21. Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating fair values of its financial instruments. Excluded from this disclosure are all non financial instruments. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.

The assumptions used below are expected to approximate those that market participants would use in valuing these financial instruments.

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about the financial instrument, including estimates of timing, amount of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of the issuer. Such estimates do not consider the tax impact of the realization of unrealized gains or losses. In some cases, the fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets. In addition, the disclosed fair value may not be realized in the immediate settlement of the financial instrument. Care should be exercised in deriving conclusions about our business, its value or financial position based on the fair value information of financial instruments presented below.

SECURITIES HELD-TO-MATURITY

The fair values of these securities were based on quoted market prices, where available, as provided by third-party investment portfolio pricing vendors. If quoted market prices were not available, fair values provided by the vendors were based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments in active markets and/or based on a matrix pricing methodology which employs The Bond Market Association’s standard calculations for cash flow and price/yield analysis, live benchmark bond pricing and terms/condition data available from major pricing sources. Management regards the inputs and methods used by third party pricing vendors to be “Level 2 inputs and methods” as defined in the “fair value hierarchy” provided by FASB.

LOANS

For variable-rate loans, that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying amounts. The fair value of other loans is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. Incremental credit risk for nonperforming loans has been considered.

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.

OTHER BORROWED FUNDS

The fair value of other borrowed funds is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate used is estimated based on the rates currently offered for other borrowed funds of similar remaining maturities.

SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES

The fair value of subordinated debentures is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate used is estimated based on the rates currently offered for other subordinated debentures of similar remaining maturities.

The following presents (in thousands) the carrying amount, estimated fair value, and placement in the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. This table excludes financial instruments for which the carrying amount approximates fair value. Financial assets for which the fair value approximates carrying value include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, FHLBB stock and accrued interest receivable. Financial liabilities for which the fair value approximates carrying value include non-maturity deposits, short-term borrowings and accrued interest payable.


	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Level 1 Inputs		Fair Value Measurements Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs
(dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2014
Financial assets:
Securities held-to-maturity	$	1,406,792	$	1,413,603	$	—	$	1,413,603	$	—
Loans⁽¹⁾		1,309,048		1,291,550		—		—		1,291,550
Financial liabilities:
Time deposits		383,145		387,919		—		387,919		—
Other borrowed funds		395,500		400,196		—		400,196		—
Subordinated debentures		36,083		36,083		—		—		36,083
December 31, 2013
Financial assets:
Securities held-to-maturity	$	1,487,884	$	1,464,449	$	—	$	1,464,449	$	—
Loans⁽¹⁾		1,243,822		1,214,192		—		—		1,214,192
Financial liabilities:
Time deposits		382,224		386,742		—		386,742		—
Other borrowed funds		255,144		254,736		—		254,736		—
Subordinated debentures		36,083		39,503		—		—		39,503

(1)	Comprised of loans (including collateral dependent impaired loans), net of deferred loan costs and the allowance for loan losses.

LIMITATIONS

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the type of financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Bank’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no active market exists for some of the Bank’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, cash flows, current economic conditions, risk characteristics 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 and changes in the loan, debt and interest rate markets could significantly affect the estimates. Further, the income tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on the fair value estimates and have not been considered.