FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

NOTE 12–FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES

In accordance with ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value subsequent to initial recognition are grouped into three levels of inputs or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the reliability of assumptions used to determine fair value. The three input levels of the valuation hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 Inputs	–	Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2 Inputs	–	Valuation is based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
Level 3 Inputs	–	Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.

The following describes valuation methodologies used to measure financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value, as well as the general classification of such financial instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy:

Available-for-sale investment securities. Available-for-sale investment securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Available-for-sale investment securities included in Level 1 are valued using quoted market prices. Where quoted market prices are unavailable, the fair value included in Level 2 is based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments obtained from independent pricing vendors based on recent trading activity and other relevant information.

Loans held for sale. Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at fair value on a recurring basis. The determination of fair value is based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments obtained from independent pricing vendors based on recent trading activity and other relevant information. Other loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or market value, which is determined on an individual loan basis. The fair value is based on the prices secondary markets are offering for portfolios with similar characteristics. The Company classifies mortgage loans held for sale subjected to recurring fair value adjustments as recurring Level 2. The Company classifies other loans held for sale subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as nonrecurring Level 2.

Loans. The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses is established. Loans are considered impaired when, in the judgment of management based on current information and events, it is probable that payment of all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collected. Acquired impaired loans are classified as nonaccrual loans and are initially measured at fair value with no allocated allowance for loan losses. An allowance for loan losses is recorded to the extent there is further credit deterioration subsequent to acquisition date. In accordance with ASC Topic 820, impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. Once a loan is identified as impaired, management measures the impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 310-10-35, “Receivables.” Impairment is measured by reference to an observable market price, if one exists, the expected future cash flows of an impaired loan discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or the fair value of the collateral for a collateral-dependent loan. In most cases, the Company measures fair value based on the value of the collateral securing the loan. Collateral may be in the form of real estate or personal property, including equipment and inventory. The vast majority of the collateral is real estate. The value of the collateral is determined based on third party appraisals as well as internal estimates. These measurements are classified as Level 3.

Derivative instruments. Substantially all derivative instruments utilized by the Company are traded in over-the-counter markets where quoted market prices are not readily available. Derivative instruments utilized by the Company include interest rate swap agreements, interest rate lock commitments and forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities. For these derivative instruments, fair value is based on market observable inputs utilizing pricing systems and valuation models, and where applicable, the values are compared to the market values calculated independently by the respective counterparties. The Company classifies its derivative instruments as Level 2.

Servicing rights. Servicing rights are valued based on valuation models that utilize assumptions based on the predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans, including principal balance, interest rate, weighted average life, cost to service and estimated prepayment speeds. The valuation models estimate the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The Company classifies its servicing rights as Level 3.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan. The Company’s nonqualified deferred compensation plan is recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The unfunded plan allows participants to hypothetically invest in various specified investment options such as equity funds, international stock funds, capital appreciation funds, money market funds, bond funds, mid-cap value funds and growth funds. The nonqualified deferred compensation plan liability is valued based on quoted market prices of the underlying investments. The Company classifies its nonqualified deferred compensation plan liability as Level 1.

Items Measured on a Recurring Basis. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are reflected in the following table:

	Fair Value Measurements
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3	Fair Value
	(dollars expressed in thousands)
March 31, 2012:
Assets:
Available-for-sale investment securities:
U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—	400,676		—	400,676
Residential mortgage-backed		—	2,040,245		—	2,040,245
Commercial mortgage-backed		—	905		—	905
State and political subdivisions		—	5,096		—	5,096
Corporate notes		—	189,860		—	189,860
Equity investments		1,013	—		—	1,013
Mortgage loans held for sale		—	48,074		—	48,074
Derivative instruments:
Customer interest rate swap agreements		—	175		—	175
Interest rate lock commitments		—	1,508		—	1,508
Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities		—	43		—	43
Servicing rights		—	—		15,969	15,969
Total	$	1,013	2,686,582		15,969	2,703,564
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments:
Interest rate swap agreements	$	—	515		—	515
Customer interest rate swap agreements		—	175		—	175
Nonqualified deferred compensation plan		6,111	—		—	6,111
Total	$	6,111	690		—	6,801
December 31, 2011:
Assets:
Available-for-sale investment securities:
U.S. Government sponsored agencies	$	—	341,817		—	341,817
Residential mortgage-backed		—	1,924,920		—	1,924,920
Commercial mortgage-backed		—	910		—	910
State and political subdivisions		—	5,410		—	5,410
Corporate notes		—	183,813		—	183,813
Equity investments		1,017	—		—	1,017
Mortgage loans held for sale		—	31,111		—	31,111
Derivative instruments:
Customer interest rate swap agreements		—	370		—	370
Interest rate lock commitments		—	1,381		—	1,381
Forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities		—	(729	)	—	(729	)
Servicing rights		—	—		15,380	15,380
Total	$	1,017	2,489,003		15,380	2,505,400
Liabilities:
Derivative instruments:
Interest rate swap agreements	$	—	807		—	807
Customer interest rate swap agreements		—	307		—	307
Nonqualified deferred compensation plan		6,531	—		—	6,531
Total	$	6,531	1,114		—	7,645

There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

The following table presents the changes in Level 3 assets measured on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

	Servicing Rights
	Three Months			Three Months
	Ended			Ended
	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
	(dollars expressed in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	15,380		19,582
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings (1)		(210	)	(489	)
Included in other comprehensive income		—		—
Issuances		799		1,118
Transfers in and/or out of level 3		—		—
Balance, end of period	$	15,969		20,211

____________________
 

(1) Gains or losses (realized/unrealized) are included in noninterest income in the consolidated statements of operations.

Items Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis. From time to time, the Company measures certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These include assets that are measured at the lower of cost or market value that were recognized at fair value below cost at the end of the period. Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are reflected in the following table:

	Fair Value Measurements
	Level 1		Level 2	Level 3	Fair Value
	(dollars expressed in thousands)
March 31, 2012:
Assets:
Impaired loans:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	—	—	43,061	43,061
Real estate construction and development		—	—	65,445	65,445
Real estate mortgage:
Bank portfolio		—	—	12,431	12,431
Mortgage Division portfolio		—	—	87,197	87,197
Home equity portfolio		—	—	6,426	6,426
Multi-family residential		—	—	8,442	8,442
Commercial real estate		—	—	68,635	68,635
Consumer and installment		—	—	145	145
Other real estate and repossessed assets		—	—	117,927	117,927
Total	$	—	—	409,709	409,709
December 31, 2011:
Assets:
Impaired loans:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	—	—	54,129	54,129
Real estate construction and development		—	—	79,826	79,826
Real estate mortgage:
Bank portfolio		—	—	13,894	13,894
Mortgage Division portfolio		—	—	84,083	84,083
Home equity portfolio		—	—	5,552	5,552
Multi-family residential		—	—	10,806	10,806
Commercial real estate		—	—	67,756	67,756
Consumer and installment		—	—	18	18
Other real estate and repossessed assets		—	—	129,896	129,896
Total	$	—	—	445,960	445,960

Non-Financial Assets and Non-Financial Liabilities. Certain non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include other real estate (upon initial recognition or subsequent impairment), non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured at fair value in the second step of a goodwill impairment test, and intangible assets and other non-financial long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessment.

Certain other real estate, upon initial recognition, was re-measured and reported at fair value through a charge-off to the allowance for loan losses based upon the estimated fair value of the other real estate. The fair value of other real estate, upon initial recognition, is estimated using Level 3 inputs based on third-party appraisals, and where applicable, discounted based on management’s judgment taking into account current market conditions, distressed or forced sale price comparisons and other factors in effect at the time of valuation. Other real estate and repossessed assets measured at fair value upon initial recognition totaled $3.5 million and $10.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In addition to other real estate and repossessed assets measured at fair value upon initial recognition, the Company recorded write-downs to the balance of other real estate and repossessed assets of $2.1 million and $2.6 million to noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Other real estate and repossessed assets were $117.9 million at March 31, 2012, compared to $129.9 million at December 31, 2011.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The fair value of financial instruments is management’s estimate of the values at which the instruments could be exchanged in a transaction between willing parties. These estimates are subjective and may vary significantly from amounts that would be realized in actual transactions. In addition, other significant assets are not considered financial assets including servicing assets, deferred income tax assets, bank premises and equipment and goodwill and other intangible assets. Furthermore, the income taxes that would be incurred if the Company were to realize any of the unrealized gains or unrealized losses indicated between the estimated fair values and corresponding carrying values could have a significant effect on the fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of the estimates.

The following summarizes the methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair value of all other financial instruments:

Cash and cash equivalents and accrued interest receivable.The carrying values reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value.

Held-to-maturity investment securities. The fair value of held-to-maturity investment securities is based on quoted market prices where available. If quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments. The Company classifies its held-to-maturity investment securities as Level 2.

Loans. The fair value of loans held for portfolio uses an exit price concept and reflects discounts the Company believes are consistent with liquidity discounts in the market place. Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as commercial and industrial, real estate construction and development, commercial real estate, one-to-four-family residential real estate, home equity and consumer and installment. The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows, utilizing assumptions for prepayment estimates over the loans’ remaining life and considerations for the current interest rate environment compared to the weighted average rate of the loan portfolio. The fair value analysis also included other assumptions to estimate fair value, intended to approximate those factors a market participant would use in an orderly transaction, with adjustments for discount rates, interest rates, liquidity, and credit spreads, as appropriate. The Company classifies its loans held for portfolio as Level 3.

Loans held for sale. The fair value of loans held for sale, which is the amount reported in the consolidated balance sheets, is based on quoted market prices where available. If quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments. The Company classifies its loans held for sale as Level 2.

Deposits. The fair value of deposits generally payable on demand (i.e., noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing demand, and savings and money market accounts) is considered equal to their respective carrying amounts as reported in the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of demand deposits does not include the benefit that results from the low-cost funding provided by deposit liabilities compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market. The fair value disclosed for time deposits was estimated utilizing a discounted cash flow calculation that applied interest rates currently being offered on similar deposits to a schedule of aggregated monthly maturities of time deposits. If the estimated fair value is lower than the carrying value, the carrying value is reported as the fair value of time deposits. The Company classifies its time deposits as Level 3.

Other borrowings and accrued interest payable. The carrying values reported in the consolidated balance sheets for variable rate borrowings approximate fair value. The fair value of fixed rate borrowings is based on quoted market prices where available. If quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is based on discounting contractual maturities using an estimate of current market rates for similar instruments.

Subordinated debentures. The fair value of subordinated debentures is based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments. The Company classifies its subordinated debentures as Level 3.

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments. The fair value of commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees is based on estimated probable credit losses. The Company classifies its off-balance sheet financial instruments as Level 3.

The estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

	March 31, 2011					December 31, 2011
	Carrying			Estimated		Carrying		Estimated
	Value			Fair Value		Value		Fair Value
	(dollars expressed in thousands)
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	496,982		496,982		472,011		472,011
Investment securities:
Available for sale		2,637,795		2,637,795		2,457,887		2,457,887
Held to maturity		12,742		13,256		12,817		13,424
Loans held for portfolio		2,977,703		2,687,504		3,115,130		2,811,538
Loans held for sale		48,074		48,074		31,111		31,111
FRB and FHLB stock		26,424		26,424		27,078		27,078
Derivative instruments		1,726		1,726		1,022		1,022
Accrued interest receivable		20,692		20,692		21,050		21,050
Assets of discontinued operations		21,123		21,123		21,009		21,009
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing demand	$	1,285,179		1,285,179		1,209,759		1,209,759
Interest-bearing demand		924,279		924,279		884,168		884,168
Savings and money market		1,892,226		1,892,226		1,893,560		1,893,560
Time deposits		1,409,768		1,412,005		1,464,343		1,467,548
Other borrowings		37,652		37,652		50,910		50,910
Derivative instruments		690		690		1,114		1,114
Accrued interest payable		37,770		37,770		34,285		34,285
Subordinated debentures		354,076		228,869		354,057		204,502
Liabilities of discontinued operations		345,668		338,927		346,282		339,527
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
Commitments to extend credit, standby
letters of credit and financial
guarantees	$	(2,779	)	(2,779	)	(2,785	)	(2,785	)