Note 6: 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:

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 following tables present the balances of financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the dates indicated.

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.

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 June 30, 2025 or December 31, 2024.

Collateral Dependent Loans

Collateral dependent loans are measured on a non-recurring basis for the ACLL. 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 June 30, 2025, three commercial real estate loans totaling $8,906 were collateral dependent. Valuation was based upon outside appraisals (Level 2). None of the measurements resulted in a specific allocation. As of December 31, 2024, three commercial real estate loans totaling $9,259 were measured under the fair value of collateral method using third party appraisals (Level 2). None of the measurements resulted in a specific allocation.

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.