ALERUS FINANCIAL CORP Fair Value Disclosure
NOTE 29 Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities
The Company categorizes its assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value into a three level hierarchy based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique used to determine estimated fair value. The estimated fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used in the determination of the estimated fair value measurement fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the estimated fair value measurement. Assets and liabilities valued at estimated fair value are categorized based on the following inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:
Level 1—Inputs that utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that an entity has the ability to access.
Level 2—Inputs that include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Estimated fair values for these instruments are estimated using pricing models, quoted prices of investment securities with similar characteristics, or discounted cash flows.
Level 3—Inputs that are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. Subsequent to initial recognition, the Company may re-measure the carrying value of assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis to estimated fair value. Adjustments to estimated fair value usually result when certain assets are impaired. Such assets are written down from their carrying amounts to their estimated fair value.
Professional standards allow entities the irrevocable option to elect to measure certain financial instruments and other items at estimated fair value for the initial and subsequent measurement on an instrument-by-instrument basis. The Company adopted the policy to value certain financial instruments at estimated fair value. The Company has not elected to measure any existing financial instruments at estimated fair value; however, it may elect to measure newly acquired financial instruments at estimated fair value in the future.
Recurring Basis
The Company uses estimated fair value measurements to record estimated fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine estimated fair value disclosures. For additional information on how the Company measures estimated fair value refer to Note 1 (Significant Accounting Policies).
The following tables present the balances of the assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
| Trading | $ | 1,758 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,758 | ||||||||
| Available-for-sale | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. treasury and government agencies | — | 405 | — | 405 | ||||||||||||
| Mortgage backed securities | ||||||||||||||||
| Residential agency | — | 476,746 | — | 476,746 | ||||||||||||
| Commercial | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Asset backed securities | — | 15 | — | 15 | ||||||||||||
| Corporate bonds | — | 36,929 | — | 36,929 | ||||||||||||
| Total available-for-sale investment securities | $ | — | $ | 514,095 | $ | — | $ | 514,095 | ||||||||
| Servicing rights (1) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 6,383 | $ | 6,383 | ||||||||
| Other assets | ||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives | $ | — | $ | 10,958 | $ | — | $ | 10,958 | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives | $ | — | $ | 10,682 | $ | — | $ | 10,682 | ||||||||
| (1) | See Note 9 Loan Servicing for more information on mortgage servicing rights (MSR). |
| December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
| Trading | $ | 3,309 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3,309 | ||||||||
| Available-for-sale | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. treasury and government agencies | — | 30,707 | — | 30,707 | ||||||||||||
| Mortgage backed securities | ||||||||||||||||
| Residential agency | — | 503,706 | — | 503,706 | ||||||||||||
| Commercial | — | 1,251 | — | 1,251 | ||||||||||||
| Asset backed securities | — | 19 | — | 19 | ||||||||||||
| Corporate bonds | — | 52,370 | — | 52,370 | ||||||||||||
| Total available-for-sale investment securities | $ | — | $ | 588,053 | $ | — | $ | 588,053 | ||||||||
| Servicing rights (1) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 7,918 | $ | 7,918 | ||||||||
| Other assets | ||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives | $ | — | $ | 9,105 | $ | — | $ | 9,105 | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives | $ | — | $ | 8,600 | $ | — | $ | 8,600 | ||||||||
| (1) | See Note 9 Loan Servicing for more information on mortgage servicing rights (MSR). |
The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.
Investment Securities, Trading for Deferred Compensation
The fair value of trading securities for deferred compensation is reported using market quoted prices, as such securities and underlying securities are actively traded and no valuation adjustments have been applied and therefore are classified as Level 1.
Investment Securities, Available-for-sale
Generally, debt securities are valued using pricing for similar securities, recently executed transactions, and other pricing models utilizing observable inputs and therefore are classified as Level 2.
Derivatives
All of the Company’s derivatives are traded in over the counter markets where quoted market prices are not readily available. For these derivatives, estimated fair value is measured using internally developed models that use primarily market observable inputs, such as yield curves and option volatilities, and accordingly, classify as Level 2. Examples of Level 2 derivatives are basic interest rate swaps and forward contracts.
Servicing Rights
Servicing rights are measured based on valuation techniques using Level 3 inputs. The Company uses a discounted cash flow model that incorporates assumptions market participants would use in estimating the fair value of servicing rights, including, but not limited to, conditional prepayment rate utilizing the Public Securities Association (PSA) convention, servicing fee rate, ancillary fees, and cost to service.
Nonrecurring Basis
Certain assets are measured at estimated fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These assets are not measured at estimated fair value on an ongoing basis; however, they are subject to estimated fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment or a change in the amount of previously recognized impairment.
The estimated fair value of certain assets on a nonrecurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 consisted of the following:
| December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
| Collateral dependent loans | — | — | 33,484 | 33,484 | ||||||||||||
| Foreclosed assets | — | — | 308 | 308 | ||||||||||||
| December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
| Collateral dependent loans | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 34,088 | $ | 34,088 | ||||||||
Loans Held for Sale
Loans originated and held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value. The Company obtains quotes or bids on these loans directly from purchasing financial institutions. Typically, these quotes include a premium on the sale and thus these quotes indicate estimated fair value of the held for sale loans is greater than cost.
Impairment losses for loans held for sale that are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value represent additional net write-downs during the period to record these loans at the lower of cost or estimated fair value subsequent to their initial classification as loans held for sale.
Collateral Dependent Loans
The estimated fair value of collateral dependent loans is based on fair value, less estimated cost to sell. Collateral dependent impaired loans are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
The Company considers appraisal analysis as the starting point for determining fair value, and then considers other factors and events in the environment that may affect fair value. Values of the collateral underlying collateral dependent loans are obtained when the loan is determined to be collateral dependent, and subsequently as deemed necessary by management. Values are reviewed for accuracy and consistency by management. The ultimate collateral values are reduced by discounts to consider lack of marketability and estimated cost to sell if repayment or satisfaction of the loan is dependent on the sale of the collateral.
Foreclosed Assets
Assets acquired through loan foreclosure are included in other assets and are initially recorded at estimated fair value less estimated selling costs. The estimated fair value of foreclosed assets is evaluated regularly and any decreases in value along with holding costs, such as taxes, insurane and utilities, are reported in noninterest expense.
The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used to measure Level 3 estimated fair value as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, were as follows:
| December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | Weighted | |||||||||||||
| Asset Type | Valuation Technique | Unobservable Input | Fair Value | Range | Average | |||||||||
| Collateral dependent loans | Appraisal value | Property specific adjustment | 33,484 | 10 - 35 | % | 30.7 | % | |||||||
| Foreclosed assets | Appraisal value | Property specific adjustment | 308 | 10.0 | % | 10.0 | % | |||||||
| Servicing rights | Discounted cash flows | Prepayment speed assumptions | 6,383 | 130 - 730 | 239 | |||||||||
| Discount rate | 10.0 | % | 10.0 | % | ||||||||||
| December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | Weighted | |||||||||||||
| Asset Type | Valuation Technique | Unobservable Input | Fair Value | Range | Average | |||||||||
| Collateral dependent loans | Appraisal value | Property specific adjustment | $ | 34,088 | 10 - 35 | % | 28.9 | % | ||||||
| Servicing rights | Discounted cash flows | Prepayment speed assumptions | 7,918 | 103 - 495 | 165 | |||||||||
| Discount rate | 10.5 | % | 10.5 | % | ||||||||||
Disclosure of estimated fair value information about financial instruments, for which it is practicable to estimate that value, is required whether or not recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. In cases in which quoted market prices are not available, estimated 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 estimate of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived estimated fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments. Certain financial instruments, with an estimated fair value that is not practicable to estimate and all non-financial instruments, are excluded from the disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate estimated fair value amounts presented do not necessarily represent the underlying value of the Company.
The following disclosures represent financial instruments in which the ending balances, as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, were not carried at estimated fair value in their entirety on the consolidated balance sheets.
Cash and Due from Banks and Accrued Interest
The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate those assets and liabilities estimated fair values.
Investment Securities, Held-to-Maturity
The fair values of debt securities held-to-maturity are based on quoted market prices for the same or similar securities, recently executed transactions and pricing models.
Loans
For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, estimated fair values are based on carrying values. The estimated fair values of other loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.
Bank-Owned Life Insurance
Bank-owned life insurance is carried at the amount due upon surrender of the policy, which is also the estimated fair value. This amount was provided by the insurance companies based on the terms of the underlying insurance contract.
Deposits
The estimated fair values of demand deposits are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the consolidated balance sheet date. The estimated fair values of fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies current incremental interest rates being offered on certificates of deposit to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities of the outstanding certificates of deposit.
Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt
For variable-rate borrowings that reprice frequently, estimated fair values are based on carrying values. The estimated fair values of fixed-rate borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
Off-Balance Sheet Credit-Related Commitments
Off-balance sheet credit related commitments are generally of short-term nature. The contract amount of such commitments approximates their estimated fair value since the commitments are comprised primarily of unfunded loan commitments which are generally priced at market at the time of funding.
The estimated fair values, and related carrying or notional amounts, of the Company’s financial instruments at the dates indicated are as follows:
| December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying | Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | Amount | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||||
| Financial Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 67,192 | $ | 67,192 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 67,192 | ||||||||||
| Investment securities held-to-maturity | 254,448 | — | 228,009 | — | 228,009 | |||||||||||||||
| Loans, net | 3,986,107 | — | — | 3,956,517 | 3,956,517 | |||||||||||||||
| Accrued interest receivable | 21,742 | 21,742 | — | — | 21,742 | |||||||||||||||
| Bank-owned life insurance | 39,307 | — | 39,307 | — | 39,307 | |||||||||||||||
| Servicing rights | 6,383 | — | — | 6,383 | 6,383 | |||||||||||||||
| Financial Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing deposits | $ | 807,896 | $ | — | $ | 807,896 | $ | — | $ | 807,896 | ||||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits | 2,807,565 | — | 2,807,565 | — | 2,807,565 | |||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 576,542 | — | 580,473 | — | 580,473 | |||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings | 308,800 | 308,800 | — | — | 308,800 | |||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | 59,182 | — | 59,911 | — | 59,911 | |||||||||||||||
| Accrued interest payable | 8,124 | 8,124 | — | — | 8,124 | |||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying | Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | Amount | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||||
| Financial Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 61,239 | $ | 61,239 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 61,239 | ||||||||||
| Investment securities held-to-maturity | 275,585 | — | 236,986 | — | 236,986 | |||||||||||||||
| Loans, net | 3,932,605 | — | — | 3,872,186 | 3,872,186 | |||||||||||||||
| Accrued interest receivable | 20,075 | 20,075 | — | — | 20,075 | |||||||||||||||
| Bank-owned life insurance | 36,033 | — | 36,033 | — | 36,033 | |||||||||||||||
| Servicing rights | 7,918 | — | — | 7,918 | 7,918 | |||||||||||||||
| Financial Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing deposits | $ | 903,466 | $ | — | $ | 903,466 | $ | — | $ | 903,466 | ||||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits | 2,767,979 | — | 2,767,979 | — | 2,767,979 | |||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 706,965 | — | 696,976 | — | 696,976 | |||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings | 238,960 | 238,960 | — | — | 238,960 | |||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | 59,069 | — | 59,078 | — | 59,078 | |||||||||||||||
| Accrued interest payable | 11,343 | 11,343 | — | — | 11,343 | |||||||||||||||
Historical Timeline
| Fiscal Year | Filed | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Mar 4, 2026 | Showing above |
| 2024 | Mar 14, 2025 | |
| 2023 | Mar 8, 2024 | |
| 2022 | Mar 13, 2023 | |
| 2021 | Mar 11, 2022 | |
| 2020 | Mar 12, 2021 | |
| 2019 | Mar 26, 2020 | |
About Fair Value Disclosures
Fair value disclosures classify all assets and liabilities measured at fair value into a three-level hierarchy: Level 1 (quoted market prices), Level 2 (observable inputs like yield curves), and Level 3 (unobservable inputs requiring management estimates). The proportion of Level 3 assets directly reflects how much of the balance sheet depends on internal models rather than market evidence.
Key signals: a growing Level 3 balance relative to total fair-value assets increases valuation uncertainty and earnings volatility risk. Watch for transfers between levels — assets moving from Level 2 to Level 3 often signal deteriorating market liquidity. Unrealized gains and losses on Level 3 positions flow through earnings or other comprehensive income, so large swings deserve scrutiny. For financial institutions, examine the sensitivity disclosures that show how Level 3 valuations change under alternative assumptions. Compare the fair value of debt against its carrying amount to gauge hidden leverage.