UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
|
| |
[P] | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 |
or
|
| |
[ ] | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number:
1-6523
Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter:
Bank of America Corporation
State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization:
Delaware
IRS Employer Identification No.:
56-0906609
Address of principal executive offices:
Bank of America Corporate Center
100 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28255
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(704) 386-5681
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
|
| | | | |
| Title of each class | | Name of each exchange on which registered | |
| Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| | | London Stock Exchange | |
| | | Tokyo Stock Exchange | |
| Depositary Shares, each Representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of 6.204% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Depositary Shares, each Representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series E | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Depositary Shares, each Representing a 1/1,000th Interest in a share of 8.20% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series H | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Depositary Shares, each Representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of 6.625% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series I | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Depositary Shares, each Representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of 7.25% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series J | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| 7.25% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock, Series L | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,200th interest in a share of Bank of America Corporation Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series 1 | | New York Stock Exchange | |
|
| | | | |
| Title of each class | | Name of each exchange on which registered | |
| Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,200th interest in a share of Bank of America Corporation Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series 2 | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,200th interest in a share of Bank of America Corporation 6.375% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series 3 | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,200th interest in a share of Bank of America Corporation Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series 4 | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,200th interest in a share of Bank of America Corporation Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series 5 | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of Bank of America Corporation 6.70% Non-cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series 6 | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of Bank of America Corporation 6.25% Non-cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series 7 | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,200th interest in a share of Bank of America Corporation 8.625% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series 8 | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| 6.75% Trust Preferred Securities of Countrywide Capital IV (and the guarantees related thereto) | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| 7.00% Capital Securities of Countrywide Capital V (and the guarantees related thereto) | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Capital Securities of BAC Capital Trust I (and the guarantee related thereto) | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Capital Securities of BAC Capital Trust II (and the guarantee related thereto) | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Capital Securities of BAC Capital Trust III (and the guarantee related thereto) | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| 57/8% Capital Securities of BAC Capital Trust IV (and the guarantee related thereto) | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| 6% Capital Securities of BAC Capital Trust V (and the guarantee related thereto) | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| 6% Capital Securities of BAC Capital Trust VIII (and the guarantee related thereto) | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| 61/4% Capital Securities of BAC Capital Trust X (and the guarantee related thereto) | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| 67/8% Capital Securities of BAC Capital Trust XII (and the guarantee related thereto) | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Floating Rate Preferred Hybrid Income Term Securities of BAC Capital Trust XIII (and the guarantee related thereto) | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| 5.63% Fixed to Floating Rate Preferred Hybrid Income Term Securities of BAC Capital Trust XIV (and the guarantee related thereto) | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| MBNA Capital A 8.278% Capital Securities, Series A (and the guarantee related thereto) | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| MBNA Capital B Floating Rate Capital Securities, Series B (and the guarantee related thereto) | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| MBNA Capital D 8.125% Trust Preferred Securities, Series D (and the guarantee related thereto) | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| MBNA Capital E 6.10% Trust Originated Preferred Securities, Series E (and the guarantee related thereto) | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Preferred Securities of Fleet Capital Trust VIII (and the guarantee related thereto) | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Preferred Securities of Fleet Capital Trust IX (and the guarantee related thereto) | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| 61/2% Subordinated InterNotesSM, due 2032 | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| 51/2% Subordinated InterNotesSM, due 2033 | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| 57/8% Subordinated InterNotesSM, due 2033 | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| 6% Subordinated InterNotesSM, due 2034 | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the S&P 500® Index, due November 26, 2012 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Market Index Target-Term Securities® Linked to the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM due December 2, 2014 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the S&P 500® Index, due December 23, 2011 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Market Index Target-Term Securities® Linked to the S&P 500® Index, due September 27, 2013 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to the S&P 500® Index, due July 27, 2012 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Market Index Target-Term Securities® Linked to the S&P 500® Index, due July 26, 2013 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to the S&P 500® Index, due June 29, 2012 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to the S&P 500® Index, due June 1, 2012 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Market Index Target-Term Securities® Linked to the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM, due May 31, 2013 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Market Index Target-Term Securities® Linked to the S&P 500® Index, due April 25, 2014 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Market Index Target-Term Securities® Linked to the S&P 500® Index, due March 28, 2014 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Market Index Target-Term Securities® Linked to the S&P 500® Index, due February 28, 2014 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Market Index Target-Term Securities® Linked to the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM, due January 30, 2015 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Market Index Target-Term Securities® Linked to the S&P 500® Index, due February 27, 2015 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
|
| | | | |
| Title of each class | | Name of each exchange on which registered | |
| Capped Leveraged Return Notes® Linked to the S&P 500® Index, due February 24, 2012 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the S&P 500® Index, due February 25, 2013 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Market Index Target-Term Securities® Linked to the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM, due March 27, 2015 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Capped Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to the S&P 500® Index, due March 30, 2012 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Market Index Target-Term Securities® Linked to the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM, due April 24, 2015 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Capped Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to the S&P 500® Index, due April 27, 2012 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Capped Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to the S&P 500® Index, due May 25, 2012 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Market Index Target-Term Securities® Linked to the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM, due May 29, 2015 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Market Index Target-Term Securities® Linked to the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM, due June 26, 2015 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Capped Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to the S&P 500® Index, due June 29, 2012 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Capped Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to the S&P 500® Index, due July 27, 2012 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Market Index Target-Term Securities® Linked to the S&P 500® Index, due July 31, 2015 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
| Capped Leveraged Index Return Notes® Linked to the S&P 500® Index, due August 31, 2012 | | NYSE Arca, Inc. | |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ü No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes No ü
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ü No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ü No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
|
| | | | | | |
Large accelerated filer P | | Accelerated filer | | Non-accelerated filer | | Smaller reporting company |
| | | | (do not check if a smaller reporting company) | | |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes No ü
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock (“Common Stock”) held on June 30, 2011 by non-affiliates was approximately $111,017,740,050 (based on the June 30, 2011 closing price of Common Stock of $10.96 per share as reported on the New York Stock Exchange). As of February 17, 2012, there were 10,732,388,501 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
Documents Incorporated by reference: Portions of the definitive proxy statement relating to the registrant’s annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on May 9, 2012 are incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K in response to items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III.
Table of Contents
Bank of America Corporation and Subsidiaries
|
| | |
| | Page |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Mine Safety Disclosures | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Part I
Bank of America Corporation and Subsidiaries
Item 1. Business
General
Bank of America Corporation (together, with its consolidated subsidiaries, Bank of America, the Corporation, we or us) is a Delaware corporation, a bank holding company and a financial holding company. When used in this report, “the Corporation” may refer to the Corporation individually, the Corporation and its subsidiaries, or certain of the Corporation’s subsidiaries or affiliates.
Bank of America is one of the world’s largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations and governments with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. Our principal executive offices are located in the Bank of America Corporate Center, 100 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255.
Bank of America’s website is www.bankofamerica.com. Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available on our website at http://investor.bankofamerica.com under the heading U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Filings as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such reports with, or furnish them to, the SEC. In addition, we make available on http://investor.bankofamerica.com under the heading Corporate Governance: (i) our Code of Ethics (including our insider trading policy); (ii) our Corporate Governance Guidelines; and (iii) the charter of each committee of our Board of Directors (the Board) (accessible by clicking on the committee names under the Committee Composition link), and we also intend to disclose any amendments to our Code of Ethics, or waivers of our Code of Ethics on behalf of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Chief Accounting Officer, on our website. All of these corporate governance materials are also available free of charge in print to stockholders who request them in writing to: Bank of America Corporation, Attention: Shareholder Relations, Hearst Tower, 214 North Tryon Street, NC1-027-20-05, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202.
Segments
Through our banking and various nonbanking subsidiaries throughout the United States and in international markets, we provide a diversified range of banking and nonbanking financial services and products through six business segments: Deposits, Card Services, Consumer Real Estate Services (CRES), Global Commercial Banking, Global Banking & Markets (GBAM) and Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM), with the remaining operations recorded in All Other. Additional information related to our business segments and the products and services they provide is included in the information set forth on pages 39 through 55 of Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A), and Note 26 – Business Segment Information to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data (Consolidated Financial Statements).
Competition
We operate in a highly competitive environment. Our competitors include banks, thrifts, credit unions, investment banking firms, investment advisory firms, brokerage firms, investment companies, insurance companies, mortgage banking companies, credit card issuers, mutual fund companies and e-commerce and other internet-based companies. We compete with some of these competitors globally and with others on a regional or product basis.
Competition is based on a number of factors including, among others, customer service, quality and range of products and services offered, price, reputation, interest rates on loans and deposits, lending limits and customer convenience. Our ability to continue to compete effectively also depends in large part on our ability to attract new employees and retain and motivate our existing employees, while managing compensation and other costs.
Employees
As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately 282,000 full-time equivalent employees. None of our domestic employees is subject to a collective bargaining agreement. Management considers our employee relations to be good.
Government Supervision and Regulation
The following discussion describes, among other things, elements of an extensive regulatory framework applicable to bank holding companies, financial holding companies and banks, including specific information about Bank of America. U.S. federal regulation of banks, bank holding companies and financial holding companies is intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) rather than for the protection of stockholders and creditors. For additional information about recent regulatory programs, initiatives and legislation that impact us, see Regulatory Matters in the MD&A on page 66.
General
We are subject to an extensive regulatory framework applicable to bank holding companies, financial holding companies and banks.
As a registered financial holding company and bank holding company, Bank of America Corporation is subject to the supervision of, and regular inspection by, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Federal Reserve). Our banking subsidiaries (the Banks) organized as national banking associations are subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Federal Reserve. The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB) regulates consumer financial products and services.
U.S. financial holding companies, and the companies under their control, are permitted to engage in activities considered “financial in nature” as defined by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and related Federal Reserve interpretations. Unless otherwise limited by the Federal Reserve, a financial holding company may engage directly or indirectly in activities considered financial in nature provided the financial holding company gives the Federal Reserve after-the-fact notice of the new activities. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act also permits national banks to engage in activities considered financial in nature through a financial subsidiary, subject to certain conditions and limitations and with the approval of the OCC. If the Federal Reserve finds that any of the Banks is not “well-capitalized” or “well-managed,” we would be required to enter into an agreement with the Federal Reserve to comply with all applicable capital and management requirements, which may contain additional limitations or conditions relating to our activities.
The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 permits bank holding companies to acquire banks located in states other than their home state without regard to state law, subject to certain conditions, including the condition that the bank holding company, after and as a result of the acquisition, controls no more than 10 percent of the total amount of deposits of insured depository institutions in the United States and no more than 30 percent or such lesser or greater amount set by state law of such deposits in that state. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Financial Reform Act) restricts acquisitions by financial companies if, as a result of the acquisition, the total liabilities of the financial company would exceed 10 percent of the total liabilities of all financial companies. At December 31, 2011, we held approximately 12 percent of the total amount of deposits of insured depository institutions in the U.S.
We are also subject to various other laws and regulations, as well as supervision and examination by other regulatory agencies, all of which directly or indirectly affect our operations and
management and our ability to make distributions to stockholders. Our U.S. broker/dealer subsidiaries are subject to regulation by and supervision of the SEC, New York Stock Exchange and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority; our commodities businesses in the U.S. are subject to regulation by and supervision of the U.S. Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); and our insurance activities are subject to licensing and regulation by state insurance regulatory agencies.
Our non-U.S. businesses are also subject to extensive regulation by various non-U.S. regulators, including governments, securities exchanges, central banks and other regulatory bodies, in the jurisdictions in which those businesses operate. Our financial services operations in the U.K. are subject to regulation by and supervision of the Financial Services Authority (FSA). In July of 2010, the U.K. proposed abolishing the FSA and replacing it with the Financial Policy Committee within the Bank of England (FPC) and two new regulators, the Prudential Regulatory Authority and the Consumer Protection and Markets Authority (CPMA). Our U.K. regulated entities will be subject to the supervision of the FPC and the PRA for prudential matters and the CPMA for conduct of business matters. The new financial regulatory structure is intended to be in place by the end of 2012. We continue to monitor the development and potential impact of this regulatory restructuring.
Financial Reform Act
On July 21, 2010, the Financial Reform Act was signed into law. As a result of the Financial Reform Act, several significant regulatory developments occurred in 2011, and additional regulatory developments may occur in 2012 and beyond. The Financial Reform Act has had, and will continue to have, a significant and negative impact on our earnings through fee reductions, higher costs and new restrictions. For a description of significant developments see Regulatory Matters in the MD&A on page 66.
Capital and Operational Requirements
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (FDICIA), among other things, identifies five capital categories for insured depository institutions (“well-capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” and “critically undercapitalized”) and requires the respective federal regulatory agencies to implement systems for “prompt corrective action” for insured depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements within such categories. FDICIA imposes progressively restrictive constraints on operations, management and capital distributions, depending on the category in which an institution is classified. Failure to meet the capital guidelines could also subject a banking institution to capital-raising requirements. An “undercapitalized” bank must develop a capital restoration plan and its parent holding company must guarantee that bank’s compliance with the plan.
As a financial services holding company, we are subject to the risk-based capital guidelines issued by the Federal Reserve (Basel I) and risk-based capital guidelines issued by other U.S. banking regulators. Under these guidelines, we measure capital adequacy based on Tier 1 capital, Tier 2 capital and Total capital (Tier 1 plus Tier 2 capital). Capital ratios are calculated by dividing each capital amount by risk-weighted assets. Under Basel I, the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio is four percent and the minimum total capital ratio is eight percent. A “well-capitalized” institution must generally
maintain capital ratios an additional two percentage points higher than these minimum guidelines.
While not an explicit requirement of law or regulation, bank regulatory agencies have stated that they expect common equity to be the primary component of a financial holding company’s Tier 1 capital and that financial holding companies should maintain a Tier 1 common capital ratio of at least four percent.
The Tier 1 leverage ratio is determined by dividing Tier 1 capital by adjusted quarterly average total assets, after certain adjustments. “Well-capitalized” bank holding companies must have a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of four percent and not be subject to a Federal Reserve directive to maintain higher capital levels. “Well-capitalized” national banks must maintain a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least five percent and not be subject to a Federal Reserve directive to maintain higher capital levels. We are currently classified as “well-capitalized” under Basel I.
The Basel II Final Rule (Basel II) was published in December 2007 and established requirements for U.S. implementation of Basel II and provided detailed requirements for a new regulatory capital framework. This regulatory capital framework includes requirements related to credit and operational risk (Pillar 1), supervisory requirements (Pillar 2) and disclosure requirements (Pillar 3). We are currently in the Basel II parallel period.
On December 16, 2010, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (Basel Committee) issued “Basel III: A global regulatory framework for more resilient banks and banking systems” (Basel III), proposing a January 2013 implementation date for Basel III. If implemented by U.S. banking regulators as proposed, Basel III could significantly increase our capital requirements. Basel III and the Financial Reform Act propose the disqualification of qualifying trust preferred securities from Tier 1 capital, with the Financial Reform Act proposing that the disqualification be phased in from 2013 through 2015. Basel III also proposes the deduction of certain assets from capital (including deferred tax assets, mortgage servicing rights (MSRs), investments in financial firms and pension assets, among others, within prescribed limitations), the inclusion of accumulated other comprehensive income (OCI) in capital, increased capital requirements for counterparty credit risk, and new minimum capital and buffer requirements. The phase-in period for the capital deductions is proposed to occur in 20 percent increments from 2014 through 2018 with full implementation by December 31, 2018. An increase in capital requirements for counterparty credit is proposed to be effective January 2013. The phase-in period for the new minimum capital requirements and related buffers is proposed to occur between 2013 and 2019. U.S. banking regulators have not yet issued proposed regulations that will implement these requirements.
On December 29, 2011, U.S. regulators issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) that would amend a December 2010 NPR on the Market Risk Rules. This amended NPR is expected to increase the capital requirements for our trading assets and liabilities. We continue to evaluate the capital impact of the proposed rules and currently anticipate that we will be in compliance with any final rules by the projected implementation date in late 2012.
On June 17, 2011, U.S. banking regulators proposed rules requiring all large bank holding companies (BHCs) to submit a comprehensive capital plan to the Federal Reserve as part of an annual Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR). The proposed regulations require BHCs to demonstrate adequate capital to support planned capital actions, such as dividends,
share repurchases or other forms of distributing capital. CCAR submissions are subject to approval by the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve may require BHCs to provide prior notice under certain circumstances before making a capital distribution.
On July 19, 2011, the Basel Committee published the consultative document “Globally systemic important banks: Assessment methodology and the additional loss absorbency requirement” which sets out measures for global, systemically important financial institutions including the methodology for measuring systemic importance, the additional capital required (the SIFI buffer), and the arrangements by which they will be phased in. As proposed, the SIFI buffer would be met with additional Tier 1 common equity ranging from one percent to 2.5 percent, and in certain circumstances, 3.5 percent. This will be phased in from 2016 through 2018. U.S. banking regulators have not yet provided similar rules for U.S. implementation of a SIFI buffer.
In addition to the capital proposals, in December 2010 the Basel Committee proposed two measures of liquidity risk. The Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) identifies the amount of unencumbered, high-quality liquid assets a financial institution holds that can be used to offset the net cash outflows the institution would encounter under an acute 30-day stress scenario. The Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) measures the amount of longer-term, stable sources of funding employed by a financial institution relative to the liquidity profiles of the assets funded and the potential for contingent calls on funding liability arising from off-balance sheet commitments and obligations, over a one-year period. These two minimum liquidity measures are also considered part of Basel III.
Given that the U.S. regulatory agencies have issued neither proposed rulemaking nor supervisory guidance on Basel III, significant uncertainty exists regarding the ultimate impacts of Basel III on U.S. financial institutions, including us.
For additional information about our calculation of regulatory capital and capital composition, see Capital Management – Regulatory Capital in the MD&A on page 72, and Note 18 – Regulatory Requirements and Restrictions to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For more information about regulatory capital changes, see Capital Management – Regulatory Capital Changes in the MD&A on page 73.
Distributions
We are subject to various regulatory policies and requirements relating to the payment of dividends, including requirements to maintain capital above regulatory minimums. The appropriate federal regulatory authority is authorized to determine, under certain circumstances relating to the financial condition of a bank or bank holding company, that the payment of dividends would be an unsafe or unsound practice and to prohibit payment thereof. For instance, under proposed rules we are required to submit to the Federal Reserve a capital plan as part of an annual CCAR (the Capital Plan). Supervisory review of the CCAR has a stated purpose of assessing the capital planning process of major U.S. bank holding companies, including any planned capital actions such as the payment of dividends on common stock. For additional information regarding the restrictions on our ability to receive dividends or other distributions from the Banks, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.
In addition, our ability to pay dividends is affected by the various minimum capital requirements and the capital and non-capital standards established under FDICIA, as described above. The right
of the Corporation, our stockholders and our creditors to participate in any distribution of the assets or earnings of our subsidiaries is further subject to the prior claims of creditors of the respective subsidiaries.
For additional information regarding the requirements relating to the payment of dividends, including the minimum capital requirements, see Note 15 – Shareholders’ Equity and Note 18 – Regulatory Requirements and Restrictions to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Source of Strength
According to the Financial Reform Act and Federal Reserve policy, bank holding companies are expected to act as a source of financial strength to each subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support each such subsidiary. Similarly, under the cross-guarantee provisions of the FDICIA, in the event of a loss suffered or anticipated by the FDIC - either as a result of default of a banking subsidiary or related to FDIC assistance provided to such a subsidiary in danger of default - the affiliate banks of such a subsidiary may be assessed for the FDIC’s loss, subject to certain exceptions. For additional information about our calculation of regulatory capital and capital composition, and proposed capital rules, see Capital Management – Regulatory Capital in the MD&A on page 72, and Note 18 – Regulatory Requirements and Restrictions to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Deposit Insurance
Deposits placed at U.S. domiciled Banks (U.S. Banks) are insured by the FDIC, subject to limits and conditions of applicable law and the FDIC’s regulations. Pursuant to the Financial Reform Act, FDIC insurance coverage limits were permanently increased to $250,000 per customer. The Financial Reform Act also provides for unlimited FDIC insurance coverage for noninterest-bearing demand deposit accounts for a two-year period beginning on December 31, 2010 and ending on January 1, 2013. All insured depository institutions are required to pay assessments to the FDIC in order to fund the DIF.
The FDIC is required to maintain at least a designated minimum ratio of the DIF to insured deposits in the U.S. The Financial Reform Act requires the FDIC to assess insured depository institutions to achieve a DIF ratio of at least 1.35 percent by September 30, 2020. The FDIC has adopted new regulations that establish a long-term target DIF ratio of greater than two percent. The DIF ratio is currently below the required targets and the FDIC has adopted a restoration plan that will result in substantially higher deposit insurance assessments for all depository institutions over the coming years. Deposit insurance assessment rates are subject to change by the FDIC and will be impacted by the overall economy and the stability of the banking industry as a whole. For additional information regarding deposit insurance, see Item 1A. Risk Factors – Regulatory and Legal Risk on page 14 and Regulatory Matters – Financial Reform Act and Regulatory Matters – FDIC Deposit Insurance Assessments in the MD&A on pages 66 and 67.
Transactions with Affiliates
U.S. Banks are subject to restrictions under federal law that limit certain types of transactions between the Banks and their non-bank affiliates. In general, U.S. Banks are subject to quantitative and qualitative limits on extensions of credit, purchases of assets and certain other transactions involving Bank of America and its non-bank affiliates. Transactions between the U.S. Banks and their
non-bank affiliates are required to be on arm’s length terms. For additional information regarding transactions with affiliates, see Regulatory Matters – Transactions with Affiliates in the MD&A on page 68.
Privacy and Information Security
We are subject to many U.S. federal, state and international laws and regulations governing requirements for maintaining policies and procedures to protect the non-public confidential information of our customers. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requires the Banks to periodically disclose Bank of America’s privacy policies and practices relating to sharing such information and enables retail customers to opt out of our ability to market to affiliates and non-affiliates under certain circumstances. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act also requires the Banks to implement a comprehensive information security program that includes administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer records and information. These security and privacy policies and procedures for the protection of personal and confidential information are in effect across all businesses and geographic locations.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In the course of conducting our business operations, we are exposed to a variety of risks, some of which are inherent in the financial services industry and others of which are more specific to our own businesses. The following discussion addresses the most significant factors that could affect our businesses, operations and financial condition. Additional factors that could affect our financial condition and operations are discussed in Forward-looking Statements in the MD&A on page 25. However, other factors could also adversely affect our businesses, operations and financial condition. Therefore, the risk factors below should not be considered a complete list of potential risks that we may face.
General Economic and Market Conditions Risk
Our businesses and results of operations have been, and may continue to be, materially and adversely affected by the U.S. and international financial markets and economic conditions generally.
Our businesses and results of operations are materially affected by the financial markets and general economic conditions in the U.S. and abroad, including factors such as the level and volatility of short-term and long-term interest rates, inflation, home prices, unemployment and under-employment levels, bankruptcies, household income, consumer spending, fluctuations in both debt and equity capital markets, liquidity of the global financial markets, the availability and cost of capital and credit, investor sentiment and confidence in the financial markets, European sovereign debt risks and the strength of the U.S. economy and the non-U.S. economies in which we operate. The deterioration of any of these conditions can adversely affect our consumer and commercial businesses and securities portfolios, our level of charge-offs and provision for credit losses, the carrying value of our deferred tax assets, our capital levels and liquidity, and our results of operations.
Although the U.S. economy continued its modest recovery in 2011, elevated unemployment, under-employment and household debt, along with continued stress in the consumer real estate market and certain commercial real estate markets, pose
challenges for domestic economic performance and the financial services industry. The sustained high unemployment rate and the lengthy duration of unemployment have directly impaired consumer finances and pose risks to the financial services industry. The housing market remains weak and elevated levels of distressed and delinquent mortgages pose further risks to the housing market. In addition, the public perception of certain financial services firms and practices appeared to decline during 2011. The current environment of heightened scrutiny of financial institutions has resulted in increased public awareness of and sensitivity to banking fees and practices. Mortgage and housing market-related risks may be accentuated by attempts to forestall foreclosure proceedings, as well as state and federal investigations into foreclosure practices by mortgage servicers. Each of these factors may adversely affect our fees and costs.
For additional information about economic conditions and challenges discussed above, see Executive Summary – 2011 Economic and Business Environment in the MD&A on page 27.
Mortgage and Housing Market-Related Risk
We have been, and expect to continue to be, required to repurchase mortgage loans and/or reimburse government-sponsored enterprises, Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (collectively, the GSEs) and monolines for losses due to claims related to representations and warranties made in connection with sales of residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and mortgage loans, and have received similar claims, and may receive additional claims, from whole-loan purchasers, private-label securitization investors and private-label securitization trustees, monolines and others. The ultimate resolution of these exposures could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, financial condition and results of operations.
In connection with residential mortgage loans sold to GSEs and first-lien residential mortgage and home equity loans sold to investors other than GSEs, we or our subsidiaries or legacy companies make or have made various representations and warranties. Breaches of these representations and warranties may result in a requirement that we repurchase mortgage loans, or indemnify or provide other remedies to counterparties (collectively, repurchases). The Corporation and legacy Countrywide sold approximately $1.1 trillion of loans originated from 2004 through 2008 to the GSEs. In addition, legacy companies and certain subsidiaries sold loans originated from 2004 through 2008 with an original principal balance of $963 billion to investors other than GSEs.
The amount of our total unresolved repurchase claims from all sources totaled approximately $14.3 billion at December 31, 2011. The total amount of our recorded liability related to representations and warranties repurchase exposure was $15.9 billion at December 31, 2011.
Our estimated liability at December 31, 2011 for obligations under representations and warranties with respect to GSE exposures is necessarily dependent on, and limited by, our historical claims experience with the GSEs. It includes our understanding of our agreements with the GSEs and projections of future defaults, as well as certain other assumptions and judgmental factors. The GSEs’ repurchase requests, standards for rescission of repurchase requests and resolution processes have become increasingly inconsistent with the GSEs’ own past conduct and our interpretation of our contractual obligations. These developments have resulted in an increase in claims outstanding
from the GSEs. We are not able to predict changes in the behavior of the GSEs based on our past experiences. Therefore, it is not possible to reasonably estimate a possible loss or range of possible loss with respect to any such potential impact in excess of current accrued liabilities.
Beginning in February 2012, we are no longer delivering purchase money and non-Making Home Affordable Program (MHA) refinance first-lien residential mortgage products into FNMA mortgage-backed securities (MBS) pools because of the expiration and mutual non-renewal of certain contractual delivery commitments and variances that permit efficient delivery of such loans to FNMA. While we continue to have a valid agreement with FNMA permitting the delivery of purchase money and non-MHA refinance first-lien residential mortgage products without such contractual delivery commitments and variances, the delivery of such products without such contractual variances would involve time and expense to implement the necessary operational and systems changes and otherwise present practical operational issues. The non-renewal of these contractual delivery commitments and variances was influenced, in part, by our ongoing differences with FNMA in other contexts, including repurchase claims. We continue to deliver MHA refinancing products into FNMA MBS pools, and continue to engage in dialogue to attempt to address these differences.
While we are seeking to resolve our differences with the GSEs concerning each party’s interpretation of the requirements of the governing contracts, whether we will be able to achieve a resolution of these differences on acceptable terms and timing thereof, is subject to significant uncertainty.
In addition to repurchase claims, we receive notices from mortgage insurance (MI) companies of claim denials, cancellations, or coverage rescission (collectively, MI rescission notices) and the amount of such notices have remained elevated. As of December 31, 2011, 74 percent of the MI rescission notices received had not been resolved. On June 30, 2011, FNMA issued an announcement requiring servicers to report, effective October 1, 2011, all MI rescission notices with respect to loans sold to FNMA. The announcement also confirmed FNMA’s view of its position that a mortgage insurance company’s issuance of a MI rescission notice constitutes a breach of the lender’s representations and warranties and permits FNMA to require the lender to repurchase the mortgage loan or promptly remit a make-whole payment covering FNMA’s loss even if the lender is contesting the mortgage insurer’s rescission. We have informed FNMA that we do not believe that the new policy is valid under our relevant contracts with FNMA and that we do not intend to repurchase loans under the terms set forth in the new policy. If we are required to abide by the terms of the new FNMA policy, our representations and warranties liability will likely increase.
Our estimated liability and range of possible loss with respect to non-GSE exposures is necessarily dependent on, and limited by, our historical claims and settlement experience with non-GSE counterparties and may materially change in the future based on factors beyond our control. Future provisions and/or estimated ranges of possible loss for non-GSE representations and warranties may be significantly impacted if actual experiences are different from our assumptions in our predictive models, including, without limitation, those regarding ultimate resolution of the Bank of New York Mellon settlement (BNY Mellon Settlement), estimated repurchase rates, economic conditions, estimated home prices, consumer and counterparty behavior, and a variety of other judgmental factors. In addition, we have not recorded any
representations and warranties liability for certain potential monoline exposures and certain potential whole-loan and other private-label securitization exposures. We currently estimate that the range of possible loss related to non-GSE representations and warranties exposure as of December 31, 2011 could be up to $5.0 billion over existing accruals. Reserves for certain potential monoline exposure are considered in our litigation reserves. This estimated range of possible loss for non-GSE representations and warranties does not represent a probable loss, is based on currently available information, significant judgment and a number of assumptions that are subject to change, including the assumption that the conditions to the BNY Mellon Settlement are satisfied. Adverse developments with respect to one or more of the assumptions underlying the liability for non-GSE representations and warranties and the corresponding estimated range of possible loss could result in significant increases to future provisions and our estimated range of possible loss.
If future representations and warranties losses occur in excess of our recorded liability for GSE exposures and in excess of our recorded liability and estimated range of possible loss for non-GSE exposures, including as a result of the factors set forth above, such losses could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, financial condition and results of operations. The liability for obligations under representations and warranties with respect to GSE and non-GSE exposures and the corresponding estimated range of possible loss related to non-GSE representations and warranties exposures do not include any losses related to litigation matters disclosed in Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements, nor do they include any separate foreclosure costs and related costs, assessments and compensatory fees or any possible losses related to potential claims for breaches of performance of servicing obligations (except as such losses are included as potential costs of the BNY Mellon settlement), potential securities law or fraud claims or potential indemnity or other claims against us, including claims related to loans guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). We are not able to reasonably estimate the amount of any possible loss with respect to any such servicing, securities law (except to the extent reflected in the aggregate range of possible loss for litigation and regulatory matters disclosed in Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements), fraud or other claims against us; however, such loss could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, financial condition and results of operations.
For additional information about our representations and warranties exposure, see Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations – Representations and Warranties in the MD&A on page 56, Consumer Portfolio Credit Risk Management in the MD&A on page 81 and Note 9 – Representations and Warranties Obligations and Corporate Guarantees to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
If final court approval is not obtained with respect to the BNY Mellon Settlement to resolve nearly all of the legacy Countrywide-issued first-lien non-GSE RMBS repurchase exposures of the 2004-2008 vintages, or if the Corporation and legacy Countrywide determine to withdraw from the BNY Mellon Settlement in accordance with its terms, the Corporation’s future representations and warranties losses could be substantially higher than existing accruals and the estimated range of possible loss over existing accruals, and consequently could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, financial condition and results of operations.
The BNY Mellon Settlement is subject to final court approval and certain other conditions. It is not currently possible to predict the timing or ultimate outcome of the court approval process, which can include appeals and could take a substantial period of time. There can be no assurance that final court approval of the settlement will be obtained, that all conditions will be satisfied (including the receipt of private letter rulings from the IRS and other tax rulings and opinions) or that, if certain conditions in the BNY Mellon Settlement permitting withdrawal are met, the Corporation and legacy Countrywide will not determine to withdraw from the BNY Mellon Settlement agreement.
If final court approval is not obtained with respect to the BNY Mellon Settlement or if the Corporation and legacy Countrywide determine to withdraw from the BNY Mellon Settlement agreement in accordance with its terms, the Corporation’s future representations and warranties losses with respect to non-GSEs could substantially exceed our non-GSE reserve, together with estimated reasonably possible loss related to non-GSE representations and warranties exposure of up to $5.0 billion over existing accruals at December 31, 2011. Developments with respect to one or more of the assumptions underlying the estimated range of possible loss for non-GSE representations and warranties (including the timing and ultimate outcome of the court approval process relating to the BNY Mellon Settlement) could result in significant increases in our non-GSE reserve and/or to this estimated range of possible loss, and such increases could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, financial condition and results of operations. For additional information regarding the BNY Mellon Settlement, see Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations – Representations and Warranties in the MD&A on page 56.
Further weakness in the U.S. housing market, including home prices, may adversely affect our consumer portfolios and have a significant adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Economic weakness in 2011 was accompanied by continued stress in the U.S. housing market, including declines in home prices. These declines in the housing market, with falling home prices and elevated foreclosures, have negatively impacted the demand for many of our products and the credit performance of our consumer mortgage portfolios. Additionally, our mortgage loan production volume is generally influenced by the rate of growth in residential mortgage debt outstanding and the size of the residential mortgage market, which has declined due to reduced activity in the housing market. Continued high unemployment rates in the U.S. have challenged U.S. consumers and further compounded these stresses in the U.S. housing market as employment conditions may be compelling some consumers to delay new home purchases or miss payments on existing mortgages.
Conditions in the U.S. housing market have also resulted in significant write-downs of asset values in several asset classes, notably MBS and exposure to monolines. These conditions may negatively affect the value of real estate which could negatively affect our exposure to representations and warranties. While there were continued indications throughout the past year that the U.S. economy is stabilizing, the performance of our overall consumer portfolios may not significantly improve in the near future. A protracted continuation or worsening of these difficult housing market conditions may exacerbate the adverse effects outlined above and have a significant adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We temporarily suspended our foreclosure sales nationally in 2010 to conduct an assessment of our foreclosure processes. Subsequently, numerous state and federal investigations of foreclosure processes across our industry have been initiated. Those investigations and any irregularities that might be found in our foreclosure processes, along with any remedial steps taken in response to governmental investigations or to our own internal assessment, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We have resumed foreclosure sales in nearly all states where foreclosure does not require a court order (non-judicial states). While we have resumed foreclosure proceedings in nearly all states where a court order is required (judicial states), our progress on foreclosure sales in judicial states has been much slower than in non-judicial states. The pace of foreclosure sales in judicial states increased significantly by the fourth quarter of 2011. However, there continues to be a backlog of foreclosure inventory in judicial states.
The implementation of changes in procedures and controls, including loss mitigation procedures related to our ability to recover on FHA insurance-related claims, and governmental, regulatory and judicial actions, may result in continuing delays in foreclosure proceedings and foreclosure sales and create obstacles to the collection of certain fees and expenses, in both judicial and non-judicial foreclosures.
We entered into a consent order with the Federal Reserve and Bank of America, N.A. (BANA) entered into a consent order with the OCC on April 13, 2011. The OCC consent order required that we retain an independent consultant, approved by the OCC, to conduct a review of all foreclosure actions pending, or foreclosure sales that occurred, between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010, and submit a plan to the OCC to remediate all financial injury to borrowers caused by any deficiencies identified through the review. The review is comprised of two parts: a sample file review conducted by the independent consultant, which began in October 2011, and file reviews by the independent consultant based upon requests for review from customers with in-scope foreclosures. We began outreach to those customers in November 2011 and additional outreach efforts are underway. Because the review process is available to a large number of potentially eligible borrowers and involves an examination of many details and documents, each review could take several months to complete. We cannot yet determine how many borrowers will ultimately request a review, how many borrowers will meet the eligibility requirements or how much in compensation might ultimately be paid to eligible borrowers.
We continue to be subject to additional borrower and non-borrower litigation and governmental and regulatory scrutiny related to our past and current servicing and foreclosure activities, including those claims not covered by the Servicing Resolution Agreements, defined below. This scrutiny may extend beyond our pending foreclosure matters to issues arising out of alleged irregularities with respect to previously completed foreclosure activities. The current environment of heightened regulatory scrutiny has the potential to subject us to inquiries or investigations that could significantly adversely affect our reputation. Such investigations by state and federal authorities, as well as any other governmental or regulatory scrutiny of our foreclosure processes, could result in material fines, penalties, equitable remedies, additional default servicing requirements and process changes, or other enforcement actions, and could result in significant legal costs in responding to governmental
investigations and additional litigation and, accordingly, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation.
We expect that mortgage-related assessments and waivers costs, including compensatory fees assessed by the GSEs and other costs associated with foreclosures will remain elevated as additional loans are delayed in the foreclosure process. This will likely result in continued higher noninterest expense, including higher default servicing costs and legal expenses in CRES. In addition, required process changes, including those required under the consent orders with federal bank regulators, are likely to result in further increases in our default servicing costs over the longer term. Delays in foreclosure sales may result in additional costs associated with the maintenance of properties or possible home price declines, result in a greater number of nonperforming loans and increased servicing advances and may adversely impact the collectability of such advances and the value of our MSR asset, MBS and real estate owned properties. With respect to GSE MBS, the valuation of certain MBS could be negatively affected under certain scenarios due to changes in the timing of cash flows. With respect to non-GSE MBS, under certain scenarios the timing and amount of cash flows could be negatively affected. For additional information regarding the temporary suspension of our foreclosure sales, see Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations – Other Mortgage-related Matters in the MD&A on page 63.
We reached an agreement in principle (AIP) with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), various federal agencies and 49 state attorneys general, to resolve various investigations into our foreclosure, servicing and certain mortgage origination practices. We also reached an agreement in principle with the FHA to resolve certain claims relating to the origination of FHA-insured mortgage loans and agreements in principle with the Federal Reserve and OCC regarding civil monetary penalties. These agreements are subject to ongoing discussions among the parties and the completion and execution of definitive documentation, as well as required regulatory and court approvals. Failure to finalize the documentation or to obtain the required approvals with respect to these agreements in principle, and failure to meet certain borrower assistance and refinancing assistance commitment goals in the agreements in principle which would trigger additional monetary payments and exposure to claims not covered by the agreements in principle, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
On February 9, 2012, we reached agreements in principle (collectively, the Servicing Resolution Agreements) with (1) the DOJ, various federal regulatory agencies and 49 attorneys general to resolve federal and state investigations into certain origination, servicing and foreclosure practices (the Global AIP), (2) the FHA to resolve certain claims relating to the origination of FHA-insured mortgage loans, primarily by Countrywide prior to and for a period following our acquisition of that lender (the FHA AIP) and (3) each of the Federal Reserve and the OCC regarding civil monetary penalties related to conduct that was the subject of consent orders entered into with the banking regulators in April 2011 (the Consent Order AIPs).
The Servicing Resolution Agreements are subject to ongoing discussions among the parties and completion and execution of definitive documentation, as well as required regulatory and court approvals. The Global AIP is subject to, among other things, Federal court approval in the United States District Court in the District of Columbia and regulatory approvals of the United States
Department of the Treasury and other federal agencies. The Consent Order AIPs are subject to, among other things, the finalization of the Global AIP. There can be no assurance as to when or whether binding settlement agreements will be reached, that they will be on terms consistent with the agreements in principle, or as to when or whether the necessary approvals will be obtained and the settlements will be finalized.
The Global AIP calls for the establishment of certain uniform servicing standards, upfront cash payments of approximately $1.9 billion to the state and federal governments and for borrower restitution, approximately $7.6 billion in borrower assistance in the form of, among other things, principal reduction, short sales and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure, and approximately $1.0 billion in refinancing assistance. We could be required to make additional payments if we fail to meet our borrower assistance and refinancing assistance commitments over a three-year period. In addition, we could be required to pay an additional $350 million if we fail to meet certain first-lien principal reduction thresholds over a three-year period. We also entered into agreements with several states under which we committed to perform certain minimum levels of principal reduction and related activities within those states as part of the Global AIP, and under which we could be required to make additional payments if we fail to meet such minimum levels. We expect to recognize the refinancing assistance as lower interest income in future periods as qualified borrowers pay reduced interest rates on loans refinanced. We may also incur additional operating costs (e.g., servicing costs) to implement certain terms of the Global AIP in future periods.
The FHA AIP provides for an upfront cash payment by us of $500 million. We would have the obligation to pay an additional $500 million if we fail to meet certain principal reduction thresholds over a three-year period.
Pursuant to an agreement in principle, the OCC agreed to hold in abeyance the imposition of a civil monetary penalty of $164 million. Pursuant to a separate agreement in principle, the Federal Reserve will assess a civil monetary penalty in the amount of $176 million against us. Satisfying our payment, borrower assistance and remediation obligations under the Global AIP will satisfy any civil monetary penalty obligations arising under these agreements in principle. If, however, we do not make certain required payments or undertake certain required actions under the Global AIP, the OCC will assess, and the Federal Reserve will require us to pay, the difference between the aggregate value of the payments and actions under these agreements in principle and the penalty amounts.
The Servicing Resolution Agreements do not cover claims arising out of securitization (including representations made to investors respecting MBS), criminal claims, private claims by borrowers, claims by certain states for injunctive relief or actual economic damages to borrowers related to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (MERS), and claims by the GSEs (including repurchase demands), among other items. Failure to finalize the documentation related to the Servicing Resolution Agreements, to obtain the required court and regulatory approvals, to meet our borrower and refinancing commitments or other adverse developments with respect to the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. For additional information regarding the temporary suspension of our foreclosure sales, see Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations – Other Mortgage-related Matters in the MD&A on page 63.
Failure to satisfy our obligations as servicer in the residential mortgage securitization process, including obligations related to residential mortgage foreclosure actions, along with other losses we could incur in our capacity as servicer, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Bank of America and its legacy companies have securitized a significant portion of the residential mortgage loans that they have originated or acquired. The Corporation services a large portion of the loans it or its subsidiaries have securitized and also services loans on behalf of third-party securitization vehicles and other investors. In addition to identifying specific servicing criteria, pooling and servicing arrangements entered into in connection with a securitization or whole loan sale typically impose standards of care on the servicer, with respect to its activities, that may include the obligation to adhere to the accepted servicing practices of prudent mortgage lenders and/or to exercise the degree of care and skill that the servicer employs when servicing loans for its own account.
Many non-GSE residential mortgage-backed securitizations and whole-loan servicing agreements also require us to indemnify the trustee or other investor for or against failures by us to perform our servicing obligations or acts or omissions that involve willful malfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of, or reckless disregard of, our duties. Servicing agreements with the GSEs generally provide the GSEs with broader rights relative to the servicer than are found in servicing agreements with private investors. Each GSE typically claims the right to demand that we repurchase loans that breach the seller’s representations and warranties made in connection with the initial sale of the loans, even if we were not the seller. The GSEs also claim that they have the contractual right to demand indemnification or loan repurchase for certain servicing breaches. The GSEs’ first mortgage seller/servicer guides provide for timelines to resolve delinquent loans through workout efforts or liquidation, if necessary, and purport to require the imposition of compensatory fees if those deadlines are not satisfied except for reasons beyond our control. We believe that the governing contracts, our course of dealing and collective past practices and understandings should inform resolution of these matters. Beginning in 2010, the GSEs increased the level of compensatory fees imposed and have recently amended those servicing guides retroactively to impose significantly new and more stringent requirements relating to default activities, which could increase our exposure to claims for compensatory fees. We have informed the GSEs that we do not believe that the new policies, or their retroactive application, are valid under the relevant contracts, and that we do not agree that the newly articulated policies are the proper method for the assessment of any compensatory fees under the terms of the relevant contracts.
With regard to alleged irregularities in foreclosure process-related activities referred to above, we may incur costs or losses if we elect or are required to re-execute or re-file documents or take other action in connection with pending or completed foreclosures. We may also incur costs or losses if the validity of a foreclosure action is challenged by a borrower, or overturned by a court because of errors or deficiencies in the foreclosure process. These costs and liabilities may not be reimbursable to us. We may also incur costs or losses relating to delays or alleged deficiencies in processing documents necessary to comply with state law governing foreclosures. We may be subject to deductions by insurers for MI or guarantee benefits relating to delays or alleged deficiencies. Additionally, if we commit a material breach of our servicing obligations that is not cured within specified timeframes,
including those related to default servicing and foreclosure, we could be terminated as servicer under servicing agreements under certain circumstances. Any of these actions may harm our reputation or increase our servicing costs.
Mortgage notes, assignments or other documents are often required to be maintained and are often necessary to enforce mortgages loans. There has been significant public commentary regarding the common industry practice of recording mortgages in the name of MERS, as nominee on behalf of the note holder, and whether securitization trusts own the loans purported to be conveyed to them and have valid liens securing those loans. We currently use the MERS system for a substantial portion of the residential mortgage loans that we originate, including loans that have been sold to investors or securitization trusts. A component of the OCC consent order requires significant changes in the manner in which we service loans identifying MERS as the mortgagee. Additionally, certain local and state governments have commenced legal actions against us, MERS, and other MERS members, questioning the validity of the MERS model. Other challenges have also been made to the process for transferring mortgage loans to securitization trusts, asserting that having a mortgagee of record that is different than the holder of the mortgage note could “break the chain of title” and cloud the ownership of the loan. In order to foreclose on a mortgage loan, in certain cases it may be necessary or prudent for an assignment of the mortgage to be made to the holder of the note, which in the case of a mortgage held in the name of MERS as nominee would need to be completed by a MERS signing officer. As such, our practice is to obtain assignments of mortgages from MERS prior to instituting foreclosure. If certain required documents are missing or defective, or if the use of MERS is found not to be valid, we could be obligated to cure certain defects or in some circumstances be subject to additional costs and expenses. Our use of MERS as nominee for the mortgage may also create reputational and other risks for us.
These costs and liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, financial condition and results of operations. We may also face negative reputational costs from these servicing risks, which could reduce our future business opportunities in this area or cause that business to be on less favorable terms to us.
For additional information concerning our servicing risks, see Recent Events in the MD&A on page 28. For additional information regarding the temporary suspension of our foreclosure sales, see Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations – Other Mortgage-related Matters in the MD&A on page 63.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity Risk is the Potential Inability to Meet Our Contractual and Contingent Financial Obligations, On- or Off-balance Sheet, as they Become Due.
Adverse changes to our credit ratings from the major credit rating agencies could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, cash flows, competitive position, financial condition and results of operations by significantly limiting our access to funding or the capital markets, increasing our borrowing costs, or triggering additional collateral or funding requirements.
Our borrowing costs and ability to raise funds are directly impacted by our credit ratings. In addition, credit ratings may be important to customers or counterparties when we compete in certain markets and when we seek to engage in certain
transactions, including over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives. Credit ratings and outlooks are opinions on our creditworthiness and that of our obligations or securities, including long-term debt, short-term borrowings, preferred stock and other securities, including asset securitizations. Our credit ratings are subject to ongoing review by the rating agencies which consider a number of factors, including our own financial strength, performance, prospects and operations as well as factors not under our control.
On December 15, 2011, Fitch Ratings (Fitch) downgraded the Corporation’s and BANA’s long-term and short-term debt ratings as a result of Fitch’s decision to lower its “support floor” for systemically important U.S. financial institutions. On November 29, 2011, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (S&P) downgraded the Corporation’s long-term and short-term debt ratings as well as BANA’s long-term debt rating as a result of S&P’s implementation of revised methodologies for determining Banking Industry Country Risk Assessments and bank ratings. On September 21, 2011, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) downgraded the Corporation’s long-term and short-term debt ratings as well as BANA’s long-term debt rating as a result of Moody’s lowering the amount of uplift for potential U.S. government support it incorporates into ratings. On February 15, 2012, Moody’s placed the Corporation’s long-term debt ratings and BANA’s long-term and short-term debt ratings on review for possible downgrade as part of its review of financial institutions with global capital markets operations. Any adjustment to our ratings will be determined based on Moody’s review; however, the agency offered guidance that downgrades to our ratings, if any, would likely be limited to one notch.
Currently, the Corporation’s long-term/short-term senior debt ratings and outlooks expressed by the rating agencies are as follows: Baa1/P-2 (negative) by Moody’s; A-/A-2 (negative) by S&P; and A/F1 (stable) by Fitch. The rating agencies could make further adjustments to our credit ratings at any time. There can be no assurance that additional downgrades will not occur.
A further reduction in certain of our credit ratings may have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, access to credit markets, the related cost of funds, our businesses and on certain trading revenues, particularly in those businesses where counterparty creditworthiness is critical. If the short-term credit ratings of our parent company, bank or broker/dealer subsidiaries were downgraded by one or more levels, the potential loss of access to short-term funding sources such as repo financing, and the effect on our incremental cost of funds and earnings could be material.
In addition, under the terms of certain OTC derivative contracts and other trading agreements, in the event of a further downgrade of our credit ratings or certain subsidiaries’ credit ratings, counterparties to those agreements may require us or certain subsidiaries to provide additional collateral, terminate these contracts or agreements, or provide other remedies. At December 31, 2011, if the rating agencies had downgraded their long-term senior debt ratings for us or certain subsidiaries by one incremental notch, the amount of additional collateral contractually required by derivative contracts and other trading agreements would have been approximately $1.6 billion comprised of $1.2 billion for BANA and $375 million for Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (Merrill Lynch) and certain of its subsidiaries. If the agencies had downgraded their long-term senior debt ratings for these entities by a second incremental notch, approximately $1.1 billion in additional collateral, comprised of $871 million for BANA and $269 million for Merrill Lynch and certain of its subsidiaries, would have been required.
Also, if the rating agencies had downgraded their long-term senior debt ratings for us or certain subsidiaries by one incremental notch, the derivative liability that would be subject to unilateral termination by counterparties as of December 31, 2011 was $2.9 billion, against which $2.7 billion of collateral had been posted. If the rating agencies had downgraded their long-term senior debt ratings for us or certain subsidiaries a second incremental notch, the derivative liability that would be subject to unilateral termination by counterparties as of December 31, 2011 was an incremental $5.6 billion, against which $5.4 billion of collateral had been posted.
While certain potential impacts are contractual and quantifiable, the full consequences of a credit ratings downgrade to a financial institution are inherently uncertain, as they depend upon numerous dynamic, complex and inter-related factors and assumptions, including whether any downgrade of a firm’s long-term credit ratings precipitates downgrades to its short-term credit ratings, and assumptions about the potential behaviors of various customers, investors and counterparties.
For additional information about our credit ratings and their potential effects to our liquidity, see Liquidity Risk – Credit Ratings in the MD&A on page 79 and Note 4 – Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Our liquidity, cash flows, financial condition and results of operations, and competitive position may be significantly adversely affected if we are unable to access the capital markets, continue to raise deposits, sell assets on favorable terms, or if there is an increase in our borrowing costs.
Liquidity is essential to our businesses. We fund our assets primarily with globally sourced deposits in our bank entities, as well as secured and unsecured liabilities transacted in the capital markets. We rely on certain secured funding sources, such as repo markets, which are typically short-term and credit-sensitive in nature. We also engage in asset securitization transactions, including with the GSEs, to fund consumer lending activities. Our liquidity could be significantly adversely affected by our ability to access the capital markets; illiquidity or volatility in the capital markets; unforeseen outflows of cash, including customer deposits, funding for commitments and contingencies, including Variable Rate Demand Notes; the ability to sell assets on favorable terms; increased liquidity requirements on our banking and nonbanking subsidiaries imposed by their home countries; or negative perceptions about our short- or long-term business prospects, including downgrades of our credit ratings. Several of these factors may arise due to circumstances beyond our control, such as a general market disruption, negative views about the financial services industry generally, changes in the regulatory environment, actions by credit rating agencies or an operational problem that affects third parties or us.
Our cost of obtaining funding is directly related to prevailing market interest rates and to our credit spreads. Credit spreads are the amount in excess of the interest rate of U.S. Treasury securities, or other benchmark securities, of the same maturity that we need to pay to our funding providers. Increases in interest rates and our credit spreads can significantly increase the cost of our funding. Changes in our credit spreads are market-driven, and may be influenced by market perceptions of our creditworthiness. Changes to interest rates and our credit spreads occur continuously and may be unpredictable and highly volatile.
For additional information about our liquidity position and other liquidity matters, including credit ratings and outlooks and the policies and procedures we use to manage our liquidity risks, see
Capital Management and Liquidity Risk in the MD&A on pages 71 and 76.
Bank of America Corporation is a holding company and as such we are dependent upon our subsidiaries for liquidity, including our ability to pay dividends to stockholders. Applicable laws and regulations, including capital and liquidity requirements, may restrict our ability to transfer funds from our subsidiaries to Bank of America Corporation or other subsidiaries.
Bank of America Corporation, as the parent company, is a separate and distinct legal entity from our banking and nonbanking subsidiaries. We evaluate and manage liquidity on a legal entity basis. Legal entity liquidity is an important consideration as there are legal and other limitations on our ability to utilize liquidity from one legal entity to satisfy the liquidity requirements of another, including the parent company. For instance, the parent company depends on dividends, distributions and other payments from our banking and nonbanking subsidiaries to fund dividend payments on our common stock and preferred stock and to fund all payments on our other obligations, including debt obligations. Many of our subsidiaries, including our bank and broker/dealer subsidiaries, are subject to laws that restrict dividend payments or authorize regulatory bodies to block or reduce the flow of funds from those subsidiaries to the parent company or other subsidiaries. In addition, our bank and broker/dealer subsidiaries are subject to restrictions on their ability to lend or transact with affiliates and to minimum regulatory capital and liquidity requirements, as well as restrictions on their ability to use funds deposited with them in bank or brokerage accounts to fund their businesses.
Additional restrictions on related party transactions, increased capital and liquidity requirements and additional limitations on the use of funds on deposit in bank or brokerage accounts, as well as lower earnings, can reduce the amount of funds available to meet the obligations of the parent company and even require the parent company to provide additional funding to such subsidiaries. Regulatory action of that kind could impede access to funds we need to make payments on our obligations or dividend payments. In addition, our right to participate in a distribution of assets upon a subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization is subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors. For additional information regarding our ability to pay dividends, see Note 15 – Shareholders’ Equity and Note 18 – Regulatory Requirements and Restrictions to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Credit Risk
Credit Risk is the Risk of Loss Arising from a Borrower, Obligor or Counterparty Default when a Borrower, Obligor or Counterparty does not Meet its Obligations.
Increased credit risk, due to economic or market disruptions, insufficient credit loss reserves or concentration of credit risk, may necessitate increased provisions for credit losses and could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
When we loan money, commit to loan money or enter into a letter of credit or other contract with a counterparty, we incur credit risk, or the risk of losses if our borrowers do not repay their loans or our counterparties fail to perform according to the terms of their agreements. A number of our products expose us to credit risk, including loans, leases and lending commitments, derivatives, trading account assets and assets held-for-sale. As one of the
nation’s largest lenders, the credit quality of our consumer and commercial portfolios has a significant impact on our earnings.
Global and U.S. economic conditions continue to weigh on our credit portfolios. Economic or market disruptions are likely to increase our credit exposure to customers, obligors or other counterparties due to the increased risk that they may default on their obligations to us. These potential increases in delinquencies and default rates could adversely affect our consumer credit card, home equity, consumer real estate and purchased credit-impaired portfolios, through increased charge-offs and provisions for credit losses. In addition, despite improvement in the mix of our commercial portfolio, increased credit risk could also adversely affect our commercial loan portfolios where we continue to experience elevated losses, particularly in our commercial real estate portfolios, reflecting continued stress across industries, property types and borrowers.
We estimate and establish an allowance for credit losses for losses inherent in our lending activities (including unfunded lending commitments), excluding those measured at fair value, through a charge to earnings. The amount of allowance is determined based on our evaluation of the potential credit losses included within our loan portfolio. The process for determining the amount of the allowance, which is critical to our financial condition and results of operations, requires difficult, subjective and complex judgments, including forecasts of economic conditions and how our borrowers will react to those conditions. Our ability to assess future economic conditions or the creditworthiness of our customers, obligors or other counterparties is imperfect. The ability of our borrowers to repay their loans will likely be impacted by changes in economic conditions, which in turn could impact the accuracy of our forecasts.
As with any such assessments, there is also the chance that we will fail to identify the proper factors or that we will fail to accurately estimate the impacts of factors that we identify. We may suffer unexpected losses if the models and assumptions we use to establish reserves and make judgments in extending credit to our borrowers and other counterparties become less predictive of future events. Although we believe that our allowance for credit losses was in compliance with applicable accounting standards at December 31, 2011, there is no guarantee that it will be sufficient to address future credit losses, particularly if economic conditions deteriorate. In such an event, we might need to increase the size of our allowance, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
In the ordinary course of our business, we also may be subject to a concentration of credit risk in a particular industry, country, counterparty, borrower or issuer. A deterioration in the financial condition or prospects of a particular industry or a failure or downgrade of, or default by, any particular entity or group of entities could have a material adverse effect on our businesses, and the processes by which we set limits and monitor the level of our credit exposure to individual entities, industries and countries may not function as we have anticipated. While our activities expose us to many different industries and counterparties, we routinely execute a high volume of transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers/dealers, commercial banks, investment funds and insurers. This has resulted in significant credit concentration with respect to this industry. In the ordinary course of business, we also enter into transactions with sovereign nations, U.S. states and U.S. municipalities. Unfavorable
economic or political conditions, disruptions to capital markets, currency fluctuations, social instability and changes in government policies could impact the operating budgets or credit ratings of sovereign nations, U.S. states and U.S. municipalities and expose us to credit risk.
We also have a concentration of credit risk with respect to our consumer real estate, consumer credit card and commercial real estate portfolios, which represent a large percentage of our overall credit portfolio. The economic downturn has adversely affected these portfolios and further exposed us to this concentration of risk. Continued economic weakness or deterioration in real estate values or household incomes could result in materially higher credit losses.
For additional information about our credit risk and credit risk management policies and procedures, see Credit Risk Management in the MD&A on page 80 and Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Principles to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
We could suffer losses as a result of the actions of or deterioration in the commercial soundness of our counterparties and other financial services institutions.
We could suffer losses and our ability to engage in routine trading and funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other market participants. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and we routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers/dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, mutual and hedge funds and other institutional clients. Financial services institutions and other counterparties are inter-related because of trading, funding, clearing or other relationships. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial services institutions, or the financial services industry generally, have led to market-wide liquidity problems and could lead to significant future liquidity problems, including losses or defaults by us or by other institutions. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of a counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be impacted when the collateral held by us cannot be realized or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the loan or derivatives exposure due us. Any such losses could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our derivatives businesses may expose us to unexpected risks and potential losses.
We are party to a large number of derivatives transactions, including credit derivatives. Our derivatives businesses may expose us to unexpected market, credit and operational risks that could cause us to suffer unexpected losses and have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Severe declines in asset values, unanticipated credit events or unforeseen circumstances that may cause previously uncorrelated factors to become correlated (and vice versa) may create losses resulting from risks not appropriately taken into account in the development, structuring or pricing of a derivative instrument. The terms of certain of our OTC derivative contracts and other trading agreements provide that upon the occurrence of certain specified events, such as a change in our credit ratings, we may be required to provide additional collateral or to provide other remedies, or our counterparties may have the right to terminate or otherwise diminish our rights under these contracts or agreements.
Many derivative instruments are individually negotiated and non-standardized, which can make exiting, transferring or settling some positions difficult. Many derivatives require that we deliver to the counterparty the underlying security, loan or other obligation in order to receive payment. In a number of cases, we do not hold, and may not be able to obtain, the underlying security, loan or other obligation.
Following the downgrade of the credit ratings of the Corporation, we have engaged in discussions with certain derivative and other counterparties regarding their rights under these agreements. In response to counterparties’ inquiries and requests, we have discussed and in some cases substituted derivative contracts and other trading agreements, including naming BANA as the new counterparty. Our ability to substitute or make changes to these agreements to meet counterparties’ requests may be subject to certain limitations, including counterparty willingness, regulatory limitations on naming BANA as the new counterparty, and the type or amount of collateral required. It is possible that such limitations on our ability to substitute or make changes to these agreements, including naming BANA as the new counterparty, could adversely affect our results of operations.
Derivatives contracts and other transactions entered into with third parties are not always confirmed by the counterparties or settled on a timely basis. While a transaction remains unconfirmed or during any delay in settlement, we are subject to heightened credit and operational risk and in the event of default may find it more difficult to enforce the contract. In addition, as new and more complex derivatives products have been created, covering a wider array of underlying credit and other instruments, disputes about the terms of the underlying contracts may arise, which could impair our ability to effectively manage our risk exposures from these products and subject us to increased costs.
For additional information on our derivatives exposure, see Note 4 – Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Market Risk
Market Risk is the Risk that Values of Assets and Liabilities or Revenues will be Adversely Affected by Changes in Market Conditions Such as Market Volatility. Market Risk is Inherent in the Financial Instruments Associated with our Operations and Activities, Including Loans, Deposits, Securities, Short-term Borrowings, Long-term Debt, Trading Account Assets and Liabilities, and Derivatives.
Our businesses and results of operations have been, and may continue to be, significantly adversely affected by changes in the levels of market volatility and by other financial or capital market conditions.
Our businesses and results of operations may be adversely affected by market risk factors such as changes in interest and currency exchange rates, equity and futures prices, the implied volatility of interest rates, credit spreads and other economic and business factors. These market risks may adversely affect, among other things, (i) the value of our on- and off-balance sheet securities, trading assets other financial instruments, and MSRs, (ii) the cost of debt capital and our access to credit markets, (iii) the value of assets under management, which could reduce our fee income relating to those assets, (iv) customer allocation of capital among investment alternatives, (v) the volume of client
activity in our trading operations, (vi) investment banking fees, and (vii) the general profitability and risk level of the transactions in which we engage. Any of these developments could have a significant adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
We use various models and strategies to assess and control our market risk exposures but those are subject to inherent limitations. Our models, which rely on historical trends and assumptions, may not be sufficiently predictive of future results due to limited historical patterns, extreme or unanticipated market movements and illiquidity, especially during severe market downturns or stress events. The models that we use to assess and control our market risk exposures also reflect assumptions about the degree of correlation or lack thereof among prices of various asset classes or other market indicators.
In times of market stress or other unforeseen circumstances, such as the market conditions experienced in 2008 and 2009, previously uncorrelated indicators may become correlated, or previously correlated indicators may move in different directions. These types of market movements have at times limited the effectiveness of our hedging strategies and have caused us to incur significant losses, and they may do so in the future. These changes in correlation can be exacerbated where other market participants are using risk or trading models with assumptions or algorithms that are similar to ours. In these and other cases, it may be difficult to reduce our risk positions due to the activity of other market participants or widespread market dislocations, including circumstances where asset values are declining significantly or no market exists for certain assets. To the extent that we own securities that do not have an established liquid trading market or are otherwise subject to restrictions on sale or hedging, we may not be able to reduce our positions and therefore reduce our risk associated with such positions. In addition, challenging market conditions may also adversely affect our investment banking fees.
For additional information about market risk and our market risk management policies and procedures, see Market Risk Management in the MD&A on page 112.
Further downgrades in the U.S. government’s sovereign credit rating, or in the credit ratings of instruments issued, insured or guaranteed by related institutions, agencies or instrumentalities, could result in risks to the Corporation and its credit ratings and general economic conditions that we are not able to predict.
On August 2, 2011, Moody’s affirmed the U.S. government’s existing sovereign rating, but revised the rating outlook to negative. On August 5, 2011, S&P downgraded the U.S. government’s long-term sovereign credit rating to AA+ from AAA and stated that the outlook on the long-term rating is negative. On the same day, S&P affirmed its A-1+ short-term rating on the U.S. and removed it from CreditWatch negative. On November 28, 2011, Fitch affirmed its AAA long-term rating on the U.S., but changed the outlook from stable to negative. On the same day, Fitch affirmed its F1+ short-term rating on the U.S. All three rating agencies have indicated that they will continue to assess fiscal projections and consolidation measures, as well as the medium-term economic outlook for the United States.
There continues to be the perceived risk of a sovereign credit ratings downgrade of the U.S. government, including the ratings of U.S. Treasury securities. It is foreseeable that the ratings and perceived creditworthiness of instruments issued, insured or guaranteed by institutions, agencies or instrumentalities directly linked to the U.S. government could also be correspondingly
affected by any such downgrade. Instruments of this nature are key assets on the balance sheets of financial institutions, including the Corporation, and are widely used as collateral by financial institutions to meet their day-to-day cash flows in the short-term debt market. A downgrade of the sovereign credit ratings of the U.S. government and perceived creditworthiness of U.S. government-related obligations could impact our ability to obtain funding that is collateralized by affected instruments, as well as affecting the pricing of that funding when it is available. A downgrade may also adversely affect the market value of such instruments.
We cannot predict if, when or how any changes to the credit ratings or perceived creditworthiness of these organizations will affect economic conditions. Such ratings actions could result in a significant adverse impact to the Corporation. The credit rating agencies’ ratings for the Corporation or its subsidiaries could be directly or indirectly impacted by a downgrade of the U.S. government’s sovereign rating because the credit ratings of large systemically important financial institutions, including the Corporation, currently incorporate a degree of uplift due to assumptions concerning government support. In addition, the Corporation presently delivers a material portion of the residential mortgage loans it originates into GSEs, agencies or instrumentalities (or instruments insured or guaranteed thereby). We cannot predict if, when or how any changes to the credit ratings of these organizations will affect their ability to finance residential mortgage loans. Such ratings actions, if any, could result in a significant change to the business operations of CRES.
A downgrade of the sovereign credit ratings of the U.S. government or the credit ratings of related institutions, agencies or instrumentalities would significantly exacerbate the other risks to which the Corporation is subject and any related adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including those described under Risk Factors – Credit Risk – “We could suffer losses as a result of the actions of or deterioration in the commercial soundness of our counterparties and other financial services institutions,” Risk Factors – Market Risk – “Our businesses and results of operations have been, and may continue to be, significantly adversely affected by changes in the levels of market volatility and by other financial or capital market conditions” and Risk Factors – Liquidity Risk – “Our liquidity, cash flows, financial condition and results of operations, and competitive position may be significantly adversely affected if we are unable to access capital markets, continue to raise deposits, sell assets on favorable terms, or if there is an increase in our borrowing costs.”
Uncertainty about the financial stability of several countries in the European Union (EU), the increasing risk that those countries may default on their sovereign debt and related stresses on financial markets, the Euro and the EU could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In 2011, the financial crisis in Europe continued, triggered by high sovereign budget deficits and rising direct and contingent sovereign debt in Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain, which created concerns about the ability of these EU countries to continue to service their sovereign debt obligations. These conditions impacted financial markets and resulted in credit ratings downgrades for, and high and volatile bond yields on, the sovereign debt of many EU countries. Certain European countries continue to experience varying degrees of financial stress, and yields on government-issued bonds in Greece, Ireland, Italy,
Portugal and Spain have risen and remain volatile. Despite assistance packages to certain of these countries, the creation of a joint EU-IMF European Financial Stability Facility and additional expanded financial assistance to Greece, uncertainty over the outcome of the EU governments’ financial support programs and worries about sovereign finances and the stability of the Euro and EU persist. Market concerns over the direct and indirect exposure of certain European banks and insurers to these EU countries resulted in a widening of credit spreads and increased costs of funding for these financial institutions. While we have reduced our exposure to European financial institutions, the insolvency of one or more major European financial institutions could adversely impact financial markets and, consequently, our results of operations.
Risks and ongoing concerns about the debt crisis in Europe could have a detrimental impact on the global economic recovery, sovereign and non-sovereign debt in these countries and the financial condition of European financial institutions and international financial institutions with exposure to the region, including us. Market and economic disruptions have affected, and may continue to affect, consumer confidence levels and spending, personal bankruptcy rates, levels of incurrence and default on consumer debt and residential mortgages, and housing prices among other factors. There can be no assurance that the market disruptions in Europe, including the increased cost of funding for certain governments and financial institutions, will not spread, nor can there be any assurance that future assistance packages will be available or, even if provided, will be sufficient to stabilize the affected countries and markets in Europe or elsewhere. To the extent uncertainty regarding the European economic recovery continues to negatively impact consumer confidence and consumer credit factors, or should the EU enter a deep recession, both the U.S. economy and our business and results of operations could be significantly and adversely affected. Global economic uncertainty, regulatory initiatives and reform have impacted, and will likely continue to impact, non-U.S. credit and trading portfolios. Our Regional Risk Committee, a subcommittee of our Credit Risk Committee, is seeking to address this risk but there can be no assurance our efforts in this respect will be sufficient or successful. Our total sovereign and non-sovereign exposure to Greece, Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Spain, was $15.3 billion at December 31, 2011 compared to $16.6 billion at December 31, 2010. Our total net sovereign and non-sovereign exposure to these countries was $10.5 billion at December 31, 2011 compared to $12.4 billion at December 31, 2010, after taking into account net credit default protection. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the fair value of net credit default protection purchased was $4.9 billion and $4.2 billion. Losses could still result because our credit protection contracts only pay out under certain scenarios.
For more information on our direct sovereign and non-sovereign exposures in Europe, see Executive Summary – 2011 Economic and Business Environment in the MD&A on page 27 and Non-U.S. Portfolio in the MD&A on page 104.
Declines in the value of certain of our assets could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
We have a large portfolio of financial instruments, including, among others, certain corporate loans and loan commitments, loans held-for-sale, repurchase agreements, long-term deposits, trading account assets and liabilities, derivatives assets and liabilities, available-for-sale debt and marketable equity securities, consumer-related MSRs and certain other assets and liabilities that we measure at fair value. We determine the fair values of
these instruments based on the fair value hierarchy under applicable accounting guidance. The fair values of these financial instruments include adjustments for market liquidity, credit quality and other transaction-specific factors, where appropriate.
Gains or losses on these instruments can have a direct and significant impact on our results of operations, unless we have effectively hedged our exposures. Changes in loan prepayment speeds, which are influenced by interest rates, among other things, can impact the value of our MSRs and can result in substantially higher or lower mortgage banking income and earnings, depending upon our ability to fully hedge the performance of our MSRs. Fair values may be impacted by declining values of the underlying assets or the prices at which observable market transactions occur and the continued availability of these transactions. The financial strength of counterparties, such as monolines, with whom we have economically hedged some of our exposure to these assets, also will affect the fair value of these assets. Sudden declines and significant volatility in the prices of assets may substantially curtail or eliminate the trading activity for these assets, which may make it very difficult to sell, hedge or value such assets. The inability to sell or effectively hedge assets reduces our ability to limit losses in such positions and the difficulty in valuing assets may increase our risk-weighted assets, which requires us to maintain additional capital and increases our funding costs.
Asset values also directly impact revenues in our asset management businesses. We receive asset-based management fees based on the value of our clients’ portfolios or investments in funds managed by us and, in some cases, we also receive incentive fees based on increases in the value of such investments. Declines in asset values can reduce the value of our clients’ portfolios or fund assets, which in turn can result in lower fees earned for managing such assets.
For additional information about fair value measurements, see Note 22 – Fair Value Measurements to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For additional information about our asset management businesses, see Business Segment Operations – Global Wealth & Investment Management in the MD&A on page 52.
Changes to loan prepayment speeds could reduce our net interest income and earnings.
Government officials and regulatory authorities have advanced various proposals to assist homeowners and the housing and mortgage markets more generally. Certain of these proposals have included expanded access to residential mortgage loan refinancing options, including refinancing options for borrowers who may be current on their existing mortgage loans and for borrowers whose current mortgage principal balance may exceed the current appraised value of the mortgaged property. Expanded refinancing access may also result from our implementation of the Servicing Resolution Agreements discussed above. Adoption of proposals of this nature could result in an increased number of mortgage refinancings, and accordingly, greater reductions in interest rates and principal prepayments on the mortgage loans in our portfolio than we would otherwise expect to experience without those proposals. Reductions in interest rates and increases in mortgage prepayment speeds of this nature could adversely impact the value of our MSR asset, cause a significant acceleration of purchase premium amortization on our mortgage portfolio, adversely affect our net interest margin, and adversely affect our net interest income and earnings.
For additional information about interest rate risk management, see Interest Rate Risk Management for Nontrading Activities in the MD&A on page 116.
Regulatory and Legal Risk
Bank regulatory agencies may require us to hold higher levels of regulatory capital, increase our regulatory capital ratios or increase liquidity, which could result in the need to issue additional securities that qualify as regulatory capital or to sell company assets.
We are subject to the risk-based capital guidelines issued by the Federal Reserve. These guidelines establish regulatory capital requirements for banking institutions to meet minimum requirements as well as to qualify as a “well-capitalized” institution. (A “well-capitalized” institution must generally maintain capital ratios 200 basis points higher than the minimum guidelines.) The risk-based capital rules have been further supplemented by required leverage ratios, defined as Tier I (the highest grade) capital divided by quarterly average total assets, after certain adjustments. If any of our insured depository institutions fails to maintain its status as “well-capitalized” under the capital rules of their primary federal regulator, the Federal Reserve will require us to enter into an agreement to bring the insured depository institution or institutions back into a “well-capitalized” status. For the duration of such an agreement, the Federal Reserve may impose restrictions on the activities in which we may engage. If we were to fail to enter into such an agreement, or fail to comply with the terms of such agreement, the Federal Reserve may impose more severe restrictions on the activities in which we may engage, including requiring us to cease and desist in activities permitted under the Bank Holding Act.
It is possible that increases in regulatory capital requirements, changes in how regulatory capital is calculated or increases to liquidity requirements, may cause the loss of our “well-capitalized” status unless we increase our capital levels by issuing additional common stock, thus diluting our existing shareholders, or by selling assets. On December 20, 2011, the Federal Reserve proposed rules relating to risk-based capital and leverage requirements, liquidity requirements, stress tests, single-counterparty credit limits and early remediation requirements. These rules, when finalized, are likely to influence our regulatory capital and liquidity planning process, and may impose additional operational and compliance costs on us. Any requirement that we increase our regulatory capital, regulatory capital ratios or liquidity could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, as we may need to sell certain assets, perhaps on terms unfavorable to us and contrary to our business plans. Such a requirement could also compel us to issue additional securities, which could dilute our current common stockholders. For additional information about the proposals described above and their potential effect on our required levels of regulatory capital, see Capital Management – Regulatory Capital in the MD&A on page 72.
Government measures to regulate the financial industry, including the Financial Reform Act, either individually, in combination or in the aggregate, have increased and will continue to increase our compliance costs and could require us to change certain of our business practices, impose significant additional costs on us, limit the products that we offer, limit our ability to pursue business opportunities in an efficient manner, require us to increase our regulatory capital, impact the value of assets that we hold, significantly reduce our revenues or otherwise materially and adversely affect our businesses, financial condition and results of operations
As a financial institution, we are heavily regulated at the state, federal and international levels. As a result of the 2008-2009 financial crisis and related global economic downturn, we have faced and expect to continue to face increased public and legislative scrutiny as well as stricter and more comprehensive regulation of our businesses. These regulatory and legislative measures, either individually, in combination or in the aggregate, could require us to further change certain of our business practices, impose significant additional costs on us, limit the products that we offer, limit our ability to pursue business opportunities in an efficient manner, require us to increase our regulatory capital, impact the value of assets that we hold, significantly reduce our revenues or otherwise materially and adversely affect our businesses, financial condition and results of operations.
On October 11, 2011, the Federal Reserve, the OCC, FDIC and the SEC, four of the five regulatory agencies charged with promulgating regulations implementing limitations on proprietary trading as well as the sponsorship of or investment in hedge funds and private equity funds (the Volcker Rule) established by the Financial Reform Act, released for comment proposed regulations. On January 11, 2012, the CFTC, the fifth agency, released for comment its proposed regulations under the Volcker Rule. The proposed regulations include clarifications to the definition of proprietary trading and distinctions between permitted and prohibited activities. The comment period for the first regulations proposed ended on February 13, 2012 and the comment period for the CFTC regulations will end in March 2012.
The statutory provisions of the Volcker Rule will become effective on July 21, 2012, whether or not the final regulations are adopted, and it gives certain financial institutions two years from the effective date, with opportunities for additional extensions, to bring activities and investments into compliance. Although GBAM exited its stand-alone proprietary trading business as of June 30, 2011 in anticipation of the Volcker Rule and to further our initiative to optimize our balance sheet, the ultimate impact of the Volcker Rule on us remains uncertain. However, based on the contents of the proposed regulations, it is possible that the implementation of the Volcker Rule could limit or restrict our remaining trading activities. Implementation of the Volcker Rule could also limit or restrict our ability to sponsor and hold ownership interests in hedge funds, private equity funds and other subsidiary operations. Additionally, implementation of the Volcker Rule could increase our operational and compliance costs and reduce our trading revenues, and adversely affect our results of operations. The date by which final regulations will be issued is uncertain.
Additionally, the Financial Reform Act includes measures to broaden the scope of derivative instruments subject to regulation by requiring clearing and exchange trading of certain derivatives, imposing new capital, margin, reporting, registration and business conduct requirements for certain market participants and imposing position limits on certain OTC derivatives. The Financial Reform Act grants the CFTC and the SEC substantial new authority and requires numerous rulemakings by these agencies. The Financial Reform Act required regulators to promulgate the rulemakings necessary to implement these regulations by July 16, 2011. However, the rulemaking process was not completed as of that date, and is not expected to conclude until well into 2012. Further, the regulators granted temporary relief from certain requirements that would have taken effect on July 16, 2011 absent any rulemaking. The SEC temporary relief is effective until final rules relevant to each requirement become effective. The CFTC
temporary relief is effective until the earlier of July 16, 2012 or the date on which final rules relevant to each requirement become effective. The ultimate impact of these derivatives regulations, and the time it will take to comply, continue to remain uncertain. The final regulations will impose additional operational and compliance costs on us and may require us to restructure certain businesses and negatively impact our revenues and results of operations.
In April 2011, a new regulation became effective that implements revisions to the assessment system mandated by the Financial Reform Act that increased our FDIC expense. In addition, the FDIC has broad discretionary authority to increase assessments on large and highly complex institutions on a case by case basis. Any future increases in required deposit insurance premiums or other bank industry fees could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
The Financial Reform Act provided for a new resolution authority to establish a process to resolve the failure of large systemically important financial institutions. As part of that process, we are required to develop and implement a resolution plan which will be subject to review by the FDIC and the Federal Reserve to determine whether our plan is credible. As a result of FDIC and Federal Reserve review, we could be required to take certain actions over the next several years which could impose operational costs and could potentially result in the divestiture or restructuring of certain businesses and subsidiaries.
In 2011, the Federal Reserve and FDIC jointly approved a final rule that requires the Corporation and other bank holding companies with assets of $50 billion or more, as well as companies designated as systemic by the Financial Stability Oversight Council, to periodically report to the FDIC and the Federal Reserve their plans for a rapid and orderly resolution in the event of material financial distress or failure. If the FDIC and the Federal Reserve determine that a company’s plan is not credible and the company fails to cure the deficiencies in a timely manner, then the FDIC and the Federal Reserve may jointly impose on the company, or on any of its subsidiaries, more stringent capital, leverage or liquidity requirements or restrictions on growth, activities or operations. The Corporation’s initial plan is required to be submitted on or before July 1, 2012, and to be updated annually. Similarly, in the U.K., the FSA has issued proposed rules requiring the submission of significant information about certain U.K. incorporated subsidiaries (including information on intra-group dependencies and legal entity separation) to allow the FSA to develop resolution plans. As a result of the FSA review, we could be required to take certain actions over the next several years which could impose operational costs and potentially could result in the restructuring of certain businesses and subsidiaries.
Under the Financial Reform Act, when a systemically important financial institution such as the Corporation is in default or danger of default, the FDIC may, in certain circumstances, be appointed receiver in order to conduct an orderly liquidation of such systemically important financial institution. In such a case, the FDIC could invoke a new form of resolution authority, called the orderly liquidation authority, instead of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, if the Secretary of the Treasury makes certain financial distress and systemic risk determinations. The orderly liquidation authority is modeled in part on the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, but also adopts certain concepts from the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. However, the orderly liquidation authority contains certain differences from the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Macroprudential systemic protection is the primary objective of the orderly liquidation authority, subject to minimum threshold protections for creditors. Accordingly, in
certain circumstances under the orderly liquidation authority, the FDIC could permit payment of obligations determined to be systemically significant (for example, short-term creditors or operating creditors) in lieu of the payment of other obligations (for example, long-term creditors) without the need to obtain creditors’ consent or prior court review. Additionally, under the orderly liquidation authority, amounts owed to the U.S. government generally enjoy a statutory payment priority.
The Financial Reform Act established the CFPB to regulate the offering of consumer financial products or services under the federal consumer financial laws. In addition, under the Financial Reform Act, the CFPB was granted general authority to prevent covered persons or service providers from committing or engaging in unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices under Federal law in connection with any transaction with a consumer for a consumer financial product or service, or the offering of a consumer financial product or service. Pursuant to the Financial Reform Act, on July 21, 2011, certain federal consumer financial protection statutes and related regulatory authority were transferred to the CFPB. As a consequence of this transfer of authority, certain Federal consumer financial laws to which we are subject, including, but not limited to, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, Electronic Fund Transfers Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Truth in Lending and Truth in Savings Acts will be enforced by the CFPB, subject to certain statutory limitations. On January 4, 2012, a Director of the CFPB was appointed, via recess appointment, and accordingly, the CFPB was vested with full authority to exercise all supervisory, enforcement and rulemaking authorities granted to the CFPB under the Financial Reform Act, including its supervisory powers over non-bank financial institutions such as pay-day lenders and other types of non-bank financial institutions.
On December 20, 2011, the Federal Reserve issued proposed rules to implement enhanced supervisory and prudential requirements and the early remediation requirements established under the Financial Reform Act. The enhanced standards include risk-based capital and leverage requirements, liquidity standards, requirements for overall risk management, single-counterparty credit limits, stress test requirements and a debt-to-equity limit for certain companies determined to pose a threat to financial stability. Comments on the proposed rules are due by March 31, 2012, and final regulations will not be adopted until after that date. The final rules are likely to influence our regulatory capital and liquidity planning process, and may impose additional operational and compliance costs on us.
Many of the provisions under the Financial Reform Act have begun to be phased in or will be phased in over the next several months or years and will be subject both to further rulemaking and the discretion of applicable regulatory bodies. The Financial Reform Act will continue to have a significant and negative impact on our earnings through fee reductions, higher costs and new restrictions. The Financial Reform Act may also continue to have a material adverse impact on the value of certain assets and liabilities held on our balance sheet. The ultimate impact of the Financial Reform Act on our businesses and results of operations will depend on regulatory interpretation and rulemaking, as well as the success of any of our actions to mitigate the negative earnings impact of certain provisions.
In December 2010, the Basel Committee issued “Basel III: A global regulatory framework for more resilient banks and banking systems” and “International framework for liquidity risk measurement, standards and monitoring” (together, Basel III). If
implemented by U.S. banking regulators as proposed, Basel III’s capital standards could significantly increase our capital requirements. Basel III and the Financial Reform Act propose the disqualification of trust preferred securities from Tier 1 capital, with the Financial Reform Act proposing that the disqualification be phased in from 2013 to 2015. Basel III also proposes the deduction of certain assets from capital (deferred tax assets, MSRs, investments in financial firms and pension assets, among others, within prescribed limitations), the inclusion of accumulated OCI in capital, increased capital requirements for counterparty credit risk, and new minimum capital and buffer requirements.
Basel III also proposes two minimum liquidity measures. The LCR measures the amount of a financial institution’s unencumbered, high-quality, liquid assets relative to the net cash outflows the institution could encounter under an acute 30-day stress scenario. The NSFR measures the amount of longer-term, stable sources of funding employed by a financial institution relative to the liquidity profiles of the assets funded and the potential for contingent calls on funding liquidity arising from off-balance sheet commitments and obligations over a one-year period.
On July 19, 2011, the Basel Committee published the consultative document, “Globally systemic important banks: Assessment methodology and the additional loss absorbency requirement,” which sets out measures for global, systemically important financial institutions including the methodology for measuring systemic importance, the additional capital required (the SIFI buffer), and the arrangements by which they will be phased in. As proposed, the SIFI buffer would be met with additional Tier 1 common equity ranging from one percent to 2.5 percent, and in certain circumstances, 3.5 percent. This will be phased in from 2016 through 2018. U.S. banking regulators have not yet provided similar rules for U.S. implementation of a SIFI buffer.
Preparation for Basel III has influenced and, when finalized, is likely to continue to influence our regulatory capital and liquidity planning process, and may impose additional operational and compliance costs on us. Any requirement that we increase our regulatory capital, regulatory capital ratios or liquidity could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, as we may need to liquidate certain assets, perhaps on terms unfavorable to us and contrary to our business plans. Such a requirement could also compel us to issue additional securities, which could dilute our current common stockholders.
For additional information about the regulatory initiatives discussed above, see Regulatory Matters in the MD&A on page 66.
Changes in the structure of the GSEs and the relationship among the GSEs, the government and the private markets, or the conversion of the current conservatorship of the GSEs into receivership, could result in significant changes to the business operations of CRES, and adversely impact certain operations of GBAM.
During the last ten years, the Corporation and its subsidiaries and legacy companies have sold over $2.0 trillion of loans to the GSEs. Each GSE is currently in a conservatorship, with its primary regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, acting as conservator. We cannot predict if, when or how the conservatorships will end, or any associated changes to the GSEs’ business structure that could result. We also cannot predict whether the conservatorships will end in receivership. There are several proposed approaches to reform the GSEs which, if enacted, could change the structure of the GSEs and the relationship among
the GSEs, the government and the private markets, including the trading markets for agency conforming mortgage loans and markets for mortgage-related securities in which GBAM participates. We cannot predict the prospects for the enactment, timing or content of legislative or rulemaking proposals regarding the future status of the GSEs. Accordingly, there continues to be uncertainty regarding the future of the GSEs, including whether they will continue to exist in their current form. GSE reform, if enacted, could result in a significant change to the business operations of CRES and adversely impact certain operations of GBAM.
We face substantial potential legal liability and significant regulatory action, which could have material adverse effects on our cash flows, financial condition and results of operations, or cause significant reputational harm to us.
We face significant legal risks in our businesses, and the volume of claims and amount of damages and penalties claimed in litigation and regulatory proceedings against us and other financial institutions remain high and are increasing. Increased litigation costs, substantial legal liability or significant regulatory action against us could have material adverse effects on our financial condition and results of operations or cause significant reputational harm to us, which in turn could adversely impact our business prospects. In addition, we continue to face increased litigation risk and regulatory scrutiny. We have continued to experience increased litigation and other disputes with counterparties regarding relative rights and responsibilities. Consumers, clients and other counterparties have grown more litigious. Our experience with certain regulatory authorities suggests a migration towards an increasing supervisory focus on enforcement, including in connection with alleged violations of law and customer harm. The current environment of additional regulation, increased regulatory compliance burdens, and enhanced regulatory enforcement, combined with ongoing uncertainty related to the continuing evolution of the regulatory environment, has resulted in significant operational and compliance costs and may limit our ability to continue providing certain products and services.
These litigation and regulatory matters and any related settlements could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, financial condition and results of operations. They could also negatively impact our reputation and lead to volatility of our stock price. For a further discussion of litigation risks, see Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Changes in governmental fiscal and monetary policy could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our businesses and earnings are affected by domestic and international fiscal and monetary policy. The Federal Reserve regulates the supply of money and credit in the U.S. and its policies determine in large part our cost of funds for lending, investing and capital raising activities and the return we earn on those loans and investments, both of which affect our net interest margin. The actions of the Federal Reserve also can materially affect the value of financial instruments and other assets, such as debt securities and MSRs, and its policies also can affect our borrowers, potentially increasing the risk that they may fail to repay their loans. Our businesses and earnings are also affected by the fiscal or other policies that are adopted by the U.S. government, various U.S. regulatory authorities, and non-U.S. governments and regulatory authorities. Changes in domestic and international fiscal and monetary policies are beyond our control and difficult
to predict but could have an adverse impact on our capital requirements and the costs of running our businesses, in turn adversely impacting our financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in U.S. and non-U.S. tax and other laws and regulations could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
The U.S. Congress and the Administration have signaled growing interest in reforming the U.S. corporate income tax. While the timing of such reform is unclear, possible approaches include lowering the 35 percent corporate tax rate, modifying the taxation of income earned outside of the U.S. and limiting or eliminating various other deductions, tax credits and/or other tax preferences. It is not possible at this time to quantify either the one-time impact from remeasuring deferred tax assets and liabilities that might result upon enactment of tax reform or the ongoing impact reform might have on income tax expense, but either of these impacts could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, the income from certain non--U.S. subsidiaries has not been subject to U.S. income tax as a result of long-standing deferral provisions applicable to income that is derived in the active conduct of a banking and financing business (active finance income). The U.S. Congress has extended the application of these deferral provisions several times, most recently in 2010. These provisions now are set to expire for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2012. Absent an extension of these provisions, active financing income earned by certain non-U.S. subsidiaries will generally be subject to a tax provision that considers incremental U.S. income tax. The impact of the expiration of these provisions would depend upon the amount, composition and geographic mix of our future earnings.
Other countries have also proposed and, in some cases, adopted certain regulatory changes targeted at financial institutions or that otherwise affect us. The EU has adopted increased capital requirements and the U.K. has (i) increased liquidity requirements for local financial institutions, including regulated U.K. subsidiaries of non-U.K. bank holding companies and other financial institutions as well as branches of non-U.K. banks located in the U.K; (ii) adopted a Bank Tax Levy which will apply to the aggregate balance sheet of branches and subsidiaries of non-U.K. banks and banking groups operating in the U.K.; and (iii) proposed the creation and production of recovery and resolution plans by U.K.-regulated entities.
On July 19, 2011, the U.K. 2011 Finance Bill was enacted which reduced the corporate income tax rate one percent to 26 percent beginning on April 1, 2011, and then to 25 percent effective April 1, 2012. These rate reductions will favorably affect income tax expense on future U.K. earnings but also required us to remeasure our U.K. net deferred tax assets using the lower tax rates. The income tax benefit for 2011 included a $782 million charge for the remeasurement, substantially all of which was recorded in GBAM. If corporate income tax rates were to be reduced to 23 percent by 2014 as suggested in U.K. Treasury announcements and assuming no change in the deferred tax asset balance, a charge to income tax expense of approximately $400 million for each one percent reduction in the rate would result in each period of enactment (for a total of approximately $800 million). We are also monitoring other international legislative proposals that could materially impact us, such as changes to corporate income tax laws. Currently, in the U.K., net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) have an indefinite life. Were the U.K.
taxing authorities to introduce limitations on the future utilization of NOLs and were the Corporation unable to document its continued ability to fully utilize its NOLs, we would be required to establish a valuation allowance by a charge to corporate income tax expense. Depending upon the nature of the limitations, such a charge could be material to our results of operations in the period of enactment.
Risk of the Competitive Environment in which We Operate
We face significant and increasing competition in the financial services industry.
We operate in a highly competitive environment. Over time, there has been substantial consolidation among companies in the financial services industry, and this trend accelerated in recent years. This trend has also hastened the globalization of the securities and financial services markets. We will continue to experience intensified competition as consolidation in and globalization of the financial services industry may result in larger, better-capitalized and more geographically diverse companies that are capable of offering a wider array of financial products and services at more competitive prices. To the extent we expand into new business areas and new geographic regions, we may face competitors with more experience and more established relationships with clients, regulators and industry participants in the relevant market, which could adversely affect our ability to compete. In addition, technological advances and the growth of e-commerce have made it possible for non-depository institutions to offer products and services that traditionally were banking products, and for financial institutions to compete with technology companies in providing electronic and internet-based financial solutions. Increased competition may negatively affect our results of operations by creating pressure to lower prices on our products and services and reducing market share.
Damage to our reputation could significantly harm our businesses, including our competitive position and business prospects.
Our ability to attract and retain customers, clients, investors and employees is impacted by our reputation. Public perception of us and others in the financial services industry appeared to decline in 2011. We continue to face increased public and regulatory scrutiny resulting from the financial crisis and economic downturn as well as alleged irregularities in servicing, foreclosure, consumer collections, mortgage loan modifications and other practices, lending volumes, compensation practices, our acquisitions of Countrywide and Merrill Lynch and the suitability or reasonableness of recommending particular trading or investment strategies.
Significant harm to our reputation can also arise from other sources, including employee misconduct, unethical behavior, litigation or regulatory outcomes, failing to deliver minimum or required standards of service and quality, compliance failures, unintended disclosure of confidential information, and the activities of our clients, customers and counterparties, including vendors. Actions by the financial services industry generally or by certain members or individuals in the industry also can significantly adversely affect our reputation.
We are subject to complex and evolving laws and regulations regarding privacy, data protections and other matters. Principles concerning the appropriate scope of consumer and commercial
privacy vary considerably in different jurisdictions, and regulatory and public expectations regarding the definition and scope of consumer and commercial privacy may remain fluid into the future. It is possible that these laws may be interpreted and applied by various jurisdictions in a manner that is inconsistent with our current or future practices, or that is inconsistent with one another. We face regulatory, reputational and operational risks if personal, confidential or proprietary information of customers or clients in our possession is mishandled or misused.
We could suffer significant reputational harm if we fail to properly identify and manage potential conflicts of interest. Management of potential conflicts of interests has become increasingly complex as we expand our business activities through more numerous transactions, obligations and interests with and among our clients. The failure to adequately address, or the perceived failure to adequately address, conflicts of interest could affect the willingness of clients to deal with us, or give rise to litigation or enforcement actions, which could adversely affect our businesses.
Our actual or perceived failure to address these and other issues gives rise to reputational risk that could cause significant harm to us and our business prospects, including failure to properly address operational risks. Failure to appropriately address any of these issues could also give rise to additional regulatory restrictions, legal risks and reputational harm, which could, among other consequences, increase the size and number of litigation claims and damages asserted or subject us to enforcement actions, fines and penalties and cause us to incur related costs and expenses.
Our ability to attract and retain qualified employees is critical to the success of our businesses and failure to do so could adversely affect our business prospects, including our competitive position and results of operations.
Our performance is heavily dependent on the talents and efforts of highly skilled individuals. Competition for qualified personnel within the financial services industry and from businesses outside the financial services industry has been, and is expected to continue to be, intense. Our competitors include non-U.S.-based institutions and institutions otherwise not subject to compensation and hiring regulations imposed on U.S. institutions and financial institutions in particular. The difficulty we face in competing for key personnel is exacerbated in emerging markets, where we are often competing for qualified employees with entities that may have a significantly greater presence or more extensive experience in the region.
In order to attract and retain qualified personnel, we must provide market-level compensation. As a large financial and banking institution, we may be subject to limitations on compensation practices (which may or may not affect our competitors) by the Federal Reserve, the FDIC or other regulators around the world. Any future limitations on executive compensation imposed by legislation or regulation could adversely affect our ability to attract and maintain qualified employees. Furthermore, a substantial portion of our annual bonus compensation paid to our senior employees has in recent years taken the form of long-term equity awards. The value of long-term equity awards to senior employees generally has been negatively affected by the significant decline in the market price of our common stock. If we are unable to continue to attract and retain qualified individuals, our business prospects, including our competitive position and results of operations, could be adversely affected.
In addition, if we fail to retain the wealth advisors that we employ in GWIM, particularly those with significant client relationships, such failure could result in a significant loss of clients or the withdrawal of significant client assets. Any such loss or withdrawal could adversely impact GWIM’s business activities and our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We may not be able to achieve expected cost savings from cost-saving initiatives, including from Project New BAC, or in accordance with currently anticipated time frames.
We are currently engaged in numerous efforts to achieve certain cost savings, including, among other things, Project New BAC.
Project New BAC is a two-phase, enterprise-wide initiative to simplify and streamline workflows and processes, align businesses and costs more closely with our overall strategic plan and operating principles, and increase revenues. Phase 1 focuses on the consumer businesses, including Deposits, Card Services and CRES, and related support, technology and operations functions. Phase 2 focuses on Global Commercial Banking, GBAM and GWIM, and related support, technology and operations functions not subject to evaluation in Phase 1. All aspects of Project New BAC are expected to be implemented by the end of 2014.
We may be unable to fully realize the cost savings and other anticipated benefits from our cost saving initiatives or in accordance with currently anticipated timeframes.
Our inability to adapt our products and services to evolving industry standards and consumer preferences could harm our businesses.
Our business model is based on a diversified mix of businesses that provide a broad range of financial products and services, delivered through multiple distribution channels. Our success depends, in part, on our ability to adapt our products and services to evolving industry standards. There is increasing pressure by competitors to provide products and services at lower prices. This can reduce our net interest margin and revenues from our fee-based products and services. In addition, the widespread adoption of new technologies, including internet services, could require us to incur substantial expenditures to modify or adapt our existing products and services. We might not be successful in developing or introducing new products and services, responding or adapting to changes in consumer spending and saving habits, achieving market acceptance of our products and services, or sufficiently developing and maintaining loyal customers.
Risks Related to Risk Management
Our risk management framework may not be effective in mitigating risk and reducing the potential for significant losses.
Our risk management framework is designed to minimize risk and loss to us. We seek to identify, measure, monitor, report and control our exposure to the types of risk to which we are subject, including strategic, credit, market, liquidity, compliance, operational and reputational risks, among others. While we employ a broad and diversified set of risk monitoring and mitigation techniques, those techniques are inherently limited because they cannot anticipate the existence or future development of currently unanticipated or unknown risks. Recent economic conditions, heightened legislative and regulatory scrutiny of the financial services industry and increases in the overall complexity of our operations, among other developments, have resulted in a heightened level of risk for us. Accordingly, we could suffer losses as a result of our failure to properly anticipate and manage these
risks, including all correlations and downstream secondary or follow-on effects that occur.
For additional information about our risk management policies and procedures, see Managing Risk in the MD&A on page 68.
A failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of third parties with which we do business, including as a result of cyber attacks, could disrupt our businesses, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, damage our reputation, increase our costs and cause losses. Any such failure also could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our businesses are highly dependent on our ability to process, record and monitor, on a continuous basis, a large number of transactions, many of which are highly complex, across numerous and diverse markets in many currencies. The potential for operational risk exposure exists throughout our organization, including losses resulting from unauthorized trades by any employees.
Integral to our performance is the continued efficacy of our internal processes, systems, relationships with third parties and the vast array of employees and key executives in our day-to-day and ongoing operations. With regard to the physical infrastructure and systems that support our operations, we have taken measures to implement backup systems and other safeguards, but our ability to conduct business may be adversely affected by any significant and widespread disruption to our infrastructure or systems. Our financial, accounting, data processing, backup or other operating systems and facilities may fail to operate properly or become disabled or damaged as a result of a number of factors including events that are wholly or partially beyond our control and adversely affect our ability to process these transactions or provide these services. There could be sudden increases in customer transaction volume; electrical or telecommunications outages; natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes; disease pandemics; events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters, including terrorist acts; and cyber attacks. We continuously update these systems to support our operations and growth. This updating entails significant costs and creates risks associated with implementing new systems and integrating them with existing ones.
Information security risks for large financial institutions such as the Corporation have significantly increased in recent years in part because of the proliferation of new technologies, the use of the Internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial transactions, and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists and other external parties, including foreign state actors. Our operations rely on the secure processing, transmission and storage of confidential, proprietary and other information in our computer systems and networks. Our banking, brokerage, investment advisory and capital markets businesses rely on our digital technologies, computer and email systems, software, and networks to conduct their operations. In addition, to access our products and services, our customers may use personal smartphones, tablet PCs and other mobile devices that are beyond our control systems. Our technologies, systems, networks and our customers’ devices have been subject to, and are likely to continue to be the target of, cyber attacks, computer viruses, malicious code, phishing attacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of our or our customers’ confidential, proprietary and other information, or otherwise disrupt our or our customers’ or other third parties’
business operations. Because of our prominence, we believe that such attacks may continue.
Although to date we have not experienced any material losses relating to cyber attacks or other information security breaches, there can be no assurance that we will not suffer such losses in the future. Our risk and exposure to these matters remains heightened because of, among other things, the evolving nature of these threats, the prominent size and scale of the Corporation and its role in the financial services industry, our plans to continue to implement our Internet banking and mobile banking channel strategies and develop additional remote connectivity solutions to serve our customers when and how they want to be served, our expanded geographic footprint and international presence, the outsourcing of some of our business operations, the continued uncertain global economic environment, and system and customer account conversions. As a result, cybersecurity and the continued development and enhancement of our controls, processes and practices designed to protect our systems, computers, software, data and networks from attack, damage or unauthorized access remain a priority for us. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities.
In addition, we also face the risk of operational failure, termination or capacity constraints of any of the third parties with which we do business or that facilitate our business activities, including clearing agents, exchanges, clearing houses or other financial intermediaries we use to facilitate our securities transactions. In recent years, there has been significant consolidation among clearing agents, exchanges and clearing houses and increased interconnectivity of multiple financial institutions with central agents, exchanges and clearing houses. This consolidation and interconnectivity increases the risk of operational failure, on both individual and industry-wide bases, as disparate complex systems need to be integrated, often on an accelerated basis. Any such failure, termination or constraint could adversely affect our ability to effect transactions, service our clients, manage our exposure to risk or expand our businesses, and could have a significant adverse impact on our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
Disruptions or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support our businesses and customers, or cyber attacks or security breaches of the networks, systems or devices that our customers use to access our products and services could result in the loss of customers and business opportunities, legal liability, regulatory fines, penalties or intervention, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensatory costs, and additional compliance costs, any of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
For more information on operational risks and our operational risk management, see Operational Risk Management in the MD&A on page 119.
Risk of Being an International Business
We are subject to numerous political, economic, market, reputational, operational, legal, regulatory and other risks in the non-U.S. jurisdictions in which we operate which could adversely impact our businesses, financial condition and results of operations.
We do business throughout the world, including in developing regions of the world commonly known as emerging markets. Our businesses and revenues derived from non-U.S. jurisdictions are subject to risk of loss from currency fluctuations, social or judicial instability, changes in governmental policies or policies of central banks, expropriation, nationalization and/or confiscation of assets, price controls, capital controls, exchange controls, other restrictive actions, unfavorable political and diplomatic developments, and changes in legislation. These risks are especially acute in emerging markets. Many non-U.S. jurisdictions in which we do business have been negatively impacted by recessionary conditions. While a number of these jurisdictions are showing signs of recovery, others continue to experience increasing levels of stress. In addition, the increasing potential risk of default on sovereign debt in some non-U.S. jurisdictions could expose us to substantial losses. Risks in one country can affect our operations in another country or countries, including our operations in the U.S. As a result, any such unfavorable conditions or developments could have an adverse impact on our businesses, financial condition and results of operations.
Our non-U.S. businesses are also subject to extensive regulation by various non-U.S. regulators, including governments, securities exchanges, central banks and other regulatory bodies, in the jurisdictions in which those businesses operate. In many countries, the laws and regulations applicable to the financial services and securities industries are uncertain and evolving, and it may be difficult for us to determine the exact requirements of local laws in every market or manage our relationships with multiple regulators in various jurisdictions. Our inability to remain in compliance with local laws in a particular market and manage our relationships with regulators could have a significant and adverse effect not only on our businesses in that market but also on our reputation generally.
We also invest or trade in the securities of corporations and governments located in non-U.S. jurisdictions, including emerging markets. Revenues from the trading of non-U.S. securities may be subject to negative fluctuations as a result of the above factors. Furthermore, the impact of these fluctuations could be magnified, because non-U.S. trading markets, particularly in emerging market countries, are generally smaller, less liquid and more volatile than U.S. trading markets.
We are subject to geopolitical risks, including acts or threats of terrorism, and actions taken by the U.S. or other governments in response thereto and/or military conflicts, that could adversely affect business and economic conditions abroad as well as in the U.S.
For more information on our non-U.S. credit and trading portfolio, see Non-U.S. Portfolio in the MD&A on page 104.
Risk from Accounting Changes
Changes in accounting standards or inaccurate estimates or assumptions in the application of accounting policies could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. Some of these policies require use of estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported value of our assets or liabilities and results of operations and are critical because they require management to make difficult, subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. If those assumptions, estimates or judgments were incorrectly made, we could be required to correct and restate prior period financial statements.
Accounting standard-setters and those who interpret the accounting standards (such as the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the SEC, banking regulators and our independent registered public accounting firm) may also amend or even reverse their previous interpretations or positions on how various standards should be applied. These changes can be difficult to predict and can materially impact how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, we could be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, resulting in the Corporation needing to revise and republish prior period financial statements.
For more information on some of our critical accounting policies and standards and recent accounting changes, see Complex Accounting Estimates in the MD&A on page 120 and Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Principles to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None
Item 2. Properties
As of December 31, 2011, our principal offices and other materially important properties consisted of the following:
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Facility Name | | Location | | General Character of the Physical Property | | Primary Business Segment | | Property Status | | Property Square Feet (1) |
Corporate Center | | Charlotte, NC | | 60 Story Building | | Principal Executive Offices | | Owned | | 1,222,129 |
One Bryant Park | | New York, NY | | 54 Story Building | | GBAM, GWIM and Global Commercial Banking | | Leased (2) | | 1,788,182 |
Bank of America Home Loans | | Calabasas, CA | | 3 Story Building | | CRES | | Owned | | 245,000 |
Merrill Lynch Financial Center | | London, UK | | 4 Building Campus | | GBAM and GWIM | | Leased | | 568,307 |
Nihonbashi 1-Chome Building | | Tokyo, Japan | | 24 Story Building | | GBAM | | Leased | | 263,723 |
| |
(1) | For leased properties, property square feet represents the square footage occupied by the Corporation. |
| |
(2) | The Corporation has a 49.9 percent joint venture interest in this property. |
We own or lease approximately 115.5 million square feet in 25,912 locations globally, including approximately 107.9 million square feet in the United States (all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico) and approximately 7.6 million square feet in 46 non-U.S. countries.
We believe our owned and leased properties are adequate for our business needs and are well maintained. We continue to evaluate our owned and leased real estate and may determine from time to time that certain of our premises and facilities, or ownership structures, are no longer necessary for our operations. In connection therewith, we are evaluating the sale or sale/
leaseback of certain properties and we may incur costs in connection with any such transactions.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
See Litigation and Regulatory Matters in Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
None
Part II
Bank of America Corporation and Subsidiaries
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The principal market on which our common stock is traded is the New York Stock Exchange. Our common stock is also listed on the London Stock Exchange, and certain shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The table below sets forth the high and low closing sales prices of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange for the periods indicated:
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | Quarter | | High | | Low |
2010 | | first | | $ | 18.04 |
| | $ | 14.45 |
|
| | second | | 19.48 |
| | 14.37 |
|
| | third | | 15.67 |
| | 12.32 |
|
| | fourth | | 13.56 |
| | 10.95 |
|
2011 | | first | | 15.25 |
| | 13.33 |
|
| | second | | 13.72 |
| | 10.50 |
|
| | third | | 11.09 |
| | 6.06 |
|
| | fourth | | 7.35 |
| | 4.99 |
|
As of February 17, 2012, there were 237,902 registered shareholders of common stock. During 2010 and 2011, we paid
dividends on the common stock on a quarterly basis.
The table below sets forth dividends paid per share of our common stock for the periods indicated:
|
| | | | |
| | |
| Quarter | Dividend |
2010 | first | $ | 0.01 |
|
| second | 0.01 |
|
| third | 0.01 |
|
| fourth | 0.01 |
|
2011 | first | 0.01 |
|
| second | 0.01 |
|
| third | 0.01 |
|
| fourth | 0.01 |
|
For additional information regarding our ability to pay dividends, see Note 15 – Shareholders’ Equity and Note 18 – Regulatory Requirements and Restrictions to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which are incorporated herein by reference.
For information on our equity compensation plans, see Note 20 – Stock-based Compensation Plans to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 12 on page 278 of this report, which are incorporated herein by reference.
The table below presents share repurchase activity for the three months ended December 31, 2011.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Common Shares Repurchased (1) | | Weighted-Average Per Share Price | | Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs |
| | Remaining Buyback Authority |
(Dollars in millions, except per share information; shares in thousands) | | | | | Amounts | | Shares |
October 1 – 31, 2011 | | 281 |
| | $ | 6.15 |
| | — |
| | $ | — |
| | — |
|
November 1 – 30, 2011 | | 3 |
| | 6.44 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
December 1 – 31, 2011 | | 80 |
| | 5.66 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Three months ended December 31, 2011 | | 364 |
| | 6.05 |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
| |
(1) | Consists of shares acquired by the Corporation in connection with satisfaction of tax withholding obligations on vested restricted stock or restricted stock units and certain forfeitures from terminations of employment related to awards under equity incentive plans. |
We did not have any unregistered sales of our equity securities in 2011, except as previously disclosed on Form 8-K.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
See Table 7 in the MD&A on page 37 and Table XII of the Statistical Tables in the MD&A on page 139, which are incorporated herein by reference.
|
| | | | |
Item 7. Bank of America Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
| | | | |
|
| | |
Table of Contents | | |
| | Page |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Consumer Real Estate Services | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Throughout the MD&A, we use certain acronyms and
abbreviations which are defined in the Glossary.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This report on Form 10-K, the documents that it incorporates by reference and the documents into which it may be incorporated by reference may contain, and from time to time Bank of America Corporation (collectively with its subsidiaries, the Corporation) and its management may make certain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements often use words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “targets,” “intends,” “plans,” “goal” and other similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “may,” “might,” “should,” “would” and “could.” The forward-looking statements made represent the current expectations, plans or forecasts of the Corporation regarding the Corporation’s future results and revenues, and future business and economic conditions more generally, including statements concerning: the potential impacts of the European Union sovereign debt crisis; the impact of the U.K. 2011 Finance Bill and review by the U.K. Financial Services Authority; the charge to income for each one percent reduction in the U.K. corporate income tax rate; the agreements in principle with the state attorneys general and U.S. Department of Justice are expected to result in programs that would extend additional relief to homeowners and make refinancing options available to more homeowners; the programs expected to be developed pursuant to the agreements in principle, including expanded mortgage modification solutions such as broader use of principal reduction, short sales and other additional assistance programs, expanded refinancing opportunities, the amount of our commitments under the agreements in principle, as well as expectations that further details about eligibility and implementation will be provided; that the financial impact of the settlements is not expected to cause any additional reserves over existing accruals as of December 31, 2011 based on our understanding of the terms of the agreements in principle, as well as the expected impact of refinancing assistance and operating costs; that certain amounts may be reduced by credits earned for principal reductions; that our payment obligations under agreements in principle with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Federal Reserve) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency would be deemed satisfied by payments and provisions of relief under the agreements in principle; the expectation that government entities will provide releases from further liability and the exclusions from the releases; expectations regarding reaching final agreements, obtaining necessary regulatory and court approvals and finalization of the settlements; the planned schedule and details for implementation and completion of, and the expected impact from, Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Project New BAC, including expected personnel reductions and estimated cost savings; the impact of and costs associated with each of the agreements with the Bank of New York Mellon (as trustee for certain legacy Countrywide Financial Corporation (Countrywide) private-label securitization trusts), and each of the government-sponsored enterprises, Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (collectively, the GSEs), to resolve bulk representations and warranties claims; our expectation that the $1.7 billion in claims from private-label securitization investors in the covered trusts under the private-label securitization settlement with the Bank of New York Mellon (the BNY Mellon Settlement) would be extinguished upon
final court approval of the BNY Mellon Settlement; the belief that the provisions recorded in connection with the BNY Mellon Settlement and the additional non-GSE representations and warranties provisions recorded in 2011 have provided for a substantial portion of the Corporation’s non-GSE repurchase claims; the estimated range of possible loss for non-GSE representations and warranties exposure as of December 31, 2011 of up to $5 billion over existing accruals and the effect of adverse developments with respect to one or more of the assumptions underlying the liability for non-GSE representations and warranties and the corresponding estimated range of possible loss; the continually evolving behavior of the GSEs, and the Corporation’s intention to monitor and repurchase loans to the extent required under the contracts and standards that govern our relationships with the GSEs and update its processes related to these changing GSE behaviors; our expressed intention not to pay compensatory fees under the new GSE servicing guides; the adequacy of the liability for the remaining representations and warranties exposure to the GSEs and the future impact to earnings, including the impact on such estimated liability arising from the announcement by FNMA regarding mortgage rescissions, cancellations and claim denials; our beliefs regarding our ability to resolve rescissions before the expiration of the appeal period allowed by FNMA; our expectation that mortgage-related assessments and waivers costs and costs related to resources necessary to perform the foreclosure process assessments will remain elevated as additional loans are delayed in the foreclosure process; the expected repurchase claims on the 2004-2008 loan vintages, including the belief regarding reduced exposure related to loans originated after 2008; the Corporation’s intention to vigorously contest any requests for repurchase for which it concludes that a valid basis does not exist; future impact of complying with the terms of the consent orders with federal bank regulators regarding the foreclosure process; the impact of delays in connection with the Corporation’s temporary halt of foreclosure proceedings in late 2010; continued cooperation with investigations; the potential materiality of liability with respect to potential servicing-related claims; our estimates regarding the percentages of loans expected to prepay, default or reset in 2012 and thereafter; the net recovery projections for credit default swaps with monoline financial guarantors; the impact on economic conditions and on the Corporation arising from any further changes to the credit rating or perceived creditworthiness of instruments issued, insured or guaranteed by the U.S. government, or of institutions, agencies or instrumentalities directly linked to the U.S. government; the realizability of deferred tax assets prior to expiration of any carryforward periods; credit trends and conditions, including credit losses, credit reserves, the allowance for credit losses, the allowance for loan and lease losses, charge-offs, delinquency, collection and bankruptcy trends, and nonperforming asset levels, including continued expected reductions in the allowance for loan and lease losses in 2012; the role of non-core asset sales in our capital strategy; investment banking fees; sales and trading revenue; consumer and commercial service charges, including the impact of changes in the Corporation’s overdraft policy and the Corporation’s ability to mitigate a decline in revenues; the effects of new accounting pronouncements; capital levels determined by or established in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with the requirements
of various regulatory agencies, including our ability to comply with any Basel capital requirements endorsed by U.S. regulators within any applicable regulatory timelines; the expectation that the Corporation will meet the Basel III liquidity standards within regulatory timelines; the revenue impact and the impact on the value of our assets and liabilities resulting from, and any mitigation actions taken in response to, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Financial Reform Act), including, but not limited to, the Durbin Amendment and the Volcker Rule; our expectations regarding the December 15, 2010 notice of proposed rulemaking on the Risk-based Capital Guidelines for Market Risk; our expectation that our market share of mortgage originations will continue to decline in 2012; CRES’s ceasing to deliver purchase money first mortgage products into FNMA mortgage-backed securities pools and our expectation that this cessation will not have a material impact on CRES’s business; our expectations regarding losses in the event of legitimate mortgage insurance rescissions related to loans held for investment; our expressed intended actions in the response to repurchase requests with which we do not agree; the continued reduction of our debt footprint as appropriate through 2013; the estimated range of possible loss from and the impact of various legal proceedings discussed in “Litigation and Regulatory Matters” in Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements; our management processes; credit protection maintained and the effects of certain events on those positions; our estimates of contributions to be made to pension plans; our expectations regarding probable losses related to unfunded lending commitments; our funding strategies including contingency plans; our trading risk management processes; our interest rate and mortgage banking risk management strategies and models; our expressed intention to build capital through retaining earnings, actively reducing legacy asset portfolios and implementing other capital-related initiatives, including focusing on reducing both higher risk-weighted assets and assets currently deducted or expected to be deducted under Basel III, from capital; and other matters relating to the Corporation and the securities that it may offer from time to time. The foregoing is not an exclusive list of all forward-looking statements the Corporation makes. These statements are not guarantees of future results or performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict and are often beyond Bank of America’s control. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, any of these forward-looking statements.
You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should consider the following uncertainties and risks, as well as the risks and uncertainties more fully discussed elsewhere in this report, under Item 1A. Risk Factors of this report and in any of the Corporation’s subsequent Securities and Exchange Commission filings: the Corporation’s timing and determinations regarding any revised comprehensive capital plan submission and the Federal Reserve’s response; the accuracy and variability of estimates and assumptions in determining the expected value of the loss-sharing reinsurance arrangement relating to the agreement with Assured Guaranty and the total cost of the agreement to the Corporation; the Corporation’s resolution of certain representations and warranties obligations with the GSEs and our ability to resolve the GSEs’ remaining claims; the Corporation’s ability to resolve its
representations and warranties obligations, and any related servicing, securities, fraud, indemnity or other claims with monolines, and private-label investors and other investors, including those monolines and investors from whom the Corporation has not yet received claims or with whom it has not yet reached any resolutions; the Corporation’s mortgage modification policies and related results; the timing and amount of any potential dividend increase, including any necessary approvals; estimates of the fair value of certain of the Corporation’s assets and liabilities; the identification and effectiveness of any initiatives to mitigate the negative impact of the Financial Reform Act; the Corporation’s ability to limit liabilities acquired as a result of the Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and Countrywide acquisitions; and decisions to downsize, sell or close units or otherwise change the business mix of the Corporation.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Corporation undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statement was made.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements referred to in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) are incorporated by reference into the MD&A. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. Throughout the MD&A, the Corporation uses certain acronyms and abbreviations which are defined in the Glossary.
Executive Summary
Business Overview
The Corporation is a Delaware corporation, a bank holding company and a financial holding company. When used in this report, “the Corporation” may refer to the Corporation individually, the Corporation and its subsidiaries, or certain of the Corporation’s subsidiaries or affiliates. Our principal executive offices are located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Through our banking and various nonbanking subsidiaries throughout the U.S. and in international markets, we provide a diversified range of banking and nonbanking financial services and products through six business segments: Deposits, Card Services, Consumer Real Estate Services (CRES), Global Commercial Banking, Global Banking & Markets (GBAM) and Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM), with the remaining operations recorded in All Other. At December 31, 2011, the Corporation had $2.1 trillion in assets and approximately 282,000 full-time equivalent employees.
As of December 31, 2011, we operate in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and more than 40 countries. Our retail banking footprint covers approximately 80 percent of the U.S. population and in the U.S., we serve approximately 57 million consumer and small business relationships with 5,700 banking centers, 17,750 ATMs, nationwide call centers, and leading online and mobile banking platforms. We offer industry-leading support to approximately four million small business owners. We are a global leader in corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world.
Table 1 provides selected consolidated financial data for 2011 and 2010.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 1 | Selected Financial Data | | | |
| | | | |
(Dollars in millions, except per share information) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Income statement | |
| | |
|
Revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis) (1) | $ | 94,426 |
| | $ | 111,390 |
|
Net income (loss) | 1,446 |
| | (2,238 | ) |
Net income, excluding goodwill impairment charges (2) | 4,630 |
| | 10,162 |
|
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (3) | 0.01 |
| | (0.37 | ) |
Diluted earnings per common share, excluding goodwill impairment charges (2) | 0.32 |
| | 0.86 |
|
Dividends paid per common share | 0.04 |
| | 0.04 |
|
Performance ratios | |
| | |
|
Return on average assets | 0.06 | % | | n/m |
|
Return on average assets, excluding goodwill impairment charges (2) | 0.20 |
| | 0.42 | % |
Return on average tangible shareholders’ equity (1) | 0.96 |
| | n/m |
|
Return on average tangible shareholders’ equity, excluding goodwill impairment charges (1, 2) | 3.08 |
| | 7.11 |
|
Efficiency ratio (FTE basis) (1) | 85.01 |
| | 74.61 |
|
Efficiency ratio (FTE basis), excluding goodwill impairment charges (1, 2) | 81.64 |
| | 63.48 |
|
Asset quality | |
| | |
|
Allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31 | $ | 33,783 |
| | $ | 41,885 |
|
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans and leases outstanding at December 31 (4) | 3.68 | % | | 4.47 | % |
Nonperforming loans, leases and foreclosed properties at December 31 (4) | $ | 27,708 |
| | $ | 32,664 |
|
Net charge-offs | 20,833 |
| | 34,334 |
|
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases outstanding (4) | 2.24 | % | | 3.60 | % |
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases outstanding excluding purchased credit-impaired loans (4) | 2.32 |
| | 3.73 |
|
Ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31 to net charge-offs | 1.62 |
| | 1.22 |
|
Ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31 to net charge-offs excluding purchased credit-impaired loans | 1.22 |
| | 1.04 |
|
Balance sheet at year end | |
| | |
|
Total loans and leases | $ | 926,200 |
| | $ | 940,440 |
|
Total assets | 2,129,046 |
| | 2,264,909 |
|
Total deposits | 1,033,041 |
| | 1,010,430 |
|
Total common shareholders’ equity | 211,704 |
| | 211,686 |
|
Total shareholders’ equity | 230,101 |
| | 228,248 |
|
Capital ratios at year end | |
| | |
|
Tier 1 common capital | 9.86 | % | | 8.60 | % |
Tier 1 capital | 12.40 |
| | 11.24 |
|
Total capital | 16.75 |
| | 15.77 |
|
Tier 1 leverage | 7.53 |
| | 7.21 |
|
| |
(1) | Fully taxable-equivalent (FTE) basis, return on average tangible shareholders’ equity and the efficiency ratio are non-GAAP financial measures. Other companies may define or calculate these measures differently. For additional information on these measures and ratios, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 38, and for a corresponding reconciliation to GAAP financial measures, see Table XV. |
| |
(2) | Net income (loss), diluted earnings (loss) per common share, return on average assets, return on average tangible shareholders’ equity and the efficiency ratio have been calculated excluding the impact of goodwill impairment charges of $3.2 billion and $12.4 billion in 2011 and 2010, and accordingly, these are non-GAAP financial measures. For additional information on these measures and ratios, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 38, and for a corresponding reconciliation to GAAP financial measures, see Table XV. |
| |
(3) | Due to a net loss applicable to common shareholders in 2010, the impact of antidilutive equity instruments was excluded from diluted earnings (loss) per share and average diluted common shares. |
| |
(4) | Balances and ratios do not include loans accounted for under the fair value option. For additional exclusions from nonperforming loans, leases and foreclosed properties, see Nonperforming Consumer Loans and Foreclosed Properties Activity on page 92 and corresponding Table 36, and Nonperforming Commercial Loans, Leases and Foreclosed Properties Activity on page 100 and corresponding Table 45. |
n/m = not meaningful
2011 Economic and Business Environment
The banking environment and markets in which we conduct our businesses will continue to be strongly influenced by developments in the U.S. and global economies, including the results of the European Union (EU) sovereign debt crisis, continued large budget imbalances in key developed nations, and the implementation and rulemaking associated with recent financial reform. The global economy expanded at a diminished pace in 2011, with the U.S., U.K., Europe and Japan all losing momentum, while economic growth in emerging nations diminished somewhat but remained robust.
United States
The U.S. economy expanded only modestly in 2011, as a promising beginning with an improving labor market gave way to an appreciable slowdown in domestic demand early in the year. By mid-year, the labor market had slowed once more, followed by a
sharp reversal in the stock market and in consumer sentiment. Increasing oil prices and supply chain disruptions stemming from Japan’s earthquake, along with continued financial market anxiety due to the European sovereign debt crisis and difficult and protracted U.S. budget negotiations related to the federal debt ceiling, contributed to the weakness. As some of these factors dissipated, domestic demand picked up in the second half of 2011, easing U.S. recession fears. In the fourth quarter, equities rebounded from their mid-year declines, consumer confidence edged up and labor markets showed clear signs of improvement. The unemployment rate ended the year at 8.5 percent compared to 9.4 percent at December 31, 2010.
Despite subdued U.S. economic growth, year-over-year inflation drifted higher over the first three quarters of 2011, lifted in part by the surge in energy costs, before edging lower in the fourth quarter. Fears of deflation, prevalent in 2010, faded as year-over-year core inflation, which began 2011 below one percent, moved
to above two percent by year end. Nevertheless, bond yields, which drifted gradually lower in the first half of 2011, fell during a volatile third quarter amid anxiety over the European sovereign debt crisis, exacerbated by the U.S. debt ceiling debate and fears of recession. Despite the Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (S&P) ratings downgrade of U.S. sovereign debt, mounting concerns about Europe’s financial crisis generated strong demand for U.S. government securities. The Federal Reserve completed its second round of quantitative easing near mid-year. Responding to sharp declines in equity markets, low consumer expectations and heightened worries about recession, the Federal Reserve adopted another financial support program in September 2011 aimed at lowering bond yields. The program involved sales of $400 billion of shorter-term (less than three years) government securities and purchases of an equal volume of longer-term (six years and over) government bonds. Bonds yields held near all-time post-Great Depression lows at year end.
Housing activity remained at historically low levels in 2011 and the supply of unsold homes remained high. Meanwhile, corporate profits continued to grow at a robust pace in 2011, despite slowing from their initial sharp rebound. After bottoming in late 2010, commercial and industrial lending also accelerated in 2011.
Europe
Europe’s financial crisis escalated in 2011 despite a series of initiatives by policymakers, and several European nations were experiencing recessionary conditions in the fourth quarter. Europe’s problems involve unsustainably high public debt in some nations, including Greece and Portugal, slow growth and significant refinancing risk related to maturing sovereign debt in Italy, and excess household debt and sharp declines in wealth stemming from falling home values following unsustainable housing bubbles in other nations, including Spain and Ireland. These national challenges are closely intertwined with the problems facing Europe’s banks, which are some of the largest holders of the bonds of troubled European nations. During 2011, financial markets became increasingly skeptical that government policies would resolve these problems, and risk-averse investors reduced their exposures to bonds of troubled nations, driving up their bond yields and, to varying degrees, restricting access to capital markets. This exacerbated already onerous debt service burdens. In response, European policymakers provided financial support to troubled nations through the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) and purchases of sovereign debt by the European Central Bank (ECB). Despite these efforts, sharp increases in the bond yields of Spanish and Italian bonds further complicated Europe’s financial problems beyond the current capabilities of the EFSF. As the magnitude of the financial stresses rose, reflected in higher sovereign bond yields and mounting funding shortfalls at select banks, the ECB instituted new programs to provide low-cost, three-year loans to European banks, and expanded collateral eligibility. This served to alleviate bank funding pressures toward year end and provided greater liquidity in sovereign debt markets.
Asia
Japan’s economic environment in 2011 was marked by the trauma of its massive earthquake in early 2011 that caused a dramatic decline in economic activity followed by a quick rebound. A sharp decline in consumption and domestic demand was accompanied
by temporary production shutdowns of various intermediate and durable goods that disrupted supply chains throughout Asia and the world. The ripple effects were pronounced, although temporary, throughout Asia. China continued to grow rapidly throughout 2011, with real GDP growth exceeding nine percent, despite elevated inflation and government efforts to constrain price pressures through the tightening of monetary policy and bank credit, and regulations that limit speculation and price increases in real estate. China’s economic growth slowed modestly in the second half of the year, reflecting in part slower growth of exports to Europe and other destinations. China’s inflation also began to subside toward year end. Other Asian nations continued to experience strong growth rates.
For information on our non-U.S. portfolio, see Non-U.S. Portfolio on page 104 and Note 28 – Performance by Geographical Area to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recent Events
Mortgage Related Matters
Department of Justice/Attorney General Matters
On February 9, 2012, we reached agreements in principle (collectively, the Servicing Resolution Agreements) with (1) the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), various federal regulatory agencies and 49 state attorneys general to resolve federal and state investigations into certain origination, servicing and foreclosure practices (the Global AIP), (2) the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to resolve certain claims relating to the origination of FHA-insured mortgage loans, primarily by Countrywide prior to and for a period following our acquisition of that lender (the FHA AIP) and (3) each of the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) regarding civil monetary penalties related to conduct that was the subject of consent orders entered into with the banking regulators in April 2011 (the Consent Order AIPs).
The Servicing Resolution Agreements are subject to ongoing discussions among the parties and completion and execution of definitive documentation, as well as required regulatory and court approvals. The FHA AIP provides for an upfront cash payment and an additional cash payment if we fail to meet certain principal reduction thresholds over a three-year period. Under the terms of the Servicing Resolution Agreements, the federal and participating state governments would provide us with releases from liability for certain alleged residential mortgage origination, servicing and foreclosure deficiencies.
The financial impact of the Servicing Resolution Agreements is not expected to require any additional reserves over existing accruals as of December 31, 2011, based on our understanding of the terms of the Servicing Resolution Agreements. The refinancing assistance commitment under the Servicing Resolution Agreements is expected to be recognized as lower interest income in future periods as qualified borrowers pay reduced interest rates on loans refinanced. The Servicing Resolution Agreements do not cover claims arising out of securitization, including representations made to investors respecting mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and certain other claims. For additional information, see Item 1A. Risk Factors and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations – Other Mortgage-related Matters on page 63.
Private-label Securitization Settlement with the Bank of New York Mellon
On June 28, 2011, the Corporation, BAC Home Loans Servicing, LP (BAC HLS, which was subsequently merged with and into Bank of America, N.A. (BANA) in July 2011), and its legacy Countrywide affiliates entered into a settlement agreement with BNY Mellon, as trustee (Trustee), to resolve all outstanding and potential claims related to alleged representations and warranties breaches (including repurchase claims), substantially all historical loan servicing claims and certain other historical claims with respect to 525 legacy Countrywide first-lien and five second-lien non government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) residential mortgage-backed securitization trusts (the Covered Trusts) containing loans principally originated between 2004 and 2008 for which BNY Mellon acts as trustee or indenture trustee (the BNY Mellon Settlement). The BNY Mellon Settlement agreement is subject to final court approval and certain other conditions.
An investor opposed to the settlement removed the proceeding to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. On October 19, 2011, the district court denied BNY Mellon’s motion to remand the proceeding to state court. BNY Mellon and the Investor Group petitioned to appeal the denial of this motion and on December 27, 2011, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit accepted the appeal and stated in an amended scheduling order that, pursuant to statute, it would decide the appeal by February 27, 2012. On November 4, 2011, the district court entered a written order setting a discovery schedule, and discovery is ongoing.
It is not currently possible to predict how many of the parties who have appeared in the court proceeding will ultimately object to the BNY Mellon Settlement, whether the objections will prevent receipt of final court approval or the ultimate outcome of the court approval process, which can include appeals and could take a substantial period of time. In particular, the conduct of discovery and the resolution of the objections to the settlement and any appeals could also take a substantial period of time and these factors, along with the removal of the proceedings to federal court and the associated appeal, could materially delay the timing of final court approval. Accordingly, it is not possible to predict when the court approval process will be completed.
For additional information about the BNY Mellon Settlement, see Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations – Representations and Warranties on page 56, Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations – Other Mortgage-related Matters on page 63 and Note 9 – Representations and Warranties Obligations and Corporate Guarantees to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For more information about the risks associated with the BNY Mellon Settlement, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Capital Related Matters
We continued to sell certain business units and assets as part of our capital management and enterprise-wide initiatives. In November 2011, we sold an aggregate of approximately 10.4 billion common shares of China Construction Bank Corporation (CCB) through private transactions with investors resulting in an aggregate pre-tax gain of $2.9 billion. We currently hold approximately one percent of the outstanding common shares of CCB. The sale also generated approximately $2.9 billion of Tier 1 common capital and reduced our risk-weighted assets by $4.9
billion under Basel I, strengthening our Tier 1 common capital ratio by approximately 24 basis points (bps).
In December 2011, we sold our Canadian consumer card portfolio strengthening our Tier 1 common capital ratio by approximately seven bps.
In November and December 2011, we entered into separate agreements with certain institutional preferred and trust preferred security holders to exchange shares, or depositary shares representing fractional interests in shares, of various series of our outstanding preferred stock, or trust preferred or hybrid income term securities of various unconsolidated trusts, as applicable, with an aggregate liquidation preference of $5.8 billion for 400 million shares of our common stock and $2.3 billion aggregate principal amount of our senior notes. In connection with the exchanges of trust preferred securities, we recorded gains of $1.2 billion. The exchanges in aggregate resulted in an increase of $3.9 billion in Tier 1 common capital and increased our Tier 1 common capital ratio approximately 29 bps under Basel I. For additional information regarding these exchanges, see Note 13 – Long-term Debt and Note 15 – Shareholders’ Equity to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Overall during 2011, we generated 126 bps of Tier 1 common capital and reduced risk-weighted assets by $172 billion, including as a result of, among other things, the exchanges of preferred stock and trust preferred or hybrid securities, our sales of CCB shares and the $5.0 billion investment in preferred stock and common stock warrant by Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (Berkshire). For additional information on the Berkshire investment, see Note 15 – Shareholders’ Equity to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
As credit spreads for many financial institutions, including the Corporation, have widened during the past year due to global uncertainty and volatility, the market value of debt previously issued by financial institutions has decreased. This uncertainty in the market, evidenced by, among other things, volatility in credit spreads, makes it economically advantageous to consider purchasing and retiring certain of our outstanding debt instruments. In 2012, we completed a tender offer to purchase and retire certain subordinated notes for approximately $3.4 billion in cash and will consider additional purchases in the future depending upon prevailing market conditions, liquidity and other factors. If the purchase of any debt instruments is at an amount less than the carrying value, such purchases would be accretive to earnings and capital.
We intend to continue to build capital through retaining earnings, actively reducing legacy asset portfolios and implementing other capital related initiatives, including focusing on reducing both higher risk-weighted assets and assets currently deducted, or expected to be deducted under Basel III, from capital. We expect non-core asset sales to play a less prominent role in our capital strategy in future periods. We issued approximately 122 million of immediately tradable shares of common stock, or approximately $1.0 billion (after-tax) to certain employees in February 2012 in lieu of a portion of their 2011 year-end cash incentive. We may engage, from time to time, in privately negotiated transactions involving the issuance of common stock, cash or other consideration in exchange for preferred stock and certain trust preferred securities in amounts that are not expected to be material to us, either individually or in the aggregate.
Credit Ratings
On December 15, 2011, Fitch Ratings (Fitch) downgraded the Corporation’s and BANA’s long-term and short-term debt ratings as a result of Fitch’s decision to lower its “support floor” for systemically important U.S. financial institutions. On November 29, 2011, S&P downgraded our long-term and short-term debt ratings as well as BANA’s long-term debt rating as a result of S&P’s implementation of revised methodologies for determining Banking Industry Country Risk Assessments and bank ratings. On September 21, 2011, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) downgraded our long-term and short-term debt ratings as well as BANA’s long-term debt rating as a result of Moody’s lowering the amount of uplift for potential U.S. government support it incorporates into ratings. On February 15, 2012, Moody’s placed the Corporation’s long-term debt ratings and BANA’s long-term and short-term debt ratings on review for possible downgrade as part of its review of financial institutions with global capital markets operations. Any adjustment to our ratings will be determined based on Moody’s review; however, the agency offered guidance that downgrades to our ratings, if any, would likely be limited to one notch.
Currently, our long-term/short-term senior debt ratings and outlooks expressed by the rating agencies are as follows: Baa1/P-2 (negative) by Moody’s, A-/A-2 (negative) by S&P and A/F1 (stable) by Fitch. The rating agencies could make further adjustments to our ratings at any time and there can be no assurance that additional downgrades will not occur.
Under the terms of certain over-the-counter (OTC) derivative contracts and other trading agreements, in the event of a downgrade of our credit ratings or certain subsidiaries’ credit ratings, counterparties to those agreements may require us or certain subsidiaries to provide additional collateral or to terminate those contracts or agreements or provide other remedies.
For information regarding the risks associated with adverse changes in our credit ratings, see Liquidity Risk – Credit Ratings on page 79, Note 4 – Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 1A. Risk Factors.
European Union Sovereign Credit Risks
Certain European countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain, continue to experience varying degrees of financial stress. Uncertainty in the progress of debt restructuring negotiations and the lack of a clear resolution to the crisis has led to continued volatility in European as well as global financial markets, and if the situation worsens, may further adversely affect these markets. In December 2011, the European Central Bank announced initiatives to address European bank liquidity and funding concerns by providing low-cost, three-year loans to banks, and expanding collateral eligibility. While reducing systemic risk, there remains considerable uncertainty as to future developments regarding the European debt crisis. In early 2012, S&P, Fitch and
Moody’s downgraded the credit ratings of several European countries, and S&P downgraded the credit rating of the EFSF, adding to concerns about investor appetite for continued support in stabilizing the affected countries. Our total sovereign and non-sovereign exposure to Greece, Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Spain, was $15.3 billion at December 31, 2011 compared to $16.6 billion at December 31, 2010. Our total net sovereign and non-sovereign exposure to these countries was $10.5 billion at December 31, 2011 compared to $12.4 billion at December 31, 2010, after taking into account net credit default protection. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the fair value of net credit default protection purchased was $4.9 billion and $4.2 billion. Losses could still result because our credit protection contracts only pay out under certain scenarios. For a further discussion of our direct sovereign and non-sovereign exposures in Europe, see Non-U.S. Portfolio on page 104 and for more information about the risks associated with our non-sovereign exposures in Europe, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Project New BAC
Project New BAC is a two-phase, enterprise-wide initiative to simplify and streamline workflows and processes, align businesses and expenses more closely with our overall strategic plan and operating principles, and increase revenues. Phase 1 evaluations, which were completed in September 2011, focused on the consumer businesses, including Deposits, Card Services and CRES, and related support, technology and operations functions. Phase 2 evaluations began in October 2011 and are focused on Global Commercial Banking, GBAM and GWIM, and related support, technology and operations functions not subject to evaluation in Phase 1. Phase 2 evaluations are expected to continue through April 2012.
Implementation of Phase 1 recommendations began in 2011. Phase 1 has a stated goal of a reduction of approximately 30,000 positions, with natural attrition and the elimination of unfilled positions expected to represent a significant part of the reduction. A stated goal of the full implementation of Phase 1 is to reduce certain costs by $5 billion per year by 2014 and we anticipate that more than 20 percent of these cost savings could be achieved by the end of 2012. As implementation of the Phase 1 recommendations continues and Phase 2 begins, reductions in staffing levels in the affected areas are expected to result in some incremental costs including severance.
Reductions in the areas subject to evaluation for Phase 2 have not yet been fully identified, and accordingly, potential cost savings cannot be estimated at this time; however, they are expected to be lower than Phase 1 because the businesses have lower headcount. All aspects of New BAC are expected to be implemented by the end of 2014. There were no material expenses related to New BAC recorded in 2011. For information about the risks associated with Project New BAC, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Performance Overview
Net income was $1.4 billion in 2011 compared to a net loss of $2.2 billion in 2010. After preferred stock dividends of $1.4 billion in both 2011 and 2010, net income applicable to common shareholders was $85 million, or $0.01 per diluted common share in 2011 compared to a net loss of $3.6 billion, or $0.37 per diluted common share in 2010. The principal contributors to the pre-tax net income in 2011 were the following: gains of $6.5 billion on the sale of CCB shares (we currently hold approximately one percent of the outstanding common shares), a $7.4 billion reduction in the allowance for credit losses, $3.4 billion of gains on sales of debt securities, positive fair value adjustments of $3.3 billion related to our own credit spreads on structured liabilities, a $1.2 billion gain on the exchange of certain trust preferred securities for common stock and debt and DVA gains on derivatives of $1.0 billion, net of hedges. These contributors were offset by $15.6 billion in representations and warranties provision, litigation expense of $5.6 billion, goodwill impairment charges of $3.2 billion, $1.8 billion of mortgage-related assessments and waivers costs, and $1.1 billion of impairment charges on our merchant services joint venture.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 2 | Summary Income Statement | | | |
| | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Net interest income (FTE basis) (1) | $ | 45,588 |
| | $ | 52,693 |
|
Noninterest income | 48,838 |
| | 58,697 |
|
Total revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis) (1) | 94,426 |
| | 111,390 |
|
Provision for credit losses | 13,410 |
| | 28,435 |
|
Goodwill impairment | 3,184 |
| | 12,400 |
|
All other noninterest expense | 77,090 |
| | 70,708 |
|
Income (loss) before income taxes | 742 |
| | (153 | ) |
Income tax expense (benefit) (FTE basis) (1) | (704 | ) | | 2,085 |
|
Net income (loss) | 1,446 |
| | (2,238 | ) |
Preferred stock dividends | 1,361 |
| | 1,357 |
|
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders | $ | 85 |
| | $ | (3,595 | ) |
| | | | |
Per common share information | | | |
Earnings (loss) | $ | 0.01 |
| | $ | (0.37 | ) |
Diluted earnings (loss) | 0.01 |
| | (0.37 | ) |
| |
(1) | Fully taxable-equivalent (FTE) basis is a non-GAAP financial measure. Other companies may define or calculate this measure differently. For more information on this measure, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 38, and for a corresponding reconciliation to a GAAP financial measure, see Table XV. |
Net interest income on a FTE basis decreased $7.1 billion in 2011 to $45.6 billion. The decline was primarily due to lower consumer loan balances and yields and decreased investment security yields. Lower trading-related net interest income also negatively impacted 2011 results. These decreases were partially offset by ongoing reductions in our debt footprint and lower rates paid on deposits. The net interest yield on a FTE basis was 2.48 percent for 2011 compared to 2.78 percent for 2010.
Noninterest income decreased $9.9 billion in 2011 to $48.8 billion. The most significant contributors to the decline were lower mortgage banking income, down $11.6 billion largely due to higher representations and warranties provision, and a decrease of $3.4 billion in trading account profits. These declines were partially offset by the gains on the sale of CCB shares and higher positive fair value adjustments related to our own credit on structured liabilities in 2011. In addition, in connection with separate agreements with certain trust preferred security holders to exchange their holdings for common stock and senior notes, we recorded gains of $1.2 billion in 2011. For additional information on these exchange agreements, see Note 13 – Long-term Debt to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The provision for credit losses decreased $15.0 billion in 2011 to $13.4 billion. The provision for credit losses was $7.4 billion lower than net charge-offs for 2011, resulting in a reduction in the allowance for credit losses, as portfolio trends continued to improve across most of the consumer and commercial businesses, particularly the Card Services and commercial real estate portfolios partially offset by additions to consumer purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loan portfolio reserves. This compared to a $5.9 billion reduction in the allowance for credit losses in 2010.
Noninterest expense decreased $2.8 billion in 2011 to $80.3 billion. The decline was driven by a $9.2 billion decrease in goodwill impairment charges and a $1.2 billion decline in merger and restructuring charges in 2011. Partially offsetting these decreases was a $4.9 billion increase in other general operating expense which included increases of $3.0 billion in litigation expense and $1.6 billion in mortgage-related assessments and waivers costs, and an increase of $1.8 billion in personnel costs due to the continued build-out of certain businesses, technology costs as well as increases in default-related servicing costs.
The income tax benefit on a FTE basis was $704 million on the pre-tax income of $742 million for 2011 compared to income tax expense on a FTE basis of $2.1 billion on the pre-tax loss of $153 million for 2010. For more information, see Financial Highlights – Income Tax Expense on page 34.
Segment Results
The following discussion provides an overview of the results of our business segments and All Other for 2011 compared to 2010. For additional information on these results, see Business Segment Operations on page 39.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Table 3 | Business Segment Results |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Total Revenue (1) | | Net Income (Loss) |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Deposits | $ | 12,689 |
| | $ | 13,562 |
| | $ | 1,192 |
| | $ | 1,362 |
|
Card Services | 18,143 |
| | 22,340 |
| | 5,788 |
| | (6,980 | ) |
Consumer Real Estate Services | (3,154 | ) | | 10,329 |
| | (19,529 | ) | | (8,947 | ) |
Global Commercial Banking | 10,553 |
| | 11,226 |
| | 4,402 |
| | 3,218 |
|
Global Banking & Markets | 23,618 |
| | 27,949 |
| | 2,967 |
| | 6,297 |
|
Global Wealth & Investment Management | 17,376 |
| | 16,289 |
| | 1,635 |
| | 1,340 |
|
All Other | 15,201 |
| | 9,695 |
| | 4,991 |
| | 1,472 |
|
Total FTE basis | 94,426 |
| | 111,390 |
| | 1,446 |
| | (2,238 | ) |
FTE adjustment | (972 | ) | | (1,170 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
Total Consolidated | $ | 93,454 |
| | $ | 110,220 |
| | $ | 1,446 |
| | $ | (2,238 | ) |
| |
(1) | Total revenue is net of interest expense and is on a FTE basis which is a non-GAAP financial measure. For more information on this measure, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 38, and for a corresponding reconciliation to a GAAP financial measure, see Table XV. |
Deposits net income decreased compared to the prior year due to a decline in revenue partially offset by lower noninterest expense. The decline in revenue was primarily driven by a decline in service charges reflecting the impact of overdraft policy changes in conjunction with Regulation E that were fully implemented during the third quarter of 2010, partially offset by an increase in net interest income as a result of a customer shift to more liquid products and continued pricing discipline. Noninterest expense decreased due to lower litigation and operating expenses partially offset by an increase in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) expense.
Card Services net income increased compared to the prior year due primarily to a $10.4 billion non-cash, non-tax deductible goodwill impairment charge in 2010 and a decrease in the provision for credit losses. The decrease in revenue was driven by lower average loan balances and yields. Noninterest income decreased primarily due to the implementation of the Durbin Amendment, the absence of the gain on the sale of our MasterCard position in 2010 and the implementation of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (CARD Act).
CRES net loss increased compared to the prior year primarily due to a decline in revenue and an increase in noninterest expense. Revenue declined due to an increase in representations and warranties provision, lower core production income and a decrease in insurance income due to the sale of Balboa Insurance Company’s lender-placed insurance business (Balboa). Noninterest expense increased due to higher litigation expense, increased mortgage-related assessments and waivers costs, higher default-related and other loss mitigation expenses and a higher non-cash, non-tax deductible goodwill impairment charge, partially offset by lower insurance and production expenses.
Global Commercial Banking net income increased compared to the prior year primarily due to an improvement in the provision for credit losses. Revenue decreased primarily driven by lower net interest income related to asset and liability management (ALM) activities and lower average loan balances, partially offset by an increase in average deposits. The decrease in the provision for credit losses was driven by improved economic conditions and an accelerated rate of loan resolutions in the commercial real estate portfolio.
GBAM net income decreased compared to the prior year driven by a decline in sales and trading revenue due to a challenging market environment, partially offset by DVA gains, net of hedges. Provision for credit losses decreased driven by the positive impact of the economic environment on the credit portfolio in 2011. Higher noninterest expense was driven primarily by increased costs related to investments in infrastructure. Income tax expense included a charge related to the U.K. corporate income tax rate changes enacted during the year to reduce the carrying value of the deferred tax assets.
GWIM net income increased compared to the prior year driven by higher net interest income, higher asset management fees and lower credit costs, partially offset by higher noninterest expense. Revenue increased driven by higher asset management fees from higher market levels and long-term assets under management (AUM) flows as well as higher net interest income. The provision for credit losses decreased driven by improving portfolio trends. Noninterest expense increased due to higher volume-driven expenses and personnel costs associated with the continued investment in the business.
All Other net income increased compared to the prior year primarily due to higher noninterest income and lower merger and restructuring charges. Noninterest income increased due to an increase in the positive fair value adjustments related to our own credit spreads on structured liabilities as well as the gain on the sale of CCB shares in 2011. The provision for credit losses decreased primarily due to divestitures, improvements in delinquencies, collections and insolvencies in the non-U.S. credit card portfolio and continued run-off in the legacy Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (Merrill Lynch) commercial portfolio.
Financial Highlights
Net Interest Income
Net interest income on a FTE basis decreased $7.1 billion to $45.6 billion for 2011 compared to 2010. The decline was primarily due to lower consumer loan balances and yields and decreased investment security yields, including the acceleration of purchase premium amortization from an increase in modeled prepayment expectations, and increased hedge ineffectiveness. Lower trading-related net interest income also negatively impacted 2011 results.
These decreases were partially offset by ongoing reductions in our debt footprint and lower interest rates paid on deposits. The net interest yield on a FTE basis decreased 30 bps to 2.48 percent for 2011 compared to 2010 as the yield continues to be under pressure due to the aforementioned items and the low rate environment. We expect net interest income to continue to be muted based on the current forward yield curve in 2012.
Noninterest Income |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 4 | Noninterest Income | | | |
| | | | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Card income | $ | 7,184 |
| | $ | 8,108 |
|
Service charges | 8,094 |
| | 9,390 |
|
Investment and brokerage services | 11,826 |
| | 11,622 |
|
Investment banking income | 5,217 |
| | 5,520 |
|
Equity investment income | 7,360 |
| | 5,260 |
|
Trading account profits | 6,697 |
| | 10,054 |
|
Mortgage banking income (loss) | (8,830 | ) | | 2,734 |
|
Insurance income | 1,346 |
| | 2,066 |
|
Gains on sales of debt securities | 3,374 |
| | 2,526 |
|
Other income | 6,869 |
| | 2,384 |
|
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings on available-for-sale debt securities | (299 | ) | | (967 | ) |
Total noninterest income | $ | 48,838 |
| | $ | 58,697 |
|
Noninterest income decreased $9.9 billion to $48.8 billion for 2011 compared to 2010. The following highlights the significant changes.
| |
| Card income decreased $924 million primarily due to the implementation of new interchange fee rules under the Durbin Amendment, which became effective on October 1, 2011 and the CARD Act provisions that were implemented during 2010. |
| |
| Service charges decreased $1.3 billion largely due to the impact of overdraft policy changes in conjunction with Regulation E, which became effective in the third quarter of 2010. |
| |
| Equity investment income increased $2.1 billion. The results for 2011 included $6.5 billion of gains on the sale of CCB shares, $836 million of CCB dividends and a $377 million gain on the sale of our investment in BlackRock, Inc. (BlackRock), partially offset by $1.1 billion of impairment charges on our merchant services joint venture. The prior year included $2.5 billion of net gains which included the sales of certain strategic investments, $2.3 billion of gains in our Global Principal Investments (GPI) portfolio which included both cash gains and fair value adjustments, and $535 million of CCB dividends. |
| |
| Trading account profits decreased $3.4 billion primarily due to adverse market conditions and extreme volatility in the credit markets compared to the prior year. DVA gains, net of hedges, on derivatives were $1.0 billion in 2011 compared to $262 million in 2010 as a result of a widening of our credit spreads. In conjunction with regulatory reform measures GBAM exited its stand-alone proprietary trading business as of June 30, 2011. Proprietary trading revenue was $434 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $1.4 billion for 2010. |
| |
| Mortgage banking income decreased $11.6 billion primarily due to an $8.8 billion increase in the representations and warranties provision which was largely related to the BNY Mellon Settlement. Also contributing to the decline was lower production income due to a reduction in new loan origination volumes partially offset by an increase in servicing income. |
| |
| Other income increased $4.5 billion primarily due to positive fair value adjustments of $3.3 billion related to widening of our own credit spreads on structured liabilities compared to $18 million in 2010. In addition, 2011 included a $771 million gain on the sale of Balboa as well as a $1.2 billion gain on the exchange of certain trust preferred securities for common stock and debt. |
Provision for Credit Losses
The provision for credit losses decreased $15.0 billion to $13.4 billion for 2011 compared to 2010. The provision for credit losses was $7.4 billion lower than net charge-offs for 2011, resulting in a reduction in the allowance for credit losses driven primarily by lower delinquencies, improved collection rates and fewer bankruptcy filings across the Card Services portfolio, and improvement in overall credit quality in the commercial real estate portfolio partially offset by additions to consumer PCI loan portfolio reserves. This compared to a $5.9 billion reduction in the allowance for credit losses in 2010. We expect reductions in the allowance for credit losses to be lower in 2012.
The provision for credit losses related to our consumer portfolio decreased $11.1 billion to $14.3 billion for 2011 compared to 2010. The provision for credit losses related to our commercial portfolio including the provision for unfunded lending commitments decreased $3.9 billion to a benefit of $915 million for 2011 compared to 2010.
Net charge-offs totaled $20.8 billion, or 2.24 percent of average loans and leases for 2011 compared to $34.3 billion, or 3.60 percent for 2010. The decrease in net charge-offs was primarily driven by improvements in general economic conditions that resulted in lower delinquencies, improved collection rates and fewer bankruptcy filings across the Card Services portfolio as well as lower losses in the home equity portfolio driven primarily by fewer delinquent loans. For more information on the provision for credit losses, see Provision for Credit Losses on page 108.
Noninterest Expense
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 5 | Noninterest Expense | | | |
| | | | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Personnel | $ | 36,965 |
| | $ | 35,149 |
|
Occupancy | 4,748 |
| | 4,716 |
|
Equipment | 2,340 |
| | 2,452 |
|
Marketing | 2,203 |
| | 1,963 |
|
Professional fees | 3,381 |
| | 2,695 |
|
Amortization of intangibles | 1,509 |
| | 1,731 |
|
Data processing | 2,652 |
| | 2,544 |
|
Telecommunications | 1,553 |
| | 1,416 |
|
Other general operating | 21,101 |
| | 16,222 |
|
Goodwill impairment | 3,184 |
| | 12,400 |
|
Merger and restructuring charges | 638 |
| | 1,820 |
|
Total noninterest expense | $ | 80,274 |
| | $ | 83,108 |
|
Noninterest expense decreased $2.8 billion to $80.3 billion for 2011 compared to 2010. The prior year included goodwill impairment charges of $12.4 billion compared to $3.2 billion for 2011.
Personnel expense increased $1.8 billion for 2011 attributable to personnel costs related to the continued build-out of certain businesses, technology costs as well as increases in default-
related servicing. Additionally, professional fees increased $686 million related to consulting fees for regulatory initiatives as well as higher legal expenses. Other general operating expenses increased $4.9 billion largely as a result of a $3.0 billion increase in litigation expense, primarily mortgage-related, and an increase of $1.6 billion in mortgage-related assessments and waivers costs. Merger and restructuring expenses decreased $1.2 billion in 2011.
Income Tax Expense
The income tax benefit was $1.7 billion on the pre-tax loss of $230 million for 2011 compared to income tax expense of $915 million on the pre-tax loss of $1.3 billion for 2010. These amounts are before FTE adjustments. The effective tax rate for 2011 was not meaningful due to a small pre-tax loss, and for 2010, due to the impact of non-deductible goodwill impairment charges of $12.4 billion.
The income tax benefit for 2011 was driven by recurring tax preference items, such as tax-exempt income and affordable housing credits, a $1.0 billion benefit from the release of the remaining valuation allowance applicable to the Merrill Lynch capital loss carryover deferred tax asset, and a benefit of $823 million for planned realization of previously unrecognized deferred tax assets related to the tax basis in certain subsidiaries. These benefits were partially offset by the $782 million tax charge for the U.K. corporate income tax rate reductions referred to below.
The $3.2 billion of goodwill impairment charges recorded in 2011 were non-deductible.
The effective tax rate for 2010 excluding goodwill impairment charges from pre-tax income was 8.3 percent. In addition to our recurring tax preference items, this rate was driven by a $1.7 billion benefit from the release of a portion of the valuation allowance applicable to the Merrill Lynch capital loss carryover deferred tax asset, partially offset by the $392 million charge from a one percent reduction to the U.K. corporate income tax rate enacted during 2010.
On July 19, 2011, the U.K. 2011 Finance Bill was enacted which reduced the corporate income tax rate one percent to 26 percent beginning on April 1, 2011, and then to 25 percent effective April 1, 2012. These rate reductions will favorably affect income tax expense on future U.K. earnings but also required us to remeasure our U.K. net deferred tax assets using the lower tax rates. As noted above, the income tax benefit for 2011 included a $782 million charge for the remeasurement, substantially all of which was recorded in GBAM. If corporate income tax rates were to be reduced to 23 percent by 2014 as suggested in U.K. Treasury announcements and assuming no change in the deferred tax asset balance, a charge to income tax expense of approximately $400 million for each one percent reduction in the rate would result in each period of enactment (for a total of approximately $800 million).
Balance Sheet Overview
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Table 6 | Selected Balance Sheet Data | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31 | | Average Balance |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Assets | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell | $ | 211,183 |
| | $ | 209,616 |
| | $ | 245,069 |
| | $ | 256,943 |
|
Trading account assets | 169,319 |
| | 194,671 |
| | 187,340 |
| | 213,745 |
|
Debt securities | 311,416 |
| | 338,054 |
| | 337,120 |
| | 323,946 |
|
Loans and leases | 926,200 |
| | 940,440 |
| | 938,096 |
| | 958,331 |
|
Allowance for loan and lease losses | (33,783 | ) | | (41,885 | ) | | (37,623 | ) | | (45,619 | ) |
All other assets | 544,711 |
| | 624,013 |
| | 626,320 |
| | 732,260 |
|
Total assets | $ | 2,129,046 |
| | $ | 2,264,909 |
| | $ | 2,296,322 |
| | $ | 2,439,606 |
|
Liabilities | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Deposits | $ | 1,033,041 |
| | $ | 1,010,430 |
| | $ | 1,035,802 |
| | $ | 988,586 |
|
Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase | 214,864 |
| | 245,359 |
| | 272,375 |
| | 353,653 |
|
Trading account liabilities | 60,508 |
| | 71,985 |
| | 84,689 |
| | 91,669 |
|
Commercial paper and other short-term borrowings | 35,698 |
| | 59,962 |
| | 51,894 |
| | 76,676 |
|
Long-term debt | 372,265 |
| | 448,431 |
| | 421,229 |
| | 490,497 |
|
All other liabilities | 182,569 |
| | 200,494 |
| | 201,238 |
| | 205,290 |
|
Total liabilities | 1,898,945 |
| | 2,036,661 |
| | 2,067,227 |
| | 2,206,371 |
|
Shareholders’ equity | 230,101 |
| | 228,248 |
| | 229,095 |
| | 233,235 |
|
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 2,129,046 |
| | $ | 2,264,909 |
| | $ | 2,296,322 |
| | $ | 2,439,606 |
|
At December 31, 2011, total assets were $2.1 trillion, a decrease of $136 billion, or six percent, from December 31, 2010. Average total assets decreased $143 billion in 2011. At December 31, 2011, total liabilities were $1.9 trillion, a decrease of $138 billion, or seven percent, from December 31, 2010. Average total liabilities decreased $139 billion in 2011.
Period-end balance sheet amounts may vary from average balance sheet amounts due to liquidity and balance sheet management activities, primarily involving our portfolios of highly
liquid assets, that are designed to ensure the adequacy of capital while enhancing our ability to manage liquidity requirements for the Corporation and for our customers, and to position the balance sheet in accordance with the Corporation’s risk appetite. The execution of these activities requires the use of balance sheet and capital-related limits including spot, average and risk-weighted asset limits, particularly in our trading businesses. One of our key metrics, Tier 1 leverage ratio, is calculated based on adjusted quarterly average total assets.
Assets
Federal Funds Sold and Securities Borrowed or Purchased Under Agreements to Resell
Federal funds transactions involve lending reserve balances on a short-term basis. Securities borrowed and securities purchased under agreements to resell are utilized to accommodate customer transactions, earn interest rate spreads and obtain securities for settlement. Average federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell decreased $11.9 billion, or five percent, in 2011 attributable to an overall decline in balance sheet usage.
Trading Account Assets
Trading account assets consist primarily of fixed-income securities including government and corporate debt, and equity and convertible instruments. Year-end trading account assets decreased $25.4 billion in 2011 primarily due to actions to reduce risk on the balance sheet. Average trading account assets decreased $26.4 billion in 2011 primarily due to a reclassification of noninterest-earning equity securities from trading account assets to other assets for average balance sheet purposes.
Debt Securities
Debt securities primarily include U.S. Treasury and agency securities, MBS, principally agency MBS, foreign bonds, corporate bonds and municipal debt. We use the debt securities portfolio primarily to manage interest rate and liquidity risk and to take advantage of market conditions that create more economically attractive returns on these investments. Year-end balances of debt securities decreased $26.6 billion due to agency MBS sales in 2011. Average balances of debt securities increased $13.2 billion due to agency MBS purchases in the second half of 2010 and the first three quarters of 2011. For additional information on available-for-sale (AFS) debt securities, see Note 5 – Securities to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Loans and Leases
Year-end and average loans and leases decreased $14.2 billion to $926.2 billion and $20.2 billion to $938.1 billion in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to consumer portfolio run-off outpacing new originations and loan portfolio sales, partially offset by non-U.S. commercial growth as international demand continues to remain high. For a more detailed discussion of the loan portfolio, see Note 6 – Outstanding Loans and Leases to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
Year-end and average allowance for loan lease losses decreased $8.1 billion and $8.0 billion in 2011 primarily due to the impact of the improving economy partially offset by reserve additions in the PCI portfolio throughout 2011. For a more detailed discussion of the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, see page 109.
All Other Assets
Year-end and average other assets decreased $79.3 billion and $105.9 billion in 2011 driven primarily by the sale of strategic investments, a reduction in loans held-for-sale (LHFS) and lower
mortgage servicing rights (MSRs). Average other assets was also impacted by lower cash balances held at the Federal Reserve.
Liabilities
Deposits
Year-end and average deposits increased $22.6 billion and $47.2 billion to $1.0 trillion in 2011. The increase was attributable to growth in our noninterest-bearing deposits.
Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Loaned or Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
Federal funds transactions involve borrowing reserve balances on a short-term basis. Securities loaned and securities sold under agreements to repurchase are collateralized borrowing transactions utilized to accommodate customer transactions, earn interest rate spreads and finance assets on the balance sheet. Year-end and average federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase decreased $30.5 billion and $81.3 billion in 2011 primarily due to planned funding reductions.
Trading Account Liabilities
Trading account liabilities consist primarily of short positions in fixed-income securities including government and corporate debt, equity and convertible instruments. Year-end and average trading account liabilities decreased $11.5 billion and $7.0 billion in 2011 in line with declines in trading account assets.
Commercial Paper and Other Short-term Borrowings
Commercial paper and other short-term borrowings provide an additional funding source. Year-end and average commercial paper and other short-term borrowings decreased $24.3 billion to $35.7 billion and $24.8 billion to $51.9 billion in 2011 due to planned reductions in wholesale borrowings. During 2011, we reduced to an insignificant amount our use of unsecured short-term borrowings including commercial paper and master notes.
Long-term Debt
Year-end and average long-term debt decreased $76.2 billion to $372.3 billion and $69.3 billion to $421.2 billion in 2011. The decreases were attributable to the Corporation’s strategy to reduce our debt footprint. For additional information on long-term debt, see Note 13 – Long-term Debt to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
All Other Liabilities
Year-end all other liabilities decreased $17.9 billion in 2011 driven primarily by a decline in the liability related to collateral held, a decrease in lower customer margin credits and liquidation of a consolidated variable interest entity (VIE).
Shareholders’ Equity
Year-end shareholders’ equity increased $1.9 billion. The increase was driven primarily by the investment by Berkshire, exchanges of certain preferred securities for common stock and debt and positive earnings. Average shareholders’ equity decreased $4.1 billion in 2011 primarily driven by losses late in 2010.
Cash Flows Overview
The Corporation’s operating assets and liabilities support our global markets and lending activities. We believe that cash flows from operations, available cash balances and our ability to generate cash through short- and long-term debt are sufficient to fund our operating liquidity needs. Our investing activities primarily include the AFS securities portfolio and other short-term investments. Our financing activities reflect cash flows primarily related to increased customer deposits and net long-term debt repayments.
Cash and cash equivalents increased $11.7 billion during 2011 due to sales of non-core assets and net sales of AFS securities partially offset by repayment and maturities of certain long-term debt. Cash and cash equivalents decreased $12.9 billion during 2010 due to repayment and maturities of certain long-term debt
and net purchases of AFS securities partially offset by deposit growth.
During 2011, net cash provided by operating activities was $64.5 billion compared to $82.6 billion in 2010. The more significant adjustments to net income (loss) to arrive at cash provided by operating activities included the provision for credit losses, goodwill impairment charges and the net decrease in trading and derivative instruments.
During 2011, net cash provided by investing activities increased to $52.4 billion primarily driven by net sales of debt securities. During 2010, net cash of $30.3 billion was used in investing activities primarily for net purchases of debt securities.
During 2011 and 2010, the net cash used in financing activities of $104.7 billion and $65.4 billion primarily reflected the net decreases in long-term debt as maturities outpaced new issuances.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Table 7 | Five Year Summary of Selected Financial Data | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
(In millions, except per share information) | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | | 2008 | | 2007 |
Income statement | | | | | |
| | |
| | |
|
Net interest income | $ | 44,616 |
| | $ | 51,523 |
| | $ | 47,109 |
| | $ | 45,360 |
| | $ | 34,441 |
|
Noninterest income | 48,838 |
| | 58,697 |
| | 72,534 |
| | 27,422 |
| | 32,392 |
|
Total revenue, net of interest expense | 93,454 |
| | 110,220 |
| | 119,643 |
| | 72,782 |
| | 66,833 |
|
Provision for credit losses | 13,410 |
| | 28,435 |
| | 48,570 |
| | 26,825 |
| | 8,385 |
|
Goodwill impairment | 3,184 |
| | 12,400 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Merger and restructuring charges | 638 |
| | 1,820 |
| | 2,721 |
| | 935 |
| | 410 |
|
All other noninterest expense (1) | 76,452 |
| | 68,888 |
| | 63,992 |
| | 40,594 |
| | 37,114 |
|
Income (loss) before income taxes | (230 | ) | | (1,323 | ) | | 4,360 |
| | 4,428 |
| | 20,924 |
|
Income tax expense (benefit) | (1,676 | ) | | 915 |
| | (1,916 | ) | | 420 |
| | 5,942 |
|
Net income (loss) | 1,446 |
| | (2,238 | ) | | 6,276 |
| | 4,008 |
| | 14,982 |
|
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders | 85 |
| | (3,595 | ) | | (2,204 | ) | | 2,556 |
| | 14,800 |
|
Average common shares issued and outstanding | 10,143 |
| | 9,790 |
| | 7,729 |
| | 4,592 |
| | 4,424 |
|
Average diluted common shares issued and outstanding (2) | 10,255 |
| | 9,790 |
| | 7,729 |
| | 4,596 |
| | 4,463 |
|
Performance ratios | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Return on average assets | 0.06 | % | | n/m |
| | 0.26 | % | | 0.22 | % | | 0.94 | % |
Return on average common shareholders’ equity | 0.04 |
| | n/m |
| | n/m |
| | 1.80 |
| | 11.08 |
|
Return on average tangible common shareholders’ equity (3) | 0.06 |
| | n/m |
| | n/m |
| | 4.72 |
| | 26.19 |
|
Return on average tangible shareholders’ equity (3) | 0.96 |
| | n/m |
| | 4.18 |
| | 5.19 |
| | 25.13 |
|
Total ending equity to total ending assets | 10.81 |
| | 10.08 | % | | 10.38 |
| | 9.74 |
| | 8.56 |
|
Total average equity to total average assets | 9.98 |
| | 9.56 |
| | 10.01 |
| | 8.94 |
| | 8.53 |
|
Dividend payout | n/m |
| | n/m |
| | n/m |
| | n/m |
| | 72.26 |
|
Per common share data | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Earnings (loss) | $ | 0.01 |
| | $ | (0.37 | ) | | $ | (0.29 | ) | | $ | 0.54 |
| | $ | 3.32 |
|
Diluted earnings (loss) (2) | 0.01 |
| | (0.37 | ) | | (0.29 | ) | | 0.54 |
| | 3.29 |
|
Dividends paid | 0.04 |
| | 0.04 |
| | 0.04 |
| | 2.24 |
| | 2.40 |
|
Book value | 20.09 |
| | 20.99 |
| | 21.48 |
| | 27.77 |
| | 32.09 |
|
Tangible book value (3) | 12.95 |
| | 12.98 |
| | 11.94 |
| | 10.11 |
| | 12.71 |
|
Market price per share of common stock | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Closing | $ | 5.56 |
| | $ | 13.34 |
| | $ | 15.06 |
| | $ | 14.08 |
| | $ | 41.26 |
|
High closing | 15.25 |
| | 19.48 |
| | 18.59 |
| | 45.03 |
| | 54.05 |
|
Low closing | 4.99 |
| | 10.95 |
| | 3.14 |
| | 11.25 |
| | 41.10 |
|
Market capitalization | $ | 58,580 |
| | $ | 134,536 |
| | $ | 130,273 |
| | $ | 70,645 |
| | $ | 183,107 |
|
Average balance sheet | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Total loans and leases | $ | 938,096 |
| | $ | 958,331 |
| | $ | 948,805 |
| | $ | 910,871 |
| | $ | 776,154 |
|
Total assets | 2,296,322 |
| | 2,439,606 |
| | 2,443,068 |
| | 1,843,985 |
| | 1,602,073 |
|
Total deposits | 1,035,802 |
| | 988,586 |
| | 980,966 |
| | 831,157 |
| | 717,182 |
|
Long-term debt | 421,229 |
| | 490,497 |
| | 446,634 |
| | 231,235 |
| | 169,855 |
|
Common shareholders’ equity | 211,709 |
| | 212,686 |
| | 182,288 |
| | 141,638 |
| | 133,555 |
|
Total shareholders’ equity | 229,095 |
| | 233,235 |
| | 244,645 |
| | 164,831 |
| | 136,662 |
|
Asset quality (4) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Allowance for credit losses (5) | $ | 34,497 |
| | $ | 43,073 |
| | $ | 38,687 |
| | $ | 23,492 |
| | $ | 12,106 |
|
Nonperforming loans, leases and foreclosed properties (6) | 27,708 |
| | 32,664 |
| | 35,747 |
| | 18,212 |
| | 5,948 |
|
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans and leases outstanding (6) | 3.68 | % | | 4.47 | % | | 4.16 | % | | 2.49 | % | | 1.33 | % |
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total nonperforming loans and leases (6) | 135 |
| | 136 |
| | 111 |
| | 141 |
| | 207 |
|
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total nonperforming loans and leases excluding the PCI loan portfolio (6) | 101 |
| | 116 |
| | 99 |
| | 136 |
| | n/a |
|
Amounts included in allowance that are excluded from nonperforming loans (7) | $ | 17,490 |
| | $ | 22,908 |
| | $ | 17,690 |
| | $ | 11,679 |
| | $ | 6,520 |
|
Allowances as a percentage of total nonperforming loans and leases excluding the amounts included in the allowance that are excluded from nonperforming loans (7) | 65 | % | | 62 | % | | 58 | % | | 70 | % | | 91 | % |
Net charge-offs | $ | 20,833 |
| | $ | 34,334 |
| | $ | 33,688 |
| | $ | 16,231 |
| | $ | 6,480 |
|
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases outstanding (6) | 2.24 | % | | 3.60 | % | | 3.58 | % | | 1.79 | % | | 0.84 | % |
Nonperforming loans and leases as a percentage of total loans and leases outstanding (6) | 2.74 |
| | 3.27 |
| | 3.75 |
| | 1.77 |
| | 0.64 |
|
Nonperforming loans, leases and foreclosed properties as a percentage of total loans, leases and foreclosed properties (6) | 3.01 |
| | 3.48 |
| | 3.98 |
| | 1.96 |
| | 0.68 |
|
Ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31 to net charge-offs | 1.62 |
| | 1.22 |
| | 1.10 |
| | 1.42 |
| | 1.79 |
|
Capital ratios (year end) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Risk-based capital: | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Tier 1 common | 9.86 | % | | 8.60 | % | | 7.81 | % | | 4.80 | % | | 4.93 | % |
Tier 1 | 12.40 |
| | 11.24 |
| | 10.40 |
| | 9.15 |
| | 6.87 |
|
Total | 16.75 |
| | 15.77 |
| | 14.66 |
| | 13.00 |
| | 11.02 |
|
Tier 1 leverage | 7.53 |
| | 7.21 |
| | 6.88 |
| | 6.44 |
| | 5.04 |
|
Tangible equity (3) | 7.54 |
| | 6.75 |
| | 6.40 |
| | 5.11 |
| | 3.73 |
|
Tangible common equity (3) | 6.64 |
| | 5.99 |
| | 5.56 |
| | 2.93 |
| | 3.46 |
|
| |
(1) | Excludes merger and restructuring charges and goodwill impairment charges. |
| |
(2) | Due to a net loss applicable to common shareholders for 2010 and 2009, the impact of antidilutive equity instruments was excluded from diluted earnings (loss) per share and average diluted common shares. |
| |
(3) | Tangible equity ratios and tangible book value per share of common stock are non-GAAP financial measures. Other companies may define or calculate these measures differently. For additional information on these ratios and corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 38 and Table XV. |
| |
(4) | For more information on the impact of the PCI loan portfolio on asset quality, see Consumer Portfolio Credit Risk Management on page 81 and Commercial Portfolio Credit Risk Management on page 94. |
| |
(5) | Includes the allowance for loan and lease losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments. |
| |
(6) | Balances and ratios do not include loans accounted for under the fair value option. For additional exclusions on nonperforming loans, leases and foreclosed properties, see Nonperforming Consumer Loans and Foreclosed Properties Activity on page 92 and corresponding Table 36 and Nonperforming Commercial Loans, Leases and Foreclosed Properties Activity on page 100 and corresponding Table 45. |
| |
(7) | Amounts included in allowance that are excluded from nonperforming loans primarily include amounts allocated to Card Services portfolios, PCI loans and the non-U.S. credit card portfolio in All Other. |
n/m = not meaningful
n/a = not applicable
Supplemental Financial Data
We view net interest income and related ratios and analyses on a FTE basis, which are non-GAAP financial measures. We believe managing the business with net interest income on a FTE basis provides a more accurate picture of the interest margin for comparative purposes. To derive the FTE basis, net interest income is adjusted to reflect tax-exempt income on an equivalent before-tax basis with a corresponding increase in income tax expense. For purposes of this calculation, we use the federal statutory tax rate of 35 percent. This measure ensures comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources.
As mentioned above, certain performance measures including the efficiency ratio and net interest yield utilize net interest income (and thus total revenue) on a FTE basis. The efficiency ratio measures the costs expended to generate a dollar of revenue, and net interest yield measures the bps we earn over the cost of funds.
We also evaluate our business based on certain ratios that utilize tangible equity, a non-GAAP financial measure. Tangible equity represents an adjusted shareholders’ equity or common shareholders’ equity amount which has been reduced by goodwill and intangible assets (excluding MSRs), net of related deferred tax liabilities. These measures are used to evaluate our use of equity. In addition, profitability, relationship and investment models all use Return on average tangible shareholders’ equity (ROTE) as key measures to support our overall growth goals.
| |
| Return on average tangible common shareholders’ equity measures our earnings contribution as a percentage of adjusted common shareholders’ equity plus any Common Equivalent Securities (CES). The tangible common equity ratio represents adjusted common shareholders’ equity plus any CES divided by total assets less goodwill and intangible assets (excluding |
MSRs), net of related deferred tax liabilities.
| |
| ROTE measures our earnings contribution as a percentage of adjusted average shareholders’ equity. The tangible equity ratio represents adjusted total shareholders’ equity divided by total assets less goodwill and intangible assets (excluding MSRs), net of related deferred tax liabilities. |
| |
| Tangible book value per common share represents adjusted ending common shareholders’ equity divided by ending common shares outstanding. |
In addition, we evaluate our business segment results based on measures that utilize return on average economic capital, a non-GAAP financial measure, including the following:
| |
| Return on average economic capital for the segments is calculated as net income, adjusted for cost of funds and earnings credits and certain expenses related to intangibles, divided by average economic capital. |
| |
| Economic capital represents allocated equity less goodwill and a percentage of intangible assets (excluding MSRs). |
The aforementioned supplemental data and performance measures are presented in Tables 7 and 8 and Statistical Tables XII and XIV. In addition, in Table 8 and Statistical Table XIV, we have excluded the impact of goodwill impairment charges of $3.2 billion and $12.4 billion recorded in 2011 and 2010 when presenting certain of these metrics. Accordingly, these are non-GAAP financial measures.
Statistical Tables XV, XVI and XVII provide reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures with financial measures defined by GAAP. We believe the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides additional clarity in assessing the results of the Corporation and our segments. Other companies may define or calculate these measures and ratios differently.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Table 8 | Five Year Supplemental Financial Data | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
(Dollars in millions, except per share information) | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 | | 2008 | | 2007 |
Fully taxable-equivalent basis data | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Net interest income | $ | 45,588 |
| | $ | 52,693 |
| | $ | 48,410 |
| | $ | 46,554 |
| | $ | 36,190 |
|
Total revenue, net of interest expense | 94,426 |
| | 111,390 |
| | 120,944 |
| | 73,976 |
| | 68,582 |
|
Net interest yield | 2.48 | % | | 2.78 | % | | 2.65 | % | | 2.98 | % | | 2.60 | % |
Efficiency ratio | 85.01 |
| | 74.61 |
| | 55.16 |
| | 56.14 |
| | 54.71 |
|
Performance ratios, excluding goodwill impairment charges (1) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Per common share information | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Earnings | $ | 0.32 |
| | $ | 0.87 |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Diluted earnings | 0.32 |
| | 0.86 |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Efficiency ratio | 81.64 | % | | 63.48 | % | | |
| | |
| | |
|
Return on average assets | 0.20 |
| | 0.42 |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Return on average common shareholders’ equity | 1.54 |
| | 4.14 |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Return on average tangible common shareholders’ equity | 2.46 |
| | 7.03 |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Return on average tangible shareholders’ equity | 3.08 |
| | 7.11 |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
| |
(1) | Performance ratios are calculated excluding the impact of goodwill impairment charges of $3.2 billion and $12.4 billion recorded during 2011 and 2010. |
Core Net Interest Income
We manage core net interest income which is reported net interest income on a FTE basis adjusted for the impact of market-based activities. As discussed in the GBAM business segment section on page 49, we evaluate our market-based results and strategies on a total market-based revenue approach by combining net interest income and noninterest income for GBAM. An analysis of core net interest income, core average earning assets and core net interest yield on earning assets, all of which adjust for the impact of market-based activities from reported net interest income on a FTE basis, is shown below. We believe the use of this non-GAAP presentation in Table 9 provides additional clarity in assessing our results.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 9 | Core Net Interest Income | | | |
| | | | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Net interest income (FTE basis) | |
| | |
|
As reported (1) | $ | 45,588 |
| | $ | 52,693 |
|
Impact of market-based net interest income (2) | (3,813 | ) | | (4,430 | ) |
Core net interest income | 41,775 |
| | 48,263 |
|
Average earning assets | |
| | |
|
As reported | 1,834,659 |
| | 1,897,573 |
|
Impact of market-based earning assets (2) | (448,776 | ) | | (512,804 | ) |
Core average earning assets | $ | 1,385,883 |
| | $ | 1,384,769 |
|
Net interest yield contribution (FTE basis) | |
| | |
|
As reported (1) | 2.48 | % | | 2.78 | % |
Impact of market-based activities (2) | 0.53 |
| | 0.71 |
|
Core net interest yield on earning assets | 3.01 | % | | 3.49 | % |
| |
(1) | Net interest income and net interest yield include fees earned on overnight deposits placed with the Federal Reserve of $186 million and $368 million for 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(2) | Represents the impact of market-based amounts included in GBAM. |
Core net interest income decreased $6.5 billion to $41.8 billion for 2011 compared to 2010. The decline was primarily due to lower consumer loan balances and yields and decreased investment security yields, including the acceleration of purchase premium amortization from an increase in modeled prepayment expectations and increased hedge ineffectiveness. These decreases were partially offset by ongoing reductions in our debt footprint and lower interest rates paid on deposits.
Core average earning assets increased $1.1 billion to $1,385.9 billion for 2011 compared to 2010. The increase was primarily due to growth in investment securities partially offset by declines in consumer loans.
Core net interest yield decreased 48 bps to 3.01 percent for 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to the factors noted above. In addition, the yield curve flattened significantly with long-term rates near historical lows at December 31, 2011. This has resulted in net interest yield compression as assets have repriced down and liability yields have declined less significantly due to the absolute low level of short-end rates.
Business Segment Operations
Segment Description and Basis of Presentation
We report the results of our operations through six business segments: Deposits, Card Services, CRES, Global Commercial Banking, GBAM and GWIM, with the remaining operations recorded in All Other.
We prepare and evaluate segment results using certain non-GAAP financial measures, many of which are discussed in
Supplemental Financial Data on page 38. We begin by evaluating the operating results of the segments which by definition exclude merger and restructuring charges.
The management accounting and reporting process derives segment and business results by utilizing allocation methodologies for revenue and expense. The net income derived for the businesses is dependent upon revenue and cost allocations using an activity-based costing model, funds transfer pricing, and other methodologies and assumptions management believes are appropriate to reflect the results of the business.
Total revenue, net of interest expense, includes net interest income on a FTE basis and noninterest income. The adjustment of net interest income to a FTE basis results in a corresponding increase in income tax expense. The segment results also reflect certain revenue and expense methodologies that are utilized to determine net income. The net interest income of the businesses includes the results of a funds transfer pricing process that matches assets and liabilities with similar interest rate sensitivity and maturity characteristics. For presentation purposes, in segments where the total of liabilities and equity exceeds assets, which are generally deposit-taking segments, we allocate assets to match liabilities. Net interest income of the business segments also includes an allocation of net interest income generated by certain of our ALM activities.
Our ALM activities include an overall interest rate risk management strategy that incorporates the use of various derivatives and cash instruments to manage fluctuations in earnings and capital that are caused by interest rate volatility. Our goal is to manage interest rate sensitivity so that movements in interest rates do not significantly adversely affect earnings and capital. The majority of our ALM activities are allocated to the business segments and fluctuate based on performance. ALM activities include external product pricing decisions including deposit pricing strategies, the effects of our internal funds transfer pricing process and the net effects of other ALM activities.
Certain expenses not directly attributable to a specific business segment are allocated to the segments. The most significant of these expenses include data and item processing costs and certain centralized or shared functions. Data processing costs are allocated to the segments based on equipment usage. Item processing costs are allocated to the segments based on the volume of items processed for each segment. The costs of certain centralized or shared functions are allocated based on methodologies that reflect utilization.
Equity is allocated to business segments and related businesses using a risk-adjusted methodology incorporating each segment’s credit, market, interest rate, strategic and operational risk components. The nature of these risks is discussed further on page 68. We benefit from the diversification of risk across these components which is reflected as a reduction to allocated equity for each segment. The total amount of average allocated equity reflects both risk-based capital and the portion of goodwill and intangibles specifically assigned to the business segments. The risk-adjusted methodology is periodically refined and such refinements are reflected as changes to allocated equity in each segment.
For more information on selected financial information for the business segments and reconciliations to consolidated total revenue, net income (loss) and year-end total assets, see Note 26 – Business Segment Information to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Deposits
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | % Change |
Net interest income (FTE basis) | $ | 8,471 |
| | $ | 8,278 |
| | 2 | % |
Noninterest income: | | | | | |
Service charges | 3,995 |
| | 5,057 |
| | (21 | ) |
All other income | 223 |
| | 227 |
| | (2 | ) |
Total noninterest income | 4,218 |
| | 5,284 |
| | (20 | ) |
Total revenue, net of interest expense | 12,689 |
| | 13,562 |
| | (6 | ) |
| | | | | | |
Provision for credit losses | 173 |
| | 201 |
| | (14 | ) |
Noninterest expense | 10,633 |
| | 11,196 |
| | (5 | ) |
Income before income taxes | 1,883 |
| | 2,165 |
| | (13 | ) |
Income tax expense (FTE basis) | 691 |
| | 803 |
| | (14 | ) |
Net income | $ | 1,192 |
| | $ | 1,362 |
| | (12 | ) |
| | | | | | |
Net interest yield (FTE basis) | 2.02 | % | | 2.00 | % | | |
|
Return on average allocated equity | 5.02 |
| | 5.62 |
| | |
|
Return on average economic capital (1) | 20.66 |
| | 21.97 |
| | |
|
Efficiency ratio (FTE basis) | 83.80 |
| | 82.55 |
| | |
|
| | | | | | |
Balance Sheet | | |
| | |
| | |
|
| | | | | | |
Average | |
| | |
| | |
|
Total earning assets | $ | 419,445 |
| | $ | 413,595 |
| | 1 |
|
Total assets | 445,922 |
| | 440,030 |
| | 1 |
|
Total deposits | 421,106 |
| | 414,877 |
| | 2 |
|
Allocated equity | 23,735 |
| | 24,222 |
| | (2 | ) |
Economic capital (1) | 5,786 |
| | 6,247 |
| | (7 | ) |
| | | | | | |
Year end | |
| | |
| | |
|
Total earning assets | $ | 418,623 |
| | $ | 414,215 |
| | 1 |
|
Total assets | 445,680 |
| | 440,954 |
| | 1 |
|
Total deposits | 421,871 |
| | 415,189 |
| | 2 |
|
Client brokerage assets | 66,576 |
| | 63,597 |
| | 5 |
|
| |
(1) | Return on average economic capital and economic capital are non-GAAP financial measures. For additional information on these measures, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 38 and for corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures, see Statistical Table XVI. |
Deposits includes the results of consumer deposit activities which consist of a comprehensive range of products provided to consumers and small businesses. Our deposit products include traditional savings accounts, money market savings accounts, CDs and IRAs, noninterest- and interest-bearing checking accounts, as well as investment accounts and products. Deposit products provide a relatively stable source of funding and liquidity for the Corporation. We earn net interest spread revenue from investing this liquidity in earning assets through client-facing lending and ALM activities. The revenue is allocated to the deposit products using our funds transfer pricing process which takes into account the interest rates and implied maturity of the deposits.
Deposits also generates fees such as account service fees, non-sufficient funds fees, overdraft charges and ATM fees, as well as investment and brokerage fees from Merrill Edge accounts. Merrill Edge is an integrated investing and banking service targeted at clients with less than $250,000 in total assets. Merrill Edge provides team-based investment advice and guidance, brokerage services, a self-directed online investing platform and key banking capabilities including access to the Corporation’s network of banking centers and ATMs. Deposits includes the net impact of migrating customers and their related deposit balances between Deposits and other client-managed businesses.
Net income decreased $170 million to $1.2 billion in 2011 compared to 2010 due to a decrease in revenue partially offset by a decrease in noninterest expense. Revenue of $12.7 billion was down $873 million from a year ago primarily driven by a decline in service charges reflecting the impact of overdraft policy changes in conjunction with Regulation E that were fully implemented during the third quarter of 2010. This was partially offset by an increase in net interest income due to a customer shift to more liquid products and continued pricing discipline. Noninterest expense decreased $563 million, or five percent, to $10.6 billion due to lower litigation and operating expenses partially offset by an increase in FDIC expense.
Average deposits increased $6.2 billion from a year ago driven by a customer shift to more liquid products in a low interest rate environment as checking, traditional savings and money market savings grew $23.6 billion. Growth in liquid products was partially offset by a decline in average time deposits of $17.4 billion. As a result of the shift in the mix of deposits and our continued pricing discipline, rates paid on average deposits declined by 16 bps to 27 bps in 2011 compared to 2010.
Card Services |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | % Change |
Net interest income (FTE basis) | $ | 11,507 |
| | $ | 14,413 |
| | (20 | )% |
Noninterest income: | | | | | |
|
Card income | 6,286 |
| | 7,049 |
| | (11 | ) |
All other income | 350 |
| | 878 |
| | (60 | ) |
Total noninterest income | 6,636 |
| | 7,927 |
| | (16 | ) |
Total revenue, net of interest expense | 18,143 |
| | 22,340 |
| | (19 | ) |
| | | | | |
Provision for credit losses | 3,072 |
| | 10,962 |
| | (72 | ) |
Goodwill impairment | — |
| | 10,400 |
| | n/m |
|
All other noninterest expense | 6,024 |
| | 5,957 |
| | 1 |
|
Income (loss) before income taxes | 9,047 |
| | (4,979 | ) | | n/m |
|
Income tax expense (FTE basis) | 3,259 |
| | 2,001 |
| | 63 |
|
Net income (loss) | $ | 5,788 |
| | $ | (6,980 | ) | | n/m |
|
| | | | | | |
Net interest yield (FTE basis) | 9.04 | % | | 9.85 | % | | |
|
Return on average allocated equity | 27.40 |
| | n/m |
| | |
|
Return on average economic capital (1) | 55.08 |
| | 23.62 |
| | |
Efficiency ratio (FTE basis) | 33.20 |
| | 73.22 |
| | |
|
Efficiency ratio, excluding goodwill impairment charge (FTE basis) | 33.20 |
| | 26.66 |
| | |
|
| | | | | | |
Balance Sheet | | |
| | |
| | |
|
| | | | | | |
Average | |
| | |
| | |
|
Total loans and leases | $ | 126,084 |
| | $ | 145,081 |
| | (13 | ) |
Total earning assets | 127,259 |
| | 146,304 |
| | (13 | ) |
Total assets | 130,266 |
| | 150,672 |
| | (14 | ) |
Allocated equity | 21,128 |
| | 32,418 |
| | (35 | ) |
Economic capital (1) | 10,539 |
| | 14,774 |
| | (29 | ) |
| | | | | | |
Year end | |
| | |
| | |
|
Total loans and leases | $ | 120,669 |
| | $ | 137,024 |
| | (12 | ) |
Total earning assets | 121,992 |
| | 138,072 |
| | (12 | ) |
Total assets | 127,636 |
| | 138,491 |
| | (8 | ) |
| |
(1) | Return on average economic capital and economic capital are non-GAAP financial measures. For additional information on these measures, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 38 and for corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures, see Statistical Table XVI. |
n/m = not meaningful
Card Services is one of the leading issuers of credit and debit cards in the U.S. to consumers and small businesses providing a broad offering of lending products including co-branded and affinity products. During 2011, we sold our Canadian consumer card business and we are evaluating our remaining international consumer card operations. In light of these actions, the international consumer card business results were moved to All Other, prior period results have been reclassified and the Global Card Services business segment was renamed Card Services.
During 2010 and 2011, Card Services was negatively impacted by provisions of the CARD Act. The majority of the provisions of the CARD Act became effective on February 22, 2010, while certain provisions became effective in the third quarter of 2010. The CARD Act has negatively impacted net interest income due to restrictions on our ability to reprice credit cards based on risk and card income due to restrictions imposed on certain fees.
On June 29, 2011, the Federal Reserve adopted a final rule with respect to the Durbin Amendment, effective October 1, 2011, that established the maximum allowable interchange fees a bank can receive for a debit card transaction. The Federal Reserve also adopted a rule to allow a debit card issuer to recover one cent per transaction for fraud prevention purposes if the issuer complies with certain fraud-related requirements, with which we are currently in compliance. In addition, the Federal Reserve approved rules governing routing and exclusivity, requiring issuers to offer two
unaffiliated networks for routing transactions on each debit or prepaid product, which are effective April 1, 2012. For more information on the final interchange rules, see Regulatory Matters on page 66. The new interchange fee rules resulted in a reduction of debit card revenue in the fourth quarter of 2011 of $430 million.
Net income increased $12.8 billion to $5.8 billion in 2011 primarily due to the $10.4 billion goodwill impairment charge in 2010, and a $7.9 billion decrease in the provision for credit losses in 2011. This was partially offset by a decrease in revenue of $4.2 billion, or 19 percent, to $18.1 billion in 2011 compared to 2010.
Net interest income decreased $2.9 billion, or 20 percent, to $11.5 billion in 2011 compared to 2010 driven by lower average loan balances and yields. The net interest yield decreased 81 bps to 9.04 percent due to charge-offs and paydowns of higher interest rate products. Noninterest income decreased $1.3 billion, or 16 percent, to $6.6 billion in 2011 compared to 2010 due to the implementation of the Durbin Amendment on October 1, 2011, the gain on the sale of our MasterCard position in 2010 and the implementation of the CARD Act in 2010.
The provision for credit losses decreased $7.9 billion to $3.1 billion in 2011 compared to 2010 reflecting improving delinquencies and collections, and fewer bankruptcies as a result of improving economic conditions, and lower loan balances. For more information on the provision for credit losses, see Provision for Credit Losses on page 108.
The return on average economic capital increased due to higher net income and a decrease in average economic capital. Average economic capital decreased 29 percent due to lower levels of credit risk from a decline in loan balances as well as an improvement in credit quality. Average allocated equity decreased primarily due to the $10.4 billion goodwill impairment charge in 2010 as well as the same reasons as the decrease in economic
capital. For more information regarding economic capital and allocated equity, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 38.
Average loans decreased $19.0 billion, or 13 percent, in 2011 compared to 2010 driven by higher payments, charge-offs, continued run-off of non-core portfolios and the impact of portfolio divestitures during 2011.
Consumer Real Estate Services
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2011 | | | | |
(Dollars in millions) | Home Loans | | Legacy Asset Servicing | | Other | | Total Consumer Real Estate Services | | 2010 | | % Change |
Net interest income (FTE basis) | $ | 1,964 |
| | $ | 1,324 |
| | $ | (81 | ) | | $ | 3,207 |
| | $ | 4,662 |
| | (31 | )% |
Noninterest income: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mortgage banking income (loss) | 3,330 |
| | (12,176 | ) | | 653 |
| | (8,193 | ) | | 3,164 |
| | n/m |
|
Insurance income | 750 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 750 |
| | 2,061 |
| | (64 | ) |
All other income | 959 |
| | 123 |
| | — |
| | 1,082 |
| | 442 |
| | 145 |
|
Total noninterest income (loss) | 5,039 |
| | (12,053 | ) | | 653 |
| | (6,361 | ) | | 5,667 |
| | n/m |
|
Total revenue, net of interest expense | 7,003 |
| | (10,729 | ) | | 572 |
| | (3,154 | ) | | 10,329 |
| | n/m |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Provision for credit losses | 234 |
| | 4,290 |
| | — |
| | 4,524 |
| | 8,490 |
| | (47 | ) |
Goodwill impairment | — |
| | — |
| | 2,603 |
| | 2,603 |
| | 2,000 |
| | 30 |
|
All other noninterest expense | 5,649 |
| | 13,642 |
| | (1 | ) | | 19,290 |
| | 12,886 |
| | 50 |
|
Income (loss) before income taxes | 1,120 |
| | (28,661 | ) | | (2,030 | ) | | (29,571 | ) | | (13,047 | ) | | 127 |
|
Income tax expense (benefit) (FTE basis) | 416 |
| | (10,689 | ) | | 231 |
| | (10,042 | ) | | (4,100 | ) | | 145 |
|
Net income (loss) | $ | 704 |
| | $ | (17,972 | ) | | $ | (2,261 | ) | | $ | (19,529 | ) | | $ | (8,947 | ) | | 118 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Net interest yield (FTE basis) | 2.78 | % | | 1.96 | % | | (0.48 | )% | | 2.07 | % | | 2.52 | % | | |
Efficiency ratio (FTE basis) | 80.67 |
| | n/m |
| | n/m |
| | n/m |
| | n/m |
| | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance Sheet | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Average | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
|
Total loans and leases | $ | 54,784 |
| | $ | 65,036 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 119,820 |
| | $ | 129,234 |
| | (7 | ) |
Total earning assets | 70,612 |
| | 67,518 |
| | 16,760 |
| | 154,890 |
| | 185,344 |
| | (16 | ) |
Total assets | 72,785 |
| | 83,140 |
| | 34,442 |
| | 190,367 |
| | 224,994 |
| | (15 | ) |
Allocated equity | n/a |
| | n/a |
| | n/a |
| | 16,202 |
| | 26,016 |
| | (38 | ) |
Economic capital (1) | n/a |
| | n/a |
| | n/a |
| | 14,852 |
| | 21,214 |
| | (30 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year end | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Total loans and leases | $ | 52,369 |
| | $ | 59,990 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 112,359 |
| | $ | 122,933 |
| | (9 | ) |
Total earning assets | 58,822 |
| | 63,331 |
| | 10,228 |
| | 132,381 |
| | 172,082 |
| | (23 | ) |
Total assets | 61,417 |
| | 79,023 |
| | 23,272 |
| | 163,712 |
| | 212,412 |
| | (23 | ) |
| |
(1) | Average economic capital is a non-GAAP financial measure. For additional information on these measures, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 38 and for corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures, see Statistical Table XVI. |
n/m = not meaningful
n/a = not applicable
CRES was realigned effective January 1, 2011 and its activities are now referred to as Home Loans, Legacy Asset Servicing and Other. This realignment allows CRES management to lead the ongoing home loan business while also providing greater focus and transparency on legacy mortgage issues.
CRES generates revenue by providing an extensive line of consumer real estate products and services to customers nationwide. CRES products include fixed- and adjustable-rate first-lien mortgage loans for home purchase and refinancing needs, home equity lines of credit (HELOC) and home equity loans. First mortgage products are either sold into the secondary mortgage market to investors, while we retain MSRs and the Bank of America customer relationships, or are held on our balance sheet in All Other for ALM purposes. HELOC and home equity loans are retained on the CRES balance sheet. CRES services mortgage loans, including those loans it owns, loans owned by other business segments and All Other, and loans owned by outside investors.
The financial results of the on-balance sheet loans are reported in the business segment that owns the loans or All Other. CRES is not impacted by the Corporation’s first mortgage production retention decisions as CRES is compensated for loans held for
ALM purposes on a management accounting basis, with a corresponding offset recorded in All Other, and for servicing loans owned by other business segments and All Other.
CRES includes the impact of transferring customers and their related loan balances between GWIM and CRES based on client segmentation thresholds. For more information on the migration of customer balances, see GWIM on page 52.
Home Loans
Home Loans products are available to our customers through our retail network of approximately 5,700 banking centers, mortgage loan officers in approximately 500 locations and a sales force offering our customers direct telephone and online access to our products. These products were also offered through our correspondent lending channel; however, we exited this channel in late 2011. In 2011, we also exited the reverse mortgage origination business. In October 2010, we exited the first mortgage wholesale acquisition channel. These strategic changes were made to allow greater focus on our direct to consumer channels, deepen relationships with existing customers and use mortgage products to acquire new relationships.
Home Loans includes ongoing loan production activities, certain servicing activities and the CRES home equity portfolio not originally selected for inclusion in the Legacy Asset Servicing portfolio. Servicing activities include collecting cash for principal, interest and escrow payments from borrowers, and disbursing customer draws for lines of credit and accounting for and remitting principal and interest payments to investors and escrow payments to third parties along with responding to non-default related customer inquiries. Home Loans also included insurance operations through June 30, 2011, when the ongoing insurance business was transferred to Card Services following the sale of Balboa.
Due to the realignment of CRES, the composition of the Home Loans loan portfolio does not currently reflect a normalized level of credit losses and noninterest expense which we expect will develop over time.
Legacy Asset Servicing
Legacy Asset Servicing is responsible for servicing and managing the exposures related to selected residential mortgage, home equity and discontinued real estate loan portfolios. These selected loan portfolios include owned loans and loans serviced for others, including loans held in other business segments and All Other (collectively, the Legacy Asset Servicing portfolio). The Legacy Asset Servicing portfolio includes residential mortgage loans, home equity loans and discontinued real estate loans that would not have been originated under our underwriting standards at December 31, 2010. Countrywide loans that were impaired at the time of acquisition (the Countrywide PCI portfolio) as well as certain loans that met a pre-defined delinquency status or probability of default threshold as of January 1, 2011 are also included in the Legacy Asset Servicing portfolio. Since determining the pool of loans to be included in the Legacy Asset Servicing portfolio as of January 1, 2011, the criteria have not changed for this portfolio. However, the criteria for inclusion of certain assets and liabilities in the Legacy Asset Servicing portfolio will continue to be evaluated over time.
Legacy Asset Servicing results reflect the net cost of legacy exposures that is included in the results of CRES, including representations and warranties provision, litigation costs, and financial results of the CRES home equity portfolio selected as part of the Legacy Asset Servicing portfolio. In addition, certain revenues and expenses on loans serviced for others, including loans serviced for other business segments and All Other, are included in Legacy Asset Servicing results. The results of the Legacy Asset Servicing residential mortgage and discontinued real estate portfolios are recorded primarily in All Other.
Our home retention efforts are part of our servicing activities, along with supervising foreclosures and property dispositions. These default-related activities are performed by Legacy Asset Servicing. In an effort to help our customers avoid foreclosure, Legacy Asset Servicing evaluates various workout options prior to foreclosure sales which, combined with our temporary halt of foreclosures announced in October 2010, has resulted in elongated default timelines. For additional information on our servicing activities and foreclosures, see Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations – Other Mortgage-related Matters on page 63
The total owned loans in the Legacy Asset Servicing portfolio decreased $15.7 billion in 2011 to $154.9 billion at December 31, 2011, of which $60.0 billion are reflected on the balance sheet
of Legacy Asset Servicing within CRES and the remainder are held on the balance sheet of All Other.
Other
The Other component within CRES includes the results of MSR activities, including net hedge results, together with any related assets or liabilities used as economic hedges. The change in the value of the MSRs reflects the change in discount rates and prepayment speed assumptions, as well as the effect of changes in other assumptions, including the cost to service. These amounts are not allocated between Home Loans and Legacy Asset Servicing since the MSRs are managed as a single asset. For additional information on MSRs, see Note 25 – Mortgage Servicing Rights to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Goodwill assigned to CRES was included in Other; however, the remaining balance of goodwill was written off in its entirety in 2011.
CRES Results
The CRES net loss increased $10.6 billion to $19.5 billion in 2011 compared to 2010. Revenue declined $13.5 billion to a loss of $3.2 billion due in large part to a decrease of $11.4 billion in mortgage banking income driven by an increase in representations and warranties provision of $8.8 billion and a decrease in core production income of $3.4 billion in 2011.
The representations and warranties provision in 2011 included $8.6 billion related to the BNY Mellon Settlement and $7.0 billion related to other exposures. For additional information on representations and warranties, see Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations – Representations and Warranties on page 56 and Note 9 – Representations and Warranties Obligations and Corporate Guarantees to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The decrease in core production income was due to a decline in loan funding volume caused primarily by a drop in market share, which reflected decisions to price certain loan products in order to align the volume of new loan applications with our underwriting capacity in both the retail and correspondent channels and our exit from the correspondent channel in late 2011. Also contributing to the decline in revenue was a $1.3 billion decrease in insurance income due to the sale of Balboa in 2011 and a decline in net interest income primarily due to lower average LHFS balances. Revenue for 2011 also included a pre-tax gain on the sale of Balboa of $752 million, net of an inter-segment advisory fee.
The provision for credit losses decreased $4.0 billion to $4.5 billion in 2011 compared to 2010 driven primarily by improving portfolio trends, including lower reserve additions in the Countrywide PCI home equity portfolio.
Noninterest expense increased $7.0 billion to $21.9 billion in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to a $3.6 billion increase in litigation expense, $1.6 billion higher mortgage-related assessments and waivers costs, higher default-related and other loss mitigation servicing expenses and a non-cash, non-tax deductible goodwill impairment charge of $2.6 billion in 2011 compared to a $2.0 billion goodwill impairment charge in 2010.
In 2011, we recorded $1.8 billion of mortgage-related assessments and waivers costs, which included $1.3 billion for compensatory fees as a result of elongated default timelines. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $1.1 billion in insurance expense due to the sale of Balboa and a decline of $640 million in production expense primarily due to lower origination volumes.
Compensatory fees are fees that we expect to be assessed by the government-sponsored enterprises, Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (FHLMC) (collectively, the GSEs), as a result of foreclosure delays pursuant to first mortgage seller/servicer guides with the GSEs which provide timelines to complete the liquidation of delinquent loans. In instances where we fail to meet these timelines, our agreements provide the GSEs with the option to assess compensatory fees. The remainder of the mortgage-related assessments and waivers costs are out-of-pocket costs that we do not expect to recover. We expect these costs will remain elevated as additional loans are delayed in the foreclosure process. We also expect that continued elevated costs, including costs related to resources necessary to perform the foreclosure process assessments and to implement other operational changes, will continue.
Average economic capital decreased 30 percent due to a reduction in credit risk driven by lower loan balances, and the sale of Balboa. Average allocated equity decreased for the same reasons as economic capital as well as the goodwill impairment charges in 2011 and 2010. For more information regarding economic capital and allocated equity, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 38.
Mortgage Banking Income
CRES mortgage banking income is categorized into production and servicing income. Core production income is comprised of revenue from the fair value gains and losses recognized on our interest rate lock commitments (IRLCs) and LHFS, the related secondary market execution, and costs related to representations and warranties in the sales transactions along with other obligations incurred in the sales of mortgage loans. In addition, production income includes revenue, which is offset in All Other, for transfers of mortgage loans from CRES to the ALM portfolio related to the Corporation’s mortgage production retention decisions. Ongoing costs related to representations and warranties and other obligations that were incurred in the sales of mortgage loans in prior periods are also included in production income.
Servicing income includes income earned in connection with servicing activities and MSR valuation adjustments, net of economic hedge activities. The costs associated with our servicing activities are included in noninterest expense.
The table below summarizes the components of mortgage banking income.
|
| | | | | | | |
| | | |
Mortgage Banking Income | | | |
| | | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Production loss: | |
| | |
|
Core production revenue | $ | 2,797 |
| | $ | 6,182 |
|
Representations and warranties provision | (15,591 | ) | | (6,785 | ) |
Total production loss | (12,794 | ) | | (603 | ) |
Servicing income: | |
| | |
|
Servicing fees | 5,959 |
| | 6,475 |
|
Impact of customer payments (1) | (2,621 | ) | | (3,759 | ) |
Fair value changes of MSRs, net of economic hedge results (2) | 656 |
| | 376 |
|
Other servicing-related revenue | 607 |
| | 675 |
|
Total net servicing income | 4,601 |
| | 3,767 |
|
Total CRES mortgage banking income (loss) | (8,193 | ) | | 3,164 |
|
Eliminations (3) | (637 | ) | | (430 | ) |
Total consolidated mortgage banking income (loss) | $ | (8,830 | ) | | $ | 2,734 |
|
| |
(1) | Represents the change in the market value of the MSR asset due to the impact of customer payments received during the year. |
| |
(2) | Includes sale of MSRs. |
| |
(3) | Includes the effect of transfers of mortgage loans from CRES to the ALM portfolio in All Other. |
Core production revenue of $2.8 billion in 2011 decreased $3.4 billion from 2010 due primarily to lower new loan origination volumes. The 52 percent decline in new loan originations was caused primarily by a drop in market share, as previously discussed, combined with the decline in the overall market demand for mortgages from 2010 to 2011. The representations and warranties provision increased $8.8 billion to $15.6 billion in 2011 due to the BNY Mellon Settlement and other exposures.
Net servicing income increased $834 million in 2011 due to a lower impact of customer payments partially offset by lower servicing fees driven by a decline in the servicing portfolio. Improved MSR results, net of hedges also contributed to the increase in net servicing income.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Key Statistics | | | | |
| | | | |
(Dollars in millions, except as noted) | 2011 | | 2010 | |
Loan production | |
| | |
| |
CRES: | |
| | |
| |
First mortgage | $ | 139,273 |
| | $ | 287,236 |
| |
Home equity | 3,694 |
| | 7,626 |
| |
Total Corporation (1): | | | | |
First mortgage | 151,756 |
| | 298,038 |
| |
Home equity | 4,388 |
| | 8,437 |
| |
| | | | |
Year end | |
| | |
| |
Mortgage servicing portfolio (in billions) (2, 3) | $ | 1,763 |
| | $ | 2,057 |
| |
Mortgage loans serviced for investors (in billions) (3) | 1,379 |
| | 1,628 |
| |
Mortgage servicing rights: | |
| | |
| |
Balance | 7,378 |
| | 14,900 |
| |
Capitalized mortgage servicing rights (% of loans serviced for investors) | 54 |
| bps | 92 |
| bps |
| |
(1) | In addition to loan production in CRES, the remaining first mortgage and home equity loan production is primarily in GWIM. |
| |
(2) | Servicing of residential mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, home equity loans and discontinued real estate mortgage loans. |
| |
(3) | The total Corporation mortgage servicing portfolio included $1,029 billion in Home Loans and $734 billion in Legacy Asset Servicing at December 31, 2011. The total Corporation mortgage loans serviced for investors included $831 billion in Home Loans and $548 billion in Legacy Asset Servicing at December 31, 2011. |
First mortgage production was $151.8 billion in 2011 compared to $298.0 billion in 2010 with the decrease primarily due to a reduction in both the correspondent and retail sales channels. Additionally, the overall industry market demand for mortgages dropped by approximately 17 percent in 2011,
contributing to the decline in mortgage production. We expect our market share of mortgage originations in 2012 to be lower than our market share in 2011, due to our exit from the correspondent channel.
Home equity production was $4.4 billion in 2011 compared to $8.4 billion in 2010 with the decrease primarily due to a decline in reverse mortgage originations based on our decision to exit this business in 2011.
At December 31, 2011, the consumer MSR balance was $7.4 billion, which represented 54 bps of the related unpaid principal balance compared to $14.9 billion or 92 bps of the related unpaid principal balance at December 31, 2010. The decline in the consumer MSR balance was primarily driven by lower mortgage rates, which resulted in higher forecasted prepayment speeds combined with the impact of elevated expected costs to service delinquent loans, which reduced expected cash flows and the value of the MSRs, and MSR sales. In addition, the MSRs declined as a result of customer payments. These declines were partially offset by adjustments to prepayment models to reflect muted refinancing activity relative to historic norms and by the addition of new MSRs recorded in connection with sales of loans. During 2011, MSRs in the amount of $896 million were sold. Gains recognized on these transactions were not significant. These sales were undertaken to reduce the balance of MSRs, lower our default-related servicing costs and reduce risk in certain portfolios in preparation of the implementation of Basel III. For additional information on Basel III, see Capital Management – Regulatory Capital Changes on page 73 and for information on MSRs and the related hedge instruments, see Mortgage Banking Risk Management on page 119 and Note 25 – Mortgage Servicing Rights to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Global Commercial Banking
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | % Change |
Net interest income (FTE basis) | $ | 7,176 |
| | $ | 8,007 |
| | (10 | )% |
Noninterest income: | | | | | |
|
Service charges | 2,264 |
| | 2,340 |
| | (3 | ) |
All other income | 1,113 |
| | 879 |
| | 27 |
|
Total noninterest income | 3,377 |
| | 3,219 |
| | 5 |
|
Total revenue, net of interest expense | 10,553 |
| | 11,226 |
| | (6 | ) |
| | | | | |
Provision for credit losses | (634 | ) | | 1,979 |
| | n/m |
|
Noninterest expense | 4,234 |
| | 4,130 |
| | 3 |
|
Income before income taxes | 6,953 |
| | 5,117 |
| | 36 |
|
Income tax expense (FTE basis) | 2,551 |
| | 1,899 |
| | 34 |
|
Net income | $ | 4,402 |
| | $ | 3,218 |
| | 37 |
|
| | | | | |
Net interest yield (FTE basis) | 2.65 | % | | 2.94 | % | | |
|
Return on average allocated equity | 10.77 |
| | 7.38 |
| | |
|
Return on average economic capital (1) | 21.83 |
| | 14.07 |
| | |
|
Efficiency ratio (FTE basis) | 40.12 |
| | 36.79 |
| | |
|
| | | | | |
Balance Sheet | | |
| | |
| | |
|
| | | | | |
Average | |
| | |
| | |
|
Total loans and leases | $ | 189,415 |
| | $ | 203,824 |
| | (7 | ) |
Total earning assets | 270,901 |
| | 272,401 |
| | (1 | ) |
Total assets | 309,044 |
| | 309,326 |
| | — |
|
Total deposits | 169,192 |
| | 148,638 |
| | 14 |
|
Allocated equity | 40,867 |
| | 43,590 |
| | (6 | ) |
Economic capital (1) | 20,172 |
| | 22,906 |
| | (12 | ) |
| | | | | |
Year end | |
| | |
| | |
|
Total loans and leases | $ | 188,262 |
| | $ | 194,038 |
| | (3 | ) |
Total earning assets | 250,882 |
| | 274,624 |
| | (9 | ) |
Total assets | 289,985 |
| | 312,807 |
| | (7 | ) |
Total deposits | 176,941 |
| | 161,279 |
| | 10 |
|
| |
(1) | Return on average economic capital and economic capital are non-GAAP financial measures. For additional information on these measures, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 38 and for corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures, see Statistical Table XVI. |
n/m = not meaningful
Global Commercial Banking provides a wide range of lending-related products and services, integrated working capital management and treasury solutions to clients through our network of offices and client relationship teams along with various product partners. Our clients include business banking and middle-market companies, commercial real estate firms and governments, and are generally defined as companies with annual sales up to $2 billion. Our lending products and services include commercial loans and commitment facilities, real estate lending, asset-based lending and indirect consumer loans. Our capital management and treasury solutions include treasury management, foreign exchange and short-term investing options. Effective in 2011, management responsibility for the merchant services joint venture, Banc of America Merchant Services, LLC, was moved from GBAM to Global Commercial Banking where it more closely aligns with the business model. Prior periods have been reclassified to reflect this change. In 2011, we recorded $1.1 billion of impairment charges on our investment in the joint venture. Because of the recent transfer of the joint venture to Global Commercial Banking, the impairment charges were recorded in All Other. For additional information, see Note 5 – Securities to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Net income increased $1.2 billion to $4.4 billion in 2011 from 2010 primarily driven by an improvement in the provision for credit losses, offset by lower revenue and higher expenses.
Revenue decreased $673 million primarily driven by lower net interest income related to ALM activities and lower average loan balances, partially offset by an increase in average deposits as clients continue to maintain high levels of liquidity. Noninterest income increased $158 million largely due to a gain on the termination of a purchase contract, an increase in tax credit and commercial card income, and higher investment gains in the commercial real estate portfolio.
The provision for credit losses decreased $2.6 billion to a benefit of $634 million for 2011 compared to 2010. The decrease was driven by improved economic conditions and an accelerated rate of loan resolutions in the commercial real estate portfolio.
Noninterest expense increased $104 million driven primarily by higher FDIC expense.
The return on average economic capital increased due to higher net income and the 12 percent decrease in average economic capital. Economic capital decreased due to declining loan balances and improvements in credit quality. Average allocated equity decreased due to the same reasons as economic capital. For more information regarding economic capital and allocated equity, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 38.
Global Commercial Banking Revenue
Global Commercial Banking revenue can also be categorized into treasury services revenue primarily from capital and treasury management, and business lending revenue derived from credit related products and services as shown in the table below. |
| | | | | | | |
| | | |
Global Commercial Banking | | | |
| | | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Global Treasury Services | $ | 4,854 |
| | $ | 4,741 |
|
Business Lending | 5,699 |
| | 6,485 |
|
Total revenue, net of interest expense | $ | 10,553 |
| | $ | 11,226 |
|
| | | |
Total average deposits | $ | 169,192 |
| | $ | 148,638 |
|
Total average loans and leases | 189,415 |
| | 203,824 |
|
Treasury services revenue increased $113 million to $4.9 billion, driven by increased net interest income from the funding benefit of increased deposits, partially offset by lower treasury service charges. As clients manage through current economic conditions, we have seen usage of certain treasury services decline and increased conversion of paper to electronic services. These actions combined with our clients leveraging compensating balances to offset fees have decreased treasury service charges.
Business lending revenue decreased $786 million to $5.7 billion due to lower net interest income related to ALM activities and lower loan balances. Average loan and lease balances decreased $14.4 billion to $189.4 billion as commercial real estate net paydowns and sales outpaced new originations and renewals.
Global Banking & Markets
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | % Change |
Net interest income (FTE basis) | $ | 7,401 |
| | $ | 8,000 |
| | (7 | )% |
Noninterest income: | | | | | |
Service charges | 1,730 |
| | 1,874 |
| | (8 | ) |
Investment and brokerage services | 2,345 |
| | 2,377 |
| | (1 | ) |
Investment banking fees | 5,242 |
| | 5,406 |
| | (3 | ) |
Trading account profits | 6,573 |
| | 9,689 |
| | (32 | ) |
All other income | 327 |
| | 603 |
| | (46 | ) |
Total noninterest income | 16,217 |
| | 19,949 |
| | (19 | ) |
Total revenue, net of interest expense | 23,618 |
| | 27,949 |
| | (15 | ) |
| | | | | |
Provision for credit losses | (296 | ) | | (166 | ) | | 78 |
|
Noninterest expense | 18,179 |
| | 17,535 |
| | 4 |
|
Income before income taxes | 5,735 |
| | 10,580 |
| | (46 | ) |
Income tax expense (FTE basis) | 2,768 |
| | 4,283 |
| | (35 | ) |
Net income | $ | 2,967 |
| | $ | 6,297 |
| | (53 | ) |
| | | | | |
Return on average allocated equity | 7.97 | % | | 12.58 | % | | |
|
Return on average economic capital (1) | 11.22 |
| | 15.82 |
| | |
|
Efficiency ratio (FTE basis) | 76.97 |
| | 62.74 |
| | |
|
| | | | | |
Balance Sheet | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Average | | | | | |
|
Total trading-related assets (2) | $ | 473,861 |
| | $ | 507,830 |
| | (7 | ) |
Total loans and leases | 116,075 |
| | 98,593 |
| | 18 |
|
Total earning assets (2) | 563,870 |
| | 601,084 |
| | (6 | ) |
Total assets | 725,177 |
| | 753,844 |
| | (4 | ) |
Total deposits | 116,088 |
| | 97,858 |
| | 19 |
|
Allocated equity | 37,233 |
| | 50,037 |
| | (26 | ) |
Economic capital (1) | 26,583 |
| | 39,931 |
| | (33 | ) |
| | | | | |
Year end | | | | | |
Total trading-related assets (2) | $ | 399,202 |
| | $ | 417,715 |
| | (4 | ) |
Total loans and leases | 133,126 |
| | 99,964 |
| | 33 |
|
Total earning assets (2) | 493,340 |
| | 512,959 |
| | (4 | ) |
Total assets | 637,754 |
| | 653,737 |
| | (2 | ) |
Total deposits | 122,296 |
| | 109,691 |
| | 11 |
|
| |
(1) | Return on average economic capital and economic capital are non-GAAP financial measures. For additional information on these measures, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 38 and for corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures, see Statistical Table XVI. |
| |
(2) | Trading-related assets includes assets which are not considered earning assets (i.e., derivative assets). |
GBAM provides advisory services, financing, securities clearing, settlement and custody services globally to our institutional investor clients in support of their investing and trading activities. We also work with our commercial and corporate clients to provide debt and equity underwriting and distribution capabilities, merger-related and other advisory services, and risk management products using interest rate, equity, credit, currency and commodity derivatives, foreign exchange, fixed-income and mortgage-related products. As a result of our market-making activities in these products, we may be required to manage positions in government securities, equity and equity-linked securities, high-grade and high-yield corporate debt securities, commercial paper, MBS and asset-backed securities (ABS). Underwriting debt and equity issuances, fixed-income and equity research, and certain market-based activities are executed through our global broker/dealer affiliates which are our primary dealers in several countries. GBAM is a leader in the global distribution of fixed-income, currency and energy commodity products and derivatives. GBAM also has one of the largest equity trading operations in the world and is a leader in the origination
and distribution of equity and equity-related products. Our corporate banking services provide a wide range of lending-related products and services, integrated working capital management and treasury solutions to clients through our network of offices and client relationship teams along with various product partners. Our corporate clients are generally defined as companies with annual sales greater than $2 billion.
Net income decreased $3.3 billion to $3.0 billion in 2011 primarily driven by a decline of $4.2 billion in sales and trading revenue. The decrease in sales and trading revenue was due to a challenging market environment, partially offset by DVA gains, net of hedges. In 2011, DVA gains, net of hedges, were $1.0 billion compared to $262 million in 2010 due to the widening of our credit spreads.
The provision for credit losses decreased $130 million to a benefit of $296 million in 2011 from a benefit of $166 million in 2010 driven by the positive impact of the economic environment on the credit portfolio. Noninterest expense increased $644 million driven primarily by higher costs related to investments in infrastructure.
Income tax expense included a $774 million charge to reduce the carrying value of the deferred tax assets as a result of a reduction in the U.K. corporate income tax rate enacted during 2011 compared to a charge of $388 million for a rate reduction enacted in 2010. For additional information related to the U.K. corporate income tax rate reduction, see Financial Highlights – Income Tax Expense on page 34.
The return on average economic capital decreased due to lower net income partially offset by a 33 percent decrease in average economic capital due to reductions in credit risk driven by improved risk ratings, lower counterparty credit risk and a decline in market risk-related trading exposures. Average allocated equity decreased due to the same reasons as economic capital. For more information regarding economic capital and allocated equity, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 38.
Sales and trading revenue and investment banking fees may continue to be adversely affected in 2012 by lower client activity and challenging market conditions as a result of, among other things, the European sovereign debt crisis, uncertainty regarding the outcome of the evolving domestic regulatory landscape, our credit ratings and market volatility.
Components of Global Banking & Markets
Sales and Trading Revenue
Sales and trading revenue is segregated into fixed income including investment and non-investment grade corporate debt obligations, commercial mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS), swaps and collateralized debt obligations (CDOs); currencies including interest rate and foreign exchange contracts; commodities including primarily futures, forwards and options; and equity income from equity-linked derivatives and cash equity activity.
|
| | | | | | | |
| | | |
Sales and Trading Revenue (1) |
| | | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Fixed income, currencies and commodities | $ | 8,868 |
| | $ | 12,857 |
|
Equity income | 3,968 |
| | 4,155 |
|
Total sales and trading revenue | $ | 12,836 |
| | $ | 17,012 |
|
| |
(1) | Includes a FTE adjustment of $202 million and $274 million for 2011 and 2010. For additional information on sales and trading revenue, including sales and trading investment and brokerage services and net interest income, see Note 4 – Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements. |
Fixed income, currencies and commodities (FICC) revenue decreased $4.0 billion, or 31 percent, to $8.9 billion in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to lower client activity and continued adverse market conditions impacting our mortgage products, credit, and rates and currencies businesses, partially offset by DVA gains, net of hedges. Equity income decreased $187 million, or five percent, to $4.0 billion in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to lower equity derivative trading volumes. Sales and trading revenue included total commissions and brokerage fee revenue of $2.3 billion ($2.2 billion from equities and $144 million from FICC) in 2011 compared to $2.4 billion ($2.2 billion from equities and $148 million from FICC) in 2010.
In conjunction with regulatory reform measures and our initiative to optimize our balance sheet, we exited our stand-alone proprietary trading business as of June 30, 2011, which involved trading activities in a variety of products, including stocks, bonds, currencies and commodities. Proprietary trading revenue was $434 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared
to $1.4 billion for 2010. For additional information on restrictions on proprietary trading, see Regulatory Matters – Limitations on Proprietary Trading on page 66.
Investment Banking Fees
Product specialists within GBAM provide advisory services, and underwrite and distribute debt and equity issuances and other loan products. The table below presents total investment banking fees for GBAM which represent a majority of the Corporation’s total investment banking income, with the remainder reported in GWIM and Global Commercial Banking.
|
| | | | | | | |
| | | |
Investment Banking Fees (1) |
| | | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Advisory (2) | $ | 1,246 |
| | $ | 1,018 |
|
Debt issuance | 2,693 |
| | 3,059 |
|
Equity issuance | 1,303 |
| | 1,329 |
|
Total investment banking fees | $ | 5,242 |
| | $ | 5,406 |
|
| |
(1) | Includes self-led deals of $372 million and $264 million for 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(2) | Advisory includes fees on debt and equity advisory services and mergers and acquisitions. |
Investment banking fees decreased $164 million in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily driven by lower debt issuance fees due to challenging market conditions partially offset by higher advisory fees.
Global Corporate Banking
Client relationship teams along with product partners work with our customers to provide a wide range of lending-related products and services, integrated working capital management and treasury solutions through the Corporation’s global network of offices. The table below presents total net revenue, total average deposits, and total average loans and leases for Global Corporate Banking.
|
| | | | | | | |
| | | |
Global Corporate Banking |
| | | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Global Treasury Services | $ | 2,448 |
| | $ | 2,259 |
|
Business Lending | 3,092 |
| | 3,272 |
|
Total revenue, net of interest expense | $ | 5,540 |
| | $ | 5,531 |
|
| | | |
Total average deposits | $ | 108,663 |
| | $ | 90,083 |
|
Total average loans and leases | 97,346 |
| | 81,415 |
|
Global Corporate Banking revenue of $5.5 billion for 2011 remained in line with 2010. Global Treasury Services revenue increased $189 million in 2011 compared to 2010 as growth in U.S. and non-U.S. deposit volumes was partially offset by a challenging rate environment. Business Lending revenues decreased $180 million in 2011 as growth in loans was offset by a declining rate environment and lower accretion on acquired portfolios due to the impact of prepayments in prior periods.
Global Corporate Banking average deposits increased 21 percent in 2011 compared to 2010 as balances continued to grow due to clients’ excess liquidity and limited alternative investment options. Average loan and lease balances in Global Corporate Banking increased 20 percent in 2011 due to growth in the commercial loan and non-U.S. trade finance portfolios driven by continuing international demand and improved domestic momentum.
Collateralized Debt Obligation and Monoline Exposure
CDO vehicles hold diversified pools of fixed-income securities and issue multiple tranches of debt securities including commercial paper, and mezzanine and equity securities. Our CDO-related exposure can be divided into funded and unfunded super senior liquidity commitment exposure and other super senior exposure, including cash positions and derivative contracts. For more information on our CDO positions, see Note 8 – Securitizations and Other Variable Interest Entities to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Super senior exposure represents the most senior class of notes that are issued by the CDO vehicles and benefits from the subordination of all other securities issued by the CDO vehicles. In 2011, we recorded losses of $86 million from our CDO-related exposure compared to losses of $573 million in 2010.
At December 31, 2011, our super senior CDO exposure before consideration of insurance, net of write-downs, was $376 million, comprised solely of trading account assets, compared to $2.0 billion, comprised of $1.3 billion in trading account assets and $675 million in AFS debt securities at December 31, 2010. Of our super senior CDO exposure at December 31, 2011, $224 million was hedged and $152 million was unhedged compared to $772 million hedged and $1.2 billion unhedged at December 31, 2010. At December 31, 2011, there were no unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (OCI) on super senior cash positions and retained positions from liquidated CDOs compared to $466 million at December 31, 2010. The change was the result of sales of ABS CDOs.
With the Merrill Lynch acquisition, we acquired a loan that is collateralized by U.S. super senior ABS CDOs and recorded in All Other. For additional information, see All Other on page 54.
Excluding amounts related to transactions with a single counterparty, which were transferred to other assets as discussed
below, the table below presents our original total notional, mark-to-market receivable and credit valuation adjustment for credit default swaps (CDS) and other positions with monolines. |
| | | | | | | |
| | | |
Credit Default Swaps with Monoline Financial Guarantors |
| | | |
| December 31 |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Notional | $ | 21,070 |
| | $ | 38,424 |
|
| | | |
Mark-to-market or guarantor receivable | $ | 1,766 |
| | $ | 9,201 |
|
Credit valuation adjustment | (417 | ) | | (5,275 | ) |
Total | $ | 1,349 |
| | $ | 3,926 |
|
Credit valuation adjustment % | 24 | % | | 57 | % |
Gains (losses) | $ | 116 |
| | $ | (24 | ) |
Total monoline exposure, net of credit valuation adjustments, decreased $2.6 billion to $1.3 billion at December 31, 2011 driven by terminated monoline contracts and the reclassification of certain exposures. During 2011, we terminated all of our monoline contracts referencing super senior ABS CDOs and reclassified net monoline exposure with a carrying value of $1.3 billion ($4.7 billion gross receivable less impairment) at December 31, 2011 from derivative assets to other assets because of the inherent default risk. Because these contracts no longer provide a hedge benefit, they are no longer considered derivative trading instruments. This exposure relates to a single counterparty and is recorded at fair value based on current net recovery projections. The net recovery projections take into account the present value of projected payments expected to be received from the counterparty.
Global Wealth & Investment Management |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | % Change |
Net interest income (FTE basis) | $ | 6,046 |
| | $ | 5,677 |
| | 6 | % |
Noninterest income: | |
| | | | |
|
Investment and brokerage services | 9,310 |
| | 8,660 |
| | 8 |
|
All other income | 2,020 |
| | 1,952 |
| | 3 |
|
Total noninterest income | 11,330 |
| | 10,612 |
| | 7 |
|
Total revenue, net of interest expense | 17,376 |
| | 16,289 |
| | 7 |
|
| | | | | |
Provision for credit losses | 398 |
| | 646 |
| | (38 | ) |
Noninterest expense | 14,395 |
| | 13,227 |
| | 9 |
|
Income before income taxes | 2,583 |
| | 2,416 |
| | 7 |
|
Income tax expense (FTE basis) | 948 |
| | 1,076 |
| | (12 | ) |
Net income | $ | 1,635 |
| | $ | 1,340 |
| | 22 |
|
| | | | | |
Net interest yield (FTE basis) | 2.24 | % | | 2.31 | % | | |
|
Return on average allocated equity | 9.19 |
| | 7.42 |
| | |
|
Return on average economic capital (1) | 23.44 |
| | 19.57 |
| | |
Efficiency ratio (FTE basis) | 82.84 |
| | 81.20 |
| | |
|
| | | | | |
Balance Sheet | | |
| | |
| | |
|
| | | | | |
Average | |
| | |
| | |
|
Total loans and leases | $ | 102,143 |
| | $ | 99,269 |
| | 3 |
|
Total earning assets | 270,423 |
| | 246,236 |
| | 10 |
|
Total assets | 290,357 |
| | 267,163 |
| | 9 |
|
Total deposits | 254,777 |
| | 232,318 |
| | 10 |
|
Allocated equity | 17,802 |
| | 18,068 |
| | (1 | ) |
Economic capital (1) | 7,106 |
| | 7,290 |
| | (3 | ) |
| | | | | |
Year end | |
| | |
| | |
|
Total loans and leases | $ | 103,459 |
| | $ | 100,724 |
| | 3 |
|
Total earning assets | 263,347 |
| | 275,260 |
| | (4 | ) |
Total assets | 283,844 |
| | 296,251 |
| | (4 | ) |
Total deposits | 253,029 |
| | 257,982 |
| | (2 | ) |
| |
(1) | Return on average economic capital and economic capital are non-GAAP financial measures. For additional information on these measures, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 38 and for corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures, see Statistical Table XVI. |
GWIM consists of three primary businesses: Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management (MLGWM); U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management (U.S. Trust); and Retirement Services.
MLGWM’s advisory business provides a high-touch client experience through a network of more than 17,000 financial advisors focused on clients with over $250,000 in total investable assets. MLGWM provides tailored solutions to meet our clients’ needs through a full set of brokerage, banking and retirement products in both domestic and international locations.
U.S. Trust, together with MLGWM’s Private Banking & Investments Group, provides comprehensive wealth management solutions targeted at wealthy and ultra-wealthy clients with investable assets of more than $5 million, as well as customized solutions to meet clients’ wealth structuring, investment management, trust and banking needs, including specialty asset management services.
Retirement Services partners with financial advisors to provide institutional and personal retirement solutions including investment management, administration, recordkeeping and custodial services for 401(k), pension, profit-sharing, equity award and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Retirement Services also provides comprehensive investment advisory services to individuals, small to large corporations and pension plans.
In 2011, revenue from MLGWM was $13.5 billion, up eight percent from 2010 driven by an increase in asset management fees, due to higher average market levels, and long-term AUM flows, as well as higher net interest income. Revenue from U.S. Trust was $2.7 billion, which remained relatively unchanged from 2010 as an increase in asset management fees primarily from higher market levels was partially offset by lower net interest income. Revenue from Retirement Services was $1.0 billion, up 11 percent compared to 2010 primarily due to higher market levels.
GWIM results are impacted by the migration of clients and their related deposit and loan balances to or from Deposits, CRES and the ALM portfolio, as presented in the Migration Summary table. Migration in 2011 included the movement of balances to Merrill Edge, which is in Deposits. Subsequent to the date of the migration, the associated net interest income, noninterest income and noninterest expense are recorded in the business to which the clients migrated.
|
| | | | | | | |
| | | |
Migration Summary | | | |
| | | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Average | |
| | |
|
Total deposits – GWIM from / (to) Deposits | $ | (2,032 | ) | | $ | 2,486 |
|
Total loans – GWIM to CRES and the ALM portfolio | (174 | ) | | (1,405 | ) |
Year end | |
| | |
|
Total deposits – GWIM from / (to) Deposits | $ | (2,918 | ) | | $ | 4,317 |
|
Total loans – GWIM to CRES and the ALM portfolio | (299 | ) | | (1,625 | ) |
Net income increased $295 million, or 22 percent, to $1.6 billion in 2011 compared to 2010 driven by higher net interest income, higher asset management fees and lower credit costs, partially offset by higher noninterest expense. Net interest income increased $369 million, or six percent, to $6.0 billion as the impact of higher average deposit balances more than offset the impact of a lower rate environment. Noninterest income increased $718 million, or seven percent, to $11.3 billion primarily due to higher asset management fees driven by higher average market levels in
2011 compared to 2010 and continued long-term AUM flows. The provision for credit losses decreased $248 million, or 38 percent, to $398 million driven by improving portfolio trends. Noninterest expense increased $1.2 billion, or nine percent, to $14.4 billion due to increased volume-driven expenses and personnel costs associated with continued investment in the business.
Client Balances
The table below presents client balances which consist of AUM, client brokerage assets, assets in custody, client deposits, and loans and leases.
|
| | | | | | | |
| | | |
Client Balances by Type | | | |
| | | |
| December 31 |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Assets under management | $ | 647,126 |
| | $ | 643,343 |
|
Brokerage assets | 1,024,193 |
| | 1,064,516 |
|
Assets in custody | 107,989 |
| | 114,721 |
|
Deposits | 253,029 |
| | 257,982 |
|
Loans and leases | 103,459 |
| | 100,724 |
|
Total client balances | $ | 2,135,796 |
| | $ | 2,181,286 |
|
The decrease in client balances was driven by lower broad based market levels at December 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010 partially offset by client inflows, particularly into long-term AUM.
All Other
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | % Change |
Net interest income (FTE basis) | $ | 1,780 |
| | $ | 3,656 |
| | (51 | )% |
Noninterest income: | | | | | |
|
Card income | 465 |
| | 615 |
| | (24 | ) |
Equity investment income | 7,037 |
| | 4,549 |
| | 55 |
|
Gains on sales of debt securities | 3,098 |
| | 2,313 |
| | 34 |
|
All other income (loss) | 2,821 |
| | (1,438 | ) | | n/m |
|
Total noninterest income | 13,421 |
| | 6,039 |
| | 122 |
|
Total revenue, net of interest expense | 15,201 |
| | 9,695 |
| | 57 |
|
| | | | | |
Provision for credit losses | 6,173 |
| | 6,323 |
| | (2 | ) |
Goodwill impairment | 581 |
| | — |
| | n/m |
|
Merger and restructuring charges | 638 |
| | 1,820 |
| | (65 | ) |
All other noninterest expense | 3,697 |
| | 3,957 |
| | (7 | ) |
Income (loss) before income taxes | 4,112 |
| | (2,405 | ) | | n/m |
|
Income tax benefit (FTE basis) | (879 | ) | | (3,877 | ) | | (77 | ) |
Net income | $ | 4,991 |
| | $ | 1,472 |
| | n/m |
|
| | | | | | |
Balance Sheet | | | | |
| | |
|
| | | | | | |
Average | |
| | |
| | |
|
Loans and leases: | | | | | |
Residential Mortgage | $ | 227,696 |
| | $ | 210,052 |
| | 8 |
|
Credit Card | 24,049 |
| | 28,013 |
| | (14 | ) |
Discontinued real estate | 12,106 |
| | 13,830 |
| | (12 | ) |
Other | 20,039 |
| | 29,747 |
| | (33 | ) |
Total loans and leases | 283,890 |
| | 281,642 |
| | 1 |
|
Total assets (1) | 205,189 |
| | 293,577 |
| | (30 | ) |
Total deposits | 49,283 |
| | 67,945 |
| | (27 | ) |
Allocated equity (2) | 72,128 |
| | 38,884 |
| | 85 |
|
| | | | | | |
Year end | |
| | |
| | |
|
Loans and leases: | | | | |
|
|
Residential Mortgage | $ | 224,654 |
| | $ | 222,299 |
| | 1 |
|
Credit Card | 14,418 |
| | 27,465 |
| | (48 | ) |
Discontinued real estate | 11,095 |
| | 13,108 |
| | (15 | ) |
Other | 17,454 |
| | 22,215 |
| | (21 | ) |
Total loans and leases | 267,621 |
| | 285,087 |
| | (6 | ) |
Total assets (1) | 180,435 |
| | 210,257 |
| | (14 | ) |
Total deposits | 32,870 |
| | 40,142 |
| | (18 | ) |
| |
(1) | For presentation purposes, in segments where the total of liabilities and equity exceeds assets, which are generally deposit-taking segments, we allocate assets to those segments to match liabilities (i.e., deposits) and allocated equity. Such allocated assets were $662.2 billion and $613.3 billion for 2011 and 2010, and $531.7 billion and $476.5 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010. The allocation can result in total assets of less than total loans and leases in All Other. |
| |
(2) | Represents the economic capital assigned to All Other as well as the remaining portion of equity not specifically allocated to the business segments. Allocated equity increased due to excess capital not being assigned to the business segments. |
n/m = not meaningful
All Other consists of two broad groupings, Equity Investments and Other. Equity Investments includes GPI, Strategic and other investments, and Corporate Investments. Other includes liquidating businesses, merger and restructuring charges, ALM functions such as the residential mortgage portfolio and investment securities, and related activities including economic hedges and gains/losses on structured liabilities, the impact of certain allocation methodologies and accounting hedge ineffectiveness. Other also includes certain residential mortgage and discontinued real estate loans that are managed by Legacy Asset Servicing within CRES. During 2011, we sold our Canadian consumer card business and we are evaluating our remaining international consumer card operations. As a result of these actions, we reclassified results from these businesses, including prior periods, from Card Services to All Other. For additional information on the other activities included in All Other, see Note 26 – Business Segment Information to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
All Other reported net income of $5.0 billion in 2011 compared to $1.5 billion in 2010 with the increase primarily due to higher noninterest income and lower merger and restructuring charges. Noninterest income increased due to positive fair value adjustments related to our own credit on structured liabilities of $3.3 billion in 2011 compared to $18 million in 2010. Equity investment income increased $2.5 billion as a result of a $6.5 billion gain from the sale of CCB shares (we currently hold approximately one percent of the outstanding common shares) partially offset by $1.1 billion of impairment charges on our merchant services joint venture and a decrease of $1.9 billion in GPI income. A non-cash, non-tax deductible goodwill impairment charge of $581 million was taken during the fourth quarter of 2011 as a result of a change in the estimated value of the European consumer card business. The prior year included $1.2 billion of gains on the sales of certain strategic investments. The provision
for credit losses decreased $150 million to $6.2 billion driven by lower balances due primarily to divestitures; improvements in delinquencies, collections and insolvencies in the non-U.S. credit card portfolio; and continued run-off in the legacy Merrill Lynch commercial portfolio. These increases were largely offset by reserve additions to the Countrywide PCI discontinued real estate and residential mortgage portfolios and higher credit costs related to the non-PCI residential mortgage portfolio due primarily to the continuing decline in home prices.
The income tax benefit was $879 million compared to a benefit of $3.9 billion for 2010. The factors affecting taxes in All Other are discussed more fully in Financial Highlights – Income Tax Expense on page 34.
With the Merrill Lynch acquisition, we acquired a loan that is collateralized by U.S. super senior ABS CDOs, with a current carrying value of $3.1 billion at December 31, 2011, down from $4.2 billion at December 31, 2010 primarily due to paydowns. The loan is recorded in All Other and all scheduled payments on the loan have been received to date. The loan matures in September 2023. For more information on our CDO exposure, see GBAM – Collateralized Debt Obligation and Monoline Exposure on page 51.
The tables below present the components of the equity investments in All Other at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and also a reconciliation to the total consolidated equity investment income for 2011 and 2010.
|
| | | | | | | |
| | | |
Equity Investments | | | |
| | | |
| December 31 |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Global Principal Investments | $ | 5,627 |
| | $ | 11,640 |
|
Strategic and other investments | 1,296 |
| | 22,545 |
|
Total equity investments included in All Other | $ | 6,923 |
| | $ | 34,185 |
|
|
| | | | | | | |
| | | |
Equity Investment Income | | | |
| | | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Global Principal Investments | $ | 392 |
| | $ | 2,299 |
|
Strategic and other investments | 6,645 |
| | 2,543 |
|
Corporate Investments | — |
| | (293 | ) |
Total equity investment income included in All Other | 7,037 |
| | 4,549 |
|
Total equity investment income included in the business segments | 323 |
| | 711 |
|
Total consolidated equity investment income | $ | 7,360 |
| | $ | 5,260 |
|
Equity investments included in All Other decreased $27.3 billion during 2011 consistent with our continued efforts to reduce non-core assets including reducing both higher risk-weighted assets and assets currently deducted, or expected to be deducted under Basel III, from regulatory capital. For more information, see Capital Management – Regulatory Capital Changes on page 73.
GPI is comprised of a diversified portfolio of investments in private equity, real estate and other alternative investments. These investments are made either directly in a company or held through a fund with related income recorded in equity investment income. GPI had unfunded equity commitments of $710 million and $1.4 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010 related to certain of these investments. The Corporation has actively reduced these commitments in a series of transactions involving its private equity fund investments.
Strategic and other investments included in All Other decreased $21.2 billion during 2011. The decrease was primarily the result of the sale of CCB shares and all of our investment in BlackRock during 2011. In connection with the sale of our investment in CCB, we recorded gains of $6.5 billion. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, we owned 2.0 billion shares and 25.6 billion shares representing approximately one percent and 10 percent of CCB. Sales restrictions on the remaining 2.0 billion CCB shares continue until August 2013 and accordingly these shares are carried at cost. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the cost basis of our total investment in CCB was $716 million and $9.2 billion, the carrying value was $716 million and $19.7 billion, and the fair value was $1.4 billion and $20.8 billion. During 2011 and 2010, we recorded dividends of $836 million and $535 million from CCB. During 2011, we sold our remaining ownership interest of approximately 13.6 million preferred shares, or seven percent of BlackRock. In connection with the sale, we recorded a gain of $377 million. For more information, see Note 5 – Securities to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
During 2011, we recorded $1.1 billion of impairment charges on our merchant services joint venture. The joint venture had a carrying value of $3.4 billion and $4.7 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010 with the reduction in carrying value primarily the result of the impairment charges. The impairment charges were based on the ongoing financial performance of the joint venture and updated forecasts of its long-term financial performance. Because of the recent transfer of the joint venture investment from GBAM to Global Commercial Banking, the impairment charges were recorded in All Other. For additional information, see Note 5 – Securities to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
We have contractual obligations to make future payments on debt and lease agreements. Additionally, in the normal course of business, we enter into contractual arrangements whereby we commit to future purchases of products or services from unaffiliated parties. Obligations that are legally binding agreements whereby we agree to purchase products or services with a specific minimum quantity defined at a fixed, minimum or variable price over a specified period of time are defined as purchase obligations. Included in purchase obligations are commitments to purchase loans of $2.5 billion and vendor contracts of $15.7 billion. The most significant vendor contracts include communication services, processing services and software contracts. Other long-term liabilities include our contractual funding obligations related to the Qualified Pension Plans, Non-U.S. Pension Plans, Nonqualified and Other Pension Plans, and Postretirement Health and Life Plans (the Plans). Obligations to the Plans are based on the current and projected
obligations of the Plans, performance of the Plans’ assets and any participant contributions, if applicable. During 2011 and 2010, we contributed $287 million and $395 million to the Plans, and we expect to make at least $337 million of contributions during 2012.
Debt, lease, equity and other obligations are more fully discussed in Note 13 – Long-term Debt and Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Plans are more fully discussed in Note 19 – Employee Benefit Plans to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
We enter into commitments to extend credit such as loan commitments, standby letters of credit (SBLCs) and commercial letters of credit to meet the financing needs of our customers. For a summary of the total unfunded, or off-balance sheet, credit extension commitment amounts by expiration date, see the table in Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Table 10 presents total long-term debt and other obligations at December 31, 2011.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Table 10 | Long-term Debt and Other Obligations | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2011 |
(Dollars in millions) | Due in One Year or Less | | Due After One Year Through Three Years | | Due After Three Years Through Five Years | | Due After Five Years | | Total |
Long-term debt and capital leases | $ | 97,415 |
| | $ | 93,625 |
| | $ | 48,539 |
| | $ | 132,686 |
| | $ | 372,265 |
|
Operating lease obligations | 3,008 |
| | 4,573 |
| | 2,903 |
| | 6,117 |
| | 16,601 |
|
Purchase obligations | 7,130 |
| | 4,781 |
| | 3,742 |
| | 4,206 |
| | 19,859 |
|
Time deposits | 133,907 |
| | 14,228 |
| | 6,094 |
| | 3,197 |
| | 157,426 |
|
Other long-term liabilities | 768 |
| | 991 |
| | 753 |
| | 1,128 |
| | 3,640 |
|
Total long-term debt and other obligations | $ | 242,228 |
| | $ | 118,198 |
| | $ | 62,031 |
| | $ | 147,334 |
| | $ | 569,791 |
|
Representations and Warranties
We securitize first-lien residential mortgage loans generally in the form of MBS guaranteed by the GSEs or by Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) in the case of the FHA-insured, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-guaranteed and Rural Housing Service-guaranteed mortgage loans. In addition, in prior years, legacy companies and certain subsidiaries sold pools of first-lien residential mortgage loans and home equity loans as private-label securitizations (in certain of these securitizations, monolines or financial guarantee providers insured all or some of the securities), or in the form of whole loans. In connection with these transactions, we or our subsidiaries or legacy companies make or have made various representations and warranties. Breaches of these representations and warranties may result in the requirement to repurchase mortgage loans or to otherwise make whole or provide other remedies to the GSEs, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with respect to FHA-insured loans, VA, whole-loan buyers, securitization trusts, monoline insurers or other financial guarantors (collectively, repurchases). In such cases, we would be exposed to any credit loss on the repurchased mortgage loans after accounting for any mortgage insurance (MI) or mortgage guaranty payments that we may receive.
Subject to the requirements and limitations of the applicable sales and securitization agreements, these representations and warranties can be enforced by the GSEs, HUD, VA, the whole-loan buyer, the securitization trustee or others as governed by the applicable agreement or, in certain first-lien and home equity
securitizations where monoline insurers or other financial guarantee providers have insured all or some of the securities issued, by the monoline insurer or other financial guarantor. In the case of loans sold to parties other than the GSEs or GNMA, the contractual liability to repurchase typically arises only if there is a breach of the representations and warranties that materially and adversely affects the interest of the investor, or investors, in the loan, or of the monoline insurer or other financial guarantor (as applicable). Contracts with the GSEs do not contain equivalent language, while GNMA generally limits repurchases to loans that are not insured or guaranteed as required.
For additional information about accounting for representations and warranties and our representations and warranties claims and exposures, see Recent Events – Private-label Securitization Settlement with the Bank of New York Mellon, Complex Accounting Estimates – Representations and Warranties, Note 9 – Representations and Warranties Obligations and Corporate Guarantees and Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Representations and Warranties Bulk Settlement Actions
Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2010, we have settled, or entered into agreements to settle, certain bulk representations and warranties claims with a trustee for certain legacy Countrywide private-label securitization trusts (the BNY Mellon Settlement), a monoline insurer (the Assured Guaranty Settlement) and with each
of the GSEs (the GSE Agreements). We have vigorously contested any request for repurchase when we conclude that a valid basis for repurchase does not exist and will continue to do so in the future. However, in an effort to resolve these legacy mortgage-related issues, we have reached bulk settlements, or agreements for bulk settlements, including settlement amounts which have been material, with the above-referenced counterparties in lieu of a loan-by-loan review process. We may reach other settlements in the future if opportunities arise on terms we believe to be advantageous. For a summary of the larger bulk settlement actions we have taken beginning in 2010 and the related impact on the representations and warranties provision and liability, see Note 9 – Representations and Warranties Obligations and Corporate Guarantees to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As indicated in Note 9 – Representations and Warranties Obligations and Corporate Guarantees and Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements, these bulk settlements generally do not cover all transactions with the relevant counterparties or all potential claims that may arise, including in some instances securities law, fraud and servicing claims, and our liability in connection with the transactions and claims not covered by these settlements could be material.
Recent Developments Related to the BNY Mellon Settlement
Under an order entered by the court in connection with the BNY Mellon Settlement, potentially interested persons had the opportunity to give notice of intent to object to the settlement (including on the basis that more information was needed) until August 30, 2011. Approximately 44 groups or entities appeared prior to the deadline; two of those groups or entities have subsequently withdrawn from the proceeding and one motion to intervene was denied. Certain of these groups or entities filed notices of intent to object, made motions to intervene, or both filed notices of intent to object and made motions to intervene. The parties filing motions to intervene include the Attorneys General of the states of New York and Delaware, whose motions to intervene were granted. Parties who filed notices stating that they wished to obtain more information about the settlement include the FDIC and the Federal Housing Finance Agency. We are not a party to the proceeding.
Certain of the motions to intervene and/or notices of intent to object allege various purported bases for opposition to the settlement, including challenges to the nature of the court proceeding and the lack of an opt-out mechanism, alleged conflicts of interest on the part of the institutional investor group and/or the Trustee, the inadequacy of the settlement amount and the method of allocating the settlement amount among the Covered Trusts, while other motions do not make substantive objections but state that they need more information about the settlement. An investor opposed to the settlement removed the proceeding to federal court. On October 19, 2011, the federal court denied BNY Mellon’s motion to remand the proceeding to state court. BNY Mellon, as well as the investors that have intervened in support of the BNY Mellon Settlement, petitioned to appeal the denial of this motion. On November 4, 2011, the district court entered a written order setting a discovery schedule, and discovery is ongoing. On December 27, 2011, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit accepted the appeal, and stated in an amended scheduling order that, pursuant to statute, it would rule on the appeal by February 27, 2012.
It is not currently possible to predict how many of the parties who have appeared in the court proceeding will ultimately object to the BNY Mellon Settlement, whether the objections will prevent receipt of final court approval or the ultimate outcome of the court approval process, which can include appeals and could take a substantial period of time. In particular, conduct of discovery and the resolution of the objections to the settlement and any appeals could take a substantial period of time and these factors could materially delay the timing of final court approval. Accordingly, it is not possible to predict when the court approval process will be completed.
If final court approval is not obtained by December 31, 2015, we and legacy Countrywide may withdraw from the BNY Mellon Settlement, if the Trustee consents. The BNY Mellon Settlement also provides that if Covered Trusts representing unpaid principal balance exceeding a specified amount are excluded from the final BNY Mellon Settlement, based on investor objections or otherwise, we and legacy Countrywide have the option to withdraw from the BNY Mellon Settlement pursuant to the terms of the BNY Mellon Settlement agreement.
There can be no assurance that final court approval of the BNY Mellon Settlement will be obtained, that all conditions to the BNY Mellon Settlement will be satisfied or, if certain conditions to the BNY Mellon Settlement permitting withdrawal are met, that we and legacy Countrywide will not determine to withdraw from the settlement. If final court approval is not obtained or if we and legacy Countrywide determine to withdraw from the BNY Mellon Settlement in accordance with its terms, our future representations and warranties losses could be substantially different than existing accruals and the estimated range of possible loss over existing accruals described under Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations – Experience with Investors Other than Government-sponsored Enterprises on page 61. For more information about the risks associated with the BNY Mellon Settlement, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Unresolved Claims Status
At December 31, 2011, our total unresolved repurchase claims were approximately $14.3 billion compared to $10.7 billion at December 31, 2010. These repurchase claims include $1.7 billion in demands from investors in the Covered Trusts received in 2010 but otherwise do not include any repurchase claims related to the Covered Trusts. During 2011, we received $17.5 billion in new repurchase claims, including $14.3 billion in new repurchase claims submitted by the GSEs for both legacy Countrywide originations not covered by the GSE Agreements and legacy Bank of America originations, and $3.2 billion in repurchase claims related to non-GSE transactions. During 2011, $14.1 billion in claims were resolved primarily with the GSEs and through the Assured Guaranty Settlement. Of the claims resolved, $7.5 billion were resolved through rescissions and $6.6 billion were resolved through mortgage repurchase and make-whole payments. The GSEs’ repurchase requests, standards for rescission of repurchase requests and resolution processes have become increasingly inconsistent with the GSEs’ own past conduct and our interpretation of contractual liabilities. These developments have resulted in an increase in claims outstanding from the GSEs. Claims outstanding from the monolines declined as a result of the Assured Guaranty Settlement, and new claims from other monolines declined significantly during 2011, which we believe was due in part to the monolines focusing recent efforts towards litigation. Outstanding claims from whole loan, private-label
securitization and other investors increased during 2011 primarily as a result of the increase in repurchase claims received from trustees in non-GSE transactions. Generally the volume of unresolved repurchase claims from the FHA and VA for loans in GNMA-guaranteed securities is not significant because the requests are limited in number and are typically resolved quickly. For additional information concerning FHA-insured loans, see Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations – Other Mortgage-related Matters on page 63.
In addition to repurchase claims, we receive notices from mortgage insurance companies of claim denials, cancellations or coverage rescission (collectively, MI rescission notices) and the amount of such notices have remained elevated. When there is disagreement with the mortgage insurer as to the resolution of a MI rescission notice, meaningful dialogue and negotiation are generally necessary between the parties to reach a conclusion on an individual notice. The level of engagement of the mortgage insurance companies varies and on-going litigation involving some of the mortgage insurance companies over individual and bulk rescissions or claims for rescission limits our ability to engage in constructive dialogue leading to resolution.
For loans sold to GSEs or private-label securitization trusts (including those wrapped by the monoline bond insurers), a MI rescission may give rise to a claim for breach of the applicable representations and warranties, depending on the governing sale contracts. In those cases where the governing contracts contain a MI-related representation and warranty which upon rescission requires us to repurchase the affected loan or indemnify the investor for the related loss, we realize the loss without the benefit of MI. If we are required to repurchase a loan or indemnify the investor as a result of a different breach of representations and warranties and there has been a MI rescission, or if we hold the loan for investment, we realize the loss without the benefit of MI. In addition, mortgage insurance companies have in some cases asserted the ability to curtail MI payments, which in these cases would reduce the MI proceeds available to reduce such loss on the loan. While a legitimate MI rescission may constitute a valid basis for repurchase or other remedies under the GSE agreements and a small number of private-label MBS securitizations, and a MI rescission notice may result in a repurchase request, we believe MI rescission notices in and of themselves are not valid repurchase requests.
At December 31, 2011, we had approximately 90,000 open MI rescission notices compared to 72,000 at December 31, 2010. Through December 31, 2011, 26 percent of the MI rescission notices received have been resolved. Of those resolved, 24 percent were resolved through our acceptance of the MI rescission, 46 percent were resolved through reinstatement of coverage or payment of the claim by the mortgage insurance company, and 30 percent were resolved on an aggregate basis through settlement, policy commutation or similar arrangement. As of December 31, 2011, 74 percent of the MI rescission notices we have received have not yet been resolved. Of those not yet resolved, 48 percent are implicated by ongoing litigation where no loan-level review is currently contemplated (nor required to preserve our legal rights). In this litigation, the litigating mortgage insurance companies are also seeking bulk rescission of certain policies, separate and apart from loan-by-loan denials or rescissions. We are in the process of reviewing 11 percent of the remaining open MI rescission notices, and we have reviewed and are contesting the MI rescission with respect to 89 percent of these remaining open MI rescission notices. Of the remaining open MI rescission notices, 29 percent
are also the subject of ongoing litigation although, at present, these MI rescissions are being processed in a manner generally consistent with those not affected by litigation.
Representations and Warranties Liability
The liability for representations and warranties and corporate guarantees is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the related provision is included in mortgage banking income (loss). The methodology used to estimate the liability for representations and warranties is a function of the representations and warranties given and considers a variety of factors, which include depending on the counterparty, actual defaults, estimated future defaults, historical loss experience, estimated home prices, other economic conditions, estimated probability that a repurchase claim will be received, consideration of whether presentation thresholds will be met, number of payments made by the borrower prior to default and estimated probability that a loan will be required to be repurchased as well as other relevant facts and circumstances, such as bulk settlements and identity of the counterparty or type of counterparty, as we believe appropriate. In the case of private-label securitizations, our estimate considers implied repurchase experience based on the BNY Mellon Settlement, adjusted to reflect differences between the Covered Trusts and the remainder of the population of private-label securitizations, and assumes that the conditions to the BNY Mellon Settlement will be met. The estimate of the liability for representations and warranties is based on currently available information, significant judgment and a number of factors, including those set forth above, that are subject to change.
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the liability was $15.9 billion and $5.4 billion. For 2011, the provision for representations and warranties and corporate guarantees was $15.6 billion compared to $6.8 billion in 2010. Of the $15.6 billion provision recorded in 2011, $8.6 billion was attributable to the BNY Mellon Settlement and $7.0 billion was related to other exposures. The BNY Mellon Settlement led to the determination that we had sufficient experience to record a liability related to our exposure on certain other private-label securitizations. This determination combined with higher estimated GSE repurchase rates were the primary drivers of the balance of the provision in 2011. GSE repurchase rates increased driven by higher than expected claims during 2011, including claims on loans that defaulted more than 18 months prior to the repurchase request and on loans where the borrower has made a significant number of payments (e.g., at least 25 payments), in each case in numbers that were not expected based on historical claims. Changes to any one of these factors could significantly impact the estimate of the liability and could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations for any particular period.
Estimated Range of Possible Loss
Government-sponsored Enterprises
Our estimated liability as of December 31, 2011 for obligations under representations and warranties with respect to GSE exposures is necessarily dependent on, and limited by, our historical claims experience with the GSEs. It includes our understanding of our agreements with the GSEs and projections of future defaults as well as certain other assumptions, and judgmental factors. Accordingly, future provisions associated with obligations under representations and warranties made to the
GSEs may be materially impacted if actual experiences are different from our assumptions. The GSEs’ repurchase requests, standards for rescission of repurchase requests, and resolution processes have become increasingly inconsistent with the GSE’s own past conduct and the Corporation’s interpretation of its contractual obligations. These developments have resulted in an increase in claims outstanding from the GSEs. We intend to repurchase loans to the extent required under the contracts and standards that govern our relationships with the GSEs. While we are seeking to resolve our differences with the GSEs concerning each party’s interpretation of the requirements of the governing contracts, whether we will be able to achieve a resolution of these differences on acceptable terms, and timing thereof, is subject to significant uncertainty.
We are not able to predict changes in the behavior of the GSEs based on our past experiences. Therefore, it is not possible to reasonably estimate a possible loss or range of possible loss with respect to any such potential impact in excess of current accrued liabilities. See Complex Accounting Estimates – Representations and Warranties on page 125 for information related to the sensitivity of the assumptions used to estimate our liability for obligations under representations and warranties.
Non-Government-sponsored Enterprises
The population of private-label securitizations included in the BNY Mellon Settlement encompasses almost all legacy Countrywide first-lien private-label securitizations including loans originated principally in the 2004 through 2008 vintages. For the remainder of the population of private-label securitizations, we believe it is probable that other claimants in certain types of securitizations may come forward with claims that meet the requirements of the terms of the securitizations. We have seen an increased trend in requests for loan files from private-label securitization trustees and an increase in repurchase claims from private-label securitization trustees that meet the required standards. We believe that the provisions recorded in connection with the BNY Mellon Settlement and the additional non-GSE representations and warranties provisions recorded in 2011 have provided for a substantial portion of our non-GSE representations and warranties exposure. However, it is reasonably possible that future representations and warranties losses may occur in excess of the amounts recorded for these exposures. In addition, we have not recorded any representations and warranties liability for certain potential monoline exposures and certain potential whole loan and other private-label securitization exposures. We currently estimate that the range of possible loss related to non-GSE representations and warranties exposure as of December 31, 2011 could be up to $5 billion over existing accruals. The estimated range of possible loss for non-GSE representations and warranties does not represent a probable loss, and is based on currently available information, significant judgment, and a number of assumptions, including those set forth below, that are subject to change.
The methodology used to estimate the non-GSE representations and warranties liability and the corresponding range of possible loss considers a variety of factors including our experience related to actual defaults, projected future defaults, historical loss experience, estimated home prices and other economic conditions. Among the factors that impact the non-GSE representations and warranties liability and the corresponding estimated range of possible loss are: (1) contractual loss causation requirements, (2) the representations and warranties provided, and (3) the requirement to meet certain presentation
thresholds. The first factor is based on our belief that a non-GSE contractual liability to repurchase a loan generally arises only if the counterparties prove there is a breach of representations and warranties that materially and adversely affects the interest of the investor or all investors, or the monoline insurer (as applicable), in a securitization trust, and accordingly, we believe that the repurchase claimants must prove that the alleged representations and warranties breach was the cause of the loss. The second factor is related to the fact that non-GSE securitizations include different types of representations and warranties than those provided to the GSEs. We believe the non-GSE securitizations’ representations and warranties are less rigorous and actionable than the explicit provisions of the comparable agreements with the GSEs without regard to any variations that may have arisen as a result of dealings with the GSEs. The third factor is related to the fact that certain presentation thresholds need to be met in order for any repurchase claim to be asserted on the initiative of investors under the non-GSE agreements. A securitization trustee may investigate or demand repurchase on its own action, and most agreements contain a threshold, for example 25 percent of the voting rights per trust, that allows investors to declare a servicing event of default under certain circumstances or to request certain action, such as requesting loan files, that the trustee may choose to accept and follow, exempt from liability, provided the trustee is acting in good faith. If there is an uncured servicing event of default, and the trustee fails to bring suit during a 60-day period, then, under most agreements, investors may file suit. In addition to this, most agreements also allow investors to direct the securitization trustee to investigate loan files or demand the repurchase of loans, if security holders hold a specified percentage, for example 25 percent, of the voting rights of each tranche of the outstanding securities. Although we continue to believe that presentation thresholds are a factor in the determination of probable loss, given the BNY Mellon Settlement, the estimated range of possible loss assumes that the presentation threshold can be met for all of the non-GSE securitization transactions.
In addition, in the case of private-label securitizations, our estimate considers implied repurchase experience based on the BNY Mellon Settlement, adjusted to reflect differences between the Covered Trusts and the remainder of the population of private-label securitizations, and assumes that the conditions to the BNY Mellon Settlement will be satisfied. For additional information about the methodology used to estimate the non-GSE representations and warranties liability and the corresponding range of possible loss, see Note 9 – Representations and Warranties Obligations and Corporate Guarantees to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Future provisions and/or ranges of possible loss for non-GSE representations and warranties may be significantly impacted if actual experiences are different from our assumptions in our predictive models, including, without limitation, those regarding ultimate resolution of the BNY Mellon Settlement, estimated repurchase rates, economic conditions, estimated home prices, consumer and counterparty behavior, and a variety of other judgmental factors. Adverse developments with respect to one or more of the assumptions underlying the liability for representations and warranties and the corresponding estimated range of possible loss could result in significant increases to future provisions and this estimated range of possible loss. For example, if courts were to disagree with our interpretation that the underlying agreements require a claimant to prove that the representations and warranties breach was the cause of the loss, it could significantly impact this
estimated range of possible loss. Additionally, if recent court rulings related to monoline litigation, including one related to us, that have allowed sampling of loan files instead of requiring a loan-by-loan review to determine if a representations and warranties breach has occurred are followed generally by the courts, private-label securitization investors may view litigation as a more attractive alternative as compared to a loan-by-loan review. For additional information regarding these issues, see MBIA litigation in Litigation and Regulatory Matters in Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Finally, although we believe that the representations and warranties typically given in non-GSE transactions are less rigorous and actionable than those given in GSE transactions, we do not have significant loan-level experience in non-GSE transactions to measure the impact of these differences on the probability that a loan will be required to be repurchased.
The liability for obligations under representations and warranties with respect to GSE and non-GSE exposures and the corresponding estimated range of possible loss for non-GSE representations and warranties exposures do not include any losses related to litigation matters disclosed in Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements, nor do they include any separate foreclosure costs and related costs, assessments and compensatory fees or any possible losses related to potential claims for breaches of performance of servicing obligations (except as such losses are included as potential costs of the BNY Mellon Settlement), potential securities law or fraud claims or potential indemnity or other claims against us, including claims related to loans insured by the FHA. We are not able to reasonably estimate the amount of any possible loss with respect to any such servicing, securities law (except to the extent reflected in the aggregate range of possible loss for litigation and regulatory matters disclosed in Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements), fraud or other claims against us; however, such loss could be material.
Government-sponsored Enterprises Experience
Our current repurchase claims experience with the GSEs is predominantly concentrated in the 2004 through 2008 origination vintages where we believe that our exposure to representations and warranties liability is most significant. Our repurchase claims experience related to loans originated prior to 2004 has not been significant and we believe that the changes made to our operations and underwriting policies have reduced our exposure related to loans originated after 2008.
Bank of America and legacy Countrywide sold approximately $1.1 trillion of loans originated from 2004 through 2008 to the GSEs. As of December 31, 2011, 11 percent of the loans in these vintages have defaulted or are 180 days or more past due (severely delinquent). At least 25 payments have been made on approximately 65 percent of severely delinquent or defaulted loans. Through December 31, 2011, we have received $32.4 billion in repurchase claims associated with these vintages, representing approximately three percent of the loans sold to the GSEs in these vintages. Including the agreement reached with FNMA on December 31, 2010, we have resolved $25.7 billion of these claims with a net loss experience of approximately 31 percent. The claims resolved and the loss rate do not include $839 million in claims extinguished as a result of the agreement with FHLMC due to the global nature of the agreement and, specifically, the absence of a formal apportionment of the agreement amount between current and future claims. Our collateral loss severity rate on approved repurchases has averaged approximately 45 to 55 percent.
Table 11 highlights our experience with the GSEs related to loans originated from 2004 through 2008. Outstanding GSE claims increased to $6.3 billion, primarily attributable to $14.3 billion in new repurchase claims submitted by the GSEs for both legacy Countrywide originations not covered by the GSE Agreements and legacy Bank of America originations. The high level of new claims was partially offset by the resolution of claims with the GSEs.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Table 11 | Overview of GSE Balances – 2004-2008 Originations |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Legacy Originator |
(Dollars in billions) | Countrywide | | Other | | Total | | Percent of Total |
Original funded balance | $ | 846 |
| | $ | 272 |
| | $ | 1,118 |
| | |
|
Principal payments | (452 | ) | | (153 | ) | | (605 | ) | | |
|
Defaults | (56 | ) | | (9 | ) | | (65 | ) | | |
|
Total outstanding balance at December 31, 2011 | $ | 338 |
| | $ | 110 |
| | $ | 448 |
| | |
|
Outstanding principal balance 180 days or more past due (severely delinquent) | $ | 50 |
| | $ | 12 |
| | $ | 62 |
| | |
|
Defaults plus severely delinquent | 106 |
| | 21 |
| | 127 |
| | |
|
Payments made by borrower: | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Less than 13 | |
| | |
| | $ | 15 |
| | 12 | % |
13-24 | |
| | |
| | 30 |
| | 23 |
|
25-36 | |
| | |
| | 34 |
| | 27 |
|
More than 36 | |
| | |
| | 48 |
| | 38 |
|
Total payments made by borrower | |
| | |
| | $ | 127 |
| | 100 | % |
Outstanding GSE representations and warranties claims (all vintages) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
As of December 31, 2010 | |
| | |
| | $ | 2.8 |
| | |
|
As of December 31, 2011 | |
| | |
| | 6.3 |
| | |
|
Cumulative GSE representations and warranties losses (2004-2008 vintages) | |
| | |
| | $ | 9.2 |
| | |
|
The GSEs’ repurchase requests, standards for rescission of repurchase requests and resolution processes have become increasingly inconsistent with their past conduct as well as our interpretation of our contractual obligations. Notably, in recent periods we have been experiencing elevated levels of new claims from the GSEs, including claims on loans on which borrowers have made a significant number of payments (e.g., at least 25 payments) or on loans which had defaulted more than 18 months prior to the repurchase request, in each case, in numbers that were not expected based on historical experience. Also, the criteria and the processes by which the GSEs are ultimately willing to resolve claims have changed in ways that are unfavorable to us. These developments have resulted in an increase in claims outstanding from the GSEs. We intend to repurchase loans to the extent required under the contracts and standards that govern our relationships with the GSEs. While we are seeking to resolve our differences with the GSEs concerning each party’s interpretation of the requirements of the governing contracts, whether we will be able to achieve a resolution of these differences on acceptable terms and timing thereof, is subject to significant uncertainty.
Beginning in February 2012, we are no longer delivering purchase money and non-MHA refinance first-lien residential mortgage products into FNMA MBS pools because of the expiration and mutual non-renewal of certain contractual delivery commitments and variances that permit efficient delivery of such loans to FNMA. While we continue to have a valid agreement with FNMA permitting the delivery of purchase money and non-MHA refinance first-lien residential mortgage products without such contractual variances, the delivery of such products without contractual delivery commitments and variances would involve time and expense to implement the necessary operational and systems changes and otherwise present practical operational issues. The non-renewal of these variances was influenced, in part, by our ongoing differences with FNMA in other contexts, including repurchase claims. We do not expect this change to have a material impact on our CRES business, as we expect to rely on other sources of liquidity to actively extend mortgage credit to our customers including continuing to deliver such products into FHLMC MBS pools. Additionally, we continue to deliver MHA refinancing products into FNMA MBS pools and continue to engage in dialogue to attempt to address these differences.
On June 30, 2011, FNMA issued an announcement requiring servicers to report, effective October 1, 2011, all MI rescission notices with respect to loans sold to FNMA. The announcement also confirmed FNMA’s view of its position that a mortgage insurance company’s issuance of a MI rescission notice constitutes a breach of the lender’s representations and warranties and permits FNMA to require the lender to repurchase the mortgage loan or promptly remit a make-whole payment covering FNMA’s loss even if the lender is contesting the MI rescission notice. A related announcement included a ban on bulk settlements with mortgage insurers that provide for loss sharing in lieu of rescission. According to FNMA’s announcement, through June 30, 2012, lenders have 90 days to appeal FNMA’s repurchase request and 30 days (or such other time frame specified by FNMA) to appeal after that date. According to FNMA’s announcement, in order to be successful in its appeal, a lender must provide documentation confirming reinstatement or continuation of coverage. This announcement could result in more repurchase requests from FNMA than the assumptions in our estimated liability contemplate. We also expect that in many cases (particularly in the context of individual or bulk rescissions being
contested through litigation), we will not be able to resolve MI rescission notices with the mortgage insurance companies before the expiration of the appeal period prescribed by the FNMA announcement. We have informed FNMA that we do not believe that the new policy is valid under our contracts with FNMA, and that we do not intend to repurchase loans under the terms set forth in the new policy. Our pipeline of outstanding repurchase claims from the GSEs resulting solely on MI rescission notices has increased during 2011 by $935 million to $1.2 billion at December 31, 2011. If we are required to abide by the terms of the new FNMA policy, our representations and warranties liability will likely increase.
Experience with Investors Other than Government-sponsored Enterprises
In prior years, legacy companies and certain subsidiaries have sold pools of first-lien mortgage loans and home equity loans as private-label securitizations or in the form of whole loans. As detailed in Table 12, legacy companies and certain subsidiaries sold loans originated from 2004 through 2008 with an original principal balance of $963 billion to investors other than GSEs (although the GSEs are investors in certain private-label securitizations), of which approximately $506 billion in principal has been paid and $239 billion has defaulted or are severely delinquent at December 31, 2011.
As it relates to private-label securitizations, a contractual liability to repurchase mortgage loans generally arises only if counterparties prove there is a breach of the representations and warranties that materially and adversely affects the interest of the investor or all investors in a securitization trust or of the monoline insurer or other financial guarantor (as applicable). We believe that the longer a loan performs, the less likely it is that an alleged representations and warranties breach had a material impact on the loan’s performance or that a breach even exists. Because the majority of the borrowers in this population would have made a significant number of payments if they are not yet 180 days or more past due, we believe that the principal balance at the greatest risk for repurchase claims in this population of private-label securitization investors is a combination of loans that have already defaulted and those that are currently severely delinquent. Additionally, the obligation to repurchase loans also requires that counterparties have the contractual right to demand repurchase of the loans (presentation thresholds). While we believe the agreements for private-label securitizations generally contain less rigorous representations and warranties and place higher burdens on investors seeking repurchases than the explicit provisions of the comparable agreements with the GSEs without regard to any variations that may have arisen as a result of dealings with the GSEs, the agreements generally include a representation that underwriting practices were prudent and customary.
Any amounts paid related to repurchase claims from a monoline insurer are paid to the securitization trust and are applied in accordance with the terms of the governing securitization documents, which may include use by the securitization trust to repay any outstanding monoline advances or reduce future advances from the monolines. To the extent that a monoline has not advanced funds or does not anticipate that it will be required to advance funds to the securitization trust, the likelihood of receiving a repurchase claim from a monoline may be reduced as the monoline would receive limited or no benefit from the payment of repurchase claims. Moreover, some monolines are not currently
performing their obligations under the financial guaranty policies they issued which may, in certain circumstances, impact their ability to present repurchase claims, although in those circumstances, investors may be able to bring claims if contractual thresholds are met.
Table 12 details the population of loans originated between 2004 and 2008 and the population of loans sold as whole loans or in non-agency securitizations by entity and product together with the defaulted and severely delinquent loans stratified by the number of payments the borrower made prior to default or becoming severely delinquent at December 31, 2011. As shown in Table 12, at least 25 payments have been made on
approximately 63 percent of the defaulted and severely delinquent loans. We believe many of the defaults observed in these securitizations have been, and continue to be, driven by external factors like the substantial depreciation in home prices, persistently high unemployment and other negative economic trends, diminishing the likelihood that any loan defect (assuming one exists at all) was the cause of a loan’s default. As of December 31, 2011, approximately 25 percent of the loans sold to non-GSEs that were originated between 2004 and 2008 have defaulted or are severely delinquent. Of the original principal balance for Countrywide, $409 billion is included in the BNY Mellon Settlement.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Table 12 | Overview of Non-Agency Securitization and Whole Loan Balances |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Principal Balance | | Defaulted or Severely Delinquent |
(Dollars in billions)
By Entity | Original Principal Balance | | Outstanding Principal Balance December 31, 2011 | | Outstanding Principal Balance 180 Days or More Past Due | | Defaulted Principal Balance | | Defaulted or Severely Delinquent | | Borrower Made less than 13 Payments | | Borrower Made 13 to 24 Payments | | Borrower Made 25 to 36 Payments | | Borrower Made more than 36 Payments |
Bank of America | $ | 100 |
| | $ | 28 |
| | $ | 5 |
| | $ | 4 |
| | $ | 9 |
| | $ | 1 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 4 |
|
Countrywide | 716 |
| | 252 |
| | 84 |
| | 100 |
| | 184 |
| | 24 |
| | 45 |
| | 46 |
| | 69 |
|
Merrill Lynch | 65 |
| | 19 |
| | 6 |
| | 12 |
| | 18 |
| | 3 |
| | 4 |
| | 3 |
| | 8 |
|
First Franklin | 82 |
| | 21 |
| | 7 |
| | 21 |
| | 28 |
| | 4 |
| | 6 |
| | 5 |
| | 13 |
|
Total (1, 2) | $ | 963 |
| | $ | 320 |
| | $ | 102 |
| | $ | 137 |
| | $ | 239 |
| | $ | 32 |
| | $ | 57 |
| | $ | 56 |
| | $ | 94 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
By Product | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Prime | $ | 302 |
| | $ | 102 |
| | $ | 17 |
| | $ | 15 |
| | $ | 32 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 6 |
| | $ | 7 |
| | $ | 17 |
|
Alt-A | 172 |
| | 71 |
| | 20 |
| | 28 |
| | 48 |
| | 7 |
| | 12 |
| | 12 |
| | 17 |
|
Pay option | 150 |
| | 56 |
| | 28 |
| | 28 |
| | 56 |
| | 5 |
| | 14 |
| | 16 |
| | 21 |
|
Subprime | 245 |
| | 74 |
| | 34 |
| | 49 |
| | 83 |
| | 16 |
| | 19 |
| | 17 |
| | 31 |
|
Home Equity | 88 |
| | 15 |
| | 1 |
| | 16 |
| | 17 |
| | 2 |
| | 5 |
| | 4 |
| | 6 |
|
Other | 6 |
| | 2 |
| | 2 |
| | 1 |
| | 3 |
| | — |
| | 1 |
| | — |
| | 2 |
|
Total | $ | 963 |
| | $ | 320 |
| | $ | 102 |
| | $ | 137 |
| | $ | 239 |
| | $ | 32 |
| | $ | 57 |
| | $ | 56 |
| | $ | 94 |
|
| |
(1) | Excludes transactions sponsored by Bank of America and Merrill Lynch where no representations or warranties were made. |
| |
(2) | Includes exposures on third-party sponsored transactions related to legacy entity originations. |
Monoline Insurers
Legacy companies sold $184.5 billion of loans originated between 2004 and 2008 into monoline-insured securitizations, which are included in Table 12, including $103.9 billion of first-lien mortgages and $80.6 billion of home equity mortgages. Of these balances, $45.9 billion of the first-lien mortgages and $50.4 billion of the home equity mortgages have been paid in full and $36.3 billion of the first-lien mortgages and $16.7 billion of the home equity mortgages have defaulted or are severely delinquent at December 31, 2011. At least 25 payments have been made on approximately 60 percent of the defaulted and severely delinquent loans. Of the first-lien mortgages sold, $39.1 billion, or 38 percent, were sold as whole loans to other institutions which subsequently included these loans with those of other originators in private-label securitization transactions in which the monolines typically insured one or more securities. Through December 31, 2011, we have received $6.0 billion of representations and warranties claims related to the monoline-insured transactions. Of these repurchase claims, $2.0 billion were resolved through the Assured Guaranty Settlement, $813 million were resolved through repurchase or indemnification with losses of $703 million and $138 million were rescinded by the investor or paid in full. The majority of these resolved claims related to home equity mortgages. Experience with most of the monoline insurers has varied in terms of process, and experience with these counterparties has not been predictable.
At December 31, 2011, for loans originated between 2004 and 2008, the unpaid principal balance of loans related to unresolved monoline repurchase claims was $3.1 billion, substantially all of which we have reviewed and declined to repurchase based on an assessment of whether a material breach exists. At December 31, 2011, the unpaid principal balance of loans in these vintages for which the monolines had requested loan files for review but for which no repurchase claim had been received was $6.1 billion, excluding loans that had been paid in full and file requests for loans included in the trusts settled with Assured Guaranty. There will likely be additional requests for loan files in the future leading to repurchase claims.
We have had limited experience with the monoline insurers, other than Assured Guaranty, in the repurchase process as each of these monoline insurers has instituted litigation against legacy Countrywide and/or Bank of America, which limits our ability to enter into constructive dialogue with these monolines to resolve the open claims. It is not possible at this time to reasonably estimate probable future repurchase obligations with respect to those monolines with whom we have limited repurchase experience and, therefore, no representations and warranties liability has been recorded in connection with these monolines, other than a liability for repurchase claims where we have determined that there are valid loan defects. Our estimated range
of possible loss related to non-GSE representations and warranties exposure as of December 31, 2011 included possible losses related to these monoline insurers.
Whole Loans and Private-label Securitizations
Legacy entities, and to a lesser extent Bank of America, sold loans to investors as whole loans or via private-label securitizations. The majority of the loans sold were included in private-label securitizations, including third-party sponsored transactions. The loans sold with total principal balance of $778.2 billion, included in Table 12, were originated between 2004 and 2008, of which $409.4 billion have been paid in full and $186.1 billion are defaulted or severely delinquent at December 31, 2011. In connection with these transactions, we provided representations and warranties, and the whole-loan investors may retain those rights even when the whole loans were aggregated with other collateral into private-label securitizations sponsored by the whole-loan investors. At least 25 payments have been made on approximately 64 percent of the defaulted and severely delinquent loans. We have received approximately $10.9 billion of representations and warranties claims from whole-loan investors and private-label securitization investors related to these vintages, including $6.1 billion from whole-loan investors, $2.2 billion from private-label securitization trustees, $1.7 billion in claims from private-label securitization investors in the Covered Trusts received in 2010, and $819 million from one private-label securitization counterparty which were submitted prior to 2008. In private-label securitizations, certain representation thresholds need to be met in order for any repurchase claim to be asserted by the investors. The majority of the claims that we have received outside of those from the GSEs and monolines are from third-party whole-loan investors. However, the amount of claims received from private-label securitization trustees that meet the required standards has been increasing. In 2011, we received $2.1 billion of repurchase claims from private-label securitization trustees. In addition, there has been an increase in requests for loan files from private-label securitization trustees, as well as requests for tolling agreements to toll the applicable statutes of limitation relating to representations and warranties claims, and we believe it is likely that these requests will lead to an increase in repurchase claims from private-label securitization trustees that meet the required standards.
We have resolved $6.1 billion of the claims received from whole-loan investors and private-label securitization investors with losses of $1.4 billion. Approximately $2.8 billion of these claims were resolved through repurchase or indemnification and $3.3 billion were rescinded by the investor. Claims outstanding related to these vintages totaled $4.8 billion, including $2.8 billion that have been reviewed where it is believed a valid defect has not been identified which would constitute an actionable breach of representations and warranties and $2.0 billion that are in the process of review.
Certain whole-loan investors have engaged with us in a consistent repurchase process and we have used that experience to record a liability related to existing and future claims from such counterparties. The BNY Mellon Settlement led to the determination in the second quarter of 2011 that we had sufficient experience to record a liability related to our exposure on certain other private-label securitizations. However, the BNY Mellon Settlement did not provide sufficient experience related to certain private-label securitizations sponsored by third-party whole-loan investors. As it relates to certain private-label securitizations sponsored by third-party whole-loan investors and certain other
whole loan sales, it is not possible to determine whether a loss has occurred or is probable and, therefore, no representations and warranties liability has been recorded in connection with these transactions. Our estimated range of possible loss related to non-GSE representations and warranties exposure as of December 31, 2011 included possible losses related to these whole loan sales and private-label securitizations sponsored by third-party whole-loan investors.
Private-label securitization investors generally do not have the contractual right to demand repurchase of loans directly or the right to access loan files. The inclusion of the $1.7 billion in outstanding claims noted on page 63 does not mean that we believe these claims have satisfied the contractual thresholds required for these investors to direct the securitization trustee to take action or that these claims are otherwise procedurally or substantively valid. One of these claimants has filed litigation against us relating to certain of these claims; the claims in this litigation would be extinguished if there is final court approval of the BNY Mellon Settlement. Additionally, certain private-label securitizations are insured by the monoline insurers, which are not reflected in these amounts regarding whole loan sales and private-label securitizations.
Other Mortgage-related Matters
Servicing Matters and Foreclosure Processes
We service a large portion of the loans we or our subsidiaries have securitized and also service loans on behalf of third-party securitization vehicles and other investors. Servicing agreements with the GSEs generally provide the GSEs with broader rights relative to the servicer than are found in servicing agreements with private investors. For example, each GSE typically claims the right to demand that the servicer repurchase loans that breach the seller’s representations and warranties made in connection with the initial sale of the loans even if the servicer was not the seller. The GSEs also claim that they have the contractual right to demand indemnification or loan repurchase for certain servicing breaches. In addition, the GSEs’ first mortgage seller/servicer guides provide for timelines to resolve delinquent loans through workout efforts or liquidation, if necessary, and purport to require the imposition of compensatory fees if those deadlines are not satisfied except for reasons beyond the control of the servicer, although we believe that the governing contracts, our course of dealing, and collective past practices and understandings should inform resolution of these matters. In addition, many non-agency RMBS and whole-loan servicing agreements require the servicer to indemnify the trustee or other investor for or against failures by the servicer to perform its servicing obligations or acts or omissions that involve willful malfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of, or reckless disregard of, the servicer’s duties. It is not possible to reasonably estimate our liability with respect to potential servicing-related claims. While we have recorded certain accruals for servicing-related claims, the amount of potential liability in excess of existing accruals could be material.
In October 2010, we voluntarily stopped taking residential mortgage foreclosure proceedings to judgment in states where foreclosure requires a court order following a legal proceeding (judicial states) and stopped foreclosure sales in all states in order to complete an assessment of related business processes. We have resumed foreclosure sales in nearly all non-judicial states. While we have resumed foreclosure proceedings in nearly all judicial states, our progress on foreclosure sales in judicial states
has been much slower than in non-judicial states. The pace of foreclosure sales in judicial states increased significantly by the fourth quarter of 2011. However, there continues to be a backlog of foreclosure inventory in judicial states. The implementation of changes in procedures and controls, including loss mitigation procedures related to our ability to recover on FHA-insurance related claims, and governmental, regulatory and judicial actions, may result in continuing delays in foreclosure proceedings and foreclosure sales, and create obstacles to the collection of certain fees and expenses, in both judicial and non-judicial foreclosures.
We entered into a consent order with the Federal Reserve and BANA entered into a consent order with the OCC on April 13, 2011. These consent orders require servicers to make several enhancements to their servicing operations, including implementation of a single point of contact model for borrowers throughout the loss mitigation and foreclosure processes, adoption of measures designed to ensure that foreclosure activity is halted once a borrower has been approved for a modification unless the borrower fails to make payments under the modified loan and implementation of enhanced controls over third-party vendors that provide default servicing support services. In addition, the OCC consent order required that we retain an independent consultant, approved by the OCC, to conduct a review of all foreclosure actions pending, or foreclosure sales that occurred, between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 and submit a plan to the OCC to remediate all financial injury to borrowers caused by any deficiencies identified through the review. The review is comprised of two parts: a sample file review conducted by the independent consultant, which began in October 2011, and file reviews by the independent consultant based upon requests for review from customers with in-scope foreclosures. We began outreach to those customers in November 2011, and additional outreach efforts are underway. Because the review process is available to a large number of potentially eligible borrowers and involves an examination of many details and documents, each review could take several months to complete. We cannot yet accurately determine how many borrowers will ultimately request a review, how many borrowers will meet the eligibility requirements or how much in compensation might ultimately be paid to eligible borrowers.
We continue to be subject to additional borrower and non-borrower litigation and governmental and regulatory scrutiny related to our past and current servicing and foreclosure activities, including those claims not covered by the Servicing Resolution Agreements, defined below. This scrutiny may extend beyond our pending foreclosure matters to issues arising out of alleged irregularities with respect to previously completed foreclosure activities. The current environment of heightened regulatory scrutiny may subject us to inquiries or investigations that could significantly adversely affect our reputation and result in material costs to us.
Servicing Resolution Agreements
On February 9, 2012, we reached agreements in principle (collectively, the Servicing Resolution Agreements) with (1) the DOJ, various federal regulatory agencies and 49 state attorneys general to resolve federal and state investigations into certain origination, servicing and foreclosure practices (the Global AIP), (2) the Federal Housing Administration (the FHA) to resolve certain claims relating to the origination of FHA-insured mortgage loans, primarily by Countrywide prior to and for a period following our acquisition of that lender (the FHA AIP) and (3) each of the Federal
Reserve and the OCC regarding civil monetary penalties related to conduct that was the subject of consent orders entered into with the banking regulators in April 2011 (the Consent Order AIPs). The Servicing Resolution Agreements are subject to ongoing discussions among the parties and completion and execution of definitive documentation, as well as required regulatory and court approvals. There can be no assurance as to when or whether binding settlement agreements will be reached, that they will be on terms consistent with the Servicing Resolution Agreements, or as to when or whether the necessary approvals will be obtained and the settlements will be finalized.
The Global AIP calls for the establishment of certain uniform servicing standards, upfront cash payments of approximately $1.9 billion to the state and federal governments and for borrower restitution, approximately $7.6 billion in borrower assistance in the form of, among other things, principal reduction, short sales, deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure, and approximately $1.0 billion in refinancing assistance. We could be required to make additional payments if we fail to meet our borrower assistance and refinancing assistance commitments over a three-year period. In addition, we could be required to pay an additional $350 million if we fail to meet certain first-lien principal reduction thresholds over a three-year period. We also entered into agreements with several states under which we committed to perform certain minimum levels of principal reduction and related activities within those states as part of the Global AIP, and under which we could be required to make additional payments if we fail to meet such minimum levels.
The FHA AIP provides for an upfront cash payment of $500 million and the FHA would release us from all claims arising from loans originated on or before April 30, 2009 that were submitted for FHA insurance claim payments prior to January 1, 2012, and from multiple damages and penalties for loans that were originated on or before April 30, 2009, but had not been submitted for FHA insurance claim payment. An additional $500 million would be payable if we fail to meet certain principal reduction thresholds over a three-year period.
Pursuant to an agreement in principle, the OCC agreed to hold in abeyance the imposition of a civil monetary penalty of $164 million. Pursuant to a separate agreement in principle, the Federal Reserve will assess a civil monetary penalty in the amount of $176 million against us. Satisfying our payment, borrower assistance and remediation obligations under the Global AIP will satisfy any civil monetary penalty obligations arising under these agreements in principle. If, however, we do not make certain required payments or undertake certain required actions under the Global AIP, the OCC will assess, and the Federal Reserve will require us to pay, the difference between the aggregate value of the payments and actions under these agreements in principle and the penalty amounts.
Under the terms of the Global AIP, the federal and participating state governments would release us from further liability for certain alleged residential mortgage origination, servicing and foreclosure deficiencies. In settling origination issues related to FHA guaranteed loans originated on or before April 30, 2009, the FHA would provide us and our affiliates a release for all claims with respect to such loans if an insurance claim had been submitted to the FHA prior to January 1, 2012 and a release of multiple damages and penalties (but not single damages) if no such claim had been submitted.
The financial impact of the Servicing Resolution Agreements is not expected to require any additional reserves over existing accruals as of December 31, 2011, based on our understanding
of the terms of the Servicing Resolution Agreements. The refinancing assistance commitment under the Servicing Resolution Agreements is expected to be recognized as lower interest income in future periods as qualified borrowers pay reduced interest rates on loans refinanced. Although we may incur additional operating costs (e.g., servicing costs) to implement parts of the Servicing Resolution Agreements in future periods, it is expected that those costs will not be material.
The Servicing Resolution Agreements do not cover claims arising out of securitization (including representations made to investors respecting MBS), criminal claims, private claims by borrowers, claims by certain states for injunctive relief or actual economic damages to borrowers related to the Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (MERS), and claims by the GSEs (including repurchase demands), among other items. Failure to finalize the documentation related to the Servicing Resolution Agreements, to obtain the required court and regulatory approvals, to meet our borrower and refinancing commitments or other adverse developments with respect to the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc.
Mortgage notes, assignments or other documents are often required to be maintained and are often necessary to enforce mortgage loans. There has been significant public commentary regarding the common industry practice of recording mortgages in the name of MERS, as nominee on behalf of the note holder, and whether securitization trusts own the loans purported to be conveyed to them and have valid liens securing those loans. We currently use the MERS system for a substantial portion of the residential mortgage loans that we originate, including loans that have been sold to investors or securitization trusts. A component of the OCC consent order requires significant changes in the manner in which we service loans identifying MERS as the mortgagee. Additionally, certain local and state governments have commenced legal actions against us, MERS, and other MERS members, questioning the validity of the MERS model. Other challenges have also been made to the process for transferring mortgage loans to securitization trusts, asserting that having a mortgagee of record that is different than the holder of the mortgage note could “break the chain of title” and cloud the ownership of the loan. In order to foreclose on a mortgage loan, in certain cases it may be necessary or prudent for an assignment of the mortgage to be made to the holder of the note, which in the case of a mortgage held in the name of MERS as nominee would need to be completed by a MERS signing officer. As such, our practice is to obtain assignments of mortgages from MERS prior to instituting foreclosure. If certain required documents are missing or defective, or if the use of MERS is found not to be valid, we could be obligated to cure certain defects or in some circumstances be subject to additional costs and expenses. Our use of MERS as nominee for the mortgage may also create reputational risks for us.
Impact of Foreclosure Delays
In 2011, we incurred $1.8 billion of mortgage-related assessments and waivers costs which included $1.3 billion for compensatory fees that we expect to be claimed by the GSEs as a result of foreclosure delays with the remainder being out-of-pocket costs that we do not expect to recover because of foreclosure delays. We expect that mortgage-related assessments and waivers costs,
compensatory fees assessed by the GSEs and other costs associated with foreclosures will remain elevated as additional loans are delayed in the foreclosure process, although we believe that the governing contracts, our course of dealing, and collective past practices and understandings should inform resolution of these matters. We also expect additional costs related to resources necessary to perform the foreclosure process assessment and to implement other operational changes will continue. This will likely result in continued higher noninterest expense, including higher default servicing costs and legal expenses in CRES, and has impacted and may continue to impact the value of our MSRs related to these serviced loans. It is also possible that the delays in foreclosure sales may result in additional costs and expenses, including costs associated with the maintenance of properties or possible home price declines while foreclosures are delayed. In addition, required process changes, including those required under the consent orders with federal bank regulators, are likely to result in further increases in our default servicing costs over the longer term. Finally, the time to complete foreclosure sales may continue to be protracted, which may result in a greater number of nonperforming loans and increased servicing advances and may impact the collectability of such advances and the value of our MSR asset, MBS and real estate owned properties.
An increase in the time to complete foreclosure sales also may increase the number of severely delinquent loans in our mortgage servicing portfolio, result in increasing levels of consumer nonperforming loans and could have a dampening effect on net interest margin as nonperforming assets increase. Accordingly, delays in foreclosure sales, including any delays beyond those currently anticipated, our continued process enhancements, including those required under the OCC and Federal Reserve consent orders and any issues that may arise out of alleged irregularities in our foreclosure process could significantly increase the costs associated with our mortgage operations.
Mortgage-related Settlements – Servicing Matters
In connection with the BNY Mellon Settlement, BANA has agreed to implement certain servicing changes. The Trustee and BANA have agreed to clarify and conform certain servicing standards related to loss mitigation. In particular, the BNY Mellon Settlement would clarify that it is permissible to apply the same loss-mitigation strategies to the Covered Trusts as are applied to BANA affiliates’ held-for-investment (HFI) portfolios. This portion of the agreement was effective in the second quarter of 2011 and is not conditioned on final court approval.
BANA also agreed to transfer the servicing related to certain high-risk loans to qualified subservicers on a schedule that began with the signing of the BNY Mellon Settlement. This servicing transfer protocol will reduce the servicing fees payable to BANA in the future. Upon final court approval, failure to meet the established benchmarking standards for loans not in subservicing arrangements can trigger the payment of agreed-upon fees. Additionally, we and legacy Countrywide have agreed to work to resolve with the Trustee certain mortgage documentation issues related to the enforceability of mortgages in foreclosure and to reimburse the related Covered Trust for any loss if BANA is unable to foreclose on the mortgage and the Covered Trust is not made whole by a title policy because of these documentation issues. These agreements will terminate if final court approval of the BNY Mellon Settlement is not obtained, although we could still have exposure under the pooling and servicing agreements related to
the mortgages in the Covered Trusts for these documentation issues.
We estimate that the costs associated with additional servicing obligations under the BNY Mellon Settlement contributed $400 million to the 2011 valuation charge related to the MSR asset. The additional servicing actions are consistent with the consent orders with the OCC and the Federal Reserve.
In addition, in connection with the Servicing Resolution Agreements, BANA has agreed to implement certain additional servicing changes. The uniform servicing standards established under the Servicing Resolution Agreements are broadly consistent with the residential mortgage servicing practices imposed by the OCC consent order, however they are more prescriptive and cover a broader range of our residential mortgage servicing activities. These standards are intended to strengthen procedural safeguards and documentation requirements associated with foreclosure, bankruptcy, and loss mitigation activities, as well as addressing the imposition of fees and the integrity of documentation, with a goal of ensuring greater transparency for borrowers. These uniform servicing standards also obligate us to implement compliance processes reasonably designed to provide assurance of the achievement of these objectives. Compliance with the uniform servicing standards will be assessed by a monitor based on the measurement of outcomes with respect to these objectives. Implementation of these uniform servicing standards is expected to incrementally increase costs associated with the servicing process, but is not expected to result in material delays or dislocation in the performance of our mortgage servicing obligations, including the completion of foreclosures.
Regulatory Matters
See Item 1A. Risk Factors and Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding regulatory matters and risks.
Financial Reform Act
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Financial Reform Act), which was signed into law on July 21, 2010, enacts sweeping financial regulatory reform and has altered and will continue to alter the way in which we conduct certain businesses, increase our costs and reduce our revenues. Many aspects of the Financial Reform Act remain subject to final rulemaking and will take effect over several years, making it difficult to anticipate the precise impact on the Corporation, our customers or the financial services industry.
Debit Interchange Fees
On June 29, 2011, the Federal Reserve adopted a final rule with respect to the Durbin Amendment effective on October 1, 2011 which, among other things, established a regulatory cap for many types of debit interchange transactions to equal no more than 21 cents plus five bps of the value of the transaction. The Federal Reserve also adopted a rule to allow a debit card issuer to recover one cent per transaction for fraud prevention purposes if the issuer complies with certain fraud-related requirements, with which we are currently in compliance. The Federal Reserve also approved rules governing routing and exclusivity, requiring issuers to offer two unaffiliated networks for routing transactions on each debit or prepaid product, which are effective April 1, 2012. For additional information, see Card Services on page 41.
Limitations on Proprietary Trading
On October 11, 2011, the Federal Reserve, OCC, FDIC and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), representing four of the five regulatory agencies charged with promulgating regulations implementing limitations on proprietary trading as well as the sponsorship of or investment in hedge funds and private equity funds (the Volcker Rule) established by the Financial Reform Act, released for comment proposed implementing regulations. On January 11, 2012, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the fifth agency, released for comment its proposed regulations under the Volcker Rule. The proposed regulations include clarifications to the definition of proprietary trading and distinctions between permitted and prohibited activities. However, in light of the complexity of the proposed regulations and the large volume of comments received (the proposal requested comments on over 1,300 questions on 400 different topics), it is not possible to predict the content of the final regulations or when they will be issued.
The statutory provisions of the Volcker Rule will become effective on July 21, 2012, whether or not the final regulations are adopted, and it gives certain financial institutions two years from the effective date, with opportunities for additional extensions, to bring activities and investments into compliance. Although GBAM exited its stand-alone proprietary trading business as of June 30, 2011 in anticipation of the Volcker Rule and further to our initiative to optimize our balance sheet, the ultimate impact of the Volcker Rule on us remains uncertain. However, based upon the content of the proposed regulations, it is possible that the implementation of the Volcker Rule could limit or restrict our remaining trading activities. Implementation of the Volcker Rule could also limit or restrict our ability to sponsor and hold ownership interests in hedge funds, private equity funds and other subsidiary operations, increase our operational and compliance costs, reduce our trading revenues and adversely affect our results of operations. For additional information about our trading business, see GBAM on page 49.
Derivatives
The Financial Reform Act includes measures to broaden the scope of derivative instruments subject to regulation by requiring clearing and exchange trading of certain derivatives; imposing new capital, margin, reporting, registration and business conduct requirements for certain market participants; and imposing position limits on certain OTC derivatives. The Financial Reform Act required regulators to promulgate the rulemakings necessary to implement these regulations by July 16, 2011. However, the rulemaking process was not completed as of this date, and is not expected to conclude until well into 2012. Further, the regulators granted temporary relief from certain requirements that would have taken effect on July 16, 2011 absent any rulemaking. The SEC temporary relief is effective until final rules relevant to each requirement become effective. The CFTC temporary relief is effective until the earlier of July 16, 2012 or the date on which final rules relevant to each requirement become effective. The ultimate impact of these derivatives regulations and the time it will take to comply continues to remain uncertain. The final regulations will impose additional operational and compliance costs on us and may require us to restructure certain businesses, thereby negatively impacting our revenues and results of operations.
FDIC Deposit Insurance Assessments
In April 2011, a new regulation became effective that implements revisions to the assessment system mandated by the Financial Reform Act and increased our FDIC exposure. The regulation was reflected in the June 30, 2011 FDIC fund balance and in payments made beginning on September 30, 2011. Among other things, the regulation changed the assessment base for insured depository institutions from adjusted domestic deposits to average consolidated total assets during an assessment period, less average tangible equity capital during that assessment period. Additionally, the FDIC has broad discretionary authority to increase assessments on large and highly complex institutions on a case by case basis. Any future increases in required deposit insurance premiums or other bank industry fees could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Recovery and Resolution Planning
On October 17, 2011, the Federal Reserve approved a rule that requires the Corporation and other bank holding companies with assets of $50 billion or more, as well as companies designated as systemically important by the Financial Stability Oversight Council, to periodically report to the FDIC and the Federal Reserve their plans for a rapid and orderly resolution in the event of material financial distress or failure.
On January 17, 2012, the FDIC approved a final rule requiring resolution plans for insured banks with total assets of $50 billion or more. If the FDIC and the Federal Reserve determine that a company’s plan is not credible and the company fails to cure the deficiencies in a timely manner, then the FDIC and the Federal Reserve may jointly impose on the company, or any of its subsidiaries, more stringent capital, leverage or liquidity requirements or restrictions on growth, activities or operations. The Corporation’s initial plan is required to be submitted on or before July 1, 2012, and updated annually. Similarly, in the U.K., the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has issued proposed rules requiring the submission of significant information about certain U.K. incorporated subsidiaries, including information on intra-group dependencies and legal entity separation, to allow the FSA to develop resolution plans. As a result of the FSA review, we could be required to take certain actions over the next several years which could impose operational costs and potentially result in the restructuring of certain business and subsidiaries.
Orderly Liquidation Authority
Under the Financial Reform Act, where a systemically important financial institution such as the Corporation is in default or danger of default, the FDIC may, in certain circumstances, be appointed receiver in order to conduct an orderly liquidation of such systemically important financial institution. In such a case, the FDIC could invoke a new form of resolution authority, called the orderly liquidation authority, instead of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, if the Secretary of the Treasury makes certain financial distress and systemic risk determinations. The orderly liquidation authority is modeled in part on the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, but also adopts certain concepts from the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
The orderly liquidation authority contains certain differences from the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Macroprudential systemic protection is the primary objective of the orderly liquidation authority, subject to minimum threshold protections for creditors. Accordingly, in certain circumstances under the orderly liquidation authority, the FDIC could permit payment of obligations determined
to be systemically significant (e.g., short-term creditors or operating creditors) in lieu of the payment of other obligations (e.g., long-term creditors) without the need to obtain creditors’ consent or prior court review. Additionally, under the orderly liquidation authority, amounts owed to the U.S. government generally enjoy a statutory payment priority.
Credit Risk Retention
On March 29, 2011, federal regulators jointly issued a proposed rule regarding credit risk retention that would, among other things, require retention by sponsors of at least five percent of the credit risk of the assets underlying certain ABS and MBS securitizations and would limit the ability to transfer or hedge that credit risk. The proposed rule as currently written would likely have an adverse impact on our ability to engage in many types of the MBS and ABS securitizations conducted in CRES, GBAM and other business segments, impose additional operational and compliance costs on us, and negatively influence the value, liquidity and transferability of ABS or MBS, loans and other assets. However, it remains unclear what requirements will be included in the final rule and what the ultimate impact of the final rule will be on our CRES, GBAM and other business segments or on our results of operations.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The Financial Reform Act established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to regulate the offering of consumer financial products or services under federal consumer financial laws. In addition, the CFPB was granted general authority to prevent covered persons or service providers from committing or engaging in unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices under federal law in connection with any transaction with a consumer for a consumer financial product or service, or the offering of a consumer financial product or service. Pursuant to the Financial Reform Act, on July 21, 2011, certain federal consumer financial protection statutes and related regulatory authority were transferred to the CFPB. Consequently, certain federal consumer financial laws to which the Corporation is subject, including, but not limited to, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, Electronic Fund Transfers Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Truth in Lending and Truth in Savings Acts will be enforced by the CFPB, subject to certain statutory limitations. On January 4, 2012, the CFPB’s first director was appointed, and accordingly, was vested with full authority to exercise all supervisory, enforcement and rulemaking authorities granted to the CFPB under the Financial Reform Act, including its supervisory powers over non-bank financial institutions such as pay-day lenders and other types of non-bank financial institutions.
Certain Other Provisions
The Financial Reform Act also expands the role of state regulators in enforcing consumer protection requirements over banks and disqualifies trust preferred securities and other hybrid capital securities from Tier 1 capital. Many of the provisions under the Financial Reform Act have begun to be phased in or will be phased in over the next several months or years and will be subject both to further rulemaking and the discretion of applicable regulatory bodies. For additional information regarding regulatory capital and other rules proposed by federal regulators, see Capital Management – Regulatory Capital Changes on page 73.
The Financial Reform Act will continue to have a significant and negative impact on our earnings through fee reductions, higher costs and new restrictions, as well as reductions to available capital. The Financial Reform Act may also continue to have a material adverse impact on the value of certain assets and liabilities held on our balance sheet. The ultimate impact of the Financial Reform Act on our businesses and results of operations will depend on regulatory interpretation and rulemaking, as well as the success of any of our actions to mitigate the negative earnings impact of certain provisions. For information on the impact of the Financial Reform Act on our credit ratings, see Liquidity Risk on page 76.
Transactions with Affiliates
The terms of certain of our OTC derivative contracts and other trading agreements of the Corporation provide that upon the occurrence of certain specified events, such as a change in our credit ratings, Merrill Lynch and other non-bank affiliates may be required to provide additional collateral or to provide other remedies, or our counterparties may have the right to terminate or otherwise diminish our rights under these contracts or agreements. Following the recent downgrade of the credit ratings of the Corporation and other non-bank affiliates, we have engaged in discussions with certain derivative and other counterparties regarding their rights under these agreements. In response to counterparties’ inquiries and requests, we have discussed and in some cases substituted derivative contracts and other trading agreements, including naming BANA as the new counterparty. Our ability to substitute or make changes to these agreements to meet counterparties’ requests may be subject to certain limitations, including counterparty willingness, regulatory limitations on naming BANA as the new counterparty, and the type or amount of collateral required. It is possible that such limitations on our ability to substitute or make changes to these agreements, including naming BANA as the new counterparty, could adversely affect our results of operations.
Other Matters
The Corporation has established guidelines and policies for managing capital across its subsidiaries. The guidance for the Corporation’s subsidiaries with regulatory capital requirements, including branch operations of banking subsidiaries, requires each entity to maintain satisfactory capital levels. This includes setting internal capital targets for the U.S. bank subsidiaries to exceed “well capitalized” levels. The U.K. has adopted increased capital and liquidity requirements for local financial institutions, including regulated U.K. subsidiaries of non-U.K. bank holding companies and other financial institutions as well as branches of non-U.K. banks located in the U.K. In addition, the U.K. has proposed the creation and production of recovery and resolution plans, commonly referred to as living wills, by such entities. We are currently monitoring the impact of these initiatives.
Managing Risk
Overview
Risk is inherent in every material business activity that we undertake. Our business exposes us to strategic, credit, market, liquidity, compliance, operational and reputational risk. We must manage these risks to maximize our long-term results by ensuring
the integrity of our assets and the quality of our earnings.
Strategic risk is the risk that results from adverse business decisions, ineffective or inappropriate business plans, or failure to respond to changes in the competitive environment, business cycles, customer preferences, product obsolescence, regulatory environment, business strategy execution, and/or other inherent risks of the business including reputational risk. Credit risk is the risk of loss arising from a borrower’s or counterparty’s inability to meet its obligations. Market risk is the risk that values of assets and liabilities or revenues will be adversely affected by changes in market conditions such as interest rate movements. Liquidity risk is the inability to meet contractual and contingent financial obligations, on-or off-balance sheet, as they come due. Compliance risk is the risk that arises from the failure to adhere to laws, rules, regulations, or internal policies and procedures. Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems, or external events. Reputational risk is the potential that negative publicity regarding an organization’s conduct or business practices will adversely affect its profitability, operations or customer base, or result in costly litigation or require other measures. Reputational risk is evaluated along with all of the risk categories and throughout the risk management process, and as such is not discussed separately herein. The following sections, Strategic Risk Management on page 71, Capital Management on page 71, Liquidity Risk on page 76, Credit Risk Management on page 80, Market Risk Management on page 112, Compliance Risk Management and Operational Risk Management both on page 119, address in more detail the specific procedures, measures and analyses of the major categories of risk that we manage.
In choosing when and how to take risks, we evaluate our capacity for risk and seek to protect our brand and reputation, our financial flexibility, the value of our assets and the strategic potential of the Corporation. We intend to maintain a strong and flexible financial position. We also intend to focus on maintaining our relevance and value to customers, employees and shareholders. As part of our efforts to achieve these objectives, we continue to build a comprehensive risk management culture and to implement governance and control measures to strengthen that culture.
We take a comprehensive approach to risk management. We have a defined risk framework and clearly articulated risk appetite which is approved annually by the Corporation’s Board of Directors (the Board). Risk management planning is integrated with strategic, financial and customer/client planning so that goals and responsibilities are aligned across the organization. Risk is managed in a systematic manner by focusing on the Corporation as a whole as well as managing risk across the enterprise and within individual business units, products, services and transactions, and across all geographic locations. We maintain a governance structure that delineates the responsibilities for risk management activities, as well as governance and oversight of those activities.
Executive management assesses, and the Board oversees, the risk-adjusted returns of each business segment. Management reviews and approves strategic and financial operating plans, and recommends to the Board for approval a financial plan annually. By allocating economic capital to and establishing a risk appetite for a business segment, we seek to effectively manage the ability to take on risk. Economic capital is assigned to each business segment using a risk-adjusted methodology incorporating each segment’s stand-alone credit, market, interest rate and operational
risk components, and is used to measure risk-adjusted returns.
In addition to reputational considerations, businesses operate within their credit, market, compliance and operational risk standards and limits in order to adhere to the risk appetite. These limits are based on analyses of risk and reward in each business, and executive management is responsible for tracking and reporting performance measurements as well as any exceptions to guidelines or limits. The Board monitors financial performance, execution of the strategic and financial operating plans, compliance with the risk appetite and the adequacy of internal controls through its committees.
The Board has completed its review of the Risk Framework and the Risk Appetite Statement for the Corporation, and both the Risk Framework and Risk Appetite Statement were approved in January 2012. The Risk Framework defines the accountability of the Corporation and its employees and the Risk Appetite Statement defines the parameters under which we will take risk. Both documents are intended to enable us to maximize our long-term results and ensure the integrity of our assets and the quality of our earnings. The Risk Framework is designed to be used by our employees to understand risk management activities, including their individual roles and accountabilities. It also defines how risk management is integrated into our core business processes, and it defines the risk management governance structure, including management’s involvement. The risk management responsibilities of the businesses, governance and control functions, and Corporate Audit are also clearly defined. The risk management process includes four critical elements: identify and measure risk, mitigate and control risk, monitor and test risk, and report and review risk, and is applied across all business activities to enable an integrated and comprehensive review of risk consistent with the Board’s Risk Appetite Statement.
Risk Management Processes and Methods
To support our corporate goals and objectives, risk appetite, and business and risk strategies, we maintain a governance structure that delineates the responsibilities for risk management activities, as well as governance and oversight of those activities, by management and the Board. All employees have accountability for risk management. Each employee’s risk management responsibilities falls into one of three major categories: businesses, governance and control, and Corporate Audit.
Business managers and employees are accountable for identifying, managing and escalating attention to all risks in their business units, including existing and emerging risks. Business managers must ensure that their business activities are conducted within the risk appetite defined by management and approved by the Board. The limits and controls for each business must be consistent with the Risk Appetite Statement. Employees in client and customer facing businesses are responsible for day-to-day business activities, including developing and delivering profitable products and services, fulfilling customer requests and maintaining desirable customer relationships. These employees are accountable for conducting their daily work in accordance with policies and procedures. It is the responsibility of each employee to protect the Corporation and defend the interests of the shareholders.
Governance and control functions are comprised of Global Risk Management, Global Compliance, Legal and the enterprise control functions and are tasked with independently overseeing and managing risk activities. Global Compliance (which included
Regulatory Relations) and Legal report to the Chief Legal, Compliance and Regulatory Relations Executive. Enterprise control functions consist of the Chief Financial Officer Group, Global Technology and Operations, Global Human Resources, Global Marketing and Corporate Affairs.
Global Risk Management is led by the Chief Risk Officer (CRO). The CRO leads senior management in managing risk, is independent from the Corporation’s business and enterprise control functions, and maintains sufficient autonomy to develop and implement meaningful risk management measures. This position serves to protect the Corporation and its shareholders. The CRO reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and is the management team lead or a participant in Board-level risk governance committees. The CRO has the mandate to ensure that appropriate risk management practices are in place, and are effective and consistent with our overall business strategy and risk appetite. Global Risk Management is comprised of two types of risk teams, Enterprise risk teams and independent business risk teams, which report to the CRO and are independent from the business and enterprise control functions.
Enterprise risk teams are responsible for setting and establishing enterprise policies, programs and standards, assessing program adherence, providing enterprise-level risk oversight, and reporting and monitoring for systemic and emerging risk issues. In addition, the Enterprise Risk Teams are responsible for monitoring and ensuring that risk limits are reasonable and consistent with the risk appetite. These risk teams also carry out risk-based oversight of the enterprise control functions.
Independent business risk teams are responsible for establishing policies, limits, standards, controls, metrics and thresholds within the defined corporate standards for the businesses to which they are aligned. The independent business risk teams are also responsible for ensuring that risk limits and standards are reasonable and consistent with the risk appetite.
Enterprise control functions are independent of the businesses and have risk governance and control responsibilities for enterprise programs. In this role, they are responsible for setting policies, standards and limits; providing risk reporting; monitoring for systemic risk issues including existing and emerging; and implementing procedures and controls at the enterprise and business levels for their respective control functions.
The Corporate Audit function and the Corporate General Auditor maintain independence from the businesses and governance and control functions by reporting directly to the Audit Committee of the Board. Corporate Audit provides independent assessment and validation through testing of key processes and controls across the Corporation. Corporate Audit also provides an independent assessment of the Corporation’s management and internal control systems. Corporate Audit activities are designed to provide reasonable assurance that resources are adequately protected; significant financial, managerial and operating information is materially complete, accurate and reliable; and employees’ actions are in compliance with the Corporation’s policies, standards, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations.
To assist the Corporation in achieving its goals and objectives, risk appetite, and business and risk strategies, we utilize a risk management process that is applied across the execution of all business activities. This risk management process, which is an integral part of our Risk Framework, enables the Corporation to review risk in an integrated and comprehensive manner across all risk categories and make strategic and business decisions based on that comprehensive view. Corporate goals and objectives are
established by management, and management reflects these goals and objectives in our risk appetite which is approved by the Board and serves as a key driver for setting business and risk strategy.
One of the key tools of the risk management process is the use of Risk and Control Self Assessments (RCSAs). RCSAs are the primary method for facilitating the management of Business Environment and Internal Control Factor data. The end-to-end RCSA process incorporates risk identification and assessment of the control environment; monitoring, reporting and escalating risk; quality assurance and data validation; and integration with the risk appetite. The RCSA process also incorporates documentation by either the business or governance and control functions of the business environment, risks, controls, and monitoring and reporting. This results in a comprehensive risk management view that enables understanding of and action on operational risks and controls for all of our processes, products, activities and systems.
The formal processes used to manage risk represent a part of our overall risk management process. Corporate culture and the actions of our employees are also critical to effective risk management. Through our Code of Ethics, we set a high standard for our employees. The Code of Ethics provides a framework for all of our employees to conduct themselves with the highest
integrity. We instill a strong and comprehensive risk management culture through communications, training, policies, procedures, and organizational roles and responsibilities. Additionally, we continue to strengthen the link between the employee performance management process and individual compensation to encourage employees to work toward enterprise-wide risk goals.
Board Oversight of Risk
The Board, comprised of a majority of independent directors, including an independent Chairman of the Board, oversees the management of the Corporation through a governance structure that includes Board committees and management committees. The Board’s standing committees that oversee the management of the majority of the risks faced by the Corporation include the Audit and Enterprise Risk Committees, comprised of independent directors, and the Credit Committee, comprised of non-management directors. This governance structure is designed to align the interests of the Board and management with those of our stockholders and to foster integrity throughout the Corporation.
The chart below illustrates the inter-relationship between the Board, Board committees and management committees with the majority of risk oversight responsibilities for the Corporation.

| |
(1) | Compliance Risk activities, including Ethics Oversight, are required to be reviewed by the Audit Committee and Operational Risk activities are required to be reviewed by the Enterprise Risk Committee. |
| |
(2) | The Disclosure Committee assists the CEO and CFO in fulfilling their responsibility for the accuracy and timeliness of the Corporation’s disclosures and reports the results of the process to the Audit Committee. |
Our Board’s Audit, Credit and Enterprise Risk Committees have the principal responsibility for assisting the Board with enterprise-wide oversight of the Corporation’s management and handling of risk.
Our Audit Committee assists the Board in the oversight of, among other things, the integrity of our consolidated financial statements, our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and the overall effectiveness of our system of internal controls. Our Audit Committee also, taking into consideration the Board’s allocation of the review of risk among various committees of the Board, discusses with management guidelines and policies to govern the process by which risk assessment and risk management are undertaken, including the assessment of our major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures.
Our Credit Committee oversees, among other things, the identification and management of our credit exposures on an enterprise-wide basis, our responses to trends affecting those exposures, the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses and our credit related policies.
Our Enterprise Risk Committee, among other things, oversees our identification of, management of and planning for, material risks on an enterprise-wide basis, including market risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, operational risk and reputational risk. Our Enterprise Risk Committee also oversees our capital management and liquidity planning.
Each of these committees regularly reports to our Board on risk-related matters within the committee’s responsibilities, which collectively provides our Board with integrated, thorough insight about our management of our enterprise-wide risks. At meetings of our Audit, Credit and Enterprise Risk Committees and our Board, directors receive updates from management regarding enterprise risk management, including our performance against our risk appetite.
Executive management develops for Board approval the Corporation’s Risk Framework, Risk Appetite Statement, and financial operating plans. Management monitors, and the Board oversees, through the Credit, Enterprise Risk and Audit Committees, financial performance, execution of the strategic and financial operating plans, compliance with the risk appetite, and the adequacy of internal controls.
Strategic Risk Management
Strategic risk is embedded in every business and is one of the major risk categories along with credit, market, liquidity, compliance, operational and reputational risks. It is the risk that results from adverse business decisions, ineffective or inappropriate business plans, or failure to respond to changes in the competitive environment, business cycles, customer preferences, product obsolescence, regulatory environment, business strategy execution and/or other inherent risks of the business including reputational and operational risk. In the financial services industry, strategic risk is elevated due to changing customer, competitive and regulatory environments. Our appetite for strategic risk is assessed within the context of the strategic plan, with strategic risks selectively and carefully considered in the context of the evolving marketplace. Strategic risk is managed in the context of our overall financial condition
and assessed, managed and acted on by the CEO and executive management team. Significant strategic actions, such as material acquisitions or capital actions, require review and approval of the Board.
Executive management approves a strategic plan every two to three years. Annually, executive management develops a financial operating plan that implements the strategic goals for that year, and the Board reviews and approves the plan. With oversight by the Board, executive management ensures that the plans are consistent with the Corporation’s strategic plan, core operating tenets and risk appetite. The following are assessed in their reviews: forecasted earnings and returns on capital, the current risk profile, current capital and liquidity requirements, staffing levels and changes required to support the plan, stress testing results, and other qualitative factors such as market growth rates and peer analysis. At the business level, as we introduce new products, we monitor their performance to evaluate expectations (e.g., for earnings and returns on capital). With oversight by the Board, executive management performs similar analyses throughout the year, and evaluates changes to the financial forecast or the risk, capital or liquidity positions as deemed appropriate to balance and optimize between achieving the targeted risk appetite, shareholder returns and maintaining the targeted financial strength.
We use proprietary models to measure the capital requirements for credit, country, market, operational and strategic risks. The economic capital assigned to each business is based on its unique risk exposures. With oversight by the Board, executive management assesses the risk-adjusted returns of each business in approving strategic and financial operating plans. The businesses use economic capital to define business strategies, price products and transactions, and evaluate client profitability. For additional information on how this measure is calculated, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 38.
Capital Management
Bank of America manages its capital position to ensure capital is sufficient to support our business activities and that capital, risk and risk appetite are commensurate with one another, ensure safety and soundness under adverse scenarios, take advantage of growth and strategic opportunities, maintain ready access to financial markets, remain a source of strength for its subsidiaries and satisfy current and future regulatory capital requirements.
To determine the appropriate level of capital, we assess the results of our Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP), the current economic and market environment, and feedback from investors, rating agencies and regulators. Based upon this analysis we set capital guidelines for Tier 1 common capital and Tier 1 capital to ensure we can maintain an adequate capital position in a severe adverse economic scenario. We also target to maintain capital in excess of the capital required per our economic capital measurement process. For additional information, see Economic Capital on page 75. Management and the Board annually approve a comprehensive Capital Plan which documents the ICAAP and related results, analysis and support for the capital guidelines, and planned capital actions and capital adequacy assessment.
The ICAAP incorporates capital forecasts, stress test results, economic capital, qualitative risk assessments and assessment of regulatory changes. We generate monthly regulatory capital and economic capital forecasts that are aligned to the most recent earnings, balance sheet and risk forecasts. We utilize quarterly stress tests to assess the potential impacts to our balance sheet, earnings, capital and liquidity for a variety of economic stress scenarios. We perform qualitative risk assessments to identify and assess material risks not fully captured in the forecasts, stress tests or economic capital. Given the significant proposed regulatory capital changes, we also regularly assess the potential capital impacts and monitor associated mitigation actions. Management continuously assesses ICAAP results and provides documented quarterly assessments of the adequacy of the capital guidelines and capital position to the Board or its committees.
Capital management is integrated into the risk and governance processes, as capital is a key consideration in the development of the strategic plan, risk appetite and risk limits. Economic capital is allocated to each business unit and used to perform risk-adjusted return analysis at the business unit, client relationship and transaction levels.
Regulatory Capital
As a financial services holding company, we are subject to the risk-based capital guidelines (Basel I) issued by federal banking regulators. At December 31, 2011, we operated banking activities primarily under two charters: BANA and FIA Card Services, N.A. (FIA). Under these guidelines, the Corporation and its affiliated banking entities measure capital adequacy based on Tier 1 common capital, Tier 1 capital and Total capital (Tier 1 plus Tier 2 capital). Capital ratios are calculated by dividing each capital amount by risk-weighted assets. Additionally, Tier 1 capital is divided by adjusted quarterly average total assets to derive the Tier 1 leverage ratio.
Tier 1 capital is calculated as the sum of “core capital elements.” The predominate components of core capital elements are qualifying common stockholders’ equity and qualifying noncumulative perpetual preferred stock. Also included in Tier 1 capital are qualifying trust preferred securities (Trust Securities), hybrid securities and qualifying non-controlling interest in subsidiaries which are subject to the rules governing “restricted core capital elements.” Goodwill, other disallowed intangible assets, disallowed deferred tax assets and the cumulative changes in fair value of all financial liabilities accounted for under the fair value option that are included in retained earnings and are attributable to changes in the company’s own creditworthiness are deducted from the sum of the core capital elements. Total capital is Tier 1 plus supplementary Tier 2 capital elements such as qualifying subordinated debt, a limited portion of the allowance for loan and lease losses, and a portion of net unrealized gains on AFS marketable equity securities. Tier 1 common capital is not
an official regulatory ratio, but was introduced by the Federal Reserve during the Supervisory Capital Assessment Program in 2009. Tier 1 common capital is Tier 1 capital less preferred stock, Trust Securities, hybrid securities and qualifying non-controlling interest in subsidiaries.
Risk-weighted assets are calculated for credit risk for all on- and off-balance sheet credit exposures and for market risk on trading assets and liabilities, including derivative exposures. Credit risk risk-weighted assets are calculated by assigning a prescribed risk-weight to all on-balance sheet assets and to the credit equivalent amount of certain off-balance sheet exposures. The risk-weight is defined in the regulatory rules based upon the obligor or guarantor type and collateral if applicable. Off-balance sheet exposures include financial guarantees, unfunded lending commitments, letters of credit and derivatives. Market risk risk-weighted assets are calculated using risk models for the trading account positions, including all foreign exchange and commodity positions regardless of the applicable accounting guidance. Under Basel I there are no risk-weighted assets calculated for operational risk. Any assets that are a direct deduction from the computation of capital are excluded from risk-weighted assets and adjusted average total assets consistent with regulatory guidance.
The Corporation has issued notes to certain unconsolidated corporate-sponsored trust companies which issued Trust Securities and hybrid securities. In accordance with Federal Reserve guidance, Trust Securities continue to qualify as Tier 1 capital with revised quantitative limits. As a result, the Corporation includes qualifying Trust Securities in Tier 1 capital. The Financial Reform Act includes a provision under which the Corporation’s outstanding Trust Securities in the aggregate amount of $16.1 billion (approximately 125 bps of Tier 1 capital) at December 31, 2011 will be excluded from Tier 1 capital, with the exclusion to be phased in incrementally over a three-year period beginning January 1, 2013. This amount excludes $633 million of hybrid Trust Securities that are expected to be converted to preferred stock prior to the date of implementation. The treatment of Trust Securities during the phase-in period is unknown and is subject to future rulemaking.
For additional information on these and other regulatory requirements, see Note 18 – Regulatory Requirements and Restrictions to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Capital Composition and Ratios
Tier 1 common capital increased $1.6 billion to $126.7 billion at December 31, 2011 compared to 2010. The increase was driven primarily by the sale of CCB shares, the exchanges of preferred shares, Trust Securities and hybrid securities for common stock and debt, and the warrants issued in connection with the investment made by Berkshire, partially offset by an increase in deferred tax assets disallowed for regulatory capital purposes. The sales related to CCB increased Tier 1 common capital $6.4
billion, or approximately 55 bps, while the exchanges increased Tier 1 common capital $3.9 billion, or approximately 29 bps. The warrants related to Berkshire, increased Tier 1 common capital approximately $2.1 billion, or 15 bps. The $8.1 billion increase in the deferred tax asset disallowance at December 31, 2011 compared to 2010 was primarily due to the expiration of the longer look-forward period granted by regulators at the time of the Merrill Lynch acquisition and an increase in net deferred tax assets. Tier 1 capital and Total capital decreased $4.4 billion and $14.5 billion at December 31, 2011 compared to 2010. For additional information regarding the sale of our investment in CCB, see Note 5 – Securities to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For additional information regarding the exchanges and the investment made by Berkshire, see Note 13 – Long-term Debt and Note 15 – Shareholders’ Equity to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Risk-weighted assets decreased $172 billion to $1,284 billion at December 31, 2011 compared to 2010. The decrease was driven in part by our sale of CCB shares and our Canadian card business and is consistent with our continued efforts to reduce non-core assets and legacy loan portfolios. The Tier 1 common capital ratio, the Tier 1 capital ratio and the Total capital ratio increased due to the decline in risk-weighted assets. The Tier 1
leverage ratio increased compared to 2010 reflecting the decrease in Tier 1 capital and a reduction in adjusted quarterly average total assets.
Table 13 presents Bank of America Corporation’s capital ratios and related information at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 13 | Bank of America Corporation Regulatory Capital |
| | | | |
| | December 31 |
(Dollars in billions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Tier 1 common capital ratio | 9.86 | % | | 8.60 | % |
Tier 1 capital ratio | 12.40 |
| | 11.24 |
|
Total capital ratio | 16.75 |
| | 15.77 |
|
Tier 1 leverage ratio | 7.53 |
| | 7.21 |
|
Risk-weighted assets | $ | 1,284 |
| | $ | 1,456 |
|
Adjusted quarterly average total assets (1) | 2,114 |
| | 2,270 |
|
| |
(1) | Reflects adjusted average total assets for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and |
2010.
Table 14 presents the capital composition at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 14 | Capital Composition | | | |
| | | | |
| | December 31 |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Total common shareholders’ equity | $ | 211,704 |
| | $ | 211,686 |
|
Goodwill | (69,967 | ) | | (73,861 | ) |
Nonqualifying intangible assets (includes core deposit intangibles, affinity relationships, customer relationships and other intangibles) | (5,848 | ) | | (6,846 | ) |
Net unrealized gains or losses on AFS debt and marketable equity securities and net losses on derivatives recorded in accumulated OCI, net-of-tax | 682 |
| | (4,137 | ) |
Unamortized net periodic benefit costs recorded in accumulated OCI, net-of-tax | 4,391 |
| | 3,947 |
|
Exclusion of fair value adjustment related to structured liabilities (1) | 944 |
| | 2,984 |
|
Disallowed deferred tax asset | (16,799 | ) | | (8,663 | ) |
Other | 1,583 |
| | 29 |
|
Total Tier 1 common capital | 126,690 |
| | 125,139 |
|
Qualifying preferred stock | 15,479 |
| | 16,562 |
|
Trust preferred securities | 16,737 |
| | 21,451 |
|
Noncontrolling interest | 326 |
| | 474 |
|
Total Tier 1 capital | 159,232 |
| | 163,626 |
|
Long-term debt qualifying as Tier 2 capital | 38,165 |
| | 41,270 |
|
Allowance for loan and lease losses | 33,783 |
| | 41,885 |
|
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments | 714 |
| | 1,188 |
|
Allowance for loan and lease losses exceeding 1.25 percent of risk-weighted assets | (18,159 | ) | | (24,690 | ) |
45 percent of the pre-tax net unrealized gains on AFS marketable equity securities | 1 |
| | 4,777 |
|
Other | 1,365 |
| | 1,538 |
|
Total capital | $ | 215,101 |
| | $ | 229,594 |
|
| |
(1) | Represents loss on structured liabilities, net-of-tax, that is excluded from Tier 1 common capital, Tier 1 capital and Total capital for regulatory purposes. |
Regulatory Capital Changes
We manage regulatory capital to adhere to regulatory standards of capital adequacy based on our current understanding of the rules and the application of such rules to our business as currently conducted. The regulatory capital rules as written by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (Basel Committee) continue to evolve.
We currently measure and report our capital ratios and related information in accordance with Basel I. See Capital Management on page 71 for additional information. Basel I has been subject to revisions, which include final Basel II rules (Basel II) published in December 2007 by U.S banking regulators and proposed Basel
III rules (Basel III) published by the Basel Committee in December 2010, and further amended in July 2011. We are currently in the Basel II parallel period.
On December 29, 2011, U.S. regulators issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) that would amend a December 2010 NPR on the Market Risk Rules. This amended NPR is expected to increase the capital requirements for our trading assets and liabilities. We continue to evaluate the capital impact of the proposed rules and currently anticipate that we will be in compliance with any final rules by the projected implementation date in late 2012.
If implemented by U.S. banking regulators as proposed, Basel III could significantly increase our capital requirements. Basel III and the Financial Reform Act propose the disqualification of Trust Securities from Tier 1 capital, with the Financial Reform Act proposing that the disqualification be phased in from 2013 to 2015. Basel III also proposes the deduction of certain assets from capital (deferred tax assets, MSRs, investments in financial firms and pension assets, among others, within prescribed limitations), the inclusion of accumulated OCI in capital, increased capital for counterparty credit risk, and new minimum capital and buffer requirements. For additional information on deferred tax assets and MSRs, see Note 21 – Income Taxes and Note 25 – Mortgage Servicing Rights to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The phase-in period for the capital deductions is proposed to occur in 20 percent increments from 2014 through 2018 with full implementation by December 31, 2018. An increase in capital requirements for counterparty credit risk is proposed to be effective January 2013. The phase-in period for the new minimum capital requirements and related buffers is proposed to occur between 2013 and 2019. U.S. banking regulators have not yet issued proposed regulations that will implement these requirements.
Preparing for the implementation of the new capital rules is a top strategic priority, and we expect to comply with the final rules when issued and effective. We intend to continue to build capital through retaining earnings, actively reducing legacy asset portfolios and implementing other capital related initiatives, including focusing on reducing both higher risk-weighted assets and assets currently deducted, or expected to be deducted under Basel III, from capital. We expect non-core asset sales to play a less prominent role in our capital strategy in future periods.
On June 17, 2011, U.S. banking regulators proposed rules requiring all large bank holding companies (BHCs) to submit a comprehensive capital plan to the Federal Reserve as part of an annual Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR). The proposed regulations require BHCs to demonstrate adequate capital to support planned capital actions, such as dividends, share repurchases or other forms of distributing capital. CCAR submissions are subject to the review and approval of the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve may require BHCs to provide prior notice under certain circumstances before making a capital distribution. On January 5, 2012, we submitted a capital plan to the Federal Reserve consistent with the proposed rules. The capital plan includes the ICAAP and related results, analysis and support for the capital guidelines, and planned capital actions. The ICAAP incorporates capital forecasts, stress test results, economic capital, qualitative risk assessments and assessment
of regulatory changes, all of which influence the capital adequacy assessment.
On July 19, 2011, the Basel Committee published the consultative document “Globally systemic important banks: Assessment methodology and the additional loss absorbency requirement” which sets out measures for global, systemically important financial institutions including the methodology for measuring systemic importance, the additional capital required (the SIFI buffer), and the arrangements by which they will be phased in. As proposed, the SIFI buffer would be met with additional Tier 1 common equity ranging from one percent to 2.5 percent, and in certain circumstances, 3.5 percent. This will be phased in from 2016 through 2018. U.S. banking regulators have not yet provided similar rules for U.S. implementation of a SIFI buffer.
Given that the U.S. regulatory agencies have issued neither proposed rulemaking nor supervisory guidance on Basel III, significant uncertainty exists regarding the eventual impacts of Basel III on U.S. financial institutions, including us. These regulatory changes also require approval by the U.S. regulatory agencies of analytical models used as part of our capital measurement and assessment, especially in the case of more complex models. If these more complex models are not approved, it could require financial institutions to hold additional capital, which in some cases could be significant.
Based on the assumed approval of these models and our current assessment of Basel III, continued focus on capital management, expectations of future performance and continued efforts to build a fortress balance sheet, we currently anticipate that our Tier 1 common equity ratio will be between 7.25 percent and 7.50 percent by the end of 2012, assuming phase-in per the regulations at that time of all deductions scheduled to occur between 2013 and 2019.
On December 20, 2011, the Federal Reserve issued proposed rules to implement enhanced supervisory and prudential requirements and the early remediation requirements established under the Financial Reform Act. The enhanced standards include risk-based capital and leverage requirements, liquidity standards, requirements for overall risk management, single-counterparty credit limits, stress test requirements and a debt-to-equity limit for certain companies determined to pose a threat to financial stability. Comments on the proposed rules are due by March 31, 2012. The final rules are likely to influence our regulatory capital and liquidity planning process, and may impose additional operational and compliance costs on us.
For additional information regarding Basel II, Basel III, Market Risk Rules and other proposed regulatory capital changes, see Note 18 – Regulatory Requirements and Restrictions to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Bank of America, N.A. and FIA Card Services, N.A. Regulatory Capital
Table 15 presents regulatory capital information for BANA and FIA at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Table 15 | Bank of America, N.A. and FIA Card Services, N.A. Regulatory Capital | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31 |
| | 2011 | | 2010 |
(Dollars in millions) | Ratio | | Amount | | Ratio | | Amount |
Tier 1 | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Bank of America, N.A. | 11.74 | % | | $ | 119,881 |
| | 10.78 | % | | $ | 114,345 |
|
FIA Card Services, N.A. | 17.63 |
| | 24,660 |
| | 15.30 |
| | 25,589 |
|
Total | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Bank of America, N.A. | 15.17 |
| | 154,885 |
| | 14.26 |
| | 151,255 |
|
FIA Card Services, N.A. | 19.01 |
| | 26,594 |
| | 16.94 |
| | 28,343 |
|
Tier 1 leverage | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Bank of America, N.A. | 8.65 |
| | 119,881 |
| | 7.83 |
| | 114,345 |
|
FIA Card Services, N.A. | 14.22 |
| | 24,660 |
| | 13.21 |
| | 25,589 |
|
BANA’s Tier 1 capital ratio increased 96 bps to 11.74 percent and the Total capital ratio increased 91 bps to 15.17 percent at December 31, 2011 compared to 2010. The increase in the ratios was driven by $9.6 billion in earnings generated during 2011. The Tier 1 leverage ratio increased 82 bps to 8.65 percent, benefiting from the improvement in Tier 1 capital combined with a $73.4 billion decrease in adjusted quarterly average total assets resulting from our continued efforts to reduce non-core assets and legacy loan portfolios.
FIA’s Tier 1 capital ratio increased 233 bps to 17.63 percent and the Total capital ratio increased 207 bps to 19.01 percent at December 31, 2011 compared to 2010. The Tier 1 leverage ratio increased 101 bps to 14.22 percent at December 31, 2011 compared to 2010. The increase in ratios was driven by $5.7 billion in earnings generated during 2011 and a reduction in risk-weighted assets.
During 2011, BANA paid dividends of $9.8 billion to Bank of America Corporation. FIA returned capital of $7.0 billion to Bank of America Corporation during 2011 and is anticipated to return an additional $3.0 billion in 2012.
Broker/Dealer Regulatory Capital
The Corporation’s principal U.S. broker/dealer subsidiaries are Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith (MLPF&S) and Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp (MLPCC). MLPCC is a fully-guaranteed subsidiary of MLPF&S and provides clearing and settlement services. Both entities are subject to the net capital requirements of SEC Rule 15c3-1. Both entities are also registered as futures commission merchants and are subject to the CFTC Regulation 1.17.
MLPF&S has elected to compute the minimum capital requirement in accordance with the Alternative Net Capital Requirement as permitted by SEC Rule 15c3-1. At December 31, 2011, MLPF&S’s regulatory net capital as defined by Rule 15c3-1 was $10.8 billion and exceeded the minimum requirement of $803 million by $10.0 billion. MLPCC’s net capital of $3.5 billion exceeded the minimum requirement of $168 million by approximately $3.3 billion.
In accordance with the Alternative Net Capital Requirements, MLPF&S is required to maintain tentative net capital in excess of $1 billion, net capital in excess of $500 million and notify the SEC in the event its tentative net capital is less than $5 billion. At December 31, 2011, MLPF&S had tentative net capital and net capital in excess of the minimum and notification requirements.
Economic Capital
Our economic capital measurement process provides a risk-based measurement of the capital required for unexpected credit, market and operational losses over a one-year time horizon at a 99.97 percent confidence level. Economic capital is allocated to each business unit based upon its risk positions and contribution to enterprise risk, and is used for capital adequacy, performance measurement and risk management purposes. The strategic planning process utilizes economic capital with the goal of allocating risk appropriately and measuring returns consistently across all businesses and activities. Economic capital allocation plans are incorporated into the Corporation’s financial plan which is approved by the Board on an annual basis.
Credit Risk Capital
Economic capital for credit risk captures two types of risks: default risk, which represents the loss of principal due to outright default or the borrower’s inability to repay an obligation in full, and migration risk, which represents potential loss in market value due to credit deterioration over the one-year capital time horizon. Credit risk is assessed and modeled for all on- and off-balance sheet credit exposures within sub-categories for commercial, retail, counterparty and investment securities. The economic capital methodology captures dimensions such as concentration and country risk and originated securitizations. The economic capital methodology is based on the probability of default, loss given default (LGD), exposure at default (EAD) and maturity for each credit exposure, and the portfolio correlations across exposures. See page 80 for more information on Credit Risk Management.
Market Risk Capital
Market risk reflects the potential loss in the value of financial instruments or portfolios due to movements in interest and currency exchange rates, equity and futures prices, the implied volatility of interest rates, credit spreads and other economic and business factors. Bank of America’s primary market risk exposures are in its trading portfolio, equity investments, MSRs and the interest rate exposure of its core balance sheet. Economic capital is determined by utilizing the same models the Corporation used to manage these risks including, for example, Value-at-Risk (VaR), simulation, stress testing and scenario analysis. See page 112 for additional information on Market Risk Management.
Operational Risk Capital
We calculate operational risk capital at the business unit level using actuarial-based models and historical loss data. We supplement the calculations with scenario analysis and risk control assessments. See Operational Risk Management on page 119 for more information.
Common Stock Dividends
Table 16 is a summary of our declared quarterly cash dividends on common stock during 2011 and through February 23, 2012. |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Table 16 | Common Stock Cash Dividend Summary |
| | | | |
Declaration Date | Record Date | Payment Date | Dividend Per Share |
January 11, 2012 | March 2, 2012 | March 23, 2012 | $0.01 |
November 18, 2011 | December 2, 2011 | December 23, 2011 | 0.01 |
August 22, 2011 | September 2, 2011 | September 23, 2011 | 0.01 |
May 11, 2011 | June 3, 2011 | June 24, 2011 | 0.01 |
January 26, 2011 | March 4, 2011 | March 25, 2011 | 0.01 |
Enterprise-wide Stress Testing
As a part of our core risk management practices, we conduct enterprise-wide stress tests on a periodic basis to better understand balance sheet, earnings, capital and liquidity sensitivities to certain economic and business scenarios, including economic and market conditions that are more severe than anticipated. These enterprise-wide stress tests provide an understanding of the potential impacts from our risk profile on our balance sheet, earnings, capital and liquidity and serve as a key component of our capital and risk management practices. Scenarios are selected by a group comprised of senior business, risk and finance executives. Impacts to each business from each scenario are then determined and analyzed, primarily by leveraging the models and processes utilized in everyday management routines. Impacts are assessed along with potential mitigating actions that may be taken. Analysis from such stress scenarios is compiled for and reviewed through our Chief Financial Officer Risk Committee (CFORC), Asset Liability and Market Risk Committee (ALMRC) and the Board’s Enterprise Risk Committee (ERC) and serves to inform decision making by management and the Board. We have made substantial investments to establish stress testing capabilities as a core business process.
Liquidity Risk
Funding and Liquidity Risk Management
We define liquidity risk as the potential inability to meet our contractual and contingent financial obligations, on- or off-balance sheet, as they come due. Our primary liquidity objective is to ensure adequate funding for our businesses throughout market cycles, including periods of financial stress. To achieve that objective, we analyze and monitor our liquidity risk, maintain excess liquidity and access diverse funding sources including our stable deposit base. We define excess liquidity as readily available assets, limited to cash and high-quality, liquid, unencumbered securities that we can use to meet our funding requirements as those obligations arise.
Global funding and liquidity risk management activities are centralized within Corporate Treasury. We believe that a centralized approach to funding and liquidity risk management enhances our ability to monitor liquidity requirements, maximizes access to funding sources, minimizes borrowing costs and facilitates timely responses to liquidity events.
The Enterprise Risk Committee approves the Corporation’s liquidity policy and contingency funding plan, including establishing liquidity risk tolerance levels. The ALMRC, in conjunction with the Board and its committees, monitors our liquidity position and reviews the impact of strategic decisions on our liquidity. ALMRC is responsible for managing liquidity risks and ensuring exposures remain within the established tolerance levels. ALMRC delegates additional oversight responsibilities to the CFORC, which reports to the ALMRC. The CFORC reviews and monitors our liquidity position, cash flow forecasts, stress testing scenarios and results, and implements our liquidity limits and guidelines. For more information, see Board Oversight of Risk on page 70. Under this governance framework, we have developed certain funding and liquidity risk management practices which include: maintaining excess liquidity at the parent company and selected subsidiaries, including our bank and broker/dealer subsidiaries; determining what amounts of excess liquidity are appropriate for these entities based on analysis of debt maturities and other potential cash outflows, including those that we may experience during stressed market conditions; diversifying funding sources, considering our asset profile and legal entity structure; and performing contingency planning.
Global Excess Liquidity Sources and Other Unencumbered Assets
We maintain excess liquidity available to Bank of America Corporation, or the parent company, and selected subsidiaries in the form of cash and high-quality, liquid, unencumbered securities. These assets, which we call our Global Excess Liquidity Sources, serve as our primary means of liquidity risk mitigation. Our cash is primarily on deposit with central banks, such as the Federal Reserve. We limit the composition of high-quality, liquid, unencumbered securities to U.S. government securities, U.S. agency securities, U.S. agency MBS and a select group of non-U.S. government and supranational securities. We believe we can quickly obtain cash for these securities, even in stressed market conditions, through repurchase agreements or outright sales. We hold our Global Excess Liquidity Sources in entities that allow us to meet the liquidity requirements of our global businesses, and we consider the impact of potential regulatory, tax, legal and other restrictions that could limit the transferability of funds among entities.
Our Global Excess Liquidity Sources increased $42 billion to $378 billion compared to December 31, 2010 and were maintained as presented in Table 17. This increase was due primarily to liquidity generated by our bank subsidiaries through deposit growth, reductions in LHFS and other factors. Partially offsetting the increase were the results of our ongoing reductions of our debt footprint announced in 2010.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Table 17 | Global Excess Liquidity Sources | Average for Three Months Ended December 31, |
| | December 31 |
(Dollars in billions) | 2011 | | 2010 | 2011 |
Parent company | $ | 125 |
| | $ | 121 |
| $ | 118 |
|
Bank subsidiaries | 222 |
| | 180 |
| 215 |
|
Broker/dealers | 31 |
| | 35 |
| 29 |
|
Total global excess liquidity sources | $ | 378 |
| | $ | 336 |
| $ | 362 |
|
As shown in Table 17, the Global Excess Liquidity Sources available to the parent company totaled $125 billion and $121 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010. Typically, parent company cash is deposited overnight with BANA.
Table 18 presents the composition of Global Excess Liquidity Sources at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 18 | Global Excess Liquidity Sources Composition |
| | |
| | December 31 |
(Dollars in billions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Cash on deposit | $ | 79 |
| | $ | 80 |
|
U.S. treasuries | 48 |
| | 65 |
|
U.S. agency securities and mortgage-backed securities | 228 |
| | 174 |
|
Non-U.S. government and supranational securities | 23 |
| | 17 |
|
Total global excess liquidity sources | $ | 378 |
| | $ | 336 |
|
Global Excess Liquidity Sources available to our bank subsidiaries at December 31, 2011 and 2010 totaled $222 billion and $180 billion. These amounts are distinct from the cash deposited by the parent company presented in Table 17. In addition to their Global Excess Liquidity Sources, our bank subsidiaries hold significant amounts of other unencumbered securities that we believe could also be used to generate liquidity, primarily investment-grade MBS. Our bank subsidiaries can also generate incremental liquidity by pledging a range of other unencumbered loans and securities to certain Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs) and the Federal Reserve Discount Window. The cash we could have obtained by borrowing against this pool of specifically-identified eligible assets was approximately $189 billion and $170 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010. We have established operational procedures to enable us to borrow against these assets, including regularly monitoring our total pool of eligible loans and securities collateral. Due to regulatory restrictions, liquidity generated by the bank subsidiaries can only be used to fund obligations within the bank subsidiaries and can only be transferred to the parent company or non-bank subsidiaries with prior regulatory approval.
Global Excess Liquidity Sources available to our broker/dealer subsidiaries at December 31, 2011 and 2010 totaled $31 billion and $35 billion. Our broker/dealers also held significant amounts of other unencumbered securities that we believe could also be used to generate additional liquidity, including investment-grade securities and equities. Liquidity held in a broker/dealer subsidiary
is only available to meet the obligations of that entity and can only be transferred to the parent company or to any other subsidiary with prior regulatory approval due to regulatory restrictions and minimum requirements.
Time to Required Funding and Stress Modeling
We use a variety of metrics to determine the appropriate amounts of excess liquidity to maintain at the parent company and our bank and broker/dealer subsidiaries. One metric we use to evaluate the appropriate level of excess liquidity at the parent company is “Time to Required Funding.” This debt coverage measure indicates the number of months that the parent company can continue to meet its unsecured contractual obligations as they come due using only its Global Excess Liquidity Sources without issuing any new debt or accessing any additional liquidity sources. We define unsecured contractual obligations for purposes of this metric as maturities of senior or subordinated debt issued or guaranteed by Bank of America Corporation or Merrill Lynch. These include certain unsecured debt instruments, primarily structured liabilities, which we may be required to settle for cash prior to maturity and issuances under the FDIC’s Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (TLGP), all of which will mature by June 30, 2012. The Corporation has established a target for Time to Required Funding of 21 months. Our Time to Required Funding at December 31, 2011 was 29 months. For purposes of calculating Time to Required Funding for December 31, 2011, we have also included in the amount of unsecured contractual obligations the $8.6 billion liability related to the BNY Mellon Settlement. This settlement is subject to final court approval and certain other conditions, and the timing of the payment is not certain.
We utilize liquidity stress models to assist us in determining the appropriate amounts of excess liquidity to maintain at the parent company and our bank and broker/dealer subsidiaries. These models are risk sensitive and have become increasingly important in analyzing our potential contractual and contingent cash outflows beyond those outflows considered in the Time to Required Funding analysis.
We evaluate the liquidity requirements under a range of scenarios with varying levels of severity and time horizons. These scenarios incorporate market-wide and Corporation-specific events, including potential credit ratings downgrades for the parent company and our subsidiaries. We consider and utilize scenarios based on historical experience, regulatory guidance, and both expected and unexpected future events.
The types of contractual and contingent cash outflows we consider in our scenarios may include, but are not limited to, upcoming contractual maturities of unsecured debt and reductions in new debt issuance; diminished access to secured financing markets; potential deposit withdrawals and reduced rollover of maturing term deposits by customers; increased draws on loan commitment and liquidity facilities, including Variable Rate Demand Notes; additional collateral that counterparties could call if our credit ratings were further downgraded; collateral, margin and subsidiary capital requirements arising from losses; and potential liquidity required to maintain businesses and finance customer activities.
We consider all sources of funds that we could access during each stress scenario and focus particularly on matching available sources with corresponding liquidity requirements by legal entity. We also use the stress modeling results to manage our asset-liability profile and establish limits and guidelines on certain funding sources and businesses.
Basel III Liquidity Standards
In December 2010, the Basel Committee issued “International framework for liquidity risk measurement, standards and monitoring,” which includes two proposed measures of liquidity risk. These two minimum liquidity measures were initially introduced in guidance in December 2009 and are considered part of Basel III.
The first proposed liquidity measure is the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR), which is calculated as the amount of a financial institution’s unencumbered, high-quality, liquid assets relative to the net cash outflows the institution could encounter under an acute 30-day stress scenario. The second proposed liquidity measure is the Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR), which measures the amount of longer-term, stable sources of funding employed by a financial institution relative to the liquidity profiles of the assets funded and the potential for contingent calls on funding liquidity arising from off-balance sheet commitments and obligations over a one-year period. The Basel Committee expects the LCR requirement to be implemented in January 2015 and the NSFR requirement to be implemented in January 2018, following an observation period that began in 2011. We continue to monitor the development and the potential impact of these proposals, and assuming adoption by U.S. banking regulators, we expect to meet the final standards within the regulatory timelines.
Diversified Funding Sources
We fund our assets primarily with a mix of deposits and secured and unsecured liabilities through a globally coordinated funding strategy. We diversify our funding globally across products, programs, markets, currencies and investor groups.
We fund a substantial portion of our lending activities through our deposit base, which was $1,033 billion and $1,010 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010. Deposits are primarily generated by our Deposits, Global Commercial Banking, GWIM and GBAM segments. These deposits are diversified by clients, product type and geography and the majority of our U.S. deposits are insured by the FDIC. We consider a substantial portion of our deposits to be a stable, low-cost and consistent source of funding. We believe this deposit funding is generally less sensitive to interest rate changes, market volatility or changes in our credit ratings than wholesale funding sources. Our lending activities may also be financed through secured borrowings, including securitizations and FHLB loans.
Our trading activities in broker/dealer subsidiaries are primarily funded on a secured basis through securities lending and repurchase agreements and these amounts will vary based on customer activity and market conditions. We believe funding these activities in the secured financing markets is more cost efficient and less sensitive to changes in our credit ratings than unsecured financing. Repurchase agreements are generally short-term and often overnight. Disruptions in secured financing markets for financial institutions have occurred in prior market cycles which resulted in adverse changes in terms or significant reductions in the availability of such financing. We manage the liquidity risks arising from secured funding by sourcing funding globally from a diverse group of counterparties, providing a range of securities collateral and pursuing longer durations, when appropriate.
We reduced our use of unsecured short-term borrowings at the parent company and broker/dealer subsidiaries, including commercial paper and master notes, to relatively insignificant amounts in 2011. These short-term borrowings were used to support customer activities, short-term financing requirements
and cash management objectives. For average and period-end balance discussions, see Balance Sheet Overview on page 34. For more information, see Note 12 – Federal Funds Sold, Securities Borrowed or Purchased Under Agreements to Resell and Short-term Borrowings to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Our mortgage business accesses a liquid market for the sale of newly originated mortgages through contracts with the GSEs and FHA. Contracts with the GSEs are subject to the seller/servicer guides issued by the GSEs.
We issue the majority of our long-term unsecured debt at the parent company. During 2011, the parent company issued $21.0 billion of long-term unsecured debt. We may also issue long-term unsecured debt at BANA, although there were no new issuances during 2011.
We issue long-term unsecured debt in a variety of maturities and currencies to achieve cost-efficient funding and to maintain an appropriate maturity profile. While the cost and availability of unsecured funding may be negatively impacted by general market conditions or by matters specific to the financial services industry or the Corporation, we seek to mitigate refinancing risk by actively managing the amount of our borrowings that we anticipate will mature within any month or quarter.
The primary benefits of our centralized funding strategy include greater control, reduced funding costs, wider name recognition by investors and greater flexibility to meet the variable funding requirements of subsidiaries. Where regulations, time zone differences or other business considerations make parent company funding impractical, certain other subsidiaries may issue their own debt.
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, our long-term debt was in the currencies presented in Table 19.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 19 | Long-term Debt by Major Currency |
| | |
| | December 31 |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
U.S. Dollar | $ | 255,262 |
| | $ | 302,487 |
|
Euro | 68,799 |
| | 87,482 |
|
Japanese Yen | 19,568 |
| | 19,901 |
|
British Pound | 12,554 |
| | 16,505 |
|
Australian Dollar | 4,900 |
| | 6,924 |
|
Canadian Dollar | 4,621 |
| | 6,628 |
|
Swiss Franc | 2,268 |
| | 3,069 |
|
Other | 4,293 |
| | 5,435 |
|
Total long-term debt | $ | 372,265 |
| | $ | 448,431 |
|
Total long-term debt decreased $76.2 billion, or 17 percent in 2011. This decrease reflects our ongoing initiative to reduce our debt footprint over time, and we anticipate that we will continue to reduce our debt footprint as appropriate through 2013. We may, from time to time, purchase outstanding debt securities in various transactions, depending on prevailing market conditions, liquidity and other factors. In addition, we also may make markets in our debt instruments to provide liquidity for investors. For additional information on long-term debt funding, see Note 13 – Long-term Debt to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
We use derivative transactions to manage the duration, interest rate and currency risks of our borrowings, considering the characteristics of the assets they are funding. For further details on our ALM activities, see Interest Rate Risk Management for Nontrading Activities on page 116.
We also diversify our unsecured funding sources by issuing various types of debt instruments including structured liabilities, which are debt obligations that pay investors with returns linked to other debt or equity securities, indices, currencies or commodities. We typically hedge the returns we are obligated to pay on these liabilities with derivative positions and/or investments in the underlying instruments, so that from a funding perspective, the cost is similar to our other unsecured long-term debt. We could be required to settle certain structured liability obligations for cash or other securities immediately under certain circumstances, which we consider for liquidity planning purposes. We believe, however, that a portion of such borrowings will remain outstanding beyond the earliest put or redemption date. We had outstanding structured liabilities with a book value of $50.9 billion and $61.1 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
Substantially all of our senior and subordinated debt obligations contain no provisions that could trigger a requirement for an early repayment, require additional collateral support, result in changes to terms, accelerate maturity or create additional financial obligations upon an adverse change in our credit ratings, financial ratios, earnings, cash flows or stock price.
Prior to 2010, we participated in the TLGP, which allowed us to issue senior unsecured debt that the FDIC guaranteed in return for a fee based on the amount and maturity of the debt. At December 31, 2011, we had $23.9 billion outstanding under the program. We no longer issue debt under this program and all of our debt issued under TLGP will mature by June 30, 2012. TLGP issuances are included in the unsecured contractual obligations for the Time to Required Funding metric. Under this program, our debt received the highest long-term ratings from the major credit rating agencies which resulted in a lower total cost of issuance than if we had issued non-FDIC guaranteed long-term debt.
Contingency Planning
We maintain contingency funding plans that outline our potential responses to liquidity stress events at various levels of severity. These policies and plans are based on stress scenarios and include potential funding strategies and communication and notification procedures that we would implement in the event we experienced stressed liquidity conditions. We periodically review and test the contingency funding plans to validate efficacy and assess readiness.
Our U.S. bank subsidiaries can access contingency funding through the Federal Reserve Discount Window. Certain non-U.S. subsidiaries have access to central bank facilities in the jurisdictions in which they operate. While we do not rely on these sources in our liquidity modeling, we maintain the policies, procedures and governance processes that would enable us to access these sources if necessary.
Credit Ratings
Our borrowing costs and ability to raise funds are directly impacted by our credit ratings. In addition, credit ratings may be important to customers or counterparties when we compete in certain markets and when we seek to engage in certain transactions, including OTC derivatives. Thus, it is our objective to maintain high-quality credit ratings.
Credit ratings and outlooks are opinions on our creditworthiness and that of our obligations or securities, including long-term debt, short-term borrowings, preferred stock and other securities, including asset securitizations. Our credit ratings are
subject to ongoing review by the rating agencies which consider a number of factors, including our own financial strength, performance, prospects and operations as well as factors not under our control. The rating agencies could make adjustments to our ratings at any time and provide no assurances that they will maintain our ratings at current levels.
Other factors that influence our credit ratings include changes to the rating agencies’ methodologies for our industry or certain security types, the rating agencies’ assessment of the general operating environment for financial services companies, our mortgage exposures, our relative positions in the markets in which we compete, reputation, liquidity position, diversity of funding sources, funding costs, the level and volatility of earnings, corporate governance and risk management policies, capital position, capital management practices and current or future regulatory and legislative initiatives.
Each of the three primary rating agencies, Moody’s, S&P and Fitch, downgraded the Corporation and its subsidiaries in late 2011. They have each also indicated that, as a systemically important financial institution, our credit ratings currently reflect their expectation that, if necessary, we would receive significant support from the U.S. government. They have indicated that they will continue to assess this view of support as financial services regulations and legislation evolve. On December 15, 2011, Fitch downgraded the Corporation’s and BANA’s long-term and short-term debt ratings as a result of Fitch’s decision to lower its “support floor” for systemically important U.S. financial institutions. This downgrade resolves the Rating Watch Negative Fitch placed on the Corporation’s ratings on October 22, 2010. On November 29, 2011, S&P downgraded the Corporation’s long-term and short-term debt ratings as well as BANA’s long-term debt rating as a result of S&P’s implementation of revised methodologies for determining Banking Industry Country Risk Assessments and bank ratings. On September 21, 2011, Moody’s downgraded the Corporation’s long-term and short-term debt ratings as well as BANA’s long-term debt rating as a result of Moody’s lowering the amount of uplift for potential U.S. government support it incorporates into ratings. On February 15, 2012, Moody’s placed the Corporation’s long-term debt ratings and BANA’s long-term and short-term debt ratings on review for possible downgrade as part of its review of financial institutions with global capital markets operations. Any adjustment to our ratings will be determined based on Moody’s review; however, the agency offered guidance that downgrades to our ratings, if any, would likely be limited to one notch. The rating agencies could make further adjustments to our ratings at any time and provide no assurances that they will maintain our ratings at current levels.
Currently, the Corporation’s long-term/short-term senior debt ratings and outlooks expressed by the rating agencies are as follows: Baa1/P-2 (negative) by Moody’s; A-/A-2 (negative) by S&P; and A/F1 (stable) by Fitch. BANA’s long-term/short-term senior debt ratings and outlooks currently are as follows: A2/P-1 (negative) by Moody’s; A/A-1 (negative) by S&P; and A/F1 (stable) by Fitch. MLPF&S’s long-term/short-term senior debt ratings and outlooks are A/A-1 (negative) by S&P and A/F1 (stable) by Fitch. Merrill Lynch International’s long-term/short-term senior debt ratings are A/A-1 (negative) by S&P. The credit ratings of Merrill Lynch from the three primary credit rating agencies are the same as those of Bank of America Corporation. The primary credit rating agencies have indicated that the major drivers of Merrill Lynch’s credit ratings are Bank of America Corporation’s credit ratings.
A further reduction in certain of our credit ratings or the ratings of certain asset-backed securitizations may have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, potential loss of access to credit markets, the related cost of funds, our businesses and on certain trading revenues, particularly in those businesses where counterparty creditworthiness is critical. In addition, under the terms of certain OTC derivative contracts and other trading agreements, the counterparties to those agreements may require us to provide additional collateral, or to terminate these contracts or agreements, which could cause us to sustain losses and/or adversely impact our liquidity. If the short-term credit ratings of our parent company, bank or broker/dealer subsidiaries were downgraded by one or more levels, the potential loss of access to short-term funding sources such as repo financing, and the effect on our incremental cost of funds could be material.
At December 31, 2011, if the rating agencies had downgraded their long-term senior debt ratings for the Corporation or certain subsidiaries by one incremental notch, the amount of additional collateral contractually required by derivative contracts and other trading agreements would have been approximately $1.6 billion comprised of $1.2 billion for BANA and approximately $375 million for Merrill Lynch and certain of its subsidiaries. If the agencies had downgraded their long-term senior debt ratings for these entities by a second incremental notch, approximately $1.1 billion in additional collateral comprised of $871 million for BANA and $269 million for Merrill Lynch and certain of its subsidiaries, would have been required.
Also, if the rating agencies had downgraded their long-term senior debt ratings for the Corporation or certain subsidiaries by one incremental notch, the derivative liability that would be subject to unilateral termination by counterparties as of December 31, 2011 was $2.9 billion, against which $2.7 billion of collateral had been posted. If the rating agencies had downgraded their long-term senior debt ratings for the Corporation or certain subsidiaries a second incremental notch, the derivative liability that would be subject to unilateral termination by counterparties as of December 31, 2011 was an incremental $5.6 billion, against which $5.4 billion of collateral had been posted.
While certain potential impacts are contractual and quantifiable, the full scope of consequences of a credit ratings downgrade to a financial institution are inherently uncertain, as they depend upon numerous dynamic, complex and inter-related factors and assumptions, including whether any downgrade of a firm’s long-term credit ratings precipitates downgrades to its short-term credit ratings, and assumptions about the potential behaviors of various customers, investors and counterparties.
For information regarding the additional collateral and termination payments that could be required in connection with certain OTC derivative contracts and other trading agreements as a result of such a credit ratings downgrade, see Note 4 – Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 1A. Risk Factors.
During the third quarter of 2011, Moody’s and S&P placed the sovereign rating of the United States on review for possible downgrade due to the possibility of a default on the government’s debt obligations because of a failure to increase the debt limit.
On August 2, 2011, Moody’s affirmed its Aaa rating and revised its outlook to negative. On August 5, 2011, S&P downgraded the long-term sovereign credit rating of the United States to AA+, and affirmed the short-term sovereign credit rating; the outlook is negative. On November 28, 2011, Fitch affirmed its AAA long-term rating of the United States, but changed the outlook from stable to negative. On the same day, Fitch affirmed its F1+ short-term rating of the U.S. All three rating agencies have indicated that they will continue to assess fiscal projections and consolidation measures, as well as the medium-term economic outlook for the United States.
Credit Risk Management
Credit quality continued to improve during 2011. Continued economic stability and our proactive credit risk management initiatives positively impacted the credit portfolio as charge-offs and delinquencies continued to improve across most portfolios and risk ratings improved in the commercial portfolios. However, global and national economic uncertainty, home price declines and regulatory reform continued to weigh on the credit portfolios through December 31, 2011. For more information, see Executive Summary – 2011 Economic and Business Environment on page 27.
Credit risk is the risk of loss arising from the inability or failure of a borrower or counterparty to meet its obligations. Credit risk can also arise from operational failures that result in an erroneous advance, commitment or investment of funds. We define the credit exposure to a borrower or counterparty as the loss potential arising from all product classifications including loans and leases, deposit overdrafts, derivatives, assets held-for-sale and unfunded lending commitments which include loan commitments, letters of credit and financial guarantees. Derivative positions are recorded at fair value and assets held-for-sale are recorded at either fair value or the lower of cost or fair value. Certain loans and unfunded commitments are accounted for under the fair value option. Credit risk for these categories of assets is not accounted for as part of the allowance for credit losses but as part of the fair value adjustments recorded in earnings. For derivative positions, our credit risk is measured as the net cost in the event the counterparties with contracts in which we are in a gain position fail to perform under the terms of those contracts. We use the current mark-to-market value to represent credit exposure without giving consideration to future mark-to-market changes. The credit risk amounts take into consideration the effects of legally enforceable master netting agreements and cash collateral. Our consumer and commercial credit extension and review procedures take into account funded and unfunded credit exposures. For additional information on derivative and credit extension commitments, see Note 4 – Derivatives and Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
We manage credit risk based on the risk profile of the borrower or counterparty, repayment sources, the nature of underlying collateral, and other support given current events, conditions and expectations. We classify our portfolios as either consumer or commercial and monitor credit risk in each as discussed below.
We proactively refine our underwriting and credit management practices as well as credit standards to meet the changing economic environment. To actively mitigate losses and enhance customer support in our consumer businesses, we have expanded collections, loan modification and customer assistance infrastructures. We also have implemented a number of actions to mitigate losses in the commercial businesses including increasing the frequency and intensity of portfolio monitoring, hedging activity and our practice of transferring management of deteriorating commercial exposures to independent special asset officers as credits enter criticized categories.
Since January 2008, and through 2011, Bank of America and Countrywide have completed over one million loan modifications with customers. During 2011, we completed over 225,000 customer loan modifications with a total unpaid principal balance of approximately $49.9 billion, including approximately 104,000 permanent modifications under the government’s Making Home Affordable Program. Of the loan modifications completed in 2011, in terms of both the volume of modifications and the unpaid principal balance associated with the underlying loans, most were in the portfolio serviced for investors and were not on our balance sheet. The most common types of modifications include a combination of rate reduction and capitalization of past due amounts which represent 60 percent of the volume of modifications completed in 2011, while principal forbearance represented 19 percent, principal reductions and forgiveness represented six percent and capitalization of past due amounts represented eight percent. These modification types are generally considered troubled debt restructurings (TDRs). For more information on TDRs and portfolio impacts, see Nonperforming Consumer Loans and Foreclosed Properties Activity on page 92 and Note 6 – Outstanding Loans and Leases to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Certain European countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain, continue to experience varying degrees of financial stress. In early 2012, S&P, Fitch and Moody’s downgraded the credit ratings of several European countries, and S&P downgraded the credit rating of the EFSF, adding to concerns about investor appetite for continued support in stabilizing the affected countries. Uncertainty in the progress of debt restructuring negotiations and the lack of a clear resolution to the crisis has led to continued volatility in the European financial markets, and if the situation worsens, may spread into the global financial markets. In December 2011, the ECB announced initiatives to address European bank liquidity and funding concerns by providing low-cost three-year loans to banks, and expanding collateral eligibility. While these initiatives may reduce systemic risk, there remains considerable uncertainty as to future developments regarding the European debt crisis. For additional information on our direct sovereign and non-sovereign exposures in non-U.S. countries, see Non-U.S. Portfolio on page 104 and Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Consumer Portfolio Credit Risk Management
Credit risk management for the consumer portfolio begins with initial underwriting and continues throughout a borrower’s credit cycle. Statistical techniques in conjunction with experiential judgment are used in all aspects of portfolio management including underwriting, product pricing, risk appetite, setting credit limits, and establishing operating processes and metrics to quantify and balance risks and returns. Statistical models are built using detailed behavioral information from external sources such as credit bureaus and/or internal historical experience. These models are a component of our consumer credit risk management process and are used in part to help make both new and existing credit decisions and portfolio management strategies, including authorizations and line management, collection practices and strategies, determination of the allowance for loan and lease losses, and economic capital allocations for credit risk.
For information on our accounting policies regarding delinquencies, nonperforming status, charge-offs and TDRs for the consumer portfolio, see Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Principles to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consumer Credit Portfolio
Improvement in the U.S. economy and labor markets during 2011 resulted in lower credit losses in most consumer portfolios during 2011 compared to 2010. However, continued stress in the housing market, including declines in home prices, continued to adversely impact the home loans portfolio.
Table 20 presents our outstanding consumer loans and the Countrywide PCI loan portfolio. Loans that were acquired from Countrywide and considered credit-impaired were recorded at fair value upon acquisition. In addition to being included in the “Outstandings” columns in Table 20, these loans are also shown separately, net of purchase accounting adjustments, in the “Countrywide Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio” column. For additional information, see Note 6 – Outstanding Loans and Leases to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The impact of the Countrywide PCI loan portfolio on certain credit statistics is reported where appropriate. See Countrywide Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio on page 89 for more information. Under certain circumstances, loans that were originally classified as discontinued real estate loans upon acquisition have been subsequently modified from pay option or subprime loans into loans with more conventional terms and are now included in the residential mortgage portfolio, but continue to be classified as PCI loans as shown in Table 20.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Table 20 | Consumer Loans | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31 |
| | Outstandings | | Countrywide Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Residential mortgage (1) | $ | 262,290 |
| | $ | 257,973 |
| | $ | 9,966 |
| | $ | 10,592 |
|
Home equity | 124,699 |
| | 137,981 |
| | 11,978 |
| | 12,590 |
|
Discontinued real estate (2) | 11,095 |
| | 13,108 |
| | 9,857 |
| | 11,652 |
|
U.S. credit card | 102,291 |
| | 113,785 |
| | n/a |
| | n/a |
|
Non-U.S. credit card | 14,418 |
| | 27,465 |
| | n/a |
| | n/a |
|
Direct/Indirect consumer (3) | 89,713 |
| | 90,308 |
| | n/a |
| | n/a |
|
Other consumer (4) | 2,688 |
| | 2,830 |
| | n/a |
| | n/a |
|
Consumer loans excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option | 607,194 |
| | 643,450 |
| | 31,801 |
| | 34,834 |
|
Loans accounted for under the fair value option (5) | 2,190 |
| | n/a |
| | n/a |
| | n/a |
|
Total consumer loans | $ | 609,384 |
| | $ | 643,450 |
| | $ | 31,801 |
| | $ | 34,834 |
|
| |
(1) | Outstandings includes non-U.S. residential mortgages of $85 million and $90 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(2) | Outstandings includes $9.9 billion and $11.8 billion of pay option loans and $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion of subprime loans at December 31, 2011 and 2010. We no longer originate these products. |
| |
(3) | Outstandings includes dealer financial services loans of $43.0 billion and $43.3 billion, consumer lending loans of $8.0 billion and $12.4 billion, U.S. securities-based lending margin loans of $23.6 billion and $16.6 billion, student loans of $6.0 billion and $6.8 billion, non-U.S. consumer loans of $7.6 billion and $8.0 billion, and other consumer loans of $1.5 billion and $3.2 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(4) | Outstandings includes consumer finance loans of $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, other non-U.S. consumer loans of $929 million and $803 million, and consumer overdrafts of $103 million and $88 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(5) | Consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option include residential mortgage loans of $906 million and discontinued real estate loans of $1.3 billion at December 31, 2011. There were no consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option at December 31, 2010. See Consumer Credit Risk – Consumer Loans Accounted for Under the Fair Value Option on page 92 and Note 23 – Fair Value Option to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the fair value option. |
n/a = not applicable
Table 21 presents accruing consumer loans past due 90 days or more and consumer nonperforming loans. Nonperforming loans do not include past due consumer credit card loans, consumer non-real estate-secured loans or unsecured consumer loans as these loans are generally charged off no later than the end of the month in which the loan becomes 180 days past due. Real estate-secured past due consumer loans, which include loans insured by the FHA and individually insured long-term stand-by agreements with FNMA and FHLMC (fully-insured loan portfolio), are reported as accruing as opposed to nonperforming since the principal
repayment is insured. Fully-insured loans included in accruing past due 90 days or more are primarily related to our purchases of delinquent FHA loans pursuant to our servicing agreements. Additionally, nonperforming loans and accruing balances past due 90 days or more do not include the Countrywide PCI loan portfolio or loans accounted for under the fair value option even though the customer may be contractually past due. For additional information on FHA loans, see Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations – Unresolved Claims Status on page 57.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Table 21 | Consumer Credit Quality | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| December 31 |
| Accruing Past Due 90 Days or More | | Nonperforming |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Residential mortgage (1) | $ | 21,164 |
| | $ | 16,768 |
| | $ | 15,970 |
| | $ | 17,691 |
|
Home equity | — |
| | — |
| | 2,453 |
| | 2,694 |
|
Discontinued real estate | — |
| | — |
| | 290 |
| | 331 |
|
U.S. credit card | 2,070 |
| | 3,320 |
| | n/a |
| | n/a |
Non-U.S. credit card | 342 |
| | 599 |
| | n/a |
| | n/a |
Direct/Indirect consumer | 746 |
| | 1,058 |
| | 40 |
| | 90 |
|
Other consumer | 2 |
| | 2 |
| | 15 |
| | 48 |
|
Total (2) | $ | 24,324 |
| | $ | 21,747 |
| | $ | 18,768 |
| | $ | 20,854 |
|
Consumer loans as a percentage of outstanding consumer loans (2) | 4.01 | % | | 3.38 | % | | 3.09 | % | | 3.24 | % |
Consumer loans as a percentage of outstanding loans excluding Countrywide PCI and fully-insured loan portfolios (2) | 0.66 |
| | 0.92 |
| | 3.90 |
| | 3.85 |
|
| |
(1) | Balances accruing past due 90 days or more are fully-insured loans. These balances include $17.0 billion and $8.3 billion of loans on which interest has been curtailed by the FHA, and therefore are no longer accruing interest, although principal is still insured and $4.2 billion and $8.5 billion of loans on which interest was still accruing at December 31, 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(2) | Balances exclude consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option. At December 31, 2011, approximately $713 million of loans accounted for under the fair value option were past due 90 days or more and not accruing interest. There were no consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option at December 31, 2010. |
n/a = not applicable
Table 22 presents net charge-offs and related ratios for consumer loans and leases for 2011 and 2010.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Table 22 | Consumer Net Charge-offs and Related Ratios | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Net Charge-offs | | Net Charge-off Ratios (1) |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Residential mortgage | $ | 3,832 |
| | $ | 3,670 |
| | 1.45 | % | | 1.49 | % |
Home equity | 4,473 |
| | 6,781 |
| | 3.42 |
| | 4.65 |
|
Discontinued real estate | 92 |
| | 68 |
| | 0.75 |
| | 0.49 |
|
U.S. credit card | 7,276 |
| | 13,027 |
| | 6.90 |
| | 11.04 |
|
Non-U.S. credit card | 1,169 |
| | 2,207 |
| | 4.86 |
| | 7.88 |
|
Direct/Indirect consumer | 1,476 |
| | 3,336 |
| | 1.64 |
| | 3.45 |
|
Other consumer | 202 |
| | 261 |
| | 7.32 |
| | 8.89 |
|
Total | $ | 18,520 |
| | $ | 29,350 |
| | 2.94 |
| | 4.51 |
|
| |
(1) | Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding loans excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option. |
Net charge-off ratios excluding the Countrywide PCI and fully-insured loan portfolios were 2.27 percent and 1.86 percent for residential mortgage, 3.77 percent and 5.10 percent for home equity, 7.14 percent and 4.20 percent for discontinued real estate and 3.62 percent and 5.08 percent for the total consumer portfolio for 2011 and 2010. These are the only product classifications materially impacted by the Countrywide PCI and fully-insured loan portfolios for 2011 and 2010.
Legacy Asset Servicing within CRES manages our exposures to certain residential mortgage, home equity and discontinued real estate products. Legacy Asset Servicing manages both our owned loans, as well as loans serviced for others, that meet certain criteria. The criteria generally represent home lending standards which we do not consider as part of our continuing core business. The Legacy Asset Servicing portfolio includes the following:
| |
| Discontinued real estate loans including subprime and pay option |
| |
| Residential mortgage loans and home equity loans for products we no longer originate including reduced document loans and interest-only loans not underwritten to fully amortizing payment |
| |
| Loans that would not have been originated under our underwriting standards at December 31, 2010 including conventional loans with an original loan-to-value (LTV) greater than 95 percent and government-insured loans for which the borrower has a FICO score less than 620 |
| |
| Countrywide PCI loan portfolios |
| |
| Certain loans that met a pre-defined delinquency and probability of default threshold as of January 1, 2011 |
For more information on Legacy Asset Servicing within CRES, see page 43.
Table 23 presents outstandings, nonperforming balances and net charge-offs by the Core portfolio and the Legacy Asset Servicing portfolio for the home loans portfolio.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Table 23 | Home Loans Portfolio | | |
| | | | |
| | December 31 | | |
| | Outstandings | | Nonperforming | | Net Charge-offs |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 |
Core portfolio | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Residential mortgage | $ | 178,337 |
| | $ | 166,927 |
| | $ | 2,414 |
| | $ | 1,510 |
| | $ | 348 |
|
Home equity | 67,055 |
| | 71,519 |
| | 439 |
| | 107 |
| | 501 |
|
Legacy Asset Servicing portfolio | | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Residential mortgage (1) | 83,953 |
| | 91,046 |
| | 13,556 |
| | 16,181 |
| | 3,484 |
|
Home equity | 57,644 |
| | 66,462 |
| | 2,014 |
| | 2,587 |
| | 3,972 |
|
Discontinued real estate (1) | 11,095 |
| | 13,108 |
| | 290 |
| | 331 |
| | 92 |
|
Home loans portfolio | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Residential mortgage | 262,290 |
| | 257,973 |
| | 15,970 |
| | 17,691 |
| | 3,832 |
|
Home equity | 124,699 |
| | 137,981 |
| | 2,453 |
| | 2,694 |
| | 4,473 |
|
Discontinued real estate | 11,095 |
| | 13,108 |
| | 290 |
| | 331 |
| | 92 |
|
Total home loans portfolio | $ | 398,084 |
| | $ | 409,062 |
| | $ | 18,713 |
| | $ | 20,716 |
| | $ | 8,397 |
|
| |
(1) | Balances exclude consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option of $906 million for residential mortgage loans and $1.3 billion for discontinued real estate loans at December 31, 2011. There were no consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option at December 31, 2010. See Note 23 – Fair Value Option to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the fair value option. |
We believe that the presentation of information adjusted to exclude the impact of the Countrywide PCI loan portfolio, the fully-insured loan portfolio and loans accounted for under the fair value option is more representative of the ongoing operations and credit quality of the business. As a result, in the following discussions of the residential mortgage, home equity and discontinued real
estate portfolios, we provide information that excludes the impact of the Countrywide PCI loan portfolio, the fully-insured loan portfolio and loans accounted for under the fair value option in certain credit quality statistics. We separately disclose information on the Countrywide PCI loan portfolios on page 89.
Residential Mortgage
The residential mortgage portfolio, which for purposes of the consumer credit portfolio discussion and related tables, excludes the discontinued real estate portfolio acquired from Countrywide, makes up the largest percentage of our consumer loan portfolio at 43 percent of consumer loans at December 31, 2011. Approximately 14 percent of the residential mortgage portfolio is in GWIM and represents residential mortgages that are originated for the home purchase and refinancing needs of our wealth management clients. The remaining portion of the portfolio is mostly in All Other and is comprised of both originated loans as well as purchased loans used in our overall ALM activities.
Outstanding balances in the residential mortgage portfolio, excluding $906 million of loans accounted for under the fair value option, increased $4.3 billion at December 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010 as new origination volume, the majority of which is fully-insured, was partially offset by paydowns, charge-offs and transfers to foreclosed properties. In addition, repurchases of FHA delinquent loans pursuant to our servicing agreements with GNMA also increased the residential mortgage portfolio during 2011. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the residential mortgage portfolio included $93.9 billion and $67.2 billion of outstanding fully-insured loans. On this portion of the residential mortgage portfolio, we are protected against principal loss as a result of FHA insurance and long-term stand-by agreements with FNMA and FHLMC. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, $24.0 billion and $20.1 billion were related to repurchases of FHA delinquent loans pursuant to our servicing agreements with GNMA and the remainder of the fully-insured portfolio represents originations that were retained on-balance sheet.
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, principal balances of $23.8 billion and $12.9 billion were protected by long-term stand-by agreements. All of these loans are individually insured and therefore the Corporation does not record an allowance for credit losses.
In addition to the abovementioned long-term stand-by agreements with FNMA and FHLMC, we have mitigated a portion
of our credit risk on the residential mortgage portfolio through the use of synthetic securitization vehicles as described in Note 6 – Outstanding Loans and Leases to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the synthetic securitization vehicles referenced principal balances of $23.9 billion and $53.9 billion of residential mortgage loans and provided loss protection up to $783 million and $1.1 billion. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Corporation had a receivable of $359 million and $722 million from these vehicles for reimbursement of losses. The Corporation records an allowance for credit losses on loans referenced by the synthetic securitization vehicles. The reported net charge-offs for the residential mortgage portfolio do not include the benefit of amounts reimbursable from these vehicles. Adjusting for the benefit of the credit protection from the synthetic securitizations, the residential mortgage net charge-off ratio, excluding the Countrywide PCI and fully-insured loan portfolios, for 2011 would have been reduced by 13 bps and eight bps for 2010.
Synthetic securitizations and the long-term stand-by agreements with FNMA and FHLMC together reduce our regulatory risk-weighted assets due to the transfer of a portion of our credit risk to unaffiliated parties. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, these programs had the cumulative effect of reducing our risk-weighted assets by $7.9 billion and $8.2 billion, increased our Tier 1 capital ratio by eight bps and six bps, and our Tier 1 common capital ratio by six bps and five bps.
Table 24 presents certain residential mortgage key credit statistics on both a reported basis and excluding the Countrywide PCI loan portfolio, the fully-insured loan portfolio and loans accounted for under the fair value option. We believe the presentation of information adjusted to exclude these loan portfolios is more representative of the credit risk in the residential mortgage loan portfolio. As such, the following discussion presents the residential mortgage portfolio excluding the Countrywide PCI loan portfolio, the fully-insured loan portfolio and loans accounted for under the fair value option. For more information on the Countrywide PCI loan portfolio, see page 89.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Table 24 | Residential Mortgage – Key Credit Statistics |
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31 |
| | Reported Basis (1) | | Excluding Countrywide Purchased Credit-impaired and Fully-insured Loans |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Outstandings | $ | 262,290 |
| | $ | 257,973 |
| | $ | 158,470 |
| | $ | 180,136 |
|
Accruing past due 30 days or more | 28,688 |
| | 24,267 |
| | 3,950 |
| | 5,117 |
|
Accruing past due 90 days or more | 21,164 |
| | 16,768 |
| | n/a | | n/a |
Nonperforming loans | 15,970 |
| | 17,691 |
| | 15,970 |
| | 17,691 |
|
Percent of portfolio | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Refreshed LTV greater than 90 but less than 100 | 15 | % | | 15 | % | | 11 | % | | 11 | % |
Refreshed LTV greater than 100 | 33 |
| | 32 |
| | 26 |
| | 24 |
|
Refreshed FICO below 620 | 21 |
| | 20 |
| | 15 |
| | 15 |
|
2006 and 2007 vintages (2) | 27 |
| | 32 |
| | 37 |
| | 40 |
|
Net charge-off ratio (3) | 1.45 |
| | 1.49 |
| | 2.27 |
| | 1.86 |
|
| |
(1) | Outstandings, accruing past due, nonperforming loans and percentages of portfolio exclude loans accounted for under the fair value option. There were no residential mortgage loans accounted for under the fair value option at December 31, 2010. See Note 23 – Fair Value Option to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the fair value option. |
| |
(2) | These vintages of loans account for 63 percent and 67 percent of nonperforming residential mortgage loans at December 31, 2011 and 2010. These vintages of loans accounted for 73 percent and 77 percent of residential mortgage net charge-offs in 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(3) | Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding loans, excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option. |
n/a = not applicable
Nonperforming residential mortgage loans decreased $1.7 billion compared to December 31, 2010 as outflows outpaced new inflows, which continued to slow in 2011 due to favorable delinquency trends. Accruing loans past due 30 days or more decreased $1.2 billion to $4.0 billion at December 31, 2011. At December 31, 2011, $11.4 billion, or 71 percent, of the nonperforming residential mortgage loans were 180 days or more past due and had been written down to the estimated fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell. Net charge-offs increased $162 million to $3.8 billion in 2011, or 2.27 percent of total average residential mortgage loans, compared to 1.86 percent for 2010. This increase in net charge-offs for 2011 was primarily driven by further deterioration in home prices on loans greater than 180 days past due which were written down to the estimated fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell, partially offset by favorable delinquency trends. Net charge-off ratios were further impacted by lower loan balances primarily due to paydowns and charge-offs outpacing new originations.
Loans in the residential mortgage portfolio with certain characteristics have greater risk of loss than others. These characteristics include loans with a high refreshed LTV, loans originated at the peak of home prices in 2006 and 2007, interest-only loans and loans to borrowers located in California and Florida where we have concentrations and where significant declines in home prices have been experienced. Although the following disclosures address each of these risk characteristics separately, there is significant overlap in loans with these characteristics, which contributed to a disproportionate share of the losses in the portfolio. The residential mortgage loans with all of these higher risk characteristics comprised six percent of the residential mortgage portfolio at both December 31, 2011 and 2010, but accounted for 23 percent of the residential mortgage net charge-offs in 2011 and 26 percent in 2010.
Residential mortgage loans with a greater than 90 percent but less than 100 percent refreshed LTV represented 11 percent of the residential mortgage portfolio at both December 31, 2011 and 2010. Loans with a refreshed LTV greater than 100 percent represented 26 percent and 24 percent of the residential mortgage loan portfolio at December 31, 2011 and 2010. Of the loans with
a refreshed LTV greater than 100 percent, 92 percent and 88 percent were performing at December 31, 2011 and 2010. Loans with a refreshed LTV greater than 100 percent reflect loans where the outstanding carrying value of the loan is greater than the most recent valuation of the property securing the loan. The majority of these loans have a refreshed LTV greater than 100 percent due primarily to home price deterioration over the past several years. Loans to borrowers with refreshed FICO scores below 620 represented 15 percent of the residential mortgage portfolio at both December 31, 2011 and 2010.
Of the $158.5 billion and $180.1 billion in total residential mortgage loans outstanding at December 31, 2011 and 2010, as shown in Table 24, 40 percent and 38 percent were originated as interest-only loans. The outstanding balance of interest-only residential mortgage loans that have entered the amortization period was $13.3 billion, or 21 percent, at December 31, 2011. Residential mortgage loans that have entered the amortization period have experienced a higher rate of early stage delinquencies and nonperforming status compared to the residential mortgage portfolio as a whole. As of December 31, 2011, $484 million, or four percent, of outstanding residential mortgages that had entered the amortization period were accruing past due 30 days or more compared to $4.0 billion, or two percent, of accruing past due 30 days or more for the entire residential mortgage portfolio. In addition, at December 31, 2011, $2.0 billion, or 15 percent, of outstanding residential mortgages that had entered the amortization period were nonperforming compared to $16.0 billion, or 10 percent, of nonperforming loans for the entire residential mortgage portfolio. Loans in our interest-only residential mortgage portfolio have an interest-only period of three to 10 years and more than 80 percent of these loans will not be required to make a fully-amortizing payment until 2015 or later.
Table 25 presents outstandings, nonperforming loans and net charge-offs by certain state concentrations for the residential mortgage portfolio. The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) within California represented 12 percent and 13 percent of outstandings at December 31, 2011 and 2010, but comprised only seven percent of net charge-offs for both 2011 and 2010.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Table 25 | Residential Mortgage State Concentrations |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31 | | |
| | Outstandings (1) | | Nonperforming (1) | | Net Charge-offs |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
California | $ | 54,203 |
| | $ | 63,677 |
| | $ | 5,606 |
| | $ | 6,389 |
| | $ | 1,326 |
| | $ | 1,392 |
|
Florida | 12,338 |
| | 13,298 |
| | 1,900 |
| | 2,054 |
| | 595 |
| | 604 |
|
New York | 11,539 |
| | 12,198 |
| | 838 |
| | 772 |
| | 106 |
| | 44 |
|
Texas | 7,525 |
| | 8,466 |
| | 425 |
| | 492 |
| | 55 |
| | 52 |
|
Virginia | 5,709 |
| | 6,441 |
| | 399 |
| | 450 |
| | 64 |
| | 72 |
|
Other U.S./Non-U.S. | 67,156 |
| | 76,056 |
| | 6,802 |
| | 7,534 |
| | 1,686 |
| | 1,506 |
|
Residential mortgage loans (2) | $ | 158,470 |
| | $ | 180,136 |
| | $ | 15,970 |
| | $ | 17,691 |
| | $ | 3,832 |
| | $ | 3,670 |
|
Fully-insured loan portfolio | 93,854 |
| | 67,245 |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Countrywide purchased credit-impaired residential mortgage loan portfolio | 9,966 |
| | 10,592 |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Total residential mortgage loan portfolio | $ | 262,290 |
| | $ | 257,973 |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
| |
(1) | Outstandings and nonperforming amounts exclude loans accounted for under the fair value option at December 31, 2011. There were no residential mortgage loans accounted for under the fair value option at December 31, 2010. See Note 23 – Fair Value Option to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the fair value option. |
| |
(2) | Amount excludes the Countrywide PCI residential mortgage and fully-insured loan portfolios. |
The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) encourages banks to meet the credit needs of their communities for housing and other purposes, particularly in neighborhoods with low or moderate incomes. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, our CRA portfolio was $12.5 billion and $13.8 billion, or eight percent of the residential mortgage loan balances for both periods. The CRA portfolio included $2.5 billion and $3.0 billion of nonperforming loans at December 31, 2011 and 2010 representing 15 percent and 17 percent of total nonperforming residential mortgage loans. Net charge-offs related to the CRA portfolio were $732 million and $857 million for 2011 and 2010, or 19 percent and 23 percent of total net charge-offs for the residential mortgage portfolio.
For information on representations and warranties related to our residential mortgage portfolio, see Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations – Representations and Warranties on page 56 and Note 9 – Representations and Warranties Obligations and Corporate Guarantees to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Home Equity
The home equity portfolio makes up 20 percent of the consumer portfolio and is comprised of HELOCs, home equity loans and reverse mortgages. As of December 31, 2011, our HELOC portfolio had an outstanding balance of $103.4 billion or 83 percent of the home equity portfolio. HELOCs generally have an initial draw period of 10 years with approximately 11 percent of the portfolio having a draw period of five years with a five-year renewal option. During the initial draw period, the borrowers are only required to pay the interest due on the loans on a monthly basis. After the initial draw period ends, the loans generally convert to 15-year amortizing loans.
As of December 31, 2011, our home equity loan portfolio had an outstanding balance of $20.2 billion, or 16 percent of the home equity portfolio. Home equity loans are almost all fixed-rate loans
with amortizing payment terms of 10 to 30 years and approximately 52 percent of these loans have 25 to 30-year terms.
As of December 31, 2011, our reverse mortgage portfolio had an outstanding balance of $1.1 billion, or one percent of the total home equity portfolio. In 2011, we exited the reverse mortgage origination business.
At December 31, 2011, approximately 88 percent of the home equity portfolio was included in CRES while the remainder of the portfolio was primarily in GWIM. Outstanding balances in the home equity portfolio decreased $13.3 billion in 2011 primarily due to paydowns and charge-offs outpacing new originations and draws on existing lines. Of the total home equity portfolio at December 31, 2011 and 2010, $24.5 billion, or 20 percent, and $24.8 billion, or 18 percent, were in first-lien positions (22 percent and 20 percent excluding the Countrywide PCI home equity portfolio). As of December 31, 2011, outstanding balances in the home equity portfolio that were in a second-lien or more junior-lien position and where we also held the first-lien loan totaled $37.2 billion, or 33 percent, of our home equity portfolio excluding the Countrywide PCI loan portfolio.
Unused HELOCs totaled $67.5 billion at December 31, 2011 compared to $80.1 billion at December 31, 2010. This decrease was due primarily to customers choosing to close accounts as well as line management initiatives on deteriorating accounts, which more than offset new production. The HELOC utilization rate was 61 percent at December 31, 2011 compared to 59 percent at December 31, 2010.
Table 26 presents certain home equity portfolio key credit statistics on both a reported basis as well as excluding the Countrywide PCI loan portfolio. We believe the presentation of information adjusted to exclude the impact of the Countrywide PCI loan portfolio is more representative of the credit risk in this portfolio.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Table 26 | Home Equity – Key Credit Statistics |
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31 |
| | Reported Basis | | Excluding Countrywide Purchased Credit-impaired Loans |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Outstandings | $ | 124,699 |
| | $ | 137,981 |
| | $ | 112,721 |
| | $ | 125,391 |
|
Accruing past due 30 days or more (1) | 1,658 |
| | 1,929 |
| | 1,658 |
| | 1,929 |
|
Nonperforming loans (1) | 2,453 |
| | 2,694 |
| | 2,453 |
| | 2,694 |
|
Percent of portfolio | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Refreshed combined LTV greater than 90 but less than 100 | 10 | % | | 11 | % | | 11 | % | | 11 | % |
Refreshed combined LTV greater than 100 | 36 |
| | 34 |
| | 32 |
| | 30 |
|
Refreshed FICO below 620 | 13 |
| | 14 |
| | 12 |
| | 12 |
|
2006 and 2007 vintages (2) | 50 |
| | 50 |
| | 46 |
| | 47 |
|
Net charge-off ratio (3) | 3.42 |
| | 4.65 |
| | 3.77 |
| | 5.10 |
|
| |
(1) | Accruing past due 30 days or more includes $609 million and $662 million and nonperforming loans includes $703 million and $480 million of loans where we serviced the underlying first-lien at December 31, 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(2) | These vintages of loans have higher refreshed combined LTV ratios and accounted for 54 percent and 57 percent of nonperforming home equity loans at December 31, 2011 and 2010. These vintages of loans accounted for 65 percent and 66 percent of net charge-offs in 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(3) | Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding loans. |
The following discussion presents the home equity portfolio excluding the Countrywide PCI loan portfolio.
Nonperforming outstanding balances in the home equity portfolio decreased $241 million compared to December 31, 2010 driven primarily by charge-offs and nonperforming loans returning to performing status which together outpaced
delinquency inflows, which continued to slow during 2011 due to favorable early stage delinquency trends. Accruing outstanding balances past due 30 days or more decreased $271 million in 2011. At December 31, 2011, $1.1 billion, or 43 percent, of the nonperforming home equity portfolio was 180 days or more past due and had been written down to their fair values.
In some cases, the junior-lien home equity outstanding balance that we hold is current, but the underlying first-lien is not. For outstanding balances in the home equity portfolio in which we service the first-lien loan, we are able to track whether the first-lien loan is in default. For loans in which the first-lien is serviced by a third party, we utilize credit bureau data to estimate the delinquency status of the first-lien. Given that the credit bureau database we use does not include a property address for the mortgages, we are unable to identify with certainty whether a reported delinquent first mortgage pertains to the same property for which we hold a second- or more junior-lien loan. As of December 31, 2011, we estimate that $4.7 billion of current second- or more junior-lien loans were behind a delinquent first-lien loan. We service the first-lien loans on $1.3 billion of that amount, with the remaining $3.4 billion serviced by third parties. Of the $4.7 billion current second-lien loans, we estimate based on available credit bureau data as discussed above that approximately $2.5 billion had first-lien loans that were 120 days or more past due, of which approximately $2.1 billion had first-lien loans serviced by third parties.
Net charge-offs decreased $2.3 billion to $4.5 billion, or 3.77 percent of the total average home equity portfolio, for 2011 compared to $6.8 billion, or 5.10 percent, for 2010 primarily driven by favorable portfolio trends due in part to improvement in the U.S. economy. In addition, the net charge-off amounts during 2010 were impacted by the implementation of regulatory guidance on collateral-dependent modified loans which resulted in $822 million in net charge-offs. Net charge-off ratios were further impacted by lower outstanding balances primarily as a result of paydowns and charge-offs outpacing new originations and draws on existing lines.
There are certain characteristics of the outstanding loan balances in the home equity portfolio that have contributed to higher losses including those loans with a high refreshed combined loan-to-value (CLTV), loans that were originated at the peak of home prices in 2006 and 2007 and loans in geographic areas that have experienced the most significant declines in home prices. Home price declines coupled with the fact that most home equity outstandings are secured by second-lien positions have significantly reduced and, in some cases, eliminated all collateral value after consideration of the first-lien position. Although the disclosures below address each of these risk characteristics separately, there is significant overlap in outstanding balances with these characteristics, which has contributed to a disproportionate share of losses in the portfolio. Outstanding balances in the home equity portfolio with all of these higher risk characteristics comprised 10 percent of the total home equity portfolio at both December 31, 2011 and 2010, but have accounted for 28 percent of the home equity net charge-offs in 2011 and 29 percent in 2010.
Outstanding balances in the home equity portfolio with greater than 90 percent but less than 100 percent refreshed CLTVs comprised 11 percent of the home equity portfolio at both December 31, 2011 and 2010. Outstanding balances with refreshed CLTVs greater than 100 percent comprised 32 percent and 30 percent of the home equity portfolio at December 31, 2011 and 2010. Outstanding balances in the home equity portfolio with a refreshed CLTV greater than 100 percent reflect loans where the carrying value and available line of credit of the combined loans are equal to or greater than the most recent valuation of the property securing the loan. Depending on the value of the property, there may be collateral in excess of the first-lien that is available to reduce the severity of loss on the second-lien. Home price deterioration over the past several years has contributed to an increase in CLTV ratios. Of those outstanding balances with a refreshed CLTV greater than 100 percent, 95 percent of the customers were current at December 31, 2011. For second-lien loans with a refreshed CLTV greater than 100 percent that are current, 89 percent were also current on the underlying first-lien loans at December 31, 2011. Outstanding balances in the home equity portfolio to borrowers with a refreshed FICO score below 620 represented 12 percent of the home equity portfolio at both December 31, 2011 and 2010.
Of the $112.7 billion in total home equity portfolio outstandings, 78 percent and 75 percent at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were originated as interest-only loans, almost all of which were HELOCs. The outstanding balance of HELOCs that have entered the amortization period was $1.6 billion, or two percent of total HELOCs, at December 31, 2011. The HELOCs that have entered the amortization period have experienced a higher percentage of early stage delinquencies and nonperforming status when compared to the HELOC portfolio as a whole. As of December 31, 2011, $49 million, or three percent, of outstanding HELOCs that had entered the amortization period were accruing past due 30 days or more compared to $1.4 billion, or one percent, of outstanding accruing past due 30 days or more for the entire HELOC portfolio. In addition, at December 31, 2011, $57 million, or four percent, of outstanding HELOCs that had entered the amortization period were nonperforming compared to $2.0 billion, or two percent, of outstandings that were nonperforming for the entire HELOC portfolio. Loans in our HELOC portfolio generally have an initial draw period of 10 years and more than 85 percent of these loans will not be required to make a fully-amortizing payment until 2015 or later.
Although we do not actively track how many of our home equity customers pay only the minimum amount due on their home equity loans and lines, we can infer some of this information through a review of our HELOC portfolio that we service and that is still in its revolving period (i.e., customers may draw on and repay their line of credit, but are generally only required to pay interest on a monthly basis). During 2011, approximately 51 percent of these customers did not pay down any principal on their HELOCs.
Table 27 presents outstandings, nonperforming balances and net charge-offs by certain state concentrations for the home equity portfolio. In the New York area, the New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island MSA made up 11 percent of the outstanding home equity portfolio at both December 31, 2011 and 2010. This MSA comprised seven percent and six percent of net charge-offs for 2011 and 2010. The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana MSA within California made up 12 percent and 11 percent of the outstanding home equity portfolio at December 31, 2011 and
2010. This MSA comprised 12 percent and 11 percent of net charge-offs for 2011 and 2010.
For information on representations and warranties related to our home equity portfolio, see Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations – Representations and Warranties on page 56 and Note 9 – Representations and Warranties Obligations and Corporate Guarantees to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Table 27 | Home Equity State Concentrations |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31 | | |
| | Outstandings | | Nonperforming | | Net Charge-offs |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
California | $ | 32,398 |
| | $ | 35,426 |
| | $ | 627 |
| | $ | 708 |
| | $ | 1,481 |
| | $ | 2,341 |
|
Florida | 13,450 |
| | 15,028 |
| | 411 |
| | 482 |
| | 853 |
| | 1,420 |
|
New Jersey | 7,483 |
| | 8,153 |
| | 175 |
| | 169 |
| | 164 |
| | 219 |
|
New York | 7,423 |
| | 8,061 |
| | 242 |
| | 246 |
| | 196 |
| | 273 |
|
Massachusetts | 4,919 |
| | 5,657 |
| | 67 |
| | 71 |
| | 71 |
| | 102 |
|
Other U.S./Non-U.S. | 47,048 |
| | 53,066 |
| | 931 |
| | 1,018 |
| | 1,708 |
| | 2,426 |
|
Home equity loans (1) | $ | 112,721 |
| | $ | 125,391 |
| | $ | 2,453 |
| | $ | 2,694 |
| | $ | 4,473 |
| | $ | 6,781 |
|
Countrywide purchased credit-impaired home equity portfolio | 11,978 |
| | 12,590 |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Total home equity loan portfolio | $ | 124,699 |
| | $ | 137,981 |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
| |
(1) | Amount excludes the Countrywide PCI home equity loan portfolio. |
Discontinued Real Estate
The discontinued real estate portfolio, excluding $1.3 billion of loans accounted for under the fair value option, totaled $11.1 billion at December 31, 2011 and consists of pay option and subprime loans acquired in the Countrywide acquisition. Upon acquisition, the majority of the discontinued real estate portfolio was considered credit-impaired and written down to fair value. At December 31, 2011, the Countrywide PCI loan portfolio was $9.9 billion, or 89 percent of the total discontinued real estate portfolio. This portfolio is included in All Other and is managed as part of our overall ALM activities. See Countrywide Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio on page 89 for more information on the discontinued real estate portfolio.
At December 31, 2011, the purchased discontinued real estate portfolio that was not credit-impaired was $1.2 billion. Loans with greater than 90 percent refreshed LTVs and CLTVs comprised 28 percent of the portfolio and those with refreshed FICO scores below 620 represented 44 percent of the portfolio. The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana MSA within California made up 16 percent of outstanding discontinued real estate loans at December 31, 2011.
Pay option adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), which are included in the discontinued real estate portfolio, have interest rates that adjust monthly and minimum required payments that adjust annually, subject to resetting of the loan if minimum payments are made and deferred interest limits are reached. Annual payment adjustments are subject to a 7.5 percent maximum change. To ensure that contractual loan payments are adequate to repay a loan, the fully-amortizing loan payment amount is re-established after the initial five- or 10-year period and again every five years thereafter. These payment adjustments are not subject to the 7.5 percent limit and may be substantial due to changes in interest rates and the addition of unpaid interest to the loan balance. Payment advantage ARMs have interest rates that are fixed for an initial period of five years. Payments are subject to reset if the minimum payments are made and deferred interest
limits are reached. If interest deferrals cause a loan’s principal balance to reach a certain level within the first 10 years of the life of the loan, the payment is reset to the interest-only payment; then at the 10-year point, the fully-amortizing payment is required.
The difference between the frequency of changes in a loan’s interest rates and payments along with a limitation on changes in the minimum monthly payments of 7.5 percent per year can result in payments that are not sufficient to pay all of the monthly interest charges (i.e., negative amortization). Unpaid interest is added to the loan balance until the loan balance increases to a specified limit, which can be no more than 115 percent of the original loan amount, at which time a new monthly payment amount adequate to repay the loan over its remaining contractual life is established.
At December 31, 2011, the unpaid principal balance of pay option loans was $11.7 billion, with a carrying amount of $9.9 billion, including $9.0 billion of loans that were credit-impaired upon acquisition, and accordingly, are reserved for based on a life-of-loan loss estimate. The total unpaid principal balance of pay option loans with accumulated negative amortization was $9.5 billion including $672 million of negative amortization. For those borrowers who are making payments in accordance with their contractual terms, the percentage electing to make only the minimum payment on option ARMs was 72 percent at December 31, 2011 and 69 percent at December 31, 2010. We continue to evaluate our exposure to payment resets on the acquired negative-amortizing loans including the Countrywide PCI pay option loan portfolio and have taken into consideration several assumptions regarding this evaluation including prepayment and default rates. Of the loans in the pay option portfolio at December 31, 2011 that have not already experienced a payment reset, seven percent are expected to reset in 2012 and approximately 17 percent are expected to reset thereafter. In addition, approximately seven percent are expected to prepay and approximately 69 percent are expected to default prior to being reset, most of which were severely delinquent as of December 31, 2011.
Countrywide Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio
Loans acquired with evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination and for which it is probable at purchase that we will be unable to collect all contractually required payments are accounted for under the accounting guidance for PCI loans, which addresses accounting for differences between contractual and expected cash flows to be collected from the purchaser’s initial investment in loans if those differences are attributable, at least in part, to credit quality. Evidence of credit quality deterioration as of the acquisition
date may include statistics such as past due status, refreshed FICO scores and refreshed LTVs. PCI loans are recorded at fair value upon acquisition and the applicable accounting guidance prohibits carrying over or recording a valuation allowance in the initial accounting.
Table 28 presents the unpaid principal balance, carrying value, related valuation allowance and the net carrying value as a percentage of the unpaid principal balance for the Countrywide PCI loan portfolio at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Table 28 | Countrywide Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2011 |
(Dollars in millions) | Unpaid Principal Balance | | Carrying Value | | Related Valuation Allowance | | Carrying Value Net of Valuation Allowance | | % of Unpaid Principal Balance |
Residential mortgage | $ | 10,426 |
| | $ | 9,966 |
| | $ | 1,331 |
| | $ | 8,635 |
| | 82.82 | % |
Home equity | 12,516 |
| | 11,978 |
| | 5,129 |
| | 6,849 |
| | 54.72 |
|
Discontinued real estate | 11,891 |
| | 9,857 |
| | 1,999 |
| | 7,858 |
| | 66.08 |
|
Total Countrywide purchased credit-impaired loan portfolio | $ | 34,833 |
| | $ | 31,801 |
| | $ | 8,459 |
| | $ | 23,342 |
| | 67.01 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2010 |
Residential mortgage | $ | 11,481 |
| | $ | 10,592 |
| | $ | 663 |
| | $ | 9,929 |
| | 86.48 | % |
Home equity | 15,072 |
| | 12,590 |
| | 4,467 |
| | 8,123 |
| | 53.89 |
|
Discontinued real estate | 14,893 |
| | 11,652 |
| | 1,204 |
| | 10,448 |
| | 70.15 |
|
Total Countrywide purchased credit-impaired loan portfolio | $ | 41,446 |
| | $ | 34,834 |
| | $ | 6,334 |
| | $ | 28,500 |
| | 68.76 |
|
Of the unpaid principal balance at December 31, 2011, $12.7 billion was 180 days or more past due, including $9.0 billion of first-lien and $3.7 billion of home equity. Of the $22.1 billion that is less than 180 days past due, $19.1 billion, or 86 percent of the total unpaid principal balance was current based on the contractual terms while $1.6 billion, or seven percent, was in early stage delinquency. During 2011, we recorded $2.1 billion of provision for credit losses for the Countrywide PCI loan portfolio including $1.1 billion for discontinued real estate, $667 million for home equity loans and $355 million for residential mortgage. This compared to a total provision of $2.3 billion in 2010. Provision expense in 2011 was driven primarily by a more negative home price outlook versus previous expectations. For further information on the Countrywide PCI loan portfolio, see Note 6 – Outstanding Loans and Leases to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Additional information is provided in the following sections on the Countrywide PCI residential mortgage, home equity and discontinued real estate loan portfolios.
Purchased Credit-impaired Residential Mortgage Loan Portfolio
The Countrywide PCI residential mortgage loan portfolio comprised 31 percent of the total Countrywide PCI loan portfolio. Those loans to borrowers with a refreshed FICO score below 620 represented 38 percent of the Countrywide PCI residential mortgage loan portfolio at December 31, 2011. Loans with a refreshed LTV greater than 90 percent represented 62 percent of the
Countrywide PCI residential mortgage loan portfolio after consideration of purchase accounting adjustments and the related valuation allowance, and 84 percent based on the unpaid principal balance at December 31, 2011. Those loans that were originally classified as Countrywide PCI discontinued real estate loans upon acquisition and have been subsequently modified are now included in the Countrywide PCI residential mortgage outstandings. Table 29 presents outstandings net of purchase accounting adjustments and before the related valuation allowance, by certain state concentrations.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 29 | Outstanding Countrywide Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio – Residential Mortgage State Concentrations |
| | | | |
| | December 31 |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
California | $ | 5,535 |
| | $ | 5,882 |
|
Florida | 757 |
| | 779 |
|
Virginia | 532 |
| | 579 |
|
Maryland | 258 |
| | 271 |
|
Texas | 130 |
| | 164 |
|
Other U.S./Non-U.S. | 2,754 |
| | 2,917 |
|
Total Countrywide purchased credit-impaired residential mortgage loan portfolio | $ | 9,966 |
| | $ | 10,592 |
|
Purchased Credit-impaired Home Equity Loan Portfolio
The Countrywide PCI home equity portfolio comprised 38 percent of the total Countrywide PCI loan portfolio. Those loans with a refreshed FICO score below 620 represented 27 percent of the Countrywide PCI home equity portfolio at December 31, 2011. Loans with a refreshed CLTV greater than 90 percent represented 81 percent of the Countrywide PCI home equity portfolio after consideration of purchase accounting adjustments and the related valuation allowance, and 83 percent based on the unpaid principal balance at December 31, 2011. Table 30 presents outstandings net of purchase accounting adjustments and before the related valuation allowance, by certain state concentrations.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 30 | Outstanding Countrywide Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio – Home Equity State Concentrations |
| | | | |
| | December 31 |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
California | $ | 3,999 |
| | $ | 4,178 |
|
Florida | 734 |
| | 750 |
|
Arizona | 501 |
| | 520 |
|
Virginia | 496 |
| | 532 |
|
Colorado | 337 |
| | 375 |
|
Other U.S./Non-U.S. | 5,911 |
| | 6,235 |
|
Total Countrywide purchased credit-impaired home equity portfolio | $ | 11,978 |
| | $ | 12,590 |
|
Purchased Credit-impaired Discontinued Real Estate Loan Portfolio
The Countrywide PCI discontinued real estate loan portfolio comprised 31 percent of the total Countrywide PCI loan portfolio. Those loans to borrowers with a refreshed FICO score below 620 represented 61 percent of the Countrywide PCI discontinued real estate loan portfolio at December 31, 2011. Loans with a refreshed LTV, or CLTV in the case of second-liens, greater than 90 percent represented 40 percent of the Countrywide PCI discontinued real estate loan portfolio after consideration of purchase accounting adjustments and the related valuation allowance, and 84 percent based on the unpaid principal balance at December 31, 2011. Those loans that were originally classified as discontinued real estate loans upon acquisition and have been subsequently modified are now excluded from this portfolio and included in the Countrywide PCI residential mortgage loan portfolio, but remain in the PCI loan pool. Table 31 presents outstandings net of purchase accounting adjustments and before the related valuation adjustment, by certain state concentrations.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 31 | Outstanding Countrywide Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio – Discontinued Real Estate State Concentrations |
| | | | |
| | December 31 |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
California | $ | 5,262 |
| | $ | 6,322 |
|
Florida | 958 |
| | 1,121 |
|
Washington | 331 |
| | 368 |
|
Virginia | 277 |
| | 344 |
|
Arizona | 251 |
| | 339 |
|
Other U.S./Non-U.S. | 2,778 |
| | 3,158 |
|
Total Countrywide purchased credit-impaired discontinued real estate loan portfolio | $ | 9,857 |
| | $ | 11,652 |
|
U.S. Credit Card
The consumer U.S. credit card portfolio is managed in Card Services. Outstandings in the U.S. credit card loan portfolio decreased $11.5 billion compared to December 31, 2010 due to higher payment rates, charge-offs and portfolio divestitures. For 2011, net charge-offs decreased $5.8 billion to $7.3 billion compared to 2010 due to improvements in delinquencies, collections and bankruptcies as a result of an improved economic environment and the impact of higher credit quality originations. U.S. credit card loans 30 days or more past due and still accruing interest decreased $2.1 billion while loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest decreased $1.3 billion compared to December 31, 2010 due to improvement in the U.S. economy. Table 32 presents certain key credit statistics for the consumer U.S. credit card portfolio.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 32 | U.S. Credit Card – Key Credit Statistics |
| | |
| | December 31 |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Outstandings | $ | 102,291 |
| | $ | 113,785 |
|
Accruing past due 30 days or more | 3,823 |
| | 5,913 |
|
Accruing past due 90 days or more | 2,070 |
| | 3,320 |
|
| | | |
| 2011 | | 2010 |
Net charge-offs | $ | 7,276 |
| | $ | 13,027 |
|
Net charge-off ratios (1) | 6.90 | % | | 11.04 | % |
| |
(1) | Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding loans and leases. |
Unused lines of credit for U.S. credit card totaled $368.1 billion and $399.7 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010. The $31.6 billion decrease was driven by portfolio divestitures, closure of inactive accounts and account management initiatives on higher risk accounts.
Table 33 presents certain state concentrations for the U.S. credit card portfolio.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Table 33 | U.S. Credit Card State Concentrations |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31 | | |
| | Outstandings | | Accruing Past Due 90 Days or More | | Net Charge-offs |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
California | $ | 15,246 |
| | $ | 17,028 |
| | $ | 352 |
| | $ | 612 |
| | $ | 1,402 |
| | $ | 2,752 |
|
Florida | 7,999 |
| | 9,121 |
| | 221 |
| | 376 |
| | 838 |
| | 1,611 |
|
Texas | 6,885 |
| | 7,581 |
| | 131 |
| | 207 |
| | 429 |
| | 784 |
|
New York | 6,156 |
| | 6,862 |
| | 126 |
| | 192 |
| | 403 |
| | 694 |
|
New Jersey | 4,183 |
| | 4,579 |
| | 86 |
| | 132 |
| | 275 |
| | 452 |
|
Other U.S. | 61,822 |
| | 68,614 |
| | 1,154 |
| | 1,801 |
| | 3,929 |
| | 6,734 |
|
Total U.S. credit card portfolio | $ | 102,291 |
| | $ | 113,785 |
| | $ | 2,070 |
| | $ | 3,320 |
| | $ | 7,276 |
| | $ | 13,027 |
|
Non-U.S. Credit Card
During 2011, we sold our Canadian consumer card business and we are evaluating our remaining international consumer card portfolios. In light of these actions, the international consumer card portfolios were moved from Card Services to All Other.
Outstandings in the non-U.S. credit card portfolio decreased $13.0 billion in 2011 primarily due to the sale of the Canadian consumer credit card portfolio, lower origination volume and charge-offs. Net charge-offs decreased $1.0 billion in 2011 to $1.2 billion due to the sale of previously charged-off loans, portfolio sales, and improvements in delinquencies, collections and insolvencies.
Unused lines of credit for non-U.S. credit card totaled $36.8 billion and $60.3 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010. The $23.5 billion decrease was driven primarily by the sale of the Canadian consumer credit card portfolio.
Table 34 presents certain key credit statistics for the non-U.S. credit card portfolio.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 34 | Non-U.S. Credit Card – Key Credit Statistics |
| | |
| | December 31 |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Outstandings | $ | 14,418 |
| | $ | 27,465 |
|
Accruing past due 30 days or more | 610 |
| | 1,354 |
|
Accruing past due 90 days or more | 342 |
| | 599 |
|
| | | |
| 2011 | | 2010 |
Net charge-offs | $ | 1,169 |
| | $ | 2,207 |
|
Net charge-off ratios (1) | 4.86 | % | | 7.88 | % |
| |
(1) | Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding loans and leases. |
Direct/Indirect Consumer
At December 31, 2011, approximately 48 percent of the direct/indirect portfolio was included in Global Commercial Banking (dealer financial services - automotive, marine, aircraft and recreational vehicle loans), 36 percent was included in GWIM (principally other non-real estate-secured, unsecured personal loans and securities-based lending margin loans), nine percent was included in Card Services (consumer personal loans) and the remainder was in All Other (student loans).
Outstanding loans and leases decreased $595 million to $89.7 billion in 2011 due to lower outstandings in the Card Services unsecured consumer lending portfolio partially offset by growth in securities-based lending and product transfers from U.S. commercial. For 2011, net charge-offs decreased $1.9 billion to $1.5 billion, or 1.64 percent of total average direct/indirect loans compared to 3.45 percent for 2010. This decrease was primarily driven by improvements in delinquencies, collections and bankruptcies in the unsecured consumer lending portfolio as a result of an improved economic environment as well as reduced outstandings. An additional driver was lower net charge-offs in the dealer financial services portfolio due to the impact of higher credit quality originations and higher resale values.
Net charge-offs in the unsecured consumer lending portfolio decreased $1.6 billion to $1.1 billion in 2011, or 10.93 percent of total average unsecured consumer lending loans compared to 17.24 percent for 2010. Net charge-offs in the dealer financial services portfolio decreased $199 million to $293 million in 2011, or 0.69 percent of total average dealer financial services loans compared to 1.08 percent for 2010. Direct/indirect loans that were past due 30 days or more and still accruing interest declined $745 million to $1.9 billion at December 31, 2011 compared to $2.6 billion at December 31, 2010 due to improvements in both the unsecured consumer lending and dealer financial services portfolios.
Table 35 presents certain state concentrations for the direct/indirect consumer loan portfolio.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Table 35 | Direct/Indirect State Concentrations |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31 | | |
| | Outstandings | | Accruing Past Due 90 Days or More | | Net Charge-offs |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
California | $ | 11,152 |
| | $ | 10,558 |
| | $ | 81 |
| | $ | 132 |
| | $ | 222 |
| | $ | 591 |
|
Texas | 7,882 |
| | 7,885 |
| | 54 |
| | 78 |
| | 117 |
| | 262 |
|
Florida | 7,456 |
| | 6,725 |
| | 55 |
| | 80 |
| | 148 |
| | 343 |
|
New York | 5,160 |
| | 4,770 |
| | 40 |
| | 56 |
| | 79 |
| | 183 |
|
Georgia | 2,828 |
| | 2,814 |
| | 38 |
| | 44 |
| | 61 |
| | 126 |
|
Other U.S./Non-U.S. | 55,235 |
| | 57,556 |
| | 478 |
| | 668 |
| | 849 |
| | 1,831 |
|
Total direct/indirect loan portfolio | $ | 89,713 |
| | $ | 90,308 |
| | $ | 746 |
| | $ | 1,058 |
| | $ | 1,476 |
| | $ | 3,336 |
|
Other Consumer
At December 31, 2011, approximately 96 percent of the $2.7 billion other consumer portfolio was associated with certain consumer finance businesses that we previously exited and non-U.S. consumer loan portfolios that are included in All Other. The remainder is primarily deposit overdrafts in Deposits.
Consumer Loans Accounted for Under the Fair Value Option
Outstanding consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option were $2.2 billion at December 31, 2011 and include $1.3 billion of discontinued real estate loans and $906 million of residential mortgage loans as a result of the consolidation of VIEs. During 2011, we recorded losses of $837 million resulting from changes in the fair value of the loan portfolio. These losses were offset by gains recorded on the related long-term debt.
Nonperforming Consumer Loans and Foreclosed Properties Activity
Table 36 presents nonperforming consumer loans and foreclosed properties activity during 2011 and 2010. Nonperforming LHFS are excluded from nonperforming loans as they are recorded at either fair value or the lower of cost or fair value. Nonperforming loans do not include past due consumer credit card loans and in general, past due consumer loans not secured by real estate as these loans are generally charged off no later than the end of the month in which the loan becomes 180 days past due. The fully-insured loan portfolio is not reported as nonperforming as principal repayment is insured. Additionally, nonperforming loans do not include the Countrywide PCI loan portfolio or loans that we account for under the fair value option. For further information on nonperforming loans, see Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Principles to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Nonperforming loans declined to $18.8 billion at December 31, 2011 compared to $20.9 billion at December 31, 2010. Delinquency inflows to nonperforming loans slowed compared to the prior year due to favorable portfolio trends and were more than offset by charge-offs, nonperforming loans returning to performing status, and paydowns and payoffs.
The outstanding balance of a real estate-secured loan that is in excess of the estimated property value, after reducing the estimated property value for estimated costs to sell, is charged off no later than the end of the month in which the loan becomes
180 days past due unless repayment of the loan is fully insured. At December 31, 2011, $14.6 billion, or 71 percent, of nonperforming consumer real estate loans and foreclosed properties had been written down to their estimated property value less estimated costs to sell, including $12.6 billion of nonperforming loans 180 days or more past due and $2.0 billion of foreclosed properties.
Foreclosed properties increased $742 million in 2011 as additions outpaced liquidations. PCI loans are excluded from nonperforming loans as these loans were written down to fair value at the acquisition date. However, once the underlying real estate is acquired by the Corporation upon foreclosure of the delinquent PCI loan, it is included in foreclosed properties. Net changes to foreclosed properties related to PCI loans increased $411 million in 2011. Not included in foreclosed properties at December 31, 2011 was $1.4 billion of real estate that was acquired upon foreclosure of delinquent FHA-insured loans. We hold this real estate on our balance sheet until we convey these properties to the FHA. We exclude these amounts from our nonperforming loans and foreclosed properties activity as we will be reimbursed once the property is conveyed to the FHA for principal and, up to certain limits, costs incurred during the foreclosure process and interest incurred during the holding period. For additional information on the review of our foreclosure processes, see Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations – Other Mortgage-related Matters on page 63.
Restructured Loans
Nonperforming loans also include certain loans that have been modified in TDRs where economic concessions have been granted to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties. These concessions typically result from the Corporation’s loss mitigation activities and could include reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions. Certain TDRs are classified as nonperforming at the time of restructuring and may only be returned to performing status after considering the borrower’s sustained repayment performance under revised payment terms for a reasonable period, generally six months. Nonperforming TDRs, excluding those modified loans in the Countrywide PCI loan portfolio, are included in Table 36.
As a result of accounting guidance on PCI loans, beginning January 1, 2010, modifications of loans in the PCI loan portfolio do not result in removal of the loan from the PCI loan pool. TDRs in the consumer real estate portfolio that were removed from the
PCI loan portfolio prior to the adoption of this accounting guidance were $1.9 billion and $2.1 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010, of which $477 million and $426 million were nonper-forming. These nonperforming loans are excluded from Table 36.
Nonperforming consumer real estate TDRs as a percentage of total nonperforming consumer loans and foreclosed properties increased to 26 percent at December 31, 2011 from 16 percent at December 31, 2010.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 36 | Nonperforming Consumer Loans and Foreclosed Properties Activity (1) |
| | | | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Nonperforming loans, January 1 | $ | 20,854 |
| | $ | 20,839 |
|
Additions to nonperforming loans: | | | |
New nonperforming loans (2) | 15,723 |
| | 21,584 |
|
Reductions to nonperforming loans: | | | |
Paydowns and payoffs | (3,318 | ) | | (2,809 | ) |
Returns to performing status (3) | (4,741 | ) | | (7,647 | ) |
Charge-offs (4) | (8,095 | ) | | (9,772 | ) |
Transfers to foreclosed properties | (1,655 | ) | | (1,341 | ) |
Total net additions (reductions) to nonperforming loans | (2,086 | ) | | 15 |
|
Total nonperforming loans, December 31 (5) | 18,768 |
| | 20,854 |
|
Foreclosed properties, January 1 | 1,249 |
| | 1,428 |
|
Additions to foreclosed properties: | | | |
New foreclosed properties | 2,996 |
| | 2,337 |
|
Reductions to foreclosed properties: | | | |
Sales | (1,993 | ) | | (2,327 | ) |
Write-downs | (261 | ) | | (189 | ) |
Total net additions (reductions) to foreclosed properties | 742 |
| | (179 | ) |
Total foreclosed properties, December 31 | 1,991 |
| | 1,249 |
|
Nonperforming consumer loans and foreclosed properties, December 31 | $ | 20,759 |
| | $ | 22,103 |
|
Nonperforming consumer loans as a percentage of outstanding consumer loans (6) | 3.09 | % | | 3.24 | % |
Nonperforming consumer loans and foreclosed properties as a percentage of outstanding consumer loans and foreclosed properties (6) | 3.41 |
| | 3.43 |
|
| |
(1) | Balances do not include nonperforming LHFS of $659 million and $1.0 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010 as well as loans accruing past due 90 days or more as presented in Table 21 and Note 6 – Outstanding Loans and Leases to the Consolidated Financial Statements. |
| |
(2) | 2010 includes $448 million of nonperforming loans as a result of the consolidation of variable interest entities. |
| |
(3) | Consumer loans may be returned to performing status when all principal and interest is current and full repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest is expected, or when the loan otherwise becomes well-secured and is in the process of collection. Certain TDRs are classified as nonperforming at the time of restructuring and may only be returned to performing status after considering the borrower’s sustained repayment performance for a reasonable period, generally six months. |
| |
(4) | Our policy is to not classify consumer credit card and consumer loans not secured by real estate as nonperforming; therefore, the charge-offs on these loans have no impact on nonperforming activity and accordingly, are excluded from this table. |
| |
(5) | At December 31, 2011, 67 percent of nonperforming loans 180 days or more past due were written down through charge-offs to 64 percent of the unpaid principal balance. |
| |
(6) | Outstanding consumer loans exclude loans accounted for under the fair value option. |
Our policy is to record any losses in the value of foreclosed properties as a reduction in the allowance for loan and lease losses during the first 90 days after transfer of a loan to foreclosed properties. Thereafter, all gains and losses in value are recorded in noninterest expense. New foreclosed properties in Table 36 are net of $352 million and $575 million of charge-offs for 2011 and 2010, recorded during the first 90 days after transfer.
We also work with customers that are experiencing financial difficulty by modifying credit card and other consumer loans, while complying with Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) guidelines. Substantially all of our credit card and other consumer loan modifications involve a reduction in the cardholder’s interest rate on the account and placing the customer on a fixed payment plan not exceeding 60 months, all of which are considered to be TDRs (the renegotiated TDR portfolio). We make modifications primarily through internal renegotiation programs utilizing direct customer contact, but may also utilize external renegotiation programs. The renegotiated TDR portfolio is excluded from Table 36, as substantially all of these loans remain on accrual status until either charged-off or paid in full. At
December 31, 2011, our renegotiated TDR portfolio was $7.1 billion, of which $5.5 billion was current or less than 30 days past due under the modified terms compared to $11.4 billion at December 31, 2010, of which $8.7 billion was current or less than 30 days past due under the modified terms. The decline in the renegotiated TDR portfolio was primarily driven by attrition throughout 2011 as well as lower new program enrollments. For more information on the renegotiated TDR portfolio, see Note 6 – Outstanding Loans and Leases to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
As a result of new accounting guidance on TDRs, loans that are participating in or that have been offered a binding trial modification are classified as TDRs. At December 31, 2011, we classified an additional $2.6 billion of home loans as TDRs that were participating in or had been offered a trial modification. These home loans had an aggregate allowance for credit losses of $154 million at December 31, 2011. For additional information, see Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Principles to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Table 37 presents TDRs for the home loans portfolio. Performing TDR balances are excluded from nonperforming loans in Table 36.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Table 37 | Home Loans Troubled Debt Restructurings |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31 |
| | 2011 | | 2010 |
(Dollars in millions) | Total | | Nonperforming | | Performing | | Total | | Nonperforming | | Performing |
Residential mortgage (1, 2) | $ | 19,287 |
| | $ | 5,034 |
| | $ | 14,253 |
| | $ | 11,788 |
| | $ | 3,297 |
| | $ | 8,491 |
|
Home equity (3) | 1,776 |
| | 543 |
| | 1,233 |
| | 1,721 |
| | 541 |
| | 1,180 |
|
Discontinued real estate (4) | 399 |
| | 214 |
| | 185 |
| | 395 |
| | 206 |
| | 189 |
|
Total home loans troubled debt restructurings | $ | 21,462 |
| | $ | 5,791 |
| | $ | 15,671 |
| | $ | 13,904 |
| | $ | 4,044 |
| | $ | 9,860 |
|
| |
(1) | Residential mortgage TDRs deemed collateral dependent totaled $5.3 billion and $3.2 billion, and included $2.2 billion and $921 million of loans classified as nonperforming and $3.1 billion and $2.3 billion of loans classified as performing at December 31, 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(2) | Residential mortgage performing TDRs included $7.0 billion and $2.5 billion of loans that were fully-insured at December 31, 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(3) | Home equity TDRs deemed collateral dependent totaled $824 million and $796 million, and included $282 million and $245 million of loans classified as nonperforming and $542 million and $551 million of loans classified as performing at December 31, 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(4) | Discontinued real estate TDRs deemed collateral dependent totaled $230 million and $213 million, and included $118 million and $97 million of loans classified as nonperforming and $112 million and $116 million as performing at December 31, 2011 and 2010. |
Commercial Portfolio Credit Risk Management
Credit risk management for the commercial portfolio begins with an assessment of the credit risk profile of the borrower or counterparty based on an analysis of its financial position. As part of the overall credit risk assessment, our commercial credit exposures are assigned a risk rating and are subject to approval based on defined credit approval standards. Subsequent to loan origination, risk ratings are monitored on an ongoing basis, and if necessary, adjusted to reflect changes in the financial condition, cash flow, risk profile or outlook of a borrower or counterparty. In making credit decisions, we consider risk rating, collateral, country, industry and single name concentration limits while also balancing the total borrower or counterparty relationship. Our business and risk management personnel use a variety of tools to continuously monitor the ability of a borrower or counterparty to perform under its obligations. We use risk rating aggregations to measure and evaluate concentrations within portfolios. In addition, risk ratings are a factor in determining the level of assigned economic capital and the allowance for credit losses.
For information on our accounting policies regarding delinquencies, nonperforming status and net charge-offs for the commercial portfolio, see Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Principles to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Management of Commercial Credit Risk
Concentrations
Commercial credit risk is evaluated and managed with the goal that concentrations of credit exposure do not result in undesirable levels of risk. We review, measure and manage concentrations of credit exposure by industry, product, geography, customer relationship and loan size. We also review, measure and manage commercial real estate loans by geographic location and property type. In addition, within our international portfolio, we evaluate exposures by region and by country. Tables 42, 47, 53 and 54 summarize our concentrations. We also utilize syndications of exposure to third parties, loan sales, hedging and other risk mitigation techniques to manage the size and risk profile of the commercial credit portfolio.
As part of our ongoing risk mitigation initiatives, we attempt to work with clients experiencing financial difficulty to modify their loans to terms that better align with their current ability to pay. In situations where an economic concession has been granted to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty, we identify these loans as TDRs.
We account for certain large corporate loans and loan commitments, including issued but unfunded letters of credit which are considered utilized for credit risk management purposes, that exceed our single name credit risk concentration guidelines under the fair value option. Lending commitments, both funded and unfunded, are actively managed and monitored, and as appropriate, credit risk for these lending relationships may be mitigated through the use of credit derivatives, with the Corporation’s credit view and market perspectives determining the size and timing of the hedging activity. In addition, we purchase credit protection to cover the funded portion as well as the unfunded portion of certain other credit exposures. To lessen the cost of obtaining our desired credit protection levels, credit exposure may be added within an industry, borrower or counterparty group by selling protection. These credit derivatives do not meet the requirements for treatment as accounting hedges. They are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in other income (loss).
Commercial Credit Portfolio
During 2011, credit quality in the commercial loans portfolio showed improvement relative to 2010. Commercial loans increased in 2011 primarily due to growth in commercial and industrial lending. Non-U.S. commercial loan growth, centered in corporate loans and trade finance, was driven by higher client demand, enterprise-wide initiatives, regional economic conditions and disruption in debt and equity markets leading to higher utilization. Growth in U.S. commercial loans was driven by domestic economic momentum. This was partially offset by declines in commercial real estate loans as net paydowns and sales outpaced new originations and renewals.
Reservable criticized balances, net charge-offs and nonperforming loans, leases and foreclosed property balances in the commercial credit portfolio declined in 2011. The reductions in reservable criticized and nonperforming loans, leases and foreclosed property were primarily in the commercial real estate and U.S. commercial portfolios. Commercial real estate continued to show improvement during 2011 compared to 2010 in both the homebuilder and non-homebuilder portfolios. However, levels of
stressed commercial real estate loans remain elevated. The reduction in reservable criticized U.S. commercial loans was driven by broad-based improvements in terms of clients, industries and businesses. Most other credit indicators across the remaining commercial portfolios also improved.
Table 38 presents our commercial loans and leases, and related credit quality information at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Table 38 | Commercial Loans and Leases |
| | |
| | December 31 |
| | Outstandings | | Nonperforming | | Accruing Past Due 90 Days or More |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
U.S. commercial | $ | 179,948 |
| | $ | 175,586 |
| | $ | 2,174 |
| | $ | 3,453 |
| | $ | 75 |
| | $ | 236 |
|
Commercial real estate (1) | 39,596 |
| | 49,393 |
| | 3,880 |
| | 5,829 |
| | 7 |
| | 47 |
|
Commercial lease financing | 21,989 |
| | 21,942 |
| | 26 |
| | 117 |
| | 14 |
| | 18 |
|
Non-U.S. commercial | 55,418 |
| | 32,029 |
| | 143 |
| | 233 |
| | — |
| | 6 |
|
| | 296,951 |
| | 278,950 |
| | 6,223 |
| | 9,632 |
| | 96 |
| | 307 |
|
U.S. small business commercial (2) | 13,251 |
| | 14,719 |
| | 114 |
| | 204 |
| | 216 |
| | 325 |
|
Commercial loans excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option | 310,202 |
| | 293,669 |
| | 6,337 |
| | 9,836 |
| | 312 |
| | 632 |
|
Loans accounted for under the fair value option (3) | 6,614 |
| | 3,321 |
| | 73 |
| | 30 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Total commercial loans and leases | $ | 316,816 |
| | $ | 296,990 |
| | $ | 6,410 |
| | $ | 9,866 |
| | $ | 312 |
| | $ | 632 |
|
| |
(1) | Includes U.S. commercial real estate loans of $37.8 billion and $46.9 billion and non-U.S. commercial real estate loans of $1.8 billion and $2.5 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(2) | Includes card-related products. |
| |
(3) | Commercial loans accounted for under the fair value option include U.S. commercial loans of $2.2 billion and $1.6 billion, non-U.S. commercial loans of $4.4 billion and $1.7 billion, and commercial real estate loans of $0 and $79 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010. See Note 23 – Fair Value Option to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the fair value option. |
Nonperforming commercial loans and leases as a percentage of outstanding commercial loans and leases were 2.02 percent and 3.32 percent (2.04 percent and 3.35 percent excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option) at December 31, 2011 and 2010. Accruing commercial loans and leases past due 90 days or more as a percentage of outstanding commercial loans and leases were 0.10 percent and 0.21 percent (0.10 percent and 0.22 percent excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option) at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
Table 39 presents net charge-offs and related ratios for our
commercial loans and leases for 2011 and 2010. Improving portfolio trends drove lower charge-offs and higher recoveries across most of the portfolio. Commercial real estate net charge-offs during 2011 declined in both the homebuilder and non-homebuilder portfolios. U.S. small business commercial net charge-offs declined primarily due to improvements in delinquencies, collections and bankruptcies. U.S. commercial charge-offs decreased during 2011 due to broad-based declines from improvements in client profiles, industries and businesses.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Table 39 | Commercial Net Charge-offs and Related Ratios |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Net Charge-offs | | Net Charge-off Ratios (1) |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
U.S. commercial | $ | 195 |
| | $ | 881 |
| | 0.11 | % | | 0.50 | % |
Commercial real estate | 947 |
| | 2,017 |
| | 2.13 |
| | 3.37 |
|
Commercial lease financing | 24 |
| | 57 |
| | 0.11 |
| | 0.27 |
|
Non-U.S. commercial | 152 |
| | 111 |
| | 0.36 |
| | 0.39 |
|
| | 1,318 |
| | 3,066 |
| | 0.46 |
| | 1.07 |
|
U.S. small business commercial | 995 |
| | 1,918 |
| | 7.12 |
| | 12.00 |
|
Total commercial | $ | 2,313 |
| | $ | 4,984 |
| | 0.77 |
| | 1.64 |
|
| |
(1) | Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding loans and leases excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option. |
Table 40 presents commercial credit exposure by type for utilized, unfunded and total binding committed credit exposure. Commercial utilized credit exposure includes SBLCs, financial guarantees, bankers’ acceptances and commercial letters of credit for which the Corporation is legally bound to advance funds under prescribed conditions, during a specified period. Although funds have not yet been advanced, these exposure types are considered utilized for credit risk management purposes. Total commercial committed credit exposure increased $10.4 billion at December 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010 driven primarily by increases in loans and leases, partially offset by decreases in SBLCs, LHFS and bankers’ acceptances.
Total commercial utilized credit exposure increased $6.1 billion in 2011 driven primarily by increases in loans and leases, partially offset by decreases in SBLCs, LHFS and bankers’ acceptances. Utilized loans and leases increased primarily due to growth and higher revolver utilization in our international franchise, and were partially offset by run-off in the commercial real estate portfolio and the transfer of securities-based lending exposures from our U.S. commercial portfolio to the consumer portfolio during 2011. The utilization rate for loans and leases, SBLCs and financial guarantees, and bankers’ acceptances was 57 percent at both December 31, 2011 and 2010.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Table 40 | Commercial Credit Exposure by Type |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31 |
| | Commercial Utilized (1) | | Commercial Unfunded (2, 3) | | Total Commercial Committed |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Loans and leases | $ | 316,816 |
| | $ | 296,990 |
| | $ | 276,195 |
| | $ | 272,172 |
| | $ | 593,011 |
| | $ | 569,162 |
|
Derivative assets (4) | 73,023 |
| | 73,000 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 73,023 |
| | 73,000 |
|
Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees | 55,384 |
| | 62,745 |
| | 1,592 |
| | 1,511 |
| | 56,976 |
| | 64,256 |
|
Debt securities and other investments (5) | 11,108 |
| | 10,216 |
| | 5,147 |
| | 4,546 |
| | 16,255 |
| | 14,762 |
|
Loans held-for-sale | 5,006 |
| | 10,380 |
| | 229 |
| | 242 |
| | 5,235 |
| | 10,622 |
|
Commercial letters of credit | 2,411 |
| | 2,654 |
| | 832 |
| | 1,179 |
| | 3,243 |
| | 3,833 |
|
Bankers’ acceptances | 797 |
| | 3,706 |
| | 28 |
| | 23 |
| | 825 |
| | 3,729 |
|
Foreclosed properties and other (6) | 1,964 |
| | 731 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,964 |
| | 731 |
|
Total | $ | 466,509 |
| | $ | 460,422 |
| | $ | 284,023 |
| | $ | 279,673 |
| | $ | 750,532 |
| | $ | 740,095 |
|
| |
(1) | Total commercial utilized exposure at December 31, 2011 and 2010 includes loans outstanding of $6.6 billion and $3.3 billion and letters of credit with a notional value of $1.3 billion and $1.4 billion accounted for under the fair value option. |
| |
(2) | Total commercial unfunded exposure at December 31, 2011 and 2010 includes loan commitments accounted for under the fair value option with a notional value of $24.4 billion and $25.9 billion. |
| |
(3) | Excludes unused business card lines which are not legally binding. |
| |
(4) | Derivative assets are carried at fair value, reflect the effects of legally enforceable master netting agreements and have been reduced by cash collateral of $58.9 billion and $58.3 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010. Not reflected in utilized and committed exposure is additional derivative collateral held of $16.1 billion and $17.7 billion which consists primarily of other marketable securities. |
| |
(5) | Total commercial committed exposure consists of $16.3 billion and $14.2 billion of debt securities and $0 and $590 million of other investments at December 31, 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(6) | Includes $1.3 billion of net monoline exposure at December 31, 2011, as discussed in Monoline and Related Exposure on page 101. |
Table 41 presents commercial utilized reservable criticized exposure by product type. Criticized exposure corresponds to the Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful asset categories as defined by regulatory authorities. Total commercial utilized reservable criticized exposure decreased $15.4 billion, or 36 percent, in 2011 due to broad-based decreases across most portfolios, primarily in commercial real estate and U.S. commercial
driven largely by continued paydowns, sales and ratings upgrades outpacing downgrades. Despite the improvements, utilized reservable criticized levels remain elevated, particularly in commercial real estate and U.S. small business commercial. At December 31, 2011, approximately 85 percent of commercial utilized reservable criticized exposure was secured compared to 88 percent at December 31, 2010.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Table 41 | Commercial Utilized Reservable Criticized Exposure |
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31 |
| | 2011 | | 2010 |
(Dollars in millions) | Amount (1) | | Percent (2) | | Amount (1) | | Percent (2) |
U.S. commercial | $ | 11,731 |
| | 5.16 | % | | $ | 17,195 |
| | 7.44 | % |
Commercial real estate | 11,525 |
| | 27.13 |
| | 20,518 |
| | 38.88 |
|
Commercial lease financing | 1,140 |
| | 5.18 |
| | 1,188 |
| | 5.41 |
|
Non-U.S. commercial | 1,524 |
| | 2.44 |
| | 2,043 |
| | 5.01 |
|
| | 25,920 |
| | 7.32 |
| | 40,944 |
| | 11.81 |
|
U.S. small business commercial | 1,327 |
| | 10.01 |
| | 1,677 |
| | 11.37 |
|
Total commercial utilized reservable criticized exposure | $ | 27,247 |
| | 7.41 |
| | $ | 42,621 |
| | 11.80 |
|
| |
(1) | Total commercial utilized reservable criticized exposure at December 31, 2011 and 2010 includes loans and leases of $25.3 billion and $39.8 billion and commercial letters of credit of $1.9 billion and $2.8 billion. |
| |
(2) | Percentages are calculated as commercial utilized reservable criticized exposure divided by total commercial utilized reservable exposure for each exposure category. |
U.S. Commercial
At December 31, 2011, 58 percent of the U.S. commercial loan portfolio, excluding small business, was managed in Global Commercial Banking and 30 percent in GBAM. The remaining 12 percent was mostly in GWIM (business-purpose loans for wealthy
clients). U.S. commercial loans, excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option, increased $4.4 billion in 2011 due to continued growth and higher revolver utilization across the portfolio. This increase was net of a product reclassification for certain trade loans to non-U.S. commercial in 2011, as well as
the transfer of securities-based lending loans to the consumer portfolio earlier in 2011, which together totaled $5.3 billion. Reservable criticized balances and nonperforming loans and leases declined $5.5 billion and $1.3 billion in 2011. The declines were broad-based in terms of clients and industries and were driven by improved client credit profiles and liquidity. Net charge-offs decreased $686 million in 2011 due to broad-based declines from credit quality improvements mentioned above, driving lower charge-offs and higher recoveries.
Commercial Real Estate
The commercial real estate portfolio is predominantly managed in Global Commercial Banking and consists of loans made primarily to public and private developers, homebuilders and commercial real estate firms. Outstanding loans decreased $9.8 billion in 2011 due to paydowns and sales, which outpaced new originations and renewals. Over 90 percent of this decrease occurred within reservable criticized.
The portfolio remains diversified across property types and geographic regions. California represented the largest state concentration of commercial real estate loans and leases at 20 percent and 18 percent at December 31, 2011 and 2010. For more information on geographic and property concentrations, see
Table 42.
Credit quality for commercial real estate continued to show signs of improvement; however, we expect that elevated unemployment and ongoing pressure on vacancy and rental rates will continue to affect primarily the non-homebuilder portfolio. Nonperforming commercial real estate loans and foreclosed properties decreased 31 percent in 2011, split evenly across the homebuilder and non-homebuilder portfolios. The decline in nonperforming loans and foreclosed properties in the non-homebuilder portfolio was driven by decreases in the shopping centers/retail, land and land development, and office property types. Reservable criticized balances decreased $9.0 billion primarily due to declines in the office, shopping centers/retail and multi-family rental property types in the non-homebuilder portfolio and improvement in the homebuilder portfolio. Net charge-offs declined $1.1 billion in 2011 due to improvement in both the homebuilder and non-homebuilder portfolio.
Table 42 presents outstanding commercial real estate loans by geographic region which is based on the geographic location of the collateral and property type. Commercial real estate primarily includes commercial loans and leases secured by non-owner-occupied real estate which is dependent on the sale or lease of the real estate as the primary source of repayment.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 42 | Outstanding Commercial Real Estate Loans |
| | | | |
| | December 31 |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
By Geographic Region | |
| | |
|
California | $ | 7,957 |
| | $ | 9,012 |
|
Northeast | 6,554 |
| | 7,639 |
|
Southwest | 5,243 |
| | 6,169 |
|
Southeast | 4,844 |
| | 5,806 |
|
Midwest | 4,051 |
| | 5,301 |
|
Florida | 2,502 |
| | 3,649 |
|
Illinois | 1,871 |
| | 2,811 |
|
Midsouth | 1,751 |
| | 2,627 |
|
Northwest | 1,574 |
| | 2,243 |
|
Non-U.S. | 1,824 |
| | 2,515 |
|
Other (1) | 1,425 |
| | 1,701 |
|
Total outstanding commercial real estate loans (2) | $ | 39,596 |
| | $ | 49,473 |
|
By Property Type | |
| | |
|
Non-homebuilder | | | |
Office | $ | 7,571 |
| | $ | 9,688 |
|
Multi-family rental | 6,105 |
| | 7,721 |
|
Shopping centers/retail | 5,985 |
| | 7,484 |
|
Industrial/warehouse | 3,988 |
| | 5,039 |
|
Multi-use | 3,218 |
| | 4,266 |
|
Hotels/motels | 2,653 |
| | 2,650 |
|
Land and land development | 1,599 |
| | 2,376 |
|
Other | 6,050 |
| | 5,950 |
|
Total non-homebuilder | 37,169 |
| | 45,174 |
|
Homebuilder | 2,427 |
| | 4,299 |
|
Total outstanding commercial real estate loans (2) | $ | 39,596 |
| | $ | 49,473 |
|
| |
(1) | Other states primarily represents properties in the states of Colorado, Utah, Hawaii, Wyoming and Montana. |
| |
(2) | Includes commercial real estate loans accounted for under the fair value option of $79 million at December 31, 2010, none at December 31, 2011. |
During 2011, we continued to see improvement in the homebuilder portfolio. Certain portions of the non-homebuilder portfolio remain at risk as occupancy rates, rental rates and commercial property prices remain under pressure. We use a number of proactive risk mitigation initiatives to reduce utilized
and potential exposure in the commercial real estate portfolios including refinement of our credit standards, additional transfers of deteriorating exposures to management by independent special asset officers and the pursuit of alternative resolution methods to achieve the best results for our customers and the Corporation.
Tables 43 and 44 present commercial real estate credit quality data by non-homebuilder and homebuilder property types. The homebuilder portfolio presented in Tables 42, 43 and 44 includes condominiums and other residential real estate. Other property
types in Tables 42, 43 and 44 primarily include special purpose, nursing/retirement homes, medical facilities and restaurants, as well as unsecured loans to borrowers whose primary business is commercial real estate.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Table 43 | Commercial Real Estate Credit Quality Data |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31 |
| | | Nonperforming Loans and Foreclosed Properties (1) | | Utilized Reservable Criticized Exposure (2) |
(Dollars in millions) | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Non-homebuilder | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Office | | $ | 807 |
| | $ | 1,061 |
| | $ | 2,375 |
| | $ | 3,956 |
|
Multi-family rental | | 339 |
| | 500 |
| | 1,604 |
| | 2,940 |
|
Shopping centers/retail | | 561 |
| | 1,000 |
| | 1,378 |
| | 2,837 |
|
Industrial/warehouse | | 521 |
| | 420 |
| | 1,317 |
| | 1,878 |
|
Multi-use | | 345 |
| | 483 |
| | 971 |
| | 1,316 |
|
Hotels/motels | | 173 |
| | 139 |
| | 716 |
| | 1,191 |
|
Land and land development | | 530 |
| | 820 |
| | 749 |
| | 1,420 |
|
Other | | 223 |
| | 168 |
| | 997 |
| | 1,604 |
|
Total non-homebuilder | | 3,499 |
| | 4,591 |
| | 10,107 |
| | 17,142 |
|
Homebuilder | | 993 |
| | 1,963 |
| | 1,418 |
| | 3,376 |
|
Total commercial real estate | | $ | 4,492 |
| | $ | 6,554 |
| | $ | 11,525 |
| | $ | 20,518 |
|
| |
(1) | Includes commercial foreclosed properties of $612 million and $725 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(2) | Includes loans, excluding those accounted for under the fair value option, SBLCs and bankers’ acceptances. |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Table 44 | Commercial Real Estate Net Charge-offs and Related Ratios |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Net Charge-offs | | Net Charge-off Ratios (1) |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Non-homebuilder | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Office | $ | 126 |
| | $ | 273 |
| | 1.51 | % | | 2.49 | % |
Multi-family rental | 36 |
| | 116 |
| | 0.52 |
| | 1.21 |
|
Shopping centers/retail | 184 |
| | 318 |
| | 2.69 |
| | 3.56 |
|
Industrial/warehouse | 88 |
| | 59 |
| | 1.94 |
| | 1.07 |
|
Multi-use | 61 |
| | 143 |
| | 1.63 |
| | 2.92 |
|
Hotels/motels | 23 |
| | 45 |
| | 0.86 |
| | 1.02 |
|
Land and land development | 152 |
| | 377 |
| | 7.58 |
| | 13.04 |
|
Other | 19 |
| | 220 |
| | 0.33 |
| | 3.14 |
|
Total non-homebuilder | 689 |
| | 1,551 |
| | 1.67 |
| | 2.86 |
|
Homebuilder | 258 |
| | 466 |
| | 8.00 |
| | 8.26 |
|
Total commercial real estate | $ | 947 |
| | $ | 2,017 |
| | 2.13 |
| | 3.37 |
|
| |
(1) | Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding loans excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option. |
At December 31, 2011, total committed non-homebuilder exposure was $53.1 billion compared to $64.2 billion at December 31, 2010, with the decrease due to exposure reductions in all non-homebuilder property types. Non-homebuilder nonperforming loans and foreclosed properties were $3.5 billion and $4.6 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010, which represented 9.29 percent and 10.08 percent of total non-homebuilder loans and foreclosed properties. Non-homebuilder utilized reservable criticized exposure decreased to $10.1 billion, or 25.34 percent of non-homebuilder utilized reservable exposure, at December 31, 2011 compared to $17.1 billion, or 35.55 percent, at December 31, 2010. The decrease in reservable criticized exposure was driven primarily by office, shopping centers/retail and multi-family rental property types. For the non-homebuilder portfolio, net charge-offs decreased $862 million in 2011 due in part to resolution of criticized assets through payoffs and sales.
At December 31, 2011, we had committed homebuilder exposure of $3.9 billion compared to $6.0 billion at December 31, 2010, of which $2.4 billion and $4.3 billion were funded secured loans. The decline in homebuilder committed exposure was due to repayments, net charge-offs, reductions in new home construction and continued risk mitigation initiatives with market conditions providing fewer origination opportunities to offset the reductions. Homebuilder nonperforming loans and foreclosed properties decreased $970 million due to repayments, a decline in the volume of loans being downgraded to nonaccrual status and net charge-offs. Homebuilder utilized reservable criticized exposure decreased $2.0 billion to $1.4 billion due to repayments and net charge-offs. The nonperforming loans, leases and foreclosed properties and the utilized reservable criticized ratios for the homebuilder portfolio were 38.89 percent and 54.65 percent at December 31, 2011 compared to 42.80 percent and 74.27 percent at December 31, 2010. Net charge-offs for the homebuilder portfolio decreased $208 million in 2011.
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the commercial real estate loan portfolio included $10.9 billion and $19.1 billion of construction and land development loans that were originated to fund the construction and/or rehabilitation of commercial properties. The decline in construction and land development loans was driven by repayments, net charge-offs and continued risk mitigation initiatives which outpaced new originations. This portfolio is mostly secured and diversified across property types and geographic regions but faces continuing challenges in the housing and rental markets. Weak rental demand and cash flows along with depressed property valuations of land have contributed to elevated levels of reservable criticized exposure, nonperforming loans and foreclosed properties, and net charge-offs. Reservable criticized construction and land development loans totaled $4.9 billion and $10.5 billion, and nonperforming construction and land development loans and foreclosed properties totaled $2.1 billion and $4.0 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010. During a property’s construction phase, interest income is typically paid from interest reserves that are established at the inception of the loan. As construction is completed and the property is put into service, these interest reserves are depleted and interest payments from operating cash flows begin. Loans continue to be classified as construction loans until they are refinanced. We do not recognize interest income on nonperforming loans regardless of the existence of an interest reserve.
Non-U.S. Commercial
The non-U.S. commercial loan portfolio is managed primarily in GBAM. Outstanding loans, excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option, increased $23.4 billion in 2011 from continued growth in corporate loans and trade finance due to client demand, enterprise-wide initiatives, regional economic conditions and disruption in debt and equity markets, along with the product reclassification from U.S. commercial in 2011. For additional information on the non-U.S. commercial portfolio, see Non-U.S. Portfolio on page 104.
U.S. Small Business Commercial
The U.S. small business commercial loan portfolio is comprised of business card and small business loans managed in Card Services and Global Commercial Banking. U.S. small business commercial net charge-offs declined $923 million in 2011 driven by improvements in delinquencies, collections and bankruptcies resulting from an improved economic environment as well as the reduction of higher risk vintages and the impact of higher credit quality originations. Of the U.S. small business commercial net charge-offs, 74 percent were credit card-related products for 2011 compared to 79 percent for 2010.
Commercial Loans Carried at Fair Value
The portfolio of commercial loans accounted for under the fair value option is managed primarily in GBAM. Outstanding commercial loans accounted for under the fair value option increased $3.3 billion to an aggregate fair value of $6.6 billion at December 31, 2011 due primarily to increased corporate borrowings under bank credit facilities. We recorded net losses of $174 million resulting from changes in the fair value of the loan portfolio during 2011 compared to net gains of $82 million in 2010. These amounts were primarily attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit risk, were recorded in other income (loss) and do not reflect the results of hedging activities.
In addition, unfunded lending commitments and letters of credit accounted for under the fair value option had an aggregate fair value of $1.2 billion and $866 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010 which was recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities. The associated aggregate notional amount of unfunded lending commitments and letters of credit accounted for under the fair value option was $25.7 billion and $27.3 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010. During 2011 we recorded net losses of $429 million from changes in the fair value of commitments and letters of credit compared to net gains of $23 million in 2010. These amounts were primarily attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit risk, were recorded in other income (loss) and do not reflect the results of hedging activities.
Nonperforming Commercial Loans, Leases and Foreclosed Properties Activity
Table 45 presents the nonperforming commercial loans, leases and foreclosed properties activity during 2011 and 2010. Nonperforming commercial loans and leases decreased $3.5 billion during 2011 to $6.3 billion at December 31, 2011 driven by paydowns, charge-offs, returns to performing status and sales, partially offset by new nonaccrual loans in the commercial real
estate and U.S. commercial portfolios. Approximately 96 percent of commercial nonperforming loans, leases and foreclosed properties are secured and approximately 51 percent are contractually current. In addition, commercial nonperforming loans are carried at approximately 68 percent of their unpaid principal balance before consideration of the allowance for loan and lease losses as the carrying value of these loans has been reduced to the estimated property value less estimated costs to sell.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 45 | Nonperforming Commercial Loans, Leases and Foreclosed Properties Activity (1, 2) |
| | | | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Nonperforming loans and leases, January 1 | $ | 9,836 |
| | $ | 12,703 |
|
Additions to nonperforming loans and leases: | |
| | |
|
New nonperforming loans and leases | 4,656 |
| | 7,809 |
|
Advances | 157 |
| | 330 |
|
Reductions in nonperforming loans and leases: | |
| | |
|
Paydowns and payoffs | (3,457 | ) | | (3,938 | ) |
Sales | (1,153 | ) | | (841 | ) |
Returns to performing status (3) | (1,183 | ) | | (1,607 | ) |
Charge-offs (4) | (1,576 | ) | | (3,221 | ) |
Transfers to foreclosed properties | (774 | ) | | (1,045 | ) |
Transfers to loans held-for-sale | (169 | ) | | (354 | ) |
Total net reductions to nonperforming loans and leases | (3,499 | ) | | (2,867 | ) |
Total nonperforming loans and leases, December 31 | 6,337 |
| | 9,836 |
|
Foreclosed properties, January 1 | 725 |
| | 777 |
|
Additions to foreclosed properties: | |
| | |
|
New foreclosed properties | 507 |
| | 818 |
|
Reductions in foreclosed properties: | |
| | |
|
Sales | (539 | ) | | (780 | ) |
Write-downs | (81 | ) | | (90 | ) |
Total net reductions to foreclosed properties | (113 | ) | | (52 | ) |
Total foreclosed properties, December 31 | 612 |
| | 725 |
|
Nonperforming commercial loans, leases and foreclosed properties, December 31 | $ | 6,949 |
| | $ | 10,561 |
|
Nonperforming commercial loans and leases as a percentage of outstanding commercial loans and leases (5) | 2.04 | % | | 3.35 | % |
Nonperforming commercial loans, leases and foreclosed properties as a percentage of outstanding commercial loans, leases and foreclosed properties (5) | 2.24 |
| | 3.59 |
|
| |
(1) | Balances do not include nonperforming LHFS of $1.1 billion and $1.5 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(2) | Includes U.S. small business commercial activity. |
| |
(3) | Commercial loans and leases may be returned to performing status when all principal and interest is current and full repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest is expected or when the loan otherwise becomes well-secured and is in the process of collection. TDRs are generally classified as performing after a sustained period of demonstrated payment performance. |
| |
(4) | Business card loans are not classified as nonperforming; therefore, the charge-offs on these loans have no impact on nonperforming activity and accordingly are excluded from this table. |
| |
(5) | Excludes loans accounted for under the fair value option. |
As a result of the retrospective application of new accounting guidance on TDRs effective September 30, 2011, the Corporation classified $1.1 billion of commercial loan modifications as TDRs that in previous periods had not been classified as TDRs. These loans were newly identified as TDRs typically because the Corporation was not able to demonstrate that the modified rate of interest, although significantly higher than the rate prior to
modification, was a market rate of interest. These newly identified TDRs did not have a significant impact on the allowance for credit losses or the provision for credit losses. Included in this amount was $402 million of performing commercial loans at December 31, 2011 that were not previously considered to be impaired loans. For additional information, see Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Principles to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Table 46 presents our commercial TDRs by product type and status. U.S. small business commercial TDRs are comprised of renegotiated business card loans and are not classified as nonperforming as they are charged off no later than the end of the month in which the loan becomes 180 days past due.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Table 46 | Commercial Troubled Debt Restructurings |
| | |
| | December 31 |
| | 2011 | | 2010 |
(Dollars in millions) | Total | | Nonperforming | | Performing | | Total | | Nonperforming | | Performing |
U.S. commercial | $ | 1,329 |
| | $ | 531 |
| | $ | 798 |
| | $ | 356 |
| | $ | 175 |
| | $ | 181 |
|
Commercial real estate | 1,675 |
| | 1,076 |
| | 599 |
| | 815 |
| | 770 |
| | 45 |
|
Non-U.S. commercial | 54 |
| | 38 |
| | 16 |
| | 19 |
| | 7 |
| | 12 |
|
U.S. small business commercial | 389 |
| | — |
| | 389 |
| | 688 |
| | — |
| | 688 |
|
Total commercial troubled debt restructurings | $ | 3,447 |
| | $ | 1,645 |
| | $ | 1,802 |
| | $ | 1,878 |
| | $ | 952 |
| | $ | 926 |
|
Industry Concentrations
Table 47 presents commercial committed and utilized credit exposure by industry and the total net credit default protection purchased to cover the funded and unfunded portions of certain credit exposures. Our commercial credit exposure is diversified across a broad range of industries. The increase in commercial committed exposure of $10.4 billion in 2011 was concentrated in banks, diversified financials and energy, partially offset by lower real estate, insurance (including monolines) and other committed exposure.
Industry limits are used internally to manage industry concentrations and are based on committed exposures and capital usage that are allocated on an industry-by-industry basis. A risk management framework is in place to set and approve industry limits as well as to provide ongoing monitoring. Management’s Credit Risk Committee (CRC) oversees industry limit governance.
Diversified financials, our largest industry concentration, experienced an increase in committed exposure of $8.2 billion, or nine percent, in 2011 driven primarily by increases in consumer finance lending and traded products exposure.
Real estate, our second largest industry concentration, experienced a decrease in committed exposure of $9.4 billion, or 13 percent, in 2011 due primarily to paydowns and sales which outpaced new originations and renewals. Real estate construction and land development exposure represented 20 percent and 27 percent of the total real estate industry committed exposure at December 31, 2011 and 2010. For more information on the commercial real estate and related portfolios, see Commercial Real Estate on page 97.
Committed exposure in the banking industry increased $9.1 billion, or 31 percent, in 2011 primarily due to increases in trade finance as a result of momentum from regional economies and growth initiatives in foreign markets.
Energy committed exposure increased $5.7 billion, or 22 percent, in 2011 due to increases in working capital lines for state-related enterprises and increases in large investment-grade energy companies.
Insurance, including monolines committed exposure, decreased $8.3 billion, or 34 percent, in 2011 due primarily to the settlement/termination of monoline positions. For more information on our monoline exposure, see Monoline and Related Exposure below.
Other committed exposure decreased $6.0 billion, or 44
percent, in 2011 due to reductions primarily in traded products exposure.
The Corporation’s committed state and municipal exposure of $46.1 billion at December 31, 2011 consisted of $34.4 billion of commercial utilized exposure (including $18.6 billion of funded loans, $11.3 billion of SBLCs and $4.1 billion of derivative assets) and unutilized commercial exposure of $11.7 billion (primarily unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit) and is reported in the Government and public education industry in Table 47. Economic conditions continue to impact debt issued by state and local municipalities and certain exposures to these municipalities. While historical default rates have been low, as part of our overall and ongoing risk management processes, we continually monitor these exposures through a rigorous review process. Additionally, internal communications surrounding certain at-risk counterparties and/or sectors are regularly circulated ensuring exposure levels are in compliance with established concentration guidelines.
Monoline and Related Exposure
Monoline exposure is reported in the insurance industry and managed under insurance portfolio industry limits.
We have indirect exposure to monolines primarily in the form of guarantees supporting our loans, investment portfolios, securitizations and credit-enhanced securities as part of our public finance business and other selected products. Such indirect exposure exists when we purchase credit protection from monolines to hedge all or a portion of the credit risk on certain credit exposures including loans and CDOs. We underwrite our public finance exposure by evaluating the underlying securities.
We also have indirect exposure to monolines in the form of guarantees supporting our mortgage and other loan sales. Indirect exposure may exist when credit protection was purchased from monolines to hedge all or a portion of the credit risk on certain mortgage and other loan exposures. A loss may occur when we are required to repurchase a loan and the market value of the loan has declined, or we are required to indemnify or provide recourse for a guarantor’s loss. For additional information regarding our exposure to representations and warranties, see Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations – Representations and Warranties on page 56 and Note 9 – Representations and Warranties Obligations and Corporate Guarantees to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
During 2011, we terminated all of our monoline contracts referencing super senior ABS CDOs and reclassified net monoline exposure with a carrying value of $1.3 billion ($4.7 billion gross receivable less impairment) at December 31, 2011 from derivative assets to other assets because of the inherent default risk. Because these contracts no longer provide a hedge benefit, they are no longer considered derivative trading instruments. This exposure relates to a single counterparty and is recorded at fair value based on current net recovery projections. The net recovery projections take into account the present value of projected payments expected to be received from the counterparty.
Monoline derivative credit exposure had a notional value of $21.1 billion and $38.4 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010. Mark-to-market monoline derivative credit exposure was $1.8 billion and $9.2 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010 with the decrease driven by positive valuation adjustments on legacy assets, terminated monoline contracts and the reclassification of net monoline exposure to other assets mentioned above. The counterparty credit valuation adjustment related to monoline derivative exposure was $417 million and $5.3 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010. This adjustment reduced our net
mark-to-market exposure to $1.3 billion at December 31, 2011 compared to $3.9 billion at December 31, 2010 and covered 24 percent of the mark-to-market exposure at December 31, 2011, down from 57 percent at December 31, 2010. We do not hold collateral against these derivative exposures. For more information on our monoline exposure, termination of certain monoline contracts and the transfer of monoline exposure to other assets, see GBAM on page 49.
We also have indirect exposure to monolines as we invest in securities where the issuers have purchased wraps. For example, municipalities and corporations purchase insurance in order to reduce their cost of borrowing. If the rating agencies downgrade the monolines, the credit rating of the bond may fall and may have an adverse impact on the market value of the security. In the case of default, we first look to the underlying securities and then to the purchased insurance for recovery. Investments in securities with purchased wraps issued by municipalities and corporations had a notional amount of $150 million and $2.4 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010. Mark-to-market investment exposure was $89 million at December 31, 2011 compared to $2.2 billion at December 31, 2010.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Table 47 | Commercial Credit Exposure by Industry (1) |
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31 |
| | Commercial Utilized | | Total Commercial Committed |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2011 | | 2010 |
Diversified financials | $ | 64,957 |
| | $ | 58,698 |
| | $ | 94,969 |
| | $ | 86,750 |
|
Real estate (2) | 48,138 |
| | 58,531 |
| | 62,566 |
| | 72,004 |
|
Government and public education | 43,090 |
| | 44,131 |
| | 57,021 |
| | 59,594 |
|
Healthcare equipment and services | 31,298 |
| | 30,420 |
| | 48,141 |
| | 47,569 |
|
Capital goods | 24,025 |
| | 21,940 |
| | 48,013 |
| | 46,087 |
|
Retailing | 25,478 |
| | 24,660 |
| | 46,290 |
| | 43,950 |
|
Banks | 35,231 |
| | 26,831 |
| | 38,735 |
| | 29,667 |
|
Consumer services | 24,445 |
| | 24,759 |
| | 38,498 |
| | 39,694 |
|
Materials | 19,384 |
| | 15,873 |
| | 38,070 |
| | 33,046 |
|
Energy | 15,151 |
| | 9,765 |
| | 32,074 |
| | 26,328 |
|
Commercial services and supplies | 20,089 |
| | 20,056 |
| | 30,831 |
| | 30,517 |
|
Food, beverage and tobacco | 15,904 |
| | 14,777 |
| | 30,501 |
| | 28,126 |
|
Utilities | 8,102 |
| | 6,990 |
| | 24,552 |
| | 24,207 |
|
Media | 11,447 |
| | 11,611 |
| | 21,158 |
| | 20,619 |
|
Transportation | 12,683 |
| | 12,070 |
| | 19,036 |
| | 18,436 |
|
Individuals and trusts | 14,993 |
| | 18,316 |
| | 19,001 |
| | 22,937 |
|
Insurance, including monolines | 10,090 |
| | 17,263 |
| | 16,157 |
| | 24,417 |
|
Technology hardware and equipment | 5,247 |
| | 4,373 |
| | 12,173 |
| | 10,932 |
|
Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology | 4,141 |
| | 3,859 |
| | 11,328 |
| | 11,009 |
|
Religious and social organizations | 8,536 |
| | 8,409 |
| | 11,160 |
| | 10,823 |
|
Telecommunication services | 4,297 |
| | 3,823 |
| | 10,424 |
| | 9,321 |
|
Software and services | 4,304 |
| | 3,837 |
| | 9,579 |
| | 9,531 |
|
Consumer durables and apparel | 4,505 |
| | 4,297 |
| | 8,965 |
| | 8,836 |
|
Automobiles and components | 2,813 |
| | 2,090 |
| | 7,178 |
| | 5,941 |
|
Food and staples retailing | 3,273 |
| | 3,222 |
| | 6,476 |
| | 6,161 |
|
Other | 4,888 |
| | 9,821 |
| | 7,636 |
| | 13,593 |
|
Total commercial credit exposure by industry | $ | 466,509 |
| | $ | 460,422 |
| | $ | 750,532 |
| | $ | 740,095 |
|
Net credit default protection purchased on total commitments (3) | |
| | |
| | $ | (19,356 | ) | | $ | (20,118 | ) |
| |
(1) | Includes U.S. small business commercial exposure. |
| |
(2) | Industries are viewed from a variety of perspectives to best isolate the perceived risks. For purposes of this table, the real estate industry is defined based on the borrowers’ or counterparties’ primary business activity using operating cash flows and primary source of repayment as key factors. |
| |
(3) | Represents net notional credit protection purchased. See Risk Mitigation below for additional information. |
Risk Mitigation
We purchase credit protection to cover the funded portion as well as the unfunded portion of certain credit exposures. To lower the cost of obtaining our desired credit protection levels, credit exposure may be added within an industry, borrower or counterparty group by selling protection.
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, net notional credit default protection purchased in our credit derivatives portfolio to hedge our funded and unfunded exposures for which we elected the fair value option, as well as certain other credit exposures, was $19.4 billion and $20.1 billion. The mark-to-market effects, including the cost of net credit default protection hedging our credit exposure, resulted in net gains of $121 million in 2011 compared to net losses of $546 million in 2010.
The average VaR for these credit derivative hedges was $60 million in 2011 compared to $53 million in 2010. The average VaR for the related credit exposure was $74 million in 2011 compared to $65 million in 2010. There is a diversification effect between the net credit default protection hedging our credit exposure and the related credit exposure such that the combined average VaR was $38 million in 2011 compared to $41 million in 2010. See Trading Risk Management on page 113 for a description of our VaR calculation for the market-based trading portfolio.
Tables 48 and 49 present the maturity profiles and the credit exposure debt ratings of the net credit default protection portfolio at December 31, 2011 and 2010. The distribution of debt ratings for net notional credit default protection purchased is shown as a negative amount.
|
| | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 48 | Net Credit Default Protection by Maturity Profile |
| | | | |
| | December 31 |
| 2011 | | 2010 |
Less than or equal to one year | 16 | % | | 14 | % |
Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years | 77 |
| | 80 |
|
Greater than five years | 7 |
| | 6 |
|
Total net credit default protection | 100 | % | | 100 | % |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Table 49 | Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating |
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31 |
| | 2011 | | 2010 |
(Dollars in millions) | Net Notional | | Percent of Total | | Net Notional | | Percent of Total |
Ratings (1, 2) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
AAA | $ | (32 | ) | | 0.2 | % | | $ | — |
| | — | % |
AA | (779 | ) | | 4.0 |
| | (188 | ) | | 0.9 |
|
A | (7,184 | ) | | 37.1 |
| | (6,485 | ) | | 32.2 |
|
BBB | (7,436 | ) | | 38.4 |
| | (7,731 | ) | | 38.4 |
|
BB | (1,527 | ) | | 7.9 |
| | (2,106 | ) | | 10.5 |
|
B | (1,534 | ) | | 7.9 |
| | (1,260 | ) | | 6.3 |
|
CCC and below | (661 | ) | | 3.4 |
| | (762 | ) | | 3.8 |
|
NR (3) | (203 | ) | | 1.1 |
| | (1,586 | ) | | 7.9 |
|
Total net credit default protection | $ | (19,356 | ) | | 100.0 | % | | $ | (20,118 | ) | | 100.0 | % |
| |
(1) | Ratings are refreshed on a quarterly basis. |
| |
(2) | The Corporation considers ratings of BBB- or higher to meet the definition of investment grade. |
| |
(3) | In addition to names which have not been rated, “NR” includes $(15) million and $(1.5) billion in net credit default swap index positions at December 31, 2011 and 2010. While index positions are principally investment grade, credit default swap indices include names in and across each of the ratings categories. |
In addition to our net notional credit default protection purchased to cover the funded and unfunded portion of certain credit exposures, credit derivatives are used for market-making activities for clients and establishing positions intended to profit from directional or relative value changes. We execute the majority of our credit derivative trades in the OTC market with large, multinational financial institutions, including broker/dealers and, to a lesser degree, with a variety of other investors. Because these transactions are executed in the OTC market, we are subject to settlement risk. We are also subject to credit risk in the event that these counterparties fail to perform under the terms of these contracts. In most cases, credit derivative transactions are executed on a daily margin basis. Therefore, events such as a
credit downgrade, depending on the ultimate rating level, or a breach of credit covenants would typically require an increase in the amount of collateral required of the counterparty, where applicable, and/or allow us to take additional protective measures such as early termination of all trades.
Table 50 presents the total contract/notional amount of credit derivatives outstanding and includes both purchased and written credit derivatives. The credit risk amounts are measured as the net replacement cost in the event the counterparties with contracts in a gain position to us fail to perform under the terms of those contracts. For information on our written credit derivatives, see Note 4 – Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The credit risk amounts discussed above and presented in Table 50 take into consideration the effects of legally enforceable master netting agreements, while amounts disclosed in Note 4 – Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements are shown
on a gross basis. Credit risk reflects the potential benefit from offsetting exposure to non-credit derivative products with the same counterparties that may be netted upon the occurrence of certain events, thereby reducing our overall exposure.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Table 50 | Credit Derivatives |
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31 |
| | 2011 | | 2010 |
(Dollars in millions) | Contract/ Notional | | Credit Risk | | Contract/ Notional | | Credit Risk |
Purchased credit derivatives: | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Credit default swaps | $ | 1,944,764 |
| | $ | 14,163 |
| | $ | 2,184,703 |
| | $ | 18,150 |
|
Total return swaps/other | 17,519 |
| | 776 |
| | 26,038 |
| | 1,013 |
|
Total purchased credit derivatives | 1,962,283 |
| | 14,939 |
| | 2,210,741 |
| | 19,163 |
|
Written credit derivatives: | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Credit default swaps | 1,885,944 |
| | n/a |
| | 2,133,488 |
| | n/a |
|
Total return swaps/other | 17,838 |
| | n/a |
| | 22,474 |
| | n/a |
|
Total written credit derivatives | 1,903,782 |
| | n/a |
| | 2,155,962 |
| | n/a |
|
Total credit derivatives | $ | 3,866,065 |
| | $ | 14,939 |
| | $ | 4,366,703 |
| | $ | 19,163 |
|
n/a = not applicable
Counterparty Credit Risk Valuation Adjustments
We record a counterparty credit risk valuation adjustment on certain derivative assets, including our credit default protection purchased, in order to properly reflect the credit quality of the counterparty. These adjustments are necessary as the market quotes on derivatives do not fully reflect the credit risk of the counterparties to the derivative assets. We consider collateral and legally enforceable master netting agreements that mitigate our credit exposure to each counterparty in determining the counterparty credit risk valuation adjustment. All or a portion of these counterparty credit risk valuation adjustments are subsequently adjusted due to changes in the value of the derivative contract, collateral and creditworthiness of the counterparty.
During 2011 and 2010, credit valuation gains (losses) of $(1.9) billion and $731 million ($(606) million and $(8) million, net of hedges) for counterparty credit risk were recognized in trading account profits for counterparty credit risk related to derivative assets. For information on our monoline counterparty credit risk, see GBAM – Collateralized Debt Obligation and Monoline Exposure on page 51 and Monoline and Related Exposure on page 101.
Non-U.S. Portfolio
Our non-U.S. credit and trading portfolios are subject to country risk. We define country risk as the risk of loss from unfavorable economic and political conditions, currency fluctuations, social instability and changes in government policies. A risk management framework is in place to measure, monitor and manage non-U.S. risk and exposures. Management oversight of country risk, including cross-border risk, is provided by the Regional Risk Committee, a subcommittee of the CRC.
Table 51 sets forth total non-U.S. exposure broken out by region at December 31, 2011 and 2010. Non-U.S. exposure includes credit exposure net of local liabilities, securities and other investments issued by or domiciled in countries other than the U.S. Total non-U.S. exposure can be adjusted for externally guaranteed loans outstanding and certain collateral types. Exposures which are subject to external guarantees are reported under the country of the guarantor. Exposures with tangible collateral are reflected in the country where the collateral is held. For securities received, other than cross-border resale agreements, outstandings are assigned to the domicile of the issuer of the securities. Resale agreements are generally presented based on the domicile of the counterparty consistent with FFIEC reporting requirements.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 51 | Regional Non-U.S. Exposure (1, 2, 3) |
| | | | |
| | December 31 |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Europe | $ | 115,914 |
| | $ | 148,078 |
|
Asia Pacific | 74,577 |
| | 73,255 |
|
Latin America | 17,415 |
| | 14,848 |
|
Middle East and Africa | 4,614 |
| | 3,688 |
|
Other | 20,101 |
| | 22,188 |
|
Total | $ | 232,621 |
| | $ | 262,057 |
|
| |
(1) | Local funding or liabilities are subtracted from local exposures consistent with FFIEC reporting requirements. |
| |
(2) | Derivative assets included in the exposure amounts have been reduced by the amount of cash collateral applied of $45.6 billion and $44.2 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(3) | Cross-border resale agreements where the underlying securities are U.S. Treasury securities, in which case the domicile is the U.S., are excluded from this presentation. |
Our total non-U.S. exposure was $232.6 billion at December 31, 2011, a decrease of $29.4 billion from December 31, 2010. Our non-U.S. exposure remained concentrated in Europe which accounted for $115.9 billion, or 50 percent, of total non-U.S. exposure. The European exposure was mostly in Western Europe and was distributed across a variety of industries. The decrease of $32.2 billion in Europe was primarily driven by our efforts to reduce risk in countries affected by the ongoing debt crisis in the Eurozone. Select European countries are further detailed in Table 54. Asia Pacific was our second largest non-U.S. exposure at $74.6 billion, or 32 percent. The $1.3 billion increase in Asia Pacific was driven by increases in securities and local exposure in Japan and increases in the emerging markets, predominately in local exposure, loans and securities offset by the sale of CCB shares. For more information on our CCB investment, see Note 5 – Securities to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Latin America accounted for $17.4 billion, or seven percent, of total non-U.S. exposure. The $2.6 billion increase in Latin America was primarily driven by an increase in Brazil in securities and local country exposure. Middle East and Africa increased $926 million to $4.6 billion, representing two percent of total non-U.S. exposure. Other non-U.S. exposure was $20.1 billion at December 31, 2011,
a decrease of $2.1 billion in 2011 resulting primarily from a decrease in local exposure as a result of the sale of our Canadian consumer card business. For more information on our Asia Pacific and Latin America exposure, see non-U.S. exposure to selected countries defined as emerging markets on page 106.
Table 52 presents countries where total cross-border exposure exceeded one percent of our total assets. At December 31, 2011, the United Kingdom and Japan were the only countries where total cross-border exposure exceeded one percent of our total assets. At December 31, 2011, Canada and France had total cross-border exposure of $16.9 billion and $16.1 billion representing 0.79 percent and 0.75 percent of total assets. Canada and France were the only other countries that had total cross-border exposure that exceeded 0.75 percent of our total assets at December 31, 2011.
Exposure includes cross-border claims by our non-U.S. offices including loans, acceptances, time deposits placed, trading account assets, securities, derivative assets, other interest-earning investments and other monetary assets. Amounts also include unused commitments, SBLCs, commercial letters of credit and formal guarantees. Sector definitions are consistent with FFIEC reporting requirements for preparing the Country Exposure Report.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Table 52 | Total Cross-border Exposure Exceeding One Percent of Total Assets (1) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Dollars in millions) | December 31 | | Public Sector | | Banks | | Private Sector | | Cross-border Exposure | | Exposure as a Percentage of Total Assets |
United Kingdom | 2011 | | $ | 6,401 |
| | $ | 4,424 |
| | $ | 18,056 |
| | $ | 28,881 |
| | 1.36 | % |
| 2010 | | 101 |
| | 5,544 |
| | 32,354 |
| | 37,999 |
| | 1.68 |
|
Japan (2) | 2011 | | 4,603 |
| | 10,383 |
| | 8,060 |
| | 23,046 |
| | 1.08 |
|
| |
(1) | Total cross-border exposure for the United Kingdom and Japan included derivatives exposure of $5.9 billion and $3.5 billion at December 31, 2011 and $2.3 billion and $2.8 billion at December 31, 2010 which has been reduced by the amount of cash collateral applied of $9.3 billion and $1.2 billion at December 31, 2011 and $13.0 billion and $1.6 billion at December 31, 2010. Derivative assets were collateralized by other marketable securities of $242 million and $1.7 billion at December 31, 2011 and $96 million and $743 million at December 31, 2010. |
| |
(2) | At December 31, 2010, total cross-border exposure for Japan was $17.0 billion, representing 0.75 percent of total assets. |
As presented in Table 53, non-U.S. exposure to borrowers or counterparties in emerging markets decreased $3.4 billion to $61.6 billion at December 31, 2011. The decrease was due to the sale of CCB shares, partially offset by growth in the rest of
Asia Pacific and other regions. Non-U.S. exposure to borrowers or counterparties in emerging markets represented 26 percent and 25 percent of total non-U.S. exposure at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Table 53 | Selected Emerging Markets (1) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Dollars in millions) | Loans and Leases, and Loan Commitments | | Other Financing (2) | | Derivative Assets (3) | | Securities/ Other Investments (4) | | Total Cross- border Exposure (5) | | Local Country Exposure Net of Local Liabilities (6) | | Total Selected Emerging Market Exposure at December 31, 2011( | | Increase (Decrease) From December 31, 2010 |
Region/Country | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Asia Pacific | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
India | $ | 4,737 |
| | $ | 1,686 |
| | $ | 1,078 |
| | $ | 2,272 |
| | $ | 9,773 |
| | $ | 712 |
| | $ | 10,485 |
| | $ | 2,217 |
|
South Korea | 1,642 |
| | 1,228 |
| | 690 |
| | 2,207 |
| | 5,767 |
| | 1,795 |
| | 7,562 |
| | 2,283 |
|
China | 3,907 |
| | 315 |
| | 1,276 |
| | 1,751 |
| | 7,249 |
| | 83 |
| | 7,332 |
| | (16,596 | ) |
Hong Kong | 417 |
| | 276 |
| | 179 |
| | 1,074 |
| | 1,946 |
| | 1,259 |
| | 3,205 |
| | 1,163 |
|
Singapore | 514 |
| | 130 |
| | 479 |
| | 1,932 |
| | 3,055 |
| | — |
| | 3,055 |
| | 509 |
|
Taiwan | 573 |
| | 35 |
| | 80 |
| | 672 |
| | 1,360 |
| | 1,191 |
| | 2,551 |
| | 696 |
|
Thailand | 29 |
| | 8 |
| | 44 |
| | 613 |
| | 694 |
| | — |
| | 694 |
| | 25 |
|
Other Asia Pacific (7) | 663 |
| | 356 |
| | 174 |
| | 682 |
| | 1,875 |
| | 35 |
| | 1,910 |
| | 1,196 |
|
Total Asia Pacific | $ | 12,482 |
| | $ | 4,034 |
| | $ | 4,000 |
| | $ | 11,203 |
| | $ | 31,719 |
| | $ | 5,075 |
| | $ | 36,794 |
| | $ | (8,507 | ) |
Latin America | | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Brazil | $ | 1,965 |
| | $ | 374 |
| | $ | 436 |
| | $ | 3,346 |
| | $ | 6,121 |
| | $ | 3,010 |
| | $ | 9,131 |
| | $ | 3,325 |
|
Mexico | 2,381 |
| | 305 |
| | 309 |
| | 996 |
| | 3,991 |
| | — |
| | 3,991 |
| | (394 | ) |
Chile | 1,100 |
| | 180 |
| | 314 |
| | 22 |
| | 1,616 |
| | 29 |
| | 1,645 |
| | 119 |
|
Colombia | 360 |
| | 114 |
| | 15 |
| | 29 |
| | 518 |
| | — |
| | 518 |
| | (159 | ) |
Other Latin America (7) | 255 |
| | 218 |
| | 32 |
| | 334 |
| | 839 |
| | 154 |
| | 993 |
| | (385 | ) |
Total Latin America | $ | 6,061 |
| | $ | 1,191 |
| | $ | 1,106 |
| | $ | 4,727 |
| | $ | 13,085 |
| | $ | 3,193 |
| | $ | 16,278 |
| | $ | 2,506 |
|
Middle East and Africa | | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
United Arab Emirates | $ | 1,134 |
| | $ | 87 |
| | $ | 461 |
| | $ | 12 |
| | $ | 1,694 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 1,694 |
| | $ | 518 |
|
Bahrain | 79 |
| | 1 |
| | 2 |
| | 907 |
| | 989 |
| | 3 |
| | 992 |
| | (168 | ) |
South Africa | 498 |
| | 53 |
| | 48 |
| | 54 |
| | 653 |
| | — |
| | 653 |
| | 82 |
|
Other Middle East and Africa (7) | 759 |
| | 71 |
| | 116 |
| | 303 |
| | 1,249 |
| | 26 |
| | 1,275 |
| | 494 |
|
Total Middle East and Africa | $ | 2,470 |
| | $ | 212 |
| | $ | 627 |
| | $ | 1,276 |
| | $ | 4,585 |
| | $ | 29 |
| | $ | 4,614 |
| | $ | 926 |
|
Central and Eastern Europe | | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Russian Federation | $ | 1,596 |
| | $ | 145 |
| | $ | 22 |
| | $ | 96 |
| | $ | 1,859 |
| | $ | 17 |
| | $ | 1,876 |
| | $ | 1,340 |
|
Turkey | 553 |
| | 81 |
| | 10 |
| | 344 |
| | 988 |
| | 217 |
| | 1,205 |
| | 705 |
|
Other Central and Eastern Europe (7) | 109 |
| | 143 |
| | 290 |
| | 328 |
| | 870 |
| | — |
| | 870 |
| | (383 | ) |
Total Central and Eastern Europe | $ | 2,258 |
| | $ | 369 |
| | $ | 322 |
| | $ | 768 |
| | $ | 3,717 |
| | $ | 234 |
| | $ | 3,951 |
| | $ | 1,662 |
|
Total emerging market exposure | $ | 23,271 |
| | $ | 5,806 |
| | $ | 6,055 |
| | $ | 17,974 |
| | $ | 53,106 |
| | $ | 8,531 |
| | $ | 61,637 |
| | $ | (3,413 | ) |
| |
(1) | There is no generally accepted definition of emerging markets. The definition that we use includes all countries in Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Australia and New Zealand; all countries in Latin America excluding Cayman Islands and Bermuda; all countries in Middle East and Africa; and all countries in Central and Eastern Europe. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, there was $1.7 billion and $460 million in emerging market exposure accounted for under the fair value option. |
| |
(2) | Includes acceptances, due froms, SBLCs, commercial letters of credit and formal guarantees. |
| |
(3) | Derivative assets are carried at fair value and have been reduced by the amount of cash collateral applied of $1.2 billion at both December 31, 2011 and 2010. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, there were $353 million and $408 million of other marketable securities collateralizing derivative assets. |
| |
(4) | Generally, cross-border resale agreements are presented based on the domicile of the counterparty, consistent with FFIEC reporting requirements. Cross-border resale agreements where the underlying securities are U.S. Treasury securities, in which case the domicile is the U.S., are excluded from this presentation. |
| |
(5) | Cross-border exposure includes amounts payable to the Corporation by borrowers or counterparties with a country of residence other than the one in which the credit is booked, regardless of the currency in which the claim is denominated, consistent with FFIEC reporting requirements. |
| |
(6) | Local country exposure includes amounts payable to the Corporation by borrowers with a country of residence in which the credit is booked regardless of the currency in which the claim is denominated. Local funding or liabilities are subtracted from local exposures consistent with FFIEC reporting requirements. Total amount of available local liabilities funding local country exposure was $18.7 billion and $15.7 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010. Local liabilities at December 31, 2011 in Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa were $17.3 billion, $1.0 billion and $278 million, respectively, of which $9.2 billion was in Singapore, $2.3 billion in China, $2.2 billion in Hong Kong, $1.3 billion in India, $973 million in Mexico and $804 million in Korea. There were no other countries with available local liabilities funding local country exposure greater than $500 million. |
| |
(7) | No country included in Other Asia Pacific, Other Latin America, Other Middle East and Africa, and Other Central and Eastern Europe had total non-U.S. exposure of more than $500 million. |
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, 60 percent and 70 percent of our emerging markets exposure was in Asia Pacific. Emerging markets exposure in Asia Pacific decreased by $8.5 billion driven by a $19.0 billion decrease related to the sale of CCB shares, partially offset by increases in loans and securities predominately in India, China (excluding CCB) and South Korea.
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, 26 percent and 21 percent of our emerging markets exposure was in Latin America. Latin America emerging markets exposure increased $2.5 billion driven by increases in securities and local exposure in Brazil.
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, eight percent and six percent of our emerging markets exposure was in Middle East and Africa, with an increase of $926 million primarily driven by increases in loans and derivatives in United Arab Emirates, and by increases in loans in Other Middle East and Africa. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, six percent and three percent of the emerging markets exposure was in Central and Eastern Europe, with the increase driven by an increase in loans in the Russian Federation.
Certain European countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain, have experienced varying degrees of financial stress. Risks from the continued debt crisis in Europe could continue to disrupt the financial markets which could have a detrimental impact on global economic conditions and sovereign and non-sovereign debt in these countries. Uncertainty in the progress of debt restructuring negotiations and the lack of a clear resolution to the crisis have led to continued volatility in European financial markets, as well as global financial markets. In December 2011, the ECB announced initiatives to address European bank liquidity and funding concerns by providing low-cost, three-year loans to banks, and expanding collateral eligibility. In early 2012, S&P, Fitch and Moody’s downgraded the credit ratings of several European countries, and S&P downgraded the credit rating of the EFSF, adding to concerns about investor appetite for continued support in stabilizing the affected countries.
Table 54 shows our direct sovereign and non-sovereign exposures, excluding consumer credit card exposure, in these countries at December 31, 2011. Our total sovereign and non-sovereign exposure to these countries was $15.3 billion at December 31, 2011 compared to $16.6 billion at December 31, 2010. The total exposure to these countries, net of hedges, was
$10.5 billion at December 31, 2011 compared to $12.4 billion at December 31, 2010, of which $252 million and $91 million was total sovereign exposure. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the fair value of net credit default protection purchased was $4.9 billion and $4.2 billion.
We hedge certain of our selected European country exposure with credit default protection in the form of CDS. The majority of our CDS contracts are with highly-rated financial institutions primarily outside of the Eurozone and we work to limit or eliminate correlated CDS. Due to our engagement in market-making activities, our CDS portfolio contains contracts with various maturities to a diverse set of counterparties.
In addition to our direct sovereign and non-sovereign exposures, a significant deterioration of the European debt crisis could result in material reductions in the value of sovereign debt and other asset classes, disruptions in capital markets, widening of credit spreads, loss of investor confidence in the financial services industry, a slowdown in global economic activity and other adverse developments. For additional information on the debt crisis in Europe, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Losses could still result even if there is credit default protection purchased because the purchased credit protection contracts only pay out under certain scenarios and thus not all losses may be covered by the credit protection contracts. The effectiveness of our CDS protection as a hedge of these risks is influenced by a number of factors, including the contractual terms of the CDS. Generally, only the occurrence of a credit event as defined by the CDS terms (which may include, among other events, the failure to pay by, or restructuring of, the reference entity) results in a payment under the purchased credit protection contracts. The determination as to whether a credit event has occurred is made by the relevant International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA) Determination Committee (comprised of various ISDA member firms) based on the terms of the CDS and facts and circumstances for the event. Accordingly, uncertainties exist as to whether any particular strategy or policy action for addressing European debt crisis would constitute a credit event under the CDS. A voluntary restructuring may not trigger a credit event under CDS terms and consequently may not trigger a payment under the CDS contract.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Table 54 | Selected European Countries |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Dollars in millions) | Funded Loans and Loan Equivalents (1) | | Unfunded Loan Commitments | | Derivative Assets (2) | | Securities/Other Investments (3) | | Country Exposure at December 31, 2011 | | Hedges and Credit Default Protection (4) | | Net Country Exposure at December 31, 2011 (5) | | Increase (Decrease) from December 31, 2010( |
Greece | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Sovereign | $ | 1 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 34 |
| | $ | 35 |
| | $ | (6 | ) | | $ | 29 |
| | $ | (69 | ) |
Financial Institutions | — |
| | — |
| | 3 |
| | 10 |
| | 13 |
| | (19 | ) | | (6 | ) | | (31 | ) |
Corporates | 322 |
| | 97 |
| | 33 |
| | 7 |
| | 459 |
| | (25 | ) | | 434 |
| | 62 |
|
Total Greece | $ | 323 |
| | $ | 97 |
| | $ | 36 |
| | $ | 51 |
| | $ | 507 |
| | $ | (50 | ) | | $ | 457 |
| | $ | (38 | ) |
Ireland | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Sovereign | $ | 18 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 12 |
| | $ | 24 |
| | $ | 54 |
| | $ | (1 | ) | | $ | 53 |
| | $ | (357 | ) |
Financial Institutions | 120 |
| | 20 |
| | 173 |
| | 470 |
| | 783 |
| | (33 | ) | | 750 |
| | (36 | ) |
Corporates | 1,235 |
| | 154 |
| | 100 |
| | 57 |
| | 1,546 |
| | (35 | ) | | 1,511 |
| | (474 | ) |
Total Ireland | $ | 1,373 |
| | $ | 174 |
| | $ | 285 |
| | $ | 551 |
| | $ | 2,383 |
| | $ | (69 | ) | | $ | 2,314 |
| | $ | (867 | ) |
Italy | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Sovereign | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 1,542 |
| | $ | 29 |
| | $ | 1,571 |
| | $ | (1,399 | ) | | $ | 172 |
| | $ | 206 |
|
Financial Institutions | 2,077 |
| | 76 |
| | 139 |
| | 83 |
| | 2,375 |
| | (705 | ) | | 1,670 |
| | (567 | ) |
Corporates | 1,560 |
| | 1,813 |
| | 541 |
| | 259 |
| | 4,173 |
| | (1,181 | ) | | 2,992 |
| | 790 |
|
Total Italy | $ | 3,637 |
| | $ | 1,889 |
| | $ | 2,222 |
| | $ | 371 |
| | $ | 8,119 |
| | $ | (3,285 | ) | | $ | 4,834 |
| | $ | 429 |
|
Portugal | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Sovereign | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 41 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 41 |
| | $ | (50 | ) | | $ | (9 | ) | | $ | 49 |
|
Financial Institutions | 34 |
| | — |
| | 2 |
| | 35 |
| | 71 |
| | (80 | ) | | (9 | ) | | (354 | ) |
Corporates | 159 |
| | 73 |
| | 21 |
| | 15 |
| | 268 |
| | (207 | ) | | 61 |
| | 19 |
|
Total Portugal | $ | 193 |
| | $ | 73 |
| | $ | 64 |
| | $ | 50 |
| | $ | 380 |
| | $ | (337 | ) | | $ | 43 |
| | $ | (286 | ) |
Spain | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Sovereign | $ | 74 |
| | $ | 6 |
| | $ | 71 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 153 |
| | $ | (146 | ) | | $ | 7 |
| | $ | 332 |
|
Financial Institutions | 459 |
| | 7 |
| | 143 |
| | 487 |
| | 1,096 |
| | (138 | ) | | 958 |
| | (958 | ) |
Corporates | 1,586 |
| | 871 |
| | 112 |
| | 121 |
| | 2,690 |
| | (835 | ) | | 1,855 |
| | (588 | ) |
Total Spain | $ | 2,119 |
| | $ | 884 |
| | $ | 326 |
| | $ | 610 |
| | $ | 3,939 |
| | $ | (1,119 | ) | | $ | 2,820 |
| | $ | (1,214 | ) |
Total | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Sovereign | $ | 93 |
| | $ | 6 |
| | $ | 1,666 |
| | $ | 89 |
| | $ | 1,854 |
| | $ | (1,602 | ) | | $ | 252 |
| | $ | 161 |
|
Financial Institutions | 2,690 |
| | 103 |
| | 460 |
| | 1,085 |
| | 4,338 |
| | (975 | ) | | 3,363 |
| | (1,946 | ) |
Corporates | 4,862 |
| | 3,008 |
| | 807 |
| | 459 |
| | 9,136 |
| | (2,283 | ) | | 6,853 |
| | (191 | ) |
Total selected European exposure | $ | 7,645 |
| | $ | 3,117 |
| | $ | 2,933 |
| | $ | 1,633 |
| | $ | 15,328 |
| | $ | (4,860 | ) | | $ | 10,468 |
| | $ | (1,976 | ) |
| |
(1) | Includes loans, leases, overdrafts, acceptances, due froms, SBLCs, commercial letters of credit and formal guarantees, which have not been reduced by collateral, hedges or credit default protection. Previously classified local exposures are no longer offset by local liabilities, which totaled $939 million at December 31, 2011. Of the $939 million previously applied for exposure reduction, $562 million was in Ireland, $217 million in Italy, $126 million in Spain and $34 million in Greece. |
| |
(2) | Derivative assets are carried at fair value and have been reduced by the amount of cash collateral applied of $3.5 billion at December 31, 2011. At December 31, 2011, there was $83 million of other marketable securities collateralizing derivative assets. Derivative assets have not been reduced by hedges or credit default protection. |
| |
(3) | Includes $369 million in notional value of reverse repurchase agreements, which are presented based on the domicile of the counterparty consistent with FFIEC reporting requirements. Cross-border resale agreements where the underlying collateral is U.S. Treasury securities are excluded from this presentation. Securities exposures are reduced by hedges and short positions on a single-name basis to, but not less than zero. |
| |
(4) | Represents the fair value of credit default protection purchased, including $(3.4) billion in net credit default protection purchased to hedge loans and securities, $(1.4) billion in additional credit default protection to hedge derivative assets and $(74) million in other short positions. |
| |
(5) | Represents country exposure less the fair value of hedges and credit default protection. |
Provision for Credit Losses
The provision for credit losses decreased $15.0 billion to $13.4 billion for 2011 compared to 2010. The provision for credit losses was $7.4 billion lower than net charge-offs for 2011, resulting in a reduction in the allowance for credit losses driven primarily by lower delinquencies, improved collection rates and fewer bankruptcy filings across the Card Services portfolio, and improvement in overall credit quality in the commercial real estate portfolio partially offset by additions to consumer PCI loan portfolio reserves. This compared to a $5.9 billion reduction in the allowance for credit losses in 2010.
The provision for credit losses for the consumer portfolio decreased $11.1 billion to $14.3 billion for 2011 compared to 2010 reflecting improving economic conditions and improvement in the current and projected levels of delinquencies, collections and bankruptcies in the U.S. consumer credit card and unsecured consumer lending portfolios. Also contributing to the decrease
were lower credit costs in the non-PCI home equity loan portfolio due to improving portfolio trends, partially offset by higher credit costs in the residential mortgage portfolio primarily reflecting further deterioration in home prices. For the consumer PCI loan portfolios, updates to our expected cash flows resulted in an increase in reserves of $2.2 billion in 2011 due primarily to our updated home price outlook. Reserve increases related to the consumer PCI loan portfolios in 2010 were also $2.2 billion.
The provision for credit losses for the commercial portfolio, including the provision for unfunded lending commitments, decreased $3.9 billion to a benefit of $915 million in 2011 compared to 2010 due to continued economic improvement and the resulting impact on property values in the commercial real estate portfolio, lower current and projected levels of delinquencies and bankruptcies in the U.S. small business commercial portfolio and improvement in borrower credit profiles across the remainder of the commercial portfolio.
Allowance for Credit Losses
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
The allowance for loan and lease losses is comprised of two components, as described below. We evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses based on the total of these two components. The allowance for loan and lease losses excludes LHFS and loans accounted for under the fair value option as the fair value reflects a credit risk component.
The first component of the allowance for loan and lease losses covers nonperforming commercial loans and performing commercial loans that have been modified in a TDR, consumer real estate loans that have been modified in a TDR, renegotiated credit card, and renegotiated unsecured consumer and small business loans. These loans are subject to impairment measurement based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, or in certain circumstances, impairment may also be based upon the collateral value or the loan’s observable market price if available. Impairment measurement for the renegotiated credit card, unsecured consumer and small business TDR portfolios is based on the present value of projected cash flows discounted using the average portfolio contractual interest rate, excluding promotionally priced loans, in effect prior to restructuring and prior to any risk-based or penalty-based increase in rate on the restructured loans. For purposes of computing this specific loss component of the allowance, larger impaired loans are evaluated individually and smaller impaired loans are evaluated as a pool using historical loss experience for the respective product types and risk ratings of the loans.
The second component of the allowance for loan and lease losses covers the remaining consumer and commercial loans and leases that have incurred losses but are not yet individually identifiable. The allowance for consumer and certain homogeneous commercial loan and lease products is based on aggregated portfolio evaluations, generally by product type. Loss forecast models are utilized that consider a variety of factors including, but not limited to, historical loss experience, estimated defaults or foreclosures based on portfolio trends, delinquencies, economic trends and credit scores. Our consumer real estate loss forecast model estimates the portion of loans that will default based on individual loan attributes, the most significant of which are refreshed LTV or CLTV, and borrower credit score as well as vintage and geography, all of which are further broken down into current delinquency status. Incorporating refreshed LTV and CLTV into our probability of default allows us to factor the impact of changes in home prices into our allowance for loan and lease losses. These loss forecast models are updated on a quarterly basis to incorporate information reflecting the current economic environment. As of December 31, 2011, the loss forecast process resulted in reductions in the allowance for most consumer portfolios, particularly the credit card and direct/indirect portfolios.
The allowance for commercial loan and lease losses is established by product type after analyzing historical loss experience by internal risk rating, current economic conditions, industry performance trends, geographic and obligor concentrations within each portfolio and any other pertinent information. The statistical models for commercial loans are generally updated annually and utilize our historical database of actual defaults and other data. The loan risk ratings and composition of the commercial portfolios are updated at least
quarterly to incorporate the most recent data reflecting the current economic environment. For risk-rated commercial loans, we estimate the probability of default and the LGD based on our historical experience of defaults and credit losses. Factors considered when assessing the internal risk rating include the value of the underlying collateral, if applicable, the industry in which the obligor operates, the obligor’s liquidity and other financial indicators, and other quantitative and qualitative factors relevant to the obligor’s credit risk. When estimating the allowance for loan and lease losses, management relies not only on models derived from historical experience but also on its judgment in considering the effect on probable losses inherent in the portfolios due to the current macroeconomic environment and trends, inherent uncertainty in models and other qualitative factors. As of December 31, 2011, updates to the loan risk ratings and portfolio composition resulted in reductions in the allowance for all commercial portfolios.
Also included within this second component of the allowance for loan and lease losses and determined separately from the procedures outlined above are reserves that are maintained to cover uncertainties that affect our estimate of probable losses including domestic and global economic uncertainty, large single name defaults, significant events which could disrupt financial markets and model imprecision.
We monitor differences between estimated and actual incurred loan and lease losses. This monitoring process includes periodic assessments by senior management of loan and lease portfolios and the models used to estimate incurred losses in those portfolios.
Additions to, or reductions of, the allowance for loan and lease losses generally are recorded through charges or credits to the provision for credit losses. Credit exposures deemed to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan and lease losses. Recoveries of previously charged off amounts are credited to the allowance for loan and lease losses.
The allowance for loan and lease losses for the consumer portfolio as presented in Table 56 was $29.6 billion at December 31, 2011, a decrease of $5.1 billion from December 31, 2010. This decrease was primarily due to improving economic conditions and improvement in the current and projected levels of delinquencies, collections and bankruptcies in the U.S. consumer credit card and unsecured consumer lending portfolios. With respect to the consumer PCI loan portfolios, updates to our expected cash flows resulted in an increase in reserves through provision of $2.2 billion in 2011, within the discontinued real estate, home equity and residential mortgage portfolios, primarily due to our updated home price outlook. Reserve increases related to the consumer PCI loan portfolios in 2010 were also $2.2 billion.
The allowance for loan and lease losses for the commercial portfolio was $4.1 billion at December 31, 2011, a $3.0 billion decrease from December 31, 2010. The decrease was driven by improvement in the economy and the resulting impact on property values in the commercial real estate portfolio, improvement in projected delinquencies in the U.S. small business commercial portfolio, mostly within Card Services, and stronger borrower credit profiles in the U.S. commercial portfolios, primarily in Global Commercial Banking and GBAM.
The allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans and leases outstanding was 3.68 percent at December 31, 2011 compared to 4.47 percent at December 31, 2010. The decrease in the ratio was largely due to improved credit quality and economic conditions which led to the reduction in the
allowance for credit losses discussed above. The December 31, 2011 and 2010 ratios above include the PCI loan portfolio. Excluding the PCI loan portfolio, the allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans and leases outstanding was 2.86 percent at December 31, 2011 compared to 3.94 percent at December 31, 2010.
Absent unexpected deterioration in the economy, we expect
reductions in the allowance for loan and lease losses to continue in 2012. However, in both consumer and commercial portfolios, we expect these reductions to be less than those in 2011 and 2010.
Table 55 presents a rollforward of the allowance for credit losses for 2011 and 2010.
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 55 | Allowance for Credit Losses | | | |
| | | | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Allowance for loan and lease losses, January 1 (1) | $ | 41,885 |
| | $ | 47,988 |
|
Loans and leases charged off | | | |
Residential mortgage | (4,195 | ) | | (3,779 | ) |
Home equity | (4,990 | ) | | (7,059 | ) |
Discontinued real estate | (106 | ) | | (77 | ) |
U.S. credit card | (8,114 | ) | | (13,818 | ) |
Non-U.S. credit card | (1,691 | ) | | (2,424 | ) |
Direct/Indirect consumer | (2,190 | ) | | (4,303 | ) |
Other consumer | (252 | ) | | (320 | ) |
Total consumer charge-offs | (21,538 | ) | | (31,780 | ) |
U.S. commercial (2) | (1,690 | ) | | (3,190 | ) |
Commercial real estate | (1,298 | ) | | (2,185 | ) |
Commercial lease financing | (61 | ) | | (96 | ) |
Non-U.S. commercial | (155 | ) | | (139 | ) |
Total commercial charge-offs | (3,204 | ) | | (5,610 | ) |
Total loans and leases charged off | (24,742 | ) | | (37,390 | ) |
Recoveries of loans and leases previously charged off | | | |
Residential mortgage | 363 |
| | 109 |
|
Home equity | 517 |
| | 278 |
|
Discontinued real estate | 14 |
| | 9 |
|
U.S. credit card | 838 |
| | 791 |
|
Non-U.S. credit card | 522 |
| | 217 |
|
Direct/Indirect consumer | 714 |
| | 967 |
|
Other consumer | 50 |
| | 59 |
|
Total consumer recoveries | 3,018 |
| | 2,430 |
|
U.S. commercial (3) | 500 |
| | 391 |
|
Commercial real estate | 351 |
| | 168 |
|
Commercial lease financing | 37 |
| | 39 |
|
Non-U.S. commercial | 3 |
| | 28 |
|
Total commercial recoveries | 891 |
| | 626 |
|
Total recoveries of loans and leases previously charged off | 3,909 |
| | 3,056 |
|
Net charge-offs | (20,833 | ) | | (34,334 | ) |
Provision for loan and lease losses | 13,629 |
| | 28,195 |
|
Other (4) | (898 | ) | | 36 |
|
Allowance for loan and lease losses, December 31 | 33,783 |
| | 41,885 |
|
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, January 1 | 1,188 |
| | 1,487 |
|
Provision for unfunded lending commitments | (219 | ) | | 240 |
|
Other (5) | (255 | ) | | (539 | ) |
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, December 31 | 714 |
| | 1,188 |
|
Allowance for credit losses, December 31 | $ | 34,497 |
| | $ | 43,073 |
|
| |
(1) | The 2010 balance includes $10.8 billion of allowance for loan and lease losses related to the adoption of new consolidation guidance. |
| |
(2) | Includes U.S. small business commercial charge-offs of $1.1 billion and $2.0 billion in 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(3) | Includes U.S. small business commercial recoveries of $106 million and $107 million in 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(4) | The 2011 amount includes a $449 million reduction in the allowance for loan and lease losses related to Canadian consumer card loans that were transferred to LHFS. |
| |
(5) | The 2011 and 2010 amounts primarily represent accretion of the Merrill Lynch purchase accounting adjustment and the impact of funding previously unfunded positions. |
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Table 55 | Allowance for Credit Losses (continued) | | | |
| | | | |
(Dollars in millions) | 2011 | | 2010 |
Loan and allowance ratios: | | | |
Loans and leases outstanding at December 31 (5) | $ | 917,396 |
| | $ | 937,119 |
|
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans and leases and outstanding at December 31 (5) | 3.68 | % | | 4.47 | % |
Consumer allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total consumer loans outstanding at December 31 (6) | 4.88 |
| | 5.40 |
|
Commercial allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total commercial loans and leases outstanding at December 31 (7) | 1.33 |
| | 2.44 |
|
Average loans and leases outstanding (5) | $ | 929,661 |
| | $ | 954,278 |
|
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases outstanding (5) | 2.24 | % | | 3.60 | % |
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total nonperforming loans and leases at December 31 (5, 8) | 135 |
| | 136 |
|
Ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31 to net charge-offs | 1.62 |
| | 1.22 |
|
Amounts included in allowance for loan and lease losses that are excluded from nonperforming loans and leases at December 31 (9) | $ | 17,490 |
| | $ | 22,908 |
|
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total nonperforming loans and leases excluding amounts included in the allowance for loan and lease losses that are excluded from nonperforming loans and leases at December 31 (9) | 65 | % | | 62 | % |
Loan and allowance ratios excluding purchased credit-impaired loans: | |
| | |
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans and leases outstanding at December 31 (5) | 2.86 | % | | 3.94 | % |
Consumer allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total consumer loans outstanding at December 31 (6) | 3.68 |
| | 4.66 |
|
Commercial allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total commercial loans and leases outstanding at December 31 (7) | 1.33 |
| | 2.44 |
|
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases outstanding (5) | 2.32 |
| | 3.73 |
|
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total nonperforming loans and leases at December 31 (5, 8) | 101 |
| | 116 |
|
Ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31 to net charge-offs | 1.22 |
| | 1.04 |
|
| |
(5) | Outstanding loan and lease balances and ratios do not include loans accounted for under the fair value option. Loans accounted for under the fair value option were $8.8 billion and $3.3 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010. Average loans accounted for under the fair value option were $8.4 billion and $4.1 billion in 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(6) | Excludes consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option of $2.2 billion at December 31, 2011. There were no consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option at December 31, 2010. |
| |
(7) | Excludes commercial loans accounted for under the fair value option of $6.6 billion and $3.3 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010. |
| |
(8) | For more information on our definition of nonperforming loans, see pages 92 and 100. |
| |
(9) | Primarily includes amounts allocated to Card Services portfolios, PCI loans and the non-U.S. credit portfolio in All Other. |
For reporting purposes, we allocate the allowance for credit losses across products. However, the allowance is available to absorb any credit losses without restriction. Table 56 presents our allocation by product type.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Table 56 | Allocation of the Allowance for Credit Losses by Product Type |
| | | | |
| | December 31, 2011 | | December 31, 2010 |
(Dollars in millions) | Amount | | Percent of Total | | Percent of Loans and Leases Outstanding (1) | | Amount | | Percent of Total | | Percent of Loans and Leases Outstanding (1) |
Allowance for loan and lease losses | |
| | |