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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization

        City National Corporation (the "Corporation") is the holding company for City National Bank (the "Bank"). The Bank delivers banking, investment and trust services through 77 offices in Southern California, the San Francisco Bay area, Nevada, New York City, Nashville, Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia. As of December 31, 2013, the Corporation had five consolidated investment advisory affiliates and one unconsolidated subsidiary, Business Bancorp Capital Trust I. Because the Bank comprises substantially all of the business of the Corporation, references to the "Company" mean the Corporation and the Bank together. The Corporation is approved as a financial holding company pursuant to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999.

Consolidation

        The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of the Corporation, its non-bank subsidiaries, the Bank and the Bank's wholly owned subsidiaries, after the elimination of all material intercompany transactions. It also includes noncontrolling interest, which is the portion of equity in a subsidiary not attributable to a parent. Redeemable noncontrolling interest includes noncontrolling ownership interests that are redeemable at the option of the holder or outside the control of the issuer. The redeemable equity ownership interests of third parties in the Corporation's investment management and wealth advisory affiliates are not considered to be permanent equity and are reflected as Redeemable noncontrolling interest in the mezzanine section between liabilities and equity in the consolidated balance sheets. Noncontrolling interests' share of subsidiary earnings is reflected as Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in the consolidated statements of income.

        The Company's investment management and wealth advisory affiliates are organized as limited liability companies. The Corporation generally owns a majority position in each affiliate and certain management members of each affiliate own the remaining shares. The Corporation has contractual arrangements with its affiliates whereby a percentage of revenue is allocable to fund affiliate operating expenses ("operating share") while the remaining portion of revenue ("distributable revenue") is allocable to the Corporation and the noncontrolling owners. All majority-owned affiliates that meet the prescribed criteria for consolidation are consolidated. The Corporation's interests in investment management affiliates in which it holds a noncontrolling share are accounted for using the equity method. Additionally, the Company has various interests in variable interest entities ("VIEs") that are not required to be consolidated. See Note 21 for a more detailed discussion on VIEs.

Use of Estimates

        The Company's accounting and reporting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and practices in the financial services industry. To prepare the financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management must make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and income and expenses during the reporting period. Circumstances and events that differ significantly from those underlying the Company's estimates and assumptions could cause actual financial results to differ from those estimates. The material estimates included in the financial statements relate to the allowance for loan and lease losses, the reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments, other real estate owned ("OREO"), valuation of share-based compensation awards, income taxes, goodwill and intangible asset impairment, securities impairment, private equity and alternative investment impairment, valuation of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, including contingent consideration liabilities, subsequent valuations of acquired impaired loans, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") indemnification assets, valuation of noncontrolling interest, and the valuation of financial assets and liabilities reported at fair value.

        The Company has applied its critical accounting policies and estimation methods consistently in all periods presented in these financial statements. The Company's estimates and assumptions are expected to change as changes in market conditions and the Company's portfolio occur in subsequent periods.

Basis of Presentation

        The Company is on the accrual basis of accounting for income and expenses. The results of operations reflect any adjustments, all of which are of a normal recurring nature, unless otherwise disclosed in this Form 10-K, and which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. In accordance with the usual practice of banks, assets and liabilities of individual trust, agency and fiduciary funds have not been included in the financial statements.

        Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Business Combinations

        The Company applies the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. Under the acquisition method, the acquiring entity in a business combination recognizes 100 percent of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. Management utilizes valuation techniques appropriate for the asset or liability being measured in determining these fair values. Any excess of the purchase price over amounts allocated to assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Where amounts allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is greater than the purchase price, a bargain purchase gain is recognized. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

Fair Value Measurements

        Accounting guidance defines fair value for financial reporting purposes as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly market transaction between market participants at the measurement date (reporting date). Fair value is based on an exit price in the principal market or most advantageous market in which the reporting entity could transact.

        For each asset and liability required to be reported at fair value, management has identified the unit of account and valuation premise to be applied for purposes of measuring fair value. The unit of account is the level at which an asset or liability is aggregated or disaggregated for purposes of applying fair value measurement. The valuation premise is a concept that determines whether an asset is measured on a standalone basis or in combination with other assets. The Company measures its assets and liabilities on a standalone basis then aggregates assets and liabilities with similar characteristics for disclosure purposes.

        Management employs market standard valuation techniques in determining the fair value of assets and liabilities. Inputs used in valuation techniques are based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The inputs used in valuation techniques are prioritized as follows:

  Level 1—   Quoted market prices in an active market for identical assets and liabilities.

 

Level 2—

 

Observable inputs including quoted prices (other than Level 1) in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities and default rates, and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.

 

Level 3—

 

Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available.

        If the determination of fair value measurement for a particular asset or liability is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Management's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability measured.

        The Company records securities available-for-sale, trading securities, derivative contracts, certain contingent liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interest at fair value on a recurring basis. Certain assets such as impaired loans, OREO, securities held-to-maturity, goodwill, customer-relationship intangibles and investments carried at cost are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Nonrecurring fair value measurements typically involve assets that are periodically evaluated for impairment and for which any impairment is recorded in the period in which the remeasurement is performed.

        A description of the valuation techniques applied to the Company's major categories of assets and liabilities measured at fair value follows.

        Securities Available-for-sale and Trading Securities—Fair values for U.S. Treasury securities, marketable equity securities and trading securities, with the exception of agency and municipal securities held in the trading account, are based on quoted market prices. Securities with fair values based on quoted market prices are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 2 securities include the Company's portfolio of federal agency, mortgage-backed, state and municipal securities for which fair values are calculated with models using quoted prices and other inputs directly or indirectly observable for the asset. Prices for the significant majority of these securities are obtained through a third-party valuation source. Management reviewed the valuation techniques and assumptions used by the provider and determined that the provider utilizes widely accepted valuation techniques based on observable market inputs appropriate for the type of security being measured. Prices for the remaining securities are obtained from dealer quotes. Securities classified in Level 3 include municipal auction rate securities and certain collateralized debt obligation instruments for which the market is inactive. Fair values for these securities were determined using internal models based on assumptions that are not observable in the market. Securities held-to-maturity are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

        Loans—The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. Nonrecurring fair value adjustments are periodically recorded on impaired loans. Loans measured for impairment based on the fair value of collateral or observable market prices are reported at fair value for disclosure purposes. The majority of loans reported at fair value are measured for impairment by valuing the underlying collateral based on third-party appraisals. In certain circumstances, appraised values or broker quotes are adjusted based on management's assumptions regarding current market conditions to determine fair value. Loans reported at fair value are classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

        Derivatives—The fair value of non-exchange traded (over-the-counter) derivatives are obtained from third party market sources that use conventional valuation algorithms. The Company provides client data to the third party sources for purposes of calculating the credit valuation component of the fair value measurement of client derivative contracts. The fair values of interest rate contracts include interest receivable and cash collateral, if any. Although the Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value derivative contracts fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of credit spreads. The Company has determined that the impact of the credit valuation adjustments is not significant to the overall valuation of these derivatives. As a result, the Company has classified the derivative contract valuations in their entirety in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

        The fair value of foreign exchange options and transactions are derived from market spot and/or forward foreign exchange rates and are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

        Other Real Estate Owned—The fair value of OREO is generally based on third-party appraisals performed in accordance with professional appraisal standards and Bank regulatory requirements under the Financial Institutions Reform Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989. Appraisals are reviewed and approved by the Company's appraisal department. Fair value may also be determined using a combination of inputs including appraised values, broker price opinions and recent market activity. The weighting of each input in the calculation of fair value is based on management's assumptions regarding market conditions. These assumptions cannot be observed in the market. OREO measured at fair value based upon an appraisal is classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. In certain circumstances, OREO may be measured at fair value based upon a sales price contained in an executed sales contract for which escrow had not closed as of the measurement date. OREO measured at fair value based upon a sales contract is classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy when the expectation exists that the escrow will close as scheduled.

        Contingent Liabilities—Contingent liabilities include contingent consideration obligations from business combinations that are settled in cash and FDIC clawback liabilities associated with FDIC-assisted acquisitions. Contingent consideration represents additional purchase price consideration to be transferred to the former shareholders of an acquired entity if certain future events or conditions are met. These contingencies are generally based on earnings or revenue growth targets contained in the acquisition agreement. FDIC clawback liabilities represent estimated payments by the Company to the FDIC if actual cumulative losses on acquired covered assets are lower than the cumulative losses originally estimated by the FDIC at the time of acquisition. Contingent consideration and FDIC clawback liabilities are recorded at fair value based on the circumstances that exist as of the acquisition date and are remeasured to fair value at each reporting date until the contingency is resolved. The Company's contingent liabilities are valued using the discounted cash flow method based on the terms specified in the acquisition or loss-sharing agreements and the following unobservable inputs, as applicable: (1) risk-adjusted discount rate reflecting the Bank's credit risk, plus a liquidity premium, (2) management's forecast of a range of possible performance outcomes, including revenue growth and margin, (3) management's estimate of the probability of each possible outcome, and (4) prepayment assumptions. Contingent liabilities are classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

        Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest—Redeemable noncontrolling interest is comprised of noncontrolling ownership interests in the Corporation's investment management and wealth advisory affiliates. Redeemable noncontrolling interest is valued based on a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, observable valuation of firms similar to the affiliates, multiples of revenue or profit, unique investment track products or performance, strength in the marketplace, projected discounted cash flow scenarios, strategic value of affiliates to other entities, as well as unique sources of value specific to an individual firm. The methodology used to fair value these interests is consistent with the industry practice of valuing similar types of instruments. Redeemable noncontrolling interest is classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Cash and Due from Banks

        Cash on hand, cash items in the process of collection, and amounts due from correspondent banks and the Federal Reserve Bank are included in Cash and due from banks on the consolidated balance sheets.

Securities

        Securities are classified based on management's intention on the date of purchase. Securities classified as available-for-sale or trading are presented at fair value and securities classified as held-to-maturity are presented at amortized cost. Unrealized gains or losses on securities available-for-sale are excluded from net income but are included as a separate component of other comprehensive income, net of taxes. Premiums or discounts on securities are amortized or accreted into income using the interest method over the expected lives of the individual securities. Realized gains or losses on sales of securities are recorded using the specific identification method. Trading securities are valued at fair value with any unrealized gains or losses included in net income.

        The Company performs a quarterly assessment of debt and equity securities held in its investment portfolio to determine whether a decline in fair value below amortized cost is other-than-temporary. Amortized cost includes adjustments made to the cost of an investment for amortization, accretion, collection of cash and previous other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings. For debt securities, impairment is considered other-than-temporary if the holder has the intent to sell a security, it is more likely than not the holder will be required to sell the security before recovery, or the holder does not expect to recover the amortized cost of the security. Impairment of equity securities is considered other-than-temporary when uncertainty exists as to whether and when an investor will be able to recover the cost of an investment, and whether the investor has the intent and ability to hold the security until its value recovers. The Company's impairment assessment takes into consideration the following factors as applicable to the individual security being analyzed: the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, including events specific to the issuer or industry; defaults or deferrals of scheduled interest, principal or dividend payments; external credit ratings and recent downgrades; and the Company's intent and overall ability to hold the security until its value recovers. If a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the individual security is written down to fair value which then becomes the security's new cost basis. The new cost basis is not adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair value.

        Other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity securities are recognized in earnings. For debt securities, the classification of other-than-temporary impairment depends on whether the Company intends to sell the security or it more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, and on the nature of the impairment. If the Company intends to sell an impaired debt security or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell a security prior to recovery of its amortized cost, an impairment loss is recognized in earnings for the entire difference between the amortized cost and fair value of the security on the measurement date. If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not it would be required to sell the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost, the credit loss component of impairment is recognized in earnings. Impairment associated with factors other than credit, such as market liquidity, is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax. A credit loss is the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the present value of cash flows expected to be collected, discounted at the security's effective interest rate at the date of acquisition.

Loans

        Loans are generally carried at principal amounts less net deferred loan fees. Net deferred loan fees include deferred unamortized fees less direct incremental loan origination costs. Net deferred fees are amortized into interest income over the term of the loans. The amortization is calculated using the effective yield method for all loans except revolving loans, for which the straight-line method is used. Premiums or discounts on loans are amortized or accreted into income using the effective interest method. Interest income is accrued as earned.

        Past Due Loans—Loans are considered past due following the date when either interest or principal is contractually due and unpaid.

        Nonaccrual Loans—Loans, with the exception of residential mortgage loans and home equity loans and lines of credit, are placed on nonaccrual status when a loan becomes contractually past due 90 days with respect to interest or principal unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection, or if full collection of interest or principal becomes uncertain. Residential mortgage loans and home equity loans and lines of credit are placed on nonaccrual status at the earlier of 180 days past due with respect to interest or principal or when collection of interest or principal becomes uncertain. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, the accrued and unpaid interest receivable is reversed and the accretion of net deferred loan fees ceases. Thereafter, interest collected on the loan is accounted for on the cash collection or cost recovery method until qualifying for return to accrual status. Generally, a loan may be returned to accrual status when the delinquent principal and interest are brought current in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement and certain ongoing performance criteria have been met.

        Impaired Loans—The Company considers a loan to be impaired when it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Once a loan is determined to be impaired, the impairment is measured based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, except that if the loan is collateral dependent, the impairment is measured by using the fair value of the loan's collateral. As a final alternative, the observable market price of the debt may be used to assess impairment. Effective July 1, 2012, the Company increased the outstanding loan amount under which nonperforming loans are individually evaluated for impairment from $500,000 or greater to $1 million or greater. Nonperforming loans greater than $1 million are individually evaluated for impairment based upon the borrower's overall financial condition, resources, and payment record, and the prospects for support from any financially responsible guarantors. For borrowers with multiple loans totaling $1 million or more, this threshold is applied at the total relationship level. Loans under $1 million will be measured for impairment using historical loss factors. Loans under $1 million that were previously reported as impaired at June 30, 2012 will continue to be reported as impaired until the collection of principal and interest is no longer in doubt, or the loans are paid or charged-off.

        When the measurement of the impaired loan is less than the recorded amount of the loan, an impairment is recognized by creating a valuation allowance with a corresponding charge to the allowance for loan and lease losses or by adjusting an existing valuation allowance for the impaired loan.

        Interest payments received on impaired loans are generally applied as follows: (1) to principal if the loan is on nonaccrual principal recapture status, (2) to interest income if the loan is on cash basis nonaccrual, and (3) to interest income if the impaired loan has been returned to accrual status.

        Restructured Loans—A loan is identified as troubled debt restructured ("TDR") when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and as a result of these difficulties the Company grants a concession to the borrower 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 interest accrued at the original contract rate. These concessions may include interest rate reductions, principal forgiveness, extension of maturity date and other actions intended to minimize potential losses. A TDR loan is reported as impaired at the time of restructuring. A loan restructuring that involves a below market interest rate will continue to be reported as a TDR until its maturity. A TDR loan need not be reported as a TDR in years subsequent to the restructuring if certain conditions are met: (1) the restructuring agreement specifies an interest rate equal to or greater than that of a new loan with comparable risk at the time the loan is modified, (2) the loan is not impaired based on the terms of the restructuring agreement, and (3) the loan has a demonstrated period of performance. Generally, a nonaccrual loan that is restructured remains on nonaccrual status for a period of six months to demonstrate that the borrower can meet 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 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.

        Acquired Impaired Loans—Loans acquired for which it is probable that all contractual payments will not be received are accounted for under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality ("ASC 310-30"). These loans are recorded at fair value at the time of acquisition. Fair value of acquired impaired loans is determined using discounted cash flow methodology based on assumptions about the amount and timing of principal and interest payments, principal prepayments and principal defaults and losses, and current market rates. As estimated credit and market risks are included in the determination of fair value, no allowance for loan losses is established on the acquisition date. The excess of expected cash flows at acquisition over the initial investment in acquired loans ("accretable yield") is recorded as interest income over the life of the loans if the timing and amount of the future cash flows is reasonably estimable. In accordance with ASC 310-30, the Company assembles loans into pools based on common risk characteristics. The Company believes that the primary drivers of risk in its acquired loan portfolio are loan program and purpose, and has assembled its loan pools based on these risk characteristics. The Company updates its cash flow projections for covered loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 on a quarterly basis. Increases in estimated cash flows over those expected at the acquisition date and subsequent measurement periods are recognized as interest income, prospectively. Decreases in expected cash flows after the acquisition date and subsequent measurement periods are recognized by recording a provision for loan losses. Loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 are generally considered accruing and performing loans as the loans accrete interest income over the estimated life of the loan when cash flows are reasonably estimable. Accordingly, acquired impaired loans that are contractually past due are still considered to be accruing and performing loans. If the timing and amount of future cash flows is not reasonably estimable, the loans may be classified as nonaccrual loans and interest income is not recognized until the timing and amount of future cash flows can be reasonably estimated.

        Covered Loans—Covered loans consist of acquired loans that are covered under loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC. Covered loans are reported separately in the loan section of the consolidated balance sheets.

        Unfunded Loan Commitments—These commitments generally represent credit facilities provided to clients of the Bank, and are not actively traded financial instruments. Unfunded loan commitments are disclosed as off-balance sheet financial instruments in Note 20 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses and Reserve for Off-Balance Sheet Credit Commitments

        The Company accounts for the credit risk associated with lending activities through its allowance for loan and lease losses, reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments and provision for credit losses. The provision is the expense recognized in the consolidated statements of income to adjust the allowance and reserve to the levels deemed appropriate by management, as determined through application of the Company's allowance methodology procedures. The provision for credit losses reflects management's judgment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses and the reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments. It is determined through quarterly analytical reviews of the loan and commitment portfolios and consideration of such other factors as the Company's loan and lease loss experience, trends in problem loans, concentrations of credit risk, underlying collateral values, and current economic conditions, as well as the results of the Company's ongoing credit review process. As conditions change, the Company's level of provisioning and the allowance for loan and lease losses and reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments may change.

        The relative significance of risk considerations used in measuring the allowance for loan and lease losses will vary by portfolio segment. For commercial loans, the primary risk consideration is a borrower's ability to generate sufficient cash flows to repay their loan. Secondary considerations include the creditworthiness of guarantors and the valuation of collateral. In addition to the creditworthiness of a borrower, the type and location of real estate collateral is an important risk factor for commercial real estate and real estate construction loans. The primary risk considerations for consumer loans are a borrower's personal cash flow and liquidity, as well as collateral value.

        For commercial, non-homogenous loans that are not impaired, the Bank derives loss factors for each risk grade and loan type via a process that begins with estimates of probable losses inherent in the portfolio based upon various statistical analyses. The factors considered in the analysis include loan type, migration analysis, in which historical delinquency and credit loss experience is applied to the portfolio, as well as analyses that reflect current trends and conditions. Each portfolio of smaller balance homogeneous loans, including residential first mortgages, installment, revolving credit and most other consumer loans, is collectively evaluated for loss potential. The quantitative portion of the allowance for loan and lease losses is adjusted for qualitative factors to account for model imprecision and to incorporate the range of probable outcomes inherent in the estimates used for the allowance. The qualitative portion of the allowance attempts to incorporate the risks inherent in the portfolio, economic uncertainties, competition, and regulatory requirements and other subjective factors such as changes in underwriting standards. It also considers overall portfolio indicators, including current and historical credit losses; delinquent, nonperforming and criticized loans; portfolio concentrations; trends in volumes and terms of loans; and economic trends in the broad market and in specific industries.

        A portion of the allowance for loan and lease losses is attributed to impaired loans that are individually measured for impairment. This measurement is based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted using the loan's contractual effective rate, the fair value of collateral or the secondary market value of the loan.

        The allowance for loan and lease losses is decreased by the amount of charge-offs and increased by the amount of recoveries. Generally, commercial, commercial real estate and real estate construction loans are charged off immediately when it is determined that advances to the borrower are in excess of the calculated current fair value of the collateral and if a borrower is deemed incapable of repayment of unsecured debt, there is little or no prospect for near term improvement and no realistic strengthening action of significance pending. Consumer loans are charged-off based on delinquency, ranging from 60 days for overdrafts to 180 days for secured consumer loans, or earlier when it is determined that the loan is uncollectible due to a triggering event, such as bankruptcy, fraud or death.

        Reserve for Off-Balance Sheet Credit Commitments—Off-balance sheet credit commitments include commitments to extend credit and letters of credit. The reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments is established by converting the off-balance sheet exposures to a loan equivalent amount and then applying the methodology used for loans described above. The reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments is recorded as a liability in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Increases and decreases in the reserve for off-balance sheet credit commitments are reflected as an allocation of provision expense from or to the allowance for loan and lease losses.

        Allowance for Losses on Covered Loans—The Company updates its cash flow projections for covered loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 on a quarterly basis. Decreases in expected cash flows after the acquisition date and subsequent measurement periods are recognized by recording a provision for loan losses. See Acquired Impaired Loans for further discussion.

Other Real Estate Owned

        OREO includes real estate acquired in full or partial satisfaction of a loan and is recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell at the acquisition date. The excess of the carrying amount of a loan over the fair value of real estate acquired (less costs to sell) is charged to the allowance for loan and lease losses. If the fair value of OREO at initial acquisition exceeds the carrying amount of the loan, the excess is recorded either as a recovery to the allowance for loan and lease losses if a charge-off had previously been recorded, or as a gain on initial transfer in noninterest income. The fair value of OREO is generally based on a third party appraisal or, in certain circumstances, may be based on a combination of an appraised value, broker price opinions and recent sales activity. Declines in the fair value of OREO that occur subsequent to acquisition are charged to OREO expense in the period in which they are identified. Expenses for holding costs are charged to OREO expense as incurred.

        Covered OREO consists of acquired OREO that is covered under loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC. These assets were recorded at their fair value at the acquisition date. Covered OREO is reported in Other real estate owned in the consolidated balance sheets.

FDIC Indemnification Asset

        In connection with its FDIC-assisted acquisitions, the Bank entered into loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC under which the FDIC will reimburse the Bank for 80 percent of eligible losses with respect to covered assets. The expected reimbursements under the loss-sharing agreements were recorded as an indemnification asset at their initial estimated fair value on the date of acquisition. The difference between the fair value of the FDIC indemnification asset and the undiscounted cash flow the Bank expects to collect from the FDIC is accreted or amortized into noninterest income. The FDIC indemnification asset is reviewed on a quarterly basis and adjusted based on changes in cash flow projections. These adjustments are recorded in FDIC loss sharing income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of income.

Premises and Equipment

        Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the terms of the respective leases. Depreciation is generally computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of each type of asset. Gains and losses on dispositions are reflected in current operations. Maintenance and repairs are charged to Office services and equipment expense in the consolidated statements of income.

Software

        Capitalized software is stated at cost, less accumulated amortization. Capitalized software includes purchased software and capitalizable application development costs associated with internally developed software. Amortization is computed on a straight-line basis and charged to expense over the estimated useful life of the software which is generally five to ten years. Capitalized software is included in Premises and equipment, net in the consolidated balance sheets.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

        Under the acquisition method of accounting, the acquiring entity in a business combination recognizes 100 percent of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including contingent consideration, at their acquisition date fair values. Management utilizes valuation techniques based on discounted cash flow analysis to determine these fair values. Any excess of the purchase price over amounts allocated to acquired assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Where amounts allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed are greater than the purchase price, a bargain purchase gain is recognized. Intangible assets include core deposit intangibles and client advisory contract intangibles (combined, customer-relationship intangibles) originating from acquisitions of financial services firms. Core deposit intangibles are amortized over a range of four to eight years and client advisory contract intangibles are amortized over various periods ranging from four to 20 years.

        Goodwill and customer-relationship intangibles are evaluated for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances, such as changes in economic or market conditions, indicate that potential impairment exists. Impairment exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. Goodwill is assessed for impairment at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by management. Fair values of reporting units are determined using methods consistent with current market practices for valuing similar types of businesses. Valuations are generally based on market multiples of net income or gross revenues combined with an analysis of expected near and long-term financial performance. Management utilizes market information including market comparables and recent merger and acquisition transactions to validate the reasonableness of its valuations. The first step of the impairment evaluation process involves an assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The qualitative factors considered include, but are not limited to, industry and market conditions and trends, the Company's financial performance and any Company-specific events relevant to the assessment. If the assessment of qualitative factors indicates that it is not more likely than not that impairment exists, no further testing is performed. If there is an indication that impairment exists, a quantitative test is performed to determine whether the fair value of each reporting unit, including goodwill, is less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If so, a further test is required to measure the amount of impairment. If an impairment loss exists, the carrying amount of the goodwill is adjusted to a new cost basis. Subsequent reversal of a previously recognized goodwill impairment loss is prohibited.

        Impairment testing of customer-relationship intangibles is performed at the individual asset level. Impairment exists when the carrying amount of an intangible asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The carrying amount of an intangible asset is not recoverable when the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the sum of undiscounted cash flows (cash inflows less cash outflows) associated with the use and/or disposition of the asset. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. The fair value of core deposit intangibles is based either on deposit premiums paid in recent deposit sale transactions, if relevant market data is available, or is based on discounted estimated future cash flows associated with the acquired deposits. The fair value of client advisory and other client service contracts is based on discounted expected future cash flows. Management makes certain estimates and assumptions in determining the expected future cash flows from customer-relationship intangibles including account attrition, expected lives, discount rates, interest rates, servicing costs and other factors. Significant changes in these estimates and assumptions could adversely impact the anticipated cash flows for these intangible assets. If an impairment loss exists, the carrying amount of the intangible asset is adjusted to a new cost basis. The new cost basis is amortized over the remaining useful life of the asset.

Private Equity and Alternative Investments

        The Company has ownership interests in private equity, venture capital, real estate and hedge funds that are not publicly traded and do not have readily determinable fair values. These investments are carried at cost in the Other assets section of the consolidated balance sheets.

        Management reviews these investments quarterly for possible other-than-temporary impairment. This review includes consideration of the facts and circumstances associated with each investment, expectations for future cash flows and capital needs, the viability of the entity's business model and the likelihood that the capital invested will be recovered over the expected timeframe of the investment. An impairment loss is recognized if the Company does not expect to recover the cost of an investment. The impairment loss is recognized in Other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income. The new cost basis of the investment is not adjusted for subsequent recoveries in value.

Noncontrolling Interest

        Noncontrolling interest is the portion of equity in a subsidiary not attributable to a parent, and is reported as a separate component of equity in the consolidated balance sheets, with the exception of noncontrolling ownership interests that are redeemable at the option of the holder or outside the control of the issuer. These redeemable noncontrolling interests are not considered to be permanent equity and are reported in the mezzanine section of the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Consolidated net income is attributed to controlling and noncontrolling interest in the consolidated statements of income.

Investment Fee Revenue

        Investment fee revenue consists of trust, investment management, performance and mutual fund fees. It also includes gains, losses and commissions on brokered securities transactions with clients.

International Services Income

        International services income includes foreign exchange fees, fees on commercial letters of credit and standby letters of credit, foreign collection and other fee income. International services fees are recognized when earned, except for fees on standby letters of credit which are deferred and recognized into income over the terms of the letters of credit.

Share-based Compensation Plans

        The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the fair value of the award on the grant date. This cost is recognized in the consolidated statements of income over the vesting period of the award. The fair value of a stock option award is estimated using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. Restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards are valued at the closing price of the Company's stock on the date of the grant. Cash-settled restricted stock units are initially valued at the closing price of the Company's stock on the date of the grant and subsequently remeasured to the closing price of the Company's stock at each reporting date until settlement.

Income Taxes

        The calculation of the Company's income tax provision and related tax accruals requires the use of estimates and judgments. The provision for income taxes includes current and deferred income tax expense on net income adjusted for permanent and temporary differences in the tax and financial accounting for certain assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of existing temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax reporting basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax laws and rates and tax carryforwards. On a quarterly basis, management evaluates its deferred tax assets to determine if these tax benefits are expected to be realized in future periods. This determination is based on facts and circumstances, including the Company's current and future tax outlook. To the extent a deferred tax asset is no longer considered more likely than not to be realized, a valuation allowance is established.

        Accrued income taxes represent the estimated amounts due to or received from the various taxing jurisdictions where the Company has established a business presence. The balance also includes a contingent reserve for potential taxes, interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. On a quarterly basis, management evaluates the contingent tax accruals to determine if they are sufficiently reserved based on a probability assessment of potential outcomes. The determination is based on facts and circumstances, including the interpretation of existing law, new judicial or regulatory guidance and the status of tax audits. From time to time, there may be differences in opinion with respect to the tax treatment accorded transactions. If a tax position which was previously recognized on the financial statements is no longer more likely than not to be sustained upon a challenge from the taxing authorities, the tax benefit from the tax position will be derecognized. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties relating to uncertain tax positions as an income tax provision expense.

Earnings per Common Share

        The Company calculates earnings per common share ("EPS") using the two-class method in accordance with ASC Topic 260, Earnings per Share. The two-class method requires the Company to present EPS as if all of the earnings for the period are distributed to common shareholders and any participating securities, regardless of whether any actual dividends or distributions are made. All outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered participating securities. The Company grants restricted stock and restricted stock units under a share-based compensation plan that qualify as participating securities. These shares are entitled to dividends at the same rate as common stock.

        Basic EPS is computed by dividing distributed and undistributed earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Distributed and undistributed earnings available to common shareholders represent net income reduced by preferred stock dividends and distributed and undistributed earnings available to participating securities. Common shares outstanding include common stock, vested restricted stock awards and contingently issuable shares. Diluted EPS reflects the assumed conversion of all potential dilutive securities.

Derivatives and Hedging

        As part of its asset and liability management strategies, the Company uses interest-rate swaps to mitigate interest-rate risk associated with changes to (1) the fair value of certain fixed-rate deposits and borrowings (fair value hedges) and (2) certain cash flows related to future interest payments on variable rate loans (cash flow hedges). Interest-rate swap agreements involve the exchange of fixed and variable rate interest payments between counterparties based upon a notional principal amount and maturity date. The Company recognizes derivatives as assets or liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets at their fair value. The treatment of changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the character of the transaction. The Company's interest-rate risk management contracts qualify for hedge accounting treatment under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging.

        On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as a fair value hedge or cash flow hedge. For a fair value hedge, the change in the fair value of the derivative instrument is recognized in current earnings, on the same line in the consolidated statements of income as the changes in fair value of the related hedged item. For a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"). Any ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a cash flow hedge is recognized immediately in Other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income. Amounts within AOCI are reclassified into earnings on the same line in the consolidated statements of income as the hedged item, i.e., included in interest income on loans and leases. For both fair value and cash flow hedges, the periodic accrual of interest receivable or payable on interest rate swaps is recorded as an adjustment to net interest income for the hedged items.

        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. Both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, the Company assesses whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective (as defined in the guidance) in offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. Retroactive effectiveness is assessed, as well as the continued expectation that the hedge will remain effective prospectively.

        The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that a hedge is no longer highly effective. When hedge accounting is discontinued on a fair value hedge that no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, the derivative continues to be reported at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets, but the carrying amount of the hedged item is no longer adjusted for future changes in fair value. The adjustment to the carrying amount of the hedged item that existed at the date hedge accounting is discontinued is amortized over the remaining life of the hedged item into earnings. When it is determined that a cash flow hedge no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, future changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in earnings rather than in AOCI, and the amount reported in AOCI at the date hedge accounting was discontinued is reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.

        The Company also offers various derivative products to clients and enters into derivative transactions in due course. These transactions are not linked to specific Company assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets or to forecasted transactions in a hedge relationship and, therefore, do not qualify for hedge accounting. The contracts are marked-to-market each reporting period with changes in fair value recorded as part of Other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income. Fair values are determined from verifiable third-party sources that have considerable experience with the derivative markets. The Company provides client data to the third party source for purposes of calculating the credit valuation component of the fair value measurement of client derivative contracts.

        The Company enters into foreign currency option contracts with clients to assist them in hedging their economic exposures arising out of foreign-currency denominated commercial transactions. Foreign currency options allow the counterparty to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a specified date and price. These option contracts are offset by paired trades with third-party banks. The Company also takes proprietary currency positions within risk limits established by the Company's Asset/Liability Management Committee. Both the realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts are recorded in Other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income.

Accounting Pronouncements

        The following is a summary of accounting pronouncements that became effective during the year ended December 31, 2013:

  • In October 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2012-06, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Subsequent Accounting for an Indemnification Asset Recognized at the Acquisition Date as a Result of a Government-Assisted Acquisition of a Financial Institution ("ASU 2012-06"). ASU 2012-06 clarifies existing guidance on the subsequent measurement of an indemnification asset recognized as a result of a government-assisted acquisition of a financial institution. Existing guidance specifies that an acquirer must record an indemnification asset at the same time as it recognizes the indemnified item in a business combination. The indemnification asset is initially and subsequently measured on the same basis as the indemnified item, subject to any contractual limitations on its amount or management's assessment of its collectability. Under ASU 2012-06, when there is a subsequent change in the cash flows expected to be collected on the indemnified asset, the reporting entity should subsequently measure the indemnification asset on the same basis as the underlying loans by taking into account the contractual limitation of the indemnification agreement. Any amortization of changes in value shall be limited to the lesser of the contractual term of the indemnification agreement and the remaining life of the indemnified assets. Adoption of ASU 2012-06 on January 1, 2013 did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

    In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities ("ASU 2013-01"). ASU 2013-01 clarifies that ordinary trade receivables and other receivables are not in the scope of ASU 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210), Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. Specifically, ASU 2011-11 applies only to derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with specific criteria contained in the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") or subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The Company adopted ASU 2013-01 in its first quarter 2013 reporting. Refer to Note 17 for balance sheet offsetting disclosures.

    In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Other Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified out of Other Comprehensive Income ("ASU 2013-02"). The provisions in the ASU supersede and replace the presentation requirements for reclassifications out of AOCI in ASU 2011-05 and 2011-12. ASU 2013-02 requires entities to disclose additional information about reclassification adjustments, including (1) changes in AOCI balances by component and (2) significant items reclassified out of AOCI. The new disclosure requirements are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted ASU 2013-02 for its first quarter 2013 reporting. Adoption of the new guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

    In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-10, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes. The new guidance permits the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes in addition to U.S. Government Treasury rates and LIBOR. The ASU became effective for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The Company periodically enters into interest-rate swap agreements to reduce cash flow variability on pools of floating rate loans. The swaps are tied to either the Prime rate or LIBOR consistent with the pricing index on the underlying loans. The Company does not use the Fed Funds rate for loan pricing and did not have interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments as of December 31, 2013. Accordingly, adoption of the new guidance did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        The following is a summary of recently issued accounting pronouncements:

  • In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation is Fixed at the Reporting Date ("ASU 2013-04"). ASU 2013-04 provides guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements. Examples of obligations within the scope of the ASU include debt arrangements, other contractual obligations and settled litigation. ASU 2013-04 requires entities to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of the guidance is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of (1) the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors, and (2) any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. Required disclosures include a description of the joint-and-several arrangement and the total outstanding amount of the obligation for all joint parties. The ASU is effective for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Adoption of the new guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

    In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. The new guidance requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or portion thereof, in the statement of financial position as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward or a tax credit carryforward, except as follows. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward or tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position, or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use and the entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the statement of financial position as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Adoption of the new guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

    In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects ("ASU 2014-01"). ASU 2014-01 provides guidance on accounting for investments by a reporting entity in flow-through limited liability entities that manage or invest in affordable housing projects that qualify for the low-income housing tax credit. Under the proportional amortization method, the cost of the investment is amortized each reporting period in proportion to the tax credits received. Under the new guidance, classification of the amortization would change from noninterest expense to income tax expense. ASU 2014-01 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. The guidance is to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company is assessing the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

    In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, Receivables—Troubled Debt Restructuring by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40), Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure ("ASU 2014-04"). ASU 2014-04 clarifies when a creditor would be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that all or a portion of the loan would be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. Under the guidance, a consumer loan collateralized by residential real estate should be reclassified to other real estate owned when (1) the creditor obtains legal title to the residential property or (2) the borrower conveys all interest in the property to the creditor to satisfy the loan by completing a deed in lieu of foreclosure or similar agreement. In addition, an entity is required to disclose the amount of residential real estate meeting the conditions above, and the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans secured by residential real estate that are in the process of foreclosure. ASU 2014-04 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. Adoption of the new guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.