(1) Shares held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) are allocated to the participants’ accounts.  The ESOP trustee votes all shares held by the ESOP, but each ESOP participant may direct the trustee how to vote the shares of Common Stock allocated to his or her account.  The participants retainESOP trustee, subject to the exercise of its fiduciary duties, will vote all unallocated shares of Common Stock held by the ESOP and allocated shares for which no voting rights andinstructions are received in the same proportion as shares for which they have received timely voting instructions.  The trustee of the ESOP, The Asset Management and Trust Services Division of The Peoples Bank, Biloxi, Mississippi, has dispositive powers.

(2) Participants with shares allocated to their ESOP accountaccounts have voting rights but no dispositive powers. Participants with shares allocated to their 401(k) account have voting rights and dispositive powers.

(3) Includes (i) shares allocated to Mr. Quave’s ESOP account; (ii) shares allocated to Mr. Quave’s 401(k) account; (iii) shares owned by Mr. Quave’s wife, of which Mr. Quave has neither voting rights nor dispositive powers; and (iv) shares owned by Mr. Quave’s minor children, of which Mr. Quave has voting rights and dispositive powers.

(4) Includes (i) shares allocated to Mr. Swetman’s ESOP account; (ii) shares allocated to Mr. Swetman’s 401(k) account; (iii) shares owned by Mr. Swetman and his wife jointly, of which Mr. Swetman shares voting rights and dispositive powers with his wife; (iv) shares owned by Mr. Swetman’s minor children, of which Mr. Swetman has voting rights and dispositive powers; (v) shares owned by Mr. Swetman’s IRA account, of which Mr. Swetman has voting rights and dispositive powers and (vi) shares owned by a private company, in which Mr. Swetman has a 94% ownership interest, of which Mr. Swetman has both voting rights and dispositive powers.

(5) Includes (i) shares allocated to Mr. Swetman’s ESOP account; (ii) shares allocated to Mr. Swetman’s 401(k) account; (iii) shares owned by Mr. Swetman and his wife jointly, of which Mr. Swetman shares voting rights and dispositive powers with his wife; (iv) shares owned by Mr. Swetman's IRA account, of which Mr. Swetman has voting rights and dispositive powers; and (v) shares owned by the IRA account of Mr. Swetman's wife, of which Mr. Swetman has neither voting rights nor dispositive powers.

(6) According to Amendment No. 4 to Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 13, 2020, by Jeffrey L. Gendell, as of December 31, 2019, Jeffrey L. Gendell, through limited liability companies for which he serves as managing member, has shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to 472,701 shares of the Company’s common stock.Common Stock. The forgoing information has been included solely in reliance upon the disclosures contained in the referenced amended Schedule 13G.

(7) According to Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 10, 2020, by Jason A. Stock and William C. Waller, as of December 31, 2019, Jason A. Stock and William C. Waller, through a limited liability company and a limited partnership for which they serve as managers or managing directors, have shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to 260,022 shares of the Company’s common stock.Common Stock. The forgoing information has been included solely in reliance upon the disclosures contained in the referenced Schedule 13G.

(8) According to Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on December 23, 2020, by Joseph Stilwell, as of December 18, 2020, Joseph Stilwell, through a limited liability company and limited partnerships for which he serves as manager, has shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to 484,645 shares of the Company’s Common Stock. The forgoing information has been included solely in reliance upon the disclosures contained in the referenced amended Schedule 13D.

V.

IV. Ownership of Equity Securities by Directors and Executive Officers

The table below sets forth the beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock as of February 14, 2020,3, 2021, by persons who are currently serving as directors persons nominated for election at the Annual Meeting and all named executive officers. Also shown is the ownership by all directors and executive officers as a group. The persons listed have sole voting and dispositive power as to all shares except as indicated. Percent of outstanding shares of Common Stock owned is not shown where less than one percent.

Beneficial Ownership of Equity Securities by Directors and Executive Officers

(1) Participants with sharesShares held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) are allocated to theirthe participants’ accounts.  The ESOP accounttrustee votes all shares held by the ESOP, but each ESOP participant may direct the trustee how to vote the shares of Common Stock allocated to his or her account.  The ESOP trustee, subject to the exercise of its fiduciary duties, will vote all unallocated shares of Common Stock held by the ESOP and allocated shares for which no voting instructions are received in the same proportion as shares for which they have received timely voting rights but noinstructions.  The trustee of the ESOP, The Asset Management and Trust Services Division of The Peoples Bank, Biloxi, Mississippi, has dispositive powers. Participants with shares allocated to their 401(k) account have voting rights and dispositive powers.

(2) Includes shares allocated to Mr. Fulmer’s ESOP account and shares allocated to Mr. Fulmer’s 401(k) account.

(3) Includes shares held by Mr. O’Keefe’s minor child of which Mr. O’Keefe is the custodian and has sole voting rights and dispositive powers.

(4) See Note (5) at Section IV.III.

(5) Includes shares allocated to Miss Wood’s ESOP account.

VI. Compensation of Executive Officers and Directors

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

The Compensation Committee determines the salaries, bonuses and all other compensation of the named executive officers identified in the Summary Compensation Table on page 16 of this Proxy Statement, including the Chief Executive Officer. The Committee is also charged with ensuring that policies and practices are in place to facilitate the development of the Company’s management talent, ensure management succession and enhance the Company’s corporate governance and social responsibility.

A. Guiding Philosophy and Objectives:

The Compensation Committee’s guiding philosophy is to attract and retain highly qualified executives, to motivate them to maximize long-term shareholder value while balancing both short-term and long-term objectives, and to pay for performance. The following objectives serve as guiding principles for all compensation decisions:

B. Responsibility of the Compensation Committee:

The primary responsibility of the Compensation Committee is to aid the Board in discharging its duties by recommending to the full Board the compensation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and other named executive officers of the Company.

C. Role of Executive Officers:

The Chief Executive Officer may attend the meetings of the Compensation Committee to discuss executive performance and compensation. The Executive Vice-President attends each meeting of the Compensation Committee and presents his insights and suggestions. The Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer each provide information and analysis to the Compensation Committee that is used in determining the named executive officers’ compensation.

D. Consultants, Experts and/or Other Advisors:

The Compensation Committee has been authorized by the Board of Directors to engage consultants, experts, and/or other advisors that are knowledgeable regarding compensation practices within the financial services industry. The hiring of such consultants is at the discretion of the Committee. The Committee did not engage any consultants in 2019.

E. Factors used to Determine Compensation:   

The Compensation Committee’s considerations consist of, but are not limited to, analysis of the following factors: financial performance of the Company, including ROA, return on equity, and management of assets, liabilities, capital and risk. Additionally, the Compensation Committee uses annual compensation surveys to compare the compensation of positions in similar financial institutions of comparable asset size. Specifically, the Bank Administration Institute (“BAI”) Bank Cash Compensation Survey, which includes compensation data obtained from banks with assets between $500 million and $1 billion in a region that includes Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Tennessee and the Mississippi Bankers Association (“MBA”) Salary Survey, which includes compensation data obtained from banks in Mississippi with assets between $500 million and $1 billion, are used as reference material in evaluating the compensation of the named executive officers; however, the Company does not benchmark compensation to any specific company or companies. The Company does not have access to the identity of the specific companies included in these surveys.

In determining total compensation, the Committee also considers the performance of the individual named executive officers in areas such as: the scope of responsibility of the executive; leadership within the Company, the community and the financial services industry; achievement of work goals; and whether the Company, under the executive’s leadership, has been a good corporate citizen while enhancing shareholder value.

All of these factors are considered in the context of the complexity and the difficulty of managing business risks in the prevailing economic conditions and regulatory environment. The analysis is conducted with respect to each of the named executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer.

F. Compensation Components:

The named executive officers’ total compensation package includes several components. The Company rewards current performance and achievement of short-term goals primarily through salaries and bonuses. Other deferred compensation elements, including the Executive Supplemental Income Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan, are designed to meet long-term objectives including retaining high-performing executives and to plan for management succession as well as to reward loyalty.

Salaries

Salaries are the foundation of each named executive officer’s total compensation package and are normally the largest single component. Salary is the only guaranteed cash payment a named executive officer receives. The Company’s goal is to provide an assured level of cash compensation in the form of salary to attract and retain high caliber executives. Job specific knowledge and experience as well as leadership ability are recognized with salary.

In establishing the salary of the Chief Executive Officer for 2019, the Committee primarily considered Mr. Swetman’s performance and the performance of the Company during 2018 and the compensation levels of chief executive officers of comparable financial institutions. In considering the performance of the Company, the Committee considered the Company’s ROA, the change in problem assets and asset growth, but utilized no objective criteria. The Committee utilized asset size peer group compensation data as provided by the MBA and the BAI.

For other named executive officers, the Committee’s recommendation concerning salaries was based upon the compensation levels of executive officers of comparable financial institutions, the performance of the Company during 2018 and the individual performance of these named executive officers. The performance of the Company for purposes of establishing salaries was evaluated based on ROA. Individual performance was measured using criteria such as level of job responsibility, achievement of work goals and management skills. Among the goals considered was the reduction of problem assets. The Committee also considered asset size peer group compensation data as provided by the MBA and BAI for executive officers with similar duties and responsibilities.

Bonuses

The Compensation Committee awards performance bonuses based upon pre-determined performance objectives in accordance with The Peoples Bank Bonus Plan (“The Bonus Plan”). Performance bonuses are generally the other cash component paid to named executive officers on an annual basis and may be determined by The Bonus Plan. The Chief Executive Officer and all other named executive officers are eligible to receive a bonus which is based on the financial performance of the Company. The specific formula and pre-determined goals under The Bonus Plan were established by the Compensation Committee using the Company’s ROA. The performance bonus calculation, which is approved by the Compensation Committee, allows the named executive officer to earn up to a maximum percentage of their salary on established ROA targets. The targets and bonus calculations as a percentage of salary and targets are:

The Compensation Committee may, at its discretion, also recommend to the Board that the executive officers receive an additional bonus which is determined on a subjective basis. If this additional discretionary bonus is recommended, the Committee documents its actions in the minutes of their committee meetings. No performance based or discretionary bonuses were awarded to executive officers for 2019 due to the performance of the Company.

Executive Supplemental Income Plan

The Company maintains an Executive Supplemental Income Plan (“ESI”) which provides executives with salary continuation benefits upon their retirement, or death benefits to their named beneficiary in the event of their death. Executives of the Company and the Bank are selected to participate in the plan at the discretion of the Board of Directors. All named executive officers of the Company have been selected to participate in the plan. ESI benefits are based upon position and salary of the named executive officer at retirement, disability or death. Normal retirement benefits under the plan are equal to 67% of salary for the Chief Executive Officer, 58% of salary for the Executive Vice-President and 50% of salary for the other named executive officer at the time of normal retirement and are payable monthly over a period of 15 years. The ESI is administered by BOLI Portfolio Strategies, Inc., who also provide guidance to the Company relating to the valuation method and assumptions.

The ESI was established in 1988, at which time Mr. Swetman became a participant. Miss Wood and Mr. Fulmer became participants after their date of hire at the discretion of the Board.

Benefits are also available in the event of death, disability or early retirement. Under early retirement provisions, if separation from service occurs on or after the early retirement date and prior to the normal retirement date, the Company will pay the named executive officer a reduced benefit. The annual benefit set forth for normal retirement will be reduced by one-half percent (0.5%) for each month or partial month between separation from service and the normal retirement date. The benefit will be paid monthly over a period of 15 years. Benefits will commence on the last day of the month following the named executive officer’s separation from service. The early retirement date means the date the named executive officer attains at least age 55, has at least 15 years of employment at the Company, and has participated in this plan for a minimum of five years. As of December 31, 2019, Miss Wood and Mr. Fulmer are the only named executive officers eligible to receive this benefit. The normal retirement date means the date the named executive officer attains age 65.

If separation from service occurs prior to the early retirement date or prior to the normal retirement date, the Company will pay the named executive officer his or her executive benefit accrual balance as of his or her separation from service. The benefit will be paid in a single lump-sum within 60 days of separation from service.

If a named executive officer becomes disabled prior to the normal retirement date, the Company will pay the named executive officer his or her annual benefit as defined under normal retirement. The benefit will begin the last day of the month commencing with the month following the named executive officer’s normal retirement date and the benefits will be paid monthly over a period of 15 years.

If the named executive officer dies prior to early retirement, normal retirement or disability, the named executive officer’s named beneficiary is entitled to full benefits under the ESI. If the named executive officer dies while receiving benefits, the named beneficiary is entitled to the remainder of any unpaid benefits.

Upon a change of control prior to separation from service, the Company will pay the named executive officer his or her annual benefit as defined under normal retirement. The benefit will begin the last day of the month commencing with the month following the named executive officer’s normal retirement date, or, for named executive officers who have already attained their normal retirement date, their separation from service, and the benefits will be paid monthly over a period of 15 years.

Each named executive officer’s agreement under the ESI may be terminated by the Company. In the event the named executive officer’s agreement under the ESI is terminated, the Company will pay the named executive officer his or her executive accrual balance as of the termination of the agreement, or, if a change of control has occurred, the normal retirement benefit. The benefit will begin on the first date allowable under the ESI and the benefit will be paid over a period of 15 years, or, in some special circumstances, paid in one lump sum.

If any amount is required to be included in the income of a named executive officer due to a failure of his or her ESI agreement to meet the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, the named executive officer may petition the plan administrator for a distribution of that portion of his or her executive benefit accrual that is required to be included in the named executive officer’s income. Upon the grant of such a petition, which will not be unreasonably withheld, the Company will distribute to the named executive officer an amount equal to the portion of the executive benefit accrual required to be included in his or her income, which amount cannot exceed the named executive officer’s unpaid executive benefit accrual. Any distribution will affect and reduce the named executive officer’s benefits to be paid under his or her ESI agreement.

The benefits will be paid out of the general assets of the Company. The Company has elected to purchase life insurance contracts, more specifically Bank Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”), each of which it may use as a source to fund these future benefits. The Company is the owner and beneficiary of these life insurance policies, which are a general asset of the Company.

Deferred Compensation Plan

The Company maintains a Deferred Compensation Plan for those executives of the Bank holding the title of vice-president, senior vice-president or executive vice-president and approved for participation in the plan by the Board of Directors. Except for the Chief Executive Officer, all named executive officers participated in the plan in 2019. The plan provides each named executive officer a fixed benefit upon his or her early retirement, normal retirement or disability, or a death benefit to a named beneficiary in the event of the named executive officer’s death. The benefit under the plan is $100,000, payable monthly over a 15 year period, upon the named executive officer’s early retirement, normal retirement or disability and, in the event of a named executive officer’s death, the benefits will be paid to his or her beneficiary. Should the named executive officer separate from service prior to his or her early retirement, normal retirement, disability or death, he or she forfeits all benefits under the plan. In addition, if within three years following his or her separation from service, a named executive officer becomes engaged in the banking business within a certain geographic area around the Company, the named executive officer will forfeit all benefits under the plan.

The Company has purchased life insurance contracts which it may use as a source to fund these future benefits. The Company is the owner and beneficiary of these life insurance policies, which is a general asset of the Company.

The Deferred Compensation Plan was established in 1992, at which time Miss Wood became a participant. Mr. Fulmer became a participant upon his promotion to vice-president of the Bank.

If separation from service occurs prior to a named executive officer’s normal retirement date, the named executive officer will be entitled to full benefits provided he or she has met the early retirement eligibility. The early retirement date means the first day of any month coincident with or following the month in which the named executive officer attains at least age 55 and has at least 10 years of employment at the Company. The normal retirement date means the date the named executive officer attains age 65. As of December 31, 2019, Miss Wood and Mr. Fulmer are the only named executive officers eligible to receive benefits under the Deferred Compensation Plan.

If a named executive officer becomes disabled, he or she is entitled to full benefits under the Deferred Compensation Plan.

If the named executive officer dies prior to early retirement, normal retirement or disability, the named executive officer’s named beneficiary is entitled to full benefits under the Deferred Compensation Plan. If the named executive officer dies while receiving benefits, the named beneficiary is entitled to the remainder of any unpaid benefits.

In the event of a change of control, unless the Deferred Compensation Plan is terminated by the transferee, purchaser or successor entity within 120 days of the change of control, no named executive officer will be entitled to a distribution under this plan as a result of the change in control. If the Deferred Compensation Plan is terminated within 120 days of a change of control, then each named executive officer will become immediately eligible to receive the present value of his or her benefits under this plan. In addition, in the event the Deferred Compensation Plan is continued but a named executive officer is involuntarily terminated within 180 days of a change of control, the terminated named executive officer will be eligible to receive his or her benefits under this plan. Such benefits will be calculated by taking the present value of the benefits provided and such benefits will be paid in a lump sum within 180 days of the change in control.

Split-Dollar Agreement

The Company owns endorsement split-dollar policies, of which the Bank is the owner and beneficiary, which provide a guaranteed death benefit of $150,000 to the Chief Executive Officer’s beneficiaries.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

The Company maintains an Employee Stock Ownership Plan covering all eligible employees of the Company. The Board determines the total contribution to the Plan, which is allocated to all participants based on their compensation. The Plan was frozen to further contributions and eligibility effective January 1, 2019.

401(k) Plan

The Company maintains a 401(k) Plan in which eligible employees of the Company may choose to participate. The Board determines the formula for the matching contribution to the Plan, which is currently 75% of the employee’s contribution (up to 6% of compensation).

G. Accounting and Tax Treatment: 

While the Compensation Committee considers the accounting and tax implications in the design of the compensation program, these have not had a significant impact in their decision-making process.

H. Shareholder Approval of Compensation of Named Executive Officers:

At our 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, the Company held its third advisory (non-binding) vote on the compensation of the named executive officers. A majority of our shareholders voted in favor of the resolution approving the 2018 compensation of the named executive officers. The Compensation Committee considered these shareholders’ votes in determining the 2019 compensation of the named executive officers.

Shareholders will be provided their next opportunity to cast an advisory (non-binding) vote on the compensation of the named executive officers at the 2022 annual meeting of shareholders.

There are no employment contracts with the executive officers.

Summary Compensation Table

The Summary Compensation Table below displays the total compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to the named executive officers for 2019 and 2018.

(1) Includes contributions and allocations pursuant to the 401(k) Plan.

Estimated Payments from the Executive Supplemental Income Plan

The table below indicates the amount of compensation payable to each named executive officer under the Executive Supplemental Income Plan, as applicable upon different termination events. The amounts shown assume a termination date of December 31, 2019 and present total amounts for each scenario.

(1)Based on 67%, 58% or 50% of current compensation for the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice-President and other named executive officer, respectively.

(2) The annual benefit amount will be distributed in 12 equal monthly installments for 15 years for a total of 180 monthly payments.

Estimated Payments from the Deferred Compensation Plan

The table below indicates the amount of compensation payable to each named executive officer under the Deferred Compensation Plan, as applicable upon different termination events. The amounts shown assume a termination date of December 31, 2019 and present total amounts for each scenario.

(1) The benefit is the total benefit.

(2) The total benefit will be distributed in 12 equal monthly installments for 15 years for a total of 180 monthly payments.

Directors' Compensation

During 2019, directors who are employees of the Bank did not receive any compensation for serving on the Board of the Bank or the Company or on any Board committee. All non-employee directors received an annual retainer of $3,500. Non-employee directors additionally receive $1,000 per board meeting attended and $300 per committee meeting attended. The chairman of the Audit Committee received $500 per audit committee meeting attended. The chairman of all other committees received $400 per committee meeting attended.

The Company offers a Directors’ Deferred Income Plan whereby directors of the Company and the Bank are given an opportunity to defer receipt of their annual director’s fees. For those who choose to participate, benefits are payable monthly for 10 years beginning on the first day of the month following the later of the director’s normal retirement age or separation from service. Normal retirement age is 65. The amount of the benefit will vary depending on the fees the director has deferred and the length of time the fees have been deferred. Interest on deferred fees accrues at an annual rate of 10%, compounded annually. After payments have commenced, interest accrues at an annual rate of 7.50%, compounded monthly. In the event of the director’s death, benefits are payable to the director’s named beneficiary. The Company has purchased life insurance contracts which it may use as a source to fund these future benefits. The Company is the owner and beneficiary of these life insurance policies, which are a general asset of the Company.

The Company also offers an Outside Directors’ Supplemental Income Plan to provide a benefit to its non-employee directors. The benefit is based upon the age of the Outside Director upon his appointment to the board. Directors Drew Allen and Dan Magruder are entitled to receive $5,000 annually for 10 years, Director Rex E. Kelly and George J. Sliman, III are entitled to receive $4,000 annually for 10 years and Director Jeffrey H. O’Keefe is entitled to receive $6,000 annually for 10 years. The benefit is payable upon the later of the Outside Director’s attainment of age sixty-five or cessation of service as a director. An Outside Director must serve as an Outside Director until the earlier of his death or 10 consecutive years as an Outside Director to be entitled to any benefit. In the event of the death of the Outside Director, their beneficiary shall receive a death benefit totaling the remainder of benefits due the Outside Director. The death benefit will be paid in a single lump sum within 90 days following the Outside Director’s death. The Company has purchased life insurance contracts which it may use as a source to fund these future benefits. The Company is the owner and beneficiary of these life insurance policies, which are a general asset of the Company.

Director Compensation Table

The Director Compensation Table below presents information on fees earned or paid to directors in 2019.

VII. Transactions withRelated Parties

In the ordinary course of business, the Company, through its bank subsidiary, extends loans in the ordinary course of business to certain officers and directors and their personal business interests at, in the opinion of Management, the same terms including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the same time for comparable loans of similar credit risk with persons not related to the Company or its subsidiaries. These loans, which are subject to approval by the Company’s Board of Directors, do not involve more than normal risk of collectability and do not include other unfavorable features. Other than these transactions, there were no material transactions exceeding $120,000 with any such persons during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

VIII. Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Directors, executive officers of the Company and holders of more than 10 percent of the Company’s outstanding shares are required to file reports under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Federalregulations require disclosure of any failures to file these reports on a timely basis. Based solely upon a review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 furnished to the Company, the Company believes that during 2019 its officers, directors and greater than 10 percent beneficial owners complied with all filing requirements, except that the Company recently learned that Mr. Dan Magruder inadvertently failed to timely report one transaction completed on December 31, 2018. Mr. Magruder reported this transaction on a Form 4 filed on February 14, 2020.

IX.Executive Officers

The following sets forth certain information with respect to the executive officers of the Company who are not also directors as of December 31, 2019:

X. Audit Committee Report

The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee, whose responsibilities are set forth in the Audit Committee Charter. All members of the Audit Committee are deemed to be independent, as such term is defined by OTCQX. The Audit Committee oversees the operation of the Company’s Audit Department. The Audit Committee also periodically meets with the independent public accountants for the Company and its subsidiaries and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning any matters related to the independent public accountants.

The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with Management. The Audit Committee has also discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent auditors the auditors’ independence and has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent auditor’s communication with the Audit Committee concerning independence. The Audit Committee has considered whether the independent auditors’ provision of non-audit services is compatible with maintaining the auditors’ independence.

The Audit Committee has discussed with Management and the independent auditors the process used for certifications by the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer which are required for certain periodic filings by the Company with the SEC. The Board of Directors maintains an Audit Committee Charter, which meets the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and rules promulgated by the SEC.

Based upon the reviews and discussions with Management and the independent auditors as referenced above, the Audit Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 for filing with the SEC.

This report is presented by the Audit Committee, consisting of the following persons:

XI. Independent Accountants’ Fees

The Company’s Audit and Non-Audit Service Pre-Approval Policy (the “Policy”) stipulates that all services provided by the independent accountants are subject to specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee. During 2019, the Company was in compliance with this Policy.

The table below sets forth the aggregate fees billed by Porter Keadle Moore, LLC (“PKM”), and Wipfli LLP (“Wipfli”), as successor to PKM (the “Combined Firm”), for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 for professional services rendered for: Audit Fees, Audit-Related Fees and Tax Fees. As disclosed in section II Item 2 of this Proxy Statement, PKM combined its practice with Wipfli, effective October 1, 2019. Audit Fees include aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the Combined Firm for the audit of the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, a review of the annual report on Form 10-K and limited reviews of quarterly condensed consolidated financial statements included in periodic reports filed with the SEC during 2019 and 2018, including out of pocket expenses. Audit-Related Fees include fees billed for professional services rendered by the Combined Firm during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, which relate to the audit of the Company’s employee benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. Tax Fees include the aggregate fees billed for tax services rendered by the Combined Firm during the year ended December 31, 2018. These services consisted of tax consultation services for 2018. There were no other fees paid to the Combined Firm during 2019 and 2018.

XII.V. Proposals of Shareholders

In order for a shareholder proposal to be included in a Proxy Statement and form of Proxy prepared by the Board of Directors for the Annual Meeting, it must meet the requirements of Rule 14a-8 ofunder the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and be received at the principal executive offices of the Company not less than 120 days in advance of the first anniversary of the date on which the previous year’s Proxy Statement and form of Proxy were mailed to shareholders. Thus, a shareholder proposal must behave been received on or before November 16, 2020 in order to be included in the Proxy Statement and form of Proxy for the 2021 annual meeting.Annual Meeting.

In accordance with the Company’s by-laws,Bylaws, as amended, shareholders may make proposals for consideration at the annual meetingAnnual Meeting by delivering their written proposalgiving timely notice thereof in writing to the Company’s PresidentSecretary of the Company. To be timely, a shareholder’s notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Company not less than 1490 days ornor more than 50120 days prior to the 2020 annual meeting. Ifdate of the Company does not give at least 21Annual Meeting; provided, however, that if fewer than 100 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to shareholders, are allowednotice by the shareholders to make proposals by mailingbe timely must be so delivered or delivering their proposal to the Presidentreceived not later than the close of business on the seventh10th day following the earlier of (i) the day on which thesuch notice of the date of such meeting is mailed.was mailed or (ii) the day on which prior public disclosure was made. A shareholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth as to each matter the shareholder proposes to bring before a meeting of shareholders (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting, (ii) the name and address, as they appear on the Company’s books, of the shareholder proposing such business and any other shareholders known by such shareholder to be supporting such proposal, (iii) the class and number of shares of the Company which are beneficially owned by such shareholder on the date of such shareholder’s notice and by any other shareholders known by such shareholder to be supporting such proposal on the date of such shareholder’s notice, and (iv) any material interest of the shareholder in such proposal.

Exhibit “A”

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

PEOPLES FINANCIAL CORPORATION

Now Therefore, Be it

Resolved: That the Articles of Incorporation of Peoples Financial Corporation shall be amended by adding a new Article ELEVENTH to read as follows:

ELEVENTH:     The right to cumulate votes in the election of directors shall not exist with respect to shares of stock of the Corporation.

Resolved Further: That the Articles of Incorporation of Peoples Financial Corporation shall be amended by adding a new Article TWELFTH to read as follows:

TWELFTH:

(a) A director shall not be liable to the Corporation or its shareholders for money damages for any action taken, or any failure to take any action, as a director, except liability for: (i) the amount of financial benefit received by a director to which he is not entitled; (ii) an intentional infliction of harm on the Corporation or its shareholders; (iii) a violation of Section 79-4-8.33 of Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended; or (iv) an intentional violation of criminal law.

(b) Subject to the provisions of this ARTICLE TWELFTH, the Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending or completed claim, action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, including appeals (including any action by or in the right of the Corporation) (“Proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, partner, employee or agent of another Corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with such a Proceeding: (A) to the fullest extent permitted by the Mississippi Business Corporation Act in effect from time to time (the "Act") and (B) despite the fact that such person has failed to meet the standard of conduct set forth in Miss. Code Ann. § 81-5-105 (1972, as amended), or would be adjudged liable to the Corporation in connection with a Proceeding by or in the right of the Corporation. Any indemnification under this ARTICLE TWELFTH shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Sections (a) and (b) of this ARTICLE TWELFTH, such determination to be made (i) by the Board of Directors by majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors not at the time parties to the Proceeding, (ii) if a quorum cannot be obtained under (i), by majority vote of a committee duly designated by the Board of Directors (in which designation directors who are parties may participate), consisting of two or more directors not at the time parties to the Proceeding, (iii) by special legal counsel (a) selected by the Board of Directors or its committee in the manner prescribed in (i) or (ii) or (b) if a quorum of the Board of Directors cannot be obtained under (i) and a committee cannot be designated under (ii), selected by majority vote of the full Board of Directors (in which selection directors who are parties may participate), (iv) by the shareholders (but shares owned by or voted under the control of directors who are at the time parties to the Proceeding may not be voted on the determination) or (v) by a court.

(c) The Corporation upon request shall pay or reimburse any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any Proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, partner, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, for his or her reasonable expenses (including legal fees) in advance of final disposition of the Proceeding as long as (1) such person furnishes the Corporation a written undertaking, executed personally or on his or her behalf, to repay the advance if it is ultimately determined by a judgment or other final adjudication that his or her acts or omissions did violate the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section (a) or (b) of this ARTICLE TWELFTH, which undertaking must be an unlimited general obligation of such person, and which shall be accepted by the Corporation without reference to final ability to make repayment or to collateral and (2) a determination is made by any of the persons described in (i) through (iv) of Section (b) of this ARTICLE TWELFTH that the facts then known to those making the determination would not preclude indemnification under this ARTICLE TWELFTH. Such request need not be accompanied by the affirmation otherwise required by the Act.

(d) The foregoing right of indemnification or reimbursement shall not be exclusive of other rights to which such persons may be entitled as a matter of law.

(e) The Board of Directors or shareholders of the Corporation may adopt a policy for the indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents of the Corporation, as they from time to time see necessary or prudent in the best interest of the Corporation.

(f) The Corporation may, upon the affirmative vote of a majority of its Board of Directors, purchase insurance for the purpose of indemnifying individuals to the extent that such indemnification is allowed in the preceding paragraphs. Such insurance may, but need not be, for the benefit of all directors, officers, or employees.

(g) The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this ARTICLE TWELFTH shall not in any way affect the remaining provisions hereof, which shall continue in full force and effect. Neither the amendment nor repeal of this ARTICLE TWELFTH, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of the Corporation's Bylaws or the Articles of Incorporation inconsistent with this ARTICLE TWELFTH, shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of this ARTICLE TWELFTH with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption.

PROXY FOR 202021 ANNUALSPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

April 22, 2020MARCH 10, 2021

The undersigned hereby appoint Chevis C. Swetman, the true and lawful attorney-in-fact for the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to vote as proxy for the undersigned at the Annuala Special Meeting of Shareholders of Peoples Financial Corporation (the “Company”) to be held at The Swetman Building at The Peoples Bank, Suite 204, 727 Howard Avenue, Biloxi, Mississippi, 39530, at 6:30 P.M., local time, on April 22, 2020,March 10, 2021, and at any and all adjournments thereof, the number of shares which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if then personally present, for the following purposes:

For ☐          Against ☐               Abstain ☐          

For ☐          Against ☐               Abstain ☐          

For ☐          Against ☐               Abstain ☐

THIS PROXY, WHICH IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY, WILL BE VOTED FOR“FOR” ITEMS 1, 2 ANDAND 3, UNLESS A CONTRARY DIRECTION IS INDICATED, IN WHICH CASE IT WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED. IF AUTHORITY IS GRANTED PURSUANT TO PROPOSAL 3 ABOVE, THE PROXY INTENDS TO VOTE ON ANY OTHER BUSINESS COMINGMATTERS DO COME BEFORE THE ANNUALSPECIAL MEETING AS TO WHICH THIS PROXY CONFERS DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DIRECTION OF A MAJORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY. YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY AT ANY TIME BEFORE IT IS VOTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING.

Please date the Proxy and sign your name exactly as it appears on the stock records of the Company. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full titles as such. If signed as a corporation or other entity, please sign in entity’s name by authorized person.

You may also access the proxy materials and vote your proxy online by using your 12 digit control number found below at

https://www.shareholderaccountingsoftware.com/tspweb/peoples/pxsignon.asp .