CMA-2012.9.30 10Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
______________________________
FORM 10-Q 
______________________________
(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012
Or
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to             
Commission file number 1-10706
____________________________________________________________________________________
Comerica Incorporated
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
___________________________________________________________________________________
Delaware
38-1998421
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
Comerica Bank Tower
1717 Main Street, MC 6404
Dallas, Texas 75201
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(214) 462-6831
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 
_________________________________________________________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large accelerated filer
x
Accelerated filer
o
Non-accelerated filer
o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  o    No  x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
$5 par value common stock:
Outstanding as of October 25, 2012: 190,344,108 shares


Table of Contents

COMERICA INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Table of Contents

Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries
(in millions, except share data)
September 30,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
September 30,
2011
 
(unaudited)
 
 
 
(unaudited)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$
933

 
$
982

 
$
981

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposits with banks
3,005

 
2,574

 
4,217

Other short-term investments
146

 
149

 
137

 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities available-for-sale
10,569

 
10,104

 
9,732

 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans
27,460

 
24,996

 
23,113

Real estate construction loans
1,392

 
1,533

 
1,648

Commercial mortgage loans
9,559

 
10,264

 
10,539

Lease financing
837

 
905

 
927

International loans
1,277

 
1,170

 
1,046

Residential mortgage loans
1,495

 
1,526

 
1,643

Consumer loans
2,174

 
2,285

 
2,309

Total loans
44,194

 
42,679

 
41,225

Less allowance for loan losses
(647
)
 
(726
)
 
(767
)
Net loans
43,547

 
41,953

 
40,458

Premises and equipment
625

 
675

 
685

Accrued income and other assets
4,489

 
4,571

 
4,678

Total assets
$
63,314

 
$
61,008

 
$
60,888

 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing deposits
$
21,753

 
$
19,764

 
$
19,116

 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market and interest-bearing checking deposits
20,407

 
20,311

 
20,237

Savings deposits
1,589

 
1,524

 
1,771

Customer certificates of deposit
5,742

 
5,808

 
5,980

Other time deposits

 

 
45

Foreign office time deposits
486

 
348

 
303

Total interest-bearing deposits
28,224

 
27,991

 
28,336

Total deposits
49,977

 
47,755

 
47,452

Short-term borrowings
63

 
70

 
164

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
1,450

 
1,371

 
1,312

Medium- and long-term debt
4,740

 
4,944

 
5,009

Total liabilities
56,230

 
54,140

 
53,937

 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock - $5 par value:
 
 
 
 
 
Authorized - 325,000,000 shares
 
 
 
 
 
Issued - 228,164,824 shares
1,141

 
1,141

 
1,141

Capital surplus
2,153

 
2,170

 
2,162

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(253
)
 
(356
)
 
(230
)
Retained earnings
5,831

 
5,546

 
5,471

Less cost of common stock in treasury - 36,790,174 shares at 9/30/12, 30,831,076 shares at 12/31/11 and 29,238,425 shares at 9/30/11
(1,788
)
 
(1,633
)
 
(1,593
)
Total shareholders’ equity
7,084

 
6,868

 
6,951

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
63,314

 
$
61,008

 
$
60,888

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

1

Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except per share data)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
INTEREST INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and fees on loans
$
400

 
$
405

 
$
1,219

 
$
1,149

Interest on investment securities
57

 
54

 
179

 
170

Interest on short-term investments
3

 
4

 
9

 
9

Total interest income
460

 
463

 
1,407

 
1,328

INTEREST EXPENSE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest on deposits
17

 
24

 
54

 
69

Interest on medium- and long-term debt
16

 
16

 
49

 
50

Total interest expense
33

 
40

 
103

 
119

Net interest income
427

 
423

 
1,304

 
1,209

Provision for credit losses
22

 
35

 
63

 
126

Net interest income after provision for credit losses
405

 
388

 
1,241

 
1,083

NONINTEREST INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
53

 
53

 
162

 
156

Fiduciary income
39

 
37

 
116

 
115

Commercial lending fees
22

 
22

 
71

 
64

Letter of credit fees
19

 
19

 
54

 
55

Card fees
12

 
17

 
35

 
47

Foreign exchange income
9

 
11

 
29

 
30

Bank-owned life insurance
10

 
10

 
30

 
27

Brokerage fees
5

 
5

 
14

 
17

Net securities gains

 
12

 
11

 
18

Other noninterest income
28

 
15

 
92

 
81

Total noninterest income
197

 
201

 
614

 
610

NONINTEREST EXPENSES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries
192

 
192

 
582

 
565

Employee benefits
61

 
53

 
181

 
153

Total salaries and employee benefits
253

 
245

 
763

 
718

Net occupancy expense
40

 
44

 
121

 
122

Equipment expense
17

 
17

 
50

 
49

Outside processing fee expense
27

 
25

 
79

 
74

Software expense
23

 
22

 
67

 
65

Merger and restructuring charges
25

 
33

 
33

 
38

FDIC insurance expense
9

 
8

 
29

 
35

Advertising expense
7

 
7

 
21

 
21

Other real estate expense
2

 
5

 
6

 
19

Other noninterest expenses
46

 
57

 
161

 
151

Total noninterest expenses
449

 
463

 
1,330

 
1,292

Income before income taxes
153

 
126

 
525

 
401

Provision for income taxes
36

 
28

 
134

 
104

NET INCOME
117

 
98

 
391

 
297

Less income allocated to participating securities
1

 
1

 
4

 
3

Net income attributable to common shares
$
116

 
$
97

 
$
387

 
$
294

Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.61

 
$
0.51

 
$
2.00

 
$
1.63

Diluted
0.61

 
0.51

 
2.00

 
1.61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
165

 
176

 
494

 
456

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends declared on common stock
29

 
20

 
78

 
55

Cash dividends declared per common share
0.15

 
0.10

 
0.40

 
0.30

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

2

Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries
 
Common Stock
 
 
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
 
 
 
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
(in millions, except per share data)
Shares
Outstanding
 
Amount
 
Capital
Surplus
 
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Treasury
Stock
 
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
176.5

 
$
1,019

 
$
1,481

 
$
(389
)
 
$
5,247

 
$
(1,565
)
 
$
5,793

Net income

 

 

 

 
297

 

 
297

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

 
159

 

 

 
159

Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.30 per share)

 

 

 

 
(55
)
 

 
(55
)
Purchase of common stock
(2.7
)
 

 

 

 

 
(75
)
 
(75
)
Acquisition of Sterling Bancshares, Inc.
24.3

 
122

 
681

 

 

 

 
803

Net issuance of common stock under employee stock plans
0.8

 

 
(29
)
 

 
(18
)
 
47

 

Share-based compensation

 

 
29

 

 

 

 
29

BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
198.9

 
$
1,141

 
$
2,162

 
$
(230
)
 
$
5,471

 
$
(1,593
)
 
$
6,951

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2011
197.3

 
$
1,141

 
$
2,170

 
$
(356
)
 
$
5,546

 
$
(1,633
)
 
$
6,868

Net income

 

 

 

 
391

 

 
391

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

 
103

 

 

 
103

Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.40 per share)

 

 

 

 
(78
)
 

 
(78
)
Purchase of common stock
(7.1
)
 

 

 

 

 
(215
)
 
(215
)
Net issuance of common stock under employee stock plans
1.2

 

 
(48
)
 

 
(28
)
 
62

 
(14
)
Share-based compensation

 

 
29

 

 

 

 
29

Other

 

 
2

 

 

 
(2
)
 

BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
191.4

 
$
1,141

 
$
2,153

 
$
(253
)
 
$
5,831

 
$
(1,788
)
 
$
7,084

See notes to consolidated financial statements.



3

Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)
2012
 
2011
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net income
$
391

 
$
297

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses
63

 
126

Provision for deferred income taxes
69

 
52

Depreciation and amortization
100

 
90

Share-based compensation expense
29

 
29

Net amortization of securities
35

 
27

Accretion of loan purchase discount
(58
)
 
(27
)
Net securities gains
(11
)
 
(18
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements
(1
)
 
(1
)
Net change in:
 
 
 
Trading securities
14

 
14

Accrued income receivable
3

 
2

Accrued expenses payable
(21
)
 
1

Other, net
132

 
164

Net cash provided by operating activities
745

 
756

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Investment securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
Maturities and redemptions
2,817

 
1,757

Sales

 
773

Purchases
(3,194
)
 
(3,007
)
Net change in loans
(1,620
)
 
819

Cash and cash equivalents acquired in acquisition of Sterling Bancshares, Inc.

 
721

Sales of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
3

 
33

Proceeds from sales of indirect private equity and venture capital funds
1

 
33

Other, net
(30
)
 
(91
)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(2,023
)
 
1,038

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net change in:
 
 
 
Deposits
2,141

 
2,898

Short-term borrowings
(7
)
 
12

Medium- and long-term debt:
 
 
 
Repayments
(193
)
 
(1,464
)
Common stock:
 
 
 
Repurchases
(215
)
 
(75
)
Cash dividends paid
(69
)
 
(53
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements
1

 
1

Other, net
2

 
2

Net cash provided by financing activities
1,660

 
1,321

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
382

 
3,115

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
3,556

 
2,083

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
3,938

 
$
5,198

 
 
 
 
Interest paid
$
101

 
$
113

Income taxes, tax deposits and tax-related interest paid
38

 
48

Noncash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Loans transferred to other real estate
31

 
41

Net noncash assets acquired in stock acquisition of Sterling Bancshares, Inc.

 
82

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

4

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries
NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation were included. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012. Certain items in prior periods were reclassified to conform to the current presentation. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Annual Report of Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries (the Corporation) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Beginning in the second quarter 2012, the Corporation presents the provision for loan losses and the provision for credit losses on lending-related commitments together as the "provision for credit losses" on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Prior period amounts were reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
Allowance for Loan Losses
In the first quarter 2012, the Corporation implemented enhancements to the methodology used for determining standard reserve factors for business loans not individually evaluated, which resulted in a $25 million increase to the allowance for loan losses in the first quarter 2012. The enhancements included (a) estimating probability of default and loss given default from a national perspective, in addition to a market-by-market basis, and (b) expanding the time horizon of historical, migration-based probability of default and loss given default experience used to develop the standard reserve factors for each internal risk rating.
Nonperforming Assets
In the second quarter of 2012, the Corporation modified its residential mortgage and home equity nonaccrual policy. Under the new policy, residential mortgage and home equity loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status once they become 90 days past due (previously no later than 180 days past due).
In addition, effective second quarter 2012, the Corporation placed on nonaccrual status certain current junior lien home equity loans in which the Corporation holds and services the senior position, when full collection of the senior position is in doubt. In the third quarter 2012, the Corporation applied the same policy to junior lien home equity loans held by the Corporation for which the senior liens are serviced by others.
In the third quarter 2012, in connection with recently issued regulatory guidance, the Corporation further modified its nonaccrual and charge-off policy regarding Chapter 7 bankruptcy residential mortgage and consumer loans for which the court has discharged the borrower's obligation and the borrower has not reaffirmed the debt. Effective September 30, 2012, such loans are placed on nonaccrual status and written down to estimated collateral value, without regard to the actual payment status of the loan, and are classified as troubled debt restructurings (TDRs). These modifications resulted in $4 million of write-downs and $8 million of nonaccrual TDRs. Of the $8 million of nonaccrual TDRs, $6 million were previously considered nonaccrual loans, therefore the net increase to nonperforming assets was $2 million.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In the first quarter 2012, the Corporation adopted amendments to GAAP which revise the presentation of comprehensive income in the financial statements. As a result, the Corporation presents on an interim basis the components of net income and a total for comprehensive income in one continuous consolidated statement of comprehensive income and will present on an annual basis the components of net income and other comprehensive income in two separate, but consecutive statements. Information on the components of other comprehensive income is provided on an interim basis in Note 8 to these unaudited financial statements.
In the first quarter 2012, the Corporation adopted an amendment to GAAP which generally aligns the principles of fair value measurements with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and requires expanded disclosures. The adoption of the amendment had no impact on the Corporation's financial condition or results of operations. The required disclosures are provided in Note 2 to these unaudited financial statements.

NOTE 2 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Corporation utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. The determination of fair values of financial instruments often requires the use of estimates. In cases where quoted market values in an active market are not available, the Corporation uses present value techniques and other

5

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

valuation methods to estimate the fair values of its financial instruments. These valuation methods require considerable judgment and the resulting estimates of fair value can be significantly affected by the assumptions made and methods used.
Fair value is an estimate of the exchange price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction (i.e., not a forced transaction, such as a liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants at the measurement date. However, the calculated fair value estimates in many instances cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, may not be realizable in a current sale of the financial instrument.
Trading securities, investment securities available-for-sale, derivatives and deferred compensation plan liabilities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, the Corporation may be required to record other assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, such as impaired loans, other real estate (primarily foreclosed property), nonmarketable equity securities and certain other assets and liabilities. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve write-downs of individual assets or application of lower of cost or fair value accounting.
The Corporation categorizes assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis and the estimated fair value of financial instruments not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis into a three-level hierarchy, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.
 
Level 1
 
Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.
 
 
 
 
 
Level 2
 
Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3
 
Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.
The Corporation generally utilizes third-party pricing services to value Level 1 and Level 2 trading and investment securities, as well as certain derivatives designated as fair value hedges. Management reviews the methodologies and assumptions used by the third-party pricing services and evaluates the values provided, principally by comparison with other available market quotes for similar instruments and/or analysis based on internal models using available third-party market data. The Corporation may occasionally adjust certain values provided by the third-party pricing service when management believes, as the result of its review, that the adjusted price most appropriately reflects the fair value of the particular security.
Following are descriptions of the valuation methodologies and key inputs used to measure financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, as well as a description of the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate fair value disclosures for financial instruments not recorded at fair value in their entirety on a recurring basis. The descriptions include an indication of the level of the fair value hierarchy in which the assets or liabilities are classified. Transfers of assets or liabilities between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized at the beginning of the reporting period, when applicable.
Cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks
Due to their short-term nature, the carrying amount of these instruments approximates the estimated fair value. As such, the Corporation classifies the estimated fair value of these instruments as Level 1.
Trading securities and associated deferred compensation plan liabilities
Securities held for trading purposes and associated deferred compensation plan liabilities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and included in “other short-term investments” and “accrued expenses and other liabilities,” respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets. Level 1 securities held for trading purposes include assets related to employee deferred compensation plans, which are invested in mutual funds, U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets and other securities traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange. Deferred compensation plan liabilities represent the fair value of the obligation to the employee, which corresponds to the fair value of the invested assets. Level 2 trading securities include municipal bonds and residential mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government-sponsored entities and corporate debt securities. Securities classified as Level 3 include securities in less liquid markets and securities not rated by a credit agency. The methods used to value trading securities are the same as the methods used to value investment securities available-for-sale, discussed below.
Loans held-for-sale

6

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Loans held-for-sale, included in “other short-term investments” on the consolidated balance sheets, are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value. Loans held-for-sale may be carried at fair value on a nonrecurring basis when fair value is less than cost. The fair value is based on what secondary markets are currently offering for portfolios with similar characteristics. As such, the Corporation classifies both loans held-for-sale subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments and the estimated fair value of loans held-for sale as Level 2.
Investment securities available-for-sale
Investment securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available or the market is deemed to be inactive at the measurement date, an adjustment to the quoted prices may be necessary. In some circumstances, the Corporation may conclude that a change in valuation technique or the use of multiple valuation techniques may be appropriate to estimate an instrument's fair value. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 securities include residential mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored entities and corporate debt securities. The fair value of Level 2 securities was determined using quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, or pricing models based on observable market data inputs, primarily interest rates, spreads and prepayment information.
Securities classified as Level 3, of which the substantial majority is auction-rate securities, represent securities in less liquid markets requiring significant management assumptions when determining fair value. Due to the lack of a robust secondary auction-rate securities market with active fair value indicators, fair value for all periods presented was determined using an income approach based on a discounted cash flow model. The discounted cash flow model utilizes two significant inputs: discount rate and workout period. The discount rate was calculated using credit spreads of the underlying collateral or similar securities plus a liquidity risk premium. The liquidity risk premium was derived from observed liquidity premiums based on auction-rate securities valuations performed by third parties and incorporated the rate at which the various types of similar auction-rate securities had been redeemed or sold since acquisition in 2008. The workout period was based on an assessment of publicly available information on efforts to re-establish functioning markets for these securities and the Corporation's own redemption experience. As of September 30, 2012, approximately 82 percent of the aggregate auction-rate securities par value had been redeemed or sold since acquisition. Significant increases in any of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower fair value. Additionally, as the discount rate incorporates the liquidity risk premium, a change in an assumption used for the liquidity risk premium would be accompanied by a directionally similar change in the discount rate. The Corporate Development Department is responsible for determining the valuation methodology for auction-rate securities and for updating significant inputs based on changes to the factors discussed above. Valuation results, including an analysis of changes to the valuation methodology and significant inputs, are provided to senior management for review on a quarterly basis. On an annual basis, an independent third party verifies the fair value by reviewing the appropriateness of the discounted cash flow model and its significant inputs.
Loans
The Corporation does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, periodically, the Corporation records nonrecurring adjustments to the carrying value of loans based on fair value measurements. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest or principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the original loan agreement are considered impaired, which are reported as nonrecurring fair value measurements when a specific allowance for the impaired loan is established based on the fair value of collateral. Collateral values supporting individually evaluated impaired loans are evaluated quarterly. When management determines that the fair value of the collateral requires additional adjustments, either as a result of non-current appraisal value or when there is no observable market price, the Corporation classifies the impaired loan as Level 3. The Special Assets Group is responsible for performing quarterly credit quality reviews for all impaired loans as part of the quarterly allowance for loan losses process overseen by the Chief Credit Officer, during which valuation adjustments to updated collateral values are determined.
The Corporation provides fair value estimates for loans not recorded at fair value. The estimated fair value is determined based on characteristics such as loan category, repricing features and remaining maturity, and includes prepayment and credit loss estimates. For variable rate business loans that reprice frequently, the estimated fair value is based on carrying values adjusted for estimated credit losses inherent in the portfolio at the balance sheet date. For other business loans and retail loans, fair values are estimated using a discounted cash flow model that employs a discount rate that reflect the Corporation's current pricing for loans with similar characteristics and remaining maturity, adjusted by an amount for estimated credit losses inherent in the portfolio at the balance sheet date. The rates take into account the expected yield curve, as well as an adjustment for prepayment risk, when applicable. The Corporation classifies the estimated fair value of loans held for investment as Level 3.

7

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Customers’ liability on acceptances outstanding and acceptances outstanding
The carrying amount of these instruments approximates the estimated fair value, due to their short-term nature. As such, the Corporation classifies the estimated fair value of these instruments as Level 1.
Derivative assets and derivative liabilities
Derivative instruments held or issued for risk management or customer-initiated activities are traded in over-the-counter markets where quoted market prices are not readily available. Fair value for over-the-counter derivative instruments is measured on a recurring basis using internally developed models that use primarily market observable inputs, such as yield curves and option volatilities. The Corporation manages credit risk for its over-the-counter derivative positions on a counterparty-by-counterparty basis and calculates credit valuation adjustments, included in the fair value of these instruments, on the basis of its relationships at the counterparty portfolio/master netting agreement level. These credit valuation adjustments are determined by applying a credit spread for the counterparty or the Corporation, as appropriate, to the total expected exposure of the derivative after considering collateral and other master netting arrangements. These adjustments, which are considered Level 3 inputs, are based on estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default. The Corporation assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and determined that the credit valuation adjustments were not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, the Corporation classifies its over-the-counter derivative valuations in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Examples of Level 2 derivative instruments are interest rate swaps and energy derivative and foreign exchange contracts.
The Corporation holds a portfolio of warrants for generally nonmarketable equity securities with a fair value of $3 million at September 30, 2012. These warrants are primarily from high technology, non-public companies obtained as part of the loan origination process. Warrants which contain a net exercise provision or a non-contingent put right embedded in the warrant agreement are accounted for as derivatives and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis using a Black-Scholes valuation model. The Black-Scholes valuation model utilizes five inputs: risk-free rate, expected life, volatility, exercise price, and the per share market value of the underlying company. The Corporate Development Department is responsible for the warrant valuation process, which includes reviewing all significant inputs for reasonableness, and for providing valuation results to senior management. Increases in any of these inputs in isolation, with the exception of exercise price, would result in a higher fair value. Increases in exercise price in isolation would result in a lower fair value. The Corporation classifies warrants accounted for as derivatives as Level 3.
The Corporation also holds a derivative contract associated with the 2008 sale of its remaining ownership of Visa Inc. (Visa) Class B shares. Under the terms of the derivative contract, the Corporation will compensate the counterparty primarily for dilutive adjustments made to the conversion factor of the Visa Class B to Class A shares based on the ultimate outcome of litigation involving Visa. Conversely, the Corporation will be compensated by the counterparty for any increase in the conversion factor from anti-dilutive adjustments. The recurring fair value of the derivative contract is based on unobservable inputs consisting of management's estimate of the litigation outcome, timing of litigation settlements and payments related to the derivative. Significant increases in the estimate of litigation outcome and the timing of litigation settlements in isolation would result in a significantly higher liability fair value. Significant increases in payments related to the derivative in isolation would result in a significantly lower liability fair value. The Corporation classifies the derivative liability as Level 3. On July 13, 2012, Visa announced it had reached an agreement in principle to settle the multi-district interchange litigation which pertains to its Class B shares. The announcement of this settlement did not have a material impact in the fair value of the Corporation’s liability.
Nonmarketable equity securities
The Corporation has a portfolio of indirect (through funds) private equity and venture capital investments with a carrying value of $14 million at September 30, 2012. These funds generally cannot be redeemed and the majority are not readily marketable. Distributions from these funds are received by the Corporation as a result of the liquidation of underlying investments of the funds and/or as income distributions. It is estimated that the underlying assets of the funds will be liquidated over a period of up to 17 years. The investments are accounted for on the cost or equity method and are individually reviewed for impairment on a quarterly basis by comparing the carrying value to the estimated fair value. These investments may be carried at fair value on a nonrecurring basis when they are deemed to be impaired and written down to fair value. Where there is not a readily determinable fair value, the Corporation estimates fair value for indirect private equity and venture capital investments based on the Corporation's percentage ownership in the net asset value of the entire fund, as reported by the fund, after indication that the fund adheres to applicable fair value measurement guidance. For those funds where the net asset value is not reported by the fund, the Corporation derives the fair value of the fund by estimating the fair value of each underlying investment in the fund. In addition to using qualitative information about each underlying investment, as provided by the fund, the Corporation gives consideration to information pertinent

8

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

to the specific nature of the debt or equity investment, such as relevant market conditions, offering prices, operating results, financial conditions, exit strategy and other qualitative information, as available. The lack of an independent source to validate fair value estimates, including the impact of future capital calls and transfer restrictions, is an inherent limitation in the valuation process. On a quarterly basis, the Corporate Development Department is responsible, with appropriate oversight and approval provided by senior management, for performing the valuation procedures and updating significant inputs, as are primarily provided by the underlying fund's management. The Corporation classifies both nonmarketable equity securities subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments and the estimated fair value of nonmarketable equity securities not recorded at fair value in their entirety on a recurring basis as Level 3. Commitments to fund additional investments in nonmarketable equity securities recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis were $1 million at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
The Corporation also holds restricted equity investments, primarily Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) and Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) stock. Restricted equity securities are not readily marketable and are recorded at cost (par value) and evaluated for impairment based on the ultimate recoverability of the par value. No significant observable market data for these instruments is available. The Corporation considers the profitability and asset quality of the issuer, dividend payment history and recent redemption experience when determining the ultimate recoverability of the par value. The Corporation’s investment in FHLB stock totaled $89 million and $92 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, and its investment in FRB stock totaled $85 million at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The Corporation believes its investments in FHLB and FRB stock are ultimately recoverable at par.
Other real estate
Other real estate is included in “accrued income and other assets” on the consolidated balance sheets and includes primarily foreclosed property. Foreclosed property is initially recorded at fair value, less costs to sell, at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequently, foreclosed property is carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less costs to sell. Other real estate may be carried at fair value on a nonrecurring basis when fair value is less than cost. Fair value is based upon independent market prices, appraised value or management's estimate of the value of the property. The Special Assets Group obtains updated independent market prices and appraised values, as required by state regulation or deemed necessary based on market conditions, and determines if additional write-downs are necessary. On a quarterly basis, senior management reviews all other real estate and determines whether the carrying values are reasonable, based on the length of time elapsed since receipt of independent market price or appraised value and current market conditions. Other real estate carried at fair value based on an observable market price or a current appraised value is classified by the Corporation as Level 2. When management determines that the fair value of other real estate requires additional adjustments, either as a result of a non-current appraisal or when there is no observable market price, the Corporation classifies the other real estate as Level 3.
Loan servicing rights
Loan servicing rights with a carrying value of $2 million at September 30, 2012, included in “accrued income and other assets” on the consolidated balance sheets and primarily related to Small Business Administration loans, are subject to impairment testing. Loan servicing rights may be carried at fair value on a nonrecurring basis when impairment testing indicates that the fair value of the loan servicing rights is less than the recorded value. A valuation model is used for impairment testing on a quarterly basis, which utilizes a discounted cash flow model, using interest rates and prepayment speed assumptions currently quoted for comparable instruments and a discount rate determined by management. On a quarterly basis, the Accounting Department is responsible for performing the valuation procedures and updating significant inputs, which are primarily obtained from available third-party market data, with appropriate oversight and approval provided by senior management. If the valuation model reflects a value less than the carrying value, loan servicing rights are adjusted to fair value through a valuation allowance as determined by the model. As such, the Corporation classifies loan servicing rights as Level 3.
Deposit liabilities
The estimated fair value of checking, savings and certain money market deposit accounts is represented by the amounts payable on demand. The estimated fair value of term deposits is calculated by discounting the scheduled cash flows using the period-end rates offered on these instruments. As such, the Corporation classifies the estimated fair value of deposit liabilities as Level 2.
Short-term borrowings
The carrying amount of federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other short-term borrowings approximates the estimated fair value. As such, the Corporation classifies the estimated fair value of short-term borrowings as Level 1.

9

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Medium- and long-term debt
The carrying value of variable-rate FHLB advances approximates the estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of the Corporation's remaining variable- and fixed-rate medium- and long-term debt is based on quoted market values when available. If quoted market values are not available, the estimated fair value is based on the market values of debt with similar characteristics. The Corporation classifies the estimated fair value of medium- and long-term debt as Level 2.
Credit-related financial instruments
Credit-related financial instruments include unused commitments to extend credit and standby and commercial letters of credit. These instruments generate ongoing fees which are recognized over the term of the commitment. In situations where credit losses are probable, the Corporation records an allowance. The carrying value of these instruments included in "accrued expenses and other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets, which includes the carrying value of the deferred fees plus the related allowance, approximates the estimated fair value. The Corporation classifies the estimated fair value of credit-related financial instruments as Level 3.
ASSETS AND LIABLILITIES RECORDED AT FAIR VALUE ON A RECURRING BASIS
The following tables present the recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
(in millions)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred compensation plan assets
$
88

 
$
88

 
$

 
$

State and municipal securities
11

 

 
11

 

Corporate debt securities
1

 

 
1

 

Other securities
1

 
1

 

 

Total trading securities
101

 
89

 
12

 

Investment securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government agency securities
20

 
20

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities (a)
10,155

 

 
10,155

 

State and municipal securities (b)
23

 

 

 
23

Corporate debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auction-rate debt securities
1

 

 

 
1

Other corporate debt securities
58

 

 
58

 

Equity and other non-debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auction-rate preferred securities
204

 

 

 
204

Money market and other mutual funds
108

 
108

 

 

Total investment securities available-for-sale
10,569

 
128

 
10,213

 
228

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
597

 

 
597

 

Energy derivative contracts
188

 

 
188

 

Foreign exchange contracts
26

 

 
26

 

Warrants
3

 

 

 
3

Total derivative assets
814

 

 
811

 
3

Total assets at fair value
$
11,484

 
$
217

 
$
11,036

 
$
231

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
$
247

 
$

 
$
247

 
$

Energy derivative contracts
187

 

 
187

 

Foreign exchange contracts
22

 

 
22

 

Total derivative liabilities
456

 

 
456

 

Deferred compensation plan liabilities
88

 
88

 

 

Total liabilities at fair value
$
544

 
$
88

 
$
456

 
$

(a)
Residential mortgage-backed securities issued and/or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or U.S. government-sponsored enterprises.
(b)
Primarily auction-rate securities.

10

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

(in millions)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred compensation plan assets
$
90

 
$
90

 
$

 
$

Residential mortgage-backed securities (a)
2

 

 
2

 

Other government-sponsored enterprise securities
9

 

 
9

 

State and municipal securities
12

 

 
12

 

Corporate debt securities
1

 

 
1

 

Other securities
1

 
1

 

 

Total trading securities
115

 
91

 
24

 

Investment securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government agency securities
20

 
20

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities (a)
9,512

 

 
9,512

 

State and municipal securities (b)
24

 

 

 
24

Corporate debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auction-rate debt securities
1

 

 

 
1

Other corporate debt securities
46

 

 
46

 

Equity and other non-debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auction-rate preferred securities
408

 

 

 
408

Money market and other mutual funds
93

 
93

 

 

Total investment securities available-for-sale
10,104

 
113

 
9,558

 
433

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
602

 

 
602

 

Energy derivative contracts
115

 

 
115

 

Foreign exchange contracts
40

 

 
40

 

Warrants
3

 

 

 
3

Total derivative assets
760

 

 
757

 
3

Total assets at fair value
$
10,979

 
$
204

 
$
10,339

 
$
436

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
$
253

 
$

 
$
253

 
$

Energy derivative contracts
115

 

 
115

 

Foreign exchange contracts
35

 

 
35

 

Other
6

 

 

 
6

Total derivative liabilities
409

 

 
403

 
6

Deferred compensation plan liabilities
90

 
90

 

 

Total liabilities at fair value
$
499

 
$
90

 
$
403

 
$
6

(a)
Residential mortgage-backed securities issued and/or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or U.S. government-sponsored enterprises.
(b)
Primarily auction-rate securities.
There were no transfers of assets or liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis into or out of Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

11

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

The following table summarizes the changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.
 
 
 
Net Realized/Unrealized Gains (Losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
 
Recorded in Earnings
 
Recorded in
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Pre-tax)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at
End of 
Period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Realized
Unrealized
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements

 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and municipal securities (a)
$
24

 
$

$

 
$
(1
)
(b)
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
23

Auction-rate debt securities
1

 


 

 

 

 

 
1

Auction-rate preferred securities (c)
215

 
1


 

 

 
(12
)
 

 
204

Total investment securities available-for-sale (c)
240

 
1


 
(1
)
(b)

 
(12
)
 

 
228

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Warrants (d)
3

 


 

 

 

 

 
3

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other (c)

 
(1
)

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and municipal securities
$
2

 
$

$

 
$

 
$
1

 
$
(2
)
 
$

 
$
1

Investment securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and municipal securities (a)
26

 


 

 

 
(3
)
 

 
23

Auction-rate debt securities
1

 


 

 

 

 

 
1

Other corporate debt securities
1

 


 

 

 

 
(1
)
 

Auction-rate preferred securities (c)
437

 
2


 
8

(b)

 
(38
)
 

 
409

Total investment securities available-for-sale (c)
465

 
2


 
8

(b)

 
(41
)
 
(1
)
 
433

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Warrants (d)
8

 
3

(1
)
 

 

 
(5
)
 

 
5

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other (c)
1

 
(1
)

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 
1

(a)
Primarily auction-rate securities.
(b)
Recorded in "net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available-for-sale" in other comprehensive income.
(c)
Realized and unrealized gains and losses due to changes in fair value recorded in "net securities gains (losses)" on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
(d)
Realized and unrealized gains and losses due to changes in fair value recorded in "other noninterest income" on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.


12

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

 
 
 
Net Realized/Unrealized Gains (Losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
 
Recorded in Earnings
 
Recorded in
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Pre-tax)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at
End of 
Period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Realized
Unrealized
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and municipal securities (a)
$
24

 
$

$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$
23

Auction-rate debt securities
1

 


 

 

 

 

 
1

Auction-rate preferred securities (c)
408

 
12


 
11

(b)

 
(227
)
 

 
204

Total investment securities available-for-sale (c)
433

 
12


 
11

(b)

 
(228
)
 

 
228

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Warrants (d)
3

 
3

1

 

 

 
(4
)
 

 
3

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other (c)
6

 
(1
)

 

 

 

 
(7
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and municipal securities
$

 
$

$

 
$

 
$
3

 
$
(2
)
 
$

 
$
1

Other securities
1

 


 

 

 
(1
)
 

 

Total trading securities
1

 




 
3

 
(3
)
 

 
1

Investment securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and municipal securities (a)
39

 


 

 

 
(16
)
 

 
23

Auction-rate debt securities
1

 


 

 

 

 

 
1

Other corporate debt securities
1

 


 

 

 

 
(1
)
 

Auction-rate preferred securities (c)
570

 
9


 
5

(b)

 
(175
)
 

 
409

Total investment securities available-for-sale (c)
611

 
9


 
5

(b)

 
(191
)
 
(1
)
 
433

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Warrants (d)
7

 
10


 

 

 
(12
)
 

 
5

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other (c)
1

 
(1
)
(1
)
 

 

 

 
(2
)
 
1

(a)
Primarily auction-rate securities.
(b)
Recorded in "net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available-for-sale" in other comprehensive income.
(c)
Realized and unrealized gains and losses due to changes in fair value recorded in "net securities gains (losses)" on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
(d)
Realized and unrealized gains and losses due to changes in fair value recorded in "other noninterest income" on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.


13

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES RECORDED AT FAIR VALUE ON A NONRECURRING BASIS
The Corporation may be required, from time to time, to record certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These include assets that are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value that were recognized at fair value below cost at the end of the period. All assets recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis were classified as Level 3 at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and are presented in the following table. No liabilities were recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
(in millions)
 
Level 3
September 30, 2012
 
 
Loans:
 
 
Commercial
 
$
87

Real estate construction
 
42

Commercial mortgage
 
203

Lease financing
 
3

Total loans
 
335

Nonmarketable equity securities
 
1

Other real estate
 
12

Loan servicing rights
 
2

Total assets at fair value
 
$
350

 
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
Loans:
 
 
Commercial
 
$
164

Real estate construction
 
87

Commercial mortgage
 
302

Lease financing
 
3

International
 
8

Total loans
 
564

Nonmarketable equity securities
 
1

Other real estate
 
29

Loan servicing rights
 
3

Total assets at fair value
 
$
597

The following table presents quantitative information related to the significant unobservable inputs utilized in the Corporation's Level 3 recurring fair value measurements as of September 30, 2012. No liabilities were recorded as Level 3 at September 30, 2012.
 
 
 
Discounted Cash Flow Model
 
 
 
Unobservable Input
September 30, 2012
Fair Value
(in millions)
 
Discount Rate
 
Workout Period (in years)
State and municipal securities (a)
$
23

 
6% - 10%
 
4 - 6
Equity and other non-debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Auction-rate preferred securities
204

 
3% - 7%
 
2 - 4
(a)
Primarily auction-rate securities.
Level 3 assets recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at September 30, 2012 included loans for which a specific allowance was established based on the fair value of collateral and other real estate for which fair value of the properties was less than the cost basis. For both asset classes, the unobservable inputs were the additional adjustments applied by management to the appraised values to reflect such factors as non-current appraisals and revisions to estimated time to sell. These adjustments are determined based on qualitative judgments made by management on a case-by-case basis and are not quantifiable inputs, although they are used in the determination of fair value.

14

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

ESTIMATED FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS NOT RECORDED AT FAIR VALUE ON A RECURRING BASIS
The Corporation typically holds the majority of its financial instruments until maturity and thus does not expect to realize many of the estimated fair value amounts disclosed. The disclosures also do not include estimated fair value amounts for items that are not defined as financial instruments, but which have significant value. These include such items as core deposit intangibles, the future earnings potential of significant customer relationships and the value of trust operations and other fee generating businesses. The Corporation believes the imprecision of an estimate could be significant.
The carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments not recorded at fair value in their entirety on a recurring basis on the Corporation’s consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
(in millions)
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$
933

 
$
933

 
$
933

 
$

 
$

Interest-bearing deposits with banks
3,005

 
3,005

 
3,005

 

 

Loans held-for-sale
45

 
45

 

 
45

 

Total loans, net of allowance for loan losses (a)
43,547

 
43,831

 

 

 
43,831

Customers’ liability on acceptances outstanding
22

 
22

 
22

 

 

Nonmarketable equity securities (b)
14

 
24

 

 

 
24

Restricted equity investments
174

 
174

 
174

 

 

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand deposits (noninterest-bearing)
21,753

 
21,753

 

 
21,753

 

Interest-bearing deposits
22,482

 
22,482

 

 
22,482

 

Customer certificates of deposit
5,742

 
5,746

 

 
5,746

 

Total deposits
49,977

 
49,981

 

 
49,981

 

Short-term borrowings
63

 
63

 
63

 

 

Acceptances outstanding
22

 
22

 
22

 

 

Medium- and long-term debt
4,740

 
4,695

 

 
4,695

 

Credit-related financial instruments
(116
)
 
(116
)
 

 

 
(116
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$
982

 
$
982

 
$
982

 
$

 
$

Interest-bearing deposits with banks
2,574

 
2,574

 
2,574

 

 

Loans held-for-sale
34

 
34

 

 
34

 

Total loans, net of allowance for loan losses (a)
41,953

 
42,233

 

 

 
42,233

Customers’ liability on acceptances outstanding
22

 
22

 
22

 

 

Nonmarketable equity securities (b)
16

 
27

 

 

 
27

Restricted equity investments
177

 
177

 
177

 

 

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand deposits (noninterest-bearing)
19,764

 
19,764

 

 
19,764

 

Interest-bearing deposits
22,183

 
22,183

 

 
22,183

 

Customer certificates of deposit
5,808

 
5,809

 

 
5,809

 

Total deposits
47,755

 
47,756

 

 
47,756

 

Short-term borrowings
70

 
70

 
70

 

 

Acceptances outstanding
22

 
22

 
22

 

 

Medium- and long-term debt
4,944

 
4,794

 

 
4,794

 

Credit-related financial instruments
(101
)
 
(101
)
 

 

 
(101
)
(a)
Included $335 million and $564 million of impaired loans recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
(b)
Included $1 million of nonmarketable equity securities recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.


15

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

NOTE 3 - INVESTMENT SECURITIES
A summary of the Corporation’s investment securities available-for-sale follows:
(in millions)
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government agency securities
$
20

 
$

 
$

 
$
20

Residential mortgage-backed securities (a)
9,832

 
323

 

 
10,155

State and municipal securities (b)
28

 

 
5

 
23

Corporate debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auction-rate debt securities
1

 

 

 
1

Other corporate debt securities
58

 

 

 
58

Equity and other non-debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auction-rate preferred securities
208

 

 
4

 
204

Money market and other mutual funds
108

 

 

 
108

Total investment securities available-for-sale
$
10,255

 
$
323

 
$
9

 
$
10,569

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government agency securities
$
20

 
$

 
$

 
$
20

Residential mortgage-backed securities (a)
9,289

 
224

 
1

 
9,512

State and municipal securities (b)
29

 

 
5

 
24

Corporate debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auction-rate debt securities
1

 

 

 
1

Other corporate debt securities
46

 

 

 
46

Equity and other non-debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auction-rate preferred securities
423

 

 
15

 
408

Money market and other mutual funds
93

 

 

 
93

Total investment securities available-for-sale
$
9,901

 
$
224

 
$
21

 
$
10,104

(a)
Residential mortgage-backed securities issued and/or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or U.S. government-sponsored enterprises.
(b)
Primarily auction-rate securities.

16

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

A summary of the Corporation’s investment securities available-for-sale in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 follows:
 
Temporarily Impaired
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or more
 
Total
(in millions)
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State and municipal securities (b)
$

 
$

 
 
$
23

 
$
5

 
 
$
23

 
$
5

 
Corporate debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auction-rate debt securities

 

 
 
1

 

(c)
 
1

 

(c)
Equity and other non-debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auction-rate preferred securities

 

 
 
204

 
4

 
 
204

 
4

 
Total impaired securities
$

 
$

 
 
$
228


$
9

 
 
$
228

 
$
9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities (a)
$
249

 
$
1

 
 
$

 
$

 
 
$
249

 
$
1

 
State and municipal securities (b)

 

 
 
24

 
5

 
 
24

 
5

 
Corporate debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auction-rate debt securities

 

 
 
1

 

(c)
 
1

 

(c)
Equity and other non-debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auction-rate preferred securities
88

 
1

 
 
320

 
14

 
 
408

 
15

 
Total impaired securities
$
337

 
$
2

 
 
$
345

 
$
19

 
 
$
682

 
$
21

 
(a)
Residential mortgage-backed securities issued and/or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or U.S. government-sponsored enterprises.
(b)
Primarily auction-rate securities.
(c)
Unrealized losses less than $0.5 million.
At September 30, 2012, the Corporation had 89 securities in an unrealized loss position with no credit impairment, including 66 auction-rate preferred securities, 22 state and municipal auction-rate securities and one auction-rate debt security. The unrealized losses for these securities resulted from changes in market interest rates and liquidity. The Corporation ultimately expects full collection of the carrying amount of these securities, does not intend to sell the securities in an unrealized loss position, and it is not more-likely-than-not that the Corporation will be required to sell the securities in an unrealized loss position prior to recovery of amortized cost. The Corporation does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2012.
Sales, calls and write-downs of investment securities available-for-sale resulted in the following gains and losses, recorded in “net securities gains” on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, computed based on the adjusted cost of the specific security.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)
2012
 
2011
Securities gains
$
12

 
$
21

Securities losses (a)
(1
)
 
(3
)
Total net securities gains
$
11

 
$
18

(a)    Primarily charges related to a derivative contract tied to the conversion rate of Visa Class B shares.

17

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

The following table summarizes the amortized cost and fair values of debt securities by contractual maturity. Securities with multiple maturity dates are classified in the period of final maturity. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
September 30, 2012
(in millions)
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
Contractual maturity
 
 
 
Within one year
$
90

 
$
91

After one year through five years
974

 
988

After five years through ten years
119

 
121

After ten years
8,756

 
9,057

Subtotal
9,939

 
10,257

Equity and other nondebt securities:
 
 
 
Auction-rate preferred securities
208

 
204

Money market and other mutual funds
108

 
108

Total investment securities available-for-sale
$
10,255

 
$
10,569

Included in the contractual maturity distribution in the table above were auction-rate securities with a total amortized cost and fair value of $27 million and $23 million, respectively. Auction-rate securities are long-term, floating rate instruments for which interest rates are reset at periodic auctions. At each successful auction, the Corporation has the option to sell the security at par value. Additionally, the issuers of auction-rate securities generally have the right to redeem or refinance the debt. As a result, the expected life of auction-rate securities may differ significantly from the contractual life. Also included in the table above were residential mortgage-backed securities with a total amortized cost and fair value of $9.8 billion and $10.2 billion, respectively. The actual cash flows of mortgage-backed securities may differ from contractual maturity as the borrowers of the underlying loans may exercise prepayment options.
At September 30, 2012, investment securities with a carrying value of $2.7 billion were pledged where permitted or required by law to secure $2.0 billion of liabilities, primarily public and other deposits of state and local government agencies and derivative instruments.
NOTE 4 – CREDIT QUALITY AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
The following table summarizes nonperforming assets.
(in millions)
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Nonaccrual loans
$
665

 
$
860

Reduced-rate loans (a)
27

 
27

Total nonperforming loans
692

 
887

Foreclosed property
63

 
94

Total nonperforming assets
$
755

 
$
981

(a)
Reduced-rate business loans totaled $8 million and reduced-rate retail loans totaled $19 million at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

18

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

The following table presents an aging analysis of the recorded balance of loans.
 
Loans Past Due and Still Accruing
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
30-59
Days
 
60-89 
Days
 
90 Days
or More
 
Total
 
Nonaccrual
Loans
 
Current
Loans (c)
 
Total 
Loans
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
28

 
$
12

 
$
12

 
$
52

 
$
154

 
$
27,254

 
$
27,460

Real estate construction:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (a)

 
1

 
2

 
3

 
45

 
955

 
1,003

Other business lines (b)

 

 

 

 
6

 
383

 
389

Total real estate construction

 
1

 
2

 
3

 
51

 
1,338

 
1,392

Commercial mortgage:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (a)
9

 
10

 
5

 
24

 
137

 
1,859

 
2,020

Other business lines (b)
43

 
11

 
11

 
65

 
219

 
7,255

 
7,539

Total commercial mortgage
52

 
21

 
16

 
89

 
356

 
9,114

 
9,559

Lease financing

 

 

 

 
3

 
834

 
837

International

 

 

 

 

 
1,277

 
1,277

Total business loans
80

 
34

 
30

 
144

 
564

 
39,817

 
40,525

Retail loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage
18

 
5

 

 
23

 
69

 
1,403

 
1,495

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity
7

 
4

 

 
11

 
28

 
1,531

 
1,570

Other consumer
5

 
4

 
6

 
15

 
4

 
585

 
604

Total consumer
12

 
8

 
6

 
26

 
32

 
2,116

 
2,174

Total retail loans
30

 
13

 
6

 
49

 
101

 
3,519

 
3,669

Total loans
$
110

 
$
47

 
$
36

 
$
193

 
$
665

 
$
43,336

 
$
44,194

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
45

 
$
6

 
$
8

 
$
59

 
$
237

 
$
24,700

 
$
24,996

Real estate construction:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (a)
15

 
5

 

 
20

 
93

 
990

 
1,103

Other business lines (b)
1

 
1

 
1

 
3

 
8

 
419

 
430

Total real estate construction
16

 
6

 
1

 
23

 
101

 
1,409

 
1,533

Commercial mortgage:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (a)
62

 
16

 
1

 
79

 
159

 
2,269

 
2,507

Other business lines (b)
34

 
22

 
31

 
87

 
268

 
7,402

 
7,757

Total commercial mortgage
96

 
38

 
32

 
166

 
427

 
9,671

 
10,264

Lease financing

 

 

 

 
5

 
900

 
905

International
2

 

 

 
2

 
8

 
1,160

 
1,170

Total business loans
159

 
50

 
41

 
250

 
778

 
37,840

 
38,868

Retail loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage
28

 
6

 
6

 
40

 
71

 
1,415

 
1,526

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity
11

 
8

 
6

 
25

 
5

 
1,625

 
1,655

Other consumer
11

 
2

 
5

 
18

 
6

 
606

 
630

Total consumer
22

 
10

 
11

 
43

 
11

 
2,231

 
2,285

Total retail loans
50

 
16

 
17

 
83

 
82

 
3,646

 
3,811

Total loans
$
209

 
$
66

 
$
58

 
$
333

 
$
860

 
$
41,486

 
$
42,679

(a)
Primarily loans to real estate investors and developers.
(b)
Primarily loans secured by owner-occupied real estate.
(c)
Included acquired purchase credit-impaired (PCI) loans with a total carrying value of $50 million and $87 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

19

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

The following table presents loans by credit quality indicator, based on internal risk ratings assigned to each business loan at the time of approval and subjected to subsequent reviews, generally at least annually, and to pools of retail loans with similar risk characteristics.
 
Internally Assigned Rating
 
 
(in millions)
Pass (a)
 
Special
Mention (b)
 
Substandard (c)
 
Nonaccrual (d)
 
Total
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
25,763

 
$
943

 
$
600

 
$
154

 
$
27,460

Real estate construction:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (e)
846

 
88

 
24

 
45

 
1,003

Other business lines (f)
364

 
6

 
13

 
6

 
389

Total real estate construction
1,210

 
94

 
37

 
51

 
1,392

Commercial mortgage:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (e)
1,459

 
262

 
162

 
137

 
2,020

Other business lines (f)
6,591

 
313

 
416

 
219

 
7,539

Total commercial mortgage
8,050

 
575

 
578

 
356

 
9,559

Lease financing
814

 
14

 
6

 
3

 
837

International
1,202

 
22

 
53

 

 
1,277

Total business loans
37,039

 
1,648

 
1,274

 
564

 
40,525

Retail loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage
1,410

 
8

 
8

 
69

 
1,495

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity
1,524

 
11

 
7

 
28

 
1,570

Other consumer
568

 
22

 
10

 
4

 
604

Total consumer
2,092

 
33

 
17

 
32

 
2,174

Total retail loans
3,502

 
41

 
25

 
101

 
3,669

Total loans
$
40,541

 
$
1,689

 
$
1,299

 
$
665

 
$
44,194

December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
23,206

 
$
898

 
$
655

 
$
237

 
$
24,996

Real estate construction:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (e)
768

 
139

 
103

 
93

 
1,103

Other business lines (f)
370

 
23

 
29

 
8

 
430

Total real estate construction
1,138

 
162

 
132

 
101

 
1,533

Commercial mortgage:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (e)
1,728

 
409

 
211

 
159

 
2,507

Other business lines (f)
6,541

 
415

 
533

 
268

 
7,757

Total commercial mortgage
8,269

 
824

 
744

 
427

 
10,264

Lease financing
865

 
18

 
17

 
5

 
905

International
1,097

 
33

 
32

 
8

 
1,170

Total business loans
34,575

 
1,935

 
1,580

 
778

 
38,868

Retail loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage
1,434

 
12

 
9

 
71

 
1,526

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity
1,600

 
22

 
28

 
5

 
1,655

Other consumer
603

 
12

 
9

 
6

 
630

Total consumer
2,203

 
34

 
37

 
11

 
2,285

Total retail loans
3,637

 
46

 
46

 
82

 
3,811

Total loans
$
38,212

 
$
1,981

 
$
1,626

 
$
860

 
$
42,679

(a)
Includes all loans not included in the categories of special mention, substandard or nonaccrual.
(b)
Special mention loans are accruing loans that have potential credit weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention, such as loans to borrowers who may be experiencing financial difficulties that may result in deterioration of repayment prospects from the borrower at some future date. Included in the special mention category were $347 million and $481 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, of loans proactively monitored by management that were considered “pass” by regulatory authorities.
(c)
Substandard loans are accruing loans that have a well-defined weakness, or weaknesses, such as loans to borrowers who may be experiencing losses from operations or inadequate liquidity of a degree and duration that jeopardizes the orderly repayment of the loan. Substandard loans also are distinguished by the distinct possibility of loss in the future if these weaknesses are not corrected. PCI loans are included in the substandard category. This category is generally consistent with the "substandard" category as defined by regulatory authorities.
(d)
Nonaccrual loans are loans for which the accrual of interest has been discontinued. For further information regarding nonaccrual loans, refer to the Nonperforming Assets subheading in Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - on page F-59 in the Corporation's 2011 Annual Report and to Note 1 of these interim consolidated financial statements. A significant majority of nonaccrual loans are generally consistent with the "substandard" category and the remainder are generally consistent with the "doubtful" category as defined by regulatory authorities.
(e)
Primarily loans to real estate investors and developers.
(f)
Primarily loans secured by owner-occupied real estate.

20

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Allowance for Credit Losses
The following table details the changes in the allowance for loan losses and related loan amounts.
 
2012
 
2011
(in millions)
Business Loans
 
Retail Loans
 
Total
 
Business Loans
 
Retail Loans
 
Total
Three Months Ended September 30
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
593

 
$
74

 
$
667

 
$
726

 
$
80

 
$
806

Loan charge-offs
(47
)
 
(12
)
 
(59
)
 
(77
)
 
(13
)
 
(90
)
Recoveries on loans previously charged-off
15

 
1

 
16

 
11

 
2

 
13

Net loan charge-offs
(32
)
 
(11
)
 
(43
)
 
(66
)
 
(11
)
 
(77
)
Provision for loan losses
15

 
8

 
23

 
27

 
11

 
38

Balance at end of period
$
576

 
$
71

 
$
647

 
$
687

 
$
80

 
$
767

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
648

 
$
78

 
$
726

 
$
824

 
$
77

 
$
901

Loan charge-offs
(158
)
 
(27
)
 
(185
)
 
(299
)
 
(39
)
 
(338
)
Recoveries on loans previously charged-off
44

 
8

 
52

 
65

 
5

 
70

Net loan charge-offs
(114
)
 
(19
)
 
(133
)
 
(234
)
 
(34
)
 
(268
)
Provision for loan losses
42

 
12

 
54

 
97

 
37

 
134

Balance at end of period
$
576

 
$
71

 
$
647

 
$
687

 
$
80

 
$
767

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As a percentage of total loans
1.42
%
 
1.94
%
 
1.46
%
 
1.85
%
 
1.99
%
 
1.86
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
107

 
$
1

 
$
108

 
$
164

 
$
3

 
$
167

Collectively evaluated for impairment
469

 
70

 
539

 
523

 
77

 
600

Total allowance for loan losses
$
576

 
$
71

 
$
647

 
$
687

 
$
80

 
$
767

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
537

 
$
54

 
$
591

 
$
774

 
$
49

 
$
823

Collectively evaluated for impairment
39,945

 
3,608

 
43,553

 
36,395

 
3,894

 
40,289

PCI loans (a)
43

 
7

 
50

 
104

 
9

 
113

Total loans evaluated for impairment
$
40,525

 
$
3,669

 
$
44,194

 
$
37,273

 
$
3,952

 
$
41,225

(a)    No allowance for loan losses was required for PCI loans at September 30, 2012.
Changes in the allowance for credit losses on lending-related commitments, included in "accrued expenses and other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets, are summarized in the following table.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Balance at beginning of period
$
36

 
$
30

 
$
26

 
$
35

Provision for credit losses on lending-related commitments
(1
)
 
(3
)
 
9

 
(8
)
Balance at end of period
$
35

 
$
27

 
$
35

 
$
27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unfunded lending-related commitments sold
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
5



21

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Individually Evaluated Impaired Loans
The following table presents additional information regarding individually evaluated impaired loans.
 
Recorded Investment In:
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Impaired
Loans with
No Related
Allowance
 
Impaired
Loans with
Related
Allowance
 
Total
Impaired
Loans
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
4

 
$
181

 
$
185

 
$
295

 
$
40

Real estate construction:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (a)

 
41

 
41

 
61

 
5

Other business lines (b)

 
3

 
3

 
3

 
1

Total real estate construction

 
44

 
44

 
64

 
6

Commercial mortgage:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (a)
6

 
130

 
136

 
219

 
25

Other business lines (b)

 
169

 
169

 
234

 
35

Total commercial mortgage
6

 
299

 
305

 
453

 
60

Lease financing

 
3

 
3

 
5

 
1

International

 

 

 

 

Total business loans
10

 
527

 
537

 
817

 
107

Retail loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage
22

 
24

 
46

 
54

 
1

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity
3

 
2

 
5

 
9

 

Other consumer

 
3

 
3

 
9

 

Total consumer
3

 
5

 
8

 
18

 

Total retail loans
25

 
29

 
54

 
72

 
1

Total individually evaluated impaired loans
$
35

 
$
556

 
$
591

 
$
889

 
$
108

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
2

 
$
244

 
$
246

 
$
348

 
$
57

Real estate construction:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (a)

 
102

 
102

 
146

 
18

Other business lines (b)

 
5

 
5

 
7

 
1

Total real estate construction

 
107

 
107

 
153

 
19

Commercial mortgage:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (a)

 
148

 
148

 
198

 
34

Other business lines (b)
6

 
201

 
207

 
299

 
36

Total commercial mortgage
6

 
349

 
355

 
497

 
70

Lease financing

 
3

 
3

 
6

 
1

International

 
8

 
8

 
10

 
2

Total business loans
8

 
711

 
719

 
1,014

 
149

Retail loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage
16

 
30

 
46

 
51

 
3

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity

 
1

 
1

 
1

 

Other consumer

 
5

 
5

 
12

 
1

Total consumer

 
6

 
6

 
13

 
1

Total retail loans
16

 
36

 
52

 
64

 
4

Total individually evaluated impaired loans
$
24

 
$
747

 
$
771

 
$
1,078

 
$
153

(a)
Primarily loans to real estate investors and developers.
(b)
Primarily loans secured by owner-occupied real estate. 

22

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

The following table presents information regarding average individually evaluated impaired loans and the related interest recognized. Interest income recognized for the period primarily related to reduced-rate loans.
 
Individually Evaluated Impaired Loans
 
2012
 
2011
(in millions)
Average Balance for the Period
 
Interest Income Recognized for the Period
 
Average Balance for the Period
 
Interest Income Recognized for the Period
Three Months Ended September 30
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
193

 
$
1

 
$
273

 
$
1

Real estate construction:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (a)
48

 

 
114

 

Other business lines (b)
4

 

 
1

 

Total real estate construction
52

 

 
115

 

Commercial mortgage:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (a)
135

 

 
187

 

Other business lines (b)
170

 
1

 
204

 
1

Total commercial mortgage
305

 
1

 
391

 
1

Lease financing
3

 

 
6

 

International

 

 
6

 

Total business loans
553

 
2

 
791

 
2

Retail loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage
40

 

 
43

 
1

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity
5

 

 
1

 

Other consumer
3

 

 
5

 

Total consumer
8

 

 
6

 

Total retail loans
48

 

 
49

 
1

Total individually evaluated impaired loans
$
601

 
$
2

 
$
840

 
$
3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
215

 
$
3

 
$
254

 
$
4

Real estate construction:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (a)
66

 

 
166

 

Other business lines (b)
5

 

 
1

 

Total real estate construction
71

 

 
167

 

Commercial mortgage:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (a)
149

 

 
188

 

Other business lines (b)
191

 
3

 
222

 
3

Total commercial mortgage
340

 
3

 
410

 
3

Lease financing
3

 

 
6

 

International
3

 

 
4

 

Total business loans
632

 
6

 
841

 
7

Retail loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage
42

 

 
41

 
1

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity
4

 

 

 

Other consumer
3

 

 
6

 

Total consumer
7

 

 
6

 

Total retail loans
49

 

 
47

 
1

Total individually evaluated impaired loans
$
681

 
$
6

 
$
888

 
$
8

(a)
Primarily loans to real estate investors and developers.
(b)
Primarily loans secured by owner-occupied real estate.

23

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Troubled Debt Restructurings (TDRs)
The following tables detail the recorded balance at September 30, 2012 and 2011 of loans considered to be TDRs that were restructured during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, by type of modification. In cases of loans with more than one type of modification, the loans were categorized based on the most significant modification.
 
2012
 
2011
 
Type of Modification
 
 
Type of Modification
 
(in millions)
Principal Deferrals (a)
Interest Rate Reductions
AB Note Restructures (b)
Total Modifications
 
Principal Deferrals (a)
Interest Rate Reductions
AB Note Restructures (b)
Total Modifications
Three Months Ended September 30
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
3

 
$

$

$
3

 
$
45

$

$

$
45

Real estate construction:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (c)

 



 

3

15

18

Other business lines (d)

 



 




Total real estate construction

 



 

3

15

18

Commercial mortgage:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (c)
8

 

19

27

 
19



19

Other business lines (d)
2

 


2

 
11

6


17

Total commercial mortgage
10

 

19

29

 
30

6


36

International

 



 


5

5

Total business loans
13

 

19

32

 
75

9

20

104

Retail loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage
8

(e)


8

 
1



1

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity

 



 
3



3

Total retail loans
8

 


8

 
4



4

Total loans
$
21

 
$

$
19

$
40

 
$
79

$
9

$
20

$
108

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
17

 
$
1

$

$
18

 
$
98

$

$
5

$
103

Real estate construction:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (c)

 



 

3

15

18

Other business lines (d)
1

 


1

 




Total real estate construction
1

 


1

 

3

15

18

Commercial mortgage:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (c)
23

 

22

45

 
22



22

Other business lines (d)
15

 
2


17

 
30

11

7

48

Total commercial mortgage
38

 
2

22

62

 
52

11

7

70

International

 



 


5

5

Total business loans
56

 
3

22

81

 
150

14

32

196

Retail loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage
8

(e)
1


9

 
1

6


7

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity

 



 
3



3

Total retail loans
8

 
1


9

 
4

6


10

Total loans
$
64

 
$
4

$
22

$
90

 
$
154

$
20

$
32

$
206

(a)
Primarily represents loan balances where terms were extended 90 days or more at or above contractual interest rates.
(b)
Loan restructurings whereby the original loan is restructured into two notes: an "A" note, which generally reflects the portion of the modified loan which is expected to be collected; and a "B" note, which is either fully charged off or exchanged for an equity interest.
(c)
Primarily loans to real estate investors and developers.
(d)
Primarily loans secured by owner-occupied real estate.
(e)
Includes Chapter 7 bankruptcy loans for which the court has discharged the borrower's obligation and the borrower has not reaffirmed the debt. Effective September 30, 2012, such loans are placed on nonaccrual status and written down to estimated collateral value, without regard to the actual payment status of the loan.

24

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose terms have been modified in TDRs totaled $7 million and $13 million, respectively.
The majority of the modifications considered to be TDRs that occurred during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were principal deferrals. The Corporation charges interest on principal balances outstanding during deferral periods. Additionally, none of the modifications involved forgiveness of principal. As a result, the current and future financial effects of the recorded balance of loans considered to be TDRs that were restructured during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were insignificant.
On an ongoing basis, the Corporation monitors the performance of modified loans to their restructured terms. In the event of a subsequent default, the allowance for loan losses continues to be reassessed on the basis of an individual evaluation of the loan.
The following table presents information regarding the recorded balance at September 30, 2012 and 2011 of loans modified by principal deferral during the twelve-month periods from October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012 and October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2011, including those principal deferrals which experienced a subsequent default during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. For principal deferrals, incremental deterioration in the credit quality of the loan, represented by a downgrade in the risk rating of the loan, for example, due to missed interest payments or a reduction of collateral value, is considered a subsequent default.
 
2012
 
2011
 
Balance
Subsequent Default in Three Months Ended September 30
Subsequent Default in Nine Months Ended September 30
 
Balance
Subsequent Default in Three Months Ended September 30
Subsequent Default in Nine Months Ended September 30
(in millions)
 
Principal deferrals:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
31

 
$
5

$
12

 
$
95

$
4

$
28

Real estate construction:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (a)
1

 

1

 



Commercial mortgage:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (a)
30

 
14

29

 
22

19

22

Other business lines (b)
27

 
2

9

 
42

13

26

Total commercial mortgage
57

 
16

38

 
64

32

48

Total business loans
89

 
21

51

 
159

36

76

Retail loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage
8

(c)
3

3

 
1



Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other consumer

 


 
3

3

3

Total retail loans
8

 
3

3

 
4

3

3

Total principal deferrals
$
97

 
$
24

$
54

 
$
163

$
39

$
79

(a)
Primarily loans to real estate investors and developers.
(b)
Primarily loans secured by owner-occupied real estate.
(c)
Includes Chapter 7 bankruptcy loans for which the court has discharged the borrower's obligation and the borrower has not reaffirmed the debt. Effective September 30, 2012, such loans are placed on nonaccrual status and written down to estimated collateral value, without regard to the actual payment status of the loan.


25

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

The following table presents information regarding the recorded balance at September 30, 2012 and 2011 of loans modified by interest rate reduction during the twelve-month periods from October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012 and October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2011, including those reduced-rate loans which experienced a subsequent default during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. For reduced-rate loans, a subsequent payment default is defined in terms of delinquency, when a principal or interest payment is 90 days past due.
 
2012
 
2011
 
Balance
Subsequent Default in Three Months Ended September 30
Subsequent Default in Nine Months Ended September 30
 
Balance
Subsequent Default in Three Months Ended September 30
Subsequent Default in Nine Months Ended September 30
(in millions)
 
Interest rate reductions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
1

$
1

$
1

 
$

$

$

Real estate construction:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (a)



 
3



Commercial mortgage:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (a)



 
5



Other business lines (b)
14


12

 
11

1

1

Total commercial mortgage
14


12

 
16

1

1

Lease financing
3



 



Total business loans
18

1

13

 
19

1

1

Retail loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage
4



 
9


1

Total retail loans
4



 
9


1

Total interest rate reductions
$
22

$
1

$
13

 
$
28

$
1

$
2

(a)
Primarily loans to real estate investors and developers.
(b)
Primarily loans secured by owner-occupied real estate.

During the twelve-month periods from October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012 and October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2011 loans with a carrying value of $22 million and $35 million at September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 were restructured into two notes. For AB note restructures, a subsequent payment default is defined in terms of delinquency, when a principal or interest payment is 90 days past due. There were no subsequent payment defaults of AB note restructures during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.



26

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Purchased Credit-Impaired (PCI) Loans
In connection with the acquisition of Sterling Bancshares, Inc. (Sterling) on July 28, 2011, the Corporation acquired loans both with and without evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination. The acquired loans were initially recorded at fair value with no carryover of any allowance for loan losses.
Loans acquired with evidence of credit quality deterioration at acquisition for which it was probable that the Corporation would not be able to collect all contractual amounts due were accounted for as PCI. The Corporation aggregated the acquired PCI loans into pools of loans based on common risk characteristics.
The carrying amount of acquired PCI loans included in the consolidated balance sheet and the related outstanding balance at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows. The outstanding balance represents the total amount owed as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, including accrued but unpaid interest and any amounts previously charged off. No allowance for loan losses was required on the acquired PCI loan pools at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
(in millions)
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Acquired PCI loans:
 
 
 
Carrying amount
$
50

 
$
87

Outstanding balance
165

 
234

Changes in the accretable yield for acquired PCI loans for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were as follows.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Balance at beginning of period
$
16

 
$

 
$
25

 
$

Additions

 
24

 

 
24

Disposals of loans

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Accretion
(3
)
 
(1
)
 
(12
)
 
(1
)
Balance at end of period
$
13

 
$
22

 
$
13

 
$
22

NOTE 5 - DERIVATIVE AND CREDIT-RELATED FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
In the normal course of business, the Corporation enters into various transactions involving derivative and credit-related financial instruments to manage exposure to fluctuations in interest rate, foreign currency and other market risks and to meet the financing needs of customers (customer-initiated derivatives). These financial instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market and credit risk. Derivatives are carried at fair value in the consolidated financial statements. Market and credit risk are included in the determination of fair value.
Market risk is the potential loss that may result from movements in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or energy commodity prices that cause an unfavorable change in the value of a financial instrument. The Corporation manages this risk by establishing monetary exposure limits and monitoring compliance with those limits. Market risk inherent in interest rate and energy contracts entered into on behalf of customers is mitigated by taking offsetting positions, except in those circumstances when the amount, tenor and/or contract rate level results in negligible economic risk, whereby the cost of purchasing an offsetting contract is not economically justifiable. The Corporation mitigates most of the inherent market risk in foreign exchange contracts entered into on behalf of customers by taking offsetting positions and manages the remainder through individual foreign currency position limits and aggregate value-at-risk limits. These limits are established annually and reviewed quarterly. Market risk inherent in derivative instruments held or issued for risk management purposes is typically offset by changes in the fair value of the assets or liabilities being hedged.
Credit risk is the possible loss that may occur in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty to a financial instrument. The Corporation attempts to minimize credit risk arising from customer-initiated derivatives by evaluating the creditworthiness of each customer, adhering to the same credit approval process used for traditional lending activities and obtaining collateral as deemed necessary. For derivatives with dealer counterparties, the Corporation utilizes counterparty risk limits and monitoring procedures as well as master netting arrangements and bilateral collateral agreements to facilitate the management of credit risk. Master netting arrangements effectively reduce credit risk by permitting settlement, on a net basis, of contracts entered into with the same counterparty. Bilateral collateral agreements require daily exchange of cash or highly rated securities issued by the U.S. Treasury or other U.S. government entities to collateralize amounts due to either party beyond certain risk limits. At September 30,

27

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

2012, counterparties with bilateral collateral agreements had pledged $206 million of marketable investment securities and deposited $13 million of cash with the Corporation to secure the fair value of contracts in an unrealized gain position. At September 30, 2012, the Corporation had pledged $78 million of investment securities as collateral for contracts in an unrealized loss position. For those counterparties not covered under bilateral collateral agreements, collateral is obtained, if deemed necessary, based on the results of management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral varies, but may include cash, investment securities, accounts receivable, equipment or real estate. Included in the fair value of derivative instruments are credit valuation adjustments reflecting counterparty credit risk. These adjustments are determined by applying a credit spread for the counterparty or the Corporation, as appropriate, to the total expected exposure of the derivative.
The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a liability position on September 30, 2012 was $77 million, for which the Corporation had pledged collateral of $62 million in the normal course of business. The credit-risk-related contingent features require the Corporation’s debt to maintain an investment grade credit rating from each of the major credit rating agencies. If the Corporation’s debt were to fall below investment grade, the counterparties to the derivative instruments could require additional overnight collateral on derivative instruments in net liability positions. If the credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements had been triggered on September 30, 2012, the Corporation would have been required to assign an additional $15 million of collateral to its counterparties.
Derivative Instruments
Derivative instruments utilized by the Corporation are negotiated over-the-counter and primarily include swaps, caps and floors, forward contracts and options, each of which may relate to interest rates, energy commodity prices or foreign currency exchange rates. Swaps are agreements in which two parties periodically exchange cash payments based on specified indices applied to a specified notional amount until a stated maturity. Caps and floors are agreements which entitle the buyer to receive cash payments based on the difference between a specified reference rate or price and an agreed strike rate or price, applied to a specified notional amount until a stated maturity. Forward contracts are over-the-counter agreements to buy or sell an asset at a specified future date and price. Options are similar to forward contracts except the purchaser has the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell the asset during a specified period or at a specified future date.
Over-the-counter contracts are tailored to meet the needs of the counterparties involved and, therefore, contain a greater degree of credit risk and liquidity risk than exchange-traded contracts, which have standardized terms and readily available price information. The Corporation reduces exposure to market and liquidity risks from over-the-counter derivative instruments entered into for risk management purposes, and transactions entered into to mitigate the market risk associated with customer-initiated transactions, by conducting hedging transactions with investment grade domestic and foreign financial institutions and subjecting counterparties to credit approvals, limits and collateral monitoring procedures similar to those used in making other extensions of credit.

28

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

The following table presents the composition of the Corporation’s derivative instruments held or issued for risk management purposes or in connection with customer-initiated and other activities at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The table excludes commitments, warrants accounted for as derivatives and a derivative related to the Corporation’s 2008 sale of its remaining ownership of Visa shares.
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
Fair Value (a)
 
 
 
Fair Value (a)
(in millions)
Notional/
Contract
Amount (b)
 
Asset
Derivatives
 
Liability
Derivatives
 
Notional/
Contract
Amount (b)
 
Asset
Derivatives
 
Liability
Derivatives
Risk management purposes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Swaps - fair value - receive fixed/pay floating
$
1,450

 
$
311

 
$

 
$
1,450

 
$
317

 
$

Derivatives used as economic hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spot, forwards and swaps
554

 
2

 
1

 
229

 
1

 
1

Total risk management purposes
$
2,004

 
$
313

 
$
1

 
$
1,679

 
$
318

 
$
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer-initiated and other activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Caps and floors written
$
484

 
$

 
$
3

 
$
421

 
$

 
$
3

Caps and floors purchased
484

 
3

 

 
421

 
3

 

Swaps
10,528

 
283

 
244

 
9,699

 
282

 
250

Total interest rate contracts
11,496

 
286

 
247

 
10,541

 
285

 
253

Energy contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Caps and floors written
1,894

 

 
129

 
1,141

 

 
86

Caps and floors purchased
1,894

 
129

 

 
1,141

 
86

 

Swaps
1,522

 
59

 
58

 
379

 
29

 
29

Total energy contracts
5,310

 
188

 
187

 
2,661

 
115

 
115

Foreign exchange contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spot, forwards, options and swaps
2,334

 
24

 
21

 
2,842

 
39

 
34

Total customer-initiated and other activities
$
19,140

 
$
498

 
$
455

 
$
16,044

 
$
439

 
$
402

Total derivatives
$
21,144

 
$
811

 
$
456

 
$
17,723

 
$
757

 
$
403

(a)
Asset derivatives are included in “accrued income and other assets” and liability derivatives are included in “accrued expenses and other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets. Included in the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities are credit valuation adjustments reflecting counterparty credit risk and credit risk of the Corporation. The fair value of derivative assets included credit valuation adjustments for counterparty credit risk totaling $5 million and $4 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
(b)
Notional or contract amounts, which represent the extent of involvement in the derivatives market, are used to determine the contractual cash flows required in accordance with the terms of the agreement. These amounts are typically not exchanged, significantly exceed amounts subject to credit or market risk and are not reflected in the consolidated balance sheets.
Risk Management
As an end-user, the Corporation employs a variety of financial instruments for risk management purposes, including cash instruments, such as investment securities, as well as derivative instruments. Activity related to these instruments is centered predominantly in the interest rate markets and mainly involves interest rate swaps. Various other types of instruments also may be used to manage exposures to market risks, including interest rate caps and floors, total return swaps, foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign exchange swap agreements.
As part of a fair value hedging strategy, the Corporation entered into interest rate swap agreements for interest rate risk management purposes. These interest rate swap agreements effectively modify the Corporation’s exposure to interest rate risk by converting fixed-rate debt to a floating rate. These agreements involve the receipt of fixed-rate interest amounts in exchange for floating-rate interest payments over the life of the agreement, without an exchange of the underlying principal amount.
Risk management fair value interest rate swaps generated net interest income of $17 million and $51 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to net interest income of $18 million and $54

29

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011, respectively.
The amount recognized in "other noninterest income" in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the ineffective portion of risk management derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges of fixed-rate debt was a loss of $1 million for both the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012, compared to an insignificant amount and a gain of $1 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011, respectively.
As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 the Corporation had no interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges of loans. In the first quarter 2011, the remaining interest rate swap agreements outstanding matured. The net gains (losses) recognized in income and OCI on risk management derivatives designated as cash flow hedges of loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 are displayed in the table below.
(in millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
Interest rate swaps
 
(Loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion)
$
(2
)
Gain recognized in other noninterest income (ineffective portion)
1

Gain reclassified from accumulated OCI into interest and fees on loans (effective portion)
1

Foreign exchange rate risk arises from changes in the value of certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. The Corporation employs spot and forward contracts in addition to swap contracts to manage exposure to these and other risks.
The Corporation recognized an insignificant amount of net gains (losses) on risk management derivative instruments used as economic hedges in "other noninterest income" in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. 
 The following table summarizes the expected weighted average remaining maturity of the notional amount of risk management interest rate swaps and the weighted average interest rates associated with amounts expected to be received or paid on interest rate swap agreements as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
 
 
 
Weighted Average
(dollar amounts in millions)
Notional
Amount
 
Remaining
Maturity
(in years)
 
Receive Rate
 
Pay Rate (a)
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Swaps - fair value - receive fixed/pay floating rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Medium- and long-term debt designation
$
1,450

 
4.7

 
5.45
%
 
0.73
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Swaps - fair value - receive fixed/pay floating rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Medium- and long-term debt designation
$
1,450

 
5.4

 
5.45
%
 
0.60
%
(a)
Variable rates paid on receive fixed swaps are based on six-month LIBOR rates in effect at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
Management believes these hedging strategies achieve the desired relationship between the rate maturities of assets and funding sources which, in turn, reduce the overall exposure of net interest income to interest rate risk, although there can be no assurance that such strategies will be successful.
Customer-Initiated and Other
The Corporation enters into derivative transactions at the request of customers and generally takes offsetting positions with dealer counterparties to mitigate the inherent market risk. Income primarily results from the spread between the customer derivative and the offsetting dealer position.

30

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

For customer-initiated foreign exchange contracts where offsetting positions have not been taken, the Corporation manages the remaining inherent market risk through individual foreign currency position limits and aggregate value-at-risk limits. These limits are established annually and reviewed quarterly. For those customer-initiated derivative contracts which were not offset or where the Corporation holds a speculative position within the limits described above, the Corporation recognized an insignificant amount of net gains in “other noninterest income” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income in both the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and $1 million of net gains in both the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011.
Fair values of customer-initiated and other derivative instruments represent the net unrealized gains or losses on such contracts and are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in fair value are recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The net gains recognized in income on customer-initiated derivative instruments, net of the impact of offsetting positions, were as follows.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)
 
Location of Gain
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Interest rate contracts
 
Other noninterest income
$
5

 
$
3

 
$
14

 
$
11

Energy contracts
 
Other noninterest income
1

 

 
3

 
1

Foreign exchange contracts
 
Foreign exchange income
8

 
11

 
26

 
28

Total
 
 
$
14

 
$
14

 
$
43

 
$
40

Additional information regarding the nature, terms and associated risks of derivative instruments can be found in the Corporation's 2011 Annual Report on pages F-38 and F-39 and in Notes 1 and 9 to the consolidated financial statements.
Credit-Related Financial Instruments
The Corporation issues off-balance sheet financial instruments in connection with commercial and consumer lending activities. The Corporation’s credit risk associated with these instruments is represented by the contractual amounts indicated in the following table.
(in millions)
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Unused commitments to extend credit:
 
 
 
Commercial and other
$
25,553

 
$
24,819

Bankcard, revolving check credit and home equity loan commitments
1,660

 
1,612

Total unused commitments to extend credit
$
27,213

 
$
26,431

 
 
 
 
Standby letters of credit
$
5,205

 
$
5,325

Commercial letters of credit
96

 
132

Other credit-related financial instruments

 
6

The Corporation maintains an allowance to cover probable credit losses inherent in lending-related commitments, including unused commitments to extend credit, letters of credit and financial guarantees. At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the allowance for credit losses on lending-related commitments, included in “accrued expenses and other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets, was $35 million and $26 million, respectively. The Corporation recorded a purchase discount for lending-related commitments acquired from Sterling on July 28, 2011. An allowance for credit losses will be recorded on Sterling lending-related commitments only to the extent that the required allowance exceeds the remaining purchase discount. At September 30, 2012, no allowance was recorded for Sterling lending-related commitments and $2 million of purchase discount remained, compared to no allowance and $3 million of purchase discount at December 31, 2011.
Unused Commitments to Extend Credit
Commitments to extend credit are legally binding agreements to lend to a customer, provided there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. These commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many commitments expire without being drawn upon, the total contractual amount of commitments does not necessarily represent future cash requirements of the Corporation. Commercial and other unused commitments are primarily variable rate commitments. The allowance for credit losses on lending-related commitments included $20 million and $9 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, for probable credit losses inherent in the Corporation’s unused commitments to extend credit.

31

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Standby and Commercial Letters of Credit
Standby letters of credit represent conditional obligations of the Corporation which guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Standby letters of credit are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing and similar transactions. Commercial letters of credit are issued to finance foreign or domestic trade transactions. These contracts expire in decreasing amounts through the year 2022. The Corporation may enter into participation arrangements with third parties that effectively reduce the maximum amount of future payments which may be required under standby and commercial letters of credit. These risk participations covered $321 million and $271 million, respectively, of the $5.3 billion and $5.5 billion standby and commercial letters of credit outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
The carrying value of the Corporation’s standby and commercial letters of credit, included in “accrued expenses and other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets, totaled $94 million at September 30, 2012, including $79 million in deferred fees and $15 million in the allowance for credit losses on lending-related commitments. At December 31, 2011, the comparable amounts were $89 million, $72 million and $17 million, respectively.
The following table presents a summary of internally classified watch list standby and commercial letters of credit at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The Corporation's internal watch list is generally consistent with the Special mention, Substandard and Doubtful categories defined by regulatory authorities. The Corporation manages credit risk through underwriting, periodically reviewing and approving its credit exposures using Board committee approved credit policies and guidelines.
(dollar amounts in millions)
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Total watch list standby and commercial letters of credit
$
162

 
$
195

As a percentage of total outstanding standby and commercial letters of credit
3.1
%
 
3.6
%
Other Credit-Related Financial Instruments
The Corporation enters into credit risk participation agreements, under which the Corporation assumes credit exposure associated with a borrower’s performance related to certain interest rate derivative contracts. The Corporation is not a party to the interest rate derivative contracts and only enters into these credit risk participation agreements in instances in which the Corporation is also a party to the related loan participation agreement for such borrowers. The Corporation manages its credit risk on the credit risk participation agreements by monitoring the creditworthiness of the borrowers, which is based on the normal credit review process had it entered into the derivative instruments directly with the borrower. The notional amount of such credit risk participation agreement reflects the pro-rata share of the derivative instrument, consistent with its share of the related participated loan. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the total notional amount of the credit risk participation agreements was approximately $471 million and $394 million, respectively, and the fair value, included in customer-initiated interest rate contracts recorded in "accrued expenses and other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets, was insignificant for each period. The maximum estimated exposure to these agreements, as measured by projecting a maximum value of the guaranteed derivative instruments, assuming 100 percent default by all obligors on the maximum values, was approximately $13 million and $12 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. In the event of default, the lead bank has the ability to liquidate the assets of the borrower, in which case the lead bank would be required to return a percentage of the recouped assets to the participating banks. As of September 30, 2012, the weighted average remaining maturity of outstanding credit risk participation agreements was 2.3 years.
In 2008, the Corporation sold its remaining ownership of Visa Class B shares and entered into a derivative contract. Under the terms of the derivative contract, the Corporation will compensate the counterparty primarily for dilutive adjustments made to the conversion factor of the Visa Class B shares to Class A shares based on the ultimate outcome of litigation involving Visa. Conversely, the Corporation will be compensated by the counterparty for any increase in the conversion factor from anti-dilutive adjustments. The notional amount of the derivative contract was equivalent to approximately 780,000 Visa Class B shares. The fair value of the derivative liability, included in "accrued expenses and other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets, was insignificant at September 30, 2012 and $6 million at December 31, 2011, respectively.
NOTE 6 - VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (VIEs)
The Corporation evaluates its interest in certain entities to determine if these entities meet the definition of a VIE and whether the Corporation is the primary beneficiary and should consolidate the entity based on the variable interests it held both at inception and when there is a change in circumstances that requires a reconsideration. The following provides a summary of the VIEs in which the Corporation has an interest.

32

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

The Corporation has a limited partnership interest in 160 low income housing tax credit/historic rehabilitation tax credit partnerships. These entities meet the definition of a VIE; however, the Corporation is not the primary beneficiary of the entities, as the general partner has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entities and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to the entities. While the partnership agreements allow the limited partners, through a majority vote, to remove the general partner, this right is not deemed to be substantive as the general partner can only be removed for cause.
The Corporation accounts for its interest in these partnerships on either the cost or equity method. Exposure to loss as a result of the Corporation’s involvement with these entities at September 30, 2012 was limited to approximately $351 million, which reflected the book basis of the Corporation's investment and unfunded commitments for future investments.
As a limited partner, the Corporation obtains income tax credits and deductions from the operating losses of these low income housing tax credit/historic rehabilitation tax credit partnerships, which are recorded as a reduction of income tax expense (or an increase to income tax benefit) and a reduction of federal income taxes payable. These income tax credits and deductions are allocated to the funds’ investors based on their ownership percentages. Investment balances, including all legally binding commitments to fund future investments, are included in “accrued income and other assets” on the consolidated balance sheets, with amortization and other write-downs of investments recorded in “other noninterest income” on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. In addition, a liability is recognized in “accrued expenses and other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets for all legally binding unfunded commitments to fund low income housing partnerships ($104 million at September 30, 2012).
The Corporation provided no financial or other support that was not contractually required to any of the above VIEs during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.
The following table summarizes the impact of these VIEs on line items on the Corporation’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Other noninterest income
$
(15
)
 
$
(13
)
 
$
(43
)
 
$
(39
)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (a)
(14
)
 
(12
)
 
(41
)
 
(38
)
(a)
Income tax credits from low income housing tax credit/historic rehabilitation tax credit partnerships.
For further information on the Corporation’s consolidation policy, see Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in the Corporation's 2011 Annual Report.


33

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

NOTE 7 - MEDIUM- AND LONG-TERM DEBT
Medium- and long-term debt is summarized as follows:
(in millions)
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Parent company
 
 
 
Subordinated notes:
 
 
 
4.80% subordinated notes due 2015
$
333

 
$
338

Floating-rate subordinated notes related to trust preferred securities due 2012

 
30

Total subordinated notes
333

 
368

Medium-term notes:
 
 
 
3.00% notes due 2015
299

 
298

Total parent company
632

 
666

Subsidiaries
 
 
 
Subordinated notes:
 
 
 
7.375% subordinated notes due 2013
51

 
53

5.70% subordinated notes due 2014
269

 
276

5.75% subordinated notes due 2016
698

 
699

5.20% subordinated notes due 2017
598

 
595

Floating-rate based on LIBOR index subordinated notes due 2018
26

 
26

8.375% subordinated notes due 2024
187

 
189

7.875% subordinated notes due 2026
246

 
243

Total subordinated notes
2,075

 
2,081

Medium-term notes:
 
 
 
Floating-rate based on LIBOR indices due 2012

 
158

Federal Home Loan Bank advances:
 
 
 
Floating-rate based on LIBOR indices due 2013 to 2014
2,000

 
2,000

Other notes:
 
 
 
6.0% - 6.4% fixed-rate notes due 2020
33

 
39

Total subsidiaries
4,108

 
4,278

Total medium- and long-term debt
$
4,740

 
$
4,944

The carrying value of medium- and long-term debt has been adjusted to reflect the gain or loss attributable to the risk hedged with interest rate swaps.
Subordinated notes with remaining maturities greater than one year qualify as Tier 2 capital.
On January 7, 2012, the Corporation fully redeemed $4 million of floating-rate subordinated notes, and the related trust preferred securities, with an original maturity date of July 7, 2033. Further, on June 15, 2012, the Corporation fully redeemed the remaining $26 million of floating-rate subordinated notes, and the related trust preferred securities, with an original maturity of June 15, 2037.
Comerica Bank (the Bank), a subsidiary of the Corporation, is a member of the FHLB, which provides short- and long-term funding collateralized by mortgage-related assets to its members. FHLB advances bear interest at variable rates based on LIBOR and were secured by a blanket lien on $14 billion of real estate-related loans at September 30, 2012.


34

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

NOTE 8 - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The following table presents reconciliations of the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)
2012
 
2011
Accumulated net unrealized gains on investment securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period, net of tax
$
129

 
$
14

Net unrealized holding gains arising during the period
123

 
228

Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income
12

 
18

Change in net unrealized gains before income taxes
111

 
210

Less: Provision for income taxes
40

 
77

Change in net unrealized gains on investment securities available-for-sale, net of tax
71

 
133

Balance at end of period, net of tax
$
200

 
$
147

Accumulated net gains on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period, net of tax
$

 
$
2

Net cash flow hedge losses arising during the period

 
(2
)
Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income

 
1

Change in net cash flow hedge gains (losses) before income taxes

 
(3
)
Less: Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 
(1
)
Change in net cash flow hedge gains, net of tax

 
(2
)
Balance at end of period, net of tax
$

 
$

Accumulated defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans adjustment:
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period, net of tax
$
(485
)
 
$
(405
)
Net defined benefit pension and other postretirement adjustment arising during the period

 
7

Less: Adjustment for amounts recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost during the period
(51
)
 
(37
)
Change in defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans adjustment before income taxes
51

 
44

Less: Provision for income taxes
19

 
16

Change in defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans adjustment, net of tax
32

 
28

Balance at end of period, net of tax
$
(453
)
 
$
(377
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period, net of tax
$
(253
)
 
$
(230
)


35

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

NOTE 9 - NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Basic and diluted net income per common share is presented in the following table.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except per share data)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Basic and diluted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
117

 
$
98

 
$
391

 
$
297

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income allocated to participating securities
1

 
1

 
4

 
3

Net income attributable to common shares
$
116

 
$
97

 
$
387

 
$
294

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic average common shares
190

 
192

 
193

 
181

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income per common share
$
0.61

 
$
0.51

 
$
2.00

 
$
1.63

Basic average common shares
190

 
192

 
193

 
181

Dilutive common stock equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net effect of the assumed exercise of warrants
1

 

 
1

 
2

Diluted average common shares
191

 
192

 
194

 
183

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted net income per common share
$
0.61

 
$
0.51

 
$
2.00

 
$
1.61

The following average shares related to outstanding options and warrants to purchase shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share because the prices of the options and warrants were greater than the average market price of common shares for the period.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(shares in millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Average outstanding options
15.2
 
29.9
 
16.2
 
20.8
Range of exercise prices
$31.51 - $61.94
 
$27.66 - $64.50
 
$30.77 - $64.50
 
$27.66 - $64.50
Average outstanding warrants
 
 
 
 
0.2
 
 
Exercise price
 
 
 
 
$30.36
 
 
NOTE 10 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Net periodic benefit costs are charged to "employee benefits expense" on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Corporation's qualified pension plan, non-qualified pension plan and postretirement benefit plan are as follows.
Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Service cost
$
9

 
$
8

 
$
25

 
$
24

Interest cost
19

 
19

 
59

 
57

Expected return on plan assets
(29
)
 
(29
)
 
(85
)
 
(87
)
Amortization of prior service cost
1

 
1

 
3

 
3

Amortization of net loss
14

 
9

 
40

 
27

Net periodic defined benefit cost
$
14

 
$
8

 
$
42

 
$
24

Non-Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Service cost
$
1

 
$
1

 
$
3

 
$
3

Interest cost
2

 
2

 
7

 
7

Amortization of prior service cost

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
Amortization of net loss
1

 
2

 
5

 
4

Net periodic defined benefit cost
$
4

 
$
4

 
$
14

 
$
12

(Table continues on following page).

36

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Postretirement Benefit Plan
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Interest cost
$
1

 
$
1

 
$
3

 
$
3

Expected return on plan assets
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
Amortization of transition obligation
1

 
1

 
3

 
3

Amortization of prior service cost

 
1

 

 
1

Amortization of net loss

 

 
1

 
1

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost
$
1

 
$
2

 
$
4

 
$
5

For further information on the Corporation's employee benefit plans, refer to Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements in the Corporation's 2011 Annual Report.
NOTE 11 - INCOME TAXES AND TAX-RELATED ITEMS
At September 30, 2012, net unrecognized tax benefits were $27 million, compared to $29 million at September 30, 2011. In the second quarter 2012, the Corporation reached a final closing agreement with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding the repatriation of foreign earnings on a structured investment transaction. The matter was settled in the third quarter 2012. The decrease in unrecognized tax benefits of $2 million from September 30, 2011 to September 30, 2012 was primarily the result of the matter noted above and the recognition of other federal and state settlements. The Corporation anticipates that it is reasonably possible that final settlement of other federal and state tax issues will result in a decrease of net unrecognized tax benefits of $18 million within the next twelve months. At September 30, 2012, the Corporation had no investment structures with uncertain tax positions. Tax-related interest and penalties, included in "accrued expense and other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets, was insignificant at both September 30, 2012 and 2011.
In the ordinary course of business, the Corporation enters into certain transactions that have tax consequences. From time to time, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may review and/or challenge specific interpretive tax positions taken by the Corporation with respect to those transactions. The Corporation believes that its tax returns were filed based upon applicable statutes, regulations and case law in effect at the time of the transactions. The IRS, an administrative authority or a court, if presented with the transactions, could disagree with the Corporation’s interpretation of the tax law.
Based on current knowledge and probability assessment of various potential outcomes, the Corporation believes that current tax reserves are adequate, and the amount of any potential incremental liability arising is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations. Probabilities and outcomes are reviewed as events unfold, and adjustments to the reserves are made when necessary.
NOTE 12 - CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
Legal Proceedings
The Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries are subject to various pending or threatened legal proceedings arising out of the normal course of business or operations. The Corporation believes it has meritorious defenses to the claims asserted against it in its currently outstanding legal proceedings and, with respect to such legal proceedings, intends to continue to defend itself vigorously, litigating or settling cases according to management’s judgment as to what is in the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders. Settlement may result from the Corporation's determination that it may be more prudent financially to settle, rather than litigate, and should not be regarded as an admission of liability. On at least a quarterly basis, the Corporation assesses its liabilities and contingencies in connection with outstanding legal proceedings utilizing the latest information available. On a case-by-case basis, reserves are established for those legal claims for which it is probable that a loss will be incurred either as a result of a settlement or judgment, and the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated. The actual costs of resolving these claims may be substantially higher or lower than the amounts reserved. Litigation-related expense of $23 million and $9 million and legal fees of $26 million and $29 million were included in “other noninterest expenses” on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Based on current knowledge, and after consultation with legal counsel, management believes that current reserves are adequate, and the amount of any incremental liability arising from these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial condition, consolidated results of operations or consolidated cash flows. However, in the event of significant unexpected future developments on existing cases, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these matters, if unfavorable, may be material to the Corporation's consolidated financial condition, consolidated results of operations or consolidated cash flows.
For other matters, where a loss is not probable, the Corporation has not established legal reserves. In determining whether it is possible to provide an estimate of loss or range of possible loss, the Corporation reviews and evaluates its material litigation

37

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

on an ongoing basis, in conjunction with legal counsel, in light of potentially relevant factual and legal developments. Based on current knowledge, expectation of future earnings, and after consultation with legal counsel, management believes the maximum amount of reasonably possible losses would not have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's consolidated financial condition, consolidated results of operations or consolidated cash flows. However, in the event of unexpected future developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these matters, if unfavorable, may be material to the Corporation's consolidated financial condition, consolidated results of operations or consolidated cash flows.
 The damages alleged by plaintiffs or claimants may be overstated, unsubstantiated by legal theory, unsupported by the facts, and/or bear no relation to the ultimate award that a court, jury or agency might impose. In view of the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of such matters, the Corporation cannot state with confidence a range of reasonably possible losses, nor what the eventual outcome of these matters will be. However, based on current knowledge and after consultation with legal counsel, management believes the maximum amount of reasonably possible losses would not have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial condition, consolidated results of operations or consolidated cash flows.
For information regarding income tax contingencies, refer to Note 11.
NOTE 13 - BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Corporation has strategically aligned its operations into three major business segments: the Business Bank, the Retail Bank and Wealth Management. These business segments are differentiated based on the type of customer and the related products and services provided. In addition to the three major business segments, the Finance Division is also reported as a segment. Business segment results are produced by the Corporation’s internal management accounting system. This system measures financial results based on the internal business unit structure of the Corporation. The performance of the business segments is not comparable with the Corporation's consolidated results and is not necessarily comparable with similar information for any other financial institution. Additionally, because of the interrelationships of the various segments, the information presented is not indicative of how the segments would perform if they operated as independent entities. The management accounting system assigns balance sheet and income statement items to each business segment using certain methodologies, which are regularly reviewed and refined. For comparability purposes, amounts in all periods are based on business segments and methodologies in effect at September 30, 2012. These methodologies may be modified as the management accounting system is enhanced and changes occur in the organizational structure and/or product lines.
The following discussion provides information about the activities of each business segment.
The Business Bank meets the needs of middle market businesses, multinational corporations and governmental entities by offering various products and services, including commercial loans and lines of credit, deposits, cash management, capital market products, international trade finance, letters of credit, foreign exchange management services and loan syndication services.
The Retail Bank includes small business banking and personal financial services, consisting of consumer lending, consumer deposit gathering and mortgage loan origination. In addition to a full range of financial services provided to small business customers, this business segment offers a variety of consumer products, including deposit accounts, installment loans, credit cards, student loans, home equity lines of credit and residential mortgage loans.
Wealth Management offers products and services consisting of fiduciary services, private banking, retirement services, investment management and advisory services, investment banking and brokerage services. This business segment also offers the sale of annuity products, as well as life, disability and long-term care insurance products.
The Finance segment includes the Corporation’s securities portfolio and asset and liability management activities. This segment is responsible for managing the Corporation’s funding, liquidity and capital needs, performing interest sensitivity analysis and executing various strategies to manage the Corporation’s exposure to liquidity, interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk.
The Other category includes discontinued operations, the income and expense impact of equity and cash, tax benefits not assigned to specific business segments, charges of an unusual or infrequent nature that are not reflective of the normal operations of the business segments and miscellaneous other expenses of a corporate nature.
For further information on the methodologies which form the basis for these results refer to Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements in the Corporation's 2011 Annual Report.
Business segment financial results are as follows:

38

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

(dollar amounts in millions)
 
Business
Bank
 
Retail
Bank
 
Wealth Management
 
Finance
 
Other
 
Total
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Earnings summary:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income (expense) (FTE)
 
$
1,150

 
$
488

 
$
140

 
$
(499
)
 
$
27

 
$
1,306

Provision for credit losses
 
29

 
14

 
19

 

 
1

 
63

Noninterest income
 
240

 
131

 
193

 
44

 
6

 
614

Noninterest expenses
 
454

 
542

 
236

 
8

 
90

 
1,330

Provision (benefit) for income taxes (FTE)
 
279

 
21

 
28

 
(172
)
 
(20
)
 
136

Net income (loss)
 
$
628

 
$
42

 
$
50

 
$
(291
)
 
$
(38
)
 
$
391

Net credit-related charge-offs
 
$
81

 
$
34

 
$
18

 
$

 
$

 
$
133

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected average balances:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
$
34,144

 
$
6,028

 
$
4,602

 
$
12,071

 
$
5,439

 
$
62,284

Loans
 
33,183

 
5,326

 
4,525

 

 

 
43,034

Deposits
 
24,431

 
20,527

 
3,640

 
177

 
178

 
48,953

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statistical data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average assets (a)
 
2.45
%
 
0.27
%
 
1.44
%
 
N/M

 
N/M

 
0.84
%
Efficiency ratio
 
32.64

 
87.46

 
73.40

 
N/M

 
N/M

 
69.62

(dollar amounts in millions)
 
Business
Bank
 
Retail
Bank
 
Wealth Management
 
Finance
 
Other
 
Total
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Earnings summary:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income (expense) (FTE)
 
$
1,046

 
$
454

 
$
137

 
$
(452
)
 
$
27

 
$
1,212

Provision for credit losses
 
36

 
63

 
29

 

 
(2
)
 
126

Noninterest income
 
232

 
135

 
184

 
57

 
2

 
610

Noninterest expenses
 
487

 
500

 
232

 
8

 
65

 
1,292

Provision (benefit) for income taxes (FTE)
 
233

 
12

 
23

 
(150
)
 
(11
)
 
107

Net income (loss)
 
$
522

 
$
14

 
$
37

 
$
(253
)
 
$
(23
)
 
$
297

Net credit-related charge-offs
 
$
166

 
$
74

 
$
28

 
$

 
$

 
$
268

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected average balances:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
$
30,199

 
$
5,668

 
$
4,737

 
$
9,676

 
$
5,246

 
$
55,526

Loans
 
29,673

 
5,198

 
4,739

 

 

 
39,610

Deposits
 
20,753

 
18,305

 
2,993

 
241

 
116

 
42,408

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statistical data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average assets (a)
 
2.30
%
 
0.10
%
 
1.04
%
 
N/M

 
N/M

 
0.71
%
Efficiency ratio
 
38.08

 
84.67

 
74.54

 
N/M

 
N/M

 
71.59

(a)
Return on average assets is calculated based on the greater of average assets or average liabilities and attributed equity.
FTE - Fully Taxable Equivalent
N/M – not meaningful
The Corporation also produces market segment results for the Corporation’s four primary geographic markets: Midwest, Western, Texas, and Florida. In addition to the four primary geographic markets, Other Markets and International are also reported as market segments. Market segment results are provided as supplemental information to the business segment results and may not meet all operating segment criteria as set forth in ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting. For comparability purposes, amounts in all periods are based on business segments and methodologies in effect at September 30, 2012.
The Midwest market consists of operations located in the states of Michigan, Ohio and Illinois. Michigan operations represent the significant majority of this geographic market.
The Western market consists of the states of California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado and Washington. California operations represent the significant majority of the Western market.
The Texas and Florida markets consist of operations located in the states of Texas and Florida, respectively.
Other Markets include businesses with a national perspective, the Corporation’s investment management and trust alliance businesses as well as activities in all other markets in which the Corporation has operations, except for the International market, as described below.
The International market represents the activity of the Corporation’s International Finance division, which provides

39

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

banking services primarily to foreign-owned, North American-based companies and secondarily to international operations of North American-based companies.
The Finance & Other segment includes the Corporation’s securities portfolio, asset and liability management activities, discontinued operations, the income and expense impact of equity and cash not assigned to specific business/market segments, tax benefits not assigned to specific business/market segments and miscellaneous other expenses of a corporate nature. This segment includes responsibility for managing the Corporation’s funding, liquidity and capital needs, performing interest sensitivity analysis and executing various strategies to manage the Corporation’s exposure to liquidity, interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk.
Market segment financial results are as follows:
(dollar amounts in millions)
 
Midwest
 
Western
 
Texas
 
Florida
 
Other
Markets
 
International
 
Finance
& Other
 
Total
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Earnings summary:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income (expense) (FTE)
 
$
587

 
$
529

 
$
433

 
$
31

 
$
142

 
$
56

 
$
(472
)
 
$
1,306

Provision for credit losses
 
14

 
(6
)
 
31

 
21

 

 
2

 
1

 
63

Noninterest income
 
290

 
104

 
93

 
11

 
38

 
28

 
50

 
614

Noninterest expenses
 
534

 
315

 
271

 
31

 
56

 
25

 
98

 
1,330

Provision (benefit) for income taxes (FTE)
 
115

 
120

 
79

 
(4
)
 
(2
)
 
20

 
(192
)
 
136

Net income (loss)
 
$
214

 
$
204

 
$
145

 
$
(6
)
 
$
126

 
$
37

 
$
(329
)
 
$
391

Net credit-related charge-offs
 
$
40

 
$
34

 
$
17

 
$
22

 
$
19

 
$
1

 
$

 
$
133

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected average balances:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
$
13,969

 
$
13,080

 
$
10,227

 
$
1,377

 
$
4,276

 
$
1,845

 
$
17,510

 
$
62,284

Loans
 
13,686

 
12,823

 
9,463

 
1,391

 
3,935

 
1,736

 

 
43,034

Deposits
 
19,424

 
14,490

 
10,117

 
461

 
2,727

 
1,379

 
355

 
48,953

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statistical data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average assets (a)
 
1.39
%
 
1.76
%
 
1.70
%
 
(0.62
)%
 
3.93
%
 
2.64
%
 
N/M

 
0.84
%
Efficiency ratio
 
60.78

 
49.82

 
51.38

 
74.35

 
33.29

 
30.28

 
N/M

 
69.62

(dollar amounts in millions)
 
Midwest
 
Western
 
Texas
 
Florida
 
Other
Markets
 
International
 
Finance
& Other
 
Total
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
Earnings summary:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income (expense) (FTE)
 
$
607

 
$
495

 
$
319

 
$
34

 
$
123

 
$
59

 
$
(425
)
 
$
1,212

Provision for credit losses
 
66

 
41

 
(6
)
 
21

 
9

 
(3
)
 
(2
)
 
126

Noninterest income
 
296

 
106

 
77

 
11

 
34

 
27

 
59

 
610

Noninterest expenses
 
560

 
325

 
205

 
35

 
66

 
28

 
73

 
1,292

Provision (benefit) for income taxes (FTE)
 
103

 
85

 
71

 
(4
)
 
(9
)
 
22

 
(161
)
 
107

Net income (loss)
 
$
174

 
$
150

 
$
126

 
$
(7
)
 
$
91

 
$
39

 
$
(276
)
 
$
297

Net credit-related charge-offs
 
$
115

 
$
84

 
$
13

 
$
28

 
$
26

 
$
2

 
$

 
$
268

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected average balances:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
$
14,227

 
$
12,341

 
$
7,547

 
$
1,512

 
$
3,243

 
$
1,734

 
$
14,922

 
$
55,526

Loans
 
14,009

 
12,129

 
7,285

 
1,541

 
2,959

 
1,687

 

 
39,610

Deposits
 
18,353

 
12,559

 
6,953

 
389

 
2,381

 
1,416

 
357

 
42,408

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statistical data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average assets (a)
 
1.19
%
 
1.48
%
 
2.22
%
 
(0.66
)%
 
3.74
%
 
2.97
%
 
N/M

 
0.71
%
Efficiency ratio
 
61.86

 
53.92

 
51.77

 
77.57

 
44.95

 
33.14

 
N/M

 
71.59

(a)
Return on average assets is calculated based on the greater of average assets or average liabilities and attributed equity.
FTE—Fully Taxable Equivalent
N/M – not meaningful

40

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
Comerica Incorporated and Subsidiaries

NOTE 14 – MERGER AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
The Corporation committed to a restructuring plan in connection with the completion of the acquisition of Sterling on July 28, 2011. The restructuring plan, which is expected to be substantially completed by December 31, 2012, is intended to streamline operations across the combined organization. The restructuring plan is expected to result in cumulative costs of approximately $112 million ($71 million, after-tax) through the end of the plan, primarily encompassing facilities and contract termination charges, systems integration and related charges, severance and other employee-related charges, and transaction-related costs. The Corporation recognized acquisition-related expenses of $108 million ($68 million after-tax) from July 28, 2011 (the acquisition date) through September 30, 2012, recorded in “merger and restructuring charges” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Merger and restructuring charges include the incremental costs to integrate the operations of Sterling and do not reflect the costs of the fully integrated combined organization. Merger and restructuring charges comprised the following from the acquisition date to September 30, 2012 and for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.
 
 
 
Total Incurred
 
Total Expected
 
Inception to
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)
Per Plan
 
September 30, 2012
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Facilities and contract termination charges
$
48

 
$
46

 
$
25

 
$

 
$
30

 
$

Systems integration and related charges
30

 
28

 

 
10

 
2

 
14

Severance and other employee-related charges
26

 
26

 

 
17

 
1

 
17

Transaction costs
8

 
8

 

 
6

 

 
7

Total merger and restructuring charges
$
112

 
$
108

 
$
25

 
$
33

 
$
33

 
$
38

The following table presents the changes in restructuring reserves for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Balance at beginning of period
$
17

 
$

 
$
26

 
$

Merger and restructuring charges
25

 
33

 
39

 
38

Payments
(9
)
 
(24
)
 
(26
)
 
(29
)
Other adjustments (a)

 

 
(6
)
 

Balance at end of period
$
33

 
$
9

 
$
33

 
$
9

(a)
Other adjustments include revisions to the timing or amount of estimated net costs related to the exit of lease facilities included in facilities and contract termination charges.

41

Table of Contents

ITEM 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Statements
This report includes forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, the Corporation may make other written and oral communications from time to time that contain such statements. All statements regarding the Corporation's expected financial position, strategies and growth prospects and general economic conditions expected to exist in the future are forward-looking statements. The words, “anticipates,” “believes,” “contemplates,” “feels,” “expects,” “estimates,” “seeks,” “strives,” “plans,” “intends,” “outlook,” “forecast,” “position,” “target,” “mission,” “assume,” “achievable,” “potential,” “strategy,” “goal,” “aspiration,” “opportunity,” “initiative,” “outcome,” “continue,” “remain,” “maintain,” "on course," “trend,” “objective,” “looks forward” and variations of such words and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “can,” “may” or similar expressions, as they relate to the Corporation or its management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are predicated on the beliefs and assumptions of the Corporation's management based on information known to the Corporation's management as of the date of this report and do not purport to speak as of any other date. Forward-looking statements may include descriptions of plans and objectives of the Corporation's management for future or past operations, products or services, and forecasts of the Corporation's revenue, earnings or other measures of economic performance, including statements of profitability, business segments and subsidiaries, estimates of credit trends and global stability. Such statements reflect the view of the Corporation's management as of this date with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks materialize or should underlying beliefs or assumptions prove incorrect, Comerica's actual results could differ materially from those discussed. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences are changes in general economic, political or industry conditions; changes in monetary and fiscal policies, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board; volatility and disruptions in global capital and credit markets; changes in the Corporation's credit rating; the interdependence of financial service companies; changes in regulation or oversight; unfavorable developments concerning credit quality; the acquisition of Sterling Bancshares, Inc., or any future acquisitions; the effects of more stringent capital or liquidity requirements; declines or other changes in the businesses or industries of the Corporation's customers; the implementation of the Corporation's strategies and business models, including the implementation of revenue enhancements and efficiency improvements; the Corporation's ability to utilize technology to efficiently and effectively develop, market and deliver new products and services; operational difficulties, failure of technology infrastructure or information security incidents; changes in the financial markets, including fluctuations in interest rates and their impact on deposit pricing; competitive product and pricing pressures among financial institutions within the Corporation's markets; changes in customer behavior; management's ability to maintain and expand customer relationships; management's ability to retain key officers and employees; the impact of legal and regulatory proceedings; the effectiveness of methods of reducing risk exposures; the effects of terrorist activities and other hostilities; the effects of catastrophic events including, but not limited to, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, fires, droughts and floods; changes in accounting standards and the critical nature of the Corporation's accounting policies. The Corporation cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. For discussion of factors that may cause actual results to differ from expectations, please refer to our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In particular, please refer to “Item 1A. Risk Factors” beginning on page 12 of the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” beginning on page 73 of the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Corporation does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect facts, circumstances, assumptions or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. For any forward-looking statements made in this report or in any documents, the Corporation claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.


42

Table of Contents

Results of Operations
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $117 million, an increase of $19 million from $98 million reported for the three months ended September 30, 2011. The increase in net income in the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011, reflected a $4 million increase in net interest income and decreases of $13 million in the provision for credit losses and $14 million in noninterest expenses, partially offset by a $4 million decrease in noninterest income and an $8 million increase in the provision for income taxes. Net income per diluted common share was $0.61 for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $0.51 for the same period one year ago.
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $391 million, an increase of $94 million from $297 million reported for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The increase in net income in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011, reflected a $95 million increase in net interest income, a $63 million decrease in the provision for credit losses and a $4 million increase in noninterest income, partially offset by increases of $38 million in noninterest expenses and $30 million in the provision for income taxes. Net income per diluted common share was $2.00 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $1.61 for the same period one year ago.
The impact of operations of the former Sterling Bancshares, Inc. (Sterling) are reflected in all periods presented from the acquisition date of July 28, 2011 through September 30, 2012.
Full-Year 2012 Outlook Compared to Full-Year 2011
For full-year 2012, management expects the following, compared to full-year 2011, assuming a continuation of the current economic environment.
Average loans increasing 7 percent to 8 percent.
Net interest income increasing 4 percent to 5 percent.
Net credit-related charge-offs and provision for credit losses declining.
Noninterest income increasing 1 percent to 2 percent.
Noninterest expenses increasing or decreasing 1 percent.
Effective tax rate of approximately 26 percent.
Net Interest Income
Net interest income was $427 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, an increase of $4 million compared to $423 million for the same period in 2011. The increase in net interest income in the third quarter 2012, compared to the same period in 2011, resulted primarily from a $4.6 billion increase in average earning assets, partially offset by a 22 basis point decrease in the net interest margin. Average earning assets increased $4.6 billion, or 9 percent, to $57.8 billion for the third quarter 2012, compared to the third quarter 2011, in part due to the acquisition of Sterling on July 28, 2011 and primarily reflecting increases of $3.5 billion in average loans and $1.6 billion in average investment securities available-for-sale, partially offset by a decrease of $575 million in interest-bearing deposits with banks. The net interest margin (FTE) for the three months ended September 30, 2012 decreased 22 basis points to 2.96 percent, from 3.18 percent for the comparable period in 2011, primarily from decreased yields on loans and mortgage-backed investment securities and a decrease in accretion of the purchase discount on the Sterling acquired loan portfolio, partially offset by lower deposit costs. The lower loan yields reflected a shift in the average loan portfolio mix, largely due to an increase in lower-yielding average commercial loans, the maturity of higher-yielding fixed-rate loans and positive credit quality migration throughout the portfolio. Accretion of the purchase discount on the acquired Sterling loan portfolio increased the net interest margin by 10 basis points and 20 basis points in the third quarter 2012 and 2011, respectively. At September 30, 2012, $49 million of purchase discounts remained on acquired loans not deemed credit impaired at acquisition. The increase in net interest income in the third quarter 2012, compared to the same period in 2011, reflected the benefit from volume increases in average loans ($27 million) and investment securities ($10 million) and lower deposit rates ($7 million), partially offset by decreased yields on loans ($20 million) and mortgage-backed investment securities ($7 million) and a decrease in accretion of the purchase discount on the acquired Sterling loan portfolio ($12 million). The "Quarterly Analysis of Net Interest Income & Rate/Volume - Fully Taxable Equivalent" table of this financial review details the components of the change in net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent (FTE) basis for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in the prior year.
Net interest income was $1.3 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, an increase of $95 million compared to $1.2 billion for the same period in 2011. The increase in net interest income in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011, resulted primarily from a $6.0 billion increase in average earning assets, partially offset by an 11 basis point decrease in the net interest margin. Average earning assets increased $6.0 billion, or 12 percent, to $56.9 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to the acquisition of Sterling on July 28, 2011 and reflecting increases of $3.4 billion in average loans, $2.2 billion in average investment securities available-for-sale and $352 million in average interest-bearing deposits with banks. The net interest margin (FTE) for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased 11 basis points to 3.08 percent, from 3.19 percent for the comparable period in 2011, primarily from decreased yields on loans and mortgage-backed investment securities, partially offset by an increase in accretion

43

Table of Contents

of the purchase discount on the Sterling acquired loan portfolio and lower deposit costs. The decrease in loan yields was primarily due to the same reasons as noted above as well as the decrease in higher-yielding commercial real estate loans (real estate construction and commercial mortgage loans), partially offset by an increase in interest recognized on nonaccrual loans. The decreased yields on mortgage-backed investment securities reflected lower reinvestment yields. Accretion of the purchase discount on the acquired Sterling loan portfolio increased the net interest margin by 14 basis points and 7 basis points in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and excess liquidity reduced the net interest margin by approximately 20 basis points and 22 basis points in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Excess liquidity was represented by $3.8 billion and $3.5 billion of average balances deposited with the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) in the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, respectively, included in “interest-bearing deposits with banks” on the consolidated balance sheets. The increase in net interest income in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011, reflected the benefit from increases in average loans ($85 million) and investment securities ($43 million), an increase in accretion of the purchase discount on the acquired Sterling loan portfolio ($31 million) and lower deposit rates ($19 million), partially offset by decreased yields on loans ($47 million) and mortgage-backed investment securities ($34 million). The "Year-to-Date Analysis of Net Interest Income & Rate/Volume - Fully Taxable Equivalent" table of this financial review details the components of the change in net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent (FTE) basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in the prior year.
For further discussion of the effects of market rates on net interest income, refer to the "Market and Liquidity Risk" section of this financial review.

44

Table of Contents

Quarterly Analysis of Net Interest Income & Rate/Volume - Fully Taxable Equivalent (FTE)
 
Three Months Ended
 
September 30, 2012
 
September 30, 2011
(dollar amounts in millions)
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Average
Rate
Commercial loans
$
26,700

 
$
227

 
3.38
%
 
$
22,127

 
$
207

 
3.70
%
Real estate construction loans
1,389

 
15

 
4.36

 
1,699

 
23

 
5.28

Commercial mortgage loans
9,670

 
106

 
4.34

 
10,275

 
115

 
4.42

Lease financing
852

 
4

 
2.04

 
936

 
8

 
3.46

International loans
1,302

 
12

 
3.77

 
1,163

 
11

 
4.01

Residential mortgage loans
1,488

 
17

 
4.67

 
1,606

 
21

 
5.30

Consumer loans
2,196

 
19

 
3.44

 
2,292

 
20

 
3.56

Total loans (a)
43,597

 
400

 
3.66

 
40,098

 
405

 
4.01

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auction-rate securities available-for-sale
234

 
1

 
0.97

 
437

 
1

 
0.63

Other investment securities available-for-sale
9,557

 
57

 
2.42

 
7,721

 
54

 
2.87

Total investment securities available-for-sale
9,791

 
58

 
2.38

 
8,158

 
55

 
2.74

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposits with banks (b)
4,276

 
3

 
0.26

 
4,851

 
3

 
0.23

Other short-term investments
137

 

 
1.88

 
136

 
1

 
2.30

Total earning assets
57,801

 
461

 
3.19

 
53,243

 
464

 
3.47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
971

 
 
 
 
 
969

 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
(673
)
 
 
 
 
 
(814
)
 
 
 
 
Accrued income and other assets
5,177

 
 
 
 
 
4,840

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
63,276

 
 
 
 
 
$
58,238

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market and interest-bearing checking deposits
$
20,495

 
8

 
0.17

 
$
19,595

 
13

 
0.25

Savings deposits
1,618

 

 
0.04

 
1,659

 

 
0.14

Customer certificates of deposit
5,894

 
8

 
0.52

 
5,878

 
10

 
0.66

Foreign office and other time deposits
381

 
1

 
0.71

 
455

 
1

 
0.49

Total interest-bearing deposits
28,388

 
17

 
0.24

 
27,587

 
24

 
0.33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings
89

 

 
0.12

 
204

 

 
0.08

Medium- and long-term debt
4,745

 
16

 
1.35

 
5,168

 
16

 
1.23

Total interest-bearing sources
33,222

 
33

 
0.40

 
32,959

 
40

 
0.47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing deposits
21,469

 
 
 
 
 
17,511

 
 
 
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
1,540

 
 
 
 
 
1,135

 
 
 
 
Total shareholders’ equity
7,045

 
 
 
 
 
6,633

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
63,276

 
 
 
 
 
$
58,238

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income/rate spread (FTE)
 
 
$
428

 
2.79

 
 
 
$
424

 
3.00

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FTE adjustment
 
 
$
1

 
 
 
 
 
$
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impact of net noninterest-bearing sources of funds
 
 
 
 
0.17

 
 
 
 
 
0.18

Net interest margin (as a percentage of average earning assets (FTE) (a) (b)
 
 
 
 
2.96
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.18
%
(a)
Accretion of the purchase discount on the acquired loan portfolio of $15 million and $27 million increased the net interest margin by 10 basis points and 20 basis points in the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
(b)
Excess liquidity, represented by average balances deposited with the Federal Reserve Bank, reduced the net interest margin by 21 basis points and 29 basis points in the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

45

Table of Contents

Quarterly Analysis of Net Interest Income & Rate/Volume - Fully Taxable Equivalent (FTE) (continued)
 
Three Months Ended
 
September 30, 2012/September 30, 2011
(in millions)
Increase
(Decrease)
Due to Rate
Increase
(Decrease)
Due to 
Volume (a)
Net
Increase
(Decrease)
Loans
$
(32
)
(b)
$
27

 
$
(5
)
(b)
Investment securities available-for-sale
(7
)
 
10

 
3

 
Other short-term investments
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
 
Total earning assets
(40
)
 
37

 
(3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposits
(7
)
 

 
(7
)
 
Medium- and long-term debt
1

 
(1
)
 

 
Total interest-bearing sources
(6
)
 
(1
)
 
(7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income/rate spread (FTE)
$
(34
)
 
$
38

 
$
4

 
(a)
Rate/volume variances are allocated to variances due to volume.
(b)
Reflects a decrease of $12 million in accretion of the purchase discount on the acquired Sterling loan portfolio.

46

Table of Contents

Year-to-Date Analysis of Net Interest Income & Rate/Volume - Fully Taxable Equivalent (FTE)
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30, 2012
 
September 30, 2011
(dollar amounts in millions)
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Average
Rate
Commercial loans
$
25,810

 
$
673

 
3.48
%
 
$
21,769

 
$
604

 
3.70
%
Real estate construction loans
1,420

 
47

 
4.48

 
1,918

 
59

 
4.12

Commercial mortgage loans
9,951

 
337

 
4.51

 
9,902

 
306

 
4.12

Lease financing
873

 
19

 
2.92

 
960

 
25

 
3.53

International loans
1,257

 
35

 
3.73

 
1,212

 
35

 
3.89

Residential mortgage loans
1,498

 
52

 
4.66

 
1,577

 
63

 
5.34

Consumer loans
2,225

 
57

 
3.44

 
2,272

 
59

 
3.47

Total loans (a)
43,034

 
1,220

 
3.79

 
39,610

 
1,151

 
3.88

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auction-rate securities available-for-sale
294

 
2

 
0.78

 
497

 
3

 
0.75

Other investment securities available-for-sale
9,509

 
178

 
2.57

 
7,131

 
168

 
3.20

Total investment securities available-for-sale
9,803

 
180

 
2.51

 
7,628

 
171

 
3.03

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposits with banks (b)
3,909

 
8

 
0.26

 
3,557

 
7

 
0.24

Other short-term investments
138

 
1

 
1.80

 
128

 
2

 
2.14

Total earning assets
56,884

 
1,409

 
3.32

 
50,923

 
1,331

 
3.50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
967

 
 
 
 
 
908

 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
(707
)
 
 
 
 
 
(860
)
 
 
 
 
Accrued income and other assets
5,140

 
 
 
 
 
4,555

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
62,284

 
 
 
 
 
$
55,526

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market and interest-bearing checking deposits
$
20,583

 
26

 
0.18

 
$
18,539

 
36

 
0.26

Savings deposits
1,589

 
1

 
0.06

 
1,516

 
1

 
0.11

Customer certificates of deposit
5,993

 
25

 
0.54

 
5,666

 
30

 
0.70

Foreign office and other time deposits
373

 
2

 
0.64

 
428

 
2

 
0.50

Total interest-bearing deposits
28,538

 
54

 
0.25

 
26,149

 
69

 
0.35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings
78

 

 
0.12

 
137

 

 
0.15

Medium- and long-term debt
4,846

 
49

 
1.36

 
5,702

 
50

 
1.17

Total interest-bearing sources
33,462

 
103

 
0.41

 
31,988

 
119

 
0.50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing deposits
20,415

 
 
 
 
 
16,259

 
 
 
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
1,411

 
 
 
 
 
1,129

 
 
 
 
Total shareholders’ equity
6,996

 
 
 
 
 
6,150

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
62,284

 
 
 
 
 
$
55,526

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income/rate spread (FTE)
 
 
$
1,306

 
2.91

 
 
 
$
1,212

 
3.00

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FTE adjustment
 
 
$
2

 
 
 
 
 
$
3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impact of net noninterest-bearing sources of funds
 
 
 
 
0.17

 
 
 
 
 
0.19

Net interest margin (as a percentage of average earning assets (FTE) (a) (b)
 
 
 
 
3.08
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.19
%
(a)
Accretion of the purchase discount on the acquired loan portfolio of $58 million and $27 million increased the net interest margin by 14 basis points and 7 basis points in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
(b)
Excess liquidity, represented by average balances deposited with the Federal Reserve Bank, reduced the net interest margin by 20 basis points and 22 basis points in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

47

Table of Contents

Year-to-Date Analysis of Net Interest Income & Rate/Volume - Fully Taxable Equivalent (FTE) (continued)
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30, 2012/September 30, 2011
(in millions)
Increase
(Decrease)
Due to Rate
Increase
(Decrease)
Due to 
Volume (a)
Net
Increase
(Decrease)
Loans
$
(16
)
(b)
$
85

 
$
69

(b)
Investment securities available-for-sale
(34
)
 
43

 
9

 
Interest-bearing deposits with banks

 
1

 
1

 
Other short-term investments
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
 
Total earning assets
(51
)
 
129

 
78

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposits
(19
)
 
4

 
(15
)
 
Medium- and long-term debt
8

 
(9
)
 
(1
)
 
Total interest-bearing sources
(11
)
 
(5
)
 
(16
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income/rate spread (FTE)
$
(40
)
 
$
134

 
$
94

 
(a)
Rate/volume variances are allocated to variances due to volume.
(b)
Reflects an increase of $31 million in accretion of the purchase discount on the acquired Sterling loan portfolio.
Provision for Credit Losses
The provision for credit losses was $22 million and $63 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to $35 million and $126 million for the comparable periods in the prior year. The provision for credit losses includes both the provision for loan losses and the provision for credit losses on lending-related commitments. The Corporation performs a detailed credit quality review quarterly to determine the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses and the allowance for credit losses on lending-related commitments and records provisions for each based on the results. For further discussion of both allowances, refer to the "Credit Risk" subheading in the "Risk Management" section of this financial review.
The provision for loan losses was $23 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $38 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, and was $54 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $134 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The decreases of $15 million and $80 million in the provision for loan losses in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2011, resulted primarily from continued improvements in credit quality, in part reflecting improvements in the U.S. economy, partially offset by an increase resulting from allowance methodology enhancements implemented in the first quarter 2012 and an increase in qualitative factors that indicate overall economic uncertainty. For further discussion of the Corporation's view of the U.S. economy and the allowance methodology enhancements, refer to the "Credit Risk" subheading in the "Risk Management" section of this financial review. Improvements in credit quality included a decline of $1.3 billion in the Corporation's internal watch list loans from September 30, 2011 to September 30, 2012. The Corporation's internal watch list is generally consistent with loans in the Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful categories defined by regulatory authorities. Reflected in the decline in watch list loans was a decrease in nonaccrual loans of $264 million from September 30, 2011 to September 30, 2012.
Net loan charge-offs for the third quarter 2012 were $43 million, or 0.39 percent of average total loans, a decrease of $34 million compared to $77 million, or 0.77 percent, for the third quarter 2011. The $34 million decrease in net loan charge-offs in the third quarter 2012, compared to the third quarter 2011, primarily reflected decreases in Small Business ($19 million) and Commercial Real Estate ($11 million). By geographic market, the decrease in net loan charge-offs in the third quarter 2012, compared to the third quarter 2011, primarily reflected decreases in the Western ($22 million) and Midwest ($21 million) markets.
Net loan charge-offs for the first nine months of 2012 decreased $135 million to $133 million, or 0.41 percent of average total loans, compared to $268 million, or 0.90 percent, for the same period in 2011. The $135 million decrease in net loan charge-offs in the first nine months of 2012, compared to the same period in 2011, primarily reflected decreases in Middle Market ($84 million), Small Business ($38 million) and Private Banking ($10 million). By geographic market, the decrease in net loan charge-offs in the first nine months of 2012, compared to the same period in 2011, primarily reflected decreases in the Midwest ($76 million) and Western ($50 million) markets.
The provision for credit losses on lending-related commitments increased $2 million to a benefit of $1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to a benefit of $3 million for the comparable period in the prior year. The provision for credit losses on lending-related commitments increased $17 million to a provision of $9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to a benefit of $8 million for the comparable period in the prior year. The $17 million increase in the provision for credit losses on lending-related commitments in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared

48

Table of Contents

to the same period in the prior year, resulted primarily from the establishment of specific reserves in the second quarter 2012 for set aside/bonded stop loss commitments related to residential real estate construction credits in the Western Market and an increase in the probability of draw applied to all remaining unfunded commitments effective September 30, 2012 as a result of an updated analysis of borrower draw behavior. The Corporation establishes this provision to maintain an appropriate allowance to cover probable credit losses inherent in lending-related commitments, which is discussed under the "Credit Risk" subheading in the "Risk Management" section of this financial review. No provision for credit losses was recorded for Sterling lending-related commitments during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 since the remaining purchase discount recorded for lending-related commitments acquired from Sterling exceeded the required allowance. Lending-related commitment charge-offs were insignificant in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.
An analysis of the allowance for credit losses and nonperforming assets is presented under the "Credit Risk" subheading in the "Risk Management" section of this financial review.
Noninterest Income
Noninterest income was $197 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, a decrease of $4 million compared to $201 million for the same period in 2011. Card fees decreased $5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in the prior year, reflecting the impact of regulatory limits on debit card transaction processing fees implemented in the fourth quarter 2011. Net securities gains decreased $12 million, as the third quarter 2011 included increased net securities gains related to the sale of Sterling legacy securities. Other noninterest income increased $13 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily reflecting a $9 million increase in deferred compensation asset returns. The increase in deferred compensation asset returns in noninterest income is offset by an increase in deferred compensation plan expense in noninterest expenses.
Noninterest income was $614 million for the first nine months of 2012, an increase of $4 million compared to $610 million for the same period in 2011. Service charges on deposit accounts increased $6 million, in part due to the nine-month impact of Sterling in the first nine months of 2012, compared to a two-month impact from Sterling in the first nine months of 2011. Commercial lending fees increased $7 million, primarily due to an increase in syndication agent fees, reflecting a higher volume of activity in the first nine months of 2012, compared to the same period in the prior year. Card fees decreased $12 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in the prior year, reflecting the impact of regulatory limits on debit card transaction processing fees implemented in the fourth quarter 2011. Net securities gains decreased $7 million, primarily due to the same reason cited in the quarterly discussion above. Other noninterest income increased $11 million in the first nine months of 2012, compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily reflecting a $5 million annual incentive bonus received for the first time in the second quarter 2012 from the Corporation's third party credit card provider, and increases of $6 million in customer derivative income, $4 million in deferred compensation asset returns and $4 million in other customer driven fee income, partially offset by a decrease of $8 million in net income from principal investing and warrants, primarily due to one-time gains recognized in the first nine months of 2011, and an increase of $4 million in amortization of low income housing investments.
The following table illustrates certain categories included in "other noninterest income" on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Other noninterest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer derivative income
$
6

 
$
3

 
$
17

 
$
11

Other customer driven fee income
19

 
17

 
56

 
52

Income from principal investing and warrants

 
2

 
6

 
14

Deferred compensation asset returns (a)
3

 
(6
)
 
5

 
1

Amortization of low income housing investments
(15
)
 
(13
)
 
(43
)
 
(39
)
Incentive bonus from third-party credit card provider

 

 
5

 

All other
15

 
12

 
46

 
42

Total other noninterest income
$
28

 
$
15

 
$
92

 
$
81

(a)
Compensation deferred by the Corporation's officers is invested based on investment selections of the officers. Income earned on these assets is reported in noninterest income and the offsetting increase in liability is reported in salaries expense.
Noninterest Expenses
Noninterest expenses were $449 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, a decrease of $14 million compared to $463 million for the same period in 2011. Salaries expense of $192 million was unchanged from the same period in the prior year, as an increase in deferred compensation plan expense and the impact of annual merit increases was offset by a decrease in headcount. Employee benefits expense increased $8 million, primarily reflecting increased pension expense. Merger

49

Table of Contents

and restructuring charges related to the acquisition of Sterling decreased $8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in the prior year. Other noninterest expenses decreased $11 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to a $4 million decrease in litigation-related expenses, resulting primarily from developments on certain litigation claims during the three months ended September 30, 2011, and a $6 million increase in net gains recognized on sales of assets.
Noninterest expenses were $1.3 billion for the first nine months of 2012, an increase of $38 million compared to $1.3 billion for the comparable period in 2011. Salaries expense increased $17 million, primarily due to the impact of Sterling and the impact of annual merit increases. Employee benefits expense increased $28 million, primarily reflecting increased pension expense and the impact of Sterling. Other real estate expense decreased $13 million in the first nine months of 2012, compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily reflecting decreased write-downs and losses on sales of foreclosed property. Other noninterest expenses increased $10 million in the first nine months of 2012, compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to a $14 million increase in litigation-related expenses, resulting primarily from developments in certain litigation claims in the first nine months of 2012, and a $5 million increase in amortization of the core deposit intangible due to the acquisition of Sterling, partially offset by an $8 million increase in net gains recognized on sales of assets.
Provision for Income Taxes and Tax-Related Items
The provision for income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $36 million, an increase of $8 million compared to $28 million for the same period in 2011. The increase in the provision for income taxes in the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011, was due primarily to an increase in income before income taxes during the same period, partially offset by a $4 million benefit related to an interest refund received from the Internal Revenue Service in the third quarter 2012.
The provision for income taxes for the first nine months of 2012 was $134 million, compared to $104 million for the same period in 2011. The $30 million increase in the provision for income taxes in the first nine months of 2012, compared to the same period in 2011, was due primarily to the same reasons cited in the quarterly discussion above. In addition, the provision for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 included net after-tax charges of $8 million for various tax items.
Net deferred tax assets were $249 million at September 30, 2012, compared to $395 million at December 31, 2011, a decrease of $146 million, resulting primarily from the utilization of tax credits, accretion of the purchase discount on the acquired Sterling loan portfolio, a decrease in the allowance for loan losses, reversals of deferred tax assets related to expired stock options and an increase in net unrealized gains recognized in other comprehensive income. Deferred tax assets were evaluated for realization and it was determined that no valuation allowance was needed at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. This conclusion was based on available evidence of loss carryback capacity, projected future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and assumptions made regarding future events.
Profit Improvement Plan
As part of the 2012 annual planning process, the Corporation identified revenue enhancement and/or expense reduction initiatives (the “profit improvement plan”) in order to offset 2012 financial headwinds, such as higher pension and healthcare expenses, as well as the revenue impact of regulatory changes. Approximately one-third of the initiatives related to revenue opportunities and two-thirds related to expense reduction or increased efficiencies. The primary components of the profit improvement plan included:
Revenue enhancements, such as increasing cross-sell referrals, reviewing credit pricing, reallocation of front-line resources to faster growing businesses, and reviewing all fee-based pricing and rates on deposits.
Expense reduction/efficiency improvements, such as centralizing, standardizing and consolidating similar functions, selective outsourcing of non-core functions, consolidating vendors, reducing discretionary spending and increasing utilization of technology.
The Corporation is closely monitoring the execution of these initiatives, which includes monthly progress reporting to executive management. The success of the wide range of initiatives, such as those outlined above, ranging from pricing adjustments and a more aggressive strategy of pursuing qualified referrals to better utilization of resources, can be evaluated based on the degree to which such programs were executed or are on track based on management's expectations. However, the financial impact of many of the components of the profit improvement plan cannot be quantified in isolation from year-to-date events and the operations of the Corporation. The Corporation's year-to-date September 2012 results of operations indicate that the profit improvement plan objective of offsetting higher pension and healthcare expenses and the revenue impact of regulatory changes is being achieved.

50

Table of Contents

Business Segments
The Corporation's operations are strategically aligned into three major business segments: the Business Bank, the Retail Bank and Wealth Management. These business segments are differentiated based upon the products and services provided. In addition to the three major business segments, the Finance Division is also reported as a segment. The Other category includes items not directly associated with these business segments or the Finance Division. The performance of the business segments in not comparable with the Corporation's consolidated results and is not necessarily comparable with similar information for any other financial institution. Additionally, because of the interrelationships of the various segments, the information presented is not indicative of how the segments would perform if they operated as independent entities. Note 13 to these unaudited consolidated financial statements presents financial results of these business segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. For a description of the business activities of each business segment and the methodologies which form the basis for these results, refer to Note 13 to these unaudited financial statements and Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements in the Corporation's 2011 Annual Report.
The following table presents net income (loss) by business segment.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollar amounts in millions)
2012
 
2011
Business Bank
$
628

 
87
%
 
$
522

 
92
%
Retail Bank
42

 
6

 
14

 
2

Wealth Management
50

 
7

 
37

 
6

 
720

 
100
%
 
573

 
100
%
Finance
(291
)
 
 
 
(253
)
 
 
Other
(38
)
 
 
 
(23
)
 
 
Total
$
391

 
 
 
$
297

 
 
The Business Bank's net income of $628 million increased $106 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Net interest income (FTE) of $1.1 billion increased $104 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to the benefit provided by an increase of $3.5 billion in average loans, an increase in accretion of the purchase discount on the acquired Sterling loan portfolio of $23 million, an increase in net funds transfer pricing (FTP) credits, primarily due to the benefit provided by an increase of $3.7 billion in average deposits, and lower deposit rates, partially offset by lower loan yields. The provision for credit losses of $29 million decreased $7 million from the comparable period in the prior year, primarily reflecting a decrease in Middle Market, partially offset by an increase in Commercial Real Estate. Net credit-related charge-offs of $81 million decreased $85 million from the comparable period in the prior year, primarily due to a decrease in net charge-offs in Middle Market. Noninterest income of $240 million increased $8 million from the comparable period in the prior year, primarily due to a $7 million increase in commercial lending fees and smaller increases in several other noninterest income categories, partially offset by a $6 million decrease in warrant income. Noninterest expenses of $454 million decreased $33 million from the same period in the prior year, primarily due to decreases in corporate overhead expense ($15 million), other real estate expense ($11 million) and legal expenses ($4 million). The provision for income taxes (FTE) of $279 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 increased $46 million, compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to an increase in income before income taxes.
Net income for the Retail Bank of $42 million increased $28 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Net interest income (FTE) of $488 million increased $34 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to an increase in net FTP credits, primarily due to the benefit provided by an increase of $2.2 billion in average deposits, an increase in accretion of the purchase discount on the acquired Sterling loan portfolio of $8 million, lower deposit rates and the benefit provided by an increase of $128 million in average loans, partially offset by lower loan yields. The provision for credit losses of $14 million decreased $49 million from the comparable period in the prior year, primarily reflecting decreases in Small Business and Personal Banking, both primarily in the Midwest and Western markets. Net credit-related charge-offs of $34 million decreased $40 million from the comparable period in the prior year, primarily due to decreases in Small Business in the Midwest and Western markets. Noninterest income of $131 million decreased $4 million from the comparable period in the prior year, primarily due to a $15 million decrease in card fees, partially offset by $5 million increase in service charges on deposit accounts and a $5 million annual incentive bonus received in 2012 from Comerica's third party credit card provider. Noninterest expenses of $542 million increased $42 million from the comparable period in the prior year, primarily due to increases in salaries and benefit expense ($18 million), processing charges ($13 million) and core deposit intangible amortization ($4 million). The increase in processing charges and salaries and benefit expense was primarily due to the full-year impact of Sterling. The provision for income taxes (FTE) of $21 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased $9 million, compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to an increase in income before income taxes.

51

Table of Contents

Wealth Management's net income of $50 million increased $13 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Net interest income (FTE) of $140 million increased $3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in the prior year. Average deposits increased $647 million, reflecting increases in all major markets, while average loans decreased $214 million, primarily due to declines in the Midwest, Western and Florida markets. The provision for credit losses of $19 million decreased $10 million and net credit-related charge-offs of $18 million decreased $10 million from the comparable period in the prior year, with both decreases primarily reflecting decreases in the Western and Midwest markets, partially offset by increases in the Florida market. Noninterest income of $193 million increased $9 million from the comparable period in the prior year, primarily due to an increase of $6 million in investment banking fees. Noninterest expenses of $236 million increased $4 million from the comparable period in the prior year, primarily due to a $7 million increase in salaries and employee benefits expense, partially offset by a decrease in corporate overhead expense ($4 million). The provision for income taxes (FTE) of $28 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased $5 million, compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to an increase in income before income taxes.
The net loss in the Finance Division was $291 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to a net loss of $253 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Net interest expense (FTE) of $499 million increased $47 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily as a result of the Corporation's internal FTP methodology as described on page F-13 of the Corporation's 2011 Annual Report. The Finance Division pays the three major business segments for the long-term value of deposits based on their assumed lives. The three major business segments pay the Finance Division for funding based on the pricing and term characteristics of their loans. The increase in net interest expense (FTE) was primarily due to an increase in average deposits in the three major business segments and a decrease in average loans in Wealth Management. Noninterest income of $44 million decreased $13 million, primarily due to gains from sales of Sterling legacy securities recognized in 2011. Noninterest expenses of $8 million were unchanged from the comparable period in the prior year. The benefit for income taxes (FTE) of $172 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased $22 million, compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily resulting from an increase in losses before income taxes.
The net loss in the Other category of $38 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased $15 million from the comparable period in the prior year. The increase in net loss primarily reflected a $25 million increase in noninterest expenses, partially offset by an increase of $9 million in the benefit for income taxes (FTE). The increase in noninterest expenses primarily reflected increases in litigation and legal expenses, partially offset by a decrease in merger and restructuring charges. The increase in the benefit for income taxes was primarily due to an increase in losses before income taxes.
Market Segments
Market segment results are provided for the Corporation's four primary geographic markets: Midwest, Western, Texas and Florida. In addition to the four primary geographic markets, Other Markets and International are also reported as market segments. The Finance & Other category includes items not directly associated with the market segments. Note 13 to these unaudited consolidated financial statements presents a description of each of these market segments as well as the financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.
The following table presents net income (loss) by market segment.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollar amounts in millions)
2012
 
2011
Midwest
$
214

 
30
 %
 
$
174

 
30
 %
Western
204

 
28

 
150

 
26

Texas
145

 
20

 
126

 
22

Florida
(6
)
 
(1
)
 
(7
)
 
(1
)
Other Markets
126

 
18

 
91

 
16

International
37

 
5

 
39

 
7

 
720

 
100
 %
 
573

 
100
 %
Finance & Other (a)
(329
)
 
 
 
(276
)
 
 
Total
$
391

 
 
 
$
297

 
 
(a)    Includes items not directly associated with the market segments.

52

Table of Contents

The Midwest market's net income of $214 million increased $40 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Net interest income (FTE) of $587 million decreased $20 million from the comparable period in the prior year, primarily due to a decrease in loan yields and the impact of a $323 million decrease in average loans, partially offset by lower deposit rates and the a decrease in net FTP funding costs. The provision for credit losses of $14 million decreased $52 million from the comparable prior year period, primarily reflecting decreases in Small Business, Corporate, Personal Banking and Private Banking, partially offset by an increase in Middle Market. Net credit-related charge-offs of $40 million decreased $75 million from the comparable period in the prior year, primarily due to decreases in Middle Market and Small Business. Noninterest income of $290 million decreased $6 million from the comparable prior year period, primarily due to a $7 million decrease in card fees and smaller decreases in several other noninterest income categories, partially offset by a $6 million increase in investment banking income. Noninterest expenses of $534 million decreased $26 million from the comparable prior year period, primarily due to decreases in corporate overhead expense ($13 million) and other real estate expense ($11 million). The provision for income taxes (FTE) of $115 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased $12 million compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily resulting from an increase in income before income taxes.
The Western market's net income of $204 million increased $54 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Net interest income (FTE) of $529 million increased $34 million from the comparable period in the prior year, primarily due to the benefit provided by a $694 million increase in average loans, an increase in FTP funding credits, reflecting the benefit provided by a $1.9 billion increase in average deposits, a decrease in FTP funding costs, and lower deposit rates, partially offset by lower loan yields. The provision for credit losses decreased $47 million, to a benefit of $6 million, from the comparable prior year period, primarily reflecting decreases in Middle Market and Small Business, partially offset by an increase in Corporate. Net credit-related charge-offs of $34 million decreased $50 million from the comparable period in the prior year, primarily due to decreases in Middle Market, Small Business and Commercial Real Estate. Noninterest income of $104 million decreased $2 million from the comparable prior year period, primarily due to a $4 million decrease in warrant income. Noninterest expenses of $315 million decreased $10 million from the comparable prior year period, primarily due to a decrease in corporate overhead expense ($10 million). The provision for income taxes (FTE) of $120 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased $35 million compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily resulting from an increase in income before income taxes.
The Texas market's net income increased $19 million to $145 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Net interest income (FTE) of $433 million increased $114 million from the comparable period in the prior year, primarily due to an increase in accretion of the purchase discount on the acquired Sterling loan portfolio of $31 million, the benefit provided by a $2.2 billion increase in average loans and an increase in net FTP funding credits, primarily due to the benefit provided by an increase of $3.2 billion in average deposits. The benefit provided by lower deposit rates was largely offset by an increase in interest-bearing deposits. The increases in average loans and average deposits were primarily due to the impact of Sterling. The provision for credit losses increased $37 million, to $31 million, from the comparable prior year period, primarily reflecting a increases in Commercial Real Estate and Middle Market (primarily Energy). Net credit-related charge-offs of $17 million increased $4 million from the comparable prior year period, primarily due to an increase in Commercial Real Estate, partially offset by a decrease in Middle Market. Noninterest income of $93 million increased $16 million from the comparable prior year period, in part due to the impact of Sterling, and primarily reflecting increases of $7 million in service charges on deposit accounts, $7 million in commercial lending fees and smaller increases in most other noninterest income categories. Noninterest expenses of $271 million increased $66 million from the comparable prior year period, largely due to the impact of Sterling, and primarily reflecting increases in salaries and benefits expense ($18 million), processing charges ($13 million), corporate overhead expense ($6 million), core deposit intangible amortization ($5 million) and smaller increases in most other noninterest expense categories. The provision for income taxes (FTE) of $79 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased $8 million compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily resulting from an increase in income before income taxes.
The net loss in the Florida market was $6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to a net loss of $7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Net interest income (FTE) of $31 million decreased $3 million from the comparable period in the prior year, primarily due to the impact of a $150 million decrease in average loans. The provision for credit losses of $21 million was unchanged from the comparable prior year period, as an increase in Private Banking was offset by decreases in Commercial Real Estate and Middle Market. Net credit-related charge-offs of $22 million decreased $6 million from the comparable prior year period, primarily due to a decrease in Commercial Real Estate, partially offset by an increase in Private Banking. Noninterest income of $11 million was unchanged from the comparable prior year period. Noninterest expenses of $31 million decreased $4 million from the comparable prior year period, primarily due to smaller decreases in several noninterest expense categories.

53

Table of Contents

Net income in Other Markets of $126 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased $35 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Net interest income (FTE) of $142 million increased $19 million from the comparable period in the prior year, primarily the result of the benefits provided by increases of $976 million in average loans and $346 million in average deposits, partially offset by lower loan yields. The provision for credit losses decreased $9 million from the comparable prior year period, primarily due to a decrease in Middle Market, partially offset by increases in Commercial Real Estate and Mortgage Banker Finance. Net credit-related charge-offs of $19 million decreased $7 million from the comparable prior year period, primarily due to a decrease in Middle Market, partially offset by an increase in Commercial Real Estate. Noninterest income of $38 million increased $4 million from the comparable prior year period, primarily due to a $5 million annual incentive bonus received in the second quarter 2012 from Comerica's third party credit card provider. Noninterest expenses of $56 million decreased $10 million from the comparable prior year period, primarily due to small decreases, partially offset by small increases in several noninterest expense categories.
The International market's net income of $37 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, decreased $2 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Net interest income (FTE) of $56 million decreased $3 million from the comparable period in the prior year, primarily due to a $37 million decrease in average deposits and a decrease in loan yields. The provision for credit losses increased $5 million, to $2 million, compared to the comparable prior year period. Net credit-related charge-offs decreased $1 million from the comparable prior year period. Noninterest income of $28 million increased $1 million from the comparable prior year period. Noninterest expenses of $25 million decreased $3 million from the comparable prior year period, primarily due to small decreases in several other noninterest expense categories.
The net loss for the Finance & Other segment was $329 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to a net loss of $276 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The $53 million increase in net loss resulted from the same reasons noted in the Finance Division and Other category discussions under the “Business Segments” heading above.
The following table lists the Corporation's banking centers by geographic market segment.
 
September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
Midwest (Michigan)
216

 
218

Texas
140

 
151

Western:
 
 
 
California
105

 
104

Arizona
18

 
17

Total Western
123

 
121

Florida
10

 
11

International
1

 
1

Total
490

 
502


54

Table of Contents

Financial Condition
Total assets were $63.3 billion at September 30, 2012, an increase of $2.3 billion from $61.0 billion at December 31, 2011, primarily reflecting increases of $1.5 billion in total loans, $465 million in investment securities available-for-sale and $431 million in interest-bearing deposits with banks. On an average basis, total assets increased $2.2 billion to $63.3 billion in the third quarter 2012, compared to the fourth quarter 2011, resulting primarily from a $2.1 billion increase in average loans.
The following tables provide information about the change in the Corporation's average loan portfolio in the third quarter 2012, compared to the fourth quarter 2011.
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
Percent
Change
(dollar amounts in millions)
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Change
 
Average Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans by business line:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General
$
9,485

 
$
9,122

 
$
363

 
4
 %
National Dealer Services
2,825

 
1,960

 
865

 
44

Energy
2,616

 
1,924

 
692

 
36

Technology and Life Sciences
1,736

 
1,452

 
284

 
20

Environmental Services
643

 
518

 
125

 
24

Entertainment
615

 
559

 
56

 
10

Total Middle Market
17,920

 
15,535

 
2,385

 
15

Corporate
3,518

 
3,061

 
457

 
15

Mortgage Banker Finance
1,994

 
1,534

 
460

 
30

Commercial Real Estate
772

 
785

 
(13
)
 
(2
)
Total Business Bank
24,204


20,915

 
3,289

 
16

Total Retail Bank
1,155

 
1,222

 
(67
)
 
(6
)
Total Wealth Management
1,341

 
1,378

 
(37
)
 
(3
)
Total commercial loans
26,700

 
23,515

 
3,185

 
14

Real estate construction loans
1,389

 
1,619

 
(230
)
 
(14
)
Commercial mortgage loans
9,670

 
10,388

 
(718
)
 
(7
)
Lease financing
852

 
919

 
(67
)
 
(7
)
International loans
1,302

 
1,128

 
174

 
15

Residential mortgage loans
1,488

 
1,591

 
(103
)
 
(6
)
Consumer loans
2,196

 
2,294

 
(98
)
 
(4
)
Total loans
$
43,597

 
$
41,454

 
$
2,143

 
5
 %
Average Loans By Geographic Market:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
$
13,468

 
$
13,725

 
$
(257
)
 
(2
)%
Western
13,163

 
12,026

 
1,137

 
9

Texas
9,585

 
8,952

 
633

 
7

Florida
1,328

 
1,457

 
(129
)
 
(9
)
Other Markets
4,266

 
3,723

 
543

 
15

International
1,787

 
1,571

 
216

 
14

Total loans
$
43,597

 
$
41,454

 
$
2,143

 
5
 %
In the third quarter 2012, the Corporation completed a review of the revenue size of the customer base within certain business lines. As a result, several former "specialty businesses" were designated as Middle Market businesses and are presented as such in the table above. In general, Middle Market serves customers with annual revenue between $20 million and $500 million; while Corporate serves customers with revenue over $500 million, and Small Business serves customers with revenue under $20 million.
Average loans for the three months ended September 30, 2012 increased $2.1 billion, or 5 percent, to $43.6 billion, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011, primarily reflecting an increase of $3.2 billion, or 14 percent, in commercial loans, partially offset by a decrease of $948 million, or 8 percent, in commercial real estate loans (commercial mortgage and real estate construction loans). The increase in average commercial loans primarily reflected increases in Middle Market ($2.4 billion) , Mortgage Banker Finance ($460 million) and Corporate ($457 million). The increase in Middle Market primarily reflected increases in National Dealer Services ($865 million) and Energy ($692 million), as well as increases in the remaining Middle Market categories as outlined in the table above. Changes in average total loans by geographic market is also provided in the table above.

55

Table of Contents

Total liabilities increased $2.1 billion to $56.2 billion at September 30, 2012, compared to December 31, 2011, primarily due to an increase of $2.2 billion in total deposits, partially offset by a decrease of $204 million in medium- and long-term debt. On an average basis, total liabilities increased $2.1 billion in the third quarter 2012, compared to the fourth quarter 2011, primarily due to increases of $2.1 billion in average deposits. The increases in average deposits from the fourth quarter 2011 to the third quarter 2012 resulted primarily from an increase in average noninterest-bearing deposits of $2.3 billion and primarily reflected increases in Middle Market ($1.8 billion) and Private Banking ($339 million). The increase in Middle Market primarily reflected increases in Middle Market General ($1.4 billion) and Technology and Life Sciences ($767 million), partially offset by a decrease in Energy ($332 million). By geographic market, the increase in average deposits from the fourth quarter 2011 to the third quarter 2012 primarily reflected increases in the Western ($1.5 billion), Midwest ($550 million) and Other ($409 million) markets, partially offset by a decrease in the Texas market ($392 million).
Capital
Total shareholders' equity increased $216 million to $7.1 billion at September 30, 2012, compared to December 31, 2011. The following table presents a summary of changes in total shareholders' equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
(in millions)
  
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2012
 
 
$
6,868

Retention of earnings (net income less cash dividends declared)
 
 
313

Other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
Investment securities available-for-sale
$
71

 
 
Defined benefit and other postretirement plans
32

 
 
Total other comprehensive income
 
 
103

Purchase of common stock
 
 
(215
)
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans
 
 
(14
)
Share-based compensation
 
 
29

Balance at September 30, 2012
 
 
$
7,084

The Federal Reserve completed its review of the Corporation's 2012 Capital Plan in March 2012 and did not object to the capital distributions contemplated in the plan. The capital plan provides for up to $375 million in equity repurchases for the five-quarter period ending March 31, 2013. The capital plan further contemplated a 50 percent increase in the quarterly dividend, from 10 cents per share to 15 cents per share, which was approved by the Board of Directors on April 24, 2012. In addition, the capital plan included the authority to redeem the remaining $25 million of trust preferred securities outstanding as of March 31, 2012, which were redeemed effective June 15, 2012.
In November 2010, the Board of Directors of the Corporation authorized the repurchase of up to 12.6 million shares of Comerica Incorporated outstanding common stock and authorized the purchase of up to all 11.5 million of the Corporation's original outstanding warrants. On April 24, 2012, the Board authorized the repurchase of an additional 5.7 million shares of Comerica Incorporated outstanding common stock. There is no expiration date for the Corporation's share repurchase program. For further information regarding the repurchase program, refer to Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements in the Corporation's 2011 Annual Report. The following table summarizes the Corporation's repurchase activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
(shares in thousands)
Total Number of Shares and Warrants Purchased as 
Part of Publicly Announced Repurchase Plans or Programs
 
Remaining
Repurchase
Authorization (a)
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (b)
 
Average Price
Paid Per 
Share
 
Average Price Paid Per 
Warrant (c)
Total first quarter 2012
1,125

 
18,822

 
1,257

 
$
29.28

 
$

Total second quarter 2012
2,884

 
21,596

(d)
2,908

 
30.51

 

July 2012
1,147

 
20,449

 
1,150

 
30.47

 

August 2012
1,485

 
18,964

 
1,485

 
30.81

 

September 2012
296

 
18,668

 
296

 
31.09

 

Total third quarter 2012
2,928

 
18,668

 
2,931

 
30.71

 

Total 2012
6,937

 
18,668

 
7,096

 
$
30.37

 
$

(a)
Maximum number of shares and warrants that may yet be purchased under the publicly announced plans or programs.
(b)
Includes approximately 159 thousand shares purchased pursuant to deferred compensation plans and shares purchased from employees to pay for taxes related to restricted stock vesting under the terms of an employee share-based compensation plan. These transactions are not considered part of the Corporation's repurchase program.
(c)
The Corporation made no repurchases of warrants under the repurchase program during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
(d)
Includes the impact of the additional share repurchase authorization approved by the Board on April 24, 2012.

56

Table of Contents

Risk-based regulatory capital standards are designed to make regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in credit risk profiles among banking institutions and to account for off-balance sheet exposure. Assets and off-balance sheet items are assigned to broad risk categories, each with specified risk-weighting factors. The resulting capital ratios represent capital as a percentage of total risk-weighted assets and off-balance sheet items. As shown in the table below, the Corporation's capital ratios decreased from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012.
The Corporation's capital ratios exceeded minimum regulatory requirements as follows:
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
(dollar amounts in millions)
Capital
 
Ratio
 
Capital
 
Ratio
Tier 1 common (a) (b)
$
6,685

 
10.32
%
 
$
6,557

 
10.37
%
Tier 1 risk-based (4.00% - minimum) (b)
6,685

 
10.32

 
6,582

 
10.41

Total risk-based (8.00% - minimum) (b)
8,830

 
13.63

 
9,015

 
14.25

Leverage (3.00% - minimum) (b)
6,685

 
10.71

 
6,582

 
10.92

Tangible common equity (a)
6,424

 
10.25

 
6,201

 
10.27

(a)
See Supplemental Financial Data section for reconcilements of non-GAAP financial measures.
(b)
September 30, 2012 capital and ratios are estimated.
In December 2010, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (the Basel Committee) issued a framework for strengthening international capital and liquidity regulation (Basel III). In June 2012, U.S. banking regulators issued proposed rules for the U.S. adoption of the Basel III regulatory capital framework. The proposed regulatory framework includes a more conservative definition of capital, two new capital buffers - a conservation buffer and a countercyclical buffer, new and more stringent risk weight categories for assets and off-balance sheet items, and a supplemental leverage ratio. Rules are expected to be implemented between 2013 and 2019.
According to the proposed rules, the Corporation will be subject to the capital conservation buffer of 2.5 percent to avoid restrictions on capital distributions and discretionary bonuses. However, the rules as proposed would not subject the Corporation to the capital countercyclical buffer of up to 2.5 percent or the supplemental leverage ratio. The Corporation currently estimates that its September 30, 2012 capital ratios would be in compliance with the fully phased-in Basel III capital rules as proposed. Under the proposed rules, the Corporation estimates the September 30, 2012 Tier 1 risk-based ratio would be 90 basis points to 110 basis points lower than the ratio calculated under the existing rules, as presented in the table above.
The Basel III liquidity framework, which was not included in the June 2012 proposed rules, includes two minimum liquidity measures. The Liquidity Coverage Ratio requires a financial institution to hold a buffer of high-quality, liquid assets to fully cover net cash outflows under a 30-day systematic liquidity stress scenario. The Net Stable Funding Ratio requires the amount of available longer-term, stable sources of funding to be at least 100 percent of the required amount of longer-term stable funding over a one-year period. The Corporation's liquidity position is strong, but if subject to the Basel III liquidity framework as currently proposed, the Corporation may decide to consider additional liquidity management initiatives. While uncertainty exists in both the final form of the U.S. rules implementing the Basel III liquidity framework and whether or not the Corporation will be subject to the full requirements, the Corporation is closely monitoring the development of the rules. We expect to meet the final requirements adopted by U.S. banking regulators within regulatory timelines.

57

Table of Contents

Risk Management
The following updated information should be read in conjunction with the "Risk Management" section on pages F-23 through F-42 in the Corporation's 2011 Annual Report.
Credit Risk
Allowance for Credit Losses and Nonperforming Assets
The allowance for credit losses includes both the allowance for loan losses and the allowance for credit losses on lending-related commitments. The allowance for loan losses represents management's assessment of probable, estimable losses inherent in the Corporation's loan portfolio. The allowance for credit losses on lending-related commitments, included in "accrued expenses and other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets, provides for probable losses inherent in lending-related commitments, including unused commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.
The Corporation disaggregates the loan portfolio into segments for purposes of determining the allowance for credit losses. These segments are based on the level at which the Corporation develops, documents and applies a systematic methodology to determine the allowance for credit losses. The Corporation's portfolio segments are business loans and retail loans. Business loans are defined as those belonging to the commercial, real estate construction, commercial mortgage, lease financing and international loan portfolios. Retail loans consist of traditional residential mortgage, home equity and other consumer loans.
The allowance for loan losses includes specific allowances, based on individual evaluations of certain loans, and allowances for homogeneous pools of loans with similar risk characteristics. The allowance for business loans not individually evaluated is determined quantitatively by applying standard reserve factors to the pool of business loans within each internal risk rating, including incremental reserves to cover losses in industries and/or portfolios experiencing elevated loss levels. The allowance also may include a qualitative adjustment, which is determined based on an established framework. The determination of the appropriate adjustment is based on management's analysis of observable macroeconomic metrics, including consideration of regional metrics within the Corporation's footprint, internal credit risk movement and a qualitative assessment of the lending environment, including underwriting standards, current economic and political conditions, and other factors affecting credit quality. The framework enables management to develop a view of the uncertainties that exist but are not yet reflected in the standard reserve factors.
In the first quarter 2012, the Corporation implemented enhancements to the methodology used for determining standard reserve factors for business loans not individually evaluated. The enhancements, which resulted in an incremental increase to the allowance for loan losses of $25 million in the first quarter 2012, included (a) estimating probability of default and loss given default from a national perspective, in addition to a market-by-market basis, and (b) expanding the time horizon of historical, migration-based probability of default and loss given default experience used to develop the standard reserve factors for each internal risk rating. By expanding the horizon on migration and loss history, the Corporation is better able to capture the inherent losses in the core business loan portfolio, as the improving charge-off rates from recent periods may not be reflective of future trends given the environment of continued economic uncertainty as described below, and the expanded horizon reflects both earlier periods in the cycle that include peak periods of credit losses, as well as the more recent improvement in credit quality trends. Estimating probability of default and loss given default from a national perspective provides a deeper data pool, unites the markets on a single platform, promoting enhanced consistency across the organization, and reflects the Corporation's view that borrower performance is impacted by changes in national economic conditions in addition to changes in the local economy.
The U.S. economy slowed through the second quarter 2012 with a low 1.3 percent annual growth rate for real gross domestic product. Data through the third quarter 2012 generally improved, and moderately better conditions are expected to extend into the fourth quarter 2012 as well. Despite the trend toward firmer U.S. data, significant downside risk factors remain in place, at least through mid-2013. Downside risk associated with global macroeconomic conditions, particularly in Europe and in Asia, remains significant. Also, the combination of federal tax increases and spending cuts known as the "Fiscal Cliff" is scheduled to take effect in early 2013 unless the U.S. Congress acts to change current law. According to studies conducted by the Congressional Budget Office, the "Fiscal Cliff" will push the U.S. economy back into recession in 2013 if nothing is done to change its current dimensions. In the Corporation's economic forecast for 2013 we assume that there will be a partial strength "Fiscal Cliff." This will create enough of a drag to keep growth in the U.S. economy weak through early 2013, but not enough to cause a recession. In mid-September 2012, the Federal Reserve announced a new quantitative easing program of agency mortgage-backed securities purchases, known as QE3. In addition to QE3 the Federal Reserve announced its intention to keep the federal funds rate near zero through mid-2015. A key difference between QE3 and the previous two rounds is that QE3 is an open-ended program with no set completion date. QE3 is expected to continue at least through the spring of 2013, and likely longer, until labor market conditions have significantly improved. Two benefits of QE3 are increased equity prices and decreased mortgage interest rates. Both benefits are expected to add to the current moderate pace of consumer spending and to the improving pace of new and existing home purchases for the remainder of 2012 and into 2013. Credit-fueled consumer purchasing, including cars, homes and other big-ticket items, is helping to offset the drag from weaker export markets. The Texas economy continues to be a growth leader. Oil drilling activity remains strong. However, natural gas drilling is declining in response to very low natural gas prices. As of early October 2012, the natural gas rig count was down more than 50 percent from a year ago. The Michigan economy is being supported

58

Table of Contents

by gains in U.S. automotive sales. September 2012 U.S. automotive sales increased to a 14.9 million unit annual rate. Ample pent-up demand plus increasing credit availability are expected to support ongoing moderate gains in automotive sales through 2013. California is showing more momentum, boosted by strengthening economic activity in Northern California.
The allowance for loan losses was $647 million at September 30, 2012, compared to $726 million at December 31, 2011, a decrease of $79 million, or 11 percent. The decrease resulted primarily from improvements in credit quality, in part reflecting improvements in the U.S. economy as discussed above, partially offset by increased loan volumes and increases in the allowance for loan losses resulting from the methodology enhancements described above and an increase in qualitative factors that indicate overall economic uncertainty. Improvements in credit quality included a decline of $814 million in the Corporation's internal watch list loans from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012, a decrease in the inflow to nonaccrual (based on an analysis of nonaccrual loans with balances greater than $2 million) of $278 million and a decrease in net credit-related charge-offs of $135 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The $79 million decrease in the allowance for loan losses primarily reflected decreases in Commercial Real Estate, Middle Market and Small Business. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total period-end loans was 1.46 percent at September 30, 2012, compared to 1.70 percent at December 31, 2011. Nonperforming loans of $692 million at September 30, 2012 decreased $195 million, compared to December 31, 2011. Loan charge-offs are taken as amounts are determined to be uncollectible. A measure of the level of charge-offs already taken on nonaccrual loans is the current book balance as a percentage of the contractual amount owed. At both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, nonaccrual loans were charged-off to approximately 60 percent of the contractual amount. This level of write-downs is consistent with losses experienced on loan defaults in the first nine months of 2012 and in recent years. The allowance as a percentage of total nonperforming loans was 94 percent at September 30, 2012, compared to 82 percent at December 31, 2011. The Corporation's loan portfolio is primarily composed of business loans, which, in the event of default, are typically carried on the books at fair value as nonperforming assets for a longer period of time than are consumer loans, which are generally fully charged off when they become nonperforming, resulting in a lower nonperforming loan allowance coverage when compared to banking organizations with higher concentrations of consumer loans.
Loans acquired from Sterling were initially recorded at fair value, which included an estimate of credit losses expected to be realized over the remaining lives of the loans, and therefore no corresponding allowance for loan losses was recorded for these loans at acquisition. Methods utilized to estimate the required allowance for loan losses for acquired loans not deemed credit-impaired at acquisition are similar to originated loans; however, the estimate of loss is based on the unpaid principal balance less the remaining purchase discount. At September 30, 2012, the allowance for loan losses on loans acquired from Sterling was $2 million, and $49 million of purchase discount remained, compared to no allowance for loan losses and $96 million of purchase discounts at December 31, 2011. Purchased credit impaired (PCI) loans are not considered nonperforming loans.
The total allowance for loan losses is sufficient to absorb incurred losses inherent in the total loan portfolio. Unanticipated economic events, including political, economic and regulatory instability could cause changes in the credit characteristics of the portfolio and result in an unanticipated increase in the allowance. Inclusion of other industry-specific portfolio exposures in the allowance, as well as significant increases in the current portfolio exposures, could also increase the amount of the allowance. Any of these events, or some combination thereof, may result in the need for additional provision for loan losses in order to maintain an allowance that complies with credit risk and accounting policies.
The allowance for credit losses on lending-related commitments includes specific allowances, based on individual evaluations of certain letters of credit in a manner consistent with business loans, and allowances based on the pool of the remaining letters of credit and all unused commitments to extend credit within each internal risk rating.
The allowance for credit losses on lending-related commitments was $35 million at September 30, 2012, an increase of $9 million from $26 million at December 31, 2011. The $9 million increase in the allowance for credit losses on lending-related commitments resulted primarily from the establishment of specific reserves in the second quarter 2012 for set aside/bonded stop loss commitments related to residential real estate construction credits in the Western Market and an increase in the probability of draw applied to all remaining unfunded commitments effective September 30, 2012 as a result of updated analysis of borrower draw behavior. An allowance for credit losses will be recorded on Sterling lending-related commitments only to the extent that the required allowance exceeds the remaining purchase discount. At September 30, 2012, $2 million of purchase discount for lending-related commitments acquired from Sterling remained and no allowance was recorded, compared to $3 million of remaining purchase discount and no allowance at December 31, 2011.

59

Table of Contents

Nonperforming assets include loans on nonaccrual status, troubled debt restructured loans (TDRs) which have been renegotiated to less than the original contractual rates (reduced-rate loans) and real estate which has been acquired through foreclosure and is awaiting disposition (foreclosed property). Nonperforming TDRs, other than reduced-rate loans, are on nonaccrual status. Nonperforming assets do not include PCI loans. Nonperforming assets decreased $226 million to $755 million at September 30, 2012, from $981 million at December 31, 2011. The table below presents nonperforming asset balances by category.
(dollar amounts in millions)
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Nonaccrual loans:
 
 
 
Business loans:
 
 
 
Commercial
$
154

 
$
237

Real estate construction:
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (a)
45

 
93

Other business lines (b)
6

 
8

Total real estate construction
51

 
101

Commercial mortgage:
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (a)
137

 
159

Other business lines (b)
219

 
268

Total commercial mortgage
356

 
427

Lease financing
3

 
5

International

 
8

Total nonaccrual business loans
564

 
778

Retail loans:
 
 
 
Residential mortgage
69

 
71

Consumer:
 
 
 
Home equity
28

 
5

Other consumer
4

 
6

Total consumer
32

 
11

Total nonaccrual retail loans
101

 
82

Total nonaccrual loans
665

 
860

Reduced-rate loans
27

 
27

Total nonperforming loans
692

 
887

Foreclosed property
63

 
94

Total nonperforming assets
$
755

 
$
981

Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans
1.57
%
 
2.08
%
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total loans and foreclosed property
1.71

 
2.29

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total nonperforming loans
94

 
82

Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing
$
36

 
$
58

Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing as a percentage of total loans
0.08
%
 
0.14
%
(a)
Primarily loans to real estate investors and developers.
(b)
Primarily loans secured by owner-occupied real estate.

60

Table of Contents

The following table presents a summary of changes in nonaccrual loans.
 
Three Months Ended
(in millions)
September 30, 2012
 
June 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Balance at beginning of period
$
719

 
$
830

 
$
929

Loans transferred to nonaccrual (a)
35

 
47

 
99

Nonaccrual business loan gross charge-offs (b)
(46
)
 
(56
)
 
(76
)
Loans transferred to accrual status (a)

 
(41
)
 

Nonaccrual business loans sold (c)
(20
)
 
(16
)
 
(19
)
Payments/Other (d)
(23
)
 
(45
)
 
(73
)
Balance at end of period
$
665

 
$
719

 
$
860

(a) Based on an analysis of nonaccrual loans with book balances greater than $2 million.
(b) Analysis of gross loan charge-offs:
 
 
 
 
 
Nonaccrual business loans
$
46

 
$
56

 
$
76

Performing watch list loans
1

 

 

Retail loans
12

 
8

 
9

Total gross loan charge-offs
$
59

 
$
64

 
$
85

(c) Analysis of loans sold:
 
 
 
 
 
Nonaccrual business loans
$
20

 
$
16

 
$
19

Performing watch list loans
42

 
7

 

Total loans sold
$
62

 
$
23

 
$
19

(d) Includes net changes related to nonaccrual loans with balances less than $2 million, payments on nonaccrual loans with book balances greater than $2 million, transfers of nonaccrual loans to foreclosed property and retail loan charge-offs. Excludes business loan gross charge-offs and nonaccrual business loans sold.
The following table presents the composition of nonaccrual loans by balance and the related number of borrowers at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. At September 30, 2012 there were 1,655 borrowers with nonaccrual loan balances, an increase of 564 borrowers compared to December 31, 2011. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the number of borrowers with nonaccrual loan balances under $2 million which primarily resulted from modification made to the Corporation's residential mortgage and home equity nonaccrual policies as described later in this section.
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
(dollar amounts in millions)
Number of
Borrowers
 
Balance
 
Number of
Borrowers
 
Balance
Under $2 million
1,586

 
$
286

 
996

 
271

$2 million - $5 million
42

 
133

 
56

 
170

$5 million - $10 million
18

 
127

 
22

 
154

$10 million - $25 million
9

 
119

 
16

 
237

Greater than $25 million

 

 
1

 
28

Total at September 30, 2012
1,655

 
$
665

 
1,091

 
860

There were 7 borrowers with balances greater than $2 million, totaling $35 million, transferred to nonaccrual status in the third quarter 2012, a decrease of $12 million when compared to $47 million in the second quarter 2012. Of the transfers to nonaccrual in the third quarter 2012, $20 million were from Middle Market, $9 million were from Private Banking and $6 million were from Commercial Real Estate. There were no borrowers with a balance greater than $10 million transferred to nonaccrual in the third quarter 2012.

61

Table of Contents

The following table presents a summary of nonaccrual loans at September 30, 2012 and loans transferred to nonaccrual and net loan charge-offs for the three months ended September 30, 2012, based primarily on Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) industry categories.
 
September 30, 2012
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
(dollar amounts in millions)
Nonaccrual Loans
 
Loans Transferred to
Nonaccrual (a)
 
Net Loan Charge-Offs (Recoveries)
Industry Category
 
 
Real Estate
$
205

 
30
%
 
$
6

 
16
%
 
$
6

 
15
%
Services
96

 
14

 
17

 
51

 
8

 
19

Residential Mortgage
69

 
10

 

 

 
6

 
12

Holding & Other Invest. Co.
58

 
9

 

 

 
2

 
5

Manufacturing
45

 
7

 

 

 
1

 
3

Retail Trade
44

 
7

 

 

 
5

 
14

Hotels, etc.
39

 
6

 

 

 
2

 
5

Natural Resources
19

 
3

 

 

 
4

 
11

Wholesale Trade
21

 
3

 
7

 
19

 
2

 
4

Utilities
21

 
3

 
5

 
14

 
1

 
3

Finance
4

 
1

 

 

 
2

 
5

Contractors
8

 
1

 

 

 

 
1

Transportation & Warehousing
6

 
1

 

 

 

 

Entertainment
5

 
1

 

 

 

 

Other (b)
25

 
4

 

 

 
4

 
3

Total
$
665

 
100
%
 
$
35

 
100
%
 
$
43

 
100
%
(a)
Based on an analysis of nonaccrual loans with book balances greater than $2 million.
(b)
Consumer, excluding residential mortgage and certain personal purpose nonaccrual loans and net charge-offs, are included in the “Other” category.
Loan amounts in excess of probable future cash collections are charged off to an amount that management ultimately expects to collect. At the time a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, interest previously accrued but not collected is charged against current income. Income on such loans is then recognized only to the extent that cash is received and the future collection of principal is probable. Generally, a loan may be returned to accrual status when all delinquent principal and interest have been received and the Corporation expects repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest, generally based on a period of sustained payment performance, normally at least six months, or when the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. Refer to Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in the Corporation's 2011 Annual Report for further information regarding impaired loans.
Business loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when management determines that full collection of principal or interest is unlikely or when principal or interest payments are 90 days past due, unless the loan is fully collateralized and in the process of collection. The primary driver of when the principal amount of a business loan should be fully or partially charged off is based on a qualitative assessment of the recoverability of the principal amount from collateral and other cash flow sources.
In the second quarter of 2012, the Corporation modified its residential mortgage and home equity nonaccrual policy. Under the new policy, residential mortgage and home equity loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status once they become 90 days past due (previously no later than 180 days past due) and are charged off to current appraised values less costs to sell no later than 180 days past due.
In addition, effective second quarter 2012, the Corporation placed on nonaccrual status certain current junior lien home equity loans in which the Corporation holds and services the senior position, when full collection of the senior position is in doubt. In the third quarter 2012, the Corporation applied the same policy to junior lien home equity loans held by the Corporation for which the senior liens are serviced by others. Effective September 30, 2012, substantially all junior lien home equity loans that are current or less than 90 days past due are placed on nonaccrual status when full collection of the senior position is in doubt.
In the third quarter 2012, in connection with recently issued regulatory guidance, the Corporation further modified its nonaccrual and charge-off policy regarding Chapter 7 bankruptcy residential mortgage and consumer loans for which the court has discharged the borrower's obligation and the borrower has not reaffirmed the debt. Effective September 30, 2012, such loans are placed on nonaccrual status and written down to estimated collateral value, without regard to the actual payment status of the loan, and are classified as troubled debt restructurings (TDRs). These modifications resulted in $4 million of write-downs and $8 million of nonaccrual TDRs. Of the $8 million of nonaccrual TDRs, $6 million were previously considered nonaccrual loans, therefore the net increase to nonperforming assets was $2 million. Other consumer loans are generally not placed on nonaccrual status and are charged off at no later than 120 days past due.

62

Table of Contents

At September 30, 2012, TDRs totaled $326 million, of which $207 million were nonperforming ($180 million nonaccrual TDRs and $27 million reduced-rate TDRs) and $119 million were considered performing. Performing TDRs included $65 million of commercial loans (primarily in Middle Market, Corporate and Private Banking) and $54 million of commercial mortgage loans (primarily in Middle Market and Commercial Real Estate) at September 30, 2012. At December 31, 2011, TDRs totaled $331 million, including $206 million nonaccrual TDRs, $27 million reduced-rate TDRs and $98 million TDRs considered performing. The $3 million decrease in total TDRs was the result of payment and payoff activity, as well as loan sales, and primarily reflected a decrease in Middle Market, partially offset by increases in Commercial Real Estate and Personal Banking.
Loans past due 30-89 days decreased $118 million to $157 million at September 30, 2012, compared to $275 million at December 31, 2011. Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest generally represent loans that are well collateralized and in a continuing process of collection. Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing are summarized in the following table. The decrease in residential mortgage and consumer loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012 in the table below was primarily due to the change in nonaccrual policy discussed previously.
(in millions)
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Business loans:
 
 
 
Commercial
$
12

 
$
8

Real estate construction
2

 
1

Commercial mortgage
16

 
32

Total business loans
30

 
41

Retail loans:
 
 
 
Residential mortgage

 
6

Home equity

 
6

Other consumer
6

 
5

Total retail loans
6

 
17

Total loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing
$
36

 
$
58

The following table presents a summary of total internal watch list loans. Watch list loans with balances of $2 million or more on nonaccrual status or whose terms have been modified in a TDR are individually subjected to quarterly credit quality reviews, and the Corporation may establish specific allowances for such loans. The $814 million decrease in total watch list loans, compared to December 31, 2011, is reflected in the decrease in the allowance for loan losses in the same period.
(dollar amounts in millions)
September 30, 2012
 
June 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Total watch list loans
$
3,653

 
$
3,835

 
$
4,467

As a percentage of total loans
8.3
%
 
8.7
%
 
10.5
%
The following table presents a summary of foreclosed property by property type.
(in millions)
September 30, 2012
 
June 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Construction, land development and other land
$
25

 
$
24

 
$
32

Single family residential properties
20

 
21

 
14

Other non-land, nonresidential properties
18

 
22

 
48

Total foreclosed property
$
63

 
$
67

 
$
94

At September 30, 2012, foreclosed property totaled $63 million and consisted of approximately 173 properties, compared to $94 million and approximately 223 properties at December 31, 2011.
The following table presents a summary of changes in foreclosed property.
 
Three Months Ended
(in millions)
September 30, 2012
 
June 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Balance at beginning of period
$
67

 
$
67

 
$
87

Acquired in foreclosure
11

 
15

 
31

Write-downs
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
(3
)
Foreclosed property sold (a)
(13
)
 
(13
)
 
(21
)
Balance at end of period
$
63

 
$
67

 
$
94

(a) Net gain on foreclosed property sold
$
1

 
$
2

 
$
2


63

Table of Contents

At September 30, 2012, there were 6 foreclosed properties each with a carrying value greater than $2 million, totaling $25 million, compared to 8 foreclosed properties totaling $44 million at December 31, 2011. Of the foreclosed properties with balances greater than $2 million at September 30, 2012, $11 million were from Middle Market and $8 million were from Private Banking. At September 30, 2012, there were no foreclosed properties with a carrying value greater than $10 million, compared to one foreclosed property with a carrying value of $18 million at December 31, 2011.
For further information regarding credit quality and the allowance for credit losses, refer to Note 4 to these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
Commercial and Residential Real Estate Lending
The following table summarizes the Corporation's commercial real estate loan portfolio by loan category as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
(in millions)
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Real estate construction loans:
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (a)
$
1,003

 
$
1,103

Other business lines (b)
389

 
430

Total real estate construction loans
$
1,392

 
$
1,533

Commercial mortgage loans:
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line (a)
$
2,020

 
$
2,507

Other business lines (b)
7,539

 
7,757

Total commercial mortgage loans
$
9,559

 
$
10,264

(a)
Primarily loans to real estate investors and developers.
(b)
Primarily loans secured by owner-occupied real estate.
The Corporation limits risk inherent in its commercial real estate lending activities by limiting exposure to those borrowers directly involved in the commercial real estate markets and adhering to conservative policies on loan-to-value ratios for such loans. Commercial real estate loans, consisting of real estate construction and commercial mortgage loans, totaled $11.0 billion at September 30, 2012, of which $3.0 billion, or 28 percent, were to borrowers in the Commercial Real Estate business line, which includes loans to real estate investors and developers. The remaining $8.0 billion, or 72 percent, of commercial real estate loans in other business lines consisted primarily of owner-occupied commercial mortgages which bear credit characteristics similar to non-commercial real estate business loans.
The real estate construction loan portfolio totaled $1.4 billion at September 30, 2012. The real estate construction loan portfolio primarily contains loans made to long-time customers with satisfactory completion experience. Of the $1.0 billion of real estate construction loans in the Commercial Real Estate business line, $45 million were on nonaccrual status at September 30, 2012. Real estate construction loan charge-offs in the Commercial Real Estate business line totaled $6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. In other business lines, $6 million of real estate construction loans were on nonaccrual status at September 30, 2012 and charge-offs totaled $1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
The commercial mortgage loan portfolio totaled $9.6 billion at September 30, 2012 and included $2.0 billion in the Commercial Real Estate business line and $7.6 billion in other business lines. Loans in the commercial mortgage portfolio generally mature within three to five years. Of the $2.0 billion of commercial mortgage loans in the Commercial Real Estate business line, $137 million were on nonaccrual status at September 30, 2012. Commercial mortgage loan charge-offs in the Commercial Real Estate business line totaled $41 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. In other business lines, $219 million of commercial mortgage loans were on nonaccrual status at September 30, 2012 and charge-offs totaled $37 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
 

64

Table of Contents

The geographic distribution and project type of commercial real estate loans are important factors in diversifying credit risk within the portfolio. The following table reflects real estate construction and commercial mortgage loans to borrowers in the Commercial Real Estate business line by project type and location of property.
 
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
Location of Property
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2011
(dollar amounts in millions)
Project Type:
Western
 
Michigan
 
Texas
 
Florida
 
Other
Markets
 
Total
 
% of
Total
 
Total
 
% of
Total
Real estate construction loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Single family
$
97

 
$
7

 
$
26

 
$
9

 
$
7

 
$
146

 
14
%
 
$
114

 
10
%
Land development
8

 
5

 
15

 

 
29

 
57

 
6

 
76

 
7

Total residential
105

 
12

 
41

 
9

 
36

 
203

 
20

 
190

 
17

Other construction:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family
118

 

 
169

 
18

 
21

 
326

 
32

 
287

 
25

Retail
62

 
38

 
94

 
2

 
27

 
223

 
22

 
264

 
24

Multi-use
15

 

 
37

 

 

 
52

 
5

 
118

 
11

Office
83

 

 
28

 

 

 
111

 
11

 
133

 
12

Commercial
12

 
4

 
20

 

 

 
36

 
4

 
17

 
2

Land development
9

 
8

 
4

 

 

 
21

 
2

 
22

 
2

Other
3

 

 

 
2

 

 
5

 
1

 
8

 
1

Other Sterling real estate construction loans (a)

 

 
26

 

 

 
26

 
3

 
64

 
6

Total
$
407

 
$
62

 
$
419

 
$
31

 
$
84

 
$
1,003

 
100
%
 
$
1,103

 
100
%
Commercial mortgage loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate business line:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Single family
$
17

 
$
3

 
$
11

 
$
2

 
$
16

 
$
49

 
2
%
 
$
64

 
3
%
Land carry
60

 
29

 
14

 
19

 
8

 
130

 
6

 
142

 
5

Total residential
77

 
32

 
25

 
21

 
24

 
179

 
8

 
206

 
8

Other commercial mortgage:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Multi-family
123

 
57

 
78

 
122

 
29

 
409

 
20

 
534

 
22

Retail
175

 
67

 
72

 
44

 
29

 
387

 
19

 
471

 
18

Multi-use
107

 
17

 
30

 

 
22

 
176

 
9

 
217

 
9

Land carry
63

 
57

 
30

 
10

 
10

 
170

 
8

 
198

 
8

Office
114

 
41

 
47

 

 
13

 
215

 
11

 
224

 
8

Commercial
82

 
33

 
29

 
1

 
8

 
153

 
8

 
213

 
8

Other
15

 
21

 
34

 

 
26

 
96

 
5

 
101

 
3

Other Sterling commercial mortgage loans (a)
26

 
1

 
204

 
4

 

 
235

 
12

 
343

 
16

Total
$
782

 
$
326

 
$
549

 
$
202

 
$
161

 
$
2,020

 
100
%
 
$
2,507

 
100
%
(a)
Acquired loans for which complete information related to project type is not available. Prior period balances have been reclassified related to loans for which information related to project type has become available in the current period.
The following table summarizes the Corporation's residential mortgage and home equity loan portfolio by geographic market as of September 30, 2012.
 
September 30, 2012
(dollar amounts in millions)
Residential
Mortgage Loans
 
% of
Total
 
Home
Equity Loans
 
% of
Total
Geographic market:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midwest
$
445

 
30
%
 
$
896

 
56
%
Western
530

 
36

 
418

 
27

Texas
306

 
20

 
212

 
14

Florida
210

 
14

 
44

 
3

Other Markets
4

 

 

 

Total
$
1,495

 
100
%
 
$
1,570

 
100
%
Residential real estate loans, which consist of traditional residential mortgages and home equity loans and lines of credit, totaled $3.1 billion at September 30, 2012. Residential mortgages totaled $1.5 billion at September 30, 2012, and were primarily larger, variable-rate mortgages originated and retained for certain private banking relationship customers. Of the $1.5 billion of

65

Table of Contents

residential mortgage loans outstanding, $69 million were on nonaccrual status at September 30, 2012. The home equity portfolio totaled $1.6 billion at September 30, 2012, of which $1.4 billion was outstanding under primarily variable-rate, interest-only home equity lines of credit and $164 million consisted of closed-end home equity loans. Of the $1.6 billion of home equity loans outstanding, $28 million were on nonaccrual status at September 30, 2012. A majority of the home equity portfolio was secured by junior liens at September 30, 2012.
The Corporation rarely originates residential real estate loans with loan-to-value ratios above 100 percent at origination, has no sub-prime mortgage programs and does not originate payment-option adjustable-rate mortgages or other nontraditional mortgages that allow negative amortization. A significant majority of residential mortgage originations are sold in the secondary market. Since 2008, the Corporation has used a third party to originate, document and underwrite residential mortgage loans on behalf of the Corporation. Under this arrangement, the third party assumes repurchase liability for the loans it originates. The Corporation has repurchase liability exposure for residential mortgage loans originated prior to 2008, however based on historical experience, the Corporation believes such exposure, which could be triggered by underwriting discrepancies, is minimal. The residential real estate portfolio is principally located within the Corporation's primary geographic markets. The economic recession and significant declines in home values in the Western, Florida and Midwest markets following the financial market turmoil beginning in the fall of 2008 adversely impacted the residential real estate portfolio. At September 30, 2012, all residential real estate loans past due 90 days or more were placed on nonaccrual status, and substantially all junior lien home equity loans that were current or less than 90 days past due were placed on nonaccrual status if full collection of the senior position was in doubt. Such loans are charged off to current appraised values less costs to sell no later than 180 days past due.
Shared National Credits
Shared National Credit (SNC) loans are facilities greater than $20 million shared by three or more federally supervised financial institutions that are reviewed annually by regulatory authorities at the agent bank level. The Corporation generally seeks to obtain ancillary business at the origination of a SNC relationship. Loans classified as SNC loans (approximately 897 borrowers at September 30, 2012) totaled $9.3 billion at September 30, 2012, compared to $8.4 billion at December 31, 2011. SNC net loan charge-offs totaled $2 million and $20 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to $4 million and $18 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011. SNC loans, diversified by both business line and geographic market, comprised approximately 21 percent and 20 percent of total loans at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. SNC loans are held to the same credit underwriting and pricing standards as the remainder of the loan portfolio.
Energy Lending
The Corporation has a portfolio of energy-related loans that are included primarily in "commercial loans" in the consolidated balance sheets. The Corporation has over 30 years of experience in energy lending, with a focus on middle market companies. Average loans in the Middle Market - Energy business line for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $2.6 billion, or 6 percent of total average loans, compared to $1.9 billion, or 5 percent of total average loans, for the three months ended December 31, 2011. Energy loans are diverse in nature, with outstanding balances by customer market segment distributed approximately as follows: 70 percent Exploration and Production (comprised of approximately 50 percent oil, 30 percent natural gas and 20 percent mixed), 20 percent Midstream and 10 percent Energy Services.
Automotive Lending
Substantially all dealer loans are in the National Dealer Services business line. Loans in the National Dealer Services business line include floor plan financing and other loans to automotive dealerships. Floor plan loans, included in “commercial loans” in the consolidated balance sheets, totaled $2.3 billion at September 30, 2012, an increase of $454 million compared to $1.8 billion at December 31, 2011, primarily reflecting supply chain restocking related to the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami. At September 30, 2012 other loans to automotive dealers in the National Dealer Services business line totaled $2.1 billion, including $1.4 billion of owner-occupied commercial real estate mortgage loans, compared to $1.9 billion of other loans to automotive dealers in the National Dealer Services business line, including $1.4 billion of owner-occupied commercial real estate mortgage loans, at December 31, 2011. Automotive lending also includes loans to borrowers involved with automotive production, primarily Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. Loans to borrowers involved with automotive production totaled approximately $1.1 billion at September 30, 2012, compared to $931 million at December 31, 2011.

66

Table of Contents

State and Local Municipalities
In the normal course of business, the Corporation serves the needs of state and local municipalities in multiple capacities, including traditional banking products such as deposit services, loans and letters of credit, investment banking services such as bond underwriting and private placements, and by investing in municipal securities.
The following table summarizes the Corporation's direct exposure to state and local municipalities as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
(in millions)
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Loans outstanding
$
53

 
$
46

Lease financing
365

 
397

Investment securities available-for-sale
23

 
24

Trading account securities
12

 
12

Standby letters of credit
117

 
158

Unused commitments to extend credit
29

 
15

Total direct exposure to state and local municipalities
$
599

 
$
652

Indirect exposure comprised $130 million in auction-rate preferred securities collateralized by municipal securities at September 30, 2012, compared to $320 million at December 31, 2011. Additionally, the Corporation is exposed to Automated Clearing House (ACH) transaction risk for those municipalities utilizing this electronic payment and/or deposit method and similar products in their cash flow management. The Corporation sets limits on ACH activity during the underwriting process.
Extensions of credit to state and local municipalities are subjected to the same underwriting standards as other business loans. At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, all outstanding municipal loans and leases were performing according to contractual terms and none were included in the Corporation's internal watch list. Municipal leases are secured by the underlying equipment, and a substantial majority of the leases are fully defeased with AAA-rated U.S. government securities. Substantially all municipal investment securities available-for sale are auction-rate securities. All auction-rate securities are reviewed quarterly for other-than-temporary impairment. All auction-rate municipal securities were rated investment grade, and all auction-rate preferred securities collateralized by municipal securities were rated AAA or the equivalent and were adequately collateralized at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Municipal securities are held in the trading account for resale to customers. In addition, Comerica Securities, a broker-dealer subsidiary of Comerica Bank, underwrites bonds issued by municipalities. All bonds underwritten by Comerica Securities are sold to third party investors.

67

Table of Contents

European Exposure
The Corporation does not hold any sovereign exposure to Europe. The Corporation's international strategy as it pertains to Europe is to focus on European corporations doing business in North America, with an emphasis on the major geographic markets. The following table summarizes cross-border exposure to entities domiciled in European countries at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
 
 
Outstanding (a)
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Commercial and Industrial
 
Banks and Other Financial Institutions
 
Total Outstanding
 
Unfunded Commitments and Guarantees
 
Total Exposure
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United Kingdom
 
$
94

 
$
4

 
$
98

 
$
142

 
$
240

Netherlands
 
56

 
2

 
58

 
91

 
149

Switzerland
 

 
37

 
37

 
42

 
79

Germany
 
3

 
2

 
5

 
52

 
57

Ireland
 
5

 

 
5

 
25

 
30

Luxembourg
 

 

 

 
20

 
20

Sweden
 
10

 

 
10

 
9

 
19

Belgium
 
1

 

 
1

 
6

 
7

Italy
 
5

 
1

 
6

 

 
6

Spain
 
2

 

 
2

 

 
2

Finland
 

 
2

 
2

 

 
2

France
 

 
3

 
3

 

 
3

Total Europe
 
$
176

 
$
51

 
$
227

 
$
387

 
$
614

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United Kingdom
 
$
72

 
$
4

 
$
76

 
$
135

 
$
211

Switzerland
 

 
39

 
39

 
64

 
103

Netherlands
 
46

 

 
46

 
46

 
92

Germany
 
4

 
5

 
9

 
39

 
48

Ireland
 
20

 

 
20

 
14

 
34

Sweden
 
10

 

 
10

 
8

 
18

Italy
 
5

 
1

 
6

 

 
6

Belgium
 
1

 

 
1

 
5

 
6

Spain
 

 

 

 
3

 
3

Finland
 

 
2

 
2

 

 
2

France
 

 

 

 
1

 
1

Total Europe
 
$
158

 
$
51

 
$
209

 
$
315

 
$
524

(a)
Includes funded loans, bankers acceptances and net counterparty derivative exposure.
For further discussion of credit risk, see the "Credit Risk" section on pages F-23 through F-36 in the Corporation's 2011 Annual Report.
Market and Liquidity Risk
Interest Rate Risk
Net interest income is the predominant source of revenue for the Corporation. Interest rate risk arises primarily through the Corporation's core business activities of extending loans and accepting deposits. The Corporation's balance sheet is predominantly characterized by floating-rate loans funded by a combination of core deposits and wholesale borrowings. Approximately 85 percent of the Corporation's loans were floating at September 30, 2012, of which approximately 75 percent were based on LIBOR and 25 percent were based on Prime. This creates a natural imbalance between the floating-rate loan portfolio and the more slowly repricing deposit products. The result is that growth and/or contraction in the Corporation's core businesses may lead to sensitivity to interest rate movements in the absence of mitigating actions. Examples of such actions are purchasing investment securities, primarily fixed-rate, which provide liquidity to the balance sheet and act to mitigate the inherent interest sensitivity, and hedging the sensitivity with interest rate swaps. The Corporation actively manages its exposure to interest rate risk, with the principal objective of optimizing net interest income and the economic value of equity while operating within acceptable limits established for interest rate risk and maintaining adequate levels of funding and liquidity.

68

Table of Contents

The Corporation frequently evaluates net interest income under various balance sheet and interest rate scenarios, looking at a 12-month time horizon, using simulation modeling analysis as its principal risk management evaluation technique. The results of this analysis provides the information needed to assess the balance sheet structure. Changes in economic activity, whether domestic or international, different from the changes management included in its simulation analysis could translate into a materially different interest rate environment than currently expected. Management evaluates a base case net interest income under an unchanged interest rate environment and what is believed to be the most likely balance sheet structure. This base case net interest income is then evaluated against non-parallel interest rate scenarios that increase and decrease 200 basis points in a linear fashion from the base case over 12 months, resulting in an average change in interest rates of 100 basis points over the period. Due to the current low level of interest rates, the analysis reflects a declining interest rate scenario of a 25 basis point drop, to zero percent. In addition, consistent with each interest rate scenario, adjustments are made to assumptions regarding asset prepayment levels, yield curves, and overall balance sheet mix and growth. These assumptions are inherently uncertain and, as a result, the model may not precisely predict the impact of higher or lower interest rates on net interest income. Additionally, the estimated impact on net interest income over the 12-month time horizon is generally not linear relative to other time horizons. Actual results may differ from simulated results due to timing, magnitude and frequency of changes in interest rates, market conditions and management strategies, among other factors. However, the model can indicate the likely direction of change. Existing derivative instruments entered into for risk management purposes are included in the analysis, but no additional hedging is forecasted.
The table below, as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, displays the estimated impact on net interest income during the next 12 months by relating the base case scenario results to those from the rising and declining rate scenarios described above. The sensitivity from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012 increased primarily due to growth in core deposits, though risk to declining interest rates is limited by the current low level of rates.
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
(in millions)
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Change in Interest Rates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
+200 basis points
$
172

 
10
 %
 
$
156

 
9
 %
-25 basis points (to zero percent)
(23
)
 
(1
)
 
(20
)
 
(1
)
In addition to the simulation analysis, an economic value of equity analysis is performed for a longer term view of the interest rate risk position. The economic value of equity analysis begins with an estimate of the economic value of the financial assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet instruments on the Corporation's balance sheet, derived through discounting cash flows based on actual rates at the end of the period. Next, the estimated impact of rate movements is applied to the economic value of assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet instruments. The economic value of equity is then calculated as the difference between the estimated market value of assets and liabilities net of the impact of off-balance sheet instruments. As with net interest income simulation analysis, a variety of alternative scenarios are performed to measure the impact on economic value of equity, including changes in the level, slope and shape of the yield curve.
The table below, as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, displays the estimated impact on the economic value of equity from a 200 basis point immediate parallel increase or decrease in interest rates. Similar to the simulation analysis above, due to the current low level of interest rates, the economic value of equity analyses below reflect an interest rate scenario of an immediate 25 basis point drop, to zero percent, while the rising interest rate scenario reflects an immediate 200 basis point rise. The change in the sensitivity of the economic value of equity to a 200 basis point parallel increase in rates between December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012 was primarily driven by changes in market interest rates, increases in noninterest-bearing and lower cost deposits, and forecasted prepayments on the Corporation's mortgage-backed securities portfolio.
 
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
(in millions)
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Change in Interest Rates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
+200 basis points
$
1,065

 
10
 %
 
$
719

 
7
 %
-25 basis points (to zero percent)
(190
)
 
(2
)
 
(147
)
 
(1
)
Wholesale Funding
The Corporation satisfies liquidity requirements with either liquid assets or various funding sources. Liquid assets, which totaled $11.9 billion at September 30, 2012, compared to $11.2 billion at December 31, 2011, provide a reservoir of liquidity. Liquid assets include cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, interest-bearing deposits with banks, other short-term investments and unencumbered investment securities available-for-sale. At September 30, 2012, the Corporation held excess liquidity, represented by $2.9 billion deposited with the FRB, compared to $2.5 billion at December 31, 2011.
The Corporation may access the purchased funds market when necessary, which includes foreign office time deposits and short-term borrowings. Capacity for incremental purchased funds at September 30, 2012 included the ability to purchase

69

Table of Contents

federal funds, sell securities under agreements to repurchase, as well as issue deposits to institutional investors and issue certificates of deposit through brokers. Purchased funds totaled $549 million at September 30, 2012, compared to $418 million at December 31, 2011.
The Corporation is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, Texas (FHLB), which provides short- and long-term funding to its members through advances collateralized by real estate-related assets. Actual borrowing capacity is contingent on the amount of collateral available to be pledged to the FHLB. As of September 30, 2012, the Corporation had $2.0 billion of outstanding borrowings from the FHLB with remaining maturities ranging from May 2013 to May 2014. Additionally, the Bank had the ability to issue up to $15.0 billion of debt at September 30, 2012 under an existing $15 billion medium-term senior note program which allows the issuance of debt with maturities between three months and 30 years. The Corporation also maintains a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission from which it may issue debt and/or equity securities.
The ability of the Corporation and the Bank to raise funds at competitive rates is impacted by rating agencies' views of the credit quality, liquidity, capital and earnings of the Corporation and the Bank. As of September 30, 2012, the four major rating agencies had assigned the following ratings to long-term senior unsecured obligations of the Corporation and the Bank. A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
September 30, 2012
Comerica Incorporated
 
Comerica Bank
Standard and Poor’s
A-
 
A
Moody’s Investors Service
A3
 
A2
Fitch Ratings (a)
A
 
A
DBRS
A
 
A (High)
(a)    In July 2012, Fitch Ratings revised the Corporation's outlook to “Negative” from “Stable.”
Other Market Risks
Market risk related to the Corporation's trading instruments is not significant, as trading activities are limited. Certain components of the Corporation's noninterest income, primarily fiduciary income, are at risk to fluctuations in the market values of underlying assets, particularly equity and debt securities. Other components of noninterest income, primarily brokerage fees, are at risk to changes in the volume of market activity.
At September 30, 2012 , the Corporation had a $14 million portfolio of investments in indirect private equity and venture capital funds, with commitments of $7 million to fund additional investments in future periods, compared to a portfolio of $15 million, with unfunded commitments of $9 million, at December 31, 2011. The value of these investments is at risk to changes in equity markets, general economic conditions and a variety of other factors. The majority of these investments are not readily marketable and are included in “accrued income and other assets” on the consolidated balance sheets. The investments are individually reviewed for impairment on a quarterly basis by comparing the carrying value to the estimated fair value.
For further discussion of market risk, see Note 5 to these unaudited consolidated financial statements and pages F-36 through F-41 in the Corporation's 2011 Annual Report.
Critical Accounting Policies
The Corporation’s consolidated financial statements are prepared based on the application of accounting policies, the most significant of which are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Corporation’s 2011 Annual Report. These policies require numerous estimates and strategic or economic assumptions, which may prove inaccurate or subject to variations. Changes in underlying factors, assumptions or estimates could have a material impact on the Corporation’s future financial condition and results of operations. At December 31, 2011, the most critical of these significant accounting policies were the policies related to the allowance for credit losses, valuation methodologies, goodwill, pension plan accounting and income taxes. These policies were reviewed with the Audit Committee of the Corporation’s Board of Directors and are discussed more fully on pages F-43 through F-48 in the Corporation’s 2011 Annual Report.
The following is the critical accounting policy for goodwill reflecting the results of the most recent impairment test performed in the third quarter 2012. As of the date of this report, the Corporation does not believe there are any other material changes in the nature or categories of the critical accounting policies or estimates and assumptions from those discussed in the Corporation’s 2011 Annual Report.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the value attributed to unidentifiable intangible elements in acquired businesses. Goodwill is initially recorded at fair value and is subsequently evaluated at least annually for impairment. Goodwill impairment testing is performed at the reporting unit level, equivalent to a business segment or one level below. The Corporation has three reporting units: the Business Bank, the Retail Bank and Wealth Management. At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, goodwill totaled $635 million,

70

Table of Contents

including $380 million allocated to the Business Bank, $194 million allocated to the Retail Bank and $61 million allocated to Wealth Management.
The Corporation performs its annual evaluation of goodwill impairment in the third quarter of each year and on an interim basis if events or changes in circumstances between annual tests suggest additional testing may be warranted to determine if goodwill might be impaired. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step test. The first step of the goodwill impairment test compares the estimated fair value of identified reporting units with their carrying amount, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, the second step must be performed to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill and the amount of goodwill impairment, if any.
In performing the annual impairment test, the carrying value of each reporting unit is the greater of economic or regulatory capital. The Corporation assigns economic capital using internal management methodologies on the basis of each reporting unit's credit, operational and interest rate risks, as well as goodwill. To determine regulatory capital, each reporting unit is assigned sufficient capital such that their respective Tier 1 common ratio, based on allocated risk-weighted assets, is the same as that of the Corporation. Using this two-pronged approach, the Corporation's equity is fully allocated to its reporting units except for capital held primarily for the risk associated with the securities portfolio which is assigned to the Finance segment of the Corporation.
Determining the fair value of reporting units is a subjective process involving the use of estimates and judgments related to the selection of inputs such as future cash flows, discount rates, comparable public company multiples, applicable control premiums and economic expectations used in determining the interest rate environment. The estimated fair values of the reporting units are determined using a blend of two commonly used valuation techniques: the market approach and the income approach. For the market approach, valuations of reporting units consider a combination of earnings, equity and other multiples from companies with characteristics similar to the reporting unit. Since the fair values determined under the market approach are representative of noncontrolling interests, the valuations accordingly incorporate a control premium. For the income approach, estimated future cash flows and terminal value are discounted. Estimated future cash flows are derived from internal forecasts and economic expectations for each reporting unit which incorporate uncertainty factors inherent to long-term projections. The applicable discount rate is based on the imputed cost of equity capital appropriate for each reporting unit, which incorporates the risk-free rate of return, the level of non-diversified risk associated with companies with characteristics similar to the reporting unit (beta), an entity-specific risk premium and a market equity risk premium.
In January 2012, the Federal Reserve announced their expectation for the Federal Funds target rate to remain at currently low levels through late 2014. Given the potential for a continued low interest rate environment, the Corporation determined that an interim goodwill impairment test should be performed in the first quarter 2012. As part of the impairment analysis, the Corporation incorporated the Federal Reserve's expectation of the low Federal Fund target rate level through 2014 in its forecasts. In the first quarter 2012, the Corporation engaged an independent valuation specialist to review its valuation models and assumptions. Based on the results of this review and in light of the current rate environment, the Corporation updated its assumptions, discount factors and control premiums. The updated assumptions included maintaining the low Federal funds target rate through the end of 2014. For the years after 2014, the Corporation developed rate assumptions based on the expectation of modest increases in the Federal Funds target rate, eventually reaching a normal interest rate environment. Increases to the fair value of the reporting units were in part a result of the improvement in the stock price of the Corporation as well as the stock prices of the guideline companies used in the market approach. The first step of the interim goodwill impairment test performed in the first quarter 2012 indicated that the estimated fair values of each of the reporting units substantially exceeded their carrying values, including goodwill. The fair value of the Retail Bank exceeded the carrying value by 14 percent. The results of the goodwill impairment test for each reporting unit were subjected to stress testing as appropriate.
The annual test of goodwill impairment was performed as of the beginning of the third quarter 2012. The Corporation's assumptions included maintaining the low Federal funds target rate through the end of 2014 with modest increases thereafter until eventually reaching a normal interest rate environment. In September 2012, the Federal Reserve updated their expectation for the Federal Funds target rate to remain at currently low levels through mid-2015. This announcement by the Federal Reserve did not significantly impact the results of the annual goodwill impairment test. Increases to the estimated fair value of the Retail Bank were in part a result of lower imputed cost of equity capital, due particularly to improvements to the level of non-diversified risk, and continued improvement in the stock price of the Corporation as well as the stock prices of the guideline companies used in the market approach. At the conclusion of the first step of the interim goodwill impairment tests performed in the third quarter 2012, the estimated fair values of all reporting units substantially exceeded their carrying amounts, including goodwill. The results of the annual of the goodwill impairment test for each reporting unit were subjected to stress testing as appropriate.
Economic conditions impact the assumptions related to interest and growth rates, loss rates and imputed cost of equity capital. The fair value estimates for each reporting unit incorporated current economic and market conditions, including the recent Federal Reserve announcements and the impact of legislative and regulatory changes, to the extent known and as described above. However, further weakening in the economic environment, such as adverse changes in interest rates, a decline in the performance

71

Table of Contents

of the reporting units or other factors could cause the fair value of one or more of the reporting units to fall below their carrying value, resulting in a goodwill impairment charge. Additionally, new legislative or regulatory changes not anticipated in management's expectations may cause the fair value of one or more of the reporting units to fall below the carrying value, resulting in a goodwill impairment charge. Any impairment charge would not affect the Corporation's regulatory capital ratios, tangible common equity ratio or liquidity position.
Supplemental Financial Data
The following table provides a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures used in this financial review with financial measures defined by GAAP.
(dollar amounts in millions)
September 30, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
Tier 1 Common Capital Ratio:
 
 
 
Tier 1 capital (a) (b)
$
6,685

 
$
6,582

Less:
 
 
 
Trust preferred securities

 
25

Tier 1 common capital (b)
$
6,685

 
$
6,557

Risk-weighted assets (a) (b)
$
64,772

 
$
63,244

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio (b)
10.32
%
 
10.41
%
Tier 1 common capital ratio (b)
10.32

 
10.37

Tangible Common Equity Ratio:
 
 
 
Common shareholders' equity
$
7,084

 
$
6,868

Less:
 
 
 
Goodwill
635

 
635

Other intangible assets
25

 
32

Tangible common equity
$
6,424

 
$
6,201

Total assets
$
63,314

 
$
61,008

Less:
 
 
 
Goodwill
635

 
635

Other intangible assets
25

 
32

Tangible assets
$
62,654

 
$
60,341

Common equity ratio
11.19
%
 
11.26
%
Tangible common equity ratio
10.25

 
10.27

Tangible Common Equity per Share of Common Stock:
 
 
 
Common shareholders' equity
$
7,084

 
$
6,868

Tangible common equity
6,424

 
6,201

Shares of common stock outstanding (in millions)
191

 
197

Common shareholders' equity per share of common stock
$
37.01

 
$
34.80

Tangible common equity per share of common stock
33.56

 
31.42

(a)
Tier 1 capital and risk-weighted assets as defined by regulation.
(b)
September 30, 2012 Tier 1 capital and risk-weighted assets are estimated.
The Tier 1 common capital ratio removes qualifying trust preferred securities from Tier 1 capital as defined by and calculated in conformity with bank regulations. The tangible common equity ratio removes the effect of intangible assets from capital and the effect of intangible assets from total assets and tangible common equity per share of common stock removes the effect of intangible assets from common shareholders' equity per share of common stock. The Corporation believes these measurements are meaningful measures of capital adequacy used by investors, regulators, management and others to evaluate the adequacy of common equity and to compare against other companies in the industry.

72

Table of Contents

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Quantitative and qualitative disclosures for the current period can be found in the "Market and Liquidity Risk" section of "Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
(a)
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Corporation maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Corporation in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Corporation’s management, including the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management has evaluated, with the participation of the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on the evaluation, the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
(b)
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. During the period to which this report relates, there have not been any changes in the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, such controls.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings
For information regarding the Corporation’s legal proceedings, see “Part I. Item 1. Note 12 – Contingent Liabilities,” which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
Other than as set forth below, there has been no material change in the Corporation’s risk factors as previously disclosed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 in response to Part I, Item 1A. of such Form 10-K. Such risk factors are incorporated herein by reference.
Below we amend the following risk factor discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011:
Any reduction in our credit rating could adversely affect Comerica and/or the holders of its securities.
Rating agencies regularly evaluate Comerica, and their ratings are based on a number of factors, including Comerica's financial strength as well as factors not entirely within its control, including conditions affecting the financial services industry generally. There can be no assurance that Comerica will maintain its current ratings. In March 2012, Moody's Investors Service downgraded Comerica's long-term and short-term senior credit ratings one notch to A3 and P-2, respectively. In July 2012, Fitch Ratings revised Comerica's outlook to “Negative” from “Stable.” While recent credit rating actions have had little to no detrimental impact on Comerica's profitability, borrowing costs, or ability to access the capital markets, future downgrades to Comerica's or its subsidiaries' credit ratings could adversely affect Comerica's profitability, borrowing costs, or ability to access the capital markets or otherwise have a negative effect on Comerica's results of operations or financial condition and, if such reduction placed Comerica's or its subsidiaries' credit ratings below investment grade, could also create obligations or liabilities under the terms of existing arrangements that could increase Comerica's costs under such arrangements. Additionally, a downgrade of the credit rating of any particular security issued by Comerica or its subsidiaries could negatively affect the ability of the holders of that security to sell the securities and the prices at which any such securities may be sold.
ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
For information regarding the Corporation’s purchase of equity securities, see “Part I. Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Capital,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

73

Table of Contents


ITEM 6. Exhibits
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
3.1
 
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Comerica Incorporated (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 4, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
3.2
 
Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Comerica Incorporated (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
3.3
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Comerica Incorporated (filed as Exhibit 3.3 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
4
 
[In accordance with Regulation S-K Item No. 601(b)(4)(iii), the Registrant is not filing copies of instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt because none of those instruments authorizes debt in excess of 10% of the total assets of the registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The Registrant hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.]
 
 
 
31.1
 
Chairman, President and CEO Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Periodic Report (pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
 
 
 
31.2
 
Vice Chairman and CFO Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Periodic Report (pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
 
 
 
32
 
Section 1350 Certification of Periodic Report (pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
 
 
 
101
 
Financial statements from Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Registrant for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

74

Table of Contents

SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
COMERICA INCORPORATED
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
/s/ Muneera S. Carr
 
Muneera S. Carr
 
Senior Vice President and
 
Chief Accounting Officer and
 
Duly Authorized Officer

Date: October 30, 2012

75

Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
3.1
 
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Comerica Incorporated (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 4, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
3.2
 
Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Comerica Incorporated (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
3.3
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Comerica Incorporated (filed as Exhibit 3.3 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
4
 
[In accordance with Regulation S-K Item No. 601(b)(4)(iii), the Registrant is not filing copies of instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt because none of those instruments authorizes debt in excess of 10% of the total assets of the registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The Registrant hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.]
 
 
 
31.1
 
Chairman, President and CEO Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Periodic Report (pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
 
 
 
31.2
 
Vice Chairman and CFO Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Periodic Report (pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
 
 
 
32
 
Section 1350 Certification of Periodic Report (pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
 
 
 
101
 
Financial statements from Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Registrant for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


76