Note 6. Fair Value Disclosures

Fair Value Measurements:

Cornerstone uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. In accordance with the “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure” ASC Topic 820, the fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.

ASC Topic 820 provides a consistent definition of fair value, which focuses on exit price in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. If there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability, a change in valuation technique or the use of multiple valuation techniques may be appropriate. In such instances, determining the price at which willing market participants would transact at the measurement date under current market conditions depends on the facts and circumstances and requires the use of significant judgment. The fair value is a reasonable point within the range that is most representative of fair value under current market conditions.

ASC Topic 820 also establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value, as follows:

Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that Cornerstone has the ability to access.

Level 2 - Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active and other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 - Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The following methods and assumptions were used by Cornerstone in estimating fair value disclosures for financial instruments. There have been no changes in the methodologies used at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Cash and cash equivalents:

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair values based on the short-term nature of the assets.

Cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

Securities:

Fair values are estimated using pricing models and discounted cash flows that consider standard input factors such as observable market data, benchmark yields, interest rate volatilities, broker/dealer quotes, and credit spreads. Securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs.

The carrying value of Federal Home Loan Bank stock approximates fair value based on the redemption provisions of the Federal Home Loan Bank. Federal Home Loan Bank stock is classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Loans:

For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. Fair values for fixed-rate loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, using market interest rates for comparable loans. Generally, Level 3 inputs are utilized for this estimate. 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 individually impaired, management measures impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 310, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan. The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using several methods including collateral value, liquidation value and discounted cash flows.

Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, substantially all of the total impaired loans were evaluated based on the fair value of collateral. In accordance with ASC Topic 820, impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, Cornerstone records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 2. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, Cornerstone records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.

Cash surrender value of life insurance:

The carrying amounts of cash surrender value of life insurance approximate their fair value. The carrying amount is based on information received from the insurance carriers indicating the financial performance of the policies and the amount Cornerstone would receive should the policies be surrendered. Cornerstone reflects these assets within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Foreclosed assets:

Foreclosed assets, consisting of properties obtained through foreclosure or in satisfaction of loans, are initially recorded at fair value, determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of value obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for estimated selling costs. At the time of foreclosure, any excess of the loan balance over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is treated as a charge against the allowance for loan losses. Gains or losses on sale and any subsequent adjustment to the fair value are recorded as a component of foreclosed real estate expense. Foreclosed assets are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Deposits:

The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing demand deposits, savings deposits, and money market accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The carrying amounts of variable-rate, fixed-term certificates of deposit approximate their fair values at the reporting date. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies market interest rates on comparable instruments to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits. Generally, Level 3 inputs are utilized in this estimate.

Fed funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

The carrying amount of these liabilities approximates their estimated fair value. These liabilities are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings:

The carrying amounts of FHLB advances and other borrowings approximate their fair value. These liabilities are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Accrued interest:

The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair value. Accrued interest is included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Commitments to extend credit, letters of credit and lines of credit:

The fair value of commitments is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates.

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows.

			Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
			Active Markets		Other		Other
	Balance as of		for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
	September 30,		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
	2013		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Debt securities available for sale:
U.S. Government agencies	$	3,528,345	$	-	$	3,528,345	$	-
State and municipal securities		17,694,356		-		17,694,356		-
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential mortgage loans guaranteed by GNMA or FNMA		7,903,524		-		7,903,524		-
Collateralized mortgage obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored agencies		66,156,191		-		66,156,191		-

Total securities available for sale	$	95,282,416	$	-	$	95,282,416	$	-

Cash surrender value of life insurance	$	1,224,437	$	-	$	1,224,437	$	-

			Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
			Active Markets		Other		Other
	Balance as of		for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
	December 31,		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
	2012		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Debt securities available for sale:

U.S. Government agencies	$	4,018,151	$	-	$	4,018,151	$	-
State and municipal securities		23,633,317		-		23,633,317		-
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential mortgage loans guaranteed by GNMA or FNMA		9,222,419		-		9,222,419		-
Collateralized mortgage obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored agencies		39,222,759		-		39,222,759		-

Total securities available for sale	$	76,096,646	$	-	$	76,096,646	$	-

Cash surrender value of life insurance	$	1,199,725	$	-	$	1,199,725	$	-

Cornerstone has no assets or liabilities whose fair values are measured on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs.

Additionally, there were no transactions between Level 1 and Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, which means the assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). The tables below present information about assets and liabilities on the balance sheet at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 for which a nonrecurring change in fair value was recorded (amounts in thousands).

			Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
			Active Markets		Other		Other
	Balance as of		for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
	September 30,		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
	2013		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Impaired loans	$	3,267	$	-	$	3,267	$	-
Foreclosed assets (OREO & Repossessions)		14,924		-		14,924		-

			Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
			Active Markets		Other		Other
	Balance as of		for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
	December 31,		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
	2012		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Impaired loans	$	4,869	$	-	$	4,869	$	-
Foreclosed assets (OREO & Repossessions)		20,332		-		20,332		-

Loans include impaired loans held for investment for which an allowance for loan losses has been calculated based upon the fair value of the loans at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of Cornerstone's financial instruments at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

	September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Carrying		Estimated		Carrying		Estimated
	Amount		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	21,255	$	21,255	$	59,395	$	59,395
Securities		95,319		95,320		76,142		76,143
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		2,323		2,323		2,323		2,323
Loans, net		281,022		281,403		270,850		271,128
Cash surrender value of life insurance		1,224		1,224		1,200		1,200
Accrued interest receivable		1,222		1,222		1,214		1,214

Liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits		54,452		54,452		60,054		60,054
Interest-bearing demand deposits		25,464		25,464		30,179		30,179
Savings deposits and money market accounts		90,666		90,666		80,994		80,994
Time deposits		170,174		171,541		173,654		175,177
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase		20,509		20,509		19,587		19,587
Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings		26,740		26,740		37,175		37,175
Accrued interest payable		100		100		121		121

Unrecognized financial instruments (net of contract amount):
Commitments to extend credit		-		-		-		-
Letters of credit		-		-		-		-
Lines of credit		-		-		-		-