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SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  
Basis of Presentation

 

              Basis of Presentation—The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and general practices within the banking industry. The following is a summary of significant principles used in the preparation of the accompanying financial statements. In preparing the financial statements, management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions pertaining to the reporting of assets and liabilities, including the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, the FDIC indemnification asset, valuation of OREO, the allowance for loan losses, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the disclosure of income and expenses for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of Consolidation

 

              Principles of Consolidation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of East West Bancorp,  Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiaries, East West Bank and East West Insurance Services, Inc. Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. East West also has seven wholly owned subsidiaries that are statutory business trusts (the "Trusts"). In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 810, the Trusts are not consolidated into the accounts of East West Bancorp, Inc.

Fair Value

 

              Fair Value—Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and, in many cases, may require us to make a number of significant judgments. Based on the observability of the inputs used in the valuation techniques, we classify our assets and liabilities measured and disclosed at fair value in accordance with a three-level hierarchy (e.g., Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3) established under ASC 820. In determining the fair value of financial instruments, we use market prices of the same or similar instruments whenever such prices are available. We do not use prices involving distressed sellers in determining fair value. If observable market prices are unavailable or impracticable to obtain, then fair value is estimated using modeling techniques such as discounted cash flow analyses. These modeling techniques incorporate our assessments regarding assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or the liability, including assumptions about the risks inherent in a particular valuation technique and the risk of nonperformance.

Securities Purchased Under Resale Agreements ("Resale Agreements")

 

              Securities Purchased Under Resale Agreements ("Resale Agreements")—The Company purchases securities under resale agreements with terms that range from one day to several years. These agreements are collateralized by mortgage-backed securities and mortgage or commercial loans that are generally held by a third party custodian. The purchases are over-collateralized to ensure against unfavorable market price movements. In the event that the fair value of the securities decreases below the carrying amount of the related repurchase agreement, the counterparty is required to deliver an equivalent value of additional securities. The counterparties to these agreements are nationally recognized investment banking firms that meet credit eligibility criteria and with whom a master repurchase agreement has been duly executed. Resale agreements which are short-term in nature, or have terms of up to 90 days, are included in cash and cash equivalents. Resale agreements with terms greater than 90 days are separately categorized. The Company had no short-term resale agreements as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Investment Securities

 

              Investment Securities—The Company classifies its investment securities according to their purpose and holding period. Trading account securities are typically investment grade securities which are generally held by the Bank for a period of seven days or less. Trading account securities are carried at fair value. Realized and unrealized gains or losses on trading account securities are included in noninterest income. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, there were no trading account securities in the investment portfolio. Held-to-maturity debt securities are recorded at amortized cost. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010 there were no held-to-maturity debt securities in the investment portfolio. Investment securities available-for-sale are reported at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from operations and reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax, in stockholders' equity.

              The fair values of the investment securities are generally determined by independent external pricing service providers who have experience in valuing these securities and by comparison to and/or average of quoted market prices obtained from independent external brokers. In obtaining such valuation information from third parties, the Company has evaluated the methodologies used to develop the resulting fair values. The Company performs a monthly analysis on the broker quotes and the third party pricing service quotes to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. The procedures include, but are not limited to, initial and ongoing review of third party pricing methodologies, review of pricing trends, and monitoring of trading volumes. The Company considers whether prices received from independent brokers represent a reasonable estimate of fair value through the use of internal and external cash flow models developed based on spreads, and when available, market indices. As a result of this analysis, if the Company determines there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the available market data, the price received from the third party is adjusted accordingly. Prices from third party pricing services are often unavailable for securities that are rarely traded or are traded only in privately negotiated transactions. As a result, certain securities are priced via independent broker quotations which utilize proprietary models that include observable market based inputs. Additionally, the majority of these independent broker quotations are non-binding.

              The Company applies a modified valuation approach to certain investment securities for which it believes the current broker prices obtained are based on forced liquidation or distressed sale values in inactive markets. The fair value of each of these securities is individually determined based on a combination of the market approach, reflecting current broker prices, and the income approach, which is a discounted cash flow approach. In calculating the fair value derived from the income approach, the Company makes assumptions related to the implied rate of return, general change in market rates, estimated changes in credit quality and liquidity risk premium, specific non-performance and default experience in the collateral underlying the security; additionally, broker discount rates are taken into consideration in determining the discount rate. The values resulting from each approach (i.e. market and income approaches) are weighted to derive the final fair value of each security trading in an inactive market.

              Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on securities are recorded as yield adjustments on such securities using the effective interest method. The specific identification method is used for purposes of determining cost in computing realized gains and losses on investment securities sold.

              At each reporting date, the Company assesses whether there is an "other-than-temporary" impairment ("OTTI") in its portfolio of investment securities. If we determine that a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, an impairment loss is recognized in current earnings. When we have the intent and ability to hold debt securities with OTTI for a period necessary to recover the noncredit-related impairment losses, only the credit-related impairment losses are recognized in current earnings. In these instances, the noncredit-related impairment losses are charged to other comprehensive income. The Company examines all individual securities that are in an unrealized loss position at each reporting date for other-than-temporary impairment. Specific investment level factors that are examined to assess impairment include the nature of the investments, the severity and duration of the loss, the probability that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due, an analysis of the issuers of the securities and whether there has been any cause for default on the securities, and any change in the rating of the securities by the various rating agencies. Additionally, management takes into consideration the Company's financial resources as well as the Company's overall ability and intent to hold the securities until their fair values recover.

              The Company considers all available information relevant to the collectability of the security, including information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts, when developing the estimate of future cash flows and making its other-than-temporary impairment assessment for its portfolio of trust preferred securities. The Company considers factors such as remaining payment terms of the security, prepayment speeds, expected defaults, the financial condition of the issuer(s), and the value of any underlying collateral.

Loans receivable

 

              Loans Receivable—Loans receivable that the Company has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future, or until maturity, are stated at their outstanding principal, reduced by an allowance for loan losses and net deferred loan fees or costs on originated loans and unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans. Nonrefundable fees and direct costs associated with the origination or purchase of loans are deferred and netted against outstanding loan balances. The deferred net loan fees and costs are recognized in interest income as an adjustment to yield over the loan term using the effective interest method. Discounts or premiums on purchased loans are accreted or amortized to interest income using the effective interest method over the remaining period to contractual maturity adjusted for anticipated prepayments. Interest on loans is calculated using the simple-interest method on daily balances of the principal amounts outstanding. Accrual of interest is discontinued on a loan when management believes, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that the borrower's financial condition is such that full collection of principal or interest becomes uncertain, regardless of the length of past due status. Generally, loans are placed on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed against interest income. In general, subsequent payments received are applied to the outstanding principal balance of the loan. A loan is returned to accrual status when the borrower has demonstrated a satisfactory payment trend subject to management's assessment of the borrower's ability to repay the loan.

              Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value using the aggregate method. Origination fees on loans held for sale, net of certain costs of processing and closing the loans, are deferred until the time of sale and are included in the computation of the gain or loss from the sale of the related loans. A valuation allowance is established if the fair value of such loans is lower than their cost, with a corresponding charge to noninterest income.

Troubled debt restructurings ("TDR")

 

              Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDR")—A loan is identified as a troubled debt restructure when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and for economic or legal reasons related to these difficulties the Company grants a concession to the borrower in the restructuring that it would not otherwise consider. The Company has granted a concession when, as a result of the restructuring, it does not expect to collect all amounts due, including principal and/or interest accrued at the original terms of the loan. The concessions may be granted in various forms, including a below-market change in the stated interest rate, a reduction in the loan balance or accrued interest, an extension of the maturity date, or a note split with principal forgiveness. A restructuring executed at an interest rate that is at or near market interest rates for nontroubled debt is not a TDR. All troubled debt restructurings are reviewed for potential impairment. For modifications where we forgive principal, the entire amount of such principal forgiveness is immediately charged off. Generally, a nonaccrual loan that is restructured remains on nonaccrual status for a period of six months to demonstrate that the borrower can perform under the restructured terms. However, the borrower's performance prior to the restructuring, or other significant events at the time of restructuring may be considered in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and may result in the loan remaining on accrual status or being returned to accrual status after a shorter performance period. If the borrower's performance under the new terms is not reasonably assured, the loan remains classified as a nonaccrual loan. Loans classified as TDRs are reported as impaired loans.

Allowance for loan losses

 

              Allowance for Loan Losses—The allowance for loan losses is established as management's estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance is increased by the provision for loan losses and decreased by charge-offs when management believes the uncollectability of a loan is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based on management's periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to revision as more information becomes available. Additionally, non-classified loans are also considered in the allowance for loan losses calculation and are factored in based on the historical loss experience adjusted for various qualitative factors.

              A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all scheduled payments of principal or interest due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining and measuring loan impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower's prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for residential, commercial real estate, and commercial and industrial loans based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as an expedient, at the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent. If the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the deficiency is charged off against the allowance for loan losses. Consumer loans consist of homogeneous smaller balance loans and are reviewed on a collective basis for impairment.

Acquired loans

 

              Acquired Loans—Acquired loans are valued as of acquisition date in accordance with ASC 805. Loans purchased with evidence of credit deterioration since origination for which it is probable that all contractually required payments will not be collected are accounted for under ASC 310-30. Further, the Company has elected to account for all other acquired loans within the scope of ASC 310-30 using the same methodology.

              Under ASC 805 and ASC 310-30, loans are recorded at fair value at acquisition date, factoring in credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loan. Accordingly, an allowance for loan losses is not carried over or recorded as of the acquisition date. In situations where loans have similar risk characteristics, loans are aggregated into pools to estimate cash flows under ASC 310-30. A pool is accounted for as a single asset with a single interest rate, cumulative loss rate and cash flow expectation.

              The cash flows expected over the life of the loan or pool are estimated using an internal cash flow model that projects cash flows and calculates the carrying value of the loan or pool, book yield, effective interest income and impairment, if any, based on loan or pool level events, respectively. Assumptions as to default rates, loss severity, loss curves and prepayment speeds are utilized to calculate the expected cash flows.

              At acquisition, the excess of the cash flows expected to be collected over the recorded investment is considered to be the accretable yield and is recognized as interest income over the life of the loan or pool. The excess of the contractual cash flows over the cash flows expected to be collected is considered to be the nonaccretable difference. Subsequent to the acquisition date, any increases in expected cash flows over those expected at purchase date in excess of fair that are significant and probable value are adjusted through the accretable difference on a prospective basis. Any subsequent decreases in expected cash flows over those expected at purchase date that are significant and probable are recognized by recording an allowance for loan losses. Any disposals of loans, including sales of loans, payments in full or foreclosures result in the removal of the loan from the ASC 310-30 portfolio at the carrying amount.

Covered loans

 

              Covered Loans—Loans acquired in an FDIC-assisted acquisition that are subject to an FDIC shared-loss agreement are referred to as covered loans. Covered loans are reported exclusive of the expected cash flow reimbursements we expect to collect from the FDIC. All covered loans are accounted for under ASC 805 and ASC 310-30.

FDIC Indemnification Asset

 

              FDIC Indemnification Asset—In conjunction with the FDIC-assisted acquisitions of Washington First International Bank and United Commercial Bank, the Bank entered into shared-loss agreements with the FDIC related to covered loans and covered other real estate owned (see "Covered Other Real Estate Owned" below). The FDIC indemnification asset is initially recorded at fair value, based on the discounted value of expected future cash flows under the shared-loss agreement. The Company has elected to account for amounts receivable under the shared-loss agreements as an indemnification asset in accordance with ASC 805. The difference between the present value and the undiscounted cash flows the Company expects to collect from the FDIC is accreted into noninterest income over the life of the FDIC indemnification asset. The FDIC indemnification asset is reviewed quarterly and adjusted for any changes in expected cash flows based on recent performance and expectations for future performance of the covered portfolio. These adjustments are measured on the same basis as the related covered loans and covered other real estate owned. Any increases in cash flow of the covered loans over those expected will reduce the FDIC indemnification asset and any decreases in cash flow of the covered loans over those expected will increase the FDIC indemnification asset. Over the life of the FDIC indemnification asset, increases and decreases to the are recorded as adjustments to noninterest income. In December 2010, the bank lowered the credit discount on the UCB covered loan portfolio as the credit quality is performing better than originally estimated. By lowering the credit discount, interest income will increase over the life of the loans. Correspondingly, with the lowered credit discount, the expected reimbursement from the FDIC under the loss sharing agreement will also decrease, resulting in amortization on the FDIC indemnification asset which is recorded as a charge to noninterest income.

Other real estate owned

 

              Other Real Estate Owned—Other real estate owned ("OREO") represents properties acquired through foreclosure or through full or partial satisfaction of loans, is considered held for sale, and is recorded at the lower of cost or estimated fair value at the time of foreclosure. Loan balances in excess of the fair value of the real estate acquired at the date of foreclosure are charged against the allowance for loan losses. After foreclosure, the real estate is carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Subsequent declines in the fair value of OREO below the carrying value are recorded through the use of a valuation allowance by charges to noninterest expense. Any subsequent operating expenses or income of such properties are also charged to noninterest expense. If the OREO is sold within three months of foreclosure, the Company substitutes the value received in the sale (net of costs to sell) for the fair value (less costs to sell). Any adjustment made to the loss originally recognized at the time of foreclosure is then charged against or credited to the allowance for loan losses, if deemed material. Otherwise, any declines in value, after foreclosure, are recorded in non-interest expense as gains or losses from the sale or disposition of the real estate. Gain recognition upon disposition of a property is dependent on the sale having met certain criteria relating to the buyer's initial investment in the property sold.

Covered other real estate owned

 

              Covered Other Real Estate Owned—All other real estate owned acquired in an FDIC-assisted acquisition that are subject to an FDIC shared-loss agreement are referred to as covered other real estate owned. Covered other real estate owned is reported exclusive of the expected cash flow reimbursements we expect to collect from the FDIC. Upon transferring covered loan collateral to covered other real estate owned status, acquisition date fair value discounts on the related loan are also transferred to covered other real estate owned. Fair value adjustments on covered other real estate owned result in a reduction of the covered other real estate carrying amount and a corresponding increase in the FDIC reimbursement. the non-reimbursed portion of the estimated loss to the Bank is charged against earnings.

Investment in affordable housing partnerships

 

              Investment in Affordable Housing Partnerships—The Company owns limited partnership interests in projects of affordable housing for lower income tenants. The investments in which the Company has a limited partnership interest that exceeds 5% are recorded using the equity method of accounting. The remaining investments are recorded using the cost method and are being amortized over the life of the related tax credits. The tax credits are being recognized in the consolidated financial statements to the extent they are utilized on the Company's income tax returns. The investments are reviewed for impairment on an annual basis on or on an interim basis if an event occurs that would trigger potential impairment.

Goodwill and other intangible assets

 

              Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets—The Company has goodwill, which represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired, as a result of various past acquisitions. Goodwill is not amortized and is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. Premiums on deposits, which represent the intangible value of depositor relationships resulting from deposit liabilities assumed in acquisitions, are amortized over the projected useful lives of the deposits, which is typically 7 to 15 years. Core deposit intangibles are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment on goodwill and premiums on deposits is recognized by writing down the asset to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value.

Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock

 

              Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank Stock—As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") of San Francisco, the Bank is required to own common stock in the FHLB of San Francisco based upon our balance of residential mortgage loans and outstanding FHLB advances. As a result of the acquisition of WFIB, the Bank also owns common stock in the FHLB of Seattle. FHLB stock is carried at cost and may be sold back to the FHLB at its carrying value. Both cash and stock dividends received are reported as dividend income.

Investment in Federal Reserve Bank stock

 

              Investment in Federal Reserve Bank Stock—As a member of the Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB") of San Francisco, the Bank is required to maintain stock in the FRB of San Francisco based on a specified ratio relative to our capital. FRB stock is carried at cost and may be sold back to the FRB at its carrying value. Cash dividends are accrued and are reported as dividend income.

Premises and equipment

 

              Premises and Equipment—The Company's premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed based on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets. The ranges of useful lives for the principal classes of assets are as follows:

Buildings and building improvements

  25 years

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

  3 to 7 years

Leasehold improvements

  Term of lease or useful life, whichever is shorter

              The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment annually or when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. An asset is considered impaired when the expected undiscounted cash flows over the remaining useful life is less than the net book value. When impairment is indicated for an asset, the amount of impairment loss is the excess of the net book value over its fair value.

Mortgage servicing assets

 

              Mortgage Servicing Assets—Mortgage servicing assets are initially recorded at fair value. Servicing assets are amortized in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing income. The fair value of servicing assets is determined based on the present value of estimated net future cash flows related to contractually-specified servicing fees. The primary determinants of the fair value of mortgage servicing assets are prepayment speeds and discount rates. Evaluation of impairment is performed on a quarterly basis using discounted cash flow analysis in combination with mortgage dealer consensus prepayment forecasts. Variations in either or a combination of these factors could materially affect the estimated values of mortgage servicing assets. In conjunction with the valuation process, each class of servicing assets is stratified to evaluate and measure impairment, which is measured as the excess of cost over fair value. Determination of each stratum is based on one or more predominant risk characteristics of the underlying financial assets, including loan type, maturity and interest rates. Impairment, if it occurs, is recognized through a valuation allowance for each stratum.

Securities sold under repurchase agreements ("Repurchase Agreements")

 

              Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements ("Repurchase Agreements")—The Company sells securities under repurchase agreements. These transactions are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and recorded at the amounts at which the securities were sold. The Company may have to provide additional collateral to the counterparty, as necessary.

Long-term debt

 

              Long-Term Debt—Long-term debt consists of both junior subordinated debt and subordinated debt. The Company has established nine statutory business trusts whereby the Company is the owner of all the beneficial interests represented by the common securities of the Trusts, and third parties hold the fixed and variable rate capital securities of the Trusts. The purpose of issuing the capital securities was to provide the Company with a cost-effective means of obtaining Tier I capital for regulatory reporting purposes.

              The Trusts are not consolidated by the Company. Two of the nine trusts were dissolved during 2011. Junior subordinated debt represents liabilities of the Company to the Trusts and is included in long-term debt on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Federal funds purchased

 

              Federal Funds Purchased—The Company utilizes federal funds purchased as part of its short-term financing strategy. Federal funds purchased are generally overnight borrowings and mature within one business day to six months from the transaction date.

Income taxes

 

              Income Taxes—Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year-end, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income.

              The Company examines its financial statements, its income tax provision, and its federal and state income tax returns and analyzes its tax positions, including permanent and temporary differences, as well as the major components of income and expense to determine whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. In the event a tax position is not more likely than not to be sustained by the tax authorities, a reserve is established by management. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to tax positions as part of its provision for income taxes.

Stock-based compensation

 

              Stock-Based Compensation—The Company issues stock-based compensation to certain employees, officers, and directors and accounts for stock options using the fair value method, which generally results in compensation expense recognition. Prior to December 31, 2005, the Company accounted for its fixed stock options using the intrinsic-value method, as prescribed in Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25. Accordingly, no stock option expense was recorded in periods prior to December 31, 2005.

              In adopting the fair value method discussed above, the Company elected to follow the modified prospective method, which required application of the new standard to new awards and to awards modified, repurchased or cancelled after the required effective date. Accordingly, prior period amounts have not been restated. Additionally, compensation costs for the portion of awards for which the requisite service has not been rendered that are outstanding as of January 1, 2006 are being recognized as the requisite services are rendered on or after January 1, 2006. The compensation cost of that portion of awards is based on the grant-date fair value of those awards as calculated for pro forma disclosures under the original SFAS No. 123.

Transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishment of liabilities

 

              Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities—Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company; (2) the transferee has the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets; and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through either (a) an agreement that entitles and obligates the Company to repurchase or redeem them before their maturity or (b) an agreement that provides the Company with both the unilateral ability to cause the holder to return specific assets and a more than trivial benefit attributable to that ability. The difference between the net proceeds received and the carrying amount of the financial assets being sold is recognized as a gain or loss on sale.

Earnings per share ("EPS")

 

              Earnings Per Share ("EPS")—Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income or loss available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period plus restricted stock and shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of outstanding convertible preferred stock, common stock options and warrants, unless they have an antidilutive effect.

Comprehensive income

 

              Comprehensive Income—The term "comprehensive income" describes the total of all components of comprehensive income, including net income and other comprehensive income. "Other comprehensive income" refers to revenues, expenses, and gains and losses that are included in comprehensive income but are excluded from net income because they have been recorded directly in equity under the provisions of other Financial Accounting Standards Board statements. The Company presents the comprehensive income disclosure as a part of the statements of changes in stockholders' equity by identifying each element of comprehensive income, including net income.

Derivative financial instruments

 

              Derivative Financial Instruments—As part of its asset and liability management strategy, the Company uses derivative financial instruments to mitigate exposure to interest rate and foreign currency risks. All derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, are recognized on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at fair value with the change in fair value reported in earnings. When master netting agreements exist, the Company nets counterparty positions with any cash collateral received or delivered.

              The Company's interest rate swaps on certain certificates of deposit qualify for hedge accounting treatment under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The Company documents its hedge relationships, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction at the time the derivative contract is executed. This includes designating the derivative contract as a "fair value hedge" which is a hedge of a recognized asset or liability. All derivatives designated as fair value hedges are linked to specific hedged items or to groups of specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. Both at inception and quarterly thereafter, the Company assesses whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective (as defined in the guidance) in offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged item. Retroactive effectiveness is also assessed as well as the continued expectation that the hedge will remain effective prospectively. Any ineffective portion of the changes of fair value hedges is recognized immediately in interest expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

              The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when (i) a derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value, (ii) a derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, or (iii) the Company determines that designation of a derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate. If a fair value hedge derivative instrument is terminated or the hedge designation removed, the previous adjustments to the carrying amount of the hedged liability would be subsequently accounted for in the same manner as other components of the carrying amount of that liability. For interest-bearing liabilities, such adjustments would be amortized into earnings over the remaining life of the respective liability.

Reclassifications

 

              Reclassifications—Certain items in the consolidated balance sheet and the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were reclassified to conform to the 2011 and 2010 presentation, respectively. These reclassifications did not affect previously reported net income.