NOTE 14 – FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES

“Fair value” is defined by FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure (“FASB ASC 820”), as 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. FASB ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available under the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into the following three levels, based on the reliability of inputs:

Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date.

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 or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs for the asset or liability that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

Determination of Fair Value

The Company uses the valuation methodologies listed below to measure different financial instruments at fair value. An indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each instrument is generally classified is included. Where appropriate, the description includes details of the valuation models, the key inputs to those models as well as any significant assumptions.

Available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are determined by matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used 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. The Company’s available-for-sale securities that are traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, are classified as Level 1. Available-for-sale securities valued using matrix pricing are classified as Level 2. Available-for-sale securities valued using matrix pricing that has been adjusted to compensate for the present value of expected cash flows, market liquidity, credit quality and volatility are classified as Level 3.

Mortgage servicing rights. The Company records MSRs at fair value on a recurring basis with subsequent remeasurement of MSRs based on change in fair value. An estimate of the fair value of the Company’s MSRs is determined by utilizing assumptions about factors such as mortgage interest rates, discount rates, mortgage loan prepayment speeds, market trends and industry demand. All of the Company’s MSRs are classified as Level 3. For additional information about the Company’s valuation of MSRs, see Note 12, Mortgage Servicing Rights.

Derivative instruments. The Company’s derivative instruments consist of commitments to fund fixed-rate mortgage loans to customers and forward commitments to sell individual fixed-rate mortgage loans. Fair value of these derivative instruments is measured on a recurring basis using recent observable market prices. The Company also enters into interest rate swaps to meet the financing, interest rate and equity risk management needs of its customers. The fair value of these instruments is either an observable market price or a discounted cash flow valuation using the terms of swap agreements but substituting original interest rates with prevailing interest rates ranging from 1.5% to 3.7%. The Company also considers the associated counterparty credit risk when determining the fair value of these instruments. The Company’s interest rate swaps, commitments to fund fixed-rate mortgage loans to customers and forward commitments to sell individual fixed-rate mortgage loans are classified as Level 3.

Loans held for sale. In the second quarter of 2014 the Company elected to carry loans held for sale at fair value. The fair value of loans held for sale is based on commitments outstanding from investors as well as what secondary markets are currently offering for portfolios with similar characteristics. Therefore, loans held for sale are subjected to recurring fair value adjustments and are classified as Level 2. The Company obtains quotes, bids or pricing indications on all or part of these loans directly from the buyers. Premiums and discounts received or to be received on the quotes, bids or pricing indications are indicative of the fact that the cost is lower or higher than fair value. Loans held for sale prior to the second quarter of 2014 were carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value and were subject to nonrecurring fair value adjustments.

Impaired loans. Loans considered impaired under FASB ASC 310 are loans for which, based on current information and events, it is probable that the creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans are subject to nonrecurring fair value adjustments to reflect (1) partial write-downs that are based on the observable market price or current appraised value of the collateral, or (2) the full charge-off of the loan carrying value. All of the Company’s impaired loans are classified as Level 3.

Other real estate owned. OREO is carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value, less estimated selling costs and is subject to nonrecurring fair value adjustments. Estimated fair value is determined on the basis of independent appraisals and other relevant factors less an average of 7% for estimated selling costs. All of the Company’s OREO is classified as Level 3.

Off-Balance sheet financial instruments. The fair value of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreement and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. The Company has reviewed the unfunded portion of commitments to extend credit as well as standby and other letters of credit, and has determined that the fair value of such financial instruments is not material. The Company classifies the estimated fair value of credit-related financial instruments as Level 3.

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following tables present the balances of the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015 and 2014:



	March 31, 2015
	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Total

Assets:	(In thousands)
Available-for-sale securities:
U.S. Government agencies	$ -	$ 1,286,981	$ -	$ 1,286,981
Government agency issued residential
mortgage-backed securities	-	200,381	-	200,381
Government agency issued commercial
mortgage-backed securities	-	227,409	-	227,409
Obligations of states and
political subdivisions	-	471,539	-	471,539
Other	1,214	6,849	-	8,063
Mortgage servicing rights	-	-	49,190	49,190
Derivative instruments	-	-	27,145	27,145
Loans held for sale	-	186,510	-	186,510
Total	$ 1,214	$ 2,379,669	$ 76,335	$ 2,457,218
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments	$ -	$ -	$ 23,724	$ 23,724



	March 31, 2014
	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Total

Assets:	(In thousands)
Available-for-sale securities:
U.S. Government agencies	$ -	$ 1,419,269	$ -	$ 1,419,269
Government agency issued residential
mortgage-backed securities	-	241,596	-	241,596
Government agency issued commercial
mortgage-backed securities	-	234,059	-	234,059
Obligations of states and
political subdivisions	-	523,811	-	523,811
Other	1,029	6,994	-	8,023
Mortgage servicing rights	-	-	53,436	53,436
Derivative instruments	-	-	27,859	27,859
Total	$ 1,029	$ 2,425,729	$ 81,295	$ 2,508,053
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments	$ -	$ -	$ 27,244	$ 27,244

The following tables present the changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:



	Mortgage		Available-
	Servicing	Derivative	for-sale
	Rights	Instruments	Securities

	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$ 51,296	$ 623	$ -
Year to date net gains included in:
Net (loss) gain	(4,605)	2,798	-
Other comprehensive income	-	-	-
Additions	2,499	-	-
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	-	-	-
Balance at March 31, 2015	$ 49,190	$ 3,421	$ -
Net unrealized (losses) gains included in net income for the
quarter relating to assets and liabilities held at March 31, 2015	$ (3,039)	$ 2,798	$ -



	Mortgage		Available-
	Servicing	Derivative	for-sale
	Rights	Instruments	Securities

	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2013	$ 54,662	$ 878	$ -
Year to date net gains (losses) included in:
Net gain (loss)	(2,686)	(263)	-
Other comprehensive income	-	-	-
Additions	1,460	-	-
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	-	-	-
Balance at March 31, 2014	$ 53,436	$ 615	$ -
Net unrealized losses included in net income for the
quarter relating to assets and liabilities held at March 31, 2014	$ (1,547)	$ (263)	$ -

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The following tables present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2015 and 2014:



	March 31, 2015
					Total
	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Total	Losses

Assets:	(In thousands)
Impaired loans	$ -	$ -	$ 24,837	24,837	$ (388)
Other real estate owned	-	-	27,889	27,889	(11,725)



	March 31, 2014
					Total
	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Total	Losses

Assets:	(In thousands)
Loans held for sale	$ -	$ 62,867	$ -	62,867	$ -
Impaired loans	-	-	41,466	41,466	(1,588)
Other real estate owned	-	-	63,595	63,595	(17,730)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

FASB ASC 825, Financial Instruments (“FASB ASC 825”), requires that the Company disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments. Fair value estimates, methods and assumptions are set forth below for the Company's financial instruments.

Cash and Due From Banks. The carrying amounts for cash and due from banks approximate fair values due to their immediate and shorter-term maturities.

Loans and Leases. Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans and leases with similar financial characteristics. The fair value of loans and leases is calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated maturity using rates the Company would currently offer customers based on the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loan or lease. Assumptions regarding credit risk, cash flows and discount rates are judgmentally determined using available market and borrower information. Estimated maturity represents the expected average cash flow period, which in some instances is different than the stated maturity. This entrance price approach results in a calculated fair value that would be different than an exit or estimated actual sales price approach and such differences could be significant. All of the Company’s loans and leases are classified as Level 3.

Deposit Liabilities. Under FASB ASC 825, the fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest bearing demand deposits, interest bearing demand deposits and savings, is equal to the amount payable on demand as of the reporting date. The fair value of certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the prevailing rates offered for deposits of similar maturities. The Company’s noninterest bearing demand deposits, interest bearing demand deposits and savings are classified as Level 1. Certificates of deposit are classified as Level 2.

Debt. The carrying amounts for federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements approximate fair value because of their short-term maturity. The fair value of the Company’s fixed-term Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the prevailing rates available for advances of similar maturities. The fair value of the Company’s long-term borrowings with U.S. Bank is based on the LIBOR rates plus an interest rate spread. The fair value of the Company’s junior subordinated debt is based on market prices or dealer quotes. The Company’s federal funds purchased, repurchase agreements and junior subordinated debt are classified as Level 1. FHLB and U.S. Bank advances are classified as Level 2.

Lending Commitments. The Company’s lending commitments are negotiated at prevailing market rates and are relatively short-term in nature. As a matter of policy, the Company generally makes commitments for fixed-rate loans for relatively short periods of time. Therefore, the estimated value of the Company’s lending commitments approximates the carrying amount and is immaterial to the financial statements. The Company’s lending commitments are classified as Level 2. The Company’s off-balance sheet commitments including letters of credit, which totaled $101.3 million at March 31, 2015, are funded at current market rates at the date they are drawn upon. It is management’s opinion that the fair value of these commitments would approximate their carrying value, if drawn upon.

The following table presents carrying and fair value information of financial instruments at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:



	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Carrying	Fair	Carrying	Fair
	Value	Value	Value	Value

Assets:	(In thousands)
Cash and due from banks	$ 199,337	$ 199,337	$ 204,231	$ 204,231
Interest bearing deposits with other banks	360,469	360,469	153,019	153,019
Available-for-sale securities	2,194,373	2,194,373	2,156,927	2,156,927
Net loans and leases	9,590,310	10,026,808	9,570,493	10,066,945
Loans held for sale	186,510	186,510	141,015	141,015

Liabilities:
Noninterest bearing deposits	2,914,949	2,914,949	2,778,686	2,778,686
Savings and interest bearing deposits	6,375,567	6,375,567	6,200,017	6,200,017
Other time deposits	1,962,138	1,976,830	1,993,636	2,005,023
Federal funds purchased and securities
sold under agreement to repurchase
and other short-term borrowings	386,329	386,370	391,666	391,743
Long-term debt and other borrowings	99,274	105,643	101,372	106,218

Derivative instruments:
Forward commitments to sell fixed rate
mortgage loans	(1,469)	(1,469)	(1,163)	(1,163)
Commitments to fund fixed rate
mortgage loans	5,241	5,241	2,137	2,137
Interest rate swap position to receive	21,827	21,827	21,653	21,653
Interest rate swap position to pay	(22,178)	(22,178)	(22,004)	(22,004)