Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

NOTE 15 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The fair value of a financial instrument is the current amount that would be exchanged between willing parties, other than in a forced liquidation. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company's various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument. ASC Topic 825 excludes certain financial instruments and all non-financial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of the Company.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

Cash and cash equivalents

The carrying amounts of cash and short-term instruments approximate their fair value.

Investment securities

Fair value equals quoted market prices in an active market. Securities are classified within Level 1 where quoted market prices are available in an active market. If quoted market prices are unavailable, fair value is estimated using pricing models or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, at which point the securities would be classified within Level 2 of the hierarchy. Inputs include securities that have quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

Loans

The fair value of non-covered mortgage loans receivable was estimated based on present values using entry-value rates (the interest rate that would be charged for a similar loan to a borrower with similar risk at the indicated balance sheet date) at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, weighted for varying maturity dates. Other non-covered loans receivable were valued based on present values using entry-value interest rates at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 applicable to each category of loans, which would be classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy. Fair values of mortgage loans held for sale are based on commitments on hand from investors or prevailing market prices. Covered loans are recorded in the consolidated financial statements at fair value in accordance with the fair value methodology prescribed in ASC Topic 820, exclusive of the shared-loss agreements with the FDIC. Fair value of the covered loans included in the table below reflects the current fair value of these loans, which is based on an updated estimate of the projected cash flow as of the dates indicated. The fair value associated with the loans include estimates related to expected prepayments and the amount and timing of undiscounted expected principal, interest and other cash flows, which also would be classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.

Accrued Interest Receivable and Accrued Interest Payable: The carrying amount of accrued interest approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments.

FDIC Loss Share Receivable: The fair value is determined to be projected cash flows from loss sharing agreements based on expected reimbursements for losses at the applicable loss sharing percentages based on the terms of the loss share agreements. Cash flows are discounted to reflect the timing and receipt of the loss sharing reimbursements from the FDIC. The fair value of the Company's FDIC loss share receivable would be categorized within Level 3 of the hierarchy.

Deposits

The fair value of NOW accounts, money market deposits and savings accounts was the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. Certificates of deposit were valued using a discounted cash flow model based on the weighted average rate at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 for deposits of similar remaining maturities. The fair value of the Company's deposits would therefore be categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Short-term borrowings

The carrying amounts of short-term borrowings maturing within ninety days approximate their fair values.

Long-term debt

The fair values of long-term debt are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the Company's current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt would therefore be categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Derivative instruments

Fair values for interest rate swap agreements are based upon the amounts required to settle the contracts. Fair value of the derivative instruments are estimated using prices of financial instruments with similar characteristics, and thus the instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Off-balance sheet items

The Company has outstanding commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These off-balance sheet financial instruments are generally exercisable at the market rate prevailing at the date the underlying transaction will be completed. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the fair value of guarantees under commercial and standby letters of credit was immaterial.

The estimated fair values and carrying amounts of the Company's financial instruments are as follows as of the dates indicated:

	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Value		Amount		Value
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	592,781	$	592,781	$	573,296	$	573,296
Investment securities		2,001,107		2,007,206		1,997,969		2,004,315
Loans and loans held for sale		7,606,431		7,947,402		7,541,050		7,916,049
FDIC loss share receivable		537,448		287,476		591,844		331,946
Derivative instruments		37,660		37,660		32,071		32,071
Accrued interest receivable		31,409		31,409		36,006		36,006
Financial Liabilities
Deposits	$	9,461,411	$	9,391,784	$	9,289,013	$	9,262,698
Short-term borrowings		266,489		266,489		395,543		395,543
Long-term debt		429,841		395,906		452,733		418,069
Derivative instruments		35,262		35,262		35,010		35,010
Accrued interest payable		6,194		6,194		6,978		6,978

The fair value estimates presented herein are based upon pertinent information available to management as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since that date and, therefore, current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.