Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
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 To prepare financial statements in conformity with GAAP management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided, and actual results could differ. 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. Significant Concentrations of Credit Risk The primary lending area for the 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, the Bank started offering its enterprise value loan product nationally. In 2020, the Bank purchased a warehouse lending business which is located in Ponte Vedra, Florida and targets national credit worthy, small to mid-cap non-bank mortgage origination companies for facility lines. The primary deposit-gathering area is currently concentrated in Essex County, Massachusetts, and Rockingham County and Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. The Company believes that it does not have any significant loan concentrations or investment securities in any one industry or with any customer. Reclassification Certain amounts in the prior year have been reclassified to be consistent with the current year's consolidated financial statement presentation, and the reclassifications had no effect on the net income reported in the consolidated income statement. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash, deposits with other financial institutions with maturities fewer than 90 days, and federal funds sold. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions and interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions. Debt Securities Debt securities are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Debt securities are classified as available-for-sale when they might be sold before maturity. Debt securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax. Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage backed securities where prepayments are anticipated. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method. The Company evaluates debt securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. For debt securities in an unrealized loss position, management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss, and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. The Company also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a debt security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and 2) OTTI related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. 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 carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income. 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. 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. 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. 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. Troubled debt restructurings: Loans are considered to be troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) when the Company has granted concessions to a borrower due to the borrower’s financial condition that it otherwise would not have considered. These concessions may include modifications of the terms of the debt such as deferral of payments, extension of maturity, reduction of principal balance, reduction of the stated interest rate other than normal market rate adjustments, or a combination of these concessions. Debt may be bifurcated with separate terms for each tranche of the restructured debt. Restructuring of a loan in lieu of aggressively enforcing the collection of the loan may benefit the Company by increasing the ultimate probability of collection. Restructured loans are classified as accruing or non-accruing based on management’s assessment of the collectability of the loan. Loans which are already on nonaccrual status at the time of the restructuring generally remain on non-accrual status for approximately six months before management considers such loans for return to accruing status. Accruing restructured loans are placed into non-accrual status if and when the borrower fails to comply with the restructured terms and management deems it unlikely that the borrower will return to a status of compliance in the near term. Loan modifications and payment deferrals as a result of COVID-19 that meet the criteria established under Section 4013 of the CARES Act or under applicable interagency guidance of the federal banking regulators are excluded from evaluation of TDR classification and will continue to be reported as current during the payment deferral period. The Company’s policy is to continue to accrue interest during the deferral period. The Company continues to monitor the accrued interest receivable related to these loan modifications for collectability. Loans not meeting the CARES Act or regulatory guidance are evaluated for TDR and non-accrual treatment under the Company’s existing policies and procedures. Allowance for Loan Losses The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Management estimates the allowance balance required using past loan loss experience, the size and composition of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions, and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans for which the terms have been modified resulting in a concession, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) and are classified as impaired. The Company classifies a loan as impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that it 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 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. 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 general component of the allowance for loan losses is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors stratified by all loan segments. Management uses a rolling average of historical losses based on a time frame appropriate to capture relevant loss data for each loan segment. The historical loss factors are adjusted for the following qualitative factors: levels/trends in delinquencies and non-accruals, economic conditions, portfolio trends, portfolio concentrations, loan grading and management’s discretion. The allowance for loan loss is 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 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 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. 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 a conversion of the construction loans to permanent loans for which payment is then 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. Mortgage warehouse: Loans in this segment are primarily facility lines to non-bank mortgage origination companies. The underlying collateral of these loans are residential real estate loans. Loans are originated by the mortgage companies for sale into secondary markets, which is typically within 15 days of the loan closure. The primary source of repayment is the cash flow upon the sale of the loans. The credit risk associated with this type of lending is the risk that the mortgage companies are unable to sell the loans. 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 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. Troubled debt restructurings are individually evaluated for impairment and included in the separately identified impairment disclosures. TDRs are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception. If a TDR is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral. For TDRs that subsequently default, the Company determines the amount of the allowance on that loan in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan losses on loans individually identified 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. 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. Depreciation on building and leasehold improvements is calculated primarily using the straight-line method with useful lives of seven to 40 years. Furniture and fixtures are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives of one to 15 years. Computer equipment is also depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from two to five years. 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. Revenue Recognition Revenue from contracts with customers in the scope of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) ("Topic 606") is measured based on the consideration specified in the contract with a customer and excludes amounts collected on behalf of third parties. The Company recognizes revenue from contracts with customers when it satisfies its performance obligations. The Company’s performance obligations are generally satisfied as services are rendered and can either be satisfied at a point in time or over time. Unsatisfied performance obligations at the report date are not material to our consolidated financial statements. The Company recognizes revenue that is transactional in nature and such revenue is earned at a point in time. Revenue that is recognized at a point in time includes card interchange fees (fee income related to debit card transactions), ATM fees, wire transfer fees, overdraft charge fees, and stop-payment and returned check fees. Additionally, revenue is collected from loan fees, such as letters of credit, line renewal fees and application fees. Such revenue is derived from transactional information and is recognized as revenue immediately as the transactions occur or upon providing the service to complete the customer’s transaction. Leases The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Lease ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. The lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. Advertising The Company directly expenses costs associated with advertising as they are incurred. Earnings per Share Basic earnings per common share is net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. ESOP shares are considered outstanding for this calculation unless unallocated. Diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options. Earnings and dividends per share are restated for all stock splits and stock dividends through the date of issuance of the financial statements, if applicable. The Company’s unvested share-based payment awards do not contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends and as such are not considered participating. 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 determination of fair value involves a number of significant estimates, which require a number of assumptions to determine the model inputs. The fair value of restricted stock is recorded based on the grant date value of the equity instrument issued. 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. A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on debt securities available-for-sale which are also recognized as separate components of equity. Loss Contingencies Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable, and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there now are such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements. Dividend Restriction Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the bank to the holding company or by the holding company to shareholders. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates. Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded. Transfers of Financial Assets Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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 the current “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. On October 16, 2019, FASB approved a delay on the implementation until January 2023 for smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC. The amendments in this update will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2023. 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. In August 2018, the FASB issued 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. The Company adopted the provision of ASU 2018-13 effective January 1, 2020 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”). This ASU simplifies the accounting for income taxes and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. Certain provisions under ASU 2019-12 require prospective application, some require modified retrospective application through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption, while other provisions require retrospective application to all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements upon adoption. The adoption of ASU 2019-12 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) - Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”), to ease the potential burden in accounting for recognizing the effects of reference rate reform on financial reporting. Such challenges include the accounting and operational implications for contract modifications and hedge accounting. The provisions in ASU 2020-04 provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to loan and lease agreements, contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform. These provisions apply to contract modifications that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discounted because of reference rate reform. Qualifying modifications of loan agreements should be accounted for by prospectively adjusting the effective interest rate and the modification would be considered "minor" so that any existing unamortized deferred loan origination fees and costs would carry forward and continue to be amortized. Qualifying modifications of lease agreements should be accounted for as a continuation of the existing agreement with no reassessments of the lease classification and the discount rate or remeasurements of lease payments that otherwise would be required for modifications not accounted for as separate contracts. ASU 2020-04 also provides numerous optional expedients for hedge accounting. ASU 2020-04 is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022, with adoption permitted as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, or prospectively from a date within an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, up to the date that the financial statements are available to be issued. Once elected, the amendments must be applied prospectively for all eligible contract modifications. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this ASU will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-08, Receivables (Topic 310) – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (“ASU 2020-08”), to provide further clarification and update the previously issued guidance in ASU 2017-08, “Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20) Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities” (“ASU 2017-08”). ASU 2017-08 shortened the amortization period for certain callable debt securities purchased at a premium by requiring that the premium be amortized to the earliest call date. The Company early adopted the provisions of ASU 2017-08, effective January 1, 2017. ASU 2017-08 requires that at each reporting period, to the extent that the amortized cost of an individual callable debt security exceeds the amount repayable by the issuer at the next call date, the excess premium shall be amortized to the next call date. ASU 2020-08 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is not permitted. The provisions under ASU 2020-08 are required to be applied prospectively. The adoption of ASU 2020-08 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

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

To prepare financial statements in conformity with GAAP management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided, and actual results could differ.

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.

Significant Concentrations of Credit Risk

The primary lending area for the 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, the Bank started offering its enterprise value loan product nationally. In 2020, the Bank purchased a warehouse lending business which is located in Ponte Vedra, Florida and targets national credit worthy, small to mid-cap non-bank mortgage origination companies for facility lines. The primary deposit-gathering area is currently concentrated in Essex County, Massachusetts, and Rockingham County and Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. The Company believes that it does not have any significant loan concentrations or investment securities in any one industry or with any customer.

Reclassification

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash, deposits with other financial institutions with maturities fewer than 90 days, and federal funds sold. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions and interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions.

Debt Securities

Debt securities are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Debt securities are classified as available-for-sale when they might be sold before maturity. Debt securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax.

Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage backed securities where prepayments are anticipated. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method.

The Company evaluates debt securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. For debt securities in an unrealized loss position, management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss, and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. The Company also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a debt security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings.

For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and 2) OTTI related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis.

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 carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

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.

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. 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. 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.

Troubled debt restructurings: Loans are considered to be troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) when the Company has granted concessions to a borrower due to the borrower’s financial condition that it otherwise would not have considered. These concessions may include modifications of the terms of the debt such as deferral of payments, extension of maturity, reduction of principal balance, reduction of the stated interest rate other than normal market rate adjustments, or a combination of these concessions. Debt may be bifurcated with separate terms for each tranche of the restructured debt. Restructuring of a loan in lieu of aggressively enforcing the collection of the loan may benefit the Company by increasing the ultimate probability of collection.

Restructured loans are classified as accruing or non-accruing based on management’s assessment of the collectability of the loan. Loans which are already on nonaccrual status at the time of the restructuring generally remain on non-accrual status for approximately six months before management considers such loans for return to accruing status. Accruing restructured loans are placed into non-accrual status if and when the borrower fails to comply with the restructured terms and management deems it unlikely that the borrower will return to a status of compliance in the near term.

Loan modifications and payment deferrals as a result of COVID-19 that meet the criteria established under Section 4013 of the CARES Act or under applicable interagency guidance of the federal banking regulators are excluded from evaluation of TDR classification and will continue to be reported as current during the payment deferral period. The Company’s policy is to continue to accrue interest during the deferral period. The Company continues to monitor the accrued interest receivable related to these loan modifications for collectability. Loans not meeting the CARES Act or regulatory guidance are evaluated for TDR and non-accrual treatment under the Company’s existing policies and procedures.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Management estimates the allowance balance required using past loan loss experience, the size and composition of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions, and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off.

The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans for which the terms have been modified resulting in a concession, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) and are classified as impaired.

The Company classifies a loan as impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that it 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 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.

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 general component of the allowance for loan losses is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors stratified by all loan segments. Management uses a rolling average of historical losses based on a time frame appropriate to capture relevant loss data for each loan segment. The historical loss factors are adjusted for the following qualitative factors: levels/trends in delinquencies and non-accruals, economic conditions, portfolio trends, portfolio concentrations, loan grading and management’s discretion.

The allowance for loan loss is 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 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 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. 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 a conversion of the construction loans to permanent loans for which payment is then 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.

Mortgage warehouse: Loans in this segment are primarily facility lines to non-bank mortgage origination companies. The underlying collateral of these loans are residential real estate loans. Loans are originated by the mortgage companies for sale into secondary markets, which is typically within 15 days of the loan closure. The primary source of repayment is the cash flow upon the sale of the loans. The credit risk associated with this type of lending is the risk that the mortgage companies are unable to sell the loans.

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 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.

Troubled debt restructurings are individually evaluated for impairment and included in the separately identified impairment disclosures. TDRs are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception. If a TDR is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral. For TDRs that subsequently default, the Company determines the amount of the allowance on that loan in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan losses on loans individually identified 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.

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. Depreciation on building and leasehold improvements is calculated primarily using the straight-line method with useful lives of seven to 40 years. Furniture and fixtures are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives of one to 15 years. Computer equipment is also depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from two to five years.

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.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from contracts with customers in the scope of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) ("Topic 606") is measured based on the consideration specified in the contract with a customer and excludes amounts collected on behalf of third parties. The Company recognizes revenue from contracts with customers when it satisfies its performance obligations.

The Company’s performance obligations are generally satisfied as services are rendered and can either be satisfied at a point in time or over time. Unsatisfied performance obligations at the report date are not material to our consolidated financial statements.

The Company recognizes revenue that is transactional in nature and such revenue is earned at a point in time. Revenue that is recognized at a point in time includes card interchange fees (fee income related to debit card transactions), ATM fees, wire transfer fees, overdraft charge fees, and stop-payment and returned check fees. Additionally, revenue is collected from loan fees, such as letters of credit, line renewal fees and application fees. Such revenue is derived from transactional information and is recognized as revenue immediately as the transactions occur or upon providing the service to complete the customer’s transaction.

Leases

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Lease ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. The lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately.

Advertising

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

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per common share is net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. ESOP shares are considered outstanding for this calculation unless unallocated. Diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options. Earnings and dividends per share are restated for all stock splits and stock dividends through the date of issuance of the financial statements, if applicable.

The Company’s unvested share-based payment awards do not contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends and as such are not considered participating.

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 determination of fair value involves a number of significant estimates, which require a number of assumptions to determine the model inputs. The fair value of restricted stock is recorded based on the grant date value of the equity instrument issued.

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.

A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination.

For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on debt securities available-for-sale which are also recognized as separate components of equity.

Loss Contingencies

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

Dividend Restriction

Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the bank to the holding company or by the holding company to shareholders.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

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

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments

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

Transfers of Financial Assets

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

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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 the current “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. On October 16, 2019, FASB approved a delay on the implementation until January 2023 for smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC. The amendments in this update will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2023. 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.

In August 2018, the FASB issued 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. The Company adopted the provision of ASU 2018-13 effective January 1, 2020 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”). This ASU simplifies the accounting for income taxes and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. Certain provisions under ASU 2019-12 require prospective application, some require modified retrospective application through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption, while other provisions require retrospective application to all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements upon adoption. The adoption of ASU 2019-12 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) - Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”), to ease the potential burden in accounting for recognizing the effects of reference rate reform on financial reporting. Such challenges include the accounting and operational implications for contract modifications and hedge accounting. The provisions in ASU 2020-04 provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to loan and lease agreements, contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform. These provisions apply to contract modifications that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discounted because of reference rate reform. Qualifying modifications of loan agreements should be accounted for by prospectively adjusting the effective interest rate and the modification would be considered "minor" so that any existing unamortized deferred loan origination fees and costs would carry forward and continue to be amortized. Qualifying modifications of lease agreements should be accounted for as a continuation of the existing agreement with no reassessments of the lease classification and the discount rate or remeasurements of lease payments that otherwise would be required for modifications not accounted for as separate contracts. ASU 2020-04 also provides numerous optional expedients for hedge accounting.

ASU 2020-04 is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022, with adoption permitted as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, or prospectively from a date within an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, up to the date that the financial statements are available to be issued. Once elected, the amendments must be applied prospectively for all eligible contract modifications. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this ASU will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-08, Receivables (Topic 310) – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (“ASU 2020-08”), to provide further clarification and update the previously issued guidance in ASU 2017-08, “Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20) Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities” (“ASU 2017-08”). ASU 2017-08 shortened the amortization period for certain callable debt securities purchased at a premium by requiring that the premium be amortized to the earliest call date. The Company early adopted the provisions of ASU 2017-08, effective January 1, 2017. ASU 2017-08 requires that at each reporting period, to the extent that the amortized cost of an individual callable debt security exceeds the amount repayable by the issuer at the next call date, the excess premium shall be amortized to the next call date. ASU 2020-08 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is not permitted. The provisions under ASU 2020-08 are required to be applied prospectively. The adoption of ASU 2020-08 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.