ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value including a three-level valuation hierarchy, and expands disclosures about 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. The three-level fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are defined as follows:

Fair value is used on a recurring basis for certain assets and liabilities in which fair value is the primary basis of accounting. Additionally, fair value is used on a non-recurring basis to evaluate assets or liabilities for impairment or for disclosure purposes.

We record securities available for sale at fair value on a recurring basis. Certain other assets, such as loans held for sale, impaired loans, OREO, and core deposit intangible, are recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Non-recurring fair value measurements typically involve assets that are periodically evaluated for impairment and for which any impairment is recorded in the period in which the re-measurement is performed.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument below:

Securities available for sale - The fair values of securities available for sale are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique used widely 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, or other model-based valuation techniques requiring observable inputs other than quoted prices such as yield curve, prepayment speeds, and default rates. Level 1 securities include U.S. Treasury securities that are traded on an active exchange or by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets. The fair value of these securities is determined by quoted prices on an active exchange or over-the-counter market. Level 2 securities primarily include U.S. government agency and sponsored agency mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and debt securities as well as municipal bonds in markets that are active. In determining the fair value of the securities categorized as Level 2, we obtain reports from nationally recognized broker-dealers detailing the fair value of each investment security held as of each reporting date. The broker-dealers use prices obtained from nationally recognized pricing services to value our fixed income securities. The fair value of the municipal securities is determined based on pricing data provided by nationally recognized pricing services. We review the prices obtained for reasonableness based on our understanding of the marketplace, and also consider any credit issues related to the bonds. As we have not made any adjustments to the market quotes provided to us and as they are based on observable market data, they have been categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Level 3 securities are instruments that are not traded in the market. As such, no observable market data for the instrument is available, which necessitates the use of significant unobservable inputs.

Derivatives – The fair values of derivatives are based on valuation models using observable market data as of the measurement date (Level 2). Our derivatives are traded in an over-the-counter market where quoted market prices are not always available. Therefore, the fair values of derivatives are determined using quantitative models that utilize multiple market inputs. The inputs will vary based on the type of derivative, but could include interest rates, prices and indices to generate continuous yield or pricing curves, prepayment rates, and volatility factors to value the position. The majority of market inputs are actively quoted and can be validated through external sources, including brokers, market transactions and third-party pricing services.

Loans held for sale - Loans held for sale includes the guaranteed portion of SBA 7(a) loans carried at the lower of cost or fair value. Management obtains quotes, bids or pricing indication sheets on all or part of the loans directly from the purchasing financial institutions. Premiums received or to be received on the quotes, bids or pricing indication sheets are indicative of the fact that cost is lower than fair value. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the SBA 7(a) loans held for sale were recorded at its cost. We record SBA 7(a) loans held for sale on a nonrecurring basis with Level 2 inputs. At September 30, 2024, loans held for sale included a loan for a completed construction loan with a Level 1 input. Additionally, we carried a balance at September 30, 2024 on a pool of mortgage loans held for sale with a Level 1 input valuation.

Nonperforming loans – Nonaccrual loans receivable and loans 90-days past due and still accruing interest are considered nonperforming for reporting purposes. All nonperforming loans with a carrying balance over $250,000 are individually evaluated for the amount of impairment, if any. Nonperforming loans with a carrying balance of $250,000 or less are evaluated collectively. However, from time to time, nonrecurring fair value adjustments to collateral dependent nonperforming loans, for which repayment is expected to be obtained through the sale of the underlying collateral, are recorded based on either the current appraised value of the collateral, or management’s judgment, that are then adjusted based on recent market trends. When the fair value of the collateral is less than the book value, a valuation allowance is established to carry the loan at the fair value of the collateral, and results in a Level 3 measurement.

OREO - Fair value of OREO is based primarily on third party appraisals, less costs to sell and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. Appraisals are required annually and may be updated more frequently as circumstances require and the fair value adjustments are made to OREO based on the updated appraised value of the property.

Servicing assets - On a quarterly basis, the Company utilizes a third party service to evaluate servicing assets related to loans sold to unaffiliated parties with servicing retained, and result in a Level 3 classification. Servicing assets are assessed for impairment or increased obligation based on fair value at each reporting date.

Other repossessed assets – Fair value of equipment from equipment financing agreements is based primarily on a third party valuation service, less costs to sell and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. Valuations are required at the time the asset is repossessed and may be subsequently updated periodically due to the Company’s short-term possession of the asset prior to sale or as circumstances require and the fair value adjustments are made to the asset based on its value prior to sale.

ASC 825, Financial Instruments, requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or non-recurring basis. The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis or non-recurring basis are discussed above.

The estimated fair value of financial instruments has been determined by using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required to interpret market data in order to develop estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that we 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.

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Topic 825), among other provisions, requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes. Other than certain financial instruments for which we had concluded that the carrying amounts approximate fair value, the fair value estimates shown below were based on an exit price notion as of September 30, 2024, as required by ASU 2016-01. The financial instruments for which we had concluded that the carrying amounts approximate fair value include cash and due from banks, accrued interest receivable and payable, and noninterest-bearing deposits.