Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities

We use fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Securities available-for-sale, derivative assets and liabilities, performing mortgage loans held for sale, and mortgage servicing rights are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time-to-time, we may be required to record at fair value other assets and liabilities on a nonrecurring basis, such as loans held for investment, impaired loans and certain other assets and liabilities. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets or liabilities.

Fair Value Hierarchy

We group assets and liabilities at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:

Level 1: Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.

Level 2: Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

Level 3: Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.

The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value:

Investments Securities Available-for-Sale

Investment securities available-for-sale 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 measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security's credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. Securities classified as Level 3 may include asset-backed securities in less liquid markets.

Liquidity is a significant factor in the determination of the fair values of available-for-sale debt securities. Market price quotes may not be readily available for some positions, or positions within a market sector where trading activity has slowed significantly or ceased. Some of these instruments are valued using a discounted cash flow model, which estimates the fair value of the securities using internal credit risk, interest rate and prepayment risk models that incorporate management's best estimate of current key assumptions such as default rates, loss severity and prepayment rates. Principal and interest cash flows are discounted using an observable discount rate for similar instruments with adjustments that management believes a market participant would consider in determining fair value for the specific security. Underlying assets are valued using external pricing services, where available, or matrix pricing based on the vintages and ratings. Situations of illiquidity generally are triggered by the market's perception of credit uncertainty regarding a single company or a specific market sector. In these instances, fair value is determined based on limited available market information and other factors, principally from reviewing the issuer's financial statements and changes in credit ratings made by one or more ratings agencies.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Once sold, the loans are beyond the reach of COB in all respects and the purchasing investor has all rights of ownership, including the ability to pledge or exchange the loans. Most of the loans sold are without recourse. Gains or losses on loan sales are recognized at the time of sale, are determined by the difference between net sales proceeds and the carrying value of the loan sold, and are included in Consolidated Statements of Operations. Since loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, the fair value of loans held for sale is based on contractual agreements with independent third party buyers. As such, we classify loans held for sale subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 2. Based on the nature of the portfolio, lack of market volatility and the short duration for which the loans are held, fair value generally exceeds cost.

Loans Held for Investment

We do not record loans held for investment at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and the related impairment is charged against the allowance or a specific allowance is established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as impaired, management determines the fair value of the loan to quantify impairment, should such exist. The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral net liquidation value, market value of similar debt, enterprise value, and discounted cash flows. Those impaired loans not requiring a specific allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral meet or exceed the recorded investments in such loans. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, substantially all of the total impaired loans were evaluated based on the fair value of the collateral. Impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. We record impaired loans as nonrecurring Level 3.

Other Real Estate Owned

OREO is adjusted to fair value upon transfer of the loans to OREO. Subsequently, OREO is carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Fair value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral or management's estimation of the value of the collateral. Given the lack of observable market prices for identical properties, we record OREO as nonrecurring Level 3.

Interest Rate Locks and Forward Loan Sale Commitments

We enter into interest rate lock commitments and commitments to sell mortgages. The fair value of interest rate lock commitments is based on servicing rate premium, origination income net of origination costs, fall out rates and changes in loan pricing between the commitment date and the balance sheet date. The fair value of forward loan sale commitments is based on pricing in a secondary market. We record interest rate lock commitments as recurring level 2.

Interest Rate Swaps

We enter into interest rate swaps to hedge the variability of interest cash flow payments on certain FHLB advances. These cash flow hedges are recorded through other comprehensive income at fair value. Any ineffectiveness of the hedge is included in current period earnings. The fair value of our interest rate swaps is based on a third party valuation because there is not a readily available quoted price in the market. We record interest rate swap commitments as recurring level 2.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

The fair value of mortgage serving rights (MSR) is dependent upon a number of assumptions including the fee per loan, the cost to service, the expected loan prepayment rate, and the discount rate. In determining the fair value of the existing MSR management reviews the key assumptions, analyzes pricing in the market for comparable MSR, and uses a third party provider to independently calculate the fair value of its MSR. We record mortgage servicing rights as recurring Level 3.

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2014 are summarized in the following table:



(dollars in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Available-for-sale debt securities:
U.S. government sponsored agencies	$	2,070	$	—	$	2,070	$	—
Residential mortgage-backed securities-GSE	337,564		—		337,564		—
Residential mortgage-backed securities-Private	20,282		—		20,282		—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities-GSE	21,590				21,590
Commercial mortgage-backed securities-Private	9,844		—		9,844		—
Business Development Company investment	2,651		2,651		—		—
Corporate notes	8,467		—		8,467		—
Total available-for-sale debt securities	402,468		2,651		399,817		—
Mortgage servicing rights	1,587		—		—		1,587
Interest rate swaps	41		—		41		—
Interest rate locks and forward loan sales commitments	39		—		39		—
Total assets at fair value	$	404,135	$	2,651	$	399,897	$	1,587

Assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2013 are summarized in the following table:



(dollars in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Available-for-sale debt securities:
U.S. government sponsored agencies	$	2,077	$	—	$	2,077	$	—
Residential mortgage-backed securities-GSE	341,147		—		341,147		—
Residential mortgage-backed securities-Private	20,752		—		20,752		—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities-GSE	21,439		—		21,439		—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities-Private	9,585		—		9,585		—
Business Development Company investment	2,737		2,737		—		—
Corporate notes	16,877		—		16,877		—
Total available-for-sale debt securities	414,614		2,737		411,877		—
Mortgage servicing rights	1,552		—		—		1,552
Interest rate locks and forward loan sales commitments	39		—		39		—
Total assets at fair value	$	416,205	$	2,737	$	411,916	$	1,552

The following tables present a reconciliation of all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the periods indicated:



	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
	Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Mortgage Servicing Rights
(dollars in thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,552		$	726
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings, gross	144			348
Less amortization	(109		)	(46		)
Balance, end of period	$	1,587		$	1,028

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

We may be required, from time to time, to measure certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. These include assets that are measured at the lower of cost or market that were recognized at fair value below cost at the end of the period. This is due to further deterioration in the value of the assets. There were no loans held for sale that had a fair value below cost in any periods reported.

Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are included in the following table at March 31, 2014:



(dollars in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Impaired loans, net	$	6,993	$	—	$	—	$	6,993
Other real estate owned	17,840		—		—		17,840
Total assets at fair value from continuing operations	$	24,833	$	—	$	—	$	24,833

Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are included in the following table at December 31, 2013:



(dollars in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Impaired loans, net	$	2,038	$	—	$	—	$	2,038
Other real estate owned	18,263		—		—		18,263
Total assets at fair value from continuing operations	$	20,301	$	—	$	—	$	20,301

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements



(dollars in thousands)	Fair Value at March 31, 2014		Valuation Techniques	Unobservable Input	Range

Impaired loans, net	$	6,993	Discounted appraisals	Collateral discounts	1.00% - 30.00%
Other real estate owned	17,840		Discounted appraisals	Collateral discounts	1.00% - 30.00%
Mortgage servicing rights	1,587		Discounted cash flows	Prepayment rate	10.00% - 25.00%
Mortgage servicing rights				Discount rate	6.00% - 10.00%



(dollars in thousands)	Fair Value at December 31, 2013		Valuation Techniques	Unobservable Input	Range

Impaired loans, net	$	2,038	Discounted appraisals	Collateral discounts	1.00%-30.00%
Other real estate owned	18,263		Discounted appraisals	Collateral discounts	1.00%-30.00%
Mortgage servicing rights	1,552		Discounted cash flows	Prepayment rate	10.00% - 25.00%
Mortgage servicing rights				Discount rate	6.00% - 10.00%

Level 3 Valuation Methodologies. Following is a description of the unobservable inputs used for Level 3 fair value measurements.

Disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value is required. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time our entire holdings of a particular financial instrument.

Because no market exists for a portion of our financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected losses, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value for each class of COB's financial instruments.

Cash and cash equivalents. Fair value equals the carrying value of such assets due to their nature and is classified as Level 1.

Investment securities. The fair value of investment securities is based on quoted market prices, if available. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities. The fair value of equity investments in the restricted stock of the FRBR and FHLB approximates the carrying value. The fair value of investment securities is classified as Level 1 if a quoted market price is available, or Level 2 if a quoted market price is not available.

Loans held for sale. Substantially all residential mortgage loans held for sale are pre-sold and their carrying value approximates fair value. We classified the fair value of loans held for sale as Level 2.

Loans held for investment. The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. We classified the fair value of loans as Level 3.

Accrued interest receivable and payable. The carrying amounts of accrued interest payable and receivable approximate fair value and are classified as Level 2 if the related asset or liability is classified as Level 2, or Level 3 if the related asset or liability is classified as Level 3.

Deposits. The fair value of noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing demand deposits and savings are the amounts payable on demand because these products have no stated maturity. The fair value of time deposits is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities and are classified as Level 2.

Borrowed funds. The carrying value of retail repurchase agreements is considered to be a reasonable estimate of fair value. The fair value of FHLB advances and other borrowed funds is estimated using the rates currently offered for advances of similar remaining maturities and is classified as Level 2. For the long-term note payable, the current market rate for similar debt is substantially equal to the rate on this note, so its fair value approximates its carrying value.

Junior subordinated debentures. Included in junior subordinated debentures are variable rate trust preferred securities issued by COB. Fair values for the trust preferred securities were estimated by developing cash flow estimates for each of these debt instruments based on scheduled principal and interest payments and current interest rates. Once the cash flows were determined, a rate for comparable subordinated debt was used to discount the cash flows to the present value. The estimated fair value for our junior subordinated debentures have declined due to wider credit spreads (i.e., spread to LIBOR) on similar trust preferred issues. This is due, in part, to proposed bank regulatory changes in bank capital structure. We classified the fair value of junior subordinated debentures as Level 3.

Financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. The fair value of financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk is considered to approximate carrying value, since the large majority of these future financing commitments would result in loans that have variable rates and/or relatively short terms to maturity. For other commitments, generally of a short-term nature, the carrying value is considered to be a reasonable estimate of fair value.

The estimated fair values of financial instruments are as follows at the periods indicated:



	At March 31, 2014
(dollars in thousands)	Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	104,951	$	104,951	$	104,951	$	—	$	—
Investment securities: Available-for-sale	402,468		402,468		2,651		399,817		—
Investment securities: Held-to-maturity	149,060		141,002		—		141,002		—
Loans held for sale	1,961		1,961		—		1,961		—
Loans, net	1,193,746		1,179,506		—		—		1,179,506
Accrued interest receivable	6,307		6,307		—		1,500		4,807
Interest rate swaps	41		41		—		41		—
Interest rate locks and forward loan sale commitments	39		39		—		39		—
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	1,767,930		1,768,997		—		1,768,997		—
Retail repurchase agreements	5,152		5,152		—		5,152		—
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	73,271		76,224		—		76,224		—
Long-term notes payable	5,281		5,281		—		—		5,281
Junior subordinated debentures	56,702		22,973		—		—		22,973
Accrued interest payable	2,868		2,868		—		378		2,490



	At December 31, 2013
(dollars in thousands)	Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	67,430	$	67,430	$	67,430	$	—	$	—
Investment securities: Available-for-sale	414,614		414,614		2,737		411,877		—
Investment securities: Held-to-maturity	151,795		141,125				141,125		—
Loans held for sale	1,836		1,836		—		1,836		—
Loans, net	1,185,463		1,129,826		—		—		1,129,826
Accrued interest receivable	6,283		6,283		—		1,583		4,700
Interest rate locks and forward loan sale commitments	39		39		—		39		—
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	1,748,705		1,748,685		—		1,748,685		—
Retail repurchase agreements	6,917		6,917		—		6,917		—
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	73,283		75,663		—		75,663		—
Long-term notes payable	5,263		5,263		—		—		5,263
Junior subordinated debentures	56,702		22,316		—		—		22,316
Accrued interest payable	2,624		2,624		—		389		2,235

There were no transfers between valuation levels for any assets during the three months ended March 31, 2014. If different valuation techniques are deemed necessary, we would consider those transfers to occur at the end of the period when the assets are valued.