Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities

FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” requires disclosures for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). All non-financial assets are included either as a separate line item on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition or in the “Other assets” category of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Currently, First Commonwealth does not have any non-financial liabilities to disclose.

FASB ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments,” permits entities to irrevocably elect to measure select financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The unrealized gains and losses are required to be included in earnings each reporting period for the items that fair value measurement is elected. First Commonwealth has elected not to measure any existing financial instruments at fair value under FASB ASC Topic 825; however, in the future we may elect to adopt this guidance for select financial instruments.

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, First Commonwealth groups financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in three levels, based on the principal markets in which the assets and liabilities are transacted and the observability of the data points used to determine fair value. These levels are:


•	Level 1—Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 securities include equity holdings comprised of publicly traded bank stocks which were priced using quoted market prices.

•

Level 2—Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in less active dealer or broker markets. Valuations are obtained for identical or comparable assets or liabilities from alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Level 2 includes Obligations of U.S. Government securities issued by Agencies and Sponsored Enterprises, Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions, certain corporate securities, FHLB stock, interest rate derivatives that include interest rate swaps, interest rate caps and risk participation agreements, certain other real estate owned and certain impaired loans.

Level 2 investment securities are valued by a recognized third party pricing service using observable inputs. The model used by the pricing service varies by asset class and incorporates available market, trade and bid information as well as cash flow information when applicable. Because many fixed-income investment securities do not trade on a daily basis, the model uses available information such as benchmark yield curves, benchmarking of like investment securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing. The model will also use processes such as an option-adjusted spread to assess the impact of interest rates and to develop prepayment estimates. Market inputs normally used in the pricing model include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data including market research publications.

Management validates the market values provided by the third party service by having another recognized pricing service price 100% of the securities on an annual basis and a random sample of securities each quarter, monthly monitoring of variances from prior period pricing and, on a monthly basis, evaluating pricing changes compared to expectations based on changes in the financial markets.

Other Investments are comprised of FHLB stock whose estimated fair value is based on its par value. Additional information on FHLB stock is provided in Note 9, “Impairment of Investment Securities.”

Interest rate derivatives are reported at estimated fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs and are included in Other assets and Other liabilities. These consist of interest rate swaps where there is no significant deterioration in the counterparties' (loan customers) credit risk since origination of the interest rate swap, as well as interest rate caps and risk participation agreements. First Commonwealth values its interest rate swap and cap positions using a yield curve by taking market prices/rates for an appropriate set of instruments. The set of instruments currently used to determine the U.S. Dollar yield curve includes cash LIBOR rates from overnight to three months, Eurodollar futures contracts and swap rates from three years to thirty years. These yield curves determine the valuations of interest rate swaps. Interest rate derivatives are further described in Note 7, “Derivatives.”

For purposes of potential valuation adjustments to our derivative positions, First Commonwealth evaluates the credit risk of its counterparties as well as our own credit risk. Accordingly, we have considered factors such as the likelihood of default, expected loss given default, net exposures and remaining contractual life, among other things, in determining if any estimated fair value adjustments related to credit risk are required. We review our counterparty exposure quarterly, and when necessary, appropriate adjustments are made to reflect the exposure.

We also utilize this approach to estimate our own credit risk on derivative liability positions. In 2014, we have not realized any losses due to a counterparty's inability to pay any net uncollateralized position.

The estimated fair value for other real estate owned included in Level 2 is determined by either an independent market based appraisal less estimated costs to sell or an executed sales agreement.

•

Level 3—Valuations for assets and liabilities that are derived from other valuation methodologies, including option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, and not based on market exchange, dealer or broker traded transactions. If the inputs used to provide the valuation are unobservable and/or there is very little, if any, market activity for the security or similar securities, the securities would be considered Level 3 securities. Level 3 valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to such assets or liabilities. The assets included in Level 3 are pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations, non-marketable equity investments, loans held for sale, certain interest rate derivatives, certain impaired loans and certain other real estate.

Our pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations are collateralized by the trust preferred securities of individual banks, thrifts and bank holding companies in the U.S. There has been little or no active trading in these securities since 2009; therefore it was more appropriate to determine estimated fair value using a discounted cash flow analysis. Detail on the process for determining appropriate cash flows for this analysis is provided in Note 9 “Impairment of Investment Securities.” The discount rate applied to the cash flows is determined by evaluating the current market yields for comparable corporate and structured credit products along with an evaluation of the risks associated with the cash flows of the comparable security. Due to the fact that there is no active market for the pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations, one key reference point is the market yield for the single issue trust preferred securities issued by banks and thrifts for which there is more activity than for the pooled securities. Adjustments are then made to reflect the credit and structural differences between these two security types.

Management validates the estimated fair value of the pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations by understanding the pricing methodology utilized by third party pricing services and monitoring the performance of the underlying collateral, discussing the discount rate, cash flow assumptions and general market trends with the specialized third party and by confirming changes in the underlying collateral to the trustee reports. Management’s monitoring of the underlying collateral includes deferrals of interest payments, payment defaults, cures of previously deferred interest payments, any regulatory filings or actions and general news related to the underlying collateral. Management also evaluates fair value changes compared to expectations based on changes in the interest rates used in determining the discount rate and general financial markets.

The estimated fair value of the non-marketable equity investments included in level 3 is based on par value.

Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value with the fair value being the expected sales price of the loan. If a sales agreement has been executed, the fair value is equal to the sales price.

For interest rate derivatives included in Level 3, the fair value incorporates credit risk by considering such factors as likelihood of default and expected loss given default based on the credit quality of the underlying counterparties (loan customers).

In 2013, we experienced a $0.9 million credit loss as a result of a counterparty's inability to pay the net uncollateralized position on an interest rate swap. The full amount of this credit loss was provided for in prior periods.

In accordance with ASU 2011-4, the following table provides information related to quantitative inputs and assumptions used in Level 3 fair value measurements.



	Fair Value (dollars in thousands)			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Inputs	Range / (weighted average)

Pooled Trust Preferred Securities	$	28,999		Discounted Cash Flow	Probability of default	0% - 100% (17.16%)
					Prepayment rates	0% - 73.88% (6.13%)
					Discount rates	5.25% - 14.00% (a)
Equities	1,420			Par Value	N/A	N/A
Impaired Loans	4,116		(b)	Gas Reserve study	Discount rate	10.00%
					Gas per MCF	$3.00 - $4.85 (c)
					Oil per BBL/d	$53.91 - $71.01 (c)
					NGL per gallon	$0.83 (c)
Other Real Estate Owned	153			Internal Valuation	N/A	N/A


(a)	incorporates spread over the risk free rate related primarily to credit quality and illiquidity of securities.


(b)	the remainder of impaired loans valued using Level 3 inputs are not included in this disclosure as the values of those loans are based on bankruptcy agreement documentation.


(c)	unobservable inputs are defined as follows: MCF—million cubic feet; BBL/d—barrels per day; NGL—natural gas liquid.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of pooled trust preferred securities are the probability of default, discount rates and prepayment rates. Significant increases in the probability of default or discount rate used would result in a decrease in the estimated fair value of these securities, while decreases in these variables would result in higher fair value measurements. In general, a change in the assumption of probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the discount rate. In most cases, increases in the prepayment rate assumptions would result in a higher estimated fair value for these securities while decreases would provide for a lower value. The direction of this change is somewhat dependent on the structure of the investment and the amount of the investment tranches senior to our position.

The discount rate is the significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of impaired loans. Significant increases in this rate would result in a decrease in the estimated fair value of the loans, while a decrease in this rate would result in a higher fair value measurement. Other unobservable inputs in the fair value measurement of impaired loans relate to gas, oil and natural gas prices. Increases in these rates would result in an increase in the estimated fair value of the loans, while a decrease in these prices would result in a lower fair value measurement.

The tables below present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31:



	2014
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(dollars in thousands)
Obligations of U.S. Government Agencies:
Mortgage-Backed Securities—Residential	$	—	$	25,936	$	—	$	25,936
Obligations of U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprises:
Mortgage-Backed Securities—Residential	—		950,881		—		950,881
Mortgage-Backed Securities—Commercial	—		74		—		74
Other Government-Sponsored Enterprises	—		267,877		—		267,877
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions	—		27,377		—		27,377
Corporate Securities	—		7,255		—		7,255
Pooled Trust Preferred Collateralized Debt Obligations	—		—		28,999		28,999
Total Debt Securities	—		1,279,400		28,999		1,308,399
Equities	—		—		1,420		1,420
Total Securities Available for Sale	—		1,279,400		30,419		1,309,819
Other Investments	—		44,545		—		44,545
Loans Held for Sale	—		2,502		—		2,502
Other Assets (a)	—		11,186		—		11,186
Total Assets	$	—	$	1,337,633	$	30,419	$	1,368,052
Other Liabilities (a)	$	—	$	10,671	$	—	$	10,671
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	10,671	$	—	$	10,671


(a)	Hedging and non-hedging interest rate derivatives



	2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	(dollars in thousands)
Obligations of U.S. Government Agencies:
Mortgage-Backed Securities—Residential	$	—	$	25,204	$	—	$	25,204
Obligations of U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprises:
Mortgage-Backed Securities—Residential	—		994,887		—		994,887
Mortgage-Backed Securities—Commercial	—		105		—		105
Other Government-Sponsored Enterprises	—		266,125		—		266,125
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions	—		80		—		80
Corporate Securities	—		7,021		—		7,021
Pooled Trust Preferred Collateralized Debt Obligations	—		—		23,523		23,523
Total Debt Securities	—		1,293,422		23,523		1,316,945
Equities	—		—		1,420		1,420
Total Securities Available for Sale	—		1,293,422		24,943		1,318,365
Other Investments	—		35,444		—		35,444
Loans Held for Sale	—		—		—		—
Other Assets (a)	—		14,358		—		14,358
Total Assets	$	—	$	1,343,224	$	24,943	$	1,368,167
Other Liabilities (a)	$	—	$	14,318	$	—	$	14,318
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	14,318	$	—	$	14,318


(a)	Non-hedging interest rate derivatives

The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized as follows for the year ended December 31, 2014:



	Pooled Trust Preferred Collateralized Debt Obligations			Equities		Loans Held for Sale			Other Assets		Total
	(dollars in thousands)
Balance, beginning of year	$	23,523		$	1,420	$	—		$	—	$	24,943
Total gains or losses
Included in earnings	—			—		77			—		77
Included in other comprehensive income	7,162			—		—			—		7,162
Purchases, issuances, sales, and settlements
Purchases	—			—		—			—		—
Issuances	—			—		—			—		—
Sales	—			—		(3,112		)	—		(3,112		)
Settlements	(1,686		)	—		—			—		(1,686		)
Transfers from Level 3	—			—		—			—		—
Transfers into Level 3	—			—		3,035			—		3,035
Balance, end of year	$	28,999		$	1,420	$	—		$	—	$	30,419

There are no gains or losses included in earnings for the period that are attributable to the change in realized gains (losses) relating to assets held at December 31, 2014.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, there were no transfers between fair value Levels 1 and 2. However, $3.0 million of loans were transferred into Level 3 from Level 2 due to the loans being transferred to a held for sale status. The loans transferred and subsequently sold related to two nonperforming relationships for which this was determined to be an appropriate exit strategy. Completion of the loan sales resulted in a $0.1 million gain for the period.

The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized as follows for the year ended December 31, 2013:



		Pooled Trust Preferred Collateralized Debt Obligations			Equities		Loans Held for Sale			Other Assets		Total
	(dollars in thousands)
Balance, beginning of year		$	23,373		$	1,420	$	—		$	—	$	24,793
Total gains or losses
Included in earnings		(1,395		)	—		625			—		(770		)
Included in other comprehensive income		12,338			—		—			—		12,338
Purchases, issuances, sales, and settlements
Purchases		—			—		—			—		—
Issuances		—			—		—			—		—
Sales		—			—		(20,760		)	—		(20,760		)
Settlements		(10,793		)	—		—			—		(10,793		)
Transfers from Level 3		—			—		—			—		—
Transfers into Level 3		—			—		20,135			—		20,135
Balance, end of year		$	23,523		$	1,420	$	—		$	—	$	24,943

There are no gains or losses included in earnings for the period that are attributable to the change in realized gains (losses) relating to assets held at December 31, 2013.

During 2013, there were no transfers between fair value Levels 1 and 2. However, $20.1 million of loans were transferred into Level 3 from Level 2 due to the loans being transferred to a held for sale status. The loans transferred and subsequently sold related to three nonperforming relationships for which this was determined to be an appropriate exit strategy. Completion of the loan sales resulted in a $0.6 million gain for the period.

The tables below present the balances of assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at December 31 and total gains and losses realized on these assets during the year ended December 31:



	2014
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Total Gains (Losses)
	(dollars in thousands)
Impaired loans	$	—	$	34,864	$	10,926	$	45,790	$	(7,017	)
Other real estate owned	—		7,828		153		7,981		(1,319		)
Total Assets	$	—	$	42,692	$	11,079	$	53,771	$	(8,336	)



	2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Total Gains (Losses)
	(dollars in thousands)
Impaired loans	$	—	$	36,903	$	13,656	$	50,559	$	(13,681	)
Other real estate owned	—		12,752		172		12,924		(198		)
Total Assets	$	—	$	49,655	$	13,828	$	63,483	$	(13,879	)

Impaired loans over $100 thousand are individually reviewed to determine the amount of each loan considered to be at risk of noncollection. The fair value for impaired loans that are collateral based is determined by reviewing real property appraisals, equipment valuations, accounts receivable listings and other financial information. A discounted cash flow analysis is performed to determine fair value for impaired loans when an observable market price or a current appraisal is not available. For real estate secured loans, First Commonwealth’s loan policy requires updated appraisals be obtained at least every twelve months on all impaired loans with balances of $250 thousand and over. For real estate secured loans with balances under $250 thousand, we rely on broker price opinions. For non-real estate secured assets, the Company normally relies on third party valuations specific to the collateral type.

The fair value for other real estate owned determined by either an independent market based appraisal less estimated costs to sell or an executed sales agreement is classified as Level 2. The fair value for other real estate owned determined using an internal valuation is classified as Level 3. Other real estate owned has a current carrying value of $7.2 million as of December 31, 2014 and consisted primarily of commercial real estate properties in Pennsylvania. We review whether events and circumstances subsequent to a transfer to other real estate owned have occurred that indicate the balance of those assets may not be recoverable. If events and circumstances indicate further impairment, we will record a charge to the extent that the carrying value of the assets exceed their fair values, less estimated costs to sell, as determined by valuation techniques appropriate in the circumstances.

Certain other assets and liabilities, including goodwill, core deposit intangibles and customer list intangibles are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances. Additional information related to this measurement is provided in Note 14 “Goodwill and Other Amortizing Intangible Assets.” There were no other assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during 2014.

FASB ASC Topic 825-10, “Transition Related to FSP FAS 107-1” and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” require 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 nonrecurring basis. The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis are as discussed above. The methodologies for other financial assets and financial liabilities are discussed below.

Cash and due from banks and interest bearing bank deposits: The carrying amounts for cash and due from banks and interest-bearing bank deposits approximate the estimated fair values of such assets.

Securities: Fair values for securities are based on quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments. Pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligation values are derived from other valuation methodologies, including option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, and are not based on market exchange, dealer or broker traded transactions. These valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to each instrument. The carrying value of other investments, which includes FHLB stock, is considered a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Loans held for sale: The fair value of loans held for sale are estimated utilizing a present value of future discounted cash flows of the loan utilizing a risk-based expected return to discount the value, unless a sales agreement has been executed, in which case the sales price would equal fair value.

Loans: The fair values of all loans are estimated by discounting the estimated future cash flows using interest rates currently offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality adjusted for past due and nonperforming loans, which is not an exit price under FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.”

Off-balance sheet instruments: Many of First Commonwealth’s off-balance sheet instruments, primarily loan commitments and standby letters of credit, are expected to expire without being drawn upon; therefore, the commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. FASB ASC Topic 460, “Guarantees,” clarified that a guarantor is required to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The carrying amount and estimated fair value for standby letters of credit was $0.2 million and $0.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. See Note 12, “Commitments and Letters of Credit,” for additional information.

Deposit liabilities: Estimated fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts and money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date because of the customers' ability to withdraw funds immediately. The carrying value of variable rate time deposit accounts and certificates of deposit approximate the fair value at the report date. Also, fair values of fixed rate time deposits for both periods are estimated by discounting the future cash flows using interest rates currently being offered and a schedule of aggregated expected maturities.

Short-term borrowings: The fair values of borrowings from the FHLB were estimated based on the estimated incremental borrowing rate for similar types of borrowings. The carrying amounts of other short-term borrowings, such as federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreement to repurchase, were used to approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of the borrowings.

Long-term debt and subordinated debt: The fair value of long-term debt and subordinated debt is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using First Commonwealth’s estimated incremental borrowing rate for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

The following table presents carrying amounts and estimated fair values of First Commonwealth’s financial instruments at December 31:



	2014
			Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Carrying Amount		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(dollars in thousands)
Financial assets
Cash and due from banks	$	72,276	$	72,276	$	72,276	$	—	$	—
Interest-bearing deposits	2,262		2,262		2,262		—		—
Securities available for sale	1,309,819		1,309,819		—		1,279,400		30,419
Other investments	44,545		44,545		—		44,545		—
Loans held for sale	2,502		2,502		—		2,502		—
Loans	4,457,308		4,439,766		—		34,864		4,404,902
Financial liabilities
Deposits	4,315,511		4,319,997		—		4,319,997		—
Short-term borrowings	1,105,876		1,105,867		—		1,105,867		—
Long-term debt	89,459		90,319		—		90,319		—
Subordinated debt	72,167		62,815		—		—		62,815



	2013
			Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Carrying Amount		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(dollars in thousands)
Financial assets
Cash and due from banks	$	74,427	$	74,427	$	74,427	$	—	$	—
Interest-bearing deposits	3,012		3,012		3,012		—		—
Securities available for sale	1,318,365		1,318,365		—		1,293,422		24,943
Other investments	35,444		35,444		—		35,444		—
Loans	4,283,833		4,321,847		—		36,903		4,284,944
Financial liabilities
Deposits	4,603,863		4,531,685		—		4,531,685		—
Short-term borrowings	626,615		626,603		—		626,603		—
Long-term debt	144,385		145,477		—		145,477		—
Subordinated debt	72,167		51,706		—		—		51,706