Note 5 - Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Notes to Financial Statements

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

Note 5: Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an 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. GAAP requires that valuation techniques maximize the use of the observable inputs and minimize the use of the unobservable inputs. GAAP also establishes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the valuation inputs into three broad levels. Based on the underlying inputs, each fair value measurement in its entirety is reported in one of the three levels. These levels are:

Level 1 –	Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
Level 2 –	Valuation is based on observable inputs including:

● quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities,

● quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in less active markets,

● inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, and

● model-based valuation techniques for which significant assumptions can be derived primarily from or corroborated by observable data in the market.

Level 3 –  Valuation is based on model-based techniques that use one or more significant inputs or assumptions that are unobservable in the market.

Fair value is best determined by quoted market prices. However, in cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument. Accounting guidance for fair value excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from disclosure requirements. Consequently, the aggregate fair value amounts presented may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of the Company. The following describes the valuation techniques used by the Company to measure certain financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated financial statements.

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Securities Available for Sale

Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted market prices, when available (Level 1). If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured utilizing independent valuation techniques of identical or similar securities for which significant assumptions are derived primarily from or corroborated by observable market data. Third party vendors compile prices from various sources and may determine the fair value of identical or similar securities by using pricing models that consider observable market data (Level 2). The carrying value of restricted Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta stock approximates fair value based upon the redemption provisions of each entity and is therefore excluded from the following tables. The following tables present the balances of financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the dates indicated.

			Fair Value Measurement Using
March 31, 2024	Balance		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
U.S. government agencies and corporations	$	307,989	$	-	$	307,989	$	-
States and political subdivisions		147,999		-		147,999		-
Mortgage-backed securities		147,323		-		147,323		-
Corporate debt securities		5,688		-		5,688		-
U.S. treasury		969		-		969		-
Total securities available for sale	$	609,968	$	-	$	609,968	$	-

			Fair Value Measurement Using
December 31, 2023	Balance		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
U.S. government agencies and corporations	$	311,844	$	-	$	311,844	$	-
States and political subdivisions		149,893		-		149,893		-
Mortgage-backed securities		150,151		-		150,151		-
Corporate debt securities		5,750		-		5,750		-
U.S. treasury		963		-		963		-
Total securities available for sale	$	618,601	$	-	$	618,601	$	-

The Company’s securities portfolio is valued using Level 2 inputs. The Company relies on an independent third party vendor to provide market valuations. The inputs used to determine value include: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data including market research publications. The third party vendor also monitors market indicators, industry activity and economic events as part of the valuation process. Central to the final valuation is the assumption that the indicators used are representative of the fair value of securities held within the Company’s portfolio. Level 2 inputs are subject to a certain degree of uncertainty and changes in these assumptions or methodologies in the future, if any, may impact securities fair value, deferred tax assets or liabilities, or expense.

Interest Rate Loan Contracts and Forward Sale Commitment

The Company originates consumer real estate loans which it intends to sell to a correspondent lender. Interest rate loan contracts and forward sale commitments result from originating loans held for sale and are derivatives reported at fair value. The Company enters interest rate lock commitments with customers who apply for a loan which the Company intends to sell to a correspondent lender. The interest rate loan contract ends when the loan closes or the customer withdraws their application. Fair value of the interest rate loan contract is based upon the correspondent lender’s pricing quotes at the report date. Fair value is adjusted for the estimated probability of the loan closing with the borrower.

At the time the Company enters into an interest rate loan contract with a customer, it also enters into a best efforts forward sales commitment with the correspondent lender. If the loan is closed and funded, the best efforts commitment converts to a mandatory forward sales commitment. Fair value is based on the gain or loss that would occur if the Company were to pair-off the transaction with the investor at the measurement date. This is a Level 3 input. The Company measures and reports best efforts commitments at fair value.

Interest rate loan contracts and forward sale commitments are valued based on quotes from the correspondent lender at the reporting date. Pricing changes daily and if a loan has not been sold to the correspondent by the next reporting date, the fair value may be different from that reported currently. Changes in fair value measurement impacts net income.

The Company had two rate lock commitments as of March 31, 2024, resulting in interest rate loan contracts and forward sales commitments. The interest rate lock commitments gave rise to an asset and the forward loan sales contracts gave rise to a liability. The Company had one rate lock commitment as of December 31, 2023, resulting in an interest rate loan contract and a forward sales commitment. The interest rate lock commitment gave rise to an asset and the forward loan sales contracts gave rise to a liability. The following tables present information on the interest rate loan contracts and forward sale commitments as of the date indicated:

				Fair Value Measurement Using
March 31, 2024	Balance			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Interest rate loan contract	$	2		$	-	$	-	$	2
Forward sale commitment	$	(2	)	$	-	$	-	$	(2	)

March 31, 2024	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
Interest rate loan contract	Market approach	Pull-through rate		100%(1)
Forward sale commitment	Market approach	Pull-through rate		100%(1)
Interest rate loan contract	Market approach	Current reference price	102.61%	-	103.05% (102.76%)(2)
Forward sale commitment	Market approach	Current reference price	102.61%	-	103.05% (102.76%)(2)

				Fair Value Measurement Using
December 31, 2023	Balance			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Interest rate loan contract	$	3		$	-	$	-	$	3
Forward sale commitment	$	(4	)	$	-	$	-	$	(4	)

December 31, 2023	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
Interest rate loan contract	Market approach	Pull-through rate		100%(1)
Forward sale commitment	Market approach	Pull-through rate		100%(1)
Interest rate loan contract	Market approach	Current reference price		102.64%(3)
Forward sale commitment	Market approach	Current reference price	101.60%	-	102.64% (101.98%)(2)

(1)	All contracts are valued using the same pull-through rate
(2)	Current reference prices were weighted by the relative amount of the loan
(3)	Comprised of only one loan.

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

Certain financial instruments are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP. Adjustments to the fair value of these assets usually result from the application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets. The following describes the valuation techniques used by the Company to measure certain assets recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in the consolidated financial statements.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. These loans currently consist of one-to-four family residential loans originated for sale in the secondary market. Fair value is based on the price secondary markets are currently offering for similar loans using observable market data which is not materially different than cost due to the short duration between origination and sale (Level 2). As such, the Company records any fair value adjustments on a nonrecurring basis. No nonrecurring fair value adjustments were recorded on loans held for sale at March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023.

Collateral Dependent Loans

Collateral dependent loans are measured on a non-recurring basis for the ACL. If the fair value of the collateral is lower than the loan’s amortized cost basis, the shortfall is recognized in the ACLL. When repayment is expected from the operation of the collateral, fair value is estimated as the present value of expected cash flows from the operation of the collateral. When repayment is expected from the sale of the collateral, fair value is estimated using measurement techniques discussed below and discounted by the estimated cost to sell. The ACLL may be zero if the fair value of the collateral at the measurement date exceeds the amortized cost basis of the financial asset.

For loans secured by real estate, fair value of collateral is determined by the “as-is” value of appraisals or third party evaluations that are less than 24 months of age. Appraisals are prepared by independent, licensed appraisers. Appraisals are based upon observable market data analyzed through an income or sales valuation approach. Valuation falls within Level 2 categorization. The Company may further discount appraisals for marketing strategies, which results in Level 3 categorization.

The value of business equipment is based upon an outside appraisal (Level 2) if deemed significant, or the net book value on the applicable business’ financial statements (Level 3) if not considered significant. Likewise, values for inventory and accounts receivables collateral are based on financial statement balances or aging reports (Level 3).

As of March 31, 2024, three consumer real estate loan totaling $121 and two commercial real estate loans totaling $2,156 were collateral dependent. Valuations were based upon a third party evaluation (Level 2) and did not result in a specific allocation.

Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”)

Certain assets such as OREO are measured at fair value less cost to sell. Valuation of OREO is determined using current appraisals from independent parties, a Level 2 input. The Company works with a realtor to determine the list price, which may be set at appraised value or at a different amount based on the realtor’s advice and management’s judgement of marketability. Discounts to appraisals for selling costs or for marketability result in a Level 3 estimate.

The Company did not have any OREO as of March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023.

Fair Value Summary

The following presents the recorded amount, fair value, and placement in the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments as of the dates indicated. Fair values are estimated using the exit price notion.

			Estimated Fair Value
March 31, 2024	Carrying Amount		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial assets:
Cash and due from banks	$	10,656	$	10,656	$	-	$	-
Interest-bearing deposits		110,527		110,527		-		-
Securities available for sale		609,968		-		609,968		-
Restricted stock, at cost		1,248		-		1,248		-
Loans, net		854,493		-		-		790,540
Accrued interest receivable		6,478		-		6,478		-
Bank-owned life insurance		43,840		-		43,840		-
Interest rate loan contract		2		-		-		2
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	$	1,537,808	$	-	$	1,297,907	$	241,538
Accrued interest payable		2,514		-		2,514		-
Forward sale commitment		2		-		-		2

			Estimated Fair Value
December 31, 2023	Carrying Amount		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial assets:
Cash and due from banks	$	12,967	$	12,967	$	-	$	-
Interest-bearing deposits		73,636		73,636		-		-
Securities available for sale		618,601		-		618,601		-
Restricted stock, at cost		1,264		-		1,264		-
Mortgage loans held for sale		406		-		406		-
Loans, net		847,552		-		-		793,800
Accrued interest receivable		6,313		-		6,313		-
Bank-owned life insurance		43,583		-		43,583		-
Interest rate loan contract		3		-		-		3
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	$	1,503,972	$	-	$	1,280,732	$	222,374
Accrued interest payable		1,416		-		1,416		-
Forward sale commitment		4		-		-		4