Note 16 — 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, SBA loan pool securities, and equity securities in markets that are not 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 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, 2014, we had a zero coupon tax credit municipal bond of $709,000 compared to $748,000 as of December 31, 2013. 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, 2014 were discount rate and cash flows. The discount rate was derived from the term structure of Bank Qualified (“BQ”) “BBB-” 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 0.23 year. 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had $5.5 million and no 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, 2014, 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.

Impaired loans (excluding PCI loans) – Nonaccrual loans and performing restructured loans are considered impaired for reporting purposes and are measured and recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Nonaccrual Non-PCI loans with an unpaid principal balance over $100,000 and all performing restructured loans are reviewed individually for the amount of impairment, if any. Nonaccrual Non-PCI loans with an unpaid principal balance of $100,000 or less are evaluated for impairment collectively. The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, nonrecurring fair value adjustments to collateral dependent impaired loans are recorded based on either the current appraised value of the collateral, a Level 2 measurement, or management’s judgment and estimation of value reported on older appraisals that are then adjusted based on recent market trends, a Level 3 measurement.

Other real estate owned – Fair value of OREO is based primarily on third party appraisals, less costs to sell and result in a Level 2 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.

Nonperforming loans held for sale – We reclassify certain nonperforming loans as held for sale when we decide to sell those loans. The fair value of nonperforming loans held for sale is generally based upon the quotes, bids or sales contract prices which approximate their fair value. Nonperforming loans held for sale are recorded at estimated fair value less anticipated liquidation cost. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we did not have nonperforming loans held for sale, 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, 2014. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2014
Assets:
Securities available for sale:
Mortgage-backed securities		$	—			$	573,286			$	—			$	573,286
Collateralized mortgage obligations			—				188,047				—				188,047
U.S. government agency securities			128,207				—				—				128,207
SBA loan pools securities			—				109,447				—				109,447
Municipal bonds-tax exempt			—				3,681				709				4,390
Municipal bonds-taxable			—				16,922				—				16,922
Corporate bonds			—				16,948				—				16,948
U.S. treasury securities			163				—				—				163
Other securities			—				22,893				—				22,893
Equity securities			—				—				414				414
Total securities available for sale		$	128,370			$	931,224			$	1,123			$	1,060,717
December 31, 2013
Assets:
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
SBA loan pools securities			—				12,629				—				12,629
Municipal bonds-tax exempt			—				13,189				748				13,937
Municipal bonds-taxable			—				32,354				—				32,354
Corporate bonds			—				20,835				—				20,835
U.S. treasury securities			19,997				—				—				19,997
Other securities			—				2,886				—				2,886
Total securities available for sale		$	103,533			$	426,645			$	748			$	530,926
Liabilities:
Stock warrants		$	—			$	—			$	2			$	2

 

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, 2014:

 

		Beginning Balance as of January 1, 2014				Purchases, Issuances and Settlement				Realized Gains or Losses in Earnings				Unrealized Gains or Losses in Other Comprehensive Income				Ending Balance as of December 31, 2014
		(In thousands)
Assets:
Municipal bonds-tax exempt (1)		$	748			$	—			$	—			$	(39	)		$	709
Equity securities (2)		$	—			$	450			$	—			$	(36	)		$	414
Liabilities:
Stock warrants (3)		$	2			$	(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 $700,000 with a remaining life of 0.23 years at December 31, 2014.

(2)

Reflects two equity securities that are not actively traded. The fair value of one equity security with a fair value of $214,000 was computed using valuation multiples (price to book and price to earnings) derived from market transactions for comparable companies. The other equity security with a fair value of $200,000 was computed using valuation multiples (price to book and price to earnings) derived from 1) market transactions for comparable companies, and 2) publicly-traded comparable companies.

(3)

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. As of December 31, 2014, there were no outstanding stock warrants. See “Note 13 – Stockholders’ Equity” for more details.

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

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2014
Assets:
Impaired loans (excluding PCI loans) (1)		$	—			$	32,171			$	781			$	2,774
Other real estate owned (2)			—				15,790				—				—
December 31, 2013
Assets:
Impaired loans (3)		$	—			$	36,254			$	1,738			$	2,431
Other real estate owned (4)			—				756				—				10

 

(1)	Includes real estate loans of $30.0 million, commercial and industrial loans of $1.2 million, and consumer loans of $1.7 million

(2)	Includes properties from the foreclosure of commercial property loans of $13.2 million and residential property loans of $2.6 million.

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

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

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, 2014
		Carrying Amount				Fair Value
						Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	158,320			$	158,320			$	—			$	—
Securities available for sale			1,060,717				128,370				931,224				1,123
Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses			2,735,832				—				—				2,738,401
Loans held for sale			5,451				—				5,451				—
Accrued interest receivable			9,749				9,749				—				—
Servicing assets			13,773				—				—				13,773
Investment in FHLB stock			17,580				17,580				—				—
Investment in FRB stock			12,273				12,273				—				—
Financial liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing deposits			1,022,972				—				1,022,972				—
Interest-bearing deposits			2,533,774				—				—				2,528,304
Servicing liabilities			5,971												5,971
Borrowings			168,544				—				—				168,544
Accrued interest payable			3,450				3,450				—				—
Off-balance sheet items:
Commitments to extend credit			309,584				—				—				309,584
Standby letters of credit			8,982				—				—				8,982

 

		December 31, 2013
		Carrying Amount				Fair Value
						Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	179,357			$	179,357			$	—			$	—
Securities available for sale			530,926				103,533				426,645				748
Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses			2,177,498				—				—				2,204,069
Accrued interest receivable			7,055				7,055				—				—
Servicing assets			6,833				—				—				6,833
Investment in FHLB stock			14,060				14,060				—				—
Investment in FRB stock			11,196				11,196				—				—
Financial liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing deposits			819,015				—				819,015				—
Interest-bearing deposits			1,693,310				—				—				1,693,739
Borrowings			127,546				—				—				127,546
Accrued interest payable			3,366				3,366				—				—
Off-balance sheet items:
Commitments to extend credit			246,161				—				—				246,161
Standby letters of credit			8,926				—				—				8,926

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).

 

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 – Loans receivable include Non-PCI loans, PCI loans and Non-PCI impaired loans. The fair value of Non-PCI 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 type using the Bank’s loan pricing model for like-quality credits. The discount rates used in the Bank’s model represent the rates the Bank would offer to current borrowers for like-quality credits. 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).

The fair value of PCI loans receivable was estimated based on discounted expected cash flows. Increases in expected cash flows and improvements in the timing of cash flows over those previously estimated increase the amount of accretable yield and are recognized as an increase in yield and interest income prospectively. Decreases in the amount and delays in the timing of expected cash flows compared to those previously estimated decrease the amount of accretable yield and usually result in a provision for loan losses and the establishment of an allowance for loan losses (Level 3).

The fair value of impaired loans (excluding PCI loans) is estimated based on the net realizable fair value of the collateral or the observable market price of the most recent sale or quoted price from loans held for sale. The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. Nonrecurring fair value adjustments to collateral dependent impaired loans are recorded based on the current appraised value of the collateral (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).

Servicing assets or servicing liabilities – Servicing assets or servicing liabilities are carried at its implied fair value. The fair values of the servicing assets or servicing liabilities are estimated by discounting future cash flows using market-based discount rates and prepayments speeds. The discount rate is based on the current U.S. Treasury yield curve, as published by the Department of the Treasury, plus a spread for the marketplace risk associated with these assets. (Level 3)

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).

Noninterest-bearing deposits – The fair value of noninterest-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, 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 its current share price. The risk free rate used for the warrants is equal to the zero coupon rate in effect at the end of the measurement period (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).