Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

General

Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (“Company”) is a Montana corporation headquartered in Kalispell, Montana. The Company provides a full range of banking services to individual and corporate customers in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and Washington through eleven divisions of its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, Glacier Bank (“Bank”). The Company is subject to competition from other financial service providers. The Company is also subject to the regulations of certain government agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change include: 1) the determination of the allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL” or “allowance”), 2) the valuations related to investments and real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans, and 3) the evaluation of goodwill impairment. In connection with the determination of the ALLL and other real estate valuation estimates, management obtains independent appraisals (new or updated) for significant items. Estimates relating to investments are obtained from independent third parties. Estimates relating to the evaluation of goodwill for impairment are determined based on internal calculations using significant independent party inputs.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the parent holding company and the Bank. All significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company formed GBCI Other Real Estate (“GORE”) to isolate certain bank foreclosed properties for legal protection and administrative purposes and the remaining properties are currently held for sale. GORE is included in the Bank operating segment due to its insignificant activity.

The Company owns the following trust subsidiaries, each of which issued trust preferred securities as Tier 1 capital instruments: Glacier Capital Trust II, Glacier Capital Trust III, Glacier Capital Trust IV, Citizens (ID) Statutory Trust I, Bank of the San Juans Bancorporation Trust I, First Company Statutory Trust 2001 and First Company Statutory Trust 2003. The trust subsidiaries are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

On April 30, 2012, the Company combined its eleven bank subsidiaries into eleven bank divisions within Glacier Bank, such divisions operating with the same names and management teams as before the combination. Prior to the combination of the bank subsidiaries, the Company considered its eleven bank subsidiaries, GORE, and the parent holding company to be its operating segments. Subsequent to the combination of the bank subsidiaries, the Company considers the Bank to be its sole operating segment. The change to combining the bank subsidiaries into a single segment is appropriate as the Bank 1) engages in similar bank business activity from which it earns revenues and incurs expenses, 2) the operating results of the Bank are regularly reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer (i.e., the chief operating decision maker) who makes decisions about resources to be allocated to the Bank, and 3) financial information is available for the Bank.

Variable Interest Entities

A variable interest entity (“VIE”) exists when either 1) the entity's total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, or 2) the entity has equity investors that cannot make significant decisions about the entity's operations or that do not absorb their proportionate share of the expected losses or receive the expected returns of the entity. In addition, a VIE must be consolidated by the Company if it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, which is the party involved with the VIE that has the power to direct the VIE's significant activities and will absorb a majority of the expected losses, receive a majority of the expected residual returns, or both. The VIEs are regularly monitored to determine if any reconsideration events have occurred that could cause the primary beneficiary status to change.

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

The Company has equity investments in Certified Development Entities (“CDE”) which have received allocations of New Markets Tax Credits (“NMTC”). The Company also has equity investments in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (“LIHTC”) partnerships. The CDEs and the LIHTC partnerships are VIEs. The underlying activities of the VIEs are community development projects designed primarily to promote community welfare, such as economic rehabilitation and development of low-income areas by providing housing, services, or jobs for residents. The maximum exposure to loss in the VIEs is the amount of equity invested and credit extended by the Company. However, the Company has credit protection in the form of indemnification agreements, guarantees, and collateral arrangements. The primary activities of the VIEs are recognized in commercial loans interest income, other non-interest income and other borrowed funds interest expense on the Company's statements of operations. Such related cash flows are recognized in loans originated, principal collected on loans and change in other borrowed funds. The Company has evaluated the variable interests held by the Company in each CDE (NMTC) and LIHTC partnership investment and determined that the Company continues to be the primary beneficiary of such VIEs. As the primary beneficiary, the VIEs' assets, liabilities, and results of operations are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements.

The following table summarizes the carrying amounts of the VIE’s assets and liabilities included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2012 and 2011:



	December 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)	CDE (NMTC)		LIHTC	CDE (NMTC)	LIHTC
Assets
Loans receivable	$	35,480	—	32,748	—
Premises and equipment, net	—		16,066	—	15,996
Accrued interest receivable	117		—	116	—
Other assets	1,114		143	1,439	31
Total assets	$	36,711	16,209	34,303	16,027
Liabilities
Other borrowed funds	$	4,555	3,639	4,629	3,306
Accrued interest payable	4		6	4	9
Other liabilities	182		136	186	363
Total liabilities	$	4,741	3,781	4,819	3,678

Amounts presented in the table above are adjusted for intercompany eliminations. All assets presented can be used only to settle obligations of the consolidated VIEs and all liabilities presented consist of liabilities for which creditors and other beneficial interest holders therein have no recourse to the general credit of the Company.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash held as demand deposits at various banks and regulatory agencies, interest bearing deposits, federal funds sold and liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Pursuant to legislation enacted in 2010, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) fully insured all non-interest bearing transaction accounts beginning December 31, 2010 at all FDIC-insured institutions which expired on December 31, 2012. Beginning January 1, 2013, non-interest bearing transaction accounts are subject to the $250,000 limit on FDIC insurance per covered institution.

Investment Securities

Debt securities for which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and are carried at amortized cost. Debt and equity securities held primarily for the purpose of selling in the near term are classified as trading securities and are reported at fair market value, with unrealized gains and losses included in income. Debt and equity securities not classified as held-to-maturity or trading are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of income taxes, as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company has only available-for-sale securities. Premiums and discounts on investment securities are amortized or accreted into income using a method that approximates the level-yield interest method. For additional information relating to investment securities, see Note 3.

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Temporary versus Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

The Company assesses individual securities in its investment securities portfolio 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. If impairment is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment loss is recognized by reducing the amortized cost for the credit loss portion of the impairment with a corresponding charge to earnings for a like amount.

For fair value estimates provided by third party vendors, management also considered the models and methodology for appropriate consideration of both observable and unobservable inputs, including appropriately adjusted discount rates and credit spreads for securities with limited or inactive markets, and whether the quoted prices reflect orderly transactions. For certain securities, the Company obtained independent estimates of inputs, including cash flows, in supplement to third party vendor provided information. The Company also reviewed financial statements of select issuers, with follow up discussions with issuers’ management for clarification and verification of information relevant to the Company’s impairment analysis.

In evaluating impaired securities for other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers 1) the severity and duration of the impairment, 2) the credit ratings of the security, 3) the overall deal structure, including the Company’s position within the structure, the overall and near term financial performance of the issuer and underlying collateral, delinquencies, defaults, loss severities, recoveries, prepayments, cumulative loss projections, discounted cash flows and fair value estimates.

In evaluating debt securities for other-than-temporary impairment losses, management assesses whether the Company intends to sell the security or if it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security. In so doing, management considers contractual constraints, liquidity, capital, asset / liability management and securities portfolio objectives. If impairment is determined to be other-than-temporary and the Company does not intend to sell a debt security, and it is more-likely-than-not the Company will not be required to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, it recognizes the credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security in earnings and the remaining portion (noncredit portion) in other comprehensive income, net of tax. For held-to-maturity debt securities, the amount of an other-than-temporary impairment recorded in other comprehensive income for the noncredit portion of a previous other-than-temporary impairment is amortized prospectively over the remaining life of the security on the basis of the timing of future estimated cash flows of the security.

If impairment is determined to be other-than-temporary and the Company intends to sell a debt security or it is more-likely-than-not the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, it recognizes the entire amount of the other-than-temporary impairment in earnings.

For debt securities with other-than-temporary impairment, the previous amortized cost basis less the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings shall be the new amortized cost basis of the security. In subsequent periods, the Company accretes into interest income the difference between the new amortized cost basis and cash flows expected to be collected prospectively over the life of the debt security.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans held for sale generally consist of long-term, fixed rate, conforming, single-family residential real estate loans and are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses are recognized by charges to non-interest income. A sale is recognized when the Company surrenders control of the loan and consideration, other than beneficial interests in the loan, is received in exchange. A gain is recognized in non-interest income to the extent the sales price exceeds the carrying value of the sold loan.

Loans Receivable

Loans that are intended to be held-to-maturity are reported at the unpaid principal balance less charge-offs and adjusted for deferred fees and costs on originated loans and unamortized premiums or discounts on acquired loans. Interest income is reported using the interest method and includes discount accretion and premium amortization on acquired loans and net loan fees on originated loans which are amortized over the expected life of the loans using a method that approximates the level-yield interest method. The Company’s loan segments, which are based on the purpose of the loan, include residential real estate, commercial, and consumer loans. The Company’s loan classes, a further disaggregation of segments, include residential real estate loans (residential real estate segment), commercial real estate and other commercial loans (commercial segment), and home equity and other consumer loans (consumer segment).

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Loans that are thirty days or more past due based on payments received and applied to the loan are considered delinquent. Loans are designated non-accrual and the accrual of interest is discontinued when the collection of the contractual principal or interest is unlikely. A loan is typically placed on non-accrual when principal or interest is due and has remained unpaid for ninety days or more. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income. Subsequent payments are applied to the outstanding principal balance if doubt remains as to the ultimate collectability of the loan. Interest accruals are not resumed on partially charged-off impaired loans. For other loans on nonaccrual, interest accruals are resumed on such loans only when they are brought fully current with respect to interest and principal and when, in the judgment of management, the loans are estimated to be fully collectible as to both principal and interest.

The Company recognizes that while borrowers may experience deterioration in their financial condition, many continue to be creditworthy customers who have the willingness and capacity for debt repayment. In determining whether non-restructured or unimpaired loans issued to a single or related party group of borrowers should continue to accrue interest when the borrower has other loans that are impaired or troubled debt restructurings ("TDR"), the Company on a quarterly or more frequent basis performs an updated and comprehensive assessment of the willingness and capacity of the borrowers to timely and ultimately repay their total debt obligations, including contingent obligations. Such analysis takes into account current financial information about the borrowers and financially responsible guarantors, if any, including for example:


•	analysis of global, i.e., aggregate debt service for total debt obligations;


•	assessment of the value and security protection of collateral pledged using current market conditions and alternative market assumptions across a variety of potential future situations; and


•	loan structures and related covenants.

The Company considers impaired loans to be the primary credit quality indicator for monitoring the credit quality of the loan portfolio. Loans are designated impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement and therefore, the Company has serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to fulfill the contractual obligation. Impaired loans include non-performing loans (i.e., non-accrual loans and accruing loans ninety days or more past due) and accruing loans under ninety days past due where it is probable payments will not be received according to the loan agreement (e.g., TDR). The Company measures impairment on a loan-by-loan basis in the same manner for each class within the loan portfolio. An insignificant delay or shortfall in the amounts of payments would not cause a loan or lease to be considered impaired. The Company determines the significance of payment delays and shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length and reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest due.

A restructured loan is considered a TDR if the creditor, for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider. A TDR loan is considered an impaired loan and a specific valuation allowance is established when the fair value of the collateral-dependent loan or present value of the loan's expected future cash flows (discounted at the loan's effective interest rate based on the original contractual rate) is lower than the carrying value of the impaired loan. The Company made the following types of loan modifications, some of which were considered a TDR:


•	Reduction of the stated interest rate for the remaining term of the debt;


•	Extension of the maturity date(s) at a stated rate of interest lower than the current market rate for newly originated debt having similar risk characteristics; and


•	Reduction of the face amount of the debt as stated in the debt agreements.

For additional information relating to loans, see Note 4.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

Based upon management’s analysis of the Company’s loan portfolio, the balance of the ALLL is an estimate of probable credit losses known and inherent within the Bank's loan portfolio as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. The ALLL is analyzed at the loan class level and is maintained within a range of estimated losses. Determining the adequacy of the ALLL involves a high degree of judgment and is inevitably imprecise as the risk of loss is difficult to quantify. The determination of the ALLL and the related provision for loan losses is a critical accounting estimate that involves management’s judgments about all known relevant internal and external environmental factors that affect loan losses. The balance of the ALLL is highly dependent upon management’s evaluations of borrowers’ current and prospective performance, appraisals and other variables affecting the quality of the loan portfolio. Individually significant loans and major lending areas are reviewed periodically to determine potential problems at an early date. Changes in management’s estimates and assumptions are reasonably possible and may have a material impact upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, results of operations or capital.

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

The ALLL consists of a specific valuation allowance component and a general valuation allowance component. The specific component relates to loans that are determined to be impaired and individually evaluated for impairment. The Company measures impairment on a loan-by-loan basis based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, except when it is determined that repayment of the loan is expected to be provided solely by the underlying collateral. For impairment based on expected future cash flows, the Company considers all information available as of a measurement date, including past events, current conditions, potential prepayments, and estimated cost to sell when such costs are expected to reduce the cash flows available to repay or otherwise satisfy the loan. For alternative ranges of cash flows, the likelihood of the possible outcomes is considered in determining the best estimate of expected future cash flows. The effective interest rate for a loan restructured in a TDR is based on the original contractual rate. For collateral-dependent loans and real estate loans for which foreclosure or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is probable, impairment is measured by the fair value of the collateral, less estimated cost to sell. The fair value of the collateral is determined primarily based upon appraisal or evaluation of the underlying real property value.

The general valuation allowance component relates to probable credit losses inherent in the balance of the loan portfolio based on historical loss experience, adjusted for changes in trends and conditions of qualitative or environmental factors. The historical loss experience is based on the previous twelve quarters loss experience by loan class adjusted for risk characteristics in the existing loan portfolio. The same trends and conditions are evaluated for each class within the loan portfolio; however, the risk characteristics are weighted separately at the individual class level based on each of the bank divisions’ judgment and experience.

The changes in trends and conditions of certain items include the following:


•	Changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collection, charge-off, and recovery practices not considered elsewhere in estimating credit losses;


•	Changes in international, national, regional, and local economic and business conditions and developments that affect the collectability of the portfolio, including the condition of various market segments;


•	Changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio and in the terms of loans;


•	Changes in experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff;


•	Changes in the volume and severity of past due and nonaccrual loans;


•	Changes in the quality of the Company’s loan review system;


•	Changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans;


•	The existence and effect of any concentrations of credit, and changes in the level of such concentrations; and


•	The effect of other external factors such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses in the Company’s existing portfolio.

The ALLL is increased by provisions for loan losses which are charged to expense. The portions of loan balances determined by management to be uncollectible are charged-off as a reduction of the ALLL. Recoveries of amounts previously charged-off are credited as an increase to the ALLL. The Company's charge-off policy is consistent with bank regulatory standards. Consumer loans generally are charged off when the loan becomes over 120 days delinquent. Real estate acquired as a result of foreclosure or by deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is classified as real estate owned until such time as it is sold.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are accounted for at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives or the term of the related lease. The estimated useful life for office buildings is 15 - 40 years and the estimated useful life for furniture, fixtures, and equipment is 3 - 10 years. Interest is capitalized for any significant building projects. For additional information relating to premises and equipment, see Note 5.

Leases

The Company leases certain land, premises and equipment from third parties under operating and capital leases. The lease payments for operating lease agreements are recognized on a straight-line basis. The present value of the future minimum rental payments for capital leases is recognized as an asset when the lease is formed. Lease improvements incurred at the inception of the lease are recorded as an asset and depreciated over the initial term of the lease and lease improvements incurred subsequently are depreciated over the remaining term of the lease. For additional information relating to leases, see Note 5.

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Other Real Estate Owned

Property acquired by foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is carried at the lower of fair value at acquisition date or current estimated fair value, less estimated selling cost. Fair value is determined as the amount that could be reasonably expected in a current sale between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Subsequent to the initial acquisition, if the fair value of the asset, less estimated selling cost, is less than the cost of the property, a loss is recognized in other expense and the asset carrying value is reduced. Gain or loss on disposition of other real estate owned ("OREO") is recorded in non-interest income or non-interest expense, respectively. In determining the fair value of the properties on the date of transfer and any subsequent estimated losses of net realizable value, the fair value of other real estate acquired by foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is determined primarily based upon appraisal or evaluation of the underlying property value.

Long-lived Assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An asset is deemed impaired if the sum of the expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. If impaired, an impairment loss is recognized in other expense to reduce the carrying value of the asset to fair value. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, no long-lived assets were considered impaired.

Business Combinations and Intangible Assets

Acquisition accounting requires the total purchase price to be allocated to the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including certain intangible assets. Goodwill is recorded if the purchase price exceeds the net fair value of assets acquired and a bargain purchase gain is recorded in other income if the net fair value of assets acquired exceeds the purchase price.

Adjustment of the allocated purchase price may be related to fair value estimates for which all information has not been obtained of the acquired entity known or discovered during the allocation period, the period of time required to identify and measure the fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired in the business combination. The allocation period is generally limited to one year following consummation of a business combination.

Core deposit intangible represents the intangible value of depositor relationships resulting from deposit liabilities assumed in acquisitions and is amortized using an accelerated method based on an estimated runoff of the related deposits, not exceeding ten years. The useful life of the core deposit intangible is reevaluated on an annual basis, with any changes in estimated useful life accounted for prospectively over the revised remaining life. For additional information relating to core deposit intangibles, see Note 6.

The Company tests goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment at the reporting unit level annually during the third quarter. Prior to April 30, 2012, the Company had eleven bank subsidiary operating segments and reporting units, each of which were subject to a goodwill impairment assessment. On April 30, 2012, the Company combined its eleven bank subsidiaries into a single commercial bank operating segment resulting in eleven bank division reporting units which are now aggregated for assessment of goodwill impairment. The Company identified that each of the bank divisions are reporting units (i.e., components of the Glacier Bank operating segment) given that each division has a separate management team that regularly reviews its respective division financial information; however, the reporting units are aggregated into a single reporting unit due to the reporting units having similar economic characteristics.

Goodwill and other intangible assets of a reporting unit is tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than not reduce the fair value of a reporting units below its carrying amount. Examples of events and circumstances that could trigger the need for interim impairment testing include:


•	A significant change in legal factors or in the business climate;


•	An adverse action or assessment by a regulator;


•	Unanticipated competition;


•	A loss of key personnel;


•	A more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of; and


•	The testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit.

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

For the goodwill impairment assessment, the Company has the option, prior to the two-step process, to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. The Company opted to bypass the qualitative assessment for its 2012 and 2011 annual goodwill impairment testing and proceed directly to the two-step goodwill impairment test. The goodwill impairment two-step process requires the Company to make assumptions and judgments regarding fair value. In the first step for evaluating for possible impairment, the Company compares the estimated fair value of its reporting units to the carrying value, which includes goodwill. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value, the second step is completed to compute the impairment amount, if any, by determining the “implied fair value” of goodwill. This determination requires the allocation of the estimated fair value of the reporting units to the assets and liabilities of the reporting units. Any remaining unallocated fair value represents the “implied fair value” of goodwill, which is compared to the corresponding carrying value of goodwill to compute impairment, if any.

For the first step in evaluating goodwill for possible impairment, the Company performs two analysis. The first analysis estimates the fair value based on market multiples of deal price to equity. The deal price multiple is obtained from an independent third party for acquisitions of financial institutions completed within the prior twelve months preceding the testing date, such acquisitions excluding financial institutions whose size and operations are not comparable to the Company. The deal price multiple is then adjusted for a premium or discount for the Company's specific fair value based on the Company's return on equity and asset quality metrics. As an additional fair value analysis, the Company reviews its market capitalization adjusted for control value.

For additional information relating to goodwill, see Note 6.

Non-Marketable Equity Securities

The Company holds stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”). FHLB stock is restricted because such stock may only be sold to the FHLB at its par value. Due to restrictive terms, and the lack of a readily determinable market value, FHLB stock is carried at cost. The investments in FHLB stock are required investments related to the Company’s borrowings from FHLB. FHLB obtains its funding primarily through issuance of consolidated obligations of the FHLB system. The U.S. government does not guarantee these obligations, and each of the regional FHLBs are jointly and severally liable for repayment of each other’s debt.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

For asset and liability management purposes, the Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements to hedge against changes in forecasted cash flows due to interest rate exposures. The interest rate swaps are recognized as assets or liabilities on the Company’s statement of financial condition and measured at fair value. Fair value estimates are obtained from third parties and are based on pricing models. The Company does not enter into interest rate swap agreements for trading or speculative purposes.

Interest rate swaps are contracts in which a series of interest payments are exchanged over a prescribed period. The notional amount upon which the interest payments are based is not exchanged. The swap agreements are derivative instruments and convert a portion of the Company’s forecasted variable rate debt to a fixed rate (i.e., cash flow hedge). The effective portion of the gain or loss on the cash flow hedging instruments is initially reported as a component of other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss on derivative instruments, if any, is recognized in earnings. The Company currently has cash flow hedges of which no portion is ineffective.

Interest rate derivative financial instruments receive hedge accounting treatment only if they are designated as a hedge and are expected to be, and are, effective in substantially reducing interest rate risk arising from the assets and liabilities identified as exposing the Company to risk. Derivative financial instruments that do not meet specified hedging criteria are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in income. The Company’s interest rate swaps are considered highly effective and currently meet the hedging accounting criteria.

Cash flows resulting from the interest rate derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as hedges of assets and liabilities are classified in the Company’s cash flow statement in the same category as the cash flows of the items being hedged. For additional information relating to interest rate swap agreements, see Note 11.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses, net of tax effect, on available-for-sale securities and unrealized gains and losses, net of tax effect, on derivatives used for cash flow hedges.

Advertising and Promotion

Advertising and promotion costs are recognized in the period incurred.

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Income Taxes

The Company’s income tax expense consists of current and deferred income tax expense. Current income tax expense reflects taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period by applying the provisions of enacted tax law to earnings or losses. Deferred income tax expense results from changes in deferred assets and liabilities between periods.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in income tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance, if based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The term more-likely-than-not means a likelihood of more than fifty percent. The recognition threshold considers the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date and is subject to the Company’s judgment. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers both positive and negative evidence. For additional information relating to income taxes, see Note 14.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period presented. Diluted earnings per share is computed by including the net increase in shares as if dilutive outstanding stock options were exercised, using the treasury stock method. For additional information relating to earnings per share, see Note 15.

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based compensation awards granted, comprised of stock options and restricted stock awards, are valued at fair value and compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis, net of estimated forfeitures, over the requisite service period of each award. For additional information relating to stock-based compensation, see Note 17.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2011 and 2010 financial statements to conform to the 2012 presentation.

Impact of Recent Authoritative Accounting Guidance

The Accounting Standards Codification^™ (“ASC”) is the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) officially recognized source of authoritative GAAP applicable to all public and non-public non-governmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the authority of the federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for the Company as an SEC registrant. All other accounting literature is non-authoritative.

In September 2011, FASB amended FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. The amendment provides an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the entity concludes it is not more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. The amendment is effective prospectively during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and early adoption is permitted. The Company has evaluated the impact of the adoption of this amendment and determined there was not a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In June 2011, FASB amended FASB ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive Income. The amendment provides an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) deferred the specific requirement of the amendment to present items that are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income separately with their respective components of net income and other comprehensive income. The amendments are effective retrospectively during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. ASU No. 2013-2, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) reversed the deferment of ASU 2011-12 and will be effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012 and early adoption is permitted. The Company has evaluated the impact of the adoption of these amendments and determined there was not a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

In May 2011, FASB amended FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The amendment achieves common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The amendment changes the wording used to describe many of the requirements in GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendment is effective prospectively during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company has evaluated the impact of the adoption of this amendment and determined there was not a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.