Note 12 – Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

Financial instruments require disclosure of fair value information, whether or not recognized in the consolidated balance sheets, when it is practical to estimate the fair value. A financial instrument is defined as cash, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity or a contractual obligation which requires the exchange of cash. Certain items are specifically excluded from the financial instrument fair value disclosure requirements, including the Company’s common stock, foreclosed real estate, premises and equipment and other assets and liabilities.

The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required to interpret market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. Therefore, any aggregate unrealized gains or losses should not be interpreted as a forecast of future earnings or cash flows. Furthermore, the fair values disclosed should not be interpreted as the aggregate current value of the Company.