.  Also increasing Premier’s book value per share at March 31, 2020 was the $5.4 million of other comprehensive income for the first three months of 2020 related to the increase in the market value of investment securities available for sale, which increased book value by approximately $0.37 per share.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MARCH 31, 2020

NOTE  7 – FAIR VALUE - continued

The carrying amountsItem 3.  Quantitative and estimated fair values of financial instruments at September 30, 2017 were as follows:

     Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2017 Using 
  
Carrying
Amount
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Financial assets               
Cash and due from banks $63,512  $63,512  $-  $-  $63,512 
Time deposits with other banks  2,582   -   2,589   -   2,589 
Federal funds sold  11,632   11,632   -   -   11,632 
Securities available for sale  289,203   -   289,203   -   289,203 
Loans, net  1,042,965   -   -   1,029,145   1,029,145 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock  3,185   n/a   n/a   n/a   n/a 
Interest receivable  4,060   -   829   3,231   4,060 
                     
Financial liabilities                    
Deposits $(1,269,384) $(925,328) $(340,134) $-  $(1,265,462)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase  (25,116)  -   (25,116)  -   (25,116)
Other borrowed funds  (6,000)  -   (5,966)  -   (5,966)
Subordinated Debt  (5,368)  -   (5,381)  -   (5,381)
Interest payable  (358)  (7)  (351)  -   (358)

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at December 31, 2016 were as follows:

     Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 Using 
  
Carrying
Amount
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Financial assets               
Cash and due from banks $97,163  $97,163  $-  $-  $97,163 
Time deposits with other banks  2,332   -   2,352   -   2,352 
Federal funds sold  7,555   7,555   -   -   7,555 
Securities available for sale  288,607   -   288,607   -   288,607 
Loans, net  1,013,987   -   -   1,004,388   1,004,388 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock  3,200   n/a   n/a   n/a   n/a 
Interest receivable  3,862   -   771   3,091   3,862 
                     
Financial liabilities                    
Deposits $(1,279,386) $(920,745) $(354,885) $-  $(1,275,630)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase  (23,820)  -   (23,820)  -   (23,820)
Other borrowed funds  (8,859)  -   (8,906)  -   (8,906)
Subordinated debt  (5,343)  -   (5,341)  -   (5,341)
Interest payable  (364)  (7)  (357)  -   (364)

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  7 – FAIR VALUE - continued

Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

     
Fair Value Measurements at
September 30, 2017 Using:
 
  Carrying Value  
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Available for sale            
Mortgage-backed securities            
U. S. agency MBS - residential $199,933  $-  $199,933  $- 
U. S. agency CMO’s - residential  56,514   -   56,514   - 
Total mortgage-backed securities of government sponsored agencies  256,447   -   256,447   - 
U. S. government sponsored agency securities  19,275   -   19,275   - 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  13,481   -   13,481   - 
Total available for sale $289,203  $-  $289,203  $- 

     
Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 2016 Using:
 
  Carrying Value  
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Available for sale            
Mortgage-backed securities            
U. S. agency MBS - residential $174,177  $-  $174,177  $- 
U. S. agency CMO’s - residential  73,267   -   73,267   - 
Total mortgage-backed securities of government sponsored agencies  247,444   -   247,444   - 
U. S. government sponsored agency securities  24,501   -   24,501   - 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  16,662   -   16,662   - 
Total securities available for sale $288,607  $-  $288,607  $- 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during 2017 or 2016.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  7 – FAIR VALUE - continued

Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Non-Recurring BasisQualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company used the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate the fair value of each type of financial instrument measured on a non-recurring basis:

Impaired Loans:  The fair value of impaired loans with specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses is generally based on recent collateral appraisals. Real estate appraisals may utilize a single valuation approachcurrently does not engage in any derivative or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are typically significant and unique to each property and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.  Non-real estate collateral may be valued using an appraisal, net book value per the borrower’s financial statements, or aging reports. Management periodically evaluates the appraised collateral values and will discount the collateral’s appraised value to account for a number of factors including but not limitedhedging activity.  Refer to the cost of liquidating the collateral, the age of the appraisal, observable deterioration since the appraisal, management’s expertise and knowledge of the client and client’s business, or other factors unique to the collateral.  To the extent an adjusted collateral value is lower than the carrying value of an impaired loan, a specific allocation of the allowanceCompany’s 2019 10-K for loan losses is assigned to the loan.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  7 – FAIR VALUE - continued

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at September 30, 2017 are summarized below:

     
Fair Value Measurements at
September 30, 2017 Using
 
  Carrying Value  
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Assets:            
Impaired loans:            
Multifamily real estate $10,578  $-  $-  $10,578 
Commercial real estate:                
Owner occupied  569   -   -   569 
Non-owner occupied  1,984   -   -   1,984 
Commercial and industrial  161   -   -   161 
All other  3,593   -   -   3,593 
Total impaired loans $16,885  $-  $-  $16,885 
                 
Other real estate owned:                
Residential real estate $370  $-  $-  $370 
Commercial real estate:                
Owner occupied  175   -   -   175 
Non-owner occupied  1,853   -   -   1,853 
All other  2,855   -   -   2,855 
Total OREO $5,253  $-  $-  $5,253 

Impaired loans, which are measured for impairment using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans, had a carrying amount of $18,483,000 at September 30, 2017 with a valuation allowance of $1,598,000 and a carrying amount of $4,446,000 at December 31, 2016 with a valuation allowance of $606,000.  The change resulted in a provision for loan losses of $1,165,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to an $215,000 provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and a $423,000 provision for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to a $24,000 provision for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  The detail of impaired loans by loan class is contained in Note 3 above.

Other real estate owned measured at fair value less costs to sell, had a net carrying amount of $5,253,000 which is made up of the outstanding balance of $8,642,000 net of a valuation allowance of $3,389,000 at September 30, 2017.  There were $474,000 of additional write downs during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $478,000 of additional write downs during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  For the three months ended September 30, 2017 there were $111,000 of additional write downs compared to $478,000 of additional write downs during the three months ended September 30, 2016.  At December 31, 2016, other real estate owned had a net carrying amount of $6,624,000, made up of the outstanding balance of $9,900,000, net of a valuation allowance of $3,276,000.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  7 – FAIR VALUE - continued

The significant unobservable inputs related to assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at September 30, 2017 are summarized below:

  September 30, 2017 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs 
Range
(Weighted Avg)
Impaired loans:         
Multifamily real estate: $10,578 sales comparison adjustment for differences between the comparable sales 4.0%-4.0% (4.0%)
Commercial real estate:           
Owner occupied  569 sales comparison adjustment for estimated realizable value 23.1%-23.1% (23.1%)
Non-owner occupied  1,984 income approach adjustment for differences in net operating income expectations 67.4%-67.4% (67.4%)
Commercial and industrial  161 sales comparison adjustment for estimated realizable value 8.0%-56.5% (52.8%)
All other3,593sales comparisonadjustment for percentage of completion of construction8.0%-23.0% (22.7%)
Total impaired loans $16,885        
            
Other real estate owned:           
Residential real estate $370 sales comparison adjustment for differences between the comparable sales 0.0%-50.2% (16.4%)
Commercial real estate:           
Owner occupied  175 sales comparison adjustment for estimated realizable value 21.8%-21.8% (21.8%)
Non-owner occupied  1,853 sales comparison adjustment for estimated realizable value 31.8%-58.9% (34.7%)
All other  2,855 sales comparison adjustment for estimated realizable value 15.1%-69.0% (18.8%)
Total OREO $5,253        

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  7 – FAIR VALUE - continued

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2016 are summarized below:

     
Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 2016 Using
 
  Carrying Value  
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
  
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Assets:            
Impaired loans:            
Commercial real estate:            
Owner occupied $793  $-  $-  $793 
Commercial and Industrial  12   -   -   12 
All Other  3,036   -   -   3,036 
Total impaired loans $3,841  $-  $-  $3,841 
                 
Other real estate owned:                
Residential real estate: $613  $-  $-  $613 
Commercial real estate:                
Owner occupied  175   -   -   175 
Non-owner occupied  2,153   -   -   2,153 
All other  3,683   -   -   3,683 
Total OREO $6,624  $-  $-  $6,624 
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  7 – FAIR VALUE - continued

The significant unobservable inputs related to assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2016 are summarized below:

  December 31, 2016 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs 
Range
(Weighted Avg)
Impaired loans:         
Commercial Real Estate         
Owner Occupied $793 sales comparison adjustment for limited salability of specialized property 9.3%-76.4% (19.3%)
Commercial and Industrial  12 sales comparison adjustment for differences between the comparable sales 8.0%-8.0% (8.0%)
All Other  3,036 sales comparison adjustment for differences between the comparable sales 5.7%-9.0% (8.0%)
Total impaired loans $3,841        
            
Other real estate owned:           
Residential Real Estate $613 sales comparison adjustment for differences between the comparable sales 0.7%-86.8% (25.2%)
Commercial Real Estate           
Owner Occupied  175 sales comparison adjustment for differences between the comparable sales 21.8%-21.8% (21.8%)
Non-owner Occupied  2,153 sales comparison adjustment for differences between the comparable sales 17.2%-27.6% (25.7%)
All Other  3,683sales comparison adjustment for estimated realizable value 15.1%-45.4% (21.8%)
Total OREO $6,624        
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017


Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Management's discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that are provided to assist in the understanding of anticipated future financial performance. However, such performance involves risks and uncertainties, and there are certain important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These important factors include, but are not limited to, economic conditions (both generally and more specifically in the markets in which Premier operates), competition for Premier's customers from other providers of financial services, government legislation and regulation (which changes from time to time), changes in interest rates, Premier's ability to originate quality loans, collect delinquent loans and attract and retain deposits, the impact of Premier's growth, Premier's ability to control costs, and new accounting pronouncements, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of Premier.  The words “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “will,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “continue” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

A.Results of Operations
A financial institution’s primary sources of revenue are generated by interest income on loans, investments and other earning assets, while its major expenses are produced by the funding of these assets with interest bearing liabilities.  Effective management of these sources and uses of funds is essential in attaining a financial institution’s optimal profitability while maintaining a minimum amount of interest rate risk and credit risk.
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $11,050,000, or $1.03 per diluted share, compared to net income of $8,767,000, or $0.83 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The increase in income in 2017 is largely due to an increase in net interest income, an increase in other operating income, and a decrease in other operating expense.  The annualized returns on average common stockholders’ equity and average assets were approximately 8.13% and 0.99% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to 6.71% and 0.79%% for the same period in 2016.
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $3,467,000, or $0.32 per diluted share, compared to net income of $3,164,000, or $0.30 per diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2016.  The increase in net income during the three months ended September 30, 2017 is largely due to an increase in interest income and non-interest income as well as a decrease in interest expense and non-interest expense.  The annualized returns on average common stockholders’ equity and average assets were approximately 7.53% and 0.93% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to 7.10% and 0.84% for the same period in 2016.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017


Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 totaled $43.289 million, up $3.027 million, or 7.5%, from the $40.262 million of net interest income earned in the first nine months of 2016.  Interest income in 2017 increased by $2.875 million, or 6.6%, largely due to a $2.583 million increase in interest income on loans.  Interest income on loans in the first nine months of 2017 included approximately $1.607 million of deferred interest and discounts recognized on loans that paid off during the first nine months of 2017, compared to $212,000 of loan interest income of this kind recognized during the first nine months of 2016.  The loan payoffs in 2017 included both non-accrual loans and performing loans that were once on non-accrual status.  Otherwise, interest income on loans increased by $1.188 million, or 3.0%, largely due to a higher average balance of loans outstanding during the period.  Interest income on investment securities in the first nine months of 2017 increased by $105,000, or 2.4%, largely due to a higher yielding investment portfolio, although on a lower average balance of investments outstanding, as surplus funds and maturing investments have been used to fund the higher yielding loan portfolio.  Interest income from interest-bearing bank balances and federal funds sold increased by $187,000, or 57.0%, largely due to an increase in the yield on these balances in 2017 resulting from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors’ decisions to increase the federal funds target rate by a total of 75 basis points in the last twelve months, on a lower average balance outstanding during the first nine months of 2017.
Interest expense decreased in total during the first nine months of 2017 by $152,000, or 4.4%, when compared to the same nine months of 2016.  Interest expense on deposits decreased by $63,000, or 2.2%, in the first nine months of 2017, primarily due to a lower average balance of higher rate certificates of deposit in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same nine months of 2016.  The decrease in the average of these deposit balances was partially replaced by an increase in average transaction based interest-bearing deposits and savings deposits, which typically pay a lower interest rate than certificates of deposit.  Interest expense on borrowings in the first nine months of 2017 decreased by $119,000, or 33.7%, largely due to a decrease in outstanding borrowings from principal payments, including the full repayment of bank based FHLB borrowings during 2016.  Partially offsetting the decrease in interest expense on borrowings was a $37,000, or 20.4%, increase in interest expense on Premier’s subordinated debt due to an increase in the variable rate interest rate paid in 2017.  The variable interest rate is indexed to the three month London Interbank Offered Rate, which is sensitive to moves in the short-term interest rate market.
Premier’s net interest margin during the first nine months of 2017 was 4.19%, compared to 3.92% for the same period in 2016.  A portion of the interest income on loans is the result of recognizing deferred interest income and discounts on loans that paid-off during the period.  Excluding this income, Premier’s net interest margin during the first nine months of 2017 would have been 4.03%, compared to 3.90% for the same period in 2016.  As shown in the table below, Premier’s yield earned on federal funds sold and interest bearing bank balances increased to 1.47% in the first nine months of 2017, from the 0.66% earned in the first nine months of 2016.  The average yield earned on securities available for sale and total loans outstanding also increased when compared to the first nine months of 2016.  Further improving Premier’s net interest margin, the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities decreased in the first nine months of 2017, as decreases in the average rates paid on interest-bearing deposits and short-term borrowings were partially offset by a higher average rate paid on Premier’s variable rate subordinated debentures.  The overall effect was to increase Premier’s net interest spread by 26 basis points to 4.06% and its net interest margin by 27 basis points to 4.19% in the first nine months of 2017 when compared to the first nine months of 2016.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

Additional information on Premier’s net interest income for the first nine months of 2017 and first nine months of 2016 is contained in the following table.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC. 
AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
AND NET INTEREST INCOME ANALYSIS 
  
  Nine Months Ended Sept 30, 2017  Nine Months Ended Sept 30, 2016 
  Balance  Interest  Yield/Rate  Balance  Interest  Yield/Rate 
Assets                  
Interest earning assets                  
Federal funds sold and other $46,851  $515   1.47% $66,518  $328   0.66%
Securities available for sale                        
Taxable  286,602   4,236   1.97   294,926   4,075   1.84 
Tax-exempt  12,523   198   3.24   18,048   254   2.89 
Total investment securities  299,125   4,434   2.02   312,974   4,329   1.90 
Total loans  1,038,719   41,667   5.36   995,517   39,084   5.24 
Total interest-earning assets  1,384,695   46,616   4.51%  1,375,009   43,741   4.26%
Allowance for loan losses  (11,231)          (10,235)        
Cash and due from banks  40,700           38,291         
Other assets  80,857           81,678         
Total assets $1,495,021          $1,484,743         
                         
Liabilities and Equity                        
Interest-bearing liabilities                        
Interest-bearing deposits $959,489   2,854   0.40  $960,668   2,917   0.41 
Short-term borrowings  22,512   21   0.12   25,068   28   0.15 
FHLB advances  -   -   -   2,904   32   1.47 
Other borrowings  7,586   234   4.12   10,396   321   4.12 
Subordinated debentures  5,355   218   5.44   5,027   181   4.81 
Total interest-bearing liabilities  994,942   3,327   0.45%  1,004,063   3,479   0.46%
Non-interest bearing deposits  314,344           302,558         
Other liabilities  4,582           3,918         
Stockholders’ equity  181,153           174,204         
Total liabilities and equity $1,495,021          $1,484,743         
                         
Net interest earnings     $43,289          $40,262     
Net interest spread          4.06%          3.80%
Net interest margin          4.19%          3.92%

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

Additional information on Premier’s net interest income for the third quarter of 2017 and third quarter of 2016 is contained in the following table.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC. 
AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
AND NET INTEREST INCOME ANALYSIS 
  
  Three Months Ended Sept 30, 2017  Three Months Ended Sept 30, 2016 
  Balance  Interest  Yield/Rate  Balance  Interest  Yield/Rate 
Assets                  
Interest earning assets                  
Federal funds sold and other $32,288  $176   2.16% $69,396  $123   0.71%
Securities available for sale                        
Taxable  288,241   1,427   1.98   288,582   1,285   1.78 
Tax-exempt  11,579   62   3.30   16,796   82   3.00 
Total investment securities  299,820   1,489   2.03   305,378   1,367   1.85 
Total loans  1,047,202   13,469   5.10   1,027,011   13,375   5.18 
Total interest-earning assets  1,379,310   15,134   4.37%  1,401,785   14,865   4.23%
Allowance for loan losses  (11,760)          (10,840)        
Cash and due from banks  41,253           42,224         
Other assets  79,702           81,240         
Total assets $1,488,505          $1,514,409         
                         
Liabilities and Equity                        
Interest-bearing liabilities                        
Interest-bearing deposits $946,258   954   0.40  $970,005   965   0.40 
Short-term borrowings  22,784   7   0.12   29,571   10   0.13 
FHLB advances  -   -   -   5,104   10   0.78 
Other borrowings  6,553   68   4.12   9,779   101   4.11 
Subordinated debentures  5,365   74   5.47   5,328   63   4.70 
Total interest-bearing liabilities  980,960   1,103   0.45%  1,019,787   1,149   0.45%
Non-interest bearing deposits  318,894           312,898         
Other liabilities  4,539           3,536         
Stockholders’ equity  184,112           178,188         
Total liabilities and equity $1,488,505          $1,514,409         
                         
Net interest earnings     $14,031          $13,716     
Net interest spread          3.92%          3.78%
Net interest margin          4.05%          3.91%
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017


Net interest income for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 totaled $14.031 million, up $315,000, or 2.3%, from the $13.716 million of net interest income earned in the third quarter of 2016.  Interest income in 2017 increased by $269,000, or 1.8%, largely due to a $122,000, or 8.9%, increase in interest income on investment securities.  Interest income on loans in the third quarter of 2017 increased $94,000, or 0.7%, compared to the interest income on loans earned during the same quarter of 2016.  Interest income on loans in the third quarter of the prior year included approximately $142,000 of income recognized from deferred interest and discounts recognized on loans that paid off during the quarter, compared to no interest income of this kind recognized during the third quarter of 2017.  Otherwise, interest income on loans increased by $236,000, or 1.8%, in the third quarter of 2017, largely due to a higher average balance of loans outstanding during the quarter.  Interest income on investment securities in the third quarter of 2017 increased by $122,000, or 8.9%, largely due to a higher average yield on the investment portfolio, although on a lower average balance of investments outstanding during the quarter.  Interest income from interest-bearing bank balances and federal funds sold increased by $53,000, or 43.1%, largely due to an increase in the yield on these balances in 2017 although on a lower average balance outstanding during the quarter.
Complementing the increase in interest income in the third quarter of 2017 was a $46,000, or 4.0%, decrease in interest expense.  Interest expense on deposits decreased by $11,000, or 1.1%, in the third quarter of 2017, primarily due to a lower average of interest-bearing deposits outstanding during the quarter.  Interest expense on repurchase agreements in the third quarter of 2017 decreased by $3,000, or 30.0%, primarily due to a lower average balance outstanding during the quarter.  Interest expense on borrowings in the third quarter of 2017 decreased by $43,000, or 38.7%, largely due to a decrease in outstanding borrowings, including the full repayment of bank based FHLB borrowings during 2016.  Partially offsetting the decrease in interest expense on borrowings was an $11,000, or 17.5%, increase in interest expense on Premier’s subordinated debt, largely due to an increase in the variable interest rate paid in 2017.
Premier’s net interest margin during the third quarter of 2017 was 4.05% compared to 3.91% for the same period in 2016.  As shown in the table above, Premier’s yield earned on federal funds sold and interest bearing bank balances increased to 2.16% in the third quarter of 2017, from the 0.71% earned in the third quarter of 2016.  The average yield earned on securities available for sale also increased when compared to the third quarter of 2016.  The average yield earned on total loans outstanding decreased to 5.10% in the third quarter of 2017, from the 5.18% earned in the third quarter of 2016, partially due to the $142,000 of income recognized from deferred interest and discounts in the third quarter of 2016.  The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities remained unchanged in the third quarter of 2017, as a decrease in interest expense on bank based FHLB advances was offset by a higher average rate paid on Premier’s variable rate subordinated debentures.  The overall effect was to increase Premier’s net interest spread by 14 basis points to 3.92% and its net interest margin by 14 basis points to 4.05% in the third quarter of 2017 when compared to the same quarter of 2016.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017


Non-interest income increased by $264,000, or 4.4%, to $6,328,000 for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period of 2016.  Service charges on deposit accounts increased by $226,000, or 7.6%, and electronic banking income (income from debit/credit cards, ATM fees and internet banking charges) increased by $69,000, or 2.9%.  Service charges on deposit accounts increased largely due to an increase in customer overdraft activity, particularly in the third quarter of 2017, as Premier Bank introduced updated courtesy overdraft protection features on its consumer checking accounts.  Electronic banking income increased primarily due to an increase in income from debit card transaction activity.  Partially offsetting these increases was a $37,000, or 6.5%, decrease in other non- interest income, largely due to lower revenue on checkbook sales and wire transfer fees as well as a lower level of loan extension and other fees on loans.
For the quarter ending September 30, 2017, non-interest income increased by $115,000, or 5.6%, to $2,177,000 compared to $2,062,000 recognized during the same quarter of 2016.  Service charges on deposit accounts increased by $105,000, or 10.2% and electronic banking income increased by $20,000, or 2.5%.  Service charges on deposit accounts increased largely due to an increase in customer overdraft activity, particularly in the third quarter of 2017, while electronic banking income increased primarily due to an increase in revenue from non-customer use of bank owned automated teller machines.  Partially offsetting these increases was a $13,000, or 7.4%, decrease in other non-interest income, largely due to a lower  amount of loan extension and other fees on loans.
Non-interest expenses for the first nine months of 2017 totaled $30.33 million, or 2.71% of average assets on an annualized basis, compared to $31.32 million, or 2.82% of average assets for the same period of 2016.  The $993,000, or 3.2%, decrease in non-interest expenses in 2017 when compared to the first nine months of 2016 is largely due to a $322,000, or 2.1%, decrease in staff costs, a $263,000, or 18.8%, decrease in expenses and write-downs of OREO, a $246,000, or 32.7%, decrease in FDIC insurance expense, a $216,000, or 4.6%, decrease in occupancy and equipment expenses, and a $273,000, or 7.4%, decrease in other non-interest expenses.  Staff costs decreased largely due to reductions in salary expense, payroll taxes, medical benefit costs, and retirement benefit costs related to reductions in personnel and changes to benefit plans at the acquired First National Bankshares locations.  These savings were partially offset by normal salary increases at Premier’s other operations.  OREO expenses decreased in 2017, largely due to lower cost to maintain properties held while being marketed for sale when compared to the first nine months of 2016.  In addition to lower maintenance costs, Premier recorded $41,000 of net gains on the sale of OREO compared to $30,000 of net losses on the sale of OREO properties in the first nine months of 2016.   Occupancy and equipment expense decreased largely due to lower building repairs and lower deprecation on information technology equipment.  FDIC insurance decreased, largely due to lower rates charged on the assessment base.  Other non-interest expenses decreased due in large part to $196,000 of conversion related expenses incurred in 2016 related to the acquisition and data systems conversion of First National Bankshares versus only $17,000 of conversion costs incurred in 2017.  These decreases in non-interest expense were partially offset by a $221,000, or 44.2%, increase in professional fees, a $116,000, or 24.5%, increase in taxes not on income, and a $84,000, or 2.1%, increase in data processing costs when compared to the first nine months of 2016.   Professional fees increased largely due to increases in legal fees, audit costs, and expenditures on third party consultants.  Taxes not on income increased largely due to increases in equity and deposit based taxes in Kentucky and Ohio due to growth in those markets from Premier’s expanding branch network into the metro Cincinnati, Ohio area.  Outside data processing costs increased in 2017 largely due to the costs of expanding electronic access products such as internet banking and mobile banking.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017


Non-interest expenses for the third quarter of 2017 totaled $9.93 million, or 2.65% of average assets on an annualized basis, compared to $10.61 million, or 2.79% of average assets for the same period of 2016.  The $683,000, or 6.4%, decrease in non-interest expenses in the third quarter of 2017 when compared to the third quarter of 2016 is largely due to a $419,000, or 54.8% decrease in OREO expenses and write-downs, a $57,000, or 1.2%, decrease in staff costs, a $124,000, or 7.6%, decrease in occupancy and equipment expense, and a $119,000, or 42.8%, decrease in FDIC insurance expense.  Staff costs decreased largely due to a reduction in the number of participants in the medical benefit plan and in medical benefit costs related to changes to benefit plans at the acquired First National Bankshares locations.  Occupancy and equipment expense decreased largely due to lower building repairs, utility costs, and property insurance costs as well as lower deprecation related to information technology equipment.  FDIC insurance decreased largely due to lower rates charged on the assessment base.  OREO expenses decreased in the third quarter of 2017 largely due to a $367,000 decrease in the amount of OREO value writedowns, when compared to the same quarter of 2016, as well as $26,000 of net gains on the sale of OREO in the third quarter of 2017 when compared to $45,000 of net losses on the sale of OREO in the same quarter of 2016.  These decreases were partially offset by a $29,000, or 17.4%, increase in professional fees, a $33,000, or 21.2%, increase in taxes not on income, and a $44,000, or 3.4%, increase in data processing costs.  Professional fees increased largely due to increases in legal fees and audit costs.  Taxes not on income increased largely due to increases in equity and deposit based taxes in Kentucky and Ohio due to growth in those markets from Premier’s expanding branch network into the metro Cincinnati, Ohio area.  Outside data processing costs increased in the third quarter of 2017 largely due to the costs of expanding electronic access products such as internet banking and mobile banking.
Income tax expense was $6.207 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $4.803 million for the first nine months of 2016.  The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 36.0% compared to 35.4% for the same period in 2016.  For the quarter ended September 30, 2017, income tax expense was $1.925 million, a 35.7% effective tax rate, compared to $1.694 million (a 34.9% effective tax rate) for the same period in 2016.  The increase in income tax expense during the first nine months of 2017 can be primarily attributed to the increase in pre-tax income detailed above.  The increase in the effective tax rate in 2017 is largely due to higher levels of state taxable income.  Similarly, the increase in income tax expense during the third quarter of 2017 when compared to the same quarter of 2016, can be primarily attributed to the increase in pre-tax income for the quarter as detailed above.  The increase in the third quarter effective tax rate in 2017 is also largely due to higher levels of state taxable income.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

B.Financial Position
Total assets at September 30, 2017 decreased by $3.5 million to $1.493 billion from the $1.496 billion at December 31, 2016.  The decrease in total assets since year-end is largely due a $33.8 million decrease in interest bearing bank balances, a $1.3 million decrease in other assets and a $1.2 million decrease in OREO.  These decreases were partially offset by a $30.5 million increase in total loans outstanding and a $4.1 million increase in federal funds sold.  Contrary to the decrease in total assets, earning assets increased by $1.4 million from the $1.382 billion at year-end 2016 to end the third quarter at $1.384 billion.
Cash and due from banks at September 30, 2017 was $41.8 million, a $388,000 increase from the $41.4 million at December 31, 2016.  Interest-bearing bank balances decreased by $34.0 million from the $55.7 million reported at December 31, 2016.  Federal funds sold increased by $4.1 million to $11.6 million at September 30, 2017.  Changes in these highly liquid assets are generally in response to increases in deposits, the demand for deposit withdrawals or the funding of loans or investment purchases and are part of Premier’s management of its liquidity and interest rate risks.  The decrease in interest-bearing bank balances during the first nine months of 2017 was largely in response to an increase in total loans outstanding.
Securities available for sale totaled $289.2 million at September 30, 2017, a $596,000 increase from the $288.6 million at December 31, 2016.  The increase was largely due to the purchase of $49.2 million of investment securities and a $3.7 million increase in the market value of the securities available for sale, which more than offset $50.8 million of proceeds from monthly principal payments on Premier’s mortgage backed securities portfolio and securities that matured or were called during the year.  The investment portfolio is predominately high quality residential mortgage backed securities backed by the U.S. Government or Government sponsored agencies.  Any unrealized losses on securities within the portfolio at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are believed to be price changes resulting from increases in the long-term interest rate environment since acquiring the investment security and management anticipates receiving all principal and interest on these investments as they come due.  Additional details on investment activities can be found in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Total loans at September 30, 2017 were $1.055 billion compared to $1.025 billion at December 31, 2016, an increase of approximately $30.5 million, or 3.0%.  The increase in loans was largely due to internal loan growth which more than offset regular principal payments, loan payoffs, and transfers of loans to OREO upon foreclosure.  Loan payoffs during the first nine months of 2017 included payoffs on $5.6 million of non-accrual loans and $5.4 million of performing loans which resulted in recognizing approximately $1,407,000 of interest income deferred while the loans were on non-accrual status and $199,000 of remaining purchase discounts associated with the loans.  The increase in total loans since year-end resulted from increases in commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans, and all other loans.  These increases more than offset decreases in residential real estate loans, multifamily real estate loans, and retail consumer loans.
Premises and equipment decreased by $720,000 largely due to normal depreciation of fixed assets.  Other real estate owned acquired through foreclosure (“OREO”) decreased by $1.2 million largely due to $1.8 million of sales and $474,000 of OREO write-downs on existing OREO, partially offset by $1.1 million of new additions.  Goodwill and other intangible assets decreased by $768,000, due to the year-to-date amortization of core deposit intangibles.  Other assets decreased by $1.3 million primarily due to a decrease in deferred tax assets.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017


Deposits totaled $1.269 billion as of September 30, 2017, a $10.0 million, or 0.8%, decrease from the $1.279 billion in deposits at December 31, 2016.  The overall decrease in deposits is largely due to a $14.5 million, or 4.0% decrease in savings and money market accounts, and a $14.6, or 4.1%, decrease in certificates of deposit.  These decreases were partially offset by an $8.3 million, or 2.6%, increase in non interest-bearing demand deposits and a $10.8 million, or 4.5%, increase in interest-bearing transaction accounts.  Repurchase agreements with corporate and public entity customers increased in the first nine months of 2017 by $1.3 million, or 5.4%.  Other borrowings decreased by $2.9 million since year-end 2016 due to the $248,000 payment at maturity of a subsidiary bank borrowing as well as scheduled principal payments and additional principal payments on Premier’s existing parent company borrowings.  Subordinated debentures increased $25,000, due to the continuing monthly accretion of the fair value adjustment recorded in 2016 as part of the acquisition of First National Bankshares.
The following table sets forth information with respect to the Company’s nonperforming assets at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

  (In Thousands) 
  2017  2016 
Non-accrual loans $24,345  $25,747 
Accruing loans which are contractually past due 90 days or more  1,716   1,999 
Accruing restructured loans  8,715   8,268 
Total non-performing and restructured loans  34,776   36,014 
Other real estate acquired through foreclosure (OREO)  11,458   12,665 
Total non-performing assets $46,234  $48,679 
         
Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans  3.30%  3.51%
         
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets  3.10%  3.25%
Total non-performing and restructured loans have decreased since year-end, largely due to a $1.4 million decrease in non-accrual loans and a $238,000 decrease in loans past due 90 days or more.  These decreases in non-performing loans were partially offset by a $447,000 increase in accruing restructured loans.  Total non-performing assets have decreased since year-end, largely due to the reduction in non-performing loans plus a $1.2 million decrease in other real estate acquired through foreclosure (“OREO”).  Other real estate owned decreased as sales of OREO and additional write-downs on existing properties in the first nine months of 2017 exceeded new foreclosures.
Premier continues to make a significant effort to reduce its past due and non-performing loans by reviewing loan files, using the courts to bring borrowers current with the terms of their loan agreements and/or the foreclosure and sale of OREO properties.  As in the past, when these plans are executed, Premier may experience increases in non-performing loans and non-performing assets.  Furthermore, any resulting increases in loans placed on non-accrual status will have a negative impact on future loan interest income.  Also, as these plans are executed, other loans may be identified that would necessitate additional charge-offs and potentially additional provisions for loan losses.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017


Gross charge-offs totaled $1.1 million during the first nine months of 2017, largely due to consumer lending based charge-offs, including residential real estate loans and the partial charge-off of loans upon foreclosure and placement into OREO.  Any collections on charged-off loans, or partially charged-off loans, would be presented in future financial statements as recoveries of the amounts charged against the allowance.  Recoveries recorded during the first nine months of 2017 totaled $592,000, resulting in net charge-offs for the first nine months of 2017 of $510,000.  This compares to $220,000 of net charge-offs recorded in the first nine months of 2016.  During the three months ending on September 30, 2017, Premier recorded net charge-offs of $227,000 compared to $253,000 of net charge-offs recorded in the same three months ending on September 30, 2016.  The allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2017 was 1.17% of total loans compared to 1.06% at December 31, 2016.  The increase in the ratio is largely due to an increase in the amount of allowance allocated to loans individually evaluated for impairment. At December 31, 2016, specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses related to loans individually evaluated for impairment totaled $606,000.  This amount increased to $1,598,000 at September 30, 2017, largely due to a $517,000 increase in estimated credit loss on an impaired multifamily real estate loan and a $514,000 increase in estimated credit loss on an impaired construction loan.
During the first nine months of 2017, Premier recorded a $2,033,000 provision for loan losses.  This provision compares to a $1,436,000 provision for loan losses recorded during the same nine months of 2016.  The provision for loan losses recorded during the third quarter of 2017 was $891,000 compared to an $312,000 provision for loan losses in the third quarter of 2016.  The 2017 provision for loan losses was due in large part to increases in specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses related to loans individually evaluated for impairment as well as a $38.7 million, or 4.0%, increase in loans collectively evaluated for impairment.  The 2016 provision for loan losses was due in large part to the $51.2 million of growth in outstanding loans in 2016, exclusive of the loans acquired from the January 2016 acquisition of First National Bankshares, and an estimate for the potential loan losses related to the flash flooding that occurred in some of Premier’s West Virginia markets during the last week of June 2016.  Management’s initial estimate of loan losses related to unreimbursed damage to borrowers’ collateral or the lasting economic impact to business customers in areas that rely on vacation season tourism resulted in adding $500,000 to the provision for loan losses during the second quarter of 2016.  Due to substantial assistance from both public and private sources to the regions of West Virginia affected by the flooding, Premier’s actual loan loss experience related to the flooding was minor, and management nowCompany believes the affected geographic areas demonstrate no more additional credit risk than that of the other general economic areas served by Premier’s branch network.  As a result, much of the initial provision for loan losses has been reversed and helped offset additional provisions for loan losses related to individually impaired loans and increases in estimates of potential losses from declining economic activity in southern and central West Virginia.  Premier also continues to monitor the impact of the decline in coal mining that may have a larger impact in the southern area of West Virginia and the decrease in the level of drilling activity in the oil & gas industry which may have a larger impact in the central area of West Virginia.  A resulting decline in employment and local economic activity could increase non-performing assets from loans originated in these areas.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017


The provisions for loan losses recorded in 2016 and 2017 were made in accordance with Premier’s policies regarding management’s estimation of probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, which are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  These methodologies are subject to change in the adoption of ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments issued by the FASB in June 2016 which will become effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019.  Future provisions to the allowance for loan losses, positive or negative, will depend on future improvement or deterioration in estimated credit risk in the loan portfolio as well as whether additional payments are received on loans having significant credit risk.  With the concentrations of commercial real estate loans in the Washington, DC, Richmond, Virginia, and Cincinnati, Ohio markets, fluctuations in commercial real estate values continue to be monitored. In each of the last five years, Premier sold some OREO properties at a gain while other OREO properties have required subsequent write-downs to net realizable values. These factors are considered in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. For additional details on the activity in the allowance for loan losses, impaired loans, past due and non-accrual loans and restructured loans, see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.


C.Critical Accounting Policies
The Company follows financial accounting and reporting policies that are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.  These policies are presented in Note 1 to the consolidated audited financial statements in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.  Some of these accounting policies, as discussed below, are considered to be critical accounting policies.  Critical accounting policies are those policies that require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.  The Company has identified four accounting policies that are critical accounting policies, and an understanding of these policies is necessary to understand the financial statements.  These policies relate to determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, the identification and evaluation of impaired loans, the impairment of goodwill and the realization of deferred tax assets.  A detailed description of these accounting policies is contained in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.  Therethere have been no significant changes in the application of these accounting policiesinterest rate sensitivity since December 31, 2016.
Management believes that the judgments, estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are appropriate given the factual circumstances at the time.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017


D.Liquidity

Liquidity objectives for the Company can be expressed in terms of maintaining sufficient cash flows to meet both existing and unplanned obligations in a cost effective manner.  Adequate liquidity allows the Company to meet the demands of both the borrower and the depositorpreviously reported on a timely basis, as well as pursuing other business opportunities as they arise.  Thus, liquidity management embodies both an asset and liability aspect while attempting to maximize profitability. In order to provide for funds on a current and long-term basis, the Company’s subsidiary banks rely primarily on the following sources:

1.Core deposits consisting of both consumer and commercial deposits and certificates of deposit of $250,000 or more.  Management believes that the majority of its $250,000 or more certificates of deposit are no more volatile than its other deposits.  This is due to the nature of the markets in which the subsidiaries operate.

2.Cash flow generated by repayment of loans and interest.

3.Arrangements with correspondent banks for purchase of unsecured federal funds.

4.The sale of securities under repurchase agreements and borrowing from the Federal Home Loan Bank.

5.Maintenance of an adequate available-for-sale security portfolio.  The Company owns $289.2 million of securities at fair value as of September 30, 2017.

The cash flow statements for the periods presented in the financial statements provide an indication of the Company’s sources and uses of cash as well as an indication of the ability of the Company to maintain an adequate level of liquidity.2019 10-K.


E.Capital
At September 30, 2017, total stockholders’ equity of $183.3 million was 12.3% of total assets.  This compares to total stockholders’ equity of $174.2 million, or 11.6% of total assets on December 31, 2016.  The increase in stockholders’ equity was largely due to $11.1 million of net income in the first nine months of 2017 as well as a $2.4 million, net of tax, increase in the market value of the investment portfolio available for sale.  These increases were partially offset by $4.8 million, or $0.45 per share, in cash dividends declared and paid to stockholders.
Tier 1 capital totaled $155.2 million at September 30, 2017, which represents a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 10.7%.  This ratio is up from the 10.1% Tier 1 leverage ratio and $147.6 million of Tier 1 capital at December 31, 2016.  The slight increase in the Tier 1 leverage ratio is largely due to the growth in Tier 1 capital exceeding the proportional growth in average total assets at September 30, 2017.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017


The regulatory authorities introduced a new capital measure in the first quarter of 2015 for financial institutions of Premier’s size, Common Equity Tier 1 Capital.  The Common Equity Tier 1 capital measure seeks to determine how much of the traditional Tier 1 capital is attributable to equity contributed by common shareholders by excluding Tier 1 capital from other sources such as preferred stockholders’ equity and subordinated debt.  As of September 30, 2017, Premier’s Common Equity Tier 1 capital is $6.0 million lower than its total Tier 1 capital due to the additional Tier 1 capital included from the subordinated debentures.  Since the subordinated debentures are held by the parent company, the Common Equity Tier 1 capital of the subsidiary banks is identical to their total Tier 1 capital, as none of the subsidiary banks have issued any preferred stock or subordinated debentures.  Beginning January 1, 2016 an additional capital conservation buffer has been added to the minimum regulatory capital ratios under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  The capital conservation buffer will be measured as a percentage of risk weighted assets and will be phased-in over the four year period from 2016 thru 2019.  When fully implemented, the capital conservation buffer requirement will be 2.50% of risk-weighted assets over and above the regulatory minimum capital ratios for Tier 1 Capital to risk-weighted assets, Total Capital to risk-weighted assets and Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (CET1) to risk weighted assets.  The consequences of not meeting the capital conservation buffer thresholds include restrictions on the payment of dividends, restrictions on the payment of discretionary bonuses, and restrictions on the repurchase of common shares by the Company.  The capital ratios of the Affiliate Banks and the Company already exceed the new minimum capital ratios plus the fully phased-in 2.50% capital buffer requiring a CET1 Capital to risk-weighted asset ratio of at least 7.00%, a Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets ratio of at least 8.50% and a Total Capital to risk weighted assets ratio of at least 10.50%.  At September 30, 2017, the Company’s capital conservation buffer was 7.50%, well in excess of the 1.250% required.
Book value per common share was $17.18 at September 30, 2017 compared to $16.37 at December 31, 2016.  Adding to Premier’s book value per share in the first nine months of 2017 was the $1.04 per share earned during the period partially offset by $0.45 per share in total quarterly cash dividends to common shareholders declared and paid during the first three quarters of 2017.  Also adding to Premier’s book value per share at September 30, 2017 was the $2,377,000 of other comprehensive income for the first nine months of 2017 related to the after tax increase in the market value of investment securities available for sale, which increased book value at September 30, 2017 by approximately $0.22 per share.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company currently does not engage in any derivative or hedging activity.  Refer to the Company’s 2016 10-K for analysis of the interest rate sensitivity.  The Company believes there have been no significant changes in the interest rate sensitivity since previously reported on the Company’s 2016 10-K.


Item 4. Controls and Procedures

A.Disclosure Controls & Procedures

Premier management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15c as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that all material information required to be filed in this quarterly report has been made known to them in a timely fashion.

B.Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in internal controls over financial reporting during the first fiscal quarter that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect Premier's internal controls over financial reporting.

C.Inherent Limitations on Internal Control

"Internal controls" are procedures, which are designed with the objective of providing reasonable assurance that (1) transactions are properly authorized; (2) assets are safeguarded against unauthorized or improper use; and (3) transactions are properly recorded and reported, all so as to permit the preparation of reports and financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. However, a control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their cost. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. The design of any system of controls is also based, in part, upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, a control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Finally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017MARCH 31, 2020

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.Legal ProceedingsNone
   
Item 1A.Risk Factors 
   
Please refer to Premier's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162019 for disclosures with respect to Premier's risk factors at December 31, 2016.2019. There have been no material changes since year-end 20162019 in the specified risk factors disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.10-K.

COVID-19 Virus
National and local participation in a worldwide effort to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus has resulted in and may continue to result in negative changes in the national and regional business climate in the geographic areas in which Premier operates.  Many of the Risk Factors discussed in Premier’s annual report on Form 10-K, which are outside of the Company’s control, may be influenced by actions responsive to efforts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the results of which are impossible to predict and could materially impact the Company’s business and future results of operations.  These risk topics include, but are not limited to, “Regional economic changes in the Company’s markets”, “New or revised tax, accounting, and other laws, regulations, rules and standards”, “Extensive regulation and supervision”, “Changes in interest rates”, “Concentrations of commercial real estate and commercial business loans”, “Defaults by other larger financial institutions”, the “Allowance for loan losses may be insufficient”, “Changes in energy and natural resource markets”, “Extended disruption of vital infrastructure”, “Loss of large checking and money market deposit customers”, “Inability to hire and retain qualified employees”, “Market volatility”, and “the Availability of additional capital when needed”.  The combination of any of these risk factors in this unprecedented time in world history could further compound the negative results to Premier’s business and future results of operations.

Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of ProceedsNone
   
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior SecuritiesNone
   
Item 4.Mine Safety DisclosuresNot Applicable
   
Item 5.Other InformationNone

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MARCH 31, 2020

Item 6.
Exhibits 


PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017MARCH 31, 2020


SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Corporation has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.



Date: November 9, 2017          May 8, 2020/s/ Robert W. Walker                                     
Robert W. Walker
President & Chief Executive Officer



Date: November 9, 2017May 8, 2020/s/ Brien M. Chase                                          
Brien M. Chase
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

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