Summary of significant accounting policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary of significant accounting policies

Summary of significant accounting policies

1 · Summary of significant accounting policies

General

Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (HEI) is a holding company with direct and indirect subsidiaries principally engaged in electric utility and banking businesses, primarily in the State of Hawaii. HEI’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

Basis of presentation.  In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change include the amounts reported for investment and mortgage-related securities; property, plant and equipment; pension and other postretirement benefit obligations; contingencies and litigation; income taxes; regulatory assets and liabilities; electric utility revenues; and allowance for loan losses.

Consolidation.  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of HEI and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company), but exclude subsidiaries which are variable interest entities (VIEs) when the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Investments in companies over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

See Note 5 for information regarding unconsolidated VIEs. In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a standard that eliminated exceptions to consolidating qualifying special-purpose entities, contained new criteria for determining the primary beneficiary, and increased the frequency of required reassessments to determine whether a company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The Company adopted this standard as of January 1, 2010 and the adoption did not impact the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, but did require additional disclosures.

Cash and cash equivalents.  The Company considers cash on hand, deposits in banks, deposits with the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Seattle, federal funds sold (excess funds that ASB loans to other banks overnight at the federal funds rate), money market accounts, certificates of deposit, short-term commercial paper of non-affiliates, reverse repurchase agreements and liquid investments (with original maturities of three months or less) to be cash and cash equivalents.

Investment and mortgage-related securities.  Debt securities that the Company intends to and has the ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity securities and reported at amortized cost. Marketable equity securities and debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Marketable equity securities and debt securities not classified as either held-to-maturity or trading securities are classified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains, temporary losses and other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) not related to credit losses excluded from earnings and reported on a net basis in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI).

For securities that are not trading securities, individual securities are assessed for impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant. An investment is impaired if the fair value of the security is less than its carrying value at the financial statement date. When a security is impaired, the Company determines whether this impairment is temporary or other-than-temporary. If the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, an OTTI exists. If the Company intends to sell the security, or will more likely than not be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, the OTTI must be recognized in earnings. If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, the OTTI shall be separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors. The amount of OTTI related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings while the remaining OTTI is recognized in other comprehensive income. Once an OTTI has been recognized on a security, the Company accounts for the security as if the security had been purchased on the measurement date of the OTTI at an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings. The difference between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected is accreted in accordance with existing applicable guidance as interest income. Any discount or reduced premium recorded for the security will be amortized over the remaining life of the security in a prospective manner based on the amount and timing of future estimated cash flows. If upon subsequent evaluation, there is a significant increase in cash flows expected to be collected or if actual cash flows are significantly greater than cash flows previously expected, such changes shall be accounted for as a prospective adjustment to the accretable yield.

The specific identification method is used in determining realized gains and losses on the sales of securities. Discounts and premiums on investment securities are accreted or amortized over the remaining lives of the securities, adjusted for actual portfolio prepayments, using the interest method. Discounts and premiums on mortgage-related securities are accreted or amortized over the remaining lives of the securities, adjusted based on changes in anticipated prepayments, using the interest method.

Equity method.  Investments in up to 50%-owned affiliates over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financing policies and investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries (e.g. HECO Capital Trust III) are accounted for under the equity method, whereby the investment is carried at cost, plus (or minus) the Company’s equity in undistributed earnings (or losses) and minus distributions since acquisition. Equity in earnings or losses is reflected in operating revenues. Equity method investments are evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment. Also see “Variable interest entities” below.

Property, plant and equipment.  Property, plant and equipment are reported at cost. Self-constructed electric utility plant includes engineering, supervision, administrative and general costs and an allowance for the cost of funds used during the construction period. These costs are recorded in construction in progress and are transferred to property, plant and equipment when construction is completed and the facilities are either placed in service or become useful for public utility purposes. Costs for betterments that make property, plant or equipment more useful, more efficient, of greater durability or of greater capacity are also capitalized. Upon the retirement or sale of electric utility plant, generally no gain or loss is recognized. The cost of the plant retired is charged to accumulated depreciation. Amounts collected from customers for cost of removal (expected to exceed salvage value in the future) are included in regulatory liabilities.

Depreciation.  Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated lives of the assets being depreciated. Electric utility plant additions in the current year are depreciated beginning January 1 of the following year in accordance with rate-making. Electric utility plant has lives ranging from 20 to 88 years for production plant, from 25 to 65 years for transmission and distribution plant and from 5 to 50 years for general plant. The electric utilities’ composite annual depreciation rate, which includes a component for cost of removal, was 3.2% in 2011, 3.5% in 2010 and 3.8% in 2009.

Leases.  HEI, Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. (HECO) and its subsidiaries and ASB have entered into lease agreements for the use of equipment and office space. The provisions of some of the lease agreements contain renewal options.

Operating lease expense was $14 million, $13 million and $16 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Future minimum lease payments are $23 million, $18 million, $15 million, $12 million and $10 million for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and thereafter, respectively.

Retirement benefits.  Pension and other postretirement benefit costs are charged primarily to expense and electric utility plant. Funding for the Company’s qualified pension plans (Plans) is based on actuarial assumptions adopted by the Pension Investment Committee administering the Plans on the advice of an enrolled actuary. The participating employers contribute amounts to a master pension trust for the Plans in accordance with the funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), including changes promulgated by the Pension Protection Act of 2006, and considering the deductibility of contributions under the Internal Revenue Code. The Company generally funds at least the net periodic pension cost during the year, subject to limits and targeted funded status as determined with the consulting actuary. Under a pension tracking mechanism approved by the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Hawaii (PUC), HECO generally will make contributions to the pension fund at the greater of the minimum level required under the law or net periodic pension cost less pension asset, until its pension asset (existing at the time of the PUC decision and determined based on the cumulative fund contributions in excess of the cumulative net periodic pension cost recognized) is reduced to zero, at which time HECO would fund the pension cost as specified in the pension tracking mechanism. Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. (HELCO) and Maui Electric Company, Limited (MECO) will generally fund the greater of the minimum level required under the law or net periodic pension cost. Future decisions in rate cases could further impact funding amounts.

Certain health care and/or life insurance benefits are provided to eligible retired employees and the employees’ beneficiaries and covered dependents. The Company generally funds the net periodic postretirement benefit costs other than pensions and the amortization of the regulatory asset for postretirement benefits other than pensions (OPEB), while maximizing the use of the most tax advantaged funding vehicles, subject to cash flow requirements and reviews of the funded status with the consulting actuary. The electric utilities must fund OPEB costs as specified in the OPEB tracking mechanisms, which were approved by the PUC. Future decisions in rate cases could further impact funding amounts.

The Company recognizes on its balance sheet the funded status of its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, as adjusted by the impact of decisions of the PUC.

Environmental expenditures.  The Company is subject to numerous federal and state environmental statutes and regulations. In general, environmental contamination treatment costs are charged to expense, unless it is probable that the PUC would allow such costs to be recovered in future rates, in which case such costs would be capitalized as regulatory assets. Also, environmental costs are capitalized if the costs extend the life, increase the capacity, or improve the safety or efficiency of property; the costs mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination; or the costs are incurred in preparing the property for sale. Environmental costs are either capitalized or charged to expense when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated.

Financing costs.  Financing costs related to the registration and sale of HEI common stock are recorded in shareholders’ equity.

HEI uses the straight-line method to amortize the long-term debt financing costs of the holding company over the term of the related debt.

HECO and its subsidiaries use the straight-line method to amortize long-term debt financing costs and premiums or discounts over the term of the related debt. Unamortized financing costs and premiums or discounts on HECO and its subsidiaries’ long-term debt retired prior to maturity are classified as regulatory assets (costs and premiums) or liabilities (discounts) and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining original term of the retired debt. The method and periods for amortizing financing costs, premiums and discounts, including the treatment of these items when long-term debt is retired prior to maturity, have been established by the PUC as part of the rate-making process.

HEI and HECO and its subsidiaries use the straight-line method to amortize the fees and related costs paid to secure a firm commitment under their line-of-credit arrangements.

Income taxes.  Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are established for the temporary differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities at federal and state tax rates expected to be in effect when such deferred tax assets or liabilities are realized or settled. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.

Generally, federal and state investment tax credits are deferred and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the properties which qualified for the credits.

Governmental tax authorities could challenge a tax return position taken by management. If the Company’s position does not prevail, the Company’s results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected as the related deferred or current income tax asset might be impaired and written down or an unanticipated tax liability might be incurred.

The Company uses a “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold and measurement standard for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  As of December 31, 2011, the valuation allowance for deferred tax benefits is not significant.

Earnings per share.  Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income for common stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed similarly, except that common shares for dilutive stock compensation are added to the denominator. The Company uses the two-class method of computing EPS as restricted stock grants include non-forfeitable rights to dividends and are participating securities.

Under the two-class method, EPS was comprised as follows for both unvested restricted stock awards and unrestricted common stock:

	2011		2010				2009
	Basic	Diluted	Basic		Diluted		Basic and diluted
Distributed earnings	$ 1.24	$ 1.24	$ 1.24		$ 1.24		$ 1.24
Undistributed earnings (loss)	0.21	0.20	(0.02	)	(0.03	)	(0.33	)
	$ 1.45	$ 1.44	$ 1.22		$ 1.21		$ 0.91

As of December 31, 2010, the antidilutive effect of stock appreciation rights (SARs) on 450,000 shares of common stock (for which the SARs’ exercise prices were greater than the closing market price of HEI’s common stock) was not included in the computation of diluted EPS.

Share-based compensation.  The Company applies the fair value based method of accounting to account for its stock compensation, including the use of a forfeiture assumption. See Note 10.

Impairment of long-lived assets and long-lived assets to be disposed of.  The Company reviews long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell.

Recent accounting pronouncements and interpretations.

Repurchase agreements.  In April 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-03, “Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements,” which is intended to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other agreements that entitle and obligate a transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets before their maturity. This ASU removes from the assessment of effective control the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets. ASB will apply this guidance prospectively to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after January 1, 2012 and does not expect it to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Fair value measurements.  In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and IFRSs,” which represents the converged guidance of the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (the Boards) on fair value measurement. This ASU includes the Boards’ common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements, including a consistent meaning of the term “fair value.” The Boards have concluded the common requirements will result in greater comparability of fair value measurements presented and disclosed in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards.

The Company will prospectively adopt this standard in the first quarter of 2012 and does not expect it to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Comprehensive income.  In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income,” and in December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, which amended ASU No. 2011-05. ASU No. 2011-05, as amended, eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity. All items of net income and other comprehensive income are required to be presented in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate, but consecutive, statements—a net income statement and a total comprehensive income statement.

The Company expects to retrospectively adopt this standard during the first quarter of 2012 using a two-statement approach.

Reclassifications.  Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ financial statements to conform to the 2011 presentation, which did not affect previously reported results of operations.

Electric utility

Accounts receivable.  Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount. The electric utilities generally assess a late payment charge on balances unpaid from the previous month. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. On a monthly basis, the Company adjusts its allowance, with a corresponding charge (credit) on the statement of income, based on its historical write-off experience. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after collection efforts have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.

Contributions in aid of construction.  The electric utilities receive contributions from customers for special construction requirements. As directed by the PUC, contributions are amortized on a straight-line basis over 30 to 51 years as an offset against depreciation expense.

Electric utility revenues.  Electric utility revenues are based on rates authorized by the PUC and include revenues applicable to energy consumed in the accounting period but not yet billed to the customers. Revenues related to the sale of energy are generally recorded when service is rendered or energy is delivered to customers.

The rate schedules of the electric utilities include energy cost adjustment clauses (ECACs) under which electric rates are adjusted for changes in the weighted-average price paid for fuel oil and certain components of purchased power, and the relative amounts of company-generated power and purchased power. The rate schedules of HECO include a purchased power adjustment clause (PPAC) under which HECO recovers purchase power expenses through a surcharge mechanism. The amounts collected through the ECACs and PPAC are required to be reconciled quarterly.

HECO and its subsidiaries’ operating revenues include amounts for various Hawaii state revenue taxes. Revenue taxes are generally recorded as an expense in the year the related revenues are recognized. However, HECO and its subsidiaries’ revenue tax payments to the taxing authorities are based on the prior years’ revenues. For 2011, 2010 and 2009, HECO and its subsidiaries included approximately $264 million, $211 million and $181 million, respectively, of revenue taxes in “operating revenues” and in “taxes, other than income taxes” expense.

Power purchase agreements.  If a power purchase agreement (PPA) falls within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 840, “Leases,” and results in the classification of the agreement as a capital lease, the electric utility would recognize a capital asset and a lease obligation. Currently, none of the PPAs are required to be recorded as a capital lease.

The utilities evaluate PPAs to determine if the PPAs are VIEs, if the utilities are primary beneficiaries and if consolidation is required. See Note 5.

Repairs and maintenance costs.  Repairs and maintenance costs for overhauls of generating units are generally expensed as they are incurred.

Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC).  AFUDC is an accounting practice whereby the costs of debt and equity funds used to finance plant construction are credited on the statement of income and charged to construction in progress on the balance sheet. If a project under construction is delayed for an extended period of time, AFUDC on the delayed project may be stopped after assessing the causes of the delay and probability of recovery.

The weighted-average AFUDC rate was 8.0% in 2011 and 8.1% in 2010 and 2009, and reflected quarterly compounding.

Bank

Loans receivable.  ASB states loans receivable at amortized cost less the allowance for loan losses, loan origination fees (net of direct loan origination costs), commitment fees and purchase premiums and discounts. Interest on loans is credited to income as it is earned. Discounts and premiums are accreted or amortized over the life of the loans using the interest method.

Loan origination fees (net of direct loan origination costs) are deferred and recognized as an adjustment in yield over the life of the loan using the interest method or taken into income when the loan is paid off or sold. Nonrefundable commitment fees (net of direct loan origination costs, if applicable) received for commitments to originate or purchase loans are deferred and, if the commitment is exercised, recognized as an adjustment of yield over the life of the loan using the interest method. Nonrefundable commitment fees received for which the commitment expires unexercised are recognized as income upon expiration of the commitment.

Loans held for sale, gain on sale of loans, and mortgage servicing assets and liabilities.  Mortgage and educational loans held for sale are stated at the lower of cost or estimated fair value on an aggregate basis. Generally, the determination of fair value is based on the fair value of the loans. A sale is recognized only when the consideration received is other than beneficial interests in the assets sold and control over the assets is transferred irrevocably to the buyer. Gains or losses on sales of loans are recognized at the time of sale and are determined by the difference between the net sales proceeds and the allocated basis of the loans sold.

ASB capitalizes mortgage servicing assets or liabilities when the related loans are sold with servicing rights retained. Accounting for the servicing of financial assets requires that mortgage servicing assets or liabilities resulting from the sale or securitization of loans be initially measured at fair value at the date of transfer, and permits a class-by-class election between fair value and the lower of amortized cost or fair value for subsequent measurements of mortgage servicing asset classes. Mortgage servicing assets or liabilities are included as a component of gain on sale of loans. Under ASC Topic 860, “Transfers and Servicing,” ASB elected to continue to amortize all mortgage servicing assets in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income and assess servicing assets for impairment based on fair value at each reporting date. Such amortization is reflected as a component of revenues on the consolidated statements of income. The fair value of mortgage servicing assets, for the purposes of impairment, is calculated by discounting expected net income streams using discount rates that reflect industry pricing for similar assets. Expected net income streams are estimated based on industry assumptions regarding prepayment speeds and income and expenses associated with servicing residential mortgage loans for others. ASB measures impairment of mortgage servicing assets on a disaggregated basis based on certain risk characteristics including loan type and note rate. Impairment losses are recognized through a valuation allowance for each impaired stratum, with any associated provision recorded as a component of loan servicing fees included in ASB’s noninterest income.

Allowance for loan losses.  ASB maintains an allowance for loan losses that it believes is adequate to absorb losses inherent in its loan portfolio. The level of allowance for loan losses is based on a continuing assessment of existing risks in the loan portfolio, historical loss experience, changes in collateral values and current conditions (e.g., economic conditions, real estate market conditions and interest rate environment). Adverse changes in any of these factors could result in higher charge-offs and provision for loan losses.

Commercial and commercial real estate loans are defined as non-homogeneous loans and ASB utilizes a ten-point risk rating system for evaluating the credit quality of the loans. Loans are rated based on the degree of risk at origination and periodically thereafter, as appropriate. ASB’s credit review department performs an evaluation of these loan portfolios to ensure compliance with the internal risk rating system and timeliness of rating changes. Non-homogeneous loans are categorized into the regulatory asset quality classifications – Pass (Risk Rating 1 to 6), Special Mention (Risk Rating 7), Substandard (Risk Rating 8), Doubtful (Risk Rating 9), and Loss (Risk Rating 10) based on credit quality. The allowance for loan loss allocations for these loans are based on internal migration analyses with actual net losses. For loans classified as substandard, an analysis is done to determine if the loan is impaired. A loan is deemed impaired when it is probable that ASB will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Once a loan is deemed impaired, ASB applies a valuation methodology to determine whether there is an impairment shortfall. The measurement of impairment may be based on (i) the present value of the expected future cash flows of the impaired loan discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, (ii) the observable market price of the impaired loan, or (iii) the fair value of the collateral, net of costs to sell. For all loans collateralized by real estate whose repayment is dependent on the sale of the underlying collateral property, ASB measures impairment by utilizing the fair value of the collateral, net of costs to sell; for other loans, discounted cash flows are used to measure impairment. For loans collateralized by real estate that are classified as troubled debt restructured loans, the present value of the expected future cash flows of the loans may also be used to measure impairment as these loans are expected to perform according to their restructured terms. Impairment shortfalls are charged to the provision for loan losses and included in the allowance for loan losses. However, impairment shortfalls that are deemed to be confirmed losses are charged off, with the loan written down by the amount of the confirmed loss.

Residential, consumer and credit scored business loans are considered homogeneous loans, which are typically underwritten based on common, uniform standards, and are generally classified as to the level of loss exposure based on delinquency status. The homogeneous loan portfolios are stratified into individual products with common risk characteristics and the allowance for loan loss allocations for these loan types uses historical loss ratio analyses based on actual net charge-offs. For residential loans, the loan portfolio is segmented by loan categories and geographic location within the State of Hawaii. The consumer loan portfolio is segmented into various secured and unsecured loan product types. The credit scored business loan portfolio is segmented by loans under lines of credit or term loans, and corporate credit cards. The look-back period of actual loss experience is reviewed annually and may vary depending on the credit environment.

In addition to actual loss experience, ASB considers the following qualitative factors for all loans in estimating the allowance for loan losses:

·Changes in lending policies and procedures

·Changes in economic and business conditions and developments that affect the collectability of the portfolio

·Changes in the nature, volume and terms of the loan portfolio

·Changes in lending management and other relevant staff

·Changes in loan quality (past due, non-accrual, classified loans)

·Changes in the quality of the loan review system

·Changes in the value of underlying collateral

·Effect and changes in the level of any concentrations of credit

·Effect of other external and internal factors

For all loan segments, ASB generally ceases the accrual of interest on loans when they become contractually 90 days past due or when there is reasonable doubt as to collectability. Subsequent recognition of interest income for such loans is generally on the cash method. When, in management’s judgment, the borrower’s ability to make principal and interest payments has resumed and collectability is reasonably assured, a loan not accruing interest (nonaccrual loan) is returned to accrual status. ASB uses either the cash or cost-recovery method to record cash receipts on impaired loans that are not accruing interest. While the majority of consumer loans are subject to ASB’s policies regarding nonaccrual loans, all past due unsecured consumer loans may be charged off upon reaching a predetermined delinquency status varying from 120 to 180 days.

Management believes its allowance for loan losses adequately estimates actual loan losses that will ultimately be incurred. However, such estimates are based on currently available information and historical experience, and future adjustments may be required from time to time to the allowance for loan losses based on new information and changes that occur (e.g., due to changes in economic conditions, particularly in Hawaii). Actual losses could differ from management’s estimates, and these differences and subsequent adjustments could be material.

Loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring.Loans are considered to have been modified in a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) when, due to a borrower’s financial difficulties, ASB makes certain concessions to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. Modifications may include interest rate reductions, forbearance, and other actions intended to minimize economic loss and to provide alternatives to foreclosure or repossession of collateral. Generally, a nonaccrual loan that has been modified in a TDR remains on nonaccrual status until the borrower has demonstrated sustained repayment performance for a period of six consecutive months. However, performance prior to the modification, or significant events that coincide with the modification, are included in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and may result in the loan being returned to accrual status at the time of loan modification or after a shorter performance period. If the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is uncertain, or there is reasonable doubt over the full collectability of principal and interest, the loan remains on nonaccrual status.

Real estate acquired in settlement of loans.  ASB records real estate acquired in settlement of loans at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling expenses. ASB obtains appraisals based on recent comparable sales to assist management in estimating the fair value of real estate acquired in settlement of loans. Subsequent declines in value are charged to expense through a valuation allowance. Costs related to holding real estate are charged to operations as incurred. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, ASB had $7.3 million and $4.3 million, respectively, of real estate acquired in settlement of loans.

Goodwill and other intangibles.  Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and other” (ASC 350).

Goodwill.At December 2011 and 2010, the amount of goodwill was $82.2 million, which is the Company’s only intangible asset with an indefinite useful life and is tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter using data as of September 30. In December 2008, ASB recorded a write-off of $0.9 million of goodwill related to the sale of the business of Bishop Insurance Agency.

In September 2011, ASB adopted FASB ASU 2011-8, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment” (ASU 2011-8), which permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors (Step 0) to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform Step 1 of a two-step goodwill impairment test. An entity has an unconditional option to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the first step of the goodwill impairment test. In evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount under ASU 2011-8, an entity shall assess relevant events and circumstances such as:

1.Macroeconomic conditions such as a deterioration in general economic conditions, limitations on accessing capital, or other developments in equity and credit markets;

2.Industry and market considerations such as a deterioration in the environment in which an entity operates, an increased competitive environment, a change in the market for an entity’s products or services, or a regulatory or political development;

3.Cost factors that have a negative effect on earnings and cash flows;

4.Overall financial performance such as a decline in actual or planned revenues or earnings compared with actual and projected results of relevant prior periods;

5.Other relevant entity-specific events such as changes in management, key personnel, strategy, or customers; contemplation of bankruptcy; or litigation;

6.Events affecting a reporting unit such as a change in the composition or carrying amount of its net assets;

7.If applicable, a sustained decrease in share price (consider in both absolute terms and relative to peers).

If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the first and second steps of the goodwill impairment test under ASC 350 are unnecessary. ASB performed a Step 0 analysis and determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of ASB was less than its carrying value. The most recent Step 1 goodwill impairment analysis under ASC 350 was performed as of September 30, 2010 and the estimated fair value of ASB exceeded its book value by 35%. For the three years ended December 31, 2011, there has been no impairment of goodwill.

Amortized intangible assets.

December 31	2011				2010
	Gross carrying	Accumulated	Valuation	Net carrying	Gross carrying	Accumulated	Valuation	Net carrying
(in thousands)	amount	amortization	allowance	amount	amount	amortization	allowance	amount
Mortgage servicing assets	$21,171	(12,769)	(175)	$8,227	$18,483	(11,656)	(128)	$6,699

Changes in the valuation allowance for mortgage servicing assets were as follows:

(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
Valuation allowance, January 1	$128		$201		$268
Provision (recovery)	121		(12	)	166
Other-than-temporary impairment	(74	)	(61	)	(233	)
Valuation allowance, December 31	$175		$128		$201

The estimated aggregate amortization expenses for mortgage servicing assets for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 are $1.3 million, $1.1 million, $0.9 million, $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

ASB capitalizes mortgage servicing assets acquired through either the purchase or origination of mortgage loans for sale or the securitization of mortgage loans with servicing rights retained. Changes in mortgage interest rates impact the value of ASB’s mortgage servicing assets. Rising interest rates typically result in slower prepayment speeds in the loans being serviced for others which increases the value of mortgage servicing assets, whereas declining interest rates typically result in faster prepayment speeds which decrease the value of mortgage servicing assets and increase the amortization of the mortgage servicing assets. In 2011, 2010 and 2009, mortgage servicing assets acquired through the sale or securitization of loans held for sale were $2.8 million, $3.3 million and $3.3 million, respectively. Amortization expenses for ASB’s mortgage servicing assets amounted to $1.1 million, $0.9 million and $0.8 million for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and are recorded as a reduction in revenues on the consolidated statements of income.