Income Taxes

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

INCOME TAXES

The income tax expense rates for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were lower than the tax rates for the same periods in 2011 because of a decrease in the nondeductible amount of a portion of the accelerated discount amortization from the conversion of subordinated debt to preferred stock.

The balance of net deferred tax assets was approximately $479 million at June 30, 2012 and $509 million at December 31, 2011. We evaluate the net deferred tax assets on a regular basis to determine whether an additional valuation allowance is required. Based on this evaluation, and considering the weight of the positive evidence compared to the negative evidence, we have concluded that an additional valuation allowance is not required as of June 30, 2012.