NOTE 18 Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

The Company categorizes its assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value into a three level hierarchy based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique used to determine estimated fair value. The estimated fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used in the determination of the estimated fair value measurement fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the estimated fair value measurement. Assets and liabilities valued at estimated fair value are categorized based on the following inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:

Level 1—Inputs that utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that an entity has the ability to access.

Level 2—Inputs that include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Estimated fair values for these instruments are estimated using pricing models, quoted prices of investment securities with similar characteristics, or discounted cash flows.

Level 3—Inputs that are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. Subsequent to initial recognition, the Company may re‑measure the carrying value of assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis to estimated fair value. Adjustments to estimated fair value usually result when certain assets are impaired. Such assets are written down from their carrying amounts to their estimated fair value.

Professional standards allow entities the irrevocable option to elect to measure certain financial instruments and other items at estimated fair value for the initial and subsequent measurement on an instrument‑by‑instrument basis. The Company adopted the policy to value certain financial instruments at estimated fair value. The Company has not elected to measure any existing financial instruments at estimated fair value; however, it may elect to measure newly acquired financial instruments at estimated fair value in the future.

Recurring Basis

The Company uses estimated fair value measurements to record estimated fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine estimated fair value disclosures.

The following tables present the balances of the assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:


	March 31, 2020
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Available-for-sale and equity securities
U.S. treasury and government agencies	$	—	$	16,627	$	—	$	16,627
Obligations of state and political agencies		—		69,106		—		69,106
Mortgage backed securities
Residential agency		—		229,309		—		229,309
Commercial		—		29,910		—		29,910
Asset backed securities		—		141		—		141
Corporate bonds		—		9,056		—		9,056
Total available-for-sale securities	$	—	$	354,149	$	—	$	354,149
Other assets
Derivatives	$	—	$	3,602	$	—	$	3,602
Other liabilities
Derivatives	$	—	$	2,884	$	—	$	2,884


	December 31, 2019
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Available-for-sale and equity securities
U.S. treasury and government agencies	$	—	$	21,240	$	—	$	21,240
Obligations of state and political agencies		—		68,648		—		68,648
Mortgage backed securities
Residential agency		—		182,538		—		182,538
Commercial		—		30,685		—		30,685
Asset backed securities		—		144		—		144
Corporate bonds		—		7,095		—		7,095
Equity securities		2,808		—		—		2,808
Total available-for-sale and equity securities	$	2,808	$	310,350	$	—	$	313,158
Other assets
Derivatives	$	—	$	1,621	$	—	$	1,621
Other liabilities
Derivatives	$	—	$	109	$	—	$	109

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

Investment Securities

When available, the Company uses quoted market prices to determine the estimated fair value of investment securities; such items are classified in Level 1 of the estimated fair value hierarchy. For the Company’s investment securities for which quoted prices are not available for identical investment securities in an active market, the Company determines estimated fair value utilizing vendors who apply matrix pricing for similar bonds for which no prices are observable or may compile prices from various sources. These models are primarily industry‑standard models that consider various assumptions, including time value, yield curve, volatility factors, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severity, current market, and contractual prices for the underlying financial instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace, can be derived from observable data, or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Estimated fair values from these models are verified, where possible, against quoted prices for recent trading activity of assets with similar characteristics to the security being valued. Such methods are generally classified as Level 2. However, when prices from independent sources vary, cannot be obtained, or cannot be corroborated, a security is generally classified as Level 3.

Derivatives

All of the Company’s derivatives are traded in over‑the‑counter markets where quoted market prices are not readily available. For these derivatives, estimated fair value is measured using internally developed models that use primarily market observable inputs, such as yield curves and option volatilities, and accordingly, classify as Level 2. Examples of Level 2 derivatives are basic interest rate swaps and forward contracts.

Nonrecurring Basis

Certain assets are measured at estimated fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These assets are not measured at estimated fair value on an ongoing basis; however, they are subject to estimated fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment or a change in the amount of previously recognized impairment.

Net impairment related to nonrecurring estimated fair value measurements of certain assets as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 consisted of the following:


	March 31, 2020
(dollars in thousands)	Level 2		Level 3		Total		Impairment
Loans held for sale	$	72,258	$	—	$	72,258	$	—
Impaired loans		—		4,876		4,876		3,066
Foreclosed assets		—		209		209		—
Servicing rights		—		3,277		3,277		—


	December 31, 2019
(dollars in thousands)	Level 2		Level 3		Total		Impairment
Loans held for sale	$	46,846	$	—	$	46,846	$	—
Impaired loans		—		4,816		4,816		3,138
Foreclosed assets		—		8		8		—
Servicing rights		—		3,845		3,845		—

Loans Held for Sale

Loans originated and held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value. The Company obtains quotes or bids on these loans directly from purchasing financial institutions. Typically these quotes include a premium on the sale and thus these quotes indicate estimated fair value of the held for sale loans is greater than cost.

Impairment losses for loans held for sale that are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value, represent additional net write‑downs during the period to record these loans at the lower of cost or estimated fair value, subsequent to their initial classification as loans held for sale.

Impaired Loans

In accordance with the provisions of the loan impairment guidance, loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms are measured for impairment. Allowable methods for estimating fair value include using the estimated fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans or, where a loan is determined not to be collateral dependent, using a discounted cash flow method. The estimated fair value method requires obtaining a current independent appraisal of the collateral and applying a discount factor, if necessary, to the appraised value and including costs to the sell. Because many of these inputs are not observable, the measurements are classified as Level 3.

Foreclosed Assets

Foreclosed assets are recorded at estimated fair value based on property appraisals, less estimated selling costs, at the date of the transfer with any impairment amount charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent to the transfer, foreclosed assets are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value, less estimated selling costs with changes in the estimated fair value or any impairment amount recorded in other noninterest expense. Fair value measurements may be based upon appraisals, third‑party price opinions, or internally developed pricing methods. These measurements are classified as Level 3.

Servicing Rights

Servicing rights do not trade in an active market with readily observable prices. Accordingly, the estimated fair value of servicing rights is determined using a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The model incorporates assumptions that market participants use in estimating future net servicing income, including estimates of prepayment speeds, discount rate, cost to service, escrow account earnings, contractual servicing fee income, ancillary income, and late fees. Servicing rights are carried at lower of cost or market value, and therefore can be subject to estimated fair value measurements on a nonrecurring basis. Estimated fair value measurements of servicing rights use significant unobservable inputs and accordingly, are classified as Level 3. The Company obtains the estimated fair value of servicing rights from an independent third party pricing service and records the unadjusted estimated fair values in the financial statements.

The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used to measure Level 3 estimated fair values as of March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, were as follows:


			March 31, 2020
(dollars in thousands)							Weighted
Asset Type	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Fair Value		Range		Average
Impaired loans	Appraisal value	Property specific adjustment	$	4,876	N/A		N/A
Foreclosed assets	Appraisal value	Property specific adjustment		209	N/A		N/A
Servicing rights	Discounted cash flows	Prepayment speed assumptions		3,277	158-471		237
		Discount rate			9.4	%	9.4	%


			December 31, 2019
(dollars in thousands)							Weighted
Asset Type	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Fair Value		Range		Average
Impaired loans	Appraisal value	Property specific adjustment	$	4,816	N/A		N/A
Foreclosed assets	Appraisal value	Property specific adjustment		8	N/A		N/A
Servicing rights	Discounted cash flows	Prepayment speed assumptions		3,845	123-267		194
		Discount rate			9.4	%	9.4	%

Disclosure of estimated fair value information about financial instruments, for which it is practicable to estimate that value, is required whether or not recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. In cases in which quoted market prices are not available, estimated 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 estimate of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived estimated fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments. Certain financial instruments, with an estimated fair value that is not practicable to estimate and all non‑financial instruments, are excluded from the disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate estimated fair value amounts presented do not necessarily represent the underlying value of the Company.

The following disclosures represent financial instruments in which the ending balances, as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, were not carried at estimated fair value in their entirety on the consolidated balance sheets.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Accrued Interest

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate those assets and liabilities estimated fair values.

Loans

For variable‑rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, estimated fair values are based on carrying values. The estimated fair values of other loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.

Bank‑Owned Life Insurance

Bank‑owned life insurance is carried at the amount due upon surrender of the policy, which is also the estimated fair value. This amount was provided by the insurance companies based on the terms of the underlying insurance contract.

Deposits

The estimated fair values of demand deposits are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the consolidated balance sheet date. The estimated fair values of fixed‑rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies current incremental interest rates being offered on certificates of deposit to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities of the outstanding certificates of deposit.

Short‑Term Borrowings and Long‑Term Debt

For variable‑rate borrowings that reprice frequently, estimated fair values are based on carrying values. The estimated fair value of fixed‑rate borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

Off‑Balance Sheet Credit‑Related Commitments

Off‑balance sheet credit related commitments are generally of short‑term nature. The contract amount of such commitments approximates their estimated fair value since the commitments are comprised primarily of unfunded loan commitments which are generally priced at market at the time of funding.

The estimated fair values, and related carrying or notional amounts, of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:


	March 31, 2020
	Carrying		Estimated Fair Value
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	198,489	$	198,489	$	—	$	—	$	198,489
Loans		1,731,258		—		—		1,761,783		1,761,783
Accrued interest receivable		7,425		7,425		—		—		7,425
Bank-owned life insurance		31,763		—		31,763		—		31,763
Financial Liabilities
Noninterest-bearing deposits	$	608,559	$	—	$	608,559	$	—	$	608,559
Interest-bearing deposits		1,311,585		—		1,311,585		—		1,311,585
Time deposits		201,370		—		—		202,892		202,892
Long-term debt		58,762		—		57,941		—		57,941
Accrued interest payable		1,760		1,760		—		—		1,760


	December 31, 2019
	Carrying		Estimated Fair Value
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	144,006	$	144,006	$	—	$	—	$	144,006
Loans		1,697,355		—		—		1,693,824		1,693,824
Accrued interest receivable		7,551		7,551		—		—		7,551
Bank-owned life insurance		31,566		—		31,566		—		31,566
Financial Liabilities
Noninterest-bearing deposits	$	577,704	$	—	$	577,704	$	—	$	577,704
Interest-bearing deposits		1,197,530		—		1,197,530		—		1,197,530
Time deposits		196,082		—		—		196,182		196,182
Long-term debt		58,769		—		58,239		—		58,239
Accrued interest payable		1,038		1,038		—		—		1,038