10-K

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

FORM 10-K

☒

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018

OR

☐

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

For the transition period from             to            

Commission File Number: 001-37504

PROVIDENT BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Massachusetts	45-3231576
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

5 Market Street, Amesbury, Massachusetts	01913
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(978) 834-8555

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Common Stock, no par value

(Title of Class)

The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

(Name of exchange on which registered)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

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

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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☒

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

Large accelerated filer ☐	Accelerated filer ☒
Non-accelerated filer ☐	Smaller reporting company ☒
​	Emerging growth company ☒

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

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

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the last sale price as of June 30, 2018, as reported by the Nasdaq Capital Market, was approximately $100.6 million.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of March 4, 2019 was 9,625,719.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Portions of the Registrant’s proxy statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Part III).

INDEX

Part I

​	Page
Item 1. Business	​	1
Item 1A. Risk Factors	​	25
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments	​	25
Item 2. Properties	​	25
Item 3. Legal Proceedings	​	26
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures	​	26
Part II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	​	27
Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data	​	29
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	​	31
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	​	53
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	​	53
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	​	53
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures	​	53
Item 9B. Other Information	​	54
Part III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	​	55
Item 11. Executive Compensation	​	55
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholders Matters	​	55
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	​	55
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services	​	55
Part IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	​	56
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary	​	57

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PART I

ITEM 1.   BUSINESS

Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect” and words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

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statements of our goals, intentions and expectations;

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statements regarding our business plans, prospects, growth and operating strategies;

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statements regarding the quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and

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estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits.

These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements:

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general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected;

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changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and charge-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses;

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our ability to access cost-effective funding;

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fluctuations in real estate values and both residential and commercial real estate market conditions;

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demand for loans and deposits in our market area;

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changes in monetary or fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board;

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cyber attacks, computer viruses and other technological risks that may breach the security of our websites or other systems to obtain unauthorized access to confidential information and destroy data or disable our systems;

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technological changes that may be more difficult or expensive than expected;

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the ability of third-party providers to perform their obligations to us;

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the ability of the U.S. Government to manage federal debt limits;

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our ability to continue to implement or change our business strategies;

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competition among depository and other financial institutions;

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inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins and yields, reduce the fair value of financial instruments or reduce the origination levels in our lending business, or increase the level of defaults, losses and prepayments on loans we have made and make whether held in portfolio or sold in the secondary markets;

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adverse changes in the securities markets;

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changes in and impacts of laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees, tax policy and rates, and capital requirements;

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our ability to manage market risk, credit risk and operational risk;

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our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities;

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our ability to successfully integrate any assets, liabilities, customers, systems and management personnel we may acquire into our operations and our ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings within expected time frames and any goodwill charges related thereto;

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changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits;

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changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board;

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our ability to retain key employees;

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the effects of U.S. government shutdowns;

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our compensation expense associated with equity allocated or awarded to our employees; and

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changes in the financial condition, results of operations or future prospects of issuers of securities that we own.

Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements.

Provident Bancorp, Inc.

Provident Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a Massachusetts corporation that was formed in 2011 by The Provident Bank (the “Bank”) to be its holding company. The Company’s common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “PVBC.” Approximately 52.3% of Provident Bancorp, Inc.’s outstanding shares are owned by Provident Bancorp, a Massachusetts corporation and a mutual holding company. Provident Bancorp, Inc. owns all of the Bank’s capital stock. At December 31, 2018, Provident Bancorp, Inc. had total assets of  $974.0 million, deposits of  $768.1 million and shareholders’ equity of $125.6 million on a consolidated basis.

The Company’s executive offices are located at 5 Market Street, Amesbury, Massachusetts 01913, and the telephone number is (978) 834-8555. The Company is subject to regulation and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks.

On July 15, 2015, the Company closed its stock offering and issued 4,274,425 shares of common stock to the public at $10.00 per share, including 357,152 shares purchased by The Provident Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan. In addition, the Company issued 5,034,323 shares to Provident Bancorp and 189,974 shares to The Provident Community Charitable Organization, Inc., a charitable foundation that was formed in connection with the stock offering and is dedicated to supporting charitable organizations operating in the Bank’s local community.

The Provident Bank

The Provident Bank is a community bank that has served the banking needs of its customers since 1828. The Provident Bank is the tenth oldest financial institution in the United States.

The Provident Bank is a Massachusetts-chartered stock savings bank that operates from its main office and two branch offices in the Northeastern Massachusetts area, four branch offices in Southeastern New Hampshire and one branch in located in Bedford, New Hampshire. We plan to close our branch office in Hampton, New Hampshire in May 2019. We also have four loan production offices in Boston and Dedham, Massachusetts and Nashua and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Our primary lending area encompasses Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, with a focus on Essex County, Massachusetts, and Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties, New Hampshire. Our primary deposit-gathering area is currently concentrated in Essex County, Massachusetts, Rockingham County, New Hampshire, and Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. We attract deposits from the general public and use those funds to

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originate primarily commercial real estate and commercial business loans, and to invest in securities. In recent years, we have been successful in growing both deposits and loans. From December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2018, deposits have increased $231.2 million, or 43.1%, and net loans have increased $341.3 million, or 69.1%.

The Provident Bank is subject to regulation and examination by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Our website address is www.theprovidentbank.com. Information on this website is not and should not be considered a part of this annual report.

Available Information

The Company is a public company and files interim, quarterly and annual reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports are on file and a matter of public record with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Securities and Exchange Commission maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC (http://www.sec.gov). The Company’s reports can also be obtained for free on our website, www.theprovidentbank.com.

Market Area

Our primary lending area encompasses a broad market that includes Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, with a focus on Essex County, Massachusetts, and Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties, New Hampshire, which are part of, and bedroom communities to, the technology corridor between Boston, Massachusetts and Concord, New Hampshire. In 2018, we started offering our small business merger and acquisition, re-capitalization, and shareholder/partner buyout loan product nationally. Our primary deposit-gathering area is currently concentrated in Essex County, Massachusetts, and Rockingham County and Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.

The greater Boston metropolitan area is the 10th largest metropolitan area in the United States. Located adjacent to major transportation corridors, the Boston metropolitan area provides a highly diversified economic base, with major employment sectors ranging from services, manufacturing and wholesale and retail trade, to finance, technology and medical care. The largest employment sectors are, however, education, healthcare and social services, accounting for 28.0% of jobs in Massachusetts as of December 31, 2018. Based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for Massachusetts was 2.7% in December 2018 compared to 3.1% in December 2017, and 3.7% for the United States as a whole for December 2018. The population in Massachusetts grew 4.6% from 2011 to 2018, while the national population and the population in Essex County, Massachusetts grew 5.1% and 6.5%, respectively, over the same time period. Median household income in Massachusetts was $77,248 for 2018, compared to $61,045 and $74,525 for the nation and Essex County, respectively.

New Hampshire also provides a highly diversified economic base, with major employment sectors ranging from services and manufacturing to finance/insurance/real estate, but the largest employment sector is education, healthcare and social services. Based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for New Hampshire was 2.1% in December 2018 compared to 2.3% in December 2017. The population in New Hampshire grew 1.4% from 2011 to 2018, while the population in Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties, New Hampshire grew 0.9% and 1.9%, respectively, over the same time period. Median household income in New Hampshire was $75,742 for 2018, compared to $80,246 and $95,662 for Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties, respectively.

Competition

We face significant competition for deposits and loans. Our most direct competition for deposits has historically come from the many financial institutions operating in our market area. Several large holding companies operate banks in our market area. Many of these institutions, such as TD Bank, Bank of America and Citizens Bank, are significantly larger than us and, therefore, have greater resources. Additionally, some of our competitors offer products and services that we do not offer, such as insurance services, trust services, and wealth management. We also face competition for investors’ funds from other

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financial service companies such as brokerage firms, fintech companies, money market funds, mutual funds and other corporate and government securities. Based on data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as of June 30, 2018 (the latest date for which information is available), The Provident Bank had 1.76% of the deposit market share within Essex County, Massachusetts, giving us the 14th largest market share out of 35 financial institutions with offices in that county as of that date and had 3.45% of the deposit market share within Rockingham County, New Hampshire, giving us the 8th largest market share out of 26 financial institutions with offices in that county as of that date. This data excludes deposits held by credit unions.

Our competition for loans comes primarily from financial institutions in our market area. Our experience in recent years is that many financial institutions in our market area, especially community banks that are seeking to significantly expand their commercial loan portfolios and banks located in lower growth regions in New Hampshire and Maine, have been willing to price commercial loans aggressively in order to gain market share.

Lending Activities

Commercial Real Estate Loans.   At December 31, 2018, commercial real estate loans were $364.9 million, or 43.0%, of our total loan portfolio. This amount includes $32.0 million of multi-family residential real estate loans, which we consider a subset of commercial real estate loans, and which are described below. Our commercial real estate loans are generally secured by properties used for business purposes such as office buildings, industrial facilities and retail facilities; however, we also originate loans secured by investment real estate in the form of residential rental units. At December 31, 2018, $158.3 million of our commercial real estate portfolio was secured by owner occupied commercial real estate, and $206.6 million was secured by income producing, or non-owner occupied commercial real estate. We currently target new commercial real estate loan originations to experienced, growing small- and mid-size owners and investors in our market area. The average outstanding loan in our commercial real estate portfolio was $498,000 as of December 31, 2018, although we originate commercial real estate loans with balances significantly larger than this average. At December 31, 2018, our ten largest commercial real estate loans had an average balance of  $6.0 million.

We focus our commercial real estate lending on properties within our primary market areas, but we will originate commercial real estate loans on properties located outside this area based on an established relationship with a strong borrower. We intend to continue to grow our commercial real estate loan portfolio while maintaining prudent underwriting standards. In addition to originating these loans, we occasionally will participate in commercial real estate loans with other financial institutions. Such participations are underwritten in accordance with our policies before we will participate in such loans.

We originate a variety of fixed- and adjustable-rate commercial real estate loans with terms and amortization periods generally up to 20 years, which may include balloon loans. Interest rates and payments on our adjustable-rate loans adjust every three, five or seven years and generally are indexed to the corresponding Federal Home Loan Bank borrowing rate plus a margin. Most of our adjustable-rate commercial real estate loans adjust every five years and amortize over terms of 20 years. We generally include pre-payment penalties on commercial real estate loans we originate. Commercial real estate loan amounts do not exceed 75% to 80% of the property’s appraised value at the time the loan is originated. In addition, debt service ratios, by policy, are required to have a minimum net operating income to debt service coverage ratio ranging from of 1.10x to 1.25x based on loan type and the defined and approved term/​amortization. For commercial real estate loans in excess of  $500,000, we require independent appraisals from an approved appraisers list. For such loans below $500,000, we require real estate evaluations but do not require an independent appraisal. We require commercial real estate loan borrowers with loan relationships in excess of  $1.0 million to submit annual financial statements and/or rent rolls on the subject property, although we may request such information for smaller loans on a case-by-case basis. Loans below the $1.0 million threshold are reviewed annually using business and consumer credit reports, payment history, and confirmation of real estate tax payments. Commercial real estate properties may also be subject to annual inspections to support that appropriate maintenance is being performed by the owner/borrower. The loan and its borrowers and/or guarantors are subject to an annual risk certification verifying that the loan is properly risk rated based upon covenant compliance (as applicable) and other terms as provided for in the loan agreements. While this process does not prevent loans from becoming delinquent, it provides us

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with the opportunity to better identify problem loans in a timely manner and to work with the borrower prior to the loan becoming delinquent.

The following table provides information with respect to our commercial real estate loans by type at December 31, 2018. The table excludes multi-family residential real estate loans, discussed below.

Type of Loan	Number of Loans		Balance
​	​	​	(In thousands)
Residential one-to-four family	​	172	​	$	37,369
Mixed use	​	69	​	​	42,350
Office	​	82	​	​	44,542
Retail	​	60	​	​	30,245
Industrial/manufacturing/warehouse	​	106	​	​	57,280
Gas stations	​	29	​	​	14,753
Restaurant/quick service	​	36	​	​	18,274
Hotel/motel/inn	​	20	​	​	28,093
Self-storage facility	​	12	​	​	18,540
Other commercial real estate	​	74	​	​	41,437
Total	​	660	​	$	332,883

If we foreclose on a commercial real estate loan, the marketing and liquidation period to convert the real estate asset to cash can be lengthy with substantial holding costs. In addition, vacancies, deferred maintenance, repairs and market stigma can result in prospective buyers expecting sale price concessions to offset their real or perceived economic losses for the time it takes them to return the property to profitability. Depending on the individual circumstances, initial charge-offs and subsequent losses on commercial real estate loans can be unpredictable and substantial.

Our largest single commercial real estate loan at December 31, 2018 totaled $7.3 million, was originated in November 2014 and is secured by non-owner occupied commercial use property. Our next largest commercial real estate loan at December 31, 2018 was for $7.2 million, was originated in December 2013 and is secured by non-owner occupied commercial use property. The third largest commercial real estate loan was for $6.7 million, was originated in September 2017 and is secured by non-owner occupied commercial use property. All of the collateral securing these loans is all located in our primary lending area. At December 31, 2018, all of these loans were performing in accordance with their original repayment terms.

Multi-Family Residential Real Estate Loans.   At December 31, 2018, multi-family real estate loans were $32.0 million, or 3.8% of our total loan portfolio. We do not focus on the origination of multi-family real estate lending, but we will originate these loans to well-qualified borrowers when opportunities exist that meet our underwriting standards. We currently originate new individual multi-family real estate loans to experienced, growing small- and mid-size owners and investors in our market area. Our multi-family real estate loans are generally secured by properties consisting of five to 15 rental units. The average outstanding loan size in our multi-family real estate portfolio was $438,000 as of December 31, 2018. We generally do not make multi-family real estate loans outside our primary market areas. In addition to originating these loans, we also participate in multi-family residential real estate loans with other financial institutions. Such participations are underwritten in accordance with our policies before we will participate in such loans.

We originate a variety of fixed-and adjustable-rate multi-family real estate loans for terms up to 30 years. Interest rates and payments on our adjustable-rate loans adjust every three, five or seven years and generally are indexed to the corresponding Federal Home Loan Bank borrowing rate plus a margin. Most of our adjustable-rate multi-family real estate loans adjust every five years and amortize over terms of 20 to 25 years. We also include pre-payment penalties on loans we originate. Multi-family real estate loan amounts do not exceed 80% of the property’s appraised value at the time the loan is originated. Debt service ratios, by policy, are required to have a minimum net operating income to debt service coverage ratio of 1.20x. We require multi-family real estate loan borrowers with loan relationships in excess of  $1.0 million to

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submit annual financial statements and/or rent rolls on the subject property, although we may request such information for smaller loans on a case-by-case basis. Loans below the $1.0 million threshold are reviewed annually using business and consumer credit reports, payment history, and confirmation of real estate tax payments. These properties may also be subject to annual inspections to support that appropriate maintenance is being performed by the owner/borrower.

If we foreclose on a multi-family real estate loan, the marketing and liquidation period to convert the real estate asset to cash can be lengthy with substantial holding costs. In addition, vacancies, deferred maintenance, repairs and market stigma can result in prospective buyers expecting sale price concessions to offset their real or perceived economic losses for the time it takes them to return the property to profitability. Depending on the individual circumstances, initial charge-offs and subsequent losses on commercial real estate loans can be unpredictable and substantial.

Our largest multi-family real estate loan at December 31, 2018 totaled $4.6 million, was originated in September 2016 and is secured by a multi-family property. At December 31, 2018, this loan was performing in accordance with its original repayment terms.

Commercial Business Loans.   We make commercial business loans primarily in our market area to a variety of small and medium sized businesses, including professional and nonprofit organizations, and, to a lesser extent, sole proprietorships. These loans are generally secured by business assets, and we may support this collateral with junior liens on real property. At December 31, 2018, commercial business loans were $361.8 million, or 42.6% of our total loan portfolio, and we intend to increase the amount of commercial business loans that we originate. As part of our relationship driven focus, we encourage our commercial business borrowers to maintain their primary deposit accounts with us, which enhances our interest rate spread and overall profitability.

Commercial lending products include term loans and revolving lines of credit. Commercial loans and lines of credit are made with either variable or fixed rates of interest. Variable rates and rates on Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans are based on the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal, plus a margin. Initial rates on non-SBA fixed-rate business loans are generally based on a corresponding Federal Home Loan Bank rate, plus a margin. Commercial business loans typically have shorter maturity terms and higher interest rates than commercial real estate loans, but may involve more credit risk because of the type and nature of the collateral. We are focusing our efforts on originating such loans to experienced, growing small- to medium-sized, privately-held companies with local or regional businesses and non-profit entities that operate in our market area.

When making commercial loans, we consider the financial statements of the borrower, our lending history with the borrower, the debt service capabilities and global cash flows of the borrower and other guarantors, the projected cash flows of the business and the value of the collateral, accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. Depending on the collateral used to secure the loans, commercial loans are made in amounts of up to 80% of the value of the collateral securing the loan. All of these loans are secured by assets of the respective borrowers.

A portion of our commercial business loans are guaranteed by the SBA through the SBA 7(a) loan program. The SBA 7(a) loan program supports, through a U.S. Government guarantee, some portion of the traditional commercial loan underwriting that might not be fully covered absent the guarantee. A typical example would be a business acquiring another business, where the value purchased is an enterprise value (as opposed to tangible assets), which results in a collateral shortfall under traditional loan underwriting requirements. In addition, SBA 7(a) loans, through term loans, can provide a good source of permanent working capital for growing companies. The Provident Bank is a Preferred Lender under the SBA’s PLP Program, which allows expedited underwriting and approval of SBA 7(a) loans.

We joined the BancAlliance network in May 2011. BancAlliance has a membership of approximately 200 community banks that together participate in middle market commercial and industrial loans as a way to diversify their commercial portfolio. As of December 31, 2018, we had $14.8 million of outstanding commercial business loans that were originated through this network. All of these loans are participations in a larger facility agented by capital finance companies. We fully underwrite these loans in accordance with our policies prior to approval. At December 31, 2018, loans totaling, $917,000 were on non-accrual status. The remaining loans totaling $13.9 million were performing in accordance with their original repayment terms.

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In 2015, we started originating merger and acquisition, re-capitalization, and shareholder/partnerbuyout loans to small- and medium-size businesses in a senior secured position; relying largely on the enterprise value of the business and ongoing cash flow to support operational and debt service requirements. The average term for these enterprise value loans is approximately seven years with material levels of equity and/or combination of seller financing behind our senior secured lending. In underwriting these loans we generally require minimum fixed charge coverage ratios of 1.20x to 1.50x, maximum senior leverage of 3.0x and maximum total leverage of 5.0x. The maximum senior loan-to-enterprise value must be 65% or lower. As of December 31, 2018, we had a total of  $138.8 million in senior secured cash flow loans, excluding BancAlliance loans. The largest loan was $15.0 million and is secured by all business assets. At December 31, 2018, the loan was performing in accordance with its original repayment terms.

In 2015, we started originating renewable energy loans primarily, in New England and New York. Our renewable energy loans primarily include loans secured by solar arrays and wind turbines. The average term and amortization for these loans can extend to 15 years or more, given the asset life, and are generally underwritten to a maximum term of two years less than the associated Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”) supporting the repayment of each loan. Generally, the underwriting criteria includes: a report supporting the power generation capacity and ultimately the ability to generate sufficient cash flows, assignment of the associated PPA, analysis on the quality of the power off-taker, an overall business valuation, and appropriate loan covenants, which may include maximum loan-to-value and minimum debt service coverage requirements. As of December 31, 2018, we had a total of  $50.4 million in renewable energy loans. At December 31, 2018, $35.7 million, or 70.9%, of our renewable energy loans was secured by solar arrays, and $14.7 million, or 29.1%, were secured by wind turbines. The largest loan was $7.9 million and is secured by all business assets of the company, including the solar array and an assignment of the PPA. At December 31, 2018, the loan was performing in accordance with its original repayment terms.

Our largest commercial business loan at December 31, 2018 totaled $15.0 million, was originated in 2018 and is secured by all business assets. Our next largest commercial business loan totaled $9.3 million, was originated in 2018 and is secured by all business assets. The third largest commercial totaled $8.0 million, was originated in 2018 and is secured by all business assets. As of December 31, 2018, the loans were performing in accordance with the original repayment terms.

Construction and Land Development Loans.   At December 31, 2018, construction and land development loans were $44.6 million, or 5.3% of our total loan portfolio, consisting of  $21.4 million of one- to four-family residential and condominium construction loans, $728,000 of residential land or development loans, and $22.5 million of commercial and multi-family real estate construction loans. At December 31, 2018, $24.3 million of our commercial and multi-family real estate construction loans are expected to convert to permanent loans upon completion of the construction phase. The majority of the balance of these loans is secured by properties located in our primary lending area.

We primarily make construction loans for commercial development projects, including hotels, condominiums and single family residences, small industrial buildings, retail and office buildings and apartment buildings. Most of our construction loans are interest-only loans that provide for the payment of interest during the construction phase, which is usually up to 12 to 24 months, although some construction loans are renewed, generally for one or two additional years. At the end of the construction phase, the loan may convert to a permanent mortgage loan or the loan may be paid in full. Loans generally can be made with a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 80% of the appraised market value upon completion of the project. As appropriate to the underwriting, a discounted cash flow analysis is utilized. Before making a commitment to fund a construction loan, we require an appraisal of the property by an independent licensed appraiser for construction and land development loans in excess of  $500,000. We also will generally require an inspection of the property before disbursement of funds during the term of the construction loan.

We also originate construction and site development loans to contractors and builders to finance the construction of single-family homes and subdivisions. While we may originate these loans whether or not the collateral property underlying the loan is under contract for sale, we consider each project carefully in light of current residential real estate market conditions. We actively monitor the number of unsold homes in our construction loan portfolio and local housing markets to attempt to maintain an appropriate balance

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between home sales and new loan originations. We generally will limit the maximum number of speculative units (units that are not pre-sold) approved for each builder to two units. We have attempted to diversify the risk associated with speculative construction lending by doing business with experienced small and mid-sized builders within our market area.

Residential real estate construction loans include single-family tract construction loans for the construction of entry level residential homes. The maximum loan-to-value limit applicable to these loans is generally 75% to 80% of the appraised market value upon completion of the project. Development plans are required from builders prior to making the loan. Our loan officers are required to personally visit the proposed site of the development and the sites of competing developments. We require that builders maintain adequate insurance coverage. While maturity dates for residential construction loans are largely a function of the estimated construction period of the project, and generally do not exceed one year, land development loans generally are for 18 to 24 months. Substantially all of our residential construction loans have adjustable rates of interest based on The Wall Street Journal prime rate plus a margin. Construction loan proceeds are disbursed periodically in increments as construction progresses and as inspection by our approved inspectors warrant.

Our largest construction and land development loan at December 31, 2018 totaled $5.8 million, was originated in 2015 and is secured by non-owner occupied commercial use property. At December 31, 2018, this loan was performing in accordance with its original repayment terms.

One- to Four-Family Residential Loans.   Our one- to four-family residential loan portfolio consists of mortgage loans that enable borrowers to purchase or refinance existing homes, most of which serve as the primary residence of the owner. At December 31, 2018, one- to four-family residential real estate loans were $57.4 million, or 6.8% of our total loan portfolio, consisting of  $36.2 million of fixed-rate loans and $21.2 million of adjustable-rate loans, respectively. This amount includes $20.7 million of home equity loans and lines of credit, which we consider a subset of one- to four-family residential real estate loans, and which are described below.

We discontinued this type of lending in 2014 to focus on commercial loan originations. Accordingly, we expect our portfolio of one- to four-family residential real estate loans to decrease over time due to normal amortization and repayments. Our one- to four-family residential real estate loans generally do not have prepayment penalties.

Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit.   At December 31, 2018, the outstanding balance owed on home equity loans was $673,000, or 0.1% of our total loan portfolio, and the outstanding balance owed on home equity lines of credit amounted to $20.0 million, or 2.4% of our total loan portfolio. We discontinued home equity loan originations in 2014 to focus on commercial loan originations, but we continue to offer home equity lines of credit. Home equity lines of credit have adjustable rates of interest with ten-year draws and terms of 15 years that are indexed to the prime rate as published by The Wall Street Journal on the last business day of the month. We offer home equity lines of credit with cumulative loan-to-value ratios generally up to 80%, when taking into account both the balance of the home equity line of credit and first mortgage loan.

Consumer Loans.   We offer loans secured by certificate accounts and overdraft lines of credit. At December 31, 2018, consumer loans were $19.8 million, or 2.3% of total loans. The procedures for underwriting consumer loans include an assessment of the applicant’s payment history on other debts and ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan.

In 2016, we entered into an agreement to purchase pools of unsecured consumer loans through the BancAlliance Lending Club Program. This program encompasses loans risk graded by Lending Club A through C with a 680 minimum credit score, out of a possible risk grade of A through G. The Lending Club retains the servicing of these loans. As of December 31, 2018, we had $19.0 million in outstanding consumer loans that were purchased through this program.

Loan Underwriting Risks

Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate Loans.   Loans secured by commercial and multi-family real estate generally have larger balances and involve a greater degree of risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. In addition, many of our commercial borrowers have more than one loan outstanding with

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us. Consequently, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship can expose us to a significantly greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to a one- to four-family residential mortgage loan. Of primary concern in commercial and multi-family real estate lending is the borrower’s creditworthiness and the feasibility and cash flow potential of the project. Payments on loans secured by income producing properties often depend on successful operation and management of the properties. As a result, repayment of such loans may be subject to a greater extent than residential real estate loans to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy. To monitor cash flows on income producing properties, we require borrowers and loan guarantors, if any, to provide annual financial statements on commercial and multi-family real estate loans. In reaching a decision on whether to make a commercial or multi-family real estate loan, we consider and review a global cash flow analysis of the borrower and consider the net operating income of the property, the borrower’s expertise, credit history and profitability and the value of the underlying property. We have generally required that the properties securing these real estate loans have debt service coverage ratios (the ratio of earnings before debt service to debt service) of at least 1.20x. An environmental phase one report is obtained when the possibility exists that hazardous materials may have existed on the site, or the site may have been impacted by adjoining properties that handled hazardous materials.

Construction and Land Development Loans.   Our construction loans are based upon estimates of costs and values associated with the completed project. Underwriting is focused on the borrowers’ financial strength, credit history and demonstrated ability to produce a quality product and effectively market and manage their operations. All construction loans for which the builder does not have a binding purchase agreement must be approved by senior loan officers.

Construction lending involves additional risks when compared with permanent residential lending because funds are advanced upon the security of the project, which is of uncertain value prior to its completion. Because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, as well as the market value of the completed project and the effects of governmental regulation of real property, it is relatively difficult to evaluate accurately the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan-to-value ratio. This type of lending also typically involves higher loan principal amounts and is often concentrated with a small number of builders. In addition, generally during the term of a construction loan, interest may be funded by the borrower or disbursed from an interest reserve set aside from the construction loan budget. These loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment substantially dependent on the success of the ultimate project and the ability of the borrower to sell or lease the property or obtain permanent take-out financing, rather than the ability of the borrower or guarantor to repay principal and interest. If the appraised value of a completed project proves to be overstated, we may have inadequate security for the repayment of the loan upon completion of construction of the project and may incur a loss. A discounted cash flow analysis is utilized for determining the value of any construction project of five or more units. Our ability to continue to originate a significant amount of construction loans is dependent on the strength of the housing market in our market areas.

Land loans secured by improved lots generally involve greater risks than residential mortgage lending because land loans are more difficult to evaluate. If the estimate of value proves to be inaccurate, in the event of default and foreclosure, we may be confronted with a property the value of which is insufficient to assure full payment.

Commercial Business Loans.   Unlike residential mortgage loans, which generally are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from his or her employment or other income, and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial business loans are of higher risk and typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Our commercial business loans are originated primarily based on the identified cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. Most often, this collateral consists of accounts receivable, inventory or equipment, the value of which may depreciate over time, may be more difficult to appraise and may be more susceptible to fluctuation in value. Credit support provided by the borrower for most of these loans and the probability of repayment is based on the liquidation of the pledged collateral and enforcement of a personal guarantee, if any. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial business loans may depend substantially on the success of the business itself.

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Adjustable-Rate Loans.   While we anticipate that adjustable-rate loans will better offset the adverse effects of an increase in interest rates as compared to fixed-rate loans, an increased monthly mortgage payment required of adjustable-rate loan borrowers in a rising interest rate environment could cause an increase in delinquencies and defaults. The marketability of the underlying property also may be adversely affected in a high interest rate environment. In addition, although adjustable-rate mortgage loans make our asset base more responsive to changes in interest rates, the extent of this interest sensitivity is limited by the annual and lifetime interest rate adjustment limits on residential loans.

Consumer Loans.   Consumer loans may entail greater risk than residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans that are unsecured or secured by assets that depreciate rapidly, such as motor vehicles. Repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment for the outstanding loan and a small remaining deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower. Consumer loan collections depend on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and therefore are likely to be adversely affected by various factors, including job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount that can be recovered on such loans.

Loan Originations, Purchases and Sales

Loan originations come from a variety of sources. The primary sources of loan originations are current customers, business development by our relationship managers, walk-in traffic, our website, networking events and referrals from customers as well as our directors, trustees and corporators, business owners, investors, entrepreneurs, builders, realtors, and other professional third parties, including brokers. Loan originations are further supported by lending services offered through cross-selling and employees’ community service.

Historically, we generally originated loans for our portfolio. We occasionally sell participation interests in commercial real estate loans and commercial business loans to local financial institutions, primarily on the portion of loans exceeding our borrowing limits. At December 31, 2018, we were servicing $20.4 million of commercial real estate and commercial business loans where we had sold an interest to local financial institutions. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, we sold loan participations of  $11.8 million and $3.0 million, respectively.

While we generally do not purchase whole loans, we will occassionally purchase loan participations from other financial institutions or through the BancAlliance program. We will also purchase pools of unsecured consumer loans through the BancAlliance Lending Club Program, described above. As of December 31, 2018, we had $14.8 million of outstanding commercial business loans and $19.0 million of outstanding consumer loans that were originated through the BancAlliance program and BancAlliance Lending Club program, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we had no loan participation purchases, and during the year ended December 31, 2017, we purchased $4.2 million of loan participations.

Loan Approval Procedures and Authority

Our lending activities follow written, non-discriminatory, underwriting standards and loan origination procedures established by The Provident Bank’s board of directors and management. The Provident Bank’s board of directors has granted loan approval authority to certain officers up to prescribed limits, depending on the officer’s experience, the type of loan and whether the loan is secured or unsecured. All loans require the approval of a minimum of two lending officers, one of which must be a Senior Vice President or above (the exception is borrowing relationships of  $25,000 and below, which can be approved by one officer with sufficient authority for that loan type, as well as, loans of any amount which are 100% cash secured). For loan relationships below $2.0 million, approval is required by designated individuals with delegated loan authority as identified within Loan Policy. Our loan policy dictates that for loan relationships of between $2.0 million and $3.0 million approval is required by two of the following members of Credit Committee: Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and/or President/Chief Lending Officer. While our loan policy dictates that loan relationships greater than $3.0 million be presented to and approved by Credit Committee; our practice has been to present loan relationships greater than $2.0 million to Credit

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Committee for review and formal approval. Loans that involve exceptions to policy, including loans in excess of our internal loans-to-one borrower limitation, must be authorized by The Provident Bank’s Risk Committee of the board of directors. Exceptions are fully disclosed to the approving authority, either an individual officer or the appropriate management or board committee prior to commitment. Exceptions are reported to the board of directors quarterly.

Loans-to-One Borrower Limit and Loan Category Concentration

The maximum amount that we may lend to one borrower and the borrower’s related entities is generally limited, by statute, to 20% of our capital, which is defined under Massachusetts law as the sum of our capital stock, surplus account and undivided profits. At December 31, 2018, our regulatory limit on loans-to-one borrower was $25.8 million. We generally establish our internal loans-to-one borrower limit as 90% of our regulatory limit. As of December 31, 2018, this amount was $23.2 million, with loans greater than this amount requiring approval by The Provident Bank’s Risk Committee of the board of directors.

At December 31, 2018, our largest lending relationship consisted of nine loans with a total exposure of $21.2 million, secured by non-owner occupied investment real estate. This relationship was performing in accordance with its original repayment terms at December 31, 2018. Our second largest lending relationship consisted of 16 loans with a total exposure of  $21.0 million, secured by business assets. This relationship was performing in accordance with its original repayment terms at December 31, 2018. Our third largest lending relationship consisted of eight loans with a total exposure of  $20.7 million, secured by all business assets. This relationship was performing in accordance with its original repayment terms at December 31, 2018. Our fourth largest lending relationship consisted of 22 loans with a total exposure of  $18.9 million, secured by all business assets. This relationship was performing in accordance with its original repayment terms at December 31, 2018. Our fifth largest lending relationship consisted of nine loans with a total exposure of  $17.7 million, secured by a non-owner occupied commercial use property. This relationship was performing in accordance with its original repayment terms at December 31, 2018.

Investment Activities

We have legal authority to invest in various types of investment securities and liquid assets, including U.S. Treasury obligations, securities of various government-sponsored enterprises, residential mortgage-backed securities and municipal government bonds, deposits at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, certificates of deposit of federally insured institutions, investment grade corporate bonds and investment grade marketable equity securities, including common stock and money market mutual funds. We also are required to maintain an investment in Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock, which investment is based on the level of our Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings. While we have the authority under applicable law to invest in derivative securities, we had no investments in derivative securities at December 31, 2018.

At December 31, 2018, our investment portfolio had a fair value of  $51.4 million, and consisted primarily of U.S. Government Agency mortgage-backed securities, and state and municipal bonds. Effective January 2018, the Company adopted ASU (Accounting Standards Update) No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments — Overall (Subtopic 825-10): “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” This standard required us to measure our equity investments at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. We evaluated the pronouncement and decided to divest from our equity securities portfolio in 2017 to reduce potential volatility within our earnings performance.

Our investment objectives are to provide and maintain liquidity, to establish an acceptable level of interest rate and credit risk, to provide a use of funds when demand for loans is weak and to generate a favorable return. Our board of directors has the overall responsibility for the investment portfolio, including approval of our investment policy. The Risk Committee of the board of directors and management are responsible for implementation of the investment policy and monitoring our investment performance. Our Risk Committee reviews the status of our investment portfolio quarterly.

Each reporting period, we evaluate all securities with a decline in fair value below the amortized cost of the investment to determine whether or not the impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired (“OTTI”). OTTI is required to be recognized if  (1) we intend to sell the security; (2) it is more

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likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) for debt securities, the present value of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis. Marketable equity securities are evaluated for OTTI based on the severity and duration of the impairment and, if deemed to be other than temporary, the declines in fair value are reflected in earnings as realized losses. For impaired debt securities that we intend to sell, or more likely than not will be required to sell, the full amount of the depreciation is recognized as OTTI resulting in a realized loss that is a charged to earnings through a reduction in our noninterest income. For all other impaired debt securities, credit-related OTTI is recognized through earnings and non-credit related OTTI is recognized in other comprehensive income/loss, net of applicable taxes. We did not recognize any OTTI during the years ended December 31, 2018 or 2017.

Sources of Funds

General.   Deposits have traditionally been our primary source of funds for use in lending and investment activities. We also use borrowings, primarily Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advances, brokered deposits and certificates of deposit obtained from a national exchange, to supplement cash flow needs, lengthen the maturities of liabilities for interest rate risk purposes and to manage the cost of funds. In addition, funds are derived from scheduled loan payments, investment securities maturities and sales, loan prepayments, retained earnings and income on earning assets. While scheduled loan payments and income on earning assets are relatively stable sources of funds, deposit inflows and outflows can vary widely and are influenced by prevailing interest rates, market conditions and levels of competition.

Deposit Accounts.   The majority of our deposits (other than certificates of deposit) are from depositors who reside in our primary market areas. However, a significant portion of our brokered certificates of deposits and QwickRate deposits, described below, are from depositors located outside our primary market areas. Deposits are attracted through the offering of a broad selection of deposit instruments, including noninterest-bearing demand deposits (such as checking accounts), interest-bearing demand accounts (such as NOW and money market accounts), savings accounts and certificates of deposit. In addition to accounts for individuals, we also offer several commercial checking accounts designed for the businesses operating in our market area, and we encourage our commercial borrowing customers to maintain their deposit relationships with us. At December 31, 2018, our deposits totaled $768.1 million. As of that date, our certificates of deposit included $55.8 million of brokered certificates of deposit and $5.2 million of QwickRate certificates of deposit, where we gather certificates of deposit nationwide by posting rates we will pay on these deposits. At December 31, 2018, all of our QwickRate certificates of deposit were in amounts greater than $100,000.

Deposit account terms vary according to the minimum balance required, the time period that funds must remain on deposit, and the interest rate, among other factors. In determining the terms of our deposit accounts, we consider the rates offered by our competition, our liquidity needs, profitability, and customer preferences and concerns. We generally review our deposit mix and pricing on a weekly basis. Our deposit pricing strategy has generally been to offer competitive rates and services and to periodically offer special rates in order to attract deposits of a specific type or term, although we have not done so in recent periods. We do not price our deposit products to be among the highest rate paying institution in our market area, but instead focus on services to gather deposits.

Borrowings.   We primarily utilize advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston to supplement our supply of investable funds. The Federal Home Loan Bank functions as a central reserve bank providing credit for its member financial institutions. As a member, we are required to own capital stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank and are authorized to apply for advances on the security of such stock and certain of our whole first mortgage loans and other assets (principally securities which are obligations of, or guaranteed by, the United States), provided certain standards related to creditworthiness have been met. Advances are made under several different programs, each having its own interest rate and range of maturities. Depending on the program, limitations on the amount of advances are based either on a fixed percentage of an institution’s net worth or on the Federal Home Loan Bank’s assessment of the institution’s creditworthiness. As of December 31, 2018, we had $133.0 million of available borrowing capacity with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, including an available line of credit of  $2.0 million at an interest rate that adjusts daily. On that date, we had $59.9 million in advances outstanding from the

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Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. All of our borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank are secured by investment securities and qualified collateral, including one- to four-family loans and multi-family and commercial real estate loans held in our portfolio. As of December 31, 2018, we also had $8.1 million in borrowings outstanding from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s borrower-in-custody program. All of our borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank borrower-in-custody program are secured by investment securities and qualified collateral, including commercial and commercial real estate loans held in our portfolio.

Personnel

As of December 31, 2018, we had 116 full-time and 16 part-time employees, none of whom is represented by a collective bargaining unit. We believe we have a good working relationship with our employees.

Subsidiaries

The Provident Bank’s subsidiaries include Provident Security Corporation and 5 Market Street Security Corporation, which were established to buy, sell, and hold investments for their own account.

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

General

The Provident Bank is a Massachusetts-chartered stock savings bank. The Provident Bank’s deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and by the Depositors Insurance Fund for amounts in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. The Provident Bank is subject to extensive regulation by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Provident Bank is required to file reports with, and is periodically examined by, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks concerning its activities and financial condition and must obtain regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions, including, but not limited to, mergers with or acquisitions of other financial institutions. The Provident Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston.

The regulation and supervision of The Provident Bank establish a framework of activities in which an institution can engage and are intended primarily for the protection of depositors and borrowers and, for purposes of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the protection of the insurance fund. The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes.

Provident Bancorp, Inc. and Provident Bancorp are required to comply with the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board and the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks. They are required to file certain reports with the Federal Reserve Board and are subject to examination by and the enforcement authority of the Federal Reserve Board and the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks. Provident Bancorp, Inc. is also subject to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the federal securities laws.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) made extensive changes in the regulation of depository institutions and their holding companies. Many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act are subject to delayed effective dates and/or still require the issuance of implementing regulations. Their impact on operations cannot yet be fully assessed. However, there is significant possibility that the Dodd-Frank Act will, at a minimum, result in increased regulatory burden, compliance costs and interest expense for The Provident Bank, Provident Bancorp, Inc. and Provident Bancorp.

Any change in applicable laws or regulations, whether by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on the operations and financial performance of Provident Bancorp, Provident Bancorp, Inc. and The Provident Bank. In addition,

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Provident Bancorp, Provident Bancorp, Inc. and The Provident Bank are affected by the monetary and fiscal policies of various agencies of the United States Government, including the Federal Reserve Board. In view of changing conditions in the national economy and in the money markets, it is impossible for management to accurately predict future changes in monetary policy or the effect of such changes on the business or financial condition of Provident Bancorp, Provident Bancorp, Inc. and The Provident Bank.

Set forth below is a brief description of material regulatory requirements that are or will be applicable to The Provident Bank, Provident Bancorp, Inc. and Provident Bancorp. The description is limited to certain material aspects of the statutes and regulations addressed, and is not intended to be a complete description of such statutes and regulations and their effects on The Provident Bank, Provident Bancorp, Inc. and Provident Bancorp and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual laws and regulations.

Massachusetts Banking Laws and Supervision

The Provident Bank, as a Massachusetts-chartered stock savings bank, is regulated and supervised by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks. The Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks is required to regularly examine each state-chartered bank. The approval of the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks is required to establish or close branches, to merge with another bank, to issue stock and to undertake many other activities. Any Massachusetts savings bank that does not operate in accordance with the regulations, policies and directives of the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks may be sanctioned. The Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks may suspend or remove directors or officers of a savings bank who have violated the law, conducted a bank’s business in a manner that is unsafe, unsound or contrary to the depositors’ interests, or been negligent in the performance of their duties. In addition, the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks has the authority to appoint a receiver or conservator if it is determined that the bank is conducting its business in an unsafe or unauthorized manner, and under certain other circumstances.

The powers that Massachusetts-chartered savings banks can exercise under these laws include, but are not limited to, the following.

Lending Activities.   A Massachusetts-chartered savings bank may make a wide variety of mortgage loans including fixed-rate loans, adjustable-rate loans, variable-rate loans, participation loans, graduated payment loans, construction and development loans, condominium and co-operative loans, second mortgage loans and other types of loans that may be made in accordance with applicable regulations. Commercial loans may be made to corporations and other commercial enterprises with or without security. Consumer and personal loans may also be made with or without security.

Insurance Sales.   Massachusetts savings banks may engage in insurance sales activities if the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks has approved a plan of operation for insurance activities and the bank obtains a license from the Massachusetts Division of Insurance. A savings bank may be licensed directly or indirectly through an affiliate or a subsidiary corporation established for this purpose. Although The Provident Bank has received approval for insurance sales activities, it does not offer insurance products.

Investment Activities.   In general, Massachusetts-chartered savings banks may invest in preferred and common stock of any corporation organized under the laws of the United States or any state provided such investments do not involve control of any corporation and do not, in the aggregate, exceed 4.0% of the bank’s deposits. Massachusetts-chartered savings banks may in addition invest an amount equal to 1.0% of their deposits in stocks of Massachusetts corporations or companies with substantial employment in the Commonwealth which have pledged to the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks that such monies will be used for further development within the Commonwealth. At the present time, The Provident Bank has the authority to invest in equity securities. However, such investment authority is constrained by federal law. See “— Federal Bank Regulation — Investment Activities” for such federal restrictions.

Dividends.   A Massachusetts stock bank may declare from net profits cash dividends not more frequently than quarterly and non-cash dividends at any time. No dividends may be declared, credited or paid if the bank’s capital stock is impaired. A Massachusetts savings bank with outstanding preferred stock may not, without the prior approval of the Commissioner of Banks, declare dividends to the common stock without also declaring dividends to the preferred stock. The approval of the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks is required if the total of all dividends declared in any calendar year exceeds the total of its net

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profits for that year combined with its retained net profits of the preceding two years, less any required transfer to surplus or a fund for the retirement of any preferred stock. Net profits for this purpose means the remainder of all earnings from current operations plus actual recoveries on loans and investments and other assets after deducting current operating expenses, actual losses, accrued dividends on preferred stock, if any, and all federal and state taxes.

Protection of Personal Information.   Massachusetts has adopted regulatory requirements intended to protect personal information. The requirements are similar to existing federal laws such as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, discussed below under “— Federal Bank Regulation — Privacy Regulations.” They require organizations to establish written information security programs to prevent identity theft. The Massachusetts regulation also contains technology system requirements, especially for the encryption of personal information sent over wireless or public networks or stored on portable devices.

Parity Approval.   A Massachusetts bank may, in accordance with Massachusetts law, exercise any power and engage in any activity that has been authorized for national banks, federal thrifts or state banks in a state other than Massachusetts, provided that the activity is permissible under applicable federal law and not specifically prohibited by Massachusetts law. Such powers and activities must be subject to the same limitations and restrictions imposed on the national bank, federal thrift or out-of-state bank that exercised the power or activity. A Massachusetts bank may exercise such powers, and engage in such activities by providing 30 days’ advanced written notice to the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks.

Loans to One Borrower Limitations.   Massachusetts banking law grants broad lending authority. However, with certain limited exceptions, total obligations of one borrower to a bank may not exceed 20.0% of the total of the bank’s capital, which is defined under Massachusetts law as the sum of the bank’s capital stock, surplus account and undivided profits.

Loans to a Bank’s Insiders.   Massachusetts law provides that a Massachusetts financial institution shall comply with Regulation O of the Federal Reserve Board, which generally requires that extensions of credit to insiders:

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be made on terms that are substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons and that do not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features; and

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not exceed certain limitations on the amount of credit extended to such persons, individually and in the aggregate, which limits are based, in part, on the amount of the Massachusetts financial institution’s capital.

Regulatory Enforcement Authority.   Any Massachusetts bank that does not operate in accordance with the regulations, policies and directives of the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks may be subject to sanctions for non-compliance, including seizure of the property and business of the bank and suspension or revocation of its charter. The Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks may, under certain circumstances, suspend or remove officers or directors who have violated the law, conducted the bank’s business in a manner which is unsafe, unsound or contrary to the depositors interests or been negligent in the performance of their duties. In addition, upon finding that a bank has engaged in an unfair or deceptive act or practice, the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks may issue an order to cease and desist and impose a fine on the bank concerned. Massachusetts consumer protection and civil rights statutes applicable to The Provident Bank permit private individual and class action law suits and provide for the rescission of consumer transactions, including loans, and the recovery of statutory and punitive damage and attorney’s fees in the case of certain violations of those statutes.

Depositors Insurance Fund.   All Massachusetts-chartered savings banks are required to be members of the Depositors Insurance Fund, a corporation that insures savings bank deposits in excess of federal deposit insurance coverage. The Depositors Insurance Fund is authorized to charge savings banks a risk-based assessment on deposit balances in excess of the amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Massachusetts has other statutes and regulations that are similar to the federal provisions discussed below.

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Federal Bank Regulation

Capital Requirements.   Federal regulations require Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-insured depository institutions to meet several minimum capital standards: a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 4.5%, a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 6.0%, a total capital to risk-based assets ratio of 8%, and a Tier 1 capital to average assets leverage ratio of 4%.

For purposes of the regulatory capital requirements, common equity Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common stockholders’ equity and retained earnings. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common equity Tier 1 and additional Tier 1 capital. Additional Tier 1 capital includes certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries. Total capital includes Tier 1 capital (common equity Tier 1 capital plus additional Tier 1 capital) and Tier 2 capital. Tier 2 capital is comprised of capital instruments and related surplus, meeting specified requirements, and may include cumulative preferred stock and long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, intermediate preferred stock and subordinated debt. Also included in Tier 2 capital is the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and, for institutions that made such an election regarding the treatment of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”), up to 45% of net unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. Institutions that have not exercised the AOCI opt-out have AOCI incorporated into common equity Tier 1 capital (including unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale-securities). Provident Bancorp, Inc. has exercised the opt-out and therefore does not include AOCI in its regulatory capital determinations. Calculation of all types of regulatory capital is subject to deductions and adjustments specified in the regulations.

In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for purposes of calculating risk-based capital ratios, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets (e.g., recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes, residual interests) are multiplied by a risk weight factor assigned by the regulations based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Higher levels of capital are required for asset categories believed to present greater risk. For example, a risk weight of 0% is assigned to cash and U.S. government securities, a risk weight of 50% is generally assigned to prudently underwritten first lien one to four-family residential mortgages, a risk weight of 100% is assigned to commercial and consumer loans, a risk weight of 150% is assigned to certain past due loans and a risk weight of between 0% to 600% is assigned to permissible equity interests, depending on certain specified factors.

In addition to establishing the minimum regulatory capital requirements, the regulations limit capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management if the institution does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted asset above the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The capital conservation buffer requirement began being phased in starting on January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increased each year until fully implemented at 2.5% on January 1, 2019. At December 31, 2018, the Bank exceeded the fully phased in regulatory requirement for the capital conservation buffer.

Legislation enacted in May 2018 requires the federal banking agencies, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, to establish for qualifying institutions with assets of less than $10 billion of assets a “community bank leverage ratio” of between 8% to 10% tangible equity/consolidated assets. Institutions with capital levels meeting or exceeding the specified requirement will be considered to comply with the applicable regulatory capital requirements, including all risk-based requirements. The establishment of the community bank leverage ratio is subject to notice and comment rulemaking by the federal regulators. A proposed rule issued by the federal regulators in December 2018 would specify a 9% community bank leverage ratio minimum for institutions to opt into the alternative framework.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act required each federal banking agency to revise its risk-based capital standards for insured institutions to ensure that those standards take adequate account of interest-rate risk, concentration of credit risk, and the risk of nontraditional activities, as well as to reflect the actual performance and expected risk of loss on multi-family residential loans. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, along with the other federal banking agencies, adopted a regulation providing that the agencies will take into account the exposure of a bank’s capital and economic value to

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changes in interest rate risk in assessing a bank’s capital adequacy. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation also has authority to establish individual minimum capital requirements in appropriate cases upon determination that an institution’s capital level is, or is likely to become, inadequate in light of the particular circumstances.

Standards for Safety and Soundness.   As required by statute, the federal banking agencies adopted final regulations and Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness to implement safety and soundness standards. The guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. The guidelines address internal controls and information systems, internal audit system, credit underwriting, loan documentation, interest rate exposure, asset growth, asset quality, earnings and compensation, fees and benefits. The agencies have also established standards for safeguarding customer information. If the appropriate federal banking agency determines that an institution fails to meet any standard prescribed by the guidelines, the agency may require the institution to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard.

Investment Activities.   All state-chartered Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured banks, including savings banks, are generally limited in their investment activities to principal and equity investments of the type and in the amount authorized for national banks, notwithstanding state law, subject to certain exceptions. For example, state chartered banks may, with Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation approval, continue to exercise state authority to invest in common or preferred stocks listed on a national securities exchange or the NASDAQ Global Market and in the shares of an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The maximum permissible investment is 100% of Tier 1 Capital, as specified by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s regulations, or the maximum amount permitted by Massachusetts law, whichever is less.

In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is authorized to permit such a state bank to engage in state-authorized activities or investments not permissible for national banks (other than non-subsidiary equity investments) if it meets all applicable capital requirements and it is determined that such activities or investments do not pose a significant risk to the Deposit Insurance Fund. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has adopted procedures for institutions seeking approval to engage in such activities or investments. In addition, a nonmember bank may control a subsidiary that engages in activities as principal that would only be permitted for a national bank to conduct in a “financial subsidiary” if a bank meets specified conditions and deducts its investment in the subsidiary for regulatory capital purposes.

Interstate Banking and Branching.   Federal law permits well capitalized and well managed bank holding companies to acquire banks in any state, subject to Federal Reserve Board approval, certain concentration limits and other specified conditions. Interstate mergers of banks are also authorized, subject to regulatory approval and other specified conditions. In addition, recent amendments made by the Dodd-Frank Act permit banks to establish de novo branches on an interstate basis to the extent that branching is authorized by the law of the host state for the banks chartered by that state.

Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action.   Federal law requires, among other things, that federal bank regulatory authorities take “prompt corrective action” with respect to banks that do not meet minimum capital requirements. For these purposes, the law establishes five capital categories: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has adopted regulations to implement the prompt corrective action legislation. An institution is deemed to be “well capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5% or greater. An institution is “adequately capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater, a leverage ratio of 4.0% or greater and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 4.5% or greater. An institution is “undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a leverage ratio of less than 4.0% or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 4.5%. An institution is deemed to be “significantly undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0%, a leverage ratio of less than 3.0% or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 3.0%. An institution is considered to be “critically

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undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity (as defined in the regulations) to total assets that is equal to or less than 2.0%. As of December 31, 2018, The Provident Bank was a “well capitalized” institution under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation regulations.

At each successive lower capital category, an insured depository institution is subject to more restrictions and prohibitions, including restrictions on growth, restrictions on interest rates paid on deposits, restrictions or prohibitions on payment of dividends, and restrictions on the acceptance of brokered deposits. Furthermore, if an insured depository institution is classified in one of the undercapitalized categories, it is required to submit a capital restoration plan to the appropriate federal banking agency, and the holding company must guarantee the performance of that plan. Based upon its capital levels, a bank that is classified as well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, or undercapitalized may be treated as though it were in the next lower capital category if the appropriate federal banking agency, after notice and opportunity for hearing, determines that an unsafe or unsound condition, or an unsafe or unsound practice, warrants such treatment. An undercapitalized bank’s compliance with a capital restoration plan is required to be guaranteed by any company that controls the undercapitalized institution in an amount equal to the lesser of 5.0% of the institution’s total assets when deemed undercapitalized or the amount necessary to achieve the status of adequately capitalized. If an “undercapitalized” bank fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is “significantly undercapitalized.” “Significantly undercapitalized” banks must comply with one or more of a number of additional restrictions, including but not limited to an order by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to sell sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce total assets, cease receipt of deposits from correspondent banks or dismiss directors or officers, and restrictions on interest rates paid on deposits, compensation of executive officers and capital distributions by the parent holding company. “Critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to additional measures including, subject to a narrow exception, the appointment of a receiver or conservator within 270 days after it obtains such status.

The previously referenced proposed rulemaking to establish a “community bank leverage ratio” would adjust the referenced categories for qualifying institutions that opt into the alternative framework for regulatory capital requirements. Institutions that exceed the community bank leverage ratio would be considered to have met the capital ratio requirements to be “well capitalized” for the agencies’ prompt corrective rules.

Transaction with Affiliates and Regulation W of the Federal Reserve Regulations.   Transactions between banks and their affiliates are governed by federal law. An affiliate of a bank is any company or entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the bank. In a holding company context, the parent bank holding company and any companies which are controlled by such parent holding company are affiliates of the bank (although subsidiaries of the bank itself, except financial subsidiaries, are generally not considered affiliates). Generally, Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Reserve Board’s Regulation W limit the extent to which the bank or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10.0% of such institution’s capital stock and surplus, and with all such transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20.0% of such institution’s capital stock and surplus. Section 23B applies to “covered transactions” as well as to certain other transactions and requires that all such transactions be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable, to the institution or subsidiary as those provided to a non-affiliate. The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans to, purchase of assets from, and issuance of a guarantee to an affiliate, and other similar transactions. Section 23B transactions also include the provision of services and the sale of assets by a bank to an affiliate. In addition, loans or other extensions of credit by the financial institution to the affiliate are required to be collateralized in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act.

Sections 22(h) and (g) of the Federal Reserve Act place restrictions on loans to a bank’s insiders, i.e., executive officers, directors and principal shareholders. Under Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act, loans to a director, an executive officer and to a greater than 10.0% shareholder of a financial institution, and certain affiliated interests of these, together with all other outstanding loans to such person and affiliated interests, may not exceed specified limits. Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act also requires that loans to directors, executive officers and principal shareholders be made on terms and conditions substantially the same as offered in comparable transactions to persons who are not insiders and also

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requires prior board approval for certain loans. In addition, the aggregate amount of extensions of credit by a financial institution to insiders cannot exceed the institution’s unimpaired capital and surplus. Section 22(g) of the Federal Reserve Act places additional restrictions on loans to executive officers.

Enforcement.   The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has extensive enforcement authority over insured state savings banks, including The Provident Bank. The enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, issue cease and desist orders and remove directors and officers. In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated in response to violations of laws and regulations, breaches of fiduciary duty and unsafe or unsound practices. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is required, with certain exceptions, to appoint a receiver or conservator for an insured state non-member bank if that bank was “critically undercapitalized” on average during the calendar quarter beginning 270 days after the date on which the institution became “critically undercapitalized.” The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation may also appoint itself as conservator or receiver for an insured state non-member bank under specified circumstances, including: (1) insolvency; (2) substantial dissipation of assets or earnings through violations of law or unsafe or unsound practices; (3) existence of an unsafe or unsound condition to transact business; (4) insufficient capital; or (5) the incurrence of losses that will deplete substantially all of the institution’s capital with no reasonable prospect of replenishment without federal assistance.

Federal Insurance of Deposit Accounts.   The Provident Bank is a member of the Deposit Insurance Fund, which is administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Deposit accounts in The Provident Bank are insured up to a maximum of  $250,000 for each separately insured depositor.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation imposes an assessment for deposit insurance on all depository institutions. Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s risk-based assessment system, insured institutions are assigned to risk categories based on supervisory evaluations, regulatory capital levels and certain other factors. An institution’s assessment rate depends upon the category to which it is assigned and certain adjustments specified by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation regulations, with less risky institutions paying lower rates. Assessment rates (inclusive of possible adjustments) for most banks with less than $10 billion of assets currently range from 11∕2 to 30 basis points of each institution’s total assets less tangible capital. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation may increase or decrease the scale uniformly, except that no adjustment can deviate more than two basis points from the base scale without notice and comment rulemaking. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s current system represents a change, required by the Dodd-Frank Act, from its prior practice of basing the assessment on an institution’s volume of deposits.

The Dodd-Frank Act increased the minimum target Deposit Insurance Fund ratio from 1.15% of estimated insured deposits to 1.35% of estimated insured deposits. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation was required to seek to achieve the 1.35% ratio by September 30, 2020. Insured institutions with assets of  $10 billion or more were supposed to fund the increase. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation indicated in November 2018 that the 1.35% ratio was exceeded. Insured institutions of less than $10 billion of assets will receive credits for the portion of their assessments that contributed to raising the serve ratio between 1.15% and 1.35% effective when the fund ratio achieves 1.38%. The Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the 1.5% maximum fund ratio, instead leaving it to the discretion of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has exercised that discretion by establishing a long range fund ratio of 2%.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has authority to increase insurance assessments. A significant increase in insurance premiums would likely have an adverse effect on the operating expenses and results of operations of The Provident Bank. Future insurance assessment rates cannot be predicted.

Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation upon a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule order or regulatory condition imposed in writing. We do not know of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of deposit insurance.

In addition to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation assessments, the Financing Corporation (“FICO”) is authorized to impose and collect, with the approval of the Federal Deposit Insurance

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Corporation, assessments for anticipated payments, issuance costs and custodial fees on bonds issued by the FICO in the 1980s to recapitalize the former Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. The bonds issued by the FICO mature in 2017 through 2019. For the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the annualized FICO assessment was equal to 0.32 basis points of total assets less tangible capital.

Privacy Regulations.   Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation regulations generally require that The Provident Bank disclose its privacy policy, including identifying with whom it shares a customer’s “non-public personal information,” to customers at the time of establishing the customer relationship and annually thereafter. In addition, The Provident Bank is required to provide its customers with the ability to “opt-out” of having their personal information shared with unaffiliated third parties and not to disclose account numbers or access codes to non-affiliated third parties for marketing purposes. The Provident Bank currently has a privacy protection policy in place and believes that such policy is in compliance with the regulations.

Community Reinvestment Act.   Under the Community Reinvestment Act, or CRA, as implemented by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation regulations, a non-member bank has a continuing and affirmative obligation, consistent with its safe and sound operation, to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions nor does it limit an institution’s discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community, consistent with the CRA. The CRA does require the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, in connection with its examination of a non-member bank, to assess the institution’s record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take such record into account in its evaluation of certain applications by such institution, including applications to acquire branches and other financial institutions. The CRA requires the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to provide a written evaluation of an institution’s CRA performance utilizing a four-tiered descriptive rating system. The Provident Bank’s latest Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation CRA rating was “Satisfactory.”

Massachusetts has its own statutory counterpart to the CRA which is also applicable to The Provident Bank. The Massachusetts version is generally similar to the CRA but utilizes a five-tiered descriptive rating system. Massachusetts law requires the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks to consider, but not be limited to, a bank’s record of performance under Massachusetts law in considering any application by the bank to establish a branch or other deposit-taking facility, to relocate an office or to merge or consolidate with or acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of any other banking institution. The Provident Bank’s most recent rating under Massachusetts law was “Satisfactory.”

Consumer Protection and Fair Lending Regulations.   Massachusetts savings banks are subject to a variety of federal and Massachusetts statutes and regulations that are intended to protect consumers and prohibit discrimination in the granting of credit. These statutes and regulations provide for a range of sanctions for non-compliance with their terms, including imposition of administrative fines and remedial orders, and referral to the Attorney General for prosecution of a civil action for actual and punitive damages and injunctive relief. Certain of these statutes authorize private individual and class action lawsuits and the award of actual, statutory and punitive damages and attorneys’ fees for certain types of violations.

USA PATRIOT Act.   The Provident Bank is subject to the USA PATRIOT Act, which gave federal agencies additional powers to address terrorist threats through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers, increased information sharing, and broadened anti-money laundering requirements. By way of amendments to the Bank Secrecy Act, Title III of the USA PATRIOT Act provided measures intended to encourage information sharing among bank regulatory agencies and law enforcement bodies. Further, certain provisions of Title III impose affirmative obligations on a broad range of financial institutions, including banks, thrifts, brokers, dealers, credit unions, money transfer agents, and parties registered under the Commodity Exchange Act.

Other Regulations

Interest and other charges collected or contracted for by The Provident Bank are subject to state usury laws and federal laws concerning interest rates. Loan operations are also subject to state and federal laws applicable to credit transactions, such as the:

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Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975, requiring financial institutions to provide information to enable the public and public officials to determine whether a financial institution is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing needs of the community it serves;

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Equal Credit Opportunity Act, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed or other prohibited factors in extending credit;

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Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1978, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies;

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Massachusetts Debt Collection Regulations, establishing standards, by defining unfair or deceptive acts or practices, for the collection of debts from persons within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the General Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 167E, which governs The Provident Bank’s lending powers; and

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Rules and regulations of the various federal and state agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing such federal and state laws.

The deposit operations of The Provident Bank also are subject to, among others, the:

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Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records;

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Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (also known as “Check 21”), which gives “substitute checks,” such as digital check images and copies made from that image, the same legal standing as the original paper check;

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Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E promulgated thereunder, which govern automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers’ rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services; and

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General Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 167D, which governs deposit powers.

Federal Reserve System

The Federal Reserve Board regulations require depository institutions to maintain noninterest-earning reserves against their transaction accounts (primarily NOW and regular checking accounts). The Federal Reserve Board regulations generally require that reserves be maintained against aggregate transaction accounts as follows: for that portion of transaction accounts aggregating $124.2 million or less (which may be adjusted by the Federal Reserve Board) the reserve requirement is 3.0% and the amounts greater than $124.2 million require a 10.0% reserve (which may be adjusted annually by the Federal Reserve Board between 8.0% and 14.0%). The first $16.3 million of otherwise reservable balances (which may be adjusted by the Federal Reserve Board) are exempted from the reserve requirements. The Provident Bank is in compliance with these requirements.

Federal Home Loan Bank System

The Provident Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Bank provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. Members of the Federal Home Loan Bank are required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank. The Provident Bank was in compliance with this requirement at December 31, 2018. Based on redemption provisions of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, the stock has no quoted market value and is carried at cost. The Provident Bank reviews for impairment based on the ultimate recoverability of the cost basis of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock. As of December 31, 2018, no impairment has been recognized.

At its discretion, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston may declare dividends on the stock. The Federal Home Loan Banks are required to provide funds for certain purposes including the resolution of insolvent thrifts in the late 1980s and to contributing funds for affordable housing programs. These requirements could reduce the amount of dividends that the Federal Home Loan Banks pay to their

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members and result in the Federal Home Loan Banks imposing a higher rate of interest on advances to their members. In 2018, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston paid dividends equal to an annual yield of 5.66%. There can be no assurance that such dividends will continue in the future.

Holding Company Regulation

Provident Bancorp, Inc. and Provident Bancorp are subject to examination, regulation, and periodic reporting under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”), as administered by the Federal Reserve Board. Provident Bancorp, Inc. and Provident Bancorp are required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board to acquire all, or substantially all, of the assets of any bank or bank holding company. Prior Federal Reserve Board approval would be required for Provident Bancorp, Inc. or Provident Bancorp to acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting securities of any bank or bank holding company if, after such acquisition, it would, directly or indirectly, own or control more than 5% of any class of voting shares of the bank or bank holding company. In addition to the approval of the Federal Reserve Board, prior approval may also be necessary from other agencies having supervisory jurisdiction over the bank to be acquired before any bank acquisition can be completed.

A bank holding company is generally prohibited from engaging in non-banking activities, or acquiring direct or indirect control of more than 5% of the voting securities of any company engaged in non-banking activities. One of the principal exceptions to this prohibition is for activities found by the Federal Reserve Board to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. Some of the principal activities that the Federal Reserve Board has determined by regulation to be so closely related to banking are: (i) making or servicing loans; (ii) performing certain data processing services; (iii) providing discount brokerage services; (iv) acting as fiduciary, investment or financial advisor; (v) leasing personal or real property; (vi) making investments in corporations or projects designed primarily to promote community welfare; and (vii) acquiring a savings and loan association whose direct and indirect activities are limited to those permitted for bank holding companies.

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 authorized a bank holding company that meets specified conditions, including being “well capitalized” and “well managed,” to opt to become a “financial holding company” and thereby engage in a broader array of financial activities than previously permitted. Such activities can include insurance underwriting and investment banking.

A bank holding company is generally required to give the Federal Reserve Board prior written notice of any purchase or redemption of then outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months, is equal to 10% or more of the company’s consolidated net worth. The Federal Reserve Board may disapprove such a purchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal would constitute an unsafe and unsound practice, or would violate any law, regulation, Federal Reserve Board order or directive, or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the Federal Reserve Board. There is an exception to this approval requirement for well-capitalized bank holding companies that meet certain other conditions.

The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement regarding capital distributions, including dividends, by bank holding companies. In general, the Federal Reserve Board’s policies provide that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the bank holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. The Federal Reserve Board’s policies also require that a bank holding company serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks by standing ready to use available resources to provide adequate capital funds to those banks during periods of financial stress or adversity and by maintaining the financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting its subsidiary banks where necessary. The Dodd-Frank Act codified the source of strength doctrine. Under the prompt corrective action laws, the ability of a bank holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized. In addition, the Federal Reserve Board has issued guidance that requires consultation with the agency prior to a bank holding company’s payment of dividends of repurchase of stock under certain circumstances. These regulatory policies could affect the ability of Provident Bancorp, Inc. to pay dividends, repurchase its stock or otherwise engage in capital distributions.

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Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, depository institutions are liable to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for losses suffered or anticipated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in connection with the default of a commonly controlled depository institution or any assistance provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to such an institution in danger of default.

The status of Provident Bancorp, Inc. and Provident Bancorp as registered bank holding companies under the BHC Act does not exempt them from certain federal and state laws and regulations applicable to corporations generally, including, without limitation, certain provisions of the federal securities laws.

Massachusetts Holding Company Regulation.   Under the Massachusetts banking laws, a company owning or controlling two or more banking institutions, including a savings bank, is regulated as a bank holding company. The term “company” is defined by the Massachusetts banking laws similarly to the definition of  “company” under the BHC Act. Each Massachusetts bank holding company: (i) must obtain the approval of the Massachusetts Board of Bank Incorporation before engaging in certain transactions, such as the acquisition of more than 5% of the voting stock of another banking institution; (ii) must register, and file reports, with the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks; and (iii) is subject to examination by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks. Provident Bancorp, Inc. and Provident Bancorp are not "bank holding companies" under the Massachusetts banking laws.

Change in Control Regulations

Under the Change in Bank Control Act, no person, or group of persons acting in concert, may acquire control of a bank holding company such as Provident Bancorp, Inc. or Provident Bancorp unless the Federal Reserve Board has been given 60 days’ prior written notice and not disapproved the proposed acquisition. The Federal Reserve Board considers several factors in evaluating a notice, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and competitive effects. Control, as defined under the applicable regulations, means the power, directly or indirectly, to direct the management or policies of the company or to vote 25% or more of any class of voting securities of the company. Acquisition of more than 10% of any class of a bank holding company’s voting securities constitutes a rebuttable presumption of control under certain circumstances, including where, as is the case with Provident Bancorp, Inc., the issuer has registered securities under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

In addition, federal regulations provide that no company may acquire control (as defined in the Bank Holding Company Act) of a bank holding company without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board. Any company that acquires such control becomes a “bank company” subject to registration, examination and regulation by the Federal Reserve Board.

Federal Securities Laws

Provident Bancorp, Inc.’s common stock is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Provident Bancorp, Inc. is subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of shares of common stock issued in the stock offering does not cover the resale of those shares. Shares of common stock purchased by persons who are not affiliates of Provident Bancorp, Inc. may be resold without registration. Shares purchased by an affiliate of Provident Bancorp, Inc. are subject to the resale restrictions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933. If Provident Bancorp, Inc. meets the current public information requirements of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, each affiliate of Provident Bancorp, Inc. that complies with the other conditions of Rule 144, including those that require the affiliate’s sale to be aggregated with those of other persons, would be able to sell in the public market, without registration, a number of shares not to exceed, in any three-month period, the greater of 1% of the outstanding shares of Provident Bancorp, Inc., or the average weekly volume of trading in the shares during the preceding four calendar weeks. In the future, Provident Bancorp, Inc. may permit affiliates to have their shares registered for sale under the Securities Act of 1933.

Emerging Growth Company Status

The Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the “JOBS Act”), which was enacted in April 2012, has made numerous changes to the federal securities laws to facilitate access to capital markets. Under the JOBS Act, a company with total annual gross revenues of less than $1.07 billion during its most recently

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completed fiscal year qualifies as an “emerging growth company.” Provident Bancorp, Inc. qualifies as an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act.

An “emerging growth company” may choose not to hold shareholder votes to approve annual executive compensation (more frequently referred to as “say-on-pay” votes) or executive compensation payable in connection with a merger (more frequently referred to as “say-on-golden parachute” votes). An emerging growth company also is not subject to the requirement that its auditors attest to the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting, and can provide scaled disclosure regarding executive compensation; however, Provident Bancorp, Inc. will also not be subject to additional executive compensation disclosure so long as it remains a “smaller reporting company” under Securities and Exchange Commission regulations (generally less than $250 million of voting and non-voting equity held by non-affiliates). Finally, an emerging growth company may elect to comply with new or amended accounting pronouncements in the same manner as a private company, but must make such election when the company is first required to file a registration statement. Such an election is irrevocable during the period a company is an emerging growth company. Provident Bancorp, Inc. has elected to comply with new or amended accounting pronouncements in the same manner as a public company.

A company loses emerging growth company status on the earlier of: (i) the last day of the fiscal year of the company during which it had total annual gross revenues of  $1.07 billion or more; (ii) the last day of the fiscal year of the issuer following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of common equity securities of the company pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933; (iii) the date on which such company has, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1.07 billion in non-convertible debt; or (iv) the date on which such company is deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under Securities and Exchange Commission regulations (generally, at least $700 million of voting and non-voting equity held by non-affiliates).

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is intended to improve corporate responsibility, to provide for enhanced penalties for accounting and auditing improprieties at publicly traded companies and to protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures pursuant to the securities laws. We have policies, procedures and systems designed to comply with these regulations, and we review and document such policies, procedures and systems to ensure continued compliance with these regulations.

TAXATION

Provident Bancorp, Provident Bancorp, Inc. and The Provident Bank are subject to federal and state income taxation in the same general manner as other corporations, with some exceptions discussed below. Provident Bancorp, Inc. and The Provident Bank are not part of Provident Bancorp’s consolidated tax group since Provident Bancorp owns less than 80% of the common stock of Provident Bancorp, Inc. The following discussion of federal and state taxation is intended only to summarize certain pertinent tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to Provident Bancorp, Provident Bancorp, Inc. or The Provident Bank.

Federal Taxation

General. Provident Bancorp reports its income on a calendar year basis using the accrual method of accounting. Provident Bancorp, Inc.’s federal income tax returns have been either audited or closed under the statute of limitations through December 31, 2014. For its 2018 tax year, The Provident Bank’s maximum federal income tax rate is 21%.

Federal Tax Reform.   On December 22, 2017, the President signed into law H.R. 1, commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Act”). The Act includes a number of changes in existing tax law impacting businesses including, among other things, a reduction of the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. As a result, in December 2017 we were required to re-measure, through income tax expense, our deferred tax assets and liabilities using the enacted rate at which we expect them to be recovered or settled. The re-measurement of our net deferred tax asset resulted in additional income tax expense during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 of  $2.0 million.

24

Bad Debt Reserves.   For taxable years beginning before January 1, 1996, thrift institutions that qualified under certain definitional tests and other conditions of the Internal Revenue Code were permitted to use certain favorable provisions to calculate their deductions from taxable income for annual additions to their bad debt reserve. A reserve could be established for bad debts on qualifying real property loans, generally secured by interests in real property improved or to be improved, under the percentage of taxable income method or the experience method. The reserve for non-qualifying loans was computed using the experience method. Federal legislation enacted in 1996 repealed the reserve method of accounting for bad debts and the percentage of taxable income method for tax years beginning after 1995 and required savings institutions to recapture or take into income certain portions of their accumulated bad debt reserves. However, those bad debt reserves accumulated prior to 1988 (“Base Year Reserves”) were not required to be recaptured unless the savings institution failed certain tests. The Provident Bank has recaptured all of its Base Year Reserves.

State Taxation

Financial institutions in Massachusetts are required to file combined income tax returns beginning with the year ended December 31, 2009. The Massachusetts excise tax rate for savings banks is currently 9.0% of federal taxable income, adjusted for certain items. Taxable income includes gross income as defined under the Internal Revenue Code, plus interest from bonds, notes and evidences of indebtedness of any state, including Massachusetts, less deductions, but not the credits, allowable under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, except for those deductions relating to dividends received and income or franchise taxes imposed by a state or political subdivision. Carryforwards and carrybacks of net operating losses and capital losses are not allowed. Provident Bancorp’s state tax returns, as well as those of its subsidiaries, are not currently under audit.

A financial institution or business corporation is generally entitled to special tax treatment as a “security corporation” under Massachusetts law provided that: (a) its activities are limited to buying, selling, dealing in or holding securities on its own behalf and not as a broker; and (b) it has applied for, and received, classification as a “security corporation” by the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. A security corporation that is also a bank holding company under the Internal Revenue Code must pay a tax equal to 0.33% of its gross income. A security corporation that is not a bank holding company under the Internal Revenue Code must pay a tax equal to 1.32% of its gross income. The Provident Bank’s subsidiaries, Provident Security Corporation and 5 Market Street Security Corporation, which engage in securities transactions on their own behalf, are qualified as security corporations. As such, it has received security corporation classification by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue; and does not conduct any activities deemed impermissible under the governing statutes and the various regulations, directives, letter rulings and administrative pronouncements issued by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

The New Hampshire Business Profits tax is assessed at the rate of 8.5%. For this purpose, gross business profits generally mean federal taxable income subject to certain modifications provided for in New Hampshire law. The New Hampshire Business Enterprise tax is assessed at 0.75% of the total amount of payroll and certain employee benefits expense, interest expense, and dividends paid to shareholders. The New Hampshire Business Enterprise tax is applied as a credit towards the New Hampshire Business Profits tax.

ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS

Not required for a smaller reporting company.

ITEM 1B.   UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES

At December 31, 2018, we conducted business through our main office and seven branch offices located in Amesbury and Newburyport, Massachusetts and Bedford, Exeter, Hampton, Portsmouth and Seabrook, New Hampshire, as well as four loan production offices located in Boston and Dedham,

25

Massachusetts and Nashua and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. We plan to close our leased branch office in Hampton, New Hampshire in May 2019. We own four of our offices, including our main office, and lease four of our offices. All of our loan production offices are leased. At December 31, 2018, the total net book value of our land, buildings, furniture, fixtures and equipment was $16.1 million.

ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None.

ITEM 4.   MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

26

PART II

ITEM 5.

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

(a)    Market, Holder and Dividend Information.   Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “PVBC.” The approximate number of holders of record of Provident Bancorp Inc.’s common stock as of March 4, 2019 was 458. Certain shares of Provident Bancorp Inc. are held in “nominee” or “street” name and, accordingly, the number of beneficial owners of such shares is not known or included in the foregoing number. The Company has not paid any dividends to its stockholders to date.

If Provident Bancorp, Inc. pays dividends to its shareholders, it will be required to pay dividends to Provident Bancorp. The Federal Reserve Board’s current policy prohibits the waiver of dividends by mutual holding companies that are regulated as bank holding companies (as opposed to savings and loan holding companies). In addition, Massachusetts banking regulations prohibit Provident Bancorp from waiving dividends declared and paid by Provident Bancorp, Inc. unless the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks does not object to the waiver and provided the waiver is not detrimental to the safe and sound operation of The Provident Bank. Accordingly, we do not currently anticipate that Provident Bancorp will be permitted to waive dividends paid by Provident Bancorp, Inc. Due to these regulatory restrictions, we do not currently anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock.

(b)   Sales of Unregistered Securities.   Not applicable.

(c)   Use of Proceeds.   Not applicable.

(d)   Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans.   Set forth below is information as of December 31, 2018 with respect to compensation plans (other than our employee stock ownership plan) under which equity securities of Provident Bancorp, Inc. are authorized for issuance. Additional information regarding stock-based compensation plans is presented in Note 9 — Employee Benefits & Share-Based Compensation Plans.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

​	Number of Securities to Be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights		Weighted-average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights(1)			Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Share-based Compensation Plans (excluding securities reflected in first column)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders	​	396,438	​	$	17.89	​	47,566

(1)

Reflects weighted average price of stock options only.

(e)   Stock Repurchases.   On January 26, 2017, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had adopted a stock repurchase program. Under the repurchase program, Provident Bancorp, Inc. may repurchase up to 625,015 shares of its common stock, or approximately 6.6% of the current outstanding shares. The repurchase program has no expiration date.

27

The Company’s repurchases of common stock for the three months ended December 31, 2018 were as follows:

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased		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
October 1, 2018 – October 31, 2018	​	—	​	$	—	​	—	​	596,192
November 1, 2018 – November 30, 2018	​	8,649	​	$	24.82	​	8,649	​	587,543
December 1, 2018 – December 31, 2018	​	—	​	$	—	​	—	​	587,543
Total	​	8,649	​	$	24.82	​	8,649	​	​

28

ITEM 6.   SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

The following tables set forth selected consolidated historical financial and other data of Provident Bancorp, Inc. for the years ended and at the dates indicated. The following is only a summary and you should read it in conjunction with the business and financial information regarding Provident Bancorp, Inc. contained elsewhere in this Annual Report. The information at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, is derived in part from the audited consolidated financial statements that appear in this Annual Report.

​

At December 31,

(In thousands)

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

Financial Condition Data:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Total assets

​

$

974,079

​

$

902,265

​

$

795,543

​

$

743,397

​

$

658,606

Cash and cash equivalents

​

​

28,613

​

​

47,689

​

​

10,705

​

​

20,464

​

​

9,558

Securities available-for-sale

​

​

51,403

​

​

61,429

​

​

117,867

​

​

80,984

​

​

76,032

Securities held-to-maturity

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

44,623

​

​

45,559

Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost

​

​

2,650

​

​

1,854

​

​

2,787

​

​

3,310

​

​

3,642

Loans receivable, net(1)

​

​

835,528

​

​

742,138

​

​

624,425

​

​

554,929

​

​

494,183

Bank-owned life insurance

​

​

26,226

​

​

25,540

​

​

19,395

​

​

18,793

​

​

12,144

Deferred tax asset, net

​

​

6,437

​

​

4,920

​

​

4,913

​

​

5,056

​

​

3,632

Deposits

​

​

768,096

​

​

750,057

​

​

627,982

​

​

577,235

​

​

536,684

Borrowings

​

​

68,022

​

​

26,841

​

​

49,858

​

​

57,423

​

​

39,237

Series A preferred stock

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

17,145

Total shareholders’ equity(2)

​

​

125,584

​

​

115,777

​

​

109,149

​

​

101,406

​

​

75,791

​

For the Year Ended December 31,

(In thousands)

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

Operating Data:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Interest and dividend income

​

$

42,340

​

$

35,782

​

$

28,894

​

$

25,452

​

$

23,266

Interest expense

​

​

5,213

​

​

3,726

​

​

2,785

​

​

2,174

​

​

2,291

Net interest and dividend income

​

​

37,127

​

​

32,056

​

​

26,109

​

​

23,278

​

​

20,975

Provision for loan losses

​

​

3,329

​

​

2,929

​

​

703

​

​

805

​

​

1,452

Net interest and dividend income after provision for loan losses

​

​

33,798

​

​

29,127

​

​

25,406

​

​

22,473

​

​

19,523

Gains on sales of securities, net

​

​

—

​

​

5,912

​

​

690

​

​

317

​

​

428

Other noninterest income

​

​

4,178

​

​

4,043

​

​

3,745

​

​

3,489

​

​

3,485

Noninterest expense(3)

​

​

25,414

​

​

23,749

​

​

20,477

​

​

21,093

​

​

17,421

Income before income taxes

​

​

12,562

​

​

15,333

​

​

9,364

​

​

5,186

​

​

6,015

Income tax expense(4)

​

​

3,237

​

​

7,418

​

​

3,025

​

​

1,363

​

​

1,453

Net income

​

$

9,325

​

$

7,915

​

$

6,339

​

$

3,823

​

$

4,562

Earnings per common share:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Basic

​

$

1.01

​

$

0.86

​

$

0.69

​

​

N/A

​

​

N/A

Diluted

​

$

1.00

​

$

0.86

​

$

0.69

​

​

N/A

​

​

N/A

(1)

Excludes loans held-for-sale.

(2)

Includes retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income/loss.

(3)

Includes the expense related to the funding of the charitable foundation in 2015 of  $2.2 million.

(4)

Includes the expense related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017 of  $2.0 million.

29

​	At or For the Year Ended December 31,
​	2018		2017		2016		2015		2014
Performance Ratios:	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​
Return on average assets	​	1.03%	​	0.91%	​	0.84%	​	0.56%	​	0.71%
Return on average equity	​	7.75%	​	6.84%	​	5.98%	​	4.07%	​	6.24%
Interest rate spread(1)	​	4.05%	​	3.71%	​	3.46%	​	3.41%	​	3.32%
Net interest margin(2)	​	4.33%	​	3.90%	​	3.65%	​	3.58%	​	3.46%
Efficiency ratio(3)	​	61.53%	​	65.79%	​	68.59%	​	78.80%	​	71.22%
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities	​	146.01%	​	142.10%	​	147.58%	​	148.35%	​	137.39%
Average equity to average assets	​	13.26%	​	13.32%	​	14.06%	​	13.71%	​	11.43%
Average common equity to average assets	​	13.26%	​	13.32%	​	14.06%	​	11.29%	​	8.75%
Regulatory Capital Ratios:	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​
Total capital to risk weighted assets (bank only)	​	14.55%	​	14.96%	​	15.88%	​	17.06%	​	15.37%
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets (bank only)	​	13.30%	​	13.71%	​	14.41%	​	15.64%	​	13.87%
Tier 1 capital to average assets (bank only)	​	12.69%	​	11.80%	​	12.59%	​	13.42%	​	11.30%
Common equity tier 1 capital (bank only)	​	13.30%	​	13.71%	​	14.41%	​	15.64%	​	N/A
Asset Quality Ratios:	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans(4)	​	1.38%	​	1.30%	​	1.36%	​	1.40%	​	1.44%
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans	​	186.55%	​	108.02%	​	542.98%	​	346.10%	​	142.15%
Net charge-offs to average outstanding loans during the year	​	0.18%	​	0.25%	​	0.00%	​	0.02%	​	0.06%
Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans(4)	​	0.74%	​	1.20%	​	0.25%	​	0.41%	​	1.01%
Non-performing loans as a percentage of total assets	​	0.64%	​	1.00%	​	0.20%	​	0.31%	​	0.77%
Total non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets	​	0.81%	​	1.00%	​	0.20%	​	0.31%	​	0.77%
Other:	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​
Number of offices	​	8	​	8	​	7	​	7	​	7
Number of full-time equivalent employees	​	123	​	126	​	121	​	108	​	111

(1)

Represents the difference between the weighted average yield on average interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

(2)

Represents net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets.

(3)

Represents noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income, excluding gains on securities available for sale, net.

(4)

Loans are presented before the allowance but include deferred costs/fees.

30

ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This discussion and analysis reflects our consolidated financial statements and other relevant statistical data, and is intended to enhance your understanding of our financial condition and results of operations. You should read the information in this section in conjunction with the business and financial information regarding Provident Bancorp, Inc., including the financial statements, provided in this Annual Report.

Overview

On July 15, 2015, the Company issued 4,274,425 shares of common stock to the public at $10.00 per share, including 357,152 shares purchased by The Provident Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan. In addition, the Company issued 5,034,323 shares to Provident Bancorp, the Company’s mutual holding company, and 189,974 shares to The Provident Community Charitable Organization, Inc., a charitable foundation that was formed in connection with the stock offering and is dedicated to supporting charitable organizations operating in the Bank’s local community. A total of 9,498,722 shares of common stock were outstanding following the completion of the stock offering.

On November 17, 2016, the Company granted a total of 384,268 stock options and 153,726 restricted stock awards under the Provident Bancorp, Inc. 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) to officers, employees and directors of the Company and The Provident Bank. The Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement and the Non-Statutory Stock Option Award Agreement provide the terms of individual option grants, including the number of options granted, the exercise price per share, the date of grant, the vesting schedule, restrictions on transfer, the effect of termination under certain conditions, and the term and expiration date of the options. The Restricted Stock Award Agreement provides the terms of individual restricted stock awards, including the number of shares awarded, the vesting schedule, restrictions on transfer, grantee rights prior to vesting of awards, and the effect of termination under certain conditions.

Our profitability is highly dependent on our net interest and dividend income, which is the difference between our interest income on interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and our interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowed funds.

Our net income increased $1.4 million, or 17.8%, to $9.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $7.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $5.1 million, or 15.8%, in net interest and dividend income and a decrease in income tax expense of $4.2 million, or 56.4%, partially offset by a decrease in noninterest income of  $5.8 million, or 58.0%, an increase in provision for loan losses of  $400,000, or 13.7%, and an increase in salaries and employee benefits expense of  $1.4 million, or 9.3%.

Net interest and dividend income increased $5.1 million, or 15.8%, to $37.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $32.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase was due to both higher balances of interest-earning assets and expanding margins. Our net interest rate spread increased 34 basis points to 4.05% for the year ended December 31, 2018 from 3.71% for the year ended December 31, 2017. Our net interest margin increased 43 basis points to 4.33% for the year ended December 31, 2018 from 3.90% for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Our provision for loan losses was $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Increases in our provision year over year are primarily a result of management’s assessment of loan portfolio growth and composition changes, historical charge-off trends, levels of problem loans and other asset quality trends. For further information related to changes in the provision and allowance for loan losses, refer to “— Asset Quality — Allowance for Loan Losses.”

Noninterest income decreased $5.8 million, or 58.0%, to $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $10.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in gains on sales of securities. Gain on sales of securities was zero for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Noninterest expense increased $1.7 million, or 7.0%, to $25.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $23.7 million for year ended December 31, 2017. The largest increase was related to salaries and employee benefits expense, which increased $1.4 million, or 9.3%, to $16.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $15.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, due primarily to a higher number of lenders and key management positions in operations compared to the same period in 2017.

31

Income tax expense decreased $4.2 million, or 56.4%, to $3.2 million, reflecting an effective tax rate of 25.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $7.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, reflecting an effective tax rate of 48.4%. The decrease was primarily due to the $2.0 million tax expense from re-measuring our deferred tax asset as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in December 2017, as well as the recognized benefit of a reduced federal tax rate of 21% in 2018 from 35% in 2017.

Critical Accounting Policies

A summary of our accounting policies is described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this annual report. Critical accounting estimates are necessary in the application of certain accounting policies and procedures and are particularly susceptible to significant change. Critical accounting policies are defined as those involving significant judgments and assumptions by management that could have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets or on income under different assumptions or conditions. Management believes that the most critical accounting policies, which involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments, are as follows:

Allowance for Loan Losses.   The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, size and composition of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial, commercial real estate and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, we do not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures.

The allowance consists of a general component, a specific component for impaired loans, and in some cases an unallocated component. The general component of the allowance for loan losses is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors stratified by the following loan segments: residential real estate, commercial real estate, construction and land development, commercial and consumer. Management uses a rolling average of historical losses based on a time frame appropriate to capture relevant loss data for each loan segment. This historical loss factor is adjusted for the following qualitative factors: levels/trends in delinquencies; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of changes in risk selection and underwriting standards and other changes in lending policies, procedures and practices; experience/ability/depth of lending management and staff; and national and local economic trends and conditions. There were no changes in our policies or methodology pertaining to the general component of the allowance for loan losses during 2018.

32

To determine the general component of the allowance for loan losses, the Company’s loan portfolio is segregated into various risk categories. These risk categories and the relevant risk characteristics are as follows:

Residential real estate:   We generally do not originate loans with a loan-to-value ratio greater than 80% and do not originate subprime loans. Loans with loan to value ratios greater than 80% require the purchase of private mortgage insurance. All loans in this segment are collateralized by owner-occupied residential real estate and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.

Commercial real estate:   Loans in this segment are primarily income-producing properties throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The underlying cash flows generated by the properties are adversely impacted by a downturn in the economy as evidenced by increased vacancy rates, which in turn, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment. Management periodically obtains rent rolls and continually monitors the cash flows of the assets securing these loans.

Construction and land development:   Loans in this segment primarily include speculative and pre-sold real estate development loans for which payment is derived from sale of the property and construction to permanent loans for which payment is derived from cash flows of the property. Credit risk is affected by cost overruns, time to sell at an adequate price, and market conditions.

Commercial:   Loans in this segment are made to businesses and are generally secured by assets of the business. Repayment is expected from the cash flows of the business. A weakened economy, and resultant decreased consumer spending, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.

Consumer:   Loans in this segment are generally unsecured and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower.

The allocated component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial, commercial real estate and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral, less estimated selling costs, if the loan is collateral dependent. An allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.

We periodically may agree to modify the contractual terms of loans. When a loan is modified and a concession is made to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty, the modification is considered a troubled debt restructuring. All troubled debt restructurings are initially classified as impaired.

An unallocated component may be maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating allocated and general reserves in the portfolio.

Stock-based Compensation Plans.   The Company measures and recognizes compensation cost relating to stock-based payment transactions based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued. Stock-based compensation is recognized over the period the employee is required to provide services for the award. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options granted. The fair value of restricted stock is recorded based on the grant date fair value of the equity instrument issued.

Income Taxes.   We recognize income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for the temporary differences between the accounting basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the amounts related to such temporary differences are realized or settled.

The Company reduces the deferred tax asset by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of the available evidence, it is not “more likely than not” that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The Company assesses the realizability of its deferred tax assets by assessing the likelihood of the

33

Company generating federal and state income tax, as applicable, in future periods in amounts sufficient to offset the deferred tax charges in the periods they are expected to reverse. Based on this assessment, management concluded that a valuation allowance was not required as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

On December 22, 2017, the President signed into law H.R. 1, commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Act”). The Act includes a number of changes in existing tax law impacting businesses including, among other things, a reduction of the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. As a result, we were required to re-measure, through income tax expense, our deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 using the enacted rate at which we expect them to be recovered or settled. The re-measurement of our net deferred tax asset resulted in additional income tax expense during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 of  $2.0 million.

We examine our significant income tax positions annually to determine whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities.

Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017

Assets.   Our total assets increased $71.8 million, or 8.0%, to $974.1 million at December 31, 2018 from $902.3 million at December 31, 2017. The increase resulted primarily from an increase in loans, partially offset by decreases in cash and cash equivalents and securities.

Cash and Cash Equivalents.   Cash and cash equivalents decreased $19.1 million, or 40.0%, to $28.6 million at December 31, 2018 from $47.7 million at December 31, 2017. The decrease resulted from utilizing funds for loan growth.

Loan Portfolio Analysis.   At December 31, 2018, net loans were $835.5 million, or 85.8% of total assets, compared to $742.1 million, or 82.3% of total assets at December 31, 2017. The increase in loans during the year was caused in large part by an increase in commercial business loans and, to a lesser extent, an increase in consumer loans. The increase in commercial business loans was primarily due to the offering of our small business merger and acquisition, re-capitalization, and shareholder/partner buyout loan product nationally. The increase in consumer loans was primarily due to purchases of pools of unsecured consumer loans through the BancAlliance Lending Club Program. The increases were partially offset by decreases in commercial real estate loans, residential real estate loans, and construction and land development loans. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we discontinued single-family residential real estate lending, with the exception of home equity lines of credit. We believe that federal regulations governing the origination of single-family residential real estate loans would increase our costs and expand the risks associated with this type of lending beyond the benefits that we could realize from originating these loans. We have instead focused our lending activities on commercial loans.

34

The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio by type of loan at the dates indicated, excluding loans held for sale.

​

At December 31,

​

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

(Dollars in thousands)

Amount

Percent

Amount

Percent

Amount

Percent

Amount

Percent

Amount

Percent

Real estate:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Residential(1)

​

$

57,361

​

6.76%

​

$

67,724

​

9.00%

​

$

76,850

​

12.13%

​

$

92,392

​

16.40%

​

$

104,568

​

20.84%

Commercial(2)

​

​

364,867

​

43.00

​

​

371,510

​

49.35

​

​

336,102

​

53.07

​

​

285,356

​

50.67

​

​

249,691

​

49.76

Construction and land development

​

​

44,606

​

5.26

​

​

55,828

​

7.42

​

​

48,161

​

7.60

​

​

71,535

​

12.70

​

​

47,079

​

9.38

Commercial

​

​

361,782

​

42.64

​

​

240,223

​

31.91

​

​

166,157

​

26.23

​

​

112,073

​

19.90

​

​

97,589

​

19.45

Consumer

​

​

19,815

​

2.34

​

​

17,455

​

2.32

​

​

6,172

​

0.97

​

​

1,855

​

0.33

​

​

2,863

​

0.57

Total loans

​

​

848,431

​

100.00%

​

​

752,740

​

100.00%

​

​

633,442

​

100.00%

​

​

563,211

​

100.00%

​

​

501,790

​

100.00%

Deferred loan fees, net

​

​

(1,223)

​

​

​

​

(845)

​

​

​

​

(427)

​

​

​

​

(377)

​

​

​

​

(383)

​

​

Allowance for loan losses

​

​

(11,680)

​

​

​

​

(9,757)

​

​

​

​

(8,590)

​

​

​

​

(7,905)

​

​

​

​

(7,224)

​

​

Loans, net

​

$

835,528

​

​

​

$

742,138

​

​

​

$

624,425

​

​

​

$

554,929

​

​

​

$

494,183

​

​

(1)

Includes home equity loans and lines of credit.

(2)

Includes multi-family real estate loans.

Loan Maturity.   The following table sets forth certain information at December 31, 2018 regarding the contractual maturity of our loan portfolio. Demand loans, loans having no stated repayment schedule or maturity, and overdraft loans are reported as being due in one year or less. The table does not include any estimate of prepayments that could significantly shorten the average life of all loans and may cause our actual repayment experience to differ from that shown below.

(In thousands)

Residential Real Estate

Commercial Real Estate

Construction and Land Development

Commercial

Consumer

Total Loans

Amounts due in:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

One year or less

​

$

139

​

$

16,187

​

$

19,244

​

$

49,533

​

$

937

​

$

86,040

More than one year to five years

​

​

3,547

​

​

13,948

​

​

1,110

​

​

95,095

​

​

18,878

​

​

132,578

More than five years through ten years

​

​

12,109

​

​

49,063

​

​

549

​

​

175,823

​

​

—

​

​

237,544

More than ten years

​

​

41,566

​

​

285,669

​

​

23,703

​

​

41,331

​

​

—

​

​

392,269

Total

​

$

57,361

​

$

364,867

​

$

44,606

​

$

361,782

​

$

19,815

​

$

848,431

The following table sets forth our fixed and adjustable-rate loans at December 31, 2018 that are contractually due after December 31, 2019.

(In thousands)	Fixed Rates			Floating or Adjustable Rates			Total
Real estate:	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​
Residential	​	$	36,067	​	$	21,155	​	$	57,222
Commercial	​	​	4,301	​	​	344,379	​	​	348,680
Construction and land development	​	​	—	​	​	25,362	​	​	25,362
Commercial	​	​	119,521	​	​	192,728	​	​	312,249
Consumer	​	​	18,878	​	​	—	​	​	18,878
Total loans	​	$	178,767	​	$	583,624	​	$	762,391

Assets Held-for-Sale.   The Company purchased a building in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in January 2017 with the intention of using a majority of the space for banking operations. The cost of this building and the related improvements was $3.3 million as of December 31, 2017. During 2017, the Company entered into an agreement to sell the building for $3.3 million, with the building to be developed into a mixed used commercial building, and transferred the building into the held-for-sale category. During

35

the first quarter of 2018, the Company transferred the assets back into the premises and equipment category as the Company terminated the agreement to sell the building, and entered into a new agreement with a third party to construct the commercial building, in which the Company will occupy space. The Company is expected to sell any unused units.

Asset Quality

Credit Risk Management.   Our strategy for credit risk management focuses on having well-defined credit policies and uniform underwriting criteria and providing prompt attention to potential problem loans. Management of asset quality is accomplished by internal controls, monitoring and reporting of key risk indicators, and both internal and independent third-party loan reviews. The primary objective of our loan review process is to measure borrower performance and assess risk for the purpose of identifying loan weakness in order to minimize loan loss exposure. From the time of loan origination through final repayment, commercial real estate, construction and land development and commercial business loans are assigned a risk rating based on pre-determined criteria and levels of risk. The risk rating is monitored annually for most loans; however, it may change during the life of the loan as appropriate.

Internal and independent third-party loan reviews vary by loan type. Depending on the size and complexity of the loan, some loans may warrant detailed individual review, while other loans may have less risk based upon size, or be of a homogeneous nature reducing the need for detailed individual analysis. Assets with these characteristics, such as consumer loans and loans secured by residential real estate, may be reviewed on the basis of risk indicators such as delinquency or credit rating. In cases of significant concern, a total re-evaluation of the loan and associated risks are documented by completing a loan risk assessment and action plan. Some loans may be re-evaluated in terms of their fair market value or net realizable value in order to determine the likelihood of potential loss exposure and, consequently, the adequacy of specific and general loan loss reserves.

When a borrower fails to make a required loan payment, we take a number of steps to have the borrower cure the delinquency and restore the loan to current status, including contacting the borrower by letter and phone at regular intervals. When the borrower is in default, we may commence collection proceedings. If a foreclosure action is instituted and the loan is not brought current, paid in full, or refinanced before the foreclosure sale, the real property securing the loan generally is sold at foreclosure. Management informs the board of directors monthly of the amount of loans delinquent more than 30 days. Management provides detailed information to the board of directors quarterly on loans 60 or more days past due and all loans in foreclosure and repossessed property that we own.

Delinquent Loans.   The following tables set forth our loan delinquencies by type and amount at the dates indicated.

​

At December 31,

​

2018

2017

2016

(In thousands)

30 – 59 Days Past Due

60 – 89 Days Past Due

90 Days or more Past Due

30 – 59 Days Past Due

60 – 89 Days Past Due

90 Days or more Past Due

30 – 59 Days Past Due

60 – 89 Days Past Due

90 Days or more Past Due

Real Estate:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Residential

​

$

321

​

$

223

​

$

30

​

$

699

​

$

178

​

$

81

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

—

Commercial

​

​

742

​

​

—

​

​

519

​

​

—

​

​

3,669

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

346

Construction and land development

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Commercial

​

​

40

​

​

—

​

​

3,167

​

​

12

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

29

​

​

—

​

​

—

Consumer

​

​

62

​

​

46

​

​

59

​

​

63

​

​

45

​

​

60

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Total

​

$

1,165

​

$

269

​

$

3,775

​

$

774

​

$

3,892

​

$

141

​

$

29

​

$

—

​

$

346

36

​

At December 31,

​

2015

2014

(In thousands)

30 – 59 Days Past Due

60 – 89 Days Past Due

90 Days or more Past Due

30 – 59 Days Past Due

60 – 89 Days Past Due

90 Days or more Past Due

Real Estate:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Residential

​

$

130

​

$

173

​

$

365

​

$

—

​

$

404

​

$

423

Commercial

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

110

​

​

132

​

​

363

Construction and land development

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Commercial

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

149

​

​

108

​

​

350

Consumer

​

​

1

​

​

1

​

​

—

​

​

9

​

​

—

​

​

—

Total

​

$

131

​

$

174

​

$

365

​

$

268

​

$

644

​

$

1,136

Non-performing Assets.   Non-performing assets include loans that are 90 or more days past due or on non-accrual status, including troubled debt restructurings on non-accrual status, and real estate and other loan collateral acquired through foreclosure and repossession. Troubled debt restructurings include loans for which either a portion of interest or principal has been forgiven, loans modified at interest rates materially less than current market rates, or the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Loans 90 days or greater past due may remain on an accrual basis if adequately collateralized and in the process of collection. At December 31, 2018, we did not have any accruing loans past due 90 days or greater. For non-accrual loans, interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed and charged against income at the time a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Real estate that we acquire as a result of foreclosure or by deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is classified as foreclosed real estate until it is sold. When property is acquired, it is initially recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less costs to sell at the date of foreclosure. Holding costs and declines in fair value after acquisition of the property result in charges against income.

The following table sets forth information regarding our non-performing assets at the dates indicated.

​

At December 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

Non-accrual loans:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Real estate:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Residential

​

$

850

​

$

364

​

$

303

​

$

1,031

​

$

1,564

Commercial

​

​

519

​

​

7,102

​

​

346

​

​

106

​

​

3,002

Construction and land development

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Commercial

​

​

4,830

​

​

1,505

​

​

933

​

​

1,147

​

​

516

Consumer

​

​

62

​

​

62

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Total non-accrual loans

​

​

6,261

​

​

9,033

​

​

1,582

​

​

2,284

​

​

5,082

Accruing loans past due 90 days or more

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Other real estate owned

​

​

1,676

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Total non-performing assets

​

$

7,937

​

$

9,033

​

$

1,582

​

$

2,284

​

$

5,082

Total loans(1)

​

$

847,208

​

$

751,895

​

$

633,015

​

$

562,834

​

$

501,407

Total assets

​

$

974,079

​

$

902,265

​

$

795,543

​

$

743,397

​

$

658,606

Total non-performing loans to total loans(1)

​

​

0.74%

​

​

1.20%

​

​

0.25%

​

​

0.41%

​

​

1.01%

Total non-performing assets to total assets

​

​

0.81%

​

​

1.00%

​

​

0.20%

​

​

0.31%

​

​

0.77%

(1)

Loans are presented before allowance for loan losses, but include deferred loan costs/fees.

37

The decrease in non-accrual loans at December 31, 2018 as compared to prior year was primarily due to a foreclosure sale by the Company and the transfer of a loan relationship that consisted of two commercial real estate loans to other real estate owned. In April 2018, the Bank conducted a foreclosure sale of certain real and personal property which secured four non-accruing loans originally made by the Bank. The aggregate outstanding principal balance of these loans was approximately $7.5 million, of which (a) approximately $4.9 million was due and owing to the Bank and (b) approximately $2.6 million was due and owing to another financial institution who purchased participation interests in certain of these loans (the “Participant”). The Bank received approximately $8.3 in proceeds from this foreclosure sale. The U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”), which also made a secured loan to the same obligors, has since disputed the Bank’s retention of, and claimed priority to, a portion of the proceeds generated from this foreclosure sale, alleging a breach of contract and seeking monetary damages in the approximate amount of $2.0 million. The Bank has partially denied liability, and in addition to its defenses, has asserted a counterclaim against the SBA and its assignee, Granite State Economic Development Corporation, seeking equitable reformation of the contract at issue on the basis of a mutual mistake of fact. On March 5, 2019, the Bank participated in a mediation of this matter. Pending the outcome of this lawsuit and this mediation, and as previously disclosed, the Bank has segregated into a separate deposit account the entire amount in dispute, consisting of  $1.4 million that would be retained by the Bank, and $543,000 that would be provided to the participating institution. Management does not believe that the ultimate resolution of this matter will have a significant impact on the Bank’s financial condition or the results of operations. The increase in non-accrual commercial loans consists primarily of three commercial and industrial loan relationships. Impairment was evaluated and specific reserves of  $1.1 million were allocated to impaired loans as of December 31, 2018.

We have cooperative relationships with the vast majority of our nonperforming loan customers. Substantially all non-performing loans are collateralized by real estate and the repayment is largely dependent on the return of such loans to performing status or the liquidation of the underlying real estate collateral. We pursue the resolution of all non-performing loans through collections, restructures, voluntary liquidation of collateral by the borrower and, where necessary, legal action. When attempts to work with a customer to return a loan to performing status, including restructuring the loan, are unsuccessful, we will initiate appropriate legal action seeking to acquire property by deed in lieu of foreclosure or through foreclosure, or to liquidate business assets.

Interest income that would have been recorded for the year ended December 31, 2018 had non-accruing loans been current according to their original terms amounted to $372,000. We recognized $150,000 of interest income for these loans for the year ended December 31, 2018.

The following table sets forth the accruing and non-accruing status of troubled debt restructurings at the dates indicated.

​

At December 31,

​

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

(In thousands)

Non- Accruing

Accruing

Non- Accruing

Accruing

Non- Accruing

Accruing

Non- Accruing

Accruing

Non- Accruing

Accruing

Troubled Debt Restructurings:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Real estate:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Residential

​

$

—

​

$

388

​

$

—

​

$

404

​

$

—

​

$

422

​

$

—

​

$

436

​

$

—

​

$

221

Commercial

​

​

—

​

​

1,334

​

​

—

​

​

1,521

​

​

346

​

​

1,610

​

​

106

​

​

3,167

​

​

1,490

​

​

1,385

Construction and land development

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Commercial

​

​

1,089

​

​

462

​

​

67

​

​

1,698

​

​

919

​

​

727

​

​

1,147

​

​

565

​

​

202

​

​

196

Consumer

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Total

​

$

1,089

​

$

2,184

​

$

67

​

$

3,623

​

$

1,265

​

$

2,759

​

$

1,253

​

$

4,168

​

$

1,692

​

$

1,802

38

Total troubled debt restructurings decreased in 2018 primarily due to the loans paying in accordance with their modified terms. During 2018, there were no trouble debt restructures. During 2017, there was one loan totaling $249,000 that was modified under a troubled debt restructure. The loan that was modified in 2017 is paying in accordance with its modified terms.

Interest income that would have been recorded for the year ended December 31, 2018 had troubled debt restructurings been current according to their original terms amounted to $251,000. We recognized $179,000 of interest income for these loans for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Potential Problem Loans.   We classify certain commercial real estate, construction and land development, and commercial loans as “special mention”, “substandard”, or “doubtful”, based on criteria consistent with guidelines provided by our banking regulators. Certain potential problem loans represent loans that are currently performing, but for which known information about possible credit problems of the related borrowers causes management to have doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms and which may result in such loans becoming nonperforming at some time in the future. Potential problem loans also include non-accrual or restructured loans presented above. We expect the levels of non-performing assets and potential problem loans to fluctuate in response to changing economic and market conditions, and the relative sizes of the respective loan portfolios, along with our degree of success in resolving problem assets.

Other potential problem loans are those loans that are currently performing, but where known information about possible credit problems of the borrowers causes us to have concerns as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with contractual loan repayment terms. At December 31, 2018, other potential problem loans totaled $2.2 million, consisting of 14 troubled debt restructured loans that were accruing interest in accordance with their modified terms.

Allowance for Loan Losses.   The allowance for loan losses is maintained at levels considered adequate by management to provide for probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the consolidated balance sheet reporting dates. The allowance for loan losses is based on management’s assessment of various factors affecting the loan portfolio, including portfolio composition, delinquent and non-accrual loans, national and local business conditions and loss experience and an overall evaluation of the quality of the underlying collateral.

39

The following table sets forth activity in our allowance for loan losses for the years indicated.

​

Year Ended December 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

Allowance at beginning of year

​

$

9,757

​

$

8,590

​

$

7,905

​

$

7,224

​

$

6,077

Provision for loan losses

​

​

3,329

​

​

2,929

​

​

703

​

​

805

​

​

1,452

Charge offs:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Real estate:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Residential

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

30

Commercial

​

​

670

​

​

1,522

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

243

Construction and land development

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Commercial

​

​

190

​

​

107

​

​

—

​

​

96

​

​

—

Consumer

​

​

699

​

​

190

​

​

44

​

​

65

​

​

91

Total charge-offs

​

​

1,559

​

​

1,819

​

​

44

​

​

161

​

​

364

Recoveries:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Real estate:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Residential

​

​

2

​

​

—

​

​

12

​

​

6

​

​

24

Commercial

​

​

—

​

​

45

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

24

Construction and land development

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Commercial

​

​

87

​

​

—

​

​

1

​

​

20

​

​

5

Consumer

​

​

64

​

​

12

​

​

13

​

​

11

​

​

6

Total recoveries

​

​

153

​

​

57

​

​

26

​

​

37

​

​

59

Net charge-offs

​

​

1,406

​

​

1,762

​

​

18

​

​

124

​

​

305

Allowance at end of year

​

$

11,680

​

$

9,757

​

$

8,590

​

$

7,905

​

$

7,224

Non-performing loans at end of year

​

$

6,261

​

$

9,033

​

$

1,582

​

$

2,284

​

$

5,082

Total loans outstanding at end of year(1)

​

$

847,208

​

$

751,895

​

$

633,015

​

$

562,834

​

$

501,407

Average loans outstanding during the year(1)

​

$

783,570

​

$

698,859

​

$

583,156

​

$

516,405

​

$

471,650

Allowance to non-performing loans

​

​

186.55%

​

​

108.02%

​

​

542.98%

​

​

346.10%

​

​

142.15%

Allowance to total loans outstanding at end of the year

​

​

1.38%

​

​

1.30%

​

​

1.36%

​

​

1.40%

​

​

1.44%

Net chargeoffs to average loans outstanding during the year

​

​

0.18%

​

​

0.25%

​

​

0.00%

​

​

0.02%

​

​

0.06%

(1)

Loans are presented before the allowance for loan losses but include deferred fees/costs.

40

Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses.   The following tables set forth the allowance for loan losses allocated by loan category. The allowance for loan losses allocated to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses in any particular category and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in other categories.

​

At December 31,

​

2018

2017

2016

(Dollars in thousands)

Allowance for Loan Losses

% of Loans in Category to Total Loans

Allowance for Loan Losses

% of Loans in Category to Total Loans

Allowance for Loan Losses

% of Loans in Category to Total Loans

Real estate:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Residential

​

$

251

​

6.76%

​

$

300

​

9.00%

​

$

328

​

12.13%

Commercial

​

​

4,152

​

43.00

​

​

4,483

​

49.35

​

​

4,503

​

53.07

Construction and land development

​

​

738

​

5.26

​

​

965

​

7.42

​

​

882

​

7.60

Commercial

​

​

5,742

​

42.64

​

​

3,280

​

31.91

​

​

2,513

​

26.23

Consumer

​

​

710

​

2.34

​

​

649

​

2.32

​

​

279

​

0.97

Total allocated allowance for loan losses

​

​

11,593

​

100.00%

​

​

9,677

​

100.00%

​

​

8,505

​

100.00%

Unallocated

​

​

87

​

​

​

​

80

​

​

​

​

85

​

​

Total

​

$

11,680

​

​

​

$

9,757

​

​

​

$

8,590

​

​

​	At December 31,
​	2015					2014
(Dollars in thousands)	Allowance for Loan Losses			% of Loans in Category to Total Loans		Allowance for Loan Losses			% of Loans in Category to Total Loans
Real estate:	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​
Residential	​	$	412	​	16.40%	​	$	560	​	20.84%
Commercial	​	​	3,827	​	50.67	​	​	3,500	​	49.76
Construction and land development	​	​	1,236	​	12.70	​	​	872	​	9.38
Commercial	​	​	2,138	​	19.90	​	​	1,751	​	19.45
Consumer	​	​	119	​	0.33	​	​	184	​	0.57
Total allocated allowance for loan losses	​	​	7,732	​	100.00%	​	​	6,867	​	100.00%
Unallocated	​	​	173	​	​	​	​	357	​	​
Total	​	$	7,905	​	​	​	$	7,224	​	​

 ​

The allowance consists of general, specific, and unallocated components. The general component relates to pools of non-impaired loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors. The allocated component relates to loans that are classified as impaired, whereby an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows, collateral value, less estimated selling costs, or observable market price of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.

An unallocated component may be maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating allocated and general reserves in the portfolio.

41

We had impaired loans totaling $7.5 million and $12.2 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Impaired loans totaling $1.8 million had a valuation allowance of  $1.1 million at December 31, 2018. At December 31, 2017, there were no impaired loans with a valuation allowance. Our average investment in impaired loans was $13.1 million and $7.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial business, commercial real estate and construction and land development loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment based on payment status. Accordingly, we do not separately identify individual one- to four-family residential and consumer loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are subject to a troubled debt restructuring. We periodically agree to modify the contractual terms of loans. When a loan is modified and a concession is made to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty, the modification is considered a troubled debt restructuring. All troubled debt restructurings are initially classified as impaired.

We review residential and commercial loans for impairment based on the fair value of collateral, if collateral-dependent, or the present value of expected cash flows. Management has reviewed the collateral value for all impaired and non-accrual loans that were collateral dependent as of December 31, 2018 and considered any probable loss in determining the allowance for loan losses.

Loans that are partially charged off generally remain on non-accrual status until foreclosure or such time that they are performing in accordance with the terms of the loan and have a sustained payment history of at least six months. The accrual of interest is generally discontinued when the contractual payment of principal or interest has become 90 days past due or management has serious doubts about further collectability of principal or interest, even though the loan is currently performing. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when we believe the uncollectability of a loan balance is confirmed; for collateral-dependent loans, generally when appraised values (as adjusted values, if applicable) less estimated costs to sell, are less than our carrying values.

Although we believe that we use the best information available to establish the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary and our results of operations could be adversely affected if circumstances differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the determinations. Furthermore, while we believe we have established our allowance for loan losses in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, our regulators, in reviewing our loan portfolio, may require us to increase our allowance for loan losses. In addition, because future events affecting borrowers and collateral cannot be predicted with certainty, the existing allowance for loan losses may not be adequate or increases may be necessary should the quality of any loans deteriorate as a result of the factors discussed above. Any material increase in the allowance for loan losses may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

42

Securities Portfolio

During 2017, we sold $30.6 million of state and municipal securities and $9.8 million of equity securities. The sale of the state and municipal securities was conducted to reduce our concentration within this category. The divesture resulted in a 34% concentration of the portfolio as compared to 47% of the portfolio prior to sale. The sale of equity securities was conducted to reduce potential earnings volatility related to new accounting guidance effective in 2018, which would have required us to report the changes in fair value of equity securities in earnings.

During 2016, we transferred all of our investments classified as held-to-maturity to available-for-sale. The following table sets forth the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our available-for-sale securities portfolio at the dates indicated.

​

At December 31,

​

2018

2017

2016

(In thousands)

Amortized Cost

Fair Value

Amortized Cost

Fair Value

Amortized Cost

Fair Value

Securities available-for-sale:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

State and municipal

​

$

20,118

​

$

20,255

​

$

20,726

​

$

21,454

​

$

49,367

​

$

50,580

Asset-backed securities

​

​

6,512

​

​

6,371

​

​

7,524

​

​

7,517

​

​

8,747

​

​

8,678

Government mortgage-backed securities

​

​

25,135

​

​

24,777

​

​

32,421

​

​

32,458

​

​

41,818

​

​

41,914

Corporate debt

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

1,000

​

​

1,031

Trust preferred securities

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

1,368

​

​

968

Marketable equity securities

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

11,363

​

​

14,696

Total

​

$

51,765

​

$

51,403

​

$

60,671

​

$

61,429

​

$

113,663

​

$

117,867

At December 31, 2018, we had no investments in a single company or entity, other than government and government agency securities, that had an aggregate book value in excess of 10% of our equity.

Portfolio Maturities and Yields.   The composition and maturities of the investment securities portfolio at December 31, 2018, are summarized in the following table. Certain mortgage-backed securities have adjustable interest rates and will reprice annually within the various maturity ranges. These repricing schedules are not reflected in the table below. No tax-equivalent yield adjustments have been made, as the amount of tax-free interest-earning assets is immaterial.

​

One Year or Less

More than One Year to Five Years

More than Five Years to Ten Years

More than Ten Years

Total

(Dollars in thousands)

Amortized Cost

Weighted Average Yield

Amortized Cost

Weighted Average Yield

Amortized Cost

Weighted Average Yield

Amortized Cost

Weighted Average Yield

Amortized Cost

Fair Value

Weighted Average Yield

Securities available-for-sale:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

State and municipal

​

$

95

​

4.05%

​

$

604

​

3.81%

​

$

2,120

​

3.87%

​

$

17,299

​

3.25%

​

$

20,118

​

$

20,255

​

3.34%

Asset-backed securities

​

​

—

​

—%

​

​

1,051

​

1.99%

​

​

—

​

—%

​

​

5,461

​

2.74%

​

​

6,512

​

​

6,371

​

2.62%

Government mortgage-backed securities

​

​

—

​

—%

​

​

1,355

​

1.47%

​

​

4,277

​

2.54%

​

​

19,503

​

2.74%

​

​

25,135

​

​

24,777

​

2.64%

Total

​

$

95

​

4.05%

​

$

3,010

​

2.12%

​

$

6,397

​

2.98%

​

$

42,263

​

2.95%

​

$

51,765

​

$

51,403

​

2.91%

Each reporting period, we evaluate all securities with a decline in fair value below the amortized cost of the investment to determine whether or not the impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary. Other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) is required to be recognized if  (1) we intend to sell the security; (2) it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) for debt securities, the present value of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis. For impaired debt securities that we intend to sell, or more likely than not will be required to sell, the full amount of the depreciation is recognized as OTTI, resulting in a realized loss that is a charged to earnings through a reduction in our non-interest income. For all other impaired debt securities, credit-related OTTI is recognized through earnings and non-credit related OTTI is recognized in other comprehensive income/loss, net of applicable taxes. We did not recognize any OTTI during the years ended December 31, 2018 or 2017.

43

Deposits

Total deposits increased $18.0 million, or 2.4%, to $768.1 million at December 31, 2018 from $750.1 million at December 31, 2017. Our continuing focus on the acquisition and expansion of core deposit relationships, which we define as all deposits except for certificates of deposit, resulted in net growth in these deposits of $22.8 million, or 3.5%, to $670.7 million at December 31, 2018, or 87.3% of total deposits at that date.

The following tables set forth the distribution of total deposits by account type at the dates indicated.

​	At December 31,
​	2018					2017					2016
(Dollars in thousands)	Amount			Percent		Amount			Percent		Amount			Percent
Noninterest bearing	​	$	195,293	​	25.43%	​	$	186,222	​	24.83%	​	$	158,075	​	25.17%
Negotiable order of withdrawal (NOW)	​	​	136,771	​	17.81%	​	​	123,292	​	16.44%	​	​	122,698	​	19.54%
Savings accounts	​	​	109,322	​	14.23%	​	​	112,610	​	15.01%	​	​	111,016	​	17.68%
Money market deposit accounts	​	​	229,314	​	29.85%	​	​	225,735	​	30.10%	​	​	145,321	​	23.14%
Certificates of deposit	​	​	97,396	​	12.68%	​	​	102,198	​	13.62%	​	​	90,872	​	14.47%
Total	​	$	768,096	​	100.00%	​	$	750,057	​	100.00%	​	$	627,982	​	100.00%

As of December 31, 2018, our certificates of deposit included $55.8 million of brokered certificates of deposit and $5.2 million of QwickRate certificates of deposit, where we gather certificates of deposit nationwide by posting rates we will pay on these deposits.

As of December 31, 2018, the aggregate amount of all our certificates of deposit in amounts greater than or equal to $100,000, which excludes all brokered certificates, was approximately $24.1 million. The following table sets forth the maturity of these certificates as of December 31, 2018.

Maturity Period	At December 31, 2018
(In thousands)	​
Three months or less	​	$	2,005
Over three through six months	​	​	3,650
Over six through twelve months	​	​	3,338
Over twelve months	​	​	15,083
Total	​	$	24,076

Borrowings

Our borrowings at December 31, 2018 consisted of Federal Home Loan Bank advances and Federal Reserve Bank borrowings from the borrower-in-custody program. The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on Federal Home Loan Bank advances and Federal Reserve Bank borrower-in-custody borrowings at the dates and for the years indicated.

​	At or For the Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2018			2017			2016
Balance outstanding at end of year	​	$	68,022	​	$	26,841	​	$	49,858
Weighted average interest rate at end of year	​	​	2.58%	​	​	1.52%	​	​	1.36%
Maximum amount of borrowings outstanding at any month end during the year	​	$	68,125	​	$	79,725	​	$	50,025
Average balance outstanding during the year	​	$	30,987	​	$	51,610	​	$	36,672
Weighted average interest rate during the year	​	​	2.40%	​	​	1.52%	​	​	1.70%

We had no securities sold under agreements to repurchase during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

44

Borrowings increased $41.2 million, or 153.4%, to $68.0 million at December 31, 2018 from $26.8 million at December 31, 2017 primarily due to loan growth funding. Out of the $68.0 million in borrowed funds, $38.1 million is short-term with an original maturity of less than one year. Net loans grew $52.2 million over the three months ended December 31, 2018 and borrowings were utilized to fund the loan growth that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2018.

Shareholders’ Equity

Total shareholders’ equity increased $9.8 million, or 8.5%, to $125.6 million at December 31, 2018, from $115.8 million at December 31, 2017. The increase was due primarily to net income of  $9.3 million, stock based compensation expense of  $928,000, and ESOP shares earned of  $613,000, partially offset by a decrease of $215,000 due to stock repurchases and $844,000 in accumulated other comprehensive loss, reflecting a decrease in the fair value of available-for-sale securities.

45

Average Balance Sheets and Related Yields and Rates

The following tables set forth average balance sheets, average yields and costs, and certain other information for the years indicated. No tax-equivalent yield adjustments have been made, as we consider the amount of tax free interest-earning assets is immaterial. All average balances are daily average balances. Non-accrual loans were included in the computation of average balances. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees, discounts, and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income or interest expense.

​

For the Year Ended December 31,

​

2018

2017

2016

(Dollars in thousands)

Average Balance

Interest Earned/​ Paid

Yield/​ Rate

Average Balance

Interest Earned/​ Paid

Yield/​ Rate

Average Balance

Interest Earned/​ Paid

Yield/​ Rate

Assets:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Interest-earning assets:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Loans

​

$

783,570

​

$

40,358

​

5.15%

​

$

698,859

​

$

32,510

​

4.65%

​

$

583,156

​

$

25,549

​

4.38%

Short-term investments

​

​

15,846

​

​

313

​

1.98%

​

​

8,285

​

​

100

​

1.21%

​

​

7,992

​

​

33

​

0.41%

Investment securities

​

​

55,686

​

​

1,560

​

2.80%

​

​

111,732

​

​

3,049

​

2.73%

​

​

120,897

​

​

3,222

​

2.67%

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

​

​

1,925

​

​

109

​

5.66%

​

​

2,874

​

​

123

​

4.28%

​

​

2,599

​

​

90

​

3.46%

Total interest-earning assets

​

​

857,027

​

​

42,340

​

4.94%

​

​

821,750

​

​

35,782

​

4.35%

​

​

714,644

​

​

28,894

​

4.04%

Non-interest earning assets

​

​

50,411

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

46,576

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

39,845

​

​

​

​

​

Total assets

​

$

907,438

​

​

​

​

​

​

$

868,326

​

​

​

​

​

​

$

754,489

​

​

​

​

​

Interest-bearing liabilities:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Savings accounts

​

$

116,126

​

​

281

​

0.24%

​

$

116,147

​

​

209

​

0.18%

​

$

110,528

​

​

190

​

0.17%

Money market accounts

​

​

227,057

​

​

2,224

​

0.98%

​

​

176,216

​

​

875

​

0.50%

​

​

115,857

​

​

334

​

0.29%

Now accounts

​

​

116,816

​

​

602

​

0.52%

​

​

114,292

​

​

660

​

0.58%

​

​

112,003

​

​

661

​

0.59%

Certificates of deposit

​

​

95,987

​

​

1,361

​

1.42%

​

​

120,033

​

​

1,200

​

1.00%

​

​

109,175

​

​

978

​

0.90%

Total interest-bearing deposits

​

​

555,986

​

​

4,468

​

0.80%

​

​

526,688

​

​

2,944

​

0.56%

​

​

447,563

​

​

2,163

​

0.48%

Borrowings

​

​

30,987

​

​

745

​

2.40%

​

​

51,610

​

​

782

​

1.52%

​

​

36,672

​

​

622

​

1.70%

Total interest-bearing liabilities

​

​

586,973

​

​

5,213

​

0.89%

​

​

578,298

​

​

3,726

​

0.64%

​

​

484,235

​

​

2,785

​

0.58%

Noninterest-bearing liabilities:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Noninterest-bearing deposits

​

​

189,369

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

166,055

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

156,379

​

​

​

​

​

Other noninterest-bearing liabilities

​

​

10,759

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

8,332

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

7,813

​

​

​

​

​

Total liabilities

​

​

787,101

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

752,685

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

648,427

​

​

​

​

​

Total equity

​

​

120,337

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

115,641

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

106,062

​

​

​

​

​

Total liabilities and equity

​

$

907,438

​

​

​

​

​

​

$

868,326

​

​

​

​

​

​

$

754,489

​

​

​

​

​

Net interest income

​

​

​

​

$

37,127

​

​

​

​

​

​

$

32,056

​

​

​

​

​

​

$

26,109

​

​

Interest rate spread(1)

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

4.05%

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

3.71%

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

3.46%

Net interest-earning assets(2)

​

$

270,054

​

​

​

​

​

​

$

243,452

​

​

​

​

​

​

$

230,409

​

​

​

​

​

Net interest margin(3)

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

4.33%

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

3.90%

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

3.65%

Average interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities

​

​

146.01%

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

142.10%

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

147.58%

​

​

​

​

​

(1)

Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-bearing assets and the weighted average rate of interest-bearing liabilities.

(2)

Net interest-earning assets represent total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.

(3)

Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.

Rate/Volume Analysis

The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate). The net column represents the sum of the prior columns. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to changes in both rate and volume that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionally based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.

46

​

Year Ended December 31, 2018 vs. 2017

Year Ended December 31, 2017 vs. 2016

​

Increase (Decrease) Due to

Total Increase (Decrease)

Increase (Decrease) Due to

Total Increase (Decrease)

​

Rate

Volume

Rate

Volume

Interest-earning assets:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Loans

​

$

3,683

​

$

4,165

​

$

7,848

​

$

1,653

​

$

5,308

​

$

6,961

Short-term investments

​

​

88

​

​

125

​

​

213

​

​

66

​

​

1

​

​

67

Investment securities

​

​

79

​

​

(1,568)

​

​

(1,489)

​

​

76

​

​

(249)

​

​

(173)

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

​

​

33

​

​

(47)

​

​

(14)

​

​

23

​

​

10

​

​

33

Total interest-earning assets

​

​

3,883

​

​

2,675

​

​

6,558

​

​

1,817

​

​

5,071

​

​

6,888

Interest-bearing liabilities:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Savings accounts

​

​

72

​

​

—

​

​

72

​

​

9

​

​

10

​

​

19

Money market accounts

​

​

1,040

​

​

309

​

​

1,349

​

​

314

​

​

227

​

​

541

Now accounts

​

​

(72)

​

​

14

​

​

(58)

​

​

(14)

​

​

13

​

​

(1)

Certificates of deposit

​

​

434

​

​

(273)

​

​

161

​

​

120

​

​

102

​

​

222

Total interest-bearing deposits

​

​

1,474

​

​

50

​

​

1,524

​

​

429

​

​

352

​

​

781

Borrowings

​

​

350

​

​

(387)

​

​

(37)

​

​

(72)

​

​

232

​

​

160

Total interest-bearing liabilities

​

​

1,824

​

​

(337)

​

​

1,487

​

​

357

​

​

584

​

​

941

Change in net interest and dividend income

​

$

2,059

​

$

3,012

​

$

5,071

​

$

1,460

​

$

4,487

​

$

5,947

Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

General.   Net income increased $1.4 million, or 17.8%, to $9.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $7.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $5.1 million, or 15.8%, in net interest and dividend income and a decrease in income tax expense of  $4.2 million, or 56.4%, offset by an increase in provision for loan losses of  $400,000, or 13.7%, an increase in salaries and employee benefits expense of  $1.4 million, or 9.3%, and a decrease in noninterest income of  $5.8 million, or 58.0%.

Interest and Dividend Income.   Interest and dividend income increased $6.6 million, or 18.3%, to $42.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $35.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. This was caused by an increase in interest and fees on loans, which increased $7.8 million, or 24.1%, offset by a decrease in interest and dividends on securities of  $1.5 million, or 47.4%.

The increase in interest income on loans was due to an increase in average balance of  $84.7 million, or 12.1%, to $783.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $698.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, and an increase in yield on loans of 50 basis points, to 5.15% for the year ended December 31, 2018 from 4.65% for the year ended December 31, 2017, due to our continued shift to higher-yielding commercial loans and higher the market interest rate environment.

47

Interest income on investment securities decreased $1.5 million, or 47.4%, to $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to divesting of all equity securities during the fourth quarter in 2017 and selling a portion of our municipal holdings. The average balances of securities decreased $57.0 million, or 49.7%, to $57.6 million as of December 31, 2018, but our yield increased 13 basis points to 2.90%.

Interest Expense.   Interest expense increased $1.5 million, or 39.9%, to $5.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to an increase in interest expense on deposits. Interest expense on deposits increased $1.5 million, or 51.8%, to $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, due to our cost of funds on interest-bearing deposits increasing 24 basis points to 0.80% for the year ended December 31, 2018 from 0.56% for the year ended December 31, 2017 and an increase in average balances. The increase in the cost of funds was primarily due to an increase in the average rate paid on money market accounts, which increased 48 basis points to 0.98%, and certificates of deposit, which increased 42 basis points to 1.42%. During the fourth quarter in 2017, the Company started offering a tiered rate money market product, which resulted in higher balances and higher rates offered. As of December 31, 2018, this product represented $115.5 million, or 50.4% of our total money market accounts.

Interest expense on borrowings, which consists of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston and borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank borrower-in-custody program, decreased $37,000, or 4.7%, to $745,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $782,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017. The average balance of borrowings decreased $20.6 million, or 40.0%, to $31.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $51.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Our cost of borrowings increased 88 basis points to 2.40% for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 1.52% for the year ended December 31, 2017 due to the raising rate environment.

Net Interest and Dividend Income.   Net interest and dividend income increased $5.1 million, or 15.8%, to $37.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $32.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Our net interest rate spread increased 34 basis points to 4.05% for the year ended December 31, 2018 from 3.71% for the year ended December 31, 2017, while our net interest margin increased 43 basis points to 4.33% for the year ended December 31, 2018 from 3.90% for the year ended December 31, 2017. The average yield we earned on interest-earning assets increased 59 basis points to 4.94% for the year ended December 31, 2018 from 4.35% for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in the yield on interest-earning assets increased more than the average rate we paid on interest-bearing liabilities, which increased 25 basis points to 0.89% for the year ended December 31, 2018 from 0.64% for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Provision for Loan Losses.   Our provision for loan losses was $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The provision recorded resulted in an allowance for loan losses of  $11.7 million, or 1.38% of total loans and 186.6% of non-performing loans at December 31, 2018, compared to $9.8 million, or 1.30% of total loans and 108.2% of non-performing loans at December 31, 2017. Our provision was higher in 2018 due to an increase in the valuation allowance for impaired loans and continued growth in the total loan portfolio. The non-performing loans at December 31, 2018 consist primarily of three commercial and industrial loan relationships. The relationships were evaluated for impairment and specific reserves of  $1.1 million were allocated. The increase in the allowance for loan losses was based on management’s assessment of loan portfolio growth and composition changes, historical charge-off trends, levels of problem loans and other asset quality trends. We apply historical loss ratios to newly originated loans, which, absent other factors, results in an increase in the allowance for loan losses as the loan portfolio increases. For further information related to changes in the provision and allowance for loan losses, refer to “— Asset Quality — Allowance for Loan Losses.”

48

Noninterest Income.   Noninterest income information is as follows.

​	Years Ended December 31,						Change
(Dollars in thousands)	2018			2017			Amount			Percent
Customer service fees on deposit accounts	​	$	1,435	​	$	1,392	​	$	43	​	3.1%
Service charges and fees – other	​	​	1,993	​	​	1,919	​	​	74	​	3.9%
Gain on sales, calls and donated securities, net	​	​	—	​	​	5,912	​	​	(5,912)	​	(100.0)%
Bank owned life insurance income	​	​	686	​	​	645	​	​	41	​	6.4%
Other income	​	​	64	​	​	87	​	​	(23)	​	(26.4)%
Total noninterest income	​	$	4,178	​	$	9,955	​	$	(5,777)	​	(58.0)%

Gains on sales, calls and donated securities, net, decreased $5.9 million, or 100.0%, for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. Effective January 2018, the Company adopted ASU (Accounting Standards Update) No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments — Overall (Subtopic 825-10): “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” This standard required us to measure our equity investments at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. We evaluated the pronouncement and decided to divest from our equity securities portfolio in 2017 to reduce potential earnings volatility. Customer service fees on deposit accounts increased $43,000, or 3.1%, primarily due to increased volume in transactional deposit accounts. Service charges and fees increased $74,000, or 3.9%, primarily due to increased loan fees. Bank owned life insurance income increased $41,000, or 6.4%, as $5.5 million in additional bank owned life insurance was purchased during the second half of 2017. Other income decreased $23,000, or 26.4%, primarily due to rebates received due to debit card transaction volume in 2017.

Noninterest Expense.   Noninterest expense information is as follows.

​	Years Ended December 31,						Change
(Dollars in thousands)	2018			2017			Amount			Percent
Salaries and employee benefits	​	$	16,801	​	$	15,365	​	$	1,436	​	9.3%
Occupancy expense	​	​	1,733	​	​	1,839	​	​	(106)	​	(5.8)%
Equipment expense	​	​	471	​	​	587	​	​	(116)	​	(19.8)%
FDIC assessment	​	​	301	​	​	309	​	​	(8)	​	(2.6)%
Data processing	​	​	810	​	​	741	​	​	69	​	9.3%
Marketing expense	​	​	245	​	​	300	​	​	(55)	​	(18.3)%
Professional fees	​	​	1,223	​	​	936	​	​	287	​	30.7%
Directors’ fees	​	​	620	​	​	607	​	​	13	​	2.1%
Other	​	​	3,210	​	​	3,065	​	​	145	​	4.7%
Total noninterest expense	​	$	25,414	​	$	23,749	​	$	1,665	​	7.0%

Salaries and employee benefits expense increased $1.4 million, or 9.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2018 from the year ended December 31, 2017 due to a higher number of lenders and key management positions in operations. Professional fees increased $287,000, or 30.7%, due to increased legal expenses related to certain subordinated lienholders that are disputing the priority of the Bank’s liens and the right of the Bank to retain proceeds from a foreclosure sale. Other noninterest expense increased $145,000, or 4.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2018 from the year ended December 31, 2017 due to costs incurred working out nonperforming loans and an increase in software expense. Occupancy expense decreased $106,000, or 5.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2018 from the year ended December 31, 2017 due to decreased repairs and maintenance costs and the greater need for snow removal in 2017. Equipment expense decreased $116,000, or 19.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2018 from the year ended December 31, 2017 primarily due to a decrease in maintenance contract expense.

49

Income Tax Provision.   We recorded a provision for income taxes of  $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, reflecting an effective tax rate of 25.8%, compared to $7.4 million, or an effective tax rate of 48.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2017. In December 2017, the U.S. government approved a reduction in the federal statutory income tax rate from a maximum rate of 35% to 21%, effective in 2018. This resulted in a decrease in the Bank’s net deferred tax asset by $2.0 million, which is reflected in our tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Management of Market Risk

General.   The majority of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. Consequently, our most significant form of market risk is interest rate risk. Our assets, consisting primarily of loans, have longer maturities than our liabilities, consisting primarily of deposits. As a result, a principal part of our business strategy is to manage interest rate risk and reduce the exposure of our net interest income to changes in market interest rates. Accordingly, we have established a management-level Asset/Liability Management Committee, which takes initial responsibility for developing an asset/liability management process and related procedures, establishing and monitoring reporting systems and developing asset/liability strategies. On at least a quarterly basis, the Asset/Liability Management Committee reviews asset/liability management with the Investment Asset/Liability Committee that has been established by the board of directors. This committee also reviews any changes in strategies as well as the performance of any specific asset/liability management actions that have been implemented previously. On a quarterly basis, an outside consulting firm provides us with detailed information and analysis as to asset/liability management, including our interest rate risk profile. Ultimate responsibility for effective asset/liability management rests with our board of directors.

We have sought to manage our interest rate risk in order to minimize the exposure of our earnings and capital to changes in interest rates. We have implemented the following strategies to manage our interest rate risk: originating loans with adjustable interest rates; promoting core deposit products; and adjusting the interest rates and maturities of funding sources, as necessary. In addition, we no longer originate single-family residential real estate loans, which often have longer terms and fixed rates. By following these strategies, we believe that we are better positioned to react to changes in market interest rates.

Net Interest Income Simulation.   We analyze our sensitivity to changes in interest rates through a net interest income simulation model. Net interest income is the difference between the interest income we earn on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and the interest we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. We estimate what our net interest income would be for a 12-month period in the current interest rate environment. We then calculate what the net interest income would be for the same period under the assumption that interest rates increase 200 basis points from current market rates and under the assumption that interest rates decrease 100 basis points from current market rates, with changes in interest rates representing immediate and permanent, parallel shifts in the yield curve.

The following table presents the estimated changes in net interest income of The Provident Bank, calculated on a bank-only basis, that would result from changes in market interest rates over twelve-month periods beginning December 31, 2018 and 2017.

​	At December 31,
​	2018					2017
Changes in Interest Rates (Basis Points)	Estimated Net Interest Income Over Next 12 Months			Change		Estimated 12-Months Net Interest Income			Change
(Dollars in thousands)	​			​		​			​
200	​	$	42,086	​	(1.50)%	​	$	37,384	​	1.04%
0	​	​	42,726	​	—	​	​	37,001	​	—
-100	​	​	N/A	​	N/A	​	​	35,752	​	(3.37)%
-200	​	​	42,160	​	(1.32)%	​	​	N/A	​	N/A

Economic Value of Equity Simulation.   We also analyze our sensitivity to changes in interest rates through an economic value of equity (“EVE”) model. EVE represents the present value of the expected cash flows from our assets less the present value of the expected cash flows arising from our liabilities adjusted for the value of off-balance sheet contracts. The EVE ratio represents the dollar amount of our EVE divided by the present value

50

of our total assets for a given interest rate scenario. EVE attempts to quantify our economic value using a discounted cash flow methodology while the EVE ratio reflects that value as a form of capital ratio. We estimate what our EVE would be as of a specific date. We then calculate what EVE would be as of the same date throughout a series of interest rate scenarios representing immediate and permanent, parallel shifts in the yield curve. We currently calculate EVE under the assumptions that interest rates increase 100, 200, 300 and 400 basis points from current market rates, and under the assumption that interest rates decrease 100 basis points from current market rates.

The following table presents the estimated changes in EVE of The Provident Bank, calculated on a bank-only basis, that would result from changes in market interest rates as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

​	At December 31,
​	2018					2017
Changes in Interest Rates (Basis Points)	Economic Value of Equity			Change		Economic Value of Equity			Change
(Dollars in thousands)	​			​		​			​
400	​	$	147,448	​	(3.70)%	​	$	133,578	​	3.40%
300	​	​	150,100	​	(1.90)%	​	​	133,308	​	3.20%
200	​	​	152,408	​	(0.40)%	​	​	132,555	​	2.60%
100	​	​	153,932	​	0.60%	​	​	131,933	​	2.20%
0	​	​	153,061	​	—	​	​	129,138	​	—
-100	​	​	147,489	​	(3.60)%	​	​	115,278	​	(10.70)%
-200	​	​	134,586	​	(12.10)%	​	​	N/A	​	N/A

Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodologies used in the above interest rate risk measurements. Modeling changes require making certain assumptions that may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. In this regard, the tables presented above assume that the composition of our interest-sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and assume that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration or repricing of specific assets and liabilities. Accordingly, although the tables provide an indication of our interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on our net interest income and will differ from actual results.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity is the ability to meet current and future financial obligations of a short-term nature. Our primary sources of funds consist of deposit inflows, loan repayments and maturities and sales of securities. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition.

We regularly review the need to adjust our investments in liquid assets based upon our assessment of: (1) expected loan demand, (2) expected deposit flows, (3) yields available on interest-earning deposits and securities, and (4) the objectives of our asset/liability management program. Excess liquid assets are invested generally in interest-earning deposits and short- and intermediate-term securities.

Our most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents. The levels of these assets are dependent on our operating, financing, lending and investing activities during any given period. At December 31, 2018, cash and cash equivalents totaled $28.6 million. Securities classified as available-for-sale, which provide additional sources of liquidity, totaled $51.4 million at December 31, 2018.

At December 31, 2018, we had the ability to borrow a total of  $133.0 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. On that date, we had $59.9 million in advances outstanding. At December 31, 2018, we also had an available line of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s borrower-in-custody program of $162.2 million, of which $8.1 million was outstanding as of that date.

We have no material commitments or demands that are likely to affect our liquidity other than as set forth below. In the event loan demand were to increase faster than expected, or any unforeseen demand or commitment

51

were to occur, we could access our borrowing capacity with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston or obtain additional funds through brokered certificates of deposit.

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, we had $42.6 million and $18.6 million in loan commitments outstanding, respectively. In addition to commitments to originate loans, at December 31, 2018 and 2017, we had $196.1 million and $166.3 million in unadvanced funds to borrowers, respectively. We also had $1.5 million and $2.0 million in outstanding letters of credit at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Certificates of deposit due within one year of December 31, 2018 totaled $55.1 million, or 56.5% of total certificates of deposit. If these deposits do not remain with us, we will be required to seek other sources of funds, including other certificates of deposit and Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advances. Depending on market conditions, we may be required to pay higher rates on such deposits or other borrowings than we currently pay on the certificates of deposit at December 31, 2018. We believe, however, based on past experience that a significant portion of our certificates of deposit will remain with us. We have the ability to attract and retain deposits by adjusting the interest rates offered.

Our primary investing activities are the origination of loans and the purchase of securities. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, we had $298.4 million and $267.8 million of loan originations, respectively. The loan originations included $286.6 million and $264.6 million of loans to be held in our portfolio for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we did not purchase or sell any securities. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we purchased $13.1 million of securities and received proceeds from the sales of securities totaling $51.3 million.

Financing activities consist primarily of activity in deposit accounts and Federal Home Loan Bank advances. We experienced net increases in total deposits of  $18.0 million and $122.1 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Deposit flows are affected by the overall level of interest rates, the interest rates and products offered by us and our local competitors and other factors. We generally manage the pricing of our deposits to be competitive. Borrowings increased $41.2 million and decreased $23.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The Provident Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. At December 31, 2018, The Provident Bank exceeded all applicable regulatory capital requirements, and was considered “well capitalized” under regulatory guidelines. See Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Contractual Obligations. In the ordinary course of our operations, we enter into certain contractual obligations. Such obligations include operating leases for premises and equipment, agreements with respect to borrowed funds and deposit liabilities, agreements with respect to investments and employment agreements with certain of our executive officers. The following table presents our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2018.

​

​

​

​

Payments Due by period

Contractual Obligations

Total

One Year or Less

More Than One Year to Three Years

More than Three Years to Five Years

More Than Five Years

(In thousands)

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Long-term debt obligations

​

$

68,022

​

$

43,071

​

$

16,451

​

$

8,500

​

$

—

Operating lease obligations

​

​

3,193

​

​

285

​

​

496

​

​

504

​

​

1,908

Total

​

$

71,215

​

$

43,356

​

$

16,947

​

$

9,004

​

$

1,908

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.   We are a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of our customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, which involve elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. Our exposure to credit loss is represented by the contractual amount of the instruments. We use the same credit policies in making commitments as we do for on-balance sheet instruments.

52

For further information, see Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For information with respect to recent accounting pronouncements that are applicable to Provident Bancorp, Inc., see Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Effect of Inflation and Changing Prices

The consolidated financial statements and related financial data included in this annual report have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the change in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The primary impact of inflation on our operations is reflected in increased operating costs. Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates generally have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than do general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the prices of goods and services.

ITEM 7A.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The Consolidated Financial Statements, including supplemental data, of Provident Bancorp, Inc. begin on page F-1 of this Annual Report.

ITEM 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of December 31, 2018. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2018, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report Regarding Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such terms are defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act of 1934. Our system of internal controls is designed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements that we provide to the public are fairly presented.

Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets, (ii) provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America

53

and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Accordingly, absolute assurance cannot be provided that the effectiveness of the internal control systems may not become inadequate in future periods because of changes in conditions, or because the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018. In making this assessment, the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) was utilized. Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2018, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective at the reasonable assurance level.

ITEM 9B.

OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

54

PART III

ITEM 10.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the captions “Proposal 1 — Election of Directors,” “Information About Executive Officers,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Corporate Governance — Code of Ethics for Senior Officers,” “Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Procedures — Procedures to be Followed by Stockholders,” “Corporate Governance — Committees of the Board of Directors” and “— Audit Committee” is incorporated herein by reference.

A copy of the Code of Ethics is available to shareholders on the “Corporate Governance” portion of the Investor Relations’ section on the Company’s website at www.theproividentbank.com.

ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the caption “Executive Compensation,” “Director Compensation,” and “Corporate Governance — Committees of the Board of Directors — Compensation Committee” is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDERS MATTERS

The information in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the caption “Stock Ownership” is incorporated herein by reference.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Information with respect to equity plan information is included in Item 5 of this Annual Report.

ITEM 13.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the captions “Transactions with Certain Related Persons” and “Proposal 1 — Election of Directors” is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the captions “Proposal 2 — Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm — Audit Fees” and “— Pre-Approval of Services by the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” is incorporated herein by reference.

55

PART IV

ITEM 15.

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)(1)

Financial Statements

The following documents are filed as part of this Form 10-K.

(i)

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

(ii)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(iii)

Consolidated Statements of Income

(iv)

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(v)

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(vi)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(vii)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(a)(2)

Financial Statement Schedules

None.

(a)(3)

Exhibits

3.1	Amended and Restated Articles of Organization of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (file no. 333-202716), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2015)
3.2	By-Laws of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (file no. 333-202716), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2015)
4	Form of Common Stock Certificate of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (file no. 333-202716), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2015)
10.1	Form of The Provident Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan † (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (file no. 333-202716), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2015)
10.2	Employment Agreement with David P. Mansfield † (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (file no. 333-202716), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2015)
10.3	Employment Agreement with Charles F. Withee † (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (file no. 333-202716), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2015)
10.4	Employment Agreement with Carol L. Houle † (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (file no. 333-202716), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2015)
10.5	Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement with David P. Mansfield † (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (file no. 333-202716), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2015)
10.6	Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement with Charles F. Withee † (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (file no. 333-202716), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2015)

56

10.7	Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement with Carol L. Houle † (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (file no. 333-202716), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2015)
10.8	The Provident Bank Executive Annual Incentive Plan † (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (file no. 333-202716), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2015)
10.9	The Provident Bank 2005 Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan † (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (file no. 333-202716), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2015)
10.11	Provident Bancorp, Inc. 2016 Equity Incentive Plan† (Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the definitive proxy statement for the Special Meeting of Shareholders of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (File No. 001-37504), filed by the Company under the Exchange Act on August 9, 2016)
10.12	Form of Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement†(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-214702), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 18, 2016)
10.13	Form of Non-Statutory Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement† (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-214702), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 18, 2016)
10.14	Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement† (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-214702), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 18, 2016)
10.15	First Amendment to Employment Agreement with David P. Mansfield† (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (File No. 001-37504), filed by the Company under the Exchange Act on December 26, 2018)
10.16	First Amendment to Employment Agreement with Charles F. Withee† (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (File No. 001-37504), filed by the Company under the Exchange Act on December 26, 2018)
10.17	First Amendment to Employment Agreement with Carol L. Houle† (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (File No. 001-37504), filed by the Company under the Exchange Act on December 26, 2018)
21	Subsidiaries of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 31 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (file no. 333-202716), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2015)
23	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32	Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101	The following financial statements from Provident Bancorp, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, filed on March 14, 2019, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

†

Compensatory arrangements.

ITEM 16.

FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.

57

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

Provident Bancorp, Inc.

Date: March 14, 2019 By:
/s/ David P. Mansfield ​ ​ David P. Mansfield
President and Chief Executive Officer

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

Signatures	Title	Date
/s/ David P. Mansfield David P. Mansfield	President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)	March 14, 2019
/s/ Carol L. Houle Carol L. Houle	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)	March 14, 2019
/s/ Frank G. Cousins, Jr. Frank G. Cousins, Jr.	Director	March 14, 2019
/s/ James A. DeLeo James A. DeLeo	Director	March 14, 2019
/s/ Lisa B. DeStefano Lisa B. DeStefano	Director	March 14, 2019
/s/ Jay E. Gould Jay E. Gould	Director	March 14, 2019
/s/ Laurie H. Knapp Laurie H. Knapp	Director	March 14, 2019
/s/ Richard L. Peeke Richard L. Peeke	Director	March 14, 2019
/s/ Joseph B. Reilly Joseph B. Reilly	Director	March 14, 2019
/s/ Arthur W. Sullivan Arthur W. Sullivan	Director	March 14, 2019
/s/ Charles F. Withee Charles F. Withee	Director	March 14, 2019

58

Provident Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets	F-2
Consolidated Statements of Income	F-3
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	F-4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity	F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	F-6
Note 1 — Nature of Operations	F-8
Note 2 — Accounting Policies	F-8
Note 3 — Investments Securities Available-for-Sale	F-15
Note 4 — Loans	F-17
Note 5 — Premises and Equipment	F-22
Note 6 — Deposits	F-23
Note 7 — Borrowings	F-23
Note 8 — Income Taxes	F-24
Note 9 — Employee Benefits & Share-Based Compensation Plans	F-26
Note 10 — Earnings Per Share	F-28
Note 11 — Regulatory Matters	F-28
Note 12 — Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	F-30
Note 13 — Financial Instruments	F-30
Note 14 — Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk	F-31
Note 15 — Fair Value Measurements	F-31
Note 16 — Disclosures About Fair Values of Financial Instruments	F-34
Note 17 — Reclassification	F-34
Note 18 — Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Only	F-35
Note 19 — Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	F-36

F-i

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Provident Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Provident Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiary (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Whittlesey PC
 
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2013.

Hartford, Connecticut
March 14, 2019

F-1

Provident Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2018 and 2017

(In thousands)	2018			2017
Assets	​	​	​	​	​	​
Cash and due from banks	​	$	10,941	​	$	10,326
Short-term investments	​	​	17,672	​	​	37,363
Cash and cash equivalents	​	​	28,613	​	​	47,689
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	​	​	51,403	​	​	61,429
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost	​	​	2,650	​	​	1,854
Loans, net	​	​	835,528	​	​	742,138
Assets held-for-sale	​	​	—	​	​	3,286
Bank owned life insurance	​	​	26,226	​	​	25,540
Premises and equipment, net	​	​	16,086	​	​	10,981
Other real estate owned	​	​	1,676	​	​	—
Accrued interest receivable	​	​	2,638	​	​	2,345
Deferred tax asset, net	​	​	6,437	​	​	4,920
Other assets	​	​	2,822	​	​	2,083
Total assets	​	$	974,079	​	$	902,265
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	​	​	​	​	​	​
Liabilities	​	​	​	​	​	​
Deposits:	​	​	​	​	​	​
Noninterest-bearing	​	$	195,293	​	$	186,222
Interest-bearing	​	​	572,803	​	​	563,835
Total deposits	​	​	768,096	​	​	750,057
Borrowings	​	​	68,022	​	​	26,841
Other liabilities	​	​	12,377	​	​	9,590
Total liabilities	​	​	848,495	​	​	786,488
Shareholders’ equity	​	​	​	​	​	​
Preferred stock; authorized 50,000 shares: no shares issued and outstanding	​	​	—	​	​	—
Common stock, no par value: 30,000,000 shares authorized; 9,662,181 shares issued, 9,625,719 shares outstanding at December 31, 2018 and 9,657,319 shares issued, 9,628,496 shares oustanding at December 31, 2017	​	​	—	​	​	—
Additional paid-in capital	​	​	45,895	​	​	44,592
Retained earnings	​	​	83,351	​	​	74,047
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	​	​	(255)	​	​	589
Unearned compensation – ESOP	​	​	(2,619)	​	​	(2,857)
Treasury stock: 36,462 and 28,823 shares at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively	​	​	(788)	​	​	(594)
Total shareholders’ equity	​	​	125,584	​	​	115,777
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	​	$	974,079	​	$	902,265

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-2

Provident Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
 

Consolidated Statements of Income
For the Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

(In thousands)	2018			2017
Interest and dividend income:	​	​	​	​	​	​
Interest and fees on loans	​	$	40,358	​	$	32,510
Interest and dividends on securities	​	​	1,669	​	​	3,172
Interest on short-term investments	​	​	313	​	​	100
Total interest and dividend income	​	​	42,340	​	​	35,782
Interest expense:	​	​	​	​	​	​
Interest on deposits	​	​	4,468	​	​	2,944
Interest on borrowings	​	​	745	​	​	782
Total interest expense	​	​	5,213	​	​	3,726
Net interest and dividend income	​	​	37,127	​	​	32,056
Provision for loan losses	​	​	3,329	​	​	2,929
Net interest and dividend income after provision for loan losses	​	​	33,798	​	​	29,127
Noninterest income:	​	​	​	​	​	​
Customer service fees on deposit accounts	​	​	1,435	​	​	1,392
Service charges and fees – other	​	​	1,993	​	​	1,919
Gain on sales of securities, net	​	​	—	​	​	5,912
Bank owned life insurance	​	​	686	​	​	645
Other income	​	​	64	​	​	87
Total noninterest income	​	​	4,178	​	​	9,955
Noninterest expense:	​	​	​	​	​	​
Salaries and employee benefits	​	​	16,801	​	​	15,365
Occupancy expense	​	​	1,733	​	​	1,839
Equipment expense	​	​	471	​	​	587
FDIC assessment	​	​	301	​	​	309
Data processing	​	​	810	​	​	741
Marketing expense	​	​	245	​	​	300
Professional fees	​	​	1,223	​	​	936
Directors’ fees	​	​	620	​	​	607
Other	​	​	3,210	​	​	3,065
Total noninterest expense	​	​	25,414	​	​	23,749
Income before income tax expense	​	​	12,562	​	​	15,333
Income tax expense	​	​	3,237	​	​	7,418
Net income	​	$	9,325	​	$	7,915
Earnings per share:	​	​	​	​	​	​
Basic	​	$	1.01	​	$	0.86
Diluted	​	$	1.00	​	$	0.86
Weighted Average Shares:	​	​	​	​	​	​
Basic	​	​	9,240,086	​	​	9,199,274
Diluted	​	​	9,306,316	​	​	9,199,887

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-3

Provident Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

(In thousands)	2018			2017
Net income	​	$	9,325	​	$	7,915
Other comprehensive loss:	​	​	​	​	​	​
Unrealized holding (losses) gains	​	​	(1,120)	​	​	2,466
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains in net income	​	​	—	​	​	(5,912)
Unrealized losses	​	​	(1,120)	​	​	(3,446)
Income tax effect	​	​	276	​	​	1,413
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	​	​	(844)	​	​	(2,033)
Total comprehensive income	​	$	8,481	​	$	5,882

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-4

Provident Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
For the Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

(In thousands, except share data)

Shares of Common Stock

Additional Paid-in Capital

Retained Earnings

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Unearned Compensation ESOP

Treasury Stock

Total

Balance, December 31, 2016

​

9,652,448

​

$

43,393

​

$

66,229

​

$

2,622

​

$

(3,095)

​

$

—

​

$

109,149

Net income

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

7,915

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

7,915

Other comprehensive loss

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

(2,130)

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

(2,130)

Reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

(97)

​

​

97

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

—

Stock-based compensation expense

​

—

​

​

926

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

926

Restricted stock award grants

​

4,871

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Treasury stock acquired

​

(28,823)

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

(594)

​

​

(594)

ESOP shares earned

​

—

​

​

273

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

238

​

​

—

​

​

511

Balance, December 31, 2017

​

9,628,496

​

​

44,592

​

​

74,047

​

​

589

​

​

(2,857)

​

​

(594)

​

​

115,777

Net income

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

9,325

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

9,325

Other comprehensive loss

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

(844)

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

(844)

Stock-based compensation expense

​

—

​

​

928

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

928

Restricted stock award grants

​

4,862

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Exercise of stock options, net

​

1,010

​

​

—

​

​

(21)

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

21

​

​

—

Treasury stock acquired

​

(8,649)

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

(215)

​

​

(215)

ESOP shares earned

​

—

​

​

375

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

238

​

​

—

​

​

613

Balance, December 31, 2018

​

9,625,719

​

$

45,895

​

$

83,351

​

$

(255)

​

$

(2,619)

​

$

(788)

​

$

125,584

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-5

Provident Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

(In thousands)	2018			2017
Cash flows from operating activities:	​	​	​	​	​	​
Net income	​	$	9,325	​	$	7,915
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	​	​	​	​	​	​
Amortization of securities premiums, net of accretion	​	​	274	​	​	740
ESOP expense	​	​	613	​	​	511
Gain on sale of securities, net	​	​	—	​	​	(5,912)
Change in deferred loan fees, net	​	​	378	​	​	418
Provision for loan losses	​	​	3,329	​	​	2,929
Depreciation and amortization	​	​	721	​	​	811
Loss on disposal of premises and equipment	​	​	6	​	​	2
Increase in accrued interest receivable	​	​	(293)	​	​	(25)
Deferred tax (benefit) expense	​	​	(1,241)	​	​	1,309
Share-based compensation expense	​	​	928	​	​	926
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance	​	​	(686)	​	​	(645)
Decrease (increase) in other assets	​	​	613	​	​	(539)
Increase in other liabilities	​	​	2,787	​	​	1,036
Net cash provided by operating activities	​	​	16,754	​	​	9,476
Cash flows from investing activities:	​	​	​	​	​	​
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	​	​	—	​	​	(13,121)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	​	​	—	​	​	57,259
Proceeds from pay downs, maturities and calls of available-for-sale securities	​	​	8,632	​	​	14,026
(Purchase) redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank Stock	​	​	(796)	​	​	933
Loan originations and purchases, net of paydowns	​	​	(100,073)	​	​	(121,060)
Additions to premises and equipment	​	​	(2,399)	​	​	(3,426)
Additions to assets held-for-sale	​	​	(147)	​	​	(67)
Additions to other real estate owned	​	​	(52)	​	​	—
Purchase of bank owned life insurance	​	​	—	​	​	(5,500)
Net cash used in investing activities	​	​	(94,835)	​	​	(70,956)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-6

Provident Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — (Continued)
For the Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

(In thousands)	2018			2017
Cash flows from financing activities:	​	​	​	​	​	​
Net increase in demand deposits, NOW and savings accounts	​	​	22,841	​	​	110,748
Net (decrease) increase in time deposits	​	​	(4,802)	​	​	11,327
Proceeds from advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank	​	​	10,000	​	​	7,000
Net change in short-term borrowings	​	​	31,181	​	​	(30,017)
Purchase of treasury stock	​	​	(215)	​	​	(594)
Net cash provided by financing activities	​	​	59,005	​	​	98,464
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	​	​	(19,076)	​	​	36,984
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	​	​	47,689	​	​	10,705
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	​	$	28,613	​	$	47,689
Supplemental disclosures:	​	​	​	​	​	​
Interest paid	​	$	5,326	​	$	3,725
Income taxes paid	​	​	3,638	​	​	6,667
Loan transferred to other real estate owned	​	​	1,624	​	​	—
Loan transferred to other assets	​	​	1,352	​	​	—
Transfer from assets held-for-sale to premises and equipment	​	​	3,433	​	​	—
Transfer from premises and equipment to assets held-for-sale	​	​	—	​	​	3,219

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-7

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 — Nature of Operations

Provident Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a Massachusetts-chartered corporation organized for the purpose of owning all of the outstanding capital stock of The Provident Bank (the “Bank”). Provident Bancorp, the Company’s mutual holding company (the “MHC”), owns approximately 52.3% of the Company’s stock.

The Company is headquartered in Amesbury, Massachusetts. The Bank operates its business from eight banking offices located in Amesbury and Newburyport, Massachusetts and Portsmouth, Exeter, Hampton, Bedford, and Seabrook, New Hampshire. The Bank provides a variety of financial services to individuals and small businesses. Its primary deposit products are checking, savings and term certificate accounts and its primary lending products are commercial mortgages and commercial loans.

Note 2 — Accounting Policies

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and predominant practices within the banking industry. The consolidated financial statements were prepared using the accrual basis of accounting.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, stock-based compensation expense and deferred income taxes.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Provident Bancorp, Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary, the Bank, and the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Provident Security Corporation and 5 Market Street Security Corporation. Provident Security Corporation and 5 Market Street Security Corporation were established to buy, sell, and hold investments for their own account. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, amounts due from banks, and short-term investments comprised of interest-bearing demand deposits with other banks and federal funds sold.

Investment Securities

Investments in debt securities are adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts so as to approximate the interest method. Gains or losses on sales of investment securities are computed on a specific identification basis and are recorded as of the trade date.

Debt and equity securities may be classified into one of three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading. These security classifications may be modified after acquisition only under certain specified conditions. In general, securities may be classified as held-to-maturity only if the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Trading securities are defined as those bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. All other securities must be classified as available-for-sale.

•

Held-to-maturity securities, if any, are measured at amortized cost in the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized holding gains and losses are not included in earnings or as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

F-8

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

•

Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized holding gains and losses are not included in earnings, but are reported as a net amount (less expected tax) as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized.

•

Trading securities, if any, are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized holding gains and losses for trading securities are included in earnings.

The Company evaluates securities within the Company’s available for sale portfolio for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”), at least quarterly. If the fair value of a debt security is below the amortized cost basis of the security, OTTI is required to be recognized if any of the following are met: (1) the Company intends to sell the security; (2) it is “more likely than not” that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) the present value of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis. For all impaired debt securities that the Company intends to sell, or more likely than not will be required to sell, the full amount of the depreciation is recognized as OTTI through earnings. Credit-related OTTI for all other impaired debt securities is recognized through earnings. Non-credit related OTTI for such debt securities is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (the “FHLB”), the Company is required to invest in $100 par value stock of the FHLB. The FHLB capital structure mandates that members own stock as determined by their Total Stock Investment Requirement which is the sum of a member’s Membership Stock Investment Requirement and Activity-Based Stock Investment Requirement. FHLB stock is a non-marketable equity security that is carried at cost and evaluated for impairment when deemed necessary.

Loans

Loan receivables that management has the intent and ability to hold until maturity or payoff are reported at their outstanding principal balances adjusted for amounts due to borrowers on unadvanced loans, any charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans, or unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans.

Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance.

Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct origination costs are deferred, and the net amount is recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method. The Company is amortizing these amounts over the contractual life of the related loans.

Residential real estate loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when reaching 90 days past due or in process of collection. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. All closed-end consumer loans 90 days or more past due and any equity line in the process of foreclosure are placed on non-accrual status. Secured consumer loans are written down to realizable value and unsecured consumer loans are charged-off upon reaching 120 or 180 days past due depending on the type of loan. Commercial real estate loans and commercial business loans and leases which are 90 days or more past due are generally placed on non-accrual status, unless secured by sufficient cash or other assets immediately convertible to cash. When a loan has been placed on non-accrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed against interest on loans. A loan can be returned to accrual status when collectability of principal is reasonably assured and the loan has performed for a period of time, generally six months. Interest income received on non-accrual loans is accounted for on the cash basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual.

Cash receipts of interest income on impaired loans are credited to principal to the extent necessary to eliminate doubt as to the collectability of the net carrying amount of the loan. Some or all of the cash receipts of interest income on impaired loans is recognized as interest income if the remaining net carrying amount of the loan is deemed to be fully collectible. When recognition of interest income on an impaired loan on a cash basis is appropriate, the amount of income that is recognized is limited to that which would

F-9

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

have been accrued on the net carrying amount of the loan at the contractual interest rate. Any cash interest payments received in excess of the limit and not applied to reduce the net carrying amount of the loan are recorded as recoveries of charge-offs until the charge-offs are fully recovered.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibality of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the size and composition of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. The allowance for loan losses is allocated to loan types using both a formula-based approach (general component) and an analysis of certain individual loans for impairment (allocated component).

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial, commercial real estate and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures.

The general component of the allowance for loan losses is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors stratified by the following loan segments: residential real estate, commercial real estate, construction and land development, commercial and consumer. Management uses a rolling average of historical losses based on a time frame appropriate to capture relevant loss data for each loan segment. These historical loss factors are adjusted for the following qualitative factors: levels/trends in delinquencies; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of changes in risk selection and underwriting standards and other changes in lending policies, procedures and practices; experience/ability/depth of lending management and staff; and national and local economic trends and conditions.

The qualitative factors are determined based on the various risk characteristics of each loan segment. Risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment are as follows:

Commercial real estate:   Loans in this segment are primarily income-producing properties throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The underlying cash flows generated by the properties can be adversely impacted by a downturn in the economy resulting in increased vacancy rates, which in turn, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment. Management periodically obtains rent rolls and continually monitors the cash flows and collateral value of these loans.

Commercial:   Loans in this segment are made to businesses and are generally secured by assets of the business. Repayment is expected from the cash flows of the business. A weakened economy, and resultant decreased consumer spending, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.

F-10

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

Residential real estate:   The Company generally does not originate loans with a loan-to-value ratio greater than 80% and does not grant subprime loans. Loans with loan to value ratios greater than 80% require the purchase of private mortgage insurance. All loans in this segment are collateralized by owner-occupied residential real estate and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower and value of collateral. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.

Construction and land development:   Loans in this segment primarily include speculative and pre-sold real estate development loans for which payment is derived from sale of the property and construction to permanent loans for which payment is derived from cash flows of the property. Credit risk is affected by cost overruns, time to sell at an adequate price, and market conditions.

Consumer:   Loans in this segment are generally unsecured and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower.

The allocated component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial, commercial real estate and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral, less estimated selling costs, if the loan is collateral dependent. An allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.

The Company from time to time, may agree to modify the contractual terms of loans. When a loan is modified and a concession is made to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty, the modified loan is considered a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). All TDRs are initially classified as impaired.

An unallocated component can be maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating allocated and general reserves in the portfolio.

Assets Held-for-Sale

Assets held-for-sale represented a commercial property being held for sale to a real estate developer. Assets designated as held for sale were held at the lower of carrying amount at designation or fair value less costs to sell. Depreciation is not charged against assets classified as held for sale. In 2018, the Company decided to retain this property for use and reclassified the property to premises and equipment.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

Bank-owned life insurance policies are reflected on the consolidated balance sheets at cash surrender value. Changes in the net cash surrender value of the policies, as well as insurance proceeds received, are reflected in non-interest income on the consolidated statements of income and are not subject to income taxes.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Cost and related allowances for depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment retired or otherwise disposed of are removed from the respective accounts with any gain or loss included in income or expense. Generally, depreciation on the buildings and equipment is calculated principally on the straight line method, and depreciation and amortization expense is charged against operations over the estimated useful lives of the related assets.

Other Real Estate Owned and Repossessed Assets

Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure or repossession are held for sale and are initially recorded at the lower of the investment in the loan or fair value less estimated costs to sell at the date of foreclosure or repossession, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequently, valuations are periodically

F-11

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Revenue and expenses from operations, changes in the valuation allowance, any direct write-downs and gains or losses on sales are included in other real estate owned expense.

Advertising

The Company directly expenses costs associated with advertising as they are incurred.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share represents income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Unallocated ESOP shares are not deemed outstanding for earnings per share calculations. Diluted earnings per share reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Compensation expense for The Provident Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “ESOP”) is recorded at an amount equal to the shares allocated by the ESOP multiplied by the average fair value of the shares during the period. The Company recognizes compensation expense ratably over the year based upon the Company’s estimate of the number of shares expected to be allocated by the ESOP. Unearned compensation applicable to the ESOP is reflected as a reduction of shareholders’ equity on the consolidated balance sheets. The difference between the average fair value and the cost of the shares by the ESOP is recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in-capital.

Stock-based Compensation Plans

The Company measures and recognizes compensation cost relating to stock-based payment transactions based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued. Stock-based compensation is recognized over the period the employee is required to provide services for the award. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options granted. The fair value of restricted stock is recorded based on the grant date value of the equity instrument issued.

Treasury Stock

Common stock repurchased are recorded as treasury stock at cost.

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for the temporary differences between the accounting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the amounts related to such temporary differences are realized or settled. A tax valuation allowance is established, as needed, to reduce net deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

The Company examines its significant income tax positions annually to determine whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

GAAP requires that the Company disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments. Fair value methods and assumptions used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures are as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents:   The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair values.

F-12

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

Investments:   Fair values for investments are based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments or pricing models. See footnote 15 for further details.

Loans receivable:   For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair values for other loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. In connection with the adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018, the Company refined its methodology to estimate the fair value of the loan portfolio using an exit price notion resulting in prior periods no longer being comparable. The exit price notion requires determination of the price at which willing market participants would transact at the measurement date under current market conditions.

Accrued interest receivable:   The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable approximates its fair value.

Deposit liabilities:   The fair values disclosed for deposits (e.g., interest and non-interest checking, passbook savings, and money market accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.

Borrowings:   Fair values of Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) Discount Window and Federal Home Loan Bank advances are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

Off-balance sheet instruments:   The fair value of commitments to originate loans is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. For fixed-rate loan commitments and the unadvanced portions of loans, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The fair value of letters of credit is based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligation with the counterparties at the reporting date.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

ASU (Accounting Standards Update) No. 2014-09 — Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).   This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605. This ASU requires an entity to recognize revenue for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The amendment includes a five-step process to assist an entity in achieving the main principle(s) of revenue recognition under ASC 605. In March 2016, the FASB also issued ASU 2016-08, an amendment to the guidance in ASU 2014-09, which reframed the structure of the indicators of when an entity is acting as an agent and focused on evidence that an entity is acting as the principal or agent in a revenue transaction. ASU 2016-08 also eliminated two of the indicators (the entity’s consideration is in the form of a commission, and the entity is not exposed to credit risk) in making that determination. This amendment also clarifies that each indicator may be more or less relevant to the assessment depending on the terms and conditions of the contract. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, an amendment to ASU 2014-09, which provided practical expedients related to disclosures of remaining performance obligations, as well as other amendments to guidance on transition, collectability, non-cash consideration and presentation of sales and other similar taxes. The amendments, collectively, should be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption (modified retrospective approach).

This ASU was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Because the ASU does not apply to revenue associated with leases and financial instruments (including loans and securities), the Company concluded that the new guidance did not impact the elements of its consolidated statements of income most

F-13

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

closely associated with leases and financial instruments (such as interest income, interest expense and securities gains). The Company completed its identification of all revenue streams included in its financial statements and has identified its deposit-related fees, service charges, debit and prepaid card interchange income and other fee income to be within the scope of the standard. The Company has also completed its review of the related contracts. The Company’s overall assessment indicates that adoption of this ASU did not materially change its current method and timing of recognizing revenue for the identified revenue streams and therefore, the adoption of this ASU as of January 1, 2018, did not have a significant impact to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments — Overall (Subtopic 825-10): “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.”   The ASU has been issued to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments by requiring 1) equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, those without readily determinable fair values, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; 2) separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements; 3) the use of the exit price notion when measuring fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; and 4) separate presentation by the reporting organization in other comprehensive income for the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from the change in the instrument-specific credit risk (also referred to as “own credit”) when the organization has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. The standard was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company evaluated the impact of this pronouncement and divested its entire marketable equity securities portfolio in 2017. The Company’s investment in Federal Home Loan Bank Stock is not included in the scope of this pronouncement. Upon adoption, the fair value of the Company’s loan portfolio is now presented using an exit price method. Also, the Company is no longer required to disclose the methodologies used for estimating fair value of financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis. The remaining requirements of this update did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842).   The amendments in this update require lessees to recognize, on the balance sheet, assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases. Accounting by lessors will remain largely unchanged. The guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. In July 2018, the FASB issued 2018-11, which allows a modified retrospective transition where the lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company’s assets and liabilities will increase based on the present value of the remaining lease payments in place the adoption date; however, this is not expected to be material to the Company’s results of operations or financial position. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 as a cumulative effect adjustment as of that date, and there was no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.”   The ASU changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that will replace today’s “incurred loss” model and can result in the earlier recognition of credit losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses in a manner similar to current practice, except that the losses will be recognized as an allowance. The amendments in this update will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted as of the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of this guidance on the Company’s financial statements.

ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.”   This ASU changes how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows under Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, and other Topics. The

F-14

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

amendments address the classification of the following eight items in the statement of cash flows: debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies, distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the Predominance Principle. The amendments in this update were effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. As the guidance only affects the classification within the statement of cash flows, the adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements.

ASU No. 2017-08, Receivables — Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (subtopic 310-20): “Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities.”   This ASU shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The amendments are effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2019 and there was no impact on the Company’s financial statements.

ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): “Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.”   This ASU eliminates, adds and modifies certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Among the changes, entities will no longer be required to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, but will be required to disclose the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. This ASU will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. As the guidance only revises disclosure requirements, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Note 3 — Investments Securities Available-for-Sale

The following summarizes the amortized cost of investment securities classified as available-for-sale and their approximate fair values at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)

Amortized Cost Basis

Gross Unrealized Gains

Gross Unrealized Losses

Fair Value

December 31, 2018

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

State and municipal

​

$

20,118

​

$

272

​

$

135

​

$

20,255

Asset-backed securities

​

​

6,512

​

​

—

​

​

141

​

​

6,371

Government mortgage-backed securities

​

​

25,135

​

​

138

​

​

496

​

​

24,777

Total available-for-sale securities

​

$

51,765

​

$

410

​

$

772

​

$

51,403

December 31, 2017

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

State and municipal

​

$

20,726

​

$

745

​

$

17

​

$

21,454

Asset-backed securities

​

​

7,524

​

​

30

​

​

37

​

​

7,517

Government mortgage-backed securities

​

​

32,421

​

​

317

​

​

280

​

​

32,458

Total available-for-sale securities

​

$

60,671

​

$

1,092

​

$

334

​

$

61,429

F-15

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

The scheduled maturities of debt securities were as follows at December 31, 2018. Actual maturities of mortgage-backed securities may differ from contractual maturities because the mortgages underlying the securities may be repaid without any penalties. Because mortgage-backed securities are not due at a single maturity date, they are not included in the maturity categories in the following maturity summary.

​	Available-for-Sale
(In thousands)	Amortized Cost			Fair Value
Due within one year	​	$	95	​	$	95
Due after one year through five years	​	​	604	​	​	608
Due after five years through ten years	​	​	2,120	​	​	2,169
Due after ten years	​	​	17,299	​	​	17,383
Government mortgage-backed securities	​	​	25,135	​	​	24,777
Asset-backed securities	​	​	6,512	​	​	6,371
​	​	$	51,765	​	$	51,403

There were no realized gains or losses on sales and calls during the year ended December 31, 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2017, gross realized gains on sales and calls were $6.4 million, and gross losses realized were $505,000.

There were no securities of issuers whose aggregate carrying amount exceeded 10% of equity at December 31, 2018.

Securities with carrying amounts of  $31.1 million and $39.8 million were pledged to secure available borrowings with the Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The aggregate fair value and unrealized losses of securities that have been in a continuous unrealized-loss position for less than twelve months and for twelve months or more, and are temporarily impaired, are as follows at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

​

Less than 12 Months

12 Months or Longer

Total

(In thousands)

Fair Value

Unrealized Losses

Fair Value

Unrealized Losses

Fair Value

Unrealized Losses

December 31, 2018

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Temporarily impaired securities:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

State and municipal

​

$

6,137

​

$

115

​

$

597

​

$

20

​

$

6,734

​

$

135

Asset-backed securities

​

​

3,833

​

​

98

​

​

2,538

​

​

43

​

​

6,371

​

​

141

Government mortgage-backed securities

​

​

2,864

​

​

32

​

​

14,152

​

​

464

​

​

17,016

​

​

496

Total temporarily impaired securities

​

$

12,834

​

$

245

​

$

17,287

​

$

527

​

$

30,121

​

$

772

December 31, 2017

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Temporarily impaired securities:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

State and municipal

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

611

​

$

17

​

$

611

​

$

17

Asset-backed securities

​

​

1,745

​

​

13

​

​

1,335

​

​

24

​

​

3,080

​

​

37

Government mortgage-backed securities

​

​

5,231

​

​

20

​

​

13,584

​

​

260

​

​

18,815

​

​

280

Total temporarily impaired securities

​

$

6,976

​

$

33

​

$

15,530

​

$

301

​

$

22,506

​

$

334

Government mortgage-backed securities, state and municipal securities and asset-backed securities:    Because the decline in fair value of the government mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and state and municipal securities is primarily attributable to changes in market interest rates and not credit quality, and because the Company has the intent and ability to hold these investments until market price recovery or maturity, these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired.

F-16

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

Note 4 — Loans

Loans consisted of the following at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)	2018			2017
Commercial real estate	​	$	364,867	​	$	371,510
Commercial	​	​	361,782	​	​	240,223
Residential real estate	​	​	57,361	​	​	67,724
Construction and land development	​	​	44,606	​	​	55,828
Consumer	​	​	19,815	​	​	17,455
​	​	​	848,431	​	​	752,740
Allowance for loan losses	​	​	(11,680)	​	​	(9,757)
Deferred loan fees, net	​	​	(1,223)	​	​	(845)
Net loans	​	$	835,528	​	$	742,138

The following tables set forth information regarding the allowance for loans and impaired loans by portfolio segment as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)

Commercial Real Estate

Commercial

Residential Real Estate

Construction and Land Development

Consumer

Unallocated

Total

December 31, 2018

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Allowance for loan losses:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Beginning balance

​

$

4,483

​

$

3,280

​

$

300

​

$

965

​

$

649

​

$

80

​

$

9,757

Charge-offs

​

​

(670)

​

​

(190)

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

(699)

​

​

—

​

​

(1,559)

Recoveries

​

​

—

​

​

87

​

​

2

​

​

—

​

​

64

​

​

—

​

​

153

Provision (credit)

​

​

339

​

​

2,565

​

​

(51)

​

​

(227)

​

​

696

​

​

7

​

​

3,329

Ending balance

​

$

4,152

​

$

5,742

​

$

251

​

$

738

​

$

710

​

$

87

​

$

11,680

Ending balance:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Individually evaluated for impairment

​

$

62

​

$

1,039

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

1,101

Ending balance:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Collectively evaluated for impairment

​

​

4,090

​

​

4,703

​

​

251

​

​

738

​

​

710

​

​

87

​

​

10,579

Total allowance for loan losses ending balance

​

$

4,152

​

$

5,742

​

$

251

​

$

738

​

$

710

​

$

87

​

$

11,680

Loans:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Ending balance:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Individually evaluated for impairment

​

$

1,853

​

$

5,291

​

$

388

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

​

​

​

$

7,532

Ending balance:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Collectively evaluated for impairment

​

​

363,014

​

​

356,491

​

​

56,973

​

​

44,606

​

​

19,815

​

​

​

​

​

840,899

Total loans ending balance

​

$

364,867

​

$

361,782

​

$

57,361

​

$

44,606

​

$

19,815

​

​

​

​

$

848,431

F-17

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

(In thousands)

Commercial Real Estate

Commercial

Residential Real Estate

Construction and Land Development

Consumer

Unallocated

Total

December 31, 2017

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Allowance for loan losses:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Beginning balance

​

$

4,503

​

$

2,513

​

$

328

​

$

882

​

$

279

​

$

85

​

$

8,590

Charge-offs

​

​

(1,522)

​

​

(107)

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

(190)

​

​

—

​

​

(1,819)

Recoveries

​

​

—

​

​

45

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

12

​

​

—

​

​

57

Provision (credit)

​

​

1,502

​

​

829

​

​

(28)

​

​

83

​

​

548

​

​

(5)

​

​

2,929

Ending balance

​

$

4,483

​

$

3,280

​

$

300

​

$

965

​

$

649

​

$

80

​

$

9,757

Ending balance:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Individually evaluated for impairment

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

—

Ending balance:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Collectively evaluated for impairment

​

​

4,483

​

​

3,280

​

​

300

​

​

965

​

​

649

​

​

80

​

​

9,757

Total allowance for loan losses ending balance

​

$

4,483

​

$

3,280

​

$

300

​

$

965

​

$

649

​

$

80

​

$

9,757

Loans:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Ending balance:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Individually evaluated for impairment

​

$

8,623

​

$

3,202

​

$

404

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

​

​

​

$

12,229

Ending balance:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Collectively evaluated for impairment

​

​

362,887

​

​

237,021

​

​

67,320

​

​

55,828

​

​

17,455

​

​

​

​

​

740,511

Total loans ending balance

​

$

371,510

​

$

240,223

​

$

67,724

​

$

55,828

​

$

17,455

​

​

​

​

$

752,740

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, loans with an aggregate principal balance of  $393.8 million and $357.1 million, respectively, were pledged to secure possible borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank.

Certain directors and executive officers of the Company and companies in which they have significant ownership interests were customers of the Bank during 2018. The following is a summary of the loans to such persons and their companies at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)	​
Balance beginning January 1, 2017	$	7,739
Effect of changes in composition of related parties	​	(85)
Advances	​	18,809
Principal payments	​	(4,190)
Ending balance, December 31, 2017	$	22,273
Balance beginning January 1, 2018	$	22,273
Effect of changes in composition of related parties	​	(339)
Advances	​	11
Principal payments	​	(9,988)
Ending balance, December 31, 2018	$	11,957

F-18

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

The following tables set forth information regarding non-accrual loans and past-due loans by portfolio segment at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)

30 – 59 Days

60 – 89 Days

90 Days or More Past Due

Total Past Due

Total Current

Total Loans

90 Days or More Past Due and Accruing

Nonaccrual Loans

December 31, 2018

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Commercial real estate

​

$

742

​

$

—

​

$

519

​

$

1,261

​

$

363,606

​

$

364,867

​

$

—

​

$

519

Commercial

​

​

40

​

​

—

​

​

3,167

​

​

3,207

​

​

358,575

​

​

361,782

​

​

—

​

​

4,830

Residential real estate

​

​

321

​

​

223

​

​

30

​

​

574

​

​

56,787

​

​

57,361

​

​

—

​

​

850

Construction and land development

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

44,606

​

​

44,606

​

​

—

​

​

—

Consumer

​

​

62

​

​

46

​

​

59

​

​

167

​

​

19,648

​

​

19,815

​

​

—

​

​

62

Total

​

$

1,165

​

$

269

​

$

3,775

​

$

5,209

​

$

843,222

​

$

848,431

​

$

—

​

$

6,261

December 31, 2017

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Commercial real estate

​

$

—

​

$

3,669

​

$

—

​

$

3,669

​

$

367,841

​

$

371,510

​

$

—

​

$

7,102

Commercial

​

​

12

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

12

​

​

240,211

​

​

240,223

​

​

—

​

​

1,505

Residential real estate

​

​

699

​

​

178

​

​

81

​

​

958

​

​

66,766

​

​

67,724

​

​

—

​

​

364

Construction and land development

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

55,828

​

​

55,828

​

​

—

​

​

—

Consumer

​

​

63

​

​

45

​

​

60

​

​

168

​

​

17,287

​

​

17,455

​

​

—

​

​

62

Total

​

$

774

​

$

3,892

​

$

141

​

$

4,807

​

$

747,933

​

$

752,740

​

$

—

​

$

9,033

F-19

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

Information about the Company’s impaired loans by portfolio segment was as follows at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)

Recorded Investment

Unpaid Principal Balance

Related Allowance

Average Recorded Investment

Interest Income Recognized

December 31, 2018

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

With no related allowance recorded:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Commercial real estate

​

$

1,334

​

$

1,334

​

$

—

​

$

5,614

​

$

69

Commercial

​

​

4,050

​

​

4,110

​

​

—

​

​

4,894

​

​

38

Residential real estate

​

​

388

​

​

388

​

​

—

​

​

396

​

​

20

Construction and land development

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Consumer

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Total impaired with no related allowance

​

$

5,772

​

$

5,832

​

$

—

​

$

10,904

​

$

127

With an allowance recorded:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Commercial real estate

​

$

519

​

$

519

​

$

62

​

$

519

​

$

—

Commercial

​

​

1,241

​

​

1,267

​

​

1,039

​

​

1,695

​

​

52

Residential real estate

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Construction and land development

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Consumer

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Total impaired with an allowance recorded

​

$

1,760

​

$

1,786

​

$

1,101

​

$

2,214

​

$

52

Total

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Commercial real estate

​

$

1,853

​

$

1,853

​

$

62

​

$

6,133

​

$

69

Commercial

​

​

5,291

​

​

5,377

​

​

1,039

​

​

6,589

​

​

90

Residential real estate

​

​

388

​

​

388

​

​

—

​

​

396

​

​

20

Construction and land development

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Consumer

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Total impaired loans

​

$

7,532

​

$

7,618

​

$

1,101

​

$

13,118

​

$

179

December 31, 2017

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

With no related allowance recorded:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Commercial real estate

​

$

8,623

​

$

10,139

​

$

—

​

$

4,562

​

$

70

Commercial

​

​

3,202

​

​

3,202

​

​

—

​

​

2,054

​

​

123

Residential real estate

​

​

404

​

​

404

​

​

—

​

​

412

​

​

20

Construction and land development

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Consumer

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Total impaired with no related allowance

​

$

12,229

​

$

13,745

​

$

—

​

$

7,028

​

$

213

With an allowance recorded:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Commercial real estate

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

—

Commercial

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Residential real estate

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Construction and land development

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Consumer

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Total impaired with an allowance recorded

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

—

Total

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Commercial real estate

​

$

8,623

​

$

10,139

​

$

—

​

$

4,562

​

$

70

Commercial

​

​

3,202

​

​

3,202

​

​

—

​

​

2,054

​

​

123

Residential real estate

​

​

404

​

​

404

​

​

—

​

​

412

​

​

20

Construction and land development

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Consumer

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

Total impaired loans

​

$

12,229

​

$

13,745

​

$

—

​

$

7,028

​

$

213

F-20

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

There were no troubled debt restructurings entered into during the year ended December 31, 2018.

The following summarizes troubled debt restructurings entered into during the year ended December 31, 2017:

(Dollars in thousands)	Number of Contracts		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment			Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
Year-Ended December 31, 2017	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​
Troubled debt restructurings:	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​
Commercial	​	1	​	$	249	​	$	249
​	​	1	​	$	249	​	$	249

In 2017, we approved one troubled debt restructure totaling $249,000, with no specific reserve required based on an analysis of the borrower’s collateral coverage. The term of this commercial loan was extended to a three-year term.

The loan modified as troubled debt restructuring during 2017 did not default during the one-year period after modification.

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, there were no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans were modified in troubled debt restructurings.

Credit Quality Information

The Company utilizes a seven grade internal loan rating system for commercial real estate, construction and land development, and commercial loans as follows:

Loans rated 1 – 3:   Loans in these categories are considered “pass” rated loans with low to average risk.

Loans rated 4:   Loans in this category are considered “special mention.” These loans are starting to show signs of potential weakness and are being closely monitored by management.

Loans rated 5:   Loans in this category are considered “substandard.” Generally, a loan is considered substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligors and/or the collateral pledged. There is a distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the weakness is not corrected.

Loans rated 6:   Loans in this category are considered “doubtful.” Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, highly questionable and improbable.

Loans rated 7:   Loans in this category are considered uncollectible (“loss”) and of such little value that their continuance as loans is not warranted.

On an annual basis, or more often if needed, the Company formally reviews the ratings on all commercial real estate, construction and land development, and commercial loans.

For residential real estate and consumer loans, the Company initially assesses credit quality based upon the borrower’s ability to pay and rates such loans as pass. Subsequent risk rating downgrades are based upon the borrower’s payment activity. All other residential and consumer loans are not formally rated.

F-21

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

The following tables present the Company’s loans by risk rating and portfolio segment at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)

Commercial Real Estate

Commercial

Residential Real Estate

Construction and Land Development

Consumer

Total

December 31, 2018

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Grade:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Pass

​

$

356,415

​

$

339,079

​

$

—

​

$

44,606

​

$

—

​

$

740,100

Special mention

​

​

6,531

​

​

11,339

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

17,870

Substandard

​

​

1,921

​

​

10,447

​

​

571

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

12,939

Doubtful

​

​

—

​

​

917

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

917

Not formally rated

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

56,790

​

​

—

​

​

19,815

​

​

76,605

Total

​

$

364,867

​

$

361,782

​

$

57,361

​

$

44,606

​

$

19,815

​

$

848,431

December 31, 2017

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Grade:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Pass

​

$

355,623

​

$

224,190

​

$

—

​

$

55,828

​

$

—

​

$

635,641

Special mention

​

​

6,852

​

​

9,155

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

16,007

Substandard

​

​

9,035

​

​

6,878

​

​

679

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

16,592

Not formally rated

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

67,045

​

​

—

​

​

17,455

​

​

84,500

Total

​

$

371,510

​

$

240,223

​

$

67,724

​

$

55,828

​

$

17,455

​

$

752,740

In 2017, the Bank had sold mortgage loans with servicing rights retained. The fair value of those servicing rights under GAAP was not material and was not recognized in the 2017 consolidated financial statements. In 2018, the Bank sold the servicing portfolio totaling $294,000.

Loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unpaid principal balances of mortgage and other loans serviced for others were $18.8 million and $15.6 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Note 5 — Premises and Equipment

The following is a summary of premises and equipment at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)	2018			2017
Land	​	$	2,424	​	$	2,424
Buildings and leasehold improvements	​	​	9,241	​	​	9,241
Furniture and equipment	​	​	4,520	​	​	4,649
Leasehold improvements	​	​	4,234	​	​	4,241
Construction in progress	​	​	5,748	​	​	—
​	​	​	26,167	​	​	20,555
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	​	​	(10,081)	​	​	(9,574)
Premises and equipment, net	​	$	16,086	​	$	10,981

Depreciation and amortization expense was $721,000 and $811,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

F-22

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

Note 6 — Deposits

The following is a summary of deposit balances by type at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)	2018			2017
NOW and demand	​	$	332,064	​	$	309,514
Regular savings	​	​	109,322	​	​	112,610
Money market deposits	​	​	229,314	​	​	225,735
Total non-certificate accounts	​	​	670,700	​	​	647,859
Certificate accounts of  $250,000 or more	​	​	14,164	​	​	5,061
Certificate accounts less than $250,000	​	​	83,232	​	​	97,137
Total certificate accounts	​	​	97,396	​	​	102,198
Total deposits	​	$	768,096	​	$	750,057

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the aggregate amount of brokered certificates of deposit was $55.8 million and $62.3 million respectively. Brokered certificates of deposit are not included in the totals for time deposits in denominations over $250,000 listed above.

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the scheduled maturities for certificate accounts for each of the following five years are as follows:

(In thousands)	2018			2017
2018	​	$	—	​	$	81,791
2019	​	​	55,061	​	​	16,105
2020	​	​	32,089	​	​	3,052
2021	​	​	8,938	​	​	410
2022	​	​	794	​	​	840
2023	​	​	514	​	​	—
Total	​	$	97,396	​	$	102,198

Deposits from related parties held by the Company at December 31, 2018 and 2017 amounted to $7.4 million and $16.0 million, respectively.

Note 7 — Borrowings

Advances consist of funds borrowed from the FHLB and the FRB borrower-in-custody (“BIC”) program. Maturities of advances from the FHLB and FRB for years ending after December 31, 2018 and 2017 are summarized as follows:

(In thousands)	2018			2017
2018	​	$	—	​	$	12,000
2019	​	​	43,071	​	​	4,936
2020	​	​	11,451	​	​	6,405
2021	​	​	5,000	​	​	—
2023	​	​	8,500	​	​	—
Thereafter	​	​	—	​	​	3,500
Total	​	$	68,022	​	$	26,841

Borrowings from the FRB BIC program are secured by a Uniform Commercial Code (“UCC”) financing statement on qualified collateral, consisting of certain commercial loans and qualified mortgage-backed government securities. At December 31, 2018, FRB borrowings consisted of overnight borrowings totaling $8.1 million and had an interest rate of 3.00%.

F-23

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

Borrowings from the FHLB, which aggregated $59,922 and $26,841 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, are secured by a blanket lien on qualified collateral, consisting primarily of loans with first mortgages secured by one to four family properties, certain commercial loans and qualified mortgage-backed government securities. At December 31, 2018, the interest rates on FHLB advances ranged from 1.53% to 3.01%, and the weighted average interest rate on FHLB advances was 2.52%.

The Bank modified $5.0 million and $3.5 million of its FHLB borrowings and extended the maturity in May of 2017 and August of 2015, respectively. The Bank incurred a prepayment penalty of  $87,000 and $233,000 in May of 2017 and August of 2015, respectively. In accordance with ASC 470, the prepayment penalties are being amortized over the life of the newly modified borrowings.

Note 8 — Income Taxes

The components of income tax expense are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)	2018			2017
Current tax expense (benefit):	​	​	​	​	​	​
Federal	​	$	3,214	​	$	5,044
State	​	​	1,278	​	​	1,079
Net operating loss carryforward	​	​	(14)	​	​	(14)
​	​	​	4,478	​	​	6,109
Deferred tax expense (benefit):	​	​	​	​	​	​
Federal	​	​	(926)	​	​	1,523
State	​	​	(315)	​	​	(214)
​	​	​	(1,241)	​	​	1,309
Income tax expense	​	$	3,237	​	$	7,418

The following is a summary of the differences between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:

​	2018		2017
Federal income tax at statutory rate	​	21.0%	​	34.0%
Increase (decrease) in tax resulting from:	​	​	​	​
State tax, net of federal tax benefit	​	5.7	​	4.6
Tax exempt income and dividends received deduction	​	(1.0)	​	(3.3)
Change in enacted federal tax rate	​	—	​	13.4
Other	​	0.1	​	(0.3)
Effective tax rate	​	25.8%	​	48.4%

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government approved a reduction in the federal statutory income tax rate from a maximum rate of 35% to 21%, effective in 2018. For the purposes of calculating deferred taxes, GAAP requires deferred taxes to be measured at the enacted tax rate at the balance sheet date, which was 21% at December 31, 2017. The impact of the rate reduction to the Company was a decrease in the Bank’s net deferred tax asset by $2.0 million, which is reflected in the Company’s tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2017.

This adjustment to deferred taxes included $97,000 related to unrealized gains and losses associated with the Company’s investment securities. Because these unrealized gains and losses were initially recorded as items of accumulated other comprehensive income in the Company’s capital accounts, the adjustment to deferred taxes resulted in a disproportionate tax effect of  $97,000 that became stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income. In February of 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, “Income

F-24

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

Statement-Reporting Comprehensive income (Topic 220), Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” which permitted entities to reclassify retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive income to eliminate the amount stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income, and the FASB allowed entities to adopt this guidance in 2017. The Company elected to adopt this new guidance early, and reclassified $97,000 from retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2017.

The following is a summary of the Company’s gross deferred tax assets and gross deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)	2018			2017
Deferred tax assets:	​	​	​	​	​	​
Allowance for loan losses	​	$	3,251	​	$	2,743
Depreciation	​	​	160	​	​	41
Net operating loss carryforward	​	​	16	​	​	25
Employee benefit plans and share-based compensation plans	​	​	2,498	​	​	1,979
Deferred loan fees, net	​	​	339	​	​	238
Reserve for unfunded commitments	​	​	31	​	​	39
Net unrealized loss on securities	​	​	107	​	​	—
Other	​	​	109	​	​	140
Gross deferred tax assets	​	​	6,511	​	​	5,205
Deferred tax liabilities:	​	​	​	​	​	​
Prepaid expenses	​	​	(45)	​	​	(64)
FHLB restructure fees	​	​	(29)	​	​	(52)
Net unrealized holding gain on securities	​	​	—	​	​	(169)
Gross deferred tax liabilities	​	​	(74)	​	​	(285)
Net deferred tax asset	​	$	6,437	​	$	4,920

At December 31, 2018, the Company had federal net operating loss carryovers of  $76,000. The carryovers were transferred to the Company upon the merger with Amesbury Cooperative Bank during the year ended December 31, 2001. The losses will expire in 2020 and are subject to certain annual limitations which amount to $42,000 per year.

The Company reduces the deferred tax asset by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of the available evidence, it is not “more likely than not” that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The Company assesses the realizability of its deferred tax assets by assessing the likelihood of the Company generating federal and state income tax, as applicable, in future periods in amounts sufficient to offset the deferred tax charges in the periods they are expected to reverse. Based on this assessment, management concluded that a valuation allowance was not required as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

It is the Company’s policy to provide for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties based upon management’s assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, there was no material uncertain tax positions related to federal and state income tax matters. The Company is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities for the years ended December 31, 2015 through December 31, 2017.

F-25

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

Note 9 — Employee Benefits & Share-Based Compensation Plans

401(k) Plan

The Company sponsors a 401(k) plan. All employees are eligible to join the 401(k) plan. However, participants in the 401(k) plan must complete one year of service to be eligible for safe harbor contributions and employer discretionary contributions. A Safe Harbor Plan was adopted by the Company effective January 1, 2007. Under the Safe Harbor Plan, the Company matches 100% of employee contributions up to 6% of compensation. In addition, the Company may make a discretionary contribution to the 401(k) plan determined on an annual basis. Employees may contribute up to 75% of their salary subject to certain limits based on federal tax laws. The expense recognized under the 401(k) plan was $494,000 and $440,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans

The Company has Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreements with certain executive officers. These agreements are designed to supplement the benefits available through the Company’s retirement plan. The liability for the retirement benefits amounted to $6.8 million and $5.6 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and is included in other liabilities. The expense recognized for these benefits was $1.1 million and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

The Bank maintains the ESOP to provide eligible employees the opportunity to own Company stock. This plan is a tax-qualified retirement plan for the benefit of Company employees. Contributions are allocated to eligible participants on the basis of compensation, subject to federal tax limits. The number of shares committed to be released per year through 2029 is 23,810.

The Company contributed funds to a subsidiary to enable it to grant a loan to the ESOP for the purchase of 357,152 shares of the Company’s stock at a price of  $10.00 per share. The loan obtained by the ESOP from the Company’s subsidiary to purchase Company stock is payable annually over 15 years at a rate per annum equal to the prime rate (5.50% at December 31, 2018). Loan payments are principally funded by cash contributions from the Company.

Shares held by the ESOP include the following:

​	December 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Allocated	​	71,430	​	47,620
Committed to be allocated	​	23,810	​	23,810
Unallocated	​	261,912	​	285,722
Total	​	357,152	​	357,152

Shared-Based Compensation Plan

Under the Provident Bancorp, Inc. 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”), the Company may grant options, restricted stock, restricted units or performance awards to its directors, officers and employees. Both incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options may be granted under the Equity Plan, with 446,440 shares reserved for options. The exercise price of each option equals the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant and the maximum term of each option is ten years. The total number of shares reserved for restricted stock or restricted units is 178,575. The value of restricted stock grants is based on the market price of the stock on grant date. Options and awards vest ratably over five years.

Expense related to options and restricted stock granted to directors is recognized as directors’ fees within non-interest expense.

F-26

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

Stock Options

The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

•

Volatility is based on peer group volatility because the Company does not have a sufficient trading history.

•

Expected life represents the period of time that the option is expected to be outstanding, taking into account the contractual term, and the vesting period.

•

The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for a period equivalent to the expected life of the option.

The fair value of options granted in 2018 and 2017 is based on the following assumptions:

​	2018			2017
Vesting period (years)	​	​	5	​	​	5
Expiration date (years)	​	​	10	​	​	10
Expected volatility	​	​	21.23%	​	​	21.53%
Expected life (years)	​	​	7.5	​	​	7.5
Expected dividend yield	​	​	0.00%	​	​	0.00%
Risk free interest rate	​	​	2.97%	​	​	2.25%
Fair value per option	​	$	8.71	​	$	7.05

A summary of the status of the Company’s stock option grants for the year ended December 31, 2018, is presented in the table below:

​	Stock Option Awards			Weighted Average Exercise Price			Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2018	​	​	396,443	​	$	17.61	​	​	​	​	​
Granted	​	​	12,170	​	​	27.20	​	​	​	​	​
Forfeited	​	​	(9,740)	​	​	17.40	​	​	​	​	​
Exercised	​	​	(2,435)	​	​	17.40	​	​	​	​	​
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	​	​	396,438	​	$	17.89	​	8.00	​	$	1,503,000
Outstanding and expected to vest at December 31, 2018	​	​	396,438	​	$	17.89	​	8.00	​	$	1,503,000
Vested and Exercisable at December 31, 2018	​	​	151,272	​	$	17.50	​	7.90	​	$	632,000
Unrecognized compensation cost	​	$	1,233,000	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​
Weighted average remaining recognition period (years)	​	​	3.01	​	​	​	​	​	​	​	​

Total expense for the stock options was $404,000 and $388,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Restricted Stock

Shares issued upon vesting may be either authorized but unissued shares or reacquired shares held by the Company. Any shares not issued because vesting requirements are not met will again be available for issuance under the plan. The fair market value of shares awarded, based on the market prices at the date of grant, is recorded as unearned compensation and amortized over the applicable vesting period.

F-27

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

The following table presents the activity in unvested restricted stock awards under the Equity Plan for the year ended December 31, 2018:

​	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Grant Price
Unvested restricted stock awards at January 1, 2018	​	​	127,852	​	$	17.59
Granted	​	​	4,862	​	​	27.20
Forfeited	​	​	(3,896)	​	​	17.40
Vested	​	​	(30,745)	​	​	17.59
Unvested restricted stock awards at Decemer 31, 2018	​	​	98,073	​	$	18.13
Unrecognized compensation cost	​	$	1,724,000	​	​	​
Weighted average remaining recognition period (years)	​	​	3.01	​	​	​

Total expense for the restricted stock awards was $524,000 and $538,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Note 10 — Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share consisted of the following components for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

(Dollars in thousands)	2018			2017
Net income attributable to common shareholders	​	$	9,325	​	$	7,915
Average number of common shares outstanding	​	​	9,659,357	​	​	9,652,448
Less:	​	​	​	​	​	​
average unallocated ESOP shares	​	​	(283,337)	​	​	(298,680)
average unvested restricted stock	​	​	(106,033)	​	​	(136,986)
average treasury stock acquired	​	​	(29,901)	​	​	(17,508)
Average number of common shares outstanding to calculate basic earnings per common share	​	​	9,240,086	​	​	9,199,274
Effect of dilutive unvested restricted stock and stock option awards	​	​	66,230	​	​	613
Average number of common shares outstanding to calculate diluted earnings per common share	​	​	9,306,316	​	​	9,199,887
Earnings per common share:	​	​	​	​	​	​
Basic	​	$	1.01	​	$	0.86
Diluted	​	$	1.00	​	$	0.86

Note 11 — Regulatory Matters

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

F-28

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

Effective January 1, 2015 (with a phase-in period of two to four years for certain components), the Bank became subject to capital regulations adopted by the FDIC, which implement the Basel III regulatory capital reforms and the changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act. The regulations require a minimum Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) capital ratio of 4.5%, a minimum Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 6.0%, a minimum total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 8.0% and a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4.0%. CET1 generally consists of common stock and retained earnings, subject to applicable adjustments and deductions. Under prompt corrective action regulations, in order to be considered “well capitalized,” the Bank must maintain a CET1 capital ratio of 6.5% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a total risk based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater and a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater. In addition, the regulations establish a capital conservation buffer above the required capital ratios that started phasing in on January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increases each year by 0.625% until it is fully phased in at 2.5% effective January 1, 2019. At December 31, 2018, the Bank exceeded the fully phased in regulatory requirement for the capital conservation buffer. Failure to maintain the capital conservation buffer could limit the ability of the Bank and the Company to pay dividends, repurchase shares or pay discretionary bonuses.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Bank met the conditions to be classified as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

The Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are summarized as follows:

​

Actual Capital

For Capital Adequacy Purposes

To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions

(Dollars in thousands)

Amount

Ratio

Amount

​

Ratio

Amount

​

Ratio

December 31, 2018

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)

​

$

128,939

​

14.55%

​

$

70,891

≥

​

8.0%

​

$

88,614

≥

​

10.0%

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)

​

​

117,855

​

13.30

​

​

53,168

≥

​

6.0

​

​

70,891

≥

​

8.0

Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)

​

​

117,855

​

13.30

​

​

39,876

≥

​

4.5

​

​

57,599

≥

​

6.5

Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)

​

​

117,855

​

12.69

​

​

37,157

≥

​

4.0

​

​

46,446

≥

​

5.0

December 31, 2017

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)

​

$

116,869

​

14.96%

​

$

62,514

≥

​

8.0%

​

$

78,142

≥

​

10.0%

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)

​

​

107,112

​

13.71

​

​

46,885

≥

​

6.0

​

​

62,514

≥

​

8.0

Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)

​

​

107,112

​

13.71

​

​

35,164

≥

​

4.5

​

​

50,792

≥

​

6.5

Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)

​

​

107,112

​

11.80

​

​

36,299

≥

​

4.0

​

​

45,374

≥

​

5.0

Liquidation Account

Upon the completion of the Company’s stock offering in 2015, a special “liquidation account” was established for the benefit of certain depositors of the Bank in an amount equal to the percentage ownership interest in the equity of the Company to be held by persons other than the MHC as of the date of the latest balance sheet contained in the prospectus. The Company is not permitted to pay dividends on its capital stock if the Company’s shareholders’ equity would be reduced below the amount of the liquidation account. The liquidation account is reduced annually to the extent that eligible account holders have reduced their qualifying deposits. Subsequent increases will not restore an eligible account holder’s interest in the liquidation account.

F-29

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

Note 12 — Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

At December 31, 2018, the Company was obligated under non-cancelable operating leases for bank premises and equipment.

The total minimum rental due in future periods under these existing agreements is as follows at December 31, 2018:

(In thousands)	​
2019	$	285
2020	​	244
2021	​	252
2022	​	252
2023	​	252
Years thereafter	​	1,908
Total minimum lease payments	$	3,193

The total rental expense amounted to $460,000 and $349,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Litigation

In April 2018, the Bank conducted a foreclosure sale of certain real and personal property which secured four non-accruing loans originally made by the Bank. The aggregate outstanding principal balance of these loans was approximately $7.5 million, of which (a) approximately $4.9 million was due and owing to the Bank and (b) approximately $2.6 million was due and owing to another financial institution who purchased participation interests in certain of these loans (the “Participant”). The Bank received approximately $8.3 in proceeds from this foreclosure sale. The U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”), which also made a secured loan to the same obligors, has since disputed the Bank’s retention of, and claimed priority to, a portion of the proceeds generated from this foreclosure sale, alleging a breach of contract and seeking monetary damages in the approximate amount of  $2.0 million. The Bank has partially denied liability, and in addition to its defenses, has asserted a counterclaim against the SBA and its assignee, Granite State Economic Development Corporation, seeking equitable reformation of the contract at issue on the basis of a mutual mistake of fact. On March 5, 2019, the Bank participated in a mediation of this matter. Pending the outcome of this lawsuit and this mediation, the Bank has segregated into a separate deposit account the entire amount in dispute, consisting of  $1.4 million that would be retained by the Bank, and $543,000 that would be provided to the participating institution. Management does not believe that the ultimate resolution of this matter will have a significant impact on the Bank’s financial condition or results of operations.

From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation incidental to its business. The Company does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these legal matters will have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Note 13 — Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to originate loans, standby letters of credit and unadvanced funds on loans. The instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The contract amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.

F-30

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for loan commitments and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amounts of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.

Commitments to originate loans are agreements to lend to a customer provided there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower. Collateral held varies, but may include secured interests in real property, accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment and income producing properties.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance by a customer to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the maximum potential amount of the Company’s obligation was $1.5 million and $2.0 million, respectively, for financial and standby letters of credit. The Company’s outstanding letters of credit generally have a term of less than one year. If a letter of credit is drawn upon, the Company may seek recourse through the customer’s underlying line of credit. If the customer’s line of credit is also in default, the Company may take possession of the collateral, if any, securing the line of credit.

Notional amounts of financial instruments with off-balance sheet credit risk are as follows at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)	2018			2017
Commitments to originate loans	​	$	42,625	​	$	18,641
Letters of credit	​	​	1,546	​	​	2,004
Unadvanced portions of loans	​	​	196,104	​	​	166,314
​	​	$	240,275	​	$	186,959

Note 14 — Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk

Most of the Company’s business activity is with customers located within northeast Massachusetts and southeast New Hampshire.. There are no concentrations of credit to borrowers that have similar economic characteristics. The majority of the Company’s loan portfolio is comprised of loans collateralized by real estate located in northeast Massachusetts and southeast New Hampshire..

Note 15 — Fair Value Measurements

The Company reports certain assets at fair value in accordance with GAAP, which defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:

Basis of Fair Value Measurements

•

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

F-31

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

•

Level 2 — Observable inputs other than level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;

•

Level 3 — Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Fair Values of Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis

The Company’s investments in U.S. Government and federal agency, state and municipal, asset-backed and government mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. For these investments, we obtain fair value measurements from independent pricing services. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, trading levels, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the instrument’s terms and conditions.

The following summarizes assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

​

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using

(In thousands)

Total

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1

Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2

Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3

December 31, 2018

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

State and municipal

​

$

20,255

​

$

—

​

$

20,255

​

$

—

Asset-backed securities

​

​

6,371

​

​

—

​

​

6,371

​

​

—

Mortgage-backed securities

​

​

24,777

​

​

—

​

​

24,777

​

​

—

Totals

​

$

51,403

​

$

—

​

$

51,403

​

$

—

December 31, 2017

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

State and municipal

​

$

21,454

​

$

—

​

$

21,454

​

$

—

Asset-backed securities

​

​

7,517

​

​

—

​

​

7,517

​

​

—

Government mortgage-backed securities

​

​

32,458

​

​

—

​

​

32,458

​

​

—

Totals

​

$

61,429

​

$

—

​

$

61,429

​

$

—

The Company did not have any transfers of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

F-32

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

Fair Values of Assets Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis

The Company’s only assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are loans identified as impaired for which a write-off or specific reserve has been recorded, and other real estate owned.

Certain impaired loans of the Company are reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated selling costs. The Company classifies impaired loans as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Collateral values are estimated using Level 2 inputs based upon appraisals of similar properties obtained from a third party, but can be adjusted and therefore classified as level 3. The Company classifies other real estate owned as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy if the Company has received a purchase and sales agreement.

The following summarizes assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

​

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:

(In thousands)

Total

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1

Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2

Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3

December 31, 2018

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Impaired loans

​

$

659

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

659

Other real estate owned

​

​

1,676

​

​

—

​

​

1,676

​

​

—

December 31, 2017

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Impaired loans

​

$

3,670

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

3,670

The following is a summary of the valuation methodology and unobservable inputs for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)	Fair Value			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input
December 31, 2018	​	​	​	​	​
Impaired loans	​	$	659	Real estate appraisals and business valuation	Discount for dated appraisals and comparable company evaluations
December 31, 2017	​	​	​	​	​
Impaired loans	​	$	3,670	Real estate appraisals	Discount for dated appraisals

F-33

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

Note 16 — Disclosures About Fair Values of Financial Instruments

GAAP requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. Certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments are excluded from the disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, all of which are held or issued for purposes other than trading, are as follows at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

​

Carrying Amount

Fair Value

(In thousands)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

December 31, 2018

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Financial assets:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Cash and cash equivalents

​

$

28,613

​

$

28,613

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

28,613

Available-for-sale securities

​

​

51,403

​

​

—

​

​

51,403

​

​

—

​

​

51,403

Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock

​

​

2,650

​

​

2,650

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

2,650

Loans, net

​

​

835,528

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

827,090

​

​

827,090

Accrued interest receivable

​

​

2,638

​

​

—

​

​

2,638

​

​

—

​

​

2,638

Financial liabilities:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Deposits

​

​

768,096

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

768,010

​

​

768,010

Borrowings

​

​

68,022

​

​

—

​

​

67,846

​

​

—

​

​

67,846

December 31, 2017

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Financial assets:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Cash and cash equivalents

​

$

47,689

​

$

47,689

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

47,689

Available-for-sale securities

​

​

61,429

​

​

—

​

​

61,429

​

​

—

​

​

61,429

Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock

​

​

1,854

​

​

1,854

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

1,854

Loans, net

​

​

742,138

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

745,637

​

​

745,637

Accrued interest receivable

​

​

2,345

​

​

—

​

​

2,345

​

​

—

​

​

2,345

Financial liabilities:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Deposits

​

​

750,057

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

749,898

​

​

749,898

Borrowings

​

​

26,841

​

​

—

​

​

26,655

​

​

—

​

​

26,655

The carrying amounts of financial instruments shown above are included in the consolidated balance sheets under the indicated captions. Accounting policies related to financial instruments are described in Note 2.

Note 17 — Reclassification

Certain amounts in the prior year have been reclassified to be consistent with the current year’s consolidated financial statement presentation, and had no effect on the net income reported in the consolidated income statement.

F-34

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

Note 18 — Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Only

Financial information pertaining only to Provident Bancorp, Inc. is as follows:

Provident Bancorp, Inc. — Parent Only Balance Sheet	​			​
(In thousands)	2018			2017
Assets	​	​	​	​	​	​
Cash and due from banks	​	$	5,249	​	$	5,224
Investment in common stock of The Provident Bank	​	​	117,615	​	​	107,629
Other assets	​	​	2,755	​	​	2,946
Total assets	​	$	125,619	​	$	115,799
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	​	​	​	​	​	​
Accrued expenses	​	$	35	​	$	22
Shareholders’ equity	​	​	125,584	​	​	115,777
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	​	$	125,619	​	$	115,799

Provident Bancorp, Inc. — Parent Only Income Statement	​			​
​	Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2018			2017
Total income	​	$	140	​	$	120
Operating expenses	​	​	90	​	​	88
Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed net income of The Provident Bank	​	​	50	​	​	32
Applicable income tax provision	​	​	14	​	​	13
Income before equity in income of subsidiaries	​	​	36	​	​	19
Equity in undistributed net income of The Provident Bank	​	​	9,289	​	​	7,896
Net income	​	$	9,325	​	$	7,915

Provident Bancorp, Inc. — Parent Only Statement of Cash Flows	​			​
​	Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2018			2017
Cash flows from operating activities:	​	​	​	​	​	​
Net income	​	$	9,325	​	$	7,915
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	​	​	​	​	​	​
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries	​	​	(9,289)	​	​	(7,896)
Decrease in other assets	​	​	191	​	​	191
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	​	​	13	​	​	(51)
Net cash provided by operating activities	​	​	240	​	​	159
Cash flows from financing activities:	​	​	​	​	​	​
Purchase of treasury stock	​	​	(215)	​	​	(594)
Net cash used in financing activities	​	​	(215)	​	​	(594)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	​	​	25	​	​	(435)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	​	​	5,224	​	​	5,659
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	​	$	5,249	​	$	5,224

F-35

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

Note 19 — Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

​

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

(In thousands)

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

Interest and dividend income

​

$

9,753

​

$

8,112

​

$

10,377

​

$

8,816

​

$

10,833

​

$

9,239

​

$

11,377

​

$

9,615

Interest expense

​

​

1,034

​

​

781

​

​

1,213

​

​

879

​

​

1,429

​

​

1,005

​

​

1,537

​

​

1,062

Net interest and dividend income

​

​

8,719

​

​

7,331

​

​

9,164

​

​

7,937

​

​

9,404

​

​

8,234

​

​

9,840

​

​

8,553

Provision for loan losses

​

​

656

​

​

563

​

​

638

​

​

892

​

​

1,421

​

​

1,012

​

​

614

​

​

462

Gain on sale of securities, net

​

​

—

​

​

482

​

​

—

​

​

58

​

​

—

​

​

1,851

​

​

—

​

​

3,521

Other income

​

​

1,013

​

​

1,020

​

​

1,118

​

​

1,012

​

​

1,059

​

​

1,046

​

​

988

​

​

966

Total noninterest income

​

​

1,013

​

​

1,502

​

​

1,118

​

​

1,070

​

​

1,059

​

​

2,897

​

​

988

​

​

4,487

Total noninterest expense

​

​

6,376

​

​

5,621

​

​

6,411

​

​

5,875

​

​

6,223

​

​

5,914

​

​

6,404

​

​

6,339

Income tax expense

​

​

678

​

​

847

​

​

843

​

​

639

​

​

741

​

​

1,434

​

​

975

​

​

4,498

Net income

​

$

2,022

​

$

1,802

​

$

2,390

​

$

1,601

​

$

2,078

​

$

2,771

​

$

2,835

​

$

1,741

Income per share:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Basic

​

$

0.22

​

$

0.16

​

$

0.26

​

$

0.15

​

$

0.22

​

$

0.19

​

$

0.31

​

$

0.19

Diluted

​

$

0.22

​

$

0.16

​

$

0.26

​

$

0.15

​

$

0.22

​

$

0.19

​

$

0.30

​

$

0.19

Weighted Average Shares:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Basic

​

​

9,219,865

​

​

9,192,568

​

​

9,233,745

​

​

9,193,836

​

​

9,247,367

​

​

9,201,634

​

​

9,258,858

​

​

9,208,854

Diluted

​

​

9,225,003

​

​

9,192,568

​

​

9,302,425

​

​

9,198,286

​

​

9,355,410

​

​

9,213,056

​

​

9,339,431

​

​

9,257,702

F-36

EX-23

Exhibit 23​

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in these Registration Statements on Form S-8 (333-214702 and 333-209668), of Provident Bancorp, Inc. of our report dated March 15, 2018, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Provident Bancorp, Inc., which appears in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

/s/ Whittlesey PC

Hartford, Connecticut
March 14, 2019

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1​

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, David P. Mansfield, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Provident Bancorp, Inc.;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 14, 2019 /s/ David P. Mansfield ​ David P. Mansfield
President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2​

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Carol L. Houle, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Provident Bancorp, Inc.;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 14, 2019 /s/ Carol L. Houle ​ Carol L. Houle
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

EX-32

EXHIBIT 32​

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

David P. Mansfield, President and Chief Executive Officer of Provident Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), and Carol L. Houle, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each certify in his or her capacity as an officer of the Company that they have reviewed the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “Report”) and that to the best of their knowledge:

1.

the Report fully complies with the requirements of Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.

the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: March 14, 2019 /s/ David P. Mansfield ​ David P. Mansfield
President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: March 14, 2019 /s/ Carol L. Houle ​ Carol L. Houle
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

XML

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 04, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Provident Bancorp, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001635840
Trading Symbol	pvbc
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		9,625,719
Entity Public Float			$ 100.6
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	true
Entity Ex Transition Period	true
Entity Shell Company	false

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets
Cash and due from banks	$ 10,941	$ 10,326
Short-term investments	17,672	37,363
Cash and cash equivalents	28,613	47,689
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	51,403	61,429
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost	2,650	1,854
Loans, net	835,528	742,138
Assets held-for-sale		3,286
Bank owned life insurance	26,226	25,540
Premises and equipment, net	16,086	10,981
Other real estate owned	1,676
Accrued interest receivable	2,638	2,345
Deferred tax asset, net	6,437	4,920
Other assets	2,822	2,083
Total assets	974,079	902,265
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing	195,293	186,222
Interest-bearing	572,803	563,835
Total deposits	768,096	750,057
Borrowings	68,022	26,841
Other liabilities	12,377	9,590
Total liabilities	848,495	786,488
Shareholders' equity
Preferred stock; authorized 50,000 shares: no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, no par value: 30,000,000 shares authorized; 9,662,181 shares issued, 9,625,719 shares outstanding at December 31, 2018 and 9,657,319 shares issued, 9,628,496 shares oustanding at December 31, 2017	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	45,895	44,592
Retained earnings	83,351	74,047
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(255)	589
Unearned compensation - ESOP	(2,619)	(2,857)
Treasury stock: 36,462 and 28,823 shares at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively	(788)	(594)
Total shareholders' equity	125,584	115,777
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 974,079	$ 902,265

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000	50,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, no par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	9,662,181	9,657,319
Common stock, shares outstanding	9,625,719	9,628,496
Treasury stock, shares	36,462	28,823

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Interest and dividend income:
Interest and fees on loans	$ 40,358	$ 32,510
Interest and dividends on securities	1,669	3,172
Interest on short-term investments	313	100
Total interest and dividend income	42,340	35,782
Interest expense:
Interest on deposits	4,468	2,944
Interest on borrowings	745	782
Total interest expense	5,213	3,726
Net interest and dividend income	37,127	32,056
Provision for loan losses	3,329	2,929
Net interest and dividend income after provision for loan losses	33,798	29,127
Noninterest income:
Gain on sales of securities, net		5,912
Bank owned life insurance	686	645
Other income	64	87
Total noninterest income	4,178	9,955
Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits	16,801	15,365
Occupancy expense	1,733	1,839
Equipment expense	471	587
FDIC assessment	301	309
Data processing	810	741
Marketing expense	245	300
Professional fees	1,223	936
Directors' fees	620	607
Other	3,210	3,065
Total noninterest expense	25,414	23,749
Income before income tax expense	12,562	15,333
Income tax expense	3,237	7,418
Net income	$ 9,325	$ 7,915
Earnings per share:
Basic	$ 1.01	$ 0.86
Diluted	$ 1.00	$ 0.86
Weighted Average Shares:
Basic (in shares)	9,240,086	9,199,274
Diluted (in shares)	9,306,316	9,199,887
Customer service fees on deposit accounts
Noninterest income:
Fees and commission	$ 1,435	$ 1,392
Service charges and fees - other
Noninterest income:
Fees and commission	$ 1,993	$ 1,919

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 9,325	$ 7,915
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized holding (losses) gains	(1,120)	2,466
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains in net income		(5,912)
Unrealized losses	(1,120)	(3,446)
Income tax effect	276	1,413
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(844)	(2,033)
Total comprehensive income	$ 8,481	$ 5,882

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Shares of Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Unearned Compensation ESOP	Treasury Stock	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016		$ 43,393	$ 66,229	$ 2,622	$ (3,095)		$ 109,149
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	9,652,448
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income			7,915				7,915
Other comprehensive loss				(2,130)			(2,130)
Reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings			(97)	97
Other comprehensive loss							(2,033)
Stock-based compensation expense		926					926
Restricted stock award grants (in shares)	4,871
Treasury stock acquired						$ (594)	(594)
Treasury stock acquired (in shares)	(28,823)
ESOP shares earned		273			238		511
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017		44,592	74,047	589	(2,857)	(594)	115,777
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	9,628,496
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income			9,325				9,325
Other comprehensive loss				(844)			(844)
Stock-based compensation expense		928					928
Restricted stock award grants (in shares)	4,862
Exercise of stock options, net			(21)			21
Exercise of stock options, net (in shares)	1,010
Treasury stock acquired						(215)	(215)
Treasury stock acquired (in shares)	(8,649)
ESOP shares earned		375			238		613
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018		$ 45,895	$ 83,351	$ (255)	$ (2,619)	$ (788)	$ 125,584
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018	9,625,719

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 9,325	$ 7,915
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of securities premiums, net of accretion	274	740
ESOP expense	613	511
Gain on sale of securities, net		(5,912)
Change in deferred loan fees, net	378	418
Provision for loan losses	3,329	2,929
Depreciation and amortization	721	811
Loss on disposal of premises and equipment	6	2
Increase in accrued interest receivable	(293)	(25)
Deferred tax (benefit) expense	(1,241)	1,309
Share-based compensation expense	928	926
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance	(686)	(645)
Decrease (increase) in other assets	613	(539)
Increase in other liabilities	2,787	1,036
Net cash provided by operating activities	16,754	9,476
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale securities		(13,121)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities		57,259
Proceeds from pay downs, maturities and calls of available-for-sale securities	8,632	14,026
(Purchase) redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank Stock	(796)	933
Loan originations and purchases, net of paydowns	(100,073)	(121,060)
Additions to premises and equipment	(2,399)	(3,426)
Additions to assets held-for-sale	(147)	(67)
Additions to other real estate owned	(52)
Purchase of bank owned life insurance		(5,500)
Net cash used in investing activities	(94,835)	(70,956)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase in demand deposits, NOW and savings accounts	22,841	110,748
Net (decrease) increase in time deposits	(4,802)	11,327
Proceeds from advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank	10,000	7,000
Net change in short-term borrowings	31,181	(30,017)
Purchase of treasury stock	(215)	(594)
Net cash provided by financing activities	59,005	98,464
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(19,076)	36,984
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	47,689	10,705
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	28,613	47,689
Supplemental disclosures:
Interest paid	5,326	3,725
Income taxes paid	3,638	6,667
Loan transferred to other real estate owned	1,624
Loan transferred to other assets	1,352
Transfer from assets held-for-sale to premises and equipment	$ 3,433
Transfer from premises and equipment to assets held-for-sale		$ 3,219

XML

NATURE OF OPERATIONS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

NATURE OF OPERATIONS

NOTE 1 — NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Provident Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a Massachusetts-chartered corporation organized for the purpose of owning all of the outstanding capital stock of The Provident Bank (the “Bank”). Provident Bancorp, the Company’s mutual holding company (the “MHC”), owns approximately 52.3% of the Company’s stock.

The Company is headquartered in Amesbury, Massachusetts. The Bank operates its business from eight banking offices located in Amesbury and Newburyport, Massachusetts and Portsmouth, Exeter, Hampton, Bedford, and Seabrook, New Hampshire. The Bank provides a variety of financial services to individuals and small businesses. Its primary deposit products are checking, savings and term certificate accounts and its primary lending products are commercial mortgages and commercial loans.

XML

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTE 2 — ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and predominant practices within the banking industry. The consolidated financial statements were prepared using the accrual basis of accounting.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, stock-based compensation expense and deferred income taxes.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Provident Bancorp, Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary, the Bank, and the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Provident Security Corporation and 5 Market Street Security Corporation. Provident Security Corporation and 5 Market Street Security Corporation were established to buy, sell, and hold investments for their own account. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, amounts due from banks, and short-term investments comprised of interest-bearing demand deposits with other banks and federal funds sold.

Investment Securities

Investments in debt securities are adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts so as to approximate the interest method. Gains or losses on sales of investment securities are computed on a specific identification basis and are recorded as of the trade date.

Debt and equity securities may be classified into one of three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading. These security classifications may be modified after acquisition only under certain specified conditions. In general, securities may be classified as held-to-maturity only if the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Trading securities are defined as those bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. All other securities must be classified as available-for-sale.

•       Held-to-maturity securities, if any, are measured at amortized cost in the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized holding gains and losses are not included in earnings or as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

•       Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized holding gains and losses are not included in earnings, but are reported as a net amount (less expected tax) as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized.

•       Trading securities, if any, are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized holding gains and losses for trading securities are included in earnings.

The Company evaluates securities within the Company’s available for sale portfolio for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”), at least quarterly. If the fair value of a debt security is below the amortized cost basis of the security, OTTI is required to be recognized if any of the following are met: (1) the Company intends to sell the security; (2) it is “more likely than not” that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) the present value of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis. For all impaired debt securities that the Company intends to sell, or more likely than not will be required to sell, the full amount of the depreciation is recognized as OTTI through earnings. Credit-related OTTI for all other impaired debt securities is recognized through earnings. Non-credit related OTTI for such debt securities is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (the “FHLB”), the Company is required to invest in $100 par value stock of the FHLB. The FHLB capital structure mandates that members own stock as determined by their Total Stock Investment Requirement which is the sum of a member’s Membership Stock Investment Requirement and Activity-Based Stock Investment Requirement. FHLB stock is a non-marketable equity security that is carried at cost and evaluated for impairment when deemed necessary.

Loans

Loan receivables that management has the intent and ability to hold until maturity or payoff are reported at their outstanding principal balances adjusted for amounts due to borrowers on unadvanced loans, any charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans, or unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans.

Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance.

Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct origination costs are deferred, and the net amount is recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method. The Company is amortizing these amounts over the contractual life of the related loans.

Residential real estate loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when reaching 90 days past due or in process of collection. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. All closed-end consumer loans 90 days or more past due and any equity line in the process of foreclosure are placed on non-accrual status. Secured consumer loans are written down to realizable value and unsecured consumer loans are charged-off upon reaching 120 or 180 days past due depending on the type of loan. Commercial real estate loans and commercial business loans and leases which are 90 days or more past due are generally placed on non-accrual status, unless secured by sufficient cash or other assets immediately convertible to cash. When a loan has been placed on non-accrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed against interest on loans. A loan can be returned to accrual status when collectability of principal is reasonably assured and the loan has performed for a period of time, generally six months. Interest income received on non-accrual loans is accounted for on the cash basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual.

Cash receipts of interest income on impaired loans are credited to principal to the extent necessary to eliminate doubt as to the collectability of the net carrying amount of the loan. Some or all of the cash receipts of interest income on impaired loans is recognized as interest income if the remaining net carrying amount of the loan is deemed to be fully collectible. When recognition of interest income on an impaired loan on a cash basis is appropriate, the amount of income that is recognized is limited to that which would have been accrued on the net carrying amount of the loan at the contractual interest rate. Any cash interest payments received in excess of the limit and not applied to reduce the net carrying amount of the loan are recorded as recoveries of charge-offs until the charge-offs are fully recovered.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibality of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the size and composition of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. The allowance for loan losses is allocated to loan types using both a formula-based approach (general component) and an analysis of certain individual loans for impairment (allocated component).

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial, commercial real estate and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures.

The general component of the allowance for loan losses is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors stratified by the following loan segments: residential real estate, commercial real estate, construction and land development, commercial and consumer. Management uses a rolling average of historical losses based on a time frame appropriate to capture relevant loss data for each loan segment. These historical loss factors are adjusted for the following qualitative factors: levels/trends in delinquencies; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of changes in risk selection and underwriting standards and other changes in lending policies, procedures and practices; experience/ability/depth of lending management and staff; and national and local economic trends and conditions.

The qualitative factors are determined based on the various risk characteristics of each loan segment. Risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment are as follows:

Commercial real estate:   Loans in this segment are primarily income-producing properties throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The underlying cash flows generated by the properties can be adversely impacted by a downturn in the economy resulting in increased vacancy rates, which in turn, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment. Management periodically obtains rent rolls and continually monitors the cash flows and collateral value of these loans.

Commercial:   Loans in this segment are made to businesses and are generally secured by assets of the business. Repayment is expected from the cash flows of the business. A weakened economy, and resultant decreased consumer spending, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.

Residential real estate:   The Company generally does not originate loans with a loan-to-value ratio greater than 80% and does not grant subprime loans. Loans with loan to value ratios greater than 80% require the purchase of private mortgage insurance. All loans in this segment are collateralized by owner-occupied residential real estate and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower and value of collateral. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.

Construction and land development:   Loans in this segment primarily include speculative and pre-sold real estate development loans for which payment is derived from sale of the property and construction to permanent loans for which payment is derived from cash flows of the property. Credit risk is affected by cost overruns, time to sell at an adequate price, and market conditions.

Consumer:   Loans in this segment are generally unsecured and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower.

The allocated component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial, commercial real estate and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral, less estimated selling costs, if the loan is collateral dependent. An allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.

The Company from time to time, may agree to modify the contractual terms of loans. When a loan is modified and a concession is made to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty, the modified loan is considered a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). All TDRs are initially classified as impaired.

An unallocated component can be maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating allocated and general reserves in the portfolio.

Assets Held-for-Sale

Assets held-for-sale represented a commercial property being held for sale to a real estate developer. Assets designated as held for sale were held at the lower of carrying amount at designation or fair value less costs to sell. Depreciation is not charged against assets classified as held for sale. In 2018, the Company decided to retain this property for use and reclassified the property to premises and equipment.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

Bank-owned life insurance policies are reflected on the consolidated balance sheets at cash surrender value. Changes in the net cash surrender value of the policies, as well as insurance proceeds received, are reflected in non-interest income on the consolidated statements of income and are not subject to income taxes.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Cost and related allowances for depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment retired or otherwise disposed of are removed from the respective accounts with any gain or loss included in income or expense. Generally, depreciation on the buildings and equipment is calculated principally on the straight line method, and depreciation and amortization expense is charged against operations over the estimated useful lives of the related assets.

Other Real Estate Owned and Repossessed Assets

Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure or repossession are held for sale and are initially recorded at the lower of the investment in the loan or fair value less estimated costs to sell at the date of foreclosure or repossession, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequently, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Revenue and expenses from operations, changes in the valuation allowance, any direct write-downs and gains or losses on sales are included in other real estate owned expense.

Advertising

The Company directly expenses costs associated with advertising as they are incurred.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share represents income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Unallocated ESOP shares are not deemed outstanding for earnings per share calculations. Diluted earnings per share reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Compensation expense for The Provident Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “ESOP”) is recorded at an amount equal to the shares allocated by the ESOP multiplied by the average fair value of the shares during the period. The Company recognizes compensation expense ratably over the year based upon the Company’s estimate of the number of shares expected to be allocated by the ESOP. Unearned compensation applicable to the ESOP is reflected as a reduction of shareholders’ equity on the consolidated balance sheets. The difference between the average fair value and the cost of the shares by the ESOP is recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in-capital.

Stock-based Compensation Plans

The Company measures and recognizes compensation cost relating to stock-based payment transactions based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued. Stock-based compensation is recognized over the period the employee is required to provide services for the award. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options granted. The fair value of restricted stock is recorded based on the grant date value of the equity instrument issued.

Treasury Stock

Common stock repurchased are recorded as treasury stock at cost.

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for the temporary differences between the accounting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the amounts related to such temporary differences are realized or settled. A tax valuation allowance is established, as needed, to reduce net deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

The Company examines its significant income tax positions annually to determine whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

GAAP requires that the Company disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments. Fair value methods and assumptions used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures are as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents:   The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair values.

Investments:   Fair values for investments are based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments or pricing models. See footnote 15 for further details.

Loans receivable:   For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair values for other loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. In connection with the adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018, the Company refined its methodology to estimate the fair value of the loan portfolio using an exit price notion resulting in prior periods no longer being comparable. The exit price notion requires determination of the price at which willing market participants would transact at the measurement date under current market conditions.

Accrued interest receivable:   The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable approximates its fair value.

Deposit liabilities:   The fair values disclosed for deposits (e.g., interest and non-interest checking, passbook savings, and money market accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.

Borrowings:   Fair values of Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) Discount Window and Federal Home Loan Bank advances are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

Off-balance sheet instruments:   The fair value of commitments to originate loans is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. For fixed-rate loan commitments and the unadvanced portions of loans, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The fair value of letters of credit is based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligation with the counterparties at the reporting date.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

ASU (Accounting Standards Update) No. 2014-09 — Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).   This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605. This ASU requires an entity to recognize revenue for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The amendment includes a five-step process to assist an entity in achieving the main principle(s) of revenue recognition under ASC 605. In March 2016, the FASB also issued ASU 2016-08, an amendment to the guidance in ASU 2014-09, which reframed the structure of the indicators of when an entity is acting as an agent and focused on evidence that an entity is acting as the principal or agent in a revenue transaction. ASU 2016-08 also eliminated two of the indicators (the entity’s consideration is in the form of a commission, and the entity is not exposed to credit risk) in making that determination. This amendment also clarifies that each indicator may be more or less relevant to the assessment depending on the terms and conditions of the contract. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, an amendment to ASU 2014-09, which provided practical expedients related to disclosures of remaining performance obligations, as well as other amendments to guidance on transition, collectability, non-cash consideration and presentation of sales and other similar taxes. The amendments, collectively, should be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption (modified retrospective approach).

This ASU was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Because the ASU does not apply to revenue associated with leases and financial instruments (including loans and securities), the Company concluded that the new guidance did not impact the elements of its consolidated statements of income most closely associated with leases and financial instruments (such as interest income, interest expense and securities gains). The Company completed its identification of all revenue streams included in its financial statements and has identified its deposit-related fees, service charges, debit and prepaid card interchange income and other fee income to be within the scope of the standard. The Company has also completed its review of the related contracts. The Company’s overall assessment indicates that adoption of this ASU did not materially change its current method and timing of recognizing revenue for the identified revenue streams and therefore, the adoption of this ASU as of January 1, 2018, did not have a significant impact to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments — Overall (Subtopic 825-10): “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.”   The ASU has been issued to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments by requiring 1) equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, those without readily determinable fair values, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; 2) separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements; 3) the use of the exit price notion when measuring fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; and 4) separate presentation by the reporting organization in other comprehensive income for the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from the change in the instrument-specific credit risk (also referred to as “own credit”) when the organization has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. The standard was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company evaluated the impact of this pronouncement and divested its entire marketable equity securities portfolio in 2017. The Company’s investment in Federal Home Loan Bank Stock is not included in the scope of this pronouncement. Upon adoption, the fair value of the Company’s loan portfolio is now presented using an exit price method. Also, the Company is no longer required to disclose the methodologies used for estimating fair value of financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis. The remaining requirements of this update did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842).   The amendments in this update require lessees to recognize, on the balance sheet, assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases. Accounting by lessors will remain largely unchanged. The guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. In July 2018, the FASB issued 2018-11, which allows a modified retrospective transition where the lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company’s assets and liabilities will increase based on the present value of the remaining lease payments in place the adoption date; however, this is not expected to be material to the Company’s results of operations or financial position. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 as a cumulative effect adjustment as of that date, and there was no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.”   The ASU changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that will replace today’s “incurred loss” model and can result in the earlier recognition of credit losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses in a manner similar to current practice, except that the losses will be recognized as an allowance. The amendments in this update will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted as of the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of this guidance on the Company’s financial statements.

ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.”   This ASU changes how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows under Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, and other Topics. The amendments address the classification of the following eight items in the statement of cash flows: debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies, distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the Predominance Principle. The amendments in this update were effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. As the guidance only affects the classification within the statement of cash flows, the adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements.

ASU No. 2017-08, Receivables — Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (subtopic 310-20): “Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities.”   This ASU shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The amendments are effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2019 and there was no impact on the Company’s financial statements.

ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): “Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.”   This ASU eliminates, adds and modifies certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Among the changes, entities will no longer be required to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, but will be required to disclose the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. This ASU will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. As the guidance only revises disclosure requirements, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

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INVESTMENTS SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

INVESTMENTS SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE

NOTE 3 — INVESTMENTS SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE

The following summarizes the amortized cost of investment securities classified as available-for-sale and their approximate fair values at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)	Amortized  Cost  Basis			Gross  Unrealized  Gains			Gross  Unrealized  Losses			Fair  Value
December 31, 2018
State and municipal		$	20,118		$	272		$	135		$	20,255
Asset-backed securities			6,512			—			141			6,371
Government mortgage-backed securities			25,135			138			496			24,777
Total available-for-sale securities		$	51,765		$	410		$	772		$	51,403
December 31, 2017
State and municipal		$	20,726		$	745		$	17		$	21,454
Asset-backed securities			7,524			30			37			7,517
Government mortgage-backed securities			32,421			317			280			32,458
Total available-for-sale securities		$	60,671		$	1,092		$	334		$	61,429

The scheduled maturities of debt securities were as follows at December 31, 2018. Actual maturities of mortgage-backed securities may differ from contractual maturities because the mortgages underlying the securities may be repaid without any penalties. Because mortgage-backed securities are not due at a single maturity date, they are not included in the maturity categories in the following maturity summary.

	Available-for-Sale
(In thousands)	Amortized  Cost			Fair  Value
Due within one year		$	95		$	95
Due after one year through five years			604			608
Due after five years through ten years			2,120			2,169
Due after ten years			17,299			17,383
Government mortgage-backed securities			25,135			24,777
Asset-backed securities			6,512			6,371
		$	51,765		$	51,403

There were no realized gains or losses on sales and calls during the year ended December 31, 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2017, gross realized gains on sales and calls were $6.4 million, and gross losses realized were $505,000.

There were no securities of issuers whose aggregate carrying amount exceeded 10% of equity at December 31, 2018.

Securities with carrying amounts of  $31.1 million and $39.8 million were pledged to secure available borrowings with the Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The aggregate fair value and unrealized losses of securities that have been in a continuous unrealized-loss position for less than twelve months and for twelve months or more, and are temporarily impaired, are as follows at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

	Less than 12 Months						12 Months or Longer						Total
(In thousands)	Fair  Value			Unrealized  Losses			Fair  Value			Unrealized  Losses			Fair  Value			Unrealized  Losses
December 31, 2018
Temporarily impaired securities:
State and municipal		$	6,137		$	115		$	597		$	20		$	6,734		$	135
Asset-backed securities			3,833			98			2,538			43			6,371			141
Government mortgage-backed securities			2,864			32			14,152			464			17,016			496
Total temporarily impaired securities		$	12,834		$	245		$	17,287		$	527		$	30,121		$	772
December 31, 2017
Temporarily impaired securities:
State and municipal		$	—		$	—		$	611		$	17		$	611		$	17
Asset-backed securities			1,745			13			1,335			24			3,080			37
Government mortgage-backed securities			5,231			20			13,584			260			18,815			280
Total temporarily impaired securities		$	6,976		$	33		$	15,530		$	301		$	22,506		$	334

Government mortgage-backed securities, state and municipal securities and asset-backed securities:    Because the decline in fair value of the government mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and state and municipal securities is primarily attributable to changes in market interest rates and not credit quality, and because the Company has the intent and ability to hold these investments until market price recovery or maturity, these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired.

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LOANS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Receivables [Abstract]

LOANS

NOTE 4 — LOANS

Loans consisted of the following at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)	2018			2017
Commercial real estate		$	364,867		$	371,510
Commercial			361,782			240,223
Residential real estate			57,361			67,724
Construction and land development			44,606			55,828
Consumer			19,815			17,455
			848,431			752,740
Allowance for loan losses			(11,680)			(9,757)
Deferred loan fees, net			(1,223)			(845)
Net loans		$	835,528		$	742,138

The following tables set forth information regarding the allowance for loans and impaired loans by portfolio segment as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)	Commercial  Real Estate			Commercial			Residential  Real Estate			Construction  and Land  Development			Consumer			Unallocated			Total
December 31, 2018
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance		$	4,483		$	3,280		$	300		$	965		$	649		$	80		$	9,757
Charge-offs			(670)			(190)			—			—			(699)			—			(1,559)
Recoveries			—			87			2			—			64			—			153
Provision (credit)			339			2,565			(51)			(227)			696			7			3,329
Ending balance		$	4,152		$	5,742		$	251		$	738		$	710		$	87		$	11,680
Ending balance:
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	62		$	1,039		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	1,101
Ending balance:
Collectively evaluated for impairment			4,090			4,703			251			738			710			87			10,579
Total allowance for loan losses ending balance		$	4,152		$	5,742		$	251		$	738		$	710		$	87		$	11,680
Loans:
Ending balance:
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	1,853		$	5,291		$	388		$	—		$	—					$	7,532
Ending balance:
Collectively evaluated for impairment			363,014			356,491			56,973			44,606			19,815						840,899
Total loans ending balance		$	364,867		$	361,782		$	57,361		$	44,606		$	19,815					$	848,431

(In thousands)	Commercial  Real Estate			Commercial			Residential  Real Estate			Construction  and Land  Development			Consumer			Unallocated			Total
December 31, 2017
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance		$	4,503		$	2,513		$	328		$	882		$	279		$	85		$	8,590
Charge-offs			(1,522)			(107)			—			—			(190)			—			(1,819)
Recoveries			—			45			—			—			12			—			57
Provision (credit)			1,502			829			(28)			83			548			(5)			2,929
Ending balance		$	4,483		$	3,280		$	300		$	965		$	649		$	80		$	9,757
Ending balance:
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Ending balance:
Collectively evaluated for impairment			4,483			3,280			300			965			649			80			9,757
Total allowance for loan losses ending balance		$	4,483		$	3,280		$	300		$	965		$	649		$	80		$	9,757
Loans:
Ending balance:
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	8,623		$	3,202		$	404		$	—		$	—					$	12,229
Ending balance:
Collectively evaluated for impairment			362,887			237,021			67,320			55,828			17,455						740,511
Total loans ending balance		$	371,510		$	240,223		$	67,724		$	55,828		$	17,455					$	752,740

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, loans with an aggregate principal balance of  $393.8 million and $357.1 million, respectively, were pledged to secure possible borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank.

Certain directors and executive officers of the Company and companies in which they have significant ownership interests were customers of the Bank during 2018. The following is a summary of the loans to such persons and their companies at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)
Balance beginning January 1, 2017	$	7,739
Effect of changes in composition of related parties		(85)
Advances		18,809
Principal payments		(4,190)
Ending balance, December 31, 2017	$	22,273
Balance beginning January 1, 2018	$	22,273
Effect of changes in composition of related parties		(339)
Advances		11
Principal payments		(9,988)
Ending balance, December 31, 2018	$	11,957

The following tables set forth information regarding non-accrual loans and past-due loans by portfolio segment at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)	30 – 59  Days			60 – 89  Days			90 Days  or More  Past Due			Total  Past  Due			Total  Current			Total  Loans			90 Days  or More  Past Due  and Accruing			Nonaccrual  Loans
December 31, 2018
Commercial real estate		$	742		$	—		$	519		$	1,261		$	363,606		$	364,867		$	—		$	519
Commercial			40			—			3,167			3,207			358,575			361,782			—			4,830
Residential real estate			321			223			30			574			56,787			57,361			—			850
Construction and land development			—			—			—			—			44,606			44,606			—			—
Consumer			62			46			59			167			19,648			19,815			—			62
Total		$	1,165		$	269		$	3,775		$	5,209		$	843,222		$	848,431		$	—		$	6,261
December 31, 2017
Commercial real estate		$	—		$	3,669		$	—		$	3,669		$	367,841		$	371,510		$	—		$	7,102
Commercial			12			—			—			12			240,211			240,223			—			1,505
Residential real estate			699			178			81			958			66,766			67,724			—			364
Construction and land development			—			—			—			—			55,828			55,828			—			—
Consumer			63			45			60			168			17,287			17,455			—			62
Total		$	774		$	3,892		$	141		$	4,807		$	747,933		$	752,740		$	—		$	9,033

Information about the Company’s impaired loans by portfolio segment was as follows at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)	Recorded  Investment			Unpaid  Principal  Balance			Related  Allowance			Average  Recorded  Investment			Interest  Income  Recognized
December 31, 2018
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial real estate		$	1,334		$	1,334		$	—		$	5,614		$	69
Commercial			4,050			4,110			—			4,894			38
Residential real estate			388			388			—			396			20
Construction and land development			—			—			—			—			—
Consumer			—			—			—			—			—
Total impaired with no related allowance		$	5,772		$	5,832		$	—		$	10,904		$	127
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial real estate		$	519		$	519		$	62		$	519		$	—
Commercial			1,241			1,267			1,039			1,695			52
Residential real estate			—			—			—			—			—
Construction and land development			—			—			—			—			—
Consumer			—			—			—			—			—
Total impaired with an allowance recorded		$	1,760		$	1,786		$	1,101		$	2,214		$	52
Total
Commercial real estate		$	1,853		$	1,853		$	62		$	6,133		$	69
Commercial			5,291			5,377			1,039			6,589			90
Residential real estate			388			388			—			396			20
Construction and land development			—			—			—			—			—
Consumer			—			—			—			—			—
Total impaired loans		$	7,532		$	7,618		$	1,101		$	13,118		$	179
December 31, 2017
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial real estate		$	8,623		$	10,139		$	—		$	4,562		$	70
Commercial			3,202			3,202			—			2,054			123
Residential real estate			404			404			—			412			20
Construction and land development			—			—			—			—			—
Consumer			—			—			—			—			—
Total impaired with no related allowance		$	12,229		$	13,745		$	—		$	7,028		$	213
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial real estate		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Commercial			—			—			—			—			—
Residential real estate			—			—			—			—			—
Construction and land development			—			—			—			—			—
Consumer			—			—			—			—			—
Total impaired with an allowance recorded		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Total
Commercial real estate		$	8,623		$	10,139		$	—		$	4,562		$	70
Commercial			3,202			3,202			—			2,054			123
Residential real estate			404			404			—			412			20
Construction and land development			—			—			—			—			—
Consumer			—			—			—			—			—
Total impaired loans		$	12,229		$	13,745		$	—		$	7,028		$	213

There were no troubled debt restructurings entered into during the year ended December 31, 2018.

The following summarizes troubled debt restructurings entered into during the year ended December 31, 2017:

(Dollars in thousands)	Number of  Contracts		Pre-Modification  Outstanding Recorded  Investment			Post-Modification  Outstanding  Recorded  Investment
Year-Ended December 31, 2017
Troubled debt restructurings:
Commercial		1		$	249		$	249
		1		$	249		$	249

In 2017, we approved one troubled debt restructure totaling $249,000, with no specific reserve required based on an analysis of the borrower’s collateral coverage. The term of this commercial loan was extended to a three-year term.

The loan modified as troubled debt restructuring during 2017 did not default during the one-year period after modification.

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, there were no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans were modified in troubled debt restructurings.

Credit Quality Information

The Company utilizes a seven grade internal loan rating system for commercial real estate, construction and land development, and commercial loans as follows:

Loans rated 1 – 3:   Loans in these categories are considered “pass” rated loans with low to average risk.

Loans rated 4:   Loans in this category are considered “special mention.” These loans are starting to show signs of potential weakness and are being closely monitored by management.

Loans rated 5:   Loans in this category are considered “substandard.” Generally, a loan is considered substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligors and/or the collateral pledged. There is a distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the weakness is not corrected.

Loans rated 6:   Loans in this category are considered “doubtful.” Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, highly questionable and improbable.

Loans rated 7:   Loans in this category are considered uncollectible (“loss”) and of such little value that their continuance as loans is not warranted.

On an annual basis, or more often if needed, the Company formally reviews the ratings on all commercial real estate, construction and land development, and commercial loans.

For residential real estate and consumer loans, the Company initially assesses credit quality based upon the borrower’s ability to pay and rates such loans as pass. Subsequent risk rating downgrades are based upon the borrower’s payment activity. All other residential and consumer loans are not formally rated.

The following tables present the Company’s loans by risk rating and portfolio segment at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)	Commercial  Real Estate			Commercial			Residential  Real Estate			Construction  and Land  Development			Consumer			Total
December 31, 2018
Grade:
Pass		$	356,415		$	339,079		$	—		$	44,606		$	—		$	740,100
Special mention			6,531			11,339			—			—			—			17,870
Substandard			1,921			10,447			571			—			—			12,939
Doubtful			—			917			—			—			—			917
Not formally rated			—			—			56,790			—			19,815			76,605
Total		$	364,867		$	361,782		$	57,361		$	44,606		$	19,815		$	848,431
December 31, 2017
Grade:
Pass		$	355,623		$	224,190		$	—		$	55,828		$	—		$	635,641
Special mention			6,852			9,155			—			—			—			16,007
Substandard			9,035			6,878			679			—			—			16,592
Not formally rated			—			—			67,045			—			17,455			84,500
Total		$	371,510		$	240,223		$	67,724		$	55,828		$	17,455		$	752,740

In 2017, the Bank had sold mortgage loans with servicing rights retained. The fair value of those servicing rights under GAAP was not material and was not recognized in the 2017 consolidated financial statements. In 2018, the Bank sold the servicing portfolio totaling $294,000.

Loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unpaid principal balances of mortgage and other loans serviced for others were $18.8 million and $15.6 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

NOTE 5 — PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

The following is a summary of premises and equipment at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)	2018			2017
Land		$	2,424		$	2,424
Buildings and leasehold improvements			9,241			9,241
Furniture and equipment			4,520			4,649
Leasehold improvements			4,234			4,241
Construction in progress			5,748			—
			26,167			20,555
Accumulated depreciation and amortization			(10,081)			(9,574)
Premises and equipment, net		$	16,086		$	10,981

Depreciation and amortization expense was $721,000 and $811,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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DEPOSITS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Deposits [Abstract]

DEPOSITS

NOTE 6 — DEPOSITS

The following is a summary of deposit balances by type at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)	2018			2017
NOW and demand		$	332,064		$	309,514
Regular savings			109,322			112,610
Money market deposits			229,314			225,735
Total non-certificate accounts			670,700			647,859
Certificate accounts of  $250,000 or more			14,164			5,061
Certificate accounts less than $250,000			83,232			97,137
Total certificate accounts			97,396			102,198
Total deposits		$	768,096		$	750,057

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the aggregate amount of brokered certificates of deposit was $55.8 million and $62.3 million respectively. Brokered certificates of deposit are not included in the totals for time deposits in denominations over $250,000 listed above.

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the scheduled maturities for certificate accounts for each of the following five years are as follows:

(In thousands)	2018			2017
2018		$	—		$	81,791
2019			55,061			16,105
2020			32,089			3,052
2021			8,938			410
2022			794			840
2023			514			—
Total		$	97,396		$	102,198

Deposits from related parties held by the Company at December 31, 2018 and 2017 amounted to $7.4 million and $16.0 million, respectively.

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BORROWINGS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Advances from Federal Home Loan Banks [Abstract]

BORROWINGS

NOTE 7 — BORROWINGS

Advances consist of funds borrowed from the FHLB and the FRB borrower-in-custody (“BIC”) program. Maturities of advances from the FHLB and FRB for years ending after December 31, 2018 and 2017 are summarized as follows:

(In thousands)	2018			2017
2018		$	—		$	12,000
2019			43,071			4,936
2020			11,451			6,405
2021			5,000			—
2023			8,500			—
Thereafter			—			3,500
Total		$	68,022		$	26,841

Borrowings from the FRB BIC program are secured by a Uniform Commercial Code (“UCC”) financing statement on qualified collateral, consisting of certain commercial loans and qualified mortgage-backed government securities. At December 31, 2018, FRB borrowings consisted of overnight borrowings totaling $8.1 million and had an interest rate of 3.00%.

Borrowings from the FHLB, which aggregated $59,922 and $26,841 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, are secured by a blanket lien on qualified collateral, consisting primarily of loans with first mortgages secured by one to four family properties, certain commercial loans and qualified mortgage-backed government securities. At December 31, 2018, the interest rates on FHLB advances ranged from 1.53% to 3.01%, and the weighted average interest rate on FHLB advances was 2.52%.

The Bank modified $5.0 million and $3.5 million of its FHLB borrowings and extended the maturity in May of 2017 and August of 2015, respectively. The Bank incurred a prepayment penalty of  $87,000 and $233,000 in May of 2017 and August of 2015, respectively. In accordance with ASC 470, the prepayment penalties are being amortized over the life of the newly modified borrowings.

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INCOME TAXES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

NOTE 8 — INCOME TAXES

The components of income tax expense are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)	2018			2017
Current tax expense (benefit):
Federal		$	3,214		$	5,044
State			1,278			1,079
Net operating loss carryforward			(14)			(14)
			4,478			6,109
Deferred tax expense (benefit):
Federal			(926)			1,523
State			(315)			(214)
			(1,241)			1,309
Income tax expense		$	3,237		$	7,418

The following is a summary of the differences between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:

	2018		2017
Federal income tax at statutory rate		21.0%		34.0%
Increase (decrease) in tax resulting from:
State tax, net of federal tax benefit		5.7		4.6
Tax exempt income and dividends received deduction		(1.0)		(3.3)
Change in enacted federal tax rate		—		13.4
Other		0.1		(0.3)
Effective tax rate		25.8%		48.4%

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government approved a reduction in the federal statutory income tax rate from a maximum rate of 35% to 21%, effective in 2018. For the purposes of calculating deferred taxes, GAAP requires deferred taxes to be measured at the enacted tax rate at the balance sheet date, which was 21% at December 31, 2017. The impact of the rate reduction to the Company was a decrease in the Bank’s net deferred tax asset by $2.0 million, which is reflected in the Company’s tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2017.

This adjustment to deferred taxes included $97,000 related to unrealized gains and losses associated with the Company’s investment securities. Because these unrealized gains and losses were initially recorded as items of accumulated other comprehensive income in the Company’s capital accounts, the adjustment to deferred taxes resulted in a disproportionate tax effect of  $97,000 that became stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income. In February of 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, “Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive income (Topic 220), Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” which permitted entities to reclassify retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive income to eliminate the amount stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income, and the FASB allowed entities to adopt this guidance in 2017. The Company elected to adopt this new guidance early, and reclassified $97,000 from retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2017.

The following is a summary of the Company’s gross deferred tax assets and gross deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)	2018			2017
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for loan losses		$	3,251		$	2,743
Depreciation			160			41
Net operating loss carryforward			16			25
Employee benefit plans and share-based compensation plans			2,498			1,979
Deferred loan fees, net			339			238
Reserve for unfunded commitments			31			39
Net unrealized loss on securities			107			—
Other			109			140
Gross deferred tax assets			6,511			5,205
Deferred tax liabilities:
Prepaid expenses			(45)			(64)
FHLB restructure fees			(29)			(52)
Net unrealized holding gain on securities			—			(169)
Gross deferred tax liabilities			(74)			(285)
Net deferred tax asset		$	6,437		$	4,920

At December 31, 2018, the Company had federal net operating loss carryovers of  $76,000. The carryovers were transferred to the Company upon the merger with Amesbury Cooperative Bank during the year ended December 31, 2001. The losses will expire in 2020 and are subject to certain annual limitations which amount to $42,000 per year.

The Company reduces the deferred tax asset by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of the available evidence, it is not “more likely than not” that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The Company assesses the realizability of its deferred tax assets by assessing the likelihood of the Company generating federal and state income tax, as applicable, in future periods in amounts sufficient to offset the deferred tax charges in the periods they are expected to reverse. Based on this assessment, management concluded that a valuation allowance was not required as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

It is the Company’s policy to provide for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties based upon management’s assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, there was no material uncertain tax positions related to federal and state income tax matters. The Company is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities for the years ended December 31, 2015 through December 31, 2017.

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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

NOTE 9 — EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

401(k) Plan

The Company sponsors a 401(k) plan. All employees are eligible to join the 401(k) plan. However, participants in the 401(k) plan must complete one year of service to be eligible for safe harbor contributions and employer discretionary contributions. A Safe Harbor Plan was adopted by the Company effective January 1, 2007. Under the Safe Harbor Plan, the Company matches 100% of employee contributions up to 6% of compensation. In addition, the Company may make a discretionary contribution to the 401(k) plan determined on an annual basis. Employees may contribute up to 75% of their salary subject to certain limits based on federal tax laws. The expense recognized under the 401(k) plan was $494,000 and $440,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans

The Company has Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreements with certain executive officers. These agreements are designed to supplement the benefits available through the Company’s retirement plan. The liability for the retirement benefits amounted to $6.8 million and $5.6 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and is included in other liabilities. The expense recognized for these benefits was $1.1 million and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

The Bank maintains the ESOP to provide eligible employees the opportunity to own Company stock. This plan is a tax-qualified retirement plan for the benefit of Company employees. Contributions are allocated to eligible participants on the basis of compensation, subject to federal tax limits. The number of shares committed to be released per year through 2029 is 23,810.

The Company contributed funds to a subsidiary to enable it to grant a loan to the ESOP for the purchase of 357,152 shares of the Company’s stock at a price of  $10.00 per share. The loan obtained by the ESOP from the Company’s subsidiary to purchase Company stock is payable annually over 15 years at a rate per annum equal to the prime rate (5.50% at December 31, 2018). Loan payments are principally funded by cash contributions from the Company.

Shares held by the ESOP include the following:

	December 31,  2018		December 31,  2017
Allocated		71,430		47,620
Committed to be allocated		23,810		23,810
Unallocated		261,912		285,722
Total		357,152		357,152

Shared-Based Compensation Plan

Under the Provident Bancorp, Inc. 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”), the Company may grant options, restricted stock, restricted units or performance awards to its directors, officers and employees. Both incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options may be granted under the Equity Plan, with 446,440 shares reserved for options. The exercise price of each option equals the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant and the maximum term of each option is ten years. The total number of shares reserved for restricted stock or restricted units is 178,575. The value of restricted stock grants is based on the market price of the stock on grant date. Options and awards vest ratably over five years.

Expense related to options and restricted stock granted to directors is recognized as directors’ fees within non-interest expense.

Stock Options

The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

•       Volatility is based on peer group volatility because the Company does not have a sufficient trading history.

•       Expected life represents the period of time that the option is expected to be outstanding, taking into account the contractual term, and the vesting period.

•       The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for a period equivalent to the expected life of the option.

The fair value of options granted in 2018 and 2017 is based on the following assumptions:

	2018			2017
Vesting period (years)			5			5
Expiration date (years)			10			10
Expected volatility			21.23%			21.53%
Expected life (years)			7.5			7.5
Expected dividend yield			0.00%			0.00%
Risk free interest rate			2.97%			2.25%
Fair value per option		$	8.71		$	7.05

A summary of the status of the Company’s stock option grants for the year ended December 31, 2018, is presented in the table below:

	Stock Option  Awards			Weighted  Average  Exercise Price			Weighted Average  Remaining  Contractual Term  (years)		Aggregate  Intrinsic  Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2018			396,443		$	17.61
Granted			12,170			27.20
Forfeited			(9,740)			17.40
Exercised			(2,435)			17.40
Outstanding at December 31, 2018			396,438		$	17.89		8.00		$	1,503,000
Outstanding and expected to vest at December 31, 2018			396,438		$	17.89		8.00		$	1,503,000
Vested and Exercisable at December 31, 2018			151,272		$	17.50		7.90		$	632,000
Unrecognized compensation cost		$	1,233,000
Weighted average remaining recognition period (years)			3.01

Total expense for the stock options was $404,000 and $388,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Restricted Stock

Shares issued upon vesting may be either authorized but unissued shares or reacquired shares held by the Company. Any shares not issued because vesting requirements are not met will again be available for issuance under the plan. The fair market value of shares awarded, based on the market prices at the date of grant, is recorded as unearned compensation and amortized over the applicable vesting period.

The following table presents the activity in unvested restricted stock awards under the Equity Plan for the year ended December 31, 2018:

	Number of  Shares			Weighted Average  Grant Price
Unvested restricted stock awards at January 1, 2018			127,852		$	17.59
Granted			4,862			27.20
Forfeited			(3,896)			17.40
Vested			(30,745)			17.59
Unvested restricted stock awards at Decemer 31, 2018			98,073		$	18.13
Unrecognized compensation cost		$	1,724,000
Weighted average remaining recognition period (years)			3.01

Total expense for the restricted stock awards was $524,000 and $538,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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EARNINGS PER SHARE

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER SHARE

NOTE 10 — EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings per share consisted of the following components for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

(Dollars in thousands)	2018			2017
Net income attributable to common shareholders		$	9,325		$	7,915
Average number of common shares outstanding			9,659,357			9,652,448
Less:
average unallocated ESOP shares			(283,337)			(298,680)
average unvested restricted stock			(106,033)			(136,986)
average treasury stock acquired			(29,901)			(17,508)
Average number of common shares outstanding to calculate basic earnings per common share			9,240,086			9,199,274
Effect of dilutive unvested restricted stock and stock option awards			66,230			613
Average number of common shares outstanding to calculate diluted earnings per common share			9,306,316			9,199,887
Earnings per common share:
Basic		$	1.01		$	0.86
Diluted		$	1.00		$	0.86

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REGULATORY MATTERS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Banking and Thrift [Abstract]

REGULATORY MATTERS

NOTE 11 — REGULATORY MATTERS

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

Effective January 1, 2015 (with a phase-in period of two to four years for certain components), the Bank became subject to capital regulations adopted by the FDIC, which implement the Basel III regulatory capital reforms and the changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act. The regulations require a minimum Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) capital ratio of 4.5%, a minimum Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 6.0%, a minimum total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 8.0% and a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4.0%. CET1 generally consists of common stock and retained earnings, subject to applicable adjustments and deductions. Under prompt corrective action regulations, in order to be considered “well capitalized,” the Bank must maintain a CET1 capital ratio of 6.5% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a total risk based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater and a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater. In addition, the regulations establish a capital conservation buffer above the required capital ratios that started phasing in on January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increases each year by 0.625% until it is fully phased in at 2.5% effective January 1, 2019. At December 31, 2018, the Bank exceeded the fully phased in regulatory requirement for the capital conservation buffer. Failure to maintain the capital conservation buffer could limit the ability of the Bank and the Company to pay dividends, repurchase shares or pay discretionary bonuses.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Bank met the conditions to be classified as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

The Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are summarized as follows:

	Actual Capital					For Capital  Adequacy Purposes						To Be Well  Capitalized Under  Prompt Corrective  Action Provisions
(Dollars in thousands)	Amount			Ratio		Amount				Ratio		Amount				Ratio
December 31, 2018
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)		$	128,939		14.55%		$	70,891	≥		8.0%		$	88,614	≥		10.0%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)			117,855		13.30			53,168	≥		6.0			70,891	≥		8.0
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)			117,855		13.30			39,876	≥		4.5			57,599	≥		6.5
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)			117,855		12.69			37,157	≥		4.0			46,446	≥		5.0
December 31, 2017
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)		$	116,869		14.96%		$	62,514	≥		8.0%		$	78,142	≥		10.0%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)			107,112		13.71			46,885	≥		6.0			62,514	≥		8.0
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)			107,112		13.71			35,164	≥		4.5			50,792	≥		6.5
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)			107,112		11.80			36,299	≥		4.0			45,374	≥		5.0

Liquidation Account

Upon the completion of the Company’s stock offering in 2015, a special “liquidation account” was established for the benefit of certain depositors of the Bank in an amount equal to the percentage ownership interest in the equity of the Company to be held by persons other than the MHC as of the date of the latest balance sheet contained in the prospectus. The Company is not permitted to pay dividends on its capital stock if the Company’s shareholders’ equity would be reduced below the amount of the liquidation account. The liquidation account is reduced annually to the extent that eligible account holders have reduced their qualifying deposits. Subsequent increases will not restore an eligible account holder’s interest in the liquidation account.

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

NOTE 12 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

At December 31, 2018, the Company was obligated under non-cancelable operating leases for bank premises and equipment.

The total minimum rental due in future periods under these existing agreements is as follows at December 31, 2018:

(In thousands)
2019	$	285
2020		244
2021		252
2022		252
2023		252
Years thereafter		1,908
Total minimum lease payments	$	3,193

The total rental expense amounted to $460,000 and $349,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Litigation

In April 2018, the Bank conducted a foreclosure sale of certain real and personal property which secured four non-accruing loans originally made by the Bank. The aggregate outstanding principal balance of these loans was approximately $7.5 million, of which (a) approximately $4.9 million was due and owing to the Bank and (b) approximately $2.6 million was due and owing to another financial institution who purchased participation interests in certain of these loans (the “Participant”). The Bank received approximately $8.3 in proceeds from this foreclosure sale. The U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”), which also made a secured loan to the same obligors, has since disputed the Bank’s retention of, and claimed priority to, a portion of the proceeds generated from this foreclosure sale, alleging a breach of contract and seeking monetary damages in the approximate amount of  $2.0 million. The Bank has partially denied liability, and in addition to its defenses, has asserted a counterclaim against the SBA and its assignee, Granite State Economic Development Corporation, seeking equitable reformation of the contract at issue on the basis of a mutual mistake of fact. On March 5, 2019, the Bank participated in a mediation of this matter. Pending the outcome of this lawsuit and this mediation, the Bank has segregated into a separate deposit account the entire amount in dispute, consisting of  $1.4 million that would be retained by the Bank, and $543,000 that would be provided to the participating institution. Management does not believe that the ultimate resolution of this matter will have a significant impact on the Bank’s financial condition or results of operations.

From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation incidental to its business. The Company does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these legal matters will have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK

NOTE 13 — FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK

The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to originate loans, standby letters of credit and unadvanced funds on loans. The instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The contract amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.

The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for loan commitments and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amounts of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.

Commitments to originate loans are agreements to lend to a customer provided there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower. Collateral held varies, but may include secured interests in real property, accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment and income producing properties.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance by a customer to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the maximum potential amount of the Company’s obligation was $1.5 million and $2.0 million, respectively, for financial and standby letters of credit. The Company’s outstanding letters of credit generally have a term of less than one year. If a letter of credit is drawn upon, the Company may seek recourse through the customer’s underlying line of credit. If the customer’s line of credit is also in default, the Company may take possession of the collateral, if any, securing the line of credit.

Notional amounts of financial instruments with off-balance sheet credit risk are as follows at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)	2018			2017
Commitments to originate loans		$	42,625		$	18,641
Letters of credit			1,546			2,004
Unadvanced portions of loans			196,104			166,314
		$	240,275		$	186,959

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SIGNIFICANT GROUP CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]

SIGNIFICANT GROUP CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

NOTE 14 — SIGNIFICANT GROUP CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

Most of the Company’s business activity is with customers located within northeast Massachusetts and southeast New Hampshire.. There are no concentrations of credit to borrowers that have similar economic characteristics. The majority of the Company’s loan portfolio is comprised of loans collateralized by real estate located in northeast Massachusetts and southeast New Hampshire.

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

NOTE 15 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company reports certain assets at fair value in accordance with GAAP, which defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:

Basis of Fair Value Measurements

•       Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

•       Level 2 — Observable inputs other than level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;

•       Level 3 — Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Fair Values of Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis

The Company’s investments in U.S. Government and federal agency, state and municipal, asset-backed and government mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. For these investments, we obtain fair value measurements from independent pricing services. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, trading levels, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the instrument’s terms and conditions.

The following summarizes assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(In thousands)	Total			Quoted Prices in  Active Markets for  Identical Assets  Level 1			Significant  Other Observable  Inputs  Level 2			Significant  Unobservable  Inputs  Level 3
December 31, 2018
State and municipal		$	20,255		$	—		$	20,255		$	—
Asset-backed securities			6,371			—			6,371			—
Mortgage-backed securities			24,777			—			24,777			—
Totals		$	51,403		$	—		$	51,403		$	—
December 31, 2017
State and municipal		$	21,454		$	—		$	21,454		$	—
Asset-backed securities			7,517			—			7,517			—
Government mortgage-backed securities			32,458			—			32,458			—
Totals		$	61,429		$	—		$	61,429		$	—

The Company did not have any transfers of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Fair Values of Assets Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis

The Company’s only assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are loans identified as impaired for which a write-off or specific reserve has been recorded, and other real estate owned.

Certain impaired loans of the Company are reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated selling costs. The Company classifies impaired loans as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Collateral values are estimated using Level 2 inputs based upon appraisals of similar properties obtained from a third party, but can be adjusted and therefore classified as level 3. The Company classifies other real estate owned as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy if the Company has received a purchase and sales agreement.

The following summarizes assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
(In thousands)	Total			Quoted Prices in  Active Markets for  Identical Assets  Level 1			Significant  Other Observable  Inputs  Level 2			Significant  Unobservable  Inputs  Level 3
December 31, 2018
Impaired loans		$	659		$	—		$	—		$	659
Other real estate owned			1,676			—			1,676			—
December 31, 2017
Impaired loans		$	3,670		$	—		$	—		$	3,670

The following is a summary of the valuation methodology and unobservable inputs for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)	Fair Value			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input
December 31, 2018
Impaired loans		$	659	Real estate appraisals  and business valuation	Discount for dated appraisals  and comparable company evaluations
December 31, 2017
Impaired loans		$	3,670	Real estate appraisals	Discount for dated appraisals

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DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Fair Value Of Financial Instrument [Abstract]

DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

NOTE 16 — DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

GAAP requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. Certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments are excluded from the disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, all of which are held or issued for purposes other than trading, are as follows at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

	Carrying  Amount			Fair Value
(In thousands)				Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
December 31, 2018
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	28,613		$	28,613		$	—		$	—		$	28,613
Available-for-sale securities			51,403			—			51,403			—			51,403
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock			2,650			2,650			—			—			2,650
Loans, net			835,528			—			—			827,090			827,090
Accrued interest receivable			2,638			—			2,638			—			2,638
Financial liabilities:
Deposits			768,096			—			—			768,010			768,010
Borrowings			68,022			—			67,846			—			67,846
December 31, 2017
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	47,689		$	47,689		$	—		$	—		$	47,689
Available-for-sale securities			61,429			—			61,429			—			61,429
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock			1,854			1,854			—			—			1,854
Loans, net			742,138			—			—			745,637			745,637
Accrued interest receivable			2,345			—			2,345			—			2,345
Financial liabilities:
Deposits			750,057			—			—			749,898			749,898
Borrowings			26,841			—			26,655			—			26,655

The carrying amounts of financial instruments shown above are included in the consolidated balance sheets under the indicated captions. Accounting policies related to financial instruments are described in Note 2.

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RECLASSIFICATION

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Reclassification [Abstract]

RECLASSIFICATION

NOTE 17 — RECLASSIFICATION

Certain amounts in the prior year have been reclassified to be consistent with the current year’s consolidated financial statement presentation, and had no effect on the net income reported in the consolidated income statement. 

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CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF PARENT ONLY

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF PARENT ONLY

NOTE 18 — CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF PARENT ONLY

Financial information pertaining only to Provident Bancorp, Inc. is as follows:

Provident Bancorp, Inc. — Parent Only Balance Sheet
(In thousands)	2018			2017
Assets
Cash and due from banks		$	5,249		$	5,224
Investment in common stock of The Provident Bank			117,615			107,629
Other assets			2,755			2,946
Total assets		$	125,619		$	115,799
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Accrued expenses		$	35		$	22
Shareholders’ equity			125,584			115,777
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	125,619		$	115,799

Provident Bancorp, Inc. — Parent Only Income Statement
	Years Ended  December 31,
(In thousands)	2018			2017
Total income		$	140		$	120
Operating expenses			90			88
Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed net income of The Provident Bank			50			32
Applicable income tax provision			14			13
Income before equity in income of subsidiaries			36			19
Equity in undistributed net income of The Provident Bank			9,289			7,896
Net income		$	9,325		$	7,915

Provident Bancorp, Inc. — Parent Only Statement of Cash Flows
	Twelve Months Ended  December 31,
(In thousands)	2018			2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	9,325		$	7,915
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries			(9,289)			(7,896)
Decrease in other assets			191			191
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities			13			(51)
Net cash provided by operating activities			240			159
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchase of treasury stock			(215)			(594)
Net cash used in financing activities			(215)			(594)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			25			(435)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year			5,224			5,659
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		$	5,249		$	5,224

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SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 19 — SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

	First Quarter						Second Quarter						Third Quarter						Fourth Quarter
(In thousands)	2018			2017			2018			2017			2018			2017			2018			2017
Interest and dividend income		$	9,753		$	8,112		$	10,377		$	8,816		$	10,833		$	9,239		$	11,377		$	9,615
Interest expense			1,034			781			1,213			879			1,429			1,005			1,537			1,062
Net interest and dividend income			8,719			7,331			9,164			7,937			9,404			8,234			9,840			8,553
Provision for loan losses			656			563			638			892			1,421			1,012			614			462
Gain on sale of securities, net			—			482			—			58			—			1,851			—			3,521
Other income			1,013			1,020			1,118			1,012			1,059			1,046			988			966
Total noninterest income			1,013			1,502			1,118			1,070			1,059			2,897			988			4,487
Total noninterest expense			6,376			5,621			6,411			5,875			6,223			5,914			6,404			6,339
Income tax expense			678			847			843			639			741			1,434			975			4,498
Net income		$	2,022		$	1,802		$	2,390		$	1,601		$	2,078		$	2,771		$	2,835		$	1,741
Income per share:
Basic		$	0.22		$	0.16		$	0.26		$	0.15		$	0.22		$	0.19		$	0.31		$	0.19
Diluted		$	0.22		$	0.16		$	0.26		$	0.15		$	0.22		$	0.19		$	0.30		$	0.19
Weighted Average Shares:
Basic			9,219,865			9,192,568			9,233,745			9,193,836			9,247,367			9,201,634			9,258,858			9,208,854
Diluted			9,225,003			9,192,568			9,302,425			9,198,286			9,355,410			9,213,056			9,339,431			9,257,702

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ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, stock-based compensation expense and deferred income taxes.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Provident Bancorp, Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary, the Bank, and the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Provident Security Corporation and 5 Market Street Security Corporation. Provident Security Corporation and 5 Market Street Security Corporation were established to buy, sell, and hold investments for their own account. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, amounts due from banks, and short-term investments comprised of interest-bearing demand deposits with other banks and federal funds sold.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities

Investments in debt securities are adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts so as to approximate the interest method. Gains or losses on sales of investment securities are computed on a specific identification basis and are recorded as of the trade date.

Debt and equity securities may be classified into one of three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading. These security classifications may be modified after acquisition only under certain specified conditions. In general, securities may be classified as held-to-maturity only if the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Trading securities are defined as those bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. All other securities must be classified as available-for-sale.

•       Held-to-maturity securities, if any, are measured at amortized cost in the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized holding gains and losses are not included in earnings or as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

•       Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized holding gains and losses are not included in earnings, but are reported as a net amount (less expected tax) as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized.

•       Trading securities, if any, are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized holding gains and losses for trading securities are included in earnings.

The Company evaluates securities within the Company’s available for sale portfolio for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”), at least quarterly. If the fair value of a debt security is below the amortized cost basis of the security, OTTI is required to be recognized if any of the following are met: (1) the Company intends to sell the security; (2) it is “more likely than not” that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) the present value of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis. For all impaired debt securities that the Company intends to sell, or more likely than not will be required to sell, the full amount of the depreciation is recognized as OTTI through earnings. Credit-related OTTI for all other impaired debt securities is recognized through earnings. Non-credit related OTTI for such debt securities is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (the “FHLB”), the Company is required to invest in $100 par value stock of the FHLB. The FHLB capital structure mandates that members own stock as determined by their Total Stock Investment Requirement which is the sum of a member’s Membership Stock Investment Requirement and Activity-Based Stock Investment Requirement. FHLB stock is a non-marketable equity security that is carried at cost and evaluated for impairment when deemed necessary.

Loans

Loans

Loan receivables that management has the intent and ability to hold until maturity or payoff are reported at their outstanding principal balances adjusted for amounts due to borrowers on unadvanced loans, any charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans, or unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans.

Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance.

Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct origination costs are deferred, and the net amount is recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method. The Company is amortizing these amounts over the contractual life of the related loans.

Residential real estate loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when reaching 90 days past due or in process of collection. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. All closed-end consumer loans 90 days or more past due and any equity line in the process of foreclosure are placed on non-accrual status. Secured consumer loans are written down to realizable value and unsecured consumer loans are charged-off upon reaching 120 or 180 days past due depending on the type of loan. Commercial real estate loans and commercial business loans and leases which are 90 days or more past due are generally placed on non-accrual status, unless secured by sufficient cash or other assets immediately convertible to cash. When a loan has been placed on non-accrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed against interest on loans. A loan can be returned to accrual status when collectability of principal is reasonably assured and the loan has performed for a period of time, generally six months. Interest income received on non-accrual loans is accounted for on the cash basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual.

Cash receipts of interest income on impaired loans are credited to principal to the extent necessary to eliminate doubt as to the collectability of the net carrying amount of the loan. Some or all of the cash receipts of interest income on impaired loans is recognized as interest income if the remaining net carrying amount of the loan is deemed to be fully collectible. When recognition of interest income on an impaired loan on a cash basis is appropriate, the amount of income that is recognized is limited to that which would have been accrued on the net carrying amount of the loan at the contractual interest rate. Any cash interest payments received in excess of the limit and not applied to reduce the net carrying amount of the loan are recorded as recoveries of charge-offs until the charge-offs are fully recovered.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibality of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the size and composition of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. The allowance for loan losses is allocated to loan types using both a formula-based approach (general component) and an analysis of certain individual loans for impairment (allocated component).

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial, commercial real estate and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures.

The general component of the allowance for loan losses is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors stratified by the following loan segments: residential real estate, commercial real estate, construction and land development, commercial and consumer. Management uses a rolling average of historical losses based on a time frame appropriate to capture relevant loss data for each loan segment. These historical loss factors are adjusted for the following qualitative factors: levels/trends in delinquencies; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of changes in risk selection and underwriting standards and other changes in lending policies, procedures and practices; experience/ability/depth of lending management and staff; and national and local economic trends and conditions.

The qualitative factors are determined based on the various risk characteristics of each loan segment. Risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment are as follows:

Commercial real estate:   Loans in this segment are primarily income-producing properties throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The underlying cash flows generated by the properties can be adversely impacted by a downturn in the economy resulting in increased vacancy rates, which in turn, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment. Management periodically obtains rent rolls and continually monitors the cash flows and collateral value of these loans.

Commercial:   Loans in this segment are made to businesses and are generally secured by assets of the business. Repayment is expected from the cash flows of the business. A weakened economy, and resultant decreased consumer spending, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.

Residential real estate:   The Company generally does not originate loans with a loan-to-value ratio greater than 80% and does not grant subprime loans. Loans with loan to value ratios greater than 80% require the purchase of private mortgage insurance. All loans in this segment are collateralized by owner-occupied residential real estate and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower and value of collateral. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.

Construction and land development:   Loans in this segment primarily include speculative and pre-sold real estate development loans for which payment is derived from sale of the property and construction to permanent loans for which payment is derived from cash flows of the property. Credit risk is affected by cost overruns, time to sell at an adequate price, and market conditions.

Consumer:   Loans in this segment are generally unsecured and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower.

The allocated component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial, commercial real estate and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral, less estimated selling costs, if the loan is collateral dependent. An allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.

The Company from time to time, may agree to modify the contractual terms of loans. When a loan is modified and a concession is made to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty, the modified loan is considered a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). All TDRs are initially classified as impaired.

An unallocated component can be maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating allocated and general reserves in the portfolio.

Assets Held-for-Sale

Assets Held-for-Sale

Assets held-for-sale represented a commercial property being held for sale to a real estate developer. Assets designated as held for sale were held at the lower of carrying amount at designation or fair value less costs to sell. Depreciation is not charged against assets classified as held for sale. In 2018, the Company decided to retain this property for use and reclassified the property to premises and equipment.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

Bank-owned life insurance policies are reflected on the consolidated balance sheets at cash surrender value. Changes in the net cash surrender value of the policies, as well as insurance proceeds received, are reflected in non-interest income on the consolidated statements of income and are not subject to income taxes.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Cost and related allowances for depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment retired or otherwise disposed of are removed from the respective accounts with any gain or loss included in income or expense. Generally, depreciation on the buildings and equipment is calculated principally on the straight line method, and depreciation and amortization expense is charged against operations over the estimated useful lives of the related assets.

Other Real Estate Owned and Repossessed Assets

Other Real Estate Owned and Repossessed Assets

Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure or repossession are held for sale and are initially recorded at the lower of the investment in the loan or fair value less estimated costs to sell at the date of foreclosure or repossession, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequently, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Revenue and expenses from operations, changes in the valuation allowance, any direct write-downs and gains or losses on sales are included in other real estate owned expense.

Advertising

Advertising

The Company directly expenses costs associated with advertising as they are incurred.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share represents income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Unallocated ESOP shares are not deemed outstanding for earnings per share calculations. Diluted earnings per share reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Compensation expense for The Provident Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “ESOP”) is recorded at an amount equal to the shares allocated by the ESOP multiplied by the average fair value of the shares during the period. The Company recognizes compensation expense ratably over the year based upon the Company’s estimate of the number of shares expected to be allocated by the ESOP. Unearned compensation applicable to the ESOP is reflected as a reduction of shareholders’ equity on the consolidated balance sheets. The difference between the average fair value and the cost of the shares by the ESOP is recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in-capital.

Stock-based Compensation Plans

Stock-based Compensation Plans

The Company measures and recognizes compensation cost relating to stock-based payment transactions based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued. Stock-based compensation is recognized over the period the employee is required to provide services for the award. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options granted. The fair value of restricted stock is recorded based on the grant date value of the equity instrument issued.

Treasury Stock

Treasury Stock

Common stock repurchased are recorded as treasury stock at cost.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for the temporary differences between the accounting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the amounts related to such temporary differences are realized or settled. A tax valuation allowance is established, as needed, to reduce net deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

The Company examines its significant income tax positions annually to determine whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

GAAP requires that the Company disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments. Fair value methods and assumptions used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures are as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents:   The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair values.

Investments:   Fair values for investments are based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments or pricing models. See footnote 15 for further details.

Loans receivable:   For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair values for other loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. In connection with the adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018, the Company refined its methodology to estimate the fair value of the loan portfolio using an exit price notion resulting in prior periods no longer being comparable. The exit price notion requires determination of the price at which willing market participants would transact at the measurement date under current market conditions.

Accrued interest receivable:   The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable approximates its fair value.

Deposit liabilities:   The fair values disclosed for deposits (e.g., interest and non-interest checking, passbook savings, and money market accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.

Borrowings:   Fair values of Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) Discount Window and Federal Home Loan Bank advances are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

Off-balance sheet instruments:   The fair value of commitments to originate loans is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. For fixed-rate loan commitments and the unadvanced portions of loans, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The fair value of letters of credit is based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligation with the counterparties at the reporting date.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

ASU (Accounting Standards Update) No. 2014-09 — Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).   This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605. This ASU requires an entity to recognize revenue for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The amendment includes a five-step process to assist an entity in achieving the main principle(s) of revenue recognition under ASC 605. In March 2016, the FASB also issued ASU 2016-08, an amendment to the guidance in ASU 2014-09, which reframed the structure of the indicators of when an entity is acting as an agent and focused on evidence that an entity is acting as the principal or agent in a revenue transaction. ASU 2016-08 also eliminated two of the indicators (the entity’s consideration is in the form of a commission, and the entity is not exposed to credit risk) in making that determination. This amendment also clarifies that each indicator may be more or less relevant to the assessment depending on the terms and conditions of the contract. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, an amendment to ASU 2014-09, which provided practical expedients related to disclosures of remaining performance obligations, as well as other amendments to guidance on transition, collectability, non-cash consideration and presentation of sales and other similar taxes. The amendments, collectively, should be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption (modified retrospective approach).

This ASU was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Because the ASU does not apply to revenue associated with leases and financial instruments (including loans and securities), the Company concluded that the new guidance did not impact the elements of its consolidated statements of income most closely associated with leases and financial instruments (such as interest income, interest expense and securities gains). The Company completed its identification of all revenue streams included in its financial statements and has identified its deposit-related fees, service charges, debit and prepaid card interchange income and other fee income to be within the scope of the standard. The Company has also completed its review of the related contracts. The Company’s overall assessment indicates that adoption of this ASU did not materially change its current method and timing of recognizing revenue for the identified revenue streams and therefore, the adoption of this ASU as of January 1, 2018, did not have a significant impact to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments — Overall (Subtopic 825-10): “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.”   The ASU has been issued to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments by requiring 1) equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, those without readily determinable fair values, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; 2) separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements; 3) the use of the exit price notion when measuring fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; and 4) separate presentation by the reporting organization in other comprehensive income for the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from the change in the instrument-specific credit risk (also referred to as “own credit”) when the organization has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. The standard was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company evaluated the impact of this pronouncement and divested its entire marketable equity securities portfolio in 2017. The Company’s investment in Federal Home Loan Bank Stock is not included in the scope of this pronouncement. Upon adoption, the fair value of the Company’s loan portfolio is now presented using an exit price method. Also, the Company is no longer required to disclose the methodologies used for estimating fair value of financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis. The remaining requirements of this update did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842).   The amendments in this update require lessees to recognize, on the balance sheet, assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases. Accounting by lessors will remain largely unchanged. The guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. In July 2018, the FASB issued 2018-11, which allows a modified retrospective transition where the lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company’s assets and liabilities will increase based on the present value of the remaining lease payments in place the adoption date; however, this is not expected to be material to the Company’s results of operations or financial position. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 as a cumulative effect adjustment as of that date, and there was no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.”   The ASU changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that will replace today’s “incurred loss” model and can result in the earlier recognition of credit losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses in a manner similar to current practice, except that the losses will be recognized as an allowance. The amendments in this update will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted as of the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of this guidance on the Company’s financial statements.

ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.”   This ASU changes how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows under Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, and other Topics. The amendments address the classification of the following eight items in the statement of cash flows: debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies, distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the Predominance Principle. The amendments in this update were effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. As the guidance only affects the classification within the statement of cash flows, the adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements.

ASU No. 2017-08, Receivables — Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (subtopic 310-20): “Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities.”   This ASU shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The amendments are effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2019 and there was no impact on the Company’s financial statements.

ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): “Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.”   This ASU eliminates, adds and modifies certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Among the changes, entities will no longer be required to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, but will be required to disclose the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. This ASU will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. As the guidance only revises disclosure requirements, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

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INVESTMENTS SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Schedule of amortized cost of investment securities classified as available-for-sale and their approximate fair values

(In thousands)	Amortized  Cost  Basis			Gross  Unrealized  Gains			Gross  Unrealized  Losses			Fair  Value
December 31, 2018
State and municipal		$	20,118		$	272		$	135		$	20,255
Asset-backed securities			6,512			—			141			6,371
Government mortgage-backed securities			25,135			138			496			24,777
Total available-for-sale securities		$	51,765		$	410		$	772		$	51,403
December 31, 2017
State and municipal		$	20,726		$	745		$	17		$	21,454
Asset-backed securities			7,524			30			37			7,517
Government mortgage-backed securities			32,421			317			280			32,458
Total available-for-sale securities		$	60,671		$	1,092		$	334		$	61,429

Schedule of maturities of debt securities

	Available-for-Sale
(In thousands)	Amortized  Cost			Fair  Value
Due within one year		$	95		$	95
Due after one year through five years			604			608
Due after five years through ten years			2,120			2,169
Due after ten years			17,299			17,383
Government mortgage-backed securities			25,135			24,777
Asset-backed securities			6,512			6,371
		$	51,765		$	51,403

Schedule of aggregate fair value and unrealized losses of securities that have been in a continuous unrealized-loss position

	Less than 12 Months						12 Months or Longer						Total
(In thousands)	Fair  Value			Unrealized  Losses			Fair  Value			Unrealized  Losses			Fair  Value			Unrealized  Losses
December 31, 2018
Temporarily impaired securities:
State and municipal		$	6,137		$	115		$	597		$	20		$	6,734		$	135
Asset-backed securities			3,833			98			2,538			43			6,371			141
Government mortgage-backed securities			2,864			32			14,152			464			17,016			496
Total temporarily impaired securities		$	12,834		$	245		$	17,287		$	527		$	30,121		$	772
December 31, 2017
Temporarily impaired securities:
State and municipal		$	—		$	—		$	611		$	17		$	611		$	17
Asset-backed securities			1,745			13			1,335			24			3,080			37
Government mortgage-backed securities			5,231			20			13,584			260			18,815			280
Total temporarily impaired securities		$	6,976		$	33		$	15,530		$	301		$	22,506		$	334

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LOANS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Receivables [Abstract]

Schedule of loans

(In thousands)	2018			2017
Commercial real estate		$	364,867		$	371,510
Commercial			361,782			240,223
Residential real estate			57,361			67,724
Construction and land development			44,606			55,828
Consumer			19,815			17,455
			848,431			752,740
Allowance for loan losses			(11,680)			(9,757)
Deferred loan fees, net			(1,223)			(845)
Net loans		$	835,528		$	742,138

Schedule of allowance for loans and impaired loans by portfolio segment

(In thousands)	Commercial  Real Estate			Commercial			Residential  Real Estate			Construction  and Land  Development			Consumer			Unallocated			Total
December 31, 2018
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance		$	4,483		$	3,280		$	300		$	965		$	649		$	80		$	9,757
Charge-offs			(670)			(190)			—			—			(699)			—			(1,559)
Recoveries			—			87			2			—			64			—			153
Provision (credit)			339			2,565			(51)			(227)			696			7			3,329
Ending balance		$	4,152		$	5,742		$	251		$	738		$	710		$	87		$	11,680
Ending balance:
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	62		$	1,039		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	1,101
Ending balance:
Collectively evaluated for impairment			4,090			4,703			251			738			710			87			10,579
Total allowance for loan losses ending balance		$	4,152		$	5,742		$	251		$	738		$	710		$	87		$	11,680
Loans:
Ending balance:
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	1,853		$	5,291		$	388		$	—		$	—					$	7,532
Ending balance:
Collectively evaluated for impairment			363,014			356,491			56,973			44,606			19,815						840,899
Total loans ending balance		$	364,867		$	361,782		$	57,361		$	44,606		$	19,815					$	848,431

(In thousands)	Commercial  Real Estate			Commercial			Residential  Real Estate			Construction  and Land  Development			Consumer			Unallocated			Total
December 31, 2017
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance		$	4,503		$	2,513		$	328		$	882		$	279		$	85		$	8,590
Charge-offs			(1,522)			(107)			—			—			(190)			—			(1,819)
Recoveries			—			45			—			—			12			—			57
Provision (credit)			1,502			829			(28)			83			548			(5)			2,929
Ending balance		$	4,483		$	3,280		$	300		$	965		$	649		$	80		$	9,757
Ending balance:
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Ending balance:
Collectively evaluated for impairment			4,483			3,280			300			965			649			80			9,757
Total allowance for loan losses ending balance		$	4,483		$	3,280		$	300		$	965		$	649		$	80		$	9,757
Loans:
Ending balance:
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	8,623		$	3,202		$	404		$	—		$	—					$	12,229
Ending balance:
Collectively evaluated for impairment			362,887			237,021			67,320			55,828			17,455						740,511
Total loans ending balance		$	371,510		$	240,223		$	67,724		$	55,828		$	17,455					$	752,740

Schedule of loans to directors and executive officers of the company and companies in which they have significant ownership interests

(In thousands)
Balance beginning January 1, 2017	$	7,739
Effect of changes in composition of related parties		(85)
Advances		18,809
Principal payments		(4,190)
Ending balance, December 31, 2017	$	22,273
Balance beginning January 1, 2018	$	22,273
Effect of changes in composition of related parties		(339)
Advances		11
Principal payments		(9,988)
Ending balance, December 31, 2018	$	11,957

Schedule of non accrual loans and past-due loans by portfolio segment

(In thousands)	30 – 59  Days			60 – 89  Days			90 Days  or More  Past Due			Total  Past  Due			Total  Current			Total  Loans			90 Days  or More  Past Due  and Accruing			Nonaccrual  Loans
December 31, 2018
Commercial real estate		$	742		$	—		$	519		$	1,261		$	363,606		$	364,867		$	—		$	519
Commercial			40			—			3,167			3,207			358,575			361,782			—			4,830
Residential real estate			321			223			30			574			56,787			57,361			—			850
Construction and land development			—			—			—			—			44,606			44,606			—			—
Consumer			62			46			59			167			19,648			19,815			—			62
Total		$	1,165		$	269		$	3,775		$	5,209		$	843,222		$	848,431		$	—		$	6,261
December 31, 2017
Commercial real estate		$	—		$	3,669		$	—		$	3,669		$	367,841		$	371,510		$	—		$	7,102
Commercial			12			—			—			12			240,211			240,223			—			1,505
Residential real estate			699			178			81			958			66,766			67,724			—			364
Construction and land development			—			—			—			—			55,828			55,828			—			—
Consumer			63			45			60			168			17,287			17,455			—			62
Total		$	774		$	3,892		$	141		$	4,807		$	747,933		$	752,740		$	—		$	9,033

Schedule of impaired loans by portfolio segment

(In thousands)	Recorded  Investment			Unpaid  Principal  Balance			Related  Allowance			Average  Recorded  Investment			Interest  Income  Recognized
December 31, 2018
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial real estate		$	1,334		$	1,334		$	—		$	5,614		$	69
Commercial			4,050			4,110			—			4,894			38
Residential real estate			388			388			—			396			20
Construction and land development			—			—			—			—			—
Consumer			—			—			—			—			—
Total impaired with no related allowance		$	5,772		$	5,832		$	—		$	10,904		$	127
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial real estate		$	519		$	519		$	62		$	519		$	—
Commercial			1,241			1,267			1,039			1,695			52
Residential real estate			—			—			—			—			—
Construction and land development			—			—			—			—			—
Consumer			—			—			—			—			—
Total impaired with an allowance recorded		$	1,760		$	1,786		$	1,101		$	2,214		$	52
Total
Commercial real estate		$	1,853		$	1,853		$	62		$	6,133		$	69
Commercial			5,291			5,377			1,039			6,589			90
Residential real estate			388			388			—			396			20
Construction and land development			—			—			—			—			—
Consumer			—			—			—			—			—
Total impaired loans		$	7,532		$	7,618		$	1,101		$	13,118		$	179
December 31, 2017
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial real estate		$	8,623		$	10,139		$	—		$	4,562		$	70
Commercial			3,202			3,202			—			2,054			123
Residential real estate			404			404			—			412			20
Construction and land development			—			—			—			—			—
Consumer			—			—			—			—			—
Total impaired with no related allowance		$	12,229		$	13,745		$	—		$	7,028		$	213
With an allowance recorded:
Commercial real estate		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Commercial			—			—			—			—			—
Residential real estate			—			—			—			—			—
Construction and land development			—			—			—			—			—
Consumer			—			—			—			—			—
Total impaired with an allowance recorded		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Total
Commercial real estate		$	8,623		$	10,139		$	—		$	4,562		$	70
Commercial			3,202			3,202			—			2,054			123
Residential real estate			404			404			—			412			20
Construction and land development			—			—			—			—			—
Consumer			—			—			—			—			—
Total impaired loans		$	12,229		$	13,745		$	—		$	7,028		$	213

Schedule of troubled debt restructurings

(Dollars in thousands)	Number of  Contracts		Pre-Modification  Outstanding Recorded  Investment			Post-Modification  Outstanding  Recorded  Investment
Year-Ended December 31, 2017
Troubled debt restructurings:
Commercial		1		$	249		$	249
		1		$	249		$	249

Schedule of loans by risk rating and portfolio segment

(In thousands)	Commercial  Real Estate			Commercial			Residential  Real Estate			Construction  and Land  Development			Consumer			Total
December 31, 2018
Grade:
Pass		$	356,415		$	339,079		$	—		$	44,606		$	—		$	740,100
Special mention			6,531			11,339			—			—			—			17,870
Substandard			1,921			10,447			571			—			—			12,939
Doubtful			—			917			—			—			—			917
Not formally rated			—			—			56,790			—			19,815			76,605
Total		$	364,867		$	361,782		$	57,361		$	44,606		$	19,815		$	848,431
December 31, 2017
Grade:
Pass		$	355,623		$	224,190		$	—		$	55,828		$	—		$	635,641
Special mention			6,852			9,155			—			—			—			16,007
Substandard			9,035			6,878			679			—			—			16,592
Not formally rated			—			—			67,045			—			17,455			84,500
Total		$	371,510		$	240,223		$	67,724		$	55,828		$	17,455		$	752,740

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PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Schedule of premises and equipment

(In thousands)	2018			2017
Land		$	2,424		$	2,424
Buildings and leasehold improvements			9,241			9,241
Furniture and equipment			4,520			4,649
Leasehold improvements			4,234			4,241
Construction in progress			5,748			—
			26,167			20,555
Accumulated depreciation and amortization			(10,081)			(9,574)
Premises and equipment, net		$	16,086		$	10,981

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DEPOSITS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Deposits [Abstract]

Schedule of deposit balances by type

(In thousands)	2018			2017
NOW and demand		$	332,064		$	309,514
Regular savings			109,322			112,610
Money market deposits			229,314			225,735
Total non-certificate accounts			670,700			647,859
Certificate accounts of  $250,000 or more			14,164			5,061
Certificate accounts less than $250,000			83,232			97,137
Total certificate accounts			97,396			102,198
Total deposits		$	768,096		$	750,057

Schedule of maturities of certificate accounts

(In thousands)	2018			2017
2018		$	—		$	81,791
2019			55,061			16,105
2020			32,089			3,052
2021			8,938			410
2022			794			840
2023			514			—
Total		$	97,396		$	102,198

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BORROWINGS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Advances from Federal Home Loan Banks [Abstract]

Schedule of maturities of advances from the FHLB

(In thousands)	2018			2017
2018		$	—		$	12,000
2019			43,071			4,936
2020			11,451			6,405
2021			5,000			—
2023			8,500			—
Thereafter			—			3,500
Total		$	68,022		$	26,841

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INCOME TAXES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of components for income tax expense

(In thousands)	2018			2017
Current tax expense (benefit):
Federal		$	3,214		$	5,044
State			1,278			1,079
Net operating loss carryforward			(14)			(14)
			4,478			6,109
Deferred tax expense (benefit):
Federal			(926)			1,523
State			(315)			(214)
			(1,241)			1,309
Income tax expense		$	3,237		$	7,418

Schedule of differences between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective tax rates

	2018		2017
Federal income tax at statutory rate		21.0%		34.0%
Increase (decrease) in tax resulting from:
State tax, net of federal tax benefit		5.7		4.6
Tax exempt income and dividends received deduction		(1.0)		(3.3)
Change in enacted federal tax rate		—		13.4
Other		0.1		(0.3)
Effective tax rate		25.8%		48.4%

Schedule of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities

(In thousands)	2018			2017
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for loan losses		$	3,251		$	2,743
Depreciation			160			41
Net operating loss carryforward			16			25
Employee benefit plans and share-based compensation plans			2,498			1,979
Deferred loan fees, net			339			238
Reserve for unfunded commitments			31			39
Net unrealized loss on securities			107			—
Other			109			140
Gross deferred tax assets			6,511			5,205
Deferred tax liabilities:
Prepaid expenses			(45)			(64)
FHLB restructure fees			(29)			(52)
Net unrealized holding gain on securities			—			(169)
Gross deferred tax liabilities			(74)			(285)
Net deferred tax asset		$	6,437		$	4,920

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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of employee stock ownership plan

	December 31,  2018		December 31,  2017
Allocated		71,430		47,620
Committed to be allocated		23,810		23,810
Unallocated		261,912		285,722
Total		357,152		357,152

Schedule of fair value of options granted

	2018			2017
Vesting period (years)			5			5
Expiration date (years)			10			10
Expected volatility			21.23%			21.53%
Expected life (years)			7.5			7.5
Expected dividend yield			0.00%			0.00%
Risk free interest rate			2.97%			2.25%
Fair value per option		$	8.71		$	7.05

Schedule of stock option grants

	Stock Option  Awards			Weighted  Average  Exercise Price			Weighted Average  Remaining  Contractual Term  (years)		Aggregate  Intrinsic  Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2018			396,443		$	17.61
Granted			12,170			27.20
Forfeited			(9,740)			17.40
Exercised			(2,435)			17.40
Outstanding at December 31, 2018			396,438		$	17.89		8.00		$	1,503,000
Outstanding and expected to vest at December 31, 2018			396,438		$	17.89		8.00		$	1,503,000
Vested and Exercisable at December 31, 2018			151,272		$	17.50		7.90		$	632,000
Unrecognized compensation cost		$	1,233,000
Weighted average remaining recognition period (years)			3.01

Schedule of activity in unvested restricted stock awards under the Equity Plan

	Number of  Shares			Weighted Average  Grant Price
Unvested restricted stock awards at January 1, 2018			127,852		$	17.59
Granted			4,862			27.20
Forfeited			(3,896)			17.40
Vested			(30,745)			17.59
Unvested restricted stock awards at Decemer 31, 2018			98,073		$	18.13
Unrecognized compensation cost		$	1,724,000
Weighted average remaining recognition period (years)			3.01

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EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of earning per share

(Dollars in thousands)	2018			2017
Net income attributable to common shareholders		$	9,325		$	7,915
Average number of common shares outstanding			9,659,357			9,652,448
Less:
average unallocated ESOP shares			(283,337)			(298,680)
average unvested restricted stock			(106,033)			(136,986)
average treasury stock acquired			(29,901)			(17,508)
Average number of common shares outstanding to calculate basic earnings per common share			9,240,086			9,199,274
Effect of dilutive unvested restricted stock and stock option awards			66,230			613
Average number of common shares outstanding to calculate diluted earnings per common share			9,306,316			9,199,887
Earnings per common share:
Basic		$	1.01		$	0.86
Diluted		$	1.00		$	0.86

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REGULATORY MATTERS (Table)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Banking and Thrift [Abstract]

Schedule of actual capital amounts and ratios

	Actual Capital					For Capital  Adequacy Purposes						To Be Well  Capitalized Under  Prompt Corrective  Action Provisions
(Dollars in thousands)	Amount			Ratio		Amount				Ratio		Amount				Ratio
December 31, 2018
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)		$	128,939		14.55%		$	70,891	≥		8.0%		$	88,614	≥		10.0%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)			117,855		13.30			53,168	≥		6.0			70,891	≥		8.0
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)			117,855		13.30			39,876	≥		4.5			57,599	≥		6.5
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)			117,855		12.69			37,157	≥		4.0			46,446	≥		5.0
December 31, 2017
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)		$	116,869		14.96%		$	62,514	≥		8.0%		$	78,142	≥		10.0%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)			107,112		13.71			46,885	≥		6.0			62,514	≥		8.0
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)			107,112		13.71			35,164	≥		4.5			50,792	≥		6.5
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)			107,112		11.80			36,299	≥		4.0			45,374	≥		5.0

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of minimum rental due in future periods of existing agreements

(In thousands)
2019	$	285
2020		244
2021		252
2022		252
2023		252
Years thereafter		1,908
Total minimum lease payments	$	3,193

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Schedule of financial instrument with off-balance sheet credit risk

(In thousands)	2018			2017
Commitments to originate loans		$	42,625		$	18,641
Letters of credit			1,546			2,004
Unadvanced portions of loans			196,104			166,314
		$	240,275		$	186,959

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(In thousands)	Total			Quoted Prices in  Active Markets for  Identical Assets  Level 1			Significant  Other Observable  Inputs  Level 2			Significant  Unobservable  Inputs  Level 3
December 31, 2018
State and municipal		$	20,255		$	—		$	20,255		$	—
Asset-backed securities			6,371			—			6,371			—
Mortgage-backed securities			24,777			—			24,777			—
Totals		$	51,403		$	—		$	51,403		$	—
December 31, 2017
State and municipal		$	21,454		$	—		$	21,454		$	—
Asset-backed securities			7,517			—			7,517			—
Government mortgage-backed securities			32,458			—			32,458			—
Totals		$	61,429		$	—		$	61,429		$	—

Schedule of financial instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

​

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:

(In thousands)

Total

Quoted Prices in  Active Markets for  Identical Assets  Level 1

Significant  Other Observable  Inputs  Level 2

Significant  Unobservable  Inputs  Level 3

December 31, 2018

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Impaired loans

​

$

659

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

659

Other real estate owned

​

​

1,676

​

​

—

​

​

1,676

​

​

—

December 31, 2017

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Impaired loans

​

$

3,670

​

$

—

​

$

—

​

$

3,670

Schedule of summary of the valuation methodology and unobservable inputs for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

(In thousands)	Fair Value			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input
December 31, 2018
Impaired loans		$	659	Real estate appraisals  and business valuation	Discount for dated appraisals  and comparable company evaluations
December 31, 2017
Impaired loans		$	3,670	Real estate appraisals	Discount for dated appraisals

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DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Fair Value Of Financial Instrument [Abstract]

Schedule of carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments, held or issued for purposes other than trading

	Carrying  Amount			Fair Value
(In thousands)				Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
December 31, 2018
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	28,613		$	28,613		$	—		$	—		$	28,613
Available-for-sale securities			51,403			—			51,403			—			51,403
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock			2,650			2,650			—			—			2,650
Loans, net			835,528			—			—			827,090			827,090
Accrued interest receivable			2,638			—			2,638			—			2,638
Financial liabilities:
Deposits			768,096			—			—			768,010			768,010
Borrowings			68,022			—			67,846			—			67,846
December 31, 2017
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	47,689		$	47,689		$	—		$	—		$	47,689
Available-for-sale securities			61,429			—			61,429			—			61,429
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock			1,854			1,854			—			—			1,854
Loans, net			742,138			—			—			745,637			745,637
Accrued interest receivable			2,345			—			2,345			—			2,345
Financial liabilities:
Deposits			750,057			—			—			749,898			749,898
Borrowings			26,841			—			26,655			—			26,655

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CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF PARENT ONLY (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of parent only statement of balance sheet

Provident Bancorp, Inc. — Parent Only Balance Sheet
(In thousands)	2018			2017
Assets
Cash and due from banks		$	5,249		$	5,224
Investment in common stock of The Provident Bank			117,615			107,629
Other assets			2,755			2,946
Total assets		$	125,619		$	115,799
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Accrued expenses		$	35		$	22
Shareholders’ equity			125,584			115,777
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	125,619		$	115,799

Schedule of parent only income statement

Provident Bancorp, Inc. — Parent Only Income Statement
	Years Ended  December 31,
(In thousands)	2018			2017
Total income		$	140		$	120
Operating expenses			90			88
Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed net income of The Provident Bank			50			32
Applicable income tax provision			14			13
Income before equity in income of subsidiaries			36			19
Equity in undistributed net income of The Provident Bank			9,289			7,896
Net income		$	9,325		$	7,915

Schedule of parent only statement of cash flows

Provident Bancorp, Inc. — Parent Only Statement of Cash Flows
	Twelve Months Ended  December 31,
(In thousands)	2018			2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	9,325		$	7,915
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries			(9,289)			(7,896)
Decrease in other assets			191			191
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities			13			(51)
Net cash provided by operating activities			240			159
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchase of treasury stock			(215)			(594)
Net cash used in financing activities			(215)			(594)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			25			(435)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year			5,224			5,659
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		$	5,249		$	5,224

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SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of quarterly financial data

	First Quarter						Second Quarter						Third Quarter						Fourth Quarter
(In thousands)	2018			2017			2018			2017			2018			2017			2018			2017
Interest and dividend income		$	9,753		$	8,112		$	10,377		$	8,816		$	10,833		$	9,239		$	11,377		$	9,615
Interest expense			1,034			781			1,213			879			1,429			1,005			1,537			1,062
Net interest and dividend income			8,719			7,331			9,164			7,937			9,404			8,234			9,840			8,553
Provision for loan losses			656			563			638			892			1,421			1,012			614			462
Gain on sale of securities, net			—			482			—			58			—			1,851			—			3,521
Other income			1,013			1,020			1,118			1,012			1,059			1,046			988			966
Total noninterest income			1,013			1,502			1,118			1,070			1,059			2,897			988			4,487
Total noninterest expense			6,376			5,621			6,411			5,875			6,223			5,914			6,404			6,339
Income tax expense			678			847			843			639			741			1,434			975			4,498
Net income		$	2,022		$	1,802		$	2,390		$	1,601		$	2,078		$	2,771		$	2,835		$	1,741
Income per share:
Basic		$	0.22		$	0.16		$	0.26		$	0.15		$	0.22		$	0.19		$	0.31		$	0.19
Diluted		$	0.22		$	0.16		$	0.26		$	0.15		$	0.22		$	0.19		$	0.30		$	0.19
Weighted Average Shares:
Basic			9,219,865			9,192,568			9,233,745			9,193,836			9,247,367			9,201,634			9,258,858			9,208,854
Diluted			9,225,003			9,192,568			9,302,425			9,198,286			9,355,410			9,213,056			9,339,431			9,257,702

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NATURE OF OPERATIONS (Detail Textuals)	Dec. 31, 2018
Mutual holding company (MHC)
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership of mutual holding company	52.30%

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ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Detail Textuals)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 $ / shares
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Par value of stock bought from and sold to the federal home loan bank (in dollars per share)	$ 100

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INVESTMENTS SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 51,765	$ 60,671
Gross Unrealized Gains	410	1,092
Gross Unrealized Losses	772	334
Fair Value	51,403	61,429
State and municipal
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	20,118	20,726
Gross Unrealized Gains	272	745
Gross Unrealized Losses	135	17
Fair Value	20,255	21,454
Asset-backed securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	6,512	7,524
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	30
Gross Unrealized Losses	141	37
Fair Value	6,371	7,517
Government mortgage-backed securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	25,135	32,421
Gross Unrealized Gains	138	317
Gross Unrealized Losses	496	280
Fair Value	$ 24,777	$ 32,458

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INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES - Maturities of debt securities (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost
Due within one year	$ 95
Due after one year through five years	604
Due after five years through ten years	2,120
Due after ten years	17,299
Amortized Cost	51,765	$ 60,671
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value
Due within one year	95
Due after one year through five years	608
Due after five years through ten years	2,169
Due after ten years	17,383
Fair Value	51,403	61,429
Government mortgage-backed securities
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost
Amortized Cost	25,135	32,421
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value
Fair Value	24,777	32,458
Asset-backed securities
Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost
Amortized Cost	6,512	7,524
Available-for-Sale, Fair Value
Fair Value	$ 6,371	$ 7,517

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INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES - Aggregate fair value and unrealized losses of securities (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	$ 12,834	$ 6,976
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months	245	33
Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer	17,287	15,530
Unrealized Loss, 12 Months or Longer	527	301
Fair Value, Total	30,121	22,506
Unrealized Loss, Total	772	334
State and municipal
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	6,137	0
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months	115	0
Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer	597	611
Unrealized Loss, 12 Months or Longer	20	17
Fair Value, Total	6,734	611
Unrealized Loss, Total	135	17
Asset-backed securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	3,833	1,745
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months	98	13
Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer	2,538	1,335
Unrealized Loss, 12 Months or Longer	43	24
Fair Value, Total	6,371	3,080
Unrealized Loss, Total	141	37
Government mortgage-backed securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	2,864	5,231
Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 Months	32	20
Fair Value, 12 Months or Longer	14,152	13,584
Unrealized Loss, 12 Months or Longer	464	260
Fair Value, Total	17,016	18,815
Unrealized Loss, Total	$ 496	$ 280

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INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Detail Textuals) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Gross realized gains on sales and calls	$ 6,400,000
Gross losses realized	505,000
Securities pledged to secure available borrowings with the Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank	$ 39,800,000	$ 31,100,000

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LOANS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Gross loans, Amount	$ 848,431	$ 752,740
Allowance for loan losses	(11,680)	(9,757)	$ (8,590)
Deferred loan fees, net	(1,223)	(845)
Net loans	835,528	742,138
Commercial real estate
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Gross loans, Amount	364,867	371,510
Allowance for loan losses	(4,152)	(4,483)	(4,503)
Commercial
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Gross loans, Amount	361,782	240,223
Allowance for loan losses	(5,742)	(3,280)	(2,513)
Residential real estate
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Gross loans, Amount	57,361	67,724
Allowance for loan losses	(251)	(300)	(328)
Construction and land development
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Gross loans, Amount	44,606	55,828
Allowance for loan losses	(738)	(965)	(882)
Consumer
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Line Items]
Gross loans, Amount	19,815	17,455
Allowance for loan losses	$ (710)	$ (649)	$ (279)

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LOANS (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance				$ 9,757				$ 8,590	$ 9,757	$ 8,590
Charge-offs									(1,559)	(1,819)
Recoveries									153	57
Provision (credit)	$ 614	$ 1,421	$ 638	656	$ 462	$ 1,012	$ 892	563	3,329	2,929
Ending balance	11,680				9,757				11,680	9,757
Loans:
Ending balance: Individually evaluated for impairment											$ 1,101	$ 0
Ending balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment											10,579	9,757
Total allowance for loan losses ending balance	11,680			9,757	9,757			8,590	9,757	9,757	11,680	9,757
Loans:
Ending balance: Individually evaluated for impairment											7,532	12,229
Ending balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment											840,899	740,511
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross											848,431	752,740
Commercial Real Estate
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance				4,483				4,503	4,483	4,503
Charge-offs									(670)	(1,522)
Recoveries									0	0
Provision (credit)									339	1,502
Ending balance	4,152				4,483				4,152	4,483
Loans:
Ending balance: Individually evaluated for impairment											62	0
Ending balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment											4,090	4,483
Total allowance for loan losses ending balance	4,152			4,483	4,483			4,503	4,483	4,483	4,152	4,483
Loans:
Ending balance: Individually evaluated for impairment											1,853	8,623
Ending balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment											363,014	362,887
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross											364,867	371,510
Commercial
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance				3,280				2,513	3,280	2,513
Charge-offs									(190)	(107)
Recoveries									87	45
Provision (credit)									2,565	829
Ending balance	5,742				3,280				5,742	3,280
Loans:
Ending balance: Individually evaluated for impairment											1,039	0
Ending balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment											4,703	3,280
Total allowance for loan losses ending balance	5,742			3,280	3,280			2,513	3,280	3,280	5,742	3,280
Loans:
Ending balance: Individually evaluated for impairment											5,291	3,202
Ending balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment											356,491	237,021
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross											361,782	240,223
Residential Real Estate
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance				300				328	300	328
Charge-offs									0	0
Recoveries									2	0
Provision (credit)									(51)	(28)
Ending balance	251				300				251	300
Loans:
Ending balance: Individually evaluated for impairment											0	0
Ending balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment											251	300
Total allowance for loan losses ending balance	251			300	300			328	300	300	251	300
Loans:
Ending balance: Individually evaluated for impairment											388	404
Ending balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment											56,973	67,320
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross											57,361	67,724
Construction and Land Development
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance				965				882	965	882
Charge-offs									0	0
Recoveries									0	0
Provision (credit)									(227)	83
Ending balance	738				965				738	965
Loans:
Ending balance: Individually evaluated for impairment											0	0
Ending balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment											738	965
Total allowance for loan losses ending balance	738			965	965			882	965	965	738	965
Loans:
Ending balance: Individually evaluated for impairment											0	0
Ending balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment											44,606	55,828
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross											44,606	55,828
Consumer
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance				649				279	649	279
Charge-offs									(699)	(190)
Recoveries									64	12
Provision (credit)									696	548
Ending balance	710				649				710	649
Loans:
Ending balance: Individually evaluated for impairment											0	0
Ending balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment											710	649
Total allowance for loan losses ending balance	710			649	649			279	649	649	710	649
Loans:
Ending balance: Individually evaluated for impairment											0	0
Ending balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment											19,815	17,455
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross											19,815	17,455
Unallocated
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance				80				85	80	85
Charge-offs									0	0
Recoveries									0	0
Provision (credit)									7	(5)
Ending balance	87				80				87	80
Loans:
Ending balance: Individually evaluated for impairment											0	0
Ending balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment											87	80
Total allowance for loan losses ending balance	$ 87			$ 80	$ 80			$ 85	$ 80	$ 80	$ 87	$ 80

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LOANS (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Loans and Leases Receivable, Related Parties [Roll Forward]
Balance beginning January 1	$ 22,273	$ 7,739
Effect of changes in composition of related parties	(339)	(85)
Advances	11	18,809
Principal payments	9,988	4,190
Ending balance, December 31	$ 11,957	$ 22,273

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LOANS (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	$ 5,209	$ 4,807
Total Current	843,222	747,933
Total Loans	848,431	752,740
90 Days or More Past Due and Accruing	0	0
Nonaccrual Loans	6,261	9,033
30 - 59 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	1,165	774
60 - 89 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	269	3,892
90 Days or More Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	3,775	141
Commercial real estate
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	1,261	3,669
Total Current	363,606	367,841
Total Loans	364,867	371,510
90 Days or More Past Due and Accruing	0	0
Nonaccrual Loans	519	7,102
Commercial real estate | 30 - 59 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	742	0
Commercial real estate | 60 - 89 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	0	3,669
Commercial real estate | 90 Days or More Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	519	0
Commercial
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	3,207	12
Total Current	358,575	240,211
Total Loans	361,782	240,223
90 Days or More Past Due and Accruing	0	0
Nonaccrual Loans	4,830	1,505
Commercial | 30 - 59 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	40	12
Commercial | 60 - 89 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	0	0
Commercial | 90 Days or More Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	3,167	0
Residential real estate
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	574	958
Total Current	56,787	66,766
Total Loans	57,361	67,724
90 Days or More Past Due and Accruing	0	0
Nonaccrual Loans	850	364
Residential real estate | 30 - 59 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	321	699
Residential real estate | 60 - 89 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	223	178
Residential real estate | 90 Days or More Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	30	81
Construction and land development
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	0	0
Total Current	44,606	55,828
Total Loans	44,606	55,828
90 Days or More Past Due and Accruing	0	0
Nonaccrual Loans	0	0
Construction and land development | 30 - 59 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	0	0
Construction and land development | 60 - 89 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	0	0
Construction and land development | 90 Days or More Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	0	0
Consumer
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	167	168
Total Current	19,648	17,287
Total Loans	19,815	17,455
90 Days or More Past Due and Accruing	0	0
Nonaccrual Loans	62	62
Consumer | 30 - 59 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	62	63
Consumer | 60 - 89 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	46	45
Consumer | 90 Days or More Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total Past Due	$ 59	$ 60

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LOANS (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
With no related allowance recorded:
Recorded Investment	$ 5,772	$ 12,229
Unpaid Principal Balance	5,832	13,745
Average Recorded Investment	10,904	7,028
Interest Income Recognized	127	213
With an allowance recorded:
Recorded Investment	1,760	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	1,786	0
Related Allowance	1,101	0
Average Recorded Investment	2,214	0
Interest Income Recognized	52	0
Total
Recorded Investment	7,532	12,229
Unpaid Principal Balance	7,618	13,745
Related Allowance	1,101	0
Average Recorded Investment	13,118	7,028
Interest Income Recognized	179	213
Commercial real estate
With no related allowance recorded:
Recorded Investment	1,334	8,623
Unpaid Principal Balance	1,334	10,139
Average Recorded Investment	5,614	4,562
Interest Income Recognized	69	70
With an allowance recorded:
Recorded Investment	519	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	519	0
Related Allowance	62	0
Average Recorded Investment	519	0
Interest Income Recognized	0	0
Total
Recorded Investment	1,853	8,623
Unpaid Principal Balance	1,853	10,139
Related Allowance	62	0
Average Recorded Investment	6,133	4,562
Interest Income Recognized	69	70
Commercial
With no related allowance recorded:
Recorded Investment	4,050	3,202
Unpaid Principal Balance	4,110	3,202
Average Recorded Investment	4,894	2,054
Interest Income Recognized	38	123
With an allowance recorded:
Recorded Investment	1,241	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	1,267	0
Related Allowance	1,039	0
Average Recorded Investment	1,695	0
Interest Income Recognized	52	0
Total
Recorded Investment	5,291	3,202
Unpaid Principal Balance	5,377	3,202
Related Allowance	1,039	0
Average Recorded Investment	6,589	2,054
Interest Income Recognized	90	123
Residential real estate
With no related allowance recorded:
Recorded Investment	388	404
Unpaid Principal Balance	388	404
Average Recorded Investment	396	412
Interest Income Recognized	20	20
With an allowance recorded:
Recorded Investment	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Related Allowance	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	0	0
Interest Income Recognized	0	0
Total
Recorded Investment	388	404
Unpaid Principal Balance	388	404
Related Allowance	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	396	412
Interest Income Recognized	20	20
Construction and land development
With no related allowance recorded:
Recorded Investment	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	0	0
Interest Income Recognized	0	0
With an allowance recorded:
Recorded Investment	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Related Allowance	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	0	0
Interest Income Recognized	0	0
Total
Recorded Investment	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Related Allowance	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	0	0
Interest Income Recognized	0	0
Consumer
With no related allowance recorded:
Recorded Investment	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	0	0
Interest Income Recognized	0	0
With an allowance recorded:
Recorded Investment	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Related Allowance	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	0	0
Interest Income Recognized	0	0
Total
Recorded Investment	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Related Allowance	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	0	0
Interest Income Recognized	$ 0	$ 0

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LOANS (Details 5) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Contract
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Number of Contracts | Contract	1
Pre- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 249
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 249
Commercial
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Number of Contracts | Contract	1
Pre- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 249
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$ 249

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LOANS (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	$ 848,431	$ 752,740
Pass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	740,100	635,641
Special mention
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	17,870	16,007
Substandard
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	12,939	16,592
Doubtful
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	917
Not formally rated
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	76,605	84,500
Commercial Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	364,867	371,510
Commercial Real Estate | Pass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	356,415	355,623
Commercial Real Estate | Special mention
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	6,531	6,852
Commercial Real Estate | Substandard
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	1,921	9,035
Commercial Real Estate | Doubtful
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	0
Commercial Real Estate | Not formally rated
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	0	0
Commercial
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	361,782	240,223
Commercial | Pass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	339,079	224,190
Commercial | Special mention
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	11,339	9,155
Commercial | Substandard
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	10,447	6,878
Commercial | Doubtful
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	917
Commercial | Not formally rated
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	0	0
Residential Real Estate
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	57,361	67,724
Residential Real Estate | Pass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	0	0
Residential Real Estate | Special mention
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	0	0
Residential Real Estate | Substandard
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	571	679
Residential Real Estate | Doubtful
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	0
Residential Real Estate | Not formally rated
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	56,790	67,045
Construction and Land Development
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	44,606	55,828
Construction and Land Development | Pass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	44,606	55,828
Construction and Land Development | Special mention
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	0	0
Construction and Land Development | Substandard
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	0	0
Construction and Land Development | Doubtful
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	0
Construction and Land Development | Not formally rated
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	0	0
Consumer
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	19,815	17,455
Consumer | Pass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	0	0
Consumer | Special mention
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	0	0
Consumer | Substandard
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	0	0
Consumer | Doubtful
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	0
Consumer | Not formally rated
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total Loans	$ 19,815	$ 17,455

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LOANS (Detail Textuals) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Aggregate principal balance pledged to secure possible borrowings	$ 393,800,000	$ 357,100,000
Troubled debt restructuring, total		249,000
Re-amortization term of commercial loan	3 years
Unpaid principal balance	$ 7,618,000	13,745,000
Servicing portfolio	294,000
Mortgage and other loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid principal balance	$ 18,800,000	$ 15,600,000

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PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT - Summary of premises and equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, gross	$ 26,167	$ 20,555
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(10,081)	(9,574)
Premises and equipment, net	16,086	10,981
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, gross	2,424	2,424
Buildings and leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, gross	9,241	9,241
Furniture and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, gross	4,520	4,649
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, gross	4,234	4,241
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, gross	$ 5,748	$ 0

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PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT (Detail Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 721	$ 811

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DEPOSITS - Summary of deposit balances by type (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deposits [Abstract]
NOW and demand	$ 332,064	$ 309,514
Regular savings	109,322	112,610
Money market deposits	229,314	225,735
Total non-certificate accounts	670,700	647,859
Certificate accounts of $250,000 or more	14,164	5,061
Certificate accounts less than $250,000	83,232	97,137
Total certificate accounts	97,396	102,198
Total deposits	$ 768,096	$ 750,057

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DEPOSITS - Scheduled maturities for time deposits (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deposits [Abstract]
2018	$ 0	$ 81,791
2019	55,061	16,105
2020	32,089	3,052
2021	8,938	410
2022	794	840
2023	514	0
Total	$ 97,396	$ 102,198

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DEPOSITS (Detail Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deposits [Abstract]
Brokered certificates of deposit	$ 55.8	$ 62.3
Deposits from related parties held	$ 7.4	$ 16.0

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BORROWINGS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Advances from Federal Home Loan Banks [Abstract]
2018	$ 0	$ 12,000
2019	43,071	4,936
2020	11,451	6,405
2021	5,000	0
2023	8,500	0
Thereafter	0	3,500
Total	$ 68,022	$ 26,841

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BORROWINGS (Detail Textuals) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2015
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances [Line Items]
Aggregate borrowings from FHLB	$ 68,022,000	$ 26,841,000
Federal reserve bank advances
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances [Line Items]
Overnight borrowings	$ 8,100,000
Interest rate on overnight borrowings	3.00%
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances [Line Items]
Aggregate borrowings from FHLB	$ 59,922	$ 26,841
Modified FHLB borrowings			$ 5,000,000	$ 3,500,000
Prepayment penalty			$ 87,000	$ 233,000
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances | Minimum
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances [Line Items]
Interest rates on FHLB advances ranged from	1.53%
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances | Maximum
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances [Line Items]
Interest rates on FHLB advances ranged from	3.01%
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances | Weighted average
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances [Line Items]
Interest rates on FHLB advances ranged from	2.52%

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INCOME TAXES - Components of income tax expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current tax expense (benefit):
Federal									$ 3,214	$ 5,044
State									1,278	1,079
Net operating loss carryforward									(14)	(14)
Current tax expense (benefit), total									4,478	6,109
Deferred tax expense (benefit):
Federal									(926)	1,523
State									(315)	(214)
Deferred tax expense (benefit), total									(1,241)	1,309
Income tax expense	$ 975	$ 741	$ 843	$ 678	$ 4,498	$ 1,434	$ 639	$ 847	$ 3,237	$ 7,418

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INCOME TAXES - Differences between statutory federal income tax rate and effective tax rates (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal income tax at statutory rate	21.00%	34.00%
Increase (decrease) in tax resulting from:
State tax, net of federal tax benefit	5.70%	4.60%
Tax exempt income and dividends received deduction	(1.00%)	(3.30%)
Change in enacted federal tax rate	0.00%	13.40%
Other	0.10%	(0.30%)
Effective tax rate	25.80%	48.40%

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INCOME TAXES - Gross deferred tax assets and gross deferred tax liabilities (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for loan losses	$ 3,251	$ 2,743
Depreciation	160	41
Net operating loss carryforward	16	25
Employee benefit plans and share-based compensation plans	2,498	1,979
Deferred loan fees, net	339	238
Reserve for unfunded commitments	31	39
Net unrealized loss on securities	107	0
Other	109	140
Gross deferred tax assets	6,511	5,205
Deferred tax liabilities:
Prepaid expenses	(45)	(64)
FHLB restructure fees	(29)	(52)
Net unrealized holding gain on securities	0	(169)
Gross deferred tax liabilities	(74)	(285)
Net deferred tax asset	$ 6,437	$ 4,920

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INCOME TAXES (Detail Textuals) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
US corporate income tax rate	21.00%	34.00%
Impact of rate reduction a decrease in net deferred tax asset		$ 2,000,000
Deferred taxes includes unrealized gains and losses		97,000
Adjustment to deferred taxes resulted in a disproportionate tax effect		97,000
Federal net operating loss carryovers	$ 76,000
Annual operating loss carryforwards	$ 42,000
Previous tax year
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
US corporate income tax rate	35.00%
Current tax year
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
US corporate income tax rate	21.00%
New accounting pronouncement
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Reclassified from retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive income		$ 97,000

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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - Shares held by ESOP (Details) - shares	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Shares held by the ESOP include the following:
Allocated	71,430	47,620
Committed to be allocated	23,810	23,810
Unallocated	261,912	285,722
Total	357,152	357,152

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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Details 1) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Vesting period (years)	5 years	5 years
Expiration date (years)	10 years	10 years
Expected volatility	21.23%	21.53%
Expected life (years)	7 years 6 months	7 years 6 months
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Risk free interest rate	2.97%	2.25%
Fair value per option	$ 8.71	$ 7.05

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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Details 2) - Stock option $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Stock Option Awards
Outstanding at January 1, 2018 | shares	396,443
Granted | shares	12,170
Forfeited | shares	(9,740)
Exercised | shares	(2,435)
Outstanding at December 31, 2018 | shares	396,438
Outstanding and expected to vest at December 31, 2018 | shares	396,438
Vested and Exercisable at December 31, 2018 | shares	151,272
Unrecognized compensation cost | $	$ 1,233,000
Weighted average remaining recognition period (years)	3 years 4 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at January 1, 2018 | $ / shares	$ 17.61
Granted | $ / shares	27.2
Forfeited | $ / shares	17.4
Exercised | $ / shares	17.4
Outstanding at December 31, 2018 | $ / shares	17.89
Outstanding and expected to vest at December 31, 2018 | $ / shares	17.89
Vested and Exercisable at December 31, 2018 | $ / shares	$ 17.5
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	8 years
Outstanding and expected to vest at December 31, 2018	8 years
Vested and Exercisable at December 31, 2018	7 years 10 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2018 | $	$ 1,503,000
Outstanding and expected to vest at December 31, 2018 | $	1,503,000
Vested and Exercisable at December 31, 2018 | $	$ 632,000

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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Details 3) - Restricted stock $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Number of Shares
Unvested restricted stock awards at January 1, 2018 | shares	127,852
Granted | shares	4,862
Forfeited | shares	(3,896)
Vested | shares	(30,745)
Unvested restricted stock awards at December 31, 2018 | shares	98,073
Unrecognized compensation cost | $	$ 1,724,000
Weighted average remaining recognition period (years)	3 years 4 days
Weighted Average Grant Price
Unvested restricted stock awards at January 1, 2018 | $ / shares	$ 17.59
Granted | $ / shares	27.2
Forfeited | $ / shares	17.4
Vested | $ / shares	17.59
Unvested restricted stock awards at December 31, 2018 | $ / shares	$ 18.13

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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Detail Textuals) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Vesting period (years)	5 years	5 years
Expiration date (years)	10 years	10 years
Number of shares purchased	357,152	357,152
Number of shares committed to be released per year through 2029	23,810
Share price	$ 10.00
Restricted stock
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Shares reserved for future issuance	178,575
Share based compensation expenses	$ 524	$ 538
Stock option
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Shares reserved for future issuance	446,440
Expiration date (years)	10 years
Share based compensation expenses	$ 404	388
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Liability for retirement benefits	6,800	5,600
Expense recognized for benefits	$ 1,100	1,200
401(k) Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer matching contribution, percent of match	100.00%
Employee contributions	6.00%
Percent of Employees' Gross Pay contribution	75.00%
Expense recognized	$ 494	$ 440
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of shares purchased	357,152
Share price	$ 10
ESOP payable term	15 years
ESOP prime rate percentage	5.50%

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EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common shareholders									$ 9,325	$ 7,915
Average number of common shares outstanding									9,659,357	9,652,448
Less:
Average unallocated ESOP shares									(283,337)	(298,680)
Average unvested restricted stock									(106,033)	(136,986)
Average treasury stock acquired									(29,901)	(17,508)
Average number of common shares outstanding to calculate basic earnings per common share	9,258,858	9,247,367	9,233,745	9,219,865	9,208,854	9,201,634	9,193,836	9,192,568	9,240,086	9,199,274
Effect of dilutive unvested restricted stock and stock option awards									66,230	613
Average number of common shares outstanding to calculate diluted earnings per common share	9,339,431	9,355,410	9,302,425	9,225,003	9,257,702	9,213,056	9,198,286	9,192,568	9,306,316	9,199,887
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$ 0.31	$ 0.22	$ 0.26	$ 0.22	$ 0.19	$ 0.19	$ 0.15	$ 0.16	$ 1.01	$ 0.86
Diluted	$ 0.30	$ 0.22	$ 0.26	$ 0.22	$ 0.19	$ 0.19	$ 0.15	$ 0.16	$ 1.00	$ 0.86

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REGULATORY MATTERS - Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets, Actual Capital, Amount	$ 128,939	$ 116,869
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets, Actual Capital, Ratio	14.55%	14.96%
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets, For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Amount	$ 70,891	$ 62,514
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets, For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Ratio	8.00%	8.00%
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets, To be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, Amount	$ 88,614	$ 78,142
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets, To be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, Ratio	10.00%	10.00%
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets, Actual Capital, Amount	$ 117,855	$ 107,112
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets, Actual Capital, Ratio	13.30%	13.71%
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets, For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Amount	$ 53,168	$ 46,885
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets, For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Ratio	6.00%	6.00%
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets, To be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, Amount	$ 70,891	$ 62,514
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted AssetsTo be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, Ratio	8.00%	8.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets, Actual Capital, Amount	$ 117,855	$ 107,112
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets, Actual Capital, Ratio	13.30%	13.71%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets, For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Amount	$ 39,876	$ 35,164
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets, For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Ratio	4.50%	4.50%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets, To be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, Amount	$ 57,599	$ 50,792
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets, To be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, Ratio	6.50%	6.50%
Tier I Capital to Average Assets, Actual Capital, Amount	$ 117,855	$ 107,112
Tier I Capital to Average Assets, Actual Capital, Ratio	12.69%	11.80%
Tier I Capital to Average Assets, For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Amount	$ 37,157	$ 36,299
Tier I Capital to Average Assets, For Capital Adequacy Purposes, Ratio	4.00%	4.00%
Tier I Capital to Average Assets, To be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, Amount	$ 46,446	$ 45,374
Tier I Capital to Average Assets, To be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions, Ratio	5.00%	5.00%

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES - Total minimum rental due in future periods (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2019	$ 285
2020	244
2021	252
2022	252
2023	252
Years thereafter	1,908
Total minimum lease payments	$ 3,193

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Detail Textuals) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rental expense		$ 460,000	$ 349,000
Aggregate principal outstanding balance foreclosure sale	$ 7,500,000
Aggregate principal outstanding balance retain by bank	4,900,000
Aggregate principal outstanding balance retain by another institution	2,600,000
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets	8,300,000
Amount retain from proceeds of foreclosure sale	2,000,000
Dispute proceeds deposit in suspense account	1,400,000
Dispute proceeds deposit in suspense account by another institution	$ 543,000

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK - Notional amounts of financial instrument with off-balance sheet credit risk (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Notional amounts of financial instrument with off-balance sheet credit risk	$ 240,275	$ 186,959
Commitments to originate loans
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Notional amounts of financial instrument with off-balance sheet credit risk	42,625	18,641
Letters of credit
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Notional amounts of financial instrument with off-balance sheet credit risk	1,546	2,004
Unadvanced portions of loans
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Notional amounts of financial instrument with off-balance sheet credit risk	$ 196,104	$ 166,314

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK (Detail Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financial and standby letters of credit
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Maximum potential amount of obligation	$ 1.5	$ 2.0

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Financial instruments measured at fair value on recurring basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	$ 51,403	$ 61,429
State and municipal
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	20,255	21,454
Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	6,371	7,517
Mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	24,777	32,458
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	51,403	61,429
Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	0	0
Recurring basis
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	51,403	61,429
Recurring basis | State and municipal
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	20,255	21,454
Recurring basis | Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	6,371	7,517
Recurring basis | Mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	24,777	32,458
Recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	0	0
Recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 | State and municipal
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	0	0
Recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 | Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	0	0
Recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 | Mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	0	0
Recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	51,403	61,429
Recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 | State and municipal
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	20,255	21,454
Recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 | Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	6,371	7,517
Recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 | Mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	24,777	32,458
Recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	0	0
Recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 | State and municipal
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	0	0
Recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 | Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	0	0
Recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 | Mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in available-for-sale securities (at fair value)	$ 0	$ 0

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Fair Values of Financial Instruments Measured on Nonrecurring Basis (Details 1) - Nonrecurring basis - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impaired loans	$ 659	$ 3,670
Other real estate owned	1,676
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impaired loans	0	0
Other real estate owned	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impaired loans	0	0
Other real estate owned	1,676
Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impaired loans	659	$ 3,670
Other real estate owned	$ 0

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Valuation methodology and unobservable inputs for Level 3 assets (Details 2) - Nonrecurring basis - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Impaired loans, fair value	$ 659	$ 3,670
Level 3
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Impaired loans, fair value	$ 659	$ 3,670

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DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Carrying amounts and estimated fair values (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 28,613	$ 47,689	$ 10,705
Available-for-sale securities	51,403	61,429
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock	2,650	1,854
Accrued interest receivable	2,638	2,345
Carrying Amount
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	28,613	47,689
Available-for-sale securities	51,403	61,429
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock	2,650	1,854
Loans, net	835,528	742,138
Accrued interest receivable	2,638	2,345
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	768,096	750,057
Borrowings	68,022	26,841
Fair Value
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	28,613	47,689
Available-for-sale securities	51,403	61,429
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock	2,650	1,854
Loans, net	827,090	745,637
Accrued interest receivable	2,638	2,345
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	768,010	749,898
Borrowings	67,846	26,655
Level 1
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	28,613	47,689
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock	2,650	1,854
Loans, net	0	0
Accrued interest receivable	0	0
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	0	0
Borrowings	0	0
Level 2
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Available-for-sale securities	51,403	61,429
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock	0	0
Loans, net	0	0
Accrued interest receivable	2,638	2,345
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	0	0
Borrowings	67,846	26,655
Level 3
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock	0	0
Loans, net	827,090	745,637
Accrued interest receivable	0	0
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	768,010	749,898
Borrowings	$ 0	$ 0

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CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF PARENT ONLY - Parent Only Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Cash and due from banks	$ 10,941	$ 10,326
Other assets	2,822	2,083
Total assets	974,079	902,265
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Shareholders' equity	125,584	115,777	$ 109,149
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	974,079	902,265
PROVIDENT BANCORP, INC.
Assets
Cash and due from banks	5,249	5,224
Investment in common stock of The Provident Bank	117,615	107,629
Other assets	2,755	2,946
Total assets	125,619	115,799
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Accrued expenses	35	22
Shareholders' equity	125,584	115,777
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 125,619	$ 115,799

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CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF PARENT ONLY - Parent Only Income Statement (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Total income									$ 313	$ 100
Applicable income tax provision	$ 975	$ 741	$ 843	$ 678	$ 4,498	$ 1,434	$ 639	$ 847	3,237	7,418
Net income	$ 2,835	$ 2,078	$ 2,390	$ 2,022	$ 1,741	$ 2,771	$ 1,601	$ 1,802	9,325	7,915
PROVIDENT BANCORP, INC.
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Total income									140	120
Operating expenses									90	88
Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed net income of The Provident Bank									50	32
Applicable income tax provision									14	13
Income before equity in income of subsidiaries									36	19
Equity in undistributed net income of The Provident Bank									9,289	7,896
Net income									$ 9,325	$ 7,915

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CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF PARENT ONLY - Parent Only Statement of Cash Flows (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 2,835	$ 2,078	$ 2,390	$ 2,022	$ 1,741	$ 2,771	$ 1,601	$ 1,802	$ 9,325	$ 7,915
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Decrease in other assets									(613)	539
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities									2,787	1,036
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchase of treasury stock									(215)	(594)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									(19,076)	36,984
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				47,689				10,705	47,689	10,705
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	28,613				47,689				28,613	47,689
PROVIDENT BANCORP, INC.
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income									9,325	7,915
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries									(9,289)	(7,896)
Decrease in other assets									191	191
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities									13	(51)
Net cash provided by operating activities									240	159
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchase of treasury stock									(215)	(594)
Net cash used in financing activities									(215)	(594)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									25	(435)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				$ 5,224				$ 5,659	5,224	5,659
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 5,249				$ 5,224				$ 5,249	$ 5,224

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SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest and dividend income	$ 11,377	$ 10,833	$ 10,377	$ 9,753	$ 9,615	$ 9,239	$ 8,816	$ 8,112	$ 42,340	$ 35,782
Interest expense	1,537	1,429	1,213	1,034	1,062	1,005	879	781	5,213	3,726
Net interest and dividend income	9,840	9,404	9,164	8,719	8,553	8,234	7,937	7,331	37,127	32,056
Provision for loan losses	614	1,421	638	656	462	1,012	892	563	3,329	2,929
Gain on sale of securities, net					3,521	1,851	58	482		5,912
Other income	988	1,059	1,118	1,013	966	1,046	1,012	1,020	64	87
Total noninterest income	988	1,059	1,118	1,013	4,487	2,897	1,070	1,502	4,178	9,955
Total noninterest expense	6,404	6,223	6,411	6,376	6,339	5,914	5,875	5,621	25,414	23,749
Income tax expense	975	741	843	678	4,498	1,434	639	847	3,237	7,418
Net income	$ 2,835	$ 2,078	$ 2,390	$ 2,022	$ 1,741	$ 2,771	$ 1,601	$ 1,802	$ 9,325	$ 7,915
Income per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 0.22	$ 0.26	$ 0.22	$ 0.19	$ 0.19	$ 0.15	$ 0.16	$ 1.01	$ 0.86
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.30	$ 0.22	$ 0.26	$ 0.22	$ 0.19	$ 0.19	$ 0.15	$ 0.16	$ 1.00	$ 0.86
Weighted Average Shares:
Basic (in shares)	9,258,858	9,247,367	9,233,745	9,219,865	9,208,854	9,201,634	9,193,836	9,192,568	9,240,086	9,199,274
Diluted (in shares)	9,339,431	9,355,410	9,302,425	9,225,003	9,257,702	9,213,056	9,198,286	9,192,568	9,306,316	9,199,887