21. Fair Values of Financial Instruments

GAAP states that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs. A fair value hierarchy exists within GAAP that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;

Level 3 - Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement an unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The types of instruments valued based on quoted market prices in active markets includes most U.S. government and agency securities, many other sovereign government obligations, liquid mortgage products, active listed equities and most money market securities. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company does not adjust the quoted prices for such instruments.

The types of instruments valued based on quoted prices in markets that are not active, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency include most investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds, less liquid mortgage products, less liquid agency securities, less liquid listed equities, state, municipal and provincial obligations and certain physical commodities. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Level 3 is for positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability and such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management's best estimate will be used. Management's best estimate consists of both internal and external support on certain Level 3 investments. Subsequent to inception, management only changes Level 3 inputs and assumptions when corroborated by evidence such as transactions in similar instruments, completed or pending third-party transactions in the underlying investment or comparable entities, subsequent rounds of financing, recapitalizations and other transactions across the capital structure, offerings in the equity or debt markets and changes in financial ratios or cash flows.

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company has made no transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 or Level 3.

The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis that were accounted for at fair value as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement:

(In thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		December 31, 2016
Assets:
AFS securities:
Federal agency	$	-	$	174,408	$	-	$	174,408
State & municipal		-		46,726		-		46,726
Mortgage-backed		-		529,844		-		529,844
Collateralized mortgage obligations		-		566,573		-		566,573
Other securities		11,493		9,246		-		20,739
Total AFS securities	$	11,493	$	1,326,797	$	-	$	1,338,290
Trading securities		9,259		-		-		9,259
Interest rate swaps		-		3,210		-		3,210
Total	$	20,752	$	1,330,007	$	-	$	1,350,759

Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps	$	-	$	506	$	-	$	506
Total	$	-	$	506	$	-	$	506

(In thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		December 31, 2015
Assets:
AFS securities:
Federal agency	$	-	$	311,272	$	-	$	311,272
State & municipal		-		31,637		-		31,637
Mortgage-backed		-		409,896		-		409,896
Collateralized mortgage obligations		-		404,971		-		404,971
Other securities		7,526		9,242		-		16,768
Total AFS securities	$	7,526	$	1,167,018	$	-	$	1,174,544
Trading securities		8,377		-		-		8,377
Interest rate swaps		-		6,224		-		6,224
Total	$	15,903	$	1,173,242	$	-	$	1,189,145

Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps	$	-	$	6,224	$	-	$	6,224
Total	$	-	$	6,224	$	-	$	6,224

Certain common equity securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs (exchange quoted prices). The majority of the other investment securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. The prices for these instruments are obtained through an independent pricing service or dealer market participants with whom the Company has historically transacted both purchases and sales of investment securities. Prices obtained from these sources include prices derived from market quotations and matrix pricing. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information, and the bond's terms and conditions, among other things. Management reviews the methodologies used in pricing the securities by its third party providers.

GAAP requires disclosure of assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis such as goodwill, loans held for sale, OREO, collateral-dependent impaired loans, mortgage servicing rights and held to maturity securities.

The Company had collateral dependent impaired loans with a carrying value of $7.0 million, which had specific reserves included in the allowance for loan losses of $1.5 million at December 31, 2016. The Company uses the fair value of underlying collateral to estimate the specific reserves for collateral dependent impaired loans. The fair value of underlying collateral is generally determined through independent appraisals, which generally include various Level 3 inputs which are not identifiable. The appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses ranging from 10% to 35%. Based on the valuation techniques used, the fair value measurements for collateral dependent impaired loans are classified as Level 3.

The following table sets forth information with regard to estimated fair values of financial instruments at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. This table excludes financial instruments for which the carrying amount approximates fair value. Financial instruments for which the fair value approximates carrying value include cash and cash equivalents, securities available for sale, trading securities, accrued interest receivable, non-maturity deposits, short-term borrowings, accrued interest payable, and interest rate swaps.

		December 31, 2016				December 31, 2015
(In thousands)	Fair Value Hierarchy	Carrying amount		Estimated fair value		Carrying amount		Estimated fair value
Financial assets:
HTM securities	2	$	527,948	$	525,050	$	471,031	$	473,140
Net loans	3		6,132,857		6,273,233		5,820,115		5,958,427
Financial liabilities:
Time deposits	2	$	872,411	$	868,153	$	908,827	$	903,501
Long-term debt	2		104,087		104,113		130,447		131,268
Junior subordinated debt	2		101,196		102,262		101,196		97,346

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 the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, 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 estimates are based on existing on and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. For example, the Company has a substantial trust and investment management operation that contributes net fee income annually. The trust and investment management operation is not considered a financial instrument, and its value has not been incorporated into the fair value estimates. Other significant assets and liabilities include the benefits resulting from the low-cost funding of deposit liabilities as compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market, and premises and equipment. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimate of fair value.

Fair values for securities are based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes, where available. Where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments. When necessary, the Company utilizes matrix pricing from a third party pricing vendor to determine fair value pricing. Matrix prices are based on quoted prices for securities with similar coupons, ratings, and maturities, rather than on specific bids and offers for the designated security.

GAAP gives entities the option to measure eligible financial assets, financial liabilities and Company commitments at fair value (i.e., the fair value option), on an instrument-by-instrument basis, that are otherwise not permitted to be accounted for at fair value under other accounting standards. The election to use the fair value option is available when an entity first recognizes a financial asset or financial liability or upon entering into a Company commitment. Subsequent changes in fair value must be recorded in earnings. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company did not elect the fair value option for any eligible items.

Securities Held to Maturity

The fair value of the Company’s investment securities held to maturity is primarily measured using information from a third party pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.

Net Loans

The fair value of the Company’s loans was estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using the current interest rates at which similar loans would be made for the same remaining maturities. Loans were first segregated by type, and then further segmented into fixed and variable rate and loan quality categories. Expected future cash flows were projected based on contractual cash flows, adjusted for estimated prepayments.

Time Deposits

The fair value of time deposits was estimated using a discounted cash flow approach that applies prevailing market interest rates for similar maturity instruments. The fair values of the Company’s time deposit liabilities do not take into consideration the value of the Company’s long-term relationships with depositors, which may have significant value.

Long-Term Debt

The fair value of long-term debt was estimated using a discounted cash flow approach that applies prevailing market interest rates for similar maturity instruments.

Junior Subordinated Debt

The fair value of trust preferred debentures has been estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis.

Interest Rate Swaps

The Company enters into interest rate swaps to facilitate customer transactions and meet their financing needs. These swaps are considered derivatives, but are not designated in hedging relationships. These instruments have interest rate and credit risk associated with them. To mitigate the interest rate risk, the Company enters into offsetting interest rate swaps with counterparties. The counterparty swaps are also considered derivatives and are also not designated in hedging relationships. Interest rate swaps are recorded within other assets or other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet at their estimated fair value. Changes to the fair value of assets and liabilities arising from these derivatives are included, net, in other operating income in the consolidated statement of income.

In 2016, the Company entered into interest rate swaps to modify the interest rate characteristics of certain short-term FHLB advances from variable rate to fixed rate in order to reduce the impact of changes in future cash flows due to market interest rate changes. These agreements are designated as cash flow hedges.