Note 9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in U.S. GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The definition of fair value focuses on the exit price, i.e., the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, not the entry price, i.e., the price that would be paid to acquire the asset or received to assume the liability at the measurement date. The statement emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement; not an entity-specific measurement. Therefore, the fair value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

Valuation Hierarchy

FASB ASC 820 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:


•	Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.


•	Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.


•	Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

A financial instrument's categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such assets and liabilities pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

Assets

Securities available-for-sale – Where quoted prices are available for identical securities in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 securities include highly liquid government securities and certain other financial products. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models that use observable inputs or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics and are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. In certain cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation and more complex pricing models or discounted cash flows are used, securities are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

Other investments – Included in other investments are investments recorded at fair value primarily in certain nonpublic investments and funds. The valuation of these nonpublic investments requires management judgment due to the absence of observable quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity and the long-term nature of such assets. These investments are valued initially based upon transaction price. The carrying values of other investments are adjusted either upwards or downwards from the transaction price to reflect expected exit values as evidenced by financing and sale transactions with third parties, or when determination of a valuation adjustment is confirmed through ongoing reviews by senior investment managers. A variety of factors are reviewed and monitored to assess positive and negative changes in valuation including, but not limited to, current operating performance and future expectations of the particular investment, industry valuations of comparable public companies and changes in market outlook and the third-party financing environment over time. In determining valuation adjustments resulting from the investment review process, emphasis is placed on current company performance and market conditions. These investments are included in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy if the entities and funds are not widely traded and the underlying investments are in privately-held and/or start-up companies for which market values are not readily available. Certain investments in funds for which the underlying assets of the fund represent publicly traded investments are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Other assets – Included in other assets are certain assets carried at fair value, including interest rate swap agreements, cash flow hedge agreements and interest rate locks associated with the mortgage loan pipeline. The carrying amount of interest rate swap agreements is based on Pinnacle Financial's pricing models that utilize observable market inputs. The fair value of the cash flow hedge agreements is determined by calculating the difference between the discounted fixed rate cash flows and the discounted variable rate cash flows. The fair value of the mortgage loan pipeline is based upon the projected sales price of the underlying loans, taking into account market interest rates and other market factors at the measurement date, net of the projected fallout rate. Pinnacle Financial reflects these assets within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy as these assets are valued using similar transactions that occur in the market.

Impaired loans – A loan is classified as impaired when it is probable Pinnacle Financial will be unable to collect all principal and interest payments due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected payments using the loan's original effective rate as the discount rate, the loan's observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral less selling costs if the loan is collateral dependent. If the recorded investment in the impaired loan exceeds the measure of fair value, a valuation allowance may be established as a component of the allowance for loan losses or the difference may be recognized as a charge-off. Impaired loans are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy due to the unobservable inputs used in determining their fair value such as collateral values and the borrower's underlying financial condition.

Other real estate owned – Other real estate owned (OREO) represents real estate foreclosed upon by Pinnacle Bank through loan defaults by customers or acquired by deed in lieu of foreclosure. A significant portion of these amounts relate to lots, homes and development projects that are either completed or are in various stages of construction for which Pinnacle Financial believes it has adequate collateral. Upon foreclosure, the property is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, based on appraised value, less selling costs estimated as of the date acquired with any loss recognized as a charge-off through the allowance for loan losses. Additional OREO losses for subsequent valuation downward adjustments are determined on a specific property basis and are included as a component of noninterest expense along with holding costs. Any gains or losses realized at the time of disposal are also reflected in noninterest expense, as applicable. OREO is included in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy due to the lack of observable market inputs into the determination of fair value as appraisal values are property-specific and sensitive to the changes in the overall economic environment.

Liabilities

Other liabilities – Pinnacle Financial has certain liabilities carried at fair value including certain interest rate swap agreements to facilitate customer transactions and the cash flow hedge and interest rate locks associated with the funding for its mortgage loan originations. The fair value of these liabilities is based on Pinnacle Financial's pricing models that utilize observable market inputs and is reflected within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

The following tables present financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, by caption on the consolidated balance sheets and by FASB ASC 820 valuation hierarchy (as described above) (in thousands):



	Total carrying value in the consolidated balance sheet		Quoted market prices in an active market (Level 1)		Models with significant observable market parameters (Level 2)		Models with significant unobservable market parameters (Level 3)
March 31, 2019
Investment securities available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasury securities	$	48,612	$	—	$	48,612	$	—
U.S. government agency securities	66,969		—		66,969		—
Mortgage-backed securities	1,359,721		—		1,359,721		—
State and municipal securities	1,450,731		—		1,437,001		13,730
Agency-backed securities	269,010		—		269,010		—
Corporate notes and other	54,963		—		54,963		—
Total investment securities available-for-sale	$	3,250,006	$	—	$	3,236,276	$	13,730
Other investments	52,806		—		24,699		28,107
Other assets	27,943		—		27,943		—
Total assets at fair value	$	3,330,755	$	—	$	3,288,918	$	41,837

Other liabilities	$	64,746	$	—	$	64,746	$	—
Total liabilities at fair value	$	64,746	$	—	$	64,746	$	—

December 31, 2018
Investment securities available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasury securities	$	30,300	$	—	$	30,300	$	—
U.S. government agency securities	70,159		—		70,159		—
Mortgage-backed securities	1,310,945		—		1,310,945		—
State and municipal securities	1,229,654		—		1,215,059		14,595
Agency-backed securities	375,582		—		375,582		—
Corporate notes and other	67,046		—		67,046		—
Total investment securities available-for-sale	3,083,686		—		3,069,091		14,595
Other investments	50,791		—		24,369		26,422
Other assets	24,524		—		24,524		—
Total assets at fair value	$	3,159,001	$	—	$	3,117,984	$	41,017

Other liabilities	$	46,550	$	—	$	46,550	$	—
Total liabilities at fair value	$	46,550	$	—	$	46,550	$	—

The following table presents assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands):



March 31, 2019	Total carrying value in the consolidated balance sheet		Quoted market prices in an active market (Level 1)		Models with significant observable market parameters (Level 2)		Models with significant unobservable market parameters (Level 3)		Total gains (losses) for the year-to-date period then ended
Other real estate owned	$	15,077	$	—	$	—	$	15,077	$	50
Impaired loans, net ⁽¹⁾	47,690		—		—		47,690		(1,113		)
Total	$	62,767	$	—	$	—	$	62,767	$	(1,063	)

December 31, 2018
Other real estate owned	$	15,165	$	—	$	—	$	15,165	$	(84	)
Impaired loans, net ⁽¹⁾	40,830		—		—		40,830		(1,214		)
Total	$	55,995	$	—	$	—	$	55,995	$	(1,298	)

⁽¹⁾ Amount is net of valuation allowance of $5.5 million and $4.0 million at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, as required by ASC 310-10, "Receivables."

In the case of the investment securities portfolio, Pinnacle Financial monitors the portfolio to ascertain when transfers between levels have been affected. The nature of the remaining assets and liabilities is such that transfers in and out of any level are expected to be rare. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, there were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 or 3.

The table below includes a rollforward of the balance sheet amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018 (including the change in fair value) for financial instruments classified by Pinnacle Financial within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy measured at fair value on a recurring basis including changes in fair value due in part to observable factors that are part of the valuation methodology (in thousands):



	For the three months ended March 31,
	2019								2018
	Available-for-sale Securities			Other assets			Other liabilities		Available-for-sale Securities			Other assets			Other liabilities
Fair value, beginning of period	$	14,595		$	26,422		$	—	$	17,029		$	28,874		$	—
Total realized gains included in income	30			448			—		31			512			—
Changes in unrealized gains/losses included in other comprehensive income for assets and liabilities still held at March 31	(496		)	—			—		(666		)	—			—
Purchases	—			1,670			—		—			870			—
Issuances	—			—			—		—			—			—
Settlements	(399		)	(433		)	—		(1,168		)	(468		)	—
Transfers out of Level 3	—			—			—		—			—			—
Fair value, end of period	$	13,730		$	28,107		—		$	15,226		$	29,788		$	—
Total realized gains included in income related to financial assets and liabilities still on the consolidated balance sheet at March 31	$	30		$	448		$	—	$	31		$	512		$	—

The following methods and assumptions were used by Pinnacle Financial in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments that are not measured at fair value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using discounted cash flow models. Those models are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rates, estimates of future cash flows and borrower creditworthiness. The fair value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information available to management as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. Such amounts have not been revalued for purposes of these consolidated financial statements since those dates and, therefore, current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.

Securities held-to-maturity - Estimated fair values for investment securities are based on quoted market prices where available. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models that use observable inputs or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics.

Loans - The fair value of Pinnacle Financial's loan portfolio includes a credit risk factor in the determination of the fair value of its loans. This credit risk assumption is intended to approximate the fair value that a market participant would realize in a hypothetical orderly transaction. Pinnacle Financial's loan portfolio is initially fair valued using a segmented approach. Pinnacle Financial divides its loan portfolio into the following categories: variable rate loans, impaired loans and all other loans. The results are then adjusted to account for credit risk.

The values derived from the discounted cash flow approach for our performing loan portfolio incorporate credit risk to determine the exit price. Fair values for impaired loans are estimated using discounted cash flow models or are based on the fair value of the underlying collateral.

Purchased loans, including loans acquired through a merger, are initially recorded at fair value on the date of purchase. Purchased loans that contain evidence of post-origination credit deterioration as of the purchase date are carried at the net present value of expected future cash flows. All other purchased loans are recorded at their initial fair value, and adjusted for subsequent advances, pay downs, amortization or accretion of any fair value premium or discount on purchase, charge-offs and any other adjustment to carrying value.

Loans held-for-sale - Loans held-for-sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. The estimate of fair value is based on pricing models and other information.

Deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances, subordinated debt and other borrowings - The fair value of demand deposits, savings deposits and securities sold under agreements to repurchase are derived from a selection of market transactions reflecting our peer group. Fair values for certificates of deposit, FHLB advances and subordinated debt are estimated using discounted cash flow models, using current market interest rates offered on certificates, advances and other borrowings with similar remaining maturities.

Off-balance sheet instruments - The fair values of Pinnacle Financial's off-balance-sheet financial instruments are based on fees charged to enter into similar agreements. However, commitments to extend credit do not represent a significant value to Pinnacle Financial until such commitments are funded.

The following table presents the carrying amounts, estimated fair value and placement in the fair value hierarchy of Pinnacle Financial's financial instruments at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. This table excludes financial instruments for which the carrying amount approximates fair value. For short-term financial assets such as cash and cash equivalents, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the relatively short time between the origination of the instrument and its expected realization. For financial liabilities such as non-interest bearing demand, interest-bearing demand, and savings deposits, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to these products having no stated maturity (in thousands):



March 31, 2019	Carrying/ Notional Amount		Estimated Fair Value ⁽¹⁾		Quoted market prices in an active market (Level 1)		Models with significant observable market parameters (Level 2)		Models with significant unobservable market parameters (Level 3)
Financial assets:
Securities held-to-maturity	$	194,043	$	199,010	$	—	$	199,010	$	—
Loans, net	18,087,712		17,916,901		—		—		17,916,901
Consumer loans held-for-sale	53,658		54,613		—		54,613		—
Commercial loans held-for-sale	14,456		14,713		—		14,713		—

Financial liabilities:
Deposits and securities sold under
agreements to repurchase	18,581,159		17,977,271		—		—		17,977,271
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	2,121,075		2,109,609		—		—		2,109,609
Subordinated debt and other borrowings	484,703		465,615		—		—		465,615

Off-balance sheet instruments:
Commitments to extend credit ⁽²⁾	7,397,175		1,729		—		—		1,729
Standby letters of credit ⁽³⁾	191,279		1,135		—		—		1,135

December 31, 2018
Financial assets:
Securities held-to-maturity	$	194,282	$	193,131	$	—	$	193,131	$	—
Loans, net	17,623,974		17,288,795		—		—		17,288,795
Consumer loans held-for-sale	34,196		34,929		—		34,929		—
Commercial loans held-for-sale	15,954		16,296		—		16,296		—

Financial liabilities:
Deposits and securities sold under
agreements to repurchase	18,953,848		18,337,848		—		—		18,337,848
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	1,443,589		1,432,003		—		—		1,432,003
Subordinated debt and other borrowings	485,130		464,616		—		—		464,616

Off-balance sheet instruments:
Commitments to extend credit ⁽²⁾	6,921,689		1,733		—		—		1,733
Standby letters of credit ⁽³⁾	177,475		1,131		—		—		1,131


(1)	Estimated fair values are consistent with an exit-price concept. The assumptions used to estimate the fair values are intended to approximate those that a market-participant would realize in a hypothetical orderly transaction.

(2)

At the end of each quarter, Pinnacle Financial evaluates the inherent risks of the outstanding off-balance sheet commitments. In making this evaluation, Pinnacle Financial evaluates the credit worthiness of the borrower, the collateral supporting the commitments and any other factors similar to those used to evaluate the inherent risks of our loan portfolio. Additionally, Pinnacle Financial evaluates the probability that the outstanding commitment will eventually become a funded loan. As a result, at both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, Pinnacle Financial included in other liabilities $1.7 million representing the inherent risks associated with these off-balance sheet commitments.

(3)

At both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the aggregate fair value of Pinnacle Financial's standby letters of credit was $1.1 million. These amounts represent the unamortized fee associated with these standby letters of credit and are included in the consolidated balance sheets of Pinnacle Financial and are believed to approximate fair value. These fair values will decrease over time as the existing standby letters of credit approach their expiration dates.