Fair value estimates are generally subjective in nature and are dependent upon a number of significant assumptions associated with each instrument or group of similar instruments, including estimates of discount rates, risks associated with specific financial instruments, estimates of future cash flows and relevant available market information. Fair value information is intended to represent an estimate of an amount at which a financial instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between a willing buyer and seller engaging in an exchange transaction. However, since there are no established trading markets for a significant portion of First Guaranty's financial instruments, First Guaranty may not be able to immediately settle financial instruments; as such, the fair values are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized through immediate settlement. In addition, the majority of the financial instruments, such as loans and deposits, are held to maturity and are realized or paid according to the contractual agreement with the customer.

Quoted market prices are used to estimate fair values when available. However, due to the nature of the financial instruments, in many instances quoted market prices are not available. Accordingly, estimated fair values have been estimated based on other valuation techniques, such as discounting estimated future cash flows using a rate commensurate with the risks involved or other acceptable methods. Fair values are estimated without regard to any premium or discount that may result from concentrations of ownership of financial instruments, possible income tax ramifications or estimated transaction costs. The fair value estimates are subjective in nature and involve matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Fair values are also estimated at a specific point in time and are based on interest rates and other assumptions at that date. As events change the assumptions underlying these estimates, the fair values of financial instruments will change.

Disclosure of fair values is not required for certain items such as lease financing, investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting, obligations of pension and other postretirement benefits, premises and equipment, other real estate, prepaid expenses, the value of long-term relationships with depositors (core deposit intangibles) and other customer relationships, other intangible assets and income tax assets and liabilities. Fair value estimates are presented for existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses have not been considered in the estimates. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not purport to represent and should not be considered representative of the underlying market or franchise value of First Guaranty.

Because the standard permits many alternative calculation techniques and because numerous assumptions have been used to estimate the fair values, reasonable comparison of the fair value information with other financial institutions' fair value information cannot necessarily be made. The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values of financial instruments are as follows:

These items are generally short-term and the carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets are a reasonable estimation of the fair values. Cash and due from bank for the purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows include cash on hand, balances due from banks: which includes non-interest and interest-bearing accounts, and federal funds sold, all of which mature within ninety days.

Fair values are principally based on quoted market prices. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments or the use of discounted cash flow analyses.

Market values are computed present values using net present value formulas. The present value is the sum of the present value of all projected cash flows on an item at a specified discount rate. The discount rate is set as an appropriate rate index, plus or minus an appropriate spread. These loans are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Fair value is measured by either the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent (Level 2 or Level 3), or the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan's effective interest rate (Level 3). Fair value of the collateral is determined by appraisals or by independent valuation.

The fair value of customer deposits, excluding certificates of deposit, is the amount payable on demand. Market values of certificates of deposit are actually computed present values using net present value formulas. The present value is the sum of the present value of all projected cash flows on an item at a specified discount rate. The discount rate is set as an appropriate rate index, plus or minus an appropriate spread. Deposits are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

The carrying amount of federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings approximate their fair values. The fair value of First Guaranty's long-term borrowings is computed using net present value formulas. The present value is the sum of the present value of all projected cash flows on an item at a specified discount rate. The discount rate is set as an appropriate rate index, plus or minus an appropriate spread. Borrowings are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.


			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2025 Using
(in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	845,150	$	845,150	$	—	$	—	$	845,150
Federal funds sold	551		551		—		—		551
Securities, available for sale	676,592		98,149		555,565		22,878		676,592
Securities, held for maturity	322,675		—		268,094		—		268,094
Loans, net	2,029,047		—		—		2,025,685		2,025,685
Accrued interest receivable	12,455		—		—		12,455		12,455

Liabilities
Deposits	$	3,632,877	$	—	$	—	$	3,643,821	3,643,821


Repurchase agreements	7,119		—		—		7,160		7,160
Accrued interest payable	17,637		—		—		17,637		17,637
Long-term advances from Federal Home Loan Bank	135,000		—		—		136,529		136,529
Senior long-term debt	14,203		—		—		14,266		14,266
Junior subordinated debentures	29,805		—		—		30,000		30,000


			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2024 Using
(in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	563,778	$	563,778	$	—	$	—	$	563,778
Federal funds sold	430		430		—		—		430
Securities, available for sale	281,097		147,780		127,222		6,095		281,097
Securities, held for maturity	321,622		—		251,458		—		251,458
Loans, net	2,658,969		—		—		2,508,440		2,508,440
Accrued interest receivable	14,850		—		—		14,850		14,850

Liabilities
Deposits	$	3,476,260	$	—	$	—	$	3,475,411	3,475,411


Repurchase agreements	7,009		—		—		7,005		7,005
Accrued interest payable	20,437		—		—		20,437		20,437
Long-term advances from Federal Home Loan Bank	135,000		—		—		134,977		134,977
Senior long-term debt	15,169		—		—		15,274		15,274
Junior subordinated debentures	44,745		—		—		45,000		45,000

There is no material difference between the contract amount and the estimated fair value of off-balance sheet items that are primarily comprised of short-term unfunded loan commitments that are generally at market prices.