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EX-23 - CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM - PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP INCexhibit23.htm
EX-21 - SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT - PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP INCexhibit21.htm
EX-32 - CEO & CFO SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION - PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP INCexhibit32.htm
EX-31.2 - CFO SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION - PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP INCexhibit31-2.htm
EX-31.1 - CEO SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION - PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP INCexhibit31-1.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 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


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
 
Name of exchange on which registered
Common Stock without par value
 
NASDAQ:GMS

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  NONE
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o     No þ.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act  Yes o     No þ.

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 þ     No o.

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 (section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes þ     No o.    
 
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015
 
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

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  o.
Accelerated filer  þ.
Non-accelerated filer  o.
Smaller reporting company  o

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

As of June 30, 2015 the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $107,503,139 based on the closing sale price as reported on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System National Market System.

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


Title of each class
 
Outstanding at March 5, 2016
Common Stock without par value
 
9,587,292


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Document
 
Parts Into Which Incorporated
Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 15, 2016.
 
Part III



PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PART I
     
Item 1.
   
4
 
Item 1A.
   
21
 
Item 1B.
   
30
 
Item 2.
   
31
 
Item 3.
   
32
 
Item 4.
   
32
 
           
PART II
         
Item 5.
   
33
 
Item 6.
   
36
 
Item 7.
   
37
 
Item 7A.
   
72
 
Item 8.
   
92
 
 
   
93
 
 
   
96
 
   
98
 
 
   
99
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income    
100
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity    
101
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
102
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements    
104
 
Item 9.
   
166
 
Item 9A.
   
166
 
Item 9B.
   
166
 
           
PART III
         
Item 10.
   
167
 
Item 11.
   
167
 
Item 12.
   
167
 
Item 13.
   
167
 
Item 14.
   
167
 
           
PART IV
         
Item 15.
   
168
 
 
   
173
 
           

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


PART I

Item 1. Description of Business

THE COMPANY

Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company" or "Premier") is a multi-bank holding company that, as of March 5, 2016 operates nine banking offices in Kentucky, three banking offices in Ohio, twenty-six banking offices in West Virginia, four banking offices in Washington, DC, one banking office in Maryland and four banking offices in Virginia. At December 31, 2015, Premier had total consolidated assets of $1,244.7 million, total consolidated deposits of $1,060.2 million and total consolidated shareholders' equity of $147.2 million. The banking subsidiaries (the "Banks" or "Affiliate Banks") consist of Citizens Deposit Bank and Trust, Inc., Vanceburg, Kentucky and Premier Bank, Inc., Huntington, West Virginia.

Premier was incorporated as a Kentucky corporation in 1991 and has functioned as a bank holding company since its formation. During 2002, Premier moved its principal executive offices from Georgetown, Kentucky to its present location at 2883 5th Avenue, Huntington, West Virginia, 25702. The purpose of the move was to be more centrally located among Premier's Affiliate Banks and its directorship. Premier's telephone number is (304) 525-1600.

Premier is a legal entity separate and distinct from its Affiliate Banks. Accordingly, the right of Premier, and thus the right of Premier's creditors and shareholders, to participate in any distribution of the assets or earnings of any of the Affiliate Banks is necessarily subject to the prior claims of creditors of such subsidiaries, except to the extent that claims of Premier, in its capacity as a creditor, may be recognized. The principal source of Premier's revenue is dividends from its Affiliate Banks. See "REGULATORY MATTERS -- Dividend Restrictions" for discussion of the restrictions on the Affiliate Banks' ability to pay dividends to Premier.

In late 2007 Premier resumed a strategy of franchise expansion by acquiring and owning community banks.  On October 24, 2007, the Company entered into a material definitive agreement with Citizens First Bank, Inc. (“Citizens First”), a bank with $60 million of total assets located in Ravenswood, West Virginia.  Under terms of the definitive agreement, Premier agreed to purchase Citizens First for up to $11,700,000 in stock and cash.  Each share of Citizens First common stock was entitled to merger consideration of cash and stock that generally totaled $29.25, subject to certain limitations.  Premier issued 480,000 shares of its common stock plus Premier paid $5.3 million in cash to the shareholders of Citizens First.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


On November 27, 2007, the Company entered into a material definitive agreement with Traders Bankshares, Inc. (Traders), a single bank holding company with $108 million of total assets located in Spencer, West Virginia.  Under terms of the definitive agreement, Premier agreed to purchase Traders for approximately $18,140,000 in stock and cash.  Each share of Traders common stock was entitled to merger consideration of $50.00 cash and 3.75 shares of Premier common stock.  Premier issued approximately 675,000 shares of its common stock plus Premier paid $9.0 million in cash to the shareholders of Traders.

On April 30, 2008, Premier closed the acquisitions of Citizens First and Traders.  On October 25, 2008, Premier merged these two new subsidiary banks together to form Traders Bank, Inc. headquartered in Ravenswood, West Virginia.  The merger was designed to consolidate management and operations of two subsidiaries in overlapping or contiguous markets.  Similarly, effective January 3, 2005, Premier merged two of its subsidiary banks, Citizens Deposit Bank & Trust in Vanceburg, Kentucky and Bank of Germantown, in Germantown, Kentucky. Bank of Germantown was merged into Citizens Deposit Bank, with its facilities continuing to operate as branches of Citizens Deposit Bank.

On December 31, 2008, the Company entered into a material definitive agreement with Abigail Adams National Bancorp, Inc. (“Abigail Adams”), a two bank holding company (Adams National Bank and Consolidated Bank & Trust Company) with $436 million of total assets at December 31, 2008 with locations in and around Washington, DC and Richmond, Virginia.  Under terms of the definitive agreement, Premier agreed to purchase Abigail Adams for approximately $10.8 million in stock.  The acquisition closed on October 1, 2009.  Each share of Abigail Adams common stock was entitled to merger consideration of 0.4461 shares of Premier common stock.  Premier issued approximately 1,545,000 shares of its common stock to the shareholders of Abigail Adams.

At the time Premier entered into the definitive agreement with Abigail Adams, its subsidiary, Adams National Bank (“Adams National”) had recently entered into a written agreement with its primary regulatory authority, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”).  Premier’s prior experience in successfully working through regulatory agreements with some of its own subsidiary banks was an attractive component for Abigail Adams to merge with the Company. Likewise, while Adams National did not necessarily fit the community bank model of Premier’s other subsidiary banks (see the “General” subsection of the Company’s “Business” section below), Premier perceived advantages in purchasing and rehabilitating a poorly performing bank while simultaneously changing the bank’s business culture to more closely mirror that of its rural community “sister” banks. As part of this strategy, Premier participated in the U.S. Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) to help fund the rehabilitation of Adams National and provide the additional capital needed to maintain the Company’s healthy capital ratios after consummating the merger with Abigail Adams. For additional information on Premier’s participation in the TARP program see “Troubled Asset Relief Program Participation” below.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


On July 29, 2010, Consolidated Bank and Trust Company (“CB&T”), then a wholly owned subsidiary of Premier and a Virginia state chartered bank; the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (“FRB”) and the State Corporation Commission Bureau of Financial Institutions (“Virginia Bureau”) entered into a written agreement (“Written Agreement”) requiring CB&T to perform certain actions primarily designed to improve the credit quality of the bank. Abigail Adams, as parent of CB&T, and Premier, as parent of Abigail Adams, were also named as parties to the Written Agreement to ensure that the CB&T complied with the Written Agreement.

On September 10, 2010 Citizens Deposit Bank and Trust, Inc. (“Citizens”) completed its purchase of four banking offices from Integra Bank located in Maysville and Mt. Olivet, Kentucky, and Ripley and Aberdeen, Ohio. The purchase of the branches was a strategic move to increase Citizens’ presence in its current market area without a significant increase in its operating costs. Citizens paid a $2.4 million deposit premium for the deposit liabilities it assumed and also acquired $17.8 million of branch related loans as well as $34.0 million of additional commercial real estate loans and $10.0 million of other commercial loans selected by Citizens originated from other Integra offices.  The four banking offices were also included in the branch purchase.  The purchase resulted in approximately $1.1 million of goodwill and $2.0 million in core deposit intangible.

On September 1, 2010, Premier filed applications with state and federal banking regulatory authorities to merge five of its subsidiary banks together, including Adams National and CB&T, to form Premier Bank, Inc. (“Premier Bank”). On February 28, 2011, Premier received final regulatory approval to move forward with its plans to merge Boone County Bank, headquartered in Madison, West Virginia; First Central Bank, headquartered in Philippi, West Virginia; Traders Bank, Inc., headquartered in Ravenswood, West Virginia; Adams National Bank, headquartered in Washington, DC and Consolidated Bank & Trust, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. The merger was completed on April 9, 2011. The resulting bank is headquartered in Huntington, West Virginia.

One of the goals achieved by merging the bank charters together was to alleviate the restrictions placed on the Company’s operations by the Written Agreements entered into by Adams National with the OCC and CB&T with the FRB.  With the surrender of the Adams National charter upon consummation of the merger to form Premier Bank, Inc., the Written Agreement with the OCC was terminated.  Similarly, with the merger of CB&T into Premier Bank, Inc., the provisions of the Written Agreement with the FRB that applied to CB&T were concluded.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


On April 19, 2011, Premier submitted a request to the FRB for written approval from the Written Agreement Regulatory Oversight Authorities to declare and pay its quarterly dividend on the 22,252 Series A Preferred Shares to the U.S. Treasury due on May 15, 2011 and the two dividends in arrears due on November 15, 2010 and February 15, 2011, respectively.  On May 13, 2011, Premier received notice of approval from the Written Agreement Regulatory Oversight Authorities to pay all current and deferred cash dividends on its Series A, Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock as Premier had requested.  The dividends were paid as scheduled on May 16, 2011.  All subsequent quarterly dividends on Premier’s Series A Preferred Shares were as scheduled.  See Note 24 for additional details on Premier's Series A, Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock.

On July 24, 2012 the FRB announced that it had terminated the July 29, 2010 Written Agreement with Premier.

With the merger of Adams National and CB&T into Boone County Bank in the formation of Premier Bank, Abigail Adams as a corporate entity was no longer needed. As such, it was merged into Premier on May 16, 2011. Likewise, Premier’s other non-banking subsidiary, Mt. Vernon Financial Holdings, Inc. (“Mt. Vernon”), had completed its purpose by liquidating substantially all of a pool of loans remaining from the sale of the Bank of Mt. Vernon in 2001. In September 2011, any remaining loans owned by Mt. Vernon were contributed as capital to Premier’s subsidiary bank, Citizens Deposit Bank & Trust, and then on September 27, 2011, Mt. Vernon was also merged into Premier.

On May 13, 2010, Premier executed a six-year data processing agreement with Fidelity Information Services, Inc. and its affiliates (“FIS”) located in Jacksonville, Florida. The agreement covers Premier’s core data processing, item processing, internet banking services, network services, customer authentication services and electronic funds transfer services. Planning for the conversion began late in 2010 and continued through the first half of 2011. Beginning in May 2011 and concluding in September 2011, Premier and FIS converted each of the subsidiary (or former subsidiary) bank’s systems to the FIS “Horizon” platform. It was during this process that the data systems of the five subsidiary banks that merged to form Premier Bank, converted and combined into one system. The data processing agreement shall remain in effect until September 30, 2017 and provides for automatic three-year extensions after that date.

On February 16, 2012, Premier filed applications with state and federal banking regulatory authorities to merge three of its subsidiary banks. The application requested permission to merge Ohio River Bank, headquartered in Ironton, Ohio and Farmers Deposit Bank, headquartered in Eminence, Kentucky with and into Premier’s wholly owned subsidiary Citizens Deposit Bank & Trust, headquartered in Vanceburg, Kentucky. In the second quarter of 2012, Premier received the required approvals from all federal and state banking regulatory authorities to go ahead with its plans and as of the close of business on Friday, August 17, 2012, the three banks have been merged together. The combined bank is headquartered in Vanceburg, Kentucky.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


On November 19, 2013, Premier and Gassaway Bancshares, Inc. (“Bancshares”), a single bank holding company headquartered in Gassaway, West Virginia jointly announced that they had entered into a definitive agreement whereby Premier Bank would acquire the Bank of Gassaway, the wholly owned subsidiary of Bancshares, in a cash purchase valued at approximately $20.25 million.  Effective with the close of business on April 4, 2014, Premier completed its purchase of the Bank of Gassaway, a $201.52 million bank headquartered in Gassaway, West Virginia.  Under terms of an amended and restated agreement of merger dated January 3, 2014, Premier Bank, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Premier, paid $20.25 million in cash for the Bank of Gassaway and merged Gassaway’s five branch locations into its operating systems.  The resulting merger expanded Premier Bank’s footprint into central West Virginia along the I-79 corridor.

Recent Corporate Developments

Consummation of Acquisition of First National Bankshares Corporation – Effective with the close of business on January 15, 2016, Premier completed its purchase of First National Bankshares Corporation (“First National”), a $245 million single bank holding company (as of December 31, 2015) headquartered in Ronceverte, West Virginia.  Under terms of the definitive agreement of merger dated July 6, 2015, each share of First National common stock is entitled to merger consideration of 1.69 shares of Premier common stock.  Premier issued approximately 1.4 million shares of its common stock to the shareholders of First National.  In addition to the shares of Premier common stock, First National shareholders also received a regulatorily approved special dividend of $5.08 per share from the equity of First National as part of the acquisition transaction.  The value of the transaction, including the special dividend, is estimated at $26.3 million.  As of December 31, 2015, First National had total assets of $245 million, total loans of $137 million and total deposits of $205 million.  Management has not yet completed all of the analyses needed to estimate the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired, both tangible and intangible.

Consummation of Internal Corporate Reorganization – Effective with the close of business on March 4, 2016, Premier merged its newly acquired wholly owned subsidiary First National Bank (a wholly owned subsidiary of First National) with and into its wholly owned subsidiary Premier Bank, Inc.  The resulting merger expands Premier Bank’s footprint into the Greenbrier Valley of West Virginia and into Covington, Virginia along Interstate 64 with six branch locations.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


BUSINESS
General

Through the Banks the Company focuses on providing quality community banking services to individuals and small-to-medium sized businesses. By seeking to provide such banking services in non-urban areas, the Company believes that it can minimize the competitive effect of larger financial institutions that typically are focused on large metropolitan areas. Where the Company owns branches in urban areas, such as the Washington, DC Metro Area, the Company believes the nimble nature of its operations and local decision making process allows it to compete effectively with larger financial institution. Each Bank retains its local management structure which offers customers direct access to the Bank's president or regional president and other officers in an environment conducive to friendly, informed and courteous service. This approach also enables each Bank to offer local and timely decision-making, and flexible and reasonable operating procedures and credit policies limited only by a framework of centralized risk controls provided by the Company to promote prudent banking practices. See additional discussion under "Regulatory Matters" below.

Each Bank maintains its community orientation by, among other things, having selected members of its community as members of its board of directors, who assist in the introduction of prospective customers to the Bank and in the development or modification of products and services to meet customer needs. As a result of the development of personal banking relationships with its customers and the convenience and service offered by the Banks, the Banks' lending and investing activities are funded primarily by core deposits.

When appropriate and economically advantageous, the Company centralizes certain of the Banks' back office, support and investment functions in order to achieve consistency and cost efficiency in the delivery of products and services. The Company centrally provides services such as accounting, loan review, operations and network support, human resources, compliance and internal auditing to the Banks to enhance their ability to compete effectively. The Company also provides overall direction in the areas of credit policy and administration, strategic planning, marketing, investment portfolio management and other financial and administrative services. Each Bank participates in product development by advising management of new products and services needed by its customers and desirable changes to existing products and services.  Company senior management along with each Bank's management periodically review and standardize their offering of products and services, although pricing decisions remain at the local level.

The Company utilizes an external third party provider for its core data processing systems. As a result, the Company through the Banks is able offer more modern products, such as internet banking and check imaging, and is able to take advantage of emerging technologies such as image exchange to remit and clear items with its exchange agents. With the conversion to FIS in 2011, all of these benefits remain plus the Company has integrated its automated teller machine network, improved its management reporting systems, adopted an integrated image-based document storage system, and offers mobile banking via smart phones and other hand held computing devices.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015
 
 
Each of the Banks provides a wide range of retail and commercial banking services, including commercial, real estate, agricultural and consumer lending; depository and funds transfer services; collections; safe deposit boxes; cash management services; and other services tailored for both individuals and businesses.

The Banks' residential mortgage lending activities consist primarily of loans for purchasing personal residences or loans for commercial or consumer purposes secured by residential mortgages. The Banks typically only retain mortgage loans with variable interest rate terms due to the longer amortization periods associated with mortgage lending. For customers who desire fixed rate mortgage terms, the Banks assist customers in originating residential mortgage loans that are sold in the secondary mortgage market. The Banks’ mortgage originators are salaried employees who do not receive a commission or other incentive compensation for the number or type of mortgages they originate. Consumer lending activities consist of traditional forms of financing for automobile and personal loans including unsecured lines of credit. Commercial lending activities include loans to small to medium-sized businesses located primarily in the communities in which the Banks have branch locations and surrounding areas. Commercial loans are secured by business assets including real estate, equipment, inventory, and accounts receivable. Some commercial loans are unsecured. Through the acquisition of Abigail Adams, the Company inherited a concentration in commercial real estate development loans. Many of these loans were for the revitalization of apartment buildings in and around the Washington, DC metro area, some of which would result in the apartment complex converting into individually owned condominiums. Since the acquisition of Abigail Adams, Premier has worked to reduce these concentrations by providing funding only during the construction phase. The Washington, DC metro area also offers opportunities for larger commercial and commercial real estate loans. These opportunities are subject to Premier’s strict credit underwriting policies and procedures.

The Banks' range of deposit services includes checking accounts, NOW accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, club accounts, individual retirement accounts, certificates of deposit and overdraft protection. Customers can access their accounts via traditional bank branch locations as well as Automated Teller Machines (ATM’s) and the internet either via personal computers or mobile computing devices such as smart phones. The Banks also offer bill payment, remote deposits via image capture devices and telephone banking services. Deposits of the Banks are insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund administered by the FDIC to the maximum amounts offered by the FDIC.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Competition

The Banks encounter strong competition both in making loans and attracting deposits. The widespread enactment of state laws that permit multi-bank holding companies as well as the availability of nationwide interstate banking and internet banking have created a highly competitive environment for financial services providers. In one or more aspects of its business, each Bank competes with other commercial banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, brokerage and investment banking companies and other financial intermediaries operating in its market and elsewhere, many of which have substantially greater financial and managerial resources. While the Banks are smaller financial institutions by comparison, each of the Banks' competitors include large bank holding companies having substantially greater resources and offering certain services that the Affiliate Banks may not currently provide. Each Bank seeks to minimize the competitive effect of larger financial institutions through a community banking approach that emphasizes direct customer access to the Bank's regional presidents and other officers in an environment conducive to friendly, informed and courteous service. Furthermore, via the Company’s credit administration department, the Banks can also minimize the competitive effects of larger institutions by tailoring their lending criteria to the individual circumstances of the small-to-medium sized business owner.

Management believes that each Bank is positioned to compete successfully in its respective primary market area, although no assurances as to ongoing competitiveness can be given. Competition among financial institutions is based upon interest rates offered on deposit accounts, service charges on deposit accounts for various services related to customer convenience, interest rates charged on loans and other credit, the quality and scope of the services rendered, the convenience of the banking facilities and, in the case of loans to commercial borrowers, relative lending limits. Management believes that the commitment of its Banks to personal service, innovation and involvement in their respective communities and primary market areas, as well as their commitment to quality community banking service, are factors that contribute to their competitiveness.

Regulatory Matters

The following discussion sets forth certain elements of the regulatory framework applicable to bank holding companies and their subsidiaries and provides certain specific information relevant to Premier. This regulatory framework is intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the federal deposit insurance funds and not for the protection of the holders of securities, including Premier common shares. To the extent that the following information describes statutory or regulatory provisions, it is qualified in its entirety by reference to those provisions. A change in the statutes, regulations or regulatory policies applicable to Premier or its subsidiaries may have a material effect on the business of Premier.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


General - As a bank holding company, Premier is subject to regulation under the Bank Holding Company Act ("BHC Act"), and to inspection, examination and supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System ("Federal Reserve"). Under the BHC Act, bank holding companies generally may not acquire ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares or substantially all the assets of any company, including a bank, without the Federal Reserve's prior approval. Similarly, bank holding companies generally may not acquire ownership or control of a savings association without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve. Further, branching by the Affiliate Banks is subject to the jurisdiction, and requires the approval of each Affiliate Bank's primary federal banking regulator and, if the Affiliate Bank is a state-chartered bank, the appropriate state banking regulator.

Under the BHC Act, the Federal Reserve has the authority to require a bank holding company to terminate any activity or relinquish control of the nonbank subsidiary (other than a nonbank subsidiary of a bank) upon the Federal Reserve's determination that such activity or control constitutes a risk to the financial soundness and stability of any bank subsidiary of the bank holding company. Premier and the Affiliate Banks are subject to the Federal Reserve Act, which limits borrowings by Premier (and any nonbank subsidiaries) from the Affiliate Banks and also limits various other transactions between Premier (and any nonbank subsidiaries) and the Affiliate Banks.

Citizens Deposit Bank and Trust, Inc. is chartered in Kentucky and supervised, regulated and examined by the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions. Premier Bank, Inc. is chartered in West Virginia and supervised, regulated and examined by the West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions. In addition, the Affiliate Banks are supervised and regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"). Each banking regulator has the authority to issue cease-and-desist orders if it determines that the activities of a bank regularly represent an unsafe and unsound banking practice or a violation of law.

Both federal and state law extensively regulates various aspects of the banking business, such as loan loss reserve and capital requirements, truth-in-lending and truth-in-savings disclosure, equal credit opportunity, fair credit reporting, trading in securities and other aspects of banking operations. Premier and the Affiliate Banks are also affected by the fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government and the Federal Reserve and by various other governmental laws, regulations and requirements. Further, the earnings of Premier and Affiliate Banks are affected by general economic conditions and prevailing interest rates. Legislation and administrative actions affecting the banking industry are frequently considered by the United States Congress, state legislatures and various regulatory agencies. It is not possible to predict with certainty whether such legislation or administrative actions will be enacted or the extent to which the banking industry, in general, or Premier and the Affiliate Banks, in particular, would be affected.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Liability for Bank Subsidiaries - The Federal Reserve has a policy to the effect that a bank holding company is expected to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to each of its subsidiary banks and to maintain resources adequate to support each such subsidiary bank.  This support may be required at times when Premier may not have the resources to provide it. In the event of a bank holding company's bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank would be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to priority of payment.

Any depository institution insured by the FDIC may be held liable for any loss incurred, or reasonably expected to be incurred, by the FDIC in connection with (i) the default of a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution, or (ii) any assistance provided by the FDIC to a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution in danger of default. "Default" is defined generally as the appointment of a conservator or receiver and "in danger of default" is defined generally as the existence of certain conditions indicating that a "default" is likely to occur in the absence of regulatory assistance. In the event that such a default occurred with respect to a bank, any loans to the bank from its parent holding company will be subordinate in right of payment of the bank's depositors and certain of its other obligations.

Capital Requirements - Premier is subject to capital ratios, requirements and guidelines imposed by the Federal Reserve, which are substantially similar to the ratios, requirements and guidelines imposed by the FDIC on the Banks. These capital requirements establish higher capital standards for banks and bank holding companies that assume greater credit risks. For this purpose, a bank's or holding company's assets and certain specified off-balance sheet commitments are assigned to risk categories, each weighted differently based on the level of credit risk that is ascribed to such assets or commitments. A bank's or holding company's capital is divided into two tiers: "Tier 1" capital and "Tier 2" capital. "Tier 1" capital includes common shareholders' equity, non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, and related surplus (excluding auction rate issues), minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries plus cumulative perpetual preferred stock and Trust Preferred Securities both of which are subject to certain limitations. Goodwill, certain identifiable intangible assets and certain other assets are subtracted from these sources of capital to calculate Tier 1 capital. "Tier 2" capital includes, among other items, perpetual preferred stock not meeting the Tier 1 definition, mandatory convertible securities, subordinated debt and allowances for loan and lease losses, subject to certain limitations, less certain required deductions.  Effective January 1 2015, bank and bank holding company regulatory agencies adopted rules defining a subset of Tier 1 capital referred to as “Common Equity Tier 1” capital, or “CET1” capital, in accordance with the Basil III accord.  CET1 capital includes only the common shareholders’ equity of the entity before deducting elements such as goodwill, certain identifiable intangible assets and certain other assets.


PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Bank holding companies currently are required to maintain CET1 capital, Tier I capital and total capital (the sum of Tier I and Tier II capital) equal to at least 4.5%, 6.0% and 8% of total risk-weighted assets, respectively. At December 31, 2015, Premier met all requirements, with CET1 capital equal to 13.6% of its total risk-weighted assets, Tier I capital equal to 13.6% of its total risk-weighted assets and total capital equal to 14.7% of its total risk-weighted assets.  Prior to 2015, the minimum Tier I capital to total risk-weighted assets ratio was 4.0%.

In addition to the risk-based capital guidelines, the Federal Reserve requires bank holding companies to maintain a minimum "leverage ratio" (Tier I capital to adjusted total assets) of 3%, if the holding company has the highest regulatory ratings for risk-based capital purposes. All other bank holding companies are required to maintain a leverage ratio of 3% plus at least 100 to 200 basis points. At December 31, 2015, Premier's leverage ratio was 9.4%.

The foregoing capital requirements are minimum requirements. The Federal Reserve may set capital requirements higher than the minimums described above for holding companies whose circumstances warrant it. For example, holding companies experiencing or anticipating significant growth may be expected to maintain capital ratios, including tangible capital positions, well above the minimum levels.

Additionally, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA"), among other things, identifies five capital categories for insured depository institutions (well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized) and requires the respective federal regulatory agencies to implement systems for "prompt corrective action" for insured depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements within such categories. FDICIA imposes progressively more restrictive constraints on operations, management and capital distributions, depending on the category in which an institution is classified. Failure to meet the capital guidelines could also subject a banking institution to capital raising requirements.

An "undercapitalized" bank must develop a capital restoration plan and its parent holding company must guarantee the bank's compliance with the plan. The liability of the parent holding company under any such guarantee is limited to the lesser of 5% of the Bank's assets at the time it became "undercapitalized" or the amount needed to comply with the plan. Furthermore, in the event of the bankruptcy of the parent holding company, such guarantee would take priority over the parent's general unsecured creditors. In addition, FDICIA requires the various regulatory agencies to prescribe certain non-capital standards for safety and executive compensation and permits regulatory action against a financial institution that does not meet such standards.


PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


New Capital Requirements and Phase-in of Capital Buffer – Beginning on January 1, 2015, the standard for minimum regulatory Tier I risk-based capital ratio the Banks must maintain in order to be considered well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action increased from 6.00% to 8.00%.  As shown in the table in Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements regarding stockholders’ equity, the Tier I risk-based capital ratios of the banks at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 exceed the new standard.  Also beginning on January 1, 2015, a new measure of capital adequacy has been added for the Banks to be considered well capitalized.  The Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-based Capital Ratio, or CET1 Ratio, restricts the capital to be included in the ratio to common shareholders’ equity and requires a minimum ratio of 6.50% of risk-weighted assets for a bank to be considered well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  The equity of both of Premier’s subsidiary banks are already 100% common shareholders’ equity and therefore there was no adverse impact from the implementation of the new capital ratio.

Beginning on January 1, 2016 an additional capital conservation buffer will be added to the minimum regulatory capital ratios under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  The capital conservation buffer will be measured as a percentage of risk weighted assets and will be phased-in over a four year period from 2016 thru 2019.  When fully implemented, the capital conservation buffer will be 2.50% of risk weighted assets over and above the regulatory minimum capital ratios for Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (CET1) to risk weighted assets, Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets, and Total Capital to risk weighted assets.  The consequences of not meeting the capital conservation buffer thresholds include restrictions on the payment of dividends, restrictions on the payment of discretionary bonuses, and restrictions on the repurchasing of common shares by the Company. As shown in the table in Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements regarding stockholders’ equity, the capital ratios of the Affiliate Banks and the Company already exceed the new minimum capital ratios plus the fully phased-in 2.50% capital buffer requiring a Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets ratio of at least 8.50% and a Total Capital to risk weighted assets ratio of at least 10.50%.  At this time since the Company and the Affiliate Banks have no other sources of Tier 1 Capital than their common shareholders’ equity, their CET1 Capital to risk weighted asset ratio is equal to the Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted asset ratio which has a higher minimum plus capital buffer threshold than the CET1 Capital to risk weighted asset ratio.

Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”)

TARP was established under the authority granted by the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “EESA”), which appropriated $700 billion for the purpose of restoring liquidity and stability in the U.S. financial system.  EESA was amended by The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “ARRA”) signed into law on February 17, 2009.  Under the TARP Capital Purchase Program, the U.S. Treasury made $250 billion of capital available to U.S. financial institutions in the form of senior preferred stock investments and a warrant entitling the U.S. Treasury to buy the participating institution’s common stock with a market value equal to 15% of the senior preferred stock at the time of participation.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


In conjunction with the acquisition of Abigail Adams, Premier elected to participate in the TARP Capital Purchase Program and received $22,252,000 of new equity capital from the U.S. Treasury.  On October 2, 2009, Premier issued and sold to the U.S. Treasury (i) 22,252 of Premier’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Shares, Series A, each without par value and having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the “Series A Preferred Shares”), and (ii) a ten-year warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase 628,588 Premier common shares, each without par value (the “Common Shares”), at an exercise price of $5.31 per share (subject to certain anti-dilution and other adjustments), for an aggregate purchase price of $22,252,000 in cash.  This issuance and sale was a private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to Section 4(2) thereof.

As part of its participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program, Premier agreed to various requirements and restrictions imposed on all participants in the TARP Capital Purchase Program.  Those restrictions subjected the Company to certain of the executive compensation limitations included in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “EESA”). In this connection, as a condition to the closing of the transaction, the Company’s Senior Executive Officers (as defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement) (the “Senior Executive Officers”), (i) voluntarily waived any claim against the U.S. Treasury or the Company for any changes to such officer’s compensation or benefits that are required to comply with the regulation issued by the U.S. Treasury under the TARP Capital Purchase Program and acknowledged that the regulation may require modification of the compensation, bonus, incentive and other benefit plans, arrangements and policies and agreements as they relate to the period the U.S. Treasury owned the Preferred Stock of the Company; and (ii) entered into a letter with the Company amending the Benefit Plans with respect to such Senior Executive Officers as may be necessary, during the period that the Treasury owned the Preferred Stock of the Company, as necessary to comply with Section 111(b) of the EESA as long as any obligation arising from the financial assistance provided to the recipient under the TARP Capital Purchase Program remained outstanding, excluding any period during which the U.S. Treasury holds only warrants to purchase common stock of a TARP participant (the “Covered Period”). These limitations terminated upon completion of the U.S. Treasury’s auction of the Series A Preferred Stock on August 10, 2012.

On July 9, 2012, the U.S. Treasury announced its intent to sell its investment in Premier’s Series A Preferred Stock along with similar investments the U.S. Treasury had made in 11 other financial institutions, principally to qualified institutional buyers.  Using a modified Dutch auction methodology, the U.S. Treasury auctioned all of Premier’s 22,252 Series A Preferred Stock.  Premier sought and obtained regulatory permission to participate in the auction and successfully bid to repurchase 10,252 shares of the 22,252 outstanding shares.  At the auction’s closing price of $901.03 per share, Premier was able to preserve approximately $1.0 million of capital versus redeeming the Series A Preferred Stock at the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share.  The auction concluded on August 10, 2012 with the remaining 12,000 shares of Premier’s Series A Preferred Stock purchased by private investors.


PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


During 2014 Premier sought and obtained regulatory permission on two separate occasions to redeem the remaining Series A Preferred Stock.  On September 26, 2014, Premier redeemed 7,000 of the 12,000 outstanding shares at the $1,000.00 per share face value.  On November 14, 2014, Premier redeemed the final 5,000 outstanding shares at the $1,000.00 per share face value. Each redemption also included payment for any accrued dividends due through the redemption date.

Under terms of the Warrant, the exercise price and the number of shares that could be purchased were adjusted based upon certain events including common stock dividends paid to shareholders that exceeded 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.  Additional information regarding the Series A Preferred Shares and the Warrant can be found in Note 23 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Dividend Restrictions - Premier is dependent on dividends from its Affiliate Banks for its revenues. Various federal and state regulatory provisions limit the amount of dividends the Affiliate Banks can pay to Premier without regulatory approval. At December 31, 2015, approximately $1.1 million of the total shareholders' equity of the Affiliate Banks was available for payment of dividends to Premier without approval by the applicable regulatory authority.

In addition, federal bank regulatory authorities have authority to prohibit Premier's Affiliate Banks from engaging in an unsafe or unsound practice in conducting their business. The payment of dividends, depending upon the financial condition of the bank in question, could be deemed to constitute such an unsafe or unsound practice. The ability of the Affiliate Banks to pay dividends in the future is presently, and could be further, influenced by bank regulatory policies and capital guidelines as well as each Affiliate Bank's earnings and financial condition. Additional information regarding dividend limitations can be found in Note 20 of the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements.

Prior to the final full redemption on November 15, 2014 of Premier’s Series A Preferred Shares, the dividend rights of holders of Premier’s common shares were also qualified and subject to the dividend rights of holders of Premier’s Series A Preferred Shares. As long as the Series A Preferred Shares remained outstanding, unless all accrued and unpaid dividends for all past dividend periods on the Series A Preferred Shares were fully paid, Premier was not be permitted to declare or pay dividends on any Common Shares, any junior preferred shares or, generally, any preferred shares ranking pari passu with the Series A Preferred Shares (other than in the case of pari passu preferred shares, dividends on a pro rata basis with the Series A Preferred Shares), nor was Premier permitted to repurchase or redeem any Common Shares or preferred shares other than the Series A Preferred Shares. As of November 15, 2014, all of the Series A Preferred Shares have been redeemed by Premier.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Interstate Banking - Under the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (the "Riegle-Neal Act"), subject to certain concentration limits, (i) bank holding companies, such as Premier, are permitted to acquire banks and bank holding companies located in any state of the United States, subject to certain restrictions, and (ii) banks are permitted to acquire branch offices outside their home state by merging with out-of-state banks, purchasing branches in other states or establishing de novo branch offices in other states; provided that, in the case of any such purchase or opening of individual branches, the host state has adopted legislation "opting in" to the relevant provisions of the Riegle-Neal Act; and provided further, that, in the case of a merger with a bank located in another state, the host state has not adopted legislation "opting out" of the relevant provisions of the Riegle-Neal Act.

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act - On November 12, 1999, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the "Act") was signed into law, eliminating many of the remaining barriers to full convergence of the banking, securities, and insurance industries. The major provisions of the Act took effect March 12, 2000.

The Act enables a broad-scale consolidation among banks, securities firms, and insurance companies by creating a new type of financial services company called a "financial holding company," a bank holding company with dramatically expanded powers. Financial holding companies can offer virtually any type of financial service, including banking, securities underwriting, insurance (both agency and underwriting), and merchant banking. In addition, the Act permits the Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department to authorize additional activities for financial holding companies, but only if they jointly determine that such activities are "financial in nature" or "complementary to financial activities." Premier does not presently qualify to elect financial holding company status.

The Federal Reserve serves as the primary "umbrella" regulator of financial holding companies, with jurisdiction over the parent company and more limited oversight over its subsidiaries. The primary regulator of each subsidiary of a financial holding company depends on the activities conducted by the subsidiary. A financial holding company need not obtain Federal Reserve approval prior to engaging, either de novo or through acquisitions, in financial activities previously determined to be permissible by the Federal Reserve. Instead, a financial holding company need only provide notice to the Federal Reserve within 30 days after commencing the new activity or consummating the acquisition.

Dodd-Frank Act - On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) was signed into law, which implements far-reaching changes across the financial regulatory landscape, including provisions that, among other things,:
 
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


created a new agency to centralize responsibility for consumer financial protection, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which will be responsible for implementing, examining and enforcing compliance with federal consumer financial laws;
 
apply the same leverage and risk-based capital requirements that apply to insured depository institutions to most bank holding companies;

require bank holding companies and banks to be both well capitalized and well managed in order to acquire banks located outside their home state;

change the assessment base for federal deposit insurance from the amount of insured deposits to consolidated assets less tangible capital, eliminate the ceiling on the size of the Deposit Insurance Fund and increase the floor of the size for the Deposit Insurance Fund;

impose comprehensive regulation of the over-the-counter derivatives market, which would include certain provisions that would effectively prohibit insured depository institutions from conducting certain derivatives businesses within the institution itself;

require large, publicly-traded bank holding companies to create a risk committee responsible for the oversight of enterprise risk management;

implemented corporate governance revisions, including with regard to executive compensation and proxy access by shareholders, that apply to all public companies, not just financial institutions;

made permanent the $250,000 limit for federal deposit insurance, increased the cash limit of Securities Investor Protection Corporation protection from $100,000 to $250,000 and provided unlimited federal deposit insurance for non-interest-bearing demand transaction accounts at all insured depository institutions until December 31, 2012;

repealed the federal prohibitions on the payment of interest on demand deposits, thereby permitting depository institutions to pay interest on business transaction and other accounts;

amended the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (“EFTA”) to, among other things, give the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”) the authority to establish rules regarding interchange fees charged for electronic debit transactions by payment card issuers having assets over $10 billion and to enforce a new statutory requirement that such fees be reasonable and proportional to the actual cost of a transaction to the issuer; and

increased the authority of the Federal Reserve Board to examine financial holding companies and their non-bank subsidiaries.

Some aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act are still subject to future rulemaking and will take effect over several years, making it difficult to anticipate the overall financial impact on Premier, its customers or the financial services industry as a whole.  In many cases, regulatory or other governmental agencies already have taken action to comply with the Dodd-Frank Act’s mandates.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Number of Employees

The Company and its subsidiaries collectively had approximately 344 full-time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2015. Its executive offices are located at 2883 5th Avenue, Huntington, West Virginia 25702, telephone number (304) 525-1600 (facsimile number (304) 525-9701).


PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Item 1A. Risk Factors

Like all financial companies, the Company’s business and results of operations are subject to a number of risks, many of which are outside of the Company’s control.  In addition to the other information in this report, readers should carefully consider that the following important factors, among others, could materially impact the Company’s business and future results of operations.

Changes in interest rates could negatively impact the Company’s results of operations

The earnings of Premier are primarily dependent on net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on loans and investments, and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities such as deposits and borrowings. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including government monetary and fiscal policies; domestic and international economic and political conditions; and, in particular, changes in the discount rate by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Conditions such as inflation, recession, unemployment, money supply, government borrowing and other factors beyond management’s control may also affect interest rates. If Premier’s interest-earning assets mature, reprice or prepay more quickly than interest-bearing liabilities in a given period, a decrease in market interest rates could adversely affect net interest income. Likewise, if interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice, or, in the case of deposits, are withdrawn by the accountholder more quickly than interest-earning assets in a given period, an increase in market interest rates could adversely affect net interest income. Given Premier’s current mix of assets and liabilities, a rising interest rate environment would have a positive impact on Premier’s results of operations, because the Company has more interest bearing assets than interest bearing liabilities and the interest bearing assets will likely reprice at higher rates more quickly than interest-bearing liabilities.

Fixed rate loans increase Premier’s exposure to interest rate risk in a rising rate environment because interest-bearing liabilities would be subject to repricing before assets become subject to repricing. Adjustable rate loans decrease the risks to a lender associated with changes in interest rates but involve other risks. As interest rates rise, the periodic payment by the borrower rises to the extent permitted by the terms of the loan, and the increased periodic payment increases the potential for default. At the same time, for secured loans, the marketability of the underlying collateral may be adversely affected by higher interest rates. In a declining interest rate environment, there is likely to be an increase in prepayment activity on loans as the borrowers refinance their loans at lower interest rates. Under these circumstances, Premier’s results of operations could be negatively impacted. Adjustable rate loans that have an interest rate floor feature will exhibit the same characteristics as a fixed rate loan during the period market interest rates are below the floor. During this time and until the time market interest rates rise above the floor, Premier’s exposure to interest rate risk in a rising rate environment is increased because interest-bearing liabilities would be subject to repricing without a change in the interest rate on adjustable rate loans.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Changes in interest rates also can affect the value of loans, investments and other interest-rate sensitive assets and Premier’s ability to realize gains on the sale or resolution of assets. This type of income can vary significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year based on a number of different factors, including the interest rate environment. An increase in interest rates that adversely affects the ability of borrowers to pay the principal or interest on loans may lead to an increase in non-performing assets and increased loan loss reserve requirements that could have a material adverse effect on Premier’s results of operations.

Regional economic changes in the Company’s markets could adversely impact results from operations

Like all banks, Premier is subject to the effects of any economic downturn, and in particular a significant decline in home values or reduced commercial development in Premier’s markets could have a negative effect on results of operations. Premier’s success depends primarily on the general economic conditions in the counties in which Premier conducts business, and in the West Virginia; southern Ohio; northern Kentucky; northern, western and south central Virginia, and the metro Washington, DC and Richmond, Virginia areas in general. Unlike larger banks that are more geographically diversified, Premier provides banking and financial services to customers primarily in the West Virginia counties of Barbour, Boone, Braxton, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Gilmer, Greenbrier, Harrison, Jackson, Kanawha, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, Monongalia, Roane, Taylor, Upshur, Webster, Wirt and Wood, the southern Ohio counties of Adams, Brown, Gallia, Lawrence and Scioto, the northern Kentucky counties of Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Fleming, Greenup, Henry, Kenton, Lewis, Mason, Robertson and Shelby, the metro Washington DC area including the surrounding portions of northern Virginia and Maryland, the Richmond and Hampton metro areas of south central Virginia, and the Covington and Hot Springs areas of western Virginia. The local economic conditions in these market areas have a significant impact on Premier’s ability to originate loans, the ability of the borrowers to repay these loans and the value of the collateral securing these loans. A decline in the general economic conditions caused by inflation or deflation, recession, government intervention or regulation, changes in energy and natural resource markets, international events, unemployment or other factors beyond Premier’s control would affect these local economic conditions and could adversely affect Premier’s financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, a significant decline in home values would likely lead to increased delinquencies and defaults in both the consumer home equity loan and residential real estate loan portfolios and result in increased losses in these portfolios.

Premier targets its business lending and marketing strategy for loans to serve primarily the banking and financial services needs of small to medium size businesses. These small to medium size businesses generally have fewer financial resources in terms of capital or borrowing capacity than larger entities. If general economic conditions negatively impact these businesses, Premier’s results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Extensive regulation and supervision

Premier, primarily through the Affiliate Banks, is subject to extensive federal and state regulation and supervision. Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors’ funds, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole, not shareholders. These regulations affect Premier’s lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy and growth, among other things. Premier is also subject to a number of federal laws, which, among other things, require it to lend to various sectors of the economy and population, maintain comprehensive programs relating to anti-money laundering and customer identification, maintain customer education programs to avoid excessive overdrafting, and establish and maintain comprehensive programs related to cybersecurity. Congress and federal regulatory agencies continually review banking laws, regulations and policies for possible changes. Changes to statutes, regulations or regulatory policies, including changes in interpretation or implementation of statutes, regulations or policies, could affect Premier in substantial and unpredictable ways. Such changes could subject Premier to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products it may offer and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things. Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties and/or reputation damage, along with corrective action plans required by regulatory agencies, any of which could have a material adverse effect on Premier’s business, financial condition and results of operations.  Premier and certain of its Affiliate Banks have in the past been subject to such corrective action plans, and therefore there may be some residual reputation damage within the regulatory agencies.  While Premier has policies and procedures designed to prevent any such violations, there can be no assurance that such violations will not occur.  See the “Regulatory Matters” section in Item 1, “Business”.

Changes in energy and natural resource markets may increase credit risk in the loan portfolio

Premier’s success and growth in lending in the central West Virginia market area depend primarily on the local general economy which has been driven in the past by Federal Government programs to develop technology infrastructure and more recently by the drilling for natural gas in the newly discovered Marcellus and Utica shale formations.  Furthermore, Premier’s success in the southern West Virginia market depends, in large part, on the local general economy which has been driven by significant employment by coal and other natural resource based businesses. While Premier’s direct credit risk exposure to such industries is minimal, the success or failure of these industries may have an indirect effect on the local economic conditions in the central and southern West Virginia market areas, either individually or collectively, thus having a significant impact on Premier’s loans, the ability of the borrowers to repay these loans and the value of the collateral securing these loans and could negatively affect the financial results of its banking operations.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Concentration of commercial real estate and commercial business loans may increase credit risk in the loan portfolio

Commercial real estate and commercial business loans generally expose a lender to greater risk of non-payment and loss than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans because repayment of the loans often depends on the successful business operations and the income stream of the commercial borrowers. Such loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared to one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. A significant decline in general economic conditions caused by inflation or deflation, recession, unemployment or other factors beyond Premier’s control would impact these local economic conditions and could negatively affect the financial results of its banking operations.

Premier’s success in the metro Washington, D.C. market area depends primarily on the local general economic conditions in the area and lending to commercial customers. While the sources of economic activity in the metro Washington, D.C. market are diverse, commercial loans in the market area are generally larger in size than in Premier’s other markets due to various factors such as higher real estate values and larger business operations. Also, many of the local borrowers have more than one commercial real estate or commercial business loan outstanding with Premier. Consequently, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship can expose Premier to a significantly greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to a one- to four-family residential mortgage loan. The local economic conditions in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area have a significant impact on its loans, the ability of the borrowers to repay these loans and the value of the collateral securing these loans and could negatively affect the financial results of Premier’s banking operations.

Allowance for loan losses may be insufficient

Premier, through the Affiliate Banks, maintains an allowance for loan losses based on, among other things, national and regional economic conditions, historical loss experience, evaluations of potential losses on identified problem loans and delinquency trends. Premier believes that its allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level adequate to absorb any probable incurred losses in its loan portfolio given the current information known to management. These determinations are based upon estimates that are inherently subjective, and their accuracy depends on the outcome of future events. Therefore, Premier cannot predict loan losses with certainty and ultimate losses may differ from current estimates. Depending on changes in economic, operating and other conditions, including changes in interest rates, which are generally beyond its control, Premier’s actual losses could exceed its current allowance estimates. Premier’s allowance may not be sufficient to cover all charge-offs in future periods. If charge-offs exceed Premier’s allowance, its earnings would decrease. In addition, regulatory agencies review Premier’s allowance for loan losses and may require additions to the allowance based upon their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination. A required increase in Premier’s allowance for loan losses could reduce its earnings.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Dividend payments by subsidiaries to Premier and by Premier to its shareholders can be restricted.

The Company’s principal source of funds for dividend payments and its debt service obligations 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 in Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements. During 2016 the Banks could, without prior approval, declare dividends of approximately $1.1 million plus any 2016 net profits retained to the date of the dividend declaration.

Premier is a separate and distinct legal entity from Premier’s subsidiaries. Premier receives nearly all of its revenue from dividends from is subsidiary banks, which are limited by federal banking laws and regulations. These dividends also serve as the primary source of funds to pay dividends on Premier’s common and preferred shares. The inability of Premier’s subsidiary banks to pay sufficient dividends to Premier could have a material, adverse effect on its business. Further discussion of Premier’s ability to pay dividends can be found under the caption “Regulatory Matters – Dividend Restrictions” in Item 1 of this Form 10-K and Note 20 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The extended disruption of vital infrastructure could negatively impact the company’s results of operations and financial condition

Premier’s operations depend upon, among other things, its technological and physical infrastructure, including its equipment, facilities and access to the worldwide web via the internet. While disaster recovery procedures are in place, an extended disruption of its vital infrastructure by fire, power loss, natural disaster, telecommunications failure, computer hacking and viruses, denial of service attacks, terrorist activity or the domestic and foreign response to such activity, or other events outside of Premier’s control, could have a material adverse impact either on the financial services industry as a whole, or on Premier’s business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Defaults by another larger financial institution could adversely affect financial markets generally.

The commercial soundness of many financial institutions may be closely interrelated as a result of relationships between the institutions. As a result, concerns about, or a default or threatened default by, one institution could lead to significant market-wide liquidity and credit problems, losses or defaults by other institutions. This is sometimes referred to as “systemic risk”. Premier’s business could be adversely affected directly by the default of another institution or if the financial services industry experiences significant market-wide liquidity and credit problems.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


New or revised tax, accounting and other laws, regulations, rules and standards could significantly impact strategic initiatives, results of operations and financial condition

The financial services industry is highly regulated and laws and regulations may sometimes impose significant limitations on operations. These limitations, and sources of potential liability for the violation of such laws and regulations, are described under the heading “Business — Regulatory Matters” above. These regulations, along with the existing tax and accounting laws, regulations, rules and standards, control the methods by which financial institutions conduct business; implement strategic initiatives, as well as past, present, and contemplated tax planning; and govern financial disclosures. These laws, regulations, rules, and standards are constantly evolving and may change significantly over time. The nature, extent, and timing of the adoption of significant new laws, regulations, rules or standards; changes in existing laws, regulations, rules or standards; or repeal of existing laws, regulations, rules or standards may have a material impact on Premier’s results of operations and financial condition, the effects of which are impossible to predict at this time.

Additional capital may not be available when needed or required by regulatory authorities

Premier and the Affiliate Banks are required by federal and state regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support its operations. In addition, Premier may elect to raise additional capital to support its business or to finance acquisitions, if any, or it may otherwise elect or be required to raise additional capital. Premier’s ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets, economic conditions and a number of other factors, many of which are outside Premier’s control and its financial performance. Accordingly, Premier may not be able to raise additional capital if needed or on acceptable terms. If Premier cannot raise additional capital when needed, it may have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Loss of large checking and money market deposit customers could increase cost of funds and have a negative effect on results of operations

Premier has a number of large deposit customers that maintain balances in checking, money market and repurchase agreement accounts at the Affiliate Banks. The ability to attract these types of deposits has a positive effect on Premier’s net interest margin as they provide a relatively low cost of funds to Premier compared to certificates of deposits or borrowing advances. If these depositors were to withdraw these funds and the Affiliate Banks were not able to replace them with similar types of deposits, the cost of funds would increase and Premier’s results of operation would be negatively impacted.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Strong competition within the Company’s market area may limit profitability

Premier faces significant competition both in attracting deposits and in the origination of loans. Mortgage bankers, commercial banks, credit unions and other savings institutions, which have offices in the market areas of the Affiliate Banks, have historically provided most of the competition for the Affiliate Banks for deposits; however, each Affiliate Bank also competes with financial institutions that operate through internet banking operations throughout the continental United States. In addition, and particularly in times of high interest rates, each Affiliate Bank faces additional and significant competition for funds from money market and mutual funds, securities firms, commercial banks, credit unions and other savings institutions located in the same communities and those that operate through Internet banking operations throughout the continental United States. Many competitors have substantially greater financial and other resources than Premier and its Affiliate Banks. Moreover, credit unions do not pay federal or state income taxes and are subject to fewer regulatory constraints than community banks and as a result, they may enjoy a competitive advantage over Premier. The Affiliate Banks compete for loans principally on the basis of the interest rates and loan fees they charge, the types of loans they originate and the quality of services they provide to borrowers. This advantage places significant competitive pressure on the prices of loans and deposits.

Market volatility may adversely affect market price of common stock or investment security values

The capital and credit markets have experienced volatility and disruption in the past and for periods lasting more than a year. In some cases, the markets have produced downward pressure on stock prices and credit availability for certain issuers seemingly without regard to those issuers’ underlying financial strength. Market volatility could contribute to the decline in the market value of certain security investments and other assets of Premier. If market disruption and volatility should occur, continue or worsen, Premier may experience an adverse effect, which may be material, on results of operations, capital or financial position.

Inability to hire and retain qualified employees

Premier’s performance is largely dependent on the talents and efforts of highly skilled individuals and their ability to attract and retain customer relationships in a community bank environment. There is intense competition in the financial services industry for qualified employees. In addition, Premier faces increasing competition with businesses outside the financial services industry for the most highly skilled individuals. Premier’s business could be adversely affected if it were unable to retain and motivate its existing key employees and management team. Furthermore, Premier’s success may be impacted if it were unable to recruit replacement management and key employees in a reasonable amount of time.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Integration of current and future acquisitions may be more difficult than anticipated

The success of Premier’s acquisition of the Bank of Gassaway, First National Bankshares Corporation or any future acquisitions will depend on a number of factors, including (but not limited to) Premier’s ability to:

 
 
timely and successfully integrate the operations of Premier and each of the acquisitions;
 
 
maintain the existing relationships with the depositors of each acquisition to minimize the withdrawal of deposits subsequent to the merger(s);
 
 
maintain and enhance the existing relationships with the borrowers of each acquisition to limit potential losses from loans made by the them;
 
 
control the incremental non-interest expense of the integrated operations to maintain overall operating efficiencies;
 
 
retain and attract qualified personnel at each acquisition; and
 
 
compete effectively in the communities served by each acquisition and in nearby communities.

The Company’s expenses will increase as a result of increases in FDIC insurance premiums.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation imposes an assessment against institutions for deposit insurance. This assessment is based on the risk category of the institution and ranges from 2.5 to 45 basis points of the institution’s assessment base. The assessment base for banks similar to those owned by Premier is defined as the most recent quarterly average total assets of the bank less the quarterly average tangible equity of the bank. Federal law requires that the designated reserve ratio for the deposit insurance fund be established at a minimum of 1.35% of estimated insured deposits. If this reserve ratio drops below 1.35% or if the FDIC expects that it will do so within six months, the FDIC must establish and implement a plan to restore the designated reserve ratio to 1.35% of estimated insured deposits by no later than September 30, 2020.

Claims and litigation pertaining to fiduciary responsibility

From time to time, shareholders or customers may make claims and take legal action pertaining to Premier’s and the Affiliate Banks’ performance of their fiduciary responsibilities. Defending such claims can impose a material expense on Premier. If such claims and legal actions are not resolved in a manner favorable to the Affiliate Banks they may result in financial liability and/or adversely affect the market perception of the Affiliate Banks and their products and services as well as impact customer demand for those products and services. Any financial liability or reputation damage could have a material adverse effect on Premier’s business, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Issuance of Preferred shares would impact net income available to common shareholders

Additional capital Premier may raise through the issuance of Preferred Stock may decrease net income available to common shareholders.  Dividends declared and the accretion of any discount on the issuance of preferred shares reduces the net income available to Premier’s common shareholders and earnings per common share.  Preferred shares also receive preferential treatment in the event of Premier’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up of its operations.

Future issuances of common shares or other securities may dilute the value of outstanding common shares, which may also adversely affect their market price

In many situations, Premier’s Board of Directors has the authority, without any vote of its shareholders, to issue shares of authorized but unissued securities, including common shares, authorized and unissued shares under Premier’s stock option plans and shares of Premier’s preferred stock. In the future, Premier may issue additional securities, through public or private offerings, in order to raise additional capital, complete acquisitions, or compensate key employees. Any such issuance would dilute the percentage of ownership interest of existing shareholders and may dilute the per share value of the common stock.

Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential customer information could severely harm the Company’s reputation and have a negative effect on results of operations.

In the normal course of business, the Affiliate Banks collect, process and retain sensitive and confidential customer information to both open deposit accounts and determine whether to approve a customer’s request for a loan. Premier also relies upon a variety of computing platforms and networks over the internet for the purposes of data processing, communication and information exchange, including a variety of services provided by third-party vendors. Despite the security measures in place, Premier’s facilities and systems, and those of Premier’s third-party service providers, may be vulnerable to security breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, denial of service attacks, misplaced or lost data, programming and/or human errors or other similar events. If information security is breached, information can be lost or misappropriated resulting in financial loss or costs to Premier or damages to others. Any security breach involving the misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of confidential customer information, whether by Premier or by its vendors, could severely damage Premier’s reputation, expose it to the risks of litigation and liability or disrupt the business operations of Premier which in turn, could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.


PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


If a subsidiary bank’s current capital ratios decline below the regulatory threshold for an “adequately capitalized” institution, the bank will be considered “undercapitalized” which may have a material and adverse effect on Premier.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) requires each federal banking agency to take prompt corrective action with respect to banks that do not meet the minimum capital requirements. Once a bank becomes undercapitalized, it is subject to various requirements and restrictions, including a prohibition of the payment of capital distributions and management fees, restrictions on growth of the bank’s assets, and a requirement for prior regulatory approval of certain expansion proposals. In addition, an undercapitalized bank must file a capital restoration plan with its principal federal regulator.

If an undercapitalized bank fails in any material aspect to implement a plan approved by its regulator, the agency may impose additional restrictions on the bank. These include, among others, requiring the recapitalization or sale of the bank, restrictions with affiliates, and limiting the interest rates the bank may pay on deposits. Further, even after the bank has attained adequately capitalized status, the appropriate federal agency may, if it determines, after notice and hearing, that the bank is in an unsafe or unsound condition or has not corrected a deficiency from its most recent examination, treat the bank as if it were undercapitalized and subject the bank to the regulatory restrictions of such lower classification.

In addition to measures taken under the prompt corrective action provisions with respect to undercapitalized institutions, insured banks and their holding companies may be subject to potential enforcement actions by their regulators for unsafe and unsound practices in conducting their business or the violations of law or regulation, including the filing of false or misleading regulatory reports. Enforcement actions under this authority may include the issuance of cease and desist orders, the imposition of civil money penalties, the issuance of directives to increase capital, formal and informal agreements, or the removal and prohibition orders against “institution-affiliates parties”. Further, the Federal Reserve may bring an enforcement action against the bank holding company either to address the undercapitalization in the holding company or to require the holding company to implement measures to remediate undercapitalization in a subsidiary.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Item 2. Properties

The Company leases its principal executive offices located in Huntington, West Virginia. Except as noted, each of the Banks owns the real property and improvements on which their banking activities are conducted.

Premier Bank, in addition to its main office at 2883 5th Avenue in Huntington, West Virginia has branches at the following locations (including those added via the First National Bank merger):

Branch
Address
Location and Zip Code
Leased/
Owned
                 
Madison
300 State Street
Madison, WV 25130
Owned
Van
Route 85
Van, WV 25206
Owned
West Hamlin
40 Lincoln Plaza
Branchland, WV 25506
Leased
Logan
307 Hudgins Street
Logan, WV 25601
Owned
Buckhannon
14 North Locust Street
Buckhannon, WV 26201
Owned
Bridgeport
25 Oakmont Lane
Bridgeport, WV 26330
Owned
Philippi
2 South Main Street
Philippi, WV 26416
Owned
Gassaway
700 Elk Street
Gassaway, WV 26624
Owned
Flatwoods
3802 Sutton Land
Sutton, WV 26601
Owned
Sutton
373 West Main Street
Sutton, WV 26601
Owned
Clay
2043 Main Street
Clay, WV 25043
Owned
Rock Cave
State Routes 4 & 20
Rock Cave, WV 26234
Leased
Burnsville
316 Walbash Avenue
Burnsville, WV 26335
Leased
Ravenswood
601 Washington Street
Ravenswood, WV 26164
Owned
Ripley South
606 South Church Street
Ripley, WV 25271
Owned
Ripley East
103 Miller Drive
Ripley, WV 25271
Owned
Spencer Main
303 Main Street
Spencer, WV 25276
Owned
Spencer Drive Thru
406 Main Street
Spencer, WV 25276
Owned
Mineral Wells
1397 Elizabeth Pike
Mineral Wells, WV 26150
Owned
Connecticut Avenue
1130 Connecticut Avenue
Washington, DC 20036
Leased
DuPont Circle
1604 17th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
Leased
K Street
1501 K Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
Leased
NoMa
1160 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Leased
Chevy Chase
5530 Wisconsin Avenue
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Leased
Richmond
320 North First Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Owned
Hampton
101 N. Armistead Avenue
Hampton, VA 23669
Owned
Ronceverte
One Cedar Street
Ronceverte, WV
Owned
Lewisburg
799 North Jefferson Street
Lewisburg, WV 24901
Owned
Downtown Lewisburg
1125 East Washington St.
Lewisburg, WV 24901
Owned
White Sulphur Springs
901 East Main Street
White Sulphur Springs, WV
Owned
Covington
151 North Court Avenue
Covington, VA 24426
Owned
Hot Springs
2812 Main Street
Hot Springs, VA 24445
Leased
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Item 2.  Properties – (continued)

Citizens Deposit Bank & Trust, in addition to its main office at 10 Second Street in Vanceburg, Kentucky, has branches at the following locations:

Branch
Address
Location and Zip Code
Leased/
Owned
             
AA Branch
67 Commercial Drive, Suite 3
Vanceburg, KY 41179
Leased
Brooksville
111 Powell Street
Brooksville, KY 41004
Owned
Eminence
5230 South Main Street
Eminence, KY 40019
Owned
Florence
8542 US 42 Highway
Florence KY 41042
Owned
Ft.Wright
3425 Valley Plaza Pkway
Ft. Wright, KY 41017
Owned
Garrison
9234 East KY 8
Garrison, KY 41141
Owned
Maysville
1201 US 68
Maysville, KY 41056
Owned
Mt. Olivet
103-107 South Main Street
Mt. Olivet, KY 41064
Owned
Tollesboro
2954 West KY 10
Tollesboro, KY 41189
Owned
Ironton
221 Railroad Street
Ironton, OH 45638
Owned
Proctorville
7604 County Road 107 Unit A
Proctorville, OH 45669
Leased
Ripley
104 Main Street
Ripley, OH 45167
Owned


Item 3. Legal Proceedings

The Banks are parties to legal actions that are ordinary routine litigation incidental to a commercial banking business. In management's opinion, the outcome of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on the results of operations or financial position of the Company.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and
Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities

The Company's common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market System under the symbol PFBI. At December 31, 2015, the Company had approximately 1,407 shareholders of record of its common shares.


            The following table sets forth on a quarterly basis cash dividends paid and the range of high and low sales prices on a per share basis during the quarters indicated.

   
Cash
   
Sales Price
 
   
Dividends Paid
   
High
   
Low
 
2014
           
January 31 Special Dividend
 
$
0.11
         
First Quarter
   
0.12
   
$
14.78
   
$
13.70
 
Second Quarter
   
0.12
     
16.79
     
13.82
 
Third Quarter
   
0.12
     
16.99
     
14.06
 
Fourth Quarter
   
0.13
     
16.75
     
14.25
 
     
0.60
                 
2015
                       
First Quarter
   
0.13
   
$
15.86
   
$
14.46
 
Second Quarter
   
0.13
     
15.76
     
14.51
 
Third Quarter
   
0.15
     
16.46
     
13.80
 
Fourth Quarter
   
0.15
     
16.88
     
14.01
 
     
0.56
                 
                         
2016
                       
First Quarter (through March 5, 2016)
 
$
0.00
   
$
16.72
   
$
14.45
 

The payment of dividends by the Company depends upon the ability of the Banks to declare and pay dividends to the Company because the principal source of the Company's revenue will be dividends paid by the Banks.  At December 31, 2015 approximately $1.1 million was available for payment as dividends from the Banks to the Company without the need for regulatory approval. In considering the payment of dividends, the Board of Directors will take into account the Company's financial condition, results of operations, tax considerations, costs of expansion, industry standards, economic conditions and need for funds, as well as governmental policies and regulations applicable to the Company and the Banks. See "REGULATORY MATTERS - Capital Requirements" for discussion on capital guidelines.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Stock Performance Graph

The following Stock Performance Graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that Premier specifically incorporates it by reference into such filing.

The following graph shows a comparison of cumulative total stockholder return on the Common Stock since December 31, 2010 with the cumulative total returns of both a broad equity market index and a published industry index. The broad equity market index chosen was the Russell 3000 and the published industry index chosen was the SNL ($500M-$1B) Bank Asset-Size Index. The graph reflects historical performance only, which is not indicative of possible future performance of the Common Stock.

Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc.




   
Period Ending
 
Index
 
12/31/10
   
12/31/11
   
12/31/12
   
12/31/13
   
12/31/14
   
12/31/15
 
Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc.
   
100.00
     
68.75
     
172.84
     
234.10
     
268.30
     
293.84
 
Russell 3000
   
100.00
     
101.03
     
117.61
     
157.07
     
176.79
     
177.64
 
SNL $500M-$1B Bank Index
   
100.00
     
91.20
     
112.45
     
163.52
     
170.98
     
191.39
 
*Source: SNL Financial LC, Charlottesville, VA
 
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table gives information about the Company’s common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under its equity compensation plans: the 2002 Stock Option Plan and the 2012 Long-term Incentive Plan, as of December 31, 2015.

 
 
Plan Category
 
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(a)
   
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(b)
   
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (Excluding securities reflected in column (a))
(c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders
           
2002 Stock Option Plan
   
139,468
   
$
10.08
     
0
 
2012 Long-term Incentive Plan
   
109,650
     
13.59
     
359,300
 
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders
                       
None
                       
Total
   
249,118
   
$
11.62
     
359,300
 

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following table presents consolidated selected financial data for the Company. It does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by more detailed financial information and the audited consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this annual report.

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
At or for the Year Ended December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Earnings
                   
Net interest income
 
$
48,380
   
$
48,414
   
$
43,695
   
$
43,999
   
$
44,208
 
Provision for loan losses
   
326
     
534
     
(375
)
   
4,260
     
3,630
 
Non-interest income
   
7,099
     
6,930
     
7,732
     
9,529
     
6,911
 
Non-interest expense
   
35,804
     
34,490
     
31,169
     
33,272
     
36,521
 
Income taxes
   
6,903
     
7,170
     
7,404
     
5,673
     
3,800
 
Net income
   
12,446
     
13,150
     
13,229
     
10,323
     
7,168
 
Preferred stock dividends, net of redemption discount
   
-
     
598
     
659
     
168
     
1,221
 
Net income available to common shareholders
 
$
12,446
   
$
12,552
   
$
12,570
   
$
10,155
   
$
5,947
 
                                         
Financial Position
                                       
Total assets
 
$
1,244,693
   
$
1,252,824
   
$
1,100,179
   
$
1,120,787
   
$
1,124,087
 
Loans
   
849,746
     
879,711
     
740,770
     
704,625
     
690,923
 
Allowance for loan losses
   
9,647
     
10,347
     
11,027
     
11,488
     
9,795
 
Goodwill and other intangibles
   
35,976
     
36,829
     
31,996
     
32,596
     
33,268
 
Securities
   
255,466
     
229,750
     
218,066
     
283,975
     
278,479
 
Deposits
   
1,060,196
     
1,075,243
     
924,023
     
930,583
     
925,078
 
Other borrowings
   
32,986
     
27,302
     
25,119
     
42,151
     
51,418
 
Preferred equity
   
-
     
-
     
11,955
     
11,896
     
21,949
 
Common equity
   
147,232
     
145,782
     
134,985
     
132,400
     
122,058
 
                                         
Per Common Share Data
                                       
Net income – basic
   
1.52
     
1.55
     
1.57
     
1.28
     
0.75
 
Net income - diluted
   
1.49
     
1.46
     
1.49
     
1.24
     
0.74
 
Book value
   
18.00
     
17.90
     
16.79
     
16.63
     
15.38
 
Tangible book value
   
13.60
     
13.38
     
12.81
     
12.53
     
11.19
 
Cash dividends
   
0.56
     
0.60
     
0.44
     
0.22
     
0.00
 
                                         
Financial Ratios
                                       
Return on average assets
   
0.98
%
   
1.01
%
   
1.13
%
   
0.90
%
   
0.51
%
Return on average common equity
   
8.41
%
   
8.80
%
   
9.29
%
   
7.89
%
   
5.08
%
Dividend payout
   
36.84
%
   
38.71
%
   
28.03
%
   
17.19
%
   
0.00
%
Stockholders’ equity to total assets at period-end
   
11.83
%
   
11.64
%
   
13.36
%
   
12.87
%
   
12.81
%
Average stockholders’ equity to average total assets
   
11.67
%
   
12.29
%
   
13.21
%
   
12.94
%
   
11.98
%
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations.

INTRODUCTION

Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. ("Premier” or the “Company”) is a multi-bank holding company headquartered in Huntington, West Virginia.  It operates two community bank subsidiaries, Premier Bank, Inc. (“Premier Bank”), an $849 million bank headquartered in Huntington, West Virginia, and Citizens Deposit Bank and Trust (“Citizens”), a $390 million bank headquartered in Vanceburg, Kentucky, each with a local orientation. The banks operate in thirty-three communities within the states of West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, Maryland and Kentucky plus the cities of Washington, DC and Richmond, Virginia.  Through these locations the banks provide their customers with a full range of banking services.  On September 10, 2010 Citizens completed its purchase of four banking offices (“Branch Purchase”) from Integra Bank N.A. (“Integra Bank”).  The banking offices are located in Maysville and Mount Olivet, Kentucky and Ripley and Aberdeen, Ohio.   On April 9, 2011, Premier merged five of its subsidiary banks together.  Adams National, CB&T, First Central Bank and Traders Bank, Inc. were merged into Boone County Bank.  The resulting bank moved its headquarters to Huntington, West Virginia and changed its name to Premier Bank, Inc.  On August 17, 2012, Premier merged its three other subsidiary banks together.  Ohio River Bank and Farmers Deposit Bank were merged into Citizens.  On April 4, 2014, Premier completed its purchase of the Bank of Gassaway (“Gassaway”), a $201.5 million bank headquartered in Gassaway, West Virginia with branch offices located in Sutton, Burnsville, Clay and Flatwoods, West Virginia.  As of December 31, 2015, Premier had approximately $1.24 billion in total assets, $850 million in total loans, $1.1 billion in total deposits and $22 million in customer repurchase agreements.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the management of Premier in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The audit committee of the Board of Directors engaged Crowe Horwath LLP (“Crowe”) as independent auditors to audit the consolidated financial statements, and their report is included elsewhere herein. Financial information appearing throughout this annual report is consistent with that reported in the consolidated financial statements. The following discussion is designed to assist readers of the consolidated financial statements in understanding significant changes in Premier's financial condition and results of operations.

Management's objective of a fair presentation of financial information is achieved through a system of internal accounting controls. The financial control system of Premier is designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded from loss and that transactions are properly authorized and recorded in the financial records. As an integral part of that financial control system, the holding company employs a staff of internal auditors and contracts with professional consulting firms to perform internal audits of the financial records of each of the subsidiaries on a periodic basis.  The internal audit manager reports the findings and recommendations highlighted by the internal audits to Premier’s audit committee as well as the audit committees of the subsidiaries.  In addition, the audit committee of the Board of Directors engages Crowe as independent auditors to render an opinion on management’s assessment
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


of the internal controls of the company. The activities of both the internal and external audit functions are reviewed by the audit committee of the Board of Directors.

Also, on a regular periodic basis, the subsidiary banks are examined by Federal and State banking authorities for safety and soundness as well as compliance with applicable banking laws and regulations. Their reports are issued to the Board of Directors of the bank under examination.


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 or lack thereof, Premier's ability to control costs, and new accounting pronouncements, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of Premier.  The words “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “will,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “continue” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

General

The financial condition and results of operations presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements, accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and management's discussion and analysis are, to a large degree, dependent upon our accounting policies. The selection and application of these accounting policies involve judgments, estimates, and uncertainties that are susceptible to change.

Presented below is a discussion of those accounting policies that management believes are the most important to the presentation and understanding of our financial condition and results of operations. These critical accounting policies require management's most difficult, subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. In the event that different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, and depending upon the severity of such changes, the possibility of materially different financial condition or results of operations is a reasonable likelihood. See also Note 1 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere in this annual report.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


Allowance for Loan Losses

The Company monitors and maintains an allowance for loan losses to absorb an estimate of probable incurred losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contains a significant level of analysis of the allowance for loan losses.  The Company maintains policies and procedures that address the systems of control over the following areas of maintenance of the allowance: the systematic methodology used to determine the appropriate level of the allowance to provide assurance that the allowance for loan losses is maintained in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; the accounting policies for loan charge-offs and recoveries; the assessment and measurement of impairment in the loan portfolio; and the loan grading system.

The Company evaluates various loans individually for impairment using accounting guidance issued by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). Loans evaluated individually for impairment include non-performing loans, such as loans on non-accrual, loans past due 90 days or more, restructured loans and other loans selected by management including loans graded as substandard or doubtful by the Company’s internal credit review process. The evaluations are based upon discounted expected cash flows or collateral valuations. If the evaluation shows that a loan is individually impaired, then a specific reserve is established for the amount of impairment.

For loans without individual measures of impairment, the Company makes estimates of losses for groups of loans as required by accounting guidance. Loans are grouped by similar characteristics, including the type of loan, the assigned loan grade and the general collateral type. A loss rate reflecting the expected loss inherent in a group of loans is derived based upon estimates of default rates for a given loan grade, the predominant collateral type for the group and the terms of the loan. The resulting estimate of losses for groups of loans is adjusted for relevant environmental factors and other conditions of the portfolio of loans, including: borrower and industry concentrations; levels and trends in delinquencies, charge-offs and recoveries; changes in underwriting standards and risk selection; level of experience, ability and depth of lending management; and national and local economic conditions.

The amount of estimated impairment for individually evaluated loans and groups of loans is added together for a total estimate of probable incurred loan losses. This estimate of losses is compared to the allowance for loan losses of the Company as of the evaluation date and, if the estimate of losses exceeds the allowance, an additional provision to the allowance would be made. If the estimate of losses is less than the allowance, the degree to which the allowance exceeds the estimate is evaluated to determine whether the allowance falls outside a range of estimates. If the estimate of losses were below the range of reasonable estimates, the allowance would be reduced by way of a credit to the provision for loan losses also known as a negative provision for loan losses. The Company recognizes the inherent imprecision in estimates of losses due to various uncertainties and variability related to the factors used, and therefore a reasonable range around the estimate of losses is derived and used to ascertain whether the allowance is too high. If different assumptions or conditions were to prevail and it is determined that the allowance is not adequate to absorb the new estimate of probable incurred losses, an additional provision for loan losses would be made, which amount may be material to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015

 
Business Acquisitions and Impairment of Goodwill

For acquisitions, Premier is required to record the assets acquired, including identified intangible assets, and the liabilities assumed at their fair value. These often involve estimates based on third-party valuations, such as appraisals, or internal valuations based on discounted cash flow analyses or other valuation techniques that may include estimates of attrition, inflation, asset growth rates or other relevant factors. In addition, the determination of the useful lives over which an intangible asset will be amortized is subjective.

The loans acquired via the purchase of Abigail Adams National Bancorp on October 1, 2009, the four branches purchased by Citizens on September 10, 2010, and the purchase of Gassaway on April 4, 2014 were recorded on the books of Premier at their estimated fair value.  The estimate of fair value included factors for the measurement of credit risk, interest rate risk and re-salability in the most advantageous market for the loans in an orderly transaction between market participants.  These estimates required management's most difficult, subjective and complex judgments and are inherently uncertain.  Since the estimated fair value of these loans were believed to have accounted for the reasonably estimable credit risk in the loans, consistent with new accounting guidance for acquisitions after 2008, no allowance for loan losses for these loans was recorded by Premier at the date of acquisition.  However, in the event that different assumptions or conditions were to prevail due to uncertainties in the economy, the borrower’s ability to repay or other factors, and depending upon the severity of such changes, the possibility of materially different financial condition or results of operations is a reasonable likelihood.

Under accounting guidance issued by the FASB related to accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets, goodwill is evaluated at least annually to determine if the amount recorded on the Company's balance sheet is impaired.  If goodwill is determined to be impaired, the recorded amount would be reduced to estimated fair value by a charge to expense in the period in which impairment is determined. Impairment is evaluated in the aggregate for all of the Company's banking operations. Operating characteristics of the aggregate banking operations are derived and compared to a database of peer group banks that have been sold. Pricing valuation factors that are considered in estimating the fair value of the Company's aggregate banking operations include price-to-total assets, price-to-total book value, price-to-deposits and price-to-earnings. Unusual events that have impacted the operating characteristics of the Company's aggregate banking operations are considered to assess the likelihood of recurrence and adjustments to historical performance may be made. Changes in assumptions regarding the likelihood of unusual historical events recurring or the use of different pricing valuation factors could have a material impact on management's impairment analysis.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


SUMMARY FINANCIAL RESULTS

Premier had net income available to common shareholders of $12.446 million in 2015 compared to $12.552 million of net income available to common shareholders in 2014 and $12.570 million of net income available to common shareholders reported for 2013. Net income available to common shareholders remained relatively consistent in 2015 when compared to 2014 results, as a slight decrease in net interest income was more than offset by a decrease in the provision for loan losses while an increase in non-interest income was more than offset by an increase in non-interest expense.  Net income available to common shareholders remained relatively consistent in 2014 when compared to 2013 results as decreases in 2014 pretax income from a lower level of gains on securities transactions, a higher provision for loan losses in 2014 (versus a negative provision for loan losses in 2013) and higher employee benefit costs were substantially offset by the pretax income from the operations of the newly acquired Gassaway locations, overall lower interest expense in 2014 and net gains on the sale of other real estate owned (“OREO”) in 2014 versus net writedowns of OREO in 2013.  Basic earnings per share were $1.52 in 2015 compared to $1.55 in 2014 and $1.57 in 2013.  The slight decrease in basic earnings per share in 2015 is largely due to the decrease in net income and an increase in the average number of shares outstanding in 2015 due to the exercise of employee stock options throughout the year.  The decrease in basic earnings per share in 2014 is also largely due to an increase in average number of shares outstanding in 2014 due to the exercise of employee stock options throughout 2014.  However, as a result of the Company’s 2015 purchase of the common stock Warrant issued to the U.S. Treasury under the TARP program, dilutive effects of potential additional common stock issuances decreased significantly in 2015 and resulted in an increase in diluted earnings per share in 2015.  Diluted earnings per share were $1.49 in 2015 compared to $1.46 in 2014.

The Analysis of Return on Assets and Equity table below comparatively illustrates the components of return on average assets (“ROA”) and return on average common equity (“ROE”) over the previous five years. ROA measures how effectively Premier utilizes its assets to produce net income. It also facilitates the analysis of earnings performance of different sized organizations. Such analysis is particularly useful as Premier increases its operations via acquisition such as the purchase of Gassaway on April 4, 2014. In years 2011, 2012 and 2013, total assets declined slightly from $1,124 million at December 31, 2011 to $1,100 million at December 31, 2013. In 2014, with the acquisition of Gassaway on April 4, 2104, total assets increased to a total of $1,253 million and by the end of 2015 total assets declined slightly to $1,245 million. An increase in asset size will generally result in higher dollars of income earned and expenses incurred. A detailed review of the components of ROA will help analyze Premier’s performance without regard to changes in its size.

Premier’s net income available to common shareholders in 2015 resulted in ROA of 0.98%, a decrease from the 1.01% ROA in 2014 and the 1.13% ROA in 2013.  As shown in the following table, fully tax equivalent net interest income (as a percent of average earning assets) reached its highest level during the last five years in 2014 at 4.27%, slightly above the 4.26% net interest income earned in 2013 and the 4.25% net interest income earned in 2012.  In 2015, net interest income decreased to 4.15% of average earning assets as the yield on earning assets decreased by
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


more than the decrease in the rate paid on interest bearing liabilities.  Going back to 2012, net interest income increased to 4.25% of average earnings assets up from the 4.18% earned in 2011, largely due to a continuing decrease in rates paid on deposits while the overall yield on loans held steady at 6.33%. In 2013, the low interest rate environment had a diminishing effect on both the yield on earning assets and the cost of interest bearing liabilities but resulted in a slightly higher net interest margin at 4.26%. In 2014 the continuing low interest rate environment decreased the cost of interest bearing liabilities slightly more than the decrease in the yield on earning assets resulting in a slightly higher net interest margin at 4.27%. Finally, in 2015 the continuing low interest rate environment and the strong competition for good quality loans resulted in a decrease in the yield on earning assets. With only a minor decrease in the cost of interest bearing liabilities, the net interest margin in 2015 decreased to 4.15%.

While net interest income (as a percent of average earning assets) decreased by 12 basis points in 2015 from its highest level during the last five years in 2014 at 4.27%, net credit income (as a percentage of average earning assets) decreased only 10 basis points in 2015 when compared to 2014 due to a lower provision for loan losses recorded during the year.  Net credit income reduces the net interest income earned by the provision for loan losses recorded during the year.  In 2015, the provision for loan losses reduced the net interest margin by 0.03%, decreasing net credit income to 4.12%.  In 2014, the provision for loan losses reduced the net interest margin by 0.05%, decreasing net credit income to 4.22%.  Due to a negative provision for loan losses in 2013, net credit income was higher than the net interest margin by 0.04%, increasing net credit income to 4.30%, the highest level over the five year period presented in the table.

To summarize the Company’s earnings results over the past five years beginning in 2011, net credit income (as a percent of average earning assets) was 3.84%, as the 4.18% net interest income as a percent of average earning assets was reduced by the provision for loan losses. And while Premier’s non-interest income in 2011 (as a percent of average earning assets) was at its highest level over the past five years at 0.65%, the level of non-interest expense (as a percent of average earning assets) was also the highest in the five year comparison at 3.43%, lowering Premier’s return on average assets in 2011. Premier’s applicable income taxes and tax equivalent adjustment also serve to reduce net credit income. Lastly, dividends and accretion accrued on Premier’s Series A Preferred Stock also served to reduce net income available to common shareholders and thus reduce Premier’s ROA. In 2011, preferred stock dividends and accretion totaled 0.11% as a percent of average earning assets. As illustrated in the table, the overall result was a 2011 return on average earning assets of 0.56% and a return on average total assets (ROA) of 0.51%.

In 2012, net interest income (as a percent of average earning assets) increased to 4.25% but an increase in the provision for loan losses (as a percent of average earning assets) reduced net credit income to 3.84% of average earning assets, repeating 2011 as the lowest percentage in the five-year period presented.  Non-interest income (as a percent of average earning assets) dropped slightly in 2012 compared to 2011, but non-interest expenses (as a percent of average earning assets) decreased to 3.19%.  The decrease in non-interest expenses (as a percent of average earning assets) is largely due to lower staff costs, data processing costs, and the elimination of conversioncharges incurred in 2011, partially offset by an increase in expenses related to other real estate owned (“OREO”). 
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


Income tax expense (as a percentage of average earning assets) returned to a more normal level in 2012, due to tax benefits realized in 2009, 2010 and 2011 related to deferred tax assets.  Similar to 2011, preferred stock dividends and accretion in 2012 totaled 0.10% as a percent of average earning assets. Dividends and accretion accrued on Premier’s Series A Preferred Stock reduced net income available to common shareholders and thus reduced Premier’s ROA.  Substantially offsetting the reduction in net income available to common shareholders from preferred stock dividends was a discount realized on the redemption of 10,252 shares of Series Preferred Stock purchased during an auction conducted by the U.S. Treasury in July 2012.  Adding to Premier’s net income available to common shareholders in 2012 was 0.29% (as a percentage of average earning assets) of income realized on the early call of two securities during the year plus a gain on the sale of a note on non-accrual status.  As illustrated in the table, the overall result was to increase Premier's 2012 return on average earning assets to 0.97% and increase its return on average total assets (ROA) to 0.90%.

In 2013, net interest income (as a percent of average earnings assets) remained near its highest level, reaching 4.26%. However, in 2013, Premier’s negative provision for loan losses added to net credit income. The negative provision for loan losses increased net credit income as percent of average earning assets to 4.30%, the highest level in the five year period presented. Non-interest income (as a percent of average earning assets) again dropped slightly from the 0.63% reported in 2012 to 0.61% in 2013, the lowest level of the five years presented. More than offsetting this decrease in revenue, non-interest expense (as a percent of average earning assets) decreased from 3.19% in 2012 to 3.02% in 2013, also the lowest level of the five years presented in the table. The decrease in non-interest expenses in 2013 was largely the result of decreases in professional fees, OREO expenses and write-downs, and collection expenses when compared to 2012. Adding to Premier’s net income available to common shareholders in 2013 was 0.14% (as a percentage of average earning assets) of income realized on the call and sale of corporate issued securities held in the Company’s investment portfolio during the year. Income tax expense (as a percentage of average earning assets) increased in 2013 as Premier’s increased earnings performance subjected it to a higher marginal federal income tax rate and a higher amount of state based income taxes. Finally, due to the partial redemption of Premier’s Series A Preferred Stock in 2012, the preferred stock dividends and accretion on the remaining 12,000 shares in 2013 totaled only 0.06% as a percent of average earning assets, compared to 0.10% in 2012 and 0.11% in 2011. Dividends and accretion accrued on Premier’s Series A Preferred Stock reduce net income available to common shareholders and thus reduce Premier’s ROA. As illustrated in the table, the overall result was to increase Premier's 2013 return on average earning assets to 1.22% and increase its return on average total assets (ROA) to 1.13%, the highest level for both ratios over the five year period presented in the table.

In 2014, net interest income (as a percent of average earnings assets) reached its highest level over the past five years at 4.27%.  However, in 2014, Premier’s provision for loan losses (as a percent of average earning assets) reduced net credit income to 4.22% of average earning assets.  Non-interest income (as a percent of average earning assets) remained unchanged at 0.61% in 2014, as Premier’s non-interest income grew in proportion to the increase in average earning assets largely as a result of the purchase of Gassaway in April 2014. Similarly, non-interest expense (as a percent of average earning assets) remained relatively unchanged in 2014 when compared to 2013, increasing only slightly to 3.03% of average earning assets.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


Again, the increase in non-interest expense was proportional to the increase in average earning assets, both of which were largely the result of the purchase of Gassaway, but also as a result of a decrease in OREO expenses and write-downs, loan collection expenses and professional fees, only partially offset by an increase in employee benefit costs.  Unlike 2012 and 2013, there was no measurable amount (as a percent of average earning assets) of income realized on the call and sale of corporate issued securities held in the Company’s investment portfolio during 2014.  Income tax expense (as a percentage of average earning assets) decreased in 2014 to 0.63% as Premier’s slight decrease in earnings performance, higher realization of deferred tax benefits and higher level of tax exempt investment income reduced the marginal federal income tax rate and amount of state based income taxes.  Finally, due to the partial redemption of Premier’s Series A Preferred Stock in 2012, as well as the full redemption of the final 12,000 shares by November 14, 2014 and the increase in average earning assets from the purchase of Gassaway, the preferred stock dividends and accretion on the outstanding shares in 2014 totaled only 0.05% as a percent of average earning assets, compared to 0.06% in 2013 and 0.10% in 2012.  Dividends and accretion accrued on Premier’s Series A Preferred Stock reduce net income available to common shareholders and thus reduce Premier’s ROA.  As illustrated in the table below, the overall result was to decrease Premier's 2014 return on average earning assets to 1.10% and decrease its return on average total assets (ROA) to 1.01%.

In 2015, net interest income (as a percent of average earnings assets) decreased to 4.15%, largely due to a decrease in yields earned on the loan portfolio.  The provision for loan losses in 2015 (as a percent of average earning assets) reduced net credit income to 4.12% of average earning assets.  Non-interest income (as a percent of average earning assets) remained unchanged at 0.61% in 2015, as Premier’s non-interest income remained the same in proportion to its total average earning assets in 2015.  Similarly, non-interest expense (as a percent of average earning assets) remained relatively unchanged in 2015 when compared to 2014, increasing only slightly to 3.05% of average earning assets.  Again, the amount of non-interest expenses in 2015 was proportional to total average earning assets in 2015.  Similar to 2014, but unlike 2012 and 2013, there was no measurable amount (as a percent of average earning assets) of income realized on the call and sale of corporate issued securities held in the Company’s investment portfolio during 2015.  Income tax expense (as a percentage of average earning assets) decreased in 2015 to 0.59% as Premier’s slight decrease in earnings performance and higher level of tax exempt investment income reduced the level of income tax expense relative to average earning assets.  Finally, due to the full redemption of the final 12,000 of Premier’s Series A Preferred shares by November 14, 2014, there was no reduction in net income available to common shareholders related to preferred stock dividends and accretion. As illustrated in the table below, the overall result was to decrease Premier's 2015 return on average earning assets slightly to 1.06%, compared to 1.10% in 2014, and decrease its return on average total assets (ROA) to 0.98% compared to 1.01% in 2014.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


ANALYSIS of RETURN ON ASSETS and EQUITY
 
                     
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
As a percent of average earning assets
                   
Fully taxable-equivalent net interest income
   
4.15
%
   
4.27
%
   
4.26
%
   
4.25
%
   
4.18
%
Provision for loan losses
   
(0.03
)
   
(0.05
)
   
0.04
     
(0.41
)
   
(0.34
)
Net credit income
   
4.12
     
4.22
     
4.30
     
3.84
     
3.84
 
Gains on sales of assets
   
0.00
     
0.00
     
0.14
     
0.29
     
0.00
 
Non-interest income
   
0.61
     
0.61
     
0.61
     
0.63
     
0.65
 
Non-interest expense
   
(3.05
)
   
(3.03
)
   
(3.02
)
   
(3.19
)
   
(3.43
)
Tax equivalent adjustment
   
(0.03
)
   
(0.02
)
   
(0.02
)
   
(0.02
)
   
(0.03
)
Applicable income taxes
   
(0.59
)
   
(0.63
)
   
(0.72
)
   
(0.54
)
   
(0.36
)
Discount on redemption of preferred stock
   
0.00
     
0.00
     
0.00
     
0.09
     
0.00
 
Preferred stock dividends
   
0.00
     
(0.05
)
   
(0.06
)
   
(0.10
)
   
(0.11
)
Return on average earning assets
   
1.06
%
   
1.10
%
   
1.22
%
   
0.97
%
   
0.56
%
Multiplied by average earning assets to average total assets
   
92.45
     
92.02
     
92.43
     
91.91
     
91.89
 
Return on average assets
   
0.98
%
   
1.01
%
   
1.13
%
   
0.90
%
   
0.51
%
Multiplied by average assets to average common stockholders’ equity
   
8.57
X
   
8.67
X
   
8.24
X
   
8.81
X
   
9.91
X
Return on average common equity
   
8.41
%
   
8.80
%
   
9.29
%
   
7.89
%
   
5.08
%

ROE, another measure of earnings performance, indicates the amount of net income earned in relation to the total equity invested by holders of common stock.  Premier’s 2015 ROE was 8.41% compared to 8.80% in 2014 and 9.29% in 2013.  ROE decreased in 2015 due to lower ROA in 2015 compared to 2014, and an increase in common stockholder’s equity as a percentage of total assets which reduced the multiple of average assets to average common equity in 2015.  Similarly, ROE decreased in 2014 due to lower ROA in 2014 compared to 2013.  However, ROE was improved by a higher multiple of average assets to average common equity in 2014 as Premier purchased Gassaway with existing liquid assets on hand and did not issue any additional equity in the transaction.  ROE increased in 2013 largely due to the higher ROA reported in 2013 but was tempered by the lower multiple of average assets to average common equity in 2013 when compared to 2012.

As a result of the proportional increase in total non-interest income and total non-interest expense relative to the increase in average earning assets resulting from the purchase of Gassaway in 2014, Premier’s net overhead ratio (non-interest expense less non-interest income as a percent of average earning assets) remained relatively unchanged in 2014 when compared to 2013.  Premier’s net overhead ratio was 2.42% in 2014, compared to 2.41% in 2013 (the lowest level reported in the last five years).  Similarly in 2015, total non-interest income and total non-interest expense remained relatively proportional to average earning assets.  As a result, Premier’s net overhead ratio was 2.44% in 2015, compared to 2.42% in 2014 and 2.41% in 2013.  These ratios compare favorably to the 2.56% net overhead ratio in 2012 and the 2.78% ratio reported in 2011.  The decrease in the 2012 net overhead ratio from that reported in 2011 was largely the result of lower operating expenses, primarily staff costs, data processing costs and the costs incurred in 2011 related to converting to a different data processing provider.  These expense reductions were partially offset by an increase in OREO expenses in 2012.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


The decrease in the 2013 net overhead ratio was largely the result of lower operating expenses, primarily occupancy and equipment expenses, professional fees, OREO expenses and write-downs, and collection expenses in 2013 when compared to 2012. In 2014, while both non-interest expenses and non-interest income increased largely due to the addition of the Gassaway operations beginning in April 2014, the net amount of overhead expenses increased in relative proportion to the increase in the average earning assets of the Company in 2014, resulting in a similar net overhead ratio when compared to 2013. In 2015, while total non-interest income increased by 2.9%, total non-interest expense increased by 3.8% resulting in a slightly higher net overhead ratio in 2015.

A breakdown of Premier's financial results by quarter for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 is summarized below.

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
   
First
   
Second
   
Third
   
Fourth
   
Full Year
 
2015
                   
Interest income
 
$
13,013
   
$
12,955
   
$
13,782
   
$
12,661
   
$
52,411
 
Interest expense
   
1,049
     
1,032
     
999
     
951
     
4,031
 
Net interest income
   
11,964
     
11,923
     
12,783
     
11,710
     
48,380
 
Provision for loan losses
   
69
     
(146
)
   
309
     
94
     
326
 
Gain on investment securities
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Net overhead
   
7,087
     
7,202
     
7,284
     
7,132
     
28,705
 
Income before income taxes
   
4,808
     
4,867
     
5,190
     
4,484
     
19,349
 
Net income
   
3,142
     
3,092
     
3,325
     
2,887
     
12,446
 
Dividends and accretion on preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Net income available to common stockholders
   
3,142
     
3,092
     
3,325
     
2,887
     
12,446
 
Basic net income per share
   
0.39
     
0.38
     
0.41
     
0.35
     
1.52
 
Diluted net income per share
   
0.36
     
0.37
     
0.40
     
0.35
     
1.49
 
Dividends paid per share
   
*0.13
     
0.13
     
0.15
     
0.15
     
0.56
 
                                         
2014
                                       
Interest income
 
$
13,045
   
$
12,789
   
$
13,526
   
$
13,390
   
$
52,750
 
Interest expense
   
1,038
     
1,113
     
1,100
     
1,085
     
4,336
 
Net interest income
   
12,007
     
11,676
     
12,426
     
12,305
     
48,414
 
Provision for loan losses
   
(310
)
   
(79
)
   
536
     
387
     
534
 
Gain on investment securities
   
-
     
-
     
28
     
1
     
29
 
Net overhead
   
6,648
     
6,931
     
6,998
     
7,012
     
27,589
 
Income before income taxes
   
5,669
     
4,824
     
4,920
     
4,907
     
20,320
 
Net income
   
3,670
     
3,100
     
3,151
     
3,229
     
13,150
 
Dividends and accretion on preferred stock
   
165
     
165
     
205
     
63
     
598
 
Net income available to common stockholders
   
3,505
     
2,935
     
2,946
     
3,166
     
12,552
 
Basic net income per share
   
0.44
     
0.36
     
0.36
     
0.39
     
1.55
 
Diluted net income per share
   
0.41
     
0.34
     
0.34
     
0.37
     
1.46
 
Dividends paid per share
   
*0.23
     
0.12
     
0.12
     
0.13
     
0.60
 
                                         
* First quarter 2014 dividends paid per share include a special $0.11 per share dividend paid in January 2014 in addition to the $0.12 per share regular quarterly dividend paid in March 2014.
 
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS

Summary

A financial institution's primary sources of revenue are generated by its 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. Information on rate-related sources and uses of funds for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, is provided in the table below.

In 2015, average earning assets increased by 3.0% or $34.0 million from 2014, following a 10.5% or $108.2 million increase in 2014 from 2013. Average interest-bearing liabilities, the primary source of funds supporting the earning assets, increased by 1.7%, or $13.8 million, in 2015 from 2014, which follows a 9.2%, or $70.5 million, increase in 2014 from 2013.  Although there was an increase in average earning assets and an increase in average interest-bearing liabilities, 2015 net interest income was less than in 2014.  The decrease was due in part to a higher amount of deferred interest income and loan purchase discounts recognized on loans paid off during 2014 versus 2015.  Net interest income (as a percentage of average earning assets) in 2015 was 4.15% compared to 4.27% in 2014.   In 2015, the increase in average earning assets, average interest-bearing liabilities and average non-interest bearing deposits was largely the result of the full year inclusion of the assets and liabilities acquired from purchase of Gassaway on April 4, 2014.  The assets, liabilities and operations of Gassaway are only included in the financial results of Premier from the date of acquisition.  In 2014, the Gassaway operations were included only during nine months of the year.  Additional information on the purchase of Gassaway is contained throughout this discussion and in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The increase in average earning assets in 2015 was primarily the result of a $45.4 increase in average loans outstanding, a $4.5 million increase in average interest-bearing bank balances, and a $2.4 million increase in average federal funds sold.  These increases in earning assets were partially offset by an $18.3 million decrease in average investment securities. The increase in average interest-bearing liabilities in 2015 was largely due to an $11.5 million increase in average interest-bearing deposits and a $3.3 million increase in average short-term borrowings (primarily customer repurchase agreements) partially offset by a $1.0 million decrease in average long-term borrowings. In 2014, the increase in average earning assets was primarily the result of a $105.1 increase in average loans outstanding, a $9.3 million increase in average interest-bearing bank balances, and a $1.9 million increase in average federal funds sold.  These increases in earning assets were partially offset by an $8.2 million decrease in average investment securities.  The increase in average interest-bearing liabilities in 2014 was largely due to a $73.7 million increase in average interest-bearing deposits partially offset by a $1.1 million decrease in average short-term borrowings (primarily customer repurchase agreements), and a $2.0 million decrease in average long-term borrowings.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AND NET INTEREST INCOME ANALYSIS
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Yield/
Rate (2)
   
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Yield/
Rate (2)
   
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Yield/
Rate (2)
 
Assets:
                       
Interest earning assets
                       
U.S. Treasury and federal agency securities
$
15,345
$
221
1.44
%
$
27,031
$
269
1.00
%
$
9,463
$
167
1.76
%
States and municipal obligations (1)
   
7,879
   
314
   
3.99
     
8,053
   
324
   
4.02
     
5,222
   
235
   
4.50
 
Mortgage backed securities
   
205,423
   
4,438
   
2.16
     
211,032
   
4,889
   
2.32
     
237,079
   
5,481
   
2.31
 
Other securities
   
4,828
   
207
   
4.29
     
5,661
   
219
   
3.87
     
8,233
   
324
   
3.94
 
Total investment securities
   
233,475
   
5,180
   
2.22
     
251,777
   
5,701
   
2.26
     
259,997
   
6,207
   
2.39
 
Federal funds sold
   
13,216
   
17
   
0.13
     
10,818
   
13
   
0.12
     
8,918
   
9
   
0.10
 
Interest-bearing deposits with banks
   
59,586
   
186
   
0.31
     
55,074
   
172
   
0.31
     
45,746
   
148
   
0.32
 
Loans, net of unearned income (3)(4)
                                                           
Commercial
   
593,986
   
31,637
   
5.33
     
566,785
   
32,199
   
5.68
     
511,764
   
30,006
   
5.86
 
Real estate mortgage
   
237,889
   
12,886
   
5.42
     
219,616
   
12,136
   
5.53
     
174,710
   
10,008
   
5.73
 
Installment
   
34,681
   
2,785
   
8.03
     
34,759
   
2,788
   
8.02
     
29,542
   
2,310
   
7.82
 
Total loans
   
866,556
   
47,308
   
5.46
     
821,160
   
47,123
   
5.74
     
716,016
   
42,324
   
5.91
 
Total interest earning assets
   
1,172,833
   
52,691
   
4.49
     
1,138,829
   
53,009
   
4.65
     
1,030,677
   
48,688
   
4.72
 
Allowance for loan losses
   
(10,309
)
               
(10,269
)
               
(12,211
)
           
Cash and due from banks
   
32,446
                 
32,085
                 
26,839
             
Premises and equipment
   
20,278
                 
20,403
                 
16,117
             
Other assets
   
53,342
                 
56,490
                 
53,697
             
Total assets
 
$
1,268,590
               
$
1,237,538
               
$
1,115,119
             
                                                             
Liabilities and Equity:
                                                           
Interest bearing liabilities
                                                           
NOW and money market
 
$
300,378
   
527
   
0.18
%
 
$
290,551
   
516
   
0.18
%
 
$
262,320
   
470
   
0.18
%
Savings deposits
   
168,374
   
178
   
0.11
     
156,572
   
176
   
0.11
     
128,005
   
138
   
0.11
 
Certificates of deposit and other time deposits
   
350,829
   
2,777
   
0.79
     
360,922
   
3,046
   
0.84
     
344,070
   
3,480
   
1.01
 
Total interest bearing deposits
   
819,581
   
3,482
   
0.42
     
808,045
   
3,738
   
0.46
     
734,395
   
4,088
   
0.56
 
Short-term borrowings
   
16,958
   
38
   
0.22
     
13,686
   
34
   
0.25
     
14,832
   
37
   
0.25
 
Other borrowings
   
11,919
   
511
   
4.29
     
12,908
   
564
   
4.37
     
14,935
   
650
   
4.35
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
848,458
   
4,031
   
0.48
%
   
834,639
   
4,336
   
0.52
%
   
764,162
   
4,775
   
0.62
%
Non-interest bearing deposits
   
267,318
                 
245,075
                 
199,574
             
Other liabilities
   
4,805
                 
5,704
                 
4,092
             
Preferred equity
   
-
                 
9,432
                 
11,924
             
Common equity
   
148,009
                 
142,688
                 
135,367
             
Total liabilities and equity
 
$
1,268,590
               
$
1,237,538
               
$
1,115,119
             
                                                             
Net interest earnings (1)
       
$
48,660
               
$
48,673
               
$
43,913
       
Net interest spread (1)
               
4.01
%
               
4.13
%
               
4.10
%
Net interest margin (1)
               
4.15
%
               
4.27
%
               
4.26
%
                                                             
(1) Taxable – equivalent yields are calculated assuming a 34% federal income tax rate
(2) Yields are calculated on historical cost except for yields on marketable equity securities that are calculated used fair value
(3) Includes loan fees, immaterial in amount, in both interest income and the calculation of yield on loans
(4) Includes loans on non-accrual status
       
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


Loan Portfolio

Premier’s loan portfolio is its largest and highest yielding component of average earning assets, totaling 73.9% of average earning assets during 2015. Average loans increased in 2015 by $45.4 million, or 5.5%, over 2014 following a $105.1 million, or 14.7%, increase in 2014 over 2013.  The increase in 2015 is due in part to the full year inclusion of the loans added from the purchase of Gassaway.  Otherwise, average loans increased largely due to a pick-up in loan demand in the latter part 2014 and first part of 2015 which elevated the average in 2015, even though total loans outstanding decreased at December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014.  Average loans outstanding increased by $36.1 million, or 10.4%, in Premier’s West Virginia market due in part to the full year inclusion of the loans added from the purchase of Gassaway.   Otherwise, average loans increased largely due to continued loan demand primarily in central West Virginia fueled by economic activity related to the natural gas industry. Average loans outstanding decreased by $3.2 million, or 1.6%, in Premier’s DC Metro market but increased by $2.5 million, or 5.2%, in Premier’s Virginia market. Average loans outstanding also increased by $1.5 million, or 2.5%, in Premier’s Ohio market and increased by $8.6 million, or 5.0%, in Premier’s Kentucky market. The $105.1 million increase in average loans during 2014 is largely due to the purchase of Gassaway, which added approximately $70.6 million in average loans outstanding during 2014.  Otherwise, average loans increased by $34.5 million, or 4.8%, largely due to a pick-up in loan demand which more than offset loan principal payments, payoffs from borrowers accelerating their payments to reduce their outstanding debt, and also payoffs due to the workout of problem loans. Average loans outstanding increased by $69.0 million, or 24.9%, in Premier’s West Virginia market due to the purchase of Gassaway which added approximately $70.6 million in average total loans in 2014. Without the purchase of Gassaway, average loans outstanding in Premier’s West Virginia markets decreased by $1.6 million, or 0.6%. Average loans outstanding increased by $19.7 million, or 11.2%, in Premier’s DC Metro market and increased by $6.1 million, or 14.6%, in Premier’s Virginia market. Average loans outstanding also increased by $2.5 million, or 4.3%, in Premier’s Ohio market and increased by $7.9 million, or 4.8%, in Premier’s Kentucky market.

Total loans at December 31, 2015 decreased by $30.0 million, or 3.4%, from the total at December 31, 2014.  This decrease follows a $138.9 million, or 18.8%, increase from the total at December 31, 2013.  The decrease in 2015 is largely due to an increased level of loan payoffs in Premier’s DC Metro market and central West Virginia market primarily during the third quarter. A portion of Premier’s lending includes commercial construction projects whereby, once the construction is complete the borrower seeks permanent mortgage financing elsewhere, usually for longer fixed rate terms at lower interest rates than Premier offers.  Outstanding loans decreased in Premier’s West Virginia markets by $3.1 million, or 0.8%, decreased in Premier’s Washington DC Metro market by $17.0 million, or 8.3%, decreased in Premier’s Kentucky markets by $3.3 million, or 1.8%, decreased in Premier’s Virginia markets by $6.6 million, or 13.0%, and decreased in Premier’s Ohio market by $433,000, or 0.7%, since year-end 2014.  The increase in 2014 is largely due to increases in outstanding loans in Premier’s DC Metro market, up $6.5 million, or 32.7%, its Virginia market, up $6.5 million, or 14.7%, its Kentucky market, up $13.0 million, or 7.7%, its Ohio market, up $2.9 million, or 5.0%, and its West Virginia market, up $110.0 million, or 40.5% mainly due to the acquired loans via the purchase of Gassaway.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


Loans secured by real estate totaled 87.0% of Premier’s loan portfolio at December 31, 2015, up from 85.2% of total loans at December 31, 2014.  The increase is largely due to an increase in residential real estate loans and real estate construction and land development loans.  These increases more than offset a decrease in commercial real estate loans as a percentage of the total loan portfolio. While outstanding commercial real estate secured loans decreased $29.9 million in 2015, their percentage of the total loan portfolio decreased slightly from 46.0% at the end of 2014 to 44.1% at the end of 2015. In 2014, loans secured by real estate increased from 83.9% of Premier’s total loan portfolio at December 31, 2013 to 85.2% at December 31, 2014, largely due to an increase in residential real estate loans and real estate construction and land development as a percentage of the total loan portfolio.  The increase in the percentage of residential real estate and real estate construction and land development loans at December 31, 2014 more than offset a decrease in commercial real estate secured loans as a percentage of the total loan portfolio.

Premier’s residential real estate mortgage loans generally do not exceed 80% of the value of the real property securing the loan at the time of origination. The residential real estate mortgage loan portfolio primarily consists of adjustable rate residential mortgage loans. The origination of these mortgage loans can be more difficult in a low interest rate environment where there is a significant demand for fixed rate mortgages.  The loan portfolio acquired via the purchase of Gassaway consisted of approximately $63.2 million of residential real estate mortgage loans, or 65.6% of the Gassaway’s total loan portfolio, which consisted primarily of fixed rate residential mortgages with maturity periods ranging from two to fifteen years.  In the past, Premier has originated mortgage loans for sale in the secondary market and recognizes non-interest income upon the sale of those mortgages in the form of commissions and servicing release fees.  Premier used an experienced staff underwriter to ensure the completeness of the borrowers’ loan application and documentation and to ensure that the loans meet the standards required by prospective loan purchasers.   Significantly increased required documentation from home buyers, has complicated the process in comparison to years past.  The perceived difficultly from the home buyer’s perspective has had a negative impact on Premier’s secondary market business.  Beginning in April 2015, as a cost saving measure, management exited the underwriting process but still facilitates fixed rate mortgages sold in the secondary market via third party vendors whereby Premier receives a portion of the commission.  Premier has not engaged in the solicitation of so-called “sub-prime” or “interest only” mortgages. Additional information regarding the volume of mortgage loans originated and sold is contained in Premier’s consolidated statements of cash flows presented elsewhere in this annual report.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


Commercial loans, including commercial real estate secured loans, are generally made to small-to-medium size businesses located within a defined market area and typically are secured by business assets and guarantees of the principal owners. Additional risks of loss are associated with commercial lending, such as the potential for adverse changes in economic conditions or the borrowers' ability to successfully execute their business plans. Consumer loans generally are made to individuals living in Premier's defined market area who are known to the local bank's staff. Consumer loans are generally made for terms of up to seven years on a secured or unsecured basis; however longer terms may be approved in certain circumstances and for revolving credit lines. While consumer loans generally provide the Company with increased interest income, consumer loans may involve a greater risk of default.

In addition to the loans presented in the loan summary table, Premier also offers certain off-balance sheet products such as letters of credit, revolving credit agreements, and other loan commitments. These products are offered under the same credit standards as the loan portfolio and are included in the risk-based capital ratios used by the Federal Reserve to evaluate capital adequacy. Additional information on off-balance sheet commitments is contained in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements.

The following table presents a five year comparison of loans by type. With the exception of those categories included in the comparison, there are no loan concentrations which exceed 10% of total loans. Additionally, Premier's loan portfolio contains no loans to foreign borrowers nor does it have a material volume of highly leveraged transaction lending.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


LOAN SUMMARY
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
As of December 31
 
   
2015
 
%
   
2014
 
%
   
2013
 
%
   
2012
 
%
   
2011
 
%
 
Summary of Loans by Type
                             
Commercial, secured by real estate
 
$
374,558
 
44.1
%
 
$
404,430
 
46.0
%
 
$
358,114
 
48.3
%
 
$
314,198
 
44.6
%
 
$
317,559
 
46.0
%
Commercial, other
   
68,339
 
8.0
     
85,943
 
9.8
     
85,301
 
11.5
     
84,430
 
12.0
     
76,960
 
11.1
 
Real estate construction and land development
   
78,695
 
9.3
     
66,689
 
7.6
     
47,123
 
6.4
     
52,706
 
7.5
     
34,730
 
5.0
 
Real estate mortgage
   
285,826
 
33.6
     
278,212
 
31.6
     
216,081
 
29.2
     
214,743
 
30.5
     
221,756
 
32.1
 
Agricultural
   
1,728
 
0.2
     
1,987
 
0.2
     
2,052
 
0.3
     
2,566
 
0.4
     
2,729
 
0.4
 
Consumer
   
31,445
 
3.7
     
32,745
 
3.7
     
25,113
 
3.4
     
28,128
 
4.0
     
30,090
 
4.4
 
Other
   
9,155
 
1.1
     
9,705
 
1.1
     
6,986
 
0.9
     
7,854
 
1.0
     
7,099
 
1.0
 
Total loans
 
$
849,746
 
100.0
%
 
$
879,711
 
100.0
%
 
$
740,770
 
100.0
%
 
$
704,625
 
100.0
%
 
$
690,923
 
100.0
%
                                                             
Non-performing Assets
                                                           
Non-accrual loans
 
$
7,141
       
$
12,712
       
$
16,641
       
$
25,806
       
$
42,354
     
Accruing loans which are contractually past due 90 days or more
   
3,032
         
1,266
         
8,478
         
3,890
         
4,527
     
Accruing troubled debt restructurings
   
4,003
         
2,502
         
3,655
         
14,106
         
5,951
     
Total non-performing and restructured loans
   
14,176
         
16,480
         
28,774
         
43,802
         
52,832
     
Other real estate acquired through foreclosures
   
13,040
         
12,208
         
13,524
         
13,366
         
14,642
     
Total non-performing and restructured loans and other real estate
 
$
27,216
       
$
28,688
       
$
42,298
       
$
57,168
       
$
67,474
     
                                                             
Non-performing and restructured loans as a % of total loans
   
1.67
%
       
1.87
%
       
3.88
%
       
6.22
%
       
7.65
%
   
Non-performing and restructured loans and other real estate as a % of total  assets
   
2.19
%
       
2.29
%
       
3.84
%
       
5.10
%
       
6.00
%
   
                                                             
Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses
                                                           
Commercial, other
 
$
1,178
 
9.3
%
 
$
1,727
 
11.1
%
 
$
2,420
 
12.7
%
 
$
3,918
 
13.4
%
 
$
2,669
 
12.5
%
Real estate, construction
   
1,049
 
9.3
     
1,617
 
7.6
     
1,226
 
6.4
     
1,826
 
7.5
     
1,111
 
5.0
 
Real estate, other
   
7,113
 
77.7
     
6,760
 
77.6
     
7,084
 
77.5
     
5,499
 
75.1
     
5,717
 
78.1
 
Consumer installment
   
307
 
3.7
     
243
 
3.7
     
297
 
3.4
     
245
 
4.0
     
298
 
4.4
 
Total
 
$
9,647
 
100.0
%
 
$
10,347
 
100.0
%
 
$
11,027
 
100.0
%
 
$
11,488
 
100.0
%
 
$
9,795
 
100.0
%
                                                             
 
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


Total non-performing assets, which consist of past-due loans on which interest is not being accrued (“non-accrual loans”), foreclosed properties in the process of liquidation ("OREO"), loans with restructured terms offering a concession to enable a delinquent borrower to repay (‘troubled debt restructurings”) and accruing loans past due 90 days or more, were $27.2 million, or 2.19% of total assets at year-end 2015. These amounts compare to $28.7 million of total non-performing assets, or 2.29% of total assets at year-end 2014 and $42.3 million of total non-performing assets, or 3.84% of total assets at year-end 2013. The $1.5 million, or 5.1%, decrease in non-performing assets in 2015 from year-end 2014 was largely due to a $5.6 million decrease in non-accrual loans.  The decrease in non-accrual loans was largely due to payments and payoffs received on non-accrual loans during the year and approximately $5.8 million of loans foreclosed upon and added to OREO.  The decrease in non-accrual loans was partially offset by an increase of $1.8 million in loans past due 90 days or more, an increase of $1.5 million in accruing trouble debt restructured loans and an increase of $832,000 in other real estate acquired through foreclosure.  The increase in loans past due 90 days or more was largely due to efforts by management to bring these well-collateralized borrowers to a current status prior to the commencement of collection efforts via foreclosure or other means, with the result of many borrowers returning to a current status. The increase in accruing troubled debt restructured loans in 2015 was the result of one loan for which the Bank granted a forbearance agreement.  The 2015 increase in other real estate acquired through foreclosure was mainly due to foreclosing on non-accrual loans that no longer could perform to their loan agreement. The increase in OREO was largely due the $5.8 million of foreclosed loans and a $760,000 branch property marketed for sale and sold during the year.  These additions during the year were partially offset by sales of approximately $4.6 million and writedowns of carrying values of another $1.1 million.  Although loans may be classified as non-performing, some continue to pay interest irregularly or at less than originally contracted terms.  During 2015, approximately $686,000 of interest income was recognized on non-accrual and restructured loans, including approximately $328,000 of accelerated purchase discount recognized as income, largely due to full payoffs received on non-accrual loans during the year.  This amount compares to approximately $0.8 million that would have been recognized in accordance with the original terms of the loans, which also includes the approximately $328,000 of accelerated purchase discount from full loan payoffs.

The decrease in total non-performing assets in 2014 from year-end 2013 was largely due to a $3.9 million decrease in non-accrual loans and a $7.2 million decrease in loans past due 90 days or more.  The decrease in non-accrual loans was largely due to payments and payoffs received on non-accrual loans during the year with approximately $1.7 million of loans foreclosed upon and added to OREO.  The decrease in loans past due 90 days or more was due to a concerted effort to either bring these borrowers to a current status or begin collection efforts via foreclosure or other means, with the result of most borrowers returning to a current status.  Also contributing to the reduction in non-performing assets at year-end 2014 was a $1.3 million decrease in OREO and a $1.1 million decrease in troubled debt restructurings.  The decrease in troubled debt restructurings in 2014 was largely due to payments and payoffs received on the loans as no additional loans were classified as troubled debt restructurings in 2014.  The decrease in OREO was largely due to sales of approximately $2.6 million of properties during the year yielding approximately $3.9 million of sale proceeds and writedowns of carrying values of another $588,000.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


With the acquisition of Abigail Adams and its two subsidiary banks in 2009, Premier experienced a significant increase in nonperforming assets.  As shown in the table above, Premier has worked over the past six years to reduce its level of non-performing assets, primarily those from the Abigail Adams acquisition.  However, since these assets were recorded at an estimated fair value on the date of acquisition, the amount of credit risk assumed by Premier was not as great as the volume of non-performing assets suggests taken at face value.  New (at the time) accounting guidance adopted by Premier at the beginning of 2009 does not permit an acquirer to carry over the purchased entity’s allowance for loan losses.  Instead, under the accounting guidance, all acquired loans are to be recorded at their net estimated fair value.  The estimate of fair value on all loans, but particularly on non-performing assets, included factors for the measurement of credit risk, interest rate risk and re-salability in the most advantageous market for the loans in an orderly transaction between market participants.  These estimates included significant discounts on the non-accrual loans.  These estimates required management's most difficult, subjective and complex judgments and are inherently uncertain.  However, since the estimated fair value of these loans was believed to have been accounted for in the reasonably estimable credit risk in the loans, no allowance for loan losses for these loans was recorded at the date of acquisition.  At September 30, 2009, just prior to Premier’s acquisition, Abigail Adams reported a collective allowance for loan losses of approximately $12.8 million.  In contrast, Premier recorded the estimated fair value of the combined loan portfolios at an estimated $25.5 million discount to the contractual amounts receivable on the loans at acquisition.

Similarly, with the purchase of Gassaway on April 4, 2014, no allowance for loan losses recorded on the bank’s balance sheet prior to that date was carried over to Premier’s allowance for loan losses.  Instead, under current accounting guidance, all acquired loans were recorded at their net estimated fair value.  At March 31, 2014, just prior to Premier’s purchase, Gassaway reported a collective allowance for loan losses of approximately $1.3 million.  In contrast, Premier recorded the estimated fair value of the acquired loan portfolio at an estimated $2.5 million discount to the contractual amounts receivable on the loans at acquisition.  These discounts, as with the discounts assigned to the Abigail Adams acquired loan portfolio, are allocated per loan and are used to offset any charge-offs of the uncollectible portion of the contractual amount due on non-performing assets, or accreted into interest income using a level yield method on performing loans.  Should Premier collect the full contractual amount due, any fair value discount is recognized as interest income at the time of payoff.  In its evaluation of the acquired Gassaway loan portfolio, management determined that most of the loan portfolio was comprised of homogenous consumer based or residential real estate loans and none of the loans acquired would meet the definition of a purchased credit impaired loan.  Therefore all loans acquired have been initially evaluated as collectively impaired.  Additional information on loans purchased with evidence of deteriorated credit quality is contained in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

Management believes the estimated potential losses related to delinquent loans to be adequately provided for in the allowance for loan losses. These non-performing assets were included in the analyses that supported the recording of provisions for loan loss during 2011 and 2012.  In 2014, a negative provision for loan losses was recorded early in the year as a result of the full payoff of impaired loans with specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


The negative provision expense, however, was more than offset by additional provisions for loan losses in the second half of 2014. Similarly in 2015, a negative provision for loans losses was recorded in the second quarter due primarily to a large recovery on a single commercial real estate loan.  The negative provision was more than offset by additional provisions for loan losses in the second half of 2015.  As management's efforts to collect on all of the Company’s non-performing assets continue, matured loans are only renewed using Premier's strengthened credit policies. Otherwise, loans may be carried as accruing loans that are greater than 90 days past due or placed on non-accrual status and foreclosure proceedings begun to obtain and liquidate any collateral securing the past due or matured loans. As previously demonstrated by Premier’s history, management is committed to continuing to reduce its level of non-performing assets and maintaining strong underwriting standards to help maintain a lower level of non-performing assets in the future.

The Loan Summary table presents five years of comparative non-performing asset information. Other than these loans and the impaired loans discussed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, Premier does not have a significant volume of loans where management has serious doubts about the borrowers’ ability to comply with the present repayment terms of the loan.

It is Premier's policy to place loans that are past due over 90 days on non-accrual status, unless the loans are adequately secured and in the process of collection.  For real estate loans, upon repossession, the property is transferred to "Other Real Estate Owned" (OREO) and carried at the lower of the outstanding loan balance or the fair value of the property based on current appraisals and other current market trends, less estimated disposal costs. If a writedown of the OREO property is necessary at the time of foreclosure, the amount is charged against the allowance for loan losses. A periodic review of the recorded property value is performed in conjunction with normal loan reviews, and if market conditions indicate that the recorded value exceeds the fair market value less estimated disposal costs, additional writedowns of the property value are charged directly to operations.

During 2015, Premier recorded $1.1 million of write-downs of OREO properties which were slightly offset by $44,000 of gains on the disposition of OREO properties, resulting in a net increase in 2015 operating expenses of approximately $1.0 million.  This net operating expense increase compares to $588,000 of write-downs of OREO properties in 2014 that were more than offset by $1.3 million of gains on the disposition of OREO properties resulting in a net expense reduction of $714,000. During 2013, Premier recorded $782,000 of write-downs of OREO properties that were partially offset by $66,000 of gains on the disposition of OREO properties, resulting in a net expense of $716,000.  The write-downs on OREO that were recorded in 2015 were largely due to adjustments to the carrying value, as Premier lowered its expectations of net realizable value on certain properties in an effort to liquidate the property.  The gains realized in 2014 are largely due to sales of OREO properties acquired via the Abigail Adams acquisition.  Real estate values in and around Washington, DC have improved compared to 2009 when Abigail
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


Adams was acquired. Furthermore, some of the properties sold in 2014 and 2013 were condominium renovation or construction projects that needed to be completed after foreclosure by Premier in order to be marketed in a salable condition. These gains more than offset losses on the sale of other OREO properties during 2014. The write-downs on OREO that were recorded in 2014 were largely due to adjustments to the carrying value, as Premier lowered its expectations of net realizable value on certain properties in an effort to liquidate the property. The gains realized in 2013 are largely due to sales of OREO properties acquired via the Abigail Adams acquisition.  Again, real estate values in and around Washington, DC were improved in 2013 compared to 2009 when Abigail Adams was acquired.  These gains more than offset losses on the sale of other OREO properties during 2013.  The write-downs on OREO that were recorded in 2013 were largely due to repossessed construction projects where either the costs incurred to complete the projects have exceeded original estimates and the property was adjusted to net realizable value or sales of properties have not materialized and Premier has lowered its expectations of net realizable value.

The allowance for loan losses is maintained to absorb probable incurred losses associated with lending activities. Actual losses are charged against the allowance ("charge-offs") while collections on loans previously charged off ("recoveries") are added back to the allowance.  Since actual losses within a given loan portfolio are difficult to predict, management uses a significant amount of estimation and judgment to determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Factors considered in determining the adequacy of the allowance include an individual assessment of risk on certain loans and total creditor relationships, historical charge-off experience, the type of loan, levels of non-performing and past due loans, and an evaluation of current economic conditions. Loans are evaluated for credit risk and assigned a risk grade. Premier's risk grading criteria are based upon Federal Reserve guidelines and definitions. In evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, loans that are assigned passing grades are grouped together and multiplied by historical charge-off percentages to determine an estimated amount of potential losses and a corresponding amount of allowance. Loans that are assigned marginally passing grades are grouped together and allocated slightly higher percentages to determine the estimated amount of potential losses due to the identification of increased risk(s). Loans that are assigned a grade of "substandard" or "doubtful" are more likely to be classified as impaired.  The resulting estimate of losses for groups of loans is adjusted for relevant environmental factors and other conditions of the portfolio of loans, including: borrower and industry concentrations; levels and trends in delinquencies, charge-offs and recoveries; changes in underwriting standards and risk selection; level of experience, ability and depth of lending management; and national and local economic conditions.


PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


A loan is categorized and reported as impaired when it is probable that the borrower will be unable to pay all of the principal and interest amounts according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. In determining whether a loan is impaired, management considers such factors as past payment history, recent economic events, current and projected financial conditions and other relevant information that is available at the time. Impairment is evaluated in total for smaller-balance loans of similar nature such as residential mortgage, consumer, and credit card loans, and on an individual basis for other loans. If a loan is deemed to be impaired, an evaluation of the amount of estimated loss is performed, assessing the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan's existing rate or assessing the fair and realizable value of the loan collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. The estimation of loss is assigned to the impaired loan and is used in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. For impaired loans, this estimation of loss is reevaluated quarterly and, if necessary, adjusted based upon the then current known facts and circumstances related to the loan and the borrower. Additional information on Premier's impaired loans is contained in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

The sum of the calculations and estimations of the risk of loss in the loan portfolio is compared to the recorded balance of the allowance for loan losses. If the total allowance is deemed to be inadequate, a charge to earnings is recorded to increase the allowance.  Conversely, should an evaluation of the allowance result in a lower estimate of the risk of loss in the loan portfolio and the allowance is deemed to be more than adequate, a reversal of previous charges to earnings ("a negative provision") may be warranted in the current period. Events that may lead to negative provisions include greater than anticipated recoveries, a reduction in the historical loss ratios, securing more collateral on an impaired loan during the collection process, or receiving a substantial principal payment or payment in full on an impaired loan.  In 2015, Premier recorded a provision for loan losses of $326,000 compared to $534,000 of provision for loan losses recorded in 2014 and a $375,000 negative provision expense in 2013.

At December 31, 2015, the allowance for loan losses was $9.6 million, or 1.14% of total year-end loans, compared to an allowance for loan losses of $10.3 million, or 1.18% of total loans at December 31, 2014.  The decrease in the percentage of allowance to total loans at year-end is a result of the smaller allowance partially offset by a decrease in outstanding total loans.  The amount of allowance allocated to individually impaired loans decreased by approximately $1.1 million in 2015 largely due to moving an impaired loan to OREO during the year and recording a loan charge-off in the process.  Also, the amount of allowance allocated to collectively evaluated loans increased by approximately $401,000 from additional risk identified on the core loan portfolio.  As a result, although loans outstanding at December 31, 2015 have decreased by $30.0 million, the decrease in the allowance for loan losses allocated to impaired loans resulted in a lower ratio to total loans outstanding at December 31, 2015.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


At December 31, 2014, the allowance for loan losses was $10.3 million, or 1.18% of total year-end loans, compared to an allowance for loan losses of $11.0 million, or 1.49% of total loans at December 31, 2013.  The substantial decrease in the percentage of allowance to total loans at year-end is a result of the loans acquired via the purchase of Gassaway.  These loans were recorded at their estimated fair value on the date of acquisition including an estimate of credit risk within the loan portfolio and thus no significant amount of allowance for loan losses was deemed necessary for these loans at December 31, 2014.  Furthermore, the amount of allowance allocated to individually impaired loans decreased by approximately $1.1 million in 2014 largely due to payments and payoffs received on these loans during the year.  However, the amount of allowance allocated to collectively evaluate loans did increase by approximately $594,000 from additional provisions for loan losses largely due to the $43.8 million increase in loans outstanding from expanded lending opportunities in 2014.  As a result, although loans outstanding at December 31, 2014 have increased by $138.9 million, $95.1 million from the purchase of Gassaway and $43.8 million from internal loan growth, the allowance for loan losses did not increase proportionately, resulting in a lower ratio to total loans outstanding at December 31, 2014.

At December 31, 2013, the allowance for loan losses was $11.0 million, or 1.49% of total year-end loans, compared to an allowance for loan losses of $11.5 million, or 1.63% of total loans at December 31, 2012. Although total loans outstanding increased by $36.1 million in 2013, the ratio of the allowance to total loans outstanding decreased due to a reduction in specific allocations of the allowance related to impaired loans. During 2013, Premier received substantial principal payments and payoffs on loans classified as impaired which resulted in the reduction of the estimated required allowance via negative provisions for loan losses. These negative provisions for loan losses exceeded the estimated provision expense needed to provide for the loan growth in 2013, resulting in a net $375,000 negative provision for loan losses for the 2013 calendar year. The negative provision for loan losses and the $86,000 of net charge-offs recorded during 2013 reduced the overall allowance by $461,000 to $11.0 million at December 31, 2013. The decrease in the estimated required allowance for loan losses combined with the growth in total loans outstanding in 2013 resulted in a lower ratio at December 31, 2013 at 1.49% of total year-end loans.

The “Summary of Loan Loss Experience” table below provides a more detailed history of the allowance for loan losses, illustrating charge-offs and recoveries by loan type, and the annual provision for loan losses over the past five years. From 2009 through 2012, the deterioration in the national economy and its impact on the local economy in Premier’s markets resulted in increases in past due loans and non-performing assets. As the deterioration in the national economy and its impact on Premier’s local economies continued, some of the increases in past due loans and non-performing assets in prior years became charged-off loans.  In 2013, Premier recovered some of its prior year charge-offs, which helped to substantially offset the reduced level of charge-offs recorded during the year.  In 2014, net charge-offs increased from the very low level recorded in 2013, but remained relatively low at 0.15% of average loans outstanding partially due to the larger balance of average total loans from the acquisition of Gassaway.  In 2015, the amount of net charge-offs was slightly less when compared to 2014 due to a significant increase in recoveries on real estate secured loans reducing the ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding to 0.12%.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015
 
 
The level of provision expense during 2011 was largely to provide for a calculated increase in exposure to credit risk related to one borrowing relationship in Premier’s Kentucky market identified during the second quarter.  In 2012, the increase in the level of provision expense was largely due to increases in specific reserves on loans already identified as impaired and also due to specific reserves on loans newly identified as impaired during 2012.  During 2013, Premier received substantial principal payments and payoffs on loans classified as impaired which resulted in the reduction of the estimated required allowance via negative provisions for loan losses.  These negative provisions for loan losses exceeded the estimated provision expense needed to provide for the loan growth in 2013, resulting in a net $375,000 negative provision for loan losses.  Similarly, during 2014 Premier received principal payments and payoffs on loans classified as impaired which resulted in the reduction of the estimated required allowance via negative provisions for loan losses.  These negative provisions for loan losses, however, were exceeded by the estimated provision expense needed to provide for the loan growth in 2014, resulting in a net $534,000 provision for loan losses.  In 2015, Premier reduced its allowance allocated to impaired loans via payments and payoffs of loans as well as foreclosure.  In the second quarter of 2015, a significant recovery on a real estate secured loan resulted in a negative provision for loan losses for the quarter.  The negative provision was more than offset by increases in the allowance estimated for collectively impaired loans resulting in $326,000 of provision for loan losses.  Additional details on the activity in the allowance for loan losses as well as past due and non-performing loans, including loans individually evaluated for impairment, is contained in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

Premier aggressively pursues past due loans in an effort to bring those loans back to current status.  If these efforts fail and a past due loan becomes a non-performing loan, Premier’s policies for determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses are used to determine the estimated potential loss on the loan.  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 continually evaluates the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses, and changes in the provision are based on the estimated probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio.

Net charge-offs in 2015 totaled $1.0 million, as $2.1 million of loans charged-off were partially offset by $1.1 million of recoveries of loans previously charged-off. Net charge-offs in 2014 totaled $1.2 million, as $1.6 million of loans charged-off were partially offset by $387,000 of recoveries of loans previously charged-off. Net charge-offs in 2013 totaled $86,000, as $909,000 of loans charged-off were substantially offset by $823,000 of recoveries of loans previously charged-off.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


In 2015, total charge-offs increased by $495,000 to $2.1 million, or just 0.24% of average total loans.  Charge-offs increased in all categories of loans except for other real estate loans.  A portion of the increase in the construction real estate loan charge-offs was a result of the foreclosure of a real estate secured loan previously identified as individually impaired and resulted in a charge-off upon foreclosure.  Otherwise, charge-off activity decreased due to the higher level of other real estate charge-offs recorded in 2014.  In 2014, total charge-offs increased by $692,000 to $1.6 million, or just 0.19% of average total loans.  Charge-offs increased in all categories of loans except for consumer loans.  A portion of the increase in the real estate loan charge-offs was a result of the foreclosure of real estate secured loans and recognizing the previously identified loan impairment as a charge-off upon foreclosure.  Otherwise, charge-off activity increased due to the comparatively low level of charge-offs recorded in 2013.  In 2013, total charge-offs decreased by $2.2 million to $909,000, or just 0.13% of average total loans. Charge-offs in all four categories of loans decreased in 2013, reflecting management’s efforts to successfully resolve delinquent loans.  Furthermore, management reached agreements with two loan relationships that had been charged-off in previous years whereby the borrowers agreed to a repayment schedule that included a substantial down payment in 2013 and monthly payments thereafter.  These payments resulted in the increase in recoveries recorded in 2013 and also account for most of the decrease in recoveries in 2014.



PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
For the Year Ended December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
Allowance for loan losses beginning of period
 
$
10,347
   
$
11,027
   
$
11,488
   
$
9,795
   
$
9,865
 
Amounts charged off:
                                       
Commercial, financial and agricultural loans
   
611
     
365
     
231
     
1,485
     
227
 
Real estate construction loans
   
900
     
110
     
52
     
380
     
2,747
 
Real estate loans – other
   
376
     
965
     
438
     
1,061
     
900
 
Consumer installment loans
   
209
     
161
     
188
     
227
     
152
 
Total charge-offs
   
2,096
     
1,601
     
909
     
3,153
     
4,026
 
                                         
Recoveries on amounts previously charged-off:
                                       
Commercial, financial and agricultural loans
   
121
     
127
     
198
     
126
     
121
 
Real estate construction loans
   
99
     
136
     
233
     
-
     
1
 
Real estate loans – other
   
753
     
64
     
319
     
359
     
116
 
Consumer installment loans
   
97
     
60
     
73
     
101
     
88
 
Total recoveries
   
1,070
     
387
     
823
     
586
     
326
 
                                         
Net charge-offs
   
1,026
     
1,214
     
86
     
2,567
     
3,700
 
Provision for loan losses
   
326
     
534
     
(375
)
   
4,260
     
3,630
 
                                         
Allowance for loan losses, end of period
 
$
9,647
   
$
10,347
   
$
11,027
   
$
11,488
   
$
9,795
 
                                         
Average total loans
 
$
866,556
   
$
821,160
   
$
716,016
   
$
682,957
   
$
704,566
 
Total loans at year-end
   
849,746
     
879,711
     
740,770
     
704,625
     
690,923
 
                                         
As a percent of average loans
                                       
Net charge-offs
   
0.12
%
   
0.15
%
   
0.01
%
   
0.38
%
   
0.53
%
Provision for loan losses
   
0.04
%
   
0.07
%
   
(0.05
)%
   
0.62
%
   
0.52
%
Allowance for loan losses
   
1.11
%
   
1.26
%
   
1.54
%
   
1.68
%
   
1.39
%
                                         
As a percent of total loans at year-end
                                       
Allowance for loan losses
   
1.14
%
   
1.18
%
   
1.49
%
   
1.63
%
   
1.42
%
                                         
As a multiple of net charge-offs
                                       
Allowance for loan losses
   
9.40
X
   
8.52
X
   
128.22
X
   
4.48
X
   
2.65
X
Income before tax and provision for loan losses
   
19.18
X
   
17.18
X
   
235.56
X
   
7.89
X
   
3.95
X
 

Although management believes it has identified the significant remaining credit risk in the loan portfolio, additional charge-offs may be recorded in the coming months due to the level of non-performing loans and the resolution of collection efforts on those loans. 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
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


in loans placed on non-accrual status will have a negative impact on future loan interest income. Also, as these plans are executed, other loans may be identified that would necessitate additional charge-offs and potentially additional provisions for loan losses.  Premier continues to monitor and evaluate the impact that national housing market prices may have on its local markets and collateral valuations as management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.  While some price deterioration has occurred, it is not currently anticipated that Premier’s markets will be impacted as severely as other areas of the country due to the historically modest increases in real estate values in the Company’s markets in West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. With the concentrations of commercial real estate loans acquired in the Washington, DC and Richmond, Virginia markets, fluctuations in commercial real estate values will also be monitored.  Premier also continues to monitor the impact the declining coal mining industry that may have a larger impact in the southern are of West Virginia.  The declining market will likely increase non-performing assets.  In each of the last four years, Premier sold some OREO properties at a gain while other OREO properties have required subsequent write-downs to net realizable values.  These factors are considered in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.

The following table presents the maturity distribution and interest sensitivity of selected loan categories at December 31, 2015.  Maturities are based upon contractual terms.

LOAN MATURITIES and INTEREST SENSITIVITY
 
December 31, 2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                 
   
Projected Maturities*
     
   
One Year or Less
   
One Through Five Years
   
Over
Five Years
   
Total
 
Commercial, secured by real estate
 
$
83,809
   
$
259,277
   
$
31,472
   
$
374,558
 
Commercial, other
   
23,094
     
44,350
     
895
     
68,339
 
Real estate construction
   
37,007
     
33,707
     
7,981
     
78,695
 
Agricultural
   
715
     
1,002
     
12
     
1,729
 
Total
 
$
144,625
   
$
338,336
   
$
40,360
   
$
523,321
 
                                 
Fixed rate loans
 
$
39,850
   
$
181,402
   
$
33,178
   
$
254,430
 
Floating rate loans
   
104,774
     
156,935
     
7,183
     
268,892
 
Total
 
$
144,624
   
$
338,337
   
$
40,361
   
$
523,322
 
                                 
Fixed rate loans projected to mature after one year
                         
$
214,580
 
Floating rate loans projected to mature after one year
                           
164,118
 
Total
                         
$
378,698
 
                                 
(*) Based on scheduled or approximate repayments
                               
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


Investment Portfolio and
Other Earning Assets

Investment securities averaged $233.5 million in 2015, down $18.3 million, or 7.3%, from the $251.8 million averaged in 2014. This decrease follows an $8.2 million, or 3.2%, decrease in 2014 from the $260.0 million averaged in 2013. The decrease in 2015 is largely attributable to a decrease in total deposits.  During 2015, surplus funds from maturing investments or principal pay downs on mortgaged-backed investments were used to satisfy decreases in deposits. The decrease in average investments in 2015 was largely due to the fact that all the securities purchased over and above the proceeds from maturities and calls were purchased in the fourth quarter. Even though average investments decreased, ending securities increased $25.7 million, or 11.2%. The increase in ending investments was due to the $30.0 million, or 3.4%, decrease in loans outstanding and an increase in repurchase agreements.  During 2014, surplus funds from maturing investments or principal pay downs on mortgaged-backed investments were used to fund the increase in loans or to satisfy decreases in deposit and repurchase agreement balances. Furthermore, Premier sold approximately $13.3 million of low yielding investment securities in 2014 as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. The decrease in average investments in 2014 more than offset the $28.8 million of average investments added by the purchase of Gassaway in 2014. As shown in the cash flow statement, only $36.4 million of new securities were purchased in 2014 while $65.4 million in proceeds were realized from calls, maturities, sales and principal pay downs on mortgage backed securities. These funds were primarily used to fund the $43.8 million, or 5.9%, increase in total loans from increased loan demand in 2014.

Investment securities are highly liquid and generally have a greater yield than interest bearing bank balances or federal funds sold.  However their longer investment term generally results in greater interest rate risk over other short-term investments.  This was believed to be especially true in 2010 as management continued to invest based on a belief that market interest rates were at their lowest level and that buying longer-term investments would have the effect of locking-in these lowest interest rates over the life of the investments.  Due to the low interest rate environment during 2010 and continuing throughout 2015, issuers of investment securities were routinely invoking call features of their securities and reissuing new bonds at lower coupon rates.  To offset some of the effects of interest rate risk in the investment portfolio, in 2010 Premier used surplus funds and proceeds from investment calls to purchase collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMO’s”) issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), also known as “Ginnie Mae”.  These CMO’s are similar to U.S. Treasury bonds in that they are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government, but unlike U.S. Treasury bonds, return a portion of the principal each month coinciding with the monthly principal payments made by mortgage borrowers collateralizing the securities.  It is the monthly return of principal that will allow Premier to take advantage of any rise in market interest rates by investing the principal payments in future higher-yielding securities long before the final maturity date of the CMO.  An added feature of these GNMA CMO’s is that the securities are not subject to early call provisions.  Only the mortgagees’ prepayment of their underlying mortgages can accelerate the principal reduction on the investment security.  Thus, the purchase yield is not as susceptible
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


to downward interest rate risks as investment securities with call features. This benefit is illustrated by the lower amount of Premier’s securities that were either called or matured in 2015, 2014 and 2013, compared to earlier years. During 2015, $66.9 million of investments were called or matured (including principal payments on CMO’s and mortgage backed securities).  During 2014, $52.0 million of investments were called or matured (including principal payments on CMO’s and mortgage backed securities) and during 2013, $73.8 million of investments were called or matured (including principal payments on CMO’s and mortgage backed securities) compared to $276.7 million during 2010.  Mortgage backed securities and CMO’s continue to be Premier’s dominant investment in its portfolio, comprising nearly 93% of the fair value of the investment portfolio at December 31, 2015.

At December 31, 2015 the amount of investments totaled $255.5 million, up $25.7 million, or 11.2%, from the $229.8 million of investments at December 31, 2014.  The increase in investments is largely in response an increase in surplus funds from the decrease in loans outstanding and an increase in repurchase agreements.  During 2015, Premier purchased approximately $95.6 million of investment securities, primarily mortgage-backed securities, which more than offset the $66.9 million of investments that were called or matured (including principal payments on CMO’s and mortgage backed securities) during the year.  At December 31, 2014 the amount of investments totaled $229.8 million, up $11.7 million, or 5.4%, from the $218.1 million of investments at December 31, 2013.  The increase in investments is largely due to the $38.7 million of investments acquired via the purchase of Gassaway.  The Gassaway investment portfolio was comprised of $31.2 million of U.S. government sponsored entity securities with fixed maturity dates, $5.5 million of securities issued by states and political subdivisions and $2.0 million of mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored entities.  In 2014, Premier sold approximately $13.3 million of low yielding investment securities as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Also affecting the increase in the investment portfolio in 2014 was a $3.2 million increase in the net market value of the investment portfolio to $2.3 million of net unrealized gains at December 31, 2014 due to a decrease in market interest rates during the year. 


PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


The following table presents a summary of the carrying values of investment securities.

FAIR VALUE OF SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
As of December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
U.S. government sponsored entity securities
 
$
10,429
   
$
22,506
   
$
6,981
 
States and political subdivisions
   
7,568
     
10,276
     
6,540
 
Mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored entities
   
237,469
     
196,968
     
204,545
 
Total securities
 
$
255,466
   
$
229,750
   
$
218,066
 
                         

As sources of funds (deposits, federal funds purchased, and repurchase agreements with corporate customers) fluctuate, excess funds are initially invested in federal funds sold and other short-term investments. Based upon analyses of asset/liability repricing, interest rate forecasts, and liquidity requirements, funds are periodically reinvested in high-quality debt securities, which typically mature over a longer period of time. At the time of purchase, management determines whether the securities will be classified as trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity. At December 31, 2015 all of Premier's investments were classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value.  Additional information on the investment portfolio can be found in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


As shown in the following Securities Maturity and Yield Analysis table, the average maturity period of the securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2015 was 4 years and 5 months. The table uses a weighted estimated average life method to report the average maturity of mortgage-backed securities, which includes the estimated effect of monthly payments and prepayments. The average maturity of the investment portfolio is managed at a level to maintain a proper matching with interest rate risk guidelines. Premier does not have any securities classified as trading or held-to-maturity and it has no plans to establish such classifications at the present time.

SECURITIES MATURITY AND YIELD ANALYSIS
 
December 31, 2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
Market Value
   
Average Maturity (yrs/mos)
   
Taxable Equivalent Yield*
 
U.S. government sponsored entity securities
           
Within one year
 
$
4,310
         
0.65
%
After one but within five years
   
6,119
         
1.36
 
Total U.S. government sponsored entity securities
 
$
10,429
     
1/2
     
1.06
 
                         
States and political subdivisions
                       
Within one year
   
556
             
5.56
 
After one but within five years
   
4,443
             
4.08
 
After five but within ten years
   
2,321
             
3.90
 
After ten years
   
248
             
2.74
 
Total states and political subdivisions securities
 
$
7,568
     
4/9
     
4.10
 
                         
Mortgage-backed securities**
                       
Within one year
   
1,457
             
3.00
 
After one but within five years
   
217,938
             
2.37
 
After five but within ten years
   
18,074
             
2.09
 
Total mortgage-backed securities
 
$
237,469
     
4/4
     
2.35
 
                         
Total securities available-for-sale
 
$
255,466
     
4/5
     
2.35
 
                         
(*) Fully tax-equivalent using the rate of 34%
                       
(**) Maturities for mortgage-backed securities are based on expected average life
                       

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


Premier’s average investment in federal funds sold and interest bearing bank balances increased by 10.5% in 2015 compared to 2014.  This increase follows a 20.5% increase in 2014 due to the $19.6 million increase from Gassaway. Averaging $72.8 million in 2015, federal funds sold and interest bearing bank balances increased $6.9 million from $65.9 million in 2014.  The increase in Premier’s average federal funds sold and interest bearing bank balances in 2015 is largely the result of the decrease in the average balance of investments outstanding during the year, as maturing funds were held in these liquid assets to be used for new loan funding.  With the increase in loan payoffs in the third quarter of 2015, these liquid assets were used to fund additional investment portfolio purchases in the third and fourth quarters of 2015.  The increase in 2014 is largely due to the $19.6 million of average interest bearing bank balances acquired via the purchase of Gassaway.  These liquid assets were incorporated into Premier’s liquidity and interest rate risk strategies which resulted in an $8.3 million decrease in the average balance of the combined funds during 2014.  The decrease reflects the utilization of some of these funds to satisfy loan growth, deposit withdrawals and/or reductions in repurchase agreements and also to redeem the final $12.0 million of the Company's Series A Preferred Stock.  Furthermore, the purchase of Gassaway was consummated by providing the sole shareholder $20.3 million in cash which also factored into the decrease in the average balance of federal funds sold and interest bearing bank balances in 2014.  As shown in the Consolidated Average Balance Sheets and Net Interest Income Analysis above, on average, the yield on federal funds sold was only 0.10% in 2013, rose slightly to 0.12% in 2014, and rose slightly again to 0.13% in 2015, in accordance with the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors’ policy to maintain the federal funds rate between 0.00% and 0.25% until their December 2015 meeting where they increased the rate to 0.50%.  To obtain higher yields on its most highly liquid funds Premier invests in interest-bearing bank balances, primarily with the Federal Reserve Bank, which yielded, on average, 0.32% in 2013 and 0.31% in 2014 and 0.31% in 2015, far exceeding the yield on average federal funds sold.

The average balance of federal funds sold increased by $2.4 million in 2015 to $13.2 million, while average interest bearing bank balances increased by $4.5 million in 2015 to $59.6 million.  The majority of these interest bearing bank balances are held at Federal Reserve Banks.  Yields on federal funds sold rise and fall in direct correlation with interest rate changes made by the Federal Reserve Board in establishing national economic policy.  Investment security yields are based on a number of pricing factors, including but not limited to coupon rate, time to maturity and issuer credit quality.  Fluctuations in the amount of federal funds sold and other short-term investments reflect management's goal to maximize asset yields while maintaining proper asset/liability structure, as discussed in greater detail above and in other sections of this report.



Funding Sources

In response to the Federal Reserve policy to reduce market interest rates by lowering the targeted federal funds rate, in 2008 Premier began cutting its rates paid on its interest bearing deposits.  As a result, the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities decreased to 0.48% in 2015, down from the 0.52% paid in 2014, and the 0.62% paid in 2013.  The 4 basis point decrease
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


in 2015 was primarily the result of a 5 basis point decrease in the average rate paid on certificates of deposit and other time deposits, which made up 41.3% of total average interest bearing liabilities in 2015. The average rate paid on other deposit types remained unchanged in 2015; however the average rate paid on short-term borrowings, primarily repurchase agreements with deposit customers, decreased by 3 basis points in 2015 compared to the average rate paid in 2014 and 2013.  In 2015, the average rate paid on other borrowings decreased by 8 basis points to 4.29% from the 4.37% average rate paid in 2014, as Premier refinanced its floating rate other borrowings to a lower fixed rate of 4.00% for 60 months.

The 10 basis point decrease in 2014 was primarily the result of a 17 basis point decrease in the average rate paid on certificates of deposit and other time deposits, which made up 43.2% of total average interest bearing liabilities in 2014.  The average rate paid on other deposit types remained unchanged in 2014, as well as the average rate paid on short-term borrowings, primarily repurchase agreements with deposit customers, compared to the average rate paid in 2013.  In 2014, the average rate paid on other borrowings increased only slightly to 4.37% from the 4.35% average rate paid in 2013.

Due to alternative sources of investment and an ever increasing sophistication of customers in funds management techniques to maximize return on their money, competition for funds is increasingly more intense every year.  Other financial institutions that compete in local markets with Premier that have a need to increase liquidity offer special above market rate deposit products to attract additional funds. Premier's banks periodically offer special rate products to retain their deposit base or attract additional deposits.

Premier’s deposits, on average, increased by $33.8 million, or 3.2%, in 2015 following a $119.2 million, or 12.8%, increase in 2014 from 2013 average deposits.  The increase in 2015 is due in part to the full year inclusion of the deposits added from the purchase of Gassaway.  Otherwise, average deposits increased as a result of an increase in NOW, savings and non-interest bearing deposits partially offset by a decrease in certificates of deposit.  In 2015 average certificates of deposit decreased by $10.1 million, or 2.8%, as customers retained their maturing certificate of deposit funds in interest bearing transaction accounts, in anticipation of rates increasing with the much talked about increase in prime rate by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.  Consequently, offsetting the decrease in average CD’s and other time deposits in 2015 was a $9.8 million, or 3.4%, increase in average NOW and money market deposits, a $11.8 million, or 7.5%, increase in average savings deposits and a $22.2 million, or 9.1%, increase in non-interest bearing deposits, all of which typically pay lower rates of interest than certificates of deposit but have an immediate balance availability to the customer.

The increase in 2014 is largely due to the purchase of Gassaway, which added approximately $137.0 million in average deposits during 2014.   Otherwise, average deposits decreased by $17.9 million, or 1.9%, in 2014.  In 2014 average CD’s increased by $16.9 million, or 4.9%, largely due to $39.1 million of average CD’s assumed in the purchase of Gassaway.  The remaining $22.2 million, or 6.5%, decrease in average CD’s was the result of customers with higher than market rate certificates of deposit choosing not to renew their CD’s at the Banks’
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


current interest rates. Other customers deposited their maturing certificate of deposit funds in interest bearing transaction accounts, keeping their funds readily available rather than investing in a new certificate of deposit over a longer time frame. Average savings deposits increased by $28.6 million, or 22.3% in 2014, largely due to the $24.2 million of average savings deposits assumed in the purchase of Gassaway. The remaining $4.4 million, or 3.4%, increase in 2014 can be partially attributed to customers deposited their maturing certificate of deposit funds into readily available interest bearing transaction accounts as the rates paid on savings accounts are nearly the same as the rates paid on short-term certificates of deposit.  Average NOW and money market deposits increased by $28.2 million, or 10.8%, in 2014, again largely due to the $30.6 million of average NOW and money market deposits assumed in the purchase of Gassaway.  The remaining $2.4 million, or 1.0%, decrease in 2014 is the result of deposit withdrawals made by customers throughout the year.  Included in the initial money market funds in the purchase of Gassaway was the $20.3 million of purchase proceeds for Gassaway which were initially placed on deposit with the bank at the acquisition date but were withdrawn periodically during the year.  Had the proceeds not been placed on deposit with the bank, the average NOW and money market deposits assumed in the purchase of Gassaway would have been reduced by $15.0 million, and not included as part of the remaining $2.4 million decrease in average NOW and money market deposits.  Lastly, average non-interest bearing deposits increased by $45.5 million, or 22.8%, in 2014 largely due to the $43.1 million of average non-interest bearing deposits assumed in the purchase of Gassaway.  The remaining $2.4 million, or 1.2%, increase is from normal operations and increases in Premier’s customer activity.

Non-interest bearing deposits are more susceptible to withdrawal and therefore may provide challenges to maintaining adequate liquidity. (See the additional discussion on liquidity below.)  Most customers are still keeping their maturity choices short in order to take advantage of possible higher interest rates in the future.  While offering some “special” certificate of deposit rates to remain competitive, Premier continues to focus on building its base of customer relationships by offering more convenient electronic banking products to its non-interest bearing deposit customers.

The following table provides information on the maturities of time deposits of $100,000 or more at December 31, 2015.

MATURITY OF TIME DEPOSITS $100,000 OR MORE
 
December 31, 2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Maturing 3 months or less
 
$
29,438
 
Maturing over 3 months
   
29,062
 
Maturing over 6 months
   
50,835
 
Maturing over 12 months
   
56,634
 
Total
 
$
165,969
 
         

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


Other funding sources for Premier include short and long-term borrowings. Premier's short-term borrowings primarily consist of securities sold under agreements to repurchase with commercial, public entity and tax exempt organization customers.  These are short-term non-FDIC insured deposit-like products that are secured by the pledging of investment securities in Premier’s investment portfolio or by purchasing insurance through the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB).  Also included in short-term borrowings are federal funds purchased from other banks and overnight borrowings from the FHLB or the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) discount window. These short-term borrowings fluctuate depending on near term funding needs and as part of Premier's management of its asset/liability mix. In 2015 average short-term borrowings increased by $3.3 million, or 23.9%, largely due to an increase in customer repurchase agreements primarily in Premier’s Kentucky market.  In 2014 average short-term borrowings decreased by $1.1 million, or 7.7%, largely due to a decrease in customer repurchase agreements, primarily in Premier’s DC Metro market.

Long-term borrowings consist of FHLB borrowings by Premier’s Affiliate Banks and other borrowings by the parent holding company or the Banks.  The Company’s FHLB advances, which matured in 2012, were fixed rate borrowings.  In 2012, all remaining FHLB advances were repaid at maturity which had an average rate paid of 2.19%.  Premier incurred no new long-term FHLB borrowings in 2013, 2014 or 2015.  Premier uses fixed rate FHLB advances from time-to-time to fund certain residential and commercial loans as well to maximize investment opportunities as part of its interest rate risk management. At December 31, 2015, all FHLB advances have been repaid.

Other borrowings consist of an $11.0 million long-term borrowing at the parent company and a $292,000 long-term borrowing initiated by Gassaway assumed by Premier Bank in the Gassaway purchase.  The borrowing by Gassaway was for the purchase of its Flatwoods branch site location under a seller financed note bearing a fixed interest rate of 5.62% with monthly payments of $4,000, including principal and interest, and a $249,000 balloon payment at maturity on May 9, 2017.  On August 26, 2015, the Company executed and delivered to First Guaranty Bank, a Promissory Note and Business Loan Agreement for the principal amount of $12.0 million, bearing interest at a fixed rate of 4.00% per annum and requiring 59 monthly principal payments of $143,000 plus accrued interest and one final principal and interest payment of approximately $3.6 million due on August 26, 2020. The Promissory Note is secured by the pledge of 25% of Premier’s interest in Premier Bank, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary) under a Commercial Pledge Agreement dated August 26, 2015. The proceeds of this note were used to refinance a $4.5 million balance plus accrued interest due under Premier’s previous Promissory Note to First Guaranty  Bank, bearing a then current minimum interest rate of 4.00% per annum; pay off the remaining $5.4 million balance plus accrued interest due to Bankers’ Bank under the Term Note dated September 8, 2010, bearing a then current minimum interest rate of 4.50% per annum; and pay the remaining $2.0 million balance plus accrued interest due on Premier’s $5.0 million Line of Credit with Bankers’ Bank, bearing a then current minimum interest rate of 4.50% per annum.  The lower rate on the new borrowing helped to reduce the average rate paid on other borrowings in 2015 by 8 basis points to 4.29% for the year.  The remaining balance outstanding on this borrowing was $11.0 million at December 31, 2015.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


In an effort to reduce the interest costs on its other borrowed funds, Premier has been making additional principal payments on these borrowed funds on a regular basis. As a result, the average balance of other borrowings decreased by $2.3 million, or 15.3%, in 2014. In 2015, Premier borrowed $4.0 million on its line of credit with the Bankers’ Bank of Kentucky to facilitate the purchase of the Warrant from the U.S. Treasury (see Note 23 to the Financial Statements).  Premier repaid $2.0 million of this borrowing out of its operating funds but refinanced the remaining $2.0 million along with the $12.0 million borrowing from First Guaranty Bank described above.  The additional borrowing partially offset loan principal payments made during 2015, reducing the average balance of other borrowings by only $1.0 million, or 7.7% in 2015. The assumption of the Gassaway long-term borrowing added approximately $255,000 to average other borrowings in 2014 and increased the average rate paid in 2014 by 2 basis points over the 4.35% average rate paid in 2013.

Premier also maintains lines of credit with both First Guaranty Bank ($3.0 million) and Bankers’ Bank ($5.0 million) for unforeseen funding needs that may occur. The lines of credit are secured and covered by each lender’s Commercial Pledge Agreements, respectively. Premier did not draw on these lines of credit in 2013.  However, in 2014, Premier borrowed $1.0 million in November 2014 on the line of credit with First Guaranty Bank to facilitate the redemption of the final $5.0 million of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock.  The $1.0 million borrowing was repaid in December 2014.  As discussed above, Premier borrowed $4.0 million on its line of credit with Bankers’ Bank to facilitate the purchase of the Warrant in May 2015.  The $4.0 million borrowing was repaid during 2015 using $2.0 million of operating funds and refinancing the remaining $2.0 million in the First Guaranty Bank loan in August 2015.  For more information on other borrowings, see Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements.

On May 13, 2010, Premier entered into a six-year data processing agreement with Fidelity Information Systems (“FIS”).  The agreement covers Premier’s core data processing, item processing, internet banking services, network services, customer authentication services and electronic funds transfer services and began in November 2011 upon the expiration of Premier’s contracts with its previous providers.  Premier and FIS scheduled individual bank conversions beginning in May 2011 and continued throughout the third quarter of 2011.  Based upon the average billings for services rendered during the last three months of 2015, the estimated payments to FIS for these services under existing contracts will be approximately $3.0 million per year beginning in 2016. Actual results may vary depending upon the number and type of accounts actually processed and future customer activity including additional customers via the First National Bankshares Corporation acquisition or any other acquisitions.
 
The Washington Division main office and branch locations of Premier Bank in and around the Washington DC metro area are all leased under various non-cancelable operating leases. These non-cancelable operating leases are subject to renewal options under various terms. Some leases provide for periodic rate adjustments based on cost-of-living index changes. The leases have terms ranging from 2016 through 2024.  Future minimum payments under the operating leases are included in the table below.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015
 

PAYMENTS DUE ON CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
 
December 31, 2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
Total
   
Less than one year
   
1-3 years
   
3-5 years
   
More than five years
 
                     
Total deposits
 
$
1,060,096
   
$
950,835
   
$
73,083
   
$
36,178
   
$
-
 
Repurchase agreements
   
21,694
     
21,694
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Other borrowed funds
   
11,292
     
1,749
     
3,691
     
3,432
     
2,420
 
Operating lease obligations
   
3,462
     
874
     
1,138
     
431
     
1,019
 
Data and item processing contracts*
   
5,292
     
3,024
     
2,268
     
-
     
-
 
Total
 
$
1,101,836
   
$
978,176
   
$
80,180
   
$
40,041
   
$
3,439
 
* Data and item processing contractual obligations are estimated using the average billing for the last three months of 2015.
 
 

Asset/Liability Management and Market Risk

Asset/liability management is a means of maximizing net interest income while minimizing interest rate risk by planning and controlling the mix and maturities of interest related assets and liabilities. Each of Premier and the Affiliate Banks have established an Asset/Liability Management Committee (ALCO) for the purpose of monitoring and managing interest rate risk and to evaluate investment portfolio strategies.  Interest rate risk is the earnings variation that could occur due to changes in market interest rates. The Board of Directors has established policies to monitor and limit exposure to interest rate risk. Premier monitors its interest rate risk through the use of an earnings simulation model developed by an independent third party to analyze net interest income sensitivity.

The earnings simulation model uses assumptions, maturity patterns, and reinvestment rates provided by Premier and forecasts the effect of instantaneous movements in interest rates from 100 (1.00%) and 400 (4.00%) basis points, but never below zero.  The most recent earnings simulation model using the most likely interest rate forecast projects that net interest income would increase by approximately 1.1% over the projected stable rate net interest income if interest rates rise by 100 basis points over the next year. Conversely, the simulation projects an approximate 1.4% decrease in net interest income if interest rates fall by 100 basis points over the next year. Within the same time frame, but assuming a 200 basis point movement in interest rates, the simulation projects that net interest income would increase by 2.6% over the projected stable rate net interest income in a rising rate scenario and would decrease by 2.5% in a falling rate scenario.  Under both the 100 and 200 basis point simulations, the percentage changes in net interest income are within Premier's ALCO guidelines.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


The model simulation calculations of present value have certain acceptable shortcomings. The discount rates and prepayment assumptions utilized are based on estimated market interest rate levels for similar loans and securities nationwide as well as actual results for Premier. The unique characteristics of Premier's loans and securities may not necessarily parallel those assumed in the model simulations, and therefore, actual results could likely result in different discount rates, prepayment experiences and present values. The discount rates used for deposits and borrowings are based upon available alternative types and sources of funds which may not necessarily be indicative of the present value of Premier's deposits and borrowings. Premier's deposits have customer relationship advantages that are difficult to simulate. A higher or lower interest rate environment will most likely result in different investment and borrowing strategies by Premier which would be designed to further mitigate any negative effects on the value of, and the net interest earnings generated on Premier's net assets.

The following table presents summary information about the simulation model's interest rate risk measures and results.

   
Year-end
2015
   
Year-end
2014
   
ALCO Guidelines
 
             
Projected 1-year net interest income
           
-100 bp change vs. base rate
   
-1.4
%
   
-2.2
%
   
5
%
+100 bp change vs. base rate
   
1.1
%
   
1.8
%
   
5
%
Projected 1-year net interest income
                       
-200 bp change vs. base rate
   
-2.5
%
   
-3.7
%
   
10
%
+200 bp change vs. base rate
   
2.6
%
   
4.1
%
   
10
%


Liquidity

Liquidity is the ability to satisfy demands for deposit withdrawals, lending commitments, and other corporate needs. Premier's liquidity is based on the stable nature of consumer core deposits held by the banking subsidiaries. Likewise, additional liquidity is available from holdings of investment securities and short-term investments which can be readily converted into cash. Furthermore, Premier's banks continue to have the ability to attract short-term sources of funds such as federal funds and repurchase agreements.

Premier generated $16.8 million of cash from operations in 2015, which compares to $18.5 million in 2014 and $16.5 million in 2013.  Total cash from operations along with proceeds from the sale and maturity of securities and the repayment of loans were used to purchase securities, satisfy deposit withdrawals, fund new loans and reduce outstanding debt during all three years.  In 2013, $17.1 million of additional cash was generated from investing activities, as proceeds from the maturities, calls and sales of investment securities plus the proceeds from the sale of OREO exceeded funds used for new investment purchases, the funding of new loans, purchases of premises and equipment and improvements to OREO properties.  In 2014, $28.0 million of additional cash was generated from investing activities, primarily due to the $41.0 million of cash
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


and cash equivalents received as a result of the purchase of Gassaway, net of the $20.3 million purchase price. The remaining net $13.0 million of cash used in investing activities was used primarily to fund new loans, purchase securities, and purchase premises and equipment. These activities were partially offset by cash proceeds from the sale of OREO and cash received from maturities, calls and sales of investment securities.  In 2015, $472,000 of cash was used in investing activities, primarily as $66.9 million of cash generated from maturities and calls of investment securities, $24.6 million of cash generated from the repayment of loans outstanding and $4.7 million in proceeds from the sale of OREO were used to purchase $95.6 million of investment securities.

In 2015, Premier used the $16.8 million of cash from operations, less the $472,000 of cash used in investing activities, $6.1 million received from increases in repurchase agreements and $222,000 received from the exercise of employee stock options to satisfy $14.8 million of deposit withdrawals, pay $4.6 million of common stock dividends and purchase the common stock warrant from the U.S. Treasury for approximately $5.7 million.  Also in 2015, Premier borrowed $15.9 million and paid $16.4 million in principal payments on other borrowed funds, largely the result of refinancing $12.0 million of debt outstanding.  In 2014, Premier used the $18.5 million of cash from operations, the $28.0 million of additional cash generated from investing activities, $4.3 million received from increases in repurchase agreements and $731,000 received from the exercise of employee stock options to satisfy $33.0 million of deposit withdrawals, pay $2.4 million in principal on other borrowings, pay $4.9 million of common stock dividends, and pay $553,000 of preferred stock dividends.  Also in 2014, Premier redeemed the final 12,000 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock at the face value of $1,000 per share.  The net result of all activity in 2014 was to reduce cash and cash equivalents by $1.4 million.  In 2013, Premier used the $16.5 million of cash from operations and the $17.1 million of additional cash generated from investing activities to satisfy $6.5 million of deposit withdrawals, $14.8 million in decreases in repurchase agreements, pay $2.2 million in principal on other borrowings, pay $3.5 million of common stock dividends, and pay $600,000 of preferred stock dividends.  Also in 2013, Premier received $571,000 from the exercise of employee stock options and retained $6.5 million of net cash generated from all activities.

At December 31, 2015, the parent company had $5.4 million in cash held with its subsidiary banks.  This balance, along with cash dividends expected to be received from its subsidiaries, is sufficient to cover the operating costs of the parent, service its existing debt and pay dividends to common shareholders.  During 2015, the parent company generated $11.9 million of cash from operations and received $222,000 from the exercise of employee stock options.  The proceeds were used to pay $16.3 million in principal payments on long-term borrowings, fund $4.6 million of dividends paid to common shareholders, and make additional fixed asset purchases.  During 2014, the parent company had $4.1 million in cash held with its subsidiary banks.  This balance, along with cash dividends expected to be received from its subsidiaries, is sufficient to cover the operating costs of the parent, service its existing debt and pay dividends to common shareholders.  During 2014, the parent company generated $13.5 million of cash from operations, received $947,000 from the sales of other real estate owned, and received $731,000 from the exercise of employee stock options.  The proceeds were used to pay
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


$2.4 million in principal payments on long-term borrowings, fund $553,000 of dividends paid on the Series A Preferred Stock, fund $4.9 million of dividends paid to common shareholders, and make additional fixed asset purchases. Also in 2014, the parent company redeemed the final 12,000 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock at the face value of $1,000 per share.  During 2013, the parent company generated $8.5 million of cash from operations and received $571,000 from the exercise of employee stock options. The proceeds were used to pay $2.2 million in principal payments on long-term borrowings, fund $600,000 of dividends paid on the Series A Preferred Stock, fund $3.5 million of dividends paid to common shareholders, and make additional fixed asset purchases.

Capital Resources

Premier’s consolidated average equity-to-asset ratio decreased to 11.67% during 2015, a decrease from the 12.29% ratio during 2014 and the 13.21% average equity-to-asset ratio in 2013. The ratios for all three years are considered adequate for a bank holding company of Premier’s size and complexity. The decrease in 2015 was the result of an increase in average assets for the year along with a decrease in average equity.  The increase in average assets was largely due to the full year inclusion of assets from the purchase of Gassaway compared to only the nine months in 2014 since the April 4, 2014 acquisition date.  Average equity decreased in 2015 largely due to the full redemption of Premier’s Series A Preferred Stock in 2014 which added approximately $9.4 million of average equity during 2014.  Also reducing average equity during 2015 was the purchase of the common stock Warrant issued to the U.S. Treasury as part of participation in the TARP program.  Premier purchased the Warrant for $5,675,000 on May 6, 2015 which reduced average equity by approximately $3.7 million in 2015.  Partially offsetting these two decreases in average equity was the generation of $7.9 million of retained net income.  The decrease in 2014 was the result of the increase in average assets from the purchase of Gassaway without a corresponding increase in average equity.  The Bank of Gassaway was purchased for $20.3 million in cash and no equity was issued to complete the transaction.  Average equity did increase in 2014, primarily from the generation of $7.7 million of retained net income.  The redemption of the final $12.0 million of Premier’s Series A Preferred Stock occurred in two stages with $7.0 million redeemed on September 26, 2014 and the final $5.0 million redeemed on November 14, 2014.  As a result, the Series A Preferred Stock contributed approximately $9.4 million to average equity in 2014.  The increase in the average equity-to-asset ratio in 2013 was the result of an increase in average equity, primarily from the generation of $9.1 million of retained net income, combined with a decrease in average assets during 2013.  The increase in average common equity exceeded the decrease in average preferred equity resulting from the full year effect from the partial redemption of Premier’s Series A Preferred Stock that occurred during the third quarter of 2012.

The Federal Reserve's risk-based capital guidelines and leverage ratio measure the capital adequacy of banking institutions. The risk-based capital guidelines weight balance sheet assets and off-balance sheet commitments by prescribed factors relative to credit risk, thus eliminating disincentives for holding low risk assets and requiring more capital for holding higher risk assets.  At year-end 2015, Premier’s total regulatory capital to risk adjusted asset ratio was 14.7%, compared to 14.6% at December 31, 2014 and 18.2% at December 31, 2013.  All three of these ratios are well
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


above the minimum level of 8.0% prescribed for bank holding companies of Premier’s size.  The total regulatory capital to risk adjusted asset ratio increase slightly in 2015 as a 2.9% increase in total regulatory capital exceeded the 2.0% increase in risk-weighted assets at the end of 2015. The total regulatory capital to risk adjusted asset ratio decreased in 2014 as a result of the reduction in capital from the redemption of the final $12.0 million of Premier’s Series A Preferred Stock and as a result of the additional risk adjusted assets from the purchase of Gassaway.  The 18.2% capital to risk adjusted asset ratio at December 31, 2013 was a considerably strong ratio which afforded Premier the opportunity to not only purchase Gassaway but also redeem the final 12,000 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock before the stated dividend rate increased from 5.00% to 9.00% on November 15, 2014.

The leverage ratio is a measure of total tangible equity to total tangible assets, net of any related deferred taxes as permitted.  Premier’s leverage ratio at December 31, 2015 was 9.4%, compared to 9.1% at December 31, 2014 and 11.0% at December 31, 2013.  All three of these ratios are above the 4.0% to 5.0% ratios recommended by the Federal Reserve.  The leverage ratio increased at December 31, 2015 largely due to a 2.9% increase in total tangible equity versus a 0.2% increase in total tangible assets.  The leverage ratio decreased at December 31, 2014, largely due to the decrease in capital from redemption of the final $12.0 million of Premier’s Series A Preferred Stock, combined with an increase in tangible assets from the purchase of Gassaway.  The leverage ratio increased at December 31, 2013 from December 31, 2012 largely due to a $10.1 million, or 9.2%, increase in qualifying capital for regulatory purposes versus a 0.5% decrease in qualifying average assets.  Similarly, the increase in qualifying capital for regulatory purposes boosted Premier’s capital to risk adjusted asset ratio at December 31, 2013, overcoming a 4.2% increase in Premier’s risk adjusted assets since December 31, 2012. Premier's capital ratios are the direct result of management's desire to maintain a strong capital position. This strong capital position tends to have a dampening effect on the key performance ratio Return on Average Equity (ROE) due to the higher level of capital maintained. Additional information on Premier's capital ratios and the capital ratios of its banks may be found in Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements.

Beginning on January 1, 2015, the standard for minimum regulatory Tier I risk-based capital ratio the Affiliate Banks must maintain in order to be considered well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action increased from 6.00% to 8.00%. As shown in the table in Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements regarding stockholders’ equity, the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratios of the Affiliate Banks at December 31, 2015 exceed the new standard. In fact, the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratios of the Affiliate Banks at December 31, 2014 already exceeded the new standard. Also beginning on January 1, 2015, a new measure of capital adequacy has been added for the Affiliate Banks to be considered well capitalized. The Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-based Capital Ratio, or CET1 Ratio, restricts the capital to be included in the ratio to common shareholders’ equity and requires a minimum ratio of 6.50% of risk-weighted assets for a bank to be considered well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  The regulatory Tier 1 capital of both Premier and the Affiliate Banks at December 31, 2015 are 100% common shareholders’ equity and therefore there was no adverse impact from the implementation of the new capital ratio.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


Beginning on January 1, 2016 an additional capital conservation buffer will be added to the minimum regulatory capital ratios under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  The capital conservation buffer will be measured as a percentage of risk weighted assets and will be phased-in over a four year period from 2016 thru 2019.  When fully implemented, the capital conservation buffer will be 2.50% of risk weighted assets over and above the regulatory minimum capital ratios for Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets, Total Capital to risk weighted assets and Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (CET1) to risk weighted assets.  The consequences of not meeting the capital conservation buffer thresholds include restrictions on the payment of dividends, restrictions on the payment of discretionary bonuses, and restrictions on the repurchasing of common shares by the Company.  As shown in the table in Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements regarding stockholders’ equity, the capital ratios of the Affiliate Banks and the Company already exceed the new minimum capital ratios plus the fully phased-in 2.50% capital buffer requiring a Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets ratio of at least 8.50% and a Total Capital to risk weighted assets ratio of at least 10.50%.  At December 31, 2015, the Company and the Affiliate Banks have no sources of Tier 1 Capital other than their common shareholders’ equity, thus their CET1 Capital to risk weighted asset ratio equals their Tier 1 Capital to risk-weighted asset ratio. The Tier 1 Capital to risk-weighted assets has a higher minimum plus capital buffer threshold than the CET1 Capital to risk weighted asset ratio.

Additional information on the capital position of Premier is included in the following table.

SELECTED CAPITAL INFORMATION
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
As of December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
Change
 
             
Stockholders’ Equity
 
$
147,232
   
$
145,782
   
$
1,450
 
Disallowed amounts of goodwill and other intangibles
   
(30,218
)
   
(32,202
)
   
1,984
 
Deferred tax assets from NOL and tax credit carryforwards
   
(376
)
   
n/
a
   
(376
)
Unrealized (gain) loss on securities available for sale
   
(321
)
   
(1,495
)
   
1,174
 
Common Equity Tier 1 capital (and Tier 1 capital)
 
$
116,317
   
$
112,085
   
$
4,232
 
                         
Tier 2 capital adjustments
                       
Allowable amount of the allowance for loan losses
   
9,647
     
10,347
         
Total capital
 
$
125,964
   
$
122,432
         
                         
Total risk-weighted assets
 
$
857,033
   
$
840,580
         
                         
Ratios
                       
CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets
   
13.57
%
   
13.33
%
       
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
   
13.57
%
   
13.33
%
       
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
   
14.70
%
   
14.57
%
       
Leverage
   
9.40
%
   
9.09
%
       
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


The primary source of funds for dividends paid by Premier is the dividends received from its subsidiary banks. Banking regulations limit the amount of dividends that may be paid without prior approval of the regulatory agencies. Under these regulations, the amount of dividends that may be paid without prior approval 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 regulatory capital requirements and additional restrictions more fully described in Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements. During 2016, the Affiliate Banks could, without prior approval, declare and pay to Premier dividends of approximately $1.1 million plus any 2016 net profits retained through the date of declaration.

Prior to the final full redemption on November 15, 2014 of Premier’s Series A Preferred Shares, the dividend rights of holders of Premier’s common shares were also qualified and subject to the dividend rights of holders of Premier’s Series A Preferred Shares. As long as the Series A Preferred Shares remained outstanding, unless all accrued and unpaid dividends for all past dividend periods on the Series A Preferred Shares were fully paid, Premier was not permitted to declare or pay dividends on any Common Shares, any junior preferred shares or, generally, any preferred shares ranking pari passu with the Series A Preferred Shares (other than in the case of pari passu preferred shares, dividends on a pro rata basis with the Series A Preferred Shares), nor was Premier permitted to repurchase or redeem any Common Shares or preferred shares other than the Series A Preferred Shares. As of November 15, 2014, all of the Series A Preferred Shares have been redeemed by Premier.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


INCOME STATEMENT ANALYSIS


Net Interest Income

Net interest income, the amount by which interest generated from earning assets exceeds the expense associated with funding those assets, is Premier’s most significant component of earnings. Net interest income on a fully tax-equivalent basis was $48.7 million in 2015, virtually unchanged from the $48.7 million earned in 2014, which follows a 10.8% increase in 2014 from 2013.   When net interest income is presented on a fully tax-equivalent basis, interest income from tax-exempt earning assets is increased by the amount equivalent to the federal income taxes which would have been paid if this income were taxable at the statutory federal tax rate of 34% for companies of Premier's size.  Net interest income was virtually unchanged in 2015 compared to 2014 as a combined decrease in interest income on loans and investments was nearly offset by a decrease in interest expense on deposits and borrowings. The increase in net interest income in 2014 is primarily the result of the combined increase in interest income on loans and investments complemented by a decrease in interest expense on deposits and borrowings, driven largely by the purchase of Gassaway on April 4, 2014.  The operations of Gassaway are only included in the financial results of Premier after the acquisition date and therefore led to significant increases in 2014 income statement items when compared to 2013.

As shown in the Rate Volume Analysis table below, in 2015, interest income on loans increased primarily as a result of a higher average volume of loans outstanding in 2015. The increase was substantially offset by a decrease in the average yield earned on loans compared to the yield earned during 2014. The net result was an $185,000, or 0.3%, increase in interest income on loans when compared to 2014. Interest income on investments decreased in 2015, primarily as a result of a decrease in the average volume of investments outstanding. Also contributing to the decrease in interest income earned on investments in 2015 was a decrease in the average yield earned on the portfolio securities in 2015. The combined result was a $521,000 decrease in interest income on investments when compared to 2014. As shown in the table below, interest expense on deposits decreased in total by $256,000, or 6.8%, in 2015, largely due to interest expense savings on certificates of deposit. Interest expense decreased by $84,000 as a result of a lower average volume of certificates of deposit. Interest expense also decreased by another $185,000 due to a lower overall average rate paid on those deposits in 2015. Interest expense on NOW and money market accounts as well as savings accounts increased by $13,000 in total largely due to a higher volume of both NOW and money market deposits as well as savings account deposits. Premier also realized a $4,000 increase in interest expense on its short-term borrowings, largely due to a higher average balance on these borrowings during 2015 with a slightly lower rate paid. Lastly, Premier realized $53,000 of interest expense savings on other borrowed funds, largely due to principal reductions during the year. The combined effect of the decrease in interest income and the decrease in interest expenses was to decrease fully tax-equivalent net interest income by $13,000 in 2015.


PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


Net interest income in 2014 increased as an increase in interest earned on loans more than offset a decrease in interest income on investments and was complemented by interest expense saved on deposits and borrowings. As shown in the Rate Volume Analysis table below, in 2014, interest income on loans increased primarily as a result of a higher average volume of loans outstanding in 2014 resulting largely from the purchase of Gassaway, but also due to internal loan growth as discussed previously. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in the average yield earned on loans compared to the yield earned during 2013. The net result was a $4.8 million increase in interest income on loans when compared to 2013, of which $4.4 million can be attributed to loans acquired from the purchase of Gassaway. Interest income on investments decreased in 2014, primarily as a result of a decrease in the average yield earned on the portfolio of securities in 2014. Also contributing to the decrease in interest income earned on investment in 2014 was a decrease in the average volume of investments outstanding. The purchase of Gassaway added approximately $28.7 million of average investments in 2014. However, the overall average investments outstanding during the year decreased due to regular principal paydowns on mortgage backed securities as well as a limited amount of sales and calls of securities during the year. The combined result was a $506,000 decrease in interest income on investments when compared to 2013. Also, as shown in the table below, interest expense on deposits decreased in total by $350,000 in 2014, largely due to interest expense savings on certificates of deposit. The $350,000 decrease includes $251,000 of additional interest expense on deposits from the purchase of Gassaway. Excluding the interest on the deposits from the purchase of Gassaway, interest expense would have decreased by $601,000, or 14.7%, from 2013. Interest expense increased by $164,000 as a result of a higher average volume of certificates of deposit in 2014 which was largely due to the volume of certificates of deposits from the purchase of Gassaway. However, interest expense decreased by $598,000 due to a lower overall average rate paid on those deposits in 2014. Interest expense on NOW and money market accounts as well as savings accounts increased by $84,000 in total largely due to a higher volume of both NOW and money market deposits as well as savings account deposits. The increase in these average balances was mainly due to the deposits assumed from purchase of Gassaway. Premier also realized $3,000 of interest expense savings on its short-term borrowings, largely due to lower average balance on these borrowings during 2014. Lastly, Premier realized $86,000 of interest expense savings on other borrowed funds, largely due to principal reductions during the year. The combined effect of the increase in interest income and the decrease in interest expenses was to increase fully tax-equivalent net interest income by $4.8 million in 2014.



PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


RATE VOLUME ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME
 
(Dollars in thousands on a tax equivalent basis)
 
   
2015 vs 2014
   
2014 vs 2013
 
   
Increase (decrease) due to change in
   
Increase (decrease) due to change in
 
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net Change
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net Change
 
Interest income*:
                       
Loans
 
$
2,538
   
$
(2,353
)
 
$
185
   
$
6,064
   
$
(1,265
)
 
$
4,799
 
Investment securities
   
(408
)
   
(113
)
   
(521
)
   
(192
)
   
(314
)
   
(506
)
Federal funds sold
   
3
     
1
     
4
     
2
     
2
     
4
 
Deposits with banks
   
14
     
-
     
14
     
29
     
(5
)
   
24
 
Total interest income
 
$
2,147
   
$
(2,465
)
 
$
(318
)
 
$
5,903
   
$
(1,582
)
 
$
4,321
 
                                                 
Interest expense:
                                               
Deposits
                                               
NOW and money market
 
$
17
   
$
(6
)
 
$
11
   
$
50
   
$
(4
)
 
$
46
 
Savings
   
13
     
(11
)
   
2
     
32
     
6
     
38
 
Certificates of deposit
   
(84
)
   
(185
)
   
(269
)
   
164
     
(598
)
   
(434
)
Short-term borrowings
   
8
     
(4
)
   
4
     
(3
)
   
-
     
(3
)
Other borrowings
   
(43
)
   
(10
)
   
(53
)
   
(89
)
   
3
     
(86
)
Total interest expense
 
$
(89
)
 
$
(216
)
 
$
(305
)
 
$
154
   
$
(593
)
 
$
(439
)
Net interest income*
 
$
2,236
   
$
(2,249
)
 
$
(13
)
 
$
5,749
   
$
(989
)
 
$
4,760
 
                                                 
(*) Fully taxable equivalent using the rate of 34%
Note – Changes to rate/volume are allocated to both rate and volume on a proportional dollar basis
 

While net interest income dollars decreased only slightly in 2015, Premier’s net interest margin decreased as the yield earned on interest earning assets decreased more than the decrease in the rate paid on interest bearing liabilities.   In 2015, the average yield on Premier’s loan portfolio decreased 28 basis points to 5.46% from the 5.74% earned in 2014.  Likewise, the average yield earned on the investment portfolio in 2015 decreased by 4 basis points to 2.22%.  The net result on all earning assets was to decrease the average yield by 16 basis points to 4.49% in 2015, down from the 4.65% earned in 2014.  Similarly, in 2015 Premier decreased the average rate paid on its deposits by 4 basis points as market deposit rates remained very low throughout the year.  The average rate paid on certificates of deposit decreased the most, at 5 basis points, while the average rate paid on savings accounts and the average rate paid on interest bearing transaction accounts remained relatively the same.  However, as the rates Premier paid on interest bearing NOW and money market as well as savings deposit rates remained consistent during 2015, the rates Premier paid on its short-term borrowings decreased by 3 basis points.  The average rate paid on Premier’s other borrowings decreased by 8 basis points, largely due to refinancing the total borrowings outstanding at the parent company in August 2015, which not only reduced the rate paid on approximately half of the outstanding borrowings, but also converted the floating rate borrowings to a fixed rate for 60 months. The net result on all interest-bearing liabilities was to decrease the average rate paid by 4 basis points to 0.48% in 2015, down from the 0.52% paid in 2014. Due to the 16 basis point decrease in the average yield earned exceeding the 4 basis point decrease in the average rate paid, Premier’s net interest spread decreased by 12 basis points.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


Similarly, the net interest margin decreased by 12 basis points to 4.15% in 2015, down from the 4.27% earned in 2014 and the 4.26% earned in 2013.

While net interest income dollars increased in 2014, Premier’s net interest margin also increased as the rates paid on interest bearing liabilities decreased more than the decrease in the yield on earning assets. In 2014, the average yield on Premier’s loan portfolio decreased 17 basis points to 5.74% from the 5.91% earned in 2013. Likewise, the average yield earned on the investment portfolio in 2014 decreased by 13 basis points to 2.26%. The net result on all earning assets was to decrease the average yield by 7 basis points to 4.65% in 2014, down from the 4.72% earned in 2013. Similarly, in 2014 Premier decreased the average rate paid on its deposits by 10 basis points as market deposit rates continued to fall throughout the year. The average rate paid on certificates of deposit decreased the most, at 17 basis points, while the average rate paid on savings accounts and the average rate paid on interest bearing transaction accounts remained the same. Just as the rates Premier paid on interest bearing NOW and money market as well as savings deposit rates remained constant during 2014, the rates Premier paid on its short-term borrowings remained constant as well. The average rate paid on Premier’s other borrowings increased slightly, by 2 basis points, mainly due to the additional borrowing assumed in the purchase of Gassaway. The net result on all interest-bearing liabilities was to decrease the average rate paid by 10 basis points to 0.52% in 2014, down from the 0.62% paid in 2013. As a result, Premier’s net interest spread increased by 3 basis points. However, due to the larger volume of Premier’s interest earning assets when compared to its volume of interest bearing liabilities, the net interest margin increased by only 1 basis point to 4.27% in 2014, up from the 4.26% earned in 2013 and the 4.25% earned in 2012. Further discussion of interest income is included in the section of this report entitled "Balance Sheet Analysis."


Non-interest Income and Expense

Non-interest income has been and will continue to be an important factor for improving profitability. Recognizing this importance, management continues to evaluate areas where non-interest income can be enhanced. Nevertheless, key sources of Premier’s non-interest income can be diminished, in part, due to increased government regulations making the selling of fixed rate mortgages in the secondary market more difficult, limiting the number of overdraft charges that can be assessed on a customer’s account on a given day and limiting the percentage of fees that can be earned on debit card transactions. Expanding the deposit customer base via acquisitions, opening new branches and/or adding additional customer value to deposit based products and services are ways management can counter decreases in non-interest income from increased government regulation.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


As shown in the table of Non-interest Income and Expense below, total fees and other income increased by $198,000, or 2.9%, in 2015.  In 2015, service charges on deposit accounts increased by $89,000, or 2.5%, as an increase in service charges on consumer deposit accounts more than offset decreases in service charges on business deposit accounts and lower revenue from consumer and business overdraft charges.  Premier implemented a minor service charge to its basic consumer deposit accounts as it also added additional features to the product.  Management believes the decrease in overdraft revenue is a result of the downturn in the economy which has caused customers to more closely manage their deposit funds in an effort to find ways to save money and thus reduced their number of overdrafts.  Electronic banking income, which consists of debit and credit card transaction fees, ATM fees and internet banking fees, increased $254,000, or 10.4%, in 2015. Premier continues to experience an increase in the number of customers who conduct their banking and purchasing electronically, primarily via the use of debit and ATM cards. Revenue from these activities increased in 2015 due to increases in revenue from debit card transactions and ATM usage fees. Secondary market mortgage income (commissions and fees earned from originating and selling mortgage loans to third parties in the secondary market) decreased by $62,000, or 31.2%, in 2015 compared to 2014.  The secondary market mortgage income in 2015, 2014, and 2013 reflects an industry in extreme change, particularly in the rural markets of Premier. While the federal government, via government sponsored agencies, and other privately owned entities have been buying secondary market mortgages, the significantly increased required documentation from home buyers has complicated the process in comparison to years past.  The perceived difficultly from the home buyer’s perspective has had a negative impact on Premier’s secondary market business.  Other non-interest income decreased by $83,000, or 12.0%, in 2015 compared to 2014.  Decreases in checkbook sales, check cashing fees, and miscellaneous loan fees unrelated to the origination of loans were only partially offset by increases in wire transfer fees, research fees and commission income from the sale of credit life and collateral gap insurance.

In 2014, total fees and other income increased by $582,000, or 9.2%. The increase was mainly due to additional non-interest income from the operations of the five branches acquired in the purchase of Gassaway. In 2014, service charges on deposit accounts increased by $219,000, or 6.5%, due to a $339,000 increase in service charges from the Gassaway branches. This increase more than offset a $120,000, or 3.6%, decrease in service charges at Premier’s other locations, largely due to lower revenue from consumer and business overdraft charges.  Management believes that the downturn in the economy caused customers to more closely manage their deposit funds in an effort to find ways to save money and thus reduced their number of overdrafts.  Electronic banking income, which consists of debit and credit card transaction fees, ATM fees and internet banking fees, increased $419,000, or 20.8%, in 2014, largely due to a $314,000 increase in electronic banking income from the operations of the Gassaway locations. Otherwise electronic banking income increased $105,000, or 5.2%, when compared to 2013. Premier continues to experience an increase in the number of customers who conduct their banking and purchasing electronically, primarily via the use of debit and ATM cards. Revenue from these activities increased in 2014, however an increase in revenue from debit card transactions was partially offset by a decrease in ATM usage fees. Secondary market mortgage income (commissions and fees earned from originating and selling mortgage loans to third parties in
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


the secondary market) decreased by $57,000, or 22.3%, in 2014 compared to 2013.  The secondary market mortgage income in 2014 was affected by the market factors discussed above for 2015.  Other non-interest income remained relatively unchanged in 2014, as increases in other non-interest income from the Gassaway operations primarily offset decreases from Premier’s other operations.  Decreases in research fees, letter of credit fees and loan extension and other miscellaneous fees unrelated to the origination of loans earned were substantially offset by increases in wire transfer fees, checkbook sales and safe deposit box income.

In 2014, Premier realized $29,000 in gains on the sales of investment securities compared to $1,413,000 in gains on the sales and calls of investment securities realized in 2013. The modest gains realized in 2014 were largely the result of the sale of securities to provide additional funding in 2014 as part of Premier’s liquidity and interest rate risk management programs. In 2013, Premier realized $1,413,000 in gains on the sales and calls of investment securities. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Premier sold its remaining investment in high-yielding, long-term corporate securities and realized a gain of approximately $1.2 million. These corporate securities had significant negative market value adjustments at the time Premier acquired them via the purchase of Abigail Adams in 2009. Management sold the investments in an effort to maximize the company’s return on the investments as the market value had substantially increased since 2009. Earlier in 2013, Premier realized gains on other corporate investment securities that were called at par. Similar to the securities sold in the fourth quarter, these corporate investment securities also had significant negative market value adjustments at the time Premier acquired them via the purchase of Abigail Adams in 2009. As a result of the fourth quarter 2013 sale, Premier no longer owns any corporate issued investments in its portfolio. Premier did not execute any sales of investment securities in 2015 nor did it realize any gains on the call of investment securities in 2015.

Just as management continues to evaluate areas where non-interest income can be enhanced, it strives to find ways to improve the efficiency of its operations and utilize the economies of scale of the consolidated entity to reduce its operating costs. Sometimes the expenses associated with acquisitions, as well as the inefficiency of the operations of acquired organizations, cloud these goals. Premier’s 2015 net overhead ratio, or non-interest expense less non-interest income excluding securities transactions and other similar non-operating transactions to average earning assets, was 2.45%, up only slightly from the 2.42% realized in 2014 and the 2.41% realized in 2013. The actual dollars of net overhead increased by $1.1 million, or 4.0%, in 2015, largely due to a $2.0 million increases OREO expenses and writedowns and a $338,000 increase in outside data processing costs which were partially offset by a $1.1 million decrease in staff costs.  In 2014, the actual dollars of net overhead increased by $2.7 million, or 11.0%, largely due to the inclusion of the operations of Gassaway.  However, the corresponding 10.5% increase in average earning assets, also largely due to the assets acquired from the purchase of Gassaway, resulted in only a slight increase in the net overhead ratio.  For the year 2015, net overhead was $28.7 million compared to $27.6 million in 2014 and $24.9 million in 2013.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


The following table is a summary of non-interest income and expense for each of the years in the three-year period ending December 31, 2015.

NON-INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
               
Increase (Decrease) Over Prior Year
 
               
2015
   
2014
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
Non-interest income:
                           
Service charges on deposit accounts
 
$
3,665
   
$
3,576
   
$
3,357
   
$
89
     
2.49
   
$
219
     
6.52
 
Electronic banking income
   
2,691
     
2,437
     
2,018
     
254
     
10.42
     
419
     
20.76
 
Secondary market mortgage  income
   
137
     
199
     
256
     
(62
)
   
(31.16
)
   
(57
)
   
(22.27
)
Other
   
606
     
689
     
688
     
(83
)
   
(12.05
)
   
1
     
0.15
 
Total fees and other income
 
$
7,099
   
$
6,901
   
$
6,319
     
198
     
2.87
     
582
     
9.21
 
Investment securities gains
   
0
     
29
     
1,413
     
(29
)
           
(1,384
)
       
Total non-interest income
 
$
7,099
   
$
6,930
   
$
7,732
   
$
169
     
2.44
   
$
(802
)
   
(10.37
)
                                                         
Non-interest expense:
                                                       
Salaries and wages
 
$
13,605
   
$
13,762
   
$
12,212
   
$
(157
)
   
(1.14
)
 
$
1,550
     
12.69
 
Employee benefits
   
3,344
     
4,309
     
2,834
     
(965
)
   
(22.39
)
   
1,475
     
52.05
 
Total staff costs
   
16,949
     
18,071
     
15,046
     
(1,122
)
   
(6.21
)
   
3,025
     
20.11
 
Occupancy and equipment
   
5,201
     
5,013
     
4,338
     
188
     
3.75
     
675
     
15.56
 
Outside data processing
   
4,395
     
4,057
     
3,372
     
338
     
8.33
     
685
     
20.31
 
Professional fees
   
664
     
762
     
900
     
(98
)
   
(12.86
)
   
(138
)
   
(15.33
)
  Taxes, other than payroll, property and income
   
591
     
573
     
686
     
18
     
3.14
     
(113
)
   
(16.47
)
Amortization of intangibles
   
853
     
818
     
600
     
35
     
4.28
     
218
     
36.33
 
OREO gains, losses and expenses, net
   
2,109
     
158
     
1,853
     
1,951
     
1234.81
     
(1,695
)
   
(91.47
)
Loan collection expenses
   
403
     
312
     
413
     
91
     
29.17
     
(101
)
   
(24.46
)
FDIC insurance
   
866
     
928
     
835
     
(62
)
   
(6.68
)
   
93
     
11.14
 
Other expenses
   
3,773
     
3,798
     
3,126
     
(25
)
   
(0.66
)
   
672
     
21.50
 
Total non-interest expenses
 
$
35,804
   
$
34,490
   
$
31,169
   
$
1,314
     
3.81
   
$
3,321
     
10.65
 
                                                         

Total non-interest expense in 2015 increased by $1,314,000, or 3.8%, from 2014 largely due to increased OREO expenses, outside data processing, and occupancy and equipment costs.  The increase in these non-interest expenses were partially offset by reductions in staff costs, professional fees, and FDIC expense.  In 2014, non-interest expense increased by $3,321,000, or 10.7%, from 2013 largely due to increased staff and benefit costs, occupancy and equipment costs, outside data processing, FDIC expense, and the amortization of intangible assets.  The increase in these non-interest expenses were partially offset by reductions in professional fees, taxes not on income, loan collection expenses, and OREO expenses.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


Staff costs decreased by $1,122,000, or 6.2%, in 2015 versus 2014 mainly due a decrease in employee benefit costs as well as a reduction in total salary and wages. Employee benefit costs decreased by $965,000, or 22.4%, in 2015 as a decrease in medical insurance benefit costs and employer payroll taxes were partially offset by an increase in retirement benefit costs. While management has taken steps to help reduce its medical insurance benefit costs, medical insurance benefit costs could continue to increase until the national medical insurance industry stabilizes after the implementation of new government regulations. In 2014, staff costs increased by $3,025,000, or 20.1%, mainly due to the inclusion of the employees from Gassaway, an increase in employee benefit costs and normal salary and wage increases.  Employee benefit costs increased by $1,475,000, or 52.1%, in 2014 as an increase in medical insurance benefit costs were partially offset by lower employer payroll taxes and retirement benefit costs.

Occupancy and equipment expenses in total increased by $188,000, or 3.8%, in 2015 compared to 2014. Facility costs were $149,000 higher in 2015, largely due to the increase in the number of branches as a result of the purchase of Gassaway and opening de novo branches in northern Kentucky, an increase in real estate taxes and an increase in building repair costs, partially offset by lower building rent expense due to the relocation of branches in the DC Metro area. Equipment expense increased by $39,000 in 2015 compared to 2014, largely due to higher equipment depreciation expense, information technology depreciation expense, and equipment maintenance costs partially offset by lower information technology maintenance costs. In 2014, occupancy and equipment expenses in total increased by $675,000, or 15.6%. Facility costs were $230,000 higher, largely due to the increase in the number of branches as a result of the purchase of Gassaway, partially offset by lower building rent expense due to the relocation of branches in the DC Metro area and lower real estate tax expense.  Equipment expense increased by $445,000 in 2014 compared to 2013, largely due to higher equipment depreciation expense, information technology depreciation expense, and equipment and information technology maintenance partially resulting from the operations of Gassaway.

Outside data processing expense increased $338,000, or 8.3%, in 2015 versus 2014, largely due to increased costs related to electronic banking products such as internet banking, mobile banking and ATM processing expense as well as increases in data line charges. In 2014, outside data processing expense increased $685,000, or 20.3%, largely due to increased costs related to the operations of Gassaway plus additional cost related to new product offerings such as mobile banking.

Professional fees decreased by $98,000, or 12.9%, in 2015 versus 2014, as higher legal fees in 2015 related to the acquisition of First National Bankshares Corporation were partially offset by lower audit related costs and a decrease in fees from consultant services. In 2014, professional fees decreased by $138,000, or 15.3% largely due to higher legal fees in 2013 related to lawsuits that were settled in 2013, a decrease in audit and accounting fees and a decrease in fees from consultant services.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


Taxes not on income increased by $18,000, or 3.1%, in 2015 versus 2014, largely due to higher municipal based taxes. In 2014, taxes not on income decreased by $113,000, or 16.5%, largely due to lower state based franchise taxes, including the continued phase-out of West Virginia’s equity based franchise tax, partially offset by higher municipal taxes resulting from the Gassaway branches.

Amortization of intangibles increased by $35,000, or 4.3%, in 2015 versus 2014. The increase in 2015 is a result of a full year amortization of the core deposit intangible recorded as part of purchase of Gassaway compared to only nine months of amortization in 2014. In 2014, amortization of intangibles increased by $218,000, or 36.3%. The increase in 2014 is a result of the amortization of the core deposit intangible recorded as part of purchase of Gassaway.

OREO gains, losses and expenses resulted in net expenses of $2,109,000 in 2015 versus $158,000 of net expenses in 2014, a $1,951,000 increase in non-interest expense.  OREO expense represents the costs to operate, maintain and liquidate Other Real Estate acquired through foreclosure in satisfaction of unpaid loans. In 2015, Premier realized $44,000 of gains on the sale of OREO compared to $1,302,000 of gains on the sale of OREO in 2014, an increase of $1,258,000 in net OREO expenses. In addition, write downs on OREO properties to estimated realizable values increased by $472,000 in 2015 and net expenses to maintain the OREO properties increased by $221,000 in 2015. In 2014, OREO gains, losses and expenses resulted in net expenses of $158,000 versus $1,853,000 of net expenses in 2013, a $1,695,000, or 91.5% decrease in non-interest expense. In 2014, Premier realized $1,302,000 of gains on the sale of OREO, an increase of $1,236,000 from the $66,000 of gains realized in 2013. Partially offsetting the gains realized in 2014, however, were $588,000 of write downs on OREO properties to estimated realizable values and $876,000 of net expenses to maintain those properties. These values compare to $782,000 of write downs on OREO properties and $1,137,000 of net expenses to maintain those properties in 2013 which resulted in a total of $455,000 of expense savings in 2014.

Loan collection expenses increased by $91,000, or 29.2%, in 2015 versus 2014, and decreased by $101,000, or 24.5%, in 2014 versus 2013.  Loan collection expenses include attorney fees and other costs associated directly to the collection of a loan, foreclosure on collateral, the immediate liquidation or auction of such collateral and other expenditures directly related to the collection of a loan.

FDIC insurance expense decreased by $62,000, or 6.7%, in 2015 versus 2014. The decrease in FDIC insurance expense is largely due to a decrease in the FDIC assessment rate compared to the assessed rates in 2014. In 2014, FDIC insurance expense increased by $93,000, or 11.1%. The increase in FDIC insurance expense is largely due to an increase in the FDIC assessment base as a result of the purchase of Gassaway.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


Other expenses totaled $3,773,000 in 2015, a $25,000, or 0.7%, decrease from the $3,798,000 of other non-interest expenses recorded in 2014. The slight decrease in other expenses is largely the result of lower administrative expenses such as blanket bond and errors and omissions insurance, correspondent bank charges, postage & freight, losses & shortages, employee training costs, and advertising expenses. Increases in other expenses in 2015 include higher loan operation expenses, state banking assessments, contributions and donations, travel costs and shareholder relations expenditures. In 2014, other expenses totaled $3,798,000, a $672,000, or 21.5%, increase from the $3,126,000 of other non-interest expenses recorded in 2013. The increase in other expenses is largely the result of the inclusion of the operations of Gassaway in 2014. Increases in other expenses in 2014 include higher advertising, both direct and indirect, postage and freight, stationary and supplies, losses and shortages, education and training, travel expenses, and correspondent bank charges. The increase in expenditures on these items was partially offset by decreases in subsidiary director fees and expenses associated with shareholder relations.

An analysis of the allowance for loan losses and related provision for loan losses is included in the Loan Portfolio section of the Balance Sheet Analysis of this report


Applicable Income Taxes

Premier recognized $6.9 million of income tax expense in 2015. This amount compares to $7.2 million of income tax expense in 2014 and $7.4 million of income tax expense recorded in 2013. Premier’s effective tax rate was 35.7% in 2015, up from the 35.3% reported in 2014 but down from the 35.9% reported in 2013. All three years consistently reflect similar levels of tax exempt interest income partially offset by non-deductible expenses, as well as similar levels of state income tax expense.  In 2015, Premier’s effective tax rate increased slightly due to an increase in non-deductible expenses.  In 2014, Premier’s effective tax rate decreased slightly from 2013 largely due to a slight decrease in earnings performance, higher realization of deferred tax benefits and higher level of tax exempt investment income which reduced the marginal federal income tax rate and amount of state based income taxes.  All three years are impacted by a partial phase-in of the 35% maximum federal corporate income tax rate, up from the basic 34% federal corporate income tax rate.  Additional information regarding income taxes is contained in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


Effects of Changing Prices

The results of operations and financial condition presented in this report are based on historical cost, unadjusted for the effects of inflation. Inflation affects Premier in two ways. One effect is that inflation can result in increased operating costs which must be absorbed or recovered through increased prices for services. The second effect is on the purchasing power of the corporation. Virtually all of a bank's assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. Regardless of changes in prices, most assets and liabilities of the banking subsidiaries will be converted into a fixed number of dollars. Non-earning assets, such as premises and equipment, do not comprise a major portion of Premier's assets; therefore, most assets are subject to repricing on a more frequent basis than in other industries.

Premier's ability to offset the effects of inflation and potential reductions in future purchasing power depends primarily on its ability to maintain capital levels by adjusting prices for its services and to improve net interest income by maintaining an effective asset/liability mix. Management's efforts to meet these goals are described in other sections of this report.

SUMMARY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FOURTH QUARTER 2015

Net income available to common shareholders for the three months ended December 31, 2015 totaled $2,852,000, a $314,000, or 10.0% decrease from the $3,166,000 of net income available to common shareholders reported for the fourth quarter of 2014. On a per diluted share basis, Premier’s net income available to common shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2015 was 35 cents per share compared to 37 cents per share for the same quarter last year. The decrease in net income and earnings per share in 2015 was primarily the result of a decrease in interest income on loans and an increase in net overhead costs which were only partially offset by lower interest expense and a lower provision for loan losses as more fully described below.

Net interest income totaled $11,710,000 for the fourth quarter of 2015, a decrease of $595,000, or 4.8%, from the net interest income earned in the same quarter of 2014, as a $729,000, or 5.4%, decrease in interest income was only partially offset by a $134,000, or 12.4%, decrease in interest expense.  Total interest income earned in the fourth quarter of 2015 decreased when compared to the fourth quarter of 2014, largely due to a $671,000, or 5.6%, decrease in interest income on loans and an $82,000, or 6.1%, decrease in interest income on investments.  Total interest expense in the fourth quarter of 2015 decreased when compared to the fourth quarter of 2014, largely due to a $117,000, or 12.5%, decrease in interest expense on deposits and a $17,000, or 12.4%, decrease in interest expense on other borrowings.  During the quarter ending December 31, 2015, Premier recorded $94,000 of provision for loan losses expense compared to $387,000 of provision for loan losses during the same quarter of 2014.  The higher provision expense in the fourth quarter of 2014 was largely to provide for an increase in credit risk as a result of internal loan growth, as loans outstanding had increased by approximately $25.3 million, or 3.0% since September 30, 2014.

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


Non-interest income totaled $1,830,000 in the fourth quarter of 2015, a decrease of $77,000, or 4.0%, from the $1,907,000 of non-interest income reported for the fourth quarter of 2014. The increases in non-interest income include a $35,000, or 5.5%, increase in electronic banking income and a $12,000, or 6.7%, increase in other non-interest income. These increases were more than offset by an $89,000, or 8.8%, decrease in service charges on deposit accounts and a $35,000, or 47.3%, decrease in secondary market mortgage income. Not included in non-interest income, but improving net income in the fourth quarter of 2014, Premier realized a $1,000 gain on the sale of investment securities during the fourth quarter of 2014. There were no sales of securities in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Non-interest expense totaled $8,997,000 in the fourth quarter of 2015, a $78,000, or 0.9%, increase over the $8,919,000 reported for the fourth quarter of 2014.  Increases in non-interest expenses include a $656,000, increase in OREO expenses, a $40,000, or 3.7%, increase in data processing costs, a $46,000, or 38.0%, increase in professional fees and a $49,000, or 74.2%, increase in taxes not on income.  These expense increases were only partially offset by a $830,000, or 17.2% decrease in salary and benefit costs, a $16,000, or 7.1%, decrease in the amortization of intangible assets, and a $7,000, or 3.2%, decrease in FDIC insurance expense.  The increase in OREO expenses in 2015 is largely due to the higher expenses related to maintain the OREO properties, higher writedowns of the carrying value to updated realizable values, and lower gains on the sale of OREO when compared to the fourth quarter of 2014.  The decrease in salary and benefit costs in 2015 is largely due to lower total wages and medical insurance benefits costs partially offset by higher retirement benefit costs when compared to the fourth quarter of 2014.

Additional quarterly financial data is provided in Note 22 to the consolidated financial statements.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
December 31, 2015


ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In January 2014, 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, but will result in additional disclosures.

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.

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.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The Company's Financial Statements and related Independent Auditors' Report are presented in the following pages. The financial statements filed in this Item 8 are as follows:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Income - Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity – Years ended
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


MANAGEMENTS REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

A.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the 2013 Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2015, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
 
        The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Crowe Horwath LLP, has audited the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and has issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Their report is included on pages 97 and 98 of this report.

     
/s/ Robert W. Walker
 
/s/ Brien M. Chase
Robert W. Walker, President and
 
Brien M. Chase, Senior Vice President
Chief Executive Officer
 
and Chief Financial Officer
     
Date:  March 15, 2016
 
Date:  March 15, 2016
     

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


B.        Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

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

C.        Inherent Limitations on Internal Control

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



















PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 







REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


Board of Directors and Stockholders
Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc.
Huntington, West Virginia


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc.  as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015. We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.


 
- 96 -


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM - continued


A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc.  as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.


Crowe Horwath LLP


Louisville, Kentucky
March 15, 2016


 
- 97 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2015 and 2014
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data)


   
2015
   
2014
 
ASSETS
       
Cash and due from banks
 
$
33,888
   
$
35,147
 
Interest bearing bank balances
   
32,816
     
35,251
 
Federal funds sold
   
5,835
     
4,986
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
72,539
     
75,384
 
Securities available for sale
   
255,466
     
229,750
 
Loans held for sale
   
-
     
226
 
Loans
   
849,746
     
879,711
 
Allowance for loan losses
   
(9,647
)
   
(10,347
)
Net loans
   
840,099
     
869,364
 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
   
3,072
     
2,996
 
Premises and equipment, net
   
19,841
     
21,384
 
Other real estate owned
   
13,040
     
12,208
 
Interest receivable
   
3,162
     
3,219
 
Goodwill
   
33,796
     
33,796
 
Other intangible assets
   
2,180
     
3,033
 
Deferred taxes
   
346
     
363
 
Other assets
   
1,152
     
1,101
 
Total assets
 
$
1,244,693
   
$
1,252,824
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Deposits
               
Non-interest bearing
 
$
271,194
   
$
252,828
 
Time deposits, $250,000 and over
   
64,062
     
66,216
 
Other interest bearing
   
724,940
     
756,199
 
Total deposits
   
1,060,196
     
1,075,243
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
21,694
     
15,580
 
Other borrowed funds
   
11,292
     
11,722
 
Interest payable
   
321
     
434
 
Other liabilities
   
3,958
     
4,063
 
Total liabilities
   
1,097,461
     
1,107,042
 
                 
Stockholders' equity
               
Common stock, no par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 8,179,731 shares issued and outstanding in 2015, and 8,142,056 shares issued and outstanding in 2014
   
69,319
     
74,568
 
Retained earnings
   
77,592
     
69,719
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
321
     
1,495
 
Total stockholders' equity
   
147,232
     
145,782
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
1,244,693
   
$
1,252,824
 

See accompanying notes.
 
- 98 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years Ended December 31
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
Interest income
           
Loans, including fees
 
$
47,134
   
$
46,974
   
$
42,186
 
Securities available for sale
                       
Taxable
   
4,866
     
5,377
     
5,972
 
Tax-exempt
   
207
     
214
     
155
 
Federal funds sold and other
   
204
     
185
     
157
 
Total interest income
   
52,411
     
52,750
     
48,470
 
                         
Interest expense
                       
Deposits
   
3,482
     
3,738
     
4,088
 
Repurchase agreements and other
   
38
     
34
     
37
 
FHLB advances and other borrowings
   
511
     
564
     
650
 
Total interest expense
   
4,031
     
4,336
     
4,775
 
                         
Net interest income
   
48,380
     
48,414
     
43,695
 
Provision (credit) for loan losses
   
326
     
534
     
(375
)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
48,054
     
47,880
     
44,070
 
                         
Non-interest income
                       
Service charges on deposit accounts
   
3,665
     
3,576
     
3,357
 
Electronic banking income
   
2,691
     
2,437
     
2,018
 
Secondary market mortgage income
   
137
     
199
     
256
 
Gain on disposition of securities
   
-
     
29
     
1,413
 
Other
   
606
     
689
     
688
 
     
7,099
     
6,930
     
7,732
 
Non-interest expenses
                       
Salaries and employee benefits
   
16,949
     
18,071
     
15,046
 
Occupancy and equipment expenses
   
5,201
     
5,013
     
4,338
 
Outside data processing
   
4,395
     
4,057
     
3,372
 
Professional fees
   
664
     
762
     
900
 
Taxes, other than payroll, property and income
   
591
     
573
     
686
 
Write-downs, expenses, sales of other real estate owned, net
   
2,109
     
158
     
1,853
 
Loan collection expenses
   
403
     
312
     
413
 
FDIC insurance
   
866
     
928
     
835
 
Amortization of intangibles
   
853
     
818
     
600
 
Other expenses
   
3,773
     
3,798
     
3,126
 
     
35,804
     
34,490
     
31,169
 
Income before income taxes
   
19,349
     
20,320
     
20,633
 
Provision for income taxes
   
6,903
     
7,170
     
7,404
 
                         
Net income
 
$
12,446
   
$
13,150
   
$
13,229
 
Preferred stock dividends and accretion
   
-
     
(598
)
   
(659
)
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
12,446
   
$
12,552
   
$
12,570
 
Earnings per share:
                       
Basic
 
$
1.52
   
$
1.55
   
$
1.57
 
Diluted
   
1.49
     
1.46
     
1.49
 
Dividends per share
   
0.56
     
0.60
     
0.44
 

See accompanying notes.
 
- 99 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years Ended December 31
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
Net income
 
$
12,446
   
$
13,150
   
$
13,229
 
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                       
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
   
(1,779
)
   
3,241
     
(9,497
)
Reclassification of realized amount
   
-
     
(29
)
   
(1,413
)
Net change in unrealized gain on securities
   
(1,779
)
   
3,212
     
(10,910
)
Less tax impact
   
(605
)
   
1,092
     
(3,709
)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
   
(1,174
)
   
2,120
     
(7,201
)
                         
Comprehensive income
 
$
11,272
   
$
15,270
   
$
6,028
 
                         



See accompanying notes.
 
- 100 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Years Ended December 31
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


   
Preferred
Stock
   
Common
Stock
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   
Total
 
Balances, January 1, 2013
 
$
11,896
   
$
72,849
   
$
52,975
   
$
6,576
   
$
144,296
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
13,229
     
-
     
13,229
 
Other comprehensive income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(7,201
)
   
(7,201
)
Cash dividends paid ($0.44 per share)
   
-
     
-
     
(3,524
)
   
-
     
(3,524
)
Dividends declared on preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
(600
)
   
-
     
(600
)
Preferred stock accretion
   
59
     
-
     
(59
)
   
-
     
-
 
Stock options exercised
   
-
     
571
     
-
     
-
     
571
 
Stock based compensation expense
   
-
     
169
     
-
     
-
     
169
 
Balances, December 31, 2013
   
11,955
     
73,589
     
62,021
     
(625
)
   
146,940
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
13,150
     
-
     
13,150
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,120
     
2,120
 
Cash dividends paid ($0.60 per share)
   
-
     
-
     
(4,854
)
   
-
     
(4,854
)
Redemption of preferred stock
   
(12,000
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(12,000
)
Dividends declared on preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
(553
)
   
-
     
(553
)
Preferred stock accretion
   
45
     
-
     
(45
)
   
-
     
-
 
Stock options exercised
   
-
     
731
     
-
     
-
     
731
 
Stock based compensation expense
   
-
     
248
     
-
     
-
     
248
 
Balances, December 31, 2014
   
-
     
74,568
     
69,719
     
1,495
     
145,782
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
12,446
     
-
     
12,446
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(1,174
)
   
(1,174
)
Cash dividends paid ($0.56 per share)
   
-
     
-
     
(4,573
)
   
-
     
4,573
)
Purchase of warrant
   
-
     
(5,675
)
   
-
     
-
     
(5,675
)
Stock options exercised
   
-
     
222
     
-
     
-
     
222
 
Stock based compensation expense
   
-
     
204
     
-
     
-
     
204
 
Balances, December 31, 2015
 
$
-
   
$
69,319
   
$
77,592
   
$
321
   
$
147,232
 
                                         


See accompanying notes.
 
- 101 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
Cash flows from operating activities
           
Net income
 
$
12,446
   
$
13,150
   
$
13,229
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities
                       
Depreciation
   
1,695
     
1,575
     
1,342
 
Provision (credit) for loan losses
   
326
     
534
     
(375
)
Amortization (accretion), net
   
462
     
701
     
(463
)
Writedowns (gains) on other real estate owned, net
   
1,063
     
(714
)
   
716
 
Stock compensation expense
   
204
     
248
     
169
 
Loans originated for sale
   
(1,679
)
   
(6,679
)
   
(11,053
)
Secondary market loans sold
   
1,941
     
6,729
     
11,432
 
Secondary market mortgage income
   
(38
)
   
(199
)
   
(256
)
Gain on the disposition of securities available for sale
   
-
     
(29
)
   
(1,413
)
Changes in :
                       
Interest receivable
   
57
     
584
     
271
 
Deferred income taxes
   
621
     
3,356
     
1,895
 
Other assets
   
(48
)
   
(484
)
   
649
 
Interest payable
   
(113
)
   
(83
)
   
(106
)
Other liabilities
   
(105
)
   
(166
)
   
446
 
Net cash from operating activities
   
16,832
     
18,523
     
16,483
 
                         
Cash flows from investing activities
                       
Purchases of securities available for sale
   
(95,606
)
   
(36,435
)
   
(27,230
)
Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available for sale
   
66,927
     
52,043
     
73,801
 
Proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale
   
-
     
13,319
     
8,650
 
Purchase of FHLB stock
   
(76
)
   
-
     
(2
)
Redemption of FHLB stock
   
-
     
1,307
     
-
 
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash received
   
-
     
40,973
     
-
 
Net change in loans
   
24,552
     
(45,545
)
   
(35,838
)
Purchases of premises and equipment, net
   
(912
)
   
(1,391
)
   
(3,188
)
Improvements to OREO property
   
(29
)
   
(194
)
   
(2,897
)
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
   
4,672
     
3,901
     
3,846
 
Net cash from investing activities
   
(472
)
   
27,978
     
17,142
 



(continued)
 
- 102 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
Years Ended December 31
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
Cash flows from financing activities
           
Net change in deposits
   
(14,863
)
   
(33,041
)
   
(6,524
)
Net change in agreements to repurchase securities
   
6,114
     
4,261
     
(14,783
)
Repayment of other borrowed funds
   
(16,376
)
   
(2,422
)
   
(2,249
)
Redemption of preferred stock
   
-
     
(12,000
)
   
-
 
Proceeds from other borrowings
   
15,946
     
-
     
-
 
Proceeds from stock option exercises
   
222
     
731
     
571
 
Purchase of warrant
   
(5,675
)
   
-
     
-
 
Preferred stock dividends paid
   
-
     
(553
)
   
(600
)
Common stock dividends paid
   
(4,573
)
   
(4,854
)
   
(3,524
)
Net cash from financing activities
   
(19,205
)
   
(47,878
)
   
(27,109
)
                         
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
(2,845
)
   
(1,377
)
   
6,516
 
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
   
75,384
     
76,761
     
70,245
 
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 
$
72,539
   
$
75,384
   
$
76,761
 
                         
                         
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
                       
Cash paid during year for -
                       
Interest
 
$
4,144
   
$
4,419
   
$
4,881
 
Income taxes paid, net
   
5,946
     
4,302
     
5,410
 
                         
Non-cash transactions
                       
Loans transferred to real estate acquired through foreclosure
 
$
5,778
   
$
1,677
   
$
1,823
 
                         


See accompanying notes
 
- 103 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. (the Company) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries:

         
Unaudited
 
         
December 31, 2015
 
Subsidiary                                      
Location                          
Year
Acquired
 
Total
Assets
   
Net
Income
 
Citizens Deposit Bank & Trust
Vanceburg, Kentucky
1991
 
$
389,612
   
$
3,883
 
Premier Bank, Inc.
Huntington, West Virginia
1998
   
848,823
     
10,374
 
Parent and Intercompany Eliminations
       
6,258
     
(1,811
)
  Consolidated total
      
$
1,244,693
   
$
12,446
 

All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Nature of Operations: The subsidiary banks (Banks) operate under state bank charters. The Banks provide traditional banking services to customers primarily located in the counties and adjoining counties in Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC and Virginia in which the Banks operate. The state chartered banks are subject to regulation by their respective state banking regulators and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The Company is also subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Board.

Cash Flows: For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, interest-earning balances with banks with an original maturity less than ninety days and federal funds sold. Net cash flows are reported for loans, deposits, repurchase agreements, and short-term borrowing transactions.

Estimates in the Financial Statements:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions based on available information.  These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(continued)
 
- 104 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Securities: The Company classifies its securities portfolio as either securities available for sale or securities held to maturity. Securities held to maturity are carried at amortized cost.  The Company had no securities classified as held to maturity at December 31, 2015 or 2014.

Securities available for sale might be sold before maturity and are carried at fair value.  Adjustments from amortized cost to fair value are recorded in other comprehensive income, net of related income tax.

Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount computed using the level yield method. Gains or losses on dispositions are recorded on the trade date and are based on the net proceeds and adjusted carrying amount of the securities sold using the specific identification method. Securities are written down to fair value when a decline in fair value is not temporary.

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation.  Declines in the fair value of securities below their cost that are other-than-temporary are reflected as realized losses.  In estimating other-than-temporary losses, management considers the length of time and extent that fair value has been less than cost and the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer.  Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings.  For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and 2) OTTI related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income.  The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. For equity securities, the entire amount of impairment is recognized through earnings.

Loans Held for Sale: Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market, as determined by outstanding commitments from investors. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recorded as a valuation allowance and charged to earnings. Loans are generally sold with servicing released.  Beginning in April 2015, as a cost saving measure, management exited the underwriting process but still facilitates fixed rate mortgages sold in the secondary market via third party vendors whereby Premier receives a portion of the commission.
(continued)
 
- 105 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Loans: Net loans are stated at the amount of recorded investment reduced by an allowance for loan losses. The recorded investment in a loan is the unpaid principal reduced by any purchase discounts and unearned income. The recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable due to immateriality. Interest income on loans is recognized on the unpaid principal balance on the accrual basis except for those loans in a non-accrual of income status. The accrual of interest on impaired loans is discontinued when management believes, after consideration of economic and business conditions as well as collection efforts, that the borrowers’ financial condition is such that collection of interest is doubtful. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using the level yield method without anticipating prepayments.

Interest income on mortgage and commercial loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the loan is well-secured and in process of collection.  Consumer loans are typically charged off no later than 120 days past due.  Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan.  In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.  Non-accrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans.  A loan is moved to non-accrual status in accordance with the Company’s policy, typically after 90 days of non-payment.

All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on non-accrual is reversed against interest income. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or costrecovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Concentration of Credit Risk:  Most of the Company’s loans located in the Washington, DC metro area are commercial or commercial real estate loans.  Commercial and commercial real estate loans in this market area are generally larger in size than in the Company’s other markets due to various factors such as higher real estate values and larger business operations. Therefore, the Company’s exposure to credit risk is significantly affected by changes in the economy and commercial real estate collateral values in the Washington, DC metro area.

The Company’s success and recent growth in lending in the central West Virginia market area depend primarily on the local general economy which has been driven in the past by Federal Government programs to develop technology infrastructure and more recently by the drilling for natural gas in the newly discovered Marcellus and Utica shale formations.  Furthermore, Premier’s success in the southern West Virginia market depends, in large part, on the local general economy which has been driven by significant employment by coal and other natural resource based businesses. While Premier’s direct credit risk exposure to such industries is minimal, the success or failure of these industries may have an indirect effect on the local economic conditions in the central and southern West Virginia market areas, either individually or collectively, thus having a significant impact on the credit risk of loans in this market area.
(continued)
 
- 106 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Certain Purchased Loans:  Loans acquired via branch purchase or acquisition after December 31, 2008 are recorded at the amount paid, such that there is no carryover of the seller’s allowance for loan losses.  Some of these purchased loans have shown evidence of credit deterioration since origination.  After acquisition, losses are recognized by an increase in the allowance for loan losses.

Such purchased loans are accounted for individually or may be aggregated into pools of loans based on common risk characteristics such as loan type.  The Company estimates the amount and timing of expected cash flows for each purchased loan or pool, and the expected cash flows in excess of amount paid is recorded as interest income over the remaining life of the loan or pool (accretable yield).  The excess of the loan’s or pool’s contractual principal and interest over expected cash flows is not recorded (nonaccretable difference).

Over the life of the loan or pool, expected cash flows continue to be estimated.  If the present value of expected cash flows is less than the carrying amount, a loss is recorded as an increase in the allowance for loan losses.  If the present value of expected cash flows is greater than the carrying amount, it is recognized as part of future interest income.

Allowance for Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses increased by a provision for loan losses charged to expense. The allowance is an amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb probable incurred losses on existing loans based on evaluations of the collectability of the loans and prior loan loss experience. The evaluations take into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, review of specific problem loans, and current economic conditions that may affect the borrowers’ ability to pay.  Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be chargedoff.  Loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that the collection of principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

A loan is impaired when full payment under the loan terms is not expected. Impairment is evaluated in total for smaller-balance loans of similar nature such as residential mortgage, consumer, and credit card loans, and accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures. All other loans are evaluated for impairment on an individual basis. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.  If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance is
(continued)
 
- 107 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.  Loans with restructured terms offering a concession to enable a struggling borrower to repay (Troubled Debt Restructurings) are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception.  If a troubled debt restructuring is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral. For troubled debt restructurings that subsequently default, the Company determines the amount of reserve in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan losses.

The general component of the allowance covers non-impaired loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors.  The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history experienced by the Company.  This actual loss experience is supplemented with other economic factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment.  These economic factors include consideration of the following:  levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies, procedures, and practices; experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; national and local economic trends and conditions; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations.  The following portfolio segments have been identified as having differing risk characteristics:

Loans secured by 1-4 family real estate:  Loans secured by 1-4 family residential real estate represent the lowest risk of loans for the Company.  They include fixed and floating rate loans as well as loans for commercial purposes or consumer purposes.  The Company generally does not hold subprime residential mortgages.  Borrowers with loans in this category, whether for commercial or consumer purposes, tend to make their payments timely as they do not want to risk foreclosure and loss of their primary residence.

Loans secured by multifamily residential real estate:  Loans secured by multifamily residential real estate consist primarily of loans secured by apartment buildings and can be either fixed or floating rate loans.  Multi-family residential real estate loans generally present a higher level of risk than loans secured by 1-4 family residential real estate because the borrower’s repayment ability typically comes from rents from tenants.  Local economic and employment fluctuations impact rent rolls and potentially the borrower’s repayment ability.

Loans secured by owner occupied non-farm non-residential real estate:  Loans secured by owner occupied non-farm non-residential real estate consist of loans secured by commercial real estate owned and operated by the borrower.  These loans generally consist of loans to borrowers who either own the commercial real estate where their business is located and have pledged the property as collateral or have borrowed funds from the Company to purchase the commercial real estate where their business is operated and located.  The key factor is that the business operated within the pledged collateral generates the cash flow for repayment.  These loans generally present a higher level of
(continued)
 
- 108 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

risk than loans secured by multifamily residential real estate because the cash flow for repayment generally comes from the success of the business. If economic conditions deteriorate, the business venture may not be successful or as successful in order for the borrower to make their loan payments and fund personal living expenses at the same time. Collateral values will also fluctuate with local economic conditions.

Loans secured by non-farm non-residential real estate: Loans secured by non-farm non-residential real estate consist of loans secured by commercial real estate that is not owner occupied.  These loans generally consist of loans collateralized by property whereby rents received from commercial tenants of the borrower are the source of repayment.   These loans generally present a higher level of risk than loans secured by owner occupied commercial real estate because repayment risk is expanded to be dependent on the success of multiple businesses which are paying rent to the borrower.  If multiple businesses fail due to deteriorating economic conditions or poor business management skills, the borrower may not have enough rents to cover their monthly payment.  Repayment risk is also increased depending on the level of surplus available commercial lease space in the local market area.

Commercial and industrial loans not secured by real estate:  These loans to businesses do not have real estate as the underlying collateral.  Instead of real estate, collateral could be business assets such as equipment or accounts receivable or the personal guarantee of one or more guarantors.  These loans generally present a higher level of risk than loans secured by commercial real estate because in the event of default by the borrower, the business assets must be liquidated and/or guarantors pursued for deficit funds.  Business assets are worth more while they are in use to produce income for the business and worth significantly less if the business is no longer in operation.  For this reason, the Company discounts the value on these types of collateral prior to meeting the Company’s loan-to-value policy limits.

Consumer loans:  Consumer loans are generally loans to borrowers for non-business purposes.  They can be either secured or unsecured.  Consumer loans are generally small in the individual amount of principal outstanding and are repaid from the borrower’s private funds earned from employment.  Consumer lending risk is very susceptible to local economic trends.  If there is a consumer loan default, any collateral that may be repossessed is generally not well maintained and has a diminished value.  For this reason, consumer loans tend to have higher overall interest rates to cover the higher cost of repossession and charge-offs.  However, due to their smaller average balance per borrower, consumer loans are collectively evaluated for impairment in determining the appropriate allowance for loan losses.

All other loan types:  All other loan types are aggregated together for credit risk evaluation due to the varying nature but small number of the remaining types of loans in the Company’s loan portfolio.  Loans in this segment include but are not limited to commercial and residential construction loans, loans secured by farmland, agricultural loans and loans to tax-exempt entities.

(continued)
 
- 109 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Transfers of Financial Assets: Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Premises and Equipment: Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is recorded principally by the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from 7 to 40 years for premises and from 3 to 15 years for equipment.

Other Real Estate Owned: Real estate acquired through foreclosure is carried at the lower of the recorded investment in the property or its fair value less estimated costs to sell. Upon repossession, the value of the underlying loan is adjusted to the fair value of the real estate less estimated costs to sell by a charge to the allowance for loan losses, if necessary, establishing a new cost basis.  If the fair value of the property declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is charged to operating expenses. Parcels of real estate maybe leased to third parties to offset holding period costs. Operating expenses of such properties, net of related income, and gains and losses on their disposition are included in other expenses.

Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock:  The Banks are members of the FHLB system.  Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts.  FHLB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value.  Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:  Goodwill resulting from business combinations prior to January 1, 2009 represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of businesses acquired.  Goodwill resulting from business combinations after January 1, 2009, is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any non-controlling interests in the acquired company, over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date.  Goodwill is not amortized but is assessed at least annually for impairment and any such impairment will be recognized in the period identified.  Impairment is evaluated using the aggregate of all banking operations.  Based upon the most recently completed goodwill impairment test, management concluded the recorded value of goodwill was not impaired as of October 31, 2015 based upon the estimated fair value of the Company’s single reporting unit.

Other intangible assets consist of core deposit intangible assets arising from whole bank and branch acquisitions. They are initially measured at fair value and then are amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives of approximately 8 years.
(continued)
 
- 110 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Repurchase Agreements: Substantially all repurchase agreement liabilities represent amounts advanced by various customers. Securities are pledged to cover these liabilities, which are not covered by federal deposit insurance.

Stock Based Compensation: Compensation cost is recognized for stock options granted to employees based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options. Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period.

Income Taxes: Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is more likely than not that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the "more likely than not" test, no tax benefit is recorded.

The Company recognizes interest related to income tax matters as other interest expense and penalties related to income tax matters as other noninterest expense.

Off Balance Sheet Financial Instruments: Financial instruments include offbalance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

Earnings Per Common Share: Basic earnings per common share is net income (available to common shareholders) divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options and stock warrants. Earnings and dividends per share are restated for all stock splits and dividends through the date of issuance of the financial statements.

(continued)
 
- 111 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Comprehensive Income: Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale which is also recognized as a separate component of equity.

Loss Contingencies: Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there now are such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments: Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.

Operating Segments:  All of the Company’s operations are considered by management to be aggregated into one reportable operating segment.  While the chief decision-makers monitor the revenue streams of the various products and services, the identifiable segments are not material.  Operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a Company-wide basis.

Reclassifications: Some items in the prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation.  Reclassifications have no effect on prior years’ net income or stockholders’ equity.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards:
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 was 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.


(continued)
 
- 112 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

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.

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.


(continued)
 
- 113 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 2 – ACQUISITION OF BANK OF GASSAWAY

Effective at the close of business on April 4, 2014, Premier completed its purchase of the Bank of Gassaway (“Gassaway”), a $201.52 million bank headquartered in Gassaway, West Virginia.  Under terms of an amended and restated agreement of merger dated January 3, 2014, Premier Bank, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Premier, paid $20.25 million in cash for the Bank of Gassaway and merged Gassaway’s five branch locations into its operating systems.  The purchase price resulted in approximately $3.92 million in goodwill and $1.73 million in core deposit intangible, none of which is deductible for tax purposes.  The core deposit intangible will be amortized using an accelerated method.
Net assets acquired via the acquisition are shown in the table below.

   
Gassaway
 
Cash and due from banks
 
$
61,223
 
Securities available for sale
   
38,741
 
Loans, net
   
95,094
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets
   
5,651
 
Other assets
   
5,089
 
Total assets acquired
   
205,798
 
         
Deposits
   
(184,555
)
Other liabilities
   
(993
)
Total liabilities assumed
   
(185,548
)
Net assets acquired
 
$
20,250
 
(continued)
 
- 114 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 2 – ACQUISITION OF BANK OF GASSAWAY - continued

The fair value of net assets acquired includes fair value adjustments to certain receivables that were not considered impaired as of the acquisition date. The fair value adjustments were determined using discounted contractual cash flows. Non-impaired loans with a fair value of $95,094 had gross contractual amounts receivable of $97,588 on the date of acquisition.

NOTE 3 - RESTRICTIONS ON CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

Included in cash and due from banks are certain interest bearing and non-interest bearing deposits that are held at the Federal Reserve or maintained in vault cash in accordance with average balance requirements specified by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. The balance requirement at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $18,615 and $17,452.


(continued)
 
- 115 -


PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 4 –SECURITIES

Amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale and the related gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:

2015
 
Amortized Cost
   
Unrealized Gains
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Fair Value
 
Available for sale
               
Mortgage-backed securities
               
U. S. sponsored agency MBS - residential
 
$
132,661
   
$
540
   
$
(854
)
 
$
132,347
 
U. S. sponsored agency CMO’s - residential
   
104,530
     
1,330
     
(738
)
   
105,122
 
Total mortgage-backed securities of government sponsored agencies
   
237,191
     
1,870
     
(1,592
)
   
237,469
 
U. S. government sponsored agency securities
   
10,401
     
29
     
(1
)
   
10,429
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
7,387
     
184
     
(3
)
   
7,568
 
Total available for sale
 
$
254,979
   
$
2,083
   
$
(1,596
)
 
$
255,466
 

2014
 
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
 
                                 

There were no sales of securities during 2015.  In 2014, a gain of $29 was recognized upon the sale (including calls) of securities while in 2013, a gain of $1,413 was recognized upon the sale (including calls) of securities.  The tax expense related to the gains in 2014 and 2013 was $10 and $481, respectively.

The realized gains, net of tax, were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the statement of comprehensive income. The realized gains are reported on the income statement under the caption “Gain on disposition of securities” and the reclassified provision for income taxes is reported on the income statement under the caption “Provision for income taxes”.

(continued)
 
- 116 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 4 –SECURITIES (Continued)

Securities with an approximate carrying value of $179,626 and $166,624 at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were pledged to secure public deposits, trust funds, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and for other purposes as required or permitted by law.

The amortized cost and fair value of securities at December 31, 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.  Securities not due at a single maturity date, such as mortgage-backed securities, are shown separately.

   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair
Value
 
Available for sale
       
Due in one year or less
 
$
4,864
   
$
4,865
 
Due after one year through five years
   
10,431
     
10,562
 
Due after five years through ten years
   
2,247
     
2,322
 
Due after ten years
   
246
     
248
 
Mortgage-backed securities of government sponsored agencies
   
237,191
     
237,469
 
Total available for sale
 
$
254,979
   
$
255,466
 
                 

Securities with unrealized losses at year-end 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 securities
 
$
2,016
   
$
(1
)
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
2,016
   
$
(1
)
U.S government sponsored agency MBS – residential
   
94,311
     
(854
)
   
-
     
-
     
94,311
     
(854
)
U.S government sponsored agency CMO’s – residential
11,604
(161
)
19,755
(577
)
31,359
(738
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
571
     
(3
)
   
-
     
-
     
571
     
(3
)
                                                 
Total temporarily impaired
 
$
108,502
   
$
(1,019
)
 
$
19,755
   
$
(577
)
 
$
128,257
   
$
(1,596
)
(continued)
 
- 117 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 4 –SECURITIES (Continued)

Securities with unrealized losses at year-end 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 entitiesThe unrealized losses at December 31, 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 5 - LOANS

Major classifications of loans at year-end are summarized as follows:

   
2015
   
2014
 
Residential real estate
 
$
285,826
   
$
278,212
 
Multifamily real estate
   
50,452
     
30,310
 
Commercial real estate:
               
Owner occupied
   
119,265
     
120,861
 
Non owner occupied
   
188,918
     
230,750
 
Commercial and industrial
   
68,339
     
85,943
 
Consumer
   
31,445
     
32,745
 
All other
   
105,501
     
100,890
 
   
$
849,746
   
$
879,711
 

(continued)
 
- 118 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 5 – LOANS (Continued)

Certain directors and executive officers of the Banks and companies in which they have beneficial ownership, were loan customers of the Banks during 2015 and 2014. 

An analysis of the 2015 activity with respect to all director and executive officer loans is as follows:

Balance, December 31, 2014
 
$
8,956
 
Additions, including loans now meeting disclosure requirements
   
677
 
Amounts collected and loans no longer meeting disclosure requirements
   
(1,906
)
Balance, December 31, 2015
 
$
7,727
 


Activity in the Allowance for Loan Losses

Activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the year ending December 31, 2015 was as follows:

Loan Class
 
Balance
Dec 31, 2014
   
Provision for loan losses
   
Loans charged-off
   
Recoveries
   
Balance
Dec 31, 2015
 
                     
Residential real estate
 
$
2,093
   
$
675
   
$
(359
)
 
$
92
   
$
2,501
 
Multifamily real estate
   
304
     
517
     
-
     
-
     
821
 
Commercial real estate:
                                       
Owner occupied
   
1,501
     
23
     
(17
)
   
2
     
1,509
 
Non owner occupied
   
2,316
     
(905
)
   
-
     
659
     
2,070
 
Commercial and industrial
   
1,444
     
(17
)
   
(403
)
   
9
     
1,033
 
Consumer
   
243
     
176
     
(209
)
   
97
     
307
 
All other
   
2,446
     
(143
)
   
(1,108
)
   
211
     
1,406
 
Total
 
$
10,347
   
$
326
   
$
(2,096
)
 
$
1,070
   
$
9,647
 

(continued)
 
- 119 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 5 – LOANS (Continued)

Activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the year ending December 31, 2014 was as follows:

Loan Class
 
Balance
Dec 31, 2013
   
Provision for loan losses
   
Loans charged-off
   
Recoveries
   
Balance
Dec 31, 2014
 
                     
Residential real estate
 
$
2,694
   
$
(244
)
 
$
(421
)
 
$
64
   
$
2,093
 
Multifamily real estate
   
417
     
(113
)
   
-
     
-
     
304
 
Commercial real estate:
                                       
Owner occupied
   
1,407
     
315
     
(221
)
   
-
     
1,501
 
Non owner occupied
   
2,037
     
602
     
(323
)
   
-
     
2,316
 
Commercial and industrial
   
2,184
     
(589
)
   
(168
)
   
17
     
1,444
 
Consumer
   
297
     
47
     
(161
)
   
60
     
243
 
All other
   
1,991
     
516
     
(307
)
   
246
     
2,446
 
Total
 
$
11,027
   
$
534
   
$
(1,601
)
 
$
387
   
$
10,347
 

Activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the year ending December 31, 2013 was as follows:

Loan Class
 
Balance
Dec 31, 2012
   
Provision for loan losses
   
Loans charged-off
   
Recoveries
   
Balance
Dec 31, 2013
 
                     
Residential real estate
 
$
2,163
   
$
803
   
$
(292
)
 
$
20
   
$
2,694
 
Multifamily real estate
   
331
     
86
     
-
     
-
     
417
 
Commercial real estate:
                                       
Owner occupied
   
1,117
     
123
     
(132
)
   
299
     
1,407
 
Non owner occupied
   
1,888
     
163
     
(14
)
   
-
     
2,037
 
Commercial and industrial
   
3,046
     
(918
)
   
(32
)
   
88
     
2,184
 
Consumer
   
244
     
168
     
(188
)
   
73
     
297
 
All other
   
2,699
     
(800
)
   
(251
)
   
343
     
1,991
 
Total
 
$
11,488
   
$
(375
)
 
$
(909
)
 
$
823
   
$
11,027
 


(continued)
 
- 120 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 5 – LOANS (Continued)

Purchased 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 December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

   
2015
   
2014
 
Multifamily Real Estate
 
$
-
   
$
497
 
Commercial Real Estate
               
Owner Occupied
   
131
     
131
 
Non owner Occupied
   
5,549
     
5,695
 
Commercial and industrial
   
80
     
136
 
All other
   
-
     
5,128
 
Total carrying amount
 
$
5,760
   
$
11,587
 
Contractual principle balance
 
$
7,251
   
$
21,250
 
                 
Carrying amount, net of allowance
 
$
5,680
   
$
10,639
 

For those purchased loans disclosed above, the Company increased the allowance for loan losses by $31 for the year ended December 31, 2015 and increased the allowance for loan losses by $316 for the year ended December 31, 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.
(continued)
 
- 121 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 5 – LOANS (Continued)

The accretable yield, or income expected to be collected, on the purchased loans above is as follows the three years ended December 31, 2015.

   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
Balance at January 1
 
$
204
   
$
217
   
$
635
 
New loans purchased
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Accretion of income
   
(19
)
   
(13
)
   
(26
)
Income recognized upon full repayment
   
-
     
-
     
(415
)
Reclassifications from non-accretable difference
   
-
     
-
     
23
 
Disposals
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Balance at December 31
 
$
185
   
$
204
   
$
217
 



(continued)
 
- 122 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 5 – 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 December 31, 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 or interest payments made by the borrower which have been used to reduce the recorded investment in the loan rather than recognized as interest income.

December 31, 2015
 
Principal Owed on Non-accrual Loans
   
Recorded Investment in Non-accrual Loans
   
Loans Past Due Over 90 Days, still accruing
 
             
Residential real estate
 
$
2,367
   
$
2,091
   
$
867
 
Multifamily real estate
   
416
     
75
     
-
 
Commercial real estate
                       
Owner occupied
   
791
     
773
     
558
 
Non owner occupied
   
3,732
     
3,400
     
-
 
Commercial and industrial
   
1,460
     
337
     
870
 
Consumer
   
257
     
234
     
-
 
All other
   
287
     
231
     
737
 
Total
 
$
9,310
   
$
7,141
   
$
3,032
 
                         

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.
(continued)
 
- 123 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 5 – LOANS (Continued)

The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans as of December 31, 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
 
$
285,826
   
$
6,298
   
$
1,681
   
$
7,979
   
$
277,847
 
Multifamily real estate
   
50,452
     
1,415
     
75
     
1,490
     
48,962
 
Commercial real estate:
                                       
Owner occupied
   
119,265
     
1,354
     
1,195
     
2,549
     
116,716
 
Non owner occupied
   
188,918
     
2,481
     
3,400
     
5,881
     
183,037
 
Commercial and industrial
   
68,339
     
220
     
1,064
     
1,284
     
67,055
 
Consumer
   
31,445
     
288
     
101
     
389
     
31,056
 
All other
   
105,501
     
3,157
     
935
     
4,092
     
101,409
 
Total
 
$
849,746
   
$
15,213
   
$
8,451
   
$
23,664
   
$
826,082
 

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
 


(continued)
 
- 124 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 5 – 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 December 31, 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
 
$
-
   
$
2,501
   
$
-
   
$
2,501
   
$
575
   
$
285,251
   
$
-
   
$
285,826
 
Multifamily real estate
   
-
     
821
     
-
     
821
     
75
     
50,377
     
-
     
50,452
 
Commercial real estate:
                                                               
Owner occupied
   
44
     
1,465
     
-
     
1,509
     
446
     
118,688
     
131
     
119,265
 
Non-owner occupied
   
22
     
2,048
     
-
     
2,070
     
6,502
     
176,867
     
5,549
     
188,918
 
Commercial and industrial
   
153
     
800
     
80
     
1,033
     
544
     
67,715
     
80
     
68,339
 
Consumer
   
-
     
307
     
-
     
307
     
-
     
31,445
     
-
     
31,445
 
All other
   
-
     
1,406
     
-
     
1,406
     
750
     
104,751
     
-
     
105,501
 
Total
 
$
219
   
$
9,348
   
$
80
   
$
9,647
   
$
8,892
   
$
835,094
   
$
5,760
   
$
849,746
 

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
 
(continued)
 
- 125 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 5 – 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 December 31, 2015. The table includes $80 of loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality that are still individually evaluated for impairment.

   
Unpaid Principal Balance
   
Recorded Investment
   
Allowance for Loan Losses Allocated
 
With no related allowance recorded:
           
Residential real estate
 
$
636
   
$
575
   
$
-
 
Multifamily real estate
   
416
     
75
     
-
 
Commercial real estate
                       
Owner occupied
   
276
     
269
     
-
 
Non owner occupied
   
6,554
     
6,222
     
-
 
Commercial and industrial
   
1,160
     
391
     
-
 
All other
   
805
     
750
     
-
 
     
9,847
     
8,282
     
-
 
With an allowance recorded:
                       
Commercial real estate
                       
Owner occupied
 
$
177
   
$
177
   
$
44
 
Non owner occupied
   
280
     
280
     
22
 
Commercial and industrial
   
528
     
233
     
233
 
All other
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
     
985
     
690
     
299
 
Total
 
$
10,832
   
$
8,972
   
$
299
 
                         


(continued)
 
- 126 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 5 – 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 of loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality that 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
 
                         



(continued)
 
- 127 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 5 – LOANS (Continued)

The following table presents by loan class, the average balance of loans individually evaluated for impairment and interest income recognized on these loans for the three years ended December 31, 2015. The table includes loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality that are still individually evaluated for impairment.

   
Year ended Dec 31, 2015
   
Year ended Dec 31, 2014
   
Year ended Dec 31, 2013
 
Loan Class
 
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income Recognized
   
Cash Basis Interest Recognized
   
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income Recognized
   
Cash Basis Interest Recognized
   
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income Recognized
   
Cash Basis Interest Recognized
 
                                     
Residential real estate
 
$
378
   
$
11
   
$
11
   
$
1,964
   
$
267
   
$
267
   
$
4,069
   
$
180
   
$
171
 
Multifamily real estate
   
855
     
685
     
685
     
2,221
     
782
     
782
     
3,810
     
847
     
845
 
Commercial real estate:
                                                                       
Owner occupied
   
1,015
     
28
     
27
     
2,139
     
179
     
174
     
2,602
     
168
     
141
 
Non-owner occupied
   
4,942
     
180
     
180
     
2,085
     
711
     
704
     
2,509
     
9
     
9
 
Commercial and industrial
   
810
     
26
     
26
     
1,912
     
657
     
657
     
8,425
     
47
     
47
 
All other
   
4,023
     
56
     
56
     
7,347
     
149
     
149
     
8,796
     
273
     
273
 
Total
 
$
12,023
   
$
986
   
$
985
   
$
17,668
     
2,745
   
$
2,733
   
$
30,211
   
$
1,524
   
$
1,486
 



(continued)
 
- 128 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 5 – 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014:

December 31, 2015
 
TDR’s on Non-accrual
   
Other TDR’s
   
Total TDR’s
 
             
Residential real estate
 
$
7
   
$
222
   
$
229
 
Multifamily real estate
   
-
     
2,201
     
2,201
 
Commercial real estate
                       
Non owner occupied
   
-
     
454
     
454
 
Commercial and industrial
   
-
     
396
     
396
 
All other
   
-
     
723
     
723
 
Total
 
$
7
   
$
3,996
   
$
4,003
 

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 December 31, 2015 and 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.

(continued)
 
- 129 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 5 – LOANS (Continued)

The following table presents TDR’s that occurred during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

   
Year ended December 31, 2015
   
Year ended December 31, 2014
 
Loan Class
 
Number of Loans
   
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
   
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
   
Number of Loans
   
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
   
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
 
                         
Multifamily real estate
   
2
   
$
3,744
   
$
3,744
     
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Total
   
2
   
$
3,744
   
$
3,744
     
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 

The modification of one 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.

The second multifamily residential real estate loan was modified with a nine month forbearance agreement requiring payments of interest only.  Cash collateral securing the loan was also released during the forbearance period to allow the borrower to improve the property to secure moderate income tenants.  The maturity period for loan was not extended.

During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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.



(continued)
 
- 130 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 5 – LOANS (Continued)

Credit Quality Indicators:

The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as:  current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors.  The Company analyzes non-homogeneous loans, such as commercial, commercial real estate, multifamily residential and commercial purpose loans secured by residential real estate, on a monthly basis. For consumer loans, including consumer loans secured by residential real estate, 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.


(continued)
 
- 131 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 5 – LOANS (Continued)

As of December 31, 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
 
$
273,741
   
$
5,389
   
$
6,689
   
$
7
   
$
285,826
 
Multifamily real estate
   
46,135
     
2,041
     
2,276
     
-
     
50,452
 
Commercial real estate:
                                       
Owner occupied
   
112,989
     
3,964
     
2,312
     
-
     
119,265
 
Non-owner occupied
   
179,179
     
2,891
     
6,848
     
-
     
188,918
 
Commercial and industrial
   
64,563
     
2,859
     
873
     
44
     
68,339
 
Consumer
   
31,000
     
269
     
176
     
-
     
31,445
 
All other
   
101,839
     
2,490
     
1,172
     
-
     
105,501
 
Total
 
$
809,446
   
$
19,903
   
$
20,346
   
$
51
   
$
849,746
 

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
 



(continued)
 
- 132 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 6 – PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Year-end premises and equipment were as follows:

   
2015
   
2014
 
Land and improvements
 
$
4,541
   
$
4,321
 
Buildings and leasehold improvements
   
17,521
     
16,822
 
Furniture and equipment
   
8,898
     
9,624
 
Assets purchased not yet placed in service
   
34
     
1,756
 
     
30,994
     
32,523
 
Less: accumulated depreciation
   
(11,153
)
   
(11,139
)
   
$
19,841
   
$
21,384
 
                 

Operating Leases: The Company leases certain branch and other properties as well as some equipment under operating leases.  Some leases provide for periodic rate adjustments based on cost-of-living index changes. Rent expense, net of rental income, was $904, $935, and $990 for 2015, 2014, and 2013. Rent commitments, before considering renewal options that generally are present, were as follows:
 
2016
 
$
874
 
2017
   
806
 
2018
   
332
 
2019
   
218
 
2020
   
213
 
Thereafter
   
1,019
 
   
$
3,462
 


(continued)
 
- 133 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 7 – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The change in the balance for goodwill during the year is as follows:

   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
Beginning of year
 
$
33,796
   
$
29,875
   
$
29,875
 
Acquired goodwill
   
-
     
3,921
     
-
 
Impairment
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
End of year
 
$
33,796
   
$
33,796
   
$
29,875
 

Acquired intangible assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows.

   
2015
   
2014
 
   
Gross Carrying
Amount
   
Accumulated Amortization
   
Gross Carrying
Amount
   
Accumulated Amortization
 
Core deposit intangible
 
$
7,085
   
$
(4,905
)
 
$
7,085
   
$
(4,052
)

Aggregate intangible amortization expense was $853 for 2015, $818 for 2014, and $600 for 2013.

Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years:
 
 
2016
 
$
684
 
2017
   
546
 
2018
 
347
 
2019
   
186
 
2020
   
186
 
Thereafter
   
231
 
   
$
2,180
 


(continued)
 
- 134 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 8 – DEPOSITS

At December 31, 2015 the scheduled maturities of time deposits are as follows:

2016
 
$
224,917
 
2017
   
54,508
 
2018
   
18,575
 
2019
   
19,206
 
2020 and thereafter
   
16,972
 
   
$
334,178
 

Certain directors and executive officers of the Banks and companies in which they have beneficial ownership were deposit customers of the Banks during 2015 and 2014. The balance of such deposits at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were approximately $6,854 and $7,978.


NOTE 9 – SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase generally mature within one to ninety days from the transaction date. Information concerning securities sold under agreements to repurchase is summarized as follows:

   
2015
   
2014
 
Year-end balance
 
$
21,694
   
$
15,580
 
Average balance during the year
 
$
16,927
   
$
12,396
 
Average interest rate during the year
   
0.22
%
   
0.25
%
Maximum month-end balance during the year
 
$
21,763
   
$
15,580
 
Weighted average interest rate at year-end
   
0.13
%
   
0.25
%
                 


NOTE 10 – FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES

The Banks own stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, Ohio (FHLB-Cin), and Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (FHLB-Pitt). This stock allows the Banks to borrow advances from the FHLB.  At December 31, 2015 the total amount of borrowing permitted by the FHLB-Cin was $68,212 and the total amount of borrowing permitted by the FHLB-Pitt was $304,251.

During 2015 and 2014, the Banks borrowed on a short-term basis and paid-off all FHLB advances as they matured. There were no borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2015 or at December 31, 2014.

(continued)
 
- 135 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 11 – NOTES PAYABLE AND OTHER BORROWED FUNDS

On April 30, 2008, the Company executed and delivered to First Guaranty Bank of Hammond, Louisiana (“First Guaranty”) a Promissory Note and Business Loan Agreement dated April 30, 2008 for the principal amount of $11,550, bearing interest floating daily at the “Wall Street Journal” prime rate (the “Index”) minus 1.00% and requiring 59 monthly principal payments of $50 and one final payment of $8.6 million due at maturity on April 30, 2013.  On April 25, 2013, the Company executed and delivered to First Guaranty a Change in Terms Agreement whereby the maturity date was extended to April 30, 2020, the required monthly principal payment was increased to $86 and the interest charged was modified to float daily at the Index plus 0.75%, initially 4.00%, with an interest rate floor of 4.00% per annum and an interest rate ceiling of 10.00% per annum.  At the time of the Change in Terms Agreement, the principal balance on the note was approximately $7,222.  The note continued to be secured by a pledge of 25% of Premier’s interest in Premier Bank (a wholly owned subsidiary) under Commercial Pledge Agreement modified on May 3, 2011.  The initial proceeds of this note were used to fund the $9,000 of cash needed to purchase Traders Bankshares, Inc. and to refinance the remaining $2,550 balance of Premier’s outstanding note with First Guaranty dated January 31, 2006. At the time of origination, Premier’s chairman owned approximately 27.6% of the voting stock of First Guaranty and was the chairman of its board of directors.  Premier’s board of directors reviewed the loan terms and authorized the Company to enter into the loan transaction. The outstanding principal balance on the borrowing at December 31, 2014 was $5,200 and the interest rate floor of 4.00% was in effect. The outstanding balance on this loan was refinanced on August 26, 2015.

In conjunction with the Change in Terms Agreement with First Guaranty, the Company executed and delivered another Change in Terms Agreement modifying its Promissory Note and Business Loan Agreement dated June 30, 2011 that established a Line of Credit with the bank bearing interest floating daily at the “Wall Street Journal” prime rate, with a floor of 4.50%.  Under the terms of the Promissory Note, the Company may request and receive advances from First Guaranty from time to time.  Accrued interest on any amounts outstanding is payable monthly, and any amounts outstanding are payable on demand or at maturity.  The Promissory Note is also secured by the pledge of 25% of Premier’s interest in Premier Bank (a wholly owned subsidiary) under a Commercial Pledge Agreement modified on June 30, 2012.  The Change in Terms Agreement increased the principal amount available to $3,000 and extended the right to request and receive monies on the Line of Credit from June 30, 2013 to June 30, 2016.  The interest rate on the Line of Credit will remain floating daily at the “Wall Street Journal” prime rate (currently 3.50%), with a floor of 4.50% through the modified June 30, 2016 maturity date. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had no outstanding debt on this line of credit from First Guaranty.


(continued)
 
- 136 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 11 – NOTES PAYABLE AND OTHER BORROWED FUNDS (Continued)

On September 8, 2010, the Company executed and delivered to The Bankers’ Bank of Kentucky, Inc. of Frankfort, Kentucky (“Bankers’ Bank”) a Term Note and Business Loan Agreement dated September 8, 2010 in the principal amount of $11,300, bearing interest floating daily at the “JP Morgan Chase” prime rate with a minimum rate of 4.50% (initially 4.50%) and requiring 120 monthly principal payments of $94 plus interest.  The note was secured by a pledge of Premier’s 100% interest in Citizens Deposit Bank and Trust, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary) under a Stock Pledge and Security Agreement dated September 8, 2010.  The proceeds of this note were used to pay off the remaining $2,904 balance on Premier’s $6,500 Term Note with the Bankers’ Bank, pay off the $2,400 balance on Premier’s $4,300 Line of Credit with the Bankers’ Bank and provide a $6,000 capital injection into Citizens Deposit Bank and Trust (“Citizens”), Premier’s wholly owned subsidiary, to facilitate Citizens’ purchase of four branches from Integra Bank National Association. The outstanding principal balance on the borrowing at December 31, 2014 was $6,200.  The outstanding balance of this loan was paid off on August 26, 2015.

On September 30, 2015 the Company executed and delivered to Bankers’ Bank a Line of Credit Renewal Agreement dated September 7, 2015 extending the right to request and receive monies from Bankers’ Bank on Premier’s existing line of credit until September 7, 2016. The line of credit renewal maintained the principal amount of $5,000, bearing interest floating daily at the “JP Morgan Chase” prime rate (currently 3.50%), with a floor of 4.50%. Under the terms of the original Promissory Note, Premier may request and receive advances from Bankers’ Bank from time to time, but the aggregate outstanding principal balance under the Promissory Note at any time shall not exceed $5,000. Accrued interest on amounts outstanding is payable quarterly, and any amounts outstanding are payable on demand or on September 7, 2016. The Promissory Note is secured by a pledge of Premier’s 100% interest in Citizens under a Stock Pledge and Security Agreement dated September 7, 2012. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, Premier had no outstanding balance on this line of credit with Bankers’ Bank.

In conjunction with the acquisition of the Bank of Gassaway on April 4, 2014, Premier Bank, Inc. assumed a note payable to  Chapman Food Services, Inc. from the Bank of Gassaway dated May 9, 2007.  The note was consideration for the purchase of the land for the bank’s Flatwoods branch location and is secured by that branch location.  The note bears a fixed annual interest rate of 5.62%, requires 119 monthly payments of $4 including principal and interest, and a balloon payment of $249 at maturity on May 9, 2017.  The outstanding principal balance on the borrowing at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $292 and $322.

(continued)
 
- 137 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 11 – NOTES PAYABLE AND OTHER BORROWED FUNDS (Continued)

On August 26, 2015, the Company executed and delivered to First Guaranty a Promissory Note and Business Loan Agreement dated August 26, 2015 for the principal amount of $12,000, bearing interest at a fixed rate of 4.00% per annum and requiring 59 monthly principal payments of $143 plus accrued interest and one final principal and interest payment of $3,575 due on August 26, 2020.  The Promissory Note is secured by the pledge of 25% of Premier’s interest in Premier Bank, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary) under a Commercial Pledge Agreement dated August 26, 2015.  The proceeds of this note were used to refinance a $4,500 balance plus accrued interest due under Premier’s previous Promissory Note to First Guaranty; pay off the remaining $5,400 balance plus accrued interest due to Bankers’ Bank under the Term Note dated September 8, 2010; and pay the remaining $2,000 balance plus accrued interest due on Premier’s $5,000 Line of Credit with Bankers’ Bank.  The sum of the disbursements totaled $11,946 and the final $54 on the Term Note was not borrowed.  At the time of origination, Premier’s chairman owned approximately 23.8% of the voting stock of First Guaranty Bancshares, parent company for First Guaranty.  However, Premier’s board of directors, the chairman abstaining, and audit committee determined prior to its vote to authorize the company to enter into the loan transaction that the terms of the financing, including the interest rate and collateral, were no less favorable than those which could be obtained from other financial institutions.  The outstanding principal balance on the borrowing at December 31, 2015 was $11,000.

The August 26, 2015 Promissory Note with First Guaranty did not cancel the existing $3,000 Line of Credit with First Guaranty that expires on June 30, 2016 and is secured by the pledge of the same 25% of Premier’s interest in Premier Bank, Inc.  Also, the repayment of the amount outstanding on the Line of Credit with Bankers’ Bank did not terminate that Line of Credit which was subsequently modified to extend the maturity to September 7, 2016.

Scheduled principal payments due on the notes payable subsequent to December 31, 2015 are as follows:

2016
 
$
1,749
 
2017
   
1,975
 
2018
   
1,716
 
2019
   
1,716
 
2020
   
1,716
 
Thereafter
   
2,420
 
   
$
11,292
 
         


(continued)
 
- 138 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 12 INCOME TAXES

The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows:

   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
Current
 
$
6,282
   
$
3,775
   
$
5,509
 
Deferred
   
621
     
3,395
     
1,895
 
Change in valuation allowance
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Provision for income taxes
 
$
6,903
   
$
7,170
   
$
7,404
 
                         

The Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are shown below.

   
2015
   
2014
 
Deferred tax assets
       
Allowance for loan losses
 
$
3,468
   
$
3,706
 
Purchase accounting adjustments
   
973
     
1,289
 
Net operating loss carryforward
   
545
     
648
 
Write-downs of other real estate owned
   
1,010
     
881
 
Taxable income on non-accrual loans
   
1,255
     
1,233
 
Capital loss carryforward
   
-
     
150
 
Accrued expenses
   
141
     
136
 
Other
   
29
     
19
 
Total deferred tax assets
   
7,421
     
8,062
 
                 
Deferred tax liabilities
               
Amortization of intangibles
 
$
(4,685
)
 
$
(4,651
)
Depreciation
   
(1,000
)
   
(1,078
)
Federal Home Loan Bank dividends
   
(349
)
   
(349
)
Deferred loan fees
   
(664
)
   
(619
)
Unrealized gain on investment securities
   
(166
)
   
(770
)
Other
   
(51
)
   
(72
)
Total deferred tax liabilities
   
(6,915
)
   
(7,539
)
                 
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
   
(160
)
   
(160
)
Net deferred taxes
 
$
346
   
$
363
 
                 


(continued)
 
- 139 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 12 INCOME TAXES (Continued)

At December 31, 2015 the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $1,094 and various state net operating loss carryforwards of $2,613 which begin to expire in 2022.  The deductibility of these net operating losses is limited under IRC Sec. 382.

A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of the deferred tax assets depends on the ability of the Company to generate sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character in the future and in the appropriate taxing jurisdictions. The Company considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.

At both December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company maintains a valuation allowance of $160 against the portion of its District of Columbia net operating loss carryforward that is not expected to be utilized before expiration due to separate company limitations. All other deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be utilized; therefore no additional valuation allowance is needed.

An analysis of the differences between the effective tax rates and the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate is as follows:

   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
U.S. federal income tax rate
 
$
6,579
     
34.0
%
 
$
6,909
     
34.0
%
 
$
7,015
     
34.0
%
Changes from the statutory rate
                                               
Impact of graduated federal tax rate
   
169
     
0.9
     
19
     
0.1
     
72
     
0.4
 
State income taxes, net
   
308
     
1.6
     
335
     
1.6
     
439
     
2.1
 
Tax-exempt interest income
   
(182
)
   
(0.9
)
   
(175
)
   
(0.9
)
   
(149
)
   
(0.7
)
Non-deductible interest expense related to carrying tax-exempt interest earning assets
   
11
     
0.1
     
12
     
0.1
     
9
     
0.0
 
Non-deductible stock compensation expense
   
34
     
0.1
     
55
     
0.3
     
57
     
0.3
 
Tax credits, net
   
(44
)
   
(0.2
)
   
(49
)
   
(0.2
)
   
(49
)
   
(0.2
)
Other
   
28
     
0.1
     
64
     
0.3
     
10
     
0.0
 
   
$
6,903
     
35.7
%
 
$
7,170
     
35.3
%
 
$
7,404
     
35.9
%
                                                 

(continued)
 
- 140 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 12 INCOME TAXES (Continued)

Unrecognized Tax Benefits: The Company does not have any beginning or ending unrecognized tax benefits. The Company does not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase in the next twelve months.  There were no interest and penalties recorded in the income statement or accrued for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 related to unrecognized tax benefits.

The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. Corporation income tax return and a combined return in the state of West Virginia and the District of Columbia. The Company also files a corporate income tax return in the state of Kentucky and Maryland.  The Company is no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for years before 2012.


NOTE 13 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company has qualified profit sharing plans that cover substantially all employees. Contributions to the plans consist of a Company match and additional amounts at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors.  Total contributions to the plans were $428, $298, and $354 in 2015, 2014, and 2013.


NOTE 14 – 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.  In 2012, the Company registered 500,000 shares of its common stock to be reserve for stock based incentive programs over the subsequent 10 years (“the 2012 Long-term Incentive Plan”).

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.  On March 20, 2013, 52,900 incentive stock options were granted out of the 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan at an exercise price of $11.39, the closing market price of Premier’s common stock on the grant date.  These options vest in three equal annual installments ending on   March 20, 2016.

(continued)
 
- 141 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 14 – STOCK COMPENSATION EXPENSE (Continued)

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
   
2013
 
Risk-free interest rate
   
1.41
%
   
2.78
%
   
1.96
%
Expected option life (yrs)
   
5.00
     
10.00
     
10.00
 
Expected stock price volatility
   
17.20
%
   
31.19
%
   
35.24
%
Dividend yield
   
3.53
%
   
3.33
%
   
3.86
%
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year
 
$
1.37
   
$
3.74
   
$
2.85
 

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 and 2013 grants were estimated since there had been little option exercise history at the time of those grants.  The expected stock price volatility is based on historical volatilities of the Company’s common stock during the three-year period prior to the grant date.  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 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 of stock-based compensation was recorded as a result.  On November 1, 2015, 100 shares of Premier’s common stock were granted to J. Mark Bias, newly appointed president of Premier Bank, 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 $14.99 per share based upon the closing price of Premier’s stock on the date of grant and $1 of stock-based compensation was recorded as a result.

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 of stock-based compensation was recorded as a result.


(continued)
 
- 142 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 14 – STOCK COMPENSATION EXPENSE (Continued)

Compensation expense of $204, $248, and $169 was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for all awards. Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options totaled $50 at December 31, 2015. This unrecognized expense is expected to be recognized over the next 26 months based on the vesting periods of the options.

During the year ending December 31, 2015, 46,091 options were exercised while 118,506 options were exercised during the year ending December 31, 2014 and 78,584 options were exercised during the year ending December 31, 2013.

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity is as follows:
 
    ----------2015----------     ----------2014----------     ----------2013----------      
      
Options
   
 Weighted Average Exercise Price
     
Options
     Weighted Average Exercise Price       
Options 
     Weighted Average Exercise Price   
Outstanding at beginning of year
   
273,942
   
$
11.06
     
354,281
   
$
9.84
     
392,366
   
$
9.24
 
Grants
   
47,650
     
14.72
     
46,300
     
14.43
     
52,900
     
11.39
 
Exercises
   
(46,091
)
   
10.11
     
(118,506
)
   
8.86
     
(78,584
)
   
7.77
 
Forfeitures or expired
   
(26,383
)
   
14.01
     
(8,133
)
   
9.27
     
(12,401
)
   
7.90
 
Outstanding at year-end
   
249,118
   
$
11.62
     
273,942
   
$
11.06
     
354,281
   
$
9.84
 
                                                 
Exercisable at year-end
   
173,783
   
$
10.55
     
168,523
   
$
10.67
     
212,731
   
$
10.55
 
Weighted average remaining life
   
4.5
             
6.1
             
6.1
         
                                                 

Options outstanding at year-end are expected to fully vest.



(continued)
 
- 143 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 14 – STOCK COMPENSATION EXPENSE (Continued)

Additional information regarding stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 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
     
87,868
   
$
7.51
   
$
785
     
87,868
     
5.3
   
$
7.51
   
$
785
 
$10.01 to $12.50
     
34,000
     
11.39
     
172
     
22,207
     
7.2
     
11.39
     
112
 
$12.51 to $15.00
     
107,250
     
14.25
     
234
     
43,708
     
3.5
     
13.74
     
118
 
$15.01 to $17.50
     
20,000
     
16.00
     
9
     
20,000
     
0.1
     
16.00
     
9
 
Outstanding at Dec 31, 2015
     
249,118
     
11.62
   
$
1,200
     
173,783
     
4.5
     
10.55
   
$
1,024
 
                                                            


NOTE 15 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company paid approximately $441, $543, and $339 for printing, supplies, statement rendering, furniture, and equipment to a company affiliated by common ownership. The Company also paid another affiliate approximately $1,969 and $835 in 2014 and 2013 to permit the Company’s employees to participate in that entity’s employee medical benefit plan. Participation in the medical benefit plan was terminated in 2014 and the Company now purchases employee medical insurance through a third-party vendor.

During 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company paid approximately $52, $52, and $52 to lease its headquarters facility at 2883 Fifth Avenue, Huntington, West Virginia from River City Properties, LLC, an entity 20.0% owned by the Company’s Chairman of the Board and 20.0% owned by another member of the Board of Directors.



(continued)
 
- 144 -


PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 16 – 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 2015, 2014 and 2013 is presented below:

   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
Basic earnings per share:
           
Income available to common stockholders
 
$
12,446
   
$
12,552
   
$
12,570
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
8,162,702
     
8,089,720
     
7,997,047
 
Earnings per share
 
$
1.52
   
$
1.55
   
$
1.57
 
                         
Diluted earnings per share:
                       
Income available to common stockholders
 
$
12,446
   
$
12,552
   
$
12,570
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
8,162,702
     
8,089,720
     
7,997,047
 
Add dilutive effects of potential additional common stock
   
208,966
     
506,576
     
448,202
 
Weighted average common and dilutive potential Common shares outstanding
   
8,371,668
     
8,596,296
     
8,445,249
 
Earnings per share assuming dilution
 
$
1.49
   
$
1.46
   
$
1.49
 
                         

Stock options for 23,500, 23,500, and 84,100, shares of common stock were not considered in computing diluted earnings per share for 2015, 2014, and 2013 because they were antidilutive.


(continued)
 
- 145 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE  17 – 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 values:

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.


(continued)
 
- 146 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE  17 – FAIR VALUE (Continued)

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at December 31, 2015 were as follows:

       
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015 Using
 
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Financial assets
                   
Cash and due from banks
 
$
66,704
   
$
66,704
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
66,704
 
Federal funds sold
   
5,835
     
5,835
     
-
     
-
     
5,835
 
Securities available for sale
   
255,466
     
-
     
255,466
     
-
     
255,466
 
Loans held for sale
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Loans, net
   
840,099
     
-
     
-
     
838,867
     
838,867
 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
   
3,072
     
n/
a
   
n/
a
   
n/
a
   
n/
a
Interest receivable
   
3,162
     
-
     
633
     
2,529
     
3,162
 
                                         
Financial liabilities
                                       
Deposits
 
$
(1,060,196
)
 
$
(726,018
)
 
$
(331,747
)
 
$
-
   
$
(1,057,765
)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
(21,694
)
   
-
     
(21,694
)
   
-
     
(21,694
)
Other borrowed funds
   
(11,292
)
   
-
     
(11,318
)
   
-
     
(11,318
)
Interest payable
   
(321
)
   
(6
)
   
(315
)
   
-
     
(321
)
                                         

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

       
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013 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
)
                                         

(continued)
 
- 147 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE  17 – FAIR VALUE (Continued)

Assets and Liabilities Measured on a 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 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).

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015 are summarized below:

       
Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 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)
 
Securities available for sale
               
Mortgage-backed securities
               
U. S. agency MBS - residential
 
$
132,347
   
$
-
   
$
132,347
   
$
-
 
U. S. agency CMO’s
   
105,122
     
-
     
105,122
     
-
 
Total mortgage-backed securities of government sponsored agencies
   
237,469
     
-
     
237,469
     
-
 
U. S. government sponsored agency securities
   
10,429
     
-
     
10,429
     
-
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
7,568
     
-
     
7,568
     
-
 
Total securities available for sale
 
$
255,466
   
$
-
   
$
255,466
   
$
-
 
                                 



(continued)
 
- 148 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE  17 – FAIR VALUE (Continued)

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a 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)
 
Securities 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
 
                                 

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 years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

   
Securities Available-for-sale
 
   
Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
   
Year Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
 
Balance of recurring Level 3 assets at beginning of period
 
$
140
   
$
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 year-end
 
$
-
   
$
140
 


(continued)
 
- 149 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE  17 – FAIR VALUE (Continued)

Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis

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

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

Other real estate owned (OREO): The fair value of OREO is based on appraisals less cost to sell at the date of foreclosure. 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.



(continued)
 
- 150 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE  17 – FAIR VALUE (Continued)

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2015 are summarized below:

       
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015 Using
 
   
Dec 31, 2015
   
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
 
$
133
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
133
 
Non-owner Occupied
   
258
     
-
     
-
     
258
 
Total impaired loans
 
$
391
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
391
 
                                 
Other real estate owned:
                               
Residential real estate
 
$
648
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
648
 
Commercial Real Estate
                               
Owner occupied
   
260
     
-
     
-
     
260
 
Non-owner Occupied
   
2,253
     
-
     
-
     
2,253
 
All Other
   
4,898
     
-
     
-
     
4,898
 
Total OREO
 
$
8,059
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
8,059
 

Impaired loans, which are measured for impairment using the value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans, had a carrying amount of $690 at December 31, 2015 with a valuation allowance of $299 resulting in a provision for loan losses of $171 for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Other real estate owned measured at fair value less costs to sell, had a net carrying amount of $8,059, which is made up of the outstanding balance of $10,825, net of a valuation allowance of $2,766 at December 31, 2015, resulting in write downs of $1,060 during the year ended December 31, 2015.


(continued)
 
- 151 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE  17 – FAIR VALUE (Continued)

The significant unobservable inputs related to assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2015 are summarized below:

   
December 31,
2015
 
Valuation Techniques
Unobservable Inputs
 
Range (Weighted Avg) 
Impaired loans:
           
Commercial Real Estate
           
Owner Occupied
 
$
133
 
sales comparison
adjustment for limited salability of specialized property
   
60.7%-72.4% (66.3%)
Non-owner Occupied
   
258
 
sales comparison
adjustment for differences between the comparable sales
   
8.0%-8.0% (8.0%)
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
   
260
 
sales comparison
adjustment for differences between the comparable sales
   
25.4%-41.3% (38.8%)
                    
Non-owner Occupied
   
2,253
 
sales comparison
adjustment for differences between the comparable sales
   
21.9%-23.4% (23.1%)
All Other
   
4,898
 
sales comparison
adjustment for estimated realizable value
   
18.9%-46.6% (27.5%)
Total OREO
 
$
8,059
            


(continued)
 
- 152 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE  17 – 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
 
   
Dec 31, 2014
   
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
 

Impaired loans, which are measured for impairment using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans, had a carrying amount of $7,200 at December 31, 2014 with a valuation allowance of $1,400 resulting in a negative provision for loan losses of $603 for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Other real estate owned measured at fair value less costs to sell, had a net carrying amount of $10,206, which is made up of the outstanding balance of $12,343, net of a valuation allowance of $2,137 at December 31, 2014, resulting in write downs of $530 during the year ended December 31, 2014.

(continued)
 
- 153 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE  17 – 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
              


(continued)
 
- 154 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 18 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK

The Banks are parties to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of their customers. These financial instruments include standby letters of credit and commitments to extend credit in the form of unused lines of credit. The Banks use the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as they do for on-balance sheet instruments. In addition, the Banks offer a service whereby deposit customers, for a fee, are permitted to overdraw their accounts up to a certain de minimis amount, also known as “courtesy overdraft protection”. The aggregate unused portion of “overdraft protection” was $13,459 and $14,128 at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Banks had the following financial instruments whose approximate contract amounts represent credit risk:

   
2015
   
2014
 
Standby letters of credit
 
$
6,700
   
$
7,593
 
                 
Commitments to extend credit
               
Fixed
 
$
15,898
   
$
19,904
 
Variable
   
78,482
     
60,183
 

Standby letters of credit represent conditional commitments issued by the Banks to guarantee the performance of a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing these letters of credit is essentially the same as the risk involved in extending loans to customers. Collateral held varies but primarily includes real estate and certificates of deposit. Some letters of credit are unsecured.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Outstanding commitments are at current market rates.  Fixed rate loan commitments have interest rates ranging from 2.25% to 21.00%. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The Banks evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. Since some of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property and equipment, and income producing properties.


(continued)
 
- 155 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 19 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Legal proceedings involving the Company and its subsidiaries periodically arise in the ordinary course of business, including claims by debtors and their related interests against the Company’s subsidiaries following initial collection proceedings. These legal proceedings sometimes can involve claims for substantial damages. At December 31, 2015 management is unaware of any legal proceedings for which the expected outcome would have a material adverse effect upon the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

NOTE 20 - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

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 2016 the Banks could, without prior approval, declare dividends to the Company of approximately $1.1 million plus any 2016 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).   The final rules implementing the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s capital guidelines for U.S. Banks (Basel III rules) became effective for the Company and Banks on January 1, 2015 with full compliance with all of the requirements being phased in over a multi-year schedule by January 1, 2019.  The net unrealized gain on available for sale securities is not included in computing regulatory capital.  Capital amounts and ratios for December 31, 2014 are calculated using Basel I rules.  Management believes, as of December 31, 2015 the Company and the Banks meet all quantitative capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

(continued)
 
- 156 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 20 - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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 Total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, Tier 1 leverage and Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based ratios as set forth in the following table.  There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Banks’ categories.



(continued)
 
- 157 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 20 - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

The Company’s and the subsidiary Banks’ capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are presented in the table below.

           
To Be Well Capitalized
 
       
For Capital
   
Under Prompt Corrective
 
   
Actual
   
Adequacy Purposes
   
Action Provisions
 
2015
 
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):
                       
Consolidated (1)
 
$
125,964
     
14.7
%
 
$
68,563
     
8
%
 
$
85,703
     
10
%
Premier Bank, Inc.
   
93,376
     
15.1
     
49,495
     
8
     
61,868
     
10
 
Citizens Deposit Bank
   
38,241
     
16.2
     
18,934
     
8
     
23,667
     
10
 
                                                 
Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):
                                               
Consolidated (1)
 
$
116,317
     
13.6
%
 
$
51,422
     
6
%
 
$
68,563
     
8
%
Premier Bank, Inc.
   
86,062
     
13.9
     
37,121
     
6
     
49,495
     
8
 
Citizens Deposit Bank
   
35,908
     
15.2
     
14,200
     
6
     
18,934
     
8
 
                                                 
Tier I Capital (to Average Assets):
                                               
Consolidated (1)
 
$
116,317
     
9.4
%
 
$
49,487
     
4
%
 
$
61,858
     
5
%
Premier Bank, Inc.
   
86,062
     
10.2
     
33,924
     
4
     
42,405
     
5
 
Citizens Deposit Bank
   
35,908
     
9.2
     
15,540
     
4
     
19,425
     
5
 
                                                 
Common Equity Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):
                                               
Consolidated (1)
 
$
116,317
     
13.6
%
 
$
38,566
     
4.5
%
 
$
55,707
     
6.5
%
Premier Bank, Inc.
   
86,062
     
13.9
     
27,841
     
4.5
     
40,214
     
6.5
 
Citizens Deposit Bank
   
35,908
     
15.2
     
10,650
     
4.5
     
15,384
     
6.5
 
                                                 
2014
                                               
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):
                                               
Consolidated (1)
 
$
122,432
     
14.6
%
 
$
67,246
     
8
%
 
$
84,058
     
10
%
Premier Bank, Inc.
   
92,854
     
15.2
     
48,943
     
8
     
61,178
     
10
 
Citizens Deposit Bank
   
36,740
     
16.1
     
18,258
     
8
     
22,822
     
10
 
                                                 
Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):
                                               
Consolidated (1)
 
$
112,085
     
13.3
%
 
$
33,623
     
4
%
 
$
50,435
     
6
%
Premier Bank, Inc.
   
85,203
     
13.9
     
24,471
     
4
     
36,707
     
6
 
Citizens Deposit Bank
   
34,319
     
15.0
     
9,129
     
4
     
13,693
     
6
 
                                                 
Tier I Capital (to Average Assets):
                                               
Consolidated (1)
 
$
112,085
     
9.1
%
 
$
49,323
     
4
%
 
$
61,654
     
5
%
Premier Bank, Inc.
   
85,203
     
9.9
     
34,342
     
4
     
42,928
     
5
 
Citizens Deposit Bank
   
34,319
     
9.2
     
14,918
     
4
     
18,648
     
5
 
                                                 
(1) Consolidated company is not subject to Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
 
 

(continued)
 
- 158 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 21 - PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Condensed Balance Sheets
 
December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
ASSETS
       
Cash
 
$
5,424
   
$
4,080
 
Investment in subsidiaries
   
153,026
     
153,333
 
Premises and equipment
   
230
     
165
 
Other assets
   
358
     
459
 
                 
Total assets
 
$
159,038
   
$
158,037
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Other liabilities
 
$
806
   
$
855
 
Other borrowed funds
   
11,000
     
11,400
 
Total liabilities
   
11,806
     
12,255
 
                 
Stockholders’ equity
               
Common stock
   
69,319
     
74,568
 
Retained earnings
   
77,592
     
69,719
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
321
     
1,495
 
Total stockholders’ equity
   
147,232
     
145,782
 
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
159,038
   
$
158,037
 
                 




(continued)
 
- 159 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 21 - PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Condensed Statement of Operations
 
Years Ended December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
Income
           
Dividends from subsidiaries
 
$
13,390
   
$
14,340
   
$
9,675
 
Interest and dividend income
   
2
     
6
     
12
 
Other income
   
1,565
     
2,364
     
1,327
 
Total income
   
14,957
     
16,710
     
11,014
 
                         
Expenses
                       
Interest expense
   
494
     
550
     
650
 
Salaries and employee benefits
   
2,703
     
2,814
     
2,387
 
Professional fees
   
264
     
337
     
290
 
Other expenses
   
791
     
781
     
781
 
Total expenses
   
4,252
     
4,482
     
4,108
 
                         
Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
10,705
12,228
6,906
                         
Income tax (benefit)
   
(875
)
   
(728
)
   
(987
)
                         
Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
   
11,580
     
12,956
     
7,893
 
Equity in undistributed income (excess distributions) of subsidiaries
   
866
     
194
     
5,336
 
Net income
 
$
12,446
   
$
13,150
   
$
13,229
 
                         
Preferred stock dividends and accretion
   
-
     
(598
)
   
(659
)
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
12,446
   
$
12,552
   
$
12,570
 
                         


(continued)
 
- 160 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 21 - PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows
 
Years Ended December 31
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
Cash flows from operating activities
           
Net income
 
$
12,446
   
$
13,150
   
$
13,229
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities
                       
Depreciation
   
84
     
75
     
64
 
Stock compensation expense
   
204
     
248
     
169
 
Gain from sales of assets
   
-
     
(947
)
   
(11
)
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
   
(866
)
   
(194
)
   
(5,336
)
Change in other assets
   
100
     
1,060
     
438
 
Change in other liabilities
   
(49
)
   
89
     
(51
)
Net cash from operating activities
   
11,919
     
13,481
     
8,502
 
                         
Cash flows from investing activities
                       
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
   
-
     
947
     
-
 
Purchases of fixed assets, net of proceeds from asset sales
   
(149
)
   
(33
)
   
(69
)
Net cash from investing activities
   
(149
)
   
914
     
(69
)
                         
Cash flows from financing activities
                       
Cash dividends on preferred stock
   
-
     
(553
)
   
(600
)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders
   
(4,573
)
   
(4,854
)
   
(3,524
)
Repurchase of preferred stock
   
-
     
(12,000
)
   
-
 
Purchase of warrant
   
(5,675
)
   
-
     
-
 
Proceeds from stock option exercises
   
222
     
731
     
571
 
Proceeds from other borrowed funds
   
15,946
     
-
     
-
 
Payments on other borrowed funds
   
(16,346
)
   
(2,400
)
   
(2,249
)
Net cash from financing activities
   
(10,426
)
   
(19,076
)
   
(5,802
)
                         
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
1,344
     
(4,681
)
   
2,631
 
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
   
4,080
     
8,761
     
6,130
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 
$
5,424
   
$
4,080
   
$
8,761
 
                         


(continued)
 
- 161 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 22 - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

    Interest     Net Interest     Net    
Earnings Per Share
 
   
Income
   
Income
   
Income
   
Basic
   
Diluted
 
2015
                   
First Quarter
 
$
13,013
   
$
11,964
   
$
3,142
   
$
0.39
   
$
0.36
 
Second Quarter
   
12,955
     
11,923
     
3,127
     
0.38
     
0.37
 
Third Quarter
   
13,782
     
12,783
     
3,325
     
0.41
     
0.40
 
Fourth Quarter
   
12,661
     
11,710
     
2,852
     
0.35
     
0.35
 
                                         
2014
                                       
First Quarter
 
$
13,045
   
$
12,007
   
$
3,670
   
$
0.44
   
$
0.41
 
Second Quarter
   
12,789
     
11,676
     
3,100
     
0.36
     
0.34
 
Third Quarter
   
13,526
     
12,426
     
3,151
     
0.36
     
0.34
 
Fourth Quarter
   
13,390
     
12,305
     
3,229
     
0.39
     
0.37
 

In 2015, interest income varied per quarter due to a random pattern of borrowers repaying commercial loans in full. Some of the loans paid off in full were either discounted at the time of their acquisition or were on the cost recovery method. These loans, when paid in full, resulted in an increase in interest income as the purchase discount or any historical non-accrual interest paid was recognized immediately in income, particularly illustrated by the increase in interest income in the third quarter of 2015.  Also contributing to a decrease in interest income was a decrease in loans outstanding, as well as a decrease in overall yield on the loan portfolio during the year.  The fluctuations in interest income resulted in similar fluctuations in net interest income and net income in 2015. During 2015, net interest income was impacted in a positive way by interest expense savings from continually lower market interest rates related to time deposits and transaction-based deposits.  Net income was lower in the fourth quarter of 2015, largely due the increased OREO expenses and writedowns.  Non-interest expenses were generally higher in 2015 when compared to 2014.

In 2014, interest income varied per quarter due to a random pattern of borrowers repaying commercial loans in full.  Some of the loans paid off in full were either discounted at the time of their acquisition or were on the cost recovery method.  These loans, when paid in full, resulted in an increase in interest income as the purchase discount or any historical non-accrual interest paid was recognized immediately in income.  Also contributing to an overall increase in interest income was the acquisition of the Bank of Gassaway on April 4, 2014.  The interest income from the loans and investments of the Bank of Gassaway are included in the quarterly financial results beginning in the second quarter of 2014.  Further increasing interest income was an internal growth in loans outstanding.  As illustrated in the cash flow statement, in addition to the loans acquired via the purchase of the Bank of Gassaway, loans increased by $45.5 million in 2014 following an increase of $35.8 million in 2013.  The fluctuations and increases in interest income resulted in similar fluctuations and increases in net interest income in 2014.  During 2014, net interest income was impacted positively by interest expense savings from continually lower market interest rates related to time deposits and transaction-based deposits, more than offsetting the increase in interest expense from the acquired interest-bearing deposits and liabilities from the Bank of Gassaway. The increase in net interest income did not carry all the way

(continued)
 
- 162 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 22 - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

through to an increase in quarterly net income largely due to increased expenses from the operations of the Bank of Gassaway locations.  First quarter 2014 net income was the highest of any quarter in 2014 due to loan payoff income as well as a negative provision for loan losses.

NOTE 23 – 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 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. Premier borrowed $4,000 on its line of credit with the Bankers Bank of Kentucky and used $1,675 of its cash and cash equivalents to complete the purchase.  The purchase reduced shareholders’ equity and regulatory capital by the $5,675 purchase price but also reduced the dilutive effect of potential additional common shares. See Note 16 above for additional information on the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

(continued)
 
- 163 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


NOTE 24 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Effective with the close of business on January 15, 2016, Premier completed its purchase of First National Bankshares Corporation (“First National”), a $245 million single bank holding company (as of December 31, 2015) headquartered in Ronceverte, West Virginia.  Under terms of the definitive agreement of merger dated July 6, 2015, each share of First National common stock is entitled to merger consideration of 1.69 shares of Premier common stock.  Premier issued approximately 1.4 million shares of its common stock to the shareholders of First National.  In addition to the shares of Premier common stock, First National shareholders also received a regulatorily approved special dividend of $5.08 per share from the equity of First National as part of the acquisition transaction.  The value of the transaction, including the special dividend, is estimated at $26.3 million.  As of December 31, 2015, First National had total assets of $245 million, total loans of $137 million and total deposits of $205 million.  Management has not yet completed all of the analyses needed to estimate the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired, both tangible and intangible.

Effective with the close of business on March 4, 2016, Premier merged its newly acquired wholly owned subsidiary First National Bank (a wholly owned subsidiary of First National) with and into its wholly owned subsidiary Premier Bank, Inc.  The resulting merger expands Premier Bank’s footprint into the Greenbrier Valley of West Virginia and into Covington, Virginia along Interstate 64 with six branch locations.



(continued)
 
- 164 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

There have been no changes in or disagreements with accountants on accounting or financial disclosure matters.

Item 9A. 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 annual 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 annual report has been made known to them in a timely fashion.

B.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management’s report on internal controls over financial reporting is included in Item 8 above.

C.        Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

Changes in internal controls over financial reporting is included in Item 8 above.


Item 9B. Other Information

None
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


PART III

Item 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance; Executive Compensation; Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters; Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence; and Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by these Items is omitted because the Company is filing a definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report which includes the required information. The required information contained in the Company's proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.


PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)            The following documents are filed as part of this report:

1.            Financial Statements:

2.            Financial Statement Schedules:

No financial statement schedules have been included as part of this report because they are either not required or the information is otherwise included.

3.            List of Exhibits:

The following is a list of exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K and by paragraph (c) of this Item 14.

Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Document
2.1
 
Definitive Merger Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and Citizens First Bank, Inc. dated October 24, 2007, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to form 8-K filed on October 25, 2007 is incorporated herein by reference.
2.2
 
Definitive Merger Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and Traders Bankshares, Inc. dated November 27, 2007, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to form 8-K filed on November 28, 2007 is incorporated herein by reference.
2.3
 
Definitive Merger Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and Abigail Adams National Bancorp, Inc. dated December 30, 2008, filed as Exhibit 2.1 to form 8-K filed on January 2, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference.
2.4
 
Branch Purchase Agreement between Integra Bank National Association and Citizens Deposit Bank and Trust dated April 29, 2010, filed as Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2010 is incorporated herein by reference.
2.5
 
Loan Purchase Agreement between Integra Bank National Association and Citizens Deposit Bank and Trust dated April 29, 2010, filed as Exhibit 2.2 to Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2010 is incorporated herein by reference.
2.6
 
Amended and Restated Definitive Merger Agreement among Premier Bank, Inc., Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc., Gassaway Bancshares, Inc. and Bank of Gassaway dated January 3, 2014, filed as Exhibit 2.6 to Form 10-K filed on March 13, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference.
2.7
 
Definitive Merger Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and First National Bankshares Corporation dated July 6, 2015, filed as Exhibit 2.1 to form 8-K filed on July 7, 2015 is incorporated herein by reference.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Document
3.1(a)
 
Form of Articles of Incorporation of registrant (included as Exhibit 3.1 to registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 333-1702, filed on February 28, 1996 with the Commission and incorporated herein by reference).
3.1(b)
 
Form of Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation effective March 15, 1996 re: amendment to Article IV (included as Exhibit 3.2 to registrant’s Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 333-1702, filed on March 25, 1996 with the Commission and incorporated herein by reference.
3.1(c)
 
Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation effective September 3, 2009 re: increase in authorized common shares (included as Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed on September 9, 2009) is incorporated herein by reference.
3.1(d)
 
Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation effective September 29, 2009 evidencing adoption of amendments by the Board of Directors of registrant to Article IV of Articles of Incorporation to establish express terms of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Shares, Series A, each without par value, of registrant (included as Exhibit 3.1(i) to Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2009) is incorporated herein by reference.
3.1(e)
 
Articles of Incorporation of registrant (reflecting amendments through September 29, 2009) [For SEC reporting compliance purposes only – not filed with Kentucky Secretary of State], filed as Exhibit 3.1(e) to Form 10-K filed on March 30, 2010 is incorporated herein by reference.
3.2
 
Bylaws of registrant, as amended through September 23, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 3.1(ii)) to Form 8-K filed September 23, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference.
4.1
 
Letter Agreement, dated October 2, 2009, including Securities Purchase Agreement Standard Terms attached thereto as Exhibit A, between registrant and the United States Department of the Treasury (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed October 7, 2009) is incorporated herein by reference. [NOTE: Annex A to Securities Purchase Agreement is not included herewith; filed as Exhibit 3.1(i) to Current Report on Form 8-K filed by registrant on October 2, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.]
4.2
 
Warrant to purchase 628,588 Shares of Common Stock (common shares) of registrant issued to the United States Department of the Treasury on October 2, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed October 7, 2009) is incorporated herein by reference.
***10.1
 
Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc.'s 2002 Employee Stock Ownership Incentive Plan, filed as Annex A to definitive proxy statement dated May 17, 2002, filed on April 30, 2002 with the Commission, is incorporated herein by reference.
***10.2
 
Form of Stock Option Agreement pursuant to 2002 Employee Stock Ownership Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to form 8-K filed January 24, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Document
10.3
 
Loan Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and First Guaranty Bank, Hammond, Louisiana, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to form 8-K filed May 1, 2008, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.4
 
Promissory Note to First Guaranty Bank, Hammond, Louisiana, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to form 8-K filed May 1, 2008, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.5
 
Change in Terms Agreement with First Guaranty Bank, Hammond, Louisiana, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to form 8-K filed January 4, 2010, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.6
 
Loan Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and First Guaranty Bank, Hammond, Louisiana, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to form 8-K filed January 7, 2010, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.7
 
Promissory Note to First Guaranty Bank, Hammond, Louisiana, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to form 8-K filed January 7, 2010, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.8
 
Commercial Pledge Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and First Guaranty Bank, Hammond, Louisiana filed as Exhibit 10.3 to form 8-K filed January 7, 2010, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.9
 
Written Agreement by and among Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc., Huntington, West Virginia, Abigail Adams National Bancorp, Inc., Washington, D.C., Consolidated Bank and Trust Company, Richmond, Virginia, the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, and State Corporation Commission Bureau of Financial Institutions, Richmond, Virginia dated July 29, 2010, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on July 30, 2010, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.10
 
Loan Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and The Kentucky Bankers’ Bank, Inc. filed as Exhibit 10.1 to form 8-K filed on September 9, 2010, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.11
 
Term Note to The Kentucky Bankers’ Bank, Inc. filed as Exhibit 10.2 to form 8-K filed on September 9, 2010, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.12
 
Stock Pledge and Security Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and The Kentucky Bankers’ Bank, Inc. filed as Exhibit 10.3 to form 8-K filed on September 9, 2010, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.13
 
Change in Terms Agreement with First Guaranty Bank, Hammond, Louisiana dated May 3, 2011.
10.14
 
Loan Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and First Guaranty Bank, Hammond, Louisiana, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to form 8-K filed July 1, 2011, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.15
 
Promissory Note to First Guaranty Bank, Hammond, Louisiana, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to form 8-K filed July 1, 2011, is incorporated herein by reference.
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Document
10.16
 
Commercial Pledge Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and First Guaranty Bank, Hammond, Louisiana filed as Exhibit 10.3 to form 8-K filed July 1, 2011, is incorporated herein by reference.
***10.17 
 
Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc.'s 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan, filed as Annex A to definitive proxy statement dated May 17, 2012, filed on April 27, 2012 with the Commission, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.18
 
Loan Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and First Guaranty Bank, Hammond, Louisiana, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to form 8-K filed June 29, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.19
 
Promissory Note to First Guaranty Bank, Hammond, Louisiana, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to form 8-K filed June 29, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.20
 
Commercial Pledge Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and First Guaranty Bank, Hammond, Louisiana filed as Exhibit 10.3 to form 8-K filed June 29, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.21
 
Loan Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and The Kentucky Bankers’ Bank, Inc. filed as Exhibit 10.1 to form 8-K filed on September 10, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.22
 
Promissory Note to The Kentucky Bankers’ Bank, Inc. filed as Exhibit 10.2 to form 8-K filed on September 10, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.23
 
Stock Pledge and Security Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and The Kentucky Bankers’ Bank, Inc. filed as Exhibit 10.3 to form 8-K filed on September 10, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference.
***10.24 
 
Form of Stock Option Agreement pursuant to 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to form 8-K filed March 21, 2013, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.25
 
Change in Terms Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and First Guaranty Bank, Hammond, Louisiana, dated April 24, 2013 related to the Term Note filed as Exhibit 10.1 to form 8-K filed April 30, 2013, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.26
 
Change in Terms Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and First Guaranty Bank, Hammond, Louisiana, dated April 24, 2013 related to the Line of Credit filed as Exhibit 10.2 to form 8-K filed April 30, 2013, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.27
 
Line of Credit Renewal Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and The Bankers’ Bank of Kentucky, Inc. dated September 7, 2013 filed as Exhibit 10.4 to form 8-K filed September 11, 2013, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.28
 
Line of Credit Renewal Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and The Bankers’ Bank of Kentucky, Inc. dated September 7, 2014 filed as Exhibit 10.4 to form 8-K filed October 10, 2014, is incorporated herein by reference.

 
- 170 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Document
10.29
 
Loan Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and First Guaranty Bank, Hammond, Louisiana, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to form 8-K filed August 27, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.30
 
Promissory Note to First Guaranty Bank, Hammond, Louisiana, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to form 8-K filed August 27, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.31
 
Commercial Pledge Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and First Guaranty Bank, Hammond, Louisiana filed as Exhibit 10.3 to form 8-K filed August 27, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.32
 
Line of Credit Renewal Agreement between Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. and The Bankers’ Bank of Kentucky, Inc. dated September 7, 2015 filed as Exhibit 10.4 to form 8-K filed October 1, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference.
14.1
 
Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, filed as Exhibit 14.1 to form 10-K filed on April 14, 2004, is incorporated herein by reference.
14.2
 
Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, filed as Exhibit 14.2 to form 10-K filed on April 14, 2004, is incorporated herein by reference.
21
 
23
 
31.1
 
31.2
 
32
 
*** Denotes executive compensation plans and arrangements.
 
- 171 -

PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015

 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 

 
PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
   
 
By: /s/ Robert W. Walker, President
 
Robert W. Walker, President
   
 
Date:  March 15, 2016
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
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PREMIER FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 2015


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

/s/ Robert W. Walker
Principal Executive and Director
March 15, 2016
Robert W. Walker
   
     
/s/ Brien M. Chase
Principal Financial and Accounting
March 15, 2016
Brien M. Chase
   Officer
 
     
/s/ Toney K. Adkins
Director
March 10, 2016
Toney K. Adkins
   
     
/s/ Harry M. Hatfield
Director
March 10, 2016
Harry M. Hatfield
   
     
/s/ Lloyd G. Jackson II
Director
March 10, 2016
Lloyd G. Jackson II
   
     
/s/ Philip E. Cline
Director
March 10, 2016
Philip E. Cline
   
     
/s/ Keith F. Molihan
Director
March 10, 2016
Keith F. Molihan
   
     
/s/ Marshall T. Reynolds
Chairman of the Board
March 10, 2016
Marshall T. Reynolds
   
     
/s/ Neal Scaggs
Director
March 10, 2016
Neal Scaggs
   
     
/s/ Thomas W. Wright
Director
March 10, 2016
Thomas W. Wright
   
     




 
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