Fair value measurements

Fair value estimates are estimates of the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid upon the transfer of a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value estimates are generally determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and are based on market data obtained from independent sources. However, in certain cases, the Company and the Utilities use their own assumptions about market participant assumptions based on the best information available in the circumstances. These valuations are estimates at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information, information about the financial instrument and judgments regarding future expected loss experience, economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments and other factors. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result if the Company or the Utilities were to sell its entire holdings of a particular financial instrument at one time. Because no active trading market exists for a portion of the Company’s and the Utilities’ financial instruments, fair value estimates cannot be determined with precision. Changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect the estimates. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses could have a significant effect on fair value estimates, but have not been considered in making such estimates.

The Company and the Utilities group their financial assets measured at fair value in three levels outlined as follows:

Level 1: Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices, unadjusted, for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. A quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value and is used to measure fair value whenever available.

Level 2: Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or inputs to the valuation methodology that are derived principally from or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3: Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using discounted cash flow methodologies, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

Classification in the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability. For instruments classified in Level 1 and 2 where inputs are primarily based upon observable market data, there is less judgment applied in arriving at the fair value. For instruments classified in Level 3, management judgment is more significant due to the lack of observable market data.

Fair value is also used on a nonrecurring basis to evaluate certain assets for impairment or for disclosure purposes. Examples of nonrecurring uses of fair value include mortgage servicing rights accounted for by the amortization method, loan impairments for certain loans and goodwill.

Fair value measurement and disclosure valuation methodology. Following are descriptions of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value and for estimating fair value for financial instruments not carried at fair value:

Short-term borrowings—other than bank. The carrying amount approximated fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

Investment securities. The fair value of ASB’s investment securities is determined quarterly through pricing obtained from independent third-party pricing services or from brokers not affiliated with the trade. The third-party pricing vendors the Company uses for pricing its securities are reputable firms that provide pricing services on a global basis and have processes in place to ensure quality and control. The third-party pricing services use a variety of methods to determine the fair value of securities that fall under Level 2 of the Company’s fair value measurement hierarchy. Among the considerations are quoted prices for similar securities in an active market, yield spreads for similar trades, adjustments for liquidity, size, collateral characteristics, historic and generic prepayment speeds, and other observable market factors.

To enhance the robustness of the pricing process, ASB will on a quarterly basis compare its standard third-party vendor’s price with that of another third-party vendor. If the prices are within an acceptable tolerance range, the price of the standard vendor will be accepted. If the variance is beyond the tolerance range, an evaluation will be conducted by ASB and a challenge to the price may be made. Fair value in such cases will be based on the value that best reflects the data and observable characteristics of the security. In all cases, the fair value used will have been independently determined by a third-party pricing vendor or non-affiliated broker and not by ASB.

Loans held for sale. Residential mortgage loans carried at the lower of cost or market are valued using market observable pricing inputs, which are derived from third party loan sales and securitizations and, therefore, are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Loans held for investment. Fair value of loans held for investment is derived using a discounted cash flow approach which includes an evaluation of the underlying loan characteristics. The valuation model uses loan characteristics which includes product type, maturity dates and the underlying interest rate of the portfolio. This information is input into the valuation models along with various forecast valuation assumptions including prepayment forecasts, to determine the discount rate. These assumptions are derived from internal and third party sources. Noting the valuation is derived from model-based techniques, ASB includes loans held for investment within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

Impaired loans. At the time a loan is considered impaired, it is valued at the lower of cost or fair value. Fair value is determined primarily by using an income, cost or market approach and is normally provided through appraisals. Impaired loans carried at fair value generally receive specific allocations within the allowance for loan losses. For collateral-dependent loans, fair value is commonly based on recent real estate appraisals. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. Non-real estate collateral may be valued using an appraisal, net book value per the borrower’s financial statements, or aging reports, adjusted or discounted based on management’s historical knowledge, changes in market conditions from the time of the valuation and management’s expertise and knowledge of the client and client’s business, resulting in a Level 3 fair value classification. Generally, impaired loans are evaluated quarterly for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly.

Other real estate owned. Foreclosed assets are carried at fair value (less estimated costs to sell) and is generally based upon appraisals or independent market prices that are periodically updated subsequent to classification as real estate owned. Such adjustments typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. ASB estimates the fair value of collateral-dependent loans and real estate owned using the sales comparison approach.

Mortgage servicing rights. Mortgage servicing rights (MSR) are capitalized at fair value based on market data at the time of sale and accounted for in subsequent periods at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Mortgage servicing rights are evaluated for impairment at each reporting date. ASB's MSR is stratified based on predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans including loan type and note rate. For each stratum, fair value is calculated by discounting expected net income streams using discount rates that reflect industry pricing for similar assets. Expected net income streams are estimated based on industry assumptions regarding prepayment expectations and income and expenses associated with servicing residential mortgage loans for others. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for each stratum when the carrying amount exceeds fair value, with any associated provision recorded as a component of loan servicing fees included in "Other income, net" in the consolidated statements of income. A direct write-down is recorded when the recoverability of the valuation allowance is deemed to be unrecoverable. ASB compares the fair value of MSR to an estimated value calculated by an independent third-party. The third-party relies on both published and unpublished sources of market related assumptions and their own experience and expertise to arrive at a value. ASB uses the third-party value only to assess the reasonableness of its own estimate.

Time deposits. The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit was estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

Other borrowings. For fixed-rate advances and repurchase agreements, fair value is estimated using quantitative discounted cash flow models that require the use of interest rate inputs that are currently offered for advances and repurchase agreements of similar remaining maturities. The majority of market inputs are actively quoted and can be validated through external sources, including broker market transactions and third party pricing services.

Long-term debt—other than bank. Fair value was obtained from third-party financial services providers based on the current rates offered for debt of the same or similar remaining maturities and from discounting the future cash flows using the current rates offered for debt of the same or similar remaining maturities.

Interest rate lock commitments (IRLCs). The estimated fair value of commitments to originate residential mortgage loans for sale is based on quoted prices for similar loans in active markets. IRLCs are classified as Level 2 measurements.

Forward sales commitments. To be announced (TBA) mortgage-backed securities forward commitments are classified as Level 1, and consist of publicly-traded debt securities for which identical fair values can be obtained through quoted market prices in active exchange markets. The fair values of ASB’s best efforts and mandatory delivery loan sale commitments are determined using quoted prices in the market place that are observable and are classified as Level 2 measurements.

Window forward contract. The estimated fair value was obtained from a third-party financial services provider based on the effective exchange rate offered for the foreign currency denominated transaction. Window forward contracts are classified as Level 2 measurements.

The following table presents the carrying or notional amount, fair value, and placement in the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments. For stock in Federal Home Loan Bank, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value because it can only be redeemed at par. For bank-owned life insurance, the carrying amount is the cash surrender value of the insurance policies, which is a reasonable estimate of fair value. For financial liabilities such as noninterest-bearing demand, interest-bearing demand, and savings and money market deposits, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value as these liabilities have no stated maturity.



			Estimated fair value
	Carrying or notional amount		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets		Significant other observable inputs		Significant unobservable inputs
(in thousands)	Carrying or notional amount		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
September 30, 2016
Financial assets
Money market funds	$	45,030	$	—	$	45,030	$	—	$	45,030
Available-for-sale investment securities	996,984		—		996,984		—		996,984
Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank	11,218		—		11,218		—		11,218
Loans receivable, net	4,702,644		—		26,784		4,923,457		4,950,241
Mortgage servicing rights	9,191		—		—		10,971		10,971
Bank-owned life insurance	141,262		—		141,262		—		141,262
Derivative assets	62,581		—		1,508		—		1,508
The Utilities’ derivative assets (included in amount above)	20,725		—		664		—		664
Financial liabilities
Deposit liabilities	5,380,721		—		5,384,924		—		5,384,924
Other bank borrowings	265,388		—		267,892		—		267,892
Long-term debt, net—other than bank	1,579,065		—		1,741,707		—		1,741,707
The Utilities’ long-term debt, net (included in amount above)	1,279,327		—		1,432,766		—		1,432,766
Derivative liabilities	42,344		121		43		—		164
December 31, 2015
Financial assets
Money market funds	$	10	$	—	$	10	$	—	$	10
Available-for-sale investment securities	820,648		—		820,648		—		820,648
Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank	10,678		—		10,678		—		10,678
Loans receivable, net	4,570,412		—		4,639		4,744,886		4,749,525
Mortgage servicing rights	8,884		—		—		11,790		11,790
Bank-owned life insurance	138,139		—		138,139		—		138,139
Derivative assets	22,616		—		385		—		385
Financial liabilities
Deposit liabilities	5,025,254		—		5,024,500		—		5,024,500
Short-term borrowings—other than bank	103,063		—		103,063		—		103,063
Other bank borrowings	328,582		—		333,392		—		333,392
Long-term debt, net—other than bank*	1,578,368		—		1,669,087		—		1,669,087
The Utilities’ long-term debt, net (included in amount above)*	1,278,702		—		1,363,766		—		1,363,766
Derivative liabilities	23,269		15		15		—		30

* See Note 11 for the impact to prior period financial information of the adoption of ASU No. 2015-03.

Fair value measurements on a recurring basis. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:



	September 30, 2016						December 31, 2015
	Fair value measurements using						Fair value measurements using
(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Money market funds (“other” segment)	$	—	$	45,030	$	—	$	—	$	10	$	—
Available-for-sale investment securities (bank segment)
Mortgage-related securities-FNMA, FHLMC and GNMA	$	—	$	807,612	$	—	$	—	$	607,689	$	—
U.S. Treasury and federal agency obligations	—		189,372		—		—		212,959		—
	$	—	$	996,984	$	—	$	—	$	820,648	$	—
Derivative assets
Interest rate lock commitments ¹	$	—	$	843	$	—	$	—	$	384	$	—
Forward commitments ¹	—		1		—		—		1		—
Window forward contract ²	—		664		—		—		—		—
	$	—	$	1,508	$	—	$	—	$	385	$	—
Derivative liabilities ¹
Forward commitments	$	121	$	43	$	—	$	15	$	15	$	—

¹ Derivatives are carried at fair value with changes in value reflected in the balance sheet in other assets or other liabilities and included in mortgage banking income.

² Asset derivatives are included in other current assets in the balance sheets.

There were no transfers of financial assets and liabilities between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the quarter ended September 30, 2016.

Fair value measurements on a nonrecurring basis. Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and therefore are not included in the tables above. These measurements primarily result from assets carried at the lower of cost or fair value or from impairment of individual assets. The carrying value of assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis were as follows:



			Fair value measurements
(in thousands)	Balance		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
September 30, 2016
Loans	$	1,382	$	—	$	—	$	1,382
Real estate acquired in settlement of loans	219		—		—		219
December 31, 2015
Loans	178		—		—		178
Real estate acquired in settlement of loans	1,030		—		—		1,030

At September 30, 2016 and 2015, there were no adjustments to fair value for ASB’s loans held for sale which were carried at the lower of cost or fair value.

The following table presents quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements for financial instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:

Significant unobservable

input value ⁽¹⁾

($ in thousands)

Fair value

Valuation technique

Significant unobservable input

Range

Weighted

Average

September 30, 2016

Residential loans

1,370

Fair value of property or collateral

Appraised value less 7% selling costs

42-91%

64%

Home equity lines of credit

Fair value of property or collateral

Appraised value less 7% selling costs

N/A (2)

Total loans

1,382

Real estate acquired in settlement of loans

219

Fair value of property or collateral

Appraised value less 7% selling costs

100%

December 31, 2015

Residential loans

Fair value of property or collateral

Appraised value less 7% selling costs

N/A (2)

Home equity lines of credit

128

Fair value of property or collateral

Appraised value less 7% selling costs

N/A (2)

Total loans

178

Real estate acquired in settlement of loans

1,030

Fair value of property or collateral

Appraised value less 7% selling cost

100%

(1) Represent percent of outstanding principal balance.


(2)	N/A - Not applicable. There is one loan in each fair value measurement type.

Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in significantly higher (lower) fair value measurements.