(13) Fair Value Measurement

The Company uses a fair value hierarchy to measure fair value. This hierarchy describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: Level 1: Quoted prices for identical assets in active markets that are identifiable on the measurement date; Level 2: Significant other observable inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets, quoted prices in markets that are not active and other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data; and Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s own view about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset.

Securities available for sale: The fair values of securities available for sale are based on quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are determined by matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities, but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs).

Equity securities: The Company’s equity securities are not actively traded in an open market. The fair value of these equity securities not actively traded in an open market is determined by using market data inputs for similar securities that are observable (Level 2 inputs).

Swap assets/liabilities: The fair values of interest rate swap positions, both assets and liabilities, are based on valuation pricing models using an income approach reflecting readily observable market parameters such as interest rate yield curves (Level 2).

Collateral Dependent Loans: The Company generally measures the fair value of collateral dependent loans based on the fair value of the loan’s collateral. Fair value is generally determined based upon independent third-party appraisals of the properties. In some cases, management may adjust the appraised value due to the age of the appraisal, changes in market conditions, or observable deterioration of the property since the appraisal was completed. Additionally, management makes estimates about expected costs to sell the property which are also included in the net realizable value. If the fair value of the collateral dependent loan is less than the carrying amount of the loan, a specific reserve for the loan is made in the allowance for credit losses or a charge-off is taken to reduce the loan to the fair value of the collateral (less estimated selling costs) and the loan is included in the table below as a Level 3 measurement.

Appraisals for individually analyzed collateral-dependent loans are performed by certified general appraisers (for commercial properties) or certified residential appraisers (for residential properties) whose qualifications and licenses have been reviewed and verified by the Company. Once received, a member of the Company’s asset quality or collections department reviews the assumptions and approaches utilized in the appraisal. Appraisal values are discounted from 0% to 30% to account for other factors that may impact the value of collateral.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Much of the information used to arrive at “fair value” is highly subjective and judgmental in nature and therefore the results may not be precise. Subjective factors include, among other things, estimated cash flows, risk characteristics and interest rates, all of which are subject to change. With the exception of investment securities, the Company’s financial instruments are not readily marketable and market prices do not exist. Since negotiated prices for the instruments, which are not readily marketable, depend greatly on the motivation of the buyer and seller, the amounts that will actually be realized or paid per settlement or maturity of these instruments could be significantly different.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accrued interest receivable, short-term FHLB advances and accrued interest payable, as a result of their short-term nature, are considered to be equal to fair value and are classified as Level 1.

The carrying amounts of investments in time deposits are based on commitments per the contractual agreement and are classified as Level 2.

The carrying amount of other securities, which consist of FHLB and other bank stock, approximates fair value as the stock is nonmarketable and has restrictions placed on its transferability and are classified as Level 2.

The fair value of loans held for sale is based on commitments on hand from investors or prevailing market prices and are classified as Level 2.

The Company uses an exit price income approach to determine the fair value of the loan and lease portfolio. The model utilizes a discounted cash flow approach to estimate the fair value of the loans using assumptions for the coupon rates, remaining maturities, prepayment speeds, projected default probabilities, losses given defaults, and estimates of prevailing discount rates. The discounted cash flow approach models the credit losses directly in the projected cash flows. The model applies various assumptions regarding credit, interest, and prepayment risks for the loans based on loan types, payment types and fixed or variable classifications. For all periods presented, the estimated fair value of individually analyzed loans is based on the fair value of the collateral, less estimated cost to sell, or the present value of the loan’s expected future cash flows (discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate). All loans and leases are classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy.

The fair values of noninterest-bearing deposits, which consist of non-interest bearing deposits, savings, NOW, and money market accounts, are considered equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., carrying value) and are classified as Level 1. Fair values of time deposits are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits resulting in a Level 3 classification.

The fair values of subordinated debentures are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on subordinated debentures to the schedule of maturities on the subordinated debt tranches resulting in a Level 3 classification.

FHLB advances with maturities greater than 90 days and other borrowings are valued based on a discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates currently being quoted for similar characteristics and maturities resulting in a Level 3 classification.