Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. There is a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are as follows:

Level 1 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities


Level 2	Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities


Level 3	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities

Transfers in and out of Level 1 (quoted prices in active markets), Level 2 (significant other observable inputs) and Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs) are recognized on the actual transfer date. There were no transfers between fair value hierarchy levels during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

Recurring Measurements

The following is a description of the inputs and valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as the general classification of such assets and liabilities pursuant to the valuation hierarchy. There have been no significant changes in the valuation techniques during the period ended December 31, 2018.

Debt securities, available-for-sale: fair value for available-for-sale debt securities is estimated by obtaining quoted market prices for identical assets, where available. If such prices are not available, fair value is based on independent asset pricing services and models, the inputs of which are market-based or independently sourced market parameters, including but not limited to, yield curves, interest rates, volatilities, market spreads, prepayments, defaults, recoveries, cumulative loss projections, and cash flows. Such securities are classified in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, such securities are classified as Level 3 within the hierarchy.

Fair value determinations of available-for-sale debt securities are the responsibility of the Company’s corporate accounting and treasury departments. The Company obtains fair value estimates from independent third party vendors on a monthly basis. The vendors’ pricing system methodologies, procedures and system controls are reviewed to ensure they are appropriately designed and operating effectively. The Company reviews the vendors’ inputs for fair value estimates and the recommended assignments of levels within the fair value hierarchy. The review includes the extent to which markets for debt securities are determined to have limited or no activity, or are judged to be active markets. The Company reviews the extent to which observable and unobservable inputs are used as well as the appropriateness of the underlying assumptions about risk that a market participant would use in active markets, with adjustments for limited or inactive markets. In considering the inputs to the fair value estimates, the Company places less reliance on quotes that are judged to not reflect orderly transactions, or are non-binding indications. In assessing credit risk, the Company reviews payment performance, collateral adequacy, third party research and analyses, credit rating histories and issuers’ financial statements. For those markets determined to be inactive or limited, the valuation techniques used are models for which management has verified that discount rates are appropriately adjusted to reflect illiquidity and credit risk.

Loans held for sale, at fair value: loans held for sale measured at fair value, for which an active secondary market and readily available market prices exist, are initially valued at the transaction price and are subsequently valued by using quoted prices for similar assets, adjusted for specific attributes of that loan or other observable market data, such as outstanding commitments from third party investors. Loans held for sale measured at fair value are classified within Level 2. Included in gain on sale of loans were net losses of $155,000, net gains of $994,000 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, from the changes in fair value of loans held for sale measured at fair value. Electing to measure loans held for sale at fair value reduces certain timing differences and better matches changes in fair value of these assets with changes in the value of the derivative instruments used to economically hedge them without the burden of complying with the requirements for hedge accounting.

Note 20. Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (continued)

Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments: fair values for interest rate swap derivative financial instruments are based upon the estimated amounts to settle the contracts considering current interest rates and are calculated using discounted cash flows that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data and, therefore, are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. The inputs used to determine fair value include the 3 month LIBOR forward curve to estimate variable rate cash inflows and the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate to estimate the discount rate. The estimated variable rate cash inflows are compared to the fixed rate outflows and such difference is discounted to a present value to estimate the fair value of the interest rate swaps. The Company also obtains and compares the reasonableness of the pricing from an independent third party.

The following tables disclose the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:



			Fair Value Measurements At the End of the Reporting Period Using
(Dollars in thousands)	Fair Value December 31, 2018		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Debt securities, available-for-sale
U.S. government and federal agency	$	23,649	—	23,649	—
U.S. government sponsored enterprises	120,208		—	120,208	—
State and local governments	852,250		—	852,250	—
Corporate bonds	290,817		—	290,817	—
Residential mortgage-backed securities	792,915		—	792,915	—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	491,824		—	491,824	—
Loans held for sale, at fair value	33,156		—	33,156	—
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	2,604,819	—	2,604,819	—
Interest rate swaps	$	3,769	—	3,769	—
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	3,769	—	3,769	—

Note 20. Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (continued)



			Fair Value Measurements At the End of the Reporting Period Using
(Dollars in thousands)	Fair Value December 31, 2017		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Debt securities, available-for-sale
U.S. government and federal agency	$	31,127	—	31,127	—
U.S. government sponsored enterprises	19,091		—	19,091	—
State and local governments	629,501		—	629,501	—
Corporate bonds	216,762		—	216,762	—
Residential mortgage-backed securities	779,283		—	779,283	—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	102,479		—	102,479	—
Loans held for sale, at fair value	38,833		—	38,833	—
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	1,817,076	—	1,817,076	—
Interest rate swaps	$	9,389	—	9,389	—
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$	9,389	—	9,389	—

Non-recurring Measurements

The following is a description of the inputs and valuation methodologies used for assets recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis, as well as the general classification of such assets pursuant to the valuation hierarchy. There have been no significant changes in the valuation techniques during the period ended December 31, 2018.

Other real estate owned: OREO is initially recorded at fair value less estimated cost to sell, establishing a new cost basis. OREO is subsequently accounted for at lower of cost or fair value less estimated cost to sell. Estimated fair value of OREO is based on appraisals or evaluations (new or updated). OREO is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Collateral-dependent impaired loans, net of ALLL: loans included in the Company’s loan portfolio for which it is probable that the Company will not collect all principal and interest due according to contractual terms are considered impaired. Estimated fair value of collateral-dependent impaired loans is based on the fair value of the collateral, less estimated cost to sell. Collateral-dependent impaired loans are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

The Company’s credit department reviews appraisals for OREO and collateral-dependent loans, giving consideration to the highest and best use of the collateral. The appraisal or evaluation (new or updated) is considered the starting point for determining fair value. The valuation techniques used in preparing appraisals or evaluations (new or updated) include the cost approach, income approach, sales comparison approach, or a combination of the preceding valuation techniques. The key inputs used to determine the fair value of the collateral-dependent loans and OREO include selling costs, discounted cash flow rate or capitalization rate, and adjustment to comparables. Valuations and significant inputs obtained by independent sources are reviewed by the Company for accuracy and reasonableness. The Company also considers other factors and events in the environment that may affect the fair value. The appraisals or evaluations (new or updated) are reviewed at least quarterly and more frequently based on current market conditions, including deterioration in a borrower’s financial condition and when property values may be subject to significant volatility. After review and acceptance of the collateral appraisal or evaluation (new or updated), adjustments to the impaired loan or OREO may occur. The Company generally obtains appraisals or evaluations (new or updated) annually.

Note 20. Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (continued)

The following tables disclose the fair value measurement of assets with a recorded change during the period resulting from re-measuring the assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis:



			Fair Value Measurements At the End of the Reporting Period Using
(Dollars in thousands)	Fair Value December 31, 2018		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Other real estate owned	$	1,011	—	—	1,011
Collateral-dependent impaired loans, net of ALLL	6,985		—	—	6,985
Total assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis	$	7,996	—	—	7,996



			Fair Value Measurements At the End of the Reporting Period Using
(Dollars in thousands)	Fair Value December 31, 2017		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Other real estate owned	$	2,296	—	—	2,296
Collateral-dependent impaired loans, net of ALLL	6,339		—	—	6,339
Total assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis	$	8,635	—	—	8,635

Non-recurring Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

The following tables present additional quantitative information about assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value:



	Fair Value		Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
(Dollars in thousands)	December 31, 2018		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted- Average) ¹
Other real estate owned	$	1,011	Sales comparison approach	Selling costs	8.0% - 15.0% (9.2%)
Collateral-dependent impaired loans, net of ALLL	$	2,384	Sales comparison approach	Selling costs	8.0% - 20.0% (9.9%)
	4,601		Combined approach	Selling costs	10.0% - 10.0% (10.0%)
	$	6,985

Note 20. Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (continued)



	Fair Value		Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
(Dollars in thousands)	December 31, 2017		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted- Average) ¹
Other real estate owned	$	2,296	Sales comparison approach	Selling costs	0.0% - 10.0% (6.0%)
Collateral-dependent impaired loans, net of ALLL	$	238	Cost approach	Selling costs	10.0% - 20.0% (10.6%)
	2,541		Sales comparison approach	Selling costs	8.0% - 10.0% (9.4%)
	3,560		Combined approach	Selling costs	10.0% - 10.0% (10.0%)
	$	6,339

______________________________

¹The range for selling cost inputs represents reductions to the fair value of the assets.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following tables present the carrying amounts, estimated fair values and the level within the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments not carried at fair value. Receivables and payables due in one year or less, equity securities without readily determinable fair values and deposits with no defined or contractual maturities are excluded.



			Fair Value Measurements At the End of the Reporting Period Using
(Dollars in thousands)	Carrying Amount December 31, 2018		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	203,790	203,790	—	—
Debt securities, held-to-maturity	297,915		—	288,256	—
Loans receivable, net of ALLL	8,156,310		—	—	8,079,112
Total financial assets	$	8,658,015	203,790	288,256	8,079,112
Financial liabilities
Term deposits	$	1,070,208	—	1,069,777	—
FHLB advances	440,175		—	439,615	—
Repurchase agreements and other borrowed funds	410,859		—	410,859	—
Subordinated debentures	134,051		—	120,302	—
Total financial liabilities	$	2,055,293	—	2,040,553	—

Note 20. Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (continued)



			Fair Value Measurements At the End of the Reporting Period Using
(Dollars in thousands)	Carrying Amount December 31, 2017		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	200,004	200,004	—	—
Debt securities, held-to-maturity	648,313		—	660,086	—
Loans receivable, net of ALLL	6,448,256		—	6,219,515	114,771
Total financial assets	$	7,296,573	200,004	6,879,601	114,771
Financial liabilities
Term deposits	$	977,302	—	978,803	—
FHLB advances	353,995		—	352,886	—
Repurchase agreements and other borrowed funds	370,797		—	370,797	—
Subordinated debentures	126,135		—	98,023	—
Total financial liabilities	$	1,828,229	—	1,800,509	—