Impairment of Investment Securities (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Impairment of Investment Securities [Abstract]

Investments in debt and equity securities

As required by FASB ASC Topic 320, “Investments – Debt and Equity Securities,” credit related other-than-temporary impairment on debt securities is recognized in earnings while non-credit related other-than-temporary impairment on debt securities not expected to be sold is recognized in OCI. During the six-months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, no other-than-temporary impairment charges were recognized and $0.2 and $2.3 million, respectively, in non-credit related gains on our trust preferred collateralized debt obligations that were determined to be impaired in previous periods was recorded in OCI. All of the securities for which other-than-temporary impairment was recorded were classified as available for sale securities.

First Commonwealth utilizes the specific identification method to determine the net gain or loss on debt securities and the average cost method to determine the net gain or loss on equity securities.

In the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, the “Changes in fair value on impaired securities” line represents the change in fair value of securities impaired in the current or previous periods. The change in fair value includes both non-credit and credit related gains or losses. Credit related losses occur when the entire amortized cost of the security will not be recovered. The “Non-credit related losses (gains) on securities not expected to be sold (recognized in other comprehensive income)” line represents the gains and losses on the securities resulting from factors other than credit. The non-credit related gain or loss is disclosed in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and recognized through other comprehensive income. The “Net impairment losses” line represents the credit related losses recognized in total noninterest income for the related period.

We review our investment portfolio on a quarterly basis for indications of impairment. This review includes analyzing the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been lower than the cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, including any specific events which may influence the operations of the issuer and whether we are more likely than not to sell the security. We evaluate whether we are more likely than not to sell debt securities based upon our investment strategy for the particular type of security and our cash flow needs, liquidity position, capital adequacy, tax position and interest rate risk position. In addition, the risk of future other-than-temporary impairment may be influenced by additional bank failures, weakness in the U.S. economy, changes in real estate values and additional interest deferrals in our pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations. Our pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations are beneficial interests in securitized financial assets within the scope of FASB ASC Topic 325, “Investments – Other,” and are therefore evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment using management’s best estimate of future cash flows. If these estimated cash flows indicate that it is probable that an adverse change in cash flows has occurred, then other-than-temporary impairment would be recognized in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 320. There is a risk that First Commonwealth will record other-than-temporary impairment charges in the future. See Note 12, “Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities,” for additional information.

Other Investments

FHLB stock is held as a long-term investment and its value is determined based on the ultimate recoverability of the par value. First Commonwealth evaluates impairment quarterly. The decision of whether impairment exists is a matter of judgment that reflects our view of the FHLB’s long-term performance, which includes factors such as the following:

• its operating performance;

• the severity and duration of declines in the fair value of its net assets related to its capital stock amount;

• its commitment to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to its operating performance;

• the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on the FHLB, and accordingly, on the members of FHLB; and

• its liquidity and funding position.

After evaluating all of these considerations, First Commonwealth concluded that the par value of its investment in FHLB stock will be recovered. Accordingly, no impairment charge was recorded on these securities for the six-months ended June 30, 2012. Our evaluation of the factors described above in future periods could result in the recognition of impairment charges on FHLB stock.

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures

FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” requires disclosures for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). All non-financial assets are included either as a separate line item on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition or in the “Other assets” category of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Currently, First Commonwealth does not have any non-financial liabilities to disclose.

FASB ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments” permits entities to irrevocably elect to measure select financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The unrealized gains and losses are required to be included in earnings each reporting period for the items that fair value measurement is elected. First Commonwealth has elected not to measure any existing financial instruments at fair value under FASB ASC Topic 825; however, in the future we may elect to adopt this guidance for select financial instruments.

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, First Commonwealth groups financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in three levels based on the principal markets in which the assets and liabilities are transacted and the observability of the data points used to determine fair value. These levels are:

• Level 1 – Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 securities include equity holdings comprised of publicly traded bank stocks which were priced using quoted market prices.

• Level 2 – Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in less active dealer or broker markets. Valuations are obtained for identical or comparable assets or liabilities from alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Level 2 includes Obligations of U.S. Government securities issued by Agencies and Sponsored Enterprises, Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions, certain corporate securities, certain equity securities, FHLB stock, interest rate derivatives that include interest rate swaps and risk participation agreements, certain other real estate owned and certain impaired loans.

Level 2 investment securities are valued by a recognized third party pricing service using observable inputs. The model used by the pricing service varies by asset class and incorporates available market, trade and bid information as well as cash flow information when applicable. Because many fixed-income investment securities do not trade on a daily basis, the model uses available information such as benchmark yield curves, benchmarking of like investment securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing. The model will also use processes such as an option adjusted spread to assess the impact of interest rates and to develop prepayment estimates. Market inputs normally used in the pricing model include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data including market research publications.

Management validates the market values provided by the third party service by having another recognized pricing service price a random sample of securities each quarter, monthly monitoring of variances from prior period pricing and, on a monthly basis, evaluating pricing changes compared to expectations based on changes in the financial markets.

The equity investments included in Level 2 are based on broker prices and are included in Level 2 because they are not traded on an active exchange market.

Other investments are comprised of FHLB stock whose fair value is based on its par value. Additional information on FHLB stock is provided in Note 8, “Other Investments.”

Interest rate derivatives are reported at an estimated fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs and are included in other assets and other liabilities and consist of interest rate swaps where there is no significant deterioration in the counterparties (loan customers) credit risk since origination of the interest rate swap. First Commonwealth values its interest rate swap positions using a yield curve by taking market prices/rates for an appropriate set of instruments. The set of instruments currently used to determine the U.S. Dollar yield curve includes cash LIBOR rates from overnight to three months, Eurodollar futures contracts and swap rates from three years to thirty years. These yield curves determine the valuations of interest rate swaps. Interest rate derivatives are further described in Note 13, “Derivatives.”

For purposes of potential valuation adjustments to our derivative positions, First Commonwealth evaluates the credit risk of its counterparties as well as our own credit risk. Accordingly, we have considered factors such as the likelihood of default, expected loss given default, net exposures and remaining contractual life, among other things, in determining if any fair value adjustments related to credit risk are required. We review our counterparty exposure quarterly, and when necessary, appropriate adjustments are made to reflect the exposure.

We also utilize this approach to estimate our own credit risk on derivative liability positions. In 2012, we have not realized any losses due to a counterparty’s inability to pay any net uncollateralized position.

The fair value for other real estate owned included in Level 2 is determined by either an independent market based appraisal less costs to sell or an executed sales agreement.

• Level 3 – Valuations for assets and liabilities that are derived from other valuation methodologies, including option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, and not based on market exchange, dealer or broker traded transactions. If the inputs used to provide the valuation are unobservable and/or there is very little, if any, market activity for the security or similar securities, the securities would be considered Level 3 securities. Level 3 valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to such assets or liabilities. The assets included in Level 3 are pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations, non-marketable equity investments, loans held for sale and certain interest rate derivatives.

Our pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations are collateralized by the trust preferred securities of individual banks, thrifts and bank holding companies in the U.S. There has been little or no active trading in these securities since 2009; therefore it was more appropriate to determine fair value using a discounted cash flow analysis. Detail on our process for determining the appropriate cash flows for this analysis is provided in Note 9, “Impairment of Investment Securities.” The discount rate applied to the cash flows is determined by evaluating the current market yields for comparable corporate and structured credit products along with an evaluation of the risks associated with the cash flows of the comparable security. Due to the fact that there is no active market for the pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations, one key reference point is the market yield for the single issue trust preferred securities issued by banks and thrifts for which there is more activity than for the pooled securities. Adjustments are then made to reflect the credit and structural differences between these two security types.

Management validates the fair value of the pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations by monitoring the performance of the underlying collateral, discussing the discount rate, cash flow assumptions and general market trends with the specialized third party and confirming changes in the underlying collateral to the trustee reports. Management’s monitoring of the underlying collateral includes deferrals of interest payments, payment defaults, cures of previously deferred interest payments, any regulatory filings or actions and general news related to the underlying collateral. Management also evaluates fair value changes compared to expectations based on changes in the interest rates used in determining the discount rate and general financial markets.

The estimated fair value of the non-marketable equity investments included in level 3 is based on par value.

Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value with the fair value being the expected sales price of the loan. The estimated fair value of the loans held for sale was determined by calculating the discounted expected future cash flows of the loan. The discount rate applied to the future cash flows was determined based on a risk based expected return and capital structure of potential buyers. If a sales agreement has been executed, the fair value is equal to the sales price.

For interest rate derivatives included in Level 3, the fair value incorporates credit risk by considering such factors as likelihood of default and expected loss given default based on the credit quality of the underlying counterparties (loan customers).

Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

On a quarterly basis we evaluate our debt securities for other-than-temporary impairment. During the six-months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, there were no credit related other-than-temporary impairment charges recognized on our pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations. When evaluating these investments we determine a credit related portion and a non-credit related portion of other-than-temporary impairment. The credit related portion is recognized in earnings and represents the difference between book value and the present value of future cash flows. The non-credit related portion is recognized in OCI and represents the difference between the fair value of the security and the amount of credit related impairment. A discounted cash flow analysis provides the best estimate of credit related other-than-temporary impairment for these securities.

Additional information related to the discounted cash flow analysis follows:

Our pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations are measured for other-than-temporary impairment within the scope of FASB ASC Topic 325 by determining whether it is probable that an adverse change in estimated cash flows has occurred. Determining whether there has been an adverse change in estimated cash flows from the cash flows previously projected involves comparing the present value of remaining cash flows previously projected against the present value of the cash flows estimated at June 30, 2012. We consider the discounted cash flow analysis to be our primary evidence when determining whether credit related other-than-temporary impairment exists.

Results of a discounted cash flow test are significantly affected by other variables such as the estimate of future cash flows, credit worthiness of the underlying banks and determination of probability of default of the underlying collateral. The following provides additional information for each of these variables:

• Estimate of Future Cash Flows – Cash flows are constructed in an INTEX cash flow model which includes each deal’s structural features. For collateral issued by financial institutions with over $15 billion in asset size, we consider the alternative cost of funding and if that rate is less than the current rate being paid, we incorporate a prepayment in our estimate of future cash flows. The prepayment rates used are 20% in years 2 and 3 and a 2% prepayment rate thereafter. The modeled cash flows are then used to estimate if all the scheduled principal and interest payments of our investments will be returned.

• Credit Analysis – A quarterly credit evaluation is performed for each of the 348 banks comprising the collateral across the various pooled trust preferred securities. Our credit evaluation considers all evidence available to us and includes the nature of the issuer’s business, its years of operating history, corporate structure, loan composition, loan concentrations, deposit mix, asset growth rates, geographic footprint and local economic environment. Our analysis focuses on profitability, return on assets, shareholders’ equity, net interest margin, credit quality ratios, operating efficiency, capital adequacy and liquidity.

• Probability of Default – A probability of default is determined for each bank and is used to calculate the expected impact of future deferrals and defaults on our expected cash flows. Each bank in the collateral pool is assigned a probability of default for each year until maturity. Currently, any bank that is in default is assigned a 100% probability of default and a 0% projected recovery rate. All other banks in the pool are assigned a probability of default based on their unique credit characteristics and market indicators with a 10% projected recovery rate. For the majority of banks currently in deferral we assume the bank continues to defer and will eventually default and, therefore, a 100% probability of default is assigned. However, for some deferring collateral there is the possibility that they become current on interest or principal payments at some point in the future and in those cases a probability that the deferral will ultimately cure is assigned. The probability of default is updated quarterly. As of June 30, 2012, default probabilities for performing collateral ranged from 0.33% to 75%.

Our credit evaluation provides a basis for determining deferral and default probabilities for each underlying piece of collateral. Using the results of the credit evaluation, the next step of the process is to look at pricing of senior debt or credit default swaps for the issuer (or where such information is unavailable, for companies having similar credit profiles as the issuer). The pricing of these market indicators provides the information necessary to determine appropriate default probabilities for each bank.

In addition to the above factors, our evaluation of impairment also includes a stress test analysis which provides an estimate of excess subordination for each tranche. We stress the cash flows of each pool by increasing current default assumptions to the level of defaults which results in an adverse change in estimated cash flows. This stressed breakpoint is then used to calculate excess subordination levels for each pooled trust preferred security. The results of the stress test allows management to identify those pools that are at a greater risk for a future break in cash flows so that we can monitor banks in those pools more closely for potential deterioration of credit quality.

FASB ASC 825-10, “Transition Related to FSP FAS 107-1” and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or non-recurring basis. The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis are as discussed above. The methodologies for other financial assets and financial liabilities are discussed below.

Cash and due from banks and interest-bearing bank deposits: The carrying amounts for cash and due from banks and interest-bearing bank deposits approximate the estimated fair values of such assets.

Securities: Fair values for securities available for sale are based on quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments. Pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations values are derived from other valuation methodologies, including option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, and not based on market exchange, dealer or broker traded transactions. These valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to each instrument. The carrying value of other investments, which includes FHLB stock, is considered a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Loans held for sale: The fair value of loans held for sale is estimated utilizing a present value of future discounted cash flows of the loan utilizing a risk based expected return to discount the value unless a sales agreement has been executed, in which case the sales price would equal fair value.

Loans: The fair values of all loans are estimated by discounting the estimated future cash flows using interest rates currently offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality adjusted for past due and nonperforming loans, which is not an exit price under FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.”

Off-balance sheet instruments: Many of First Commonwealth’s off-balance sheet instruments, primarily loan commitments and standby letters of credit, are expected to expire without being drawn upon; therefore, the commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. FASB ASC Topic 460, “Guarantees” clarified that a guarantor is required to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The carrying amount and fair value for standby letters of credit was $0.1 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. See Note 6, “Commitments and Contingent Liabilities,” for additional information.

Deposit liabilities: Management estimates that the fair value of deposits is based on a market valuation of similar deposits. The carrying value of variable rate time deposit accounts and certificates of deposit approximate their fair values at the report date. Also, fair values of fixed rate time deposits for both periods are estimated by discounting the future cash flows using interest rates currently being offered and a schedule of aggregated expected maturities.

Short-term borrowings: The fair values of borrowings from the FHLB were estimated based on the estimated incremental borrowing rate for similar types of borrowings. The carrying amounts of other short-term borrowings such as federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreement to repurchase were used to approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of the borrowings.

Long-term debt and subordinated debt: The fair value of long-term debt and subordinated debt is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using First Commonwealth’s estimated incremental borrowing rate for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

Intangibles Goodwill and Other

FASB ASC Topic 350-20, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” requires an annual valuation of the fair value of a reporting unit that has goodwill and a comparison of the fair value to the book value of equity to determine whether the goodwill has been impaired. Goodwill is also required to be tested on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has been incurred. When triggering events or circumstances indicate goodwill testing is required, an assessment of qualitative factors can be completed before performing the two step goodwill impairment test. ASU 2011-08 provides that if an assessment of qualitative factors determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, then the two step goodwill impairment test is not required.

First Commonwealth is considered to be one reporting unit. The carrying amount of goodwill as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $159.9 million. No impairment charges on goodwill or other intangible assets were incurred in 2012 or 2011.

We test goodwill for impairment as of November 30th each year and again at any quarter-end if any material events occur during a quarter that may affect goodwill. An assessment of qualitative factors was completed as of June 30, 2012 and indicated that it is more likely than not that the fair value of First Commonwealth exceeds its carrying amount, therefore the two step goodwill impairment test was not considered necessary. The assessment of qualitative factors incorporated the results of the step 2 goodwill impairment test completed as of December 31, 2011 as well as macroeconomic factors, industry and market considerations, the company’s overall financial performance, and other company specific events occurring during the first six months of 2012.

As of June 30, 2012, goodwill was not considered impaired; however, changing economic conditions that may adversely affect our performance, fair value of our assets and liabilities, or stock price could result in impairment, which could adversely affect earnings in future periods. Management will continue to monitor events that could impact this conclusion in the future.

Variable Interest Entity

As defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810-10, a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) is a corporation, partnership, trust or any other legal structure used for business purposes that either (a) does not have equity investors with voting rights or (b) has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. Under ASC 810-10, an entity that holds a variable interest in a VIE is required to consolidate the VIE if the entity is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, which generally means it is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the VIE’s activities, is entitled to receive a majority of the entity’s residual returns, or both.

First Commonwealth’s VIEs are evaluated under the guidance included in FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2009-17. These VIEs include qualified affordable housing projects that First Commonwealth has invested in as part of its community reinvestment initiatives. We periodically assess whether or not our variable interests in the VIE, based on qualitative analysis, provide us with a controlling interest in the VIE. The analysis includes an assessment of the characteristics of the VIE. We do not have a controlling financial interest in the VIE, which would require consolidation of the VIE, as we do not have the following characteristics: (1) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.