Note 12 — Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

FASB 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:

 

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Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

 

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Level 2 - Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, and other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

 

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Level 3 - Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

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 investment securities available for sale at fair value on a recurring basis. Certain other assets, such as loans held for sale, impaired loans, other real estate owned, and other intangible assets, 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:

Investment securities available for sale – The fair values of investment 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 investment securities include U.S. government and agency debentures and equity 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 investment securities primarily include mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds, collateralized mortgage obligations, and SBA loan pool securities. 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 bonds is determined based on a proprietary model maintained by the broker-dealers. 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 investment 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.

As of December 31, 2013, we had a zero coupon tax credit municipal bond of $748,000, compared to $779,000 as of December 31, 2012. This bond was recorded at estimated fair value using a discounted cash flow method, and was measured on a recurring basis with Level 3 inputs. Key assumptions used in measuring the fair value of the tax credit bond as of December 31, 2013 were discount rate and cash flows. The discount rate was derived from the term structure of Bank Qualified (“BQ”) “A-” rated municipal bonds, as the tax credit bond’s guarantee had the similar credit strength. The contractual future cash flows were the tax credits to be received for a remaining life of 1.2 years. If the discount rate is adjusted down to the term structure of BQ “BBB-” rating municipal bonds, the tax credit bond’s value would decline by 0.61 percent. We do not anticipate a significant deterioration of the tax credit bond’s credit quality. Management reviews the discount rate on an ongoing basis based on current market rates.

SBA loans held for sale – SBA loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had zero and $7.8 million of SBA loans held for sale, respectively. Management obtains quotes, bids or pricing indication sheets on all or part of these 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 December 31, 2012, the entire balance of SBA loans held for sale was recorded at its cost. We record SBA loans held for sale on a nonrecurring basis with Level 2 inputs.

Non-performing loans held for sale – We reclassify certain non-performing loans as held for sale when we decide to sell those loans. The fair value of non-performing loans held for sale is generally based upon the quotes, bids or sales contract prices which approximate their fair value. Non-performing loans held for sale are recorded at estimated fair value less anticipated liquidation cost. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had zero and $484,000 of non-performing loans held for sale, respectively, which are measured on a nonrecurring basis with Level 2 inputs.

 

Stock warrants - The Company followed the guidance of FASB ASC Topic 815- 40, “Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Stock,” which establishes a framework for determining whether certain freestanding and embedded instruments are indexed to a company’s own stock for purposes of evaluation of the accounting for such instruments under existing accounting literature. Under GAAP, the issuer is required to measure the fair value of the equity instruments in the transaction as of earlier of (i) the date at which a commitment for performance by the counterparty to earn the equity instruments is reached or (ii) the date at which the counterparty’s performance is complete. The fair value of the warrants was recorded as a liability and a cost of equity, which was determined by the Black-Scholes option pricing modeling and was measured on a recurring basis with Level 3 inputs.

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

There were no transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy for the year ended December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows:

 

		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets				Significant Observable Inputs with No Active Market with Identical Characteristics				Significant Unobservable Inputs				Balance
		(In thousands)
December 31, 2013
Assets:
Debt securities available for sale:
Mortgage-backed securities		$	—			$	217,059			$	—			$	217,059
Collateralized mortgage obligations			—				127,693				—				127,693
U.S. government agency securities			83,536				—				—				83,536
Municipal bonds-tax exempt			—				13,189				748				13,937
Municipal bonds-taxable			—				32,354				—				32,354
Corporate bonds			—				20,835				—				20,835
SBA loan pools securities			—				12,629				—				12,629
U.S. treasury bills			19,997				—				—				19,997
Other securities			—				2,886				—				2,886
Total debt securities available for sale			103,533				426,645				748				530,926
Total securities available for sale		$	103,533			$	426,645			$	748			$	530,926
Liabilities:
Stock warrants		$	—			$	—			$	2			$	2
December 31, 2012
Assets:
Debt securities available for sale:
Mortgage-backed securities		$	—			$	160,326			$	—			$	160,326
Collateralized mortgage obligations			—				100,487				—				100,487
U.S. government agency securities			93,118				—				—				93,118
Municipal bonds-tax exempt			—				12,033				779				12,812
Municipal bonds-taxable			—				46,142				—				46,142
Corporate bonds			—				20,400				—				20,400
SBA loan pools securities			—				14,026				—				14,026
Other securities			—				3,357				—				3,357
Total debt securities available for sale			93,118				356,771				779				450,668
Equity securities available for sale:
Financial services industry			392				—				—				392
Total equity securities available for sale			392				—				—				392
Total securities available for sale		$	93,510			$	356,771			$	779			$	451,060
Liabilities:
Stock warrants		$	—			$	—			$	906			$	906

 

The table below presents a reconciliation and income statement classification of gains and losses for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the year ended December 31, 2013:

 

		Beginning Balance as of January 1, 2013				Purchases Issuances, and Settlement				Realized Gains or Losses In Earnings				Unrealized Gains or Losses in Other Comprehensive Income				Ending Balance as of December 31, 2013
		(In thousands)
Assets:
Municipal bonds-tax exempt (1)		$	779			$	—			$	—			$	(31	)		$	748
Liabilities:
Stock warrants (2)		$	906			$	(843	)		$	(61	)		$	—			$	2

 

(1)

Reflects a zero coupon tax credit municipal bond. As the Company was not able to obtain a price from independent external pricing service providers, the discounted cash flow method was used to determine its fair value. The bond carried a par value of $700,000 and an amortized value of $699,000 with a remaining life of 1.2 years at December 31, 2013.

(2)

Reflects warrants for our common stock issued in connection with services Cappello Capital Corp. provided to us as a placement agent in connection with our best efforts public offering and as our financial adviser in connection with our completed rights offering. The warrants were immediately exercisable when issued at an exercise price of $9.60 per share of our common stock and expire on October 14, 2015. See “Note 9 – Stockholders’ Equity” for more details.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are as follows:

 

		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets				Significant Observable Inputs With No Active Market With Identical Characteristics				Significant Unobservable Inputs				Loss During The Years Ended
		(In thousands)
December 31, 2013
Assets:
Non-performing loans held for sale		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
Impaired loans (1)			—				36,254				1,738				2,431
Other real estate owned (2)			—				756				—				10
December 31, 2012
Assets:
Non-performing loans held for sale (3)		$	—			$	484			$	—			$	3,747
Impaired loans (4)			—				27,844				8,888				580
Other real estate owned (5)			—				774				—				301

 

(1)	Includes real estate loans of $8.6 million, commercial and industrial loans of $28.1 million, and consumer loans of $1.3 million.

(2)	Includes properties from the foreclosure of a residential property loan of $756,000.

(3)	Includes a SBA loan of $484,000.

(4)	Includes real estate loans of $8.7 million, commercial and industrial loans of $27.0 million, and consumer loans of $1.0 million.

(5)	Includes properties from the foreclosure of real estate loans of $774,000.

FASB ASC 825 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.

The estimated fair values of financial instruments were as follows:

 

		December 31, 2013								December 31, 2012
		Carrying or Contract Amount				Estimated Fair Value				Carrying or Contract Amount				Estimated Fair Value
		(In thousands)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	179,357			$	179,357			$	268,047			$	268,047
Restricted cash			—				—				5,350				5,350
Investment securities available for sale			530,926				530,926				451,060				451,060
Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses			2,177,498				2,204,069				1,986,051				1,981,669
Loans held for sale			—				—				8,306				8,306
Accrued interest receivable			7,055				7,055				7,581				7,581
Investment in federal home loan bank stock			14,060				14,060				17,800				17,800
Investment in federal reserve bank stock			11,196				11,196				12,222				12,222
Financial liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing deposits			819,015				819,015				720,931				720,931
Interest-bearing deposits			1,693,310				1,693,739				1,675,032				1,680,211
Borrowings			127,546				127,249				85,341				85,414
Accrued interest payable			3,366				3,366				11,775				11,775
Off-balance sheet items:
Commitments to extend credit			246,161				190				182,746				146
Standby letters of credit			8,926				25				10,588				24

The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it was practicable to estimate that value are explained below:

Cash and cash equivalents – The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments (Level 1).

Restricted cash – The carrying amount of restricted cash approximates its fair value (Level 1).

Investment securities – The fair value of investment securities, consisting of investment securities available for sale, is generally obtained from market bids for similar or identical securities, from independent securities brokers or dealers, or from other model-based valuation techniques described above (Level 1, 2 and 3).

Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses – The fair value for loans receivable is estimated based on the discounted cash flow approach. The discount rate was derived from the associated yield curve plus spreads and reflects the offering rates offered by the Bank for loans with similar financial characteristics. Yield curves are constructed by product and payment types. These rates could be different from what other financial institutions could offer for these loans. No adjustments have been made for changes in credit within the loan portfolio. It is our opinion that the allowance for loan losses relating to performing and nonperforming loans results in a fair valuation of such loans. Additionally, the fair value of our loans may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such loans and may differ materially from the values that we may ultimately realize (Level 3).

Loans held for sale – Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair market value, as determined based upon quotes, bids or sales contract prices, or as may be assessed based upon the fair value of the collateral which is obtained from recent real estate appraisals (Level 2). Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustment is typically significant and results in Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

 

Accrued interest receivable – The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable approximates its fair value (Level 1).

Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock – The carrying amounts of investment in FHLB and FRB stock approximate fair value as such stock may be resold to the issuer at carrying value (Level 1).

Non-interest-bearing deposits – The fair value of non-interest-bearing deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (Level 2).

Interest-bearing deposits – The fair value of interest-bearing deposits, such as savings accounts, money market checking, and certificates of deposit, is estimated based on discounted cash flows. The cash flows for non-maturity deposits, including savings accounts and money market checking, are estimated based on their historical decaying experiences. The discount rate used for fair valuation is based on interest rates currently being offered by the Bank on comparable deposits as to amount and term (Level 3).

Borrowings – Borrowings consist of FHLB advances, junior subordinated debentures and other borrowings. Discounted cash flows based on current market rates for borrowings with similar remaining maturities are used to estimate the fair value of borrowings (Level 3).

Accrued interest payable – The carrying amount of accrued interest payable approximates its fair value (Level 1).

Stock warrants – The fair value of stock warrants is determined by the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The expected stock volatility is based on historical volatility of our common stock over expected term of the warrants. The expected life assumption is based on the contract term and dividend yield is based on the company’s annual dividend divided by the current share price. The risk free rate used for the warrants is equal to the zero coupon rate in effect at the time of the grant (Level 3).

Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit – The fair values of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are based upon the difference between the current value of similar loans and the price at which the Bank has committed to make the loans (Level 3).