FAIR VALUE

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Note 14 – Fair Value

Generally accepted accounting principles provide entities the option to measure eligible financial assets, financial liabilities and 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 commitment. Subsequent changes in fair value must be recorded in earnings. The Company applies the fair value option on residential mortgage loans held for sale. The fair value option on residential mortgage loans allows the recognition of gains on sale of mortgage loans to more accurately reflect the timing and economics of the transaction.

The standard for fair value measurement establishes a fair value hierarchy 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.

Basis of Fair Value Measurement:

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 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 and unobservable (i.e. supported by little or no market activity). Changes to interest rates may result in changes in the cash flows due to prepayments or extinguishments. Accordingly, this could result in higher or lower measurements of the fair values.

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.

Assets and Liabilities

Mortgage loans held for sale

Mortgage loans held for sale are valued based on quotations from the secondary market for similar instruments and are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Investments available-for-sale

U.S. government agencies, mortgage-backed securities and corporate debt

Valuations are based on active market data and use of evaluated broker pricing models that vary based by asset class and includes available trade, bid, and other market information. Generally, the methodology includes broker quotes, proprietary models, descriptive terms and conditions databases coupled with extensive quality control programs. Multiple quality control evaluation processes review available market, credit and deal level information to support the evaluation of the security. If there is a lack of objectively verifiable information available to support the valuation, the evaluation of the security is discontinued. Additionally, proprietary models and pricing systems, mathematical tools, actual transacted prices, integration of market developments and experienced evaluators are used to determine the value of a security based on a hierarchy of market information regarding a security or securities with similar characteristics. The Company does not adjust the quoted price for such securities. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

State and municipal securities

Proprietary valuation matrices are used for valuing all tax-exempt municipals that can incorporate changes in the municipal market as they occur. Market evaluation models include the ability to value bank qualified municipals and general market municipals that can be broken down further according to insurer, credit support, state of issuance and rating to incorporate additional spreads and municipal curves. Taxable municipals are valued using a third party model that incorporates a methodology that captures the trading nuances associated with these bonds. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Trust preferred securities

In active markets, these types of instruments are valued based on quoted market prices that are readily accessible at the measurement date and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions are valued or 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 uses a process that employs certain assumptions to determine the present value. For further information, refer to Note 2 – Investments. Positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Interest rate swap agreements

Interest rate swap agreements are measured by alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency in markets that are not active. Based on the complex nature of interest rate swap agreements, the markets these instruments trade in are not as efficient and are less liquid than that of the more mature Level 1 markets. These markets do however have comparable, observable inputs in which an alternative pricing source values these assets in order to arrive at a fair market value. These characteristics classify interest rate swap agreements as Level 2.

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following tables set forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities at the dates indicated that were accounted for or disclosed at fair value. Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement:

			March 31, 2016
			Quoted Prices in				Significant
			Active Markets for		Significant Other		Unobservable
			Identical Assets		Observable Inputs		Inputs
(In thousands)			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
Assets
	Residential mortgage loans held for sale		$	-	$	27,806	$	-	$	27,806
	Investments available-for-sale:
		U.S. government agencies		-		126,407		-		126,407
		State and municipal		-		311,557		-		311,557
		Mortgage-backed		-		262,493		-		262,493
		Corporate debt		-		-		2,157		2,157
		Trust preferred		-		-		1,035		1,035
		Marketable equity securities		-		1,223		-		1,223
	Interest rate swap agreements			-		1,433		-		1,433

Liabilities
	Interest rate swap agreements		$	-	$	(1,433)	$	-	$	(1,433)

			December 31, 2015
			Quoted Prices in				Significant
			Active Markets for		Significant Other		Unobservable
			Identical Assets		Observable Inputs		Inputs
(In thousands)			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
Assets
	Residential mortgage loans held for sale		$	-	$	15,457	$	-	$	15,457
	Investments available-for-sale:
		U.S. government agencies		-		108,400		-		108,400
		State and municipal		-		164,707		-		164,707
		Mortgage-backed		-		316,696		-		316,696
		Trust preferred		-		-		1,023		1,023
		Marketable equity securities		-		1,223		-		1,223
	Interest rate swap agreements			-		1,312		-		1,312

Liabilities
	Interest rate swap agreements		$	-	$	(1,312)	$	-	$	(1,312)

The following table provides unrealized losses included in assets measured in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Condition at fair value on a recurring basis for the period indicated:

			Significant
			Unobservable
			Inputs
(In thousands)			(Level 3)
Investments available-for-sale:
	Balance at January 1, 2016		$	1,023
		Transfer into Level 3		2,157
		Total unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss)		12
	Balance at March 31, 2016		$	3,192

The transfer was the result of the reclassification of the entire the held-to-maturity securities portfolio to the available-for-sale portfolio. The transfer into Level 3 was recognized as of the date of the reclassification of the securities portfolio.

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets subject to fair value adjustments (impairment) on a nonrecurring basis at the date indicated that are valued at the lower of cost or market. Assets are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement:

		March 31, 2016
		Quoted Prices in		Significant
		Active Markets		Other		Significant
		for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
(In thousands)		Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		Total		Total Losses
Impaired loans		$	-	$	-	$	9,309	$	9,309	$	10,351
Other real estate owned			-		-		2,414		2,414		(173)
	Total	$	-	$	-	$	11,723	$	11,723	$	10,178

		December 31, 2015
		Quoted Prices in		Significant
		Active Markets		Other		Significant
		for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
(In thousands)		Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		Total		Total Losses
Impaired loans		$	-	$	-	$	9,349	$	9,349	$	10,348
Other real estate owned			-		-		2,742		2,742		(80)
	Total	$	-	$	-	$	12,091	$	12,091	$	10,268

At March 31, 2016, impaired loans totaling $29.5 million were written down to fair value of $26.3 million as a result of specific loan loss allowances of $3.2 million associated with the impaired loans which was included in the allowance for loan losses. Impaired loans totaling $28.9 million were written down to fair value of $25.5 million at December 31, 2015 as a result of specific loan loss allowances of $3.4 million associated with the impaired loans.

Loan impairment is measured using the present value of expected cash flows, the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral (less selling costs) if the loans are collateral dependent. Collateral may be real estate and/or business assets including equipment, inventory and/or accounts receivable. The value of business equipment, inventory and accounts receivable collateral is based on net book value on the business’ financial statements and, if necessary, discounted based on management’s review and analysis. Appraised and reported values may be discounted based on management’s historical knowledge, changes in market conditions from the time of valuation, and/or management’s expertise and knowledge of the client and client’s business. Impaired loans are reviewed and evaluated on at least a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly, based on the factors identified above. Valuation techniques are consistent with those techniques applied in prior periods.

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. The estimated fair value for other real estate owned included in Level 3 is determined by independent market based appraisals and other available market information, less cost to sell, that may be reduced further based on market expectations or an executed sales agreement. If the fair value of the collateral deteriorates subsequent to initial recognition, the Company records the OREO as a non-recurring Level 3 adjustment. Valuation techniques are consistent with those techniques applied in prior periods.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company discloses fair value information about financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate the value, whether or not such financial instruments are recognized on the balance sheet. Fair value is the amount at which a financial instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced sale or liquidation, and is best evidenced by a quoted market price, if one exists.

Quoted market prices, where available, are shown as estimates of fair market values. Because no quoted market prices are available for a significant portion of the Company's financial instruments, the fair value of such instruments has been derived based on the amount and timing of future cash flows and estimated discount rates.

Present value techniques used in estimating the fair value of many of the Company's financial instruments are significantly affected by the assumptions used. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate cash settlement of the instrument. Additionally, the accompanying estimates of fair values are only representative of the fair values of the individual financial assets and liabilities, and should not be considered an indication of the fair value of the Company.

The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at the dates indicated are presented in the following table:

					Fair Value Measurements
	March 31, 2016				Quoted Prices in
			Estimated		Active Markets for		Significant Other		Significant
	Carrying		Fair		Identical Assets		Observable Inputs		Unobservable Inputs
(In thousands)	Amount		Value		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Financial Assets
Other equity securities	$	37,529	$	37,529	$	-	$	37,529	$	-
Loans, net of allowance		3,518,922		3,550,718		-		-		3,550,718
Other assets		91,480		91,480		-		91,480		-

Financial Liabilities
Time Deposits	$	539,757	$	541,477	$	-	$	541,477	$	-
Securities sold under retail repurchase agreements and
federal funds purchased		121,043		121,043		-		121,043		-
Advances from FHLB		590,000		611,200		-		611,200		-
Subordinated debentures		35,000		15,778		-		-		15,778

					Fair Value Measurements
	December 31, 2015				Quoted Prices in
			Estimated		Active Markets for		Significant Other		Significant
	Carrying		Fair		Identical Assets		Observable Inputs		Unobservable Inputs
(In thousands)	Amount		Value		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Financial Assets
Investments held-to-maturity and other equity securities	$	249,601	$	253,040	$	-	$	253,040	$	-
Loans, net of allowance		3,454,475		3,526,807		-		-		3,526,807
Other assets		90,866		90,866		-		90,866		-

Financial Liabilities
Time Deposits	$	508,444	$	508,000	$	-	$	508,000	$	-
Securities sold under retail repurchase agreements and
federal funds purchased		109,145		109,145		-		109,145		-
Advances from FHLB		685,000		704,410		-		704,410		-
Subordinated debentures		35,000		14,694		-		-		14,694

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each category of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

Cash and Temporary Investments: The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair value and have been excluded from the table above.

Investments: The fair value of marketable securities is based on quoted market prices, prices quoted for similar instruments, and prices obtained from independent pricing services.

Loans: For certain categories of loans, such as mortgage, installment and commercial loans, the fair value is estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and similar remaining maturities. Expected cash flows were projected based on contractual cash flows, adjusted for estimated prepayments.

Accrued interest receivable: The carrying value of accrued interest receivable approximates fair value due to the short-term duration and has been excluded from the table above.

Other assets: The investment in bank-owned life insurance represents the cash surrender value of the policies at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 as determined by the each insurance carrier. The carrying value of accrued interest receivable approximates fair values due to the short-term duration.

Deposits: The fair value of demand, money market savings and regular savings deposits, which have no stated maturity, were considered equal to their carrying amount, representing the amount payable on demand. While management believes that the Bank’s core deposit relationships provide a relatively stable, low-cost funding source that has a substantial intangible value separate from the value of the deposit balances, these estimated fair values do not include the intangible value of core deposit relationships, which comprise a significant portion of the Bank’s deposit base.

Short-term borrowings: The carrying values of short-term borrowings, including overnight, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and federal funds purchased approximates the fair values due to the short maturities of those instruments.

Long-term borrowings: The fair value of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”) advances and subordinated debentures was estimated by computing the discounted value of contractual cash flows payable at current interest rates for obligations with similar remaining terms. The Company's credit risk is not material to calculation of fair value because the FHLB borrowings are collateralized. The Company classifies advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy since the fair value of such borrowings is based on rates currently available for borrowings with similar terms and remaining maturities. Subordinated debentures are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy due to the lack of market activity of such instruments.

Accrued interest payable: The carrying value of accrued interest payable approximates fair value due to the short-term duration and has been excluded from the previous table.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

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