Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

General

BB&T Corporation (“BB&T”, the “Company” or “Parent Company”) is a financial holding company organized under the laws of North Carolina. BB&T conducts operations through its principal bank subsidiary, Branch Banking and Trust Company (“Branch Bank”), a federally chartered thrift institution, BB&T Financial, FSB (“BB&T FSB”) and its nonbank subsidiaries.

The accounting and reporting policies of BB&T and its subsidiaries are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Additionally, where applicable, the policies conform to the accounting and reporting guidelines prescribed by bank regulatory authorities. The following is a summary of BB&T's more significant accounting policies.

Nature of Operations

Branch Bank has offices in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, Alabama, Indiana, Texas and Washington, D.C.Branch Bank provides a wide range of banking services to individuals and businesses, and offers a variety of loans to businesses and consumers. Such loans are made primarily to individuals residing in the market areas described above or to businesses located within BB&T's geographic footprint. Branch Bank also markets a wide range of deposit services to individuals, businesses and public entities. Branch Bank offers, either directly, or through its subsidiaries, lease financing to businesses and municipal governments; factoring; discount brokerage services, annuities and mutual funds; life insurance, property and casualty insurance, health insurance and commercial general liability insurance on an agency basis and through a wholesale insurance brokerage operation; insurance premium financing; permanent financing arrangements for commercial real estate; loan servicing for third-party investors; direct consumer finance loans to individuals; trust and retirement services, comprehensive wealth advisory services and association services. BB&T FSB and the direct nonbank subsidiaries of BB&T provide a variety of financial services including credit card lending, automobile lending, equipment financing, full-service securities brokerage, asset management and capital markets services.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of BB&T include the accounts of BB&T Corporation and those subsidiaries that are majority owned by BB&T and over which BB&T exercises control. In consolidation, all significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. The results of operations of companies or assets acquired are included only from the dates of acquisition. All material wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries are consolidated unless GAAP requires otherwise.

BB&T holds investments in certain legal entities that are considered variable interest entities (“VIE's”). VIE's are legal entities in which equity investors do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to independently finance its activities, or as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack the power through voting or similar rights to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact its economic performance, or do not have the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity or the right to receive expected residual returns of the entity. Consolidation of a VIE is considered appropriate if a reporting entity holds a controlling financial interest in the VIE.

BB&T evaluates its investments in VIE's to determine if a controlling financial interest is held. This evaluation gives appropriate consideration to the design of the entity and the variability that the entity was designed to pass along, the relative power of each of the parties to the VIE, and to BB&T's relative obligation to absorb losses or receive residual returns of the entity, in relation to such obligations and rights held by other parties to the VIE. BB&T has variable interests in certain entities that were not required to be consolidated, including affordable housing partnership interests, historic tax credit partnerships, and other partnership interests. Refer to Note 15 for additional disclosures regarding BB&T's significant variable interest entities.

BB&T accounts for unconsolidated partnership and similar investments using the equity method of accounting. In addition to affordable housing partnerships, which represent the majority of unconsolidated investments in variable interest entities, BB&T also has investments and future funding commitments to venture capital and other entities. The maximum potential exposure to losses relative to investments in variable interest entities is generally limited to the sum of the outstanding balance, future funding commitments and any related loans to the entity. Loans to these entities are underwritten in substantially the same manner as are other loans and are generally secured.

BB&T has investments in certain entities for which BB&T does not have the controlling interest. For these investments, the Company records its portion of income or loss in other noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. BB&T periodically evaluates these investments for impairment.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications

In certain instances, amounts reported in prior years' consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on previously reported cash flows, shareholders' equity or net income.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change include the determination of the allowance for credit losses, determination of fair value for financial instruments, valuation of goodwill, intangible assets and other purchase accounting related adjustments, benefit plan obligations and expenses, and tax assets, liabilities and expense.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations

BB&T accounts for all business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. Under this method of accounting, the accounts of an acquired entity are included with the acquirer's accounts as of the date of acquisition with any excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired (including identifiable intangibles) capitalized as goodwill.

To consummate an acquisition, BB&T typically issues common stock and/or pays cash, depending on the terms of the acquisition agreement. The value of common shares issued is determined based upon the market price of the stock as of the closing of the acquisition.

In connection with mergers and acquisitions, BB&T may issue options to purchase shares of its common stock in exchange for options to purchase shares of the acquired entities that are outstanding at the time the merger is completed. To the extent vested, the options are considered to be part of the purchase price paid. There is no change in the aggregate intrinsic value of the options issued compared to the intrinsic value of the options held immediately before the exchange, nor does the ratio of the exercise price per option to the market value per share change.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with banks, Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements or similar arrangements. Cash and cash equivalents have maturities of three months or less. Accordingly, the carrying amount of such instruments is considered a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Securities

Securities

BB&T classifies marketable investment securities as held to maturity, available for sale or trading. Interest income and dividends on securities are recognized in interest income on an accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized as an adjustment to interest income using the interest method.

Debt securities are classified as held to maturity where BB&T has both the intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. These securities are reported at amortized cost.

Debt securities, which may be sold to meet liquidity needs arising from unanticipated deposit and loan fluctuations, changes in regulatory capital requirements, or unforeseen changes in market conditions, are classified as available for sale. Securities available for sale are reported at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, net of deferred income taxes, in the shareholders' equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gains or losses realized from the sale of securities available for sale are determined by specific identification and are included in noninterest income.

BB&T evaluates each held to maturity and availableforsale security in a loss position for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). BB&T considers such factors as the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been below amortized cost, long term expectations and recent experience regarding principal and interest payments, BB&T's intent to sell and whether it is more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell those securities before the anticipated recovery of the amortized cost basis. The credit component of an OTTI loss is recognized in earnings and the non-credit component is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income in situations where BB&T does not intend to sell the security and it is more-likely-than-not that BB&T will not be required to sell the security prior to recovery.

Trading account securities, which include both debt and equity securities, are reported at fair value. Unrealized market value adjustments, fees, and realized gains or losses from trading account activities (determined by specific identification) are included in noninterest income. Interest income on trading account securities is included in interest and dividends from other earning assets.

Loans and Leases Receivable

Loans Held for Sale

BB&T accounts for new originations of prime residential mortgage and commercial mortgage loans held for sale at fair value. BB&T accounts for the derivatives used to economically hedge the loans held for sale at fair value. Held for investment loans that have been transferred to loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or market because these loans are not exchanged in an active market and BB&T does not hedge these assets.

The value for loans held for sale carried at fair value is primarily based on quoted market prices for securities backed by similar types of loans. Direct loan origination fees and costs related to loans held for sale and accounted for at fair value are not capitalized, but rather are recorded as mortgage banking income in the case of the direct loan origination fees and primarily personnel expense in the case of the direct loan origination costs. Gains and losses on sales of mortgage loans are included in mortgage banking income. Gains and losses on sales of commercial loans held for sale are included in other noninterest income.

Loans and Leases

The Company's accounting methods for loans differ depending on whether the loans are originated or acquired, and if acquired, whether or not the acquired loans reflect credit deterioration since the date of origination such that it is probable at the date of acquisition that BB&T will be unable to collect all contractually required payments.

Originated Loans and Leases

Loans and leases that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future are reported at their outstanding principal balances net of any unearned income, charge-offs, and unamortized fees and costs on originated loans. The net amount of nonrefundable loan origination fees and certain direct costs associated with the lending process are deferred and amortized to interest income over the contractual lives of the loans using methods that approximate the interest method.

BB&T classifies all loans and leases past due when the payment of principal and interest based upon contractual terms is greater than 30 days delinquent. When commercial loans are placed on nonaccrual status as described below, a charge-off is recorded, as applicable, to decrease the carrying value of such loans to the estimated fair value of the collateral securing the loan. Consumer loans are subject to mandatory charge-off at a specified delinquency date consistent with regulatory guidelines. As such, consumer loans are subject to collateral valuation and charge-off, as applicable, when they are moved to nonaccrual status as described below.

Purchased Loans

Purchased loansare recorded at their fair value at the acquisition date. Credit discounts are included in the determination of fair value; therefore, an allowance for loan losses is not recorded at the acquisition date.

Acquired loans are evaluated upon acquisition and classified as either purchased impaired or purchased non-impaired. Purchased impaired loans reflect credit deterioration since origination such that it is probable at acquisition that BB&T will be unable to collect all contractually required payments. For purchased impaired loans, expected cash flows at the acquisition date in excess of the fair value of loans are recorded as interest income over the life of the loans using a level yield method if the timing and amount of the future cash flows is reasonably estimable. Subsequent to the acquisition date, increases in cash flows over those expected at the acquisition date are recognized prospectively as interest income. Decreases in expected cash flows after the acquisition date are recognized by recording an allowance for loan losses. For purchased non-impaired loans, the difference between the fair value and unpaid principal balance of the loan at the acquisition date is amortized or accreted to interest income over the estimated life of the loans using a method that approximates the interest method.

Based on the characteristics of loans acquired in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) assisted transaction and the impact of associated loss-sharing arrangements, BB&T determined that it was appropriate to apply the expected cash flows approach described above to all loans acquired in such transactions.

NonperformingAssets

Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans and leases and foreclosed property. Foreclosed property consists of real estate and other assets acquired as a result of customers' loan defaults. BB&T's policies related to when loans are placed on nonaccrual status conform to guidelines prescribed by bank regulatory authorities. The majority of commercial loans and leases are placed on nonaccrual status when it is probable that principal or interest is not fully collectible, or generally when principal or interest becomes 90 days past due, whichever occurs first. Other lending subsidiaries'loans, which includes both consumer and commercial loans, are placed on nonaccrual status generally when principal and interest becomes 90 days past due. Direct retail loans, mortgage and sales finance loans are placed on nonaccrual status at varying intervals, based on the type of product, generally when principal and interest becomes between 90 days and 180 days past due. Revolving credit loans are not placed on nonaccrual but are chargedoff after they become 150 days past due, with unpaid fees and finance charges reversed against interest income.

Certain loans past due 90 days or more may remain on accrual status if management determines that it does not have concern over the collectibility of principal and interest. Generally, when loans are placed on nonaccrual status, accrued interest receivable is reversed against interest income in the current period. Interest payments received thereafter are applied as a reduction to the remaining principal balance as long as concern exists as to the ultimate collection of the principal. Loans and leases are generally removed from nonaccrual status when they become current as to both principal and interest and concern no longer exists as to the collectability of principal and interest.

Assets acquired as a result of foreclosure are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value equals fair value less estimated selling costs. Cost is determined based on the sum of unpaid principal, accrued but unpaid interest if not required to be reversed, and acquisition costs associated with the loan. Any excess of cost over net realizable value at the time of foreclosure is charged to the allowance for loan and lease losses. Nonperforming assets are subject to periodic revaluations of the collateral underlying impaired loans and foreclosed real estate. The periodic revaluations are generally based on the appraised value of the property and may include additional liquidity adjustments based upon the expected retention period. BB&T's policies require that valuations be updated at least annually and that upon foreclosure, the valuation must not be aged greater than six months old, otherwise an updated appraisal is required.Routine maintenance costs, subsequent declines in market value and net losses on disposal are included in foreclosed property expense.

Restructurings

Modifications to a borrower's debt agreement are considered troubled debt restructurings (“restructurings”) if a concession is granted for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower's financial difficulties that otherwise would not be considered. Restructurings are undertaken in order to improve the likelihood of recovery on the loan and may take the form of modifications made with the stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk, other modifications to the structure of the loan that fall outside of normal underwriting policies and procedures, or in certain limited circumstances forgiveness of principal or interest. Modifications of covered and other acquired loans that are part of a pool accounted for as a single asset are not considered restructurings. Restructurings can involve loans remaining on nonaccrual, moving to nonaccrual, or continuing on accruing status, depending on the individual facts and circumstances of the borrower. In circumstances where the restructuring involves charging off a portion of the loan balance, BB&T typically classifies these restructurings as nonaccrual.

In connection with commercial restructurings, the decision to maintain a loan that has been restructured on accrual status is based on a current, well documented credit evaluation of the borrower's financial condition and prospects for repayment under the modified terms. This evaluation includes consideration of the borrower's current capacity to pay, which among other things may include a review of the borrower's current financial statements, an analysis of global cash flow sufficient to pay all debt obligations, and an evaluation of secondary sources of payment from the client and any guarantors. This evaluation also includes an evaluation of the borrower's current willingness to pay, which may include a review of past payment history, an evaluation of the borrower's willingness to provide information on a timely basis, and consideration of offers from the borrower to provide additional collateral or guarantor support. The credit evaluation also reflects consideration of the borrower's future capacity and willingness to pay, which may include evaluation of cash flow projections, consideration of the adequacy of collateral to cover all principal and interest and trends indicating improving profitability and collectability of receivables.

The evaluation of mortgage and consumer loans includes an evaluation of the client's debt to income ratio, credit report, property value, loan vintage, and certain other client-specific factors that have impacted their ability to make timely principal and interest payments on the loan.

Restructured nonaccrual loans may be returned to accrual status based on a current, well-documented credit evaluation of the borrower's financial condition and prospects for repayment under the modified terms. This evaluation must include consideration of the borrower's sustained historical repayment performance for a reasonable period (generally a minimum of six months) prior to the date on which the loan is returned to accrual status. Sustained historical repayment performance for a reasonable time prior to the restructuring may be taken into account. In connection with retail restructurings, a nonperforming loan will be returned to accruing status when current as to principal and interest and upon a sustained historical repayment performance (generally a minimum of six months).

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses comprises the allowance for loan and lease losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments. The allowance for credit losses represents management's best estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the loan and lease portfolios and off-balance sheet lending commitments at the balance sheet date. The Company determines the allowance for credit losses based on an ongoing evaluation. This evaluation is inherently subjective because it requires material estimates, including the amounts and timing of cash flows expected to be received on impaired loans. Those estimates are susceptible to significant change. Changes to the allowance for credit losses are made by charges to the provision for credit losses, which is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Loans or lease balances deemed to be uncollectible are charged off against the allowance for loan and lease losses. Recoveries of amounts previously chargedoff are credited to the allowance for loan and lease losses. The methodology used to determine the reserve for unfunded lending commitments is inherently similar to that used to determine the collective component of the allowance for loan and lease losses described above, adjusted for factors specific to binding commitments, including the probability of funding and exposure at default. While management uses the best information available to establish the allowance for credit losses, future adjustments may be necessary if economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in computing the allowance or, if required by regulators, based upon information available to them at the time of their examinations.

Accounting standards require the presentation of certain disclosure information at the portfolio segment level, which represents the level at which an entity develops and documents a systematic methodology to determine its allowance for credit losses. BB&T concluded that its loan and lease portfolio comprises three portfolio segments; commercial, retail and covered and other acquired. The commercial portfolio segment includes commercial real estate, commercial and industrial and other loans originated by certain other lending subsidiaries, and was identified based on the risk-based approach used to estimate the allowance for loan and lease losses for the vast majority of these loans. The retail portfolio segment includes direct retail lending, revolving credit, mortgage, sales finance and other loans originated by certain retail-oriented subsidiaries, and was identified based on the delinquency-based approach used to estimate the allowance for these loans. The covered and other acquired portfolio segment was identified based on the expected cash flows approach used to estimate the allowance related to loans acquired subsequent to December 31, 2008.

A portion of the Corporation's allowance for loan and lease losses is not allocated to any specific category of loans. This unallocated portion of the allowance reflects management's best estimate of the elements of imprecision and estimation risk inherent in the calculation of the overall allowance. Due to the subjectivity involved in determining the overall allowance, including the unallocated portion, the portion considered unallocated may fluctuate from period to period based on management's evaluation of the factors affecting the assumptions used in calculating the allowance, including historical loss experience, current economic conditions, industry or borrower concentrations and the status of merged institutions.

The entire amount of the allowance for credit losses is available to absorb losses on any loan category or lending-related commitment.

The following provides a description of BB&T's accounting policies and methodologies related to each of its portfolio segments:

Commercial

The vast majority of loans in the commercial lending portfolio are assigned risk grades based on an assessment of conditions that affect the borrower's ability to meet contractual obligations under the loan agreement. This process includes reviewing borrowers' financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and other information specific to each borrower. Risk grades are reviewed on an annual basis for all credit relationships with total credit exposure of $1 million or more, or at any point management becomes aware of information affecting the borrower's ability to fulfill their obligations. For commercial clients where total credit exposure is less than $1 million, BB&T has developed an automated loan review system to identify and proactively manage accounts with a higher risk of loss. The “score” produced by this automated system is updated monthly.

On a quarterly basis, BB&T reviews all commercial lending relationships with outstanding debt of $5 million or more that have been classified as substandard or doubtful. While this review is largely focused on the borrower's ability to repay the loan, BB&T also considers the capacity and willingness of a loan's guarantors to support the debt service on the loan as a secondary source of repayment. When a guarantor exhibits the documented capacity and willingness to support the loan, BB&T may consider extending the loan maturity and/or temporarily deferring principal payments if the ultimate collection of both principal and interest is not in question. In these cases, BB&T may not deem the loan to be impaired due to the documented capacity and willingness of the guarantor to repay the loan. Loans are considered impaired when the borrower (or guarantor in certain circumstances) does not have the cash flow capacity or willingness to service the debt according to contractual terms, or it does not appear reasonable to assume that the borrower will continue to pay according to the contractual agreement. BB&T establishes a specific reserve for each loan that has been deemed impaired based on the criteria outlined above. The amount of the reserve is based on the present value of expected cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, and/or the value of collateral. BB&T has also established a review process related to restructurings and other impaired loans that are in commercial lending relationships with outstanding debt of less than $5 million at the balance sheet date. In connection with this process, BB&T establishes reserves related to these loans that are calculated using an expected cash flow approach. These discounted cash flow analyses incorporate adjustments to future cash flows that reflect management's best estimate of the default risk related to restructurings based on a combination of historical experience and management judgment.

BB&T also maintains reserves for collective impairment that reflect an estimate of losses related to non-impaired commercial loans as of the balance sheet date. Embedded loss estimates for BB&T's commercial loan portfolio are based on estimated migration rates, which are estimated based on historical experience, and current risk mix as indicated by the risk grading process described above. Embedded loss estimates may be adjusted to reflect current economic conditions and current portfolio trends including credit quality, concentrations, aging of the portfolio, and significant policy and underwriting changes.

Retail

The majority of the allowance for loan and lease losses related to the retail lending portfolio is calculated on a collective basis using a delinquency-based approach. Embedded loss estimates for BB&T's retail lending portfolio are based on estimated migration rates that are developed based on historical experience, and current risk mix as indicated by prevailing delinquency rates. These estimates may be adjusted to reflect current economic conditions and current portfolio trends. The remaining portion of the allowance related to the retail lending portfolio relates to loans that have been deemed impaired based on their classification as a restructuring at the balance sheet date. BB&T establishes specific reserves related to these restructured loans using an expected cash flow approach. The allowance for retail restructurings is based on discounted cash flow analyses that incorporate adjustments to future cash flows that reflect management's best estimate of the default risk related to restructurings based on a combination of historical experience and management judgment.

Acquired Loans

The allowance for loan and lease losses related to (1) purchased impaired loans and (2) all loans acquired in an FDIC-assisted transaction, is based on an analysis that is performed each period to estimate the expected cash flows for each of the loan pools. To the extent that the expected cash flows of a loan pool have decreased since the acquisition date, BB&T establishes an allowance for loan losses. For non-FDIC assisted purchased non-impaired loans, BB&T uses an approach consistent with that described above for originated loans and leases.

Covered Assets and Related FDIC Loss Share Receivable

Assets subject to loss sharing agreements with the FDIC are labeled “covered” on the balance sheet and include certain loans, securities and other assets.

The fair value of the reimbursement the Company expected to receive from the FDIC under those agreements was recorded in the FDIC loss share receivable at the date of acquisition on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of the FDIC loss share receivable was estimated using a discounted cash flow methodology. The discount rate used in this calculation is determined using a risk-free yield curve plus a premium reflecting the uncertainty related to the timing of cash flows. The income statement effect of the changes in the FDIC loss share receivable includes the accretion due to discounting and changes in expected reimbursements. Decreases in expected reimbursements are recognized in income prospectively consistent with the approach taken to recognize increases in cash flows on covered loans. Increases in expected reimbursements are recognized in income in the same period that the allowance for credit losses for the related loans is recognized.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and Equipment

Premises, equipment, capital leases and leasehold improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation or amortization. Land is stated at cost. In addition, purchased software and costs of computer software developed for internal use are capitalized provided certain criteria are met. Depreciation and amortization are computed principally using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the lease terms, including certain renewals that were deemed probable at lease inception, or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Capitalized leases are amortized by the same methods as premises and equipment over the estimated useful lives or lease terms, whichever is less. Obligations under capital leases are amortized using the interest method to allocate payments between principal reduction and interest expense. Rent expense and rental income on operating leases is recorded using the straight-line method over the appropriate lease terms.

Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements

Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements

Securities sold under repurchase agreements generally have maturities ranging from 1 day to 36 months. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are reflected as collateralized borrowings on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are recorded based on the amount of cash received in connection with the borrowing. The terms of repurchase agreements may require BB&T to provide additional collateral if the fair value of the securities underlying the borrowings declines during the term of the agreement.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes have been provided when different accounting methods have been used in determining income for income tax purposes and for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on future tax consequences attributable to differences arising from the financial statement carrying values of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. In the event of changes in the tax laws, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted in the period of the enactment of those changes, with the cumulative effects included in the current year's income tax provision.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments

A derivative is a financial instrument that derives its cash flows, and therefore its value, by reference to an underlying instrument, index or referenced interest rate. These instruments include interest rate swaps, caps, floors, collars, financial forwards and futures contracts, swaptions, when-issued securities, foreign exchange contracts and options written and purchased. BB&T uses derivatives primarily to manage economic risk related to securities, commercial loans, mortgage servicing rights and mortgage banking operations, long-term debt and other funding sources. BB&T also uses derivatives to facilitate transactions on behalf of its clients. The fair value of derivatives in a gain or loss position is included in other assets or liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

BB&T classifies its derivative financial instruments as either (1) a hedge of an exposure to changes in the fair value of a recorded asset or liability (“fair value hedge”), (2) a hedge of an exposure to changes in the cash flows of a recognized asset, liability or forecasted transaction (“cash flow hedge”), (3) a hedge of a net investment in a subsidiary, or (4) derivatives not designated as hedges. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges are recognized in current period earnings. BB&T has master netting agreements with the derivatives dealers with which it does business, but reflects gross gains and losses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

BB&T uses the long-haul method to assess hedge effectiveness. BB&T documents, both at inception and over the life of the hedge, at least quarterly, its analysis of actual and expected hedge effectiveness. This analysis includes techniques such as regression analysis and hypothetical derivatives to demonstrate that the hedge has been, and is expected to be, highly effective in off-setting corresponding changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. For cash flow hedges involving interest rate caps and collars, this analysis also includes consideration whether critical terms match, the strike price of the hedging option matches the specified level beyond (or within) which the entity's exposure is being hedged, the hedging instrument's inflows (outflows) at its maturity date completely offset the change in the hedged transaction's cash flows for the risk being hedged and the hedging instrument can be exercised only on its contractual maturity date. For a qualifying fair value hedge, changes in the value of the derivatives that have been highly effective as hedges are recognized in current period earnings along with the corresponding changes in the fair value of the designated hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged. For a qualifying cash flow hedge, the portion of changes in the fair value of the derivatives that have been highly effective are recognized in other comprehensive income until the related cash flows from the hedged item are recognized in earnings. For qualifying cash flow hedges involving interest rate caps and collars, the initial fair value of the premium paid is allocated and recognized in the same future period that the hedged forecasted transaction impacts earnings.

For either fair value hedges or cash flow hedges, ineffectiveness may be recognized in noninterest income to the extent that changes in the value of the derivative instruments do not perfectly offset changes in the value of the hedged items. If the hedge ceases to be highly effective, BB&T discontinues hedge accounting and recognizes the changes in fair value in current period earnings. If a derivative that qualifies as a fair value or cash flow hedge is terminated or the designation removed, the realized or then unrealized gain or loss is recognized into income over the life of the hedged item (fair value hedge) or period in which the hedged item affects earnings (cash flow hedge). Immediate recognition in earnings is required upon sale or extinguishment of the hedged item (fair value hedge) or if it is probable that the hedged cash flows will not occur (cash flow hedge).

Derivatives used to manage economic risk not designated as hedges primarily represent economic risk management instruments of mortgage servicing rights and mortgage banking operations, with gains or losses included in mortgage banking income. In connection with its mortgage banking activities, BB&T enters into loan commitments to fund residential mortgage loans at specified rates and for specified periods of time. To the extent that BB&T's interest rate lock commitments relate to loans that will be held for sale upon funding, they are also accounted for as derivatives, with gains or losses included in mortgage banking income. Gains and losses on other derivatives used to manage economic risk are primarily associated with client derivative activity and included in other income.

Per Share Data

Per Share Data

Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the years presented. Diluted net income per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock, common stock equivalents and other potentially dilutive securities outstanding.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the cost in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired (including identifiable intangibles) in transactions accounted for as acquisitions. BB&T allocates goodwill to the reporting unit(s) that receives significant benefits from the acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized over an estimated useful life, but rather is tested at least annually for impairment. BB&T performs its impairment testing in the fourth quarter of each year and more frequently if circumstances exist that indicate a possible reduction in the fair value of the business below its carrying value. BB&T measures impairment using the present value of estimated future cash flows. The analysis is based upon available information regarding expected future cash flows and discount rates. Discount rates are based upon the cost of capital specific to the industry in which the reporting unit operates. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second analysis is performed to measure the fair value of all assets and liabilities. If, based on the second analysis, it is determined that the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, BB&T would recognize impairment for the excess of carrying value over fair value.

Core deposit and other intangible assets include premiums paid for acquisitions of core deposits (“core deposit intangibles”) and other identifiable intangible assets. Intangible assets other than goodwill, which are determined to have finite lives, are amortized based upon the estimated economic benefits received.

Loan Securitization and Mortgage Servicing Rights

Loan Securitizations

BB&T enters into loan securitization transactions related to most of its fixed-rate conforming mortgage loans. In connection with these transactions, loans are converted into mortgage-backed securities issued primarily by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), and are subsequently sold to third party investors. BB&T records loan securitizations as a sale when the transferred loans are legally isolated from its creditors and the other accounting criteria for a sale are met. Gains or losses recorded on loan securitizations are based in part on the net carrying amount of the loans sold, which is allocated between the loans sold and retained interests based on their relative fair values at the date of sale. BB&T generally retains the mortgage servicing on loans sold. Since quoted market prices are not typically available, BB&T estimates the fair value of these retained interests using modeling techniques to determine the net present value of expected future cash flows. Such models incorporate management's best estimates of key variables, such as prepayment speeds and discount rates that would be used by market participants based on the risks involved. Gains and losses incurred on loans sold to third party investors are included in mortgage banking income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

BB&T also periodically securitizes mortgage loans that it intends to hold for the foreseeable future and transfers the resulting securities to the securities available for sale portfolio. This is generally accomplished by exchanging the loans for mortgage-backed securities issued primarily by Freddie Mac. Since the transfers are not considered a sale, no gain or loss is recorded in conjunction with these transactions.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

BB&T has two primary classes of mortgage servicing rights for which it separately manages the economic risks: residential and commercial. Residential mortgage servicing rights are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets primarily at fair value with changes in fair value recorded as a component of mortgage banking income. Commercial mortgage servicing rights are recorded as other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at the lower of cost or market and are amortized in proportion to, and over the estimated period, that net servicing income is expected to be received based on projections of the amount and timing of estimated future net cash flows. The amount and timing of estimated future net cash flows are updated based on actual results and updated projections. BB&T periodically evaluates its commercial mortgage servicing rights for impairment.

Equity-based Compensation

Equity-Based Compensation

BB&T maintains various equity-based compensation plans. These plans provide for the granting of stock options (incentive and nonqualified), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units and performance shares to selected BB&T employees and directors. BB&T values share-based awards at the grant date fair value and recognizes the expense over the requisite service period taking into account retirement eligibility.

Changes in Accounting Principles and Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements

Changes in Accounting Principles and Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance impacting Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The new guidance requires a gross presentation of purchases and sales of Level 3 activities and adds a new requirement to disclose transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 measurements. The guidance related to the transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 measurements was effective for BB&T on January 1, 2010. The guidance that requires increased disaggregation of the Level 3 activities was effective for BB&T on January 1, 2011. The new disclosures required by this guidance are included in Note 18 to these consolidated financial statements.

In July 2010, the FASB issued new guidance impacting Receivables. The new guidance requires additional disclosures that will allow users to understand the nature of credit risk inherent in a company's loan portfolios, how that risk is analyzed and assessed in arriving at the allowance for loan and lease losses, and changes and reasons for those changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses. The new disclosures required by this guidance are included in Note 4 to these consolidated financial statements.

In April 2011, the FASB issued new guidance impacting Receivables. The new guidance amended existing guidance for assisting a creditor in determining whether a loan modification is a troubled debt restructuring. The amendments clarify the guidance for a creditor's evaluation of whether it has granted a concession and whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. This guidance was effective for interim reporting periods that began after June 15, 2011, and was applied retrospectively to the beginning of 2011. The new disclosures required by this guidance are included in Note 4 to these consolidated financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued new guidance impacting Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The new guidance creates a uniform framework for applying fair value measurement principles. It eliminates differences between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. New disclosures required by the guidance include: quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used for Level 3 measurements; a qualitative discussion about the sensitivity of recurring Level 3 measurements to changes in the unobservable inputs disclosed, including the interrelationship between inputs; and a description of the company's valuation processes. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and all amendments will be applied prospectively with any changes in measurements recognized in income in the period of adoption. BB&T is currently evaluating the impact the standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.

In June2011, the FASB issued new guidance impacting Comprehensive Income. The new guidance amends disclosure requirements for the presentation of comprehensive income. The amended guidance eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income (“OCI”) as part of the statement of changes in shareholders' equity. All changes in OCI will be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive financial statements. The guidance does not change the items that must be reported in OCI. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim reporting periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2011 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance will not impact BB&T's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows and will only impact the presentation of OCI in the consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued new guidance impacting Intangibles. The new guidance permits an entity to first assess 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. To the extent that an entity determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performance of the two step impairment test is not required. This guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to be material to BB&T's consolidated financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued new guidance impacting the presentation of certain items on the Balance Sheet. The new guidance requires an entity to disclose both gross and net information about both instruments and transactions that are eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption of this guidance will not impact BB&T's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows, but may result in certain additional disclosures.