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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
X | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011 | ||
OR | ||
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:1-7182
MERRILL LYNCH & CO., INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 13-2740599 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
incorporation or organization) | ||
Bank of America Corporate Center 100 N. Tryon Street Charlotte, North Carolina | 28255 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | |
(704) 386-5681 | ||
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.
X YES NO
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 ofRegulation 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 NO
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” inRule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer | Accelerated filer | Non-accelerated filer X | Smaller reporting company |
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined inRule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES X NO
As of the close of business on May 5, 2011, there were 1,000 shares of Common Stock outstanding, all of which were held by Bank of America Corporation.
The registrant is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation and meets the conditions set forth in General Instructions H(1)(a) and (b) ofForm 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form with the reduced disclosure format as permitted by Instruction H(2).
QUARTERLY REPORT ONFORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2011
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FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2011
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PART I — Financial Information
Item 1. | Financial Statements (Unaudited) |
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||
(dollars in millions) | March 31, 2011 | March 31, 2010 | ||||||
Revenues | ||||||||
Principal transactions | $ | 1,171 | $ | 4,048 | ||||
Commissions | 1,590 | 1,488 | ||||||
Managed account and other fee-based revenues | 1,291 | 1,051 | ||||||
Investment banking | 1,532 | 1,209 | ||||||
Earnings from equity method investments | 138 | 281 | ||||||
Other revenues | 2,150 | 1,180 | ||||||
Other-than-temporary impairment losses onavailable-for-sale debt securities: | ||||||||
Totalother-than-temporary impairment losses | (38 | ) | (105 | ) | ||||
Less: Portion ofother-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income | 1 | 19 | ||||||
Subtotal | 7,835 | 9,171 | ||||||
Interest and dividend revenues | 2,400 | 2,756 | ||||||
Less interest expense | 2,353 | 2,460 | ||||||
Net interest income | 47 | 296 | ||||||
Revenues, net of interest expense | 7,882 | 9,467 | ||||||
Non-interest expenses | ||||||||
Compensation and benefits | 4,610 | 4,329 | ||||||
Communications and technology | 428 | 486 | ||||||
Occupancy and related depreciation | 336 | 346 | ||||||
Brokerage, clearing, and exchange fees | 300 | 286 | ||||||
Advertising and market development | 121 | 95 | ||||||
Professional fees | 227 | 178 | ||||||
Office supplies and postage | 32 | 44 | ||||||
Other | 1,207 | 480 | ||||||
Total non-interest expenses | 7,261 | 6,244 | ||||||
Pre-tax earnings | 621 | 3,223 | ||||||
Income tax expense | 215 | 1,130 | ||||||
Net earnings | $ | 406 | $ | 2,093 | ||||
Preferred stock dividends | - | 38 | ||||||
Net earnings applicable to common stockholder | $ | 406 | $ | 2,055 | ||||
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts) | March 31, 2011 | December 31, 2010 | ||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 14,399 | $ | 17,220 | ||||
Cash and securities segregated for regulatory purposes or deposited with clearing organizations | 10,498 | 12,424 | ||||||
Securities financing transactions | ||||||||
Receivables under resale agreements (includes $89,631 in 2011 and $74,255 in 2010 measured at fair value in accordance with the fair value option election) | 155,839 | 138,219 | ||||||
Receivables under securities borrowed transactions (includes $2,412 in 2011 and $1,672 in 2010 measured at fair value in accordance with the fair value option election) | 64,947 | 60,458 | ||||||
220,786 | 198,677 | |||||||
Trading assets, at fair value (includes securities pledged as collateral that can be sold or repledged of $61,347 in 2011 and $33,933 in 2010): | ||||||||
Derivative contracts | 34,801 | 39,371 | ||||||
Equities and convertible debentures | 37,788 | 34,204 | ||||||
Non-U.S. governments and agencies | 28,150 | 22,248 | ||||||
Corporate debt and preferred stock | 27,610 | 27,703 | ||||||
Mortgages, mortgage-backed, and asset-backed | 14,027 | 10,994 | ||||||
U.S. Government and agencies | 42,094 | 41,378 | ||||||
Municipals, money markets, physical commodities and other | 17,321 | 14,759 | ||||||
201,791 | 190,657 | |||||||
Investment securities (includes $450 in 2011 and $310 in 2010 measured at fair value in accordance with the fair value option election) | 16,126 | 17,769 | ||||||
Securities received as collateral, at fair value | 21,013 | 20,363 | ||||||
Receivables from Bank of America | 69,396 | 60,655 | ||||||
Other receivables | ||||||||
Customers (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $15 in 2011 and $8 in 2010) | 26,126 | 22,080 | ||||||
Brokers and dealers | 17,369 | 16,483 | ||||||
Interest and other | 9,418 | 10,633 | ||||||
52,913 | 49,196 | |||||||
Loans, notes, and mortgages (net of allowances for loan losses of $78 in 2011 and $170 in 2010) (includes $2,579 in 2011 and $3,190 in 2010 measured at fair value in accordance with the fair value option election) | 24,240 | 25,803 | ||||||
Equipment and facilities (net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $1,437 in 2011 and $1,320 in 2010) | 1,643 | 1,712 | ||||||
Goodwill and other intangible assets | 9,637 | 9,714 | ||||||
Other assets | 17,878 | 17,436 | ||||||
Total Assets | $ | 660,320 | $ | 621,626 | ||||
Assets of Consolidated VIEs Included in Total Assets Above (pledged as collateral) | ||||||||
Trading assets, excluding derivative contracts | $ | 11,412 | $ | 10,838 | ||||
Derivative contracts | 31 | 41 | ||||||
Investment securities | 281 | 309 | ||||||
Loans, notes, and mortgages (net) | 102 | 221 | ||||||
Other assets | 1,499 | 1,597 | ||||||
Total Assets of Consolidated VIEs | $ | 13,325 | $ | 13,006 | ||||
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Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts) | March 31, 2011 | December 31, 2010 | ||||||
LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Securities financing transactions | ||||||||
Payables under repurchase agreements (includes $37,308 in 2011 and $37,394 in 2010 measured at fair value in accordance with the fair value option election) | $ | 195,143 | $ | 183,758 | ||||
Payables under securities loaned transactions | 18,549 | 15,251 | ||||||
213,692 | 199,009 | |||||||
Short-term borrowings (includes $5,695 in 2011 and $6,472 in 2010 measured at fair value in accordance with the fair value option election) | 15,679 | 15,248 | ||||||
Deposits | 13,416 | 12,826 | ||||||
Trading liabilities, at fair value | ||||||||
Derivative contracts | 31,843 | 32,197 | ||||||
Equities and convertible debentures | 19,065 | 14,026 | ||||||
Non-U.S. governments and agencies | 20,186 | 15,705 | ||||||
Corporate debt and preferred stock | 10,109 | 9,500 | ||||||
U.S. Government and agencies | 28,535 | 24,747 | ||||||
Municipals, money markets and other | 353 | 571 | ||||||
110,091 | 96,746 | |||||||
Obligation to return securities received as collateral, at fair value | 21,013 | 20,363 | ||||||
Payables to Bank of America | 37,365 | 23,021 | ||||||
Other payables | ||||||||
Customers | 42,368 | 39,045 | ||||||
Brokers and dealers | 7,592 | 12,895 | ||||||
Interest and other (includes $108 in 2011 and $165 in 2010 measured at fair value in accordance with the fair value option election) | 16,484 | 19,900 | ||||||
66,444 | 71,840 | |||||||
Long-term borrowings (includes $41,015 in 2011 and $39,214 in 2010 measured at fair value in accordance with the fair value option election) | 127,965 | 128,851 | ||||||
Junior subordinated notes (related to trust preferred securities) | 3,582 | 3,576 | ||||||
Total Liabilities | 609,247 | 571,480 | ||||||
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | ||||||||
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY | ||||||||
Common stock (par value $1.331/3 per share; authorized: 3,000,000,000 shares; issued: 1,000 shares) | - | - | ||||||
Paid-in capital | 40,935 | 40,416 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (net of tax) | (252 | ) | (254 | ) | ||||
Retained earnings | 10,390 | 9,984 | ||||||
Total Stockholder’s Equity | 51,073 | 50,146 | ||||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity | $ | 660,320 | $ | 621,626 | ||||
Liabilities of Consolidated VIEs Included in Total Liabilities Above | ||||||||
Short-term borrowings | $ | 4,868 | $ | 4,642 | ||||
Derivative contracts | 23 | 1 | ||||||
Payables to Bank of America | 5 | 2 | ||||||
Other payables | 228 | 53 | ||||||
Long-term borrowings | 7,113 | 6,674 | ||||||
Total Liabilities of Consolidated VIEs | $ | 12,237 | $ | 11,372 | ||||
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||
(dollars in millions) | March 31, 2011 | March 31, 2010 | ||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
Net earnings | $ | 406 | $ | 2,093 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided by operating activities | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 194 | 242 | ||||||
Share-based compensation expense | 956 | 594 | ||||||
Deferred taxes | 218 | 243 | ||||||
Earnings from equity method investments | (138 | ) | (203 | ) | ||||
Other | 287 | 311 | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Trading assets | (11,134 | ) | (17,626 | ) | ||||
Cash and securities segregated for regulatory purposes or deposited with clearing organizations | 1,926 | 3,666 | ||||||
Receivables from Bank of America | (8,741 | ) | (18,823 | ) | ||||
Receivables under resale agreements | (17,620 | ) | (18,677 | ) | ||||
Receivables under securities borrowed transactions | (4,489 | ) | 4,394 | |||||
Customer receivables | (4,053 | ) | 9,974 | |||||
Brokers and dealers receivables | (886 | ) | 3,550 | |||||
Proceeds from loans, notes, and mortgages held for sale | 2,493 | 1,823 | ||||||
Other changes in loans, notes, and mortgages held for sale | (1,420 | ) | (927 | ) | ||||
Trading liabilities | 13,310 | 24,837 | ||||||
Payables under repurchase agreements | 11,385 | 25,419 | ||||||
Payables under securities loaned transactions | 3,298 | (9,656 | ) | |||||
Payables to Bank of America | 14,344 | (7,634 | ) | |||||
Customer payables | 3,323 | (565 | ) | |||||
Brokers and dealers payables | (5,303 | ) | (1,668 | ) | ||||
Other, net | (968 | ) | (1,270 | ) | ||||
Cash (used for) provided by operating activities | (2,612 | ) | 97 | |||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
Proceeds from (payments for): | ||||||||
Maturities ofavailable-for-sale securities | 364 | 770 | ||||||
Sales ofavailable-for-sale securities | 1,587 | 13,427 | ||||||
Purchases ofavailable-for-sale securities | (150 | ) | (298 | ) | ||||
Equipment and facilities, net | (48 | ) | (80 | ) | ||||
Loans, notes, and mortgages held for investment | 618 | 568 | ||||||
Other investments | 1,145 | 1,148 | ||||||
Cash provided by investing activities | 3,516 | 15,535 | ||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
Proceeds from (payments for): | ||||||||
Short-term borrowings | 431 | 28 | ||||||
Issuance and resale of long-term borrowings | 3,076 | 2,814 | ||||||
Settlement and repurchases of long-term borrowings | (7,857 | ) | (12,013 | ) | ||||
Deposits | 590 | (1,714 | ) | |||||
Derivative financing transactions | 35 | (1 | ) | |||||
Dividends | - | (38 | ) | |||||
Cash used for financing activities | (3,725 | ) | (10,924 | ) | ||||
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (2,821 | ) | 4,708 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 17,220 | 15,142 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 14,399 | $ | 19,850 | ||||
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: | ||||||||
Income taxes paid | $ | 76 | $ | 35 | ||||
Income taxes refunded | - | (247 | ) | |||||
Interest paid | 1,453 | 1,429 |
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
During the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Merrill Lynch received a non-cash capital contribution of approximately $1 billion from Bank of America associated with certain employee stock awards. In addition, as of January 1, 2010, Merrill Lynch assumed assets and liabilities in connection with the consolidation of certain VIEs.
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||
(dollars in millions) | March 31, 2011 | March 31, 2010 | ||||||
Net earnings | $ | 406 | $ | 2,093 | ||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: | ||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | 2 | (59 | ) | |||||
Net unrealized gain (loss) on investment securitiesavailable-for-sale | 1 | (158 | ) | |||||
Net deferred (loss) gain on cash flow hedges | (5 | ) | 17 | |||||
Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans | 4 | 1 | ||||||
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | 2 | (199 | ) | |||||
Comprehensive income | $ | 408 | $ | 1,894 | ||||
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2011
Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. (“ML & Co.”) and together with its subsidiaries (“Merrill Lynch”), provides investment, financing and other related services to individuals and institutions on a global basis through its broker, dealer, banking and other financial services subsidiaries. On January 1, 2009, ML & Co. was acquired by Bank of America Corporation (“Bank of America”) in exchange for common and preferred stock with a value of $29.1 billion. Merrill Lynch is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America.
Merger with Banc of America Securities Holdings Corporation (“BASH”)
On November 1, 2010, ML & Co. merged with BASH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America, with ML & Co. as the surviving corporation in the merger. In addition, as a result of the BASH merger, Banc of America Securities LLC (“BAS”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of BASH, became a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of ML & Co. Subsequently, on November 1, 2010, BAS was merged into Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of ML & Co. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)805-10,Business Combinations(“Business Combinations Accounting”), Merrill Lynch’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 include the historical results of BASH and subsidiaries as if the BASH merger had occurred as of January 1, 2009, the date at which both entities were first under the common control of Bank of America. Merrill Lynch has recorded the assets and liabilities acquired in connection with the BASH merger at their historical carrying values.
Basis of Presentation
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Merrill Lynch. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”). Intercompany transactions and balances within Merrill Lynch have been eliminated. Transactions and balances with Bank of America have not been eliminated. The interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited; however, all adjustments for a fair presentation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been included.
These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in Merrill Lynch’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (the “2010 Annual Report”). The nature of Merrill Lynch’s business is such that the results of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Consolidation Accounting
Merrill Lynch determines whether it is required to consolidate an entity by first evaluating whether the entity qualifies as a voting rights entity (“VRE”) or as a variable interest entity (“VIE”).
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Merrill Lynch, whose subsidiaries are generally controlled through a majority voting interest or a controlling financial interest. On January 1, 2010, Merrill Lynch adopted accounting guidance on consolidation of VIEs,
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which has been deferred indefinitely for certain investment funds managed on behalf of third parties if Merrill Lynch does not have an obligation to fund losses that could potentially be significant to these funds. Any funds meeting the deferral requirements will continue to be evaluated for consolidation in accordance with the prior guidance.
VREs — VREs are defined to include entities that have both equity at risk that is sufficient to fund future operations and have equity investors that have a controlling financial interest in the entity through their equity investments. In accordance with ASC 810,Consolidation, (“Consolidation Accounting”),Merrill Lynch generally consolidates those VREs where it has the majority of the voting rights. For investments in limited partnerships and certain limited liability corporations that Merrill Lynch does not control, Merrill Lynch applies ASC 323,Investments — Equity Method and Joint Ventures(“Equity Method Accounting”), which requires use of the equity method of accounting for investors that have more than a minor influence, which is typically defined as an investment of greater than 3% to 5% of the outstanding equity in the entity. For more traditional corporate structures, in accordance with Equity Method Accounting, Merrill Lynch applies the equity method of accounting where it has significant influence over the investee. Significant influence can be evidenced by a significant ownership interest (which is generally defined as a voting interest of 20% to 50%), significant board of director representation, or other contracts and arrangements.
VIEs — Those entities that do not meet the VRE criteria are generally analyzed for consolidation as VIEs. A VIE is an entity that lacks equity investors or whose equity investors do not have a controlling financial interest in the entity through their equity investments. Merrill Lynch consolidates those VIEs for which it is the primary beneficiary. In accordance with Consolidation Accounting guidance, Merrill Lynch is considered the primary beneficiary when it has a controlling financial interest in a VIE. Merrill Lynch has a controlling financial interest when it has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Merrill Lynch reassesses whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE on a quarterly basis. The quarterly reassessment process considers whether Merrill Lynch has acquired or divested the power to direct the activities of the VIE through changes in governing documents or other circumstances. The reassessment also considers whether Merrill Lynch has acquired or disposed of a financial interest that could be significant to the VIE, or whether an interest in the VIE has become significant or is no longer significant. The consolidation status of the VIEs with which Merrill Lynch is involved may change as a result of such reassessments.
Securitization Activities
In the normal course of business, Merrill Lynch has securitized commercial and residential mortgage loans; municipal, government, and corporate bonds; and other types of financial assets. Merrill Lynch may retain interests in the securitized financial assets by holding notes or other debt instruments issued by the securitization vehicle. In accordance with ASC 860,Transfers and Servicing(“Financial Transfers and Servicing Accounting”), Merrill Lynch recognizes transfers of financial assets where it relinquishes control as sales to the extent of cash and any other proceeds received.
Revenue Recognition
Principal transactions revenue includes both realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading assets and trading liabilities, investment securities classified as trading investments and fair value changes associated with certain structured debt. These instruments are recorded at fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Gains and losses on sales are recognized on a trade date basis.
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Commissions revenues include commissions, mutual fund distribution fees and contingent deferred sales charge revenue, which are all accrued as earned. Commissions revenues also include mutual fund redemption fees, which are recognized at the time of redemption. Commissions revenues earned from certain customer equity transactions are recorded net of related brokerage, clearing and exchange fees.
Managed account and other fee-based revenues primarily consist of asset-priced portfolio service fees earned from the administration of separately managed accounts and other investment accounts for retail investors, annual account fees, and certain other account-related fees.
Investment banking revenues include underwriting revenues and fees for merger and acquisition and other advisory services, which are accrued when services for the transactions are substantially completed. Underwriting revenues are presented net of transaction-related expenses.
Earnings from equity method investments include Merrill Lynch’s pro rata share of income and losses associated with investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
Other revenues include gains (losses) on investment securities, including sales andother-than-temporary-impairment (“OTTI”) losses associated with certainavailable-for-sale securities, gains (losses) on private equity investments and other principal investments and gains (losses) on loans and other miscellaneous items.
Contractual interest received and paid, and dividends received on trading assets and trading liabilities, excluding derivatives, are recognized on an accrual basis as a component of interest and dividend revenues and interest expense. Interest and dividends on investment securities are recognized on an accrual basis as a component of interest and dividend revenues. Interest related to loans, notes, and mortgages, securities financing activities and certain short- and long-term borrowings are recorded on an accrual basis as interest revenue or interest expense, as applicable. Contractual interest, if any, on structured notes is recorded as a component of interest expense.
Use of Estimates
In presenting the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, management makes estimates regarding:
• | Valuations of assets and liabilities requiring fair value estimates; |
• | The allowance for credit losses; |
• | Determination ofother-than-temporary impairments foravailable-for-sale investment securities; |
• | The outcome of litigation; |
• | Determining whether VIEs should be consolidated; |
• | The ability to realize deferred taxes and the recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions; |
• | The carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets; |
• | The amortization period of intangible assets with definite lives; |
• | Incentive-based compensation accruals and valuation of share-based payment compensation arrangements; and |
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• | Other matters that affect the reported amounts and disclosure of contingencies in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. |
Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and available information. Therefore, actual results could differ from those estimates and could have a material impact on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, and it is possible that such changes could occur in the near term. A discussion of certain areas in which estimates are a significant component of the amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements follows:
Fair Value Measurement
Merrill Lynch accounts for a significant portion of its financial instruments at fair value or considers fair value in their measurement. Merrill Lynch accounts for certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value under various accounting literature, including ASC 320,Investments — Debt and Equity Securities(“Investment Accounting”), ASC 815,Derivatives and Hedging(“Derivatives Accounting”), and the fair value option election in accordance withASC 825-10-25,Financial Instruments — Recognition(the “fair value option election”). Merrill Lynch also accounts for certain assets at fair value under applicable industry guidance, namely ASC 940,Financial Services — Broker and Dealers(“Broker-Dealer Guide”) and ASC 946,Financial Services — Investment Companies(“Investment Company Guide”).
ASC 820,Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures(“Fair Value Accounting”) defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the quality of inputs used to measure fair value and enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measurements.
Fair values forover-the-counter (“OTC”) derivative financial instruments, principally forwards, options, and swaps, represent the present value of amounts estimated to be received from or paid to a marketplace participant in settlement of these instruments (i.e., the amount Merrill Lynch would expect to receive in a derivative asset assignment or would expect to pay to have a derivative liability assumed). These derivatives are valued using pricing models based on the net present value of estimated future cash flows and directly observed prices from exchange-traded derivatives, other OTC trades, or external pricing services, while taking into account the counterparty’s creditworthiness, or Merrill Lynch’s own creditworthiness, as appropriate. Determining the fair value for OTC derivative contracts can require a significant level of estimation and management judgment.
Newand/or complex instruments may have immature or limited markets. As a result, the pricing models used for valuation often incorporate significant estimates and assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the instrument, which may impact the results of operations reported in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. For instance, on long-dated and illiquid contracts extrapolation methods are applied to observed market data in order to estimate inputs and assumptions that are not directly observable. This enables Merrill Lynch to mark to fair value all positions consistently when only a subset of prices are directly observable. Values for OTC derivatives are verified using observed information about the costs of hedging the risk and other trades in the market. As the markets for these products develop, Merrill Lynch continually refines its pricing models to correlate more closely to the market price of these instruments. The recognition of significant inception gains and losses that incorporate unobservable inputs is reviewed by management to ensure such gains and losses are derived from observable inputsand/or incorporate reasonable assumptions about the unobservable component, such as implied bid-offer adjustments.
Certain financial instruments recorded at fair value are initially measured using mid-market prices which results in gross long and short positions valued at the same pricing level prior to the application of position netting. The resulting net positions are then adjusted to fair value representing the exit price
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as defined in Fair Value Accounting. The significant adjustments include liquidity and counterparty credit risk.
Liquidity
Merrill Lynch makes adjustments to bring a position from a mid-market to a bid or offer price, depending upon the net open position. Merrill Lynch values net long positions at bid prices and net short positions at offer prices. These adjustments are based upon either observable or implied bid-offer prices.
Counterparty Credit Risk
In determining fair value, Merrill Lynch considers both the credit risk of its counterparties, as well as its own creditworthiness. Merrill Lynch attempts to mitigate credit risk to third parties by entering into netting and collateral arrangements. Net counterparty exposure (counterparty positions netted by offsetting transactions and both cash and securities collateral) is then valued for counterparty creditworthiness and this resultant value is incorporated into the fair value of the respective instruments. Merrill Lynch generally calculates the credit risk adjustment for derivatives based on observable market credit spreads.
Fair Value Accounting also requires that Merrill Lynch consider its own creditworthiness when determining the fair value of certain instruments, including OTC derivative instruments and certain structured notes carried at fair value under the fair value option election (i.e., debt valuation adjustment or “DVA”). The approach to measuring the impact of Merrill Lynch’s DVA is done in the same manner as for third party credit risk. The impact of Merrill Lynch’s DVA is incorporated into the fair value, even when credit risk is not readily observable, of instruments such as OTC derivative contracts. OTC derivative liabilities are valued based on the net counterparty exposure as described above.
Legal Reserves
Merrill Lynch is a party in various actions, some of which involve claims for substantial amounts. Amounts are accrued for the financial resolution of claims that have either been asserted or are deemed probable of assertion if, in the opinion of management, it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In many cases, it is not possible to determine whether a liability has been incurred or to estimate the ultimate or minimum amount of that liability until the case is close to resolution, in which case no accrual is made until that time. Accruals are subject to significant estimation by management, with input from any outside counsel handling the matter. Refer to Note 14 for further information.
Income Taxes
Merrill Lynch provides for income taxes on all transactions that have been recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with ASC 740,Income Taxes(“Income Tax Accounting”). Accordingly, deferred taxes are adjusted to reflect the tax rates at which future taxable amounts will likely be settled or realized. The effects of tax rate changes on deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, as well as other changes in income tax laws, are recognized in net earnings in the period during which such changes are enacted. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts that are more-likely-than-not to be realized. Pursuant to Income Tax Accounting, Merrill Lynch may consider various sources of evidence in assessing the necessity of valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts more-likely-than-not to be realized, including the following: 1) past and projected earnings, including losses, of
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Merrill Lynch and Bank of America, as certain tax attributes such as U.S. net operating losses (“NOLs”), U.S. capital loss carryforwards and foreign tax credit carryforwards can be utilized by Bank of America in certain income tax returns, 2) tax carryforward periods, and 3) tax planning strategies and other factors of the legal entities, such as the intercompany tax-allocation policy. Included within Merrill Lynch’s net deferred tax assets are carryforward amounts generated in the U.S. and the U.K. that are deductible in the future as NOLs. Merrill Lynch has concluded that these deferred tax assets are more-likely-than-not to be fully utilized prior to expiration, based on the projected level of future taxable income of Merrill Lynch and Bank of America, which is relevant due to the intercompany tax-allocation policy. For this purpose, future taxable income was projected based on forecasts, historical earnings after adjusting for the past market disruptions and the anticipated impact of the differences between pre-tax earnings and taxable income.
Merrill Lynch recognizes and measures its unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with Income Tax Accounting. Merrill Lynch estimates the likelihood, based on their technical merits, that tax positions will be sustained upon examination considering the facts and circumstances and information available at the end of each period. Merrill Lynch adjusts the level of unrecognized tax benefits when there is more information available, or when an event occurs requiring a change. In accordance with Bank of America’s policy, any new or subsequent change in an unrecognized tax benefit related to a Bank of America state consolidated, combined or unitary return in which Merrill Lynch is a member will generally not be reflected in Merrill Lynch’s balance sheet. However, upon Bank of America’s resolution of the item, any material impact determined to be attributable to Merrill Lynch will be reflected in Merrill Lynch’s balance sheet. Merrill Lynch accrues income-tax-related interest and penalties, if applicable, within income tax expense.
Merrill Lynch’s results of operations are included in the U.S. federal income tax return and certain state income tax returns of Bank of America. The method of allocating income tax expense is determined under the intercompany tax allocation policy of Bank of America. This policy specifies that income tax expense will be computed for all Bank of America subsidiaries generally on a separate pro forma return basis, taking into account the tax position of the consolidated group and the pro forma Merrill Lynch group. Under this policy, tax benefits associated with net operating losses (or other tax attributes) of Merrill Lynch are payable to Merrill Lynch upon the earlier of the utilization in Bank of America’s tax returns or the utilization in Merrill Lynch’s pro forma tax returns.
Securities Financing Transactions
Merrill Lynch enters into repurchase and resale agreements and securities borrowed and loaned transactions to accommodate customers and earn interest rate spreads (also referred to as “matched book transactions”), obtain securities for settlement and finance inventory positions. Resale and repurchase agreements are generally accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and may be recorded at their contractual amounts plus accrued interest or at fair value under the fair value option election. In resale and repurchase agreements, typically the termination date of the agreements is before the maturity date of the underlying security. However, in certain situations, Merrill Lynch may enter into agreements where the termination date of the transaction is the same as the maturity date of the underlying security. These transactions are referred to as“repo-to-maturity” transactions. Merrill Lynch enters intorepo-to-maturity sales only for high quality, very liquid securities such as U.S. Treasury securities or securities issued by the government-sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”). Merrill Lynch accounts forrepo-to-maturity transactions as sales and purchases in accordance with applicable accounting guidance, and accordingly, removes or recognizes the securities from the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and recognizes a gain or loss in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings.Repo-to-maturity transactions were not material for the periods presented.
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Resale and repurchase agreements recorded at fair value are generally valued based on pricing models that use inputs with observable levels of price transparency. Where the fair value option election has been made, changes in the fair value of resale and repurchase agreements are reflected in principal transactions revenues and the contractual interest coupon is recorded as interest revenue or interest expense, respectively. For further information refer to Note 4.
Resale and repurchase agreements recorded at their contractual amounts plus accrued interest approximate fair value, as the fair value of these items is not materially sensitive to shifts in market interest rates because of the short-term nature of these instrumentsand/or variable interest rates or to credit risk because the resale and repurchase agreements are substantially collateralized.
Merrill Lynch may use securities received as collateral for resale agreements to satisfy regulatory requirements such asRule 15c3-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Securities borrowed and loaned transactions may be recorded at the amount of cash collateral advanced or received plus accrued interest or at fair value under the fair value option election. Securities borrowed transactions require Merrill Lynch to provide the counterparty with collateral in the form of cash, letters of credit, or other securities. Merrill Lynch receives collateral in the form of cash or other securities for securities loaned transactions. For these transactions, the fees received or paid by Merrill Lynch are recorded as interest revenue or expense. The carrying value of securities borrowed and loaned transactions, recorded at the amount of cash collateral advanced or received, approximates fair value as these items are not materially sensitive to shifts in market interest rates because of their short-term natureand/or variable interest rates or to credit risk because securities borrowed and loaned transactions are substantially collateralized.
For securities financing transactions, Merrill Lynch’s policy is to obtain possession of collateral with a market value equal to or in excess of the principal amount loaned under the agreements. To ensure that the market value of the underlying collateral remains sufficient, collateral is generally valued daily and Merrill Lynch may require counterparties to deposit additional collateral or may return collateral pledged when appropriate. Securities financing agreements give rise to negligible credit risk as a result of these collateral provisions, and no allowance for loan losses is considered necessary. These instruments therefore are managed based on market risk rather than credit risk.
Substantially all securities financing activities are transacted under master agreements that give Merrill Lynch the right, in the event of default, to liquidate collateral held and to offset receivables and payables with the same counterparty. Merrill Lynch offsets certain repurchase and resale transactions with the same counterparty on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets where it has such a master agreement and the transactions have the same maturity date.
All Merrill Lynch-owned securities pledged to counterparties where the counterparty has the right, by contract or custom, to sell or repledge the securities are disclosed parenthetically in trading assets or in investment securities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
In transactions where Merrill Lynch acts as the lender in a securities lending agreement and receives securities that can be pledged or sold as collateral, it recognizes an asset on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets carried at fair value, representing the securities received (securities received as collateral), and a liability for the same amount, representing the obligation to return those securities (obligation to return securities received as collateral). The amounts on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets result from such non-cash transactions.
At the end of certain quarterly periods during the year ended December 31, 2009, BAS, which was merged into MLPF&S (see “Merger with Banc of America Securities Holdings Corporation” in this Note for a description of the merger), had recorded certain sales of agency mortgage-backed securities
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(“MBS”) which, based on an ongoing internal review and interpretation, should have been recorded as secured borrowings. As a result of the merger with BASH, Merrill Lynch has included the effect of these transactions in its consolidated financial statements. Merrill Lynch is currently conducting a detailed review to determine whether there are additional sales of agency MBS which should have been recorded as secured financings. Upon completion of this detailed review, additional transactions will likely be identified, certain of which may require additional consideration.
Trading Assets and Liabilities
Merrill Lynch’s trading activities consist primarily of securities brokerage and trading; derivatives dealing and brokerage; commodities trading and futures brokerage; and securities financing transactions. Trading assets and trading liabilities consist of cash instruments (e.g., securities and loans) and derivative instruments. Trading assets also include commodities inventory. See Note 6 for additional information on derivative instruments.
Trading assets and liabilities are generally recorded on a trade date basis at fair value. Included in trading liabilities are securities that Merrill Lynch has sold but did not own and will therefore be obligated to purchase at a future date (“short sales”). Commodities inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value. Changes in fair value of trading assets and liabilities (i.e., unrealized gains and losses) are recognized as principal transactions revenues in the current period. Realized gains and losses and any related interest amounts are included in principal transactions revenues and interest revenues and expenses, depending on the nature of the instrument.
Derivatives
A derivative is an instrument whose value is derived from an underlying instrument or index, such as interest rates, equity security prices, currencies, commodity prices or credit spreads. Derivatives include futures, forwards, swaps, option contracts and other financial instruments with similar characteristics.
Derivative contracts often involve future commitments to exchange interest payment streams or currencies based on a notional or contractual amount (e.g., interest rate swaps or currency forwards) or to purchase or sell other financial instruments at specified terms on a specified date (e.g., options to buy or sell securities or currencies). Refer to Note 6 for further information.
Investment Securities
Investment securities consist of marketable investment securities and non-qualifying investments. Refer to Note 8.
Marketable Investment Securities
ML & Co. and certain of its non-broker-dealer subsidiaries follow the guidance within Investment Accounting for investments in debt and publicly traded equity securities. Merrill Lynch classifies those debt securities that it does not intend to sell asheld-to-maturity securities.Held-to-maturity securities are carried at cost unless a decline in value is deemedother-than-temporary, in which case the carrying value is reduced. For Merrill Lynch, the trading classification under Investment Accounting generally includes those securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term, securities that are economically hedged, or securities that may contain a bifurcatable embedded derivative as defined in Derivatives Accounting. Securities classified as trading assets are marked to fair value through earnings. All other qualifying securities are classified asavailable-for-sale
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and are held at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”).
Realized gains and losses on investment securities are included in current period earnings. For purposes of computing realized gains and losses, the cost basis of each investment sold is based on the specific identification method.
Merrill Lynch regularly (at least quarterly) evaluates eachheld-to-maturity andavailable-for-sale security whose fair value has declined below amortized cost to assess whether the decline in fair value isother-than-temporary. A decline in a debt security’s fair value is considered to beother-than-temporary if it is probable that all amounts contractually due will not be collected or Merrill Lynch either plans to sell the security or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost. For unrealized losses on debt securities that are deemedother-than-temporary, the credit component of another-than-temporary impairment is recognized in earnings and the non-credit component is recognized in OCI when Merrill Lynch does not intend to sell the security and it is more likely than not that Merrill Lynch will not be required to sell the security prior to recovery.
Non-Qualifying Investments
Non-qualifying investments are those investments that are not within the scope of Investment Accounting and primarily include private equity investments accounted for at fair value and other equity securities carried at cost or under the equity method of accounting.
Private equity investments that are held for capital appreciationand/or current income are accounted for under the Investment Company Guide and carried at fair value. Additionally, certain private equity investments that are not accounted for under the Investment Company Guide may be carried at fair value under the fair value option election. The fair value of private equity investments reflects expected exit values based upon market prices or other valuation methodologies, including market comparables of similar companies and discounted expected cash flows.
Merrill Lynch has non-controlling investments in the common shares of corporations and in partnerships that do not fall within the scope of Investment Accounting or the Investment Company Guide. Merrill Lynch accounts for these investments using either the cost or the equity method of accounting based on management’s ability to influence the investees. See the Consolidation Accounting section of this Note for more information.
For investments accounted for using the equity method, income is recognized based on Merrill Lynch’s share of the earnings or losses of the investee. Dividend distributions are generally recorded as reductions in the investment balance. Impairment testing is based on the guidance provided in Equity Method Accounting, and the investment is reduced when an impairment is deemedother-than-temporary.
For investments accounted for at cost, income is recognized when dividends are received, or the investment is sold. Instruments are periodically tested for impairment based on the guidance provided in Investment Accounting, and the cost basis is reduced when an impairment is deemedother-than-temporary.
Loans, Notes and Mortgages, Net
Merrill Lynch’s lending and related activities include loan originations, syndications and securitizations. Loan originations include corporate and institutional loans, residential and commercial mortgages, asset-backed loans, and other loans to individuals and businesses. Merrill Lynch also engages in
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secondary market loan trading (see the Trading Assets and Liabilities section of this Note) and margin lending. Loans included in loans, notes, and mortgages are classified for accounting purposes as loans held for investment and loans held for sale. Upon completion of the acquisition of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America, certain loans carried by Merrill Lynch were subject to the requirements ofASC 310-30,Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality(“Acquired Impaired Loan Accounting”).
Loans held for investment are generally carried at amortized cost, less an allowance for loan losses, which represents Merrill Lynch’s estimate of probable losses inherent in its lending activities. The fair value option election has been made for certainheld-for-investment loans, notes and mortgages. Merrill Lynch performs periodic and systematic detailed reviews of its lending portfolios to identify credit risks and to assess overall collectability. These reviews, which are updated on a quarterly basis, consider a variety of factors including, but not limited to, historical loss experience, estimated defaults, delinquencies, economic conditions, credit scores and the fair value of any underlying collateral. Provisions for loan losses are included in interest and dividend revenue in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Merrill Lynch’s estimate of loan losses includes judgment about collectability based on available information at the balance sheet date, and the uncertainties inherent in those underlying assumptions. While management has based its estimates on the best information available, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary as a result of changes in the economic environment or variances between actual results and the original assumptions.
In general, loans that are past due 90 days or more as to principal or interest, or where reasonable doubt exists as to timely collection, including loans that are individually identified as being impaired, are classified as non-performing unless well-secured and in the process of collection. Commercial loans whose contractual terms have been restructured in a manner which grants a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties are considered troubled debt restructurings and are classified as non-performing until the loans have performed for an adequate period of time under the restructured agreement. Interest accrued but not collected is reversed when a commercial loan is considered non-performing. Interest collections on commercial loans for which the ultimate collectability of principal is uncertain are applied as principal reductions; otherwise, such collections are credited to income when received. Commercial loans may be restored to performing status when all principal and interest is current and full repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest is expected, or when the loan otherwise becomes well-secured and is in the process of collection.
Loans held for sale are carried at lower of cost or fair value. The fair value option election has been made for certain held for sale loans, notes and mortgages. Estimation is required in determining these fair values. The fair value of loans made in connection with commercial lending activity, consisting mainly of senior debt, is primarily estimated using the market value of publicly issued debt instruments when available or discounted cash flows. Nonrefundable loan origination fees, loan commitment fees, and “draw down” fees received in conjunction with held for investment loans are generally deferred and recognized over the contractual life of the loan as an adjustment to the yield. If, at the outset, or any time during the term of the loan, it becomes probable that the repayment period will be extended, the amortization is recalculated using the expected remaining life of the loan. When the loan contract does not provide for a specific maturity date, management’s best estimate of the repayment period is used. At repayment of the loan, any unrecognized deferred fee is immediately recognized in earnings. If the loan is accounted for as held for sale, the fees received are deferred and recognized as part of the gain or loss on sale in other revenues. If the loan is accounted for under the fair value option election, the fees are included in the determination of the fair value and included in other revenues.
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New Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance on troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”), including how to determine whether a loan modification represents a concession and whether the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. This new accounting guidance will be effective for Merrill Lynch’s interim period ending September 30, 2011 with retrospective application back to January 1, 2011. The new accounting guidance is primarily expected to affect disclosures.
Note 2. | Transactions with Bank of America |
Merrill Lynch has entered into various transactions with Bank of America, primarily to integrate certain activities within either Bank of America or Merrill Lynch. Transactions with Bank of America also include various asset and liability transfers and transactions associated with intercompany sales and trading and financing activities.
Merger with BASH
See Note 1 — “Merger with Banc of America Securities Holdings Corporation (“BASH”)” for further information on this transaction.
Other Related Party Transactions
Merrill Lynch has entered into various other transactions with Bank of America, primarily in connection with certain sales and trading and financing activities. Details on amounts receivable from and payable to Bank of America as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are presented below:
Receivables from Bank of America are comprised of:
(dollars in millions) | March 31, 2011 | December 31, 2010 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 17,981 | $ | 14,471 | ||||
Cash and securities segregated for regulatory purposes | 7,045 | 5,508 | ||||||
Receivables under resale agreements | 35,705 | 31,053 | ||||||
Trading assets | 670 | 643 | ||||||
Net intercompany funding receivable | 6,590 | 7,305 | ||||||
Other receivables | 1,358 | 1,460 | ||||||
Other assets | 47 | 215 | ||||||
Total | $ | 69,396 | $ | 60,655 | ||||
Payables to Bank of America are comprised of:
(dollars in millions) | March 31, 2011 | December 31, 2010 | ||||||
Payables under repurchase agreements | $ | 25,745 | $ | 12,890 | ||||
Payables under securities loaned transactions | 2,270 | 2,352 | ||||||
Short-term borrowings | 1,832 | 1,901 | ||||||
Deposits | 34 | 33 | ||||||
Trading liabilities | 766 | 520 | ||||||
Other payables | 4,139 | 2,746 | ||||||
Long-term borrowings(1) | 2,579 | 2,579 | ||||||
Total | $ | 37,365 | $ | 23,021 | ||||
(1) | Amounts are subordinated borrowings from Bank of America (see Note 12). |
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Total net revenues and non-interest expenses related to transactions with Bank of America for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were $354 million and $552 million, respectively. Total net revenues and non-interest expenses related to transactions with Bank of America for the three months ended March 31, 2010 were $65 million and $248 million, respectively. Net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 included gains of approximately $42 million and $280 million, respectively, from the sale of approximately $1.4 billion and $11.2 billion, respectively, ofavailable-for-sale securities to Bank of America. These transfers were made to enable Bank of America to more efficiently manage the portfolio.
Bank of America has guaranteed the performance of Merrill Lynch on certain derivative transactions (see Note 6). Bank of America has also guaranteed certain debt securities, warrantsand/or other certificates and obligations of certain subsidiaries of ML & Co. (see Note 12).
Note 3. | Segment and Geographic Information |
Segment Information
As a result of the acquisition by Bank of America, Merrill Lynch reevaluated the provisions of ASC 280,Segment Reporting(“Segment Reporting”) in the first quarter of 2009. Pursuant to Segment Reporting, operating segments represent components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that is regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker in determining how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Based upon how the chief operating decision maker of Merrill Lynch reviews results in terms of allocating resources and assessing performance, it was determined that Merrill Lynch does not contain any identifiable operating segments under Segment Reporting. As a result, the financial information of Merrill Lynch is presented as a single segment.
Geographic Information
Merrill Lynch conducts its business activities through offices in the following five regions:
• | United States; |
• | Europe, Middle East, and Africa (“EMEA”); |
• | Pacific Rim; |
• | Latin America; and |
• | Canada. |
The principal methodologies used in preparing the geographic information below are as follows:
• | Revenues are generally recorded based on the location of the employee generating the revenue; and |
• | Intercompany transfers are based primarily on service agreements. |
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The information that follows, in management’s judgment, provides a reasonable representation of each region’s contribution to the consolidated net revenues:
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||
(dollars in millions) | March 31, 2011 | March 31, 2010 | ||||||
Revenues, net of interest expense | ||||||||
Europe, Middle East, and Africa | $ | 1,318 | $ | 2,121 | ||||
Pacific Rim | 771 | 778 | ||||||
Latin America | 332 | 340 | ||||||
Canada | 79 | 73 | ||||||
TotalNon-U.S. | 2,500 | 3,312 | ||||||
United States(1)(2) | 5,382 | 6,155 | ||||||
Total revenues, net of interest expense | $ | 7,882 | $ | 9,467 | ||||
(1) | U.S. results for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 included losses of $0.3 billion and gains of $0.2 billion, respectively, due to the impact of changes in Merrill Lynch’s credit spreads on the carrying values of certain long-term borrowings, primarily structured notes. | |
(2) | Corporate net revenues and adjustments are reflected in the U.S. region. |
Note 4. | Fair Value Disclosures |
Fair Value Accounting
Fair Value Hierarchy
In accordance with Fair Value Accounting, Merrill Lynch has categorized its financial instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy.
The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).
Financial assets and liabilities recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized based on the inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:
Level 1. | Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that Merrill Lynch has the ability to access (examples include active exchange-traded equity securities, exchange-traded derivatives, U.S. Government securities, and certain other sovereign government obligations). |
Level 2. | Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs include the following: |
a) | Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets (examples include restricted stock and U.S. agency securities); |
b) | Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets (examples include corporate and municipal bonds, which can trade infrequently); |
c) | Pricing models whose inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (examples include mostover-the-counter derivatives, including interest rate and currency swaps); and |
d) | Pricing models whose inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the asset |
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or liability (examples include certain residential and commercial mortgage-related assets, including loans, securities and derivatives). |
Level 3. | Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management’s view about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability (examples include certain private equity investments, certain residential and commercial mortgage-related assets and long-dated or complex derivatives). |
As required by Fair Value Accounting, when the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. For example, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable (Level 3). Therefore gains and losses for such assets and liabilities categorized within the Level 3 reconciliation below may include changes in fair value that are attributable to both observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3). Further, the following reconciliations do not take into consideration the offsetting effect of Level 1 and 2 financial instruments entered into by Merrill Lynch that economically hedge certain exposures to the Level 3 positions.
A review of fair value hierarchy classifications is conducted on a quarterly basis. Changes in the observability of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification for certain financial assets or liabilities. Level 3 gains and losses represent amounts incurred during the period in which the instrument was classified as Level 3. Reclassifications impacting Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are reported as transfers in or transfers out of the Level 3 category as of the beginning of the quarter in which the reclassifications occur. Refer to the recurring and non-recurring sections within this Note for further information on transfers in and out of Level 3.
Valuation Techniques
The following outlines the valuation methodologies for Merrill Lynch’s material categories of assets and liabilities:
U.S. Government and agencies
U.S. treasury securities U.S. treasury securities are valued using quoted market prices and are generally classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
U.S. agency securities U.S. agency securities are comprised of two main categories consisting of agency issued debt and mortgage pass-throughs. The fair value of agency issued debt securities is derived using market prices and recent trade activity gathered from independent dealer pricing services or brokers. Mortgage pass-throughs include To-be-announced (“TBA”) securities and mortgage pass-through certificates. TBA securities are generally valued using quoted market prices. Generally, the fair value of mortgage pass-through certificates is based on market prices of comparable securities. Agency issued debt securities and mortgage pass-throughs are generally classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
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Non-U.S. governments and agencies
Sovereign government obligations Sovereign government obligations are valued using quoted prices in active markets when available. To the extent quoted prices are not available, fair value is determined based on reference to recent trading activity and quoted prices of similar securities. These securities are generally classified in Level 1 or Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, primarily based on the issuing country.
Municipal debt
Municipal bonds The fair value of municipal bonds is calculated using recent trade activity, market price quotations and new issuance levels. In the absence of this information, fair value is calculated using comparable bond credit spreads. Current interest rates, credit events, and individual bond characteristics such as coupon, call features, maturity, and revenue purpose are considered in the valuation process. The majority of these bonds are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Auction Rate Securities (“ARS”) Merrill Lynch holds investments in certain ARS, including student loan and municipal ARS. Student loan ARS are comprised of various pools of student loans. Municipal ARS are issued by states and municipalities for a wide variety of purposes, including but not limited to healthcare, industrial development, education and transportation infrastructure. The fair value of the student loan ARS is calculated using a pricing model that relies upon a number of assumptions including weighted average life, coupon, discount margin and liquidity discounts. The fair value of the municipal ARS is calculated based upon projected refinancing and spread assumptions. In both cases, recent trades and issuer tenders are considered in the valuations. Student loan ARS and municipal ARS are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Corporate and other debt
Corporate bonds Corporate bonds are valued based on either the most recent observable tradeand/or external quotes, depending on availability. The most recent observable trade price is given highest priority as the valuation benchmark based on an evaluation of transaction date, size, frequency, and bid-offer. This price may be adjusted by bond or credit default swap spread movement. When credit default swap spreads are referenced,cash-to-synthetic basis magnitude and movement as well as maturity matching are incorporated into the value. When neither external quotes nor a recent trade is available, the bonds are valued using a discounted cash flow approach based on risk parameters of comparable securities. In such cases, the potential pricing difference in spreadand/or price terms with the traded comparable is considered. Corporate bonds are generally classified as Level 2 or Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Corporate loans and commitments The fair values of corporate loans and loan commitments are based on market prices and most recent transactions when available. When not available, a discounted cash flow valuation approach is applied using market-based credit spreads of comparable debt instruments, recent new issuance activity or relevant credit derivatives with appropriatecash-to-synthetic basis adjustments. Corporate loans and commitments are generally classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Certain corporate loans, particularly those related to emerging market, leveraged and distressed companies have limited price transparency. These loans are generally classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset-backed
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (“RMBS”), Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”), and other Asset-Backed Securities (“ABS”) RMBS, CMBS and other ABS are valued
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based on observable price or credit spreads for the particular security, or when price or credit spreads are not observable, the valuation is based on prices of comparable bonds or the present value of expected future cash flows. Valuation levels of RMBS and CMBS indices are used as an additional data point for benchmarking purposes or to price outright index positions.
When estimating the fair value based upon the present value of expected future cash flows, Merrill Lynch uses its best estimate of the key assumptions, including forecasted credit losses, prepayment rates, forward yield curves and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved, while also taking into account performance of the underlying collateral.
RMBS, CMBS and other ABS are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy if external prices or credit spreads are unobservable or if comparable trades/assets involve significant subjectivity related to property type differences, cash flows, performance and other inputs; otherwise, they are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Equities
Exchange-Traded Equity Securities Exchange-traded equity securities are generally valued based on quoted prices from the exchange. To the extent these securities are actively traded, they are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy, otherwise they are classified as Level 2.
Derivative contracts
Listed Derivative Contracts Listed derivatives that are actively traded are generally valued based on quoted prices from the exchange and are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Listed derivatives that are not actively traded are valued using the same approaches as those applied to OTC derivatives; they are generally classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
OTC Derivative Contracts OTC derivative contracts include forwards, swaps and options related to interest rate, foreign currency, credit, equity or commodity underlyings.
The fair value of OTC derivatives is derived using market prices and other market based pricing parameters such as interest rates, currency rates and volatilities that are observed directly in the market or gathered from independent sources such as dealer consensus pricing services or brokers. Where models are used, they are used consistently and reflect the contractual terms of and specific risks inherent in the contracts. Generally, the models do not require a high level of subjectivity since the valuation techniques used in the models do not require significant judgment and inputs to the models are readily observable in active markets. When appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors such as liquidity and credit considerations based on available market evidence. In addition, for most collateralized interest rate and currency derivatives the requirement to pay interest on the collateral may be considered in the valuation. The majority of OTC derivative contracts are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
OTC derivative contracts that do not have readily observable market based pricing parameters are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Examples of derivative contracts classified within Level 3 include contractual obligations that have tenures that extend beyond periods in which inputs to the model would be observable, exotic derivatives with significant inputs into a valuation model that are less transparent in the market and certain credit default swaps (“CDS”) referenced to mortgage-backed securities.
For example, derivative instruments, such as certain CDS referenced to RMBS, CMBS, ABS and collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), may be valued based on the underlying mortgage risk where
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these instruments are not actively quoted. Inputs to the valuation will include available information on similar underlying loans or securities in the cash market. The prepayments and loss assumptions on the underlying loans or securities are estimated using a combination of historical data, prices on recent market transactions, relevant observable market indices such as the ABX or CMBX and prepayment and default scenarios and analyses.
CDOs The fair value of CDOs is derived from a referenced basket of CDS, the CDO’s capital structure, and the default correlation, which is an input to a proprietary CDO valuation model. The underlying CDO portfolios typically contain investment grade as well as non-investment grade obligors. After adjusting for differences in risk profile, the correlation parameter for an actual transaction is estimated by benchmarking against observable standardized index tranches and other comparable transactions. CDOs are classified as either Level 2 or Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Investment securities non-qualifying
Investments in Private Equity, Real Estate and Hedge Funds Merrill Lynch has investments in numerous asset classes, including: direct private equity, private equity funds, hedge funds and real estate funds. Valuing these investments requires significant management judgment due to the nature of the assets and the lack of quoted market prices and liquidity in these assets. Initially, the transaction price of the investment is generally considered to be the best indicator of fair value. Thereafter, valuation of direct investments is based on an assessment of each individual investment using various methodologies, which include publicly traded comparables derived by multiplying a key performance metric (e.g., earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of the portfolio company by the relevant valuation multiple observed for comparable companies, acquisition comparables, entry level multiples and discounted cash flows. These valuations are subject to appropriate discounts for lack of liquidity or marketability. Certain factors which may influence changes to fair value include but are not limited to, recapitalizations, subsequent rounds of financing, and offerings in the equity or debt capital markets. For fund investments, Merrill Lynch generally records the fair value of its proportionate interest in the fund’s capital as reported by the fund’s respective managers.
Publicly traded private equity investments are primarily classified as either Level 1 or Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Level 2 classifications generally include those publicly traded equity investments that have a legal or contractual transfer restriction. All other investments in private equity, real estate and hedge funds are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy due to infrequent tradingand/or unobservable market prices.
Resale and repurchase agreements
Merrill Lynch elected the fair value option for certain resale and repurchase agreements. For such agreements, the fair value is estimated using a discounted cash flow model which incorporates inputs such as interest rate yield curves and option volatility. Resale and repurchase agreements for which the fair value option has been elected are generally classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Long-term and short-term borrowings
Merrill Lynch and its consolidated VIEs issue structured notes that have coupons or repayment terms linked to the performance of debt or equity securities, indices, currencies or commodities. The fair value of structured notes is estimated using valuation models for the combined derivative and debt portions of the notes when the fair value option has been elected. These models incorporate observable and in some instances unobservable inputs including security prices, interest rate yield curves, option
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volatility, currency, commodity or equity rates and correlations between these inputs. The impact of Merrill Lynch’s own credit spreads is also included based on Merrill Lynch’s observed secondary bond market spreads. Structured notes are classified as either Level 2 or Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Recurring Fair Value
The following tables present Merrill Lynch’s fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis | ||||||||||||||||||||
as of March 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Netting | ||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in millions) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Adj(1) | Total | |||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Securities segregated for regulatory purposes or deposited with clearing organizations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate debt | $ | - | $ | 277 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 277 | ||||||||||
Non-U.S. governments and agencies | 786 | 1,629 | - | - | 2,415 | |||||||||||||||
U.S. government and agencies | 1,040 | 615 | - | - | 1,655 | |||||||||||||||
Total securities segregated for regulatory purposes or deposited with clearing organizations | 1,826 | 2,521 | - | - | 4,347 | |||||||||||||||
Receivables under resale agreements | - | 89,631 | - | - | 89,631 | |||||||||||||||
Receivables under securities borrowed transactions | - | 2,412 | - | - | 2,412 | |||||||||||||||
Trading assets, excluding derivative contracts: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equities | 24,021 | 7,733 | 215 | - | 31,969 | |||||||||||||||
Convertible debentures | - | 5,700 | 119 | - | 5,819 | |||||||||||||||
Non-U.S. governments and agencies | 22,974 | 4,924 | 252 | - | 28,150 | |||||||||||||||
Corporate debt | - | 22,729 | 3,998 | - | 26,727 | |||||||||||||||
Preferred stock | - | 558 | 325 | - | 883 | |||||||||||||||
Mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset-backed | - | 8,594 | 5,433 | - | 14,027 | |||||||||||||||
U.S. government and agencies | 18,245 | 23,849 | - | - | 42,094 | |||||||||||||||
Municipals and money markets | 690 | 13,851 | 2,350 | - | 16,891 | |||||||||||||||
Physical commodities and other | - | 430 | - | - | 430 | |||||||||||||||
Total trading assets, excluding derivative contracts | 65,930 | 88,368 | 12,692 | - | 166,990 | |||||||||||||||
Derivatives contracts(2) | 2,153 | 523,989 | 12,269 | (503,610 | ) | 34,801 | ||||||||||||||
Investment securitiesavailable-for-sale: | ||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Government securities and agency debentures | 430 | - | - | - | 430 | |||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities — residential MBS | - | 2,235 | - | - | 2,235 | |||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities — agency CMOs | - | - | 56 | - | 56 | |||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities — non-agency MBSs | - | 479 | 103 | - | 582 | |||||||||||||||
Total investment securitiesavailable-for-sale | 430 | 2,714 | 159 | - | 3,303 | |||||||||||||||
Investment securities non-qualifying | 2,539 | 3,297 | 1,095 | - | 6,931 | |||||||||||||||
Total investment securities | 2,969 | 6,011 | 1,254 | - | 10,234 | |||||||||||||||
Securities received as collateral | 19,663 | 1,350 | - | - | 21,013 | |||||||||||||||
Loans, notes and mortgages | - | 783 | 1,993 | - | 2,776 |
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Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis | ||||||||||||||||||||
as of March 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Netting | ||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in millions) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Adj(1) | Total | |||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Payables under repurchase agreements | $ | - | $ | 37,308 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 37,308 | ||||||||||
Short-term borrowings | - | 5,695 | - | - | 5,695 | |||||||||||||||
Trading liabilities, excluding derivative contracts: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equities | 16,705 | 1,813 | - | - | 18,518 | |||||||||||||||
Convertible debentures | - | 547 | - | - | 547 | |||||||||||||||
Non-U.S. governments and agencies | 19,004 | 1,182 | - | - | 20,186 | |||||||||||||||
Corporate debt | - | 9,943 | 52 | - | 9,995 | |||||||||||||||
Preferred stock | - | 91 | 23 | 114 | ||||||||||||||||
U.S. government and agencies | 23,297 | 5,238 | - | - | 28,535 | |||||||||||||||
Municipals, money markets and other | 299 | 32 | 22 | - | 353 | |||||||||||||||
Total trading liabilities, excluding derivative contracts | 59,305 | 18,846 | 97 | - | 78,248 | |||||||||||||||
Derivatives contracts(2) | 1,709 | 526,645 | 6,715 | (503,226 | ) | 31,843 | ||||||||||||||
Obligation to return securities received as collateral | 19,663 | 1,350 | - | - | 21,013 | |||||||||||||||
Other payables — interest and other | - | 8 | 100 | - | 108 | |||||||||||||||
Long-term borrowings | - | 38,651 | 2,364 | - | 41,015 | |||||||||||||||
(1) | Represents counterparty and cash collateral netting. | |
(2) | Refer to Note 6 for product level detail. |
During the three months ended March 31, 2011, a private equity investment included within investment securities non-qualifying of approximately $400 million was transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 due the establishment of a contractual transfer restriction on the security.
Level 3 derivative contracts (assets) relate to derivative positions on U.S. ABS CDOs and other mortgage products of $5.1 billion, $2.7 billion of other credit derivatives that incorporate unobservable model valuation inputs, and $4.4 billion of equity, currency, interest rate and commodity derivatives that are long-datedand/or have unobservable model valuation inputs (e.g., unobservable correlation).
Level 3 non-qualifying investment securities primarily relate to certain private equity positions.
Level 3 loans, notes and mortgages primarily relate to residential mortgage and corporate loans.
Level 3 derivative contracts (liabilities) relate to derivative positions on U.S. ABS CDOs and other mortgage products of $2.0 billion, $1.0 billion of other credit derivatives that incorporate unobservable model valuation inputs, and $3.7 billion of equity, currency, interest rate and commodity derivatives that are long-datedand/or have unobservable model valuation inputs (e.g., unobservable correlation).
Level 3 long-term borrowings primarily relate to equity-linked structured notes of $1.8 billion that have unobservable model valuation inputs (e.g., unobservable correlation) and long-term borrowings of consolidated VIEs of $300 million.
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Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis | ||||||||||||||||||||
as of December 31, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Netting | ||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in millions) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Adj(1) | Total | |||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Securities segregated for regulatory purposes or deposited with clearing organizations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate debt | $ | - | $ | 306 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 306 | ||||||||||
Non-U.S. governments and agencies | 1,652 | 1,402 | - | - | 3,054 | |||||||||||||||
U.S. government and agencies | 1,419 | 1,413 | - | - | 2,832 | |||||||||||||||
Total securities segregated for regulatory purposes or deposited with clearing organizations | 3,071 | 3,121 | - | - | 6,192 | |||||||||||||||
Receivables under resale agreements(2) | - | 74,255 | - | - | 74,255 | |||||||||||||||
Receivables under securities borrowed transactions | - | 1,672 | - | - | 1,672 | |||||||||||||||
Trading assets, excluding derivative contracts: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equities | 20,458 | 7,673 | 170 | - | 28,301 | |||||||||||||||
Convertible debentures | - | 5,903 | - | - | 5,903 | |||||||||||||||
Non-U.S. governments and agencies | 18,393 | 3,612 | 243 | - | 22,248 | |||||||||||||||
Corporate debt | - | 22,300 | 4,605 | - | 26,905 | |||||||||||||||
Preferred stock | - | 511 | 287 | - | 798 | |||||||||||||||
Mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset-backed | - | 5,247 | 5,747 | - | 10,994 | |||||||||||||||
U.S. government and agencies(3) | 17,742 | 23,636 | - | - | 41,378 | |||||||||||||||
Municipals and money markets | 732 | 11,102 | 2,327 | - | 14,161 | |||||||||||||||
Physical commodities and other | - | 598 | - | - | 598 | |||||||||||||||
Total trading assets, excluding derivative contracts | 57,325 | 80,582 | 13,379 | - | 151,286 | |||||||||||||||
Derivative contracts(4) | 1,622 | 590,020 | 14,359 | (566,630 | ) | 39,371 | ||||||||||||||
Investment securitiesavailable-for-sale: | ||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Government securities and agency debentures | 430 | - | - | - | 430 | |||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities — residential MBS | - | 3,869 | - | - | 3,869 | |||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities — agency CMOs | - | 61 | - | - | 61 | |||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities — non-agency MBSs | - | 518 | 213 | - | 731 | |||||||||||||||
Total investment securitiesavailable-for-sale | 430 | 4,448 | 213 | - | 5,091 | |||||||||||||||
Investment securities non-qualifying | 2,792 | 690 | 3,394 | 6,876 | ||||||||||||||||
Total investment securities | 3,222 | 5,138 | 3,607 | - | 11,967 | |||||||||||||||
Securities received as collateral | 19,471 | 892 | - | - | 20,363 | |||||||||||||||
Loans, notes and mortgages | - | 1,423 | 1,891 | - | 3,314 | |||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Payables under repurchase agreements | - | 37,394 | - | - | 37,394 | |||||||||||||||
Short-term borrowings | - | 6,472 | - | - | 6,472 | |||||||||||||||
Trading liabilities, excluding derivative contracts: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equities | 11,706 | 914 | - | - | 12,620 | |||||||||||||||
Convertible debentures | - | 1,406 | - | - | 1,406 | |||||||||||||||
Non-U.S. governments and agencies | 14,748 | 957 | - | - | 15,705 | |||||||||||||||
Corporate debt | - | 9,500 | - | - | 9,500 | |||||||||||||||
U.S. government and agencies | 19,860 | 4,887 | - | - | 24,747 | |||||||||||||||
Municipals, money markets and other | 224 | 347 | - | - | 571 | |||||||||||||||
Total trading liabilities, excluding derivative contracts | 46,538 | 18,011 | - | - | 64,549 | |||||||||||||||
Derivatives contracts(4) | 1,142 | 590,138 | 7,991 | (567,074 | ) | 32,197 | ||||||||||||||
Obligation to return securities received as collateral | 19,471 | 892 | - | - | 20,363 | |||||||||||||||
Other payables — interest and other | - | 39 | 126 | - | 165 | |||||||||||||||
Long-term borrowings | - | 36,818 | 2,396 | - | 39,214 | |||||||||||||||
(1) | Represents counterparty and cash collateral netting. | |
(2) | Receivables under resale agreements have been revised from approximately $51 billion (as previously reported) to approximately $74 billion. A similar revision has been made on the balance sheet to the |
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parenthetical disclosure of receivables under resale agreements measured at fair value in accordance with the fair value option election. | ||
(3) | U.S. Government and agencies trading asset amounts shown in Level 1 and Level 2 have been revised from approximately $7 billion and $34 billion, respectively (as previously reported) to approximately $18 billion and $24 billion, respectively. | |
(4) | Refer to Note 6 for product level detail. |
Level 3 derivative contracts (assets) relate to derivative positions on U.S. ABS CDOs and other mortgage products of $5.7 billion, $4.1 billion of other credit derivatives that incorporate unobservable model valuation inputs, and $4.5 billion of equity, currency, interest rate and commodity derivatives that are long-datedand/or have unobservable model valuation inputs (e.g., unobservable correlation).
Level 3 non-qualifying investment securities primarily relate to certain private equity positions.
Level 3 loans, notes and mortgages primarily relate to residential mortgage and corporate loans.
Level 3 derivative contracts (liabilities) relate to derivative positions on U.S. ABS CDOs and other mortgage products of $2.2 billion, $2.0 billion of other credit derivatives that incorporate unobservable model valuation inputs, and $3.8 billion of equity, currency, interest rate and commodity derivatives that are long-datedand/or have unobservable model valuation inputs (e.g., unobservable correlation).
Level 3 long-term borrowings primarily relate to equity-linked structured notes of $1.9 billion that are long-datedand/or have unobservable model valuation inputs (e.g., unobservable correlation).
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The following tables provide a summary of changes in Merrill Lynch’s Level 3 financial assets and liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010.
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Level 3 Financial Assets and Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Realized and Unrealized | Total Realized | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gains or (Losses) | and Unrealized | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
included in Income | Gains or (Losses) | Unrealized | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning | Principal | Other | included in | Gains to | Transfers | Transfers | Ending | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance | Transactions | Revenue | Interest | Income | OCI | Sales | Purchases | Issuances | Settlements | In | Out | Balance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trading assets, excluding derivative contracts: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equities | $ | 170 | $ | 34 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 34 | $ | - | $ | (48 | ) | $ | 60 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | (1 | ) | $ | 215 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Convertible debentures | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 119 | - | - | - | - | 119 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-U.S. governments and agencies | 243 | 5 | - | - | 5 | - | (4 | ) | 48 | - | - | - | (40 | ) | 252 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate debt | 4,605 | 285 | - | - | 285 | - | (1,069 | ) | 341 | - | (39 | ) | 96 | (221 | ) | 3,998 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock | 287 | 9 | - | - | 9 | - | (13 | ) | 3 | - | - | 39 | - | 325 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset-backed | 5,747 | 329 | - | - | 329 | - | (836 | ) | 561 | - | (19 | ) | 1 | (350 | ) | 5,433 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipals and money markets | 2,327 | 19 | - | - | 19 | - | (909 | ) | 936 | - | (23 | ) | 4 | (4 | ) | 2,350 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total trading assets, excluding derivative contracts | 13,379 | 681 | - | - | 681 | - | (2,879 | ) | 2,068 | - | (81 | ) | 140 | (616 | ) | 12,692 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative contracts, net | 6,368 | (257 | ) | - | - | (257 | ) | - | (432 | ) | 337 | - | (438 | ) | 299 | (323 | ) | 5,554 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securitiesavailable-for-sale: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities — agency CMOs | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 56 | - | - | - | - | 56 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities — non-agency MBSs | 213 | - | (9 | ) | - | (9 | ) | (19 | ) | (82 | ) | - | - | - | - | - | 103 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total investment securitiesavailable-for-sale | 213 | - | (9 | ) | - | (9 | ) | (19 | ) | (82 | ) | 56 | - | - | - | - | 159 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities non-qualifying | 3,394 | - | 220 | 220 | (804 | ) | 22 | - | (189 | ) | (1,548 | ) | 1,095 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total investment securities | 3,607 | - | 211 | - | 211 | (19 | ) | (886 | ) | 78 | - | (189 | ) | - | (1,548 | ) | 1,254 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans, notes and mortgages | 1,891 | - | 175 | 8 | 183 | - | (169 | ) | 31 | - | (42 | ) | 113 | (14 | ) | 1,993 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trading liabilities, excluding derivative contracts: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate debt | - | - | - | - | - | - | 52 | - | - | - | - | - | 52 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock | - | - | - | - | - | - | 23 | - | - | - | - | - | 23 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipals, money markets and other | - | - | - | - | - | - | 22 | - | - | - | - | - | 22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total trading liabilities, excluding derivative contracts | - | - | - | - | - | - | 97 | - | - | - | - | - | 97 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other payables — interest and other | 126 | - | 24 | - | 24 | - | 4 | (6 | ) | - | - | - | - | 100 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term borrowings | 2,396 | (92 | ) | (35 | ) | - | (127 | ) | - | - | (62 | ) | 43 | (231 | ) | 300 | (209 | ) | 2,364 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales of corporate debt primarily relates to sales of corporate ARS and distressed loans. Sales and purchases of municipal securities is primarily due to dealer activity in student loan ARS. Sales of investment securities non-qualifying relates to the sale of a private equity investment during the first quarter of 2011.
Transfers out for corporate debt primarily relates to increased price observability (e.g., trading comparables) for certain corporate bond positions. Transfers out for mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities primarily relates to increased price observability for certain RMBS and consumer ABS portfolios. Transfers in for net derivative contracts primarily relates to changes in the valuation methodology for certain CDO positions. Transfers out for net derivative contracts primarily relates to increased price observability for certain credit derivative positions. Transfers out related to investment securities non-qualifying is due to a private equity investment that underwent an initial public offering during the first quarter of 2011. Transfers in and out related to long-term borrowings
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are primarily due to changes in the impact of unobservable inputs on the value of certain equity-linked structured notes.
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Level 3 Financial Assets and Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Realized and Unrealized | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gains or (Losses) | Total Realized and | Purchases, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
included in Income | Unrealized Gains | Unrealized | Issuances | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning | Principal | Other | or (Losses) | Gains to | and | Transfers | Transfers | Ending | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance | Transactions | Revenue | Interest | included in Income | OCI | Settlements | In | Out | Balance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trading assets, excluding derivative contracts: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equities | $ | 351 | $ | 7 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 7 | $ | - | $ | 6 | $ | 31 | $ | (72 | ) | $ | 323 | |||||||||||||||||||
Non-U.S. governments and agencies | 1,142 | (82 | ) | - | - | (82 | ) | - | (28 | ) | 87 | (56 | ) | 1,063 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate debt | 6,790 | 306 | - | - | 306 | - | (751 | ) | 354 | (419 | ) | 6,280 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock | 562 | (2 | ) | - | - | (2 | ) | - | (350 | ) | - | - | 210 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset-backed | 7,294 | (55 | ) | - | - | (55 | ) | - | 249 | 22 | (212 | ) | 7,298 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipals and money markets | 2,148 | 17 | - | - | 17 | - | (420 | ) | 1,074 | - | 2,819 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total trading assets, excluding derivative contracts | 18,287 | 191 | - | - | 191 | - | (1,294 | ) | 1,568 | (759 | ) | 17,993 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative contracts, net | 6,866 | (419 | ) | - | - | (419 | ) | - | (135 | ) | 1,030 | (61 | ) | 7,281 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securitiesavailable-for-sale: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities - residential non-agency MBSs | 473 | - | (20 | ) | 24 | 4 | (27 | ) | 83 | 52 | - | 585 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total investment securitiesavailable-for-sale | 473 | - | (20 | ) | 24 | 4 | (27 | ) | 83 | 52 | - | 585 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities non-qualifying | 3,696 | - | 363 | - | 363 | - | (434 | ) | - | (135 | ) | 3,490 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total investment securities | 4,169 | - | 343 | 24 | 367 | (27 | ) | (351 | ) | 52 | (135 | ) | 4,075 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans, notes and mortgages | 4,115 | - | (151 | ) | 46 | (105 | ) | - | (478 | ) | - | - | 3,532 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trading liabilities, excluding derivative contracts: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-U.S. governments and agencies | 386 | 21 | - | - | 21 | - | 15 | - | (11 | ) | 369 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total trading liabilities, excluding derivative contracts | 386 | 21 | - | - | 21 | - | 15 | - | (11 | ) | 369 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other payables — interest and other | 186 | - | 30 | - | 30 | - | (8 | ) | - | - | 148 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term borrowings | 4,683 | 123 | 79 | - | 202 | - | 452 | 271 | (685 | ) | 4,519 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transfers in for municipals and money markets relate to reduced price transparency (e.g., trading activity) for municipal ARS. Transfers in for net derivative contracts primarily relates to a lack of price observability for certain CDS.
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The following tables provide the portion of gains or losses included in income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 attributable to unrealized gains or losses relating to those Level 3 assets and liabilities held at March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 respectively.
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Unrealized Gains or (Losses) for Level 3 Assets | ||||||||||||||||
and Liabilities Still Held | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||||||
Principal | Other | |||||||||||||||
Transactions | Revenue | Interest | Total | |||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Trading assets, excluding derivative contracts: | ||||||||||||||||
Equities | $ | 15 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 15 | ||||||||
Non-U.S. governments and agencies | 3 | - | - | 3 | ||||||||||||
Corporate debt | 198 | - | - | 198 | ||||||||||||
Preferred stock | 6 | - | - | 6 | ||||||||||||
Mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset-backed | 243 | - | - | 243 | ||||||||||||
Municipals and money markets | 19 | - | - | 19 | ||||||||||||
Total trading assets, excluding derivative contracts | 484 | - | - | 484 | ||||||||||||
Derivative contracts, net | (75 | ) | - | - | (75 | ) | ||||||||||
Investment securitiesavailable-for-sale: | ||||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities — non-agency MBSs | - | (19 | ) | - | (19 | ) | ||||||||||
Total investment securitiesavailable-for-sale | - | (19 | ) | - | (19 | ) | ||||||||||
Investment securities non-qualifying | - | (30 | ) | - | (30 | ) | ||||||||||
Total investment securities | - | (49 | ) | - | (49 | ) | ||||||||||
Loans, notes and mortgages | - | 168 | - | 168 | ||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Other payables — interest and other | - | 22 | - | 22 | ||||||||||||
Long-term borrowings | (92 | ) | (35 | ) | - | (127 | ) | |||||||||
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(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Unrealized Gains or (Losses) for Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Still Held | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
Principal | Other | |||||||||||||||
Transactions | Revenue | Interest | Total | |||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Trading assets, excluding derivative contracts: | ||||||||||||||||
Equities | $ | 6 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 6 | ||||||||
Non-U.S. governments and agencies | (82 | ) | - | - | (82 | ) | ||||||||||
Corporate debt | 209 | - | - | 209 | ||||||||||||
Preferred stock | (2 | ) | - | - | (2 | ) | ||||||||||
Mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset-backed | (82 | ) | - | - | (82 | ) | ||||||||||
Municipals and money markets | 17 | - | - | 17 | ||||||||||||
Total trading assets, excluding derivative contracts | 66 | - | - | 66 | ||||||||||||
Derivative contracts, net | (366 | ) | - | - | (366 | ) | ||||||||||
Investment securitiesavailable-for-sale: | ||||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities — non-agency MBSs | - | (20 | ) | 24 | 4 | |||||||||||
Total investment securitiesavailable-for-sale | - | (20 | ) | 24 | 4 | |||||||||||
Investment securities non-qualifying | - | (206 | ) | - | (206 | ) | ||||||||||
Total investment securities | - | (226 | ) | 24 | (202 | ) | ||||||||||
Loans, notes and mortgages | - | 22 | - | 22 | ||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Trading liabilities, excluding derivative contracts: | ||||||||||||||||
Non-U.S. governments and agencies | 21 | - | - | 21 | ||||||||||||
Total trading liabilities, excluding derivative contracts | 21 | - | - | 21 | ||||||||||||
Other payables — interest and other | - | 30 | - | 30 | ||||||||||||
Long-term borrowings | 110 | 78 | - | 188 | ||||||||||||
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Non-recurring Fair Value
Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and are not included in the tables above. These assets and liabilities primarily include loans and loan commitments held for sale that are reported at lower of cost or fair value and loans held for investment that were initially measured at cost and have been written down to fair value as a result of an impairment. The following tables show the fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gains/(Losses) | Gains/(Losses) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months | Three Months | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-Recurring Basis | Ended | Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
as of March 31, 2011 | March 31, | March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities non-qualifying | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 78 | $ | 78 | $ | (4 | ) | $ | - | |||||||||||
Loans, notes and mortgages | - | 45 | 635 | 680 | 35 | (77 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Other assets | - | - | 18 | 18 | - | (5 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other payables — interest and other | - | - | 20 | 20 | (1 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Non-Recurring Basis | ||||||||||||||||
as of December 31, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Investment securities non-qualifying | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 85 | $ | 85 | ||||||||
Loans, notes and mortgages | - | 25 | 1,280 | 1,305 | ||||||||||||
Other assets | - | 10 | 35 | 45 | ||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Other payables — interest and other | - | - | 31 | 31 | ||||||||||||
Loans, notes, and mortgages includes held for sale loans that are carried at the lower of cost or fair value and for which the fair value was below the cost basis at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. It also includes certain impaired held for investment loans where an allowance for loan losses has been calculated based upon the fair value of the loans or collateral. Level 3 assets as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 primarily relate to commercial real estate loans that are classified as held for sale where there continues to be significant illiquidity in the loan trading and securitization markets.
Other payables — interest and other includes amounts recorded for loan commitments at lower of cost or fair value where the funded loan will be held for sale.
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Fair Value Option Election
The fair value option election allows companies to irrevocably elect fair value as the initial and subsequent measurement attribute for certain financial assets and liabilities. Changes in fair value for assets and liabilities for which the election is made will be recognized in earnings as they occur. The fair value option election is permitted on an instrument by instrument basis at initial recognition of an asset or liability or upon an event that gives rise to a new basis of accounting for that instrument. As discussed above, certain of Merrill Lynch’s financial instruments are required to be accounted for at fair value under Investment Accounting and Derivatives Accounting, as well as industry level guidance. For certain financial instruments that are not accounted for at fair value under other applicable accounting guidance, the fair value option election has been made.
The following tables provide information about the line items in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings where changes in fair values of assets and liabilities, for which the fair value option election has been made, are included for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010.
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Changes in Fair Value For the | Changes in Fair Value For the | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011, | Three Months Ended March 31, 2010, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
for Items Measured | for Items Measured | |||||||||||||||||||||||
at Fair Value Pursuant | at Fair Value Pursuant | |||||||||||||||||||||||
to the Fair Value Option Election | to the Fair Value Option Election | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Gains/ | Gains/ | Total | Gains/ | Gains/ | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
(Losses) | (Losses) | Changes | (Losses) | (Losses) | Changes | |||||||||||||||||||
Principal | Other | in Fair | Principal | Other | in Fair | |||||||||||||||||||
Transactions | Revenues | Value | Transactions | Revenues | Value | |||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Receivables under resale agreements(1) | $ | (59 | ) | $ | - | $ | (59 | ) | $ | 21 | $ | - | $ | 21 | ||||||||||
Investment securities | - | 29 | 29 | - | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Loans, notes and mortgages | - | 138 | 138 | - | 28 | 28 | ||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Payables under repurchase agreements | 11 | - | 11 | 14 | - | 14 | ||||||||||||||||||
Short-term borrowings | 56 | - | 56 | (44 | ) | - | (44 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Other payables — interest and other | - | 13 | 13 | - | 31 | 31 | ||||||||||||||||||
Long-term borrowings(2) | (361 | ) | - | (361 | ) | (101 | ) | (67 | ) | (168 | ) | |||||||||||||
(1) | Changes in fair value for the three months ended March 31, 2010 were revised from approximately $7 million (as previously reported) to approximately $21 million. | |
(2) | Other revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2010 primarily represent fair value changes on non-recourse long term borrowings issued by consolidated VIEs. |
The following describes the rationale for electing to account for certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value, as well as the impact of instrument-specific credit risk on the fair value.
Resale and repurchase agreements
Merrill Lynch elected the fair value option for certain resale and repurchase agreements. The fair value option election was made based on the tenor of the resale and repurchase agreements, which reflects the magnitude of the interest rate risk. The majority of resale and repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities were excluded from the fair value option election as these contracts are generally short-dated and therefore the interest rate risk is not considered significant. Amounts loaned
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under resale agreements require collateral with a market value equal to or in excess of the principal amount loaned, resulting in minimal credit risk for such transactions.
Loans, notes and mortgages and loan commitments
Merrill Lynch made the fair value option election for certain corporate loans because the loans are risk managed on a fair value basis. Upon the acquisition of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America, Merrill Lynch also made the fair value option election for certain mortgage, corporate, and leveraged loans and loan commitments. The changes in the fair value of loans, notes and mortgages and loan commitments, for which the fair value option was elected, that were attributable to changes in borrower-specific credit risk were $17 million and $3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010, respectively.
As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the aggregate fair value of loans, notes and mortgages for which the fair value option election has been made that were 90 days or more past due was $38 million and $32 million, respectively, and the aggregate fair value of loans, notes, and mortgages that were in non-accrual status was $34 million and $32 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the unpaid principal amount due exceeded the aggregate fair value of such loans, notes and mortgages that are 90 days or more past dueand/or in non-accrual status by $265 million and $173 million, respectively.
Short-term and long-term borrowings
Merrill Lynch made the fair value option election for certain short-term and long-term borrowings that are risk managed on a fair value basis (e.g., structured notes) and/or for which hedge accounting under Derivatives Accounting had been difficult to obtain. The majority of the fair value changes on long-term borrowings is from structured notes with coupon or repayment terms that are linked to the performance of debt and equity securities, indices, currencies or commodities. Excluding (losses) gains for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 related to changes in Merrill Lynch’s credit spreads, the majority of the (losses) for the respective periods are offset by gains on derivatives that economically hedge these borrowings and that are accounted for at fair value under Derivatives Accounting. The changes in the fair value of liabilities for which the fair value option election was made that were attributable to changes in Merrill Lynch’s credit spreads were (losses) gains of approximately ($0.3 billion) and $0.2 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010, respectively. Changes in Merrill Lynch specific credit risk are derived by isolating fair value changes due to changes in Merrill Lynch’s credit spreads as observed in the secondary cash market.
The fair value option election was also made for certain non-recourse long-term borrowings and secured borrowings issued by consolidated VIEs. The fair value of these borrowings is not materially affected by changes in Merrill Lynch’s creditworthiness.
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The following tables present the difference between fair values and the aggregate contractual principal amounts of receivables under resale agreements, receivables under securities borrowed transactions, loans, notes, and mortgages and long-term borrowings for which the fair value option election has been made as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Principal | ||||||||||||
Fair Value | Amount | |||||||||||
at | Due Upon | |||||||||||
March 31, 2011 | Maturity | Difference | ||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||
Receivables under resale agreements | $ | 89,631 | $ | 89,375 | $ | 256 | ||||||
Receivables under securities borrowed transactions | 2,412 | 2,412 | - | |||||||||
Loans, notes and mortgages | 2,579 | 4,003 | (1,424 | ) | ||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||
Long-term borrowings(1) | 41,015 | 44,779 | (3,764 | ) | ||||||||
(1) | The majority of the difference relates to the impact of the widening of Merrill Lynch’s credit spreads and the change in fair value of non-recourse debt issued by consolidated VIEs. |
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Principal | ||||||||||||
Fair Value | Amount | |||||||||||
at | Due Upon | |||||||||||
December 31, 2010 | Maturity | Difference | ||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||
Receivables under resale agreements(1) | $ | 74,255 | $ | 73,941 | $ | 314 | ||||||
Receivables under securities borrowed transactions | 1,672 | 1,672 | - | |||||||||
Loans, notes and mortgages | 3,190 | 4,518 | (1,328 | ) | ||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||
Long-term borrowings(2) | 39,214 | 43,014 | (3,800 | ) | ||||||||
(1) | The fair value and principal amount due upon maturity of receivables under resale agreements have been revised from approximately $51 billion for each (as previously reported) to approximately $74 billion. | |
(2) | The majority of the difference relates to the impact of the widening of Merrill Lynch’s credit spreads and the change in fair value of non-recourse debt issued by consolidated VIEs. |
Note 5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair values of financial instruments have been derived, in part, by management’s assumptions, the estimated amount and timing of future cash flows and estimated discount rates. Different assumptions could significantly affect these estimated fair values. Accordingly, the net realizable values could be materially different from the estimates presented below. In addition, the estimates are only indicative of the value of individual financial instruments and should not be considered an indication of the fair value of Merrill Lynch.
The following disclosures represent financial instruments for which the ending balances at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are not carried at fair value in their entirety on Merrill Lynch’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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Short-term Financial Instruments
The carrying value of short-term financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, cash and securities segregated for regulatory purposes or deposited with clearing organizations, certain securities financing transactions, customer and broker-dealer receivables and payables, and other short-term borrowings, approximates the fair value of these instruments. These financial instruments generally expose Merrill Lynch to limited credit risk and have no stated maturities or have short-term maturities and carry interest rates that approximate market interest rates.
Loans, Notes and Mortgages
Fair values were generally determined by discounting both principal and interest cash flows expected to be collected using an observable discount rate for similar instruments with adjustments that Merrill Lynch believes a market participant would consider in determining fair value. Merrill Lynch estimates the cash flows expected to be collected using internal credit risk, interest rate and prepayment risk models that incorporate its best estimate of current key assumptions, such as default rates, loss severity and prepayment speeds for the life of the loan. Merrill Lynch made the fair value option election for certain loans and loan commitments. See Note 4 for additional information.
Deposits
The fair value for certain deposits with stated maturities was calculated by discounting contractual cash flows using current market rates for instruments with similar maturities. For deposits with no stated maturities, the carrying amount was considered to approximate fair value and does not take into account the significant value of the cost advantage and stability of Merrill Lynch’s long-term relationships with depositors.
Long-term Borrowings
Merrill Lynch uses quoted market prices for its long-term borrowings when available. When quoted market prices are not available, fair value is estimated based on current market interest rates and credit spreads for Merrill Lynch debt with similar maturities. Merrill Lynch made the fair value option election for certain long-term borrowings, including structured notes. See Note 4 for additional information.
The book and fair values of certain financial instruments at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were as follows:
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2011 | December 31, 2010 | |||||||||||||||
Book Value | Fair Value | Book Value | Fair Value | |||||||||||||
Financial assets | ||||||||||||||||
Loans, notes and mortgages(1) | $ | 24,240 | $ | 23,222 | $ | 25,803 | $ | 24,383 | ||||||||
Financial liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
Deposits | 13,416 | 13,416 | 12,826 | 12,826 | ||||||||||||
Long-term borrowings(2) | 131,547 | 133,097 | 132,427 | 131,694 | ||||||||||||
(1) | Loans are presented net of the allowance for loan losses. | |
(2) | Includes junior subordinated notes (related to trust preferred securities). |
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Note 6. Derivatives
A derivative is an instrument whose value is derived from an underlying instrument or index, such as interest rates, equity security prices, currencies, commodity prices or credit spreads. Derivatives include futures, forwards, swaps, option contracts, and other financial instruments with similar characteristics. Derivative contracts often involve future commitments to exchange interest payment streams or currencies based on a notional or contractual amount (e.g., interest rate swaps or currency forwards) or to purchase or sell other financial instruments at specified terms on a specified date (e.g., options to buy or sell securities or currencies).
Derivatives Accounting establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (“embedded derivatives”) and for hedging activities. Derivatives Accounting requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair value. The fair value of all derivatives is recorded on anet-by-counterparty basis on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets where Merrill Lynch believes a legal right of setoff exists under an enforceable netting agreement. All derivatives, including bifurcated embedded derivatives within structured notes, are reported on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as trading assets and liabilities.
The accounting for changes in fair value of a derivative instrument depends on its intended use and if it is designated and qualifies as an accounting hedging instrument under Derivatives Accounting.
Trading derivatives
Merrill Lynch enters into derivatives to facilitate client transactions, for trading and financing purposes, and to manage risk exposures arising from trading assets and liabilities. Changes in fair value for these derivatives are reported in current period earnings as principal transactions revenues.
Derivatives that contain a significant financing element
In the ordinary course of trading activities, Merrill Lynch enters into certain transactions that are documented as derivatives where a significant cash investment is made by one party. Certain derivative instruments that contain a significant financing element at inception and where Merrill Lynch is deemed to be the borrower are included in financing activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The cash flows from all other derivative transactions that do not contain a significant financing element at inception are included in operating activities.
Non-trading derivatives
Merrill Lynch also enters into derivatives in order to manage risk exposures arising from assets and liabilities not carried at fair value as follows:
1. | Merrill Lynch’s debt was issued in a variety of maturities and currencies to achieve the lowest cost financing possible. Merrill Lynch enters into derivative transactions to hedge these liabilities. Derivatives used most frequently include swap agreements that: |
• | Convert fixed-rate interest payments into variable-rate interest payments; | |
• | Change the underlying interest rate basis or reset frequency; and | |
• | Change the settlement currency of a debt instrument. |
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Changes in the fair value of interest rate and foreign currency derivatives are reported in interest expense when hedge accounting is applied; otherwise changes in fair value are reported in other revenue.
2. | Merrill Lynch uses foreign-exchange forward contracts, foreign-exchange options, and currency swaps to hedge its net investments in foreign operations, as well as other foreign currency exposures (e.g.,non-U.S. dollar denominated debt and expenses). These derivatives are used to mitigate the impact of changes in exchange rates. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are reported in other revenue, unless net investment hedge accounting is applied. |
3. | Merrill Lynch enters into futures, swaps, options and forward contracts to manage the price risk of certain commodity inventory and forecasted commodity purchases and sales. Changes in fair value of these derivatives are reported in principal transaction revenues, unless cash flow hedge accounting is applied. |
4. | Merrill Lynch enters into credit default swaps to manage the credit risk on certain loans that are not part of trading activities. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are reported in other revenue. |
Derivatives that qualify as accounting hedges under the guidance in Derivatives Accounting are designated as one of the following:
1. | A hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability (“fair value hedge”). Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges of interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk and commodity price risk, along with the gain or loss on the hedged asset or liability that is attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in current period earnings as interest expense or principal transactions. |
2. | A hedge of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”). Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in OCI until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the hedged asset or liability or when the forecasted purchase or sale occurs. |
3. | A hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation (“net investment hedge”). Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation are recorded in the foreign currency translation adjustment account within OCI. Changes in the fair value of the hedging instruments that are associated with the difference between the spot rate and the contracted forward rate are recorded in current period earnings in interest expense. |
Merrill Lynch formally assesses, both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether the hedging derivatives are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of hedged items. Merrill Lynch uses regression analysis at the hedge’s inception and for each reporting period thereafter to assess whether the derivative used in its hedging transaction is expected to be and has been highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, Merrill Lynch discontinues hedge accounting.
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Hedge accounting activity for 2011 and 2010 included the following:
Fair value hedges of interest rate risk on long-term borrowings
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||
Account location | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||
For the three months ended March 31: | ||||||||||
Gain/(loss) recognized in income on the derivative(1) | Interest expense | $ | (69 | ) | $ | (214 | ) | |||
Gain/(loss) recognized in income on the long-term borrowing(2)(3) | Interest expense | (75 | ) | 3 | ||||||
Gain/(loss) recognized in income due to hedge ineffectiveness | Interest expense | (144 | ) | (211 | ) | |||||
As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010: | ||||||||||
Carrying value of hedging derivatives | ||||||||||
Trading assets | 3,766 | 4,442 | ||||||||
Trading liabilities | 5 | 484 | ||||||||
Notional amount of hedging derivatives | ||||||||||
in an asset position | 48,343 | 43,924 | ||||||||
in a liability position | 10,591 | 13,967 | ||||||||
(1) | The three months ended March 31, 2011 include losses of $342 million on USD-denominated derivatives and gains of $273 million on foreign currency denominated derivatives. The three months ended March 31, 2010, include gains of $346 million on USD-denominated derivatives and losses of $560 million on foreign currency denominated derivatives. | |
(2) | The three months ended March 31, 2011 include gains of $247 million on USD-denominated long-term borrowings and losses of $322 million on foreign currency denominated long-term borrowings. The three months ended March 31, 2010 include losses of $449 million on USD-denominated long-term borrowings and gains of $452 million on foreign currency denominated long-term borrowings. | |
(3) | Excludes the impact of purchase accounting adjustments made to certain long-term borrowings in connection with the acquisition of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America. |
Fair value hedges of commodity price risk on commodity inventory
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||
Account location | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||
For the three months ended March 31: | ||||||||||
Gain/(loss) recognized in income on the derivative | Principal transactions | $ | (4 | ) | $ | 57 | ||||
Gain/(loss) recognized in income on the commodity inventory | Principal transactions | 4 | (61 | ) | ||||||
Gain/(loss) recognized in income due to hedge ineffectiveness | Principal transactions | - | (4 | ) | ||||||
As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010: | ||||||||||
Carrying value of hedging derivatives | ||||||||||
Trading assets | 42 | 80 | ||||||||
Trading liabilities | 3 | 6 | ||||||||
Notional amount of hedging derivatives | ||||||||||
in an asset position | 161 | 232 | ||||||||
in a liability position | 13 | 14 | ||||||||
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Cash flow hedges of commodity price risk on forecasted purchases and sales
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||
Account location | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||
For the three months ended March 31: | ||||||||||
Gain/(loss) on the derivative deferred in equity | Accumulated other | $ | (8 | ) | $ | 32 | ||||
comprehensive income | ||||||||||
Gain/(loss) reclassified into earnings in the current period | Principal transactions | 2 | 3 | |||||||
Gain/(loss) recognized in income due to hedge ineffectiveness | Principal transactions | (2 | ) | - | ||||||
Amount that is expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months | Principal transactions | (1 | ) | 31 | ||||||
As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010: | ||||||||||
Carrying value of hedging derivatives | ||||||||||
Trading assets | 98 | 109 | ||||||||
Trading liabilities | 13 | 5 | ||||||||
Notional amount of hedging derivatives | ||||||||||
in an asset position | 265 | 255 | ||||||||
in a liability position | 196 | 134 | ||||||||
Net investment hedges of foreign operations
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||
Account location | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||
For the three months ended March 31: | ||||||||||
Gain/(loss) on the derivative and non-derivative hedges deferred in equity | Accumulated other | $ | (467 | ) | $ | 570 | ||||
comprehensive income | ||||||||||
Gain/(loss) reclassified into earnings in the current period | Other revenue | (3 | ) | - | ||||||
Gain/(loss) recognized in income excluded from hedge effectiveness (such as time value) | Interest expense | (70 | ) | (37 | ) | |||||
As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010: | ||||||||||
Carrying value of hedging derivatives | Trading assets | 299 | 468 | |||||||
Trading liabilities | 885 | 930 | ||||||||
Carrying value of non-derivative hedges | Long-term borrowings | 351 | 536 | |||||||
Notional amount of hedging derivatives | ||||||||||
in an asset position | 5,912 | 6,639 | ||||||||
in a liability position | 20,581 | 19,180 | ||||||||
Net gains/(losses) on economic hedges
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||
Account location | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||
For the three months ended March 31: | ||||||||||
Interest rate risk | Other revenue | $ | (81 | ) | $ | 56 | ||||
Foreign currency risk | Other revenue | 2,091 | (2,694 | ) | ||||||
Credit risk | Other revenue | (15 | ) | (12 | ) | |||||
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The amounts in the “Net gains/(losses) on economic hedges” table above represent net gains/(losses) on derivatives that are not used for trading purposes and are not used in accounting hedging relationships. Interest rate risk primarily relates to derivatives used to economically hedge long-term borrowings. Foreign currency risk primarily relates to economic hedges of foreign currency denominated transactions that generate earnings upon remeasurement in accordance withASC 830-20,Foreign Currency Transactions(“Foreign Currency Transactions”). As both the remeasurement of the foreign currency risk on the transaction and the changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded in earnings, hedge accounting is not applied. Credit risk relates to credit default swaps used to economically manage the credit risk on certain loans not included in trading activities.
Derivative balances by primary risk
Derivative instruments contain numerous market risks. In particular, most derivatives have interest rate risk, as they contain an element of financing risk that is affected by changes in interest rates. Additionally, derivatives expose Merrill Lynch to counterparty credit risk, although this is generally mitigated by collateral margining and netting arrangements. For disclosure purposes below, the primary risk of a derivative is largely determined by the business that is engaging in the derivative activity. For instance, a derivative that is initiated by an equities derivative business will generally have equity price risk as its primary underlying market risk and is classified as such for the purposes of this disclosure, despite the fact that there may be other market risks that affect the value of the instrument.
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The following tables identify the primary risk for derivative instruments at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The primary risk is provided on a gross basis, prior to the application of the impact of counterparty and cash collateral netting.
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
As of March 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||||||
Contract/ | Trading Assets- | Contract/ | Trading Liabilities- | |||||||||||||
Notional(1) | Derivative Contracts | Notional(1) | Derivative Contracts | |||||||||||||
Interest rate contracts | ||||||||||||||||
Swaps | $ | 9,457,852 | $ | 396,962 | $ | 9,252,688 | $ | 397,064 | ||||||||
Futures and forwards | 2,145,675 | 1,246 | 2,333,711 | 1,850 | ||||||||||||
Written options | - | - | 1,762,513 | 43,375 | ||||||||||||
Purchased options | 1,764,375 | 45,362 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Foreign exchange contracts | ||||||||||||||||
Swaps | 90,675 | 9,958 | 97,588 | 11,551 | ||||||||||||
Spot, futures and forwards | 114,232 | 4,938 | 117,397 | 5,463 | ||||||||||||
Written options | - | - | 287,103 | 9,005 | ||||||||||||
Purchased options | 278,437 | 8,980 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Equity contracts | ||||||||||||||||
Swaps | 21,805 | 1,246 | 19,366 | 1,800 | ||||||||||||
Futures and forwards | 44,623 | 2,612 | 42,046 | 2,350 | ||||||||||||
Written options | - | - | 238,709 | 17,248 | ||||||||||||
Purchased options | 189,984 | 16,593 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | ||||||||||||||||
Swaps | 36,557 | 6,811 | 48,448 | 7,649 | ||||||||||||
Futures and forwards | 252,423 | 6,893 | 236,293 | 5,142 | ||||||||||||
Written options | - | - | 108,161 | 9,804 | ||||||||||||
Purchased options | 106,609 | 9,449 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Credit derivatives | ||||||||||||||||
Purchased protection: | ||||||||||||||||
Credit default swaps | 216,612 | 21,918 | 177,544 | 4,779 | ||||||||||||
Total return swaps | 1,742 | 224 | 1,560 | 270 | ||||||||||||
Other Credit Derivatives | 1,200 | 3 | 92 | - | ||||||||||||
Written protection: | ||||||||||||||||
Credit default swaps | 181,077 | 4,955 | 208,483 | 17,199 | ||||||||||||
Total return swaps | 2,602 | 261 | 2,477 | 515 | ||||||||||||
Other Credit Derivatives | - | - | 777 | 5 | ||||||||||||
Gross derivative assets/liabilities | $ | 14,906,480 | 538,411 | $ | 14,934,956 | 535,069 | ||||||||||
Less: Legally enforceable master netting | (477,261 | ) | (477,261 | ) | ||||||||||||
Less: Cash collateral applied | (26,349 | ) | (25,965 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total derivative assets and liabilities | $ | 34,801 | $ | 31,843 | ||||||||||||
(1) | These amounts include trading derivatives, non-trading derivatives and bifurcated embedded derivatives. |
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(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
Contract/ | Trading Assets- | Contract/ | Trading Liabilities- | |||||||||||||
Notional(1) | Derivative Contracts | Notional(1) | Derivative Contracts | |||||||||||||
Interest rate contracts | ||||||||||||||||
Swaps | $ | 8,492,025 | $ | 452,115 | $ | 8,333,391 | $ | 452,564 | ||||||||
Futures and forwards | 1,916,110 | 1,549 | 1,955,861 | 1,608 | ||||||||||||
Written options | - | - | 1,708,493 | 46,064 | ||||||||||||
Purchased options | 1,836,089 | 48,185 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Foreign exchange contracts | ||||||||||||||||
Swaps | 93,721 | 10,396 | 98,987 | 11,947 | ||||||||||||
Spot, futures and forwards | 118,363 | 5,637 | 105,671 | 5,702 | ||||||||||||
Written options | - | - | 280,290 | 10,673 | ||||||||||||
Purchased options | 273,375 | 10,501 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Equity contracts | ||||||||||||||||
Swaps | 17,411 | 1,622 | 20,764 | 1,871 | ||||||||||||
Futures and forwards | 35,483 | 2,897 | 43,257 | 2,122 | ||||||||||||
Written options | - | - | 221,791 | 15,677 | ||||||||||||
Purchased options | 174,313 | 15,338 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | ||||||||||||||||
Swaps | 39,284 | 8,872 | 50,710 | 9,158 | ||||||||||||
Futures and forwards | 215,588 | 4,122 | 198,130 | 2,817 | ||||||||||||
Written options | - | - | 86,241 | 6,628 | ||||||||||||
Other Credit Derivatives | 84,554 | 6,565 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Credit derivatives | ||||||||||||||||
Purchased protection: | ||||||||||||||||
Credit default swaps | 322,230 | 29,670 | 251,679 | 8,001 | ||||||||||||
Total return swaps | 2,127 | 301 | 3,243 | 208 | ||||||||||||
Other Credit Derivatives | 440 | 8 | 47 | - | ||||||||||||
Written protection: | ||||||||||||||||
Credit default swaps | 248,509 | 7,978 | 326,448 | 23,755 | ||||||||||||
Total return swaps | 3,802 | 245 | 1,607 | 475 | ||||||||||||
Other Credit Derivatives | - | - | 214 | 1 | ||||||||||||
Gross derivative assets/liabilities | $ | 13,873,424 | 606,001 | $ | 13,686,824 | 599,271 | ||||||||||
Less: Legally enforceable master netting | (538,055 | ) | (538,055 | ) | ||||||||||||
Less: Cash collateral applied | (28,575 | ) | (29,019 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total derivative assets and liabilities | $ | 39,371 | $ | 32,197 | ||||||||||||
(1) | These amounts include trading derivatives, non-trading derivatives and bifurcated embedded derivatives. |
Trading revenues
Merrill Lynch enters into trading derivatives and non-derivative cash instruments to facilitate client transactions, for trading and financing purposes, and to manage risk exposures arising from trading assets and liabilities. The resulting risk from derivatives and non-derivative cash instruments is managed on a portfolio basis as part of Merrill Lynch’s sales and trading activities and the related revenue is recorded on different income statement line items, including principal transactions, commissions, other revenues and net interest income. The following table identifies the amounts in the income statement line items attributable to trading and non-trading activities, including both derivatives and non-derivative cash instruments categorized by primary risk for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010.
Non-trading related amounts include activities in connection with principal investment, wealth management, and certain lending activities; economic hedging activity discussed in theNon-trading
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derivativessection above; and the impact of changes in Merrill Lynch’s own creditworthiness on borrowings accounted for at fair value.
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
For The Quarter | Principal | Other | Net Interest | |||||||||||||||||
Ended March 31, 2011 | Transactions | Commissions | Revenues(1) | Income (Expense) | Total | |||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Risk | $ | 120 | $ | 22 | $ | 13 | $ | 183 | $ | 338 | ||||||||||
Foreign Exchange Risk | 4 | - | - | 1 | 5 | |||||||||||||||
Equity Risk | 487 | 901 | 30 | 86 | 1,504 | |||||||||||||||
Commodity Risk | 133 | - | (1 | ) | (29 | ) | 103 | |||||||||||||
Credit Risk | 726 | 14 | 210 | 677 | 1,627 | |||||||||||||||
Total trading related | 1,470 | 937 | 252 | 918 | 3,577 | |||||||||||||||
Non-trading related | (299 | ) | 653 | 1,861 | (871 | ) | 1,344 | |||||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,171 | $ | 1,590 | $ | 2,113 | $ | 47 | $ | 4,921 | ||||||||||
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
For The Quarter | Principal | Other | Net Interest | |||||||||||||||||
Ended March 31, 2010 | Transactions | Commissions | Revenues(1) | Income (Expense) | Total | |||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Risk | $ | 811 | $ | 18 | $ | 18 | $ | 183 | $ | 1,030 | ||||||||||
Foreign Exchange Risk | 87 | - | - | (1 | ) | 86 | ||||||||||||||
Equity Risk | 493 | 779 | 36 | 197 | 1,505 | |||||||||||||||
Commodity Risk | 149 | - | (1 | ) | (32 | ) | 116 | |||||||||||||
Credit Risk | 2,334 | 10 | 175 | 858 | 3,377 | |||||||||||||||
Total trading related | 3,874 | 807 | 228 | 1,205 | 6,114 | |||||||||||||||
Non-trading related | 174 | 681 | 866 | (909 | ) | 812 | ||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 4,048 | $ | 1,488 | $ | 1,094 | $ | 296 | $ | 6,926 | ||||||||||
(1) | Includes other income andother-than-temporary impairment losses onavailable-for-sale debt securities. |
Derivatives as guarantees
Merrill Lynch enters into certain derivative contracts that meet the definition of a guarantee under ASC 460,Guarantees(“Guarantees Accounting”). Guarantees are defined to include derivative contracts that contingently require a guarantor to make payment to a guaranteed party based on changes in an underlying (such as changes in the value of interest rates, security prices, currency rates, commodity prices, indices, etc.) that relate to an asset, liability or equity security of a guaranteed party. Derivatives that meet the accounting definition of a guarantee include certain OTC written options (e.g., written interest rate and written currency options). Merrill Lynch does not track, for accounting purposes, whether its clients enter into these derivative contracts for speculative or hedging purposes. Accordingly, Merrill Lynch has disclosed information about all credit derivatives, credit-related notes and certain types of written options that can potentially be used by clients to protect against changes in an underlying, regardless of how the contracts are actually used by the client.
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Merrill Lynch’s derivatives that act as guarantees at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are summarized below:
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maximum | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Payout/ | Less than | Carrying | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Notional | 1 year | 1 - 3 years | 3 - 5 years | Over 5 years | Value(1) | |||||||||||||||||||
At March 31, 2011: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative contracts: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit derivatives: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment grade(2) | $ | 259,797 | $ | 23,537 | $ | 84,117 | $ | 64,806 | $ | 87,337 | $ | 10,420 | ||||||||||||
Non-investment grade(2) | 135,619 | 18,840 | 40,063 | 34,207 | 42,509 | 7,299 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total credit derivatives | 395,416 | 42,377 | 124,180 | 99,013 | 129,846 | 17,719 | ||||||||||||||||||
Credit related notes: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment grade(2) | 975 | - | 144 | 17 | 814 | 975 | ||||||||||||||||||
Non-investment grade(2) | 1,527 | 14 | 35 | 137 | 1,341 | 1,527 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total credit related notes | 2,502 | 14 | 179 | 154 | 2,155 | 2,502 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other derivatives | 1,408,553 | 394,967 | 331,218 | 174,926 | 507,442 | 44,204 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total derivative contracts | $ | 1,806,471 | $ | 437,358 | $ | 455,577 | $ | 274,093 | $ | 639,443 | $ | 64,425 | ||||||||||||
At December 31, 2010: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative contracts: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit derivatives: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment grade(2) | $ | 394,704 | $ | 35,231 | $ | 138,666 | $ | 98,617 | $ | 122,190 | $ | 13,742 | ||||||||||||
Non-investment grade(2) | 185,876 | 23,272 | 61,365 | 49,556 | 51,683 | 10,489 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total credit derivatives | 580,580 | 58,503 | 200,031 | 148,173 | 173,873 | 24,231 | ||||||||||||||||||
Credit related notes: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment grade(2) | 1,004 | - | 132 | - | 872 | 1,004 | ||||||||||||||||||
Non-investment grade(2) | 1,358 | 9 | 20 | 156 | 1,173 | 1,358 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total credit related notes | 2,362 | 9 | 152 | 156 | 2,045 | 2,362 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other derivatives | 1,379,874 | 421,080 | 296,885 | 190,062 | 471,847 | 50,505 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total derivative contracts | $ | 1,962,816 | $ | 479,592 | $ | 497,068 | $ | 338,391 | $ | 647,765 | $ | 77,098 | ||||||||||||
(1) | Derivative contracts are shown on a gross basis prior to cash collateral or counterparty netting. | |
(2) | Refers to the creditworthiness of the underlying reference obligations. |
Credit derivatives
Credit derivatives derive value based on an underlying third party referenced obligation or a portfolio of referenced obligations. Merrill Lynch is both a seller and a buyer of credit protection. A seller of credit protection is required to make payments to a buyer upon the occurrence of a predefined credit event. Such credit events generally include bankruptcy of the referenced credit entity and failure to pay under their credit obligations, as well as acceleration of indebtedness and payment repudiation or moratorium. Merrill Lynch considers credit derivatives to be guarantees where it is the seller of credit protection. For credit derivatives based on a portfolio of referenced credits or credit indices, Merrill Lynch as a seller of credit protection may not be required to make payment until a specified amount of loss has occurredand/or may only be required to make payment up to a specified amount.
For most credit derivatives, the notional value represents the maximum amount payable by Merrill Lynch as a seller of credit protection. However, Merrill Lynch does not exclusively monitor its exposure to credit derivatives based on notional value. Instead, a risk framework is used to define risk tolerances and establish limits to help to ensure that certain credit risk-related losses occur within acceptable, predefined limits. Merrill Lynch discloses internal categorizations (i.e., investment grade,
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non-investment grade) consistent with how risk is managed to evaluate the payment status of its freestanding credit derivative instruments.
Merrill Lynch economically hedges its exposure to credit derivatives by entering into a variety of offsetting derivative contracts and security positions. For example, in certain instances, Merrill Lynch purchases credit protection with identical underlying referenced names to offset its exposure. At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the notional value and carrying value of credit protection purchased and credit protection sold by Merrill Lynch with identical underlying referenced names was:
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maximum | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Payout/ | Less than | Carrying | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Notional | 1 year | 1 - 3 years | 3 - 5 years | Over 5 years | Value(1) | |||||||||||||||||||
At March 31, 2011: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit derivatives purchased | $ | 377,705 | $ | 39,851 | $ | 111,230 | $ | 95,403 | $ | 131,221 | $ | 16,860 | ||||||||||||
Credit derivatives sold | 384,531 | 41,634 | 123,149 | 98,076 | 121,672 | 16,186 | ||||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2010: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit derivatives purchased | 543,233 | 53,741 | 179,809 | 140,764 | 168,919 | 17,875 | ||||||||||||||||||
Credit derivatives sold | 567,828 | 57,954 | 198,656 | 147,121 | 164,097 | 21,600 | ||||||||||||||||||
(1) | Derivative contracts are shown on a gross basis prior to cash collateral or counterparty netting. |
Credit related notes
Credit related notes in the guarantees table above include investments in securities issued by CDO, Collateralized Loan Obligation (“CLO”) and credit linked note vehicles. These instruments are classified as trading securities. Most of the entities that issue these instruments have either the ability to enter into credit derivatives or have entered into credit derivatives that meet the definition of a guarantee (in this case, the sale of credit protection). Since most of these securities could potentially have embedded credit derivatives that would meet the definition of a guarantee, Merrill Lynch includes all of its investments in these securities in the table above.
The carrying value of these instruments equals Merrill Lynch’s maximum exposure to loss. Merrill Lynch is not obligated to make any payments to the entities under the terms of the securities owned. Merrill Lynch discloses internal categorizations (i.e., investment grade, non-investment grade) consistent with how risk is managed for these instruments.
Other derivative contracts
Other derivative contracts in the guarantees table above primarily include OTC written interest rate options and written currency options. For such contracts the maximum payout could theoretically be unlimited, because, for example, the rise in interest rates or changes in foreign exchange rates could theoretically be unlimited. Merrill Lynch does not monitor its exposure to derivatives based on the theoretical maximum payout because that measure does not take into consideration the probability of the occurrence. As such, rather than including the maximum payout, the notional value of these contracts has been included to provide information about the magnitude of involvement with these types of contracts. However, it should be noted that the notional value is not a reliable indicator of Merrill Lynch’s exposure to these contracts. Instead, as previously noted, a risk framework is used to define risk tolerances and establish limits to help ensure that certain risk-related losses occur within acceptable, predefined limits.
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As the fair value and risk of payment under these derivative contracts are based upon market factors, such as changes in interest rates or foreign exchange rates, the carrying values in the table above reflect the best estimate of Merrill Lynch’s performance risk under these transactions at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Merrill Lynch economically hedges its exposure to these contracts by entering into a variety of offsetting derivative contracts and security positions.
Credit risk management of derivatives
Merrill Lynch defines counterparty credit risk as the potential for loss that can occur as a result of an individual, counterparty, or issuer being unable or unwilling to honor its contractual obligations. Merrill Lynch mitigates its credit risk to counterparties through a variety of techniques, including, where appropriate, the right to require initial collateral or margin, the right to terminate transactions or to obtain collateral should unfavorable events occur, the right to call for collateral when certain exposure thresholds are exceeded, the right to call for third party guarantees, and the purchase of credit default protection.
Merrill Lynch enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) master agreements or their equivalent (“master netting agreements”) with almost all derivative counterparties. Master netting agreements provide protection in bankruptcy in certain circumstances and, where legally enforceable, enable receivables and payables with the same counterparty to be offset for accounting and risk management purposes. Netting agreements are generally negotiated bilaterally and can require complex terms. While Merrill Lynch makes reasonable efforts to execute such agreements, it is possible that a counterparty may be unwilling to sign such an agreement and, as a result, would subject Merrill Lynch to additional credit risk.
Where Merrill Lynch has entered into legally enforceable netting agreements with counterparties, it reports derivative assets and liabilities, and any related cash collateral, net in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance withASC 210-20,Balance Sheet-Offsetting. At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, cash collateral received of $26.3 billion and $28.6 billion, respectively, and cash collateral paid of $26.0 billion and $29.0 billion, respectively, was netted against derivative assets and liabilities. The enforceability of master netting agreements under bankruptcy laws in certain countries or in certain industries is not free from doubt, and receivables and payables with counterparties in these countries or industries are accordingly reported on a gross basis.
Merrill Lynch considers the impact of counterparty credit risk on the valuation of derivative contracts. Factors used to determine the credit valuation adjustments on the derivatives portfolio include current exposure levels (i.e., fair value prior to credit valuation adjustments) and expected exposure levels profiled over the maturity of the contracts. CDS market information, including either quoted single name CDS or index or other proxy CDS, is also considered. In addition, the credit valuation adjustments also take into account the netting and credit provisions of relevant agreements including collateral margin agreements and master netting agreements. During the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010, valuation adjustments (net of hedges) of approximately $0.5 billion of losses and $0.1 billion of gains, respectively, were recognized in principal transactions for counterparty credit risk. At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the cumulative counterparty credit risk valuation adjustment that was reflected in derivative assets was $5.8 billion and $5.9 billion, respectively. In addition, the fair value of derivative liabilities is adjusted to reflect the impact of Merrill Lynch’s credit quality. During the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010, valuation adjustments (net of hedges) of approximately $0.2 billion in losses and $0.1 billion in gains were recognized in principal transactions for changes in Merrill Lynch’s credit risk. At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the cumulative credit risk valuation adjustment that was reflected in the derivative liabilities balance was $0.4 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively.
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Monoline derivative credit exposure at March 31, 2011 had a notional value of $32.8 billion compared with $32.0 billion at December 31, 2010.Mark-to-market monoline derivative credit exposure was $8.0 billion at March 31, 2011 compared with $8.8 billion at December 31, 2010. This decrease was driven by positive valuation adjustments on legacy assets and terminated monoline contracts. At March 31, 2011, the counterparty credit valuation adjustment related to monoline derivative exposure was $5.1 billion compared with $5.0 billion at December 31, 2010, which reduced Merrill Lynch’s netmark-to-market exposure to $3.0 billion at March 31, 2011, of which 62% related to a single counterparty. Other monoline related write-downs for the quarter were $427 million, which consists of changes in valuation adjustments driven by reductions in recovery expectations, as well as hedge losses due to a breakdown in correlations during the quarter.
Bank of America has guaranteed the performance of Merrill Lynch on certain derivative transactions. The aggregate amount of such derivative liabilities was approximately $2.5 billion and $2.1 billion at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
Credit-risk related contingent features
The majority of Merrill Lynch’s derivative contracts contain credit-risk-related contingent features, primarily within the ISDA agreements, that help to reduce the credit risk of these instruments as compared to other obligations of the respective counterparty with whom Merrill Lynch has transacted (e.g., other senior debt). These contingent features, which include collateral requirements, may be for the benefit of Merrill Lynch or may benefit Merrill Lynch’s counterparties in respect of changes in Merrill Lynch’s creditworthiness. At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, Merrill Lynch posted collateral of $30.9 billion and $33.8 billion, respectively, under derivative contracts that were in a liability position, of which $26.0 billion and $29.0 billion, respectively, represented cash collateral, as noted above.
In connection with certain OTC derivatives transactions and other trading agreements, Merrill Lynch could be required to provide additional collateral to or terminate transactions with certain counterparties in the event of a downgrade of the senior debt ratings of ML & Co. The amount of additional collateral required depends on the contract and is usually a fixed incremental amountand/or an amount related to the market value of the exposure. At both March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the amount of additional collateral and termination payments that would be required for such derivatives transactions and trading agreements was approximately $0.8 billion in the event of a downgrade to low single-A by all credit agencies. A further downgrade of ML & Co.’s long-term senior debt credit rating to the BBB+ or equivalent level would require approximately $0.7 billion of additional collateral at both March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
Note 7. Securities Financing Transactions
Merrill Lynch enters into secured borrowing and lending transactions in order to meet customers’ needs and earn residual interest rate spreads, obtain securities for settlement and finance trading inventory positions.
Under these transactions, Merrill Lynch either receives or provides collateral, including U.S. Government and agency securities, asset-backed, corporate debt, equity, andnon-U.S. government and agency securities. Merrill Lynch receives collateral in connection with resale agreements, securities borrowed transactions, customer margin loans and other loans. Under most agreements, Merrill Lynch is permitted to sell or repledge the securities received (e.g., use the securities to secure repurchase agreements, enter into securities lending transactions, or deliver to counterparties to cover short positions). At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the fair value of securities received as collateral where Merrill Lynch is permitted to sell or repledge the securities was $484 billion and
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$439 billion, respectively, and the fair value of the portion that had been sold or repledged was $377 billion and $332 billion, respectively. Merrill Lynch may use securities received as collateral for resale agreements to satisfy regulatory requirements such asRule 15c3-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Additionally, Merrill Lynch receives securities as collateral in connection with certain securities transactions in which Merrill Lynch is the lender. In instances where Merrill Lynch is permitted to sell or repledge securities received, Merrill Lynch reports the fair value of such securities received as collateral and the related obligation to return securities received as collateral in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Merrill Lynch pledges assets to collateralize repurchase agreements and other secured financings. Pledged securities that can be sold or repledged by the secured party are parenthetically disclosed in trading assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The carrying value and classification of securities owned by Merrill Lynch that have been pledged to counterparties where those counterparties do not have the right to sell or repledge at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are as follows:
(dollars in millions) | |||||||||
March 31, 2011 | December 31, 2010 | ||||||||
Trading asset category | |||||||||
Equities and convertible debentures | $ | 7,963 | $ | 8,199 | |||||
Corporate debt and preferred stock | 8,872 | 14,320 | |||||||
U.S. Government and agencies | 7,471 | 26,381 | |||||||
Non-U.S. governments and agencies | 2,109 | 1,424 | |||||||
Mortgages, mortgage-backed, and asset-backed securities | 3,070 | 3,480 | |||||||
Municipals and money markets | 824 | 1,980 | |||||||
Total | $ | 30,309 | $ | 55,784 | |||||
In certain cases, Merrill Lynch has transferred assets to consolidated VIEs where those restricted assets serve as collateral for the interests issued by the VIEs. These assets are disclosed on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as Assets of Consolidated VIEs. These transactions are also described in Note 9.
Generally, when Merrill Lynch transfers financial instruments that are not recorded as sales (i.e., secured borrowing transactions), the liability is recorded as either payables under repurchase agreements or payables under securities loaned transactions; however, in instances where Merrill Lynch transfers financial assets to a consolidated VIE, the liabilities of the consolidated VIE will be reflected in long or short-term borrowings (see Note 9). In either case, at the time of transfer, the related liability is equal to the cash received in the transaction. In most cases the lenders in secured borrowing transactions have full recourse to Merrill Lynch (i.e., recourse beyond the assets pledged).
Investment securities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets include:
• | Investments within the scope of Investment Accounting that are held by ML & Co. and certain of its non-broker-dealer subsidiaries consist of debt securitiesheld-for-investment and liquidity and collateral management purposes that are classified asavailable-for-sale, and debt securities that Merrill Lynch intends to hold until maturity. |
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• | Non-qualifying investments are those that are not within the scope of Investment Accounting and consist principally of equity investments, including investments in partnerships and joint ventures. Included in non-qualifying investments are investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting, which consist of investments in (i) partnerships and certain limited liability corporations where Merrill Lynch has more than a minor influence (generally defined as three to five percent interest) and (ii) corporate entities where Merrill Lynch has the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee (generally defined as ownership and voting interest of 20% to 50%). Also included in non-qualifying investments are private equity investments that Merrill Lynch holds for capital appreciationand/or current income and which are accounted for at fair value in accordance with the Investment Company Guide, as well as private equity investments accounted for at fair value under the fair value option election. The fair value of such private equity investments reflects expected exit values based upon market prices or other valuation methodologies, including market comparables of similar companies and discounted expected cash flows. |
Investment securities reported on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are presented below.
(dollars in millions) | |||||||||
March 31, 2011 | December 31, 2010 | ||||||||
Investment securities | |||||||||
Available-for-sale | $ | 3,303 | $ | 5,091 | |||||
Held-to-maturity | 250 | 245 | |||||||
Non-qualifying(1) | |||||||||
Equity investments(2) | 10,357 | 10,437 | |||||||
Other investments | 2,216 | 1,996 | |||||||
Total | $ | 16,126 | $ | 17,769 | |||||
(1) | Investments that are non-qualifying for Investment Accounting purposes. | |
(2) | Includes Merrill Lynch’s investment in BlackRock, Inc., which consisted of approximately 13.6 million preferred shares. The carrying value of this investment was $2.2 billion at both March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, and its fair value was $2.7 billion and $2.6 billion at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Merrill Lynch’s investment in BlackRock, Inc. is recorded at cost due to restrictions that affect the marketability of the preferred shares. |
For the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010, OTTI losses related to non-agency mortgage-backedavailable-for-sale securities were $38 million and $105 million, respectively. Net impairment losses recognized in earnings represent the credit component of OTTI losses on AFS debt securities and total OTTI losses for AFS debt securities that Merrill Lynch does not intend to hold to recovery. Those amounts were $37 million and $86 million, respectively. Refer to Note 1 for Merrill Lynch’s accounting policy regardingother-than-temporary-impairment of investment securities.
Information regarding investment securities subject to Investment Accounting follows.
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(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||||||
Gross | Gross | |||||||||||||||
Amortized | Unrealized | Unrealized | Fair | |||||||||||||
Cost | Gains | Losses | Value | |||||||||||||
Available-for-Sale | ||||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities: | ||||||||||||||||
Agency residential mortgage backed securities | $ | 2,291 | $ | - | $ | (56 | ) | $ | 2,235 | |||||||
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations | 56 | - | - | 56 | ||||||||||||
Non-agency | 577 | 46 | (41 | ) | 582 | |||||||||||
Subtotal | 2,924 | 46 | (97 | ) | 2,873 | |||||||||||
U.S. Government and agencies | 430 | - | - | 430 | ||||||||||||
TotalAvailable-for-Sale Securities | 3,354 | 46 | (97 | ) | 3,303 | |||||||||||
Held-to-Maturity | ||||||||||||||||
Corporate debt and municipal | 250 | - | - | 250 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 3,604 | $ | 46 | $ | (97 | ) | $ | 3,553 | |||||||
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
Gross | Gross | |||||||||||||||
Amortized | Unrealized | Unrealized | Fair | |||||||||||||
Cost | Gains | Losses | Value | |||||||||||||
Available-for-Sale | ||||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities: | ||||||||||||||||
Agency residential mortgage backed securities | $ | 3,918 | $ | - | $ | (49 | ) | $ | 3,869 | |||||||
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations | 61 | - | - | 61 | ||||||||||||
Non-agency | 739 | 68 | (76 | ) | 731 | |||||||||||
Subtotal | 4,718 | 68 | (125 | ) | 4,661 | |||||||||||
U.S. Government and agencies | 430 | - | - | 430 | ||||||||||||
TotalAvailable-for-Sale Securities | 5,148 | 68 | (125 | ) | 5,091 | |||||||||||
Held-to-Maturity | ||||||||||||||||
Corporate debt and municipal | 245 | - | - | 245 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 5,393 | $ | 68 | $ | (125 | ) | $ | 5,336 | |||||||
The following table presents fair value and unrealized losses, after hedges, foravailable-for-sale securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2011.
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less Than 1 Year | More than 1 Year | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized | Unrealized | Unrealized | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Asset Category | Fair Value | Losses | Fair Value | Losses | Fair Value | Losses | ||||||||||||||||||
Agency residential mortgage backed securities | $ | 2,235 | $ | (56 | ) | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 2,235 | $ | (56 | ) | ||||||||||
Non-agency | 35 | (2 | ) | 151 | (39 | ) | 186 | (41 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 2,270 | $ | (58 | ) | $ | 151 | $ | (39 | ) | $ | 2,421 | $ | (97 | ) | |||||||||
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The following table presents fair value and unrealized losses, after hedges, foravailable-for-sale securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2010.
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less than 1 Year | More than 1 Year | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized | Unrealized | Unrealized | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Asset Category | Fair Value | Losses | Fair Value | Losses | Fair Value | Losses | ||||||||||||||||||
Agency residential mortgage backed securities | $ | 3,869 | $ | (49 | ) | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 3,869 | $ | (49 | ) | ||||||||||
Non-agency | 53 | (3 | ) | 230 | (73 | ) | 283 | (76 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 3,922 | $ | (52 | ) | $ | 230 | $ | (73 | ) | $ | 4,152 | $ | (125 | ) | |||||||||
The amortized cost and fair value ofavailable-for-sale debt securities by expected maturity for mortgage-backed securities and contractual maturity for other debt securities at March 31, 2011 are as follows:
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Available-for-Sale | Held-to-Maturity | |||||||||||||||
Amortized | Fair | Amortized | Fair | |||||||||||||
Cost | Value | Cost | Value | |||||||||||||
Due in one year or less | $ | 445 | $ | 440 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||
Due after one year | 1,811 | 1,788 | 250 | 250 | ||||||||||||
through five years | ||||||||||||||||
Due after five years | 517 | 501 | - | - | ||||||||||||
through ten years | ||||||||||||||||
Due after ten years | 581 | 574 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Total(1) | $ | 3,354 | $ | 3,303 | $ | 250 | $ | 250 | ||||||||
(1) | Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay their obligations with or without prepayment penalties. |
The proceeds and gross realized gains/(losses) from the sale ofavailable-for-sale securities during the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 are as follows:
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||
March 31, 2011 | March 31, 2010 | |||||||
Proceeds | $ | 1,587 | $ | 13,427 | ||||
Gross realized gains | 44 | 346 | ||||||
Gross realized losses | - | (2 | ) | |||||
At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, Merrill Lynch held certain investments that were accounted for under the equity method of accounting, none of which were individually material.
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Note 9. Securitizations and Other Variable Interest Entities
Merrill Lynch utilizes VIEs in the ordinary course of business to support its own and its customers’ financing and investing needs. Merrill Lynch securitizes loans and debt securities using VIEs as a source of funding and as a means of transferring the economic risk of the loans or debt securities to third parties. Merrill Lynch also administers, structures or invests in other VIEs including municipal bond trusts, CDOs and other entities as described in more detail below.
The entity that has a controlling financial interest in a VIE is referred to as the primary beneficiary and consolidates the VIE. In accordance with the consolidation accounting guidance effective January 1, 2010, Merrill Lynch is deemed to have a controlling financial interest and is the primary beneficiary of a VIE if it has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
The tables below present the assets and liabilities of consolidated and unconsolidated VIEs if Merrill Lynch has continuing involvement with transferred assets or if Merrill Lynch otherwise has a variable interest in the VIE. For consolidated VIEs, these amounts are net of intercompany balances. The tables also present Merrill Lynch’s maximum exposure to loss resulting from its involvement with consolidated VIEs and unconsolidated VIEs in which Merrill Lynch holds a variable interest as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Merrill Lynch’s maximum exposure to loss is based on the unlikely event that all of the assets in the VIEs become worthless and incorporates not only potential losses associated with assets recorded on Merrill Lynch’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet but also potential losses associated with off-balance sheet commitments such as unfunded liquidity commitments and other contractual arrangements. Merrill Lynch’s maximum exposure to loss does not include losses previously recognized.
Merrill Lynch invests in asset-backed securities issued by third party VIEs with which it has no other form of involvement. These securities are described in more detail in Note 8. In addition, Merrill Lynch uses VIEs such as trust preferred securities trusts in connection with its funding activities (see Note 12.)
Except as described below, Merrill Lynch has not provided financial support to consolidated or unconsolidated VIEs that it was not contractually required to provide, nor does it intend to do so.
Loan VIEs
Merrill Lynch securitizes mortgage loans that it originates or purchases from third parties. In certain circumstances, Merrill Lynch has continuing involvement with the securitized loans as servicer of the loans. Merrill Lynch may also retain beneficial interests in the securitization vehicles including senior and subordinated securities, and the equity tranche. Except as described below, Merrill Lynch does not provide guarantees to the securitization vehicles and investors do not have recourse to Merrill Lynch other than through standard representations and warranties.
Securitization activity for residential and commercial mortgages was not material for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010.
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The following table summarizes certain information related to Loan VIEs in which Merrill Lynch is either the transferor, servicer or sponsor and holds a variable interest as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-Agency | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Agency | Prime | Subprime | Commercial Mortgage | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unconsolidated VIEs: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maximum loss exposure(1) | $ | 418 | $ | - | $ | 27 | $ | 28 | $ | 139 | $ | 168 | $ | 136 | $ | 187 | ||||||||||||||||
Senior securities held(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trading assets | $ | 418 | $ | - | $ | 6 | $ | 6 | $ | - | $ | 23 | $ | 27 | $ | 74 | ||||||||||||||||
Investment securities | - | - | 6 | 6 | 18 | 22 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Subordinated securities held(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trading assets | - | - | - | - | 3 | 11 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residual interests held | - | - | 5 | 6 | - | - | 61 | 50 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total retained securities | $ | 418 | $ | - | $ | 17 | $ | 18 | $ | 21 | $ | 56 | $ | 88 | $ | 124 | ||||||||||||||||
Principal balance outstanding(3) | $ | 1,866 | $ | - | $ | 618 | $ | 636 | $ | 7,506 | $ | 18,857 | $ | 18,132 | $ | 24,891 | ||||||||||||||||
Consolidated VIEs: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maximum loss exposure(1) | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 36 | $ | 46 | $ | 12 | $ | 12 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||
Derivative contracts | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 31 | $ | 41 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||
Other assets | - | - | 5 | 5 | 12 | 12 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 36 | $ | 46 | $ | 12 | $ | 12 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||
Other liabilities | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 11 | $ | 9 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 11 | $ | 9 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||
(1) | Maximum loss exposure excludes liabilities for representations and warranties. | |
(2) | Substantially all of the securities were in Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. | |
(3) | Principal balance outstanding includes those loans that Merrill Lynch transferred and with which it has continuing involvement. |
In accordance with consolidation guidance, Merrill Lynch consolidates Loan VIEs in which it has a controlling financial interest. For loan securitizations, Merrill Lynch is considered to have a controlling financial interest (i.e., is the primary beneficiary) when it is the servicer of the loans and also holds a financial interest that could potentially be significant to the entity. If Merrill Lynch is not the servicer of an entity or does not hold a financial interest that could be significant to the entity, Merrill Lynch does not have a controlling financial interest and does not consolidate the entity. Merrill Lynch does not have a controlling financial interest in and does not consolidate agency trusts unless Merrill Lynch holds all of the issued securities and has the unilateral right to liquidate the trust.
Merrill Lynch sells mortgage loans to VIEs with various representations and warranties related to, among other things, the ownership of the loan, validity of the lien securing the loan, absence of delinquent taxes or liens against the property securing the loan, the process used in selecting the loans for inclusion in a transaction, the loan’s compliance with any applicable loan criteria established by the buyer, and the loan’s compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws. Under these representations and warranties, Merrill Lynch may be required to repurchase mortgage loans with the identified defects or indemnify or provide other recourse to the investor or insurer. In such cases, Merrill Lynch bears any subsequent credit loss on the mortgage loans. Merrill Lynch’s representations and warranties are generally not subject to stated limits and extend over the life of the loans. See Note 14.
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Municipal Bond Securitizations
Merrill Lynch sponsors municipal bond trusts that hold highly-rated, long-term, fixed-rate municipal bonds, some of which are callable prior to maturity. A majority of the bonds are rated AAA or AA and some benefit from insurance provided by third parties. The trusts obtain financing by issuing floating-rate trust certificates that reprice on a frequent basis to third party investors. Merrill Lynch may serve as remarketing agentand/or liquidity provider for the trusts. The floating-rate investors have the right to tender the certificates at specified dates, often with as little as seven days’ notice. Should Merrill Lynch be unable to remarket the tendered certificates, it is generally obligated to purchase them at par under standby liquidity facilities unless the bond’s credit rating has declined below investment grade or there has been an event of default or bankruptcy of the issuer and insurer.
Merrill Lynch also provides default protection or credit enhancement to investors in certain municipal bond trusts whereby Merrill Lynch guarantees the payment of interest and principal on floating-rate certificates issued by these trusts. If an investor holds the residual interest, that investor typically has the unilateral ability to liquidate the trust at any time, while Merrill Lynch typically has the ability to trigger the liquidation of that trust only if the market value of the bonds held in the trust declines below a specified threshold. The weighted average remaining life of bonds held in the trusts at March 31, 2011 was 10.39 years.
The following table summarizes certain information related to municipal bond trusts in which Merrill Lynch holds a variable interest as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2011 | December 31, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated | Unconsolidated | Total | Consolidated | Unconsolidated | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Maximum Loss Exposure | $ | 4,747 | $ | 1,400 | $ | 6,147 | $ | 4,451 | $ | 1,543 | $ | 5,994 | ||||||||||||
On-balance sheet assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trading assets | $ | 4,747 | $ | 219 | $ | 4,966 | $ | 4,451 | $ | 255 | $ | 4,706 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 4,747 | $ | 219 | $ | 4,966 | $ | 4,451 | $ | 255 | $ | 4,706 | ||||||||||||
On-balance sheet liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term borrowings | $ | 4,868 | $ | - | $ | 4,868 | $ | 4,642 | $ | - | $ | 4,642 | ||||||||||||
Payables to Bank of America | 5 | - | 5 | 2 | - | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 4,873 | $ | - | $ | 4,873 | $ | 4,644 | $ | - | $ | 4,644 | ||||||||||||
Total assets of VIEs | $ | 4,747 | $ | 1,571 | $ | 6,318 | $ | 4,451 | $ | 1,706 | $ | 6,157 | ||||||||||||
Merrill Lynch consolidates municipal bond trusts when it has a controlling financial interest. As transferor of assets into a trust, Merrill Lynch has the power to determine which assets would be held in the trust and to structure the liquidity facilities, default protection and credit enhancement, if applicable. In some instances, Merrill Lynch retains a residual interest in such trusts and has loss exposure that could potentially be significant to the trust through the residual interest, liquidity facilities and other arrangements. Merrill Lynch is also the remarketing agent, through which it has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact economic performance. Accordingly, Merrill Lynch is the primary beneficiary of and consolidates these trusts. In other instances, one or more third party investor(s) hold(s) the residual interest and, through that interest, has the unilateral right to liquidate the trust. Merrill Lynch does not consolidate these trusts.
In the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010, Merrill Lynch was the transferor of assets into unconsolidated municipal bond trusts and received cash proceeds from new securitizations of $67 million and $413 million, respectively. At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the
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principal balance outstanding for unconsolidated municipal bond securitization trusts for which Merrill Lynch was the transferor was $1.6 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively.
Merrill Lynch’s liquidity commitments to unconsolidated municipal bond trusts totaled $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
CDOs
CDO vehicles hold diversified pools of fixed income securities, typically corporate debt or asset-backed securities, which they fund by issuing multiple tranches of debt and equity securities. Synthetic CDOs enter into a portfolio of credit default swaps to synthetically create exposure to fixed income securities. CLOs are a subset of CDOs that hold pools of loans, typically corporate loans or commercial mortgages. CDOs are typically managed by third party portfolio managers. Merrill Lynch transfers assets to these CDOs, holds securities issued by the CDOs, and may be a derivative counterparty to the CDOs, including credit default swap counterparty for synthetic CDOs. Merrill Lynch has also entered into total return swaps with certain CDOs whereby Merrill Lynch will absorb the economic returns generated by specified assets held by the CDO. Merrill Lynch receives fees for structuring CDOs and providing liquidity support for super senior tranches of securities issued by certain CDOs.
The following table summarizes certain information related to CDO vehicles in which Merrill Lynch holds a variable interest as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2011 | December 31, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated | Unconsolidated | Total | Consolidated | Unconsolidated | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Maximum Loss Exposure | $ | 2,262 | $ | 2,641 | $ | 4,903 | $ | 2,216 | $ | 2,987 | $ | 5,203 | ||||||||||||
On-balance sheet assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trading assets | $ | 2,752 | $ | 421 | $ | 3,173 | $ | 2,727 | $ | 569 | $ | 3,296 | ||||||||||||
Derivative contracts | - | 812 | 812 | - | 890 | 890 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other assets | 39 | 120 | 159 | 3 | 123 | 126 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 2,791 | $ | 1,353 | $ | 4,144 | $ | 2,730 | $ | 1,582 | $ | 4,312 | ||||||||||||
On-balance sheet liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative contracts | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 8 | $ | 8 | ||||||||||||
Long-term borrowings | 3,207 | - | 3,207 | 3,161 | - | 3,161 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 3,207 | $ | - | $ | 3,207 | $ | 3,161 | $ | 8 | $ | 3,169 | ||||||||||||
Total assets of VIEs | $ | 2,791 | $ | 36,027 | $ | 38,818 | $ | 2,730 | $ | 42,782 | $ | 45,512 | ||||||||||||
Merrill Lynch consolidates CDOs in which it has a controlling financial interest. Merrill Lynch does not routinely serve as collateral manager for CDOs and therefore does not typically have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of a CDO. However, following an event of default, if Merrill Lynch is a majority holder of senior securities issued by a CDO and acquires the power to manage the assets of the CDO, Merrill Lynch consolidates the CDO. Generally, the creditors of the consolidated CDOs have no recourse to the general credit of Merrill Lynch. Merrill Lynch’s maximum exposure to loss is significantly less than the total assets of the CDO vehicles in the table above because Merrill Lynch typically has exposure to only a portion of the total assets.
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At March 31, 2011, Merrill Lynch had $920 million notional amount of super senior CDO liquidity exposure including derivatives and other exposures with third parties that hold super senior cash positions on Merrill Lynch’s behalf and to certain synthetic CDOs through which Merrill Lynch is obligated to purchase super senior CDO securities at par value if the CDO vehicles need cash to make payments due under credit default swaps written by the CDO vehicles.
Liquidity-related commitments also include $1.9 billion notional amount of derivative contracts with unconsolidated VIEs, principally CDO vehicles, which hold non-super senior CDO debt securities. These derivatives are included in the $1.9 billion notional amount of derivative contracts through which Merrill Lynch obtains funding from third party VIEs, discussed in Note 6.
Merrill Lynch’s $2.8 billion of aggregate liquidity exposure to CDOs at March 31, 2011 is included in the above table to the extent that Merrill Lynch sponsored the CDO vehicle or the liquidity exposure to the CDO vehicle is more than insignificant as compared to total assets of the CDO vehicle. Liquidity exposure included in the table is reported net of previously recorded losses.
Customer Vehicles
Customer vehicles include credit-linked and equity-linked note vehicles and repackaging vehicles, which are typically created on behalf of customers who wish to obtain exposure to a specific company or financial instrument. Credit-linked and equity-linked note vehicles issue notes which pay a return that is linked to the specific credit or equity risk. The vehicles purchase high-grade assets as collateral and enter into credit default swaps or equity derivatives to synthetically create the credit or equity risk required to pay the specified return on the notes issued by the vehicles. Repackaging vehicles issue notes that are designed to incorporate risk characteristics desired by customers of Merrill Lynch. The vehicles hold debt instruments such as corporate bonds, convertible bonds or asset backed securities with the desired credit risk profile. Merrill Lynch enters into derivatives with the vehicles to change the interest rate or foreign currency profile of the debt instruments. If a vehicle holds convertible bonds and Merrill Lynch retains the conversion option, Merrill Lynch is deemed to have a controlling financial interest and consolidates the vehicle.
The following table summarizes certain information related to customer vehicles in which Merrill Lynch holds a variable interest as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
�� | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2011 | December 31, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated | Unconsolidated | Total | Consolidated | Unconsolidated(1) | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Maximum Loss Exposure | $ | 3,617 | $ | 2,274 | $ | 5,891 | $ | 3,457 | $ | 2,083 | $ | 5,540 | ||||||||||||
On-balance sheet assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trading assets | $ | 3,623 | $ | 510 | $ | 4,133 | $ | 3,397 | $ | 217 | $ | 3,614 | ||||||||||||
Derivative contracts | - | 672 | 672 | - | 728 | 728 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other assets | 1,322 | - | 1,322 | 1,430 | - | 1,430 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 4,945 | $ | 1,182 | $ | 6,127 | $ | 4,827 | $ | 945 | $ | 5,772 | ||||||||||||
On-balance sheet liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative contracts | $ | 23 | $ | 13 | $ | 36 | $ | 1 | $ | 24 | $ | 25 | ||||||||||||
Long-term borrowings | 3,847 | - | 3,847 | 3,430 | - | 3,430 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other liabilities | 8 | 1,211 | 1,219 | - | 750 | 750 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 3,878 | $ | 1,224 | $ | 5,102 | $ | 3,431 | $ | 774 | $ | 4,205 | ||||||||||||
Total assets of VIEs | $ | 4,945 | $ | 6,947 | $ | 11,892 | $ | 4,827 | $ | 5,952 | $ | 10,779 | ||||||||||||
(1) | Maximum loss exposure, trading assets and other liabilities have been revised from $2,603 million, $737 million and $140 million, respectively (as previously reported) to $2,083 million, $217 million and $750 million, respectively. |
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Merrill Lynch consolidates customer vehicles in which it has a controlling financial interest. Merrill Lynch typically has control over the initial design of the vehicle and may also have the ability to replace the collateral assets. Merrill Lynch consolidates these vehicles if it also absorbs potentially significant gains or losses through derivative contracts or investments. Merrill Lynch does not consolidate a vehicle if a single investor controlled the initial design of the vehicle or if Merrill Lynch does not have a variable interest that could potentially be significant to the vehicle.
Merrill Lynch is typically the counterparty for the credit and equity derivatives, and it may invest in securities issued by the vehicles. Merrill Lynch may also enter into interest rate and foreign currency derivatives with the vehicles. Merrill Lynch had approximately $369 million of other liquidity commitments, including written put options and collateral value guarantees, with unconsolidated credit-linked and equity-linked note vehicles at March 31, 2011.
Merrill Lynch’s maximum exposure to loss from customer vehicles includes the notional amount of the credit or equity derivatives to which it is counterparty, net of losses previously recorded, and Merrill Lynch’s investment, if any, in securities issued by the vehicles. It has not been reduced to reflect the benefit of offsetting swaps with the customers or collateral arrangements.
Real Estate and other VIEs
Real Estate and other VIEs primarily includes a real estate investment fund that is a VIE, investments in VIEs that hold investment property and certain hedge fund investment entities.
The following table summarizes certain information related to Real Estate and other VIEs in which Merrill Lynch holds a variable interest as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2011 | December 31, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated | Unconsolidated | Total | Consolidated | Unconsolidated(1) | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Maximum Loss Exposure | $ | 734 | $ | 2,861 | $ | 3,595 | $ | 857 | $ | 3,389 | $ | 4,246 | ||||||||||||
On-balance sheet assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trading assets | $ | 290 | $ | 929 | $ | 1,219 | $ | 263 | $ | 1,326 | $ | 1,589 | ||||||||||||
Derivative contracts | - | 169 | 169 | - | 227 | 227 | ||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities | 281 | 71 | 352 | 309 | 73 | 382 | ||||||||||||||||||
Loans, notes, and mortgages | 102 | 1,328 | 1,430 | 221 | 1,368 | 1,589 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other assets | 121 | 364 | 485 | 147 | 395 | 542 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 794 | $ | 2,861 | $ | 3,655 | $ | 940 | $ | 3,389 | $ | 4,329 | ||||||||||||
On-balance sheet liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term borrowings | $ | 59 | $ | - | $ | 59 | $ | 83 | $ | - | $ | 83 | ||||||||||||
Other liabilities | 209 | - | 209 | 44 | - | 44 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 268 | $ | - | $ | 268 | $ | 127 | $ | - | $ | 127 | ||||||||||||
Total assets of VIEs | $ | 794 | $ | 16,066 | $ | 16,860 | $ | 940 | $ | 20,614 | $ | 21,554 | ||||||||||||
(1) | Maximum loss exposure, trading assets and total assets of VIEs have been revised from $2,150 million, $86 million and $6,391 million, respectively (as previously reported), to $3,389 million, $1,326 million and $20,614 million, respectively. |
Merrill Lynch consolidates real estate and other VIEs in which it has a controlling financial interest. Merrill Lynch has established real estate investment funds designed to provide returns to clients through limited partnership holdings. Merrill Lynch was originally the general partner and the
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investment advisor, making management decisions. In 2010, Merrill Lynch transferred its management responsibilities to third parties but retained a limited partnership interest in these funds.
Merrill Lynch invests in real estate lending vehicles and establishes vehicles to hold real estate investments. In certain instances these entities do not have sufficient equity to finance operations and are therefore considered VIEs. Merrill Lynch consolidates these vehicles when it has decision-making power over the property held by the vehicle and absorbs potentially significant gains or losses through its equity or loan investment.
Other Transactions
Prior to 2011, Merrill Lynch transferred pools of securities to certain independent third parties and provided financing for approximately 75 percent of the purchase price under asset-backed financing arrangements. At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, Merrill Lynch’s maximum loss exposure under these financing arrangements was $6.5 billion, substantially all of which was recorded as loans, notes and mortgages on Merrill Lynch’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. All principal and interest payments have been received when due in accordance with their contractual terms. These arrangements are not included in the tables above because the purchasers are not VIEs.
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Note 10. Loans, Notes and Mortgages
Loans, notes, mortgages and related commitments to extend credit include:
• | Consumer loans, which are substantially secured, including residential mortgages, home equity loans, and other loans to individuals for household, family, or other personal expenditures; and | |
• | Commercial loans, including corporate and institutional loans (including corporate and financial sponsor, non-investment grade lending commitments), commercial mortgages, asset-backed loans, small- and middle-market business loans, and other loans to businesses. |
The table below presents information on Merrill Lynch’s loans outstanding at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
Age Analysis of Outstanding Loans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Current or | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
30-89 Days | 90 Days or Greater | Total Past | Less Than 30 Days | Nonperforming | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Past Due | Than 90 Days | Due | Past Due | Loans | Outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||
Consumer loans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage | $ | 22 | $ | - | $ | 22 | $ | 437 | $ | 31 | $ | 490 | ||||||||||||
Home equity | 1 | - | 1 | 124 | 5 | 130 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total consumer | 23 | - | 23 | 561 | 36 | 620 | ||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial — U.S. | 1 | 6 | 7 | 5,177 | 169 | 5,353 | ||||||||||||||||||
Commercial real estate | - | - | - | 1,326 | 206 | 1,532 | ||||||||||||||||||
Commercial —non-U.S. | - | - | - | 2,695 | 84 | 2,779 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total commercial loans | 1 | 6 | 7 | 9,198 | 459 | 9,664 | ||||||||||||||||||
Commercial loans measured at fair value | - | - | - | 474 | - | 474 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total commercial | 1 | 6 | 7 | 9,672 | 459 | 10,138 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other(1) | - | - | - | 13,560 | - | 13,560 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total loans | $ | 24 | $ | 6 | $ | 30 | $ | 23,793 | $ | 495 | 24,318 | |||||||||||||
Allowance for loan losses | (78 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total loans, net | $ | 24,240 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Current or | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
30-89 Days | 90 Days or Greater | Total Past | Less Than 30 Days | Nonperforming | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Past Due | Than 90 Days | Due | Past Due | Loans | Outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||
Consumer loans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage | $ | 23 | $ | - | $ | 23 | $ | 451 | $ | 30 | $ | 504 | ||||||||||||
Home equity | 1 | - | 1 | 126 | 5 | 132 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total consumer | 24 | �� | - | 24 | 577 | 35 | 636 | |||||||||||||||||
Commercial | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial — U.S. | 2 | 19 | 21 | 5,591 | 210 | 5,822 | ||||||||||||||||||
Commercial real estate | - | - | - | 1,632 | 212 | 1,844 | ||||||||||||||||||
Commercial —non-U.S. | - | - | - | 2,824 | 161 | 2,985 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total commercial loans | 2 | 19 | 21 | 10,047 | 583 | 10,651 | ||||||||||||||||||
Commercial loans measured at fair value | - | - | - | 318 | - | 318 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total commercial | 2 | 19 | 21 | 10,365 | 583 | 10,969 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other(2) | - | - | - | 14,368 | - | 14,368 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total loans | $ | 26 | $ | 19 | $ | 45 | $ | 25,310 | $ | 618 | $ | 25,973 | ||||||||||||
Allowance for loan losses | (170 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total loans, net | $ | 25,803 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) | Includes asset-backed loans and loansheld-for-sale of $9.6 billion and $4.0 billion, respectively, as of March 31, 2011. | |
(2) | Includes asset-backed loans and loansheld-for-sale of $9.2 billion and $5.2 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2010. |
Merrill Lynch monitors the credit quality of its loans on an ongoing basis. Merrill Lynch’s commercial loans are evaluated using pass rated or reservable criticized as the primary credit quality indicator. The term reservable criticized refers to those commercial loans that are internally classified or listed by Merrill Lynch as special mention, substandard or doubtful. These assets pose an elevated risk and may have a high probability of default or total loss. Pass rated refers to all loans not considered criticized. The table below presents credit quality indicators on Merrill Lynch’s commercial loan portfolio at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
March 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||
Commercial — | Commercial Real | Commercial — | ||||||||||
U.S.(1) | Estate | non-U.S.(1) | ||||||||||
Risk Ratings | ||||||||||||
Pass | $ | 4,840 | $ | 1,380 | $ | 2,468 | ||||||
Criticized | 513 | 152 | 311 | |||||||||
Total Commercial Credit | $ | 5,353 | $ | 1,532 | $ | 2,779 | ||||||
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(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2010 | ||||||||||||
Commercial — | Commercial Real | Commercial — | ||||||||||
U.S.(1) | Estate | non-U.S.(1) | ||||||||||
Risk Ratings | ||||||||||||
Pass | $ | 5,192 | $ | 1,582 | $ | 2,581 | ||||||
Criticized | 630 | 262 | 404 | |||||||||
Total Commercial Credit | $ | 5,822 | $ | 1,844 | $ | 2,985 | ||||||
(1) | Excludes commercial loans measured at fair value. |
Activity in the allowance for loan losses, which is primarily associated with commercial loans, is presented below:
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
March 31, 2011 | March 31, 2010 | |||||||||||
Allowance for loan losses, at beginning of period | $ | 170 | $ | 33 | ||||||||
Provision for loan losses | (28 | ) | 1 | |||||||||
Charge-offs | (66 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||||
Recoveries | 1 | - | ||||||||||
Net charge-offs | (65 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||||
Other | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||
Allowance for loan losses, at end of period | $ | 78 | $ | 34 | ||||||||
Consumer loans, substantially all of which are collateralized, consisted of approximately 77,000 individual loans at March 31, 2011. Commercial loans consisted of approximately 6,000 separate loans.
Merrill Lynch’s outstanding loans include $4.0 billion and $5.2 billion of loans held for sale at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Loans held for sale are loans that Merrill Lynch expects to sell prior to maturity. At March 31, 2011, such loans consisted of $1.2 billion of consumer loans, primarily residential mortgages, and $2.8 billion of commercial loans. At December 31, 2010, such loans consisted of $1.7 billion of consumer loans, primarily residential mortgages, and $3.5 billion of commercial loans.
Merrill Lynch generally maintains collateral on secured loans in the form of securities, liens on real estate, perfected security interests in other assets of the borrower, and guarantees. Consumer loans are typically collateralized by liens on real estate and other property. Commercial secured loans primarily include asset-based loans secured by financial assets such as loan receivables and trade receivables where the amount of the loan is based on the level of available collateral (i.e., the borrowing base) and commercial mortgages secured by real property. In addition, for secured commercial loans related to the corporate and institutional lending business, Merrill Lynch typically receives collateral in the form of either a first or second lien on the assets of the borrower or the stock of a subsidiary, which gives Merrill Lynch a priority claim in the case of a bankruptcy filing by the borrower. In many cases, where a security interest in the assets of the borrower is granted, no restrictions are placed on the use of assets by the borrower and asset levels are not typically subject to periodic review; however, the borrowers are typically subject to stringent debt covenants. Where the borrower grants a security interest in the stock of its subsidiary, the subsidiary’s ability to issue additional debt is typically restricted.
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In some cases, Merrill Lynch enters into single name and index credit default swaps to mitigate credit exposure related to funded and unfunded commercial loans. The notional value of these swaps totaled $2.8 billion and $2.9 billion at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
The following tables provide information regarding Merrill Lynch’s net credit default protection associated with its funded and unfunded commercial loans as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
Net Credit Default Protection by Maturity Profile | ||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Less than or equal to one year | 26 | % | 23 | % | ||||
Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years | 62 | 67 | ||||||
Greater than five years | 12 | 10 | ||||||
Total net credit default protection | 100 | % | 100 | % | ||||
Net Credit Default Protection by Credit Exposure Debt Rating | ||||||||||||||||
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2011 | December 31, 2010 | |||||||||||||||
Net | Net | |||||||||||||||
Ratings(1) | Notional | Percent | Notional | Percent | ||||||||||||
AA | $ | (410 | ) | 14.6 | % | $ | (450 | ) | 15.5 | % | ||||||
A | (1,081 | ) | 38.5 | (1,029 | ) | 35.3 | ||||||||||
BBB | (624 | ) | 22.2 | (655 | ) | 22.5 | ||||||||||
BB | (286 | ) | 10.2 | (359 | ) | 12.3 | ||||||||||
B | (224 | ) | 8.0 | (224 | ) | 7.7 | ||||||||||
CCC and below | (181 | ) | 6.5 | (194 | ) | 6.7 | ||||||||||
Total net credit default protection | $ | (2,806 | ) | 100.0 | % | $ | (2,911 | ) | 100.0 | % | ||||||
(1) | Merrill Lynch considers ratings of BBB- or higher to meet the definition of investment grade. |
Effect of the Acquisition of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America
Upon completion of the acquisition of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America, Merrill Lynch adjusted the carrying value of its loans to fair value. Certain of these loans were subject to the requirements of Acquired Impaired Loan Accounting, which addresses accounting for differences between contractual cash flows and cash flows expected to be collected from an investor’s initial investment in loans if those differences are attributable, at least in part, to credit quality. Acquired Impaired Loan Accounting requires impaired loans to be recorded at estimated fair value and prohibits “carrying over” or the creation of valuation allowances in the initial accounting for loans acquired in a transfer that are within the scope of Acquired Impaired Loan Accounting.
The estimated fair values for loans within the scope of Acquired Impaired Loan Accounting are determined by discounting cash flows expected to be collected using a discount rate for similar instruments with adjustments that management believes a market participant would consider in determining fair value. Cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition are estimated using internal prepayment, interest rate and credit risk models that incorporate management’s best estimate of certain key assumptions, such as default rates, loss severity and prepayment speeds. All other loans were remeasured at the present value of contractual payments discounted to the prevailing interest rates on the date of acquisition.
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Under Acquired Impaired Loan Accounting, the excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized in interest income over the remaining life of the loans. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the nonaccretable difference. Changes in the expected cash flows from the date of acquisition will either impact the accretable yield or result in a charge to the provision for credit losses. Subsequent decreases to expected principal cash flows will result in a charge to provision for credit losses and a corresponding increase to allowance for loan losses. Subsequent increases in expected principal cash flows will result in recovery of any previously recorded allowance for loan losses, to the extent applicable, and an increase from expected cash flows to accretable yield for any remaining increase. All changes in expected interest cash flows will result in an increase or decrease of accretable yield.
In connection with Merrill Lynch’s acquisition by Bank of America, loans within the scope of Acquired Impaired Loan Accounting had an unpaid principal balance of $5.6 billion ($2.7 billion consumer and $2.9 billion commercial) and a carrying value of $4.2 billion ($2.3 billion consumer and $1.9 billion commercial) as of January 1, 2009. These loans, primarily commercial real estate, had an unpaid principal balance of $0.7 billion and a carrying value of $0.2 billion as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
Note 11. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Goodwill is the cost of an acquired company in excess of the fair value of identifiable net assets at the acquisition date. Goodwill is tested annually (or more frequently under certain conditions) for impairment at the reporting unit level in accordance with ASC 350,Intangibles — Goodwill and Other(“Goodwill and Intangible Assets Accounting”). If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, its goodwill is not deemed to be impaired. If the fair value is less than the carrying value, a further analysis is required to determine the amount of impairment, if any. Merrill Lynch’s next annual impairment test date will be as of June 30, 2011.
The carrying amount of goodwill was $5.7 billion at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets with definite lives at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 consisted primarily of value assigned to customer relationships. Intangible assets with definite lives are tested for impairment in accordance with ASC 360,Property, Plant and Equipmentwhenever certain conditions exist which would indicate the carrying amounts of such assets may not be recoverable. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives. Intangible assets with indefinite lives consist of value assigned to the Merrill Lynch brand and are tested for impairment in accordance with Goodwill and Intangible Assets Accounting. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized.
The gross carrying amount of intangible assets with definite lives was $3.1 billion at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Accumulated amortization of intangible assets was $695 million and $618 million at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The carrying amount of intangible assets with indefinite lives was $1.5 billion as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
Amortization expense was $77 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010.
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Note 12. Borrowings and Deposits
Prior to Merrill Lynch’s acquisition by Bank of America, ML & Co. was the primary issuer of Merrill Lynch’s unsecured debt instruments. Debt instruments were also issued by certain subsidiaries. Bank of America has not assumed or guaranteed the long-term debt that was issued or guaranteed by ML & Co. or its subsidiaries prior to the acquisition of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America.
Beginning late in the third quarter of 2009, in connection with the update or renewal of certain Merrill Lynch international securities offering programs, Bank of America agreed to guarantee debt securities, warrantsand/or certificates issued by certain subsidiaries of ML & Co. on a going forward basis. All existing ML & Co. guarantees of securities issued by those same Merrill Lynch subsidiaries under various international securities offering programs will remain in full force and effect as long as those securities are outstanding, and Bank of America has not assumed any of those prior ML & Co. guarantees or otherwise guaranteed such securities. There were approximately $5.7 billion of securities guaranteed by Bank of America at March 31, 2011.
Following the completion of Bank of America’s acquisition of Merrill Lynch, ML & Co. became a subsidiary of Bank of America and established intercompany lending and borrowing arrangements to facilitate centralized liquidity management. Included in these intercompany agreements is a $75 billion one-year revolving unsecured line of credit that allows ML & Co. to borrow funds from Bank of America at a spread to LIBOR that is reset periodically and is consistent with other intercompany agreements. This credit line was renewed effective January 1, 2011 with a maturity date of January 1, 2012. The credit line will automatically be extended by one year to the succeeding January 1st unless Bank of America provides written notice not to extend at least 45 days prior to the maturity date. The agreement does not contain any financial or other covenants. There were no outstanding borrowings against the line of credit at March 31, 2011.
In addition to the $75 billion unsecured line of credit, a $25 billion364-day revolving unsecured line of credit that allows ML & Co. to borrow funds from Bank of America was established on February 15, 2011. Interest on the line of credit is based on prevailing short-term market rates. The agreement does not contain any financial or other covenants. The line of credit matures on February 14, 2012. There were no outstanding borrowings against the line of credit at March 31, 2011.
Following the merger of BAS into MLPF&S, Bank of America agreed to guarantee the short-term, senior unsecured obligations issued by MLPF&S under its short-term master note program on a going forward basis. This issuance program was previously maintained by BAS to provide short-term funding for its broker-dealer operations. At March 31, 2011, approximately $8.2 billion of borrowings under the program were outstanding and guaranteed by Bank of America.
Also in connection with the merger of BAS into MLPF&S, MLPF&S either assumed or established the following agreements:
• | MLPF&S assumed an approximately $1.5 billion subordinated loan agreement with Bank of America, which bears interest based on a spread to LIBOR, and has a scheduled maturity date of December 31, 2012. The loan agreement contains a provision that automatically extends the loan’s maturity by one year unless Bank of America provides 13 months written notice not to extend prior to the scheduled maturity date. |
• | MLPF&S assumed a $7 billion revolving subordinated line of credit with Bank of America. The subordinated line of credit bears interest based on a spread to LIBOR, and has a scheduled maturity date of October 1, 2012. The revolving subordinated line of credit contains a provision that automatically extends the maturity by one year unless Bank of America provides 13 months written |
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notice not to extend prior to the scheduled maturity date. At March 31, 2011, $1.1 billion was outstanding on the subordinated line of credit. |
• | On November 1, 2010, a $4 billion one-year revolving unsecured line of credit that allows MLPF&S to borrow funds from Bank of America was established. Interest on the line of credit is based on prevailing short-term market rates. The credit line will automatically be extended by one year to the succeeding November 1st unless Bank of America provides written notice not to extend at least 45 days prior to the maturity date. At March 31, 2010, there were no borrowings outstanding on the line of credit. |
• | On February 22, 2011, a $15 billion364-day revolving unsecured line of credit that allows MLPF&S to borrow funds from Bank of America was established. Interest on the line of credit is based on prevailing short-term market rates. The line of credit matures on February 21, 2012. At March 31, 2011, approximately $1.8 billion was outstanding on the line of credit. |
The value of Merrill Lynch’s debt instruments as recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets does not necessarily represent the amount that will be repaid at maturity. This is due to the following:
• | As a result of the acquisition by Bank of America, all debt instruments were adjusted to fair value on January 1, 2009; |
• | Certain debt issuances are accounted for at fair value and incorporate changes in Merrill Lynch’s creditworthiness as well as other underlying risks (see Note 4); |
• | Certain structured notes whose coupon or repayment terms are linked to the performance of debt and equity securities, indices, currencies or commodities reflect the fair value of those risks; and |
• | Certain debt issuances are adjusted for the impact of fair value hedge accounting (see Note 6). |
The tables below exclude Merrill Lynch’s intercompany borrowings from Bank of America, see Note 2 for further information. Total borrowings at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, which are comprised of short-term borrowings, long-term borrowings and junior subordinated notes (related to trust preferred securities), consisted of the following:
(dollars in millions) | |||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | ||||||||
2011 | 2010 | ||||||||
Senior debt | $ | 77,981 | $ | 80,130 | |||||
Senior structured notes | 41,923 | 40,678 | |||||||
Subordinated debt | 11,404 | 11,358 | |||||||
Junior subordinated notes (related to trust preferred securities) | 3,582 | 3,576 | |||||||
Other subsidiary financing | 355 | 617 | |||||||
Debt issued by consolidated VIEs | 11,981 | 11,316 | |||||||
Total | $ | 147,226 | $ | 147,675 | |||||
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Borrowings and deposits at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, are presented below:
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Short-term borrowings | ||||||||
Other unsecured short-term borrowings | $ | 10,811 | $ | 10,606 | ||||
Short-term debt issued by consolidated VIEs(1) | 4,868 | 4,642 | ||||||
Total | $ | 15,679 | $ | 15,248 | ||||
Long-term borrowings(2) | ||||||||
Fixed-rate obligations(3) | $ | 64,590 | $ | 64,611 | ||||
Variable-rate obligations(4)(5) | 56,262 | 57,566 | ||||||
Long-term debt issued by consolidated VIEs(1) | 7,113 | 6,674 | ||||||
Total | $ | 127,965 | $ | 128,851 | ||||
Deposits | ||||||||
Non-U.S. | $ | 13,416 | $ | 12,826 | ||||
(1) | See Note 9 for additional information on debt issued by consolidated VIEs. | |
(2) | Excludes junior subordinated notes (related to trust preferred securities). | |
(3) | Fixed-rate obligations are generally swapped to variable rates. | |
(4) | Variable interest rates are generally based on rates such as LIBOR, the U.S. Treasury Bill Rate, or the Federal Funds Rate. | |
(5) | Includes structured notes. |
See Note 5 for additional information on the fair value of long-term borrowings.
The weighted-average interest rates for borrowings at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (excluding structured products) were as follows:
March 31, | December 31, | ||||||||
2011 | 2010 | ||||||||
Short-term borrowings | 0.3 | % | 0.3 | % | |||||
Long-term borrowings | 3.8 | 3.8 | |||||||
Junior subordinated notes (related to trust preferred securities) | 6.9 | 6.9 | |||||||
Merrill Lynch also obtains standby letters of credit from issuing banks to satisfy various counterparty collateral requirements, in lieu of depositing cash or securities collateral. Such standby letters of credit aggregated $1.9 billion and $1.4 billion at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
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Long-Term Borrowings
At March 31, 2011, long-term borrowings mature as follows:
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||
Amount | Percentage of Total | |||||||
Less than 1 year | $ | 30,486 | 24 | % | ||||
1 – 2 years | 16,276 | 13 | ||||||
2 – 3 years | 23,067 | 18 | ||||||
3 – 4 years | 15,111 | 12 | ||||||
4 – 5 years | 2,801 | 2 | ||||||
Greater than 5 years | 40,224 | 31 | ||||||
Total | $ | 127,965 | 100 | % | ||||
Certain long-term borrowing agreements contain provisions whereby the borrowings are redeemable at the option of the holder (“put” options) at specified dates prior to maturity. These borrowings are reflected in the above table as maturing at their put dates, rather than their contractual maturities. However, Merrill Lynch believes that a portion of such borrowings will remain outstanding beyond their earliest redemption date.
The maturity of certain structured notes whose coupon or repayment terms are linked to the performance of debt and equity securities, indices, currencies or commodities may be accelerated based on the value of a referenced index or security, in which case Merrill Lynch may be required to immediately settle the obligation for cash or other securities. These notes are included in the portion of long-term debt maturing in less than a year.
Senior and subordinated debt obligations do not contain provisions that could, upon an adverse change in ML & Co.’s credit rating, financial ratios, earnings or cash flows, trigger a requirement for an early payment, additional collateral support, changes in terms, acceleration of maturity, or the creation of an additional financial obligation.
See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the 2010 Annual Report for additional information on Borrowings.
Note 13. Stockholder’s Equity and Earnings Per Share
Common Stock
As of the completion of the acquisition of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America on January 1, 2009, there have been 1,000 shares of ML & Co. common stock outstanding, all of which are held by Bank of America.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share data is not provided for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 as Merrill Lynch was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America during those periods.
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Note 14. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
Litigation
Merrill Lynch has been named as a defendant in various legal actions, including arbitrations, class actions, and other litigation arising in connection with its activities as a global diversified financial services institution.
Some of the legal actions include claims for substantial compensatoryand/or punitive damages or claims for indeterminate amounts of damages. In some cases, the issuers that would otherwise be the primary defendants in such cases are bankrupt or otherwise in financial distress. Merrill Lynch is also involved in investigationsand/or proceedings by governmental and self-regulatory agencies.
In view of the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of such litigation and regulatory matters, particularly where the claimants seek very large or indeterminate damages or where the matters present novel legal theories or involve a large number of parties, Merrill Lynch generally cannot predict what the eventual outcome of the pending matters will be, what the timing of the ultimate resolution of these matters will be, or what the eventual loss, fines or penalties related to each pending matter may be.
In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, Merrill Lynch establishes an accrued liability for litigation and regulatory matters when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable. In such cases, there may be an exposure to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. When a loss contingency is not both probable and estimable, Merrill Lynch does not establish an accrued liability. As a litigation or regulatory matter develops, Merrill Lynch, in conjunction with any outside counsel handling the matter, evaluates on an ongoing basis whether such matter presents a loss contingency that is probable and estimable. If, at the time of evaluation, the loss contingency related to a litigation or regulatory matter is not both probable and estimable, the matter will continue to be monitored for further developments that would make such loss contingency both probable and estimable. Once the loss contingency related to a litigation or regulatory matter is deemed to be both probable and estimable, Merrill Lynch will establish an accrued liability with respect to such loss contingency and record a corresponding amount of litigation-related expense. Merrill Lynch will continue to monitor the matter for further developments that could affect the amount of the accrued liability that has been previously established. Excluding fees paid to external legal service providers, litigation-related expenses of approximately $63 million were recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared with approximately $16 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010.
For a limited number of the matters disclosed in this Note and in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report (the “prior commitments and contingencies disclosures”), for which a loss is probable or reasonably possible in future periods, whether in excess of a related accrued liability or where there is no accrued liability, Merrill Lynch is able to estimate a range of possible loss. In determining whether it is possible to provide an estimate of loss or range of possible loss, Merrill Lynch reviews and evaluates its material litigation and regulatory matters on an ongoing basis, in conjunction with any outside counsel handling the matter, in light of potentially relevant factual and legal developments. These may include information learned through the discovery process, rulings on dispositive motions, settlement discussions, and other rulings by courts, arbitrators or others. In cases in which Merrill Lynch possesses sufficient appropriate information to develop an estimate of loss or range of possible loss, that estimate is aggregated and disclosed below. There may be other disclosed matters for which a loss is probable or reasonably possible but such an estimate may not be possible. For those matters where an estimate is possible, management currently estimates the aggregate range of possible loss is $0 to $780 million in excess of the accrued liability (if any) related
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to those matters. This estimated range of possible loss is based upon currently available information and is subject to significant judgment and a variety of assumptions, and known and unknown uncertainties. The matters underlying the estimated range will change from time to time, and actual results may vary significantly from the current estimate. Those matters for which an estimate is not possible are not included within this estimated range. Therefore, this estimated range of possible loss represents what Merrill Lynch believes to be an estimate of possible loss only for certain matters meeting these criteria. It does not represent Merrill Lynch’s maximum loss exposure. Information is provided below, or in the prior commitments and contingencies disclosures, regarding the nature of all of these contingencies and, where specified, the amount of the claim associated with these loss contingencies. Based on current knowledge, management does not believe that loss contingencies arising from pending matters, including the matters described herein or in the prior commitments and contingencies disclosures, will have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or liquidity of Merrill Lynch. However, in light of the inherent uncertainties involved in these matters, some of which are beyond Merrill Lynch’s control, and the very large or indeterminate damages sought in some of these matters, an adverse outcome in one or more of these matters could be material to Merrill Lynch’s results of operations or cash flows for any particular reporting period.
Auction Rate Securities Litigation
On February 24, 2011, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California dismissed the complaint inBondar v. Bank of America Corporation, which was filed by a putative class of ARS purchasers against ML & Co. and BAS. Plaintiffs’ time to decide whether to file an amended complaint is stayed pending the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit’s decision inIn Re Merrill Lynch Auction Rate Securities Litigation.
Mortgage-Backed Securities Litigation
Allstate Litigation
On March 1, 2011, Allstate Insurance Company, Allstate Life Insurance Company, Allstate Bank, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, Agents Pension Plan, and Allstate Retirement Plan filed an action against ML & Co., MLPF&S, Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc., and Merrill Lynch Mortgage Lending, Inc. in the Supreme Court of New York, County of New York, entitledAllstate Insurance Company, et al., v. Merrill Lynch & Co., et al. Plaintiffs allege that they purchased MBS issued by Merrill Lynch related entities in ten offerings between March 2006 and March 2007. In addition to certain other alleged false and misleading statements about the MBS in the offerings, plaintiffs contend that defendants made false and misleading statements regarding: (i) the percentage of known non-conforming loans in the loan pools; (ii) the number of borrowers who used the properties securing the mortgage loans as their primary residence; (iii) the purpose and use of approving exceptions for loans that did not meet certain criteria; (iv) the ratings of the certificates; and (v) the credit enhancements utilized for each offering. Plaintiffs seek unspecified compensatory damages, interest and legal fees, or alternatively rescission and recovery of the consideration paid for the MBS certificates. On April 1, 2011, defendants removed the case to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
FHLB Boston Litigation
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLB Boston”) filed a complaint on April 20, 2011 against numerous defendants, including ML & Co., MLPF&S and several affiliated entities, in Massachusetts Superior Court, Suffolk County, entitledFederal Home Loan Bank of Boston v. Ally Financial, Inc.,
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et al.FHLB Boston alleges that it purchased MBS issued by numerous entities in 115 public offerings, including MBS issued by Countrywide Financial Corporation-related entities in seven offerings between January 2005 and July 2007, and MBS issued by Bank of America Funding Corporation in two offerings and by MLPF&S-related entities in two offerings between October 2005 and April 2007. FHLB Boston also asserts claims against Countrywide Securities Corporation and MLPF&S in connection with MBS issued by third parties which they underwrote. FHLB Boston contends, among other allegations, that defendants made false and misleading statements regarding the process by which (i) the properties that served as collateral for the mortgage loans underlying the MBS were appraised; and (ii) the underwriting practices by which those mortgage loans were originated. FHLB Boston also alleges false and misleading statements regarding: (i) the credit ratings of the securities; (ii) compliance with state and federal lending statutes; (iii) the scope of review performed by third-party due diligence firms; and (iv) the transfer and assignment of the mortgages to the trusts.
Commitments
At March 31, 2011, Merrill Lynch’s commitments had the following expirations:
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Commitment expiration | ||||||||||||||||||||
Less than | 1 - 3 | 3 - 5 | Over 5 | |||||||||||||||||
Total | 1 year | years | years | years | ||||||||||||||||
Lending commitments | $ | 8,113 | $ | 1,880 | $ | 4,389 | $ | 1,667 | $ | 177 | ||||||||||
Purchasing and other commitments | 5,621 | 3,276 | 1,061 | 714 | 570 | |||||||||||||||
Operating leases | 3,296 | 750 | 1,237 | 603 | 706 | |||||||||||||||
Commitments to enter into forward dated resale and securities borrowing agreements | 96,517 | 96,517 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Commitments to enter into forward dated repurchase and securities lending agreements | 65,091 | 65,091 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 178,638 | $ | 167,514 | $ | 6,687 | $ | 2,984 | $ | 1,453 | ||||||||||
Lending Commitments
Merrill Lynch enters into commitments to extend credit, predominantly at variable interest rates, in connection with corporate finance, corporate and institutional transactions and asset-based lending transactions. Clients may also be extended loans or lines of credit collateralized by first and second mortgages on real estate, certain liquid assets of small businesses, or securities. These commitments usually have a fixed expiration date and are contingent on certain contractual conditions that may require payment of a fee by the counterparty. Once commitments are drawn upon, Merrill Lynch may require the counterparty to post collateral depending upon creditworthiness and general market conditions. See Note 10 for additional information.
Commitments to extend credit are outstanding as of the date the commitment letter is issued and are comprised of closed and contingent commitments. Closed commitments represent the unfunded portion of existing commitments available for draw down. Contingent commitments are contingent on the borrower fulfilling certain conditions or upon a particular event, such as an acquisition. A portion of these contingent commitments may be syndicated among other lenders or the counterparty may replace the commitment with capital markets funding.
The contractual amounts of these commitments represent the amounts at risk should the contract be fully drawn upon, the client defaults, and the value of the existing collateral becomes worthless. The
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total amount of outstanding commitments may not represent future cash requirements, as commitments may expire without being drawn.
For lending commitments where the loan will be classified as held for sale upon funding, liabilities associated with unfunded commitments are calculated at the lower of cost or fair value, capturing declines in the fair value of the respective credit risk. For loan commitments where the loan will be classified as held for investment upon funding, liabilities are calculated considering both market and historical loss rates. Loan commitments either held by entities that apply the Broker-Dealer Guide or for which the fair value option was elected are accounted for at fair value.
Purchasing and Other Commitments
Merrill Lynch had commitments to purchase partnership interests, primarily related to private equity and principal investing activities, of $0.6 billion at both March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Merrill Lynch also has entered into agreements with providers of market data, communications, systems consulting, and other office-related services. At both March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, minimum fee commitments over the remaining life of these agreements totaled $1.7 billion. Merrill Lynch entered into commitments to purchase loans of $2.7 billion, which, upon settlement of the commitment, will be included in trading assets, loans held for investment or loans held for sale at March 31, 2011. Such commitments totaled $2.6 billion at December 31, 2010. Other purchasing commitments amounted to $0.6 billion and $0.8 billion at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
In the normal course of business, Merrill Lynch enters into commitments for underwriting transactions. Settlement of these transactions as of March 31, 2011 would not have a material effect on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of Merrill Lynch.
In connection with trading activities, Merrill Lynch enters into commitments to enter into resale and securities borrowing and also repurchase and securities lending agreements.
Operating Leases
Merrill Lynch has entered into various non-cancelable long-term lease agreements for premises that expire through 2028. Merrill Lynch has also entered into various non-cancelable short-term lease agreements, which are primarily commitments of less than one year under equipment leases.
Guarantees
Merrill Lynch issues various guarantees to counterparties in connection with certain transactions. Merrill Lynch’s guarantee arrangements and their expiration at March 31, 2011 are summarized as
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follows (see Note 6 for information related to derivative financial instruments within the scope of Guarantees Accounting):
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expiration | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maximum | Less than 1 | Carrying | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Payout | year | 1 - 3 years | 3 - 5 years | Over 5 years | Value | |||||||||||||||||||
Standby liquidity facilities | $ | 1,201 | $ | 582 | $ | 599 | $ | - | $ | 20 | $ | - | ||||||||||||
Residual value guarantees | 415 | 95 | 320 | - | - | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Standby letters of credit and other guarantees | 684 | 346 | 314 | 5 | 19 | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Standby Liquidity Facilities
Standby liquidity facilities are primarily comprised of liquidity facilities provided to certain unconsolidated municipal bond securitization VIEs. In these arrangements, Merrill Lynch is required to fund these standby liquidity facilities if certain contingent events take place (e.g., a failed remarketing) and in certain cases if the fair value of the assets held by the VIE declines below the stated amount of the liquidity obligation. The potential exposure under the facilities is mitigated by economic hedgesand/or other contractual arrangements entered into by Merrill Lynch. Based upon historical activity, it is considered remote that future payments would need to be made under these guarantees.
Refer to Note 9 for further information.
Residual Value Guarantees
At March 31, 2011, residual value guarantees of $415 million consist of amounts associated with certain power plant facilities. Payments under these guarantees would only be required if the fair value of such assets declined below their guaranteed value. As of March 31, 2011, no payments have been made under these guarantees and the carrying value of the associated liabilities was not material, as Merrill Lynch believes that the estimated fair value of such assets was in excess of their guaranteed value.
Standby Letters of Credit and Other Guarantees
Merrill Lynch provides guarantees to certain counterparties in the form of standby letters of credit in the amount of $0.7 billion. Payment risk is evaluated based upon historical payment activity.
Representations and Warranties
In prior years, Merrill Lynch and certain of its subsidiaries, including First Franklin Financial Corporation (“First Franklin”), sold pools of first-lien residential mortgage loans and home equity loans as private-label securitizations or in the form of whole loans. Many of the loans sold in the form of whole loans were subsequently pooled with other mortgages into private-label securitizations issued or sponsored by the third-party buyer of the whole loans. In addition, Merrill Lynch and First Franklin securitized first-lien residential mortgage loans generally in the form of mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by the GSEs. In connection with these transactions, Merrill Lynch and certain of its subsidiaries made various representations and warranties (these representations and warranties are not included in the guarantees table above). These representations and warranties, as governed by the
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agreements, related to, among other things, the ownership of the loan, the validity of the lien securing the loan, the absence of delinquent taxes or liens against the property securing the loan, the process used to select the loan for inclusion in a transaction, the loan’s compliance with any applicable loan criteria, including underwriting standards, and the loan’s compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Breaches of these representations and warranties may result in the requirement to repurchase mortgage loans or to otherwise make whole or provide other remedies to a whole-loan buyer or securitization trust (collectively, repurchase claims). In such cases, Merrill Lynch would be exposed to any subsequent credit loss on the repurchased mortgage loans.
Merrill Lynch’s credit loss would be reduced by any recourse it may have to organizations (e.g., correspondents) that, in turn, had sold such loans to Merrill Lynch. When a loan is originated by a correspondent or other third party, Merrill Lynch typically has the right to seek a recovery of related repurchase losses from that originator.
Subject to the requirements and limitations of the applicable agreements, these representations and warranties can be enforced by the securitization trustee or the whole loan buyer as governed by the applicable agreement or, in certain first lien and home equity securitizations where monoline insurers have insured all or some of the related bonds issued, by the monoline insurer at any time over the life of the loan. Importantly, in the case of non-GSE loans, the contractual liability to repurchase arises if there is a breach of the representations and warranties that materially and adversely affects the interest of investors. Merrill Lynch believes that the longer a loan performs prior to default, the less likely it is that an alleged underwriting breach of representations and warranties had a material impact on the loan’s performance. Historically, most demands for repurchase have occurred within the first several years after origination, generally after a loan has defaulted. However, in recent periods the time horizon has lengthened due to increased repurchase claim activity across all vintages.
Certain securitizations include guarantees written to protect certain purchasers of the loans from credit losses up to a specified amount. The fair value of the obligations to be absorbed under the representations and warranties and the guarantees provided is recorded as an accrued liability when the loans are sold. This liability is updated for probable losses by accruing a representations and warranties provision in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings. This is done throughout the life of the loan as necessary when additional relevant information becomes available. The methodology used to estimate the liability for representations and warranties is a function of the representations and warranties given and considers a variety of factors, which include, depending on the counterparty, actual defaults, estimated future defaults, historical loss experience, estimated home prices, other economic conditions, estimated probability that a repurchase claim will be received, including consideration of whether presentation thresholds will be met, number of payments made by the borrower prior to default and estimated probability that a loan will be required to be repurchased. Changes to any one of these factors could significantly impact the estimate of Merrill Lynch’s liability. Given that these factors vary by counterparty, Merrill Lynch analyzes representations and warranties obligations based on the specific counterparty, or type of counterparty, with whom the sale was made. Merrill Lynch performs a loan by loan review of all properly presented repurchase requests. Merrill Lynch has vigorously contested any request for repurchase when it concludes that a valid basis for a repurchase claim did not exist and will continue to do so in the future. In addition, Merrill Lynch may reach one or more bulk settlements, including settlement amounts which could be material with counterparties (in lieu of theloan-by-loan review process), if opportunities arise on terms determined to be advantageous to Merrill Lynch.
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The liability for representations and warranties recorded at March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 was $130 million and $303 million, respectively. The table below presents a roll forward of the liability for representations and warranties and corporate guarantees:
(dollars in millions) | |||||||||
March 31 | |||||||||
2011 | 2010 | ||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 213 | $ | 378 | |||||
Charge-offs | (61 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||
Provision | (22 | ) | (74 | ) | |||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 130 | $ | 303 | |||||
The liability for representations and warranties is established when those obligations are both probable and reasonably estimable. The representations and warranties provision may vary significantly each period as the methodology used to estimate the provision continues to be refined based on the level and type of repurchase claims presented, defects identified, the latest experience gained on repurchase claims and other relevant facts and circumstances, which could have a material adverse impact on Merrill Lynch’s earnings for any particular period.
Although Merrill Lynch’s experience with non-GSE repurchase claims is limited, Merrill Lynch expects additional activity in this area going forward and that the volume of repurchase claims from monoline insurers, whole loan investors and investors in non-GSE securitizations will increase in the future. It is reasonably possible that future representations and warranties losses may occur and Merrill Lynch currently estimates that the upper range of possible loss related to non-GSE sales as of March 31, 2011 could be $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion over existing accruals. The increase in the estimated range previously disclosed as of December 31, 2010, resulted from an increase in estimated repurchase rates and Home Price Index deterioration during the three months ended March 31, 2011. This estimate of the range of possible loss for representations and warranties does not represent a probable loss, is based on currently available information, significant judgment, and a number of assumptions including those set forth below that are subject to change. This estimate does not include related, reasonably possible litigation losses disclosed elsewhere in this Note 14, nor does it include any potential claims under securities laws or potential indemnity or other claims against Merrill Lynch. Merrill Lynch is not able to reasonably estimate the amount of any possible loss with respect to any such securities or other claims against Merrill Lynch; however, such loss could be material.
The methodology used to estimate this non-GSE range of possible loss for representations and warranties considers a variety of factors including Merrill Lynch’s experience related to actual defaults, estimated future defaults, historical loss experience and GSE experience of one or more affiliates of Merrill Lynch with estimated repurchase rates by product. It also considers Merrill Lynch’s assumptions regarding economic conditions, including estimated first quarter 2011 home prices. Merrill Lynch applies judgment and adjustments in order to determine the range of possible loss for non-GSE securitizations.
These adjustments made by Merrill Lynch include: (1) contractual loss causation requirements, (2) the representations and warranties provided, and (3) the requirement to meet certain presentation thresholds. The first adjustment is based on Merrill Lynch’s belief that a contractual liability to repurchase a loan generally arises only if the counterparties prove there is a breach of representations and warranties that materially and adversely affects the interest of the investor or all investors in a securitization trust and, accordingly, Merrill Lynch believes that in most cases the repurchase claimants must prove that the alleged representations and warranties breach was the cause of the loss. The second adjustment is related to the fact that non-GSE securitizations have different types of representations
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and warranties provided. Merrill Lynch believes the non-GSE securitizations’ representations and warranties are generally less rigorous and actionable than comparable agreements with GSEs, although some of the agreements generally include a representation that underwriting practices were prudent and customary. The third adjustment is related to the fact that certain presentation thresholds need to be met in order for any repurchase claim to be asserted under the non-GSE contracts. A securitization trustee may investigate or demand repurchase on its own action, and most agreements contain a threshold, for example 25% of the voting rights per trust, that allows investors to declare a servicing event of default under certain circumstances or to request certain action, such as requesting loan files, that the trustee may choose to accept and follow, exempt from liability, provided the trustee is acting in good faith. If there is an uncured servicing event of default, and the trustee fails to bring suit during a60-day period, then, under most agreements, investors may file suit. In addition to this, most agreements also allow investors to direct the securitization trustee to investigate loan files or demand the repurchase of loans, if security holders hold a specified percentage, for example, 25% of the voting rights of each tranche of the outstanding securities. This estimated range of possible loss assumes that this presentation threshold is met for some but significantly less than all of the non-GSE securitization transactions. The foregoing factors, individually and in the aggregate, require Merrill Lynch to use significant judgment in estimating the range of possible loss for non-GSE representations and warranties. The adjustments have been developed assuming a loan-level analysis and consider age, number of payments made, and type of security, loan originator and sponsor.
Future provisionsand/or ranges of possible loss for non-GSE representations and warranties may be significantly impacted if actual results are different from Merrill Lynch’s assumptions in its predictive models, including without limitation, those regarding estimated repurchase rates, economic conditions, home prices, consumer and counterparty behavior and a variety of judgmental factors. Developments with respect to one or more of the assumptions underlying the estimated range of possible loss for non-GSE representations and warranties could result in significant increases to this range of loss estimate. For example, Merrill Lynch believes that the contractual requirement typically included in non-GSE securitization agreements, that a representations and warranties breach materially and adversely affect the interest of the investor or all investors in the securitization trust in order to give rise to the repurchase obligation means in most cases repurchase claimants must prove that the representations and warranties breach was the cause of the loss. If a court or courts were to disagree with Merrill Lynch’s interpretations of these agreements, it could impact this estimated range of possible loss. Additionally, certain recent court rulings related to monoline litigation, including one related to one or more affiliates of Merrill Lynch, have allowed for sampling of loan files to determine if a breach of representations and warranties occurred instead of requiring a review of each loan file. If this sampling approach is upheld more generally in the courts, private-label investors may view litigation as a more attractive alternative as compared to aloan-by-loan review. In addition, although Merrill Lynch believes that the representations and warranties typically given in non-GSE securitization transactions are generally less rigorous and actionable than those given in GSE transactions, Merrill Lynch does not have significant loan level experience to measure the impact of these differences on the probability that a loan will be required to be repurchased. Finally, as mentioned previously, the trustee is empowered to have access to the loan files without a request by the investors. If additional private-label investors organize and meet the presentation threshold, such as 25% of the voting rights per trust, then the investors will be able to request the trustee to obtain loan files to investigate breaches of representations and warranties or other matters and the trustee may choose to follow that request, exempt from liability, provided that the trustee is acting in good faith. It is difficult to predict how a trustee may act or how many investors may be able to meet the prerequisite presentation thresholds. In this regard, Merrill Lynch’s model reflects an adjustment to reduce the range of possible loss for the presentation threshold for all private-label securitizations of approximately $1.0 billion to arrive at the $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion range. Although Merrill Lynch’s evaluation of these factors results in lowering the estimated range of possible loss for non-GSE representations and warranties, any adverse developments in contractual interpretations of causation or level of representations, or the presentation
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threshold, could each have a significant impact on future provisions and the estimate of range of possible loss.
The techniques used to arrive at Merrill Lynch’s non-GSE range of possible loss for representations and warranties have a basis in historical market behavior, and are also based to a large degree on management’s judgment. Merrill Lynch cannot provide assurance that its modeling assumptions, techniques, strategies or management judgment will at all times prove to be accurate and effective.
Merrill Lynch has vigorously contested any request for repurchase when it concludes that a valid basis for repurchase claim did not exist and will continue to do so in the future. In addition, Merrill Lynch may reach one or more bulk settlements, including settlement amounts which could be material, with counterparties (in lieu of theloan-by-loan review process) if opportunities arise on terms determined to be advantageous to Merrill Lynch.
Merrill Lynch, including First Franklin, sold loans originated from 2004 to 2008 (primarily subprime and alt-A) with a principal balance of $132 billion through securitizations or whole loan sales that were subject to representations and warranties liabilities. Approximately $61 billion in principal has been paid off. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, Merrill Lynch paid $54 million in indemnification payments to whole loan investors to resolve $248 million of indemnification claims for losses that they incurred. There were no indemnification payments or claims resolved for the three months ended March 31, 2010. There were no repurchases for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010.
At March 31, 2011, the unpaid principal balance of loans related to unresolved repurchase claims was approximately $575 million, including $538 million in repurchase requests that have been reviewed where it is believed a valid defect has not been identified which would constitute an actionable breach of representations and warranties and $37 million in repurchase requests that are in the process of review. The table below presents outstanding representations and warranties claims by counterparty as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
Outstanding Claims by Counterparty | |||||||||
(dollars in millions) | |||||||||
March 31, | December 31, | ||||||||
2011 | 2010 | ||||||||
GSEs | $ | 55 | $ | 59 | |||||
Monoline | 64 | 48 | |||||||
Others(1) | 456 | 517 | |||||||
Total | $ | 575 | $ | 624 | |||||
(1) | The majority of these repurchase claims are from whole loan buyers on subprime loans. |
See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the 2010 Annual Report for additional information on guarantees.
Note 15. Employee Benefit Plans
Merrill Lynch provides pension and other postretirement benefits to its employees worldwide through defined contribution pension, defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. These plans vary based on the country and local practices. Effective January 1, 2009, the Bank of America Corporation Corporate Benefits Committee assumed overall responsibility for the administration of all of Merrill Lynch’s employee benefit plans. Merrill Lynch continues as the plan sponsor. Refer to Note 15 to the
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Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the 2010 Annual Report for a complete discussion of employee benefit plans.
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
In 1988, Merrill Lynch purchased a group annuity contract that guarantees the payment of benefits vested under the terminated U.S. pension plan. Merrill Lynch, under a supplemental agreement, may be responsible for, or benefit from, actual experience and investment performance of the annuity assets. Merrill Lynch made no contribution under this agreement for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. Additional contributions may be required in the future under this agreement.
The net periodic benefit cost of Merrill Lynch’s plans for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 included the following components:
(dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 | Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-U.S. | Non-U.S. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Defined | Defined | U.S. Defined | Defined | |||||||||||||||||||||
Benefit | Benefit | Benefit | Benefit | |||||||||||||||||||||
Pension | Pension | Postretirement | Pension | Pension | Postretirement | |||||||||||||||||||
Plans | Plans | Plans(1) | Plans | Plans | Plans(1) | |||||||||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | - | $ | 10 | $ | 1 | $ | - | $ | 7 | $ | 1 | ||||||||||||
Interest cost | 25 | 21 | 4 | 25 | 20 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | (35 | ) | (25 | ) | - | (35 | ) | (22 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost (gains) losses | - | - | 2 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses | 2 | - | 2 | - | - | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total defined benefit pension cost | $ | (8 | ) | $ | 6 | $ | 9 | $ | (10 | ) | $ | 5 | $ | 7 | ||||||||||
(1) | Approximately 97% and 96% of the postretirement benefit obligation at March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010, respectively, relates to the U.S. postretirement plan. |
For the full year 2011, Merrill Lynch expects to contribute approximately $1 million to its nonqualified pension plans, $82 million to itsnon-U.S. pension plans, and $22 million to its postretirement health and life plans. Through the first quarter of 2011, Merrill Lynch has contributed $60 million to thenon-U.S. pension plans and $5 million to its postretirement health and life plans.
Note 16. Regulatory Requirements
As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America, a bank holding company that is also a financial holding company, Merrill Lynch is subject to the oversight of, and inspection by, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
Certain U.S. andnon-U.S. subsidiaries are subject to various securities and banking regulations and capital adequacy requirements promulgated by the regulatory and exchange authorities of the countries in which they operate. These regulatory restrictions may impose regulatory capital requirements and limit the amounts that these subsidiaries can pay in dividends or advance to ML & Co. The principal regulated subsidiaries of ML & Co. are discussed below.
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Securities Regulation
As a registered broker-dealer and futures commission merchant, MLPF&S is subject to the uniform net capital requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”)Rule 15c3-1, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (“CFTC”) Regulation 1.17. MLPF&S has elected to compute the minimum capital requirement in accordance with the “Alternative Net Capital Requirement” as permitted by SECRule 15c3-1. At March 31, 2011, MLPF&S’s regulatory net capital as defined byRule 15c3-1 was approximately $10.1 billion and exceeded the minimum requirement of $833 million by approximately $9.3 billion.
In accordance with the Alternative Net Capital Requirement, MLPF&S is required to maintain tentative net capital in excess of $1 billion, net capital in excess of $500 million, and notify the SEC in the event its tentative net capital is less than $5 billion. As of March 31, 2011, MLPF&S had tentative net capital and net capital in excess of the minimum and notification requirements.
Merrill Lynch International (“MLI”), a U.K. regulated investment firm, is subject to capital requirements of the U.K.’s Financial Services Authority (“FSA”). Financial resources, as defined, must exceed the total financial resources requirement set by the FSA. At March 31, 2011, MLI’s financial resources were $20.4 billion, exceeding the minimum requirement by $4.2 billion.
Merrill Lynch Japan Securities Co., Ltd. (“MLJS”), a Japan-based regulated broker-dealer, is subject to capital requirements of the Japanese Financial Services Agency (“JFSA”). Net capital, as defined, must exceed 120% of the total risk equivalents requirement of the JFSA. At March 31, 2011, MLJS’s net capital was $1.6 billion, exceeding the minimum requirement by $1.0 billion.
Banking Regulation
Merrill Lynch International Bank Limited (“MLIB”), an Ireland-based regulated bank, is subject to the capital requirements of the Central Bank of Ireland. MLIB is required to meet minimum regulatory capital requirements under the European Union (“EU”) banking law as implemented in Ireland by the Central Bank of Ireland. At March 31, 2011, MLIB’s financial resources were $14.1 billion, exceeding the minimum requirement by $3.2 billion.
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Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
Forward-Looking Statements
This report onForm 10-Q, the documents that it incorporates by reference and the documents into which it may be incorporated by reference may contain, and from time to time Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (“ML & Co. and, together with its subsidiaries, “Merrill Lynch,” the “Company,” the “Corporation,” “we,” “our” or “us”) and its management may make certain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this report, “we,” “us” and “our” may refer to ML & Co. individually, ML & Co. and its subsidiaries, or certain of ML & Co.’s subsidiaries or affiliates. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements often use words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “targets,” “intends,” “plans,” “goal” and other similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “may,” “might,” “should,” “would” and “could.” The forward-looking statements made represent the current expectations, plans or forecasts of Merrill Lynch regarding its future results and revenues and future business and economic conditions more generally, including statements concerning: representations and warranties liabilities and range of possible loss estimates, expenses and repurchase claims and resolution of those claims; the potential assertion and impact of additional representation and warranties claims; the charge to income tax expense resulting from reductions in the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) corporate income tax rate; credit trends and conditions, including credit losses, credit reserves, charge-offs, delinquency trends and nonperforming asset levels; the higher level of intercompany service fees; liquidity; the revenue impact resulting from, and any mitigation actions taken in response to, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Financial Reform Act”), including the impact of the Volcker Rule, the credit risk retention rules and derivatives regulations; the range of possible loss estimates related to, and the financial impact on Merrill Lynch, of the various legal proceedings discussed in Part II, Item I of this report onForm 10-Q and in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (the “2010 Annual Report”); and other matters relating to Merrill Lynch. The foregoing is not an exclusive list of all forward-looking statements we make. These statements are not guarantees of future results or performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict and often are beyond control. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, our forward-looking statements.
You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should consider the following uncertainties and risks, as well as the risks and uncertainties more fully discussed elsewhere in this report, in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our 2010 Annual Report, and in any of ML & Co.’s subsequent Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings: our ability to resolve any representations and warranties obligations with private-label securitization investors, whole-loan investors, monolines and the government-sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”); the adequacy of the liabilityand/or range of possible loss estimates for representations and warranties exposures to private-label securitization and other investors, monolines and the GSEs; negative economic conditions generally, including continued weakness in the U.S. housing market, high unemployment in the U.S., economic challenges in manynon-U.S. countries in which we operate and sovereign debt challenges; the level and volatility of the capital markets, interest rates, currency values and other market indices; changes in consumer, investor and counterparty confidence in, and the related impact on, financial markets and institutions, including Merrill Lynch as well as its business partners; Merrill Lynch’s credit ratings; the impact resulting from international and domestic sovereign credit uncertainties; estimates of the fair value of certain of our assets and liabilities; legislative and regulatory actions in the U.S. (including the impact of the Financial Reform Act and related regulations and interpretations) and internationally; the identification and effectiveness of any initiatives to mitigate the negative impact of the Financial Reform Act; the impact of litigation and regulatory investigations, including costs, expenses, settlements and judgments as well as any collateral effects on our ability to conduct our
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business and access the capital markets; various monetary and fiscal policies and regulations of the U.S. andnon-U.S. governments; changes in accounting standards, rules and interpretations (including new consolidation guidance), inaccurate estimates or assumptions in the application of accounting policies, including in determining reserves, applicable guidance regarding goodwill accounting and the impact on Merrill Lynch’s financial statements; increased globalization of the financial services industry and competition with other U.S. and international financial institutions; the adequacy of Merrill Lynch’s risk management framework; Merrill Lynch’s ability to attract new employees and retain and motivate existing employees; technology changes instituted by Merrill Lynch, its counterparties or competitors; Merrill Lynch’s ability to integrate with Bank of America; Merrill Lynch’s reputation, including the effects of continuing intense public and regulatory scrutiny of Merrill Lynch and the financial services sector; the effects of any unauthorized disclosures of our or our customers’ private or confidential information and any negative publicity directed toward Merrill Lynch; and decisions to downsize, sell or close units or otherwise change the business mix of Merrill Lynch.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statement was made.
Introduction
Merrill Lynch was formed in 1914 and became a publicly traded company on June 23, 1971. In 1973, we created the holding company, ML & Co., a Delaware corporation that, through its subsidiaries, is one of the world’s leading capital markets, advisory and wealth management companies. We are a leading global trader and underwriter of securities and derivatives across a broad range of asset classes, and we serve as a strategic advisor to corporations, governments, institutions and individuals worldwide. In addition, as of March 31, 2011, we owned an approximately 7% economic interest in BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”), one of the world’s largest publicly traded investment management companies with approximately $3.6 trillion in assets under management at March 31, 2011.
Bank of America Acquisition and Basis of Presentation
On January 1, 2009, Merrill Lynch was acquired by Bank of America Corporation (“Bank of America”) through the merger of a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America with and into ML & Co. with ML & Co. continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America. Upon completion of the acquisition, each outstanding share of ML & Co. common stock was converted into 0.8595 shares of Bank of America common stock. As of the completion of the acquisition, ML & Co. Series 1 through Series 8 preferred stock were converted into Bank of America preferred stock with substantially identical terms to the corresponding series of Merrill Lynch preferred stock (except for additional voting rights provided to the Bank of America securities). The Merrill Lynch 9.00% Mandatory Convertible Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series 2, and 9.00% Mandatory Convertible Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series 3 that remained issued and outstanding subsequent to the completion of the acquisition were automatically converted into Bank of America common stock on October 15, 2010 in accordance with the terms of these securities.
As discussed below, on November 1, 2010, Banc of America Securities Holdings Corporation (“BASH”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America, merged into ML & Co., with ML & Co. as the surviving corporation (the “BASH Merger”). In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)805-10,Business Combinations, Merrill Lynch’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Part I, Item 1 of thisForm 10-Q include the historical results of BASH and subsidiaries as if the BASH Merger had occurred as of January 1, 2009, the date at which
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both entities were first under common control of Bank of America. Merrill Lynch has recorded the assets and liabilities acquired in connection with the BASH Merger at their historical carrying values.
Merger With BASH
On November 1, 2010, ML & Co. entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with BASH and completed the BASH Merger. In addition, as a result of the BASH Merger, Banc of America Securities LLC (“BAS”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of BASH, became a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of ML & Co. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of ML & Co. remained outstanding and all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of BASH was cancelled, with no consideration paid with respect thereto. Subsequently, on November 1, 2010, BAS was merged into Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of ML & Co., with MLPF&S as the surviving corporation in this merger (the “MLPF&S Merger”). As a result of the MLPF&S Merger, all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of MLPF&S remained outstanding and all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of BAS were cancelled with no consideration paid with respect thereto. In addition, as a result of the MLPF&S Merger, MLPF&S remained a direct wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of ML & Co. and an indirect wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Bank of America.
Business Segments
Pursuant to ASC 280,Segment Reporting, operating segments represent components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that is regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker in determining how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Based upon how the chief operating decision maker of Merrill Lynch reviews our results, Merrill Lynch does not contain any identifiable operating segments. As a result, the financial information of Merrill Lynch is presented as a single segment.
Form 10-Q Presentation
As a result of the acquisition of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America, certain information is not required in thisForm 10-Q as permitted by general Instruction H ofForm 10-Q. We have also abbreviated Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations as permitted by general Instruction H.
Executive Overview
Company Results
We reported net earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 of $406 million compared with net earnings of $2.1 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2010. Revenues, net of interest expense (“net revenues”) for the first quarter of 2011 were $7.9 billion compared with $9.5 billion in 2010. Pre-tax earnings were $621 million in the first quarter of 2011 as compared with $3.2 billion for the first quarter of 2010.
The decline in net revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 primarily reflected lower principal transaction revenues associated with our trading activities. In addition, revenues associated with the valuation of certain of our long-term debt liabilities declined by $0.5 billion as compared with the
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prior year period. During the quarter ended March 31, 2011, we recorded net losses of $0.3 billion due to the impact of the narrowing of Merrill Lynch’s credit spreads on the carrying value of certain of our long-term debt liabilities, primarily structured notes, while in the quarter ended March 31, 2010, we recorded net gains of $0.2 billion due to the widening of our credit spreads. These decreases were partially offset by higher investment banking and other revenues. Higher compensation and benefits and other non-interest expenses also contributed to the decline in net earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2011.
Our net earnings applicable to our common shareholder for the first quarter of 2011 were $406 million as compared with $2.1 billion for the first quarter of 2010. There were no preferred stock dividends recorded during the quarter ended March 31, 2011 as a result of the conversion of ML & Co.’s Series 2 and Series 3 Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock into shares of Bank of America common stock in October 2010. Preferred stock dividends of $38 million were recorded in the quarter ended March 31, 2010.
Transactions with Bank of America
Merrill Lynch has entered into various transactions with Bank of America, primarily in connection with certain sales and trading and financing activities. Total net revenues and non-interest expenses related to transactions with Bank of America for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 were $354 million and $552 million, respectively, and were $65 million and $248 million, respectively, for the quarter ended March 31, 2010. Net revenues for the quarters ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 included gains of approximately $42 million and $280 million, respectively, from the sale of approximately $1.4 billion and $11.2 billion, respectively, ofavailable-for-sale securities to Bank of America. See Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Merger with BASH
See “Introduction — Merger With BASH” for further information on this transaction.
U.K. Corporate Income Tax Rate Change
On March 29, 2011, the U.K. House of Commons approved a budget resolution to reduce the U.K. corporate income tax rate to 26% beginning on April 1, 2011, which would be incremental to the 1% rate decrease enacted in July 2010. The resolution, along with an additional reduction of the corporate income tax rate to 25% to take effect beginning April 1, 2012, is expected to be enacted in July 2011. These reductions would favorably affect income tax expense on future U.K. earnings, but also would require us to remeasure our U.K. net deferred tax assets using the lower tax rates. Upon enactment, expected in the third quarter of 2011, we would record a charge to income tax expense of approximately $800 million for this revaluation. If rates were to be reduced to 23% by 2014 as suggested in U.K. Treasury announcements and assuming no change in the deferred tax asset balance, a charge to income tax expense for approximately $400 million for each 1% reduction in the rate would result in each period of enactment.
U.K. Bank Levy
During 2010, the U.K. government announced its intention to introduce an annual levy on banks operating in the U.K. The legislation for the bank levy is expected to be enacted in the third quarter of 2011. The rate has been set at 7.5 basis points (“bps”) for short-term liabilities and 3.75 bps for long-
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term liabilities for 2011 and will increase to 7.8 bps for short-term liabilities and 3.9 bps for long-term liabilities beginning in 2012. We currently estimate that the cost of the U.K. bank levy will be approximately $100 million annually beginning in 2011, which we expect will be fully accrued in the second half of 2011.
Financial Reform Act
On July 21, 2010, the Financial Reform Act was signed into law. The Financial Reform Act enacts sweeping financial regulatory reform and will alter the way in which we conduct certain businesses, increase our costs and reduce our revenues.
Background
Provisions in the Financial Reform Act limit banking organizations from engaging in proprietary trading and certain investment activity regarding hedge funds and private equity funds. The Financial Reform Act increases regulation of the derivative markets. The Financial Reform Act also provides for resolution authority to establish a process to unwind large systemically important financial companies; creates a new regulatory body to set requirements regarding the terms and conditions of consumer financial products and expands the role of state regulators in enforcing consumer protection requirements over banks; includes new minimum leverage and risk-based capital requirements for large financial institutions; and requires securitizers to retain a portion of the risk that would otherwise be transferred to investors in certain securitization transactions. Many of these provisions have begun to be phased-in or will be phased-in over the next several months or years and will be subject both to further rulemaking and the discretion of applicable regulatory bodies. The Financial Reform Act may have a significant and negative impact on our earnings through reduced revenues, higher costs and new restrictions, as well as a reduction in available capital. The ultimate impact of the Financial Reform Act on our businesses and results of operations will depend on regulatory interpretation and rulemaking, as well as the success of any of our actions to mitigate the negative earnings impact of certain provisions.
Limitations on Certain Activities
We anticipate that the final regulations associated with the Financial Reform Act will include limitations on proprietary trading, as will be defined by various regulators (the “Volcker Rule”). The Volcker Rule will include clarifications to the definition of “proprietary trading,” and distinctions between permitted and prohibited activities have not yet been finalized. The final regulations are required to be in place by October 21, 2011, and the Volcker Rule becomes effective twelve months after such rules are final or on July 21, 2012, whichever is earlier. The Volcker Rule then gives certain financial institutions two years from the effective date, with opportunities for additional extensions, to bring activities and investments into conformance. In anticipation of the adoption of the final regulations, we have begun winding down our proprietary trading operations, with completion expected later this year. The ultimate impact of the Volcker Rule’s prohibition on proprietary trading continues to remain uncertain, including any additional significant operational and compliance costs we may incur. We continue to work with regulators to develop appropriate procedures and metrics that may be used to distinguish proprietary trading from permissible activities. For additional information about our proprietary trading business, see “Results of Operations.”
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Derivatives
The Financial Reform Act includes measures to broaden the scope of derivative instruments subject to regulation by requiring clearing and exchange trading of certain derivatives, imposing new capital and margin reporting, registration and business conduct requirements for certain market participants and imposing position limits on certainover-the-counter derivatives. The Financial Reform Act grants the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) and the SEC substantial new authority and requires numerous rulemakings by these agencies. Generally, the CFTC and SEC have until July 16, 2011 to promulgate the rulemakings necessary to implement these regulations. The ultimate impact of these derivatives regulations, and the time it will take to comply, continues to remain uncertain. The final regulations will impose additional operational and compliance costs on us and may require us to restructure certain businesses, thereby negatively impacting our revenues and results of operations.
Credit Risk Retention
On March 29, 2011, numerous federal regulators jointly issued a proposed rule regarding credit risk retention that would, among other things, require sponsors of mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) to retain at least five percent of the credit risk of the assets underlying the securities and would not permit sponsors to transfer or hedge that credit risk. The proposed rule would provide sponsors with various options for meeting the five percent risk-retention requirements of the Financial Reform Act, including by vertical (i.e., pro rata) or horizontal (i.e., by credit tranche) retention of MBS and ABS securities sponsored. The proposal also includes descriptions of loans that would not be subject to the risk-retention requirements, including MBS and ABS that are collateralized by residential mortgages that meet the definition of a qualified residential mortgage, certain commercial, auto and other loans that meet specified underwriting criteria and certain loans guaranteed by government agencies or pooled with the GSEs. The federal regulators seek public comment on the proposed rule by June 10, 2011 and we expect a final rule to be issued in the third quarter of 2011.
The proposed rule as currently written would likely have an adverse impact on our ability to engage in many types of MBS and ABS securitization transactions. However, it remains unclear what requirements will be included in the final rule and what will be the ultimate impact of the final rule on our businesses or our consolidated results of operations. The proposed rule would impose additional operational and compliance costs on us and could negatively impact our revenue and results of operations. Adoption of the proposed rule could also negatively influence the value, liquidity and transferability of certain MBS and ABS, loans and other assets.
Earthquake in Japan
On March 11, 2011, Japan experienced a major earthquake and tsunami. The operations for many companies located in Japan were negatively impacted as a result of this disaster. Merrill Lynch Japan Securities Co., Ltd., one of ourbroker-dealer subsidiaries, is located in Tokyo, Japan. Its operations were not affected by these events; however, we continue to evaluate potential disruptions in global supply chains and related economic impacts.
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Results of Operations
(dollars in millions) | |||||||||||||||
% Change between the | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
Three Months | Three Months | Mar. 31, 2011 and | |||||||||||||
Ended | Ended | the Three Months | |||||||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | Ended Mar. 31, | |||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2010 | |||||||||||||
Revenues | |||||||||||||||
Principal transactions | $ | 1,171 | $ | 4,048 | (71 | )% | |||||||||
Commissions | 1,590 | 1,488 | 7 | ||||||||||||
Managed account and other fee-based revenues | 1,291 | 1,051 | 23 | ||||||||||||
Investment banking | 1,532 | 1,209 | 27 | ||||||||||||
Earnings from equity method investments | 138 | 281 | (51 | ) | |||||||||||
Other revenues(1) | 2,113 | 1,094 | 93 | ||||||||||||
Subtotal | 7,835 | 9,171 | (15 | ) | |||||||||||
Interest and dividend revenues | 2,400 | 2,756 | (13 | ) | |||||||||||
Less interest expense | 2,353 | 2,460 | (4 | ) | |||||||||||
Net interest income | 47 | 296 | (84 | ) | |||||||||||
Revenues, net of interest expense | 7,882 | 9,467 | (17 | ) | |||||||||||
Non-interest expenses: | |||||||||||||||
Compensation and benefits | 4,610 | 4,329 | 6 | ||||||||||||
Communications and technology | 428 | 486 | (12 | ) | |||||||||||
Occupancy and related depreciation | 336 | 346 | (3 | ) | |||||||||||
Brokerage, clearing, and exchange fees | 300 | 286 | 5 | ||||||||||||
Advertising and market development | 121 | 95 | 27 | ||||||||||||
Professional fees | 227 | 178 | 28 | ||||||||||||
Office supplies and postage | 32 | 44 | (27 | ) | |||||||||||
Other | 1,207 | 480 | 151 | ||||||||||||
Total non-interest expenses | 7,261 | 6,244 | 16 | ||||||||||||
Pre-tax earnings | 621 | 3,223 | (81 | ) | |||||||||||
Income tax expense | 215 | 1,130 | (81 | ) | |||||||||||
Net earnings | $ | 406 | $ | 2,093 | (81 | ) | |||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | - | 38 | N/M | ||||||||||||
Net earnings applicable to common stockholder | $ | 406 | $ | 2,055 | (80 | ) | |||||||||
(1) | 2011 and 2010 amounts include other income andother-than-temporary impairment losses onavailable-for-sale debt securities. Theother-than-temporary impairment losses were $37 million and $86 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010, respectively. |
N/M = Not meaningful.
Quarterly Consolidated Results of Operations
Our net earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 were $406 million compared with net earnings of $2.1 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2010. Net revenues for the first quarter of 2011 were $7.9 billion compared with $9.5 billion for the prior year period.
Quarter Ended March 31, 2011 Compared With Quarter Ended March 31, 2010
Principal transactions revenues include both realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading assets and trading liabilities and investment securities classified as trading. Principal transactions revenues were $1.2 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 compared with $4.0 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2010. The decrease in principal transactions revenues primarily reflected a decline in trading revenues across most of our businesses as compared with the prior year period. In the quarter ended March 31, 2011, market conditions continued to be affected by investor concerns about the global economic outlook, including concerns about the economic recovery in the U.S., European sovereign debt, political unrest in the Middle East, and the impact of the recent earthquake and related
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events in Japan. The decline in principal transactions revenues also included a $0.5 billion reduction in revenues associated with the valuation of certain of our long-term debt liabilities. During the quarter ended March 31, 2011, we recorded net losses of $0.3 billion due to the impact of the narrowing of Merrill Lynch’s credit spreads on the carrying value of certain of our long-term debt liabilities, primarily structured notes, as compared with net gains of $0.2 billion from such long-term debt liabilities due to the widening of our credit spreads in the quarter ended March 31, 2010. Revenues from our mortgage product business declined due to losses from credit spread tightening during the quarter ended March 31, 2011, as well as increased credit valuation adjustments related to financial guarantors. The decline in revenues from our rates and currencies business was driven by less favorable market conditions, as there was increased uncertainty in the market arising from the continuation of the European sovereign debt crisis and increased political unrest in the Middle East. Revenues from credit products declined and also reflected less favorable market conditions as compared with the prior year, including reduced spread movements and increased market uncertainty.
Included in principal transactions revenues are net revenues associated with activities we have identified as “proprietary trading,” which is conducted separately from our customer trading activities. Our proprietary trading operations have engaged in trading activities in a variety of products, including stocks, bonds, currencies and commodities. In anticipation of the Volcker Rule’s prohibitions against proprietary trading becoming effective, we have begun winding down our proprietary trading operations, with completion expected later this year. The revenues from these operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 were $208 million and $456 million, respectively, of which $192 million and $414 million were included within principal transactions revenues. The remainder of the revenues for these operations were primarily recorded within net interest revenues. See also “Executive Overview — Financial Reform Act — Limitations on Certain Activities.”
Net interest income is a function of (i) the level and mix of total assets and liabilities, including trading assets, deposits, financing and lending transactions, and trading strategies associated with our businesses, and (ii) the prevailing level, term structure and volatility of interest rates. Net interest income is an integral component of trading activity. In assessing the profitability of our client facilitation and trading activities, we view principal transactions and net interest income in the aggregate as net trading revenues. Changes in the composition of trading inventories and hedge positions can cause the mix of principal transactions and net interest income to fluctuate from period to period. Net interest income was $47 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 as compared with $296 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2010. The decline was primarily due to lower net interest revenues generated from our trading activities.
Commissions revenues primarily arise from agency transactions in listed and over-the-counter (“OTC”) equity securities and commodities and options. Commissions revenues also include distribution fees for promoting and distributing mutual funds. Commissions revenues were $1.6 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, an increase of 7% from the prior year period. The majority of the increase was attributable to our global equity products business, primarily reflecting increased single-stock trading volumes in the U.S. and the Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”) region, which increased 4.4% and 11.6%, respectively. Such increases more than offset a decline in revenues due to lower electronic trading volumes, which declined 5.6% in the U.S. and 14.5% in EMEA.
Managed account and other fee-based revenues primarily consist of asset-priced portfolio service fees earned from the administration of separately managed and other investment accounts for retail investors, annual account fees, and certain other account-related fees. Managed account and other fee-based revenues were $1.3 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, an increase of 23% from the prior year period. The increase was driven by higher fee-based revenues from our global wealth management activities, reflecting higher levels of fee-based assets from which such revenues are generated as well as increased revenues from fees on new accounts and asset management fees. The increase in fee-based assets was due to both strong client flows into long-term products and market appreciation.
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Investment banking revenues include (i) origination revenues representing fees earned from the underwriting of debt, equity and equity-linked securities, as well as loan syndication and commitment fees and (ii) advisory services revenues including merger and acquisition and other investment banking advisory fees. Total investment banking revenues were $1.5 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, an increase of 27% from the prior year period. Underwriting revenues increased 17% to $1.2 billion, which reflected higher revenues from both equity and fixed income underwriting transactions. Revenues from advisory services increased 91% to $319 million, reflecting an increase in merger and acquisition transaction activity.
Earnings from equity method investments include our pro rata share of income and losses associated with investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Earnings from equity method investments were $138 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 compared with $281 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2010. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decline in revenues from our investment in BlackRock. In November 2010, we sold a substantial portion of our investment in BlackRock, which resulted in a reduction of our economic interest in BlackRock from approximately 34% to approximately 7%. As a result of the reduction of our economic interest, we no longer account for the investment in BlackRock under the equity method of accounting. Refer to Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report for further information on equity method investments.
Other revenues include gains and losses on investment securities, including certainavailable-for-sale securities, gains and losses on private equity investments, and gains and losses on loans and other miscellaneous items. Other revenues were $2.1 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 compared with $1.1 billion in the prior year period. The increase in other revenues was primarily associated with a $1.1 billion gain associated with a private equity investment that underwent an initial public offering during the quarter ended March 31, 2011. The results for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 included gains of $44 million from the sale of certainavailable-for-sale securities, primarily to Bank of America. The results for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 included gains of approximately $340 million from the sale of certainavailable-for-sale securities, which included gains of approximately $280 million associated with sales to Bank of America.
Compensation and benefits expenses were $4.6 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, an increase of 6% from the prior year period. The increase included a $260 million increase in amortization expense associated with stock-based compensation awards, including awards granted to retirement-eligible employees, as compared with the prior year. In addition, salary and other employee compensation costs were higher as compared with the prior year period related to increased headcount levels from investments in infrastructure and personnel associated with further development of the business. These increases were partially offset by lower incentive-based compensation accruals.
Non-compensation expenses were $2.7 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 and $1.9 billion in the prior year period. Communications and technology expenses were $428 million, a decrease of 12%, primarily reflecting lower systems consulting costs. Advertising and market development costs were $121 million, an increase of 27% primarily due to higher travel and entertainment and promotion expenses. Professional fees were $227 million, which increased 28% primarily due to higher legal and consulting fees. Other expenses were $1.2 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 as compared with $480 million in the prior year period. The increase was primarily driven by higher net intercompany service fees from Bank of America. Such net intercompany service fees were approximately $550 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2011, an increase of approximately $350 million from the prior year period. Higher expense associated with non-controlling interests of certain principal investments and higher litigation-related expense also contributed to the increase.
As discussed above, included within Merrill Lynch’s non-interest expenses are intercompany service fees from Bank of America. Beginning in 2011, Bank of America and Merrill Lynch integrated their
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methodologies for allocating expenses associated with shared services to their subsidiaries. As a result of this integration, during 2011 Merrill Lynch is likely to incur a higher level of intercompany service fees from Bank of America as compared with the prior year.
Income tax expense was $215 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 compared with $1.1 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2010. The effective income tax rate was 34.6% for the first quarter of 2011 as compared with 35.1% for first quarter of 2010. Items such as the U.K. corporate income tax rate change referred to below, possible valuation allowance release benefits and recognition of certain previously unrecognizednon-U.S. tax benefits may materially affect income tax expense later this year.
On March 29, 2011, the U.K. House of Commons approved a budget resolution to reduce the U.K. corporate income tax rate to 26% beginning on April 1, 2011. For additional information, see “Executive Overview — U.K. Corporate Income Tax Rate Change.”
As a part of our normal operations, we enter into various off-balance sheet arrangements that may require future payments. The table and discussion below outline our significant off-balance sheet arrangements, as well as their future expirations, as of March 31, 2011. Refer to Note 14 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Expiration | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maximum | Less than | 1-3 | 3-5 | Over 5 | Carrying | |||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in millions) | Payout | 1 Year | Years | Years | Years | Value | ||||||||||||||||||
Standby liquidity facilities | $ | 1,201 | $ | 582 | $ | 599 | $ | - | $ | 20 | $ | - | ||||||||||||
Residual value guarantees | 415 | 95 | 320 | - | - | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Standby letters of credit and other guarantees | 684 | 346 | 314 | 5 | 19 | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Standby Liquidity Facilities
We provide standby liquidity facilities primarily to certain unconsolidated municipal bond securitization VIEs. In these arrangements, we are required to fund these standby liquidity facilities if certain contingent events take place (e.g., a failed remarketing) and in certain cases if the fair value of the assets held by the VIE declines below the stated amount of the liquidity obligation. The potential exposure under the facilities is mitigated by economic hedges and/or other contractual arrangements entered into by Merrill Lynch. Refer to Note 9 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Residual Value Guarantees
At March 31, 2011, residual value guarantees of $415 million consisted of amounts associated with certain power plant facilities.
Standby Letters of Credit and Other Guarantees
At March 31, 2011, we provided guarantees to certain counterparties in the form of standby letters of credit in the amount of $0.7 billion.
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Representations and Warranties
In prior years, Merrill Lynch and certain of its subsidiaries, including First Franklin Financial Corporation (“First Franklin”), sold pools of first-lien residential mortgage loans and home equity loans as private-label securitizations or in the form of whole loans. Many of the loans sold in the form of whole loans were subsequently pooled with other mortgages into private-label securitizations issued or sponsored by the third-party buyer of the whole loans. In addition, Merrill Lynch and First Franklin securitized first-lien residential mortgage loans generally in the form of mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by the GSEs. In connection with these transactions, Merrill Lynch and certain of its subsidiaries made various representations and warranties (these representations and warranties are not included in the guarantees table above). These representations and warranties, as governed by the agreements, related to, among other things, the ownership of the loan, the validity of the lien securing the loan, the absence of delinquent taxes or liens against the property securing the loan, the process used to select the loan for inclusion in a transaction, the loan’s compliance with any applicable loan criteria, including underwriting standards, and the loan’s compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Breaches of these representations and warranties may result in the requirement to repurchase mortgage loans or to otherwise make whole or provide other remedies to a whole loan buyer or securitization trust (collectively, repurchase claims). In such cases, Merrill Lynch would be exposed to any subsequent credit loss on the repurchased mortgage loans.
Merrill Lynch’s credit loss would be reduced by any recourse it may have to organizations (e.g., correspondents) that, in turn, had sold such loans to Merrill Lynch. When a loan is originated by a correspondent or other third party, Merrill Lynch typically has the right to seek a recovery of related repurchase losses from that originator.
Subject to the requirements and limitations of the applicable agreements, these representations and warranties can be enforced by the securitization trustee or the whole loan buyer as governed by the applicable agreement or, in certain first lien and home equity securitizations where monoline insurers have insured all or some of the related bonds issued, by the monoline insurer at any time over the life of the loan.
Certain securitizations include guarantees written to protect certain purchasers of the loans from credit losses up to a specified amount. The fair value of the obligations to be absorbed under the representations and warranties and the guarantees provided is recorded as an accrued liability when the loans are sold. The liability is updated for probable losses by accruing a representations and warranties provision in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings. This is done throughout the life of the loan as necessary when additional relevant information becomes available. The methodology used to estimate the liability for representations and warranties is a function of the representations and warranties given and considers a variety of factors, which include, depending on the counterparty, actual defaults, estimated future defaults, historical loss experience, estimated home prices, other economic conditions, estimated probability that a repurchase claim will be received, including consideration of whether presentation thresholds will be met, number of payments made by the borrower prior to default and estimated probability that a loan will be required to be repurchased. Changes to any one of these factors could significantly impact the estimate of Merrill Lynch’s liability. Given that these factors vary by counterparty, Merrill Lynch analyzes representations and warranties obligations based on the specific counterparty, or type of counterparty, with whom the sale was made. Merrill Lynch performs a loan by loan review of all properly presented repurchase requests. Merrill Lynch has vigorously contested any request for repurchase when it concludes that a valid basis for a repurchase claim did not exist and will continue to do so in the future. In addition, Merrill Lynch may reach one or more bulk settlements, including settlement amounts which could be material with counterparties (in lieu of theloan-by-loan review process), if opportunities arise on terms determined to be advantageous to Merrill Lynch.
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The liability for representations and warranties recorded at March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 was $130 million and $303 million, respectively. The table below presents a roll forward of the liability for representations and warranties and corporate guarantees:
March 31 | ||||||||
(dollars in millions) | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 213 | $ | 378 | ||||
Charge-offs | (61 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||
Provision | (22 | ) | (74 | ) | ||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 130 | $ | 303 | ||||
The liability for representations and warranties is established when those obligations are both probable and reasonably estimable. The representations and warranties provision may vary significantly each period as the methodology used to estimate the provision continues to be refined based on the level and type of repurchase claims presented, defects identified, the latest experience gained on repurchase claims and other relevant facts and circumstances, which could have a material adverse impact on Merrill Lynch’s earnings for any particular period.
Although Merrill Lynch’s experience with non-GSE repurchase claims is limited, Merrill Lynch expects additional activity in this area going forward and that the volume of repurchase claims from monoline insurers, whole-loan investors and investors in non-GSE securitizations will increase in the future. It is reasonably possible that future representations and warranties losses may occur, and Merrill Lynch currently estimates that the upper range of possible loss related to non-GSE sales as of March 31, 2011 could be $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion over existing accruals. This increase in the estimated range previously disclosed as of December 31, 2010 resulted from an increase in estimated repurchase rates and Home Price Index deterioration during the three months ended March 31, 2011. This estimate of the range of possible loss for representations and warranties does not represent a probable loss, is based on currently available information, significant judgment, and a number of assumptions, including those set forth below that are subject to change. This estimate does not include related, reasonably possible litigation losses disclosed in Note 14 — Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees, nor does it include any potential claims under securities laws or potential indemnity or other claims against Merrill Lynch. Merrill Lynch is not able to reasonably estimate the amount of any possible loss with respect to any such securities or other claims against Merrill Lynch; however, such loss could be material.
The methodology used to estimate this non-GSE range of possible loss for representations and warranties considers a variety of factors including Merrill Lynch’s experience related to actual defaults, estimated future defaults, historical loss experience and GSE experience of one or more affiliates of Merrill Lynch with estimated repurchase rates by product. It also considers Merrill Lynch’s assumptions regarding economic conditions, including estimated first quarter 2011 home prices. Merrill Lynch applies judgment and adjustments in order to determine the range of possible loss for non-GSE securitizations.
These adjustments made by Merrill Lynch include: (1) contractual loss causation requirements, (2) the representations and warranties provided, and (3) the requirement to meet certain presentation thresholds. The first adjustment is based on Merrill Lynch’s belief that a contractual liability to repurchase a loan generally arises only if the counterparties prove there is a breach of representations and warranties that materially and adversely affects the interest of the investor or all investors in a securitization trust and, accordingly, Merrill Lynch believes in most cases the repurchase claimants must prove that the alleged representations and warranties breach was the cause of the loss. The second adjustment is related to the fact that non-GSE securitizations have different types of representations and warranties provided. Merrill Lynch believes the non-GSE securitizations’ representations and
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warranties are generally less rigorous and actionable than the comparable agreements with the GSEs, although some of the agreements generally include a representation that underwriting practices were prudent and customary. The third adjustment is related to the fact that certain presentation thresholds need to be met in order for any repurchase claim to be asserted under the non-GSE contracts. A securitization trustee may investigate or demand repurchase on its own action, and most agreements contain a threshold, for example 25% of the voting rights per trust, that allows investors to declare a servicing event of default under certain circumstances or to request certain action, such as requesting loan files, that the trustee may choose to accept and follow, exempt from liability, provided the trustee is acting in good faith. If there is an uncured servicing event of default, and the trustee fails to bring suit during a60-day period, then, under most agreements, investors may file suit. In addition to this, most agreements also allow investors to direct the securitization trustee to investigate loan files or demand the repurchase of loans, if security holders hold a specified percentage, for example, 25% of the voting rights of each tranche of the outstanding securities. This estimated range of possible loss assumes that this presentation threshold is met for some but significantly less than all of the non-GSE securitization transactions. The foregoing factors, individually and in the aggregate, require Merrill Lynch to use significant judgment in estimating the range of possible loss for non-GSE representations and warranties. The adjustments have been developed assuming a loan-level analysis and consider age, number of payments made, and type of security, loan originator and sponsor.
Future provisionsand/or ranges of possible loss for non-GSE representations and warranties may be significantly impacted if actual results are different from Merrill Lynch’s assumptions in its predictive models, including, without limitation, those regarding estimated repurchase rates, economic conditions, home prices, consumer and counterparty behavior, and a variety of judgmental factors. Developments with respect to one or more of the assumptions underlying the estimated range of possible loss for non-GSE representations and warranties could result in significant increases to this range of loss estimate. For example, Merrill Lynch believes that the contractual requirement typically included in non-GSE securitization agreements, that a representations and warranties breach materially and adversely affect the interest of the investor or all investors in the securitization trust in order to give rise to the repurchase obligation means in most cases repurchase claimants must prove that the representations and warranties breach was the cause of the loss. If a court or courts were to disagree with our interpretation of these agreements, it could impact this estimated range of possible loss. Additionally, certain recent court rulings related to monoline litigation, including one related to one or more affiliates of Merrill Lynch, have allowed for sampling of loan files to determine if a breach of representations and warranties occurred instead of requiring a review of each loan file. If this sampling approach is upheld more generally in the courts, private-label investors may view litigation as a more attractive alternative as compared to aloan-by-loan review. In addition, although Merrill Lynch believes that the representations and warranties typically given in non-GSE securitization transactions are generally less rigorous and actionable than those given in GSE transactions, Merrill Lynch does not have significant loan level experience to measure the impact of these differences on the probability that a loan will be required to be repurchased. Finally, as mentioned previously, the trustee is empowered to have access to the loan files without a request by the investors. If additional private-label investors organize and meet the presentation threshold, such as 25% of the voting rights per trust, then the investors will be able to request the trustee to obtain loan files to investigate breaches of representations and warranties or other matters and the trustee may choose to follow that request, exempt from liability, provided that the trustee is acting in good faith. It is difficult to predict how a trustee may act or how many investors may be able to meet the prerequisite presentation thresholds. In this regard, Merrill Lynch’s model reflects an adjustment to reduce the range of possible loss for the presentation threshold for all private-label securitizations of approximately $1.0 billion to arrive at the $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion range. Although Merrill Lynch’s evaluation of these factors results in lowering the estimated range of possible loss for non-GSE representations and warranties, any adverse developments in contractual interpretations of causation or level of representations, or the presentation
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threshold, could each have a significant impact on future provisions and the estimate of range of possible loss.
The techniques used to arrive at Merrill Lynch’s non-GSE range of possible loss for representations and warranties have a basis in historical market behavior, and are also based to a large degree on management’s judgment. Merrill Lynch cannot provide assurance that its modeling assumptions, techniques, strategies or management judgment will at all times prove to be accurate and effective.
Merrill Lynch has vigorously contested any request for repurchase when it concludes that a valid basis for repurchase claim did not exist and will continue to do so in the future. In addition, Merrill Lynch may reach one or more bulk settlements, including settlement amounts which could be material, with counterparties (in lieu of theloan-by-loan review process) if opportunities arise on terms determined to be advantageous to Merrill Lynch.
As presented in the table below, Merrill Lynch, including First Franklin, sold loans originated from 2004 to 2008 (primarily subprime and alt-A) with a principal balance of $132 billion through securitizations or whole loan sales that were subject to representations and warranties liabilities, of which approximately $61 billion in principal has been paid off, $29 billion has defaulted or are severely delinquent (i.e., 180 days or more past due) and are considered principal at risk and $42 billion remains outstanding as of March 31, 2011.
As it relates to private-label securitizations, a contractual liability to repurchase generally arises only if counterparties prove there is a breach of the representations and warranties that materially and adversely affects the interest of the investor or all investors in a securitization trust. We believe that the longer a loan performs, the less likely it is that an alleged underwriting representations and warranties breach had a material impact on the loan’s performance or that a breach even exists. Because the majority of the borrowers in this population would have made a significant number of payments if they are not yet 180 days or more past due, we believe that the principal balance at the greatest risk for repurchase claims in this population of private-label investors is a combination of loans that have already defaulted and those that are currently 180 days or more past due. Additionally, the obligation to repurchase mortgage loans also requires that counterparties have the contractual right to demand repurchase of the loans.
The following table details the population of loans originated between 2004 and 2008 and the population of loans sold as whole loans or in non-agency securitizations by entity and product together with the principal at-risk stratified by the number of payments the borrower made prior to default or becoming severely delinquent at March 31, 2011. As shown in the table, at least 25 payments have been made on approximately 60% of the loans included in principal at-risk. We believe many of the defaults observed in these securitizations have been, and continue to be, driven by external factors like the substantial depreciation in home prices, persistently high unemployment and other negative economic trends, diminishing the likelihood that any loan defect (assuming one exists at all) was the cause of the loan’s default. As of March 31, 2011, approximately 33% of the loans sold to non-GSEs that were originated between 2004 and 2008 have defaulted or are severely delinquent.
Principal Balance | Principal at Risk | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding | Outstanding | Borrower | Borrower | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Original | Principal | Principal | Defaulted | Made Less | Borrower | Borrower | Made More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in billions) | Principal | Balance | Balance | Principal | Principal | than 13 | Made 13 to | Made 25 to | Than 36 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Entity | Balance | March 31, 2011 | Over 180 Days | Balance | at Risk | Payments | 24 Payments | 36 Payments | Payments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Merrill Lynch (excluding First Franklin) | $ | 50 | $ | 19 | $ | 7 | $ | 10 | $ | 17 | $ | 3 | $ | 4 | $ | 3 | $ | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||
First Franklin | 82 | 23 | 7 | 19 | 26 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 132 | $ | 42 | $ | 14 | $ | 29 | $ | 43 | $ | 7 | $ | 10 | $ | 7 | $ | 19 | ||||||||||||||||||
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During the three months ended March 31, 2011, Merrill Lynch paid $54 million in indemnification payments to whole loan investors to resolve $248 million of indemnification claims for losses that they incurred. There were no indemnification payments or claims resolved for the three months ended March 31, 2010. There were no repurchases for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010.
At March 31, 2011, the unpaid principal balance of loans related to unresolved repurchase claims was approximately $575 million, including $538 million in repurchase requests that have been reviewed where it is believed a valid defect has not been identified which would constitute an actionable breach of representations and warranties and $37 million in repurchase requests that are in the process of review. The table below presents outstanding representations and warranties claims by counterparty as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
(dollars in millions) | March 31, 2011 | December 31, 2010 | ||||||
GSEs | $ | 55 | $ | 59 | ||||
Monoline | 64 | 48 | ||||||
Others(1) | 456 | 517 | ||||||
Total | $ | 575 | $ | 624 | ||||
(1) | The majority of these repurchase claims are from whole loan buyers on subprime loans. |
Legal Matters
Merrill Lynch has been named as a defendant in various legal actions, including arbitrations, class actions, and other litigation arising in connection with its activities as a global diversified financial services institution. Refer to Note 14 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information, including the estimated aggregate range of possible loss.
Derivatives
We record all derivative transactions at fair value on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. We do not monitor our exposure to derivatives based on the notional amount because that amount is not a relevant indicator of our exposure to these contracts, as it is generally not indicative of the amount that we would owe on the contract. Instead, a risk framework is used to define risk tolerances and establish limits to help to ensure that certain risk-related losses occur within acceptable, predefined limits. Since derivatives are recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value the disclosure of the notional amounts is not a relevant indicator of risk. Derivatives that meet the accounting definition of a guarantee and credit derivatives are included in Note 6 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Involvement with VIEs
We transact with VIEs in a variety of capacities, including those that we help establish as well as those initially established by third parties. We utilize VIEs in the ordinary course of business to support our own and our customers’ financing and investing needs. Merrill Lynch securitizes loans and debt securities using VIEs as a source of funding and a means of transferring the economic risk of the loans or debt securities to third parties. We also administer, structure or invest in or enter into derivatives with other VIEs, including multi-seller conduits, municipal bond trusts, CDOs and other entities, as described in more detail below. Our involvement with VIEs can vary and we are required to
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continuously reassess prior consolidation and disclosure conclusions. Refer to Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of our consolidation accounting policy and for information regarding new VIE accounting rules that became effective on January 1, 2010. Types of VIEs with which we have historically transacted include:
• | Municipal bond securitization VIEs: VIEs that issue medium-term paper, purchase municipal bonds as collateral and purchase a guarantee to enhance the creditworthiness of the collateral. | |
• | Asset-backed securities VIEs: VIEs that issue different classes of debt, from super senior to subordinated, and equity and purchase assets as collateral, including residential mortgages, commercial mortgages, auto leases and credit card receivables. | |
• | CDOs: VIEs that issue different classes of debt, from super senior to subordinated, and equity and purchase securities, including asset-backed securities collateralized by residential mortgages, commercial mortgages, auto leases and credit card receivables as well as corporate bonds. | |
• | Synthetic CDOs: VIEs that issue different classes of debt, from super senior to subordinated, and equity, purchase high-grade assets as collateral and enter into a portfolio of credit default swaps to synthetically create the credit risk of the issued debt. | |
• | Credit-linked note VIEs: VIEs that issue notes linked to the credit risk of a company, purchase high-grade assets as collateral and enter into credit default swaps to synthetically create the credit risk to pay the return on the notes. | |
• | Trust preferred security VIEs: These VIEs hold junior subordinated debt issued by ML & Co. or our subsidiaries, and issue preferred stock on substantially the same terms as the junior subordinated debt to third party investors. We also provide a parent guarantee, on a junior subordinated basis, of the distributions and other payments on the preferred stock to the extent that the VIEs have funds legally available. The debt we issue into the VIE is classified as long-term borrowings on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The ML & Co. parent guarantees of its own subsidiaries are not required to be recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. |
Funding and Liquidity
Funding
We fund our assets primarily with a mix of secured and unsecured liabilities through a globally coordinated funding strategy with Bank of America. We fund a portion of our trading assets with secured liabilities, including repurchase agreements, securities loaned and other short-term secured borrowings, which are less sensitive to our credit ratings due to the underlying collateral. Refer to Note 12 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our borrowings.
Beginning late in the third quarter of 2009, in connection with the update or renewal of certain Merrill Lynch international securities offering programs, Bank of America agreed to guarantee debt securities, warrantsand/or certificates issued by certain subsidiaries of ML & Co. on a going forward basis. All existing ML & Co. guarantees of securities issued by those same Merrill Lynch subsidiaries under various international securities offering programs will remain in full force and effect as long as those securities are outstanding, and Bank of America has not assumed any of those prior ML & Co. guarantees or otherwise guaranteed such securities. There were approximately $5.7 billion of securities guaranteed by Bank of America at March 31, 2011.
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Following the completion of Bank of America’s acquisition of Merrill Lynch, ML & Co. became a subsidiary of Bank of America and established intercompany lending and borrowing arrangements to facilitate centralized liquidity management. Included in these intercompany agreements is a $75 billion one-year revolving unsecured line of credit that allows ML & Co. to borrow funds from Bank of America at a spread to LIBOR that is reset periodically and is consistent with other intercompany agreements. This credit line was renewed effective January 1, 2011 with a maturity date of January 1, 2012. The credit line will automatically be extended by one year to the succeeding January 1st unless Bank of America provides written notice not to extend at least 45 days prior to the maturity date. The agreement does not contain any financial or other covenants. There were no outstanding borrowings against the line of credit at March 31, 2011.
In addition to the $75 billion unsecured line of credit, a $25 billion364-day revolving unsecured line of credit that allows ML & Co. to borrow funds from Bank of America was established on February 15, 2011. Interest on the line of credit is based on prevailing short-term market rates. The agreement does not contain any financial or other covenants. The line of credit matures on February 14, 2012. There were no outstanding borrowings against the line of credit at March 31, 2011.
Following the merger of BAS into MLPF&S, Bank of America agreed to guarantee the short-term, senior unsecured obligations issued by MLPF&S under its short-term master note program on a going forward basis. This issuance program was previously maintained by BAS to provide short-term funding for its broker-dealer operations. At March 31, 2011, approximately $8.2 billion of borrowings under the program were outstanding and guaranteed by Bank of America.
Also in connection with the merger of BAS into MLPF&S, MLPF&S either assumed or established the following agreements:
• | MLPF&S assumed an approximately $1.5 billion subordinated loan agreement with Bank of America, which bears interest based on a spread to LIBOR, and has a scheduled maturity date of December 31, 2012. The loan agreement contains a provision that automatically extends the loan’s maturity by one year unless Bank of America provides 13 months written notice not to extend prior to the scheduled maturity date. | |
• | MLPF&S assumed a $7 billion revolving subordinated line of credit with Bank of America. The subordinated line of credit bears interest based on a spread to LIBOR, and has a scheduled maturity date of October 1, 2012. The revolving subordinated line of credit contains a provision that automatically extends the maturity by one year unless Bank of America provides 13 months written notice not to extend prior to the scheduled maturity date. At March 31, 2011, $1.1 billion was outstanding on the subordinated line of credit. | |
• | On November 1, 2010, a $4 billion one-year revolving unsecured line of credit that allows MLPF&S to borrow funds from Bank of America was established. Interest on the line of credit is based on prevailing short-term market rates. The credit line will automatically be extended by one year to the succeeding November 1st unless Bank of America provides written notice not to extend at least 45 days prior to the maturity date. At March 31, 2010, there were no borrowings outstanding on the line of credit. | |
• | On February 22, 2011, a $15 billion364-day revolving unsecured line of credit that allows MLPF&S to borrow funds from Bank of America was established. Interest on the line of credit is based on prevailing short-term market rates. The line of credit matures on February 21, 2012. At March 31, 2011, approximately $1.8 billion was outstanding on the line of credit. |
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Credit Ratings
Our borrowing costs and ability to raise funds are directly impacted by our credit ratings. In addition, credit ratings may be important to customers or counterparties when we compete in certain markets and when we seek to engage in certain transactions, including OTC derivatives. Thus, it is our objective to maintain high-quality credit ratings. Credit ratings and outlooks are opinions on our creditworthiness and that of our obligations or securities, including long-term debt, short-term borrowings, preferred stock and other securities, including asset securitizations.
Following the acquisition of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America, the major credit ratings agencies have indicated that the primary drivers of Merrill Lynch’s credit ratings are Bank of America’s credit ratings. Bank of America’s credit ratings are subject to ongoing review by the ratings agencies and thus may change from time to time based on a number of factors, including Bank of America’s financial strength, performance, prospects and operations as well as factors not under Bank of America’s control. In light of these factors, there can be no assurance that Bank of America will maintain its current ratings.
During 2010, the three major ratings agencies made negative adjustments to the outlooks for Bank of America’s and Merrill Lynch’s long-term credit ratings. For further information on these rating adjustments, refer to our 2010 Annual Report. Currently, the long-term senior debt ratings and ratings outlooks published by the major ratings agencies for both Bank of America and ML & Co. are as follows: A2 (negative) by Moody’s Investors Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”); A (negative) by Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”); and A+ (rating watch negative) by Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”). These ratings agencies have indicated that, as a systemically important financial institution, our credit ratings currently reflect their expectation that, if necessary, we would receive significant support from the U.S. Government. All three ratings agencies, however, have indicated they will reevaluate, and could reduce the uplift they include in our ratings for government support, for reasons arising from financial services regulatory reform proposals or legislation. In addition to Bank of America’s credit ratings, other factors that influence our credit ratings (as well as those for Bank of America) include changes to the ratings agencies’ methodologies for our industry or certain security types, the ratings agencies’ assessment of the general operating environment for financial services companies, our relative positions in the markets in which we compete, reputation, liquidity position, diversity of funding sources, the level and volatility of earnings, corporate governance and risk management policies, capital position, capital management practices and current or future regulatory and legislative initiatives.
A reduction in certain of our credit ratings or the ratings of certain asset-backed securitizations would likely have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, access to credit markets, the related cost of funds, our businesses and on certain trading revenues, particularly in those businesses where counterparty creditworthiness is critical. Under the terms of certain OTC derivatives contracts and other trading agreements, in the event of a credit ratings downgrade of Bank of America or ML & Co., the counterparties to those agreements may require us to provide additional collateral or to terminate these contracts or agreements. Such collateral calls or terminations could cause us to sustain losses, impair our liquidity, or both, by requiring us to provide the counterparties with additional collateral in the form of cash or highly liquid securities. If Bank of America’s or ML & Co’s commercial paper or short-term credit ratings (which currently have the following ratings:P-1 by Moody’s,A-1 by S&P and F1+ by Fitch) were downgraded by one or more levels, the potential loss of short-term funding sources such as commercial paper or repo financing, and the effect on our incremental cost of funds would be material. The amount of additional collateral required depends on the contract and is usually a fixed incremental amountand/or an amount related to the market value of the exposure. For information regarding the additional collateral and termination payments that would be required in connection with certain OTC derivative contracts and other trading agreements as a result of such a credit ratings downgrade, see Note 6 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
Not required pursuant to General Instruction H(2).
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures |
As of the end of the period covered by this report and pursuant toRule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”), Merrill Lynch’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness and design of Merrill Lynch’s disclosure controls and procedures (as that term is defined inRule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that Merrill Lynch’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of the end of the period covered by this report, in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting information required to be disclosed by Merrill Lynch in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
In addition, no change in Merrill Lynch’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined inRule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Merrill Lynch’s internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II — Other Information
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings |
Legal and Regulatory Matters
See Note 14 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated by reference in this Item 1, for litigation and regulatory matters that supplement the disclosure in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Merrill Lynch’s 2010 Annual Report.
Item 1A. | Risk Factors |
There are no material changes from the risk factors set forth under Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in Merrill Lynch’s 2010 Annual Report.
Item 6. | Exhibits |
An exhibit index has been filed as part of this report and is incorporated herein by reference.
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SIGNATURES
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.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
(Registrant)
By: | /s/ ROBERT QUTUB |
Robert Qutub
Chief Financial Officer
By: | /s/ PETER D. TAUBE |
Peter D. Taube
Chief Accounting Officer and Controller
Date: May 5, 2011
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit | Description | ||||
12* | Statement re: computation of ratios. | ||||
31.1* | Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer. | ||||
31.2* | Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer. | ||||
32.1* | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | ||||
32.2* | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
* | Filed herewith |
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