NOTE 6 – FAIR VALUE

ASC Topic 820 provides a framework for measuring and disclosing fair value under GAAP. ASC 820 requires disclosures about the fair value of assets and liabilities recognized in the balance sheet in periods subsequent to initial recognition, whether the measurements are made on a recurring basis (for example, available for sale investment securities) or a nonrecurring basis (for example, impaired loans).

ASC 820 defines fair value 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. ASC 820 also establishes 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 Fair Value Hierarchy

ASC 820-10 specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. In accordance with ASC 820-10, these inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value:

Investment Securities Available for Sale. Investment securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange, Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets, and money market funds. Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. Securities classified as Level 3 include asset-backed securities in illiquid markets.

The Bank may be required, from time to time, to measure certain other financial and non-financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a non-recurring basis in accordance with GAAP.

Loans. Impaired loans totaled $2.4 million with $0 of specific reserves as of June 30, 2025. These assets included single-family residential, commercial and industrial, and automobile loans. They have been classified as impaired and include nonaccrual, past due 90 days or more and still accruing, and a homogeneous pool of indirect loans all considered to be impaired loans, which are valued under Level 3 inputs. Foreclosed real estate assets are primarily valued on a nonrecurring basis at the fair values of the underlying real estate collateral. The Company is predominantly a cash flow lender with real estate serving as collateral on a majority of loans. On a quarterly basis, the Company determines such fair values through a variety of data points and mostly relies on appraisals from independent appraisers. We obtain an appraisal of properties when they become impaired and conduct new appraisals at least every year. Typically, these appraisals do not include an inside inspection of the property as our loan documents do not require the borrower to allow access to the property. Therefore, the most significant unobservable inputs are the details of the amenities included within the property and the condition of the property. Further, we cannot always accurately assess the amount of time it takes to gain ownership of our collateral through the foreclosure process and the damage, as well as potential looting, of the property further decreasing our value. Thus, in determining the fair values we discount the current independent appraisals, within a range of 0% to 20%, based on individual circumstances.

The changes in the assets subject to fair value measurements are summarized below by level:

​

​

​

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 are summarized in the following table. The fair values of a significant portion of these financial instruments are estimates derived using present value techniques and may not be indicative of the net realizable or liquidation values. Also, the calculation of estimated fair values is based on market conditions at a specific point in time and may not reflect current or future fair values.

​

​

The following table presents the carrying amount, fair value, and placement in the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments that were estimated using an exit pricing notion.

​

​

Fair values are based on quoted market prices for similar instruments or estimated using discounted cash flows. The discounts used are estimated using comparable market rates for similar types of instruments adjusted to be commensurate with the credit risk, overhead costs, and optionality of such instruments.

The fair value of cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, investments in restricted stocks and accrued interest receivable are equal to the carrying amounts. The fair values of investment securities are determined using market quotations, if available, or measured using pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as present value and future value cash flows. The fair value of loans receivable is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis. For cash surrender value of life insurance, the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value. The cash surrender value of life insurance is reported in the Level 2 fair value category. The fair value of FHLB borrowings is estimated based upon discounted future cash flows using a discounted rate comparable to the current market rate for such borrowings. FHLB borrowings are reported in the Level 2 fair value category.

The fair value of noninterest-bearing deposits, interest-bearing checking, savings, and money market deposit accounts, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and accrued interest payable are equal to the carrying amounts.  The fair value of fixed-maturity time deposits is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis.