Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities

v2.4.0.6
Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUES OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

19. Fair Values of assets and liabilities

 

Huntington follows the fair value accounting guidance under ASC 820 and ASC 825.

 

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. A three-level valuation hierarchy was established for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:

 

Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

 

Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

 

Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

 

A financial instrument's categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Transfers in and out of Level 1, 2, or 3 are recorded at fair value at the beginning of the reporting period.

 

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

 

Mortgage loans held for sale

Huntington elected to apply the fair value option for mortgage loans originated with the intent to sell which are included in loans held for sale. Mortgage loans held for sale are classified as Level 2 and are estimated using security prices for similar product types.

 

Available-for-sale securities and trading account securities

Securities accounted for at fair value include both the available-for-sale and trading portfolios. Huntington uses prices obtained from third party pricing services and recent trades to determine the fair value of securities. AFS and trading securities are classified as Level 1 using quoted market prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical securities that Huntington has the ability to access at the measurement date. 1% of the positions in these portfolios are Level 1, and consist of U.S. Treasury securities and money market mutual funds. When quoted market prices are not available, fair values are classified as Level 2 using quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, quoted prices of identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, and inputs that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. 96% of the positions in these portfolios are Level 2, and consist of U.S. Government and agency debt securities, agency mortgage backed securities, asset-backed securities, municipal securities and other securities. For both Level 1 and Level 2 securities, management uses various methods and techniques to corroborate prices obtained from the pricing service, including reference to dealer or other market quotes, and by reviewing valuations of comparable instruments. If relevant market prices are limited or unavailable, valuations may require significant management judgment or estimation to determine fair value, in which case the fair values are classified as Level 3. 3% of our positions are Level 3, and consist of non-agency ALT-A asset-backed securities, private-label CMO securities, pooled-trust-preferred CDO securities and municipal securities. A significant change in the unobservable inputs for these securities may result in a significant change in the ending fair value measurement of these securities.

 

The Alt-A, private label CMO and pooled-trust-preferred securities portfolios are classified as Level 3 and as such use significant estimates to determine the fair value of these securities which results in greater subjectivity. The Alt-A and private label CMO securities portfolios are subjected to a monthly review of the projected cash flows, while the cash flows of the pooled-trust-preferred securities portfolio are reviewed quarterly. These reviews are supported with analysis from independent third parties, and are used as a basis for impairment analysis.

 

Alt-A mortgage-backed and private-label CMO securities are collateralized by first-lien residential mortgage loans. The securities are valuation methodology incorporates values obtained from a third party pricing specialist using a discounted cash flow approach and a proprietary pricing model and includes assumptions management believes market participants would use to value the securities under current market conditions. The model uses inputs such as estimated prepayment speeds, losses, recoveries, default rates that are implied by the underlying performance of collateral in the structure or similar structures, house price depreciation / appreciation rates that are based upon macroeconomic forecasts and discount rates that are implied by market prices for similar securities with similar collateral structures.

 

Pooled-trust-preferred securities are CDOs backed by a pool of debt securities issued by financial institutions. The collateral generally consists of trust-preferred securities and subordinated debt securities issued by banks, bank holding companies, and insurance companies. A full cash flow analysis is used to estimate fair values and assess impairment for each security within this portfolio. We engage a third party pricing specialist with direct industry experience in pooled-trust-preferred securities valuations to provide assistance in estimating the fair value and expected cash flows for each security in this portfolio.  The PD of each issuer and the market discount rate are the most significant inputs in determining fair value.  Management evaluates the PD assumptions provided by the third party pricing specialist by comparing the current PD to the assumptions used the previous quarter, actual defaults and deferrals in the current period, and trend data on certain financial ratios of the issuers. Huntington also evaluates the assumptions related to discount rates.   Relying on cash flows is necessary because there was a lack of observable transactions in the market and many of the original sponsors or dealers for these securities are no longer able to provide a fair value that is compliant with ASC 820

 

Huntington utilizes the same processes to determine the fair value of investment securities classified as held-to-maturity for impairment evaluation purposes.

 

Automobile loans

Effective January 1, 2010, Huntington consolidated an automobile loan securitization that previously had been accounted for as an off-balance sheet transaction. As a result, Huntington elected to account for the automobile loan receivables and the associated notes payable at fair value per guidance supplied in ASC 825. The automobile loan receivables are classified as Level 3. The key assumptions used to determine the fair value of the automobile loan receivables included projections of expected losses and prepayment of the underlying loans in the portfolio and a market assumption of interest rate spreads. Certain interest rates are available from similarly traded securities while other interest rates are developed internally based on similar asset-backed security transactions in the market.

 

MSRs

MSRs do not trade in an active market with readily observable prices. Accordingly, the fair value of these assets is classified as Level 3. Huntington determines the fair value of MSRs using an income approach model based upon our month-end interest rate curve and prepayment assumptions. The model, which is operated and maintained by a third party, utilizes assumptions to estimate future net servicing income cash flows, including estimates of time decay, payoffs, and changes in valuation inputs and assumptions. Servicing brokers and other sources of information (e.g. discussion with other mortgage servicers and industry surveys) are used to obtain information on market practice and assumptions. On at least a quarterly basis, third party marks are obtained from at least one service broker. Huntington reviews the valuation assumptions against this market data for reasonableness and adjusts the assumptions if deemed appropriate. Any recommended change in assumptions and / or inputs are presented for review to the Mortgage Price Risk Subcommittee for final approval.

 

Derivatives

Derivatives classified as Level 1 consist of exchange traded options and forward commitments to deliver mortgage-backed securities which are valued using quoted prices. Asset and liability conversion swaps and options, and interest rate caps are classified as Level 2. These derivative positions are valued using a discounted cash flow method that incorporates current market interest rates. Derivatives classified as Level 3 consist primarily of interest rate lock agreements related to mortgage loan commitments. The determination of fair value includes assumptions related to the likelihood that a commitment will ultimately result in a closed loan, which is a significant unobservable assumption. A significant increase or decrease in the external market price would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.

 

Securitization trust notes payable

Consists of certain securitization trust notes payable related to the automobile loan receivables measured at fair value. The notes payable are classified as Level 2 and are valued based on interest rates for similar financial instruments.

 

Assets and Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are summarized below:

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using   Netting     Balance at
(dollar amounts in thousands)   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3   Adjustments (1)   December 31, 2012
Assets                            
Mortgage loans held for sale $ ---   $ 452,949   $ ---   $ ---   $ 452,949
                               
Trading account securities:                            
  Federal agencies: Mortgage-backed   ---     ---     ---     ---     ---
  Municipal securities   ---     15,218     ---     ---     15,218
  Other securities   75,729     258     ---     ---     75,987
      75,729     15,476     ---     ---     91,205
                               
Available-for-sale and other securities:                            
  U.S. Treasury securities   52,311     ---     ---     ---     52,311
  Federal agencies: Mortgage-backed (2)   ---     4,264,670     ---     ---     4,264,670
  Federal agencies: Other agencies   ---     359,626     ---     ---     359,626
  Municipal securities   ---     439,772     61,228     ---     501,000
  Private-label CMO   ---     22,793     48,775     ---     71,568
  Asset-backed securities   ---     919,046     110,037     ---     1,029,083
  Covered bonds   ---     290,625     ---     ---     290,625
  Corporate debt   ---     668,142     ---     ---     668,142
  Other securities   17,177     3,898     ---     ---     21,075
      69,488     6,968,572     220,040     ---     7,258,100
                               
Automobile loans   ---     ---     142,762     ---     142,762
                               
MSRs   ---     ---     35,202     ---     35,202
                               
Derivative assets   6,368     465,517     13,180     (99,368)     385,697
                               
Liabilities                            
Securitization trust notes payable   ---     ---     ---     ---     ---
                               
Derivative liabilities   6,813     228,312     478     (83,415)     152,188
                               
Other liabilities   ---     ---     ---     ---     ---
                               
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using   Netting     Balance at
(dollar amounts in thousands)   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3   Adjustments (1)   December 31, 2011
Assets                            
Mortgage loans held for sale $ ---   $ 343,588   $ ---   $ ---   $ 343,588
                               
Trading account securities:                            
  Federal agencies: Mortgage-backed   ---     5,541     ---     ---     5,541
  Municipal securities   ---     8,147     ---     ---     8,147
  Other securities   32,085     126     ---     ---     32,211
      32,085     13,814     ---     ---     45,899
                               
Available-for-sale and other securities:                            
  U.S. Treasury securities   53,204     ---     ---     ---     53,204
  Federal agencies: Mortgage-backed (2)   ---     4,464,892     ---     ---     4,464,892
  Federal agencies: Other agencies   ---     735,544     ---     ---     735,544
  Municipal securities   ---     312,634     95,092     ---     407,726
  Private-label CMO   ---     ---     72,364     ---     72,364
  Asset-backed securities   ---     845,390     121,698     ---     967,088
  Covered bonds   ---     504,045     ---     ---     504,045
  Corporate debt   ---     528,883     ---     ---     528,883
  Other securities   53,619     4,134     ---     ---     57,753
      106,823     7,395,522     289,154     ---     7,791,499
                               
Automobile loans   ---     ---     296,250     ---     296,250
                               
MSRs   ---     ---     65,001     ---     65,001
                               
Derivative assets   4,886     485,428     6,770     (94,082)     403,002
                               
Liabilities                            
Securitization trust notes payable   ---     123,039     ---     ---     123,039
                               
Derivative liabilities   12,245     246,132     6,939     ---     265,316
                               
Other liabilities   ---     751     ---     ---     751
                               

(1) Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements that allow the Company to settle positive and negative positions and cash collateral held or placed with the same counterparties.

 

(2) During 2012 and 2011, Huntington transferred $278.2 million and $469.1 million, respectively of federal agencies: mortgage-backed securities from the available-for-sale securities portfolio to the held-to-maturity securities portfolio. These securities are valued at amortized cost and no longer classified within the fair value hierarchy. All securities were previously classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

The tables below present a rollforward of the balance sheet amounts for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 for financial instruments measured on a recurring basis and classified as Level 3. The classification of an item as Level 3 is based on the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement. However, Level 3 measurements may also include observable components of value that can be validated externally. Accordingly, the gains and losses in the table below include changes in fair value due in part to observable factors that are part of the valuation methodology:

      Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
      Year ended December 31, 2012
              Available-for-sale securities        
                      Asset-        
          Derivative   Municipal   Private-   backed   Automobile   Equity
(dollar amounts in thousands)   MSRs   instruments   securities   label CMO   securities   loans   investments
Balance, beginning of year $ 65,001 $ (169) $ 95,092 $ 72,364 $ 121,698 $ 296,250 $ ---
Total gains / losses:                            
  Included in earnings   (29,799)   10,617   ---   (796)   (59)   (1,230)   ---
  Included in OCI   ---   ---   (1,637)   8,245   23,138   ---   ---
Purchases   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---
Sales   ---   ---   (3,040)   (15,183)   (20,852)   ---   ---
Repayments   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   (152,258)   ---
Issuances   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---
Settlements   ---   2,254   (29,187)   (15,855)   (13,888)   ---   ---
Transfers in / out of Level 3   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---
Balance, end of year $ 35,202 $ 12,702 $ 61,228 $ 48,775 $ 110,037 $ 142,762 $ ---
                               
The amount of total gains                            
  or losses for the period                            
  included in earnings                            
  (or OCI) attributable to the                            
  change in unrealized gains or                            
  losses relating to assets still                            
  held at reporting date $ (29,799) $ 5,818 $ (1,637) $ 8,245 $ 23,138 $ (1,230) $ ---
                               
      Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
      Year ended December 31, 2011
              Available-for-sale securities        
                      Asset-        
          Derivative   Municipal   Private   backed   Automobile   Equity
(dollar amounts in thousands)   MSRs   instruments   securities   label CMO   securities   loans   investments
Balance, beginning of year $ 125,679 $ 966 $ 149,806 $ 121,925 $ 162,684 $ 522,717 $ ---
Total gains / losses:                            
  Included in earnings   (60,678)   211   ---   (1,673)   (3,065)   (6,577)   ---
  Included in OCI   ---   ---   ---   349   2,070   ---   ---
Purchases   ---   ---   1,760   ---   ---   ---   ---
Sales   ---   ---   ---   (20,958)   ---   ---   ---
Repayments   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   (219,890)   ---
Issuances   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---
Settlements   ---   (1,346)   (56,474)   (27,279)   (39,991)   ---   ---
Transfers in / out of Level 3   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---
Balance, end of year $ 65,001 $ (169) $ 95,092 $ 72,364 $ 121,698 $ 296,250 $ ---
                               
The amount of total gains                            
  or losses for the period                            
  included in earnings                            
  (or OCI) attributable to the                            
  change in unrealized gains or                            
  losses relating to assets still                            
  held at reporting date $ (60,678) $ (1,135) $ --- $ (1,494) $ 595 $ (6,577) $ ---
                               
   
                               
      Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
      Year ended December 31, 2010
              Available-for-sale securities        
                      Asset-        
          Derivative   Municipal   Private   backed   Automobile   Equity
(dollar amounts in thousands)   MSRs   instruments   securities   label CMO   securities   loans   investments
Balance, beginning of year $ 176,427 $ (4,236) $ 11,515 $ 477,319 $ 407,098 $ --- $ 25,872
Total gains / losses:                            
  Included in earnings   (50,748)   4,413   ---   (5,117)   (6,160)   (2,267)   ---
  Included in OCI   ---   ---   ---   44,475   16,191   ---   ---
Purchases   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---
Sales   ---   ---   (112,322)   (312,460)   (53,806)   ---   ---
Repayments   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   (266,381)   ---
Issuances   ---   (1,741)   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---
Settlements   ---   2,530   (73,024)   (82,292)   (16,566)   ---   ---
Transfers in / out of Level 3 (1)   ---   ---   323,637   ---   (184,073)   791,365   (25,872)
Balance, end of year $ 125,679 $ 966 $ 149,806 $ 121,925 $ 162,684 $ 522,717 $ ---
                               
The amount of total gains                            
  or losses for the period                            
  included in earnings                            
  (or OCI) attributable to the                            
  change in unrealized gains or                            
  losses relating to assets still                            
  held at reporting date $ (50,748) $ 1,715 $ --- $ 5,565 $ 15,113 $ (2,267) $ ---
                               
  (1) Transfers in / out of Level 3 include a transfer in of $323.6 million relating to municipal securities, due to lack of observable market data, a transfer out of $184.1 million of securities related to the consolidation of the 2009 Trust and a transfer in of $791.4 million of loans related to the 2009 Trust.

The tables below summarize the classification of gains and losses due to changes in fair value, recorded in earnings for Level 3 assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010:

      Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
      Year ended December 31, 2012
              Available-for-sale securities        
                      Asset-        
          Derivative   Municipal   Private   backed   Automobile   Equity
(dollar amounts in thousands)   MSRs   instruments   securities   label CMO   securities   loans   investments
Classification of gains and losses in earnings:                        
                               
Mortgage banking income (loss) $ (29,799) $ 10,617 $ --- $ --- $ --- $ --- $ ---
Securities gains (losses)   ---   ---   ---   (1,614)   ---   ---   ---
Interest and fee income   ---   ---   ---   818   (59)   (6,950)   ---
Noninterest income   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   5,720   ---
Total $ (29,799) $ 10,617 $ --- $ (796) $ (59) $ (1,230) $ ---
                               
      Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
      Year ended December 31, 2011
              Available-for-sale securities        
                      Asset-        
          Derivative   Municipal   Private   backed   Automobile   Equity
(dollar amounts in thousands)   MSRs   instruments   securities   label CMO   securities   loans   investments
Classification of gains and losses in earnings:                        
                               
Mortgage banking income (loss) $ (60,678) $ 6,635 $ --- $ --- $ --- $ --- $ ---
Securities gains (losses)   ---   ---   ---   (2,551)   (4,159)   ---   ---
Interest and fee income   ---   ---   ---   878   1,094   (11,645)   ---
Noninterest income   ---   (6,424)   ---   ---   ---   5,068   ---
Total $ (60,678) $ 211 $ --- $ (1,673) $ (3,065) $ (6,577) $ ---
                               
      Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
      Year ended December 31, 2010
              Available-for-sale securities        
                      Asset-        
          Derivative   Municipal   Private   backed   Automobile   Equity
(dollar amounts in thousands)   MSRs   instruments   securities   label CMO   securities   loans   investments
Classification of gains and losses in earnings:                        
                               
Mortgage banking income (loss) $ (50,748) $ 4,413 $ --- $ --- $ --- $ --- $ ---
Securities gains (losses)   ---   ---   ---   (7,149)   (6,554)   ---   ---
Interest and fee income   ---   ---   ---   2,032   394   (11,202)   ---
Noninterest income   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   8,935   ---
Total $ (50,748) $ 4,413 $ --- $ (5,117) $ (6,160) $ (2,267) $ ---

Assets and liabilities under the fair value option

 

The following table presents the fair value and aggregate principal balance of certain assets and liabilities under the fair value option:

      December 31, 2012     December 31, 2011
      Fair value     Aggregate           Fair value     Aggregate      
      carrying     unpaid           carrying     unpaid      
(dollar amounts in thousands)   amount     principal     Difference     amount     principal     Difference
Assets                                  
  Mortgage loans held for sale $ 452,949   $ 438,254   $ 14,695   $ 343,588   $ 328,641   $ 14,947
  Automobile loans   142,762     140,916     1,846     296,250     293,174     3,076
Liabilities                                  
  Securitization trust notes payable   ---     ---     ---     123,039     121,016     2,023

The following tables present the net gains (losses) from fair value changes, including net gains (losses) associated with instrument specific credit risk for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

    Net gains (losses) from fair value changes
    Year ended December 31,
(dollar amounts in thousands)   2012       2011       2010  
                         
Assets                      
  Mortgage loans held for sale $ 4,284     $ 13,842     $ (5,633)  
  Automobile loans   (1,231)       (6,577)       (2,267)  
Liabilities                      
  Securitization trust notes payable   (2,023)       (7,731)       (9,565)  

    Gains (losses) included in fair value changes
    associated with instrument specific credit risk
    Year ended December 31,
(dollar amounts in thousands)   2012       2011       2010  
                         
Assets                      
  Automobile loans $ 2,749     $ 6,610     $ 3,370  

Assets and Liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

 

Certain assets and liabilities may be required to be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in periods subsequent to their initial recognition. These assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis; however, they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment. For the year ended December 31, 2012, assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis were as follows:

          Fair Value Measurements Using        
          Quoted Prices     Significant     Significant     Total  
          In Active     Other     Other     Gains/(Losses)  
          Markets for     Observable     Unobservable     For the  
    Fair Value at     Identical Assets     Inputs     Inputs     Year Ended  
(dollar amounts in thousands) December 31,   (Level 1)     (Level 2)   (Level 3) December 31,  
2012                              
Impaired loans $ 150,873   $ ---   $ ---   $ 150,873   $ (43,386)  
Other real estate owned 28,097     ---     ---     28,097   $ (8,284)  

Periodically, Huntington records nonrecurring adjustments of collateral-dependent loans measured for impairment when establishing the ACL. Such amounts are generally based on the fair value of the underlying collateral supporting the loan. Appraisals are generally obtained to support the fair value of the collateral and incorporate measures such as recent sales prices for comparable properties and cost of construction. In cases where the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the collateral less cost to sell, an impairment charge is recognized. During the year ended December 31, 2012, Huntington identified $150.9 million of impaired loans for which the fair value is recorded based upon collateral value. For the year ended December 31, 2012, nonrecurring fair value losses of $43.4 million were recorded within the provision for credit losses.

 

Other real estate owned properties are included in accrued income and other assets and valued based on appraisals and third party price opinions, less estimated selling costs. During the year ended December 31, 2012, Huntington recorded $28.1 million of OREO assets at fair value and recognized losses of $8.3 million, recorded within noninterest expense.

Significant unobservable inputs for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis

 

The table below presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2012:

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
(dollar amounts in thousands, Fair Value at   Valuation   Significant   Range
except net costs to service) December 31, 2012   Technique   Unobservable Input   (Weighted Average)
MSRs $ 35,202   Discounted cash flow   Constant prepayment rate (CPR)   10.0% - 31.0% (20.0%)
            Spread over forward interest rate swap rates   -568 - 4,552 (1,288)
                 
Derivative assets   13,180   Consensus Pricing   Net market price   -2.3% - 10.8% (3.0%)
Derivative liabilities   478       Estimated Pull thru %   38.0% - 89.0% (75.0%)
                 
Municipal securities   61,228   Discounted cash flow   Discount rate   1.7% - 12.0% (3.1%)
                 
Private-label CMO   48,775   Discounted cash flow   Discount rate   3.0% - 8.5% (6.2%)
            Constant prepayment rate (CPR)   5.1% - 26.7% (14.8%)
            Probability of default   0.1% - 4.0% (1.0%)
            Loss Severity   0.0% - 64.0% (27.8%)
                 
Asset-backed securities   110,037   Discounted cash flow   Discount rate   4.5% - 16.6% (9.0%)
            Constant prepayment rate (CPR)   5.1% - 9.8% (5.3%)
            Cumulative prepayment rate   0.0% - 100.0% (6.9%)
            Constant default   0.3% - 4.0% (2.8%)
            Cumulative default   1.1% - 100.0% (20.1%)
            Loss given default   85.0% - 100.0% (92.4%)
            Cure given deferral   0.0% - 90.0% (34.7%)
            Loss severity   20.0% - 72.0% (64.9%)
                 
Automobile loans   142,762   Discounted cash flow   Constant prepayment rate (CPR)   15.6%
            Discount rate   0.8% - 5.0% (4.0%)
                 
Impaired loans   150,873   Appraisal value   ---   ---
                 
Other real estate owned   28,097   Appraisal value   ---   ---
                 

The following provides a general description of the impact of a change in an unobservable input on the fair value measurement and the interrelationship between unobservable inputs, where relevant/significant. Interrelationships may also exist between observable and unobservable inputs. Such relationships have not been included in the discussion below.

 

A significant change in the unobservable inputs may result in a significant change in the ending fair value measurement of Level 3 instruments. In general, prepayment rates increase when market interest rates decline and decrease when market interest rates rise and higher prepayment rates generally result in lower fair values for MSR assets, Private-label CMO securities, Asset-backed securities, and automobile loans.

 

Credit loss estimates, such as probability of default, constant default, cumulative default, loss given default, cure given deferral, and loss severity, are driven by the ability of the borrowers to pay their loans and the value of the underlying collateral and are impacted by changes in macroeconomic conditions, typically increasing when economic conditions worsen and decreasing when conditions improve. An increase in the estimated prepayment rate typically results in a decrease in estimated credit losses and vice versa. Higher credit loss estimates generally result in lower fair values. Credit spreads generally increase when liquidity risks and market volatility increase and decrease when liquidity conditions and market volatility improve.

 

Discount rates and spread over forward interest rate swap rates typically increase when market interest rates increase and/or credit and liquidity risks increase and decrease when market interest rates decline and/or credit and liquidity conditions improve. Higher discount rates and credit spreads generally result in lower fair market values.

 

Net market price and pull through percentages generally increase when market interest rates increase and decline when market interest rates decline. Higher net market price and pull through percentages generally result in higher fair values.

 

Fair values of financial instruments

 

The following table provides the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of Huntington's financial instruments that are carried either at fair value or cost at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

      December 31, 2012     December 31, 2011
      Carrying     Fair     Carrying     Fair
(dollar amounts in thousands)   Amount     Value     Amount     Value
Financial Assets:                      
  Cash and short-term assets $ 1,333,727   $ 1,333,727   $ 1,206,911   $ 1,206,911
  Trading account securities   91,205     91,205     45,899     45,899
  Loans held for sale   764,309     773,013     1,618,391     1,638,276
  Available-for-sale and other securities   7,566,175     7,566,175     8,078,014     8,078,014
  Held-to-maturity securities   1,743,876     1,794,105     640,551     660,186
  Net loans and direct financing leases   39,959,350     38,401,965     37,958,955     36,669,829
  Derivatives   385,697     385,697     403,002     403,002
                         
Financial Liabilities:                      
  Deposits   46,252,683     46,330,715     43,279,625     43,406,125
  Short-term borrowings   589,814     584,671     1,441,092     1,429,717
  Federal Home Loan Bank advances   1,008,959     1,008,959     362,972     362,972
  Other long term debt   158,784     156,719     1,231,517     1,232,975
  Subordinated notes   1,197,091     1,183,827     1,503,368     1,410,392
  Derivatives   152,188     152,188     265,316     265,316

The following table presents the level in the fair value hierarchy for the estimated fair values of only Huntington's financial instruments that are not already on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

Estimated Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using   Balance at
(dollar amounts in thousands)   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     December 31, 2012
                         
Financial Assets                      
  Loans held for sale $ ---   $ ---   $ 316,007   $ 316,007
  Held-to-maturity securities   ---     1,794,105     ---     1,794,105
  Net loans and direct financing leases   ---     ---     38,259,203     38,259,203
Financial liabilities                      
  Deposits   ---     39,136,127     7,194,588     46,330,715
  Short-term borrowings   ---     ---     584,671     584,671
  Other long-term debt   ---     2,124     154,595     156,719
  Subordinated notes   ---     ---     1,183,827     1,183,827
                         
Estimated Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using   Balance at
(dollar amounts in thousands)   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     December 31, 2011
                         
Financial Assets                      
  Loans held for sale $ ---   $ ---   $ 1,291,755   $ 1,291,755
  Held-to-maturity securities   ---     660,186     ---     660,186
  Net loans and direct financing leases   ---     ---     36,373,579     36,373,579
Financial liabilities                      
  Deposits   ---     35,049,194     8,356,931     43,406,125
  Short-term borrowings   ---     ---     1,429,717     1,429,717
  Other long-term debt   ---     937,959     171,977     1,109,936
  Subordinated notes   ---     ---     1,410,392     1,410,392

The short-term nature of certain assets and liabilities result in their carrying value approximating fair value. These include trading account securities, customers' acceptance liabilities, short-term borrowings, bank acceptances outstanding, FHLB advances, and cash and short-term assets, which include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in banks, and federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements. Loan commitments and letters of credit generally have short-term, variable-rate features and contain clauses that limit Huntington's exposure to changes in customer credit quality. Accordingly, their carrying values, which are immaterial at the respective balance sheet dates, are reasonable estimates of fair value. Not all the financial instruments listed in the table above are subject to the disclosure provisions of ASC Topic 820.

 

Certain assets, the most significant being operating lease assets, bank owned life insurance, and premises and equipment, do not meet the definition of a financial instrument and are excluded from this disclosure. Similarly, mortgage and nonmortgage servicing rights, deposit base, and other customer relationship intangibles are not considered financial instruments and are not included above. Accordingly, this fair value information is not intended to, and does not, represent Huntington's underlying value. Many of the assets and liabilities subject to the disclosure requirements are not actively traded, requiring fair values to be estimated by Management. These estimations necessarily involve the use of judgment about a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to, relevancy of market prices of comparable instruments, expected future cash flows, and appropriate discount rates.

 

The following methods and assumptions were used by Huntington to estimate the fair value of the remaining classes of financial instruments:

 

Loans and Direct Financing Leases

Variable-rate loans that reprice frequently are based on carrying amounts, as adjusted for estimated credit losses. The fair values for other loans and leases are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses and employ interest rates currently being offered for loans and leases with similar terms. The rates take into account the position of the yield curve, as well as an adjustment for prepayment risk, operating costs, and profit. This value is also reduced by an estimate of expected losses and the credit risk associated in the loan and lease portfolio. The valuation of the loan portfolio reflected discounts that Huntington believed are consistent with transactions occurring in the market place.

 

Deposits

Demand deposits, savings accounts, and money market deposits are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand. The fair values of fixed-rate time deposits are estimated by discounting cash flows using interest rates currently being offered on certificates with similar maturities.

 

Debt

Fixed-rate, long-term debt is based upon quoted market prices, which are inclusive of Huntington's credit risk. In the absence of quoted market prices, discounted cash flows using market rates for similar debt with the same maturities are used in the determination of fair value.