10-Q

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)


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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2024


☐	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: 0-26850

Premier Financial Corp.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)


Ohio	34-1803915
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
601 Clinton Street Defiance, OH	43512
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (419) 785-8700

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

    Title of each class

    Trading
Symbol(s)

    Name of each exchange on which registered

    Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share

    PFC

    The NASDAQ Stock Market

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 such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

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

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

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

As of April 29, 2024, the registrant had 35,813,096 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share, outstanding.

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PREMIER FINANCIAL CORP.

INDEX


		Page Number

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited):	2

	Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Condition – March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023	2

	Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income – three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023	3

	Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) – three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023	4

	Consolidated Condensed Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity – three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023	5

	Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows – three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023	6

	Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements	7

Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	44

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	58

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	60

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	60

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	61

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	61

Item 3.	Defaults upon Senior Securities	61

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	61

Item 5.	Other Information	61

Item 6.	Exhibits	62

	Signatures	63

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PREMIER FINANCIAL CORP.

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Condition

(UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in Thousands, except share and per share data)


	March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and amounts due from depository institutions	$	57,956		$	81,973
Interest-bearing deposits		31,725			32,783
		89,681			114,756
Securities available-for-sale, carried at fair value		1,014,433			946,708
Equity securities, carried at fair value		5,736			5,773
Loans held for sale, carried at fair value		137,523			145,641
Loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $76,679 at March 31, 2024 and $76,512 at December 31, 2023, respectively		6,617,066			6,662,875
Mortgage servicing rights		18,628			18,696
Accrued interest receivable		34,795			33,446
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		26,075			21,760
Bank owned life insurance		182,203			181,544
Premises and equipment		57,231			56,878
Real estate and other assets held for sale		255			243
Goodwill		295,602			295,602
Core deposit and other intangibles		11,196			12,186
Other assets		140,630			129,841
Total assets	$	8,631,054		$	8,625,949
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Liabilities:
Deposits	$	7,183,387		$	7,143,046
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank		253,000			280,000
Subordinated debentures		85,261			85,229
Advance payments by borrowers		16,861			23,277
Reserve for credit losses - unfunded commitments		3,614			4,307
Other liabilities		114,590			114,463
Total liabilities		7,656,713			7,650,322
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share: 37,000 shares authorized; no shares issued		—		—
Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share: 4,963,000 shares authorized; no shares issued	—			—
Common stock, $.01 par value per share: 50,000,000 shares authorized; 43,297,260 and 43,297,260 shares issued and 35,816,760 and 35,729,593 shares outstanding at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively		306			306
Additional paid-in capital		689,468			690,585
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax of $(43,085) and $(40,862), respectively		(162,081	)		(153,719	)
Retained earnings		576,648			569,937
Treasury stock, at cost, 7,480,500 shares at March 31, 2024 and 7,567,667 shares at December 31, 2023		(130,000	)		(131,482	)
Total stockholders’ equity		974,341			975,627
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	8,631,054		$	8,625,949

See accompanying notes.

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PREMIER FINANCIAL CORP.

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income

(UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in Thousands, except per share data)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024			2023
Interest Income
Loans	$	87,597		$	76,057
Investment securities:
Taxable		7,026			6,608
Non-taxable		576			653
Interest-bearing deposits		609			444
FHLB stock dividends		534			394
Total interest income		96,342			84,156
Interest Expense
Deposits		42,567			21,458
FHLB advances and other		3,039			5,336
Subordinated debentures		1,162			1,075
Notes payable		—			—
Total interest expense		46,768			27,869
Net interest income		49,574			56,287
Credit loss expense - loans and leases		560			3,944
Credit loss (benefit) expense - unfunded commitments		(693	)		(238	)
Net interest income after credit loss expense (benefit)		49,707			52,581
Non-interest Income
Service fees and other charges		6,467			6,428
Insurance commissions		—			4,725
Mortgage banking income (loss)		2,350			(274	)
Gain on sale of non-mortgage loans		67			—
Gain on sale of securities available for sale		—			34
Loss on equity securities		(37	)		(1,445	)
Wealth management income		1,713			1,485
Income from Bank Owned Life Insurance		1,697			1,417
Other non-interest income		239			92
Total non-interest income		12,496			12,462
Non-interest Expense
Compensation and benefits		23,394			25,658
Occupancy		3,365			3,574
FDIC insurance premium		1,120			1,288
Financial institutions tax		1,035			852
Data processing		4,670			3,863
Amortization of intangibles		990			1,270
Other non-interest expense		5,326			6,286
Total non-interest expense		39,900			42,791
Income before income taxes		22,303			22,252
Income tax expense		4,514			4,103
Net income	$	17,789		$	18,149
Earnings per common share
Basic	$	0.50		$	0.51
Diluted	$	0.50		$	0.51

See accompanying notes.

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PREMIER FINANCIAL CORP.

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in Thousands)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024			2023
Net income	$	17,789		$	18,149

Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale		(6,696	)		18,399
Reclassification adjustment for securities (gains) losses included in net income		—			(34	)
Income tax effect		1,406			(3,857	)
Net of tax amount		(5,290	)		14,508

Unrealized gain (loss) on balance sheet swap		(6,024	)		8,586
Reclassification adjustment for cash flow hedge derivatives (gains) losses included in net income		2,136			(1,949	)
Income tax effect		816			(1,394	)
Net of tax amount		(3,072	)		5,243

Total other comprehensive income (loss)		(8,362	)		19,751

Comprehensive income	$	9,427		$	37,900

See accompanying notes.

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PREMIER FINANCIAL CORP.

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

(UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in Thousands, except share and per share data)


	Preferred Stock		Common Stock Shares			Common Stock		Additional Paid-In Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Retained Earnings			Treasury Stock			Total Stockholders' Equity
Balance at January 1, 2024	$	—		35,729,593		$	306	$	690,585		$	(153,719	)	$	569,937		$	(131,482	)	$	975,627
Net income															17,789						17,789
Other comprehensive income (loss)												(8,362	)								(8,362	)
Deferred compensation plan									(13	)								13			—
Stock based compensation expenses									694												694
Vesting of incentive plans				37,978					(668	)								661			(7	)
Restricted share issuance				64,988					(1,130	)								1,130			—
Restricted share forfeitures				(15,799	)													(322	)		(322	)
Common stock dividend payment ($0.31 per share)															(11,078	)					(11,078	)
Balance at March 31, 2024	$	—		35,816,760		$	306	$	689,468		$	(162,081	)	$	576,648		$	(130,000	)	$	974,341


	Preferred Stock		Common Stock Shares			Common Stock		Additional Paid-In Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Retained Earnings			Treasury Stock			Total Stockholders' Equity
Balance at January 1, 2023	$	—		35,591,277		$	306	$	691,453		$	(173,460	)	$	502,909		$	(133,487	)	$	887,721
Net income															18,149						18,149
Other comprehensive income (loss)												19,751									19,751
Deferred compensation plan				9,196					75									(75	)		—
Stock based compensation expenses				753					112									13			125
Vesting of incentive plans				62,061					(1,078	)								1,078			—
Restricted share issuance				60,526					(755	)								1,051			296
Restricted share forfeitures				(22,178	)													(544	)		(544	)
Shares repurchased				(391	)													(11	)		(11	)
Common stock dividend payment ($0.31 per share)															(11,037	)					(11,037	)
Balance at March 31, 2023	$	—		35,701,244		$	306	$	689,807		$	(153,709	)	$	510,021		$	(131,975	)	$	914,450

See accompanying notes.

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PREMIER FINANCIAL CORP.

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

(UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in Thousands)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024			2023
Operating Activities
Net income	$	17,789		$	18,149
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for credit losses		(133	)		3,706
Depreciation		1,416			1,348
Amortization of premium and discounts on loans, securities, deposits and debt obligations		1,408			4,090
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights, net of impairment charges/recoveries		775			1,325
Amortization of intangibles		990			1,270
Change in deferred taxes		1,338			615
Proceeds from the sale of loans held for sale		54,553			72,365
Originations of loans held for sale		(45,859	)		(78,363	)
Mortgage banking (loss) gain, net		(1,283	)		837
Loss on sale / write-down of real estate and other assets held for sale		22			36
Gain on sale of available for sale securities		—			(34	)
Loss on equity securities		37			1,445
Stock based compensation expense		687			421
Restricted stock forfeitures for taxes and option exercises		(322	)		(544	)
Income from bank owned life insurance		(1,185	)		(994	)
Changes in:
Accrued interest receivable and other assets		(11,254	)		(2,838	)
Other liabilities		(3,761	)		(2,325	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		15,218			20,509
Investing Activities
Proceeds from maturities, calls and pay-downs of available-for-sale securities		18,349			42,940
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities		—			16,238
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment, real estate and other assets held for sale		131			348
Purchases of available-for-sale securities		(93,877	)		—
Net change in Federal Home Loan Bank stock		(4,315	)		(7,871	)
Purchases of premises and equipment, net		(1,769	)		(1,789	)
Investment in bank owned life insurance		526			866
Net decrease (increase) in loans receivable		44,723			(120,971	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(36,232	)		(70,239	)
Financing Activities
Net increase (decrease) in deposits and advance payments by borrowers		34,017			(140,355	)
Net change in Federal Home Loan Bank advances		(27,000	)		230,000
Net cash paid for repurchase of common stock		—			(11	)
Cash dividends paid on common stock		(11,078	)		(11,037	)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(4,061	)		78,597
(Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents		(25,075	)		28,867
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		114,756			128,160
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	89,681		$	157,027
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	$	44,871		$	27,665
Income taxes paid		—			—
Initial recognition of right-of-use asset		839			25
Initial recognition of lease liability		839			25

See accompanying notes.

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PREMIER FINANCIAL CORP.

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (UNAUDITED)

March 31, 2024 and 2023

1. Basis of Presentation

Premier Financial Corp. (“Premier” or the “Company”) is a financial holding company that conducts business through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Premier Bank (the "Bank"), and PFC Capital, LLC (“PFC Capital”). All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Premier’s stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker PFC.

The Bank is primarily engaged in community banking. It attracts deposits from the general public through its offices and website, and uses those and other available sources of funds to originate residential real estate loans, commercial real estate loans, commercial loans, home improvement and home equity loans and consumer loans. In addition, the Bank invests in U.S. Treasury and federal government agency obligations, obligations of states and political subdivisions, mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") that are issued by federal agencies, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), and corporate bonds. The Bank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) System.

PFC Capital was formed as an Ohio limited liability company in 2016 for the purpose of providing mezzanine funding for customers. Mezzanine loans are offered by PFC Capital to customers in the Company’s market area and are expected to be repaid from the cash flow from operations of the business.

First Insurance Group of the Midwest, Inc. ("First Insurance") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Premier that conducted business as an insurance agency that conducted business throughout Premier’s markets. First Insurance offered property and casualty insurance, life insurance and group health insurance. On June 30, 2023, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets (including $24.7 million of goodwill and intangibles) of First Insurance to Risk Strategies Corporation (“Buyer”). Consideration included a combination of cash and a subordinated note resulting in net cash received of $47.4 million after certain transaction costs at closing, the assumption of certain leases, and contingent consideration subject to certain performance criteria by the Buyer to be determined after the year ended December 31, 2026. The Company recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of $36.3 million, transaction costs of $3.7 million and taxes of $8.5 million for a $24.1 million increase to equity in 2023.

PFC Risk Management Inc. (“PFC Risk Management”) was a wholly-owned insurance company subsidiary of the Company that was formed to insure the Company and its subsidiaries against certain risks unique to the operations of the Company and for which insurance was not available or economically feasible, in the insurance marketplace. Due to pending changes in tax law, PFC Risk Management was dissolved and liquidated in December 2023.

The Company tests goodwill at least annually and, more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it may be more likely than not that there is a possible impairment. Due to the ongoing impacts from the closure of large, well-known regional banks in early 2023 that led to a significant decline in bank stock prices, the Company conducted a quantitative interim goodwill impairment assessment at September 30, 2023. The impairment assessment compared the fair value of identified reporting units with their carrying amount (including goodwill). If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess. The Company's interim assessment estimated fair value on an income approach that incorporated a discounted cash flow model that involves management assumptions and consideration of future

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economic forecasts available. In addition, the Company completed a qualitative evaluation at the Company's annual impairment evaluation date of November 30, 2023. Results of the annual assessment indicated no goodwill impairment as of the dates of the assessment. The Company will continue to monitor its goodwill for possible impairment.

The consolidated condensed statement of financial condition at December 31, 2023, was derived from the audited financial statements at that date, which were included in Premier’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 ("2023 Form 10-K").

The accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements as of March 31, 2024, and for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 have been prepared by the Company without audit and do not include information or footnotes necessary for the complete presentation of financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). These consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the 2023 Form 10-K. However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring items, necessary for the fair presentation of the financial statements have been made. The results for the three months ended March 31, 2024, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Accounting Standards Update ("ASU")

ASU No. 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements – Codification Amendments in Response to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s ("SEC") Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative: On October 9, 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued ASU 2023-06 “Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative,” which incorporates 14 of the 27 disclosures referred by the SEC in Release No. 33-10532, “Disclosure Update and Simplification,” that was issued Aug. 17, 2018. The changes modify the disclosure or presentation requirements of a variety of topics including statement of cash flows, accounting changes and error corrections, earnings per share, interim reporting, commitments, debt, equity, derivatives and hedging, and secured borrowing and collateral. For entities subject to the SEC’s existing disclosure requirements and for entities required to file or furnish financial statements with or to the SEC in preparation for the sale of or for purposes of issuing securities that are not subject to contractual restrictions on transfer, the effective date for each amendment is the date on which the SEC removes that related disclosure from its rules. For all other entities, the amendments will be effective two years later. If the SEC has not removed the related disclosure from its regulations by June 30, 2027, the amendments will be removed from the codification and not become effective for any entity. This ASU is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280) – Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures: On November 27, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07 “Segment Reporting (Topic 820): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosure,” which requires public entities to disclose significant expense categories and amounts for each reportable segment, an amount for and description of the composition of “other segment items,” the title and position of the entity’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (the "CODM") and explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measures of profit or loss to assess segment performance, and – on an interim basis – certain segment-related disclosures that previously were required only on an annual basis. This ASU clarifies that entities with a single reportable segment are subject to both new and existing segment reporting requirements and that an entity is permitted to disclose multiple measures of segment profit or loss,

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provided that certain criteria are met. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. Entities must adopt the changes to the segment reporting guidance on a retrospective basis. This ASU is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740) – Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures: On December 14, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures,” to address requests for improved income tax disclosures from investors, lenders, creditors and other allocators of capital that use the financial statements to make capital allocation decisions. This ASU is intended to improve the transparency of tax disclosures by requiring (1) consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and (2) income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction, in addition to certain other amendments intended to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures. For public business entities, this ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. For other entities, this ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2025. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. This ASU is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

SEC Final Rules Not Yet Adopted

The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors: On March 6, 2024, the SEC approved the final rule for these disclosures, requiring registrants to provide information about climate-related risks that materially impact or are reasonably likely to materially impact a registrant's strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. The rule applies to all SEC reporting companies and may significantly increase reporting costs and complexities, including increased data collection and development of significant internal processes and controls. The final rule includes a phased-in compliance period, effective for the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. On March 15, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals granted an administrative stay of the climate-related disclosure rules recently adopted by the SEC.

3. Fair Value

FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability shall not be adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact and (iv) willing to transact.

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FASB ASC Topic 820 requires the use of valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount on a discounted basis. The cost approach is based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost). Valuation techniques should be consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Inputs may be observable, meaning those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available. In that regard, FASB ASC Topic 820 established a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

•

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

•

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by a correlation or other means.

•

Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability and that are significant to the fair value of assets and liabilities (i.e., allowing for situations in which there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date).

A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.

Available-for-sale securities – Securities classified as available for sale are generally reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs where the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service that uses matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs). The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows and the bonds’ terms and conditions, among other things. Securities in Level 2 include U.S. federal government agencies, MBS, asset-backed securities ("ABS"), corporate bonds and municipal securities. Securities in Level 1 include U.S. treasuries.

Equity securities – These securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs where the Company obtains fair value measurements from a broker.

Loans held for sale, carried at fair value – The Company has elected the fair value option for all loans held for sale originated after January 31, 2020.

The fair value of conventional loans held for sale is determined using the current 15-day forward contract price for either 15 or 30 year conventional mortgages (Level 2). The fair value of permanent construction loans held for sale is determined using the current 5-day forward contract price for 15 or 30 years conventional mortgages which is then adjusted for unobservable market data such as estimated fall out rates and estimated time from origination to completion of construction (Level 3).

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Collateral dependent loans – Fair values for individually analyzed collateral dependent loans are generally based on appraisals obtained from licensed real estate appraisers and in certain circumstances consideration of offers obtained to purchase properties prior to foreclosure. Appraisals for commercial real estate generally use three methods to derive value: cost, sales or market comparison and income approach. The cost method bases value on the cost to replace the current property. Value of market comparison approach evaluates the sales price of similar properties in the same market area. The income approach considers net operating income generated by the property and an investor’s required return. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Comparable sales adjustments are based on known sales prices of similar type and similar use properties and duration of time that the property has been on the market to sell. Such adjustments made in the appraisal process are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

Real estate held for sale – Assets acquired through or instead of loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. These assets are then reviewed monthly by members of the asset review committee for valuation changes and are accounted for at lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Fair value is commonly based on recent real estate appraisals which may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including cost, comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments may be significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

Appraisals for both individually analyzed collateral-dependent loans and other real estate owned ("OREO") are performed by certified general appraisers (for commercial properties) or certified residential appraisers (for residential properties) whose qualifications and licenses have been reviewed and verified by the Company. Once received, a member of the Company’s asset quality or collections department reviews the assumptions and approaches utilized in the appraisal. Appraisal values are discounted from 0% to 30% to account for other factors that may impact the value of collateral. In determining the value of individually analyzed collateral dependent loans and OREO, significant unobservable inputs may be used, which include but are not limited to physical condition of comparable properties sold, net operating income generated by the property and investor rates of return.

Mortgage servicing rights – On a quarterly basis, mortgage servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to the carrying amount. If the carrying amount of an individual tranche exceeds fair value, impairment is recorded on that tranche so that the servicing asset is carried at fair value. Fair value is determined at a tranche level based on a model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model utilizes assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income and are validated against available market data (Level 2).

Mortgage banking derivative – The fair value of mortgage banking derivatives is evaluated monthly based on derivative valuation models using quoted prices for similar assets adjusted for specific attributes of the commitments and other observable market data at the valuation date (Level 2).

Interest rate swaps – The Company periodically enters into interest rate swap agreements with its commercial customers who desire a fixed rate loan term that is longer than the Company is willing to extend. The Company then enters into a reciprocal swap agreement with a third party that offsets the interest rate risk from the interest rate swap extended to the customer. The interest rate swaps are derivative instruments which are carried at fair value on the statement of financial condition. The Company uses an independent third party to perform a market valuation analysis for both swap positions (Level 2).

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Cash flow and fair value hedge derivatives – The Company periodically enters into cash flow and fair value hedge derivative instruments to hedge the risk of variability in cash flows on the Company's floating rate loan pool, fixed rate mortgage loan pool and FHLB advances. The Company uses an independent third party to perform a market valuation analysis for these derivatives (Level 2).

The following table summarizes the financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis


March 31, 2024	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
	(In Thousands)
Assets:
Available for sale securities:
Obligations of U.S. federal government corporations and agencies	$	—	$	113,804	$	—	$	113,804
Mortgage-backed securities		—		165,940		—		165,940
Collateralized mortgage obligations		—		244,776		—		244,776
Asset-backed securities		—		177,064		—		177,064
Corporate bonds		—		62,605		—		62,605
Obligations of state and political subdivisions		—		201,756		—		201,756
US Treasuries		48,488		—		—		48,488
Equity securities		5,736		—		—		5,736
Loans held for sale, at fair value		—		13,094		124,429		137,523
Interest rate swaps		—		2,844		—		2,844
Mortgage banking derivatives - asset				256				256
Cash flow/fair value hedge derivatives		—		3,767		—		3,767
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps		—		2,838		—		2,838
Cash flow/fair value hedge derivatives		—		39,109		—		39,109


December 31, 2023	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
	(In Thousands)
Assets:
Available for sale securities:
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	—	$	101,598	$	—	$	101,598
Mortgage-backed securities		—		156,508		—		156,508
Collateralized mortgage obligations		—		235,767		—		235,767
Asset-backed securities		—		136,980		—		136,980
Corporate bonds		—		62,420		—		62,420
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		—		204,258		—		204,258
US Treasuries		49,177		—		—		49,177
Equity securities		5,773		—		—		5,773
Loans held for sale, at fair value		—		14,397		131,244		145,641
Interest rate swaps		—		2,867		—		2,867
Cash flow / Fair value hedge derivatives		—		299		—		299
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps		—		2,867		—		2,867
Cash flow / Fair value hedge derivatives		—		35,392		—		35,392
Mortgage banking derivatives - liability		—		4,750		—		4,750

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The following table presents a reconciliation of assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. There were no securities that were measured at Level 3 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.


	Construction loans held for sale
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024			2023
Balance of recurring Level 3 assets at beginning of period	$	131,244		$	91,662
Total gains (losses) for the period
Included in change in fair value of loans held for sale		(357	)		5,971
Originations		19,659			23,181
Sales		(26,117	)		(23,534	)
Balance of recurring Level 3 assets at end of period	$	124,429		$	97,280

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:


March 31, 2024	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Inputs	Range of Inputs
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Construction loans held for sale	$	124,429	Adjusted secondary market pricing	Adjustments	0.00% - 0.20%


December 31, 2023	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Inputs	Range of Inputs
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Construction loans held for sale	$	131,244	Adjusted secondary market pricing	Adjustments	0.00% - 0.0984%

The Company has elected the fair value option for new applications accepted after January 31, 2020, and subsequently originated for residential mortgage and permanent construction loans held for sale. These loans are intended for sale and the Company believes that fair value is the best indicator of the resolution of these loans. Interest income is recorded based on the contractual terms of the loan and in accordance with the Company’s policies.

The aggregate fair value of the residential mortgage loans held for sale at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was $13.1 million and $14.4 million, respectively, and they had a contractual balance of $13.6 million and $14.7 million, respectively, for these same periods. The difference between the fair value and the contractual balance is recorded in gains and losses on the sale of loans held for sale. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, $328,000 was recorded in losses on the sale of loans held for sale for the change in fair value. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, $367,000 was recorded in gains on the sale of loans held for sale for the change in fair value.

The aggregate fair value of the permanent construction loans held for sale at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, was $124.4 million and $131.2 million, respectively, and they had a contractual balance of $126.6 million and $133.1 million, respectively, for these same periods. The difference between the fair value and the contractual balance is recorded in gains and losses on the sale of loans held for sale. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, $357,000 was recorded in losses on the sale of loans held for sale for the change in fair

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value. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, $6.0 million was recorded in gains on the sale of loans held for sale for the change in fair value.

The following table summarizes the financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis


March 31, 2024	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
	(In Thousands)
Individually analyzed loans
Commercial real estate	$	—	$	—	$	11,335	$	11,335
Commercial		—		—		4,593		4,593

Mortgage servicing rights	$	—	$	2,641	$	—	$	2,641


December 31, 2023	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total Fair Value
	(In Thousands)
Individually analyzed loans
Commercial real estate	$	—	$	—	$	3,425	$	3,425
Commercial		—		—		6,164		6,164

Mortgage servicing rights	$	—	$	2,744	$	—	$	2,744

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2024, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:

         
        Fair 
Value

        Valuation
Technique

        Unobservable
Inputs

        Range of
Inputs

        Weighted
Average

         
        (Dollars in Thousands)

Individually analyzed Loans- 
   Applies to loan classes with an 
   appraisal valuation

15,928

Appraisals which utilize sales comparison, net income and cost approach

Discounts for collection issues and changes in market conditions

20-50%

20.97

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2023, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:

         
        Fair 
Value

        Valuation
Technique

        Unobservable
Inputs

        Range of
Inputs

        Weighted
Average

         
        (Dollars in Thousands)

Individually analyzed Loans- 
   Applies to loan classes with an 
   appraisal valuation

9,589

Appraisals which utilize sales comparison, net income and cost approach

Discounts for collection issues and changes in market conditions

10-50%

27.60

Fair value of financial instruments

Much of the information used to arrive at “fair value” is highly subjective and judgmental in nature and therefore the results may not be precise. Subjective factors include, among other things, estimated cash flows, risk characteristics and interest rates, all of which are subject to change. With the exception of investment

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securities, the Company’s financial instruments are not readily marketable and market prices do not exist. Since negotiated prices for the instruments, which are not readily marketable, depend greatly on the motivation of the buyer and seller, the amounts that will actually be realized or paid per settlement or maturity of these instruments could be significantly different.

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, as a result of their short-term nature, is considered to be equal to fair value and are classified as Level 1.

It was not practicable to determine the fair value of FHLB stock due to restrictions placed on its transferability.

The Company’s loans were valued on an individual basis, with consideration given to the loans’ underlying characteristics, including account types, remaining terms (in months), annual interest rates or coupons, interest types, past delinquencies, timing of principal and interest payments, current market rates, loss exposures, and remaining balances. The model utilizes a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) approach to estimate the fair value of the loans using assumptions for the coupon rates, remaining maturities, prepayment speeds, projected default probabilities, losses given defaults, and estimates of prevailing discount rates. The DCF approach models the credit losses directly in the projected cash flows. The model applies various assumptions regarding credit, interest, and prepayment risks for the loans based on loan types, payment types and fixed or variable classifications. The estimated fair value of individually analyzed loans is based on the fair value of the collateral, less estimated cost to sell, or the present value of the loan’s expected future cash flows (discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate). All individually analyzed loans are classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy.

The fair value of non-interest bearing deposits are considered equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e. carrying value) and are classified as Level 1. The fair value of savings, checking and certain money market accounts are equal to their carrying amounts and are a Level 1 classification. Fair values of fixed rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a DCF calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits resulting in a Level 2 classification.

The carrying value of notes payable, as a result of their short-term nature, is considered to be equal to fair value and are classified as Level 1.

The carrying value of floating rate subordinated debentures was considered to be the carrying value as the debt is floating rate and can be prepaid at any time without penalty. The carrying value of fixed rate subordinated debt is estimated using a DCF calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered in the market to the expected maturity of the debt resulting in a Level 2 classification.

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FHLB advances with maturities greater than 90 days are valued based on a DCF analysis, using interest rates currently being quoted for similar characteristics and maturities resulting in a Level 2 classification. The cost or value of any call or put options is based on the estimated cost to settle the option at March 31, 2024.

Subordinated Debt is valued utilizing the coupon rate, discount rate, weighted average life and duration. This debt is classified as Level 3.

The carrying value and estimated fair values of financial instruments at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, were as follows:


			Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2024
			(In Thousands)
	Carrying Value		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	89,681	$	89,681	$	89,681	$	—	$	—
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock		26,075	N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Loans receivable, net		6,617,066		6,122,388		—		—		6,122,388
Accrued interest receivable		34,795		34,795		34,795		—		—

Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	$	7,183,387	$	7,169,903	$	5,407,852	$	1,762,051	$	—
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank		253,000		251,646		—		251,646		—
Subordinated debentures		85,261		82,724		—		—		82,724


			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2023
			(In Thousands)
	Carrying Value		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	114,756	$	114,756	$	114,756	$	—	$	—
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock		21,760	N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Loans receivable, net		6,662,875		6,100,394		—		—		6,100,394
Accrued interest receivable		33,446		33,446		33,446		—		—

Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	$	7,143,046	$	7,099,593	$	5,447,423	$	1,652,170	$	—
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank		280,000		279,213		—		279,213	$	—
Subordinated debentures		85,229		84,231		—		—		84,231

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4. Stock Compensation Plans

Premier has established equity-based compensation plans for its directors and employees. On February 27, 2018, the Board adopted, and the shareholders approved at the 2018 Annual Shareholders Meeting, the Premier Financial Corp. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Equity Plan”). The 2018 Equity Plan replaced all existing plans, although the Company’s former equity plans remain in existence to the extent there were outstanding grants thereunder at the time the 2018 Equity Plan was approved. In addition, as a result of the Company's merger (the "Merger") with United Community Federal Corp. ("UCFC"), Premier assumed certain outstanding stock options granted under UCFC’s Amended and Restated 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “UCFC 2007 Plan”) and UCFC’s 2015 Long Term Incentive Plan, which has since been renamed as the “Premier Financial Corp. 2015 Long Term Incentive Plan” (the “2015 Plan”). Premier also assumed the shares available for future issuance under the 2015 Plan as of the effective date of the Merger, with appropriate adjustments to the number of shares available to reflect the Merger. The stock options assumed from UCFC in the Merger remain subject to the terms of the 2015 Plan, but became exercisable solely to purchase shares of Premier, with appropriate adjustments to the number of shares subject to the assumed stock options and the exercise price of such stock options. Besides certain options previously issued under the First Defiance Financial Corp. 2010 Equity Incentive Plan, all awards currently outstanding are issued under the 2018 Equity Plan or the 2015 Plan. The 2018 Equity Plan and the 2015 Plan were each amended and restated in February 2022 to align certain administrative components of the plans in addition to enhancing certain governance components. New awards will be made under either the 2018 Equity Plan or the 2015 Plan as the Company determines. The 2018 Equity Plan allows for issuance of up to 900,000 common shares through the award of options, restricted stock, stock, stock appreciation rights, or other stock-based awards. The 2015 Plan allows for the issuance of up to 1.2 million common shares, as adjusted for the Merger, through the award of options, stock, restricted stock, stock units, stock appreciation rights, or performance stock awards.

Beginning in 2023, directors were able to elect to receive stock in lieu of cash for their director fees. In the first three months of 2024, the Company did not issue any shares or recognize any expense for shares. In the first three months of 2023, the Company recognized $6,000 in expense for 753 shares that were issued to directors in lieu of cash fees.

The Company maintains Long-Term Equity Incentive Plans (each, an "LTIP") for select members of management (the "Executive LTIP") and a Key Employee and Commercial Lender Plan (the "Key Plan"). Under the Executive LTIP, participants may earn between 20% to 50% of their salary for potential payout in the form of (1) equity awards based on the achievement of certain corporate performance targets over a three-year period and (2) beginning in 2023, restricted stock awards (“RSAs”). The Company granted 82,737 performance stock units ("PSUs") to the participants under the Executive LTIP during the first three months of 2024, which represents the maximum target award. The value of PSU awards issued in 2022, 2023 and 2024 under the Executive LTIP will be determined individually at the end of each respective 36 month performance period ending December 31. The benefits earned under these PSUs will be paid out in equity in the first quarter following the end of the performance period. The participants will receive all or a portion of the award if their employment is terminated by the Company without cause, by the participant in certain situations, or by death, disability or retirement of the participant. The RSAs issued under the Executive LTIP vest incrementally over three years, being fully vested upon the third anniversary of the grant date. The Company granted 28,702 RSAs under the Executive LTIP in the first quarter of 2024.

The maximum amount of compensation expense that may be earned for the PSUs at March 31, 2024 is approximately $5.7 million in the aggregate. However, the estimated expense that is expected to be earned as of March 31, 2024 is $3.8 million, of which $2.8 million was unrecognized at March 31, 2024, and will be recognized over the remaining performance periods. Expense of $176,000 was recorded during the three months

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ended March 31, 2024, compared to a reduction in expense of $338,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Beginning in 2022, under the Key Plan, the participants were granted RSAs based upon the achievement of certain targets in the prior year. Prior to 2022, restricted stock units ("RSUs") were issued to participants under the same plan. The participants can earn from 5% to 10% of their salary in RSAs or RSUs that vest three years from the date of grant. The Company granted 31,139 RSAs and 25,044 RSAs in the first quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively, as a payout under the Key Plan.

In the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company also granted 5,147 discretionary RSAs that vest over a three-year time period. Compensation expense is recognized over the performance or vesting period. Total expense of $518,000 was recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to expense of $444,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2023. Approximately $690,000 and $1.9 million is included within other liabilities at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, related to the cash portion of the Company's Short-Term Incentive Plans.

The following table sets forth Premier's performance and restricted stock activity during the three months ended March 31, 2024:


	PSUs					RSUs					RSAs
Unvested Shares	Shares			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Shares			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Shares			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at January 1, 2024		217,562		$	28.75		18,625		$	29.52		153,779		$	25.49
Granted		82,737			19.43		—			—		64,988			19.95
Vested		(21,809	)		30.35		(16,169	)		28.95		(8,261	)		24.78
Forfeited		(52,221	)		30.34		—			—		—			—
Unvested at March 31, 2024		226,269		$	24.82		2,456		$	32.26		210,506		$	23.81

As of March 31, 2024, 28,175 options to acquire Premier shares were outstanding at option prices based on the market value of the underlying shares on the date the options were granted. All options expire ten years from the date of grant. Vested options of retirees expire on the earlier of the scheduled expiration date or one year after the retirement date.

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatilities of the Company’s common shares. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and post-vesting termination behavior. The expected term of options granted is based on historical data and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding, which takes into account that the options are not transferable. The risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.

There were no options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

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Following is stock option activity under the plans during the three months ended March 31, 2024:


	Options Outstanding		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in 000’s)
Options outstanding, January 1, 2024		28,175	$	23.18
Forfeited or cancelled		—		—
Exercised		—		—
Granted		—		—
Options outstanding, March 31, 2024		28,175	$	23.18		3.01	$	24,668
Exercisable at March 31, 2024		28,175	$	23.18		3.01	$	24,668

As of March 31, 2024, there was a de minimus amount of total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock options granted under the Company’s equity plans. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of one month.

5. Dividends on Common Stock

Premier declared and paid a $0.31 per common stock dividend in the first three months of 2024 and declared and paid a $0.31 per common stock dividend in the first three months of 2023.

6. Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per share are calculated using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula under which earnings per share is calculated from common stock and participating securities according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under this method, all earnings distributed and undistributed, are allocated to participating securities and common shares based on their respective rights to receive dividends. Unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are considered participating securities (i.e., unvested restricted stock), not subject to performance based measures.

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The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023
	(In Thousands, except per share data)
Basic Earnings Per Share:
Net income available to common shareholders	$	17,789	$	18,149
Less: income allocated to participating securities		75		42
Net income allocated to common shareholders		17,714		18,107

Weighted average common shares outstanding including participating securities		35,772		35,649
Less: Participating securities		108		43
Average common shares		35,664		35,606

Basic earnings per common share	$	0.50	$	0.51
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
Net income allocated to common shareholders	$	17,714	$	18,107
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share		35,664		35,606
Add: Dilutive effects of stock options and restricted stock units		107		113
Average shares and dilutive potential common shares		35,771		35,719

Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.50	$	0.51

There were 53,416 shares for the three months ended March 31, 2024 that were excluded from the diluted earnings per common share calculation as they were anti-dilutive. There were 627 shares for the three months ended March 31, 2023 that were excluded from the dilutive earnings per common share calculation as they were anti-dilutive.

7. Investment Securities

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities:


	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Loss			Fair Value
	(In Thousands)
At March 31, 2024
Available-for-Sale Securities:
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	133,335	$	10	$	(19,541	)	$	113,804
Mortgage-backed securities		197,658		24		(31,742	)		165,940
Collateralized mortgage obligations		296,001		19		(51,244	)		244,776
Asset-backed securities		181,617		290		(4,843	)		177,064
Corporate bonds		71,010		—		(8,405	)		62,605
Obligations of state and political subdivisions		246,643		5		(44,892	)		201,756
US Treasuries		55,669		—		(7,181	)		48,488
Total Available-for-Sale	$	1,181,933	$	348	$	(167,848	)	$	1,014,433

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	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Loss			Fair Value
	(In Thousands)
At December 31, 2023
Available-for-sale
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	120,398	$	—	$	(18,800	)	$	101,598
Mortgage-backed securities		185,675		—		(29,167	)		156,508
Collateralized mortgage obligations		285,194		9		(49,436	)		235,767
Asset-backed securities		142,215		270		(5,505	)		136,980
Corporate bonds		71,092		—		(8,672	)		62,420
Obligations of state and political subdivisions		247,204		15		(42,961	)		204,258
US Treasuries		55,732		—		(6,555	)		49,177
Total Available-for-Sale	$	1,107,510	$	294	$	(161,096	)	$	946,708

The amortized cost and fair value of the investment securities portfolio at March 31, 2024, are shown below by contractual maturity. 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. For purposes of the maturity table, MBS, CMOs and ABS, which are not due at a single maturity date, have not been allocated over the maturity groupings. These securities may mature earlier than their weighted-average contractual maturities because of principal prepayments.


	Available-for-Sale
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(In Thousands)
Due in one year or less	$	205	$	205
Due after one year through five years		82,780		75,854
Due after five years through ten years		207,422		179,181
Due after ten years		216,250		171,413
MBS/CMO/ABS		675,276		587,780
	$	1,181,933	$	1,014,433

Investment securities with a market value of $621.6 million and $638.2 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, were pledged as collateral.

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The following tables summarize Premier’s securities that were in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:


	Duration of Unrealized Loss Position
	Less than 12 Months					12 Months or Longer					Total
	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Loss			Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Loss			Fair Value		Unrealized Loss
	(In Thousands)
At March 31, 2024
Available-for-sale securities:
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	7,132	$	(6	)	$	96,680	$	(19,535	)	$	103,812	$	(19,541	)
Mortgage-backed securities		12,963		(54	)		150,635		(31,688	)		163,598		(31,742	)
Collateralized mortgage obligations		12,222		(80	)		223,518		(51,164	)		235,740		(51,244	)
Asset-backed securities		27,511		(57	)		85,749		(4,786	)		113,260		(4,843	)
Corporate bonds		—		—			62,605		(8,405	)		62,605		(8,405	)
Obligations of state and political subdivisions		8,485		(89	)		191,346		(44,803	)		199,831		(44,892	)
US Treasuries		—					48,488		(7,181	)		48,488		(7,181	)
Total available-for-sale	$	68,313	$	(286	)	$	859,021	$	(167,562	)	$	927,334	$	(167,848	)


	Duration of Unrealized Loss Position
	Less than 12 Months					12 Months or Longer					Total
	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Loss			Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Loss			Fair Value		Unrealized Loss
	(In Thousands)
At December 31, 2023
Available-for-sale securities:
Obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	3,986	$	(9	)	$	97,612	$	(18,791	)	$	101,598	$	(18,800	)
Mortgage-backed securities-residential		—		—			156,508		(29,167	)		156,508		(29,167	)
Collateralized mortgage obligations		—		—			229,659		(49,436	)		229,659		(49,436	)
Asset-backed securities		—		—			113,444		(5,505	)		113,444		(5,505	)
Corporate bonds		—		—			62,420		(8,672	)		62,420		(8,672	)
Obligations of state and political subdivisions		10,595		(111	)		188,896		(42,850	)		199,491		(42,961	)
US Treasuries		—		—			49,177		(6,555	)		49,177		(6,555	)
Total available-for-sale	$	14,581	$	(120	)	$	897,716	$	(160,976	)	$	912,297	$	(161,096	)

The Company had no realized gains or losses from the sale of available-for-sale securities in the three months ended March 31, 2024. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company had $34,000 in realized gains from the sale of investment securities. It is expected that the securities would not be settled at less than the amortized cost of the Company's investment because the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates and relative spreads and not credit quality. Management does not intend to sell these investments and it is not expected that the Company will be required to sell the investments before recovery of its amortized cost basis.

Quarterly, the Company evaluates if any security has a fair value less than its amortized cost. Once these securities are identified, in order to determine whether a decline in fair value resulted from a credit loss or other factors, the Company performs further analysis as outlined below:

•

Review the extent to which the fair value is less than the amortized cost and observe the security’s lowest credit rating as reported by third-party credit ratings companies.

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•

Any security that has a loss rate greater than 3%, credit rating below investment grade or not rated by a third-party credit ratings company would be subjected to additional analysis that may include, but is not limited to: changes in market interest rates, changes in securities credit ratings, security type, service area economic factors, financial performance of the issuer/or obligor of the underlying issue and third-party guarantee.

•

If the Company determines that a credit loss exists, the credit portion of the allowance will be measured using a DCF analysis using the effective interest rate as of the security’s purchase date. The amount of credit loss the Company records will be limited to the amount by which the amortized cost exceeds the fair value. As of March 31, 2024, management determined that no credit loss exists and that the unrealized losses are due to the increased interest rate environment.

At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company held preferred and common stock of various bank holding companies totaling $5.7 million and $5.8 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, a realized loss of $37,000 was recorded within gain (loss) on equity securities on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, a realized loss of $1.4 million was recorded within gain (loss) on equity securities on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income.

8. Loans

Loan segments have been identified by evaluating the portfolio based on collateral and credit risk characteristics. Loans receivable consist of the following:


	March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
	(In Thousands)
Real Estate:
Residential	$	1,816,416		$	1,810,265
Commercial		2,830,086			2,839,905
Construction		759,226			838,823
		5,405,728			5,488,993
Other Loans:
Commercial		1,031,037			1,056,803
Home equity and improvement		265,362			267,960
Consumer finance		187,664			193,830
		1,484,063			1,518,593
Loans before deferred loan origination fees and costs		6,889,791			7,007,586
Deduct:
Undisbursed construction loan funds		(208,923	)		(281,466	)
Net deferred loan origination fees and costs		12,877			13,267
Allowance for credit losses		(76,679	)		(76,512	)
Total loans	$	6,617,066		$	6,662,875

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The following table presents the amortized cost basis of collateral-dependent loans by class of loans and collateral type as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):


	March 31, 2024
	Real Estate		Equipment and Machinery		Inventory and Receivables		Vehicles		Total
Real Estate:
Residential	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Commercial		7,256		—		—		—		7,256
Construction		—		—		—		—		—

Other Loans:
Commercial		923		11,104		3,733		73		15,833
Home equity and improvement		—		—		—		—		—
Consumer finance		—		—		—		—		—

Total	$	8,179	$	11,104	$	3,733	$	73	$	23,089


	December 31, 2023
	Real Estate		Equipment and Machinery		Inventory and Receivables		Vehicles		Total
Real Estate:
Residential	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Commercial		6,407		—		—		—		6,407
Construction		—		—		—		—		—

Other Loans:
Commercial		1,297		8,781		2,309		705		13,092
Home equity and improvement		—		—		—		—		—
Consumer finance		—		—		—		—		—

Total	$	7,704	$	8,781	$	2,309	$	705	$	19,499

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Non-performing loans include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually analyzed loans. All loans 90 days and greater past due are placed on non-accrual status. The following table presents the current balance of the non-performing loans as of the dates indicated:


As of March 31, 2024	Non-accrual with no allocated allowance for credit losses		Non-accrual with allocated allowance for credit losses		Loans past due over 90 days still accruing
Residential real estate	$	520	$	10,690	$	—
Commercial real estate		1,449		5,669		—
Construction		—		—		—
Commercial		2,924		9,597		—
Home equity and improvement		—		1,847		—
Consumer finance		—		3,483		—
Purchase credit deteriorated ("PCD")		885		1,967
Total	$	5,778	$	33,253	$	—


As of December 31, 2023	Non-accrual with no allocated allowance for credit losses		Non-accrual with allocated allowance for credit losses		Loans past due over 90 days still accruing
Residential real estate	$	572	$	12,456	$	—
Commercial real estate		196		5,775		—
Construction		—		—		—
Commercial		150		8,499		—
Home equity and improvement		—		1,417		—
Consumer finance		—		3,433		—
PCD		—		2,993
Total	$	918	$	34,573	$	—

The following table presents the aging of the amortized cost in past due and non-accrual loans as of March 31, 2024, by class of loans (in thousands):


Class	Current		30 - 59 days		60 - 89 days		90 + days		Total Past Due		Total Non- Accrual
Real Estate:
Residential	$	1,797,600	$	300	$	5,336	$	9,432	$	15,068	$	11,210
Commercial		2,830,522		406		677		1,165		2,248		7,118
Construction		550,303		—		—		—		—		—

Other Loans:
Commercial		1,019,317		4,428		12		3,316		7,756		12,521
Home equity and improvement		260,184		2,245		203		1,265		3,713		1,847
Consumer finance		182,408		3,187		1,237		2,998		7,422		3,483
PCD		13,902		227		661		2,414		3,302		2,852

Total Loans	$	6,654,236	$	10,793	$	8,126	$	20,590	$	39,509	$	39,031

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The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due and non-accrual loans as of December 31, 2023, by class of loans (in thousands):


Class	Current		30 - 59 days		60 - 89 days		90 + days		Total Past Due		Total Non- Accrual
Real Estate:
Residential	$	1,786,537	$	152	$	8,302	$	11,216	$	19,670	$	13,028
Commercial		2,841,209		163		312		1,275		1,750		5,971
Construction		557,249		—		108		—		108		—

Other Loans:
Commercial		1,051,034		191		2,446		1,132		3,769		8,649
Home equity and improvement		262,404		2,084		635		958		3,677		1,417
Consumer finance		187,624		3,699		1,681		3,003		8,383		3,433
PCD		11,922		211		1,271		2,569		4,051		2,993

Total Loans	$	6,697,979	$	6,500	$	14,755	$	20,153	$	41,408	$	35,491

Loan Modifications

As of January 1, 2023, the Company adopted the modified retrospective method under ASU 2022-02, "Trouble Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures" which eliminated trouble debt restructuring accounting for entities that have adopted ASU 2016-13, the current expected credit losses model.

Occasionally, the Company modifies loans by providing principal forgiveness on certain of its real estate loans. When principal forgiveness is provided, the amortized cost basis of the loan is written off against the allowance for credit losses. The amount of the principal forgiveness is deemed to be uncollectible; therefore, that portion of the loan is written off, resulting in a reduction of amortized cost basis and a corresponding adjustments to the allowance for credit losses. In some cases, the Company will modify a certain loan by providing multiple types of concessions. Typically, one type of concession, such as a term extension, is granted initially. If the borrower continues to experience financial difficulty, another concession, such as principal forgiveness or reduction of rate, may be granted.

Of the loans modified as of March 31, 2024, $7.0 million were on non-accrual status and partial charge-offs have in some cases been taken against the outstanding balance. The allowance for credit losses incorporates an estimate of lifetime expected credit losses and is recorded on each loan upon loan origination or acquisition. The starting point for the estimate of the allowance for credit losses is historical loss information, which includes losses from modifications of loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. The Company uses probability of default/loss given default, discounted cash flows or remaining life method to determine the allowance for credit losses. An assessment of whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty is made on the date of a modification. Because the effect of most modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty is already included in the allowance for credit losses because of the measurement methodologies used to estimate the allowance, a change to the allowance for credit losses is generally not recorded upon modification.

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The following table shows the amortized cost basis at the end of the reporting period of the loans modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, disaggregated by loan category and type of modification granted during the three months ended March 31, 2024. The percentage of the amortized cost basis of loans that were modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty as compared to the amortized cost basis of each class of loan category is also presented below:


	Loans Modifications Made to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
	(Dollars in Thousands)
	Term Extension
Loan Type	Amortized Cost Basis		Percent of total loans by category
Real Estate:
Residential	$	—		—
Commercial		352		0.01	%
Construction		—		—

Other Loans:
Commercial		7,758		0.75	%
Home equity and improvement		—		—
Consumer finance		—		—

Total	$	8,110

The following table describes the financial effect of the modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty:


	Term Extension
Loan Type	Financial Effect
Real Estate:
Commercial	-Term extended 6 months
Other Loans:
Commercial	-Demand Line termed out to 10 year term -Demand Line termed out to 5 year term -Term extended 5 months
	-Demand Line termed out to 192 months -Term extended 189 months

	Rate Reduction
Loan Type	Financial Effect
Other Loans:
Commercial	-Interest rate reduction 10.5% to 8.5% -Interest rate reduction 11% (tied to prime) to 8.25% fixed

Upon the Company's determination that a modified loan (or portion of a loan) has subsequently been deemed uncollectible, the loan (or a portion of the loan) is written off. Therefore, the amortized cost basis of the loan is reduced by the uncollectible amount and the allowance for credit losses is adjusted by the same amount.

There were no modification loans that had a payment default during the quarter ended March 31, 2024 and were modified in the twelve months prior to that default to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty.

The Company closely monitors the performance of the loans that were modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty to understand the effectiveness of its modification efforts. Five of the modified loans are

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current and three modified loans pertaining to two commercial relationships are on nonaccrual status as of March 31, 2024.

Credit Quality Indicators

Loans are categorized 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. Loans are analyzed individually by classifying the loans by credit risk. This analysis includes all non-homogeneous loans, such as commercial and commercial real estate loans and certain homogeneous mortgages, home equity and consumer loans. This analysis is performed on a quarterly basis. Premier 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. As of March 31, 2024, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is as follows (in thousands):


Class	Unclassified		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total classified		Total
Real Estate:
Residential	$	1,799,974	$	487	$	12,207	$	—	$	12,207	$	1,812,668
Commercial		2,753,838		53,456		25,476		—		25,476		2,832,770
Construction		542,803		7,500		—		—		—		550,303

Other Loans:
Commercial		945,021		32,487		49,565		—		49,565		1,027,073
Home equity and improvement		262,046		—		1,851		—		1,851		263,897
Consumer finance		186,543		—		3,287		—		3,287		189,830
PCD		12,006		2,485		2,713		—		2,713		17,204

Total Loans (1)	$	6,502,231	$	96,415	$	95,099	$	—	$	95,099	$	6,693,745

(1) Total loans are net of undisbursed funds and deferred fees and costs.

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As of December 31, 2023, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is as follows (in thousands):


Class	Unclassified		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total classified		Total
Real Estate:
Residential	$	1,791,663	$	594	$	13,950	$	—	$	13,950	$	1,806,207
Commercial		2,765,898		50,784		26,277		—		26,277		2,842,959
Construction		549,867		7,490		—		—		—		557,357

Other Loans:
Commercial		975,233		57,634		21,936		—		21,936		1,054,803
Home equity and improvement		264,663		—		1,418		—		1,418		266,081
Consumer finance		192,774		—		3,233		—		3,233		196,007
PCD		12,899		197		2,877		—		2,877		15,973

Total Loans (1)	$	6,552,997	$	116,699	$	69,691	$	—	$	69,691	$	6,739,387

(1) Total loans are net undisbursed loan funds and deferred fees and costs

The following tables present the amortized cost basis of loans by credit quality indicator and class of loans as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands).

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	Term of loans by origination
	2024		2023		2022		2021		2020		Prior		Revolving Loans		Total
As of March 31, 2024

Real Estate
Residential:
Current-period gross charge-offs	$	—	$	—	$	14	$	21	$	6	$	20	$	—	$	61
Risk Rating
Unclassified	$	24,361	$	52,282	$	633,439	$	419,394	$	297,589	$	371,037	$	1,872	$	1,799,974
Special Mention		—		—		—		—		167		320		—		487
Substandard		—		521		1,864		2,501		1,809		5,512		—		12,207
Doubtful		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total	$	24,361	$	52,803	$	635,303	$	421,895	$	299,565	$	376,869	$	1,872	$	1,812,668

Commercial:
Current-period gross charge-offs	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	13	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	13
Risk Rating
Unclassified	$	25,150	$	181,078	$	636,688	$	511,429	$	457,970	$	923,289	$	18,234	$	2,753,838
Special Mention		—		472		10,785		28,543		3,292		9,722		642		53,456
Substandard		—		—		742		3,460		221		21,000		53		25,476
Doubtful		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total	$	25,150	$	181,550	$	648,215	$	543,432	$	461,483	$	954,011	$	18,929	$	2,832,770

Construction:
Current-period gross charge-offs	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Risk Rating
Unclassified	$	3,178	$	61,874	$	316,658	$	127,431	$	32,458	$	1,204	$	—	$	542,803
Special Mention		—		—		7,500		—		—		—		—		7,500
Substandard		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Doubtful		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total	$	3,178	$	61,874	$	324,158	$	127,431	$	32,458	$	1,204	$	—	$	550,303

Other Loans
Commercial:
Current-period gross charge-offs	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	59	$	59
Risk Rating
Unclassified	$	22,699	$	112,043	$	234,679	$	139,766	$	47,047	$	49,932	$	338,855	$	945,021
Special Mention		72		1,912		3,961		12,232		531		3,880		9,899		32,487
Substandard		—		7,461		1,833		12,410		10,218		3,940		13,703		49,565
Doubtful		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total	$	22,771	$	121,416	$	240,473	$	164,408	$	57,796	$	57,752	$	362,457	$	1,027,073

Home equity and Improvement:
Current-period gross charge-offs	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1	$	—	$	—	$	80	$	81
Risk Rating
Unclassified	$	2,793	$	18,446	$	23,796	$	17,419	$	4,261	$	28,025	$	167,306	$	262,046
Special Mention		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Substandard		—		—		84		—		—		381		1,386		1,851
Doubtful		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total	$	2,793	$	18,446	$	23,880	$	17,419	$	4,261	$	28,406	$	168,692	$	263,897

Consumer Finance:
Current-period gross charge-offs	$	—	$	66	$	226	$	100	$	18	$	27	$	—	$	437
Risk Rating
Unclassified	$	13,052	$	39,834	$	90,705	$	20,219	$	9,925	$	7,300	$	5,508	$	186,543
Special Mention		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Substandard		—		344		1,451		569		369		351		203		3,287
Doubtful		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total	$	13,052	$	40,178	$	92,156	$	20,788	$	10,294	$	7,651	$	5,711	$	189,830

PCD:
Current-period gross charge-offs	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	52	$	—	$	52
Risk Rating
Unclassified	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	11,494	$	512	$	12,006
Special Mention		—		—		—		—		—		174		2,311		2,485
Substandard		—		—		—		—		—		2,713		—		2,713
Doubtful		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	14,381	$	2,823	$	17,204

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	Term of loans by origination
	2023		2022		2021		2020		2019		Prior		Revolving Loans		Total
As of December 31, 2023

Real Estate
Residential:
Current-period gross charge-offs	$	—	$	3	$	218	$	—	$	6	$	93	$	—	$	320
Risk Rating
Unclassified	$	46,218	$	625,993	$	430,801	$	305,077	$	86,103	$	296,317	$	1,154	$	1,791,663
Special Mention		—		—		—		170		33		391		—		594
Substandard		431		2,757		2,267		2,061		1,031		5,403		—		13,950
Doubtful		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total	$	46,649	$	628,750	$	433,068	$	307,308	$	87,167	$	302,111	$	1,154	$	1,806,207

Commercial:
Current-period gross charge-offs	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	274	$	399	$	1,632	$	14	$	2,319
Risk Rating
Unclassified	$	187,446	$	619,860	$	516,527	$	470,751	$	305,114	$	647,079	$	19,121	$	2,765,898
Special Mention		—		10,361		28,743		3,324		83		8,124		149		50,784
Substandard		—		732		3,489		232		1,751		20,043		30		26,277
Doubtful		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total	$	187,446	$	630,953	$	548,759	$	474,307	$	306,948	$	675,246	$	19,300	$	2,842,959

Construction:
Current-period gross charge-offs	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Risk Rating
Unclassified	$	51,807	$	322,097	$	125,035	$	44,114	$	6,814	$	—	$	—	$	549,867
Special Mention		—		7,490		—		—		—		—		—		7,490
Substandard		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Doubtful		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total	$	51,807	$	329,587	$	125,035	$	44,114	$	6,814	$	—	$	—	$	557,357

Other Loans
Commercial:
Current-period gross charge-offs	$	—	$	57	$	—	$	1	$	498	$	65	$	1,713	$	2,334
Risk Rating
Unclassified	$	121,527	$	248,455	$	148,220	$	50,554	$	28,427	$	26,799	$	351,251	$	975,233
Special Mention		9,551		2,475		14,625		10,670		1,607		3,805		14,901		57,634
Substandard		—		929		11,205		767		991		1,170		6,874		21,936
Doubtful		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total	$	131,078	$	251,859	$	174,050	$	61,991	$	31,025	$	31,774	$	373,026	$	1,054,803

Home equity and Improvement:
Current-period gross charge-offs	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	7	$	30	$	123	$	160
Risk Rating
Unclassified	$	19,554	$	24,870	$	18,061	$	4,405	$	2,935	$	26,904	$	167,934	$	264,663
Special Mention		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Substandard		—		119		14		—		—		255		1,030		1,418
Doubtful		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total	$	19,554	$	24,989	$	18,075	$	4,405	$	2,935	$	27,159	$	168,964	$	266,081

Consumer Finance:
Current-period gross charge-offs	$	—	$	437	$	260	$	185	$	95	$	450	$	51	$	1,478
Risk Rating
Unclassified	$	44,735	$	98,287	$	22,588	$	11,067	$	7,337	$	1,706	$	7,054	$	192,774
Special Mention		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Substandard		282		1,476		593		505		281		93		3		3,233
Doubtful		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total	$	45,017	$	99,763	$	23,181	$	11,572	$	7,618	$	1,799	$	7,057	$	196,007

PCD:
Current-period gross charge-offs	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	122	$	31	$	153
Risk Rating
Unclassified	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	114	$	12,264	$	521	$	12,899
Special Mention		—		—		—		—		—		197		—		197
Substandard		—		—		—		—		—		2,562		315		2,877
Doubtful		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	114	$	15,023	$	836	$	15,973

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Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company has adopted ASU 2016-13 (Topic 326 – Credit Losses) to calculate the allowance for credit loss ("ACL"), which requires a projection of credit loss over the contract lifetime of the credit adjusted for prepayment tendencies. This valuation account is deducted from the loans amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loan. The ACL is adjusted through the provision for credit losses and reduced by net charge offs of loans.

The credit loss estimation process involves procedures that consider the unique characteristics of the Company’s portfolio segments. These segments are further disaggregated into the loan pools for monitoring. When computing allowance levels, a model of risk characteristics, such as loss history and delinquency status, along with current conditions and a supportable forecast is used to determine credit loss assumptions.

The Company is generally utilizing two methodologies to analyze loan pools, DCF and probability of default/loss given default (“PD/LGD”).

A default can be triggered by one of several different asset quality factors including past due status, non-accrual status, modification status or if the loan has had a charge-off. The PD/LGD utilizes charge off data from the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council to construct a default rate. This default rate is further segmented based on the risk of the credit assigning a higher default rate to riskier credits.

The DCF methodology was selected as the most appropriate for loan segments with longer average lives and regular payment structures. The DCF model has two key components, the loss driver analysis combined with a cash flow analysis. The contractual cash flow is adjusted for PD/LGD and prepayment speed to establish a reserve level. The prepayment studies are updated quarterly by a third-party for each applicable pool. The Company estimates losses over an approximate one-year forecast period using Moody’s baseline economic forecasts, and then reverts to longer term historical loss experience over a three-year period.

The remaining life method was selected for the consumer direct loan segment since the pool contains loans with many different structures and payment streams and collateral. The weighted average remaining life uses an average annual charge-off rate applied to the contractual term, further adjusted for estimated prepayments to determine the unadjusted historical charge-off rate for the remaining balance of assets.

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Portfolio Segments	Loan Pool	Methodology	Loss Drivers
Residential real estate	1-4 Family nonowner occupied	DCF	National unemployment
	1-4 Family owner occupied	DCF	National unemployment
Commercial real estate	Commercial real estate nonowner occupied	DCF	National unemployment
	Commercial real estate owner occupied	DCF	National unemployment
	Multi Family	DCF	National unemployment
	Agriculture Land	DCF	National unemployment
	Other commercial real estate	DCF	National unemployment
Construction secured by real estate	Construction Other	PD/LGD	Call report loss history
	Construction Residential	PD/LGD	Call report loss history
Commercial	Commercial working capital	PD/LGD	Call report loss history
	Agriculture production	PD/LGD	Call report loss history
	Other commercial	PD/LGD	Call report loss history
Home equity and improvement	Home equity and improvement	PD/LGD	Call report loss history
Consumer finance	Consumer direct	Remaining life	Call report loss history
	Consumer indirect	DCF	National unemployment

According to the accounting standard, an entity may make an accounting policy election not to measure an ACL for accrued interest receivable if the entity writes off the applicable accrued interest receivable balance in a timely manner. The Company has made the accounting policy election not to measure an ACL for accrued interest receivables for all loan segments. Current policy dictates that a loan will be placed on nonaccrual status, with the current accrued interest receivable balance being written off, upon the loan being 90 days delinquent or when the loan is deemed to be collateral dependent and the collateral analysis shows less than 1.2 times discounted collateral coverage based on a current assessment of the value of the collateral.

In addition, ASC Topic 326 requires the Company to establish a liability for anticipated credit losses for unfunded commitments. To accomplish this, the Company must first establish a loss expectation for extended (funded) commitments. This loss expectation, expressed as a ratio to the amortized cost basis, is then applied to the portion of unfunded commitments not considered unilaterally cancelable and is considered by the Company’s management as likely to fund over the life of the instrument. At March 31, 2024, the Company had $1.3 billion in unfunded commitments and set aside $3.6 million in anticipated credit losses. This reserve is recorded in other liabilities as opposed to the ACL.

The determination of ACL is complex and the Company makes decisions on the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. Evaluations of the loan portfolio and individual credits require certain estimates, assumptions and judgments as to the facts and circumstances related to particular situations or credits. There may be significant changes in the ACL in future periods determined by prevailing factors at that point in time along with future forecasts.

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The following table discloses ACL activity for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 by portfolio segment (in thousands):


Three Months Ended March 31, 2024	Residential Real Estate			Commercial Real Estate			Construction			Commercial			Home Equity and Improvement			Consumer Finance			Total
Beginning Allowance	$	17,215		$	36,053		$	3,159		$	15,489		$	2,703		$	1,893		$	76,512
Charge-Offs		(61	)		(13	)		—			(82	)		(81	)		(466	)		(703	)
Recoveries		9			7			—			216			14			64			310
Provisions		3,047			(2,907	)		(815	)		254			228			753			560
Ending Allowance	$	20,210		$	33,140		$	2,344		$	15,877		$	2,864		$	2,244		$	76,679


Three Months Ended March 31, 2023	Residential Real Estate			Commercial Real Estate			Construction			Commercial			Home Equity and Improvement			Consumer Finance			Total
Beginning Allowance	$	16,711		$	34,218		$	4,025		$	11,769		$	4,044		$	2,049		$	72,816
Charge-Offs		(5	)		(1,669	)		—			(511	)		(79	)		(449	)		(2,713	)
Recoveries		22			12			—			96			21			75			226
Provisions		1,501			1,270			(143	)		1,171			(332	)		477			3,944
Ending Allowance	$	18,229		$	33,831		$	3,882		$	12,525		$	3,654		$	2,152		$	74,273

Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans

Under ASU Topic 326, when loans are purchased with evidence of more than insignificant deterioration of credit, they are accounted for as PCD. PCD loans acquired in a transaction are marked to fair value and a mark on yield is recorded. In addition, an adjustment is made to the ACL for the expected loss on the acquisition date. These loans are assessed on a regular basis and subsequent adjustments to the ACL are recorded on the income statement. The outstanding balance and related allowance on these loans as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 is as follows (in thousands):


	As of March 31, 2024				As of December 31, 2023
	Loan Balance		ACL Balance		Loan Balance		ACL Balance
	(In Thousands)				(In Thousands)
Real Estate:
Residential	$	9,692	$	143	$	9,882	$	126
Commercial		1,947		46		2,040		50
Construction		—		—		—		—
		11,639		189		11,922		176
Other Loans:
Commercial		3,937		244		1,968		351
Home equity and improvement		1,465		27		1,879		54
Consumer finance		163		6		204		5
		5,565		277		4,051		410
Total	$	17,204	$	466	$	15,973	$	586

Foreclosure Proceedings

Consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure totaled $12.1 million as of March 31, 2024, and $7.9 million as of December 31, 2023.

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9. Mortgage Banking

Net revenues from the sales and servicing of mortgage loans consisted of the following:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024			2023
	(In Thousands)
Mortgage banking gain (loss), net	$	1,283		$	(837	)
Mortgage loans servicing revenue (expense):
Mortgage loans servicing revenue		1,842			1,888
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights		(1,238	)		(1,219	)
Mortgage servicing rights valuation adjustments		463			(106	)
		1,067			563

Net revenue (expense) from sale and servicing of mortgage loans	$	2,350		$	(274	)

The unpaid principal balance of residential mortgage loans serviced for third parties was $2.89 billion at both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

Activity for capitalized mortgage servicing rights and the related valuation allowance follows for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024			2023
	(In Thousands)
Mortgage servicing assets:
Balance at beginning of period	$	19,452		$	21,858
Loans sold, servicing retained		707			808
Amortization		(1,238	)		(1,219	)
Carrying value before valuation allowance at end of period		18,921			21,447

Valuation allowance:
Balance at beginning of period		(756	)		(687	)
Impairment recovery (charges)		463			(106	)
Balance at end of period		(293	)		(793	)
Net carrying value of MSRs at end of period	$	18,628		$	20,654
Fair value of MSRs at end of period	$	27,599		$	28,165

Amortization of mortgage servicing rights is computed based on payments and payoffs of the related mortgage loans serviced. Estimates of future amortization expense are not easily estimable.

The Company had no accrual for secondary market buy-back activity at March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023 based on management’s estimate of potential losses from this activity. There was no expense or credit recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

10. Leases

The Company’s lease agreements have maturity dates ranging from April 2024 to September 2044, some of which include options for multiple five and ten year extensions. The weighted average remaining life of the lease term for operating leases was 12.79 years as of March 31, 2024 and 13.27 years as of December 31, 2023. The weighted average remaining life of the lease term for finance leases was 6.74 years as of March 31, 2024 and

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6.87 years as of December 31, 2023. The weighted average discount rate for operating leases was 2.66% as of March 31, 2024 and 2.58% as of December 31, 2023. The weighted average discount rate for finance leases was 4.71% as of March 31, 2024 and 4.81% as of December 31, 2023.

The total operating lease costs were $610,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and $681,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, respectively. The right-of-use asset, included in other assets, were $14.0 million and $13.5 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The lease liabilities, included in other liabilities, were $14.4 million and $13.9 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

Undiscounted cash flows included in lease liabilities have expected contractual payments as follows:


(In Thousands)	March 31, 2024
Remainder of 2024	$	1,893
2025		1,593
2026		1,348
2027		1,270
2028		1,126
Thereafter		9,637
Total undiscounted minimum lease payments		16,867
Present value adjustment		(2,418	)
Total lease liabilities	$	14,449

11. Deposits

A summary of deposit balances is as follows:


	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
	(In Thousands)
Non-interest-bearing checking accounts	$	1,467,161	$	1,591,979
Interest-bearing checking and money market accounts		3,284,200		3,177,369
Savings deposits		656,491		678,076
Retail certificates of deposit less than $250,000		851,361		827,479
Retail certificates of deposit greater than $250,000		555,392		526,199
Brokered deposits		368,782		341,944
	$	7,183,387	$	7,143,046

12. Borrowings

The Company's FHLB advances and junior subordinated debentures owed to unconsolidated subsidiary trusts and subordinated debentures are comprised of the following:


	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
	(In Thousands)
FHLB Advances:
Single maturity fixed rate advances	$	125,000	$	125,000
Overnight advances		128,000		155,000
Total	$	253,000	$	280,000
First Defiance Statutory Trust I due December 2035	$	20,619	$	20,619
First Defiance Statutory Trust II due June 2037		15,464		15,464
Junior subordinated debentures owed to unconsolidated subsidiary trusts	$	36,083	$	36,083
Subordinated debentures	$	49,178	$	49,146

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At March 31, 2024, the Company had $253.0 million of outstanding FHLB advances with maturity dates in 2024. There was $280.0 million in outstanding FHLB advances at December 31, 2023 with maturity dates in 2024. The Company's available borrowing capacity at the FHLB was $1.4 billion as of March 31, 2024 and $2.0 billion as of December 31, 2023, respectively. The Company has an available credit line at the Federal Reserve Bank Discount Window of $691.0 million and $531.5 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, which has not been drawn upon. The Company also has a $50.0 million credit line at US Bank as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, which also was not drawn upon.

In September 2020, the Company completed the issuance of $50.0 million aggregate principal amount, fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due September 30, 2030 in a private offering exempt from the registration requirements under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The notes carry a fixed rate of 4.0% for five years at which time they will convert to a floating rate based on the secured overnight borrowing rate, plus a spread of 388.5 basis points. The Company may, at its option, beginning September 30, 2025, redeem the notes, in whole or in part, from time to time, subject to certain conditions. The net proceeds from the sale were approximately $48.7 million, after deducting the estimated offering expenses. The Company has used, and intends to continue using, the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include, without limitation, providing capital to support its growth organically or through strategic acquisitions, repaying indebtedness, in financing investments, capital expenditures, repurchasing its common shares and for investments in the Bank as regulatory capital. The subordinated debentures are included in "Total Capital", as such term is defined under current regulatory guidelines and interpretations.

In March 2007, the Company sponsored an affiliated trust, First Defiance Statutory Trust II (“Trust Affiliate II”) that issued $15.0 million of Guaranteed Capital Trust Securities (“Trust Preferred Securities”). In connection with this transaction, the Company issued $15.5 million of Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures ("Subordinated Debentures") to Trust Affiliate II. The Company formed Trust Affiliate II for the purpose of issuing Trust Preferred Securities to third-party investors and investing the proceeds from the sale of these capital securities solely in Subordinated Debentures of the Company. The Subordinated Debentures held by Trust Affiliate II are the sole assets of that trust. The Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of Trust Affiliate II (variable interest entity), therefore, the trust is not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements, but rather the Subordinated Debentures are shown as a liability. Distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities issued by Trust Affiliate II are payable quarterly at a variable rate equal to the three-month SOFR rate plus 1.5%. The coupon rate payable on the Trust Preferred Securities issued by Trust Affiliate II was 7.09% as of March 31, 2024, and 7.15% as of December 31, 2023.

The Trust Preferred Securities issued by Trust Affiliate II are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or part, upon repayment of the Subordinated Debentures. The Company has entered into an agreement that fully and unconditionally guarantees the Trust Preferred Securities subject to the terms of the guarantee. The Trust Preferred Securities and Subordinated Debentures mature on September 15, 2037, but can be redeemed at the Company’s option at any time.

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The Company also sponsored an affiliated trust, First Defiance Statutory Trust I (“Trust Affiliate I”) that issued $20.0 million of Trust Preferred Securities in 2005. In connection with this transaction, the Company issued $20.6 million of Subordinated Debentures to Trust Affiliate I. Trust Affiliate I was formed for the purpose of issuing Trust Preferred Securities to third-party investors and investing the proceeds from the sale of these capital securities solely in Subordinated Debentures of the Company. The Junior Debentures held by Trust Affiliate I are the sole assets of the trust. The Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of Trust Affiliate I (variable interest entity), therefore the trust is not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements, but rather the subordinated debentures are shown as a liability. Distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities issued by Trust Affiliate I are payable quarterly at a variable rate equal to the three-month SOFR rate plus 1.38%. The coupon rate payable on the Trust Preferred Securities issued by Trust Affiliate I was 6.97% and 7.03% on March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

The Trust Preferred Securities issued by Trust Affiliate I are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, upon repayment of the Subordinated Debentures. The Company has entered into an agreement that fully and unconditionally guarantees the Trust Preferred Securities subject to the terms of the guarantee. The Trust Preferred Securities and Subordinated Debentures mature on December 15, 2035, but can be redeemed at the Company’s option at any time now.

The Subordinated Debentures related to the Trust Preferred Securities may be included in Tier 1 capital (with certain limitations applicable) under current regulatory guidelines and interpretations.

Interest on both issues of Trust Preferred Securities may be deferred for a period of up to five years at the option of the issuer.

13. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities

Loan commitments are made to accommodate the financial needs of Premier’s customers in the form of unfunded loans or unused lines of credit and result in market risk. Standby letters of credit commit the Company to make payments on behalf of customers when certain specified future events occur. They primarily are issued to facilitate customers’ trade transactions.

Both arrangements have credit risk, essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers, and are subject to the Company’s normal credit policies. Collateral (e.g., securities, receivables, inventory and equipment) is obtained based on a credit assessment of the customer.

The Company’s maximum obligation to extend credit for loan commitments (unfunded loans and unused lines of credit) and standby letters of credit outstanding as of the periods stated below were as follows (in thousands):



	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Commitments to make loans	$	508,329	$	407,532
Unused lines of credit		1,053,413		1,024,838
Standby letters of credit		21,126		17,500
Total	$	1,582,868	$	1,449,870

Commitments to make loans are generally made for periods of 60 days or less.

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14. Income Taxes

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax in the states of Indiana and West Virginia. The Company is no longer subject to examination by income taxing authorities for years before 2020. The Company also currently operates in the states of Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania which tax financial institutions based on their equity rather than their income.

The components of income tax expense are as follows:


	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023
	(In Thousands)
Current:
Federal	$	2,972	$	3,352
State and local		204		136
Deferred		1,338		615
	$	4,514	$	4,103

The effective tax rates differ from federal statutory rate applied to income due to the following:


	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024			2023
	(In Thousands)
Tax expense at statutory rate (21%)	$	4,684		$	4,673
Increases (decreases) in taxes from:
State income tax - net of federal tax benefit		161			107
Tax exempt interest income, net of TEFRA		(41	)		(140	)
Bank owned life insurance		(356	)		(298	)
Captive insurance		—			(92	)
Other		66			(147	)
Total	$	4,514		$	4,103

15. Derivative Financial Instruments

At March 31, 2024, the Company had approximately $34.5 million of interest rate lock commitments and $355.0 million of forward sales of mortgage backed securities. These commitments are considered derivatives. The Company had $12.1 million of interest rate lock commitments and $385.0 million of forward commitments at December 31, 2023.

The fair value of these mortgage banking derivatives is reflected by a derivative asset recorded in other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The table below provides data about the carrying values of these derivative instrument assets:


	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
	(In Thousands)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Mortgage Banking Derivatives	$	256	$	(4,750	)

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The table below provides data about the amount of gains and losses recognized in income on derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments. The difference in derivative carrying value at March 31, 2024 and 2023 represents a fair value adjustment that runs through mortgage banking income.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023
	(In Thousands)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Mortgage Banking Derivatives – (Loss) Gain	$	5,006	$	(2,697	)

Interest Rate Swaps

The Company maintains an interest rate protection program for commercial loan customers. Under this program, the Company provides a customer with a fixed rate loan while creating a variable rate asset for the Company by the customer entering into an interest rate swap with terms that match the loan. The Company offsets its risk exposure by entering into an offsetting interest rate swap with an unaffiliated institution. The Company had interest rate swaps associated with commercial loans with a notional value of $91.1 million and fair value of $2.8 million in other assets and $2.8 million in other liabilities at March 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had interest rate swaps associated with commercial loans with a notional value of $83.7 million and fair value of $2.9 million in other assets and $2.9 million in other liabilities. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, $33,000 flowed through noninterest income. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, $191,000 flowed through noninterest income.

Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedge and Fair Value Hedge

In May 2021, the Company entered into derivative instruments designated as a cash flow hedge. In June 2023, the Company entered into derivative instruments designated as a fair value hedge and another designated as a cash flow hedge. For a derivative instrument that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge, the change in fair value of the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. For a derivative instrument that is designated and qualified as a fair value hedge, the change in fair value is recorded to the hedged item and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.

An interest rate swap with notional amount totaling $250.0 million as of March 31, 2024 was designated as a cash flow hedge to hedge the risk of variability in cash flows (future interest receipts) attributable to changes in the contractually specified benchmark interest rate on the Company’s floating rate loan pool. The specified benchmark interest rate switched from LIBOR to SOFR after June 30, 2023. The gross aggregate fair value of the swap of $39.1 million is recorded in other liabilities in the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2024, with changes in fair value recorded net of tax in other comprehensive income (loss). As of December 31, 2023, the gross aggregate fair value of the swap of $34.6 million was recorded in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. A summary of the interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge is presented below (dollars in thousands):

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	March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023

Notional amount	$	250,000		$	250,000
Weighted average fixed receive rates		1.437	%		1.437	%
Weighted average variable 1-month SOFR pay rates		5.455	%		5.475	%
Weighted average remaining maturity (in years)		6.6			6.9
Fair value	$	(39,109	)	$	(34,575	)

Three $125.0 million interest rate swaps with a notional amount totaling $375.0 million as of March 31, 2024 were designated as fair value hedges to mitigate the risk of further interest rate increases and the subsequent impact on the valuation of the $1.3 billion associated pool of fixed rate mortgages. The gross aggregate fair value of the swaps of $2.8 million are recorded in other assets in the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2024, with changes in fair value offsetting to the fixed rate mortgage loan pool. As of December 31, 2023, the gross aggregate fair value of the swap of $0.8 million was recorded in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company expects the hedges to remain effective during the remaining terms of the swaps. A summary of the interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges are presented below (dollars in thousands):


	March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023

Notional amount Fair Value Hedge	$	375,000		$	375,000
Weighted average fixed pay rates		4.113	%		4.113	%
Weighted average variable SOFR receive rates		5.329	%		5.350	%
Weighted average remaining maturity (in years)		1.9			2.2
Fair value	$	2,821		$	(817	)

An interest rate swap with a notional amount totaling $125.0 million as of March 31, 2024 was designated as a cash flow hedge to hedge the risk of variability in cash flows attributable to changes in the contractually specified benchmark interest rate on the Company’s short-term fixed rate FHLB advances. The gross aggregate fair value of the swap of $0.9 million is recorded in other assets in the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2024, with changes recorded net of tax in other comprehensive income (loss). As of December 31, 2023, the gross aggregate fair value of the swaps of $0.3 million was recorded in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company expects the hedge to remain effective during the remaining term of the swap. A summary of the interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge is presented below (dollars in thousands):


	March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023

Notional amount Cash Flow Hedge	$	125,000		$	125,000
Weighted average fixed pay rates		4.160	%		4.160	%
Weighted average variable SOFR receive rates		5.329	%		5.350	%
Weighted average remaining maturity (in years)		1.1			1.4
Fair value	$	946		$	300

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16. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The before and after tax amounts allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) are presented in the table below. Reclassification adjustments related to securities available for sale are included in gains on sale of securities in the accompanying consolidated condensed statements of income. Reclassification adjustments related to cash flow hedges are included in interest income or interest expense in the accompanying consolidated condensed statements of income.


	Before Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			Net of Tax Amount
	(In Thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Securities available for sale and transferred securities:
Change in net unrealized gain/loss during the period	$	(6,696	)	$	1,406		$	(5,290	)
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income		—			—			—
Cash flow hedge derivatives
Change in net unrealized gain/loss during the period		(6,024	)		1,265			(4,759	)
Reclassification adjustment for net loss included in net income		2,136			(449	)		1,687
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(10,584	)	$	2,222		$	(8,362	)


	Before Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			Net of Tax Amount
	(In Thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
Securities available for sale and transferred securities:
Change in net unrealized gain/loss during the period	$	18,399		$	(3,864	)	$	14,535
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income		(34	)		7			(27	)
Cash flow hedge derivatives
Change in net unrealized gain/loss during the period		8,586			(1,803	)		6,783
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income		(1,949	)		409			(1,540	)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$	25,002		$	(5,251	)	$	19,751

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Activity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, was as follows:


	Securities Available For Sale			Post- retirement Benefit		Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(In Thousands)
Balance January 1, 2024	$	(127,033	)	$	393	$	(27,079	)	$	(153,719	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(5,290	)		—		(4,759	)		(10,049	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		—			—		1,687			1,687

Net other comprehensive income (loss) during period		(5,290	)		—		(3,072	)		(8,362	)

Balance March 31, 2024	$	(132,323	)	$	393	$	(30,151	)	$	(162,081	)

Balance January 1, 2023	$	(142,236	)	$	402	$	(31,626	)	$	(173,460	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		14,535			—		6,783			21,318
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(27	)		—		(1,540	)		(1,567	)

Net other comprehensive income (loss) during period		14,508			—		5,243			19,751

Balance March 31, 2023	$	(127,728	)	$	402	$	(26,383	)	$	(153,709	)

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

Forward-Looking Information

This quarterly report, as well as other publicly available documents, including those incorporated herein by reference, may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding projections, forecasts, goals and plans of Premier and its management, future movements of interests, loan or deposit production levels, future credit quality ratios, future strength in the market area, and growth projections. These statements do not describe historical or current facts and may be identified by words such as “intend,” “intent,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “target,” “plan,” “anticipate,” or similar words or phrases, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “can,” or similar verbs. There can be no assurances that the forward-looking statements included in this quarterly report will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties in the forward-looking statements, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by Premier or any other persons, that our objectives and plans will be achieved.

Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, any one or more of which could affect Premier’s business and financial results in future periods and could cause actual results to differ materially from plans and projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but not limited to: financial markets, our customers, and our business and results of operation; changes in interest rates; disruptions in the mortgage market; risks and uncertainties inherent in general and local banking, insurance and mortgage conditions; political uncertainty; uncertainty in U.S. fiscal or monetary policy, including interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve; uncertainty concerning or disruptions relating to tensions surrounding the current socioeconomic landscape; competitive factors specific to markets in which Premier and its subsidiaries operate; increasing competition for financial products from other financial institutions and nonbank financial technology companies; future interest rates and changes or volatility in interest rate levels; legislative or regulatory rulemaking or actions; capital market conditions; security breaches or unauthorized disclosure of confidential customer or Company information; interruptions in the effective operation of information and transaction processing systems of Premier or Premier’s vendors and service providers; failures or delays in integrating or adopting new technology; the impact of the cessation of LIBOR interest rates and implementation of a replacement rate; and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, including our 2023 Form 10-K and any amendments thereto. Any one or more of these factors have affected or could in the future affect Premier’s business and financial results in future periods and could cause actual results to differ materially from plans and projections.

All forward-looking statements made in this quarterly report are based on information presently available to the management of Premier and speak only as of the date on which they are made. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to results presented in accordance with GAAP, this report includes non-GAAP financial measures. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide additional information that is useful to investors in helping to understand the underlying performance and trends of the Company. The Company monitors the non-GAAP financial measures and the Company’s management believes they are helpful to investors because they provide an additional tool to use in evaluating the Company’s financial and business trends

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and operating results. In addition, the Company’s management uses these non-GAAP measures to compare the Company’s performance to that of prior periods for trend analysis and for budgeting and planning purposes. Fully taxable-equivalent (“FTE”) is an adjustment to net interest income to reflect tax-exempt income on an equivalent before-tax basis.

Non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations, which are not required to be uniformly applied and are not audited. Readers should be aware of these limitations and should be cautious with respect to the use of such measures. To mitigate these limitations, the Company has practices in place to ensure that these measures are calculated using the appropriate GAAP or regulatory components in their entirety and to ensure that our performance is properly reflected to facilitate consistent period-to-period comparisons. The Company’s method of calculating these non-GAAP measures may differ from methods used by other companies. Although the Company believes the non-GAAP financial measures disclosed in this report enhance investors' understanding of our business and performance, these non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for those financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.

The following tables present a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their respective GAAP measures for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

Reconciliations of Net Interest Income on an FTE basis, Net Interest Margin and Efficiency Ratio


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024			2023
	(In Thousands)
Net interest income (GAAP)	$	49,574		$	56,287
Add: FTE adjustment		75			104
Net interest income on a FTE basis (1)	$	49,649		$	56,391

Non-interest income-less securities gains/losses (2)	$	12,533		$	13,873
Non-interest expense (3)		39,900			42,791
Average interest-earning assets net of average
unrealized gains/losses on securities (4)		7,956,887			7,790,848

Ratios:
Net interest margin (1) / (4)		2.50	%		2.90	%
Efficiency ratio (3) / (1) + (2)		64.17	%		60.90	%

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Premier has established various accounting policies that govern the application of GAAP in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. The significant accounting policies of Premier are described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Certain accounting policies involve significant judgments and assumptions by management, which have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities and management considers such accounting policies to be critical accounting policies. The judgments and assumptions used by management are based on historical experience and other factors, which are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Because of the nature of the judgments and assumptions made by management, actual results could differ from these judgments and estimates, which could have a material impact on the carrying value of assets and liabilities and the results of operations of Premier.

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the closure of large, well-known regional banks in early 2023 that led to a significant decline in bank stock prices, the Company conducted a quantitative interim goodwill impairment assessment at September 30, 2023. The impairment assessment compares the fair value of identified reporting units with their carrying amount (including goodwill). If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess. The Company's interim assessment estimated fair value on an income approach that incorporated a discounted cash flow model that involves management assumptions and consideration of future economic forecasts available. This impairment test used methodologies and key assumptions such as management's internal revenue and expense forecasts, growth rate estimates, discount rates, and economic forecasts, all of which may be subjective and can impact results. Results of the interim assessment indicated no goodwill impairment as of September 30, 2023. The Company will continue to monitor its goodwill for possible impairment. The Company also performs sensitivity analyses around assumptions as well as relevant events or circumstances in order to assess the reasonableness of assumptions, and the resulting estimated fair value. While the Company’s sensitivity analyses did not indicate risk of impairment as of September 30, 2023, future potential changes in assumptions may impact the estimated fair value of a reporting unit and cause the fair value of the reporting unit to be below its carrying value. Additionally, a reporting unit’s carrying value could change based on market conditions, asset growth, or the risk profile of those reporting units, which could impact whether the fair value of a reporting unit is less than carrying value.

Premier has core deposit and other intangible assets resulting from acquisitions which are subject to amortization. Premier determines the amount of identifiable intangible assets based upon independent core deposit and customer relationship analyses at the time of the acquisition. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. No events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that the carrying amount of any identifiable intangible assets may not be recoverable had occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2024.

General

Premier is a financial holding company that conducts business through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Bank and PFC Capital.

The Bank is an Ohio state-chartered bank headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio. It conducts operations through 76 banking center offices, 9 loan offices and serves clients through a team of wealth professionals. These operations are located in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania. The Bank provides a broad range of financial services including checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, real estate mortgage loans, commercial loans, consumer loans, home equity loans and trust and wealth management services through its extensive branch network.

First Insurance was an insurance agency that conducted business throughout the Company’s markets prior to July 1, 2023. First Insurance offered property and casualty insurance, life insurance and group health insurance. Substantially all the assets of First Insurance were sold to the Buyer on June 30, 2023.

PFC Risk Management was a wholly-owned insurance company subsidiary of the Company that was formed to insure the Company and its subsidiaries against certain risks unique to the operations of the Company

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and for which insurance was not available or economically feasible in the insurance marketplace. Due to pending changes in tax law, PFC Risk Management was dissolved and liquidated in December 2023.

Regulation – The Company is subject to regulation, examination and oversight by the Federal Reserve Board (“Federal Reserve”) and the SEC. The Bank is subject to regulation, examination and oversight by the FDIC and the Division of Financial Institutions of the Ohio Department of Commerce ("ODFI"). In addition, the Bank is subject to regulations of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), which was established by the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”) and has broad powers to adopt and enforce consumer protection regulations. The Company and the Bank must file periodic reports with the Federal Reserve, and examinations are conducted periodically by the Federal Reserve, the FDIC and the ODFI to determine whether the Company and the Bank are in compliance with various regulatory requirements and are operating in a safe and sound manner. The Company is also subject to various Ohio laws which restrict takeover bids, tender offers and control-share acquisitions involving public companies which have significant ties to Ohio.

Changes in Financial Condition

The Company's total assets increased $5.1 million, totaling $8.6 billion at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in securities partially offset by a decline in loans. The increase in securities was funded by an increase in deposits partially offset by a decline in advances from the FHLB.

Securities increased $67.7 million to $1.0 billion at March 31, 2024 from $946.7 million at December 31, 2023 as excess cash flows were redeployed into higher yielding securities. Equity securities decreased $37,000 to $5.7 million in the first three months of 2024 compared to $5.8 million at December 31, 2023.

Goodwill was $295.6 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Intangibles decreased $990,000 to $11.2 million at March 31, 2024, compared to $12.2 million at December 31, 2023, as a result of amortization in the first quarter.

Deposits increased $40.3 million from $7.1 billion at December 31, 2023 to $7.2 billion as of March 31, 2024. Non-interest bearing deposits decreased $124.8 million since December 31, 2023 to $1.5 billion during the three months ended March 31, 2024, while non-brokered interest-bearing deposits grew $138.3 million to $5.3 billion during the same period. Brokered deposits increased $26.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024 to $368.8 million compared to $341.9 million at December 31, 2023.

Stockholders’ equity decreased $1.3 million from $975.6 million at December 31, 2023 to $974.3 million at March 31, 2024. The decrease in stockholders’ equity was primarily due to a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) primarily related to an after-tax $5.3 million valuation adjustment on the available-for-sale securities portfolio. At March 31, 2024, 1,199,634 common shares remained available for repurchase under the Company’s existing repurchase program.

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Average Balances, Net Interest Income and Yields Earned and Rates Paid

The following table presents for the periods indicated the total dollar amount of interest from average interest-earning assets and the resultant yields, as well as the interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, expressed both in thousands of dollars and rates, and the net interest margin. The table reports interest income from tax-exempt loans and investment on a fully tax-equivalent basis. All average balances are based upon daily balances (dollars in thousands).


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024							2023
	Average				Yield/			Average				Yield/
	Balance		Interest (1)		Rate (2)			Balance		Interest (1)		Rate (2)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans receivable	$	6,745,823	$	87,603		5.19	%	$	6,535,080	$	76,063		4.66	%
Securities		1,152,346		7,671		2.66			1,190,359		7,359		2.49
Interest bearing deposits		34,924		609		6.98			35,056		444		5.07
FHLB stock		23,794		534		8.98			30,353		394		5.19
Total interest-earning assets		7,956,887		96,417		4.85			7,790,848		84,260		4.33
Non-interest-earning assets		635,060							642,252
Total assets	$	8,591,947						$	8,433,100

Interest-bearing liabilities:
Deposits	$	5,650,823	$	42,567		3.01	%	$	5,078,510	$	21,458		1.69	%
FHLB advances and other		246,846		3,039		4.92			467,311		5,336		4.57
Subordinated debentures		85,242		1,162		5.45			85,114		1,075		5.05
Notes payable		—		—		—			—		—		—
Total interest-bearing liabilities		5,982,911		46,768		3.13			5,630,935		27,869		1.98
Non-interest bearing deposits		1,493,520		—		—			1,755,011		—		—
Total including non-interest bearing demand deposits		7,476,431		46,768		2.50			7,385,946		27,869		1.51
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities		140,956							145,567
Total liabilities		7,617,387							7,531,513
Stockholders’ equity		974,560							901,587
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	8,591,947						$	8,433,100
Net interest income; interest rate spread			$	49,649		1.72	%			$	56,391		2.35	%
Net interest margin (3)						2.50	%						2.90	%
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities						133	%						138	%

(1)

Interest on certain tax-exempt loans and securities is not taxable for federal income tax purposes. In order to compare the tax-exempt yields on these assets to taxable yields, the interest earned on these assets is adjusted to a pre-tax equivalent amount based on the marginal corporate federal income tax rate of 21%.

(2)

Annualized

(3)

Net interest margin is net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets. See Non-GAAP Financial Measure discussion for further details.

Results of Operations

Three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company reported net income of $17.8 million compared to net income of $18.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. On a per share basis, basic and diluted earnings per common share were $0.50 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and basic and diluted earnings per common share were $0.51 for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The changes from 2023 to 2024 are

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primarily due to the sale of First Insurance on June 30, 2023 and fluctuations in interest on loans and deposits, provision for credit losses, and mortgage banking income, which are described in further detail below.

Net Interest Income

The Company’s net interest income is determined by its interest rate spread (i.e. the difference between the yields on its interest-earning assets and the rates paid on its interest-bearing liabilities) and the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

Net interest income was $49.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, down from $56.3 million for the same period in 2023. Average earning assets for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 were $8.0 billion compared to $7.8 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. The tax-equivalent net interest margin was 2.50% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, a decrease of 40 basis points from 2.90% for the same period in 2023. The decrease in margin between the 2024 and 2023 quarters was primarily due to funding cost increasing at a faster pace than the Company earned on assets. The yield on interest-earning assets increased 52 basis points to 4.85% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 compared to 4.33% for the same period in 2023. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities between the two periods increased 115 basis points to 3.13% in the first quarter of 2024 from 1.98% in the first quarter of 2023.

Interest income increased $12.2 million to $96.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, from $84.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. This increase is primarily due to an increase in interest on loans. Income from loans increased to $87.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, compared to $76.1 million for the same period in 2023 due to an increase in average loan balances to $6.7 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2024 from $6.5 billion for the first quarter of 2023. The yield on loans increased 53 basis points in the first quarter of 2024 to 5.19% compared to 4.66% in the first quarter of 2023. Interest income from investments increased $341,000 to $7.6 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $7.3 million for the same period in 2023. This is primarily due to an increase in the yield on securities of 17 basis points to 2.66% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to 2.49% for the same period in 2023, partially offset by a decrease in average balance of $38.0 million. Income from interest-earning deposits increased to $609,000 in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $444,000 for the same period in 2023. Average balances on interest-earning deposits decreased $132,000 to $34.9 million in the first quarter of 2024 from $35.0 million for the same period in 2023. The yield earned on interest-earning deposits increased 191 basis points in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

Interest expense increased $18.9 million to $46.8 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $27.9 million for the same period in 2023. An increase in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities of 115 basis points is the primary reason for this change. Interest expense related to interest-bearing deposits was $42.6 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $21.5 million for the same period in 2023. Interest expense recognized by the Company related to FHLB advances was $3.0 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $5.3 million for the same period in 2023. Expenses on subordinated debentures increased to $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $1.1 million for the same period in 2023 due to increased rates on the variable-rate junior subordinated debentures.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The ACL represents management’s assessment of the estimated credit losses the Company will receive over the life of the loan. ACL requires a projection of credit losses over the contract lifetime of the credit adjusted for prepayment tendencies. Management analyzes the adequacy of the ACL regularly through reviews of the loan portfolio. Consideration is given to economic conditions, changes in interest rates and the effect of such changes on collateral values and borrower’s ability to pay, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio and trends in past due and non-performing loan balances. The ACL is a material estimate that is susceptible to significant fluctuation and is established through a provision for credit losses based on management’s evaluation of the

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inherent risk in the loan portfolio. In addition to extensive in-house loan monitoring procedures, the Company utilizes an outside party to conduct an independent loan review of commercial loan and commercial real estate loan relationships. The Company’s goal is to have 45-50% of the portfolio reviewed annually using a risk based approach. Management utilizes the results of this outside loan review to assess the effectiveness of its internal loan grading system as well as to assist in the assessment of the overall adequacy of the ACL associated with these types of loans.

The ACL is made up of two basic components. The first component of the allowance for credit loss is the specific reserve in which the Company sets aside reserves based on the analysis of individual analyzed credits. In establishing specific reserves, the Company analyzes all substandard, doubtful and loss graded loans quarterly and makes judgments about the risk of loss based on the cash flow of the borrower, the value of any collateral and the financial strength of any guarantors. If the loan is individually analyzed and cash flow dependent, then a specific reserve is established for the discount on the net present value of expected future cash flows. If the loan is individually analyzed and collateral dependent, then any shortfall is either charged off or a specific reserve is established. The Company also considers the impacts of any Small Business Administration or Farm Service Agency guarantees. The specific reserve portion of the ACL was $4.5 million as of March 31, 2024, and $4.3 million as of December 31, 2023.

The second component is a general reserve, which is used to record credit loss reserves for groups of homogeneous loans in which the Company estimates the potential losses over the contractual lifetime of the loan adjusted for prepayment tendencies. In addition, the future economic environment is incorporated in projection with loss expectations to revert to the long-run historical mean after such time as management can no longer make or obtain a reasonable and supportable forecast. For purposes of the general reserve analysis, the six loan portfolio segments are further segregated into fifteen different loan pools to allocate the ACL. Residential real estate is further segregated into owner occupied and nonowner occupied for ACL. Commercial real estate is split into owner occupied, nonowner occupied, multifamily, agriculture land and other commercial real estate. Commercial credits are comprised of commercial working capital, agriculture production and other commercial credits. Construction is broken out into construction other and residential construction and consumer is broken out into consumer direct, consumer indirect and home equity. The Company utilizes three different methodologies to analyze loan pools.

The DCF methodology was selected as the appropriate method for loan segments with longer average lives and regular payment structures. This method is applied to a majority of the Company’s real estate loans. DCF generates cash flow projections at the instrument level where payment expectations are adjusted for prepayment and curtailment to produce an expected cash flow stream that is net of estimated credit losses. This expected cash flow stream is compared to the contractual cash flows to establish a valuation account for these loans.

The PD/LGD methodology was selected as most appropriate for loan segments with average lives of three years or less and/or irregular payment structures. This methodology was used for home equity and commercial portfolios. A loan is considered to default if one of the following is detected:

•

Becomes 90 days or more past due;

•

Is placed on nonaccrual;

•

Is marked as a modification; or

•

Is partially or wholly charged-off.

The default rate is measured on the current life of the loan segment using a weighted average of the maximum possible quarters. The PD is then combined with a LGD derived from historical charge-off data to construct a default rate. This loss rate is then supplemented with adjustments for reasonable and supportable

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forecasts of relevant economic indicators, particularly the unemployment rate forecast from the Federal Open Market Committee's Summary of Economic Projections. LGD is determined on a dollar-ratio basis, measuring the ratio of net charged off principal to defaulted principal.

The consumer portfolio contains loans with many different payment structures, payment streams and collateral. The remaining life method was deemed most appropriate for consumer direct loans and DCF for consumer indirect. The weighted average remaining life uses an annual charge-off rate over several vintages to estimate credit losses. The average annual charge-off rate is applied to the contractual term adjusted for prepayments. The DCF method was selected for consumer indirect due to the loan segments' longer average remaining life in addition to regular payment structure.

Additionally, CECL requires a reasonable and supportable forecast when establishing the ACL. The Company estimates losses over an approximate one-year forecast period using Moody’s baseline economic forecasts, and then reverts to longer term historical loss experience over a three-year period.

The quantitative general allowance increased to $31.2 million at March 31, 2024, up from $28.1 million at December 31, 2023. As a part of the CECL model in certain calculations, especially DCF, projected loan losses are correlated to the levels of the unemployment rate over the life of the loans in addition to the fluctuation of loan balances. The increase in the quantitative general allowance during 2024 is attributed to changes in prepayment speeds, unemployment forecasts, risk migration and loss rates.

In addition to the quantitative analysis, a qualitative analysis is performed each quarter to provide additional general reserves on loan portfolios that are not individually analyzed for various factors. The overall qualitative factors are based on nine sub-factors. The nine sub-factors have been aggregated into three qualitative factors: economic, environment and risk.

ECONOMIC

Changes in international, national and local economic business conditions and developments, including the condition of various market segments.

Changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans.

ENVIRONMENT

Changes in the nature and volume in the loan portfolio.

The existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the level of such concentrations.

Changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collection, charge-off and recovery practices.

Changes in the quality and breadth of the loan review process.

Changes in the experience, ability and depth of lending management and staff.

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RISK

Changes in the trends of the volume and severity of delinquent and classified loans, and changes in the volume of non-accrual loans and other loan modifications.

Changes in other external factors, such as regulatory, legal and technological environments.

The qualitative analysis indicated a general reserve of $41.0 million at March 31, 2024, compared to $44.1 million at December 31, 2023. Overall, the factors decreased in the first quarter as a result of the twelve month trend showing improvement in the economic and environmental factors listed above.

The Company’s general reserve percentages for main loan segments, not otherwise classified, ranged from 0.42% for construction other loans to 1.44% for CRE owner occupied loans at March 31, 2024.

Under ASU Topic 326, when loans are purchased with evidence of more than insignificant deterioration of credit, they are accounted for as PCD. PCD loans acquired in a transaction are marked to fair value and a mark on yield is recorded. In addition, an adjustment is made to the ACL for the expected loss through retained earnings on the acquisition date. These loans are assessed on a regular basis and subsequent adjustments to the ACL are recorded on the income statement. The outstanding balance and related allowance on these loans as of March 31, 2024 is $17.2 million and $466,000, respectively.

As a result of the quantitative and qualitative analyses, along with the change in specific reserves and the change in net charge-offs in the quarter, the Company’s provision for credit losses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was an expense of $560,000. This is compared to an expense of $3.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The ACL was $76.7 million at March 31, 2024 and $76.5 million at December 31, 2023. The ACL represented 1.15% of loans, net of undisbursed loan funds and deferred fees and costs at March 31, 2024, compared to 1.14% at December 31, 2023. In management’s opinion, the overall ACL of $76.7 million as of March 31, 2024 is adequate to cover current estimated credit losses.

Management also assesses the value of OREO as of the end of each accounting period and recognizes write-downs to the value of that real estate in the income statement if conditions dictate. In the three months ended March 31, 2024, total write-downs of real estate held for sale and other repossessed assets were $22,000. Management believes that the values recorded at March 31, 2024 for OREO and repossessed assets represent the realizable value of such assets.

Total classified loans increased to $95.1 million at March 31, 2024, compared to $69.7 million at December 31, 2023, an increase of $25.4 million, mainly due to one commercial relationship. Management monitors collateral values of all loans included on the watch list that are collateral dependent and believes that allowances for such loans at March 31, 2024 were appropriate. Of the $39.0 million in non-accrual loans at March 31, 2024, $18.4 million, or 47.2%, are less than 90 days past due. Non-performing assets include loans that are on non-accrual, OREO and other assets held for sale. Non-performing assets at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 by category, were as follows:

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	March 31,			December 31,
	2024			2023
	(In Thousands)
Non-performing loans:
Residential real estate	$	11,210		$	13,028
Commercial real estate		7,118			5,971
Construction		—			—
Commercial		12,521			8,649
Home equity and improvement		1,847			1,417
Consumer finance		3,483			3,433
PCD		2,852			2,993
Total non-performing loans		39,031			35,491

Real estate owned		255			243
Total repossessed assets		255			243

Total nonperforming assets	$	39,286		$	35,734

Total nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets		0.46	%		0.41	%
Total nonperforming assets as a percentage of total loans plus OREO*		0.59	%		0.53	%
ACL as a percent of total nonperforming assets		195.18	%		214.12	%

* Total loans are net of undisbursed loan funds and deferred fees and costs.

PCD loans account for 7.31% of non-performing loans at March 31, 2024. Excluding non-performing PCD loans, non-performing loans in the commercial loan category represented 1.21% of the total loans in that category at March 31, 2024, compared to 0.82% for the same category at December 31, 2023. Non-performing loans in the non-residential and multi-family residential real estate loan category were 0.25% of the total loans in this category at March 31, 2024, compared to 0.21% at December 31, 2023. Non-performing loans in the residential loan category represented 0.62% of the total loans in that category at March 31, 2024, compared to 0.72% for the same category at December 31, 2023.

The Bank’s Special Assets Committee meets monthly to review the status of work-out strategies for all criticized relationships, which includes all non-accrual loans. Based on such factors as anticipated collateral values in liquidation scenarios, cash flow projections, assessment of net worth of guarantors and all other factors which may mitigate risk of loss, the Special Assets Committee makes recommendations regarding proposed charge-offs, which are then approved by the Special Assets Committee.

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The following tables detail net charge-offs/recoveries and non-accrual loans by loan type.


	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024						As of March 31, 2024
	Net Charge-offs (Recovery)			% of Total Net Charge-offs			Nonaccrual Loans		% of Total Non- Accrual Loans
	(In Thousands)						(In Thousands)
Residential	$	52			13.23	%	$	11,210		28.72	%
Commercial real estate		6			1.53	%		7,118		18.24	%
Construction		—			—			—		—
Commercial		(157	)		(39.95	)%		12,521		32.08	%
Home equity and improvement		67			17.05	%		1,847		4.73	%
Consumer finance		375			95.42	%		3,483		8.92	%
PCD		50			12.72	%		2,852		7.31	%
Total	$	393			100.00	%	$	39,031		100.00	%


	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023						As of December 31, 2023
	Net Charge-offs (Recovery)			% of Total Net Charge-offs			Nonaccrual Loans		% of Total Non- Accrual Loans
	(In Thousands)						(In Thousands)
Residential	$	(16	)		(0.64	)%	$	13,028		36.71	%
Commercial real estate		1,657			66.63	%		5,971		16.82	%
Construction		—			—			—		—
Commercial		402			16.16	%		8,649		24.37	%
Home equity and improvement		3			0.12	%		1,417		4.00	%
Consumer finance		375			15.08	%		3,433		9.67	%
PCD		66			2.65	%		2,993		8.43	%
Total	$	2,487			100.00	%	$	35,491		100.00	%


	1st Qtr 2024		4th Qtr 2023			3rd Qtr 2023			2nd Qtr 2023			1st Qtr 2023
	(In Thousands)
Allowance at beginning of period	$	76,512	$	76,513		$	75,921		$	74,273		$	72,816
Provision for credit losses		560		2,143			245			1,410			3,944
Charge-offs:
Residential		61		20			12			283			5
Commercial real estate		13		561			69			20			1,669
Construction		—		—			—			—			—
Commercial		58		1,578			256			2			498
Home equity and improvement		81		(23	)		38			121			24
Consumer finance		438		478			280			271			449
PCD		52		32			6			47			68
Total charge-offs		703		2,646			661			744			2,713
Recoveries		310		502			1,008			982			226
Net charge-offs (recoveries)		393		2,144			(347	)		(238	)		2,487
Ending allowance	$	76,679	$	76,512		$	76,513		$	75,921		$	74,273

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The following table sets forth information concerning the allocation of the Company’s ACL by loan categories at the dates indicated.


	March 31, 2024					December 31, 2023					September 30, 2023					June 30, 2023					March 31, 2023
	Amount		Percent of total loans by category			Amount		Percent of total loans by category			Amount		Percent of total loans by category			Amount		Percent of total loans by category			Amount		Percent of total loans by category
	(Dollars In Thousands)
Residential	$	20,210		26.4	%	$	17,215		25.8	%	$	19,023		25.5	%	$	18,918		23.9	%	$	18,229		22.7	%
Commercial real estate		33,140		41.1	%		36,053		40.5	%		36,014		40.0	%		34,751		39.8	%		33,831		39.3	%
Construction		2,344		11.0	%		3,159		12.0	%		2,702		13.1	%		3,831		14.5	%		3,882		16.5	%
Commercial		15,877		15.0	%		15,489		15.1	%		14,135		14.7	%		13,101		15.0	%		12,525		14.8	%
Home equity and improvement		2,864		3.9	%		2,703		3.8	%		2,770		3.8	%		3,399		3.8	%		3,654		3.8	%
Consumer finance		2,244		2.7	%		1,893		2.8	%		1,869		2.9	%		1,921		3.0	%		2,152		3.0	%
	$	76,679		100.0	%	$	76,512		100.0	%	$	76,513		100.0	%	$	75,921		100.0	%	$	74,273		100.0	%

Key Asset Quality Ratio Trends


	1st Qtr 2024			4th Qtr 2023			3rd Qtr 2023			2nd Qtr 2023			1st Qtr 2023
Allowance for credit losses / loans*		1.15	%		1.14	%		1.14	%		1.13	%		1.13	%
Allowance for credit losses / non-performing assets		195.18	%		214.12	%		192.00	%		202.18	%		213.61	%
Allowance for credit losses / non-performing loans		196.46	%		215.58	%		193.89	%		205.24	%		216.05	%
Non-performing assets / loans plus OREO*		0.59	%		0.53	%		0.60	%		0.56	%		0.53	%
Non-performing assets / total assets		0.46	%		0.41	%		0.47	%		0.44	%		0.41	%
Net charge-offs (recoveries) / average loans - annualized		0.02	%		0.13	%		(0.02	)%		(0.01	)%		0.15	%

* Total loans are net of undisbursed funds and deferred fees and costs.

Non-Interest Income

Total non-interest income was $12.5 million in the first quarter of 2024 and 2023. Higher mortgage banking income and lower losses on securities were offset by the reduction in insurance commissions from the sale of First Insurance.

Service Fees. Service fees and other charges increased by $39,000 from $6.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 to $6.5 million for the same period in 2024.

Mortgage Banking Activity. In the first quarter of 2024, income of $2.4 million was recorded for mortgage banking compared to a loss of $274,000 in the first quarter of 2023. Mortgage banking gains increased $2.1 million to a gain of $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2024 from a loss of $837,000 in the first quarter of 2023, primarily as a result of fluctuations in gain margins. Mortgage loan servicing revenue decreased slightly to $1.8 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $1.9 million for the same period in 2023. Amortization of mortgage servicing rights remained steady at $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2024 and 2023. The valuation adjustment in mortgage servicing assets was $463,000 in the first quarter of 2024 compared with an adjustment of $(106,000) in the first quarter of 2023. These fluctuations have primarily resulted from changes in the level of interest rates and prepayment speeds.

Gain (loss) on Equity Securities. The Company recognized a loss on equity securities of $37,000 for the first quarter of 2024, compared to a loss of $1.4 million for the first quarter of 2023. The losses are attributable to changes in valuations in the equity securities portfolio as a result of market conditions.

Insurance Commissions. Insurance commissions were $4.7 million for the first quarter of 2023. As a result of the sale of First Insurance, the Company did not generate insurance commission income after June 30, 2023.

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Wealth Management Income. Income from wealth management was $1.7 million and $1.5 million for the first quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance ("BOLI"). Income from BOLI increased to $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2024 from $1.4 million for the same period in 2023. The Company recognized $512,000 and $423,000 in proceeds from claim gains in the first quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Other Non-Interest Income. Other non-interest income increased to $239,000 in the first quarter of 2024 from $92,000 in the same period in 2023.

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense decreased $2.9 million to $39.9 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $42.8 million for the same period in 2023, primarily as a result of the sale of First Insurance on June 30, 2023.

Compensation and Benefits. Compensation and benefits decreased to $23.4 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $25.7 million in the first quarter of 2023, due to the sale of First Insurance. The decrease was partially offset by costs related to higher staffing levels and higher base compensation.

Occupancy. Occupancy expense decreased to $3.4 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $3.6 million in the first quarter of 2023. This decrease was due to the closure of one loan production office in 2023 and the sale of First Insurance.

FDIC Insurance Premium. The premiums on FDIC insurance decreased to $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Financial Institutions Tax. The Company’s financial institutions tax increased to $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $852,000 in the first quarter of 2023, as a result of higher equity at the end of 2023.

Data Processing. Data processing costs increased to $4.7 million in the first quarter of 2024 from $3.9 million in the first quarter of 2023, as a result of a new digital platform launched in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Amortization of Intangibles. Expense from the amortization of intangibles decreased to $990,000 in the first quarter of 2024 from $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2023. The decrease is primarily related to the amortization of core deposit intangibles over the past year.

Other Non-Interest Expenses. Other non-interest expenses decreased $960,000 to $5.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $6.3 million for the same quarter in 2023.

Liquidity

As a regulated financial institution, the Company is required to maintain appropriate levels of “liquid” assets to meet short-term funding requirements. The Company’s liquidity, primarily represented by cash and cash equivalents, is a result of its operating, investing and financing activities.

The principal source of funds for the Company are deposits, loan repayments, maturities of securities, borrowings from financial institutions and other funds provided by operations. The Bank also has the ability to borrow from the FHLB. While scheduled loan repayments and maturing investments are relatively predictable, deposit flows and early loan repayments are more influenced by interest rates, general economic conditions and competition. Investments in liquid assets maintained by the Company and the Bank are based upon management’s assessment of (i) the need for funds, (ii) expected deposit flows, (iii) yields available on short-term liquid assets, and (iv) objectives of the asset and liability management program.

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The Bank’s Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) is responsible for establishing and monitoring liquidity guidelines, policies and procedures. ALCO uses a variety of methods to monitor the liquidity position of the Bank including liquidity analyses that measure potential sources and uses of funds over future periods out to one year. ALCO also performs contingency funding analyses to determine the Bank’s ability to meet potential liquidity needs under stress scenarios that cover varying time horizons ranging from immediate to longer term.

At March 31, 2024, the Company had approximately $3.1 billion of liquidity, comprised of cash and cash equivalents, unencumbered securities, additional FHLB and lines of credit borrowing capacity, brokered deposits subject to policy limits and the Federal Reserve Discount Window and Borrower-In-Custody Collateral Programs.

Liquidity risk arises from the possibility that the Company may not be able to meet its financial obligations and operating cash needs or may become overly reliant upon external funding sources. In order to manage this risk, the Company’s Board of Directors has established a Liquidity Policy that identifies primary sources of liquidity, establishes procedures for monitoring and measuring liquidity and quantifies minimum liquidity requirements. This policy designates ALCO as the body responsible for meeting these objectives. ALCO reviews liquidity on a quarterly basis and approves significant changes in strategies that affect balance sheet or cash flow positions. Management reviews liquidity on a monthly basis.

Capital Resources

Capital is managed at the Bank and on a consolidated basis. Capital levels are maintained based on regulatory capital requirements and the economic capital required to support credit, market, liquidity and operational risks inherent in the business, as well as flexibility needed for future growth and new business opportunities.

In July 2013, the Federal Reserve and FDIC approved the final rules implementing the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision's capital guidelines for U.S. banks (commonly known as Basel III). The Company is in compliance with the Basel III guidelines.

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The Company met each of the well-capitalized ratio guidelines at March 31, 2024. The following table indicates the capital ratios for the Company (consolidated) and the Bank at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):


	March 31, 2024
	Actual					Minimum Required for Adequately Capitalized					Minimum Required to be Well Capitalized for Prompt Corrective Action
	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio(1)			Amount		Ratio
CET1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Consolidated	$	834,706		11.90	%	$	315,622		4.5	%	N/A		N/A
Premier Bank	$	877,793		12.57	%	$	314,252		4.5	%	$	453,920		6.5	%
Tier 1 Capital
Consolidated	$	869,706		10.28	%	$	338,309		4.0	%	N/A		N/A
Premier Bank	$	877,793		10.41	%	$	337,182		4.0	%	$	421,477		5.0	%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Consolidated	$	869,706		12.40	%	$	420,830		6.0	%	N/A		N/A
Premier Bank	$	877,793		12.57	%	$	419,003		6.0	%	$	558,671		8.0	%
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Consolidated	$	999,533		14.25	%	$	561,107		8.0	%	N/A		N/A
Premier Bank	$	957,620		13.71	%	$	558,671		8.0	%	$	698,339		10.0	%

(1) Excludes capital conservation buffer of 2.50%


	December 31, 2023
	Actual					Minimum Required for Adequately Capitalized					Minimum Required to be Well Capitalized for Prompt Corrective Action
	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio(1)			Amount		Ratio
CET1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Consolidated	$	826,639		11.70	%	$	318,003		4.5	%	N/A		N/A
Premier Bank	$	871,342		12.38	%	$	316,676		4.5	%	$	457,421		6.5	%

Tier 1 Capital
Consolidated	$	861,639		10.26	%	$	335,772		4.0	%	N/A		N/A
Premier Bank	$	871,342		10.42	%	$	334,641		4.0	%	$	418,301		5.0	%

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Consolidated	$	861,639		12.19	%	$	424,005		6.0	%	N/A		N/A
Premier Bank	$	871,342		12.38	%	$	422,235		6.0	%	$	562,980		8.0	%

Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Consolidated	$	991,873		14.04	%	$	565,339		8.0	%	N/A		N/A
Premier Bank	$	951,576		13.52	%	$	562,980		8.0	%	$	703,725		10.0	%

(1) Excludes capital conservation buffer of 2.50%.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

As discussed in detail in the Company’s 2023 Form 10-K, the Company's ability to maximize net income is dependent on management’s ability to plan and control net interest income through management of the pricing and mix of assets and liabilities. Because a large portion of assets and liabilities of the Company are monetary in

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nature, changes in interest rates and monetary or fiscal policy affect its financial condition and can have significant impact on the net income of the Company.

The Company monitors its exposure to interest rate risk on a quarterly basis through simulation analysis that measures the impact changes in interest rates can have on net interest income. The simulation technique analyzes the effect of a presumed 100 basis point shift in interest rates (which is consistent with management’s estimate of the range of potential interest rate fluctuations) and takes into account prepayment speeds on amortizing financial instruments, loan and deposit volumes and rates, borrowings, derivative positions and non-maturity deposit assumptions (such as beta and decay rates) and capital requirements.

The table below presents, for the twelve months subsequent to March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, an estimate of the change in net interest income that would result from an immediate (shock) change in interest rates, moving in a parallel fashion over the entire yield curve, relative to the measured base case scenario. Based on our net interest income simulation as of March 31, 2024, net interest income sensitivity to changes in interest rates for the twelve months subsequent to March 31, 2024, decreased in the rising rate environment and increased in the falling rate environment for the shock compared to the sensitivity profile for the twelve months subsequent to December 31, 2023. The change in modeling results from the prior period shown is largely due to increased re-pricing expectations on deposits which increased liability sensitivity for the period.


	Impact on Future Annual Net Interest Income
Immediate Change in Interest Rates	March 31, 2024	December 31, 2023

+ 400	(13.6)%	(9.9)%
+ 300	(10.1)%	(7.3)%
+ 200	(6.6)%	(4.7)%
+ 100	(3.1)%	(2.3)%
- 100	3.3%	2.5%
- 200	6.5%	5.0%
- 300	9.4%	7.3%
- 400	11.9%	9.2%

To analyze the impact of changes in interest rates in a more realistic manner, non-parallel interest rate scenarios are also simulated. These non-parallel interest rate scenarios indicate that net interest income may increase from the base case scenario should the yield curve change by different increments on different points on the curve. For example, in a steep down 200 basis points shock scenario where short-term rates (e.g., 1 year or less) decline while long-term rates (e.g., 7 years or more) remain generally unchanged, annual net interest income would increase by an estimated 11.13% for the twelve months subsequent to March 31, 2024.

In addition to the simulation analysis, Premier also uses an economic value of equity (“EVE”) analysis to measure risk in the balance sheet incorporating all cash flows over the estimated remaining life of all balance sheet positions. The EVE analysis generally calculates the net present value of Premier’s assets and liabilities in

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rate shock environments that range from -400 basis points to +400 basis points. The results of this analysis are reflected in the following tables for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, and the year ended December 31, 2023.


	March 31, 2024	December 31, 2023
Change in Rates	Economic Value of Equity % Change	Economic Value of Equity % Change

+400 bp	(22.6)%	(30.7)%
+ 300 bp	(17.2)%	(23.4)%
+ 200 bp	(11.6)%	(15.7)%
+ 100 bp	(5.8)%	(7.7)%
- 100 bp	5.5%	7.1%
- 200 bp	10.3%	12.4%
- 300 bp	14.3%	16.3%
- 400 bp	15.6%	12.9%

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

An evaluation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of March 31, 2024. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective. No changes occurred in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2024, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II-OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Premier and its subsidiaries are involved in various legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of its business. While the ultimate liability with respect to litigation matters and claims cannot be determined at this time, management believes any resulting liability and other amounts relating to pending matters, individually or in the aggregate, are not likely to be material to the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

There are no material changes from the risk factors set forth under Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in the 2023 Form 10-K.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table provides information regarding Premier’s purchases of its common stock during the three-month period ended March 31, 2024:


Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased(1)		Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs		Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
Beginning Balance, January 1, 2024								1,199,634
January 1 - January 31, 2024		1,404	$	23.50		—		1,199,634
February 1 - February 29, 2024		10,046		19.99		—		1,199,634
March 1 - March 31, 2024		4,349		20.45		—		1,199,634
Total		15,799	$	20.43		—		1,199,634

(1) All of these shares were obtained in fulfillment of tax obligations from vesting of restricted stock compensation and were not part of the publicly announced repurchase program.

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

(a) None.

(b) None.

(c) During the three months ended March 31, 2024, no director or officer (as defined under Rule 16a-1 of the Exchange Act) adopted or terminated any Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (in each case, as defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K).

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Item 6. Exhibits


Exhibit 3.1		Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Premier Financial Corp. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 in Registrant’s Form 8-K filed June 22, 2020)
Exhibit 3.2		Second Amended and Restated Code of Regulations of Premier Financial Corp. (reflecting all amendments) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 in Registrant’s Form 8-K filed June 22, 2020)
Exhibit 31.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 31.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 32.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 32.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 101		The following financial information from the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 is formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Condition at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; (ii) Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023; (iii) Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023; (iv) Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023; (v) Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023; and (vi) Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

Exhibit 104		Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

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SIGNATURES

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


	Premier Financial Corp.
	(Registrant)


Date: May 2, 2024	By:	/s/ Gary M. Small
		Gary M. Small
		President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)


Date: May 2, 2024	By:	/s/ Paul D. Nungester, Jr.
		Paul D. Nungester, Jr.
		Executive Vice President and
		Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)