Attached files

file filename
EX-31.1 - CEO SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION - PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP INCexhibit31-1.htm
EX-31.2 - CFO SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION - PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP INCexhibit31-2.htm
EX-32 - CEO AND CFO SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION - PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP INCexhibit32.htm


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, 2015

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 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, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer, "and "smaller reporting 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 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act).  Yes     No .

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

Common stock, no par value, – 8,175,021 shares outstanding at October 31, 2015
 

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2015
INDEX TO REPORT


   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     


PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2015
 

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, the impairment of goodwill, the realization of deferred tax assets and stock based compensation disclosures.  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.
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, 2014 for further information in this regard.
Index to consolidated financial statements:

     
     
     
     
     








PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 AND DECEMBER 31, 2014
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
ASSETS
       
Cash and due from banks
 
$
33,073
   
$
35,147
 
Interest bearing bank balances
   
74,585
     
35,251
 
Federal funds sold
   
4,193
     
4,986
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
111,851
     
75,384
 
Securities available for sale
   
228,610
     
229,750
 
Loans held for sale
   
-
     
226
 
Loans
   
855,062
     
879,711
 
Allowance for loan losses
   
(9,825
)
   
(10,347
)
Net loans
   
845,237
     
869,364
 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
   
3,072
     
2,996
 
Premises and equipment, net
   
19,958
     
21,384
 
Real estate and other property acquired through foreclosure
   
13,674
     
12,208
 
Interest receivable
   
3,407
     
3,219
 
Goodwill
   
33,796
     
33,796
 
Other intangible assets
   
2,390
     
3,033
 
Other assets
   
1,249
     
1,464
 
Total assets
 
$
1,263,244
   
$
1,252,824
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Deposits
               
Non-interest bearing
 
$
269,544
   
$
252,828
 
Time deposits, $250,000 and over
   
65,577
     
66,216
 
Other interest bearing
   
743,631
     
756,199
 
Total deposits
   
1,078,752
     
1,075,243
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
20,532
     
15,580
 
Other borrowed funds
   
11,999
     
11,722
 
Interest payable
   
339
     
434
 
Other liabilities
   
4,560
     
4,063
 
Total liabilities
   
1,116,182
     
1,107,042
 
                 
Stockholders' equity
               
Common stock, no par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 8,175,021 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2015, and 8,142,056 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014
   
69,299
     
74,568
 
Retained earnings
   
75,967
     
69,719
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
1,796
     
1,495
 
Total stockholders' equity
   
147,062
     
145,782
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
1,263,244
   
$
1,252,824
 
                 

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
4

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 AND 2014
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Interest income
               
Loans, including fees
 
$
12,506
   
$
12,056
   
$
35,812
   
$
34,981
 
Securities available for sale
                               
Taxable
   
1,176
     
1,365
     
3,639
     
4,080
 
Tax-exempt
   
51
     
59
     
162
     
157
 
Federal funds sold and other
   
49
     
46
     
137
     
142
 
Total interest income
   
13,782
     
13,526
     
39,750
     
39,360
 
                                 
Interest expense
                               
Deposits
   
858
     
953
     
2,661
     
2,800
 
Repurchase agreements and other
   
9
     
8
     
28
     
24
 
Other borrowings
   
132
     
139
     
391
     
427
 
Total interest expense
   
999
     
1,100
     
3,080
     
3,251
 
                                 
Net interest income
   
12,783
     
12,426
     
36,670
     
36,109
 
Provision for loan losses
   
309
     
536
     
232
     
147
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
12,474
     
11,890
     
36,438
     
35,962
 
                                 
Non-interest income
                               
Service charges on deposit accounts
   
948
     
924
     
2,740
     
2,562
 
Electronic banking income
   
670
     
647
     
2,016
     
1,797
 
Secondary market mortgage income
   
38
     
73
     
98
     
142
 
Gain on disposition of securities
   
-
     
28
     
-
     
28
 
Other
   
146
     
186
     
415
     
493
 
     
1,802
     
1,858
     
5,269
     
5,022
 
Non-interest expenses
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
   
4,149
     
4,400
     
12,965
     
13,257
 
Occupancy and equipment expenses
   
1,328
     
1,281
     
3,918
     
3,741
 
Outside data processing
   
1,104
     
1,079
     
3,275
     
2,977
 
Professional fees
   
189
     
(104
)
   
497
     
641
 
Taxes, other than payroll, property and income
   
135
     
203
     
476
     
507
 
Write-downs, expenses, sales of other real estate owned, net
   
669
     
450
     
1,351
     
56
 
Amortization of intangibles
   
210
     
225
     
644
     
593
 
FDIC insurance
   
232
     
247
     
653
     
708
 
Other expenses
   
1,070
     
1,047
     
3,028
     
3,091
 
     
9,086
     
8,828
     
26,807
     
25,571
 
Income before income taxes
   
5,190
     
4,920
     
14,900
     
15,413
 
Provision for income taxes
   
1,865
     
1,769
     
5,306
     
5,492
 
                                 
Net income
 
$
3,325
   
$
3,151
   
$
9,594
   
$
9,921
 
                                 
Preferred stock dividends and accretion
   
-
     
(205
)
   
-
     
(535
)
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
3,325
   
$
2,946
   
$
9,594
   
$
9,386
 
                                 
Net income per share:
                               
Basic
 
$
0.41
   
$
0.36
   
$
1.18
   
$
1.16
 
Diluted
   
0.40
     
0.34
     
1.14
     
1.09
 
Dividends per share
   
0.15
     
0.12
     
0.41
     
0.47
 
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
5

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 AND 2014
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Net income
 
$
3,325
   
$
3,151
   
$
9,594
   
$
9,921
 
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
   
732
     
(577
)
   
456
     
2,882
 
Reclassification of realized amount
   
-
     
(28
)
   
-
     
(28
)
Net change in unrealized gain on securities
   
732
     
(605
)
   
456
     
2,854
 
Less tax impact
   
(249
)
   
206
     
(155
)
   
(970
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
483
     
(399
)
   
301
     
1,884
 
                                 
Comprehensive income
 
$
3,808
   
$
2,752
   
$
9,895
   
$
11,805
 
                               
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
6

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 AND 2014
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)


   
2015
   
2014
 
Cash flows from operating activities
       
Net income
 
$
9,594
   
$
9,921
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities
               
Depreciation
   
1,290
     
1,151
 
Provision for loan losses
   
232
     
147
 
Amortization (accretion), net
   
154
     
627
 
OREO writedowns (gains on sales), net
   
625
     
(679
)
Stock compensation expense
   
188
     
208
 
Loans originated for sale
   
(1,679
)
   
(5,167
)
Secondary market loans sold
   
1,941
     
4,991
 
Secondary market income
   
(38
)
   
(142
)
Gain on disposition of securities
   
-
     
(28
)
Changes in :
               
Interest receivable
   
(188
)
   
461
 
Other assets
   
221
     
1,180
 
Interest payable
   
(95
)
   
(74
)
Other liabilities
   
337
     
981
 
Net cash from operating activities
   
12,582
     
13,577
 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Purchases of securities available for sale
   
(51,610
)
   
(36,435
)
Proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale
   
-
     
4,842
 
Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available for sale
   
52,396
     
36,654
 
Purchase of FHLB stock
   
(76
)
   
-
 
Redemption of FHLB stock
   
-
     
408
 
Net change in loans
   
19,330
     
(20,249
)
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash received
   
-
     
40,973
 
Purchases of premises and equipment, net
   
(624
)
   
(725
)
Improvements to OREO property
   
(29
)
   
(189
)
Proceeds from sales of other real estate acquired through foreclosure
   
4,424
     
3,370
 
Net cash from investing activities
   
23,811
     
28,649
 
                 
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Net change in deposits
   
3,648
     
(31,373
)
Net change in agreements to repurchase securities
   
4,952
     
1,836
 
Net change in short-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
-
     
5,000
 
Redemption of Preferred Stock
   
-
     
(7,000
)
Repayment of other borrowed funds
   
(15,669
)
   
(1,814
)
Proceeds from other borrowings
   
15,946
     
-
 
Proceeds from stock option exercises
   
218
     
567
 
Purchase of warrant
   
(5,675
)
   
-
 
Common stock dividends paid
   
(3,346
)
   
(3,796
)
Preferred stock dividends paid
   
-
     
(490
)
Net cash from financing activities
   
74
     
(37,070
)
                 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
36,467
     
5,156
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
75,384
     
76,761
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
111,851
   
$
81,917
 
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
7

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 AND 2014
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)


   
2015
   
2014
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
       
Cash paid during period for interest
 
$
3,175
   
$
3,325
 
                 
Cash paid during period for income taxes
   
4,686
     
4,179
 
                 
Loans transferred to real estate acquired through foreclosure
   
5,726
     
1,552
 
                 
Premises transferred to other real estate owned
   
760
     
-
 
                 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
8

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, 2015
 
        Year   Total     Net Income  
Subsidiary                                      
 
Location                          
 
Acquired
 
Assets
   
Qtr
   
YTD
 
Citizens Deposit Bank & Trust
 
Vanceburg, Kentucky
 
1991
 
$
384,262
   
$
1,067
   
$
3,012
 
Premier Bank, Inc.
 
Huntington, West Virginia
 
1998
   
877,056
     
2,704
     
7,979
 
Parent and Intercompany Eliminations
           
1,926
     
(446
)
   
(1,397
)
  Consolidated Total
          
$
1,263,244
   
$
3,325
   
$
9,594
 

All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-04, Receivables—Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). The ASU clarifies when an insubstance repossession or foreclosure occurs and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan. Specifically, the new ASU requires a creditor to reclassify a collateralized consumer mortgage loan to real estate property upon obtaining legal title to the real estate collateral, or the borrower voluntarily conveying all interest in the real estate property to the lender to satisfy the loan through a deed in lieu of foreclosure or similar legal agreement. Additional disclosures are required detailing the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and the recorded investment in consumer mortgages collateralized by real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure. The new guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
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 is 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. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Company's financial statements.
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 June 2014, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-11, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures. The amendments in this update require two accounting changes. First, the amendments in this update change the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions to secured borrowing accounting. Second, for repurchase financing arrangements, the amendments require separate accounting for a transfer of a financial asset executed contemporaneously with a repurchase agreement with the same counter-party, which will result in secured borrowing accounting for the repurchase agreement. This update also requires certain disclosures for these types of transactions. This ASU became effective for the Company on January 1, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2014-11 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
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, 2015 are summarized as follows:

 
 
Amortized Cost
   
Unrealized Gains
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
 
Available for sale
               
Mortgage-backed securities
               
U. S. sponsored agency MBS - residential
 
$
93,376
   
$
1,022
   
$
(54
)
 
$
94,344
 
U. S. sponsored agency CMO's - residential
   
112,974
     
1,995
     
(506
)
   
114,463
 
Total mortgage-backed securities of government sponsored agencies
   
206,350
     
3,017
     
(560
)
   
208,807
 
U. S. government sponsored agency securities
   
10,445
     
76
     
-
     
10,521
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
9,094
     
197
     
(9
)
   
9,282
 
Total available for sale
 
$
225,889
   
$
3,290
   
$
(569
)
 
$
228,610
 

Amortized cost and fair value of investment securities, by category, at December 31, 2014 are summarized as follows:

 
 
Amortized Cost
   
Unrealized Gains
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
 
Available for sale
               
Mortgage-backed securities
               
U. S. sponsored agency MBS - residential
 
$
52,006
   
$
774
   
$
-
   
$
52,780
 
U. S. sponsored agency CMO's - residential
   
142,932
     
2,167
     
(911
)
   
144,188
 
Total mortgage-backed securities of government sponsored agencies
   
194,938
     
2,941
     
(911
)
   
196,968
 
U. S. government sponsored agency securities
   
22,533
     
30
     
(57
)
   
22,506
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
10,015
     
261
     
-
     
10,276
 
Total available for sale
 
$
227,486
   
$
3,232
   
$
(968
)
 
$
229,750
 

 
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, 2015 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
 
Available for sale
       
Due in one year or less
 
$
5,776
   
$
5,793
 
Due after one year through five years
   
11,264
     
11,453
 
Due after five years through ten years
   
2,252
     
2,308
 
Due after ten years
   
247
     
249
 
Mortgage-backed securities of government sponsored agencies
   
206,350
     
208,807
 
Total available for sale
 
$
225,889
   
$
228,610
 
                 

There were no sales of securities during the first nine months of 2015.  Proceeds from the sale of securities were $4,842,000 during the first nine months of 2014, while a $28,000 gain was recognized on the sale of those securities.

Securities with unrealized losses at September 30, 2015 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
 
Description of Securities
 
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Loss
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Loss
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Loss
 
                         
U.S government sponsored agency MBS – residential
 
$
17,479
   
$
(54
)
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
17,479
   
$
(54
)
U.S government sponsored agency CMO – residential
   
3,908
     
(72
)
   
20,894
     
(434
)
   
24,802
     
(506
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
920
     
(9
)
   
-
     
-
     
920
     
(9
)
Total temporarily impaired
 
$
22,307
   
$
(135
)
 
$
20,894
   
$
(434
)
 
$
43,201
   
$
(569
)

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


NOTE 2–SECURITIES - continued

Securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2014 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
 
Description of Securities
 
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Loss
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Loss
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Loss
 
                         
U.S government sponsored agency securities
 
$
9,971
   
$
(57
)
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
9,971
   
$
(57
)
U.S government sponsored agency CMO's – residential
   
5,194
     
(52
)
   
26,471
     
(859
)
   
31,665
     
(911
)
Total temporarily impaired
 
$
15,165
   
$
(109
)
 
$
26,471
   
$
(859
)
 
$
41,636
   
$
(968
)

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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are summarized as follows:

   
2015
   
2014
 
Residential real estate
 
$
284,052
   
$
278,212
 
Multifamily real estate
   
37,202
     
30,310
 
Commercial real estate:
               
Owner occupied
   
117,125
     
120,861
 
Non owner occupied
   
208,101
     
230,750
 
Commercial and industrial
   
76,314
     
85,943
 
Consumer
   
31,894
     
32,745
 
All other
   
100,374
     
100,890
 
   
$
855,062
   
$
879,711
 

 
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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 was as follows:

Loan Class
 
Balance
Dec 31, 2014
   
Provision (Credit)
for loan losses
   
Loans charged-off
   
Recoveries
   
Balance
Sept 30, 2015
 
                     
Residential real estate
 
$
2,093
   
$
557
   
$
102
   
$
74
   
$
2,622
 
Multifamily real estate
   
304
     
291
     
-
     
-
     
595
 
Commercial real estate:
                                       
Owner occupied
   
1,501
     
(3
)
   
2
     
2
     
1,498
 
Non owner occupied
   
2,316
     
(599
)
   
-
     
659
     
2,376
 
Commercial and industrial
   
1,444
     
71
     
403
     
7
     
1,119
 
Consumer
   
243
     
128
     
167
     
82
     
286
 
All other
   
2,446
     
(213
)
   
1,058
     
154
     
1,329
 
Total
 
$
10,347
   
$
232
   
$
1,732
   
$
978
   
$
9,825
 

Activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was as follows:

Loan Class
 
Balance
Dec 31, 2013
   
Provision (Creidt)
for loan losses
   
Loans charged-off
   
Recoveries
   
Balance
Sept 30, 2014
 
                     
Residential real estate
 
$
2,694
   
$
(419
)
 
$
308
   
$
55
   
$
2,022
 
Multifamily real estate
   
417
     
(137
)
   
-
     
-
     
280
 
Commercial real estate:
                                       
Owner occupied
   
1,407
     
112
     
207
     
-
     
1,312
 
Non owner occupied
   
2,037
     
310
     
323
     
-
     
2,024
 
Commercial and industrial
   
2,184
     
(335
)
   
111
     
11
     
1,749
 
Consumer
   
297
     
(12
)
   
105
     
45
     
225
 
All other
   
1,991
     
628
     
267
     
216
     
2,568
 
Total
 
$
11,027
   
$
147
   
$
1,321
   
$
327
   
$
10,180
 

 
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, 2015 was as follows:

Loan Class
 
Balance
June 30, 2015
   
Provision (Credit)
for loan losses
   
Loans charged-off
   
Recoveries
   
Balance
Sept. 30, 2015
 
                     
Residential real estate
 
$
2,466
   
$
185
   
$
35
   
$
6
   
$
2,622
 
Multifamily real estate
   
512
     
83
     
-
     
-
     
595
 
Commercial real estate:
                                       
Owner occupied
   
1,476
     
21
     
-
     
1
     
1,498
 
Non owner occupied
   
2,332
     
44
     
-
     
-
     
2,376
 
Commercial and industrial
   
1,139
     
211
     
234
     
3
     
1,119
 
Consumer
   
274
     
23
     
35
     
24
     
286
 
All other
   
2,495
     
(258
)
   
946
     
38
     
1,329
 
Total
 
$
10,694
   
$
309
   
$
1,250
   
$
72
   
$
9,825
 

Activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was as follows:

Loan Class
 
Balance
June 30, 2014
   
Provision (Credit)
for loan losses
   
Loans charged-off
   
Recoveries
   
Balance
Sept 30, 2014
 
                     
Residential real estate
 
$
2,140
   
$
(28
)
 
$
137
   
$
47
   
$
2,022
 
Multifamily real estate
   
311
     
(31
)
   
-
     
-
     
280
 
Commercial real estate:
                                       
Owner occupied
   
1,364
     
73
     
125
     
-
     
1,312
 
Non owner occupied
   
2,270
     
(246
)
   
-
     
-
     
2,024
 
Commercial and industrial
   
1,489
     
281
     
27
     
6
     
1,749
 
Consumer
   
232
     
21
     
46
     
18
     
225
 
All other
   
2,071
     
466
     
63
     
94
     
2,568
 
Total
 
$
9,877
   
$
536
   
$
398
   
$
165
   
$
10,180
 

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


NOTE 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

   
2015
   
2014
 
Multifamily real estate
 
$
-
   
$
497
 
Commercial real estate
               
Owner occupied
   
131
     
131
 
Non owner occupied
   
5,587
     
5,695
 
Commercial and industrial
   
114
     
136
 
All other
   
-
     
5,128
 
Total carrying amount
 
$
5,832
   
$
11,587
 
Contractual principal balance
 
$
7,450
   
$
21,250
 
                 
Carrying amount, net of allowance
 
$
5,718
   
$
10,639
 

For those purchased loans disclosed above, the Company increased the allowance for loan losses by $66,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. The allowance for loan losses was not increased for purchased impaired loans during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

For those purchased loans discussed 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, 2015 and September 30, 2014.

   
2015
   
2014
 
Balance at January 1
 
$
204
   
$
217
 
New loans purchased
   
-
     
-
 
Accretion of income
   
(14
)
   
(9
)
Reclassifications from non-accretable difference
   
-
     
-
 
Disposals
   
-
     
-
 
Balance at September 30
 
$
190
   
$
208
 


 
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014.  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, 2015
 
Principal Owed on Non-accrual Loans
   
Recorded Investment in Non-accrual Loans
   
Loans Past Due Over 90 Days, still accruing
 
             
Residential real estate
 
$
2,439
   
$
2,188
   
$
971
 
Multifamily real estate
   
411
     
70
     
-
 
Commercial real estate
                       
Owner occupied
   
879
     
806
     
1,132
 
Non owner occupied
   
1,928
     
1,628
     
1,811
 
Commercial and industrial
   
1,465
     
354
     
1,388
 
Consumer
   
211
     
198
     
-
 
All other
   
88
     
33
     
-
 
Total
 
$
7,431
   
$
5,277
   
$
5,302
 
                         

December 31, 2014
 
Principal Owed on Non-accrual Loans
   
Recorded Investment in Non-accrual Loans
   
Loans Past Due Over 90 Days, still accruing
 
             
Residential real estate
 
$
1,996
   
$
1,768
   
$
668
 
Multifamily real estate
   
1,803
     
1,033
     
564
 
Commercial real estate
                       
Owner occupied
   
2,115
     
1,928
     
-
 
Non owner occupied
   
2,020
     
1,819
     
26
 
Commercial and industrial
   
2,012
     
806
     
8
 
Consumer
   
213
     
185
     
-
 
All other
   
12,608
     
5,173
     
-
 
Total
 
$
22,767
   
$
12,712
   
$
1,266
 
                         

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–LOANS - continued

The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans as of September 30, 2015 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
 
                     
Residential real estate
 
$
284,052
   
$
5,320
   
$
2,086
   
$
7,406
   
$
276,646
 
Multifamily real estate
   
37,202
     
312
     
70
     
382
     
36,820
 
Commercial real estate:
                                       
Owner occupied
   
117,125
     
2,137
     
1,674
     
3,811
     
113,314
 
Non owner occupied
   
208,101
     
4,115
     
3,439
     
7,554
     
200,547
 
Commercial and industrial
   
76,314
     
303
     
1,571
     
1,874
     
74,440
 
Consumer
   
31,894
     
442
     
91
     
533
     
31,361
 
All other
   
100,374
     
904
     
-
     
904
     
99,470
 
Total
 
$
855,062
   
$
13,533
   
$
8,931
   
$
22,464
   
$
832,598
 

The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans as of December 31, 2014 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
 
                     
Residential real estate
 
$
278,212
   
$
5,810
   
$
1,706
   
$
7,516
   
$
270,696
 
Multifamily real estate
   
30,310
     
177
     
1,100
     
1,277
     
29,033
 
Commercial real estate:
                                       
Owner occupied
   
120,861
     
250
     
1,530
     
1,780
     
119,081
 
Non owner occupied
   
230,750
     
2,173
     
1,670
     
3,843
     
226,907
 
Commercial and industrial
   
85,943
     
1,720
     
608
     
2,328
     
83,615
 
Consumer
   
32,745
     
497
     
71
     
568
     
32,177
 
All other
   
100,890
     
234
     
5,127
     
5,361
     
95,529
 
Total
 
$
879,711
   
$
10,861
   
$
11,812
   
$
22,673
   
$
857,038
 


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


NOTE 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, 2015:
   
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
 
                                 
Residential real estate
 
$
177
   
$
2,445
   
$
-
   
$
2,622
   
$
475
   
$
283,577
   
$
-
   
$
284,052
 
Multifamily real estate
   
-
     
595
     
-
     
595
     
71
     
37,131
     
-
     
37,202
 
Commercial real estate:
                                                               
Owner occupied
   
33
     
1,465
     
-
     
1,498
     
772
     
116,222
     
131
     
117,125
 
Non-owner occupied
   
-
     
2,376
     
-
     
2,376
     
4,212
     
198,302
     
5,587
     
208,101
 
Commercial and industrial
   
139
     
866
     
114
     
1,119
     
546
     
75,654
     
114
     
76,314
 
Consumer
   
-
     
286
     
-
     
286
     
-
     
31,894
     
-
     
31,894
 
All other
   
-
     
1,329
     
-
     
1,329
     
912
     
99,462
     
-
     
100,374
 
Total
 
$
349
   
$
9,362
   
$
114
   
$
9,825
   
$
6,988
   
$
842,242
   
$
5,832
   
$
855,062
 

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, 2014:
   
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
 
                                 
Residential real estate
 
$
-
   
$
2,093
   
$
-
   
$
2,093
   
$
137
   
$
278,075
   
$
-
   
$
278,212
 
Multifamily real estate
   
-
     
304
     
-
     
304
     
536
     
29,277
     
497
     
30,310
 
Commercial real estate:
                                                               
Owner occupied
   
107
     
1,394
     
-
     
1,501
     
2,011
     
118,719
     
131
     
120,861
 
Non-owner occupied
   
54
     
2,262
     
-
     
2,316
     
4,874
     
220,181
     
5,695
     
230,750
 
Commercial and industrial
   
291
     
1,105
     
48
     
1,444
     
902
     
84,905
     
136
     
85,943
 
Consumer
   
-
     
243
     
-
     
243
     
-
     
32,745
     
-
     
32,745
 
All other
   
-
     
1,546
     
900
     
2,446
     
1,109
     
94,653
     
5,128
     
100,890
 
Total
 
$
452
   
$
8,947
   
$
948
   
$
10,347
   
$
9,569
   
$
858,555
   
$
11,587
   
$
879,711
 
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE 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, 2015.  The table includes $114,000 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
 
With no related allowance recorded:
           
Residential real estate
 
$
295
   
$
254
   
$
-
 
Multifamily real estate
   
412
     
71
     
-
 
Commercial real estate
                       
Owner occupied
   
457
     
392
     
-
 
Non owner occupied
   
4,512
     
4,212
     
-
 
Commercial and industrial
   
1,180
     
407
     
-
 
All other
   
967
     
912
     
-
 
     
7,823
     
6,248
     
-
 
With an allowance recorded:
                       
Residential real estate
 
$
227
   
$
221
   
$
177
 
Commercial real estate
                       
Owner occupied
   
380
     
380
     
33
 
Commercial and industrial
   
536
     
253
     
253
 
     
1,143
     
854
     
463
 
Total
 
$
8,966
   
$
7,102
   
$
463
 
                         


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


NOTE 3–LOANS - continued

The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans as of December 31, 2014. The table includes $5,673,000 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
 
With no related allowance recorded:
           
Residential real estate
 
$
179
   
$
137
   
$
-
 
Multifamily real estate
   
1,803
     
1,033
     
-
 
Commercial real estate
                       
Owner occupied
   
1,404
     
1,304
     
-
 
Non owner occupied
   
4,398
     
4,190
     
-
 
Commercial and industrial
   
1,030
     
270
     
-
 
All other
   
1,144
     
1,108
     
-
 
     
9,958
     
8,042
     
-
 
With an allowance recorded:
                       
Commercial real estate
                       
Owner occupied
 
$
707
   
$
707
   
$
107
 
Non owner occupied
   
684
     
684
     
54
 
Commercial and industrial
   
929
     
680
     
339
 
All other
   
12,525
     
5,129
     
900
 
     
14,845
     
7,200
     
1,400
 
Total
 
$
24,803
   
$
15,242
   
$
1,400
 
                         


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


NOTE 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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014. The table includes loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality that are still individually evaluated for impairment.

   
Nine months ended Sept. 30, 2015
   
Nine months ended Sept. 30, 2014
 
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
 
$
329
   
$
5
   
$
5
   
$
2,421
   
$
209
   
$
209
 
Multifamily real estate
   
1,051
     
685
     
685
     
2,518
     
746
     
746
 
Commercial real estate:
                                               
Owner occupied
   
1,157
     
25
     
25
     
2,171
     
39
     
30
 
Non-owner occupied
   
4,552
     
137
     
115
     
1,388
     
644
     
634
 
Commercial and industrial
   
856
     
20
     
20
     
2,152
     
546
     
546
 
All other
   
4,841
     
43
     
28
     
7,624
     
126
     
126
 
Total
 
$
12,786
   
$
915
   
$
878
   
$
18,274
   
$
2,310
   
$
2,291
 

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, 2015 and September 30, 2014. The table includes loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality that are still individually evaluated for impairment.

   
Three months ended Sept. 30, 2015
   
Three months ended Sept. 30, 2014
 
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
 
$
523
   
$
3
   
$
3
   
$
2,166
   
$
148
   
$
148
 
Multifamily real estate
   
305
     
671
     
671
     
2,328
     
19
     
19
 
Commercial real estate:
                                               
Owner occupied
   
857
     
7
     
7
     
2,080
     
10
     
9
 
Non-owner occupied
   
4,304
     
43
     
34
     
1,679
     
17
     
7
 
Commercial and industrial
   
726
     
6
     
6
     
1,337
     
4
     
4
 
All other
   
3,487
     
14
     
-
     
7,475
     
45
     
45
 
Total
 
$
10,202
   
$
744
   
$
721
   
$
17,065
   
$
243
   
$
232
 
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

September 30, 2015
 
TDR's on Non-accrual
   
Other TDR's
   
Total TDR's
 
             
Residential real estate
 
$
8
   
$
176
   
$
184
 
Commercial real estate
                       
Non owner occupied
   
-
     
459
     
459
 
Commercial and industrial
   
-
     
406
     
406
 
All other
   
-
     
886
     
886
 
Total
 
$
8
   
$
1,927
   
$
1,935
 
                         

December 31, 2014
 
TDR's on Non-accrual
   
Other TDR's
   
Total TDR's
 
             
Residential real estate
 
$
13
   
$
191
   
$
204
 
Commercial real estate
                       
Non owner occupied
   
-
     
474
     
474
 
Commercial and industrial
   
-
     
761
     
761
 
All other
   
-
     
1,063
     
1,063
 
Total
 
$
13
   
$
2,489
   
$
2,502
 
                         

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 there were no specific reserves allocated to loans that had restructured terms and there were no commitments to lend additional amounts on these loans.

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


NOTE 3–LOANS - continued

The following table presents TDR's that occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  There were no TDR's that occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

   
Nine months ended Sept. 30, 2015
 
Loan Class
 
Number of Loans
   
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
   
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
 
             
Multifamily Real Estate
   
1
   
$
1,543
   
$
1,543
 
Total
   
1
   
$
1,543
   
$
1,543
 

The modification of the multifamily residential real estate loan above occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and was fully repaid during the three months ended June 30, 2015.  The modification did not include a permanent reduction of the recorded investment in the loan and did not increase the allowance for loan losses during the period.  The modification included a lengthening of the amortization period and reduction in the stated interest rate, however the maturity date was reduced to the end of a fifteen month forbearance period with a balloon payment due at maturity.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, 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.
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 residential real estate, on a monthly basis. For consumer loans, including consumer loans secured by residential real estate, the analysis involves monitoring the performing status of the loan. At the time such loans become past due by 30 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–LOANS - continued

As of September 30, 2015 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
 
                     
Residential real estate
 
$
271,872
   
$
5,268
   
$
6,904
   
$
8
   
$
284,052
 
Multifamily real estate
   
32,858
     
2,055
     
2,289
     
-
     
37,202
 
Commercial real estate:
                                       
Owner occupied
   
110,387
     
3,814
     
2,924
     
-
     
117,125
 
Non-owner occupied
   
198,092
     
2,917
     
7,092
     
-
     
208,101
 
Commercial and industrial
   
73,507
     
1,839
     
921
     
47
     
76,314
 
Consumer
   
31,503
     
223
     
168
     
-
     
31,894
 
All other
   
97,686
     
1,348
     
1,340
     
-
     
100,374
 
Total
 
$
815,905
   
$
17,464
   
$
21,638
   
$
55
   
$
855,062
 

As of December 31, 2014, 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
 
                     
Residential real estate
 
$
265,285
   
$
8,292
   
$
4,622
   
$
13
   
$
278,212
 
Multifamily real estate
   
27,260
     
2,017
     
1,033
     
-
     
30,310
 
Commercial real estate:
                                       
Owner occupied
   
111,024
     
6,505
     
3,332
     
-
     
120,861
 
Non-owner occupied
   
218,971
     
6,652
     
5,127
     
-
     
230,750
 
Commercial and industrial
   
83,634
     
1,007
     
1,275
     
27
     
85,943
 
Consumer
   
32,364
     
267
     
114
     
-
     
32,745
 
All other
   
89,173
     
4,873
     
6,844
     
-
     
100,890
 
Total
 
$
827,711
   
$
29,613
   
$
22,347
   
$
40
   
$
879,711
 

 
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 2015 the Banks could, without prior approval, declare dividends to Premier of approximately $5.5 million plus any 2015 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.
These quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and Banks to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of Common Equity Tier 1 Capital, Tier 1 Capital and Total Capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 Capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined).  The Common Equity Tier 1 Capital measurement became effective with the March 31, 2015 reporting period.  Management believes, as of September 30, 2015 the Company and the Banks meet all quantitative capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

Shown below is a summary of regulatory capital ratios for the Company:
   
September 30,
2015
   
December 31,
2014
   
Regulatory
Minimum
Requirements (1)
   
To Be Considered
Well Capitalized (1)
 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
   
13.3
%
   
n/
a
   
4.5
%
   
6.5
%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) (1)
   
13.3
%
   
13.3
%
   
6.0
%
   
8.0
%
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
   
14.4
%
   
14.6
%
   
8.0
%
   
10.0
%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
   
9.3
%
   
9.1
%
   
4.0
%
   
5.0
%
(1)The regulatory requirements presented in the table are effective as of January 1, 2015. At December 31, 2014, the minimum Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio was 4.0% and to be considered well capitalized the ratio was required to be at least 6.0%
 

As of September 30, 2015, the most recent notification from each of the Banks' primary Federal regulators categorized the subsidiary Banks as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  To be categorized as well capitalized, the Banks must maintain minimum Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, Total risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the preceding table.  There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Banks' categories.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE 5 – PREFERRED STOCK AND COMMON STOCK WARRANT

On October 2, 2009, as part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program ("TARP") Capital Purchase Program, the Company entered into a Letter Agreement and Securities Purchase Agreement (collectively, the "Purchase Agreement") with the United States Department of the Treasury ("U.S. Treasury").  Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company issued and sold to the U.S. Treasury 22,252 shares of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, no par value, with a liquidation preference of one thousand dollars per share (the "Series A Preferred Stock") and a ten-year warrant (the "Warrant") to purchase 628,588 shares of the Company's common stock, no par value, at an exercise price of $5.31 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $22,252,000 in cash.
Under standardized TARP Capital Purchase Program terms, cumulative dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock accrued on the liquidation preference at a rate of 5% per annum until November 14, 2014. As of November 14, 2014, all of the 22,252 shares of the Series A Preferred Stock have been repurchased or redeemed. The Series A Preferred Stock had no maturity date and ranked senior to the Company's common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation, dissolution and winding up of Premier.
Under terms of the Warrant, the exercise price and the number of shares that can be purchased were adjusted based upon certain events including common stock dividends paid to shareholders that exceed the $0.11 per share regular quarterly dividend paid by Premier at the time the Warrant was issued.  Due to dividends paid in 2015 and 2014 that were either special cash dividends or dividends that exceeded the $0.11 regular quarterly cash dividend per share defined in the terms of the Warrant, the Warrant was adjusted to permit the purchase of 636,378 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $5.25 per share.  On May 6, 2015, Premier purchased the Warrant from the U.S. Treasury for $5,675,000. Premier borrowed $4,000,000 on its line of credit with the Bankers Bank of Kentucky and used $1,675,000 of its cash and cash equivalents to complete the purchase.  The purchase reduced shareholders' equity and regulatory capital by the $5,675,000 purchase price but also reduced the dilutive effect of potential additional common shares. See Note 7 below for additional information on the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  6 – 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.
On March 18, 2015, 47,650 incentive stock options were granted out of the 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan at an exercise price of $14.72, the closing market price of Premier's common stock on the grant date. These options vest in three equal annual installments ending on March 18, 2018.  On March 19, 2014, 46,300 incentive stock options were granted out of the 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan at an exercise price of $14.43, the closing market price of Premier's common stock on the grant date. These options vest in three equal annual installments ending on March 19, 2017.
The fair value of the Company's employee stock options granted is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. This model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, changes to which can materially affect the fair value estimate. Additionally, there may be other factors that would otherwise have a significant effect on the value of employee stock options granted but are not considered by the model. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model are as follows:

   
2015
   
2014
 
Risk-free interest rate
   
1.41
%
   
2.78
%
Expected option life (yrs)
   
5.00
     
10.00
 
Expected stock price volatility
   
17.20
%
   
31.19
%
Dividend yield
   
3.53
%
   
3.33
%
Weighted average fair value of options granted
 
$
1.37
   
$
3.74
 

The risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of the grant.  The expected option life for the 2015 grant was based upon the weighted-average life of options exercised from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2014.  The expected option life for the 2014 grant was estimated since there had been little option exercise history at the time of the grant.  The expected stock price volatility is based on historical volatilities of the Company's common stock.  The dividend yield was estimated by annualizing the current quarterly dividend on the Company's common stock at the time of the option grant.
On March 18, 2015, 7,000 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 $14.72 per share based upon the closing price of Premier's stock on the date of grant and $103,000 of stock-based compensation was recorded as a result.

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


NOTE  6 – STOCK COMPENSATION EXPENSE - continued

On April 16, 2014, 6,000 shares of Premier's common stock were granted to 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 $14.20 per share based upon the closing price of Premier's stock of the date of grant and $85,000 of stock-based compensation was recorded as a result.
Stock-based compensation expense of $188,000 was recorded for the first nine months of 2015 compared to $208,000 for the first nine months of 2014.  For the three months ended September 30, $25,000 was recorded for 2015 while $38,000 was recorded for 2014.  Stock-based compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite vesting period for all awards. Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options totaled $65,000 at September 30, 2015. This unrecognized expense is expected to be recognized over the next 29 months based on the vesting periods of the options.
A summary of the Company's stock option activity and related information is presented below for the nine months ended September 30:

  - - - - - - 2015 - - - - - - - - - - - - 2014 - - - - - -
    Options    
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Options
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Outstanding at beginning of year
   
273,942
   
$
11.06
   
354,281
   
$
9.84
 
Grants
   
47,650
     
14.72
   
46,300
     
14.43
 
Exercises
   
(37,081
)
   
10.65
   
(77,896
)
   
8.52
 
Forfeitures or expired
   
(24,382
)
   
14.03
   
(8,133
)
   
9.27
 
Outstanding at September 30,
   
260,129
   
$
11.51
   
314,552
   
$
10.86
 
                               
Exercisable at September 30,
   
184,794
           
209,299
         
Weighted average remaining life of options outstanding
   
6.0
           
6.1
         
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year
 
$
1.37
         
$
3.74
         

Options outstanding at period-end are expected to fully vest.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  6 – STOCK COMPENSATION EXPENSE - continued

Additional information regarding stock options outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2015, is provided in the following table:

   
- - - - - - - - Outstanding - - - - - - - -
   
- - - - - - - - Currently Exercisable - - - - - - - -
 
Range of Exercise Prices
 
Number
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
   
Number
   
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 
                             
$6.50 to $10.00 
   
96,878
   
$
7.54
   
$
649
     
96,878
     
5.6
   
$
7.54
   
$
649
 
$10.01 to $12.50 
   
34,667
     
11.39
     
99
     
22,874
     
7.5
     
11.39
     
65
 
$12.51 to $15.00 
   
108,084
     
14.26
     
24
     
44,542
     
3.8
     
13.75
     
24
 
$15.01 to $17.50 
   
20,500
     
16.00
     
-
     
20,500
     
0.4
     
16.00
     
-
 
Outstanding - Sept. 30, 2015 
   
260,129
     
11.51
   
$
772
     
184,794
     
4.8
     
10.46
   
$
738
 
                                                           


NOTE  7 – 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, 2015 and 2014 is presented below:

   
Three Months Ended
Sept. 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
Sept. 30,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
Basic earnings per share
               
Income available to common stockholders
 
$
3,325
   
$
2,946
   
$
9,594
   
$
9,386
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
8,172,577
     
8,108,722
     
8,158,003
     
8,077,428
 
Earnings per share
 
$
0.41
   
$
0.36
   
$
1.18
   
$
1.16
 
                                 
Diluted earnings per share
                               
Income available to common stockholders
 
$
3,325
   
$
2,946
   
$
9,594
   
$
9,386
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
8,172,577
     
8,108,722
     
8,158,003
     
8,077,428
 
Add dilutive effects of potential additional common stock
   
65,090
     
512,166
     
259,466
     
506,420
 
Weighted average common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding
   
8,237,667
     
8,620,888
     
8,417,469
     
8,583,848
 
Earnings per share assuming dilution
 
$
0.40
   
$
0.34
   
$
1.14
   
$
1.09
 
                                 

Stock options for 23,500 and 23,500 shares of common stock were not considered in computing diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 because they were antidilutive.  Stock options for 23,500 and 23,500 shares of common stock were not considered in computing diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 because they were antidilutive.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE  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. It was 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 life and credit risk. 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 September 30, 2015 were as follows:

       
Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2015 Using
 
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Financial assets
                   
Cash and due from banks
 
$
107,658
   
$
107,658
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
107,658
 
Federal funds sold
   
4,193
     
4,193
     
-
     
-
     
4,193
 
Securities available for sale
   
228,610
     
-
     
228,610
     
-
     
228,610
 
Loans, net
   
845,237
     
-
     
-
     
847,567
     
847,567
 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
   
3,072
     
n/a
 
   
n/a
 
   
n/a
 
   
n/a
 
Interest receivable
   
3,407
     
-
     
626
     
2,781
     
3,407
 
                                         
Financial liabilities
                                       
Deposits
 
$
(1,078,752
)
 
$
(735,228
)
 
$
(342,422
)
 
$
-
   
$
(1,077,650
)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
(20,532
)
   
-
     
(20,532
)
   
-
     
(20,532
)
Other borrowed funds
   
(11,999
)
   
-
     
(12,051
)
   
-
     
(12,051
)
Interest payable
   
(339
)
   
(6
)
   
(333
)
   
-
     
(339
)
                                         

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at December 31, 2014 were as follows:

       
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Using
 
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Financial assets
                   
Cash and due from banks
 
$
70,398
   
$
70,398
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
70,398
 
Federal funds sold
   
4,986
     
4,986
     
-
     
-
     
4,986
 
Securities available for sale
   
229,750
     
-
     
229,610
     
140
     
229,750
 
Loans held for sale
   
226
     
-
     
-
     
226
     
226
 
Loans, net
   
869,364
     
-
     
-
     
870,273
     
870,273
 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
   
2,996
     
n/
a
   
n/
a
   
n/
a
   
n/
a
Interest receivable
   
3,219
     
-
     
625
     
2,594
     
3,219
 
                                         
Financial liabilities
                                       
Deposits
 
$
(1,075,243
)
 
$
(711,118
)
 
$
(363,481
)
 
$
-
   
$
(1,074,599
)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
(15,580
)
   
-
     
(15,580
)
   
-
     
(15,580
)
Other borrowed funds
   
(11,722
)
   
-
     
(11,760
)
   
-
     
(11,760
)
Interest payable
   
(434
)
   
(6
)
   
(428
)
   
-
     
(434
)
                                         

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
September 30, 2015 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
 
$
94,344
   
$
-
   
$
94,344
   
$
-
 
U. S. agency CMO's - residential
   
114,463
     
-
     
114,463
     
-
 
Total mortgage-backed securities of government sponsored agencies
   
208,807
     
-
     
208,807
     
-
 
U. S. government sponsored agency securities
   
10,521
     
-
     
10,521
     
-
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
9,282
     
-
     
9,282
     
-
 
Total available for sale
 
$
228,610
   
$
-
   
$
228,610
   
$
-
 

       
Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 2014 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
 
$
52,780
   
$
-
   
$
52,780
   
$
-
 
U. S. agency CMO's
   
144,188
     
-
     
144,188
     
-
 
Total mortgage-backed securities of government sponsored agencies
   
196,968
     
-
     
196,968
     
-
 
U. S. government sponsored agency securities
   
22,506
     
-
     
22,506
     
-
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
10,276
     
-
     
10,136
     
140
 
Total securities available for sale
 
$
229,750
   
$
-
   
$
229,610
   
$
140
 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during 2015 or 2014.
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 table below presents a reconciliation of all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the quarter ended September 30, 2015:

   
Securities
Available-for-sale
 
   
Quarter Ended
September 30, 2015
 
Balance of recurring Level 3 assets at beginning of period
 
$
140
 
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
       
Included in earnings – realized
   
-
 
Included in earnings – unrealized
   
-
 
Included in other comprehensive income
   
-
 
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net
   
(140
)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
   
-
 
Balance of recurring Level 3 assets at period-end
 
$
-
 

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 real estate appraisals. 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 unique to each property 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 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.  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 writedown.
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 September 30, 2015 are summarized below:

       
Fair Value Measurements at
September 30, 2015 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:
               
Residential real estate
 
$
44
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
44
 
Commercial real estate:
                               
Owner occupied
   
347
     
-
     
-
     
347
 
Total impaired loans
 
$
391
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
391
 
                                 
Other real estate owned:
                               
Residential real estate
 
$
648
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
648
 
Commercial real estate:
                               
Owner occupied
   
39
     
-
     
-
     
39
 
Non-owner occupied
   
2,253
     
-
     
-
     
2,253
 
All other
   
5,339
     
-
     
-
     
5,339
 
Total OREO
 
$
8,279
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
8,279
 

Impaired loans, which are measured for impairment using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans, had a carrying amount of $854,000 at September 30, 2015 with a valuation allowance of $463,000 and a carrying amount of $7,200,000 at December 31, 2014 with a valuation allowance of $1,400,000.  The change resulted in a provision for loan losses of $136,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to an $473,000 negative provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and an $18,000 provision for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to a $413,000 negative provision for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2014.  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 $8,279,000 which is made up of the outstanding balance of $10,599,000 net of a valuation allowance of $2,320,000 at September 30, 2015.  There were $614,000 of additional write downs during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $380,000 of additional write downs during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  For the three months ended September 30, 2015 there were $368,000 of additional write downs compared to $100,000 of additional write downs during the three months ended September 30, 2014.  At December 31, 2014, other real estate owned had a net carrying amount of $10,206,000, made up of the outstanding balance of $12,343,000, net of a valuation allowance of $2,137,000.
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 September 30, 2015 are summarized below:

   
September 30, 2015
 
Valuation Techniques
 
Unobservable Inputs
 
Range
(Weighted Avg) 
Impaired loans:
             
Residential real estate
 
$
44
 
sales comparison
 
adjustment for differences between the comparable sales
  69.6%-69.6% (69.6%)
Commercial real estate:
                   
Owner occupied
   
347
 
sales comparison
 
adjustment for limited salability of specialized property
 
65.5%-72.4% (66.9%)
Total impaired loans
 
$
391
             
                     
Other real estate owned:
                   
Residential real estate
 
$
648
 
sales comparison
 
adjustment for differences between the comparable sales
  0.7%-31.6% (24.7%)
Commercial real estate:
                   
Owner occupied
   
39
 
sales comparison
 
adjustment for estimated realizable value
  25.4%-25.4% (25.4%)
Non-owner occupied
   
2,253
 
sales comparison
 
adjustment for differences between the comparable sales
  21.8%-23.4% (23.1%)
All other
   
5,339
 
sales comparison
 
adjustment for estimated realizable value
  10.7%-37.6% (14.5%)
Total OREO
 
$
8,279
             
                     
                     
                     

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, 2014 are summarized below:

       
Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 2014 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
 
$
600
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
600
 
Non-owner occupied
   
630
     
-
     
-
     
630
 
Commercial and industrial
   
341
     
-
     
-
     
341
 
All other
   
4,229
     
-
     
-
     
4,229
 
Total impaired loans
 
$
5,800
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
5,800
 
                                 
Other real estate owned:
                               
Commercial real estate:
                               
Non-owner occupied
 
$
2,003
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
2,003
 
All other
   
8,203
     
-
     
-
     
8,203
 
Total OREO
 
$
10,206
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
10,206
 


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, 2014 are summarized below:

   
December 31, 2014
 
Valuation Techniques
 
Unobservable Inputs
 
Range
(Weighted Avg) 
Impaired loans:
             
Commercial real estate:
             
Owner occupied
 
$
600
 
sales comparison
 
adjustment for limited salability of specialized property
  44.8%-72.4% (58.9%)
Non-owner occupied
   
630
 
sales comparison
 
adjustment for differences between the comparable sales
  16.9%-54.6% (16.9%)
Commercial and industrial
   
341
 
sales comparison
 
adjustment for limited salability of specialized property
  26.2%-41.2% (27.0%)
All other
   
4,229
 
sales comparison
 
adjustment for percentage of completion of construction
  57.3%-57.3% (57.3%)
Total impaired loans
 
$
5,800
             
                     
Other real estate owned:
                   
Commercial real estate:
                   
Non-owner occupied
 
$
2,003
 
sales comparison
 
adjustment for differences between the comparable sales
  17.8%-17.8% (17.8%)
All other
   
8,203
 
sales comparison
 
adjustment for estimated realizable value
  24.6%-50.3% (45.0%)
Total OREO
 
$
10,206
             
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN TABLES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


NOTE 9 – PENDING ACQUISITION

On July 6, 2015, Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. ("Premier") entered into a material definitive merger agreement (the "Merger Agreement") with First National Bankshares Corporation ("First National"), a $245 million single bank holding company headquartered in Ronceverte, West Virginia whereby Premier will acquire First National in exchange for a combination of cash and Premier common stock valued on the date of the announcement at approximately $26.5 million.
Under terms of the Merger Agreement, First National shareholders will be entitled to a combination of Premier common stock and cash valued on the date of the announcement at approximately $31.82 per First National share, or an aggregate value of $26.5 million, with Premier issuing approximately 1.4 million shares in the acquisition.  The transaction, which is subject to satisfaction of various contractual conditions and requires approval by bank regulatory agencies and the shareholders of First National, is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2016.


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, 2015 was $9,594,000, or $1.14 per diluted share, compared to net income of $9,921,000, or $1.09 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  The decrease in income in 2015 is largely due to a gain on the sale of OREO in 2014 and higher provision for loan losses in 2015 compared to 2014, both of which more than offset an increase in net interest income and an increase in non-interest income. The annualized returns on average common shareholders' equity and average assets were approximately 8.66% and 1.01% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to 8.75% and 1.07% for the same period of 2014.
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $3,325,000, or $0.40 per diluted share, compared to net income of $3,151,000, or $0.34 per diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2014.  The increase in income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 is largely due to an increase in interest income, a decrease in interest expense and a decrease in the provision for loan losses, all of which more than offset an increase in net operating expenses.  The annualized returns on average common shareholders' equity and average assets were approximately 9.04% and 1.05% for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to 8.18% and 0.99% for the same period in 2014.
Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 totaled $36.67 million, up $561,000, or 1.6%, from the $36.11 million of net interest income earned in the first nine months of 2014, as an increase in interest income was complemented by a decrease in interest expense.  Interest income in 2015 increased by $390,000, or 1.0%, largely due to an $831,000 increase in interest income on loans.  As a result of the purchase of the Bank of Gassaway ("Gassaway") on April 4, 2014, interest income on loans in the first nine months of 2015 included the Gassaway loan interest income for the full nine months while interest income in the first nine months of 2014 included this income only in the second and third quarters of 2014.  The impact increased 2015 interest income on loans by approximately $1.5 million.  Interest income on loans in 2015 was also increased by $671,000 as a result of income recognized from purchase discounts and interest income collected on non-accrual loans liquidated during the first nine months and another $1.03 million, or 3.0%, from an increase in average loans outstanding from Premier’s core operations.  These increases more than offset approximately $2.37 million of income recognized from purchase discounts and interest income collected on non-accrual loans liquidated during the first nine months of 2014.  The timing of these liquidations is difficult to predict, which creates fluctuations in reported loan interest income.  Interest earned on investments decreased by $436,000, or 10.3%, due to a lower average balance of investments outstanding during the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014.  Interest earned on federal funds sold and interest bearing bank balances decreased by $5,000, largely due to slightly lower yields on the assets held in this category.
 
 
Complementing the increase in interest income in the first nine months of 2015 was $171,000 of interest expense savings.  Interest expense decreased in total during the first nine months of 2015 by $171,000, or 5.3%, when compared to the same nine months of 2014.    Interest expense on deposits decreased by $139,000, or 5.0%, in the first nine months of 2015 largely due to a continuing decrease in the average rates paid on deposits.  Similar to the interest income on loans from the purchase of Gassaway, interest expense on the deposits from Gassaway is included in the first nine months of 2014 only during the second and third quarters.  The effect is an additional $100,000 of interest expense on the interest-bearing deposits assumed from the Gassaway purchase reported in the first nine months of 2015.  Otherwise, interest expense in the first nine months of 2015 would have decreased by $239,000, or 8.5%, when compared to the same nine months of 2014.  Interest expense on repurchase agreements and other short-term borrowings increased by $4,000 in the first nine months of 2015, largely due to a higher average balance outstanding.  Interest expense on other borrowings decreased by $36,000, or 8.4%, in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the first nine months of 2014, largely due to a decrease in the average amount of borrowings outstanding which more than offset an additional $5,000 of interest expense from the borrowing assumed from the Gassaway purchase.
The Federal Reserve System Board of Governors' policy to maintain the federal funds rate at nearly zero, coupled with the U.S. Treasury actively buying investment securities in 2014, has significantly reduced the yield on much of Premier's earning assets, including investments, federal funds sold and variable rate loans.  Premier has tried to offset the lower interest income by lowering the rates paid on its deposits and repurchase agreements with customers.  Premier's net interest margin during the first nine months of 2015 was 4.19% compared to 4.28% for the same period in 2014.  With the recognition of additional loan interest income upon the liquidation of non-accrual loans in 2014 exceeding the amount recognized in 2015, Premier's overall net interest margin decreased in the first nine months of 2015.  A portion of the interest income on loans is the result of recognizing into interest income the remaining fair value discounts on loans acquired via a business acquisition if that loan was paid-off during the period.  These events cannot be predicted with certainty and may positively or negatively affect the comparison of interest income on loans in future periods.  Also impacting the comparison of Premier's net interest margin in 2015 with its net interest margin in 2014 are the assets and liabilities acquired via the Gassaway purchase, which generated additional net interest income in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the net interest income in the first nine months of 2014 but not necessarily at the same net interest margin as Premier's historical yields.
 
Additional information on Premier's net interest income for the first nine months of 2015 and first nine months of 2014 is contained in the following table.
 
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
 
AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
AND NET INTEREST INCOME ANALYSIS
 
 
   
Nine Months Ended Sept. 30, 2015
   
Nine Months Ended Sept. 30, 2014
 
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/Rate
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/Rate
 
Assets
                       
Interest Earning Assets
                       
Federal funds sold and other
 
$
69,725
   
$
137
     
0.26
%
 
$
69,041
   
$
142
     
0.27
%
Securities available for sale
                                               
Taxable
   
221,184
     
3,639
     
2.19
     
246,487
     
4,080
     
2.21
 
Tax-exempt
   
8,273
     
162
     
3.96
     
7,914
     
157
     
4.01
 
Total investment securities
   
229,457
     
3,801
     
2.26
     
254,401
     
4,237
     
2.26
 
Total loans
   
873,884
     
35,812
     
5.48
     
806,487
     
34,981
     
5.80
 
Total interest-earning assets
   
1,173,066
     
39,750
     
4.54
%
   
1,129,929
     
39,360
     
4.67
%
Allowance for loan losses
   
(10,436
)
                   
(10,291
)
               
Cash and due from banks
   
32,040
                     
31,577
                 
Other assets
   
73,471
                     
75,929
                 
Total assets
 
$
1,268,141
                   
$
1,227,144
                 
                                                 
Liabilities and Equity
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities
                                               
Interest-bearing deposits
 
$
823,933
     
2,661
     
0.43
   
$
800,713
     
2,800
     
0.47
 
Short-term borrowings
   
16,102
     
28
     
0.23
     
12,408
     
23
     
0.25
 
FHLB advances
   
-
     
-
     
0.00
     
1,117
     
1
     
0.12
 
Other borrowings
   
12,008
     
391
     
4.35
     
13,094
     
427
     
4.36
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
852,043
     
3,080
     
0.48
%
   
827,332
     
3,251
     
0.53
%
Non-interest bearing deposits
   
263,475
                     
241,043
                 
Other liabilities
   
4,888
                     
5,572
                 
Stockholders' equity
   
147,735
                     
153,197
                 
Total liabilities and equity
 
$
1,268,141
                   
$
1,227,144
                 
                                                 
Net interest earnings
         
$
36,670
                   
$
36,109
         
Net interest spread
                   
4.06
%
                   
4.14
%
Net interest margin
                   
4.19
%
                   
4.28
%
                                                 

 
Additional information on Premier's net interest income for the third quarter of 2015 and third quarter of 2014 is contained in the following table.
 
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
 
AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
AND NET INTEREST INCOME ANALYSIS
 
 
   
Three Months Ended Sept. 30, 2015
   
Three Months Ended Sept. 30, 2014
 
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/Rate
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/Rate
 
Assets
                       
Interest Earning Assets
                       
Federal funds sold and other
 
$
76,900
   
$
49
     
0.25
%
 
$
64,780
   
$
46
     
0.28
%
Securities available for sale
                                               
Taxable
   
216,468
     
1,176
     
2.17
     
260,276
     
1,365
     
2.10
 
Tax-exempt
   
7,917
     
51
     
3.98
     
9,303
     
59
     
3.84
 
Total investment securities
   
224,385
     
1,227
     
2.24
     
269,579
     
1,424
     
2.16
 
Total loans
   
868,372
     
12,506
     
5.71
     
841,888
     
12,056
     
5.68
 
Total interest-earning assets
   
1,169,657
     
13,782
     
4.69
%
   
1,176,247
     
13,526
     
4.58
%
Allowance for loan losses
   
(10,310
)
                   
(9,870
)
               
Cash and due from banks
   
31,656
                     
33,336
                 
Other assets
   
73,902
                     
79,104
                 
Total assets
 
$
1,264,905
                   
$
1,278,817
                 
                                                 
Liabilities and Equity
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities
                                               
Interest-bearing deposits
 
$
816,673
     
858
     
0.42
   
$
831,589
     
953
     
0.45
 
Short-term borrowings
   
15,215
     
9
     
0.23
     
11,668
     
7
     
0.24
 
FHLB advances
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,315
     
1
     
0.12
 
Other borrowings
   
12,254
     
132
     
4.27
     
12,610
     
139
     
4.37
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
844,142
     
999
     
0.47
%
   
859,182
     
1,100
     
0.51
%
Non-interest bearing deposits
   
268,661
                     
257,323
                 
Other liabilities
   
4,941
                     
6,666
                 
Stockholders' equity
   
147,161
                     
155,646
                 
Total liabilities and equity
 
$
1,264,905
                   
$
1,278,817
                 
                                                 
Net interest earnings
         
$
12,783
                   
$
12,426
         
Net interest spread
                   
4.22
%
                   
4.07
%
Net interest margin
                   
4.35
%
                   
4.21
%
                                                 


Net interest income for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 totaled $12.78 million, up $357,000, or 2.9%, from the $12.43 million of net interest income earned in the third quarter of 2014.  Interest income in the third quarter of 2015 increased by $256,000, or 1.9%, as an increase in interest income on loans more than offset a decrease in interest income on investments. Interest income on loans increased by $450,000, or 3.7%, due in part to a $153,000 increase in income recognized from purchase discounts and interest income collected on non-accrual loans liquidated during the third quarter of 2015 compared to the third quarter of 2014.  Otherwise, interest income on loans increased by $297,000, or 2.5%, largely due to an increase in average loans outstanding in 2015.    Interest earned on investments decreased by $197,000, or 13.8%, in the third quarter of 2015, largely due to a lower average balance of investments outstanding partially offset by a higher average yield earned.  Interest earned on federal funds sold and interest bearing bank balances increased by $3,000, largely due to a higher average volume of assets held in this category.
Also adding to the increase in net interest income, interest expense decreased in total during the third quarter of 2015 by $101,000, or 9.2%, when compared to the same quarter of 2014.  Interest expense on deposits decreased by $95,000, or 10.0%, largely due to a continuing decrease in the average rates paid on interest-bearing deposits on a lower average balance outstanding.  Interest expense on repurchase agreements and other short-term borrowings remained relatively unchanged as higher average repurchase agreement balances were partially offset by an lower average rate paid.   Interest expense on other borrowings decreased by $7,000, or 5.0%, in the third quarter of 2015 compared to the third quarter of 2014, largely due to a decrease in the average amount of borrowings outstanding as well as a slightly lower rate paid on the borrowings due to refinancing.  The Board of Governors' policy to reduce the federal funds rate to nearly zero, coupled with the U.S. Treasury continuing to buy investment securities in 2014, has significantly reduced the yield on much of Premier's earning assets, including investments, federal funds sold and variable rate loans.  New fixed rate loans are also pricing lower than loans originated in prior periods.  Premier has tried to offset the lower interest earning yields by lowering the rates paid on its deposits and repurchase agreements with customers.  During the third quarter of 2015, while the yields earned on loans increased only slightly when compared to the same quarter of 2014, the average loans outstanding as a percentage of average earning assets was significantly higher.  As loans are Premier's highest earning asset, the overall yield of average earning assets was elevated to 4.69% compared to 4.58% in the third quarter of 2014.  Combined with the lower average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities in the third quarter of 2015, the increase in the yield on average earning assets resulted in an increase in Premier's net interest margin.  Premier's net interest margin during the third quarter of 2015 was 4.35% compared to 4.21% for the same period in 2014.
Non-interest income increased by $247,000, or 4.9%, to $5,269,000 for the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. Electronic banking income (income from debit/credit cards, ATM fees and internet banking charges) increased by $219,000, or 12.2%, largely due to the inclusion of the Gassaway operations for the full nine months in 2015 compared to only the second and third quarters of 2014. Service charges on deposit accounts increased by $178,000, or 6.9% as the increase in revenue from the Gassaway operations in the first nine months of 2015 compared to Gassaway revenue for only six months in 2014. Income from selling mortgages in the secondary market decreased by $44,000, or 31.0%, largely due to a decrease in customer demand for refinancing existing mortgage loans compared to one-year ago, while other non-interest income decreased by $78,000, or 15.8%.  Also included in the first nine months of 2014 was $28,000 recognized on the disposition of securities.
 
For the quarter ending September 30, 2015, non-interest income decreased by $56,000 to $1,802,000 compared to $1,858,000 recognized during the same quarter of 2014. Service charges on deposit accounts increased by $24,000, or 2.6%, and electronic banking income increased by $23,000, or 3.6%. More than offsetting these increases, secondary market mortgage income decreased by $35,000 in 2015, largely the result of a decrease in activity compared to the same period in 2014, and other non-interest income decreased by $40,000. Also included in the third quarter of 2014 was $28,000 recognized on the disposition of securities.
Non-interest expenses for the first nine months of 2015 totaled $26.81 million, or 2.83% of average assets on an annualized basis, compared to $25.57 million, or 2.79% of average assets for the same period of 2014. The $1.24 million increase in non-interest expenses in 2015 when compared to the first nine months of 2014 is largely due to $1.22 million of gains on sale of OREO in the first nine months of 2014 compared to only $36,000 of gains recorded during the first nine months of 2015.  Staff costs decreased by $292,000 or 2.2%, as an $85,000, or 0.1%, increase in salaries and wages (net of deferred loan costs) was more than offset by a $377,000, or 12.5%, decrease in benefit plan costs, namely employee medical insurance benefits resulting from a change in insurance providers.  Occupancy and equipment expenses increased by $177,000, or 4.7%, largely due to the costs associated with operating the five branches from the Gassaway purchase for a full nine months versus only six months in 2014.   Outside data processing increased by $298,000, or 10.0%, largely due to the additional costs associated with the Gassaway operations in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the first nine months of 2014.  OREO expense increased by $1.30 million largely due to the $1.22 million of gains on sale of OREO in the first nine months of 2014.  Also contributing to the increase in OREO expense was an increase in the expenses of maintaining OREO properties and a higher level of carrying value write downs in the first nine months of 2015.  Amortization of intangibles increased by $51,000 largely due to the inclusion of core deposit intangible asset amortization from the purchase of Gassaway for nine months in 2015 compared to only six months in 2014.  These increases were partially offset by lower professional fees, taxes not on income, FDIC insurance and other operating expenses in 2015. Professional fees decreased by $144,000 largely due to higher legal fees in 2014 including those related to the acquisition of the Bank of Gassaway partially offset by a $26,000 decrease in audit and accounting costs and a $15,000 decrease in consulting expenses.  Taxes not based on income decreased $31,000, as an increase in Kentucky equity based taxes were more than offset by a decrease in Virginia and Ohio equity based taxes and the termination of the West Virginia franchise tax.  FDIC insurance decreased by $55,000, largely due to a decrease in the assessment base.  Other operating expenses decreased  by $63,000 as decreases in supplies and conversion expenses related to the acquisition of Gassaway in 2014 were partially offset by higher collection expenses and other operating costs.
Non-interest expenses for the third quarter of 2015 totaled $9.09 million, or 2.85% of average assets on an annualized basis, compared to $8.83 million, or 2.74% of average assets for the same period of 2014.  The $258,000 increase in non-interest expenses in the third quarter of 2015 when compared to the third quarter of 2014 was largely due to a $219,000 increase in expenses and writedowns of other real estate owned in 2015 and reduced net non-interest expense in the third quarter of 2014 resulting from the reimbursement of $275,000 legal matters expensed earlier in 2014.In addition to the third quarter 2014 reimbursement of legal fees, professional fees also increased in the third quarter of 2015 as a result of higher audit costs, external loan review expenditures and tax return preparation expenses.  The increase in OREO expenses was a combination of higher writedowns of OREO carrying values in the third quarter of 2015 coupled with a higher level of gains on the sale of OREO recorded during the third quarter of 2014.
 
Other increases in non-interest expenses in the third quarter of 2015 include a $47,000, or 3.7%, increase in occupancy and equipment expenses, largely due to increases in building repairs, real estate taxes, and equipment maintenance costs partially offset by decreases in information technology depreciation. Outside data processing increased by $25,000, or 2.3%,mainly due to an increase in ATM processing costs and internet banking charges.  Other non-interest expenses increased by $23,000, or 2.2%, primarily due to expenses related to new deposit product features and an increase in loan collection expenses. Partially offsetting the increases in non-interest expenses,  staff costs decreased by $251,000, or 5.7%, due to an $126,000, or 3.7%, decrease in salaries and wages (net of deferred loan costs) and a $125,000, or 13.4%, decrease in benefit plan costs, primarily employee medical insurance benefits and employer payroll taxes.  Taxes not based on income decreased $68,000, as an increase in Kentucky equity based taxes was more than offset by decreases in Virginia and Ohio equity based taxes and the termination of the West Virginia franchise tax.  FDIC insurance decreased by $15,000, largely due to the decrease in the assessment base in 2015.  Amortization of intangibles decreased by $15,000 due to the decrease in the monthly amortization as Premier uses an accelerated method to amortize its core deposit intangible assets.
Income tax expense was $5.31 million for the first nine months of 2015 compared to $5.49 million for the first nine months of 2014.  The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was 35.6% equal to the 35.63% effective tax rate for the same period in 2014. For the quarter ended September 30, 2015, income tax expense was $1.87 million, a 35.9% effective tax rate, compared to $1.77 million (a 36.0% effective tax rate) for the same period in 2014. The decrease in income tax expense during the first nine months of 2015 can be primarily attributed to the decrease in pre-tax income detailed above, as the effective tax rate was unchanged. The increase in income tax expense during the third quarter of 2015 when compared to the same quarter of 2014 can be primarily attributed to the increase in pre-tax income for the quarter as detailed above, as the effective tax rate was essentially unchanged.

 
B.        Financial Position
Total assets at September 30, 2015 increased by $10.4 million to $1.263 billion from the $1.253 billion at December 31, 2014.  Earning assets increased by $12.8 million from the $1.153 billion at year-end 2014 to end the quarter at $1.166 billion.  The increase in total assets was largely due to an increase in interest bearing bank balances partially resulting from an increase in funding from deposits and repurchase agreements.  Also increasing interest bearing bank balances were the proceeds received from a net decrease in total loans.   .
Cash and due from banks at September 30, 2015 was $33.1 million, a $2.0 million decrease from the $35.1 million at December 31, 2014. Interest bearing bank balances increased by $39.3 from the $35.3 million reported at December 31, 2014, while federal funds sold decreased by $793,000 million to $4.2 million at September 30, 2015. 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 increase in interest bearing bank balances during the first nine months of 2015 was largely in response to an increase in total deposits outstanding at the end of the quarter combined with a $24.6 million decrease in loans outstanding.
Securities available for sale totaled $228.6 million at September 30, 2015, a $1.1 million decrease from the $229.7 million at December 31, 2014. The decrease was largely due to $52.4 million of proceeds from monthly principal payments on Premier's mortgage backed securities portfolio and securities maturing during the first nine months. These decreases more than offset $51.6 million of purchases of investment securities.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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are believed to be price changes resulting from increases 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 September 30, 2015 were $855.1 million compared to $879.7 million at December 31, 2014, a decrease of approximately $24.6 million, or 2.8%. The decrease in loans was largely due to loan payoffs and transfers of loans to OREO upon foreclosure, primarily during the third quarter of 2015, as well as principal payments on loans received during the first nine months of the year all of which more than offset loan demand.
Deposits totaled $1.079 billion as of September 30, 2015, a $3.5 million, or 0.3%, increase from the $1.075 billion in deposits at December 31, 2014.  The overall increase in deposits is largely due to a $16.7 million, or 6.6%, increase in non-interest bearing deposits and a $9.3 million, or 5.1%, increase in interest bearing transaction accounts.  These increases more than offset a $1.9 million, or 0.7%, decrease in savings and money market accounts and a $20.6 million, or 5.7% decrease in certificates of deposit.  Repurchase agreements with corporate and public entity customers increased in the first nine months of 2015 by $5.0 million, or 31.8%.  Other borrowed funds increased by $277,000 during the first nine months of 2015 as a $2.0 million net borrowing to purchase the outstanding warrant was substantially offset by regularly scheduled principal payments.

The following table sets forth information with respect to the Company's nonperforming assets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

   
(In Thousands)
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
Non-accrual loans
 
$
5,277
   
$
12,712
 
Accruing loans which are contractually past due 90 days or more
   
5,302
     
1,266
 
Accruing restructured loans
   
1,935
     
2,502
 
Total non-performing loans
   
12,514
     
16,480
 
Other real estate acquired through foreclosure (OREO)
   
13,674
     
12,208
 
Total non-performing assets
 
$
26,188
   
$
28,688
 
                 
Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans
   
1.46
%
   
1.87
%
                 
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets
   
2.07
%
   
2.29
%
Total non-performing loans have decreased since year-end, largely due to a $7.4 million decrease in non-accrual loans and a net decrease in restructured loans due to payments and payoffs in 2015.    These decreases were partially offset by a $4.0 million increase in accruing loans 90 plus days past due during 2015.  Total non-performing assets have decreased since year-end, largely due to the decrease in non-performing loans partially offset by a $1.5 million increase in other real estate acquired through foreclosure (OREO) as new foreclosures in the first nine months of 2015 exceeded OREO sales.
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 $1,732,000 during the first nine months of 2015, largely due to the partial charge-off of previously identified impaired loans upon foreclosure and placement into OREO during the year and the charge-off of the remaining balance over and above the portion guaranteed by the Small Business Administration ("SBA") on some previously identified impaired loans during the first quarter.  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.  Gross charge-offs totaled $1,250,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2015, largely due to a $900,000 partial charge-off of a previously identified impaired loan upon foreclosure and placement into OREO.  Recoveries recorded during the first nine months of 2015 totaled $978,000 compared to $327,000 of recoveries recorded during the first nine months of 2014.  The increase in recoveries was largely due to the receipt of the guaranteed portion of an SBA guaranteed loan during the second quarter of 2015 that had previously been charged-off.  As a result net charge-offs totaled $754,000 for the first nine months of 2015.  This compares to $994,000 of net charge-offs recorded in the first nine months of 2014.  The allowance for loan losses at

September 30, 2015 was 1.15% of total loans compared to 1.18% at December 31, 2014.  The decrease in the allowance as a percentage of total loans is largely due a decrease in the allowance for loan losses resulting from the $937,000 decrease in allowance for loan losses allocated to individually impaired loans which resulted primarily from the $900,000 charge-off in the third quarter described above.
During the first nine months of 2015, Premier recorded $232,000 of provision for loan losses.  This provision compares to $147,000 of provision for loan losses recorded during the same nine months of 2014.  The provision for loan losses recorded in the first nine months of 2015 was largely in response to identified increases in the estimated credit risk in the loan portfolio related to loans collectively evaluated for impairment, along with an increase in specific reserves allocated to impaired loans during the first nine months of 2015. These increases were partially offset by  a large recovery recorded in the second quarter of 2015.
During the quarter ending September 30, 2015, a $309,000 provision for loan losses was recorded compared to a $536,000 provision for loan losses recorded during the third quarter of 2014.  The provision for loan losses recorded in the third quarter of 2015 was largely in response to identified increases in the estimated credit risk in the loan portfolio related to loans collectively evaluated for impairment, along with a slight increase during the quarter in the specific reserves allocated to the remaining portfolio of impaired loans identified at September 30, 2015.  The $536,000 provision for loan losses recorded in the third quarter of 2014 was largely due to an increase in specific reserves allocated to impaired loans during the third quarter of 2014.  Specific reserves on impaired loans increased from $1,159,000 to $1,528,000 during the third quarter of 2014.  The $369,000 increase in specific reserves on impaired loans during the third quarter of 2014 was amplified by an increase in the allowance for loan losses related to growth in the loan portfolio in 2014.  The level of provision expense is determined under Premier's internal analyses of evaluating credit risk. The amount of future provisions for loan losses will depend on any future improvement or further deterioration in the estimated credit risk in the loan portfolio, as well as whether additional payments are received on loans previously identified as having significant credit risk.
The provisions for loan losses recorded in 2014 and 2015 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.  Premier continues to monitor and evaluate the impact that national housing market price declines may have on its local markets and collateral valuations as management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.  With the concentrations of commercial real estate loans originated in the Washington, DC and Richmond, Virginia markets, fluctuations in commercial real estate values will also be monitored. 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, 2014.  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, 2014.  There have been no significant changes in the application of these accounting policies since December 31, 2014.
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.
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 $228.6 million of securities at fair value as of September 30, 2015.
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.

 
E.            Capital
At September 30, 2015, total shareholders' equity of $147.1 million was 11.6% of total assets.  This compares to total shareholders' equity of $145.8 million, or 11.6% of total assets on December 31, 2014.  The increase in stockholders' equity was largely due to a $6.2 million net increase in retained earnings during the first half of 2015 as the $9.6 million of net income earned during the first nine months of 2015 was reduced by $3.3 million, or $0.41 per share, in cash dividends declared and paid to stockholders.  Partially offsetting this increase in stockholder's equity was the May 2015 purchase of the outstanding common stock warrant issued to the U.S. Treasury under the TARP program for approximately $5.7 million.  Also increasing shareholders' equity at September 30, 2015 was the $301,000, net of tax, increase in the market value of the investment portfolio available for sale.
Tier 1 capital totaled $114.6 million at September 30, 2015, which represents a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 9.3%.  This ratio is slightly higher than the 9.1% Tier 1 leverage ratio and compares to the $112.1 million of Tier 1 capital at December 31, 2014.  The increase in the Tier I capital ratio is largely due to  the growth in Tier 1 capital was divided by a slightly lower base of average total assets at September 30, 2015.
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, 2015, Premier's and its subsidiary bank's Common Equity Tier 1 capital is identical to their Tier 1 capital as none of the entities have any preferred stock or subordinated debt outstanding.


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 2014 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 2014 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 second 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.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
None
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
     
Please refer to Premier's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for disclosures with respect to Premier's risk factors at December 31, 2014. There have been no material changes since year-end 2014 in the specified risk factors disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.
     
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None
     
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None
     
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable
     
Item 5.
Other Information
None
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
 

 (a)            The following exhibits are furnished in accordance with the provisions of Item 601 of Regulation S-K.




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, 2015                                                                /s/ Robert W. Walker
Robert W. Walker
President & Chief Executive Officer


Date: November 9, 2015                                                                 /s/ Brien M. Chase
Brien M. Chase
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
56