XML 45 R26.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

The Company utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. The determination of fair values of financial instruments often requires the use of estimates. Where quoted market values in an active market are not readily available, the Company utilizes various valuation techniques to estimate fair value.

Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure the fair values:

Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access on the measurement date.

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar instruments in markets that are active or not active, or inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require unobservable inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by minimal or no market activity). Valuation techniques include the use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.

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

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The methods described below were used to measure fair value of financial instruments as reflected in the tables below on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Debt Securities Available for Sale, at Fair Value

For debt securities available for sale, fair value was estimated using a market approach. The majority of these securities are fixed income instruments that are not quoted on an exchange but are traded in active markets. Prices for these instruments are obtained through third-party data service providers or dealer market participants with which the Company has historically transacted both purchases and sales of securities. Prices obtained from these sources include market quotations, matrix pricing and discounted cash flow pricing. Matrix pricing, a Level 2 input, is a mathematical technique used principally to value certain securities to a benchmark or to comparable securities. The Company evaluates the quality of Level 2 matrix pricing through comparison to similar assets with greater liquidity and evaluation of projected cash flows. Discounted cash flows, a Level 3 input, is estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using the current rates for securities with similar credit ratings and similar remaining maturities. As the Company is responsible for the determination of fair value, it performs quarterly analysis on the prices received from the pricing service to determine whether the prices are reasonable estimates of fair value. Specifically, the Company compares the prices received from the pricing service to a secondary pricing source. Additionally, the Company compares changes in the reported market values and returns to relevant market indices to assess the reasonableness of the reported prices. The Company’s internal price verification procedures and review of fair value methodology documentation provided by independent pricing services has not historically resulted in an adjustment in the prices obtained from the pricing service. The Company may hold debt instruments issued by the U.S. government and U.S. government-sponsored agencies that are traded in active markets with readily accessible quoted market prices that are considered Level 1 inputs. The Company classifies the estimated fair value of its loan portfolio as Level 3.

Equity Securities, at Fair Value

The Company holds equity securities that are traded in active markets with readily accessible quoted market prices that are considered Level 1 inputs. A trust preferred security that is not traded in an active market and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") and Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") preferred stock, are considered Level 2 instruments. In addition, Level 2 instruments include Atlantic Community Bankers Bank ("ACBB") stock, which is based on redemption at par value and can only be sold to the issuing ACBB or another institution that holds ACBB stock.

(17) Fair Value Measurements (continued)

Derivatives

The Company records all derivatives included in other assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting, and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. See note 21 for disclosures related to the accounting treatment for derivatives.

The fair value of the Company's derivatives is determined using discounted cash flow analysis using observable market-based inputs, which are considered Level 2 inputs.

The following tables present the assets and liabilities reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at their fair values as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, by level within the fair value hierarchy:


	December 31, 2023
			Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Debt securities available for sale:
U.S. government and agency obligations	$	145,501	$	137,800	$	7,701	$	—
Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations	867,585		—		867,585		—
Municipal obligations	2,702		—		892		1,810
Corporate debt securities	77,769		—		69,842		7,927

Total debt securities available for sale	1,093,557		137,800		946,020		9,737
Equity securities	4,079		3,758		321		—
Derivative assets	18,898		—		18,898		—
	$	1,116,534	$	141,558	965,239		$	9,737

Derivative liabilities	$	25,025	$	—	$	25,025	$	—

(17) Fair Value Measurements (continued)


	December 31, 2022
			Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Debt securities available for sale:
U.S. government and agency obligations	$	63,566	$	55,178	$	8,388	$	—
Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations	1,181,727		—		1,181,727		—
Municipal obligations	3,575		—		897		2,678
Corporate debt securities	79,766		—		70,321		9,445

Total debt securities available for sale	1,328,634		55,178		1,261,333		12,123
Equity securities	3,384		3,053		331		—
Derivative assets	19,756		—		19,756		—
	$	1,351,774	$	58,231	$	1,281,420	$	12,123

Derivative liabilities	$	19,072	$	—	$	19,072	$	—

The table below provides activity of assets reported as Level 3 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:


	Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)

Debt securities available for sale:
Balance of recurring Level 3 assets - January 1, 2022	$	—
Transfers into Level 3 assets	13,539
Maturity of Level 3 asset	(914)
Change in fair value of Level 3 assets	(502)
Balance of recurring Level 3 assets - December 31, 2022	12,123
Maturity of Level 3 asset	(918)
Change in fair value of Level 3 assets	(1,468)
Balance of recurring Level 3 assets - December 31, 2023	$	9,737

The fair value of investments placed in Level 3 is estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using reasonably available current rates for comparable new issue securities with similar structure, including original maturity, call date, and assumptions about risk. Discounted cash flow estimated valuations are subsequently validated against comparable structures as an approximation of value.

Expected cash flows were projected based on contractual cash flows. There were no transfers to Level 3 assets during the year ended December 31, 2023. Two private placement corporate debt securities classified as available for sale and four private placement municipal obligations classified as available for sale were transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 during the year ended December 31, 2022.

(17) Fair Value Measurements (continued)

Private placement debt security cash flows were discounted to a market yield of 12.00% (weighted average is 12.00%), and the cash flows for private placement municipal obligations were discounted to a market yield ranging from 3.40% to 3.99% (weighted average is 3.69%).

The period end valuations were support by an analysis prepared by an independent third party market participant and approved by management.

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

The valuation techniques described below were used to estimate fair value of financial instruments measured on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Individually Analyzed Collateral Dependent Loans/Impaired Loans

The fair value of collateral dependent loans that are individually analyzed or were previously deemed impaired is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. For individually analyzed loans measured for impairment based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, fair value was estimated using a market approach. The Company measures the fair value of collateral underlying impaired loans primarily through obtaining independent appraisals that rely upon quoted market prices for similar assets in active markets. These appraisals include adjustments, on an individual case-by-case basis, to comparable assets based on the appraisers’ market knowledge and experience, as well as adjustments for estimated costs to sell between 6% and 8%. For non-collateral dependent loans, management estimates fair value using discounted cash flows based on inputs that are largely unobservable. The Company classifies these loans as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage Servicing Rights, Net ("MSR"s")

Mortgage servicing rights are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of MSRs is obtained through an analysis of future cash flows, incorporating assumptions that market participants would use in determining fair value including market discount rates, prepayments speeds, servicing income, servicing costs, default rates and other market driven data, including the market's perception of future interest rate movements. The prepayment speed and the discount rate are considered two of the most significant inputs in the model. A significant degree of judgment is involved in valuing the mortgage servicing rights using Level 3 inputs. The use of different assumptions could have a significant effect on this fair value estimate.

The following tables present the assets and liabilities reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at their fair values on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2023 and 2022, by level within the fair value hierarchy:


	December 31, 2023
			Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)

Impaired loans	$	5,000	$	—	$	—	$	5,000

Mortgage servicing rights	2,908		—		—		2,908
	$	7,908	$	—	$	—	$	7,908

(17) Fair Value Measurements (continued)


	December 31, 2022
			Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)



Mortgage servicing rights	$	2,107	$	—	$	—	$	2,107
	$	2,107	$	—	$	—	$	2,107

The following table presents information for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2023 and 2022:


	December 31, 2023
	Fair Value		Valuation Methodology	Unobservable Inputs	Range of Inputs		Weighted Average
	(Dollars in thousands)

Impaired loans	$	5,000	Other	Contracted modification agreement	—	%	—	%

Mortgage servicing rights	$	2,908	Discounted cash flow	Prepayment speeds and discount rates (1)	4.3% - 27.2%		8.1	%

December 31, 2022

Fair Value

Valuation Methodology

Unobservable Inputs

Range of Inputs

Weighted Average

(Dollars in thousands)

Mortgage servicing rights

2,107

Discounted cash flow

Prepayment speeds and discount rates (2)

5.5% - 27.1%

8.6

(1) Value of SBA servicing rights based on a discount rate of 15.50%.

(2) Value of SBA servicing rights based on a discount rate of 14.50%.

Other Fair Value Disclosures

The Company is required to disclose estimated fair value of financial instruments, both assets and liabilities on and off the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. A description of the valuation methodologies used for those assets and liabilities not recorded at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis are set forth below.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and short-term investments, the carrying amount approximates fair value due to their nature and short-term maturities.

(17) Fair Value Measurements (continued)

Debt Securities Held to Maturity

For debt securities held to maturity, fair value was estimated using a market approach. The majority of the Company’s securities are fixed income instruments that are not quoted on an exchange but are traded in active markets. Prices for these instruments are obtained through third-party data service providers or dealer market participants with which the Company has historically transacted both purchases and sales of securities. Prices obtained from these sources include market quotations and matrix pricing. Matrix pricing, a Level 2 input, is a mathematical technique used principally to value certain securities to benchmark or to compare securities. The Company evaluates the quality of Level 2 matrix pricing through comparison to similar assets with greater liquidity and evaluation of projected cash flows. As the Company is responsible for the determination of fair value, it performs quarterly analysis on the prices received from the pricing service to determine whether the prices are reasonable estimates of fair value. Specifically, the Company compares the prices received from the pricing service to a secondary pricing source. Additionally, the Company compares changes in the reported market values and returns to relevant market indices to assess the reasonableness of the reported prices. The Company’s internal price verification procedures and review of fair value methodology documentation provided by independent pricing services has not historically resulted in an adjustment in the prices obtained from the pricing service. The Company also holds debt instruments issued by the U.S. government and U.S. government sponsored agencies that are traded in active markets with readily accessible quoted market prices that are considered Level 1 inputs within the fair value hierarchy.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock ("FHLB")

The fair value of FHLB stock is based on redemption at par value and can only be sold to the issuing FHLB, to other FHLBs, or to other member banks. As such, the Company's FHLB stock is recorded at cost, or par value, and is evaluated for impairment each reporting period by considering the ultimate recoverability of the investment rather than temporary declines in value. The Company classifies the estimated fair value as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Loans Receivable

Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as commercial mortgage, residential mortgage, commercial, construction, and consumer and other. Each loan category is further segmented into fixed and adjustable rate interest terms and into performing and non-performing categories.

The fair value of performing loans was estimated using a combination of techniques, including a discounted cash flow model that utilizes a discount rate that reflects the Company's current pricing for loans with similar characteristics and remaining maturity, adjusted by an amount for estimated credit losses inherent in the portfolio at the balance sheet date. The rates take into account the expected yield curve, as well as an adjustment for prepayment risk, when applicable. The Company classifies the estimated fair value of its loan portfolio as Level 3.

The fair value for significant non-performing loans was based on recent external appraisals of collateral securing such loans, adjusted for the timing of anticipated cash flows. The Company classifies the estimated fair value of its non-performing loan portfolio as Level 3.

Deposits

The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as demand, money market, and savings and club deposits are payable on demand at each reporting date and classified as Level 2. The estimated fair value of certificates of deposit was based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate was estimated using the Company’s current rates offered for deposits with similar remaining maturities. The Company classifies the estimated fair value of its certificates of deposit portfolio as Level 2.

Borrowings

The fair value of borrowings was estimated by discounting future cash flows using rates available for debt with similar terms and maturities and is classified by the Company as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

(17) Fair Value Measurements (continued)

Commitments to Extend Credit and Letters of Credit

The fair value of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit was estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counter-parties. For fixed rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The fair value estimates of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit are deemed immaterial.

The following tables present the assets and liabilities reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at their fair values as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:


	December 31, 2023
			Fair Value Measurements
	Carrying Value		Total Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	423,249	$	423,249	$	423,249	$	—	$	—
Debt securities available for sale	1,093,557		1,093,557		137,800		946,020		9,737
Debt securities held to maturity	401,154		357,177		—		357,177		—
Equity securities	4,079		4,079		3,758		321
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	81,022		81,022		—		81,022		—

Loans receivable, net	7,819,441		7,366,184		—		—		7,366,184
Derivative assets	18,898		18,898		—		18,898		—

Financial liabilities:
Deposits	$	7,846,556	$	7,828,259	$	—	$	7,828,259	$	—
Borrowings	1,528,695		1,531,179		—		1,531,179		—
Derivative liabilities	25,025		25,025		—		25,025		—

(17) Fair Value Measurements (continued)


	December 31, 2022
			Fair Value Measurements
	Carrying Value		Total Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	179,228	$	179,228	$	179,228	$	—	$	—
Debt securities available for sale	1,328,634		1,328,634		55,178		1,261,333		12,123
Debt securities held to maturity	421,523		370,391		—		370,391		—
Equity securities	3,384		3,384		3,053		331		—
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	58,114		58,114		—		58,114		—

Loans receivable, net	7,624,761		6,771,095		—		—		6,771,095
Derivative assets	19,756		19,756		—		19,756		—

Financial liabilities:
Deposits	$	8,001,159	$	7,942,782	$	—	$	7,942,782	$	—
Borrowings	1,127,047		1,146,265		—		1,146,265		—
Derivative liabilities	19,072		19,072		—		19,072		—

Limitations

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because limited markets exist for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off-balance-sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Other significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial assets or liabilities include goodwill and intangible assets, deferred tax assets and liabilities, office properties and equipment, and bank-owned life insurance.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details