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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________________________
FORM 10-K
_____________________________
(Mark One)
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
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 1-11921
____________________________
E*TRADE Financial Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
____________________________
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
94-2844166
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
1271 Avenue of the Americas, 14th Floor, New York, New York 10020
(Address of principal executive offices and Zip Code)
(646) 521-4300
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the act:
Title of Each Class
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
NASDAQ Global Select Market
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
____________________________
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive
Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be
contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form
10-K or any amendments to this Form 10-K.
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 definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
No
At June 30, 2014, the aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $4.4 billion (based
upon the closing price per share of the registrant's common stock as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market on that date). Shares of
common stock held by each officer, director and holder of 5% or more of the outstanding common stock have been excluded in that such
persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliates' status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
As of February 19, 2015, there were 289,824,138 shares of common stock outstanding.
Documents Incorporated by Reference: Certain portions of the definitive Proxy Statement related to the Company’s 2015 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed hereafter (incorporated into Part III hereof).
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E*TRADE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Forward-Looking Statements
Item 1.
Business
Overview
Strategy
Technology
Products and Services
Sales and Customer Service
Competition
Regulation
Available Information
Risk Factors
Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities
Selected Consolidated Financial Data
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
Earnings Overview
Segment Results Review
Balance Sheet Overview
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Risk Management
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Summary of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Statistical Disclosure by Bank Holding Companies
Glossary of Terms
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss)
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1—Organization, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Note 2—Disposition
Note 3—Operating Interest Income and Operating Interest Expense
Note 4—Fair Value Disclosures
Note 5—Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
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Note 6—Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity Securities
Note 7—Loans Receivable, Net
Note 8—Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Note 9—Property and Equipment, Net
Note 10—Goodwill and Other Intangibles, Net
Note 11—Other Assets
Note 12—Deposits
Note 13—Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase, FHLB Advances and Other Borrowings
Note 14—Corporate Debt
Note 15—Other Liabilities
Note 16—Income Taxes
Note 17—Shareholders’ Equity
Note 18—Earnings (Loss) per Share
Note 19—Regulatory Requirements
Note 20—Lease Arrangements
Note 21—Commitments, Contingencies and Other Regulatory Matters
Note 22—Segment Information
Note 23—Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company Only)
Note 24—Quarterly Data (Unaudited)
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
Other Information
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
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Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
PART III
PART IV
Item 15.
Signatures
Unless otherwise indicated, references to "the Company," "we," "us," "our" and "E*TRADE" mean E*TRADE Financial
Corporation and its subsidiaries.
E*TRADE, E*TRADE Financial, E*TRADE Bank, Equity Edge, OptionsLink and the Converging Arrows logo are
registered trademarks of E*TRADE Financial Corporation in the United States and in other countries.
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PART I
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995, that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements relate to our future plans, objectives, expectations and intentions
based on certain assumptions and include any statement that is not historical in nature. These statements may be identified by
the use of words such as "assume," "expect," "believe," "may," "will," "should," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate,"
"continue" and similar expressions. We caution that actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-
looking statements. Important factors that could contribute to our actual results differing materially from any forward-looking
statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed under Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors of this Form 10-K; and elsewhere in this report
and in other reports we file with the SEC. By their nature forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance
or results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict or quantify. Actual future results
may vary materially from expectations expressed or implied in this report or any of our prior communications. The forward-
looking statements contained in this report reflect our expectations only as of the date of this report. You should not place
undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as we do not undertake to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect
the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements were made, except as required by
law.
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
E*TRADE Financial Corporation is a financial services company that provides brokerage and related products and
services primarily to individual retail investors under the brand "E*TRADE Financial." We also provide investor-focused
banking products, primarily sweep deposits, to retail investors. Our competitive strategy is to attract and retain customers by
emphasizing a hybrid model of digital and technology-intensive channels, backed by professional support and guidance.
Our corporate offices are located at 1271 Avenue of the Americas, 14th Floor, New York, New York 10020. We were
incorporated in California in 1982 and reincorporated in Delaware in July 1996. We had approximately 3,200 employees at
December 31, 2014. We operate directly and through numerous subsidiaries, many of which are overseen by governmental and
self-regulatory organizations. Our most significant subsidiaries are described below:
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E*TRADE Securities LLC is a registered broker-dealer and is the primary provider of brokerage products
and services to our customers;
E*TRADE Clearing LLC is the clearing firm for our brokerage subsidiaries and its main purpose is to clear
and settle securities transactions for customers of E*TRADE Securities LLC;
E*TRADE Bank is a federally chartered savings bank utilized by E*TRADE's broker-dealers to maximize
the value of customer deposits. It provides our customers with Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
("FDIC") insurance on a certain amount of customer deposits and provides other banking products to our
customers; and
E*TRADE Financial Corporate Services is an operating subsidiary of the parent company and is the provider
of software and services for managing equity compensation plans to our corporate customers.
Our two primary U.S. broker-dealers, E*TRADE Clearing LLC and E*TRADE Securities LLC, became operating
subsidiaries of E*TRADE Bank in 2007 and 2009, respectively. As a result, the vast majority of our revenue-generating
operations resided within E*TRADE Bank and its subsidiaries, making capital distributions to our parent company reliant on
approvals from our banking regulators. We recently received regulatory approval to move both E*TRADE Clearing LLC and
E*TRADE Securities LLC out from under E*TRADE Bank. This revised organizational structure provides increased capital
flexibility as it enables us to dividend excess regulatory capital at our broker-dealers to the parent company. E*TRADE
Securities LLC was moved from under E*TRADE Bank in February 2015 and we plan to move E*TRADE Clearing LLC later
in 2015.
A complete list of our subsidiaries at December 31, 2014 can be found in Exhibit 21.1.
We provide services to customers through our website www.etrade.com, our desktop software E*TRADE Pro, and our
mobile applications. We also provide services through our network of customer service representatives and financial
consultants, over the phone or in person through our 30 E*TRADE branches. Information on our website is not a part of this
report.
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STRATEGY
Our business strategy is centered on two core objectives: accelerating the growth of our core brokerage business to
improve market share, and strengthening our overall financial and franchise position.
Accelerate Growth of Core Brokerage Business
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Capitalize on secular growth within the direct brokerage industry.
The direct brokerage industry is growing at a faster rate than the traditional brokerage industry. We are
focused on capitalizing on this growth by ensuring our customers' trading and investing needs are met
through our direct relationships.
Enhance digital and offline customer experience.
We are focused on maintaining our competitive position in trading, margin lending and cash management,
while expanding our customer share of wallet in retirement, investing and savings. Through these offerings,
we aim to continue acquiring new customers while deepening engagement with both new and existing ones.
Capitalize on value of corporate services business.
This includes leveraging our industry-leading position to improve client acquisition, and bolstering awareness
among plan participants of our full suite of offerings. This channel is a strategically important driver of
brokerage account growth for us.
Maximize value of deposits through the Company's bank.
Our brokerage business generates a significant amount of deposits, which we monetize through the bank by
investing primarily in low-risk, agency mortgage-backed securities.
Strengthen Overall Financial and Franchise Position
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Manage down legacy investments and mitigate credit losses.
We continue to manage down the size and risks associated with our legacy loan portfolio, while mitigating
credit losses where possible.
Continue to execute on our capital plan.
Our capital plan was laid out in 2012 with a key goal of distributing capital from E*TRADE Bank to the
parent company. We are now focused on utilizing excess capital created through earnings and by achieving
lower capital requirements at E*TRADE Bank, while continuing to enhance our enterprise risk management
culture and capabilities.
TECHNOLOGY
Our success and ability to execute on our strategy is largely dependent upon the continued development of our
technologies. We believe our focus on being a technological leader in the financial services industry enhances our competitive
position. This focus allows us to deploy a secure, scalable, and reliable technology and back office platform that promotes
innovative product development and delivery. We continued to invest in these critical platforms in 2014, leveraging the latest
technologies to drive significant efficiencies as well as enhancing our service and operational support capabilities. Our
sophisticated and proprietary technology platform also enabled us to deliver many upgrades to our retirement, investing and
savings customer products and tools across all digital channels. Significant updates in 2014 include:
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revamped site navigation;
new application for iOS 8, with first-to-market technologies such as finger print ID log in;
first-of-its-kind browser trading web application, allowing customers to research assets and place trades
without leaving the page they are surfing;
enhanced fixed income solutions center;
enhanced online robo-advisor tool; and
updates to E*TRADE Pro, including log in process and technical indicators.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
We assess the performance of our business based on our two core segments: trading and investing, including corporate
services, and balance sheet management. With respect to trading and investing, the factors used to judge our performance
include profitability, customer activity and financial metrics, along with the competitiveness of our overall value proposition to
the customer and our customers' engagement with E*TRADE. We assess the performance of our balance sheet management
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segment using metrics such as regulatory capital ratios, loan delinquencies, allowance for loan losses, enterprise net interest
spread and average enterprise interest-earning assets. Costs associated with certain functions that are centrally-managed are
separately reported in a corporate/other category.
Trading and Investing
Our trading and investing segment offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services to individual retail
investors. The most significant of these products and services are described below:
Trading Products and Services
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our best-in-class customer website, www.etrade.com;
automated order placement and execution of U.S. equities, futures, options, exchange-traded funds, forex and
bond orders;
E*TRADE Mobile, which allows customers to securely trade, monitor real-time investment, market and
account information, access educational videos and other content, pay bills and transfer funds between
accounts via iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ phones and tablets, Windows® Phone or Kindle Fire;
E*TRADE Pro, our desktop trading software for qualified active traders, which provides customers with
customizable trading technology, continuous market visibility, news and information, plus live streaming
news via CNBC TV;
margin accounts allowing customers to borrow against their securities, complete with margin analysis tools to
help customers manage positions and risk;
access to 77 international markets with American depositary receipts ("ADRs"), exchange-traded funds
("ETFs"), and mutual funds, plus online equity trading in local currencies in Canada, France, Germany, Hong
Kong, Japan and the United Kingdom;
research and investing idea generation tools that assist customers with identifying investment opportunities
including fundamental and technical research, consensus ratings, and market commentary from Morningstar,
Dreyfus and BondDesk Group;
advice from our financial consultants at our 30 branches across the country and via phone and email;
no annual fee and no minimum individual retirement accounts, along with Rollover Specialists to guide
customers through the rollover process;
retirement center which offers easy-to-use tools, calculators, education, retirement solutions, and access to
Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorsSM who can provide customers with one-on-one portfolio
evaluations and personalized plans;
OneStop Rollover – a simplified, online rollover program that enables investors to invest their 401(k) savings
from a previous employer into a professionally-managed portfolio;
access to all ETFs sold, including over 100 commission-free ETFs from leading independent providers, and
over 7,300 non-proprietary mutual funds;
Managed Investment Portfolio advisory services from an affiliated registered investment advisor, with an
investment of $25,000 or more, which provides one-on-one professional portfolio management;
Unified Managed Account advisory services from an affiliated registered investment advisor, with an
investment of $250,000 or more, which provides customers the opportunity to work with a dedicated
investment professional to obtain a comprehensive, integrated approach to asset allocation, investments,
portfolio rebalancing and tax management;
comprehensive Online Portfolio Advisor to help customers identify the right asset allocation and provide a
range of solutions including a one-time investment portfolio or a managed investment account;
fixed income tools in our Fixed Income Solutions Center aimed at helping customers identify, evaluate and
implement fixed income investment strategies;
access to our redesigned investor education center with over 450 individual educational articles and videos
from over 20 independent sources and E*TRADE's financial experts, along with live events, webcasts, web
seminars, tutorials, demos, and more than 50 courses; and
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•
FDIC insured deposit accounts, including checking, savings and money market accounts, including those that
transfer funds to and from customer brokerage accounts.
Corporate Services
We offer software and services for managing equity compensation plans for corporate customers. Our Equity Edge
Online™ platform facilitates the management of employee stock option plans, employee stock purchase plans and restricted
stock plans, including necessary accounting and reporting functions. This product serves as an important introductory channel
to E*TRADE for our corporate services account holders, with our goal being that these individuals will also use our brokerage
products and services. Equity Edge Online™ recordkeeping and reporting was rated #1 in overall loyalty and satisfaction for the
third year in a row by Group Five, an independent consulting and research firm, in its 2014 Stock Plan Administration Study
Industry Report.
Balance Sheet Management
The balance sheet management segment serves as a means to maximize the value of our customer deposits, focusing
on asset allocation and managing credit, liquidity and interest rate risks. The balance sheet management segment manages our
legacy loan portfolio which has been in runoff mode since 2008, as well as agency mortgage-backed securities, and other
investments. Funding sources consist of customer payables and deposits which originate in the trading and investing segment,
as well as wholesale funding, the majority of which are legacy obligations that are in run-off mode.
For statistical information regarding products and services, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A"). Three years of segment financial performance and data can be
found in the MD&A and in Note 22—Segment Information of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
SALES AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
We believe providing superior sales and customer service is fundamental to our business. We strive to maintain a high
standard of customer service by staffing the customer support team with appropriately trained personnel who are equipped to
handle customer inquiries in a prompt yet thorough manner. All customer-facing employees are Series 7 registered. Our
customer service representatives utilize our proprietary web-based platform to provide customers with answers to their
inquiries. We also have specialized customer service programs that are tailored to the needs of each customer group.
We provide sales and customer support through the following channels of our registered broker-dealer and investment
advisory subsidiaries:
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Branches—we have 30 branches located across the U.S. where retail investors can get face-to-face support
and guidance. Financial consultants are available on-site to help customers assess their current asset
allocation and develop plans to help them achieve their investment goals. Customers can also contact our
financial consultants via phone or e-mail if they cannot visit the branches.
Online—we have an Online Advisor tool available that provides asset allocation and a range of investment
solutions that can be managed online or through a dedicated investment professional. We also have an
Online Service Center where customers can request services on their accounts and obtain answers to
frequently asked questions. The online service center also provides customers with the ability to send a
secure message and/or engage in Live Chat with one of our customer service representatives. In addition, we
offer our Investor Education Center, providing customers with access to a variety of live and on-demand
courses.
Telephonic—we have a toll free number that connects customers to the appropriate department where a
financial consultant or Series 7 licensed customer service representative can assist with their inquiry.
COMPETITION
The online financial services market continues to evolve and remains highly competitive. Our trading and investing
segment competes with full commission brokerage firms, discount brokerage firms, online brokerage firms, personal finance
start-ups, Internet banks and traditional "brick & mortar" retail banks and thrifts. Some of these competitors provide Internet
trading and banking services, investment advisor services, touchtone telephone and voice response banking services, electronic
bill payment services and a host of other financial products. Our balance sheet management segment competes with all users of
market liquidity, including the types of competitors listed above, in order to obtain the least expensive source of funding.
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The financial services industry has become more concentrated as companies involved in a broad range of financial
services have been acquired, merged or have declared bankruptcy. We believe we can continue to attract and retain retail
customers by providing them with easy-to-use and innovative financial products and services.
We also face competition in attracting and retaining qualified employees. Our ability to compete effectively in
financial services will depend upon our ability to attract new employees, and retain and motivate our existing employees while
efficiently managing compensation-related costs.
REGULATION
Our business is subject to regulation by U.S. federal and state regulatory agencies and various non-U.S. governmental
agencies and self-regulatory organizations, including, for example, central banks and securities exchanges, each of which has
been charged with the protection of the financial markets and the protection of the interests of those participating in those
markets. We have been, along with other large financial institutions, subject to heightened expectations from our regulators
with respect to compliance with laws and regulations, including our controls and business processes, which we expect will
continue. We also anticipate that regulators will continue to intensify their supervision through the exam process and increase
their enforcement of regulations across the industry. The regulators' heightened expectations and intense supervision have and
will continue to increase our costs and may limit our ability to pursue certain business opportunities.
Our primary regulators in the U.S. include, among others, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), the
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"), The NASDAQ Stock Market ("NASDAQ"), the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission ("CFTC"), the National Futures Association ("NFA"), the FDIC, the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System ("Federal Reserve"), the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, the Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency ("OCC") and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB").
Both our brokerage and banking entities are subject to the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by the USA PATRIOT ACT
of 2001 ("BSA/USA PATRIOT Act"), which requires financial institutions to develop anti-money laundering ("AML")
programs to assist in the prevention and detection of money laundering and combating terrorism. In order to comply with the
BSA/USA PATRIOT Act, we have an AML department that is responsible for developing and implementing our enterprise-
wide programs for compliance with the various anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws and regulations.
Our brokerage and banking entities are also subject to U.S. sanctions laws administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control
and we have policies and procedures in place to comply with these laws.
For customer privacy and information security, under the rules of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, our brokerage
and banking entities are required to disclose their privacy policies and practices related to sharing customer information with
affiliates and non-affiliates. These rules also give customers the ability to "opt out" of having non-public information disclosed
to third parties or receiving marketing solicitations from affiliates and non-affiliates based on non-public information received
from our brokerage and banking entities.
Brokerage Regulation
Our broker-dealers are registered with the SEC and are subject to regulation by the SEC and by self-regulatory
organizations, such as FINRA and the securities exchanges of which each is a member, as well as various state regulators. In
addition, E*TRADE Clearing LLC and E*TRADE Securities LLC are registered with the CFTC as a futures commission
merchant and introducing broker, respectively, and are both members of the NFA. Such regulation covers various aspects of
these businesses, including for example, client protection, net capital requirements, required books and records, safekeeping of
funds and securities, trading, prohibited transactions, public offerings, margin lending, customer qualifications for margin and
options transactions, registration of personnel and transactions with affiliates. Our international broker-dealers are regulated by
their respective local regulators such as the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority and Hong Kong Securities & Futures
Commission.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ("Dodd-Frank Act") includes various provisions
that affect the regulation of broker-dealers, futures commission merchants and introducing brokers. For example, the SEC is
authorized to adopt a fiduciary duty standard applicable to broker-dealers when providing personalized investment advice about
securities to retail customers. To date, the SEC has not proposed any rulemaking under this authority. The U.S. Department of
Labor is considering revisions to regulations under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 that could subject
broker-dealers to a fiduciary duty and prohibit specified transactions for a wider range of customer interactions. These
developments may impact the manner in which affected businesses are conducted, decrease profitability and increase potential
liabilities.
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Banking Regulation
Our banking entities are subject to regulation, supervision and examination for safety and soundness by the Federal
Reserve, OCC, FDIC and CFPB for compliance with federal consumer finance laws. Such regulation covers all aspects of the
banking business, including lending practices, safeguarding deposits, customer privacy and information security, capital
structure, transactions with affiliates and conduct and qualifications of personnel.
Each of our banking entities has deposits insured by the FDIC and pays quarterly assessments to the Deposit Insurance
Fund ("DIF"), maintained by the FDIC, to pay for this insurance coverage. The Dodd-Frank Act made permanent the general
$250,000 deposit insurance limit for insured deposits. The assessment base for insured depository institutions is the average
consolidated total assets minus average tangible equity. The FDIC's risk-based methodology for calculating the assessment rate
for E*TRADE Bank and other large and highly complex depository institutions, finalized in 2011, utilizes a scorecard method
based on a number of factors, including the institution’s regulatory ratings, asset quality and brokered deposits. In October
2012, the FDIC amended its 2011 rule to revise the definition of certain higher risk assets used to calculate the quarterly
insurance assessment beginning on April 1, 2013. In November 2014, the FDIC further amended its assessment rule to reflect
changes in the Basel III regulatory capital rules that began to be phased in as of January 1, 2015. The FDIC will continue to
assess the changes to the assessment rates at least annually.
Financial Regulatory Reform Legislation
The Dodd-Frank Act, which was signed into law on July 21, 2010, includes comprehensive changes to the financial
services industry. For example, the Dodd-Frank Act requires all companies, including savings and loan holding companies, that
directly or indirectly control an insured depository institution to serve as a source of strength for the institution.
In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act requires various federal agencies to adopt a broad range of new rules and regulations.
Although the majority of the required rules and regulations have now been finalized, there remain many still in proposed form
or yet to be proposed, the substance and impact of which may not fully be known for months or years. The implementation of
capital requirements applicable to the parent company will, however, impact us, as the parent company was not previously
subject to regulatory capital requirements. These requirements became effective for us on January 1, 2015, as further explained
below.
Basel III Framework
The risk-based capital guidelines that applied to E*TRADE Bank as of December 31, 2014 were based upon the 1988
capital accords of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision ("BCBS"), a committee of central banks and bank supervisors,
as implemented by the U.S. Federal banking agencies, including the OCC, commonly known as Basel I. The Basel II
framework was finalized by U.S. banking agencies in 2007; however, E*TRADE Bank did not meet the threshold requirements
for Basel II and, therefore, has never been subject to the requirements of Basel II. In September 2010, the Group of Governors
and Heads of Supervision, the oversight body of the BCBS, announced agreement on the calibration and phase-in arrangements
for a strengthened set of capital and liquidity requirements, known as the Basel III framework. The final Basel III framework
was released in December 2010, subject to individual adoption by the U.S. and other member nations.
In July 2013, the U.S. Federal banking agencies finalized a rule to implement Basel III in the U.S., which provides the
framework for the calculation of a banking organization’s regulatory capital and risk-weighted assets. The Basel III rule
establishes Common Equity Tier 1 capital as a new tier of capital, raises the minimum thresholds for required capital, increases
minimum required risk-based capital ratios, narrows the eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments, provides for new
regulatory capital deductions and adjustments, and modifies methods for calculating risk-weighted assets (the denominator of
risk-based capital ratios) by, among other things, strengthening counterparty credit risk capital requirements. The Basel III final
rule also introduces a capital conservation buffer that limits a banking organization’s ability to make capital distributions and
discretionary bonus payments to executive officers if a banking organization fails to maintain a Common Equity Tier 1 capital
conservation buffer of more than 2.5%, on a fully phased-in basis, of total risk-weighted assets above each of the following
minimum risk-based capital ratio requirements: Common Equity Tier 1 (4.5%), Tier 1 (6.0%), and total risk-based capital
(8.0%). This requirement will begin to take effect on January 1, 2016, and will be fully phased in by 2019.
The rule became effective on January 1, 2014, for certain large banking organizations, and January 1, 2015, for most
other U.S. banking organizations, including the Company and E*TRADE Bank. The fully phased-in Basel III capital standards
will become effective January 1, 2019 for the Company and E*TRADE Bank. We expect to remain compliant with the Basel
III framework as it is phased in.
Several elements of the final rule are likely to have a meaningful impact to us. Margin receivables will qualify for 0%
risk-weighting, and we believe that we will be able to include a larger portion of our deferred tax assets in regulatory capital,
both having a favorable impact on our current capital ratios. A portion of this benefit will be offset as we phase out trust
preferred securities from the parent company's capital. In addition, the final rule gives the option for a one-time permanent
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election for the inclusion or exclusion in the calculation of Common Equity Tier 1 capital of unrealized gains (losses) on all
available-for-sale debt securities; we currently intend to elect to exclude unrealized gains (losses).
On September 9, 2014, U.S. Federal banking agencies issued an inter-agency final rule that implements a quantitative
liquidity coverage ratio ("LCR") that is generally consistent with, and in some respects stricter than, the international LCR
standard established by the BCBS. The purpose of the LCR is to require certain financial institutions to hold minimum amounts
of high-quality, liquid assets against its projected net cash outflows, over a 30-day period of stressed conditions. While the LCR
does not apply to companies with less than $50 billion in assets, including the Company, we believe we would be compliant
with the LCR standards set out in the final rule, as they apply to larger institutions.
Prompt Corrective Action
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 requires the appropriate federal banking
regulator to take "prompt corrective action" with respect to a depository institution if that institution does not meet certain
capital adequacy standards. While these regulations apply only to banks, such as E*TRADE Bank, the Federal Reserve is
authorized to take appropriate action against the parent bank holding company, such as E*TRADE Financial Corporation,
based on the undercapitalized status of any bank subsidiary. In certain instances, we would be required to guarantee the
performance of the capital restoration plan if our bank subsidiary were undercapitalized.
Derivatives
Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act subjects or potentially could subject derivatives that we enter into for hedging, risk
management and other purposes to a comprehensive regulatory regime. This regime requires central clearing and execution on
designated markets or execution facilities for certain standardized derivatives and imposes or will impose margin,
documentation, trade reporting and other new requirements. We are currently in compliance with these requirements as they
apply to our activities, and they did not have a material impact on our operations.
Volcker Rule
On December 10, 2013, the Federal Reserve, OCC, FDIC, SEC and CFTC, issued final rules to implement section 619
of the Dodd-Frank Act (these rules collectively known as the "Volcker Rule"). The Volcker Rule imposes prohibitions and
restrictions on the ability of banking entities and nonbank financial companies to engage in proprietary trading, and to have
certain interests in, or relationships with, hedge funds or private equity funds ("Covered Funds"). Since the adoption of the
Volcker Rule, there have been questions in the industry as to whether collateralized debt obligations backed by trust preferred
securities ("TruPS CDOs") constituted Covered Funds under the Rule and on January 14, 2014, the agencies that adopted the
Volcker Rule approved an interim final rule to permit banking entities to retain interests in TruPS CDOs that met certain
conditions, including (i) that the TruPS CDO be established before May 19, 2010; (ii) that the banking entity’s interest in the
TruPS CDO be acquired on or before December 10, 2013; and (iii) that the TruPS CDO be invested in "qualifying" collateral.
We have assessed the impact of the Volcker Rule as it relates to the trust preferred securities that were issued by ETB Holdings,
Inc. and have determined that the trust preferred securities are exempt under the provisions of the interim final rule. On
December 18, 2014, the Federal Reserve issued an order extending the Volcker Rule’s conformance period until July 21, 2016,
for investments in and relationships with Covered Funds and certain foreign funds that were in place on or prior to December
31, 2013. Subject to these extensions, we have until July 2015 to comply with other provisions of the Volcker Rule. We have
assessed the impact of full implementation of the Volcker Rule and expect to be in full compliance by July 2015, with minimal
impact on our operations.
Stress Testing
On October 9, 2012, federal banking regulators issued final rules implementing provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act that
require banking organizations with total consolidated assets of more than $10 billion but less than $50 billion to conduct annual
company-run stress tests, report the results to their primary federal regulator and the Federal Reserve and publish a summary of
the results. Under the rules, stress tests must be conducted using certain scenarios (baseline, adverse and severely adverse),
which the Federal Reserve will publish by November 15 of each year.
Under the OCC stress test regulations, E*TRADE Bank is required to conduct stress-testing using the prescribed
stress-testing methodologies. The final OCC regulations required E*TRADE Bank to conduct its first stress test using financial
statement data as of September 30, 2013, and to submit the results prior to March 31, 2014. E*TRADE Bank submitted the
results of its first stress test prior to March 31, 2014, as required. For banking organizations with total consolidated assets of
more than $10 billion but less than $50 billion, including E*TRADE Bank, the results of the first official test will not be public
information. E*TRADE Bank will be required to publish summary results of its annual stress test between June 15 and June 30
each year, beginning with its second annual stress test in 2015.
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The OCC analyzes and provides feedback on the quality of E*TRADE Bank's stress test process and results. In the
second quarter of 2014 we received feedback from the OCC on our first official stress test submission that we remained well
above the regulatory well-capitalized levels for all scenarios. We were satisfied with the feedback around our stress testing
process, approach and methodologies.
Under the final Federal Reserve regulations, the parent company will be required to conduct its first stress test using
financial statement data as of September 30, 2016, and it will be required to report the results of its first stress test to the
Federal Reserve on or before March 31, 2017, and to disclose a summary of its stress test results between June 15 and June 30,
2017.
For additional regulatory information on our brokerage and banking regulations, see Note 19—Regulatory
Requirements of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
We make our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and
amendments to those reports, available free of charge at our website as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been filed
with the SEC. Our website address is www.etrade.com. Information on our website is not part of this report.
The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F
Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website that contains the materials we file with the SEC at www.sec.gov.
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
The following discussion sets forth the risk factors which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations, and should be carefully considered in addition to the other information set forth in this
report. These are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we
currently do not deem to be material may also adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Relating to the Nature and Operation of Our Business
Turmoil in the global financial markets could reduce trade volumes and margin lending and increase our dependence on our
more active customers who receive lower pricing, resulting in lower revenues.
Digital investing services to the retail customer, including trading, margin lending and sweep deposits, account for a
significant portion of our revenues. Turmoil in the global financial markets could lead to changes in volume and price levels of
securities and futures transactions which may, in turn, result in lower trading volumes and margin lending. In particular, a
decrease in trading activity within our lower activity accounts could impact revenues and increase dependence on more active
trading customers who receive more favorable pricing based on their trade volume. A decrease in trading activity or securities
prices would also typically be expected to result in a decrease in margin lending, which would reduce the revenue that we
generate from interest charged on margin lending and increase our credit risk because the value of the collateral could fall
below the amount of indebtedness it secures.
We may be unsuccessful in managing the effects of changes in interest rates and the enterprise interest-earning assets in our
portfolio.
Net operating interest income is an important source of our revenue. Our results of operations depend, in part, on our
level of net operating interest income and our effective management of the impact of changing interest rates and varying asset
and liability maturities. Our ability to manage interest rate risk could impact our financial condition. We use derivatives as
hedging instruments to reduce the potential effects of changes in interest rates on our results of operations. However, the
derivatives we utilize may not be completely effective at managing this risk and changes in market interest rates and the yield
curve could reduce the value of our financial assets and reduce our net operating interest income.
Enterprise net interest spread may fluctuate based on the size and mix of the balance sheet, as well as the impact from
changes in market interest rates. Among other items, we periodically enter into repurchase agreements to support the funding
and liquidity requirements of E*TRADE Bank. If we are unsuccessful in maintaining our relationships with these
counterparties, we could recognize substantial losses on the derivatives we utilized to hedge repurchase agreements.
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We will continue to experience losses in our mortgage loan portfolio.
At December 31, 2014, the principal balance of our one- to four-family loan portfolio was $3.1 billion and the
allowance for loan losses for this portfolio was $27 million. At December 31, 2014, the principal balance of our home equity
loan portfolio was $2.8 billion and the allowance for loan losses for this portfolio was $367 million. Although the provision for
loan losses has declined in recent periods, performance is subject to variability in any given quarter and we cannot state with
certainty that the declining loan loss trend will continue. Due to the complexity and judgment required by management about
the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain, there can be no assurance that our allowance for loan losses will be adequate.
In the normal course of conducting examinations, our banking regulators, the OCC and Federal Reserve, continue to review our
policies and procedures. This process is dynamic and ongoing and we cannot be certain that additional changes or actions to
our policies and procedures will not result from their continuing review. We may be required under such circumstances to
further increase the allowance for loan losses, which could have an adverse effect on our regulatory capital position and our
results of operations in future periods.
Certain characteristics of our mortgage loan portfolio indicate an increased risk of loss. For example, at December 31,
2014:
•
•
•
approximately 16% and 35% of the one- to four-family and home equity loan portfolios, respectively, had a
current loan-to-value ("LTV")/combined loan-to-value ("CLTV") of greater than 100%;
approximately 56% and 49% of the one- to four-family and home equity loan portfolios, respectively, were
originated with low or no documentation; and
borrowers with current Fair Isaac Credit Organization ("FICO") scores less than 700 consisted of
approximately 34% and 37% of the one- to four-family and home equity loan portfolios, respectively.
The foregoing factors are among the key items we track to predict and monitor credit risk in our mortgage portfolio,
together with loan type, housing prices, loan vintage and geographic location of the underlying property. We believe the relative
importance of these factors varies, depending upon economic conditions.
Home equity loans have certain characteristics that result in higher risk than first lien, amortizing one- to four-family loans.
Approximately 85% of the home equity loan portfolio consists of second lien loans on residential real estate
properties. Second lien loans carry higher credit risk because the holder of the first lien mortgage has priority in right of
payment. Therefore, downturns in real estate markets may result in the value of the collateral being insufficient to cover the
second lien positions. The average estimated current CLTV on our home equity loan portfolio was 92% as of December 31,
2014. We hold both the first and second lien positions in less than 1% of the home equity loan portfolio, and in loans for which
we do not hold the first lien positions we are exposed to risk associated with the actions and inactions of the first lien lender.
We monitor our borrowers by refreshing FICO scores and CLTV information on a quarterly basis. We do not have
access to complete data on the first lien positions of second lien home equity loans. The majority of home equity lines of credit
convert to amortizing loans at the end of the draw period, which typically ranges from five to ten years. Approximately 7% of
this portfolio will require the borrowers to repay the loan in full at the end of the draw period, commonly referred to as "balloon
loans." At December 31, 2014, 85% of the home equity line of credit portfolio had not converted from the interest-only draw
period and had not begun amortizing. As a result, we do not yet have sufficient data relating to loan default and delinquency of
amortizing home equity lines of credit to determine if the performance is different than the trends observed for home equity
lines of credit in an interest-only draw period. Actual loan defaults and delinquencies of amortizing home equity lines of credit
that exceed our current expectations could negatively impact our financial performance.
We rely on third party service providers to perform certain key functions.
We rely on third party service providers for certain technology, processing, servicing and support functions. These
third party service providers are also subject to operational and technology vulnerabilities, which may impact our business. For
example, external content providers provide us with financial information, market news, quotes, research reports and other
fundamental data that we offer to clients. Any significant failures or breaches by our service providers could interrupt our
business, cause us to incur losses, subject us to fines or litigation and harm our reputation. An interruption in or the cessation of
service by any third party service provider and our inability to make alternative arrangements in a timely manner could have a
material impact on our ability to offer certain products and services and result in loss to the Company. We cannot assure that
any of these providers will be able to continue to provide the products and services in an efficient, cost effective manner, if at
all, or that they will be able to adequately expand their services to meet our needs and those of our customers.
We do not directly service any of our loans and as a result, we rely on third party vendors and servicers to provide
information on our loan portfolio. For example, we rely on third party servicers to provide payment information on home
equity loans, including which borrowers are paying only the minimum amount due. From time to time we have discovered that
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these vendors and servicers have provided incomplete or untimely information to us about our loan portfolio. For example,
provision for loan losses increased in the third quarter of 2012 in connection with our discovery that one of our third party loan
servicers had not been reporting historical bankruptcy data to us on a timely basis and, as a result, we recorded additional
charge-offs in the third quarter of 2012. In connection with this discovery, we implemented an enhanced procedure around all
servicer reporting to corroborate bankruptcy reporting with independent third party data.
We expect that our regulators will hold us responsible for any deficiencies in our oversight and control of our third
party relationships and in the performance of those parties with which we have those relationships. If there were deficiencies in
the oversight and control of our third party relationships, and if the regulators held us responsible for those deficiencies, it
could have a negative effect on our business operations, reputation, and possibly profitability.
We have a large amount of corporate debt which limits how we conduct our business.
We have issued a substantial amount of corporate debt and have the capacity to incur substantial additional
indebtedness under our senior secured revolving credit facility, subject to certain restrictive financial and other covenants. Our
expected annual debt service interest payment is approximately $80 million. Our ratio of corporate debt to equity (expressed as
a percentage) was 25% at December 31, 2014. The degree to which we are leveraged could have important consequences,
including:
•
•
•
a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations is dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on
our indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available for other purposes;
our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other
corporate needs is significantly limited; and
our substantial leverage may place us at a competitive disadvantage, hinder our ability to adjust rapidly to
changing market conditions and make us more vulnerable in the event of a further downturn in general
economic conditions or our business.
In addition, a significant reduction in revenues could have a material adverse effect on our ability to meet our debt
obligations. Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial condition,
operating performance and our ability to receive dividend payments from our subsidiaries, which is subject to prevailing
economic and competitive conditions, regulatory approval and certain financial, business and other factors beyond our
control. We may not be able to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the
principal and interest on our indebtedness.
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to
reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our
indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service
obligations. In addition, the terms of existing or future debt instruments may restrict us from adopting some of these
alternatives.
Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial
condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more
onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. In addition, any failure to make payments of interest
and principal on our outstanding indebtedness on a timely basis would likely result in a reduction of our credit rating, which
could harm our ability to incur additional indebtedness.
We conduct all of our operations through subsidiaries and rely on dividends from our subsidiaries for all of our revenues.
We depend on dividends, distributions and other payments from our subsidiaries to fund payments on our obligations,
including our debt obligations. Regulatory and other legal restrictions limit our ability to transfer funds to or from certain
subsidiaries. In addition, many of our subsidiaries are subject to laws and regulations that authorize regulatory bodies to block
or reduce the flow of funds to us, or that prohibit such transfers altogether in certain circumstances. These laws and regulations
may hinder our ability to access funds that we may need to make payments on our obligations, including our debt obligations,
and otherwise conduct our business.
As of December 31, 2014, the majority of our capital was invested in our banking subsidiary E*TRADE Bank, which
may not pay dividends to us without approval from the OCC and the Federal Reserve. These agencies may object to a proposed
capital distribution if, among other things, E*TRADE Bank is, or as a result of such dividend or distribution would be,
undercapitalized or the Federal Reserve has safety and soundness concerns. Our primary brokerage subsidiaries, E*TRADE
Securities LLC and E*TRADE Clearing LLC, were both subsidiaries of E*TRADE Bank; therefore, the OCC, together with
the Federal Reserve, controlled our ability to receive dividend payments from our brokerage business as well. We recently
received regulatory approval to move our broker-dealers, E*TRADE Securities LLC and E*TRADE Clearing LLC, out from
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under E*TRADE Bank. E*TRADE Securities LLC was moved from under E*TRADE Bank in February 2015 and
subsequently paid a dividend of $434 million to the parent company. We plan to move E*TRADE Clearing LLC later in 2015.
The revised organizational structure provides increased capital flexibility as it enables us to dividend excess regulatory capital
at our broker-dealers to the parent company, without requiring approval from the OCC and the Federal Reserve. In addition, in
each quarter starting in the second quarter of 2015, we plan to request approvals from the OCC and the Federal Reserve for
dividends in the amount of E*TRADE Bank's net income from the previous quarter. We cannot be certain, however, that we
will receive regulatory approval for such contemplated dividends at the requested levels or at all.
Under the OCC stress test regulations, E*TRADE Bank is required to conduct stress-testing using the prescribed
stress-testing methodologies. The final OCC regulations required E*TRADE Bank to conduct its first stress test using financial
statement data as of September 30, 2013, and to submit the results prior to March 31, 2014. E*TRADE Bank submitted the
results of its first stress test prior to March 31, 2014, as required. For banking organizations with total consolidated assets of
more than $10 billion but less than $50 billion, including E*TRADE Bank, the results of the first official test will not be public
information. E*TRADE Bank will be required to publish summary results of its annual stress test between June 15 and June 30
each year, beginning with its second annual stress test in 2015.
The OCC analyzes and provides feedback on the quality of E*TRADE Bank's stress test process and results. In the
second quarter of 2014 we received feedback from the OCC on our first official stress test submission that we remained well
above the regulatory well-capitalized levels for all scenarios. We were satisfied with the feedback around our stress testing
process, approach and methodologies. While there is no formal mechanism for the OCC to "pass" or "fail" E*TRADE Bank's
stress test processes and results, it will likely consider these processes and results in evaluating proposed actions that may affect
our bank's capital, including but not limited to dividend payments, redemption or repurchase of regulatory capital instruments
and mergers and acquisitions. If the OCC were to object to any such proposed action, our business prospects, results of
operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We operate in a highly competitive industry where many of our competitors have greater financial, technical, marketing and other
resources.
The financial services industry is highly competitive, with multiple industry participants competing for the same
customers. Many of our competitors have longer operating histories and greater resources than we have and offer a wider range
of financial products and services. Other of our competitors offer a more narrow range of financial products and services and
have not been as susceptible to the disruptions in the credit markets that have impacted our Company, and therefore have not
suffered the losses we have. The impact of competitors with superior name recognition, greater market acceptance, larger
customer bases or stronger capital positions could adversely affect our revenue growth and customer retention. Our competitors
may also be able to respond more quickly to new or changing opportunities and demands and withstand changing market
conditions better than we can. Competitors may conduct extensive promotional activities, offering better terms, lower prices
and/or different products and services or combinations of products and services that could attract current E*TRADE customers
and potentially result in price wars within the industry. We may not be able to match the marketing efforts or prices of our
competitors due to our financial position and cost structure. Some of our competitors may also benefit from established
relationships among themselves or with third parties enhancing their products and services.
In addition, we compete in a technology-intensive industry characterized by rapid innovation. We may be unable to
effectively use new technologies, adopt our services to emerging industry standards or develop, introduce and market enhanced
or new products and services. If we are not able to update or adapt our products and services to take advantage of the latest
technologies and standards, or are otherwise unable to tailor the delivery of our services to the latest personal and mobile
computing devices preferred by our retail customers, our business and financial performance could suffer.
Our ability to compete successfully in the financial services industry depends on a number of factors, including,
among other things:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
maintaining and expanding our market position;
attracting and retaining customers;
providing easy to use and innovative financial products and services;
our reputation and the market perception of our brand and overall value;
maintaining competitive pricing;
competing in a concentrated competitive landscape;
the quality of our technology, products and services;
deploying a secure and scalable technology and back office platform;
innovating effectively in launching new or enhanced products;
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•
•
•
the differences in regulatory oversight regimes to which we and our competitors are subject;
attracting new employees and retaining our existing employees; and
general economic and industry trends.
Our competitive position within the industry could be adversely affected if we are unable to adequately address these
factors, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
If we do not successfully participate in consolidation opportunities, we could be at a competitive disadvantage.
There has been significant consolidation in the financial services industry and this consolidation may continue in the
future. Should we be excluded from or fail to take advantage of viable consolidation opportunities, our competitors may be able
to capitalize on those opportunities and take advantage of greater scale and cost efficiencies to our detriment.
Although we are currently constrained by the terms of our corporate debt, senior secured revolving credit facility and
the memoranda of understanding we and E*TRADE Bank entered into with our primary banking regulators, we may seek to
acquire businesses in the future. The assets of businesses we have acquired in the past were primarily customer accounts. In
future acquisitions, our retention of customers’ assets may be impacted by our ability to successfully integrate the acquired
operations, products (including pricing) and personnel. Diversion of management attention from other business concerns could
have a negative impact. If we are not successful in our integration efforts, we may experience significant attrition in the
acquired accounts or experience other issues that would prevent us from achieving the level of revenue enhancements and cost
savings that we expect with respect to an acquisition.
We rely heavily on technology, which can be subject to interruption and instability due to operational and technological failures.
We rely on technology, particularly the Internet and mobile services, to conduct much of our business activity. Our
systems and operations, including our primary and disaster recovery data center operations, are vulnerable to disruptions from
human error, natural disasters, power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, software bugs, computer viruses or
other malicious software, distributed denial of service attacks, spam attacks, security breaches and other similar events.
Extraordinary trading volumes or site usage could cause our computer systems to operate at an unacceptably slow speed or
even fail. Disruptions to or instability of our technology or external technology that allows our customers to use our products
and services could harm our business and our reputation. Should our technology operations be disrupted, we may have to make
significant investments to upgrade, repair or replace our technology infrastructure and may not be able to make such
investments on a timely basis. While we have made significant investments to ensure the reliability and scalability of our
operations, we cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain, expand and upgrade our systems and infrastructure to meet
future requirements and mitigate future risks on a timely basis or that we will be able to retain skilled information technology
employees. Disruptions in service and slower system response times could result in substantial losses, decreased client service,
satisfaction and harm to our reputation. In addition, technology systems, including our own proprietary systems and the
systems of third parties on whom we rely to conduct portions of our operations, are potentially vulnerable to security breaches
and unauthorized usage. An actual or perceived breach of the security of our technology could harm our business and our
reputation. The occurrence of any of these events may have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations.
Unauthorized disclosure of confidential customer information, whether through a breach of our computer systems or those of our
customers or third parties, may subject us to significant liability and reputational harm.
As part of our business, we are required to collect, use and store customer, employee and third party personally
identifiable information ("PII"). This may include, among other information, names, addresses, phone numbers, email
addresses, contact preferences, tax identification numbers and account information. We maintain systems including
cybersecurity procedures designed to securely process, transmit and store confidential information (including PII) and protect
against unauthorized access to such information. We also require our third party vendors to have adequate security if they have
access to PII. However, these risks have grown in recent years due to increased sophistication and activities of organized crime,
hackers, terrorists and other external parties. Despite these security measures, our systems, and those of our customers and third
party vendors, may be vulnerable to security breaches, phishing attacks, cyber-attacks, acts of vandalism, information security
breaches and computer viruses which could result in unauthorized access, misuse, loss or destruction of data, an interruption in
service or other similar events. Any security breach involving the misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of
PII, whether by us or by our customers or third party vendors, could severely damage our reputation, expose us to the risk of
litigation and liability, disrupt our operations and have a materially adverse effect on our business. Future legislation and
regulatory action regarding cybersecurity or PII could result in increased costs and compliance efforts.
Because our business model relies heavily on our customers’ use of their own personal computers, mobile devices and
the Internet, our business and reputation could be harmed by security breaches of our customers and third parties. Computer
viruses and other attacks on our customers’ personal computer systems, home networks and mobile devices or against the third-
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party networks and systems of internet and mobile service providers could create losses for our customers even without any
breach in the security of our systems, and could thereby harm our business and our reputation. As part of our E*TRADE
Complete Protection Guarantee, we reimburse our customers for losses caused by a breach of security of our customers’ own
personal systems. Such reimbursements could have a material impact on our financial performance.
We may suffer losses due to credit risk associated with margin lending, securities loaned transactions or financial transactions
with counterparties.
We permit certain customers to purchase securities on margin. A downturn in securities markets may impact the value
of collateral held in connection with margin receivables and may reduce its value below the amount borrowed, potentially
creating collections issues with our margin receivables. In addition, we frequently borrow securities from and lend securities to
other broker-dealers. Under regulatory guidelines, when we borrow or lend securities, we must simultaneously disburse or
receive cash deposits. A sharp change in security market values may result in losses if counterparties to the borrowing and
lending transactions fail to honor their commitments. We also engage in financial transactions with counterparties, including
repurchase agreements, that expose us to credit losses in the event counterparties cannot meet their obligations. See Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Risk Management for additional
information.
Advisory services subject us to additional risks.
We provide advisory services to investors to aid them in their decision making. Investment recommendations and
suggestions are based on publicly available documents and communications with investors regarding investment preferences
and risk tolerances. Publicly available documents may be inaccurate and misleading, resulting in recommendations or
transactions that are inconsistent with investors’ intended results. In addition, advisors may not understand investor needs or
risk tolerances, which may result in the recommendation or purchase of a portfolio of assets that may not be suitable for the
investor. Risks associated with advisory services also include those arising from possible conflicts of interest, inadequate due
diligence, inadequate disclosure, human error and fraud. To the extent that we fail to know our customers or improperly advise
them, we could be found liable for losses suffered by such customers, which could harm our reputation and business.
We have a significant deferred tax asset and cannot assure it will be fully realized.
We had net deferred tax assets of $951 million at December 31, 2014. We did not establish a valuation allowance
against our federal net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2014 as we believe that it is more likely than not that all of these
assets will be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, we estimated future taxable income based on
management approved forecasts. This process required significant judgment by management about matters that are by nature
uncertain. If future events differ significantly from our current forecasts, a valuation allowance may need to be established,
which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and our financial condition. See Item 7. Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Summary of Critical Accounting Policies and
Estimates for additional information.
As a result of a registered offering of the Company's common stock, an exchange of certain of the Company's debt securities and
related transactions in 2009, we believe that we experienced an "ownership change" for tax purposes that could cause us to
permanently lose a significant portion of our U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets.
As a result of a registered offering of the Company's common stock, an exchange of certain of the Company's debt
securities and related transactions in 2009, we believe that we experienced an "ownership change" as defined under Section 382
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Section 382") (which is generally a greater than 50 percentage point
increase by certain "5% shareholders" over a rolling three year period). Section 382 imposes an annual limitation on the
utilization of deferred tax assets, such as net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes, once an ownership change
has occurred. Depending on the size of the annual limitation (which is in part a function of our market capitalization at the time
of the ownership change) and the remaining carryforward period of the tax assets (U.S. federal net operating losses generally
may be carried forward for a period of 20 years), we could realize a permanent loss of a portion of our U.S. federal and state
deferred tax assets and certain built-in losses that have not been recognized for tax purposes. We believe the tax ownership
change will extend the period of time it will take to fully utilize our pre-ownership change net operating losses ("NOLs"), but
will not limit the total amount of pre-ownership change federal NOLs we can utilize. This is a complex analysis and requires
the Company to make certain judgments in determining the annual limitation. As a result, it is possible that we could ultimately
lose a significant portion of deferred tax assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and
financial condition.
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Risks Relating to the Regulation of Our Business
We are subject to extensive government regulation, including banking and securities rules and regulations, which could restrict
our business practices.
The securities and banking industries are subject to extensive regulation. Our broker-dealer subsidiaries must comply
with many laws and rules, including rules relating to sales practices and the suitability of recommendations to customers,
possession and control of customer funds and securities, margin lending, execution and settlement of transactions and anti-
money laundering.
Similarly, E*TRADE Financial Corporation and ETB Holdings, Inc., as savings and loan holding companies, and
E*TRADE Bank and E*TRADE Savings Bank, as federally chartered savings banks, are subject to extensive regulation,
supervision and examination by the OCC and the Federal Reserve (including pursuant to the terms of the memoranda of
understanding that E*TRADE Financial Corporation entered into with the Federal Reserve and that E*TRADE Bank entered
into with the OCC) and, in the case of the savings banks, also the FDIC. Such regulation covers all banking business, including
lending practices, safeguarding deposits, capital structure, recordkeeping, transactions with affiliates and conduct and
qualifications of personnel.
In providing services to clients, we manage, use and store sensitive customer data including PII. As a result, we are
subject to numerous laws and regulations designed to protect this information, such as U.S. federal and state laws and foreign
regulations governing the protection of PII. These laws have increased in complexity, change frequently and can conflict with
one another.
While we have implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and
regulations, our regulators have broad discretion with respect to the enforcement of applicable laws and regulations and there
can be no assurance that violations will not occur. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations and our policies
could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, litigation, civil penalties and harm to our reputation, which could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, to the extent we undertake actions
requiring regulatory approval or non-objection, our regulators may make their approval or non-objection subject to conditions
or restrictions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, the profitability of the Company could also be affected by regulations which impact the business and
financial communities generally, including changes to the laws governing taxation, electronic commerce, customer privacy and
security of customer data.
Ongoing regulatory reform efforts may have a material impact on our operations. In addition, if we are unable to meet any new
or ongoing requirements, we could face negative regulatory consequences, which would have a material negative effect on our
business.
On July 21, 2010, the President signed into law the Dodd-Frank Act. This law contains various provisions designed to
enhance financial stability and to reduce the likelihood of another financial crisis and significantly changed the bank regulatory
structure for our Company and its thrift subsidiaries. Portions of the Dodd-Frank Act were effective immediately, but other
portions will be effective following extended transition periods or through numerous rulemakings by multiple government
agencies, some of which have not yet been completed. While there continues to be uncertainty about the full impact of those
changes, we do know that we are subject to a more complex regulatory framework and we will continue to incur costs to
implement the new requirements as well as monitor for continued compliance.
The Federal Reserve has primary jurisdiction for the supervision and regulation of savings and loan holding
companies, including the Company; and the OCC has primary supervision and regulation of federal savings associations, such
as the Company’s two thrift subsidiaries. Although the Dodd-Frank Act maintains the federal thrift charter, it eliminates certain
preemption, branching and other benefits of the charter and imposes new penalties for failure to comply with the qualified thrift
lender test. The Dodd-Frank Act also requires all companies, including savings and loan holding companies that directly or
indirectly control an insured depository institution, to serve as a source of strength for the institution, including committing
necessary capital and liquidity support.
We are required to file periodic reports with the Federal Reserve and are subject to examination and supervision by it.
The Federal Reserve also has certain types of enforcement powers over us, ETB Holdings, Inc., and our non-depository
institution subsidiaries, including the ability to issue cease-and-desist orders, force divestiture of our thrift subsidiaries and
impose civil and monetary penalties for violations of federal banking laws and regulations or for unsafe or unsound banking
practices. Our thrift subsidiaries are subject to similar reporting, examination, supervision and enforcement oversight by the
OCC. The Federal Reserve has issued guidance aligning the supervisory and regulatory standards of savings and loan holding
companies more closely with the standards applicable to bank holding companies. For all banks and thrifts with total
consolidated assets over $10 billion, including E*TRADE Bank, the CFPB has exclusive rulemaking and examination, and
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primary enforcement authority, under federal consumer financial laws and regulations. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act permits
states to adopt consumer protection laws and regulations that are stricter than those regulations promulgated by the CFPB.
For us, one of the most significant changes since the passage of Dodd-Frank has been that savings and loan holding
companies such as our Company are now subject to the same capital and activity requirements as those applicable to bank
holding companies. The phase-in of these capital requirements began January 1, 2015 and we will be required to comply with
the fully phased-in capital standards beginning in 2019. We expect to meet the capital requirements applicable to thrift holding
companies as they are phased in. However, it is possible that our regulators may impose additional, more stringent capital and
other prudential standards, which could be applicable to us, prior to the end of the five year phase-in period. For example, both
the OCC and the Federal Reserve have issued generally applicable final regulations that required E*TRADE Bank and will
ultimately also require the parent company to conduct capital adequacy tests on their operations. Pursuant to those regulations,
E*TRADE Bank disclosed a summary of these stress test results to the OCC on or before March 31, 2014 and the Company
will ultimately also be required to disclose a summary of its stress test results to the Federal Reserve on or before March 31,
2017.
If we fail to comply with applicable securities and banking laws, rules and regulations, either domestically or internationally, we
could be subject to disciplinary actions, damages, penalties or restrictions that could significantly harm our business.
The SEC, FINRA and other self-regulatory organizations and state securities commissions, among other things, can
censure, fine, issue cease-and-desist orders or suspend or expel a broker-dealer or any of its officers or employees. The OCC
and Federal Reserve may take similar action with respect to our banking and other financial activities, respectively. Similarly,
the attorneys general of each state could bring legal action on behalf of the citizens of the various states to ensure compliance
with local laws. Regulatory agencies in countries outside of the U.S. have similar authority. The ability to comply with
applicable laws and rules is dependent in part on the establishment and maintenance of a reasonable compliance function. The
failure to establish and enforce reasonable compliance procedures, even if unintentional, could subject us to significant losses
or disciplinary or other actions.
During 2012, the Company completed a review of order handling practices and pricing for order flow between
E*TRADE Securities LLC and G1 Execution Services, LLC. The Company has implemented the changes to its practices and
procedures that were recommended during the review. Banking regulators and federal securities regulators were regularly
updated during the course of the review and may initiate investigations into the Company’s historical practices which could
subject it to monetary penalties and cease-and-desist orders, which could also prompt claims by customers of E*TRADE
Securities LLC. Any of these actions could materially and adversely affect the Company. On July 11, 2013, FINRA notified
E*TRADE Securities LLC and G1 Execution Services, LLC that it is conducting an examination of both firms’ routing
practices. The Company is cooperating fully with FINRA in this examination. Under the agreement governing the sale of G1
Execution Services, LLC to Susquehanna International Group, LLP ("Susquehanna"), the Company remains responsible for
any resulting actions taken against G1 Execution Services, LLC as a result of such investigation.
If we do not maintain the capital levels required by regulators, we may be fined or subject to other disciplinary or corrective
actions.
The SEC, FINRA, the OCC, the Federal Reserve and various other regulatory agencies have stringent rules with
respect to the maintenance of specific levels of regulatory capital by banks and net capital by securities broker-dealers.
E*TRADE Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the OCC, and E*TRADE Financial
Corporation became subject to specific capital requirements administered by the Federal Reserve on January 1, 2015. Failure to
meet minimum capital requirements can trigger certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators
that, if undertaken, could harm E*TRADE Bank’s and E*TRADE Financial Corporation’s operations and financial statements.
E*TRADE Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of E*TRADE Bank’s assets,
liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. In July 2013, the U.S. Federal
banking agencies finalized a rule to implement Basel III in the U.S., which provides the framework for the calculation of a
banking organization’s regulatory capital and risk-weighted assets. The Basel III rule establishes Common Equity Tier 1 capital
as a new tier of capital, raises the minimum thresholds for required capital, increases minimum required risk-based capital
ratios, narrows the eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments, provides for new regulatory capital deductions and
adjustments, and modifies methods for calculating risk-weighted assets (the denominator of risk-based capital ratios) by, among
other things, strengthening counterparty credit risk capital requirements. The Basel III final rule also introduces a capital
conservation buffer that limits a banking organization’s ability to make capital distributions and discretionary bonus payments
to executive officers if a banking organization fails to maintain a Common Equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer of more
than 2.5%, on a fully phased-in basis, of total risk-weighted assets above each of the following minimum risk-based capital
ratio requirements: Common Equity Tier 1 (4.5%), Tier 1 (6.0%), and total risk-based capital (8.0%). This requirement will
begin to take effect on January 1, 2016, and will be fully phased in by 2019.
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The rule became effective on January 1, 2014, for certain large banking organizations, and January 1, 2015, for most
other U.S. banking organizations, including the Company and E*TRADE Bank. The fully phased-in Basel III capital standards
will become effective January 1, 2019 for the Company and E*TRADE Bank. We expect to remain compliant with the Basel
III framework as it is phased in.
Several elements of the final rule are likely to have a meaningful impact on us. Margin receivables will qualify for 0%
risk-weighting, and we believe that we will be able to include a larger portion of our deferred tax assets in regulatory capital,
both having a favorable impact on our current capital ratios. A portion of this benefit will be offset as we phase out trust
preferred securities from the parent company's regulatory capital. In addition, the final rule gives the option for a one-time
permanent election for the inclusion or exclusion in the calculation of Common Equity Tier 1 capital of unrealized gains
(losses) on all available-for-sale debt securities; we currently intend to elect to exclude unrealized gains (losses).
The Company’s and E*TRADE Bank’s capital amounts and classification are subject to qualitative judgments by the
regulators about the strength of components of its capital, risk weightings of assets, off-balance sheet transactions and other
factors. Any significant reduction in the Company’s or E*TRADE Bank’s regulatory capital could result in E*TRADE Bank
being less than "well capitalized" or "adequately capitalized" under applicable capital rules. A failure of the Company or
E*TRADE Bank to be "adequately capitalized" which is not cured within time periods specified in the indentures governing
our debt securities or senior secured revolving credit facility would constitute a default under our debt securities and senior
secured revolving credit facility and likely result in the debt securities and senior secured revolving credit facility becoming
immediately due and payable at their full face value.
The OCC and the Federal Reserve may request we raise equity to increase the regulatory capital of the Company or
E*TRADE Bank or to further reduce debt. If we were unable to raise equity, we could face negative regulatory consequences,
such as restrictions on our activities, requirements that we divest ourselves of certain businesses and requirements that we
dispose of certain assets and liabilities within a prescribed period. Any such actions could have a material negative effect on our
business.
Similarly, failure to maintain the required net capital by our securities broker-dealers could result in suspension or
revocation of registration by the SEC and suspension or expulsion by FINRA, and could ultimately lead to the firm’s
liquidation. If such net capital rules are changed or expanded, or if there is an unusually large charge against net capital,
operations that require an intensive use of capital could be limited. Such operations may include investing activities, marketing
and the financing of customer account balances. Also, our ability to withdraw capital from brokerage subsidiaries could be
restricted.
As a non-grandfathered savings and loan holding company, we are subject to activity limitations and requirements that could
restrict our ability to engage in certain activities and take advantage of certain business opportunities.
Under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, our activities are restricted to those that are financial in nature and
certain real estate-related activities. We believe all of our existing activities and investments are permissible under the Gramm-
Leach-Bliley Act of 1999. At the same time, we are unable to pursue future activities that are not financial in nature or
otherwise real-estate related. We are also limited in our ability to invest in other savings and loan holding companies. The
Dodd-Frank Act also requires savings and loan holding companies like ours, as well as all of our thrift subsidiaries, to be both
"well capitalized" and "well managed" in order for us to conduct certain financial activities, such as securities underwriting. We
believe that we will be able to continue to engage in all of our current financial activities. However, if we and our thrift
subsidiaries are unable to satisfy the "well capitalized" and "well managed" requirements, we could be subject to activity
restrictions that could prevent us from engaging in securities underwriting as well as other negative regulatory actions.
In addition, E*TRADE Bank is currently subject to extensive regulation of its activities and investments,
capitalization, community reinvestment, risk management policies and procedures and relationships with affiliated companies.
Acquisitions of and mergers with other financial institutions, purchases of deposits and loan portfolios, the establishment of
new depository institution subsidiaries and the commencement of new activities by bank subsidiaries require the prior approval
of the OCC and the Federal Reserve, and in some cases the FDIC, which may deny approval or condition their approval on the
imposition of limitations on the scope of our planned activity. Also, these regulations and conditions could affect our ability to
realize synergies from future acquisitions, negatively affect us following an acquisition and also delay or prevent the
development, introduction and marketing of new products and services. In addition, E*TRADE Clearing LLC, so long as it is
an operating subsidiary of E*TRADE Bank, is subject to increased regulatory oversight and the same activity restrictions that
are applicable to E*TRADE Bank. We recently received regulatory approval to move our broker-dealers, E*TRADE Securities
LLC and E*TRADE Clearing LLC, out from under E*TRADE Bank. E*TRADE Securities LLC was moved from under
E*TRADE Bank in February 2015 and we plan to move E*TRADE Clearing LLC later in 2015, at which point these
restrictions will be no longer applicable.
Risks Relating to Owning Our Stock
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Our business operations are substantially restricted by the terms of our corporate debt.
Our senior secured revolving credit facility and the indentures governing our corporate debt contain various covenants
and restrictions that place limitations on our ability and certain of our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
incur additional indebtedness;
create liens;
pay dividends, make distributions or other payments;
repurchase or redeem capital stock;
make investments or other restricted payments;
enter into transactions with our shareholders or affiliates;
sell assets or shares of capital stock of our subsidiaries; and
merge, consolidate or transfer substantially all of our assets.
As a result of the covenants and restrictions contained in the indentures and senior secured revolving credit facility, we
are limited in how we conduct our business and we may be unable to raise additional debt or equity financing at all or on terms
sufficient to compete effectively or to take advantage of new business opportunities. Each series of our corporate debt contains
a limitation, subject to important exceptions, on our ability to incur additional debt if our Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage
Ratio (as defined in the relevant indentures) is less than or equal to 2.5 to 1.0 under the terms of our outstanding convertible
notes and 2.0 to 1.0 under the terms of our other outstanding series of notes. As of December 31, 2014, our Consolidated Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio was 5.7 to 1.0.
The senior secured revolving credit facility also contains certain covenants including that we maintain a minimum
fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the senior secured revolving credit facility) of 1.5 to 1.0, a maximum total leverage
ratio, a maximum asset quality ratio, certain capitalization requirements for the parent company and certain of its subsidiaries
and at least $100 million in unrestricted cash at the parent company.
The covenants, among other things, generally limit our ability to incur additional debt even if we were to substantially
reduce our existing debt through debt exchange transactions. We could be forced to repay immediately all our outstanding
borrowings under the senior secured revolving credit facility and outstanding debt securities at their full principal amount if we
were to breach these covenants and did not cure such breach within the cure periods (if any) specified in the respective
indentures and senior secured revolving credit facility. Further, if we experience a change of control, as defined in the
indentures, we could be required to offer to purchase our debt securities at 101% of their principal amount. Under certain of our
debt securities a "change of control" would occur if, among other things, a person became the beneficial owner of more than
50% of the total voting power of our voting stock which, with respect to the 6 3/8% senior notes due November 2019 ("6 3/8%
Notes") and 5 3/8% senior notes due November 2022, would need to be coupled with a ratings downgrade before we would be
required to offer to purchase those securities. A “change in control” (as defined in the senior secured revolving credit facility)
would occur if a person became the beneficial owner of more than 35% of the total voting power of our voting stock or if a
change of control were deemed to occur pursuant to the terms of certain of our debt securities. In such event, we could be
required to repay all loans outstanding under the credit facility at their full principal amount plus any accrued interest or fees.
We cannot assure that we will be able to remain in compliance with these covenants in the future and, if we fail to
comply, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to obtain waivers from the appropriate parties and/or amend the covenants. In
addition, the terms of any future indebtedness could include more restrictive covenants.
The value of our common stock may be diluted if we need additional funds in the future.
In the future, we may need to raise additional funds via the issuance and sale of our debt and/or equity instruments,
which we may not be able to conduct on favorable terms, if at all. If adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, we
may be unable to fund our capital needs and our plans for the growth of our business. In addition, if funds are available, the
issuance of equity securities could significantly dilute the value of our shares of our common stock and cause the market price
of our common stock to fall. We have the ability to issue a significant number of shares of stock in future transactions, which
would substantially dilute existing stockholders, without seeking further stockholder approval.
In recent periods, the global financial markets were in turmoil and the equity and credit markets experienced extreme
volatility, which caused already weak economic conditions to worsen. Continued turmoil in the global financial markets could
further restrict our access to the equity and debt markets.
The market price of our common stock may continue to be volatile.
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From January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2014, the price per share of our common stock ranged from a low of
$7.08 to a high of $25.58. The market price of our common stock has been, and is likely to continue to be, highly volatile and
subject to wide fluctuations. Among the factors that may affect our stock price are the following:
•
•
•
speculation in the investment community or the press about, or actual changes in, our competitive position,
organizational structure, executive team, operations, financial condition, financial reporting and results, or
strategic transactions;
the announcement of new products, services, acquisitions, or dispositions by us or our competitors; and
increases or decreases in revenues or earnings, changes in earnings estimates by the investment community,
and variations between estimated financial results and actual financial results.
Changes in the stock market generally or as it concerns our industry may also affect our stock price. In the past,
volatility in the market price of a company’s securities has often led to securities class action litigation. Such litigation could
result in substantial costs to us and divert our attention and resources, which could harm our business. We have been a party to
litigation related to the decline in the market price of our stock in the past and such litigation could occur again in the future.
Declines in the market price of our common stock or failure of the market price to increase could also harm our ability to retain
key employees, reduce our access to capital, impact our ability to utilize deferred tax assets in the event of another ownership
change and otherwise harm our business.
We have provisions in our organizational documents that may discourage takeover attempts.
Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a third party from
acquiring control of us in a merger, acquisition or similar transaction that a stockholder may consider favorable. Such
provisions include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
authorization for the issuance of "blank check" preferred stock;
the prohibition of cumulative voting in the election of directors;
a super-majority voting requirement to effect business combinations and certain amendments to our
certificate of incorporation and bylaws;
limits on the persons who may call special meetings of stockholders;
the prohibition of stockholder action by written consent; and
advance notice requirements for nominations to the Board or for proposing matters that can be acted on by
stockholders at stockholder meetings.
In addition, certain provisions of our stock incentive plans, management retention and employment agreements
(including severance payments and stock option acceleration), our senior secured credit facility, certain provisions of Delaware
law and certain provisions of the indentures governing certain series of our debt securities that would require us to offer to
purchase such securities at a premium in the event of certain changes in our ownership may also discourage, delay or prevent
someone from acquiring or merging with us, which could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for
their shares of our common stock and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our common stock.
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
A summary of our significant locations at December 31, 2014 is shown in the following table. Square footage amounts
are net of space that has been sublet or part of a facility restructuring.
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Location
Alpharetta, Georgia
Jersey City, New Jersey
Arlington, Virginia
Sandy, Utah
Menlo Park, California
New York, New York
Approximate Square Footage
260,000
109,000
102,000
66,000
63,000
39,000
All facilities are leased at December 31, 2014, including 165,000 square feet of our office in Alpharetta, Georgia. We
executed a sale-leaseback transaction on this office during 2014. See Note 9—Property and Equipment, Net in Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for more information.
All of our facilities are used by either our trading and investing or balance sheet management segments, in addition to
the corporate/other category. All other leased facilities with space of less than 25,000 square feet are not listed by location. In
addition to the significant facilities above, we also lease all 30 E*TRADE branches, ranging in space from approximately 2,500
to 8,000 square feet. We believe our facilities space is adequate to meet our needs in 2015.
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On October 27, 2000, Ajaxo, Inc. ("Ajaxo") filed a complaint in the Superior Court for the State of California, County
of Santa Clara. Ajaxo sought damages and certain non-monetary relief for the Company’s alleged breach of a non-disclosure
agreement with Ajaxo pertaining to certain wireless technology that Ajaxo offered the Company as well as damages and other
relief against the Company for their alleged misappropriation of Ajaxo’s trade secrets. Following a jury trial, a judgment was
entered in 2003 in favor of Ajaxo against the Company for $1 million for breach of the Ajaxo non-disclosure agreement.
Although the jury found in favor of Ajaxo on its claim against the Company for misappropriation of trade secrets, the trial court
subsequently denied Ajaxo’s requests for additional damages and relief. On December 21, 2005, the California Court of Appeal
affirmed the above-described award against the Company for breach of the nondisclosure agreement but remanded the case to
the trial court for the limited purpose of determining what, if any, additional damages Ajaxo may be entitled to as a result of the
jury’s previous finding in favor of Ajaxo on its claim against the Company for misappropriation of trade secrets. Although the
Company paid Ajaxo the full amount due on the above-described judgment, the case was remanded back to the trial court, and
on May 30, 2008, a jury returned a verdict in favor of the Company denying all claims raised and demands for damages against
the Company. Following the trial court’s entry of judgment in favor of the Company on September 5, 2008, Ajaxo filed post-
trial motions for vacating this entry of judgment and requesting a new trial. The trial court denied these motions. On
December 2, 2008, Ajaxo filed a notice of appeal with the Court of Appeal of the State of California for the Sixth District. On
August 30, 2010, the Court of Appeal affirmed the trial court’s verdict in part and reversed the verdict in part, remanding the
case. The Company petitioned the Supreme Court of California for review of the Court of Appeal decision. On December 16,
2010, the California Supreme Court denied the Company’s petition for review and remanded for further proceedings to the trial
court. The testimonial phase of the third trial in this matter concluded on June 12, 2012. By order dated May 28, 2014, the
Court determined to conduct a second phase of this bench trial to allow Ajaxo to attempt to prove entitlement to additional
royalties. Hearings in phase two of the trial concluded January 8, 2015, and final written closing statements will be submitted
March 16, 2015. The Company will continue to defend itself vigorously.
On May 16, 2011, Droplets Inc., the holder of two patents pertaining to user interface servers, filed a complaint in the
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas against E*TRADE Financial Corporation, E*TRADE Securities LLC,
E*TRADE Bank and multiple other unaffiliated financial services firms. Plaintiff contends that the defendants engaged in
patent infringement under federal law. Plaintiff seeks unspecified damages and an injunction against future infringements, plus
royalties, costs, interest and attorneys’ fees. On September 30, 2011, the Company and several co-defendants filed a motion to
transfer the case to the Southern District of New York. Venue discovery occurred throughout December 2011. On January 1,
2012, a new judge was assigned to the case. On March 28, 2012, a change of venue was granted and the case was transferred to
the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The Company filed its answer and counterclaim on
June 13, 2012 and plaintiff moved to dismiss the counterclaim. The Company filed a motion for summary judgment. Plaintiffs
sought to change venue back to the Eastern District of Texas on the theory that this case is one of several matters that should be
consolidated in a single multi-district litigation. On December 12, 2012, the Multidistrict Litigation Panel denied the transfer of
this action to Texas. By opinion dated April 4, 2013, the Court denied defendants’ motion for summary judgment and plaintiff’s
motion to dismiss the counterclaims. The Court issued its order on claim construction on October 22, 2013, and by order dated
January 28, 2014, the Court adopted the defendants' proposed claims construction. On March 25, 2014, the Court granted
plaintiff leave to amend its complaint to add a newly-issued patent, but stayed all litigation pertaining to that patent until a
covered business method review could be heard by the Patent and Trademark Appeals Board. The defendants' petitions for
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covered business method reviews were denied by the Patent and Trademark Appeals Board. Motions for summary judgment
were filed in the U.S. District Court in August 2014 and the parties await the decision. The Company will continue to defend
itself vigorously in this matter, both in the District Court and at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Several cases have been filed nationwide involving the April 2007 leveraged buyout ("LBO") of the Tribune Company
("Tribune") by Sam Zell, and the subsequent bankruptcy of Tribune. In William Niese et al. v. A.G. Edwards et al., in Superior
Court of Delaware, New Castle County, former Tribune employees and retirees claimed that Tribune was actually insolvent at
the time of the LBO and that the LBO constituted a fraudulent transaction that depleted the plaintiffs’ retirement plans,
rendering them worthless. E*TRADE Clearing LLC, along with numerous other financial institutions, is a named defendant in
this case. One of the defendants removed the action to federal district court in Delaware on July 1, 2011. In Deutsche Bank
Trust Company Americas et al. v. Adaly Opportunity Fund et al., filed in the Supreme Court of New York, New York County
on June 3, 2011, the Trustees of certain notes issued by Tribune allege wrongdoing in connection with the LBO. In particular
the Trustees claim that the LBO constituted a constructive fraudulent transfer under various state laws. G1 Execution Services,
LLC (formerly known as E*TRADE Capital Markets, LLC), along with numerous other financial institutions, is a named
defendant in this case. In Deutsche Bank et al. v. Ohlson et al., filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Illinois, noteholders of Tribune asserted claims of constructive fraud and G1 Execution Services, LLC is a named defendant in
this case. Under the agreement governing the sale of G1 Execution Services, LLC to Susquehanna, the Company remains
responsible for any resulting actions taken against G1 Execution Services, LLC as a result of such investigation. In EGI-TRB
LLC et al. v. ABN-AMRO et al., filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County Illinois, creditors of Tribune assert fraudulent
conveyance claims against multiple shareholder defendants and E*TRADE Clearing LLC is a named defendant in this case.
These cases have been consolidated into a multi-district litigation. The Company’s time to answer or otherwise respond to the
complaints has been stayed pending further orders of the Court. On September 18, 2013, the Court entered the Fifth Amended
Complaint. On September 23, 2013, the Court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss the individual creditors’ complaint.
The individual creditors filed a notice of appeal. The steering committees for plaintiffs and defendants have submitted a joint
plan for the next phase of litigation. The next phase of the action will involve individual motions to dismiss. On April 22, 2014,
the Court issued its protocols for dismissal motions for those defendants who were "mere conduits" who facilitated the
transactions at issue. The motion to dismiss Count I of the Fifth Amended Complaint for failure to state a cause of action was
fully briefed on July 2, 2014, and the parties await decision on that motion. The Company will defend itself vigorously in these
matters.
During 2012, the Company completed a review of order handling practices and pricing for order flow between
E*TRADE Securities LLC and G1 Execution Services, LLC. The Company has implemented changes to its practices and
procedures that were recommended during the review. Banking regulators and federal securities regulators were regularly
updated during the course of the review and may initiate investigations into the Company’s historical practices which could
subject it to monetary penalties and cease-and-desist orders, which could also prompt claims by customers of E*TRADE
Securities LLC. Any of these actions could materially and adversely affect the Company’s broker-dealer businesses. On July
11, 2013, FINRA notified E*TRADE Securities LLC and G1 Execution Services, LLC that it is conducting an examination of
both firms’ routing practices. The Company is cooperating fully with FINRA in this examination. Under the agreement
governing the sale of G1 Execution Services, LLC to Susquehanna, the Company remains responsible for any resulting actions
taken against G1 Execution Services, LLC as a result of such investigation.
On April 30, 2013, a putative class action was filed by John Scranton, on behalf of himself and a class of persons
similarly situated, against E*TRADE Financial Corporation and E*TRADE Securities LLC in the Superior Court of California,
County of Santa Clara, pursuant to the California procedures for a private Attorney General action. The Complaint alleged that
the Company misrepresented through its website that it would always automatically exercise options that were in-the-money by
$0.01 or more on expiration date. Plaintiffs allege violations of the California Unfair Competition Law, the California
Consumer Remedies Act, fraud, misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation and breach of fiduciary duty. The case has been
deemed complex within the meaning of the California Rules of Court, and a case management conference was held on
September 13, 2013. The Company’s demurrer and motion to strike the complaint were granted by order dated December 20,
2013. The Court granted leave to amend the complaint. A second amended complaint was filed on January 31, 2014. On March
11, 2014, the Company moved to strike and for a demurrer to the second amended complaint. On October 20, 2014, the Court
sustained the Company's demurrer, dismissing four counts of the second amended complaint with prejudice and two counts
without prejudice. The plaintiffs filed a third amended complaint on November 10, 2014. The Company filed a third demurrer
and motion to strike on December 12, 2014. The Company will continue to defend itself vigorously in this matter.
On April 18, 2014, a putative class action was filed by the City of Providence, Rhode Island against forty-one high
frequency trading firms, stock exchanges, market-makers, and other broker-dealers, including the Company, in the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York. The Complaint alleges that the high frequency trading firms, certain broker-
dealers managing dark pools, and the exchanges manipulated the U.S. Securities markets, and that numerous market-makers
and broker-dealers participated in that manipulation by doing business with the high frequency traders. As to the Company, the
Complaint alleges violation of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act. On May 2, 2014, a similar putative class action
20
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was filed by American European Insurance Company against forty-two high frequency trading firms, stock exchanges, market-
makers, and other broker-dealers, including the Company, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The
action filed by American European Insurance Company made allegations substantially similar to the allegations in the City of
Providence complaint. On June 13, 2014, a putative class action was filed by James J. Flynn and Dominic Morelli against
twenty-six firms including the Company in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The Flynn
Complaint made allegations substantially similar to the allegations in the City of Providence Complaint. The consolidated
amended complaint does not identify the Company as a defendant or make any allegations regarding the Company.
In October 2014, E*TRADE Securities LLC and G1 Execution Services, LLC reached a settlement with the SEC in
connection with effecting the sale of certain "penny stock" securities on behalf of three former customers without an applicable
exemption from the registration provisions of the federal securities laws during the period 2007 to 2011. Without admitting or
denying the SEC's findings, E*TRADE Securities LLC and G1 Execution Services, LLC entered into a settlement pursuant to
which they agreed to be censured and consented to an order of the SEC requiring them to cease and desist from committing or
causing future violations of the registration provisions of the Securities Act of 1933. Pursuant to the settlement agreement,
E*TRADE Securities LLC and G1 Execution Services, LLC agreed to pay approximately $1.6 million in disgorgement and
prejudgment interest on commissions and a $1 million penalty.
In addition to the matters described above, the Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in
the normal course of business. In each pending matter, the Company contests liability or the amount of claimed damages. In
view of the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of such matters, particularly in cases where claimants seek substantial
or indeterminate damages, or where investigation or discovery have yet to be completed, the Company is unable to reasonably
estimate a range of possible losses on its remaining outstanding legal proceedings; however, the Company believes any losses
would not be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition or results of operations
of the Company.
An unfavorable outcome in any matter could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial
condition, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, even if the ultimate outcomes are resolved in the Company’s favor,
the defense of such litigation could entail considerable cost or the diversion of the efforts of management, either of which could
have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
The Company maintains insurance coverage that management believes is reasonable and prudent. The principal
insurance coverage it maintains covers commercial general liability; property damage; hardware/software damage; cyber
liability; directors and officers; employment practices liability; certain criminal acts against the Company; and errors and
omissions. The Company believes that such insurance coverage is adequate for the purpose of its business. The Company’s
ability to maintain this level of insurance coverage in the future, however, is subject to the availability of affordable insurance
in the marketplace.
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the ticker symbol ETFC.
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Price Range of Common Stock
The following table shows the high and low intraday sale prices of our common stock as reported by the NASDAQ for
the periods indicated:
2014:
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
2013:
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
High
Low
$ 25.58
$ 18.86
$ 23.87
$ 19.24
$ 24.57
$ 20.13
$ 24.58
$ 18.20
$ 11.82
$ 12.73
$
$
9.06
9.52
$ 17.73
$ 12.66
$ 19.67
$ 15.54
The closing sale price of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ on February 19, 2015 was $25.64 per share.
At that date, there were 986 holders of record of our common stock.
Dividends
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock. The terms of our corporate debt currently
prohibit the payment of dividends, subject to certain exclusions. E*TRADE Bank and its subsidiaries may not pay dividends to
the parent company without approval from its regulators. We recently received regulatory approval to move both E*TRADE
Securities LLC and E*TRADE Clearing LLC out from under E*TRADE Bank. E*TRADE Securities LLC was moved from
under E*TRADE Bank in February 2015 and we plan to move E*TRADE Clearing LLC later in 2015.
Performance Graph
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The following performance graph shows the cumulative total return to a holder of the Company’s common stock,
assuming dividend reinvestment, compared with the cumulative total return, assuming dividend reinvestment, of the Standard
& Poor ("S&P") 500 Index and the Dow Jones US Financials Index during the period from December 31, 2009 through
December 31, 2014.
E*TRADE Financial Corporation
S&P 500 Index
Dow Jones US Financials Index
12/09
100.00
100.00
100.00
12/10
90.91
115.06
112.72
12/11
45.23
117.49
98.24
12/12
50.85
136.30
124.62
12/13
111.59
180.44
167.26
12/14
137.81
205.14
191.67
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ITEM 6.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollars in millions, shares in thousands, except per share amounts):
Year Ended December 31,
Variance
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2014 vs. 2013
Results of Operations:
Net operating interest income
Total net revenue
Provision for loan losses
Net income (loss)
Basic net earnings (loss) per share
Diluted net earnings (loss) per share
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,088
1,814
36
293
1.02
1.00
$
$
$
$
$
$
982
1,723
143
86
0.30
0.29
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,085
1,900
$
$
355
$
(113) $
(0.39) $
(0.39) $
1,220
2,037
441
157
0.59
0.54
Weighted average shares—basic
Weighted average shares—diluted
288,705
294,103
286,991
292,589
285,748
285,748
267,291
289,822
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,226
2,078
779
(28)
(0.13)
(0.13)
211,302
211,302
11%
5%
(75)%
241%
240%
245%
1%
1%
(Dollars in millions):
Financial Condition:
Available-for-sale securities
Held-to-maturity securities
Margin receivables
Loans receivable, net
Total assets
Deposits
Corporate debt
Interest-bearing
Non-interest-bearing
Shareholders’ equity
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2014 vs. 2013
December 31,
Variance
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
12,388
12,248
7,675
5,979
45,530
24,890
1,328
38
5,375
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
13,592
10,181
6,353
8,123
46,280
25,971
1,726
42
4,856
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
13,443
9,540
5,804
10,099
47,387
28,393
1,722
43
4,904
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
15,651
6,080
4,826
12,333
47,940
26,460
1,451
43
4,928
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
14,806
2,463
5,121
15,122
46,373
25,240
1,442
704
4,052
(9)%
20%
21%
(26)%
(2)%
(4)%
(23)%
(10)%
11%
24
12 %
(3)%
20 %
5 %
54 %
*
11 %
5 %
4 %
Table of Contents
As of or For the Year Ended December 31,
Variance
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2014 vs. 2013
Customer Activity Metrics:
Daily average revenue trades
("DARTs")
Average commission per trade
Margin receivables (dollars in
billions)
168,474
10.81
7.7
$
$
150,743
11.13
6.4
$
$
138,112
11.01
5.8
$
$
157,475
11.01
4.8
$
$
150,532
11.21
5.1
$
$
End of period brokerage accounts
3,143,923
2,998,059
2,903,191
2,783,012
2,684,311
Net new brokerage accounts
145,864
94,868
120,179
98,701
54,232
Brokerage account attrition rate
8.7%
8.8%
9.0%
10.3%
12.2%
Customer assets (dollars in
billions)
Net new brokerage assets (dollars
in billions)
Brokerage related cash (dollars in
billions)
Company Metrics:
Corporate cash (dollars in
millions)
E*TRADE Financial Tier 1
leverage ratio(1)
E*TRADE Financial Tier 1
common ratio(1)
E*TRADE Bank Tier 1 leverage
ratio(2)
Special mention loan
delinquencies (dollars in
millions)
Allowance for loan losses (dollars
in millions)
Enterprise net interest spread
Enterprise interest-earning assets
(average dollars in billions)
Total employees (period end)
Percentage not meaningful.
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
290.3
10.9
41.1
233
$
$
$
$
260.8
10.4
39.7
415
$
$
$
$
201.2
10.4
33.9
408
8.1%
6.7%
5.5%
17.1%
13.8%
10.3%
10.6%
9.5%
8.7%
$
$
$
155
404
2.55%
41.4
3,221
$
$
$
272
453
2.33%
40.9
3,009
342
481
2.39%
44.3
2,988
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
172.4
9.7
27.7
484
5.7%
9.4%
7.8%
467
823
2.79%
42.7
3,240
176.2
8.1
24.5
471
(44)%
3.6%
4.8%
7.3%
1.4 %
3.3 %
1.1 %
589
(43)%
1,031
2.91%
41.1
2,962
(11)%
0.22 %
1 %
7 %
*
(1)
(2)
E*TRADE Financial Tier 1 leverage ratio is Tier 1 capital divided by average total assets for leverage capital purposes for the parent company.
E*TRADE Financial Tier 1 common ratio is Tier 1 capital less elements of Tier 1 capital that are not in the form of common equity, such as trust
preferred securities, divided by total risk-weighted assets for the parent company. The Tier 1 leverage and Tier 1 common ratios are non-GAAP
measures as the parent company was not yet held to such regulatory capital requirements for the period presented and are indications of E*TRADE
Financial’s capital adequacy. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and
Capital Resources for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the comparable GAAP measures.
The Company transitioned from reporting under the OTS reporting requirements to reporting under the OCC reporting requirements in the first
quarter of 2012. The Tier 1 leverage ratio is the OCC Tier 1 leverage ratio at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and the OTS Tier 1 capital ratio at
December 31, 2011 and 2010. The OTS Tier 1 capital ratio and OCC Tier 1 leverage ratio are both calculated in the same manner using adjusted
total assets.
The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with Item 7. Management’s Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the related
notes that appear elsewhere in this document.
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Table of Contents
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
In analyzing and discussing our business, we utilize certain metrics, ratios and other terms that are defined in the
Glossary of Terms, which is located at the end of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations.
OVERVIEW
Strategy
Our business strategy is centered on two core objectives: accelerating the growth of our core brokerage business to
improve market share, and strengthening our overall financial and franchise position.
Accelerate Growth of Core Brokerage Business
•
•
•
•
Capitalize on secular growth within the direct brokerage industry.
The direct brokerage industry is growing at a faster rate than the traditional brokerage industry. We are
focused on capitalizing on this growth through ensuring our customers' trading and investing needs are met
through our direct relationships.
Enhance digital and offline customer experience.
We are focused on maintaining our competitive position in trading, margin lending and cash management,
while expanding our customer share of wallet in retirement, investing and savings. Through these offerings,
we aim to continue acquiring new customers while deepening engagement with both new and existing ones.
Capitalize on value of corporate services business.
This includes leveraging our industry-leading position to improve client acquisition, and bolstering awareness
among plan participants of our full suite of offerings. This channel is a strategically important driver of
brokerage account growth for us.
Maximize value of deposits through the Company's bank.
Our brokerage business generates a significant amount of deposits, which we monetize through the bank by
investing primarily in low-risk, agency mortgage-backed securities.
Strengthen Overall Financial and Franchise Position
•
•
Manage down legacy investments and mitigate credit losses.
We continue to manage down the size and risks associated with our legacy loan portfolio, while mitigating
credit losses where possible.
Continue to execute on our capital plan.
Our capital plan was laid out in 2012 with a key goal of distributing capital from E*TRADE Bank to the
parent company. We are now focused on utilizing excess capital created through earnings and by achieving
lower capital requirements at E*TRADE Bank, while continuing to enhance our enterprise risk management
culture and capabilities.
Key Factors Affecting Financial Performance
Our financial performance is affected by a number of factors outside of our control, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
customer demand for financial products and services;
weakness or strength of the residential real estate and credit markets;
performance, volume and volatility of the equity and capital markets;
customer perception of the financial strength of our franchise;
market demand and liquidity in the secondary market for mortgage loans and securities;
market demand and liquidity in the wholesale borrowings market, including securities sold under
agreements to repurchase;
the level and volatility of interest rates;
our ability to move capital to our parent company from our subsidiaries subject to various regulatory
approvals; and
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•
changes to the rules and regulations governing the financial services industry.
In addition to the items noted above, our success in the future will depend upon, among other things, our ability to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
have continued success in the acquisition, growth and retention of brokerage customers;
generate meaningful growth in our retirement, investing and savings customer products;
enhance our risk management culture and capabilities;
mitigate credit costs;
achieve the capital ratios stated in our capital plan, with a particular focus on the Tier 1 leverage
ratio at E*TRADE Bank;
generate capital sufficient to meet our operating needs at both our bank and our parent company;
assess and manage interest rate risk;
maintain disciplined expense control and improved operational efficiency; and
compete in a technology-intensive industry characterized by rapid innovation.
Management monitors a number of metrics in evaluating the Company’s performance. The most significant of these
are shown in the table and discussed in the text below:
As of or For the
Year Ended December 31,
Variance
2014
2013
2012
2014 vs. 2013
Customer Activity Metrics:
DARTs
Average commission per trade
Margin receivables (dollars in billions)
End of period brokerage accounts
Net new brokerage accounts
Brokerage account attrition rate
Customer assets (dollars in billions)
Net new brokerage assets (dollars in billions)
Brokerage related cash (dollars in billions)
Company Financial Metrics:
Corporate cash (dollars in millions)
E*TRADE Financial Tier 1 leverage ratio
E*TRADE Financial Tier 1 common ratio
E*TRADE Bank Tier 1 leverage ratio
Special mention loan delinquencies (dollars in millions)
Allowance for loan losses (dollars in millions)
Enterprise net interest spread
Enterprise interest-earning assets (average dollars in
billions)
*
Percentage not meaningful.
Customer Activity Metrics
168,474
150,743
138,112
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
10.81
7.7
3,143,923
145,864
8.7%
290.3
10.9
41.1
233
8.1%
17.1%
10.6%
155
404
2.55%
41.4
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
11.13
6.4
2,998,059
94,868
8.8%
260.8
10.4
39.7
415
6.7%
13.8%
9.5%
272
453
2.33%
40.9
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
11.01
5.8
2,903,191
120,179
9.0%
*
201.2
10.4
33.9
408
5.5%
10.3%
8.7%
342
481
12 %
(3)%
20 %
5 %
54 %
11 %
5 %
4 %
(44)%
1.4 %
3.3 %
1.1 %
(43)%
(11)%
2.39%
0.22 %
44.3
1 %
•
•
•
DARTs are the predominant driver of commissions revenue from our customers.
Average commission per trade is an indicator of changes in our customer mix, product mix and/or product
pricing.
Margin receivables represent credit extended to customers to finance their purchases of securities by
borrowing against securities they own and are a key driver of net operating interest income.
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•
•
•
•
End of period brokerage accounts, net new brokerage accounts and brokerage account attrition rate are
indicators of our ability to attract and retain brokerage customers. The brokerage account attrition rate is
calculated by dividing attriting brokerage accounts, which are gross new brokerage accounts less net new
brokerage accounts, by total brokerage accounts at the previous period end.
Changes in customer assets are an indicator of the value of our relationship with the customer. An increase in
customer assets generally indicates that the use of our products and services by existing and new customers is
expanding. Changes in this metric are also driven by changes in the valuations of our customers’ underlying
securities.
Net new brokerage assets are total inflows to all new and existing brokerage accounts less total outflows from
all closed and existing brokerage accounts and are a general indicator of the use of our products and services
by new and existing brokerage customers.
Brokerage related cash is an indicator of the level of engagement with our brokerage customers and is a key
driver of net operating interest income.
Company Financial Metrics
•
•
•
•
•
•
Corporate cash is an indicator of the liquidity at the parent company. It is the primary source of capital above
and beyond the capital deployed in our regulated subsidiaries. See Liquidity and Capital Resources for a
reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the comparable GAAP measure.
E*TRADE Financial Tier 1 leverage ratio is Tier 1 capital divided by average total assets for leverage capital
purposes for the parent company. E*TRADE Financial Tier 1 common ratio is Tier 1 capital less elements of
Tier 1 capital that are not in the form of common equity, such as trust preferred securities, divided by total
risk-weighted assets for the parent company. The Tier 1 leverage and Tier 1 common ratios are non-GAAP
measures as the parent company was not yet held to such regulatory capital requirements and are indications
of E*TRADE Financial’s capital adequacy. See Liquidity and Capital Resources for a reconciliation of these
non-GAAP measures to the comparable GAAP measures.
E*TRADE Bank Tier 1 leverage ratio is Tier 1 capital divided by adjusted total assets for E*TRADE Bank
and is an indication of E*TRADE Bank’s capital adequacy.
Special mention loan delinquencies are loans 30-89 days past due and are an indicator of the expected trend
for charge-offs in future periods as these loans have a greater propensity to migrate into nonaccrual status and
ultimately charge-off.
Allowance for loan losses is an estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance
sheet date and is typically equal to management’s forecast of loan losses in the twelve months following the
balance sheet date as well as the forecasted losses, including economic concessions to borrowers, over the
estimated remaining life of loans modified as troubled debt restructurings ("TDR").
Enterprise interest-earning assets, in conjunction with our enterprise net interest spread, are indicators of our
ability to generate net operating interest income.
Recent Significant Events
Received Regulatory Approval to Operate E*TRADE Bank at a 9.0% Tier 1 Leverage Ratio and to Move Broker-Dealers from
under E*TRADE Bank
•
•
We received regulatory approval to operate E*TRADE Bank at a 9.0% Tier 1 leverage ratio, reflecting significant
progress on our capital plan.
In addition, we received regulatory approval to move our broker-dealers, E*TRADE Securities LLC and
E*TRADE Clearing LLC out from under E*TRADE Bank. The revised organizational structure provides
increased capital flexibility as it enables us to dividend excess regulatory capital at our broker-dealers to the
parent. E*TRADE Securities LLC was moved from under E*TRADE Bank in February 2015 and subsequently
paid a dividend of $434 million to the parent company. We plan to move E*TRADE Clearing LLC later in 2015.
$300 Million in Dividends Issued from E*TRADE Bank to the Parent Company
•
We received approval from our regulators for $300 million in dividends from E*TRADE Bank to the parent
company during 2014.
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Elimination of $400 Million of Corporate Debt and Establishment of a $200 million Credit Facility at the Parent Company
•
•
In November 2014, we issued $540 million of 5 3/8% Senior Notes due 2022. We used the net proceeds together
with approximately $460 million of existing corporate cash to redeem $435 million of 6 3/4% Senior Notes due
2016 and $505 million of 6% Senior Notes due 2017, reducing our total corporate debt by $400 million and
extending the maturity profile with no debt maturing until 2019.
In addition, in November 2014 we entered into a new $200 million senior secured revolving credit facility as
an additional source of liquidity for the parent company.
Launch of New Brand Platform - Type E*
•
We launched a new brand platform, Type E*. This campaign underscores our commitment to do more for, and
build deeper relationships with, our customers.
Sale of the Market Making Business and Related Order Flow Agreement
•
•
We completed the sale of the market making business, G1 Execution Services, LLC, to an affiliate of Susquehanna
on February 10, 2014, for $76 million. The sale of the market making business did not have a material impact
on our results of operations as the net impact of the removal of principal transaction revenue and associated
operating expenses, predominately in compensation and clearing expenses, was offset by an expected increase
in order flow revenue as a result of routing all of our order flow to third parties.
Additionally, we entered into an order flow agreement whereby we agreed, subject to best execution standards,
to route 70% of our customer equity flow to G1 Execution Services, LLC over the next five years.
Reduction of Legacy Risks
•
•
•
We completed the sale of $0.8 billion of one- to four-family loans modified as TDRs and recognized a net gain
of approximately $7 million on the sale.
We sold our remaining $17 million in amortized cost of our non-agency CMO portfolio and recognized a gain
of $6 million on the sale.
We terminated $100 million of our high-cost securities sold under agreements to repurchase and recognized a
loss on early extinguishment of debt of $12 million.
Completed First Official Stress Test under Dodd-Frank Act
•
We submitted our first official stress test prior to March 31, 2014 as required under the Dodd-Frank Act, and
received feedback from the OCC on our submission in the second quarter of 2014. While the details of our
results are not public, we remained well above the regulatory well-capitalized levels for all capital ratios across
all scenarios. We were satisfied with the feedback around our stress testing process, approach and methodologies.
Enhancements to Our Trading and Investing Products and Services
•
•
•
•
•
We launched several mobile enhancements, including a new iPhone® application for iOS 8, with touch ID
fingerprint authentication, and a home screen widget containing market and watch list information, as well as
an application for the Amazon Fire Phone.
We made improvements to our website, including revamping the Fixed Income Solutions Center with updated
tools and resources.
We enhanced and added more functionality to our active trader platform, most prominently a more fulsome
integration of FX trading.
We evolved our offering suite through the launch of browser-based trading, enabling real-time monitoring and
execution.
We launched a new nimble content management system for www.etrade.com, which gives us the tools and
flexibility to deliver faster and more streamlined Web updates to our prospects and customers.
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Table of Contents
Market Recognition
•
Our corporate services business was rated #1 for client satisfaction and loyalty for the third consecutive year by
Group Five, an independent consulting and research firm, in their 2014 Stock Plan Administration Study Industry
Report.
EARNINGS OVERVIEW
2014 Compared to 2013
We generated net income of $293 million, or $1.00 per diluted share, on total net revenue of $1.8 billion for the year
ended December 31, 2014. Net operating interest income increased 11% to $1.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014
compared to 2013, which was driven primarily by the size and mix of the balance sheet as well as an increase in net interest
spread. Commissions, fees and service charges and other revenue increased 11% to $680 million for the year ended December
31, 2014, compared to 2013, which was driven primarily by increased order flow revenue and advisor management fees, in
addition to increased trading activity. The increases were partially offset by a decrease in principal transactions following our
exit of the market making business, and a decrease in gains on loans and securities, net for the year ended December 31, 2014
when compared to 2013.
Provision for loan losses decreased 75% to $36 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013. The
decrease was driven primarily by improving economic conditions, as evidenced by the lower levels of delinquent loans in the
one- to four-family and home equity loan portfolios, lower net charge-offs, home price improvement and loan portfolio run-off.
Total operating expenses decreased 10% to $1.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to 2013, which was
driven primarily by $142 million in impairment of goodwill that was recognized in 2013 which increased operating expenses
for the year ended December 31, 2013.
The following sections describe in detail the changes in key operating factors and other changes and events that
affected net revenue, provision for loan losses, operating expense, other income (expense) and income tax expense.
Revenue
The components of revenue and the resulting variances are as follows (dollars in millions):
Net operating interest income
Commissions
Fees and service charges
Principal transactions
Gains on loans and securities, net
Net impairment
Other revenues
Total non-interest income
Total net revenue
*
Percentage not meaningful.
Net Operating Interest Income
Year Ended December 31,
Variance
2014 vs. 2013
2014
2013
Amount
%
$
1,088
$
456
186
10
36
—
38
726
$
982
420
155
73
61
(3)
35
741
$
1,814
$
1,723
$
106
36
31
(63)
(25)
3
3
(15)
91
11 %
9 %
20 %
(86)%
(41)%
*
9 %
(2)%
5 %
Net operating interest income increased 11% to $1.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013.
Net operating interest income is earned primarily through investing deposits and customer payables in assets including:
available-for-sale securities, held-to-maturity securities, margin receivables and real estate loans.
The following table presents enterprise average balance sheet data and enterprise income and expense data for our
operations, as well as the related net interest spread, yields and rates prepared on the basis required by the SEC’s Industry
Guide 3, "Statistical Disclosure by Bank Holding Companies," (dollars in millions):
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Table of Contents
Year Ended December 31,
2014
Operating
Interest
Inc./Exp.
Average
Balance
Average
Yield/
Cost
Average
Balance
2013
Operating
Interest
Inc./Exp.
Average
Yield/
Cost
Average
Balance
2012
Operating
Interest
Inc./Exp.
Average
Yield/
Cost
$
7,298
$
12,761
11,288
7,446
1,279
736
629
297
289
328
264
2
1
98
4.07% $ 9,569
$
2.26%
2.90%
3.55%
0.15%
0.10%
15.68%
13,074
9,772
5,929
1,434
457
657
395
280
255
224
3
—
51
4.12% $ 12,028
$
2.14%
2.61%
3.78%
0.20%
0.10%
7.76%
15,237
8,409
5,471
1,668
956
577
496
361
237
216
4
—
49
4.13 %
2.37 %
2.82 %
3.95 %
0.21 %
0.08 %
8.43 %
41,437
1,279
3.08%
40,892
1,208
2.95%
44,346
1,363
3.07 %
4,383
$ 45,820
$ 19,168
4,009
867
1,069
58
6,417
3,993
1,288
1,518
4,624
$ 45,516
5,069
$ 49,415
7
1
—
—
—
8
0.03% $ 19,432
0.01%
4,582
0.01%
0.03%
0.55%
0.13%
941
1,007
81
5,494
11
1
—
—
1
9
0.06% $ 20,776
0.01%
5,389
0.01%
0.03%
1.11%
0.15%
1,016
890
166
5,649
15
3
1
1
4
11
0.07 %
0.07 %
0.07 %
0.08 %
2.59 %
0.18 %
123
3.07%
4,466
148
3.32%
4,775
158
3.32 %
65
—
5.05%
0.03%
1,291
860
68
—
5.29%
0.02%
2,465
676
93
—
3.76 %
0.04 %
38,387
204
0.53%
38,154
238
0.62%
41,802
286
0.68 %
2,272
40,659
5,161
$ 45,820
2,490
40,644
4,872
$ 45,516
2,580
44,382
5,033
$ 49,415
$
3,050
$
1,075
2.55% $ 2,738
$
970
2.33% $ 2,544
$
1,077
2.39 %
Enterprise interest-earning assets:
(1)
Loans
Available-for-sale securities
Held-to-maturity securities
Margin receivables
Cash and equivalents
Segregated cash
Securities borrowed and other
Total enterprise interest-earning
assets
Non-operating interest-earning and
non-interest earning assets
(2)
Total assets
Enterprise interest-bearing liabilities:
Deposits:
Sweep deposits
Complete savings deposits
Other money market and savings
deposits
Checking deposits
Time deposits
Customer payables
Securities sold under agreements to
repurchase
Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB")
advances and other borrowings
Securities loaned and other
Total enterprise interest-bearing
liabilities
Non-operating interest-bearing and
non-interest bearing liabilities
(3)
Total liabilities
Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and
shareholders’ equity
Excess of enterprise interest-earning
assets over enterprise interest-bearing
liabilities/Enterprise net interest
income/Spread
Reconciliation from enterprise net interest income to net operating interest income (dollars in millions):
Enterprise net interest income
Taxable equivalent interest adjustment
Customer assets held by third parties(4)
Net operating interest income
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
$
1,075
$
970
$
1,077
(1)
14
(1)
13
(1)
9
1,088
$
982
$
1,085
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Nonaccrual loans are included in the average loan balances. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are recognized on a cash basis in
operating interest income until it is doubtful that full payment will be collected, at which point payments are applied to principal.
Non-operating interest-earning and non-interest earning assets consist of property and equipment, net, goodwill, other intangibles, net and other
assets that do not generate operating interest income. Some of these assets generate corporate interest income.
Non-operating interest-bearing and non-interest bearing liabilities consist of corporate debt and other liabilities that do not generate operating
interest expense. Some of these liabilities generate corporate interest expense.
Includes revenue earned on average customer assets of $14.4 billion, $11.5 billion and $4.3 billion for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013
and 2012 respectively, held by third parties outside the Company, including money market funds and sweep deposit accounts at unaffiliated financial
institutions. Fees earned on the customer assets are based on the federal funds rate plus a negotiated spread or other contractual arrangement with
the third party institutions.
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Table of Contents
Enterprise net interest:
Spread
Margin (net yield on interest-earning assets)
Ratio of enterprise interest-earning assets to enterprise interest-bearing liabilities
Return on average:
Total assets
Total shareholders’ equity
Average total shareholders’ equity to average total assets
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
2.55%
2.59%
2.33%
2.37%
2.39 %
2.43 %
107.95%
107.18%
106.09 %
0.64%
5.69%
11.26%
0.19%
1.77%
10.70%
(0.23)%
(2.24)%
10.19 %
The fluctuation in enterprise interest-earning assets is driven primarily by changes in enterprise interest-bearing
liabilities, specifically deposits and customer payables. Average enterprise interest-earning assets increased 1% to $41.4 billion
for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to 2013. The increase in average enterprise interest-earning assets was
primarily a result of increases in average held-to-maturity securities and margin receivables, which were partially offset by a
decrease in average loans compared to 2013.
Average enterprise interest-bearing liabilities increased 1% to $38.4 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014,
compared to 2013. The increase in average enterprise interest-bearing liabilities was primarily due to increases in average
customer payables and securities loaned and other, partially offset by decreases in average deposits and securities sold under
agreements to repurchase.
As part of our strategy to strengthen our overall financial and franchise position, we focused on improving our capital
ratios by reducing risk and deleveraging the balance sheet. Our deleveraging strategy included transferring customer deposits to
third party institutions. At December 31, 2014, $15.5 billion of our customers' assets were held at third party institutions,
including third party banks and money market funds. Approximately 72% of these off-balance sheet assets resulted from our
deleveraging efforts. We estimate the impact of our deleveraging efforts on net operating interest income to be approximately
125 basis points based on the estimated current re-investment rates on these assets, less approximately 28 basis points of cost
associated with holding these assets on our balance sheet, primarily FDIC insurance premiums. We consider our deleveraging
initiatives to be complete and maintain the ability to bring the majority of these customer assets back on the balance sheet with
appropriate notification to the third party institutions and customer consent, as appropriate.
Enterprise net interest spread increased by 22 basis points to 2.55% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared
to 2013. Enterprise net interest spread is driven by changes in average balances and average interest rates earned or paid on
those balances. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the increase in enterprise net interest spread was driven primarily by
the growth in margin receivables and increased revenue earned from our securities lending activities, along with lower
wholesale borrowing costs due to a decrease in securities sold under agreements to repurchase. These increases were partially
offset by the continued run-off in loans and lower rates earned on margin receivables. Enterprise net interest spread may further
fluctuate based on the size and mix of the balance sheet, as well as the impact from the level of interest rates.
Commissions
Commissions revenue increased 9% to $456 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013. The
main factors that affect commissions are DARTs, average commission per trade and the number of trading days.
DART volume increased 12% to 168,474 for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013. Option-related
DARTs as a percentage of total DARTs represented 22% of trading volume for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to
24% in 2013.
Average commission per trade decreased 3% to $10.81 for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013.
Average commission per trade is impacted by customer mix and the different commission rates on various trade types (e.g.
equities, options, fixed income, stock plan, exchange-traded funds, mutual funds, forex and cross border). Accordingly, changes
in the mix of trade types will impact average commission per trade.
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Table of Contents
Fees and Service Charges
Fees and service charges increased 20% to $186 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013. The
table below shows the components of fees and service charges and the resulting variances (dollars in millions):
Year Ended
December 31,
Variance
2014 vs. 2013
2014
2013
Amount
%
Order flow revenue
Mutual fund service fees
Advisor management fees
Foreign exchange revenue
Reorganization fees
Other fees and service charges
Total fees and service charges
$
$
92
23
23
16
8
24
72
21
14
15
9
24
$ 186
$ 155
$
$
20
28 %
10 %
64 %
7 %
(11)%
0 %
20 %
2
9
1
(1)
—
31
The increase in fees and services charges for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to 2013, was driven
primarily by increased order flow revenue as a result of increased trading volumes and as E*TRADE Securities LLC began
routing all of its order flow to third parties following the sale of G1 Execution Services, LLC which was completed on
February 10, 2014. In addition, advisor management fees increased, driven by assets in managed accounts within our
retirement, investing and savings products, which were $3.1 billion at December 31, 2014, compared to $2.4 billion at
December 31, 2013.
Principal Transactions
Principal transactions decreased 86% to $10 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013.
Principal transactions were derived from our market making business in which we acted as a market-maker for our brokerage
customers’ orders as well as orders from third party customers. On February 10, 2014, we completed the sale of the market
making business to an affiliate of Susquehanna and no longer generate principal transactions revenue.
Gains on Loans and Securities, Net
Gains on loans and securities, net decreased 41% to $36 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to
2013. The table below shows the activity and resulting variances (dollars in millions):
Gains (losses) on loans, net
Gains on available-for-sale securities, net
Hedge ineffectiveness
Gains on securities, net
Gains on loans and securities, net
*
Percentage not meaningful.
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
$
$
4
42
(10)
32
36
$
$
Variance
2014 vs. 2013
Amount
5
(19)
(11)
(30)
(25)
(1) $
61
1
62
61
$
%
*
(31)%
*
(48)%
(41)%
Gains on loans and securities, net for the year ended December 31, 2014 included a $7 million gain recognized on the
sale of one- to four-family loans modified as TDRs and a $6 million gain recognized on the sale of our remaining $17 million
in amortized cost of available-for-sale non-agency CMOs.
Provision for Loan Losses
Provision for loan losses decreased 75% to $36 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013. The
decrease in provision for loan losses was driven primarily by improving economic conditions, as evidenced by the lower levels
of delinquent loans in the one- to four-family and home equity loan portfolios, lower net charge-offs, home price improvement
and loan portfolio run-off for the year ended December 31, 2014. The reduction in the provision for loan losses was partly
offset by enhancements in our quantitative allowance methodology. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we enhanced
our quantitative allowance methodology to identify higher risk home equity lines of credit and extend the period of
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Table of Contents
management’s forecasted loan losses captured within the general allowance to include the total probable loss on a subset of
identified higher risk home equity lines of credit. These enhancements drove the migration of estimated losses previously
captured on these loans from the qualitative component to the quantitative component of the general allowance, and drove the
majority of the provision for loan losses within the home equity portfolio during the year ended December 31, 2014. The timing
and magnitude of the provision for loan losses is affected by many factors and we anticipate variability, particularly as home
equity lines of credit begin converting to amortizing loans.
For the year ended December 31, 2013, we evaluated and refined our default assumptions related to a subset of the
home equity line of credit portfolio that will require borrowers to repay the loan in full at the end of the draw period, commonly
referred to as "balloon loans". We recorded additional provision related to $235 million of balloon loans at December 31, 2013.
We increased our default assumptions and extended the period of management's forecasted loan losses captured within the
general allowance to include the total probable loss on the higher risk balloon loans as a result of our evaluation. The overall
impact of these refinements drove the substantial majority of provision for loan losses during the year ended December 31,
2013.
Operating Expense
The components of operating expense and the resulting variances are as follows (dollars in millions):
Compensation and benefits
Advertising and market development
Clearing and servicing
FDIC insurance premiums
Professional services
Occupancy and equipment
Communications
Depreciation and amortization
Amortization of other intangibles
Impairment of goodwill
Facility restructuring and other exit activities
Other operating expenses
Total operating expense
*
Percentage not meaningful.
Compensation and Benefits
Year Ended
December 31,
2014
2013
$
412
120
94
79
112
79
71
78
22
—
8
70
$ 1,145
$
363
108
124
104
85
73
69
89
24
142
28
66
$ 1,275
Variance
2014 vs. 2013
Amount
49
$
12
(30)
(25)
27
6
2
(11)
(2)
(142)
(20)
4
$ (130)
%
13 %
11 %
(24)%
(24)%
32 %
8 %
3 %
(12)%
(8)%
*
(71)%
6 %
(10)%
Compensation and benefits increased 13% to $412 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013.
The increase resulted primarily from increased salaries expense due to increased headcount and increased incentive
compensation when compared to 2013.
Advertising and Market Development
Advertising and market development expense increased 11% to $120 million for the year ended December 31, 2014
compared to 2013. The increase in advertising and market development resulted primarily from the launch of Type E*, our new
brand platform during the year ended December 31, 2014, in addition to lower advertising and market development expenses
during the year ended December 31, 2013 driven by the expense reduction initiatives in the prior period.
Clearing and Servicing
Clearing and servicing decreased 24% to $94 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013. The
decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in clearing fees as a result of the sale of the market making business which was
partially offset by costs associated with an increase in trading volumes, when compared to 2013. Additionally, servicing fees
decreased when compared to the same period in 2013 as the loan portfolio continued to run off.
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Table of Contents
FDIC Insurance Premiums
FDIC insurance premiums decreased 24% to $79 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the
same period in 2013. The decrease was due to the sale of $0.8 billion of our one- to four-family loans modified as TDRs during
the second quarter of 2014, as well as continued improvement and quality of our balance sheet, improving capital ratios and
overall risk profile when compared to 2013. TDRs are considered underperforming assets and are assessed at a higher rate in
the FDIC insurance calculation. We expect sustained savings on FDIC insurance premiums as a result of the sale, and as we
continue to improve the quality of the balance sheet and capital ratios.
Professional Services
Professional services increased 32% to $112 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013,
primarily driven by professional services engagements focused on improving the customer experience and overall product
offering, as well as our continued enterprise risk management build-out.
Impairment of Goodwill
Impairment of goodwill was $142 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. At the end of June 2013, we decided
to exit the market making business, and as a result recorded $142.4 million in goodwill impairment, representing the entire
carrying amount of goodwill allocated to this business. There were no similar charges during the year ended December 31,
2014.
Facility Restructuring and Other Exit Activities
Facility restructuring and other exit activities were $8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $28
million for 2013. The costs in 2014 were driven by severance costs incurred primarily related to our exit of the market making
business, and were partially offset by the $4 million gain on the sale of that business, which was completed in February 2014.
The costs in 2013 were driven primarily by severance costs incurred as part of the expense reduction initiatives in prior periods.
Other Income (Expense)
Other income (expense) increased 65% to $181 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 compared to
the same period in 2013 as shown in the following table (dollars in millions):
Corporate interest expense
Losses on early extinguishment of debt
Equity in income of investments and other
Total other income (expense)
*
Percentage not meaningful.
Year Ended
December 31,
Variance
2014 vs. 2013
2014
2013
Amount
%
$ (113) $ (114) $
(71)
3
—
4
$ (181) $ (110) $
1
(71)
(1)
(71)
(1)%
*
(25)%
65 %
Total other income (expense) primarily consisted of corporate interest expense of $113 million for year ended
December 31, 2014, compared to $114 million in 2013. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2014 we recognized
$12 million of losses on early extinguishment of debt as a result of the early extinguishment of $100 million in repurchase
agreements, and $59 million of losses on early extinguishment of debt as a result of the redemption of all of the outstanding
6 3/4% Notes and 6% Notes, a total of $940 million in aggregate principal amount.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense was $159 million and $109 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013,
respectively. The effective tax rate was 35% for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to 56% in 2013. Income tax
expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 included $8 million of benefit primarily related to the settlement of a state tax
audit and $8 million of benefit related to a recent change to the New York state tax code and its impact on state deferred taxes.
At the end of June 2013, we decided to exit the market making business, and as a result recorded $142 million in
goodwill impairment during the year ended December 31, 2013. The $142 million goodwill impairment charge associated with
the market making business was non-deductible for tax purposes. In addition, the overall state apportionment increased
significantly in California as a result of the decision to exit of the market making business. Therefore, we recognized a tax
35
Table of Contents
benefit of $24 million during the year ended December 31, 2013, the majority of which consisted of releasing valuation
allowances for net operating losses, research and development credits and revaluation of other deferred tax assets relating to
California. Excluding the impact of our decision to exit of the market making business, the effective tax rate for the year ended
December 31, 2013 would have been 40%, calculated in the following table (dollars in millions):
Taxes and tax rate before impact of exit of market making
business
Impact of exit of market making business:
Goodwill impairment charge
State apportionment change
Income taxes and tax rate as reported
Valuation Allowance
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
Pre-tax Income
Tax Expense
(Benefit)
Tax Rate
$
$
337
$
133
40%
(142)
—
195
$
—
(24)
109
56%
Our net deferred tax asset was $951 million and $1,239 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We are
required to establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and record a corresponding increase to income tax expense if
it is determined, based on evaluation of available evidence at the time the determination is made, that it is more likely than not
that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. If we were to conclude that a valuation allowance was required,
the resulting loss could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. As of December 31,
2014, we did not establish a valuation allowance against our federal deferred tax assets as we believe that it is more likely than
not that all of these assets will be realized. Approximately 40% of our existing federal deferred tax assets are not related to net
operating losses and therefore, have no expiration date. We expect to utilize the majority of the existing federal deferred tax
assets within the next four years.
Our evaluation of the need for a valuation allowance focused on identifying significant, objective evidence that we
will be able to realize the deferred tax assets in the future. We determined that our expectations regarding future earnings are
objectively verifiable due to various factors. One factor is the consistent profitability of the core business, the trading and
investing segment, which has generated substantial income for each of the last 11 years, including through uncertain economic
and regulatory environments. The core business is driven by brokerage customer activity and includes trading, brokerage
related cash, margin lending, retirement and investing, and other brokerage related activities. These activities drive variable
expenses that correlate to the volume of customer activity, which has resulted in stable, ongoing profitability.
Another factor is the mitigation of losses in the balance sheet management segment, which generated a large net
operating loss in 2007 caused by the crisis in the residential real estate and credit markets. Much of this loss came from the sale
of the asset-backed securities portfolio and credit losses from the mortgage loan portfolio. We no longer hold any of those asset-
backed securities and shut down mortgage loan acquisition activities in 2007. In effect, the key business activities that led to the
generation of the deferred tax assets were shut down over seven years ago. In addition, we have realized the benefits of various
credit loss mitigation activities and improving economic conditions, including home price improvement related to our loan
portfolio. As a result, the losses have continued to decline significantly and the balance sheet management segment has been
profitable since 2012.
We maintain a valuation allowance for certain of our state deferred tax assets as we have concluded that it is more
likely than not that they will not be realized. At December 31, 2014, we had total state deferred tax assets of approximately
$143 million related to our state net operating loss carryforwards and temporary differences with a valuation allowance of $48
million against such deferred tax assets.
Tax Ownership Change
During the third quarter of 2009, we exchanged $1.7 billion principal amount of interest-bearing debt for an equal
principal amount of non-interest-bearing convertible debentures. Subsequent to the 2009 Debt Exchange, $592 million and
$129 million debentures were converted into 57 million and 13 million shares of common stock during the third and fourth
quarters of 2009, respectively. As a result of these conversions, we believe we experienced a tax ownership change during the
third quarter of 2009.
As of the date of the ownership change, we had federal NOLs available to carryforward of approximately $1,886
million. This amount includes $480 million in federal NOLs that were recorded in the third quarter of 2012 due to amended tax
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Table of Contents
returns we filed that related primarily to additional tax deductions on the 2009 Debt Exchange and additional tax losses on bad
debts. Section 382 imposes an annual limitation on the use of a corporation’s NOLs, certain recognized built-in losses and other
carryovers after an "ownership change" occurs. Section 382 rules governing when a change in ownership occurs are complex
and subject to interpretation; however, an ownership change generally occurs when there has been a cumulative change in the
stock ownership of a corporation by certain "5% shareholders" of more than 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year
period.
Section 382 imposes an annual limitation on the amount of post-ownership change taxable income a corporation may
offset with pre-ownership change NOLs. In general, the annual limitation is determined by multiplying the value of the
corporation’s stock immediately before the ownership change (subject to certain adjustments) by the applicable long-term tax-
exempt rate. Any unused portion of the annual limitation is available for use in future years until such NOLs are scheduled to
expire (in general, NOLs may be carried forward 20 years). In addition, the limitation may, under certain circumstances, be
increased or decreased by built-in gains or losses, respectively, which may be present with respect to assets held at the time of
the ownership change that are recognized in the five-year period (one-year for loans) after the ownership change. The use of
NOLs arising after the date of an ownership change would not be affected unless a corporation experienced an additional
ownership change in a future period.
We believe the tax ownership change will extend the period of time it will take to fully utilize our pre-ownership
change NOLs, but will not limit the total amount of pre-ownership change federal NOLs we can utilize. Our updated estimate is
that we will be subject to an overall annual limitation on the use of our pre-ownership change NOLs of approximately $194
million. The overall pre-ownership change federal NOLs, which were approximately $1,886 million, have a statutory
carryforward period of 20 years (the majority of which expire in 13 years). As a result, we believe we will be able to fully
utilize these NOLs in future periods.
Our ability to utilize the pre-ownership change NOLs is dependent on our ability to generate sufficient taxable income
over the duration of the carryforward periods and will not be impacted by our ability or inability to generate taxable income in
an individual year.
2013 Compared to 2012
We generated net income of $86 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, on total net revenue of $1.7 billion for the year
ended December 31, 2013. Net operating interest income decreased 10% to $982 million for the year ended December 31, 2013
compared to 2012, which was driven primarily by a decrease in enterprise interest-earning assets and enterprise interest-bearing
liabilities as a result of our deleveraging initiatives. Commissions, fees and service charges, principal transactions and other
revenue increased 8% to $683 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to 2012, which was driven primarily
by an increase in trading activity during 2013. In addition, gains on loans and securities, net decreased 70% to $61 million for
the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 2012, primarily due to increased gains in 2012 as a result of deleveraging
activities.
Provision for loan losses decreased 60% to $143 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 2012.
The decline was driven primarily by improving economic conditions, including home price improvement and continued loan
portfolio run-off. Total operating expenses increased 10% to $1.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to
2012. This increase was driven primarily by $142 million in impairment of goodwill that was recognized in the second quarter
of 2013 due to our decision to exit the market making business, which was partially offset by a decrease in advertising and
marketing expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 2012.
The following sections describe in detail the changes in key operating factors and other changes and events that
affected net revenue, provision for loan losses, operating expense, other income (expense) and income tax expense (benefit).
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Table of Contents
Revenue
The components of revenue and the resulting variances are as follows (dollars in millions):
Net operating interest income
Commissions
Fees and service charges
Principal transactions
Gains on loans and securities, net
Net impairment
Other revenues
Total non-interest income
Total net revenue
Net Operating Interest Income
Year Ended December 31,
Variance
2013 vs. 2012
2013
2012
Amount
$
982
420
155
73
61
(3)
35
741
$
1,085
$
378
122
93
201
(17)
38
815
$
1,723
$
1,900
$
(103)
42
33
(20)
(140)
14
(3)
(74)
(177)
%
(10)%
11 %
27 %
(22)%
(70)%
(86)%
(5)%
(9)%
(9)%
Net operating interest income decreased 10% to $982 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to
2012. Average enterprise interest-earning assets decreased 8% to $40.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared
to 2012. This was primarily a result of decreases in average available-for-sale securities and average loans, which were partially
offset by an increase in average held-to-maturity securities.
Average enterprise interest-bearing liabilities decreased 9% to $38.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013
compared to 2012. The decrease in average enterprise interest-bearing liabilities was due primarily to decreases in average
deposits and average FHLB advances and other borrowings as a result of our deleveraging strategy.
Our deleveraging strategy included transferring customer deposits to third party institutions, including $3.2 billion of
sweep deposits transferred during the year ended December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2013, our customers held $13.8 billion
of assets at third party institutions, including third party banks and money market funds. Approximately 68% of these off-
balance sheet assets resulted from our deleveraging efforts.
Enterprise net interest spread decreased by 6 basis points to 2.33% for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to
2012, due to lower yields on margin and reinvestment in securities at lower rates in the current interest rate environment,
partially offset by lower rates on customer payables and deposits.
Commissions
Commissions revenue increased 11% to $420 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 2012, driven
primarily from DART volumes increasing 9% to 150,743 for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 2012. Option-
related DARTs as a percentage of total DARTs represented 24% of trading volume for both years ended December 31, 2013
and 2012. Average commission per trade increased 1% to $11.13 for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 2012.
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Fees and Service Charges
Fees and service charges increased 27% to $155 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 2012. The
table below shows the components of fees and service charges and the resulting variances (dollars in millions):
Order flow revenue
Mutual fund service fees
Advisor management fees
Foreign exchange revenue
Reorganization fees
Other fees and service charges
Total fees and service charges
Year Ended December 31,
Variance
2013 vs. 2012
2013
2012
Amount
$
$
72
21
14
15
9
24
58
17
6
10
8
23
$
14
4
8
5
1
1
$
155
$
122
$
33
%
24%
28%
116%
44%
20%
3%
27%
The increase in fees and services charges for the year ended December 31, 2013 was driven primarily by increased
order flow revenue due to increased trading activity, as well as increased advisor management fees driven from managed
accounts within our retirement, investing and savings products, which were $2.4 billion at December 31, 2013, compared to
$1.3 billion at December 31, 2012.
Principal Transactions
Principal transactions decreased 22% to $73 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 2012. The
decrease in principal transactions revenue was driven primarily by a decrease in market making trading volume along with a
decrease in average revenue per share earned.
Gains on Loans and Securities, Net
Gains on loans and securities, net decreased 70% to $61 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to
2012. The table below shows the activity and resulting variances (dollars in millions):
Gains (losses) on loans, net
Gains on available-for-sale securities, net
Hedge ineffectiveness
Gains on securities, net
Gains on loans and securities, net
*
Percentage not meaningful.
Year Ended December 31,
Variance
2013 vs. 2012
2013
2012
Amount
$
$
(1) $
61
1
62
61
$
1
207
(7)
200
201
$
$
(2)
(146)
8
(138)
(140)
%
*
(71)%
*
(69)%
(70)%
The decrease in gains on loans and securities, net for the year ended December 31, 2013, was driven by additional
gains recognized during the year ended December 31, 2012 from the sale of available-for-sale securities as a result of our
deleveraging initiatives, primarily related to a reduction in wholesale funding obligations.
Net Impairment
We recognized $3 million and $17 million of net impairment during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012,
respectively, on certain securities in our non-agency CMO portfolio due to continued deterioration in the expected credit
performance of the underlying loans in those specific securities. The gross other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") and the
noncredit portion of OTTI, which was or had been previously recorded through other comprehensive income (loss), are shown
in the table below (dollars in millions):
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Table of Contents
Other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI")
Less: noncredit portion of OTTI recognized into (out of) other comprehensive income (loss)
(before tax)
Net impairment
Provision for Loan Losses
Year Ended December 31,
2013
2012
$
$
(1) $
(2)
(3) $
(20)
3
(17)
Provision for loan losses decreased 60% to $143 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 2012.
The decrease in provision for loan losses was driven primarily by improving economic conditions, as evidenced by the lower
levels of delinquent loans in the one- to four-family and home equity loan portfolios, home price improvement and loan
portfolio run-off. The decrease was partially offset by additional provision recorded related to $235 million of balloon loans
within the home equity line of credit portfolio at December 31, 2013. We increased our default assumptions and extended the
period of management's forecasted loan losses captured within the general allowance to include the total probable loss on the
higher risk balloon loans as a result of our evaluation. The overall impact of these refinements drove the substantial majority of
provision for loan losses during the year ended December 31, 2013.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, provision for loan losses included approximately $50 million in charge-
offs associated with newly identified bankruptcy filings with approximately 80% related to prior years. We utilize third party
loan servicers to obtain bankruptcy data on our borrowers, and during the third quarter of 2012 we identified an increase in
bankruptcies reported by one specific servicer. In researching this increase, we discovered that the servicer had not been
reporting historical bankruptcy data on a timely basis. As a result, we implemented an enhanced procedure around all servicer
reporting to corroborate bankruptcy reporting with independent third party data. Through this additional process, approximately
$90 million of loans were identified in which servicers failed to report the bankruptcy filing to us, approximately 90% of which
were current at the end of the third quarter of 2012. As a result, these loans were written down to the estimated current value of
the underlying property less estimated selling costs, or approximately $40 million, during the third quarter of 2012. These
charge-offs resulted in an increase to provision for loan losses of $50 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Operating Expense
The components of operating expense and the resulting variances are as follows (dollars in millions):
Compensation and benefits
Advertising and market development
Clearing and servicing
FDIC insurance premiums
Professional services
Occupancy and equipment
Communications
Depreciation and amortization
Amortization of other intangibles
Impairment of goodwill
Facility restructuring and other exit activities
Other operating expenses
Total operating expense
*
Percentage not meaningful.
Year Ended December 31,
Variance
2013 vs. 2012
2013
2012
Amount
$
$
$
363
108
124
104
85
73
69
89
24
142
28
66
1,275
$
$
353
139
129
117
86
74
73
91
25
—
8
67
1,162
$
10
(31)
(5)
(13)
(1)
(1)
(4)
(2)
(1)
142
20
(1)
113
%
3 %
(22)%
(4)%
(12)%
(1)%
(2)%
(6)%
(2)%
(7)%
*
269 %
(1)%
10 %
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Table of Contents
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation and benefits increased 3% to $363 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 2012.
The increase resulted primarily from increased incentive compensation when compared to 2012.
Advertising and Market Development
Advertising and market development expense decreased 22% to $108 million for the year ended December 31, 2013
compared to 2012. The decrease in advertising and marketing were due largely to the planned decrease in advertising
expenditures as part of our expense reduction initiatives.
Clearing and Servicing
Clearing and servicing decreased 4% to $124 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 2012. The
decrease resulted primarily from lower servicing fees when compared to 2012 as the loan portfolio continues to run-off. The
decrease in servicing fees was offset by increased clearing fees as a result of an increase in DARTs, when compared to 2012.
FDIC Insurance Premiums
FDIC insurance premiums decreased 12% to $104 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 2012.
The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2013 was primarily due to the continued improvement and quality of our
balance sheet, improving capital ratios and overall risk profile when compared to 2012.
Impairment of Goodwill
Impairment of goodwill was $142 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. At the end of June 2013, we decided
to exit the market making business, and as a result recorded $142 million in goodwill impairment, representing the entire
carrying amount of goodwill allocated to this business.
Facility Restructuring and Other Exit Activities
Facility restructuring and other exit activities was $28 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $8
million for the year ended 2012. These costs were driven primarily by severance incurred as part of our planned expense
reduction initiatives, in addition to costs incurred related to our decision to exit the market making business.
Other Income (Expense)
Other income (expense) decreased 79% to $110 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 2012 as
shown in the following table (dollars in millions):
Corporate interest expense
Losses on early extinguishment of debt:
Corporate debt
Wholesale borrowings and other
Equity in income of investments and other
Total other income (expense)
*
Percentage not meaningful.
Variance
Year Ended December 31,
2013 vs. 2012
2013
2012
Amount
%
$
(114) $
(180) $
66
(36)%
—
—
4
(110) $
$
(257)
(78)
1
(514) $
257
78
3
404
*
*
239 %
(79)%
Total other income (expense) included corporate interest expense on interest-bearing corporate debt for the years
ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. Corporate interest expense decreased 36% to $114 million for the year ended
December 31, 2013 compared to 2012 as a result of the refinance of $1.3 billion in higher coupon corporate debt during the
fourth quarter of 2012. Corporate interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 was partially offset by a gain of $4
million related to an investment in a venture fund which was included in equity in income of investments and other.
In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2012, $257 million in losses on early extinguishment of corporate debt
were recorded, as a result of the early extinguishment of all the 12 1/2% Springing Lien Notes and 7 7/8% Notes during 2012.
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Table of Contents
We also had $78 million in losses on early extinguishment of wholesale borrowings as a result of the early extinguishment of
approximately $1.1 billion in wholesale borrowings during 2012.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense was $109 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to a tax benefit of $(18)
million in 2012. The effective tax rate was 56% for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to (14)% in 2012.
With our decision to exit the market making business at the end of June 2013, we recorded a goodwill impairment
charge of $142 million, which was non-deductible for tax purposes. In addition, the overall state apportionment increased
significantly in California as a result of the decision to exit the market making business. Therefore, we recognized an income
tax benefit of $24 million during the year ended December 31, 2013, the majority of which consisted of releasing valuation
allowances for net operating losses, research and development credits and revaluation of other deferred tax assets relating to
California. Excluding the impact of our decision to exit the market making business, our effective tax rate for the year ended
December 31, 2013 would have been 40%.
During the first quarter of 2012, we recorded an income tax benefit of $26 million related to certain losses on the 2009
Debt Exchange that were previously considered non-deductible. Through additional research completed in the first quarter of
2012, we identified that a portion of those losses were incorrectly treated as non-deductible in 2009 and were deductible for tax
purposes. The $26 million income tax benefit resulted in a corresponding increase to the net deferred tax asset.
In November 2012, California voters approved Proposition 39, which requires most multistate taxpayers to use a sales
factor-only apportionment formula, combined with market–based sourcing for sales, other than sales of tangible personal
property, effective for years beginning on or after January 1, 2013. As a result, the overall California apportionment for the
Company’s unitary group decreased significantly and we expected this would decrease our taxable income in California in
future periods. As a result, we no longer expected to utilize net operating losses in California and we recognized tax expense of
$25 million consisting of establishing valuation allowances for California net operating losses, research and development
credits and other deferred tax assets.
Valuation Allowance
The net deferred tax asset was $1,239 million and $1,416 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We are
required to establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and record a corresponding charge to income tax expense if it
is determined, based on evaluation of available evidence at the time the determination is made, that it is more likely than not
that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. If we were to conclude that a valuation allowance was required,
the resulting loss could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. As of December 31,
2013, we did not establish a valuation allowance against our federal deferred tax assets as we believe that it is more likely than
not that all of these assets will be realized.
SEGMENT RESULTS REVIEW
We report operating results in two segments: 1) trading and investing; and 2) balance sheet management. Trading and
investing includes retail brokerage products and services; investor-focused banking products; and corporate services. Balance
sheet management includes the management of asset allocation; loans previously originated by the Company or purchased from
third parties; deposits and customer payables; and credit, liquidity and interest rate risk for the Company as described in the
Risk Management section. Costs associated with certain functions that are centrally-managed are separately reported in a
corporate/other category. For more information on our segments, see Note 22—Segment Information in Item 8. Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data.
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Table of Contents
Trading and Investing
The following table summarizes trading and investing financial information and key customer activity metrics as of
and for years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in millions, except for key metrics):
Year Ended December 31,
Variance
2014 vs. 2013
2014
2013
2012
Amount
Net operating interest income
Commissions
Fees and service charges
Principal transactions
Other revenues
Total net revenue
Total operating expense
Trading and investing income
Key Customer Activity Metrics:
DARTs
Average commission per trade
Margin receivables (dollars in billions)
End of period brokerage accounts
Net new brokerage accounts
Brokerage account attrition rate
Customer assets (dollars in billions)
Net new brokerage assets (dollars in billions)
Brokerage related cash (dollars in billions)
*
Percentage not meaningful.
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
632
456
185
10
32
1,315
766
549
168,474
10.81
7.7
$
$
$
$
540
420
153
73
31
1,217
883
334
150,743
11.13
6.4
3,143,923
2,998,059
145,864
94,868
8.7%
8.8%
290.3
10.9
41.1
$
$
$
260.8
10.4
39.7
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
641
378
119
93
32
1,263
769
494
$
92
36
32
(63)
1
98
(117)
$
215
138,112
17,731
11.01
5.8
2,903,191
120,179
$
$
(0.32)
1.3
145,864
50,996
%
17 %
9 %
21 %
(86)%
3 %
8 %
(13)%
64 %
12 %
(3)%
20 %
5 %
54 %
9.0%
(0.1)%
*
201.2
10.4
33.9
$
$
$
29.5
0.5
1.4
11 %
5 %
4 %
The trading and investing segment offers products and services to individual retail investors, generating revenue from
these customer relationships and from corporate services activities. This segment currently generates four main sources of
revenue: net operating interest income; commissions; fees and service charges; and other revenues. Net operating interest
income is generated primarily from margin receivables and from a deposit transfer pricing arrangement with the balance sheet
management segment. The balance sheet management segment utilizes deposits and customer payables and compensates the
trading and investing segment via a market-based transfer pricing arrangement. This compensation is reflected in segment
results as operating interest income for the trading and investing segment and operating interest expense for the balance sheet
management segment, and is eliminated in consolidation. Other revenues include results from providing software and services
for managing equity compensation plans from corporate customers, as we ultimately service retail investors through these
corporate relationships.
2014 Compared to 2013
Trading and investing income increased 64% to $549 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to
2013. We continued to generate net new brokerage accounts, ending the fourth quarter of 2014 with 3.1 million accounts.
Brokerage related cash, which is one of our most profitable sources of funding, increased by $1.4 billion to $41.1 billion when
compared to 2013.
Trading and investing net operating interest income increased 17% to $632 million for the year ended December 31,
2014 driven primarily by the growth in margin receivables coupled with higher yields on securities lending activities when
compared to 2013.
Trading and investing commissions revenue increased 9% to $456 million for the year ended December 31, 2014
compared to 2013. The increase was primarily due to an increase in DARTs of 12% to 168,474 for the year ended
December 31, 2014, partially offset by a decrease in average commission per trade of 3% to $10.81, compared to 2013.
Trading and investing fees and service charges increased 21% to $185 million for the year ended December 31, 2014
compared to 2013. The increase in fees and services charges was driven primarily by increased order flow revenue as a result of
increased trading volumes and as E*TRADE Securities LLC began routing all of its order flow to third parties following the
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Table of Contents
sale of G1 Execution Services, LLC which was completed on February 10, 2014. In addition, advisor management fees
increased driven by assets in managed accounts within our retirement, investing and savings products, which were $3.1 billion
at December 31, 2014, compared to $2.4 billion at December 31, 2013.
Trading and investing principal transactions decreased 86% to $10 million for the year ended December 31, 2014
compared to 2013. Principal transactions were derived from our market making business in which we acted as a market-maker
for our brokerage customers’ orders as well as orders from third party customers. On February 10, 2014, we completed the sale
of the market making business to an affiliate of Susquehanna and no longer generate principal transactions revenue.
Trading and investing operating expense decreased 13% to $766 million for the year ended December 31, 2014
compared to 2013. The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2014 was driven by higher operating expenses in the prior
period as a result of $142 million in impairment of goodwill associated with the market making business, which was recognized
in the second quarter of 2013.
As of December 31, 2014, we had approximately 3.1 million brokerage accounts, 1.3 million stock plan accounts and
0.4 million banking accounts. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, our brokerage products contributed 80% and
78%, respectively, and our banking products contributed 20% and 22%, respectively, of total trading and investing net revenue.
2013 Compared to 2012
Trading and investing income decreased 32% to $334 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to
2012. The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2013 was driven primarily by $142 million of goodwill impairment
recorded in the second quarter of 2013 related to the decision to exit market making business. We continued to generate net new
brokerage accounts, ending the year with 3.0 million accounts. Brokerage related cash, which is one of our most profitable
sources of funding, increased by $5.8 billion to $39.7 billion when compared to 2012.
Trading and investing net operating interest income decreased 16% to $540 million for the year ended December 31,
2013, compared to 2012. The decrease was driven by lower interest income from the balance sheet management segment as a
result of deleveraging initiatives, in particular as it relates to moving sweep deposits off balance sheet.
Trading and investing commissions increased 11% to $420 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to
2012. This increase in commissions was primarily the result of an increase in DARTs of 9% to 150,743 for the year ended
December 31, 2013 compared to 2012.
Trading and investing fees and service charges increased 28% to $153 million for the year ended December 31, 2013
compared to 2012. This increase was driven primarily by increases in order flow revenue due to increased trading activity, as
well as increases in advisor management fees driven from the managed accounts within our retirement, investing and savings
products, which were $2.4 billion at December 31, 2013, compared to $1.3 billion at December 31, 2012.
Trading and investing principal transactions decreased 22% to $73 million for the year ended December 31, 2013
compared to 2012. The decrease in principal transactions revenue was driven primarily by a decrease in market making trading
volume along with a decrease in average revenue per share earned.
Trading and investing operating expense increased 15% to $883 million for the year ended December 31, 2013
compared to 2012. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2013 was driven primarily by impairment of goodwill of
$142 million in the second quarter of 2013 related to the decision to exit the market making business.
As of December 31, 2013, we had approximately 3.0 million brokerage accounts, 1.2 million stock plan accounts and
0.4 million banking accounts. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, our brokerage products contributed 78% and
71%, respectively, and our banking products contributed 22% and 29%, respectively, of total trading and investing net revenue.
Balance Sheet Management
The following table summarizes balance sheet management financial information and key financial metrics as of and
for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in millions):
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Table of Contents
Net operating interest income
Fees and service charges
Gains on loans and securities, net
Net impairment
Other revenues
Total net revenue
Provision for loan losses
Total operating expense
Balance sheet management income
Key Financial Metrics:
Special mention loan delinquencies
Allowance for loan losses
*
Percentage not meaningful.
Year Ended December 31,
2014 vs. 2013
2014
2013
2012
Amount
%
Variance
$
455
$
442
$
444
$
1
36
—
6
498
36
148
314
155
404
$
$
$
2
61
(3)
4
506
143
179
184
272
453
$
$
$
$
$
$
13
(1)
(25)
3
2
(8)
(107)
(31)
130
3 %
(50)%
(41)%
*
50 %
(2)%
(75)%
(17)%
71 %
3
201
(17)
6
637
355
220
62
$
342
481
$
$
(117)
(49)
(43)%
(11)%
The balance sheet management segment primarily generates revenue through net operating interest income. Net
operating interest income is generated from interest earned on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities and loans
receivable, net of interest paid on wholesale borrowings and on a deposit transfer pricing arrangement with the trading and
investing segment. The balance sheet management segment utilizes deposits and customer payables to invest in available-for-
sale and held-to-maturity securities, and compensates the trading and investing segment via a market-based transfer pricing
arrangement. This compensation is reflected in segment results as operating interest income for the trading and investing
segment and operating interest expense for the balance sheet management segment and is eliminated in consolidation.
2014 Compared to 2013
The balance sheet management segment income increased 71% to $314 million for the year ended December 31, 2014
compared to 2013. The increase in balance sheet management income was primarily due to a decrease in provision for loan
losses of 75% to $36 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013.
The balance sheet management net operating interest income increased 3% to $455 million for the year ended
December 31, 2014 compared to 2013. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2014 was driven by the growth in
average balances and increased yields of our securities portfolio, which was partially offset by the decrease in the interest
earned on the loan portfolio.
Gains on loans and securities, net decreased 41% to $36 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to
2013. Gains on loans and securities, net for the year ended December 31, 2014 included a $7 million gain on the sale of one- to
four-family loans modified as TDRs during the second quarter of 2014, and a $6 million gain recognized on the sale of our
remaining $17 million in amortized cost of available-for-sale non-agency CMOs in the first quarter of 2014.
Provision for loan losses decreased 75% to $36 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013. The
decrease in provision for loan losses was driven primarily by improving economic conditions, as evidenced by the lower levels
of delinquent loans in the one- to four-family and home equity loan portfolios, lower net charge-offs, home price improvement
and loan portfolio run-off for the year ended December 31, 2014. The reduction in the provision for loan losses was partly
offset by enhancements in our quantitative allowance methodology to include the total probable loss on a subset of identified
higher risk home equity lines of credit. These enhancements drove the majority of the provision for loan losses within the home
equity portfolio during the year ended December 31, 2014. The timing and magnitude of the provision for loan losses is
affected by many factors and we anticipate variability particularly as home equity lines of credit begin converting to amortizing
loans.
Total balance sheet management operating expense decreased 17% to $148 million for the year ended December 31,
2014 compared to 2013. The decrease in operating expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 resulted primarily from
lower FDIC insurance premiums and reduced servicing expenses due to lower loan balances, partially offset by increased
expense related to real estate owned when compared to the same period in 2013.
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2013 Compared to 2012
The balance sheet management segment income increased 200% to $184 million for the year ended December 31,
2013 compared to 2012. The increase in balance sheet management income was due primarily to a decrease in provision for
loan losses of 60% to $143 million, partially offset by lower gains on loans and securities, net for the year ended December 31,
2013.
Gains on loans and securities, net decreased 70% to $61 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to
2012. The decreases in gains on loans and securities, net for the year ended December 31, 2013, were driven by additional
gains recognized in the year ended December 31, 2012 from the sale of available-for-sale securities as a result of our
deleveraging initiatives, primarily related to a reduction in wholesale funding obligations.
We recognized $3 million and $17 million of net impairment during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012,
respectively, on certain securities in the non-agency CMO portfolio due to continued deterioration in the expected credit
performance of the underlying loans in those specific securities.
Provision for loan losses decreased 60% to $143 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 2012.
The decrease in provision for loan losses was driven primarily by improving economic conditions, as evidenced by the lower
levels of delinquent loans in the one- to four-family and home equity loan portfolios, home price improvement and loan
portfolio run-off. The decrease was partially offset by additional provision recorded related to $235 million of balloon loans
within the home equity line of credit portfolio at December 31, 2013. We increased our default assumptions and extended the
period of management's forecasted loan losses captured within the general allowance to include the total probable loss on the
higher risk balloon loans as a result of our evaluation.
Total balance sheet management operating expense decreased 19% to $179 million for the year ended December 31,
2013 compared to 2012. The decrease in operating expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 resulted primarily from
lower FDIC insurance premiums, reduced servicing expenses due to lower loan balances and reduced expenses related to REO
when compared the 2012.
Corporate/Other
The following table summarizes corporate/other financial information for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013
and 2012 (dollars in millions):
Total net revenue
Compensation and benefits
Professional services
Occupancy and equipment
Communications
Depreciation and amortization
Facility restructuring and other exit activities
Other operating expenses
Total operating expense
Operating loss
Total other income (expense)
Corporate/other loss
*
Percentage not meaningful.
Year Ended December 31,
Variance
2014 vs. 2013
2014
2013
2012
Amount
$
1
$ — $
— $
118
51
15
2
17
8
20
93
43
8
2
16
28
23
82
37
5
2
16
8
23
231
(230)
(181)
(411) $
213
(213)
(110)
(323) $
$
173
(173)
(514)
(687) $
1
25
8
7
—
1
(20)
(3)
18
(17)
(71)
(88)
%
*
27 %
19 %
88 %
0 %
6 %
(71)%
(13)%
8 %
8 %
65 %
27 %
The corporate/other category includes costs that are centrally-managed, technology related costs incurred to support
centrally-managed functions, restructuring and other exit activities, corporate debt and corporate investments.
2014 Compared to 2013
The corporate/other loss before income taxes was $411 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to
$323 million in 2013.
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The operating loss increased 8% to $230 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013. The
increase during the year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily due to increased compensation and benefits, professional
services, and occupancy and equipment partially offset by lower facility restructuring and other exit activities. The increase in
compensation and benefits for the year ended December 31, 2014 resulted primarily from increased salaries expense driven by
higher headcount. Facility restructuring and other exit activities were $8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014
compared to $28 million for 2013. The costs in 2014 were driven by severance costs incurred primarily related to our exit of the
market making business, and were partially offset by the $4 million gain on the sale of that business, which was completed on
February 10, 2014. The costs in 2013 were driven primarily by severance costs incurred as part of the expense reduction
initiatives in the prior periods.
Total other income (expense) primarily consisted of corporate interest expense of $113 million for year ended
December 31, 2014, compared to $114 million in 2013. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2014 we recognized
$12 million of losses on early extinguishment of debt as a result of the early extinguishment of $100 million in repurchase
agreements, and $59 million of losses on early extinguishment of debt as a result of the redemption of all of the outstanding
6 3/4% Notes and 6% Notes, a total of $940 million in aggregate principal amount.
2013 Compared to 2012
The corporate/other loss before income taxes was $323 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to
$687 million in 2012.
The operating loss increased 23% to $213 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 2012 due
primarily to increased facility restructuring and other exit activities expense as a result of costs incurred as part of our expense
reduction initiatives, in addition to costs incurred related to our decision to exit the market making business and increased
incentive compensation.
Total other income (expense) included corporate interest expense on interest-bearing corporate debt for the years
ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. Corporate interest expense decreased 36% to $114 million for the year ended
December 31, 2013 compared to 2012 as a result of the refinance of $1.3 billion in higher coupon corporate debt during the
fourth quarter of 2012. Corporate interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 was partially offset by a gain of $4
million related to an investment in a venture fund which was included in equity in income of investments and other.
In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2012, $257 million in losses on early extinguishment of corporate debt
were recorded, as a result of the early extinguishment of all the 12 1/2% Springing Lien Notes and 7 7/8% Notes during 2012.
We also had $78 million in losses on early extinguishment of wholesale borrowings as a result of the early extinguishment of
approximately $1.1 billion in wholesale borrowings during 2012.
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BALANCE SHEET OVERVIEW
The following table sets forth the significant components of the consolidated balance sheet (dollars in millions):
December 31,
Variance
2014 vs. 2013
2014
2013
Amount
%
Assets:
Cash and equivalents
Segregated cash
Securities(1)
Margin receivables
Loans receivable, net
Investment in FHLB stock
Other(2)
Total assets
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:
Deposits
Wholesale borrowings(3)
Customer payables
Corporate debt
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Shareholders’ equity
$
1,783
$
1,838
$
$
$
555
24,636
7,675
5,979
88
4,814
45,530
24,890
4,971
6,455
1,366
2,473
40,155
5,375
$
$
1,066
23,773
6,353
8,123
61
5,066
46,280
25,971
5,822
6,310
1,768
1,553
41,424
4,856
$
$
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
45,530
$
46,280
$
(1)
(2)
(3)
Includes balance sheet line items available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities.
Includes balance sheet line items property and equipment, net, goodwill, other intangibles, net and other assets.
Includes balance sheet line items securities sold under agreements to repurchase and FHLB advances and other borrowings.
(55)
(511)
863
1,322
(2,144)
27
(252)
(750)
(1,081)
(851)
145
(402)
920
(1,269)
519
(750)
(3)%
(48)%
4 %
21 %
(26)%
44 %
(5)%
(2)%
(4)%
(15)%
2 %
(23)%
59 %
(3)%
11 %
(2)%
Segregated Cash
Segregated cash decreased by 48% to $555 million during the year ended December 31, 2014. The level of cash
required to be segregated under federal or other regulations, or segregated cash, is driven largely by customer cash and
securities lending balances we hold as a liability in excess of the amount of margin receivables and securities borrowed
balances we hold as an asset. The excess represents customer cash that we are required by our regulators to segregate for the
exclusive benefit of our brokerage customers.
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Securities
Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities are summarized as follows (dollars in millions):
December 31,
Variance
2014 vs. 2013
2014
2013
Amount
%
Available-for-sale securities:
Debt securities:
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
Agency mortgage-backed securities and CMOs
$
11,164
$
12,236
$
Non-agency CMOs
Total residential mortgage-backed securities
Other debt securities
Total debt securities
Publicly traded equity securities(1)
Total available-for-sale securities
Held-to-maturity securities:
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities and CMOs
Other debt securities
Total held-to-maturity securities
Total securities
$
$
$
$
—
11,164
1,191
12,355
33
12,388
9,793
2,455
12,248
24,636
$
$
$
$
14
12,250
1,342
13,592
—
13,592
8,359
1,822
10,181
23,773
$
$
$
$
(1,072)
(14)
(1,086)
(151)
(1,237)
33
(1,204)
1,434
633
2,067
863
(9)%
(100)%
(9)%
(11)%
(9)%
*
(9)%
17 %
35 %
20 %
4 %
Percentage not meaningful.
*
(1) Publicly traded equity securities consisted of investments in a mutual fund related to the Community Reinvestment Act.
Securities represented 54% and 51% of total assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We classify debt
securities as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity based on our investment strategy and management’s assessment of our intent
and ability to hold the debt securities until maturity. The decrease in available-for-sale securities during the year ended
December 31, 2014 was primarily due to net sales and principal paydowns on agency mortgage-backed securities and CMOs
and agency debt securities included in other debt securities. Additionally, we sold our remaining $17 million in amortized cost
of available-for-sale non-agency CMOs during the first quarter of 2014 as part of our continued focus to reduce legacy risks.
The increase in held-to-maturity securities was a result of the purchase of agency mortgage-backed securities and CMOs and
agency debt securities included in other debt securities.
Loans Receivable, Net
Loans receivable, net are summarized as follows (dollars in millions):
One- to four-family
Home equity
Consumer and other
Unamortized premiums, net
Allowance for loan losses
Total loans receivable, net
December 31,
Variance
2014 vs. 2013
2014
2013
Amount
%
$
3,060
$
4,475
$
2,834
455
34
(404)
5,979
$
3,454
602
45
(453)
8,123
$
$
(1,415)
(620)
(147)
(11)
49
(2,144)
(32)%
(18)%
(24)%
(24)%
(11)%
(26)%
Loans receivable, net decreased 26% to $6.0 billion at December 31, 2014 from $8.1 billion at December 31, 2013.
We are continuing our strategy of reducing balance sheet risk by allowing the loan portfolio to pay down, which we plan to do
for the foreseeable future. Additionally, we sold $0.8 billion of our one- to four-family loans modified as TDRs during the
second quarter of 2014. As a result of this transaction, we recorded a charge-off of $42 million related to these one- to four-
family loans which drove the majority of the decrease in the allowance for loan losses during the year ended December 31,
2014.
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Other Assets
Other assets are summarized as follows (dollars in millions):
Property and equipment, net
Goodwill
Other intangibles
Other assets
Total other assets
December 31,
Variance
2014 vs. 2013
2014
2013
Amount
245
$
237
$
1,792
194
2,583
1,792
216
2,821
4,814
$
5,066
$
8
—
(22)
(238)
(252)
$
$
%
3 %
— %
(10)%
(8)%
(5)%
Total other assets decreased 5% to $4.8 billion due primarily to the disposition of held-for-sale assets related to our
market making business during the year ended December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2013, held-for-sale assets were reported
in the other assets line item on the consolidated balance sheet, which consisted primarily of $105 million of trading securities
and $21 million of other intangibles, net. We completed the sale of the market making business on February 10, 2014. See Note
2—Disposition in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for additional information on the market making
business.
Deposits
Deposits are summarized as follows (dollars in millions):
Sweep deposits
Complete savings deposits
Checking deposits
Other money market and savings deposits
Time deposits
Total deposits
December 31,
Variance
2014 vs. 2013
2014
2013
Amount
$
19,119
$
19,592
$
3,753
1,137
833
48
4,303
1,098
914
64
$
24,890
$
25,971
$
(473)
(550)
39
(81)
(16)
(1,081)
%
(2)%
(13)%
4 %
(9)%
(25)%
(4)%
Deposits represented 62% and 63% of total liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. At December 31,
2014, 89% of our customer deposits were covered by FDIC insurance. Deposits provide the benefit of lower interest costs
compared with wholesale funding alternatives.
The majority of the deposits balance, specifically sweep deposits, is included in brokerage related cash and reported as
a customer activity metric of $41.1 billion and $39.7 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The total brokerage
related cash balance is summarized as follows (dollars in millions):
Deposits
Less: bank related cash(1)
Customer payables
Customer assets held by third parties(2)
Total brokerage related cash(3)
December 31,
Variance
2014 vs. 2013
2014
2013
Amount
$
24,890
(5,771)
6,455
15,520
$
25,971
(6,379)
6,310
13,783
41,094
$
39,685
$
(1,081)
608
145
1,737
1,409
$
$
%
(4)%
(10)%
2 %
13 %
4 %
(1) Bank related cash includes complete savings deposits, checking deposits, other money market and savings deposits and time deposits.
(2) Customer assets held by third parties are not reflected on our consolidated balance sheet and are not immediately available for liquidity purposes.
(3)
Increases in brokerage related cash generally indicate that the use of our products and services by existing and new brokerage customers is expanding.
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As part of our strategy to strengthen our overall financial and franchise position, we focused on improving our capital
ratios by reducing risk and deleveraging the balance sheet. Our deleveraging strategy included transferring customer deposits to
third party institutions. At December 31, 2014, our customers held $15.5 billion of assets at third party institutions, including third
party banks and money market funds. Approximately 72% of these off-balance sheet assets resulted from our deleveraging efforts.
We consider our deleveraging initiatives to be complete and maintain the ability to bring the majority of these customer assets
back on the balance sheet with appropriate notification to the third party institutions and customer consent, as appropriate.
Customer assets held by third parties included $4.7 billion and $4.4 billion of customer sweep deposits at both December
31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, in the extended insurance sweep deposit account program ("ESDA") that we have in place for
brokerage customers. At December 31, 2014, the ESDA program utilized E*TRADE Bank in combination with five additional
third party program banks to allow certain customers the ability to insure at least $1,250,000 of the cash they hold in the ESDA.
In addition, customer assets held by third parties at December 31, 2014 and 2013 included $10.8 billion and $9.4 billion, respectively,
held in third party money market funds in which our customers can elect to participate.
Wholesale Borrowings
Wholesale borrowings, which consist of securities sold under agreements to repurchase and FHLB advances and other
borrowings, are summarized as follows (dollars in millions):
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
FHLB advances
Total securities sold under agreements to repurchase and
FHLB advances
Subordinated debentures
Total wholesale borrowings
December 31,
Variance
2014 vs. 2013
2014
2013
Amount
$
$
3,672
871
4,543
428
4,971
$
$
4,543
851
5,394
428
5,822
$
$
(871)
20
(851)
—
(851)
%
(19)%
2 %
(16)%
0 %
(15)%
Wholesale borrowings represented 12% and 14% of total liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Securities
sold under agreements to repurchase and FHLB advances are the primary wholesale funding sources of the Bank. During the year
ended December 31, 2014, total wholesale borrowings decreased by $851 million primarily due to the scheduled expiration of
$600 million of securities sold under agreements to repurchase during the second quarter of 2014. We also terminated $100 million
of securities sold under agreements to repurchase during the first quarter of 2014, which resulted in a $12 million loss on early
extinguishment of debt. During 2015, we expect securities sold under agreements to repurchase to decrease by approximately
$365 million due to planned decreases in the forecasted issuances of debt.
Corporate Debt
Corporate debt by type is shown as follows (dollars in millions):
December 31, 2014
Interest-bearing notes:
6 3/8% Notes, due 2019
5 3/8% Notes, due 2022
Total interest-bearing notes
Non-interest-bearing debt:
0% Convertible debentures, due 2019
Total corporate debt
Face Value
Discount
Net
$
$
800
540
1,340
38
1,378
$
$
(5) $
(7)
(12)
—
(12) $
795
533
1,328
38
1,366
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December 31, 2013
Interest-bearing notes:
6 3/4% Notes, due 2016
6% Notes, due 2017
6 3/8% Notes, due 2019
Total interest-bearing notes
Non-interest-bearing debt:
0% Convertible debentures, due 2019
Face Value
Discount
Net
$
$
435
505
800
1,740
42
(4) $
(4)
(6)
(14)
—
(14) $
431
501
794
1,726
42
1,768
Total corporate debt
$
1,782
$
In November 2014, we issued an aggregate principal amount of $540 million in 5 3/8% Notes, due 2022. The proceeds
from the issuance of the new notes and approximately $460 million of existing corporate cash was used to redeem all of the
outstanding 6 3/4% Notes and 6% Notes, a total of $940 million in aggregate principal amount. This resulted in $59 million in
losses on early extinguishment of debt for the year ended December 31, 2014; however, the transaction reduced our total
corporate debt and extended the maturity profile, with no corporate debt maturing until 2019. Further reducing corporate debt
to $1 billion remains a priority for us.
Also in November 2014, we entered into a $200 million senior secured revolving credit facility that expires in
November 2017. We have the ability to borrow against the credit facility for working capital and general corporate purposes. At
December 31, 2014, there was no outstanding balance under this credit facility.
Other Liabilities
Other liabilities increased $0.9 billion to $2.5 billion due primarily to an increase of $0.6 billion in deposits received
for securities loaned during the year ended December 31, 2014.
Shareholders’ Equity
The activity in shareholders’ equity during the year ended December 31, 2014 is summarized as follows (dollars in
millions):
Common Stock /
Additional Paid-In
Capital
Beginning balance, December 31, 2013
Net income
Net change from available-for-sale securities
Net change from cash flow hedging instruments
Other(1)
Ending balance, December 31, 2014
$
$
7,331
—
—
—
22
7,353
(1) Other includes employee share-based compensation and conversions of convertible debentures.
$
Accumulated Deficit /
Other
Comprehensive Loss
$
(2,475) $
293
167
37
—
(1,978) $
Total
4,856
293
167
37
22
5,375
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We have established liquidity and capital policies to support the successful execution of our business strategies, while
ensuring ongoing and sufficient liquidity through the business cycle. We believe liquidity is of critical importance to the
Company and especially important within E*TRADE Bank and our broker-dealer subsidiaries. The objective of our policies is
to ensure that we can meet our corporate, banking and broker-dealer liquidity needs under both normal operating conditions
and under periods of stress in the financial markets.
Our corporate liquidity needs are primarily driven by the amount of principal and interest due on our corporate debt as
well as any capital needs at E*TRADE Bank. Our banking and brokerage liquidity needs are driven primarily by the level and
volatility of our customer activity. Management maintains a set of liquidity sources and monitors certain business trends and
market metrics closely in an effort to ensure we have sufficient liquidity and to avoid dependence on other more expensive
sources of funding.
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Management believes the following sources of liquidity are of critical importance in maintaining ample funding for
liquidity needs: corporate cash, bank cash, deposits, securities lending, customer payables and unused FHLB borrowing
capacity. In addition, during the fourth quarter of 2014 we obtained a $200 million senior secured revolving credit facility for
the parent company. This senior secured revolving credit facility enhances the ability to meet liquidity needs at the parent
company and there was no outstanding balance under this credit facility at December 31, 2014. E*TRADE Clearing LLC also
maintains uncommitted lines of credit with unaffiliated banks to finance margin lending, with available balances subject to
approval when utilized.
Management believes that within deposits, sweep deposits are of particular importance as they are the most stable
source of liquidity for E*TRADE Bank when compared to non-sweep deposits. While in recent periods we have transferred
customer sweep deposits to third party banks that participate in our ESDA program, we maintain the ability to bring the
majority of these off-balance sheet deposits back to E*TRADE Bank with appropriate notification to the third party program
banks and customer consent, as appropriate. In addition, certain customer payables and sweep deposits were transferred to third
party money market funds. At December 31, 2014, we had $4.7 billion and $10.8 billion of customer deposits at third party
banks and third party money market funds, respectively. We continually assess our liquidity position with respect to our ESDA
program with the third party banks, and maintain additional sources of liquidity outside of deposits through other programs that
are available to us. Refer to Other Sources of Liquidity within this section for additional information on those programs.
Capital is generated primarily through the business operations of the trading and investing and balance sheet
management segments, which at December 31, 2014 were primarily contained within E*TRADE Bank; therefore, a key
indicator of the capital generated or used in our business operations was the level of regulatory capital in E*TRADE Bank. At
December 31, 2014, E*TRADE Bank’s Tier 1 leverage ratio was 10.6%, an increase from 9.5% at December 31, 2013. We
have been focused on improving the Tier 1 leverage ratio at E*TRADE Bank through continued earnings and deleveraging the
balance sheet by a reduction in wholesale borrowings, deposits and customer payables. While we may take some tactical
actions in future periods, we consider our deleveraging initiatives to be complete within E*TRADE Bank. We are now focused
on continuing to generate capital through earnings.
We submitted an initial capital plan to the OCC and Federal Reserve in 2012 and subsequently updated the plan in
2013 and 2014. The plan includes our five-year business strategy; forecasts of our business results and capital ratios; capital
distribution plans in current and adverse operating conditions; and internally developed stress tests. We believe we have made
important progress since we laid out our capital plan, as evidenced by the $475 million in dividends that our regulators
approved from E*TRADE Bank, including $300 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 and $175 million during
2013.
We are focused on reducing risk, utilizing excess capital created through earnings and by achieving lower capital
requirements at E*TRADE Bank, while continuing to enhance our enterprise risk management culture and capabilities. In line
with our capital plan, we recently received regulatory approval to operate E*TRADE Bank at a 9.0% Tier 1 leverage ratio. We
also received regulatory approval to move our broker-dealers, E*TRADE Securities LLC and E*TRADE Clearing LLC out
from under E*TRADE Bank. E*TRADE Securities LLC was moved from under E*TRADE Bank in February 2015 and
subsequently paid a dividend of $434 million to the parent company. The revised organizational structure provides increased
capital flexibility as it enables us to dividend excess regulatory capital at our broker-dealers to the parent company. In addition,
starting in the second quarter of 2015, we plan to request regulatory approval to issue a dividend each quarter in the amount of
E*TRADE Bank's net income from the previous quarter.
Consolidated Cash and Equivalents
The consolidated cash and equivalents balance decreased by $55 million to $1.8 billion at December 31, 2014 when
compared to December 31, 2013. The majority of this balance was cash held in regulated subsidiaries, primarily the Bank,
outlined as follows (dollars in millions):
Corporate cash
Bank cash(1)
International brokerage and other cash
Total consolidated cash and equivalents
December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
$
233
1,523
27
1,783
$
$
415
1,402
21
1,838
$
$
408
2,320
34
2,762
(1) Bank cash included $764 million, $507 million and $315 million of cash at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, held by E*TRADE
Clearing LLC and E*TRADE Securities LLC, which were broker-dealer subsidiaries of E*TRADE Bank as of December 31, 2014.
Corporate cash is the primary source of liquidity at the parent company. We define corporate cash as cash held at the
parent company as well as cash held in certain subsidiaries that can distribute cash to the parent company without any
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Table of Contents
regulatory approval. We believe corporate cash is a useful measure of the parent company’s liquidity as it is the primary source
of capital above and beyond the capital deployed in our regulated subsidiaries. Corporate cash can fluctuate in any given
quarter and is impacted primarily by tax settlements, approval and timing of subsidiary dividends, debt service costs and other
overhead cost sharing arrangements.
Corporate cash ended 2014 at $233 million, down from $415 million at December 31, 2013. During the fourth quarter
of 2014, approximately $460 million of corporate cash along with the proceeds from the issuance of $540 million of corporate
debt was used to redeem $940 million in aggregate principal amount of our higher cost corporate debt. This transaction resulted
in a decrease in our annual debt service costs of approximately $30 million and extended the maturity profile of our corporate
debt, with no debt maturing until 2019. Corporate cash for the year also included $76 million in cash proceeds from the sale of
the market making business in the first quarter of 2014 and the $300 million in dividends from E*TRADE Bank to the parent
company during the year ended December 31, 2014.
We target corporate cash to cover at least two times our scheduled annual corporate debt service payments and
scheduled maturities over the next 12 months. As such, our target is approximately $160 million, or two times our annual debt
service. Currently we do not have any corporate debt with scheduled maturities in the next 12 months. With the moving of the
broker-dealers out from under E*TRADE Bank, and assuming we receive regulatory approval for ongoing dividends from
E*TRADE Bank, we believe that we will be able to maintain our target corporate cash balance. E*TRADE Securities LLC was
moved from under E*TRADE Bank in February 2015 and subsequently paid a dividend of $434 million to the parent company,
which increased corporate cash. As previously discussed, we utilized corporate cash during the fourth quarter of 2014 to pay
down corporate debt to $1.4 billion. Reducing corporate debt to $1 billion remains a priority for us, and we believe we are in a
position to reduce our debt in the near term by approximately $340 million, subject to market conditions.
We have the ability to borrow against the senior secured revolving credit facility for working capital and general
corporate purposes. The credit facility contains certain maintenance covenants, including the requirement for the parent
company to maintain unrestricted cash of $100 million. At December 31, 2014, there was no outstanding balance under this
credit facility. Additionally, the parent company had $336 million in net deferred tax assets, which will ultimately become
sources of corporate cash as the parent company’s subsidiaries reimburse the parent company for the use of its deferred tax
assets.
Liquidity Available from Subsidiaries
Liquidity available to us from our subsidiaries is limited by regulatory requirements. In addition, neither E*TRADE
Bank nor its subsidiaries (including E*TRADE Clearing LLC) may pay dividends to the parent company without approval
from regulators. Loans by E*TRADE Bank to the parent company and its other non-bank subsidiaries are subject to various
quantitative, arm’s length, collateralization and other requirements.
E*TRADE Bank is subject to capital requirements determined by its primary regulators. At December 31, 2014 and
2013, E*TRADE Bank had $2.4 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively, of capital in excess of the amount needed to meet the
regulatory minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio required to be considered "well capitalized."
Our broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to capital requirements determined by their respective regulators. At
December 31, 2014 and 2013, all of our brokerage subsidiaries met their minimum net capital requirements. Our broker-dealer
subsidiaries had excess net capital of $1.1 billion at December 31, 2014, an increase of $229 million from $873 million at
December 31, 2013. The excess net capital of the broker-dealer subsidiaries at December 31, 2014 included $625 million and
$459 million of excess net capital at E*TRADE Clearing LLC and E*TRADE Securities LLC, respectively, which were
subsidiaries of E*TRADE Bank and these amounts were also included in the excess capital of E*TRADE Bank. E*TRADE
Securities LLC was moved from under E*TRADE Bank in February 2015 and subsequently paid a dividend to the parent
company which reduced E*TRADE Securities LLC's excess capital by $434 million.
Financial Regulatory Reform Legislation and Basel III Framework
The Dodd-Frank Act requires all companies, including savings and loan holding companies, that directly or indirectly
control an insured depository institution to serve as a source of strength for the institution. The implementation of capital
requirements applicable to the parent company for Tier 1 leverage, Tier 1 risk-based capital and total risk-based capital ratios
will impact us as the parent company was not previously subject to regulatory capital requirements. These requirements became
effective for us on January 1, 2015, subject to a phase-in period for certain requirements over several years, as further explained
below. We are currently in compliance with the Basel III capital requirements now applicable to us and we have no plans to
raise additional capital as a result of these new requirements.
The Tier 1 leverage, Tier 1 risk-based capital, total risk-based capital and Tier 1 common ratios disclosed below were
calculated under Basel I and are non-GAAP measures as the parent company was not held to the Tier 1 leverage, Tier 1 risk-
based capital and total risk-based capital regulatory capital requirements. Additionally, prior to the imposition of Basel III, we
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had monitored our Tier 1 common ratio, also a non-GAAP measure, which is defined as Tier 1 capital, less elements of Tier 1
capital that are not in the form of common equity, such as trust preferred securities, divided by total risk-weighted assets. The
Tier 1 leverage, Tier 1 risk-based capital, total risk-based capital and Tier 1 common ratios are calculated as follows (dollars in
millions):
Shareholders’ equity
Deduct:
Losses in other comprehensive income on available-for-sale debt
securities and cash flow hedges, net of tax
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net of deferred tax liabilities
Disallowed servicing assets and deferred tax assets
Tier 1 common
Add:
Qualifying restricted core capital elements (trust preferred
securities)(1)
Tier 1 capital
Add:
Allowable allowance for loan losses
Total capital
Total average assets
Deduct:
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net of deferred tax liabilities
Disallowed servicing assets and deferred tax assets
Average total assets for leverage capital purposes
Total risk-weighted assets(2)
December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
5,375
$
4,856
$
4,904
(255)
1,592
1,008
3,030
433
3,463
223
3,686
45,445
1,592
1,008
42,845
17,683
$
$
$
$
(459)
1,654
1,185
2,476
433
2,909
228
3,137
46,038
1,654
1,185
43,199
17,992
$
$
$
$
(315)
1,899
1,279
2,041
433
2,474
252
2,726
48,152
1,899
1,279
44,974
19,850
$
$
$
$
Tier 1 leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital / Average total assets for leverage
capital purposes)
Tier 1 capital / Total risk-weighted assets
Total capital / Total risk-weighted assets
Tier 1 common ratio (Tier 1 common / Total risk-weighted assets)
8.1%
19.6%
20.8%
17.1%
6.7%
16.2%
17.4%
13.8%
5.5%
12.5%
13.7%
10.3%
(1) The Company included 100% of its trust preferred securities in E*TRADE Financial's Tier 1 capital, as the final ruling issued in July 2013 by the
regulatory agencies has the phase-out of trust preferred securities beginning January 1, 2015 for the Company.
(2) Under the regulatory guidelines for risk-based capital, on-balance sheet assets and credit equivalent amounts of derivatives and off-balance sheet items
are assigned to one of several broad risk categories according to the obligor or, if relevant, the guarantor or the nature of any collateral. The aggregate
dollar amount in each risk category is then multiplied by the risk weight associated with that category. The resulting weighted values from each of the
risk categories are aggregated for determining total risk-weighted assets.
At December 31, 2014, our Tier 1 leverage ratio was 8.1% compared to the minimum ratio required to be "well
capitalized" of 5%, the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 19.6% compared to the minimum ratio required to be "well
capitalized" of 6%, and the total risk-based capital ratio was 20.8% compared to the minimum ratio required to be "well
capitalized" of 10%. Our Tier 1 common ratio was 17.1% at December 31, 2014.
In July 2013, the U.S. Federal banking agencies finalized a rule to implement Basel III in the U.S., which provides the
framework for the calculation of a banking organization’s regulatory capital and risk-weighted assets. The Basel III rule
establishes Common Equity Tier 1 capital as a new tier of capital, raises the minimum thresholds for required capital, increases
minimum required risk-based capital ratios, narrows the eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments, provides for new
regulatory capital deductions and adjustments, and modifies methods for calculating risk-weighted assets (the denominator of
risk-based capital ratios) by, among other things, strengthening counterparty credit risk capital requirements. The Basel III final
rule also introduces a capital conservation buffer that limits a banking organization’s ability to make capital distributions and
discretionary bonus payments to executive officers if a banking organization fails to maintain a Common Equity Tier 1 capital
conservation buffer of more than 2.5%, on a fully phased-in basis, of total risk-weighted assets above each of the following
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minimum risk-based capital ratio requirements: Common Equity Tier 1 (4.5%), Tier 1 (6.0%), and total risk-based capital
(8.0%). This requirement will begin to take effect on January 1, 2016, and will be fully phased in by 2019.
The rule became effective on January 1, 2014, for certain large banking organizations, and January 1, 2015, for most
other U.S. banking organizations, including the Company and E*TRADE Bank. The fully phased-in Basel III capital standards
will become effective January 1, 2019 for the Company and E*TRADE Bank. We expect to remain compliant with the Basel
III framework as it is phased in.
Several elements of the final rule are likely to have a meaningful impact to us. Margin receivables will qualify for 0%
risk-weighting and we believe we will be able to include a larger portion of our deferred tax assets in regulatory capital, both
having a favorable impact on our current capital ratios. A portion of this benefit will be offset as we phase out trust preferred
securities from the parent company's capital. In addition, the final rule gives the option for a one-time permanent election for
the inclusion or exclusion in the calculation of Common Equity Tier 1 capital of unrealized gains (losses) on all available-for-
sale debt securities; we currently intend to elect to exclude unrealized gains (losses).
On September 9, 2014, U.S. Federal banking agencies issued an inter-agency final rule that implements a quantitative
LCR that is generally consistent with, and in some respects stricter than, the international LCR standard established by the
BCBS. The purpose of the LCR is to require certain financial institutions to hold minimum amounts of high-quality, liquid
assets against projected net cash outflows over a 30-day period of stressed conditions. While the LCR does not apply to
companies with less than $50 billion in assets, including the Company, we believe we would be compliant with the LCR
standards set out in the final rule, as they apply to larger institutions.
Stress Testing
On October 9, 2012, the U.S. Federal banking agencies, including the OCC and the Federal Reserve, issued final rules
implementing provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act that require banking organizations with total consolidated assets of more than
$10 billion but less than $50 billion to conduct annual company-run stress tests, report the results to their primary federal
regulator and the Federal Reserve and publish a summary of the results. Under the rules, stress tests must be conducted using
certain scenarios (baseline, adverse and severely adverse), which the OCC and Federal Reserve will publish by November 15
of each year.
Under the OCC stress test regulations, E*TRADE Bank is required to conduct stress-testing using the prescribed
stress-testing methodologies. The final OCC regulations required E*TRADE Bank to conduct its first stress test using financial
statement data as of September 30, 2013, and submit the results prior to March 31, 2014. E*TRADE Bank submitted the results
of its first stress test prior to March 31, 2014, as required. For banking organizations with total consolidated assets of more than
$10 billion but less than $50 billion, the results of the first official test will not be public information. As E*TRADE Bank had
total consolidated assets of less than $50 billion at the relevant time, the results of its first official stress test will not be made
public. E*TRADE Bank will be required to publish summary results of its annual stress test between June 15 and June 30 each
year, beginning with its second annual stress test in 2015.
The OCC analyzes and provides feedback on the quality of E*TRADE Bank's stress test process and results. In the
second quarter of 2014 we received feedback from the OCC on our first official stress test submission that we remained well
above the regulatory well-capitalized levels for all scenarios. We were satisfied with the feedback around our stress testing
process, approach and methodologies. E*TRADE Bank will be required to publish summary results of its annual stress test
between June 15 and June 30 each year, beginning with its second annual stress test in 2015.
Under the final Federal Reserve regulations, the parent company will be required to conduct its first stress test using
financial statement data as of September 30, 2016, and it will be required to report the results of its first stress test to the
Federal Reserve on or before March 31, 2017, and to disclose a summary of its first stress test results between June 15 and June
30, 2017.
Other Sources of Liquidity
We rely on borrowed funds, from sources such as securities sold under agreements to repurchase and FHLB advances,
to provide liquidity for E*TRADE Bank. Our ability to borrow these funds is dependent upon the continued availability of
funding in the wholesale borrowings market. In addition, we can borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank’s discount window to
meet short-term liquidity requirements, although it is not viewed as a primary source of funding. At December 31, 2014,
E*TRADE Bank had approximately $2.8 billion and $1.0 billion in additional collateralized borrowing capacity with the FHLB
and the Federal Reserve Bank, respectively. We also have the ability to generate liquidity in the form of additional deposits by
raising the yield on our customer deposit products.
While E*TRADE Clearing LLC also maintains uncommitted lines of credit with unaffiliated banks to finance margin
lending, with available balances subject to approval when utilized, there were no outstanding balances at December 31, 2014.
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We enter into various off-balance-sheet arrangements in the ordinary course of business, primarily to meet the needs
of our customers and to reduce our own exposure to interest rate risk. These arrangements include firm commitments to extend
credit and letters of credit. Additionally, we enter into guarantees and other similar arrangements as part of transactions in the
ordinary course of business. For additional information on each of these arrangements, see Note 21—Commitments,
Contingencies and Other Regulatory Matters of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations at December 31, 2014 and the effect such obligations are
expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods (dollars in millions):
Payments Due by Period
Less Than 1
Year
1-3 Years
3-5 Years
Thereafter
Other (7)
Total
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase(1)
FHLB advances and other borrowings(1)(2)
Corporate debt(3)
Uncertain tax positions
Certificates of deposit and brokered certificates of
deposit(1)(4)
Leases(5)
Purchase obligations(6)
$
3,027
$
286
80
2
33
26
82
655
679
160
12
11
50
8
$
— $
— $ — $
25
954
2
4
42
—
619
661
—
—
46
—
—
—
314
—
—
—
Total contractual obligations
$
3,536
$
1,575
$ 1,027
$ 1,326
$
314
$
3,682
1,609
1,855
330
48
164
90
7,778
(1)
Includes annual interest based on the contractual features of each transaction, using market rates at December 31, 2014. Interest rates are assumed to
remain at current levels over the life of all adjustable rate instruments.
(2) For subordinated debentures included in other borrowings, does not assume early redemption under current conversion provisions.
Includes annual interest payments. Does not assume conversion for the non-interest bearing convertible debentures due 2019.
(3)
(4) Does not include sweep deposits, complete savings deposits, other money market and savings deposits or checking deposits as there are no stated
(5)
(6)
maturity dates and /or scheduled contractual payments.
Includes future minimum lease payments, net of sublease proceeds under sale-leaseback transaction and operating leases with initial or remaining terms
in excess of one year.
Includes material purchase obligations for goods and services covered by non-cancelable contracts and contracts with termination clauses. Includes
contracts through the termination date, even if the contract is renewable.
(7) Represents uncertain tax positions that we are unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of cash payments in individual years or
where a net operating loss carryforward could be used to offset the liability.
At December 31, 2014, the Company had $169 million of unused lines of credit available to customers under home
equity lines of credit. The Company also had $40 million in commitments to fund small business investment companies,
community development financial institutions, affordable housing tax credit partnerships and other limited partnerships at
December 31, 2014. Additional information related to commitments and contingent liabilities is detailed in Note 21—
Commitments, Contingencies and Other Regulatory Matters of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
RISK MANAGEMENT
As a financial services company, our business exposes us to certain risks. The identification, mitigation and
management of existing and potential risks are keys to effective enterprise risk management. There are certain risks that are
inherent to our business (e.g. execution of transactions) whereas other risks will present themselves through the conduct of that
business. We seek to monitor and manage our significant risk exposures through a set of board approved limits as well as Key
Risk Indicators ("KRIs") or metrics. We have in place a governance framework that regularly reports metrics, major risks and
exposures to senior management and the Board of Directors. Throughout 2014, we enhanced our risk management culture and
capabilities, and we will strive to make continued enhancements in 2015. As of June 1, 2014, our risk management framework
became required to satisfy the risk committee requirement for publicly traded bank holding companies with total consolidated
assets of greater than $10 billion and less than $50 billion, contained in the Federal Reserve’s enhanced prudential standards for
bank holding companies and foreign banking organizations. Our framework, as described below, is in compliance with all
applicable requirements.
We have a Board-approved Risk Appetite Statement ("RAS") which we disseminate to employees. The RAS specifies
the significant risks we are exposed to and our tolerance of those risks. As described in the RAS, our business exposes us to the
following eight major categories of risk:
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Credit Risk—the risk of loss arising from the inability or failure of a borrower or counterparty to meet its
credit obligations.
Interest Rate Risk—the risk of loss of income or value of future income due to changes in interest rates
arising from the Company’s balance sheet position. This includes convexity risk, which arises from
optionality in the balance sheet, related to prepayments in mortgage assets.
Liquidity Risk—the potential inability to meet contractual and contingent financial obligations either on- or
off-balance sheet, as they come due.
Market Risk—the risk that asset values or income streams will be adversely affected by changes in market
conditions.
Operational Risk—the risk of loss due to failure of people, processes and systems, or damage to physical
assets caused by unexpected events.
Strategic Risk—sometimes called business risk, is the risk of loss of market size, market share or margin in
any business.
Reputational Risk—the potential that negative perceptions regarding our conduct or business practices will
adversely affect valuation, profitability, operations or customer base or require costly litigation or other
measures.
Legal, Regulatory and Compliance Risk—the current and prospective risk to earnings or capital arising from
violations of, or non-conformance with, laws, rules, regulations, prescribed practices, internal policies, and
procedures, or ethical standards.
We have identified several other risks that could impact our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash
flows in future periods. See Part I—Item 1A. Risk Factors.
We manage risk through a governance structure of risk committees, which consist of members of senior management,
to help ensure that business decisions are executed within our stated risk profile and consistent with the RAS. A variety of
methodologies and measures are used to monitor, quantify, assess and forecast risk. Measurement criteria, methodologies and
calculations are reviewed periodically to assure that risks are represented appropriately. Certain risks are described in the RAS
and related policies which establish processes and limits. The RAS and these policies are reviewed, challenged and approved
by certain risk committees and the Board of Directors on at least an annual basis.
The Risk Oversight Committee, which consists of independent members of the Board of Directors, reviews,
challenges and approves the RAS and risk policies each year, receives regular reports on the status of certain limits and KRIs as
well as discusses certain key risks. In addition to this Board-level committee, various management risk committees throughout
the Company aid in the identification, measurement and management of risks, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Asset Liability Committee—the Asset Liability Committee ("ALCO") has primary responsibility for
monitoring of market, interest rate and liquidity risk, and recommends related risk limits to be approved by
the Enterprise Risk Management Committee ("ERMC").
Credit Committee—the Credit Committee has responsibility for monitoring credit risks and approving risk
limits or recommending risk limits to be approved by the ERMC.
Enterprise Risk Management Committee—the ERMC is the senior-most risk management committee and has
primary responsibility for approving risk limits and monitoring the Company’s risk management activities.
The ERMC also resolves issues escalated by the other risk management committees and in certain instances
approves exceptions to risk policies.
Investment Policy Committee—the Investment Policy Committee has responsibility for reviewing,
challenging and approving investments recommended for investment advisory products and incidental advice
services and investment guidance, including reviewing, challenging and approving capital market
assumptions and other underlying assumptions relating to financial tools and calculators.
Model Risk Management Committee—the Model Risk Management Committee has responsibility for
reviewing and challenging models used across the Company, the assumptions and scenarios that are provided
to generate model results, and model performance.
New Products Review Committee—the New Products Review Committee has responsibility for assessing and
approving the business, risk, regulatory and compliance perspectives of new products to be offered to
customers and prospective customers.
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•
•
•
Operational Risk and Control Committee—the Operational Risk and Control Committee ("ORCC") has
responsibility for the oversight and management of the operational risks in all business lines, legal entities,
and departments, including the development and reporting of key operational risk metrics. The ORCC has
oversight of operational risk management in the existing enterprise risk categories, including: transactions
execution risk, cybersecurity and other security risks, legal and regulatory risks, systems and information
technology risks, and employment risks.
Order Routing and Best Execution Committee—the Order Routing and Best Execution Committee
("ORBEC") has responsibility for evaluating the Company’s execution statistics and order-routing
determinations for stock and listed options and determining how, if at all, the Company will alter its order-
routing methodology to improve execution quality. The ORBEC also reviews order flow rates and payments
received from G1 Execution Services, LLC and other unaffiliated market centers for comparable order flow
directed to them.
Vendor Management Committee—the Vendor Management Committee has responsibility for the oversight of
the effectiveness of the Third Party Oversight process, including reviewing the processes for the
identification, measurement, management, mitigation and reporting of operational risks.
Credit Risk Management
Credit risk is the risk of loss arising from the inability or failure of a borrower or counterparty to meet its credit
obligations. We are exposed to credit risk in the following areas:
•
•
•
We hold credit risk exposure in our loan portfolio. We are not currently originating or purchasing loans, and
we are continuing our strategy of reducing balance sheet risk by allowing the loan portfolio to pay down.
We extend margin loans to our brokerage customers which exposes us to the risk of credit losses in the event
we cannot liquidate collateral during significant market movements.
We engage in financial transactions with counterparties which expose us to credit losses in the event a
counterparty cannot meet its obligations. These financial transactions include our invested cash, securities
lending, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements and derivatives contracts, as well as the settlement of
trades.
Credit risk is monitored by our Credit Committee, whose objective is to evaluate current and expected credit
performance of the Company’s loans, investments, borrowers and counterparties relative to market conditions and the probable
impact on the Company’s financial performance. The Credit Committee establishes credit risk guidelines in accordance with
the Company’s strategic objectives and existing policies. The Credit Committee reviews investment and lending activities
involving credit risk to ensure consistency with those established guidelines. These reviews involve an analysis of portfolio
balances, delinquencies, losses, recoveries, default management and collateral liquidation performance, as well as any credit
risk mitigation efforts relating to the portfolios. In addition, the Credit Committee reviews and approves credit related
counterparties engaged in financial transactions with the Company.
Loss Mitigation on the Loan Portfolio
Our credit risk operations team focuses on the mitigation of potential losses in the loan portfolio. Through a variety of
strategies, including voluntary line closures, automatically freezing lines on all delinquent accounts, and freezing lines on loans
with materially reduced home equity, we reduced our exposure to open home equity lines from a high of over $7 billion in 2007
to $169 million at December 31, 2014.
We have loan modification programs that focus on the mitigation of potential losses in the one- to four- family and
home equity mortgage loan portfolio. We currently do not have any active loan modification program for consumer and other
loans. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we modified $20 million and $80 million, respectively, of one- to
four-family loans and $15 million and $18 million, respectively, of home equity loans, in which the modification was
considered a TDR. In order to significantly reduce risk on the legacy loan portfolio, we sold $0.8 billion of our one- to four-
family loans modified as TDRs during the second quarter of 2014.
We also process minor modifications on a number of loans through traditional collections actions taken in the normal
course of servicing delinquent accounts. Minor modifications resulting in an insignificant delay in the timing of payments are
not considered economic concessions and therefore are not classified as TDRs. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had $25
million and $32 million, respectively, of mortgage loans with a minor modification that was not considered a TDR.
Approximately 5% and 7% of these loans were classified as nonperforming at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
To reduce vendor operational and regulatory risk, we have an initiative to assess our servicing relationships and, where
appropriate, consolidate loan servicing or transfer certain mortgage loans to servicers that specialize in managing troubled
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assets. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we completed servicer transfers of $962 million of mortgage loans as a
result of this initiative. At December 31, 2014, $2.8 billion gross unpaid principal balance of our mortgage loans were held at
servicers that specialize in managing troubled assets. We believe this initiative has improved and will continue to improve the
credit performance in future periods of the loans transferred compared to the expected credit performance of these same loans if
they had not been transferred.
We continue to review the mortgage loan portfolio in order to identify loans to be repurchased by the originator. Our
review is primarily focused on identifying loans with violations of transaction representations and warranties or material
misrepresentation on the part of the seller. Any loans identified with these deficiencies are submitted to the original seller for
repurchase. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we agreed to settlements with third-party mortgage
originators specific to loans sold to us by those originators. One-time payments were agreed upon to satisfy in full all pending
and future requests with those specific originators. We applied the full amount of payments of $11 million and $13 million for
the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as recoveries to the allowance for loan losses, resulting in a
corresponding reduction to net charge-offs as well as our provision for loan losses. Approximately $24 million of loans were
repurchased by or settled with the original sellers during the year ended December 31, 2014, for a total of $457 million of loans
that were repurchased, including global settlements, since we actively started reviewing our purchased loan portfolio beginning
in 2008. While we may continue to pursue loans to be repurchased by or settled with the original sellers, we consider this effort
to be substantially complete.
Interest Rate Risk Management
Interest rate risks are monitored and managed by the ALCO, including the analysis of earnings sensitivity to changes
in market interest rates under various scenarios. The scenarios assume both parallel and non-parallel shifts in the yield curve.
See Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk for additional information about our interest rate
risks.
Liquidity Risk Management
Liquidity risk is monitored by the ALCO. We have in place a comprehensive set of liquidity and funding policies as
well as contingency funding plans that are intended to maintain our flexibility to address liquidity events specific to us or the
market in general. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—
Liquidity and Capital Resources for additional information.
Market Risk Management
Market risks are monitored through the ALCO. These risks include holding positions associated with reduced spreads
in securities pricing. See Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk for additional information about
our market risks.
Operational Risk Management
Operational risks exist in most areas of the Company from processing a transaction to customer service. We are also
exposed to fraud risk from unauthorized use of customer and corporate funds and resources. We monitor customer transactions
and use scoring tools which prevent a significant number of fraudulent transactions on a daily basis. However, new techniques
and strategies are constantly being developed by perpetrators to commit fraud. In order to minimize this threat, we offer our
customers various security measures, including a token based multi-factor verification system.
The failure of a third party vendor to adequately meet its responsibilities which could result in financial loss and
impact our reputation is another significant operational risk. The Third Party Oversight group regularly reports to the ERMC
and monitors our vendor relationships. The vendor risk identification process includes reviews of contracts, financial soundness
of providers, information security, business continuity and risk management scoring.
Strategic Risk Management
Strategic risks are reviewed, challenged and monitored by various risk committees, the ERMC and Board committees.
These risks include potential loss of customers or adverse changes in customer mix in the brokerage business, including trading
activity as well as income from related businesses, including securities lending and margin lending; turmoil in the global
financial markets which could reduce trade volumes and margin borrowing and increase our dependence on our more active
customers who receive lower pricing; and new entrants into the discount brokerage market which could put pressure on
margins and thus reduce revenues.
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Reputational Risk Management
Reputational risks are reviewed, challenged and monitored by various risk committees and the ERMC. We recognize
that reputational risk can manifest itself in all areas of our business often in conjunction with other risk types. We acknowledge
that there is particular reputational risk from many factors including, but not limited to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
deterioration in the loan portfolios;
impact of investigations and lawsuits;
failure of controls supporting the accuracy of financial reports and disclosures;
failure of third party vendors to adequately meet their responsibilities;
risk of business disruption and system failures;
risk of security breaches and identity theft; and
risk of public regulatory findings.
Legal, Regulatory and Compliance Risk Management
Legal, regulatory and compliance risks are reviewed, challenged and monitored by various risk committees and the
ERMC. We recognize that legal, regulatory and compliance risks can manifest in all areas of our business. Particularly pertinent
risks include extensive government regulation, including banking and securities rules and regulations, which could restrict our
business practices; recently enacted regulatory reform legislation which may have a material impact on our operations; and
investigations and lawsuits. In addition, if we are unable to meet these new requirements, we could face negative regulatory
consequences, which would have a material negative effect on our business; not complying with applicable securities and
banking laws, rules and regulations, either domestically or internationally could subject us to disciplinary actions, damages,
penalties or restrictions that could significantly harm our business; and not maintaining the capital levels required by regulators
could subject us to prompt correction actions, increasingly strong sanctions, cease-and-desist orders, and ultimately FDIC
receivership.
These risks also arise in situations where the laws or rules governing certain regulated products or activities may be
ambiguous, untested, or in the process of significant change or revision. This risk exposes us to fines, civil money penalties,
payment of damages, and the voiding of contracts. It can lead to diminished reputation, reduced franchise value, limited
business opportunities, reduced expansion potential, and an inability to enforce contracts.
CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
Loans
One- to four-family loans include interest-only loans for a five to ten year period, followed by an amortizing period
ranging from 20 to 25 years. At December 31, 2014, 42% of our one- to four-family portfolio were not yet amortizing.
However, during the year ended December 31, 2014, based on the unpaid principal balance before charge-offs, approximately
15% of these borrowers made voluntary annual principal payments of at least $2,500 and slightly over a third of those
borrowers made voluntary annual principal payments of at least $10,000.
The home equity loan portfolio is primarily second lien loans on residential real estate properties, which have a higher
level of credit risk than first lien mortgage loans. Approximately 15% of the home equity loan portfolio was in the first lien
position and we held both the first and second lien positions in less than 1% of the home equity loan portfolio at December 31,
2014. The home equity loan portfolio consisted of approximately 19% of home equity installment loans and approximately
81% of home equity lines of credit at December 31, 2014.
Home equity installment loans are primarily fixed rate and fixed term, fully amortizing loans that do not offer the
option of an interest-only payment. The majority of home equity lines of credit convert to amortizing loans at the end of the
draw period, which typically ranges from five to ten years. Approximately 7% of this portfolio will require the borrowers to
repay the loan in full at the end of the draw period, commonly referred to as "balloon loans." At December 31, 2014, 85% of
the home equity line of credit portfolio had not converted from the interest-only draw period and had not begun amortizing.
However, during the year ended December 31, 2014, approximately 40% of the borrowers of our not yet converted home
equity line of credit loans made annual principal payments of at least $500 on their home equity lines of credit and slightly
under half of those borrowers reduced their principal balance by at least $2,500.
The following table outlines when one- to four-family and home equity lines of credit convert to amortizing by
percentage of the one- to four-family and home equity line of credit portfolios, respectively, at December 31, 2014:
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Period of Conversion to Amortizing Loan
Already amortizing
Year ending December 31, 2015
Year ending December 31, 2016
Year ending December 31, 2017 or later
% of One- to Four-Family
Portfolio
% of Home Equity Line of
Credit Portfolio
58%
5%
16%
21%
15%
27%
44%
14%
We track and review factors to predict and monitor credit risk in the mortgage loan portfolio on an ongoing basis.
These factors include: loan type, estimated current LTV/CLTV ratios, delinquency history, documentation type, borrowers’
current credit scores, housing prices, loan vintage and geographic location of the property. In economic conditions in which
housing prices generally appreciate, we believe that loan type, LTV/CLTV ratios and credit scores are the key factors in
determining future loan performance. In a housing market with declining home prices and less credit available for refinance,
we believe the LTV/CLTV ratio becomes a more important factor in predicting and monitoring credit risk. Credit scores and
LTV/CLTV are updated on at least a quarterly basis. For the consumer and other loan portfolio, we track and review
delinquency status to predict and monitor credit risk on at least a quarterly basis.
The following tables show the distribution of the mortgage loan portfolios by credit risk factor (dollars in millions):
Current LTV/CLTV
<=80%
(1)
80%-100%
100%-120%
>120%
Total mortgage loans receivable
Average estimated current LTV/CLTV (2)
Average LTV/CLTV at loan origination (3)
One- to Four-Family
December 31,
Home Equity
December 31,
2014
2013
2014
2013
$
1,757
$
807
311
185
1,912
1,365
711
487
$
1,081
$
1,142
755
557
441
866
736
710
$
3,060
$
4,475
$
2,834
$
3,454
79%
71%
90%
72%
92%
80%
98%
80%
(1) Current CLTV calculations for home equity loans are based on the maximum available line for home equity lines of credit and outstanding principal
balance for home equity installment loans. For home equity loans in the second lien position, the original balance of the first lien loan at origination
date and updated valuations on the property underlying the loan are used to calculate CLTV. Current property values are updated on a quarterly basis
using the most recent property value data available to us. For properties in which we did not have an updated valuation, we utilized home price indices
to estimate the current property value.
(2) The average estimated current LTV/CLTV ratio reflects the outstanding balance at the balance sheet date and the maximum available line for home
equity lines of credit, divided by the estimated current value of the underlying property.
(3) Average LTV/CLTV at loan origination calculations are based on LTV/CLTV at time of purchase for one- to four-family purchased loans and undrawn
balances for home equity loans.
(1)
Current FICO
>=720
719 - 700
699 - 680
679 - 660
659 - 620
<620
One- to Four-Family
December 31,
Home Equity
December 31,
2014
2013
2014
2013
$
1,734
$
2,252
$
1,487
$
1,811
296
260
197
237
336
436
366
296
404
721
292
238
203
258
356
343
293
245
310
452
Total mortgage loans receivable
$
3,060
$
4,475
$
2,834
$
3,454
(1) FICO scores are updated on a quarterly basis; however, at December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were some loans for which the updated FICO scores
were not available. The current FICO distribution at December 31, 2014 included the most recent FICO scores where available, otherwise the original
FICO score was used, for approximately $49 million and $4 million of one- to four-family and home equity loans, respectively. The current FICO
distribution at December 31, 2013 included original FICO scores for approximately $95 million and $10 million of one- to four-family and home equity
loans, respectively.
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Approximately 47% and 46% of our mortgage loans receivable were full documentation loans at December 31, 2014
and 2013, respectively, with the remaining being low or no documentation. The average age of our mortgage loans receivable
was 8.9 years and 7.9 years at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Approximately 38% and 40% of our mortgage loans receivable were concentrated in California at December 31, 2014
and 2013, respectively. No other state had concentrations of mortgage loans that represented 10% or more of our mortgage
loans receivable at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses is management’s estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance
sheet date. The estimate of the allowance for loan losses is based on a variety of quantitative and qualitative factors, including
the composition and quality of the portfolio; delinquency levels and trends; current and historical charge-off and loss
experience; our historical loss mitigation experience; the condition of the real estate market and geographic concentrations
within the loan portfolio; the interest rate climate; the overall availability of housing credit; and general economic conditions.
The allowance for loan losses is typically equal to management’s forecast of loan losses in the twelve months following the
balance sheet date as well as the forecasted losses, including economic concessions to borrowers, over the estimated remaining
life of loans modified as TDRs. The general allowance for loan losses also includes a qualitative component to account for a
variety of factors that present additional uncertainty that may not be fully considered in the quantitative loss model but are
factors we believe may impact the level of credit losses.
The following table presents the allowance for loan losses by loan portfolio (dollars in millions):
One- to Four-Family
December 31,
Home Equity
December 31,
Consumer and Other
December 31,
Total
December 31,
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
2014
2013
General reserve:
Quantitative
component
Qualitative
component
Specific valuation
allowance
Total allowance
for loan losses
Allowance as
a % of
loans
receivable(1)
$
11
$
34
$
281
$
212
$
7
9
8
60
29
57
50
64
$
27
$
102
$
367
$
326
$
9
1
—
10
4
—
25
$
37
66
$
404
$
$
21
$
301
$
267
62
124
453
5.3%
0.9%
2.3%
12.9%
9.4%
2.1%
4.1%
6.3%
(1) Allowance as a percentage of loans receivable is calculated based on the gross loans receivable for each respective category.
The one- to four-family allowance for loan losses decreased 74% to $27 million at December 31, 2014 from $102
million at December 31, 2013. This decline was primarily a result of the sale of $0.8 billion of our one- to four-family loans
modified as TDRs during the second quarter of 2014. As a result of this transaction, we recorded a charge-off of $42 million
related to these one- to four-family loans which had been previously recorded as part of the specific valuation allowance. This
charge-off and improving economic conditions, as evidenced by the lower levels of delinquent loans, home price improvement
and loan portfolio run-off, drove the majority of the decrease in the allowance for loan losses during the year ended
December 31, 2014.
The home equity allowance for loan losses increased 13% to $367 million at December 31, 2014 from $326 million at
December 31, 2013, inclusive of the migration of certain estimated losses previously captured in the qualitative component into
the quantitative component. During 2014, we enhanced our quantitative allowance methodology to identify higher risk home
equity lines of credit and extend the period of management’s forecasted loan losses captured within the general allowance to
include the total probable loss on a subset of these higher risk loans. These enhancements drove the migration of estimated
losses previously captured on these loans from the qualitative component to the quantitative component of the general
allowance, and drove the majority of the provision for loan losses within the home equity portfolio during the year ended
December 31, 2014.
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Table of Contents
Troubled Debt Restructurings
TDRs include two categories of loans: (1) loan modifications completed under our loss mitigation programs in which
economic concessions were granted to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, and (2) loans that have been charged-off
based on the estimated current value of the underlying property less estimated selling costs due to bankruptcy notification even
if the loan has not been modified under the Company’s programs. The following table shows total TDRs by category at
December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in millions):
December 31, 2014
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total
December 31, 2013
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total
Loans Modified
as TDRs(1)
Bankruptcy
Loans
Total TDRs
$
$
$
$
185
169
354
1,036
188
1,224
$
$
$
$
131
48
179
136
53
189
$
$
$
$
316
217
533
1,172
241
1,413
(1)
Includes loans modified as TDRs that also had received a bankruptcy notification of $42 million and $252 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013,
respectively.
Total TDRs decreased $0.9 billion during the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to the sale of $0.8 billion
of our one- to four- family loans modified as TDRs during the second quarter of 2014. See the Allowance for Loan Losses
section above for additional information on this transaction.
The following table shows total TDRs by delinquency category at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in millions):
December 31, 2014
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total
December 31, 2013
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total
TDRs
Current
TDRs 30-89
Days
Delinquent
TDRs 90-179
Days
Delinquent
TDRs 180+
Days
Delinquent
Total Recorded
Investment
in
TDRs
$
$
$
$
232
178
410
901
198
1,099
$
$
$
$
24
14
38
102
17
119
$
$
$
$
12
6
18
44
7
51
$
$
$
$
48
19
67
125
19
144
$
$
$
$
316
217
533
1,172
241
1,413
TDRs on accrual status, which are current and have made six or more consecutive payments, were $248 million and
$950 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Troubled Debt Restructurings – Loan Modifications
We believe the distinction between loans modified as TDRs and total TDRs, which include bankruptcy loans, is
important. Our loan modification programs focus on the mitigation of potential losses through making an economic concession
to a borrower, whereas with loans for which we have received bankruptcy notification we have not taken any loss mitigation
actions. The following table shows loans modified as TDRs by delinquency category at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars
in millions):
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Table of Contents
December 31, 2014
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total
December 31, 2013
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total
Modifications
Current
Modifications
30-89 Days
Delinquent
Modifications
90-179 Days
Delinquent
Modifications
180+ Days
Delinquent
Total Recorded
Investment in
Modifications
$
$
$
$
152
145
297
817
162
979
$
$
$
$
14
10
24
92
13
105
$
$
$
$
7
5
12
39
4
43
$
$
$
$
12
9
21
88
9
97
$
$
$
$
185
169
354
1,036
188
1,224
The following table shows loans modified as TDRs and the specific valuation allowance by loan portfolio as well as
the percentage of total expected losses at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in millions):
Recorded
Investment in
Modifications
before
Charge-offs
Charge-offs
Recorded
Investment in
Modifications
Specific
Valuation
Allowance
Net Investment in
Modifications
Specific Valuation
Allowance as a %
of Modifications
Total
Expected
Losses
December 31, 2014
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total
December 31, 2013
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total
$
$
$
$
231
305
536
1,354
338
1,692
$
$
$
$
(46) $
(136)
(182) $
(318) $
(150)
(468) $
185
169
354
1,036
188
1,224
$
$
$
$
(9) $
(57)
(66) $
(60) $
(64)
(124) $
176
112
288
976
124
1,100
5%
34%
19%
6%
34%
10%
24%
63%
46%
28%
63%
35%
The recorded investment in loans modified as TDRs includes the charge-offs related to certain loans that were written
down to the estimated current value of the underlying property less estimated selling costs. These charge-offs were recorded on
modified loans that were delinquent in excess of 180 days, in bankruptcy, or when certain characteristics of the loan, including
CLTV, borrower’s credit and type of modification, cast substantial doubt on the borrower’s ability to repay the loan. Included in
allowance for loan losses was a specific valuation allowance of $66 million and $124 million that was established for loans
modified as TDRs at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The specific valuation allowance for these individually
impaired loans represents the forecasted losses over the remaining life of the loan, including the economic concession to the
borrower.
The total expected loss on loans modified as TDRs includes both the previously recorded charge-offs and the specific
valuation allowance. Total expected losses on loans modified as TDRs increased from 35% at December 31, 2013 to 46% at
December 31, 2014, primarily due to the sale of $0.8 billion of our one- to four-family loans modified as TDRs. See the
Allowance for Loan Losses section above for additional information on this transaction.
Net Charge-offs
The following table provides an analysis of the allowance for loan losses and net charge-offs for the past five years
(dollars in millions):
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Table of Contents
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period
Provision for loan losses
Charge-offs:
One- to four-family
Home equity
Consumer and other
Total charge-offs
Recoveries:(1)
One- to four-family
Home equity
Consumer and other
Total recoveries
Net charge-offs
Allowance for loan losses, end of period
$
Net charge-offs to average loans receivable outstanding
(1) Recoveries include the impact of mortgage originator settlements.
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
$
$
453
36
$
481
143
823
355
$
1,031
$
1,183
441
779
(44)
(65)
(17)
(126)
11
24
6
(41)
(157)
(33)
(231)
14
34
12
(190)
(517)
(51)
(758)
9
40
12
(229)
(457)
(59)
(745)
21
58
17
(303)
(600)
(80)
(983)
—
27
25
41
(85)
404
1.2%
$
60
(171)
453
1.8%
$
61
(697)
481
5.8%
$
96
(649)
823
4.4%
$
52
(931)
1,031
5.1%
The following table allocates the allowance for loan losses by loan category for the past five years (dollars in
millions):
2014
2013
December 31,
2012
2011
2010
Amount
%(1)
Amount
%(1)
Amount
%(1)
Amount
%(1)
Amount
%(1)
One- to four-family
Home equity
Consumer and other
$
27
367
10
48.2% $
44.6
7.2
102
326
25
52.4% $
40.5
7.1
184
257
40
51.8% $
40.2
8.0
314
463
46
50.7% $
40.8
8.5
390
576
65
51.0%
40.0
9.0
Total allowance for
loan losses
$
404
100.0% $
453
100.0% $
481
100.0% $
823
100.0% $
1,031
100.0%
(1) Represents percentage of loans receivable in the category to total loans receivable, excluding premiums (discounts).
Loan losses are recognized when, based on management's estimate, it is probable that a loss has been incurred. The
charge-off policy for both one- to four-family and home equity loans is to assess the value of the property when the loan has
been delinquent for 180 days or has received bankruptcy notification, regardless of whether or not the property is in
foreclosure, and charge off the amount of the loan balance in excess of the estimated current value of the underlying property
less estimated selling costs. Modified loans considered TDRs are charged off when they are identified as collateral dependent
based on certain terms of the modification, which includes assigning a higher level of risk to loans in which the LTV or CLTV
is greater than 110% or 125%, respectively, a borrower’s credit score is less than 600 and certain types of modifications, such
as interest-only payments. Closed-end consumer loans are charged off when the loan has been 120 days delinquent or when it is
determined that collection is not probable.
Net charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013 decreased by $86 million, primarily driven
by improving economic conditions, as evidenced by lower levels of delinquent loans and home price improvement and
portfolio run-off. The decrease was partially offset by the charge-off of $42 million related to our sale of one- to four-family
loans modified as TDRs during the second quarter of 2014. In addition, net charge-offs for the years ended December 31, 2014
and 2013 also included $11 million and $13 million of benefit recorded from settlements with third party mortgage originators,
respectively. The timing and magnitude of charge-offs are affected by many factors and we anticipate variability from quarter
to quarter, particularly as home equity lines of credit begin converting to amortizing loans.
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Delinquent Loans
We believe the distinction between loans delinquent 90 to 179 days and loans delinquent 180 days and greater is
important as loans delinquent 180 days and greater have been written down to their expected recovery value, whereas loans
delinquent 90 to 179 days have not (unless they are in process of bankruptcy or are modifications that have substantial doubt as
to the borrower’s ability to repay the loan). We believe loans delinquent 90 to 179 days are an important measure because these
loans are expected to drive the vast majority of future charge-offs. Additional charge-offs on loans delinquent 180 days and
greater are possible if home prices decline beyond current expectations, but we do not anticipate these charge-offs to be
significant, particularly when compared to the expected charge-offs on loans delinquent 90 to 179 days. We expect the balances
of one- to four-family loans delinquent 180 days and greater to decline over time; however, we expect the balances to remain at
high levels in the near term due to the extensive amount of time it takes to foreclose on a property in the current real estate
market. The following table shows the comparative data for loans delinquent 90 to 179 days (dollars in millions):
One- to four-family
Home equity
Consumer and other loans
Total loans delinquent 90-179 days
Loans delinquent 90-179 days as a percentage of gross loans receivable
December 31,
2014
2013
$
$
28
29
1
58
0.9%
70
36
3
109
1.3%
$
$
During the year ended December 31, 2014, loans delinquent 90 to 179 days decreased by $51 million to $58 million,
driven primarily by the sale of our one- to four-family loans modified as TDRs during the second quarter of 2014.
In addition, we monitor loans in which a borrower’s current credit history casts doubt on their ability to repay a loan.
We classify loans as special mention when they are between 30 and 89 days past due. The following table shows the
comparative data for special mention loans (dollars in millions):
One- to four-family
Home equity
Consumer and other loans
Total special mention loans
Special mention loans receivable as a percentage of gross loans receivable
December 31,
2014
2013
$
88
60
7
155
$
2.4%
190
69
12
271
3.2%
$
$
The trend in special mention loan balances is generally indicative of the expected trend for charge-offs in future
periods, as these loans have a greater propensity to migrate into nonaccrual status and ultimately charge-off. One- to four-
family loans are generally secured in a first lien position by real estate assets, reducing the potential loss when compared to an
unsecured loan. Home equity loans are generally secured by real estate assets; however, the majority of these loans are secured
in a second lien position, which substantially increases the potential loss when compared to a first lien position. The loss
severity of our second lien home equity loans was approximately 93% at December 31, 2014.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, special mention loans decreased by $116 million to $155 million and are
down 85% from their peak of $1.0 billion at December 31, 2008. This decrease was largely due to the sale of our one- to four-
family loans modified as TDRs during the second quarter of 2014. While the level of special mention loans can fluctuate
significantly in any given period, we believe the continued decrease is an encouraging sign regarding the future credit
performance of the mortgage loan portfolio.
Nonperforming Assets
We classify loans as nonperforming when they are no longer accruing interest, which includes loans that are 90 days
and greater past due, TDRs that are on nonaccrual status for all classes of loans (including loans in bankruptcy) and certain
junior liens that have a delinquent senior lien. The following table shows the comparative data for nonperforming loans and
assets for the past five years (dollars in millions):
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Table of Contents
One- to four-family
Home equity
Consumer and other
Total nonperforming loans receivable
Real estate owned and other repossessed assets, net
Total nonperforming assets, net
$
Nonperforming loans receivable as a percentage of
gross loans receivable
One- to four-family allowance for loan losses as a
percentage of one- to four-family nonperforming loans
receivable
Home equity allowance for loan losses as a percentage
of home equity nonperforming loans receivable
Consumer and other allowance for loan losses as a
percentage of consumer and other nonperforming
loans receivable
Total allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total
nonperforming loans receivable
December 31,
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
294
165
1
460
38
498
$
526
164
3
693
53
746
$
$
639
248
6
893
71
964
$
930
281
5
1,216
88
$
1,256
361
6
1,623
133
$
1,304
$
1,756
7.2%
8.1%
8.4%
9.2%
10.0%
9.1%
19.5%
28.8%
33.8%
31.0%
222.5%
198.3%
104.0%
164.6%
159.7%
774.6%
868.3%
617.2%
1,000.5%
1,194.6%
87.8%
65.4%
53.8%
67.7%
63.6%
During the year ended December 31, 2014, nonperforming assets, net decreased $248 million to $498 million when
compared to December 31, 2013. The decrease in the one- to four-family nonperforming loans receivable during the year ended
December 31, 2014 was primarily due to the sale of $0.8 billion of our one- to four-family loans modified as TDRs, which
included $377 million of nonperforming loans. The decrease in nonperforming loans receivable was partially offset by an
increase in nonperforming TDRs that had been charged-off due to bankruptcy notification. In February 2014, the OCC issued
clarifying guidance related to consumer debt discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings. As a result of the clarifying
guidance, beginning the first quarter of 2014 these bankruptcy loans remain on nonaccrual status regardless of payment history.
This change did not have a material impact on our statement of financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Prior to
this change, we had $238 million of bankruptcy loans classified as performing loans at December 31, 2013.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized $19 million of operating interest income on loans that were
nonperforming at December 31, 2014. If our nonperforming loans at December 31, 2014 had been performing in accordance
with their terms, we would have recorded additional operating interest income of approximately $16 million for the year ended
December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2014 there were no commitments to lend additional funds to any of these borrowers.
Securities
We focus primarily on security type and credit rating to monitor credit risk in our securities portfolios. We consider
securities backed by the U.S. government or its agencies to have low credit risk as the long-term debt rating of the U.S. government
is AA+ by S&P and AAA by Moody’s and Fitch at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2014, the amortized cost of these securities
accounted for over 99% of our total securities portfolio. We review the remaining debt securities that were not backed by the U.S.
government or its agencies according to their credit ratings from S&P, Moody’s and Fitch where available. At December 31, 2014,
all municipal bonds and corporate bonds were rated investment grade (defined as a rating equivalent to a Moody’s rating of "Baa3"
or higher, or a S&P or Fitch rating of "BBB-" or higher).
Certain non-agency CMOs were other-than-temporarily impaired as a result of the deterioration in the expected credit
performance of the underlying loans in those specific securities. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we sold our remaining
$17 million in amortized cost of the available-for-sale non-agency CMOs as part of our continued focus to reduce legacy risks.
SUMMARY OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial
statements, which have been prepared in conformity with GAAP. Note 1—Organization, Basis of Presentation and Summary of
Significant Accounting Policies of Part II Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data contains a summary of our
significant accounting policies, many of which require the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in
the consolidated financial statements and related notes for the periods presented. We believe that of our significant accounting
policies, the following are critical because they are based on estimates and assumptions that require complex and subjective
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judgments by management: allowance for loan losses; valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets; estimates of effective
tax rates, deferred taxes and valuation allowance; classification and valuation of certain investments; accounting for derivative
instruments; and fair value measurements. Changes in these estimates or assumptions could materially impact our financial
condition and results of operations, and actual results could differ from our estimates.
Allowance for Loan Losses
Description
The allowance for loan losses is management’s estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the
balance sheet date. In determining the adequacy of the allowance, we perform ongoing evaluations of the loan portfolio and
loss forecasting assumptions. As of December 31, 2014, the allowance for loan losses was $404 million on $6.3 billion of total
loans receivable designated as held-for-investment.
Judgments
Determining the adequacy of the allowance is complex and requires judgment by management about the effect of
matters that are inherently uncertain. Subsequent evaluations of the loan portfolio, in light of the factors then prevailing, may
result in significant changes in the allowance for loan losses in future periods. We evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for
loan losses by loan portfolio segment: one- to four-family, home equity and consumer and other. The estimate of the allowance
for loan losses is based on a variety of quantitative and qualitative factors, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
the composition and quality of the portfolio;
delinquency levels and trends;
current and historical charge-off and loss experience;
our historical loss mitigation experience;
the condition of the real estate market and geographic concentrations within the loan portfolio;
the interest rate climate;
the overall availability of housing credit; and
general economic conditions.
The allowance for loan losses is typically equal to management’s forecast of loan losses in the twelve months
following the balance sheet date as well as the forecasted losses, including economic concessions to borrowers, over the
estimated remaining life of loans modified as TDRs.
For loans that are not TDRs, we established a general allowance. The one- to four-family and home equity loan
portfolios represented 48% and 45%, respectively, of total loans receivable as of December 31, 2014. The one- to four-family
and home equity loan portfolios are separated into risk segments based on key risk factors, which include but are not limited to
loan type, delinquency history, documentation type, LTV/CLTV ratio and borrowers’ credit scores. Both current CLTV and
FICO scores are among the factors utilized to categorize the risk associated with mortgage loans and assign a probability
assumption of future default. We utilize historical mortgage loan performance data to develop the forecast of delinquency and
default for these risk segments. The general allowance for loan losses also included a qualitative component to account for a
variety of factors that present additional uncertainty that may not be fully considered in the quantitative loss model but are
factors we believe may impact the level of credit losses. We utilize a qualitative factor framework whereby, on a quarterly
basis, management assesses the risk associated with three main factors. These factors are: external factors, such as changes in
the macro-economic, legal and regulatory environment; internal factors, such as procedural changes and reliance on third
parties; and portfolio specific factors, such as the impact on borrowers' monthly payments from one- to four-family loans
converting from interest only to amortizing. The uncertainty related to these factors may expand over time, temporarily
increasing the qualitative component in advance of the more precise identification of these probable losses being captured
within the general allowance. The total qualitative component was $37 million and $62 million as of December 31, 2014 and
2013, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, we enhanced our quantitative allowance methodology to identify higher
risk home equity lines of credit and extend the period of management’s forecasted loan losses captured within the general
allowance to include the total probable loss on a subset of these higher risk loans. These enhancements drove the migration of
estimated losses previously captured on these loans from the qualitative component to the quantitative component of the
general allowance, and drove the majority of the provision for loan losses within the home equity portfolio during the year
ended December 31, 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company increased its default assumptions related
to balloon loans and extended the period of management's forecasted loan losses captured within the general allowance to
include the total probable loss on higher risk balloon loans. The overall impact of these refinements drove the substantial
majority of provision for loan losses during the year ended December 31, 2013.
The consumer and other loan portfolio is separated into risk segments by product and delinquency status. We utilize
historical performance data and historical recovery rates on collateral liquidation to forecast delinquency and loss at the product
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level. The consumer and other loan portfolio represented 7% of total loans receivable as of December 31, 2014. The qualitative
component for the consumer and other loan portfolio was $1 million and $4 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013,
respectively.
For modified loans accounted for as TDRs that are valued using the discounted cash flow model, we established a
specific allowance. The specific allowance for TDRs factors in the historical default rate of an individual loan before being
modified as a TDR in the discounted cash flow analysis in order to determine that specific loan’s expected impairment.
Specifically, a loan that has a more severe delinquency history prior to modification will have a higher future default rate in the
discounted cash flow analysis than a loan that was not as severely delinquent. For both of the one- to four-family and home
equity loan portfolio segments, the pre-modification delinquency status, the borrower’s current credit score and other credit
bureau attributes, in addition to each loan’s individual default experience and credit characteristics, are incorporated into the
calculation of the specific allowance. A specific allowance is established to the extent that the recorded investment exceeds the
discounted cash flows of a TDR with a corresponding charge to provision for loan losses. The specific allowance for these
individually impaired loans represents the forecasted losses over the estimated remaining life of the loan, including the
economic concession to the borrower.
Effects if Actual Results Differ
Historic volatility in the credit markets has substantially increased the complexity and uncertainty involved in
estimating the losses inherent in the loan portfolio. In the current market, it is difficult to estimate how potential changes in the
quantitative and qualitative factors, including the impact of home equity lines of credit converting from interest only to
amortizing loans or requiring borrowers to repay the loan in full at the end of the draw period, might impact the allowance for
loan losses. If our underlying assumptions and judgments prove to be inaccurate, the allowance for loan losses could be
insufficient to cover actual losses. We may be required under such circumstances to further increase the provision for loan
losses, which could have an adverse effect on the regulatory capital position and results of operations in future periods.
During the normal course of conducting examinations, our banking regulators, the OCC and Federal Reserve, continue
to review our business and practices. This process is dynamic and ongoing and we cannot be certain that additional changes or
actions will not result from their continuing review.
Valuation of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Description
Goodwill and other intangible assets are evaluated for impairment on an annual basis as of November 30 and in
interim periods when events or changes indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable, such as a significant deterioration
in the operating environment or a decision to sell or dispose of a reporting unit. Goodwill and other intangible assets net of
amortization were $1.8 billion and $0.2 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2014.
Judgments
Goodwill is allocated to reporting units, which are components of the business that are one level below operating
segments. Reporting units are evaluated for impairment individually during the annual assessment. Estimating the fair value of
reporting units and the assets, liabilities and intangible assets of a reporting unit is a subjective process that involves the use of
estimates and judgments, particularly related to cash flows, the appropriate discount rates and an applicable control premium.
Management judgment is required to assess whether the carrying value of the reporting unit can be supported by the fair value
of the individual reporting unit. There are various valuation methodologies, such as the market approach or income approach,
that may be used to estimate the fair value of reporting units. In applying these methodologies, we utilize a number of factors,
including actual operating results, future business plans, economic projections, and market data. At December 31, 2014, all
$1.8 billion of goodwill was allocated to the retail brokerage reporting unit.
In conducting the annual goodwill impairment test for 2014, we elected to perform a qualitative analysis for the retail
brokerage reporting unit. We took into consideration all relevant events and circumstances related to the retail brokerage
business as well as the results of the most recent quantitative test performed in 2012, which indicated the estimated fair value of
the retail brokerage reporting unit as a percentage of book value was approximately 190%. In conducting the quantitative
goodwill impairment test for 2012, we determined the fair value of our reporting units using both a discounted cash flow
analysis, a form of the income approach, and the publicly traded company method, a form of the market approach, combined
with a control premium. The discounted cash flow analysis required management to make projections about future revenue and
costs, discounting the cash flows to present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. The publicly traded company method
consisted of identifying similar publicly traded companies. As a result of the qualitative analysis, we concluded that it was not
more likely than not that the fair value of the retail brokerage reporting unit was less than its carrying amount, and therefore it
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was not necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test for 2014. Based on the steps performed, we concluded that
goodwill assigned to the retail brokerage reporting unit was not impaired as of December 31, 2014.
We also evaluate the remaining useful lives of intangible assets with finite lives each reporting period to determine whether
events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. Our intangible assets have a weighted average
remaining useful life of 11 years as of December 31, 2014. The Company currently does not have any intangible assets with
indefinite lives.
Effects if Actual Results Differ
If our estimates of fair value for the retail brokerage reporting unit change due to changes in our business or other
factors, we may determine that an impairment charge is necessary. Estimates of fair value are determined based on a complex
model using estimated future cash flows and company comparisons. If the actual cash flows are less than the estimated future
cash flows used in the annual assessment, then goodwill would have to be tested for impairment.
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. If changes in the estimated
underlying revenue occur, impairment or a change in the remaining life may need to be recognized.
Estimates of Effective Tax Rates, Deferred Taxes and Valuation Allowance
Description
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, we calculate income tax expense (benefit) based on our
interpretation of the tax laws in the various jurisdictions where we conduct business. This requires us to estimate current tax
obligations and the realizability of uncertain tax positions and to assess temporary differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, the net
amount of which we show as other assets or other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. We must also assess the
likelihood that deferred tax assets will be realized. To the extent we believe that realization is not more likely than not, we
establish a valuation allowance. When we establish a valuation allowance or increase this allowance, we generally record a
corresponding increase to income tax expense in the consolidated statement of income (loss) in the period of the change.
Conversely, to the extent circumstances indicate that realization is more likely than not, the valuation allowance is reversed to
the amount realizable, which reduces income tax expense. At December 31, 2014 we had net deferred tax assets of $951
million, net of a valuation allowance (on state and foreign country deferred tax assets and charitable contributions) of $91
million.
Judgments
Management must make significant judgments to determine income tax expense (benefit), deferred tax assets and
liabilities and any valuation allowance to be recorded against deferred tax assets. Changes in our estimates occur periodically
due to changes in tax rates, changes in business operations, implementation of tax planning strategies, the expiration of relevant
statutes of limitations, resolution with taxing authorities of uncertain tax positions and newly enacted statutory, judicial and
regulatory guidance.
The most significant tax related judgment made by management was the determination of whether to provide for a
valuation allowance against deferred tax assets. We are required to establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and
record a corresponding increase to income tax expense if it is determined, based on evaluation of available evidence at the time
the determination is made, that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. If we
were to conclude that a valuation allowance was required, the resulting loss could have a material adverse effect on our
financial condition and results of operations. As of December 31, 2014, we did not establish a valuation allowance against our
federal deferred tax assets as we believe that it is more likely than not that all of these assets will be realized. Approximately
40% of our existing federal deferred tax assets are not related to net operating losses and therefore, have no expiration date. We
expect to utilize the majority of the existing federal deferred tax assets within the next four years.
Our evaluation of the need for a valuation allowance focused on identifying significant, objective evidence that we
will be able to realize the deferred tax assets in the future. We determined that our expectations regarding future earnings are
objectively verifiable due to various factors. One factor is the consistent profitability of the core business, the trading and
investing segment, which has generated substantial income for each of the last 11 years, including through uncertain economic
and regulatory environments. The core business is driven by brokerage customer activity and includes trading, brokerage
related cash, margin lending, retirement and investing, and other brokerage related activities. These activities drive variable
expenses that correlate to the volume of customer activity, which has resulted in stable, ongoing profitability.
Another factor is the mitigation of losses in the balance sheet management segment, which generated a large net
operating loss in 2007 caused by the crisis in the residential real estate and credit markets. Much of this loss came from the sale
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of the asset-backed securities portfolio and credit losses from the mortgage loan portfolio. We no longer hold any of those
asset-backed securities and shut down mortgage loan acquisition activities in 2007. In effect, the key business activities that led
to the generation of the deferred tax assets were shut down over seven years ago. In addition, we have realized the benefits of
various credit loss mitigation activities and improving economic conditions, including home price improvement related to our
loan portfolio. As a result, the losses have continued to decline significantly and the balance sheet management segment has
been profitable since 2012.
We maintain a valuation allowance for certain of our state deferred tax assets as we have concluded that it is more
likely than not that they will not be realized. At December 31, 2014, we had total state deferred tax assets of approximately
$143 million related to our state net operating loss carryforwards and temporary differences with a valuation allowance of $48
million against such deferred tax assets.
Effects if Actual Results Differ
Changes in income tax expense (benefit) due to actual effective tax rates differing from our estimates affect accrued
taxes and could be material to our results of operations for any particular reporting period. In evaluating the need for a
valuation allowance, we estimated future taxable income based on management-approved forecasts. This process required
significant judgment by management about matters that are by nature uncertain. If future events differ significantly from our
current forecasts, a valuation allowance may need to be established or increased, which could have a material adverse effect on
our financial condition and results of operations.
Classification and Valuation of Certain Investments
Description
The classification of an investment determines its accounting treatment. We classify our investments in debt securities
as trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity and our investments in equity securities as trading or available-for-sale.
Securities classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Held-to-maturity debt securities are carried at amortized cost based on our intent
and ability to hold these securities to maturity. Declines in fair values of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities that
we believe to be other-than-temporary are included in the consolidated statement of income (loss) in the OTTI line item. As of
December 31, 2014, the available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities portfolios consisted of debt and equity securities, the
majority of which were agency residential mortgage-backed securities.
Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities that have unrealized or unrecognized losses (impaired securities) are
evaluated for OTTI at each balance sheet date. We consider OTTI for an available-for-sale or held-to-maturity debt security to
have occurred if one of the following conditions are met: we intend to sell the impaired debt security as of the balance sheet
date; it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the impaired debt security before recovery of the security’s
amortized cost basis; or we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. If we intend to sell an
impaired debt security or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the impaired debt security before recovery
of the security’s amortized cost basis, we will recognize OTTI in earnings equal to the entire difference between the security’s
amortized cost basis and the security’s fair value. For impaired debt securities that we do not intend to sell and it is not more
likely than not that we will be required to sell before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis, if we do not expect to
recover the entire amortized cost basis of the securities, we will separate OTTI into two components: 1) the amount related to
credit loss, recognized in earnings; and 2) the noncredit portion of OTTI, recognized through other comprehensive income
(loss). We consider OTTI for an available-for-sale equity security to have occurred if the decline in the security’s fair value
below its cost basis is deemed other than temporary based on evaluation of both qualitative and quantitative valuation
measures. If we determine the impairment of an available-for-sale equity security is other-than-temporary, we will recognize
OTTI in earnings equal to the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and the security’s fair value. If we
intend to sell an impaired equity security and do not expect to recover the entire cost basis of the security prior to the sale, we
will recognize OTTI in earnings in the period the decision to sell is made.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized no impairment in our debt and equity securities portfolios.
Judgments
Our evaluation of whether we intend to sell an impaired debt security considers whether management has decided to
sell the security as of the balance sheet date. Our evaluation of whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell
an impaired debt security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis considers the likelihood of sales that involve
legal, regulatory or operational requirements. For impaired debt securities that we do not intend to sell and it is not more likely
than not that we will be required to sell before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis, we use both qualitative and
quantitative valuation measures to evaluate whether we expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. We
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consider all available information relevant to the collectability of the security, including credit enhancements, security structure,
vintage, credit ratings and other relevant collateral characteristics.
Effects if Actual Results Differ
Determining if a security has OTTI is complex and requires judgment by management about circumstances that are
inherently uncertain. Subsequent evaluations of these securities, in light of factors then prevailing, may require additional OTTI
to be recognized in future periods. If all available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities with fair values lower than amortized
cost as of December 31, 2014 were other-than-temporarily impaired and the gross OTTI was recorded through earnings, we
would have recorded a pre-tax impairment loss of $152 million.
Accounting for Derivative Instruments
Description
We enter into derivative transactions primarily to protect against interest rate risk on the value of certain assets,
liabilities and future cash flows. Accounting for derivatives differs significantly depending on whether a derivative is
designated as a hedge based on the applicable accounting guidance and, if designated as a hedge, the type of hedge designation.
Derivative instruments in hedging relationships that mitigate exposure to changes in the fair value of assets or liabilities are
considered fair value hedges. Derivative instruments designated in hedging relationships that mitigate exposure to the
variability in expected future cash flows or other forecasted transactions are considered cash flow hedges. In order to qualify
for hedge accounting treatment, our documentation must indicate the intention to designate the derivative as a hedge of a
specific asset or liability or a future cash flow at its inception. Effectiveness of the hedge must be monitored over the life of the
derivative instrument.
Each derivative instrument is recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value as a freestanding asset or
liability. Fair value hedges are accounted for by recording the fair value of the derivative instrument and the fair value of the
asset or liability being hedged on the consolidated balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of both (1) the derivative instrument
and (2) the underlying assets or liabilities are recognized in the gains on loans and securities, net line item in the consolidated
statement of income (loss). Cash flow hedges are accounted for by recording the fair value of the derivative instrument on the
consolidated balance sheet. The effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative instrument in a cash flow hedge is
reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax in the consolidated balance sheet, for both active
and terminated hedges. Amounts are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net operating interest income
as a yield adjustment in the same period the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the
change in fair value of the derivative instrument in a cash flow hedge is reported in the gains on loans and securities, net line
item in the consolidated statement of income (loss).
Cash flow hedge relationships are treated as effective hedges as long as the hedged forecasted transactions remain
probable and the hedges continue to meet the requirements of the applicable accounting guidance. If it becomes probable that a
hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the specific
hedging instruments would be immediately reclassified into the gains on loans and securities, net line item in the consolidated
statement of income (loss). As of December 31, 2014, we had an unrealized pre-tax loss reported in accumulated other
comprehensive loss of $422 million related to cash flow hedges.
Judgments
The future issuances of liabilities underlying cash flow hedge relationships, including repurchase agreements, are
largely dependent on the market demand and liquidity in the wholesale borrowings market. As of December 31, 2014, we
believe the forecasted issuance of all liabilities in cash flow hedge relationships is probable. However, unexpected changes in
market conditions in future periods could impact our ability to issue these liabilities. We believe the forecasted issuance of
liabilities in the form of repurchase agreements is most susceptible to an unexpected change in market conditions.
Effects if Actual Results Differ
If our hedging strategies were to no longer meet the effectiveness criteria or our assumptions about the nature and
timing of forecasted transactions were to be inaccurate, we could no longer apply hedge accounting and our reported results
would be significantly affected. For example, if we determined that the forecasted issuance of repurchase agreements
associated with our cash flow hedges was no longer probable, the $341 million pre-tax loss in accumulated other
comprehensive loss related to cash flow hedges on repurchase agreements would be reclassified into the gains on loans and
securities, net line item in the consolidated statement of income (loss) in the period in which this determination was made. This
loss would have a material adverse effect on our regulatory capital position and results of operations.
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Fair Value Measurements
Description
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly
transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As of December 31, 2014, 27% and less than 1% of total
assets and total liabilities, respectively, represented instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Certain other assets
are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis: 1) one- to four-family and home equity loans in which the amount of the loan
balance in excess of the estimated current value of the underlying property less estimated selling costs has been charged-off;
and 2) real estate owned that is carried at the lower of the property's carrying value or fair value less estimated selling costs.
The fair value measurement accounting guidance describes the following three levels used to classify fair value
measurements:
•
•
•
Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible by
the Company.
Level 2—Quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either
directly or indirectly.
Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
In determining fair value, we may use various valuation approaches, including market, income and/or cost approaches.
The fair value hierarchy requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs
when measuring fair value. Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant.
Accordingly, even when market assumptions are not readily available, our own assumptions reflect those that market
participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. The availability of observable inputs can vary
and in certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases,
the level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to a fair value measurement requires judgment and consideration of
factors specific to the asset or liability.
Judgments
Of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, 90% were available-for-sale residential mortgage-backed
securities composed of agency mortgage backed securities and CMOs as of December 31, 2014. The fair value of agency
mortgage-backed securities and CMOs was determined using quoted market prices, recent market transactions, spread data and
our own trading activities for identical or similar instruments and were categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The Company also evaluates loans and REO that have been subject to fair value measurement requirements on a
quarterly basis in accordance with policies and procedures that were designed to be in compliance with guidance from the
Company’s regulators. These policies and procedures govern the frequency of the review, the use of acceptable valuation
methods, and the consideration of estimated selling costs.
Effects if Actual Results Differ
Different methodologies or assumptions could be used to determine the fair value of certain assets and liabilities.
These could result in different estimates of fair value, which could materially impact the amounts of realized and unrealized
gains and losses recognized in our statements of financial condition and results of operations. As of December 31, 2014, none
of our assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were categorized as Level 3 and $116 million of our assets
measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis were categorized as Level 3. While our recurring and nonrecurring fair value
estimates of Level 3 instruments utilized observable inputs where available, the valuations included significant management
judgment in determining the relevance and reliability of valuation information considered.
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STATISTICAL DISCLOSURE BY BANK HOLDING COMPANIES
The following table outlines the information required by the SEC’s Industry Guide 3, "Statistical Disclosure by
Bank Holding Companies." These disclosures are at the enterprise level.
Required Disclosure
Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity; Interest Rates and Operating Interest Differential
Page
Average Balance Sheet and Analysis of Net Interest Income
Net Operating Interest Income—Volumes and Rates Analysis
Investment Portfolio
Investment Portfolio—Book Value and Fair Value
Investment Portfolio Maturity
Loan Portfolio
Loans by Type
Loan Maturities
Loan Sensitivities
Risk Elements
Nonaccrual, Past Due and Restructured Loans
Past Due Interest
Policy for Nonaccrual
Potential Problem Loans
Summary of Loan Loss Experience
Analysis of Allowance for Loan Losses
Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses
Deposits
Average Balance and Average Rates Paid
Time Deposit Maturities
Time Deposits in Excess of the FDIC Deposit Insurance Coverage Limits
Return on Equity and Assets
Short-Term Borrowings
31
76
78
79
77
77
77
68
67
97
67
66
66
31
132
132
32
80
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Interest Rates and Operating Interest Differential
Increases and decreases in operating interest income and operating interest expense result from changes in average
balances (volume) of enterprise interest-earning assets and enterprise interest-bearing liabilities, as well as changes in average
interest rates (rate). The following table shows the effect that these factors had on the interest earned on our enterprise interest-
earning assets and the interest incurred on our enterprise interest-bearing liabilities. The effect of changes in volume is
determined by multiplying the change in volume by the previous year’s average yield/cost. Similarly, the effect of rate changes
is calculated by multiplying the change in average yield/cost by the previous year’s volume. Changes applicable to both volume
and rate have been allocated proportionately (dollars in millions):
Enterprise interest-earning assets:
Loans(1)
Available-for-sale securities
Held-to-maturity securities
Margin receivables
Cash and equivalents
Segregated cash
Securities borrowed and other
Total enterprise interest-earning
assets(2)
Enterprise interest-bearing liabilities:
Deposits
Customer payables
Securities sold under agreements to
repurchase
FHLB advances and other borrowings
Securities loaned and other
Total enterprise interest-bearing
liabilities
Change in enterprise net
interest income
2014 Compared to 2013
Increase (Decrease) Due To
2013 Compared to 2012
Increase (Decrease) Due To
Volume
Rate
Total
Volume
Rate
Total
$
(93) $
(7)
43
54
—
1
(3)
(5)
—
—
(15)
—
—
(15)
(5) $
16
(98) $
9
30
(14)
(1)
—
50
76
(5)
(1)
(10)
(3)
—
(19)
73
40
(1)
1
47
71
(5)
(1)
(25)
(3)
—
(34)
(101) $
(48)
36
18
(1)
—
6
(90)
(2)
—
(10)
(54)
—
(66)
— $
(33)
(18)
(10)
—
—
(4)
(101)
(81)
18
8
(1)
—
2
(65)
(155)
(9)
(2)
—
29
—
18
(11)
(2)
(10)
(25)
—
(48)
$
10
$
95
$
105
$
(24) $
(83) $
(107)
(1) Nonaccrual loans are included in the average loan balances. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are recognized on a cash basis in operating
interest income until it is doubtful that full payment will be collected, at which point payments are applied to principal.
(2) Amount includes a taxable equivalent increase in operating interest income of $1 million, $1 million and $1 million for years ended December 31,
2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
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Lending Activities
The following table presents the balance and associated percentage of each major loan category (dollars in millions):
2014
2013
December 31,
2012
2011
2010
Balance
%
Balance
%
Balance
%
Balance
%
Balance
%
One- to four-family
$
3,060
48.2% $
4,475
52.5% $
5,442
51.8% $
6,616
50.7% $
8,170
51.0%
Home equity
Consumer and other:
2,834
455
44.6
7.2
3,454
602
40.4
7.1
4,224
845
40.2
8.0
5,329
1,113
40.8
8.5
6,410
1,444
40.0
9.0
Total loans receivable
6,349
100.0%
8,531
100.0%
10,511
100.0%
13,058
100.0%
16,024
100.0%
Adjustments:
Premiums (discounts)
and deferred fees on
loans
Allowance for loan
losses
Total adjustments
Loans receivable,
net
34
(404)
(370)
45
(453)
(408)
69
(481)
(412)
98
(823)
(725)
129
(1,031)
(902)
$
5,979
$
8,123
$
10,099
$
12,333
$
15,122
The following table shows the contractual maturities of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2014, including scheduled
principal repayments. This table does not, however, include any estimate of prepayments. These prepayments could
significantly shorten the average loan lives and cause the actual timing of the loan repayments to differ from those shown in the
following table (dollars in millions):
One- to four-family
Home equity
Consumer and other
Total loans receivable
< 1 Year
(1)
Due in
1-5 Years
>5 Years
Total
$
$
94
143
47
284
$
$
414
649
217
1,280
$
$
2,552
2,042
191
4,785
$
$
3,060
2,834
455
6,349
(1) Estimated scheduled principal repayments are calculated using weighted-average interest rate and weighted-average remaining maturity of each loan
portfolio.
The following table shows the distribution of those loans that mature in more than one year between fixed and
adjustable interest rate loans at December 31, 2014 (dollars in millions):
One- to four-family
Home equity
Consumer and other
Total loans receivable
Securities
Interest Rate Type
Fixed
Adjustable
Total
$
$
506
498
408
1,412
$
$
2,460
2,193
—
4,653
$
$
2,966
2,691
408
6,065
Our portfolio of mortgage-backed and investment securities is classified into the following categories: trading,
available-for-sale or held-to-maturity.
Our mortgage-backed securities portfolio is primarily composed of:
•
•
•
•
Fannie Mae participation certificates, guaranteed by Fannie Mae;
Freddie Mac participation certificates, guaranteed by Freddie Mac;
Ginnie Mae participation certificates, guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, which is backed by the full faith
and credit of the U.S. Government; and
Collateralized mortgage obligations, which are guaranteed by one of the three above organizations.
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The majority of the investment securities portfolio is composed of agency debt securities guaranteed by the Small
Business Administration and agency debentures which are unsecured senior debt offered by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and
other government agencies.
Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with the unrealized gains and losses reflected as a component of
accumulated other comprehensive loss. Held-to-maturity securities are carried at amortized cost based on the Company’s
positive intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity.
The following table shows the amortized cost and fair value of our mortgage-backed and investment securities
portfolio that the Company held and classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity (dollars in millions):
2014
December 31,
2013
2012
Amortized
Cost
Fair Value
Amortized
Cost
Fair Value
Amortized
Cost
Fair Value
Available-for-sale securities:
Debt securities:
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
Agency mortgage-backed securities
and CMOs
Non-agency CMOs
Total residential mortgage-backed
securities
Agency debentures
Agency debt securities
Municipal bonds
Corporate bonds
$
11,156
$
11,164
$
12,505
$
12,236
$
11,881
$
12,097
—
—
17
14
260
235
11,156
11,164
12,522
12,250
12,141
12,332
620
487
40
5
648
499
40
4
520
832
42
6
466
831
40
5
516
525
30
6
528
547
31
5
Total debt securities
Publicly traded equity securities(1)
12,308
12,355
13,922
13,592
13,218
13,443
33
33
—
—
—
—
Total available-for-sale securities
$
12,341
$
12,388
$
13,922
$
13,592
$
13,218
$
13,443
Held-to-maturity securities:
Agency mortgage-backed securities
and CMOs
Agency debentures
Agency debt securities
Other non-agency debt securities
$
9,793
$
9,971
$
8,359
$
8,293
$
7,888
$
8,182
164
2,281
10
166
2,329
10
164
1,658
—
168
1,631
—
163
1,489
—
170
1,558
—
Total held-to-maturity securities
$
12,248
$
12,476
$
10,181
$
10,092
$
9,540
$
9,910
(1) Publicly traded equity securities consisted of investments in a mutual fund related to the Community Reinvestment Act.
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The following table shows the scheduled maturities, carrying values and current yields for the Company’s available-
for-sale and held-to-maturity investment portfolio at December 31, 2014 (dollars in millions):
Within One Year
One to Five Years
Five to Ten Years
After Ten Years
Total
Balance
Due
Weighted
Average
Yield
Balance
Due
Weighted
Average
Yield
Balance
Due
Weighted
Average
Yield
Balance
Due
Weighted
Average
Yield
Balance
Due
Weighted
Average
Yield
Available-for-sale securities:
Debt securities:
Agency residential
mortgage-backed securities
and CMOs
$
Agency debentures
Agency debt securities
Municipal bonds
Corporate bonds
Total available-for-sale
debt securities
Held-to-maturity securities:
Agency residential
mortgage-backed securities
and CMOs
$
$
Agency debentures
Agency debt securities
Other non-agency debt
securities
Total held-to-maturity
securities
Borrowings
3
—
—
—
—
3
5
164
—
—
1.45% $
—
—
—
—
$
9
—
—
—
—
9
1.89% $
—
—
—
—
421
104
314
3
—
2.39% $ 10,723
2.67% $ 11,156
2.75%
3.24%
4.50%
—
516
173
37
5
3.76%
2.93%
3.91%
0.76%
620
487
40
5
$
842
$ 11,454
$ 12,308
2.20% $
882
2.90% $ 1,486
3.17% $ 7,420
3.15% $ 9,793
2.01%
—
—
—
—
10
—
—
—
1,301
—
2.90%
1.50%
—
—
—
980
—
—
2.91%
164
2,281
—
10
1.50%
2.66%
3.59%
3.13%
3.95%
0.76%
3.13%
2.01%
2.90%
$
169
$
892
$ 2,787
$ 8,400
$ 12,248
Deposits represent our most significant source of funding. In addition, we borrow from the FHLB and sell securities
under repurchase agreements.
We are a member of, and own capital stock in, the FHLB system. The FHLB provides us with reserve credit capacity
and authorizes us to apply for advances based on the security of pledged mortgage loans and other assets—principally
securities that are obligations of, or guaranteed by, the U.S. Government—provided we meet certain creditworthiness standards.
At December 31, 2014, outstanding advances from the FHLB totaled $920 million at interest rates ranging from 0.2% to 0.7%
and at a weighted-average rate of 0.4%.
We also raise funds by selling securities under agreements to repurchase the same or similar securities. The
counterparties to these agreements hold the securities in custody. We treat repurchase agreements as borrowings and secure
them with designated fixed- and variable-rate securities. We also participate in the Federal Reserve Bank’s term investment
option and treasury, tax and loan borrowing programs. We use the proceeds from these transactions to meet our cash flow or
asset/liability matching needs.
The following table sets forth information regarding the weighted-average interest rates and the highest and average
month-end balances of borrowings (dollars in millions):
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Ending
Balance
Weighted-
Average Interest
Rate
(1)
Maximum
Amount at
Month-End
Weighted-Average
Balance
Interest
(2)
Rate
At or for the year ended December 31, 2014:
Securities sold under agreements to
repurchase
FHLB advances and other borrowings
At or for the year ended December 31, 2013:
Securities sold under agreements to
repurchase
FHLB advances and other borrowings
At or for the year ended December 31, 2012:
Securities sold under agreements to
repurchase
FHLB advances and other borrowings
$
$
$
$
$
$
3,672
1,299
4,543
1,279
4,455
1,259
0.44% $
1.19% $
4,920
1,299
0.57% $
1.20% $
4,599
1,627
0.70% $
1.27% $
5,025
2,744
$
$
$
$
$
$
3,993
1,288
4,466
1,291
4,775
2,465
3.07%
5.05%
3.32%
5.29%
3.32%
3.76%
(1) Weighted-average interest rates are based on ending balances and exclude hedging costs.
(2) Weighted-average interest rates are based on average balances and include hedging costs.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Active accounts—Accounts with a balance of $25 or more or a trade in the last six months.
Active customers—Customers that have an account with a balance of $25 or more or a trade in the last six months.
Active trader—The customer group that includes those who execute 30 or more trades per quarter.
Adjusted total assets—E*TRADE Bank-only assets composed of total assets plus/(less) unrealized losses (gains) on
available-for-sale securities, less disallowed deferred tax assets, goodwill and certain other intangible assets.
Agency—U.S. Government sponsored enterprises and federal agencies, such as Federal National Mortgage
Association, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Government National Mortgage Association, the Small Business
Administration and the Federal Home Loan Bank.
ALCO—Asset Liability Committee.
AML—Anti-Money Laundering.
APIC—Additional paid-in capital.
Average commission per trade—Total trading and investing segment commissions revenue divided by total number of
revenue trades.
Average equity to average total assets—Average total shareholders’ equity divided by average total assets.
Bank—ETB Holdings, Inc. ("ETBH"), the entity that is our bank holding company and parent to E*TRADE Bank.
Basis point—One one-hundredth of a percentage point.
BCBS—International Basel Committee on Banking Supervision.
BOLI—Bank-Owned Life Insurance.
Brokerage account attrition rate—Attriting brokerage accounts, which are gross new brokerage accounts less net new
brokerage accounts, divided by total brokerage accounts at the previous period end.
Brokerage related cash—Customer sweep deposits, customer payables and money market balances, including those
held by third parties.
Cash flow hedge—A derivative instrument designated in a hedging relationship that mitigates exposure to variability
in expected future cash flows attributable to a particular risk.
CFPB—Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
CFTC—Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
Charge-off—The result of removing a loan or portion of a loan from an entity’s balance sheet because the loan is
considered to be uncollectible.
CLTV—Combined loan-to-value.
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CMOs—Collateralized mortgage obligations.
Consumer loans—Loans that are secured by real personal property, such as recreational vehicles.
Corporate cash—Cash held at the parent company as well as cash held in certain subsidiaries that can distribute cash
to the parent company without any regulatory approval.
Customer assets—Market value of all customer assets held by the Company including security holdings, deposits and
customer payables, as well as customer assets held by third parties and vested unexercised options.
Daily average revenue trades ("DARTs")—Total revenue trades in a period divided by the number of trading days
during that period.
Derivative—A financial instrument or other contract, the price of which is directly dependent upon the value of one or
more underlying securities, interest rates or any agreed upon pricing index. Derivatives cover a wide assortment of financial
contracts, including forward contracts, options and swaps.
DIF—Depositors Insurance Fund.
Economic Value of Equity ("EVE")—The present value of expected cash inflows from existing assets, minus the
present value of expected cash outflows from existing liabilities, plus the expected cash inflows and outflows from existing
derivatives and forward commitments. This calculation is performed for E*TRADE Bank.
Enterprise interest-bearing liabilities—Liabilities such as customer deposits, repurchase agreements, FHLB advances
and other borrowings, certain customer credit balances and securities loaned programs on which the Company pays interest;
excludes customer money market balances held by third parties.
Enterprise interest-earning assets—Assets such as loans, available-for-sale securities, held-to-maturity securities,
margin receivables, securities borrowed balances and cash and investments required to be segregated under regulatory
guidelines that earn interest for the Company.
Enterprise net interest income—The taxable equivalent basis net operating interest income excluding corporate
interest income and corporate interest expense and interest earned on customer cash held by third parties.
Enterprise net interest margin—The enterprise net operating interest income divided by total enterprise interest-
earning assets.
Enterprise net interest spread—The taxable equivalent rate earned on average enterprise interest-earning assets less
the rate paid on average enterprise interest-bearing liabilities, excluding corporate interest-earning assets and liabilities and
customer cash held by third parties.
ESDA—Extended insurance sweep deposit accounts.
Exchange-traded funds ("ETFs")—A fund that invests in a group of securities and trades like an individual stock on an
exchange.
Fair value—The price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date.
Fair value hedge—A derivative instrument designated in a hedging relationship that mitigates exposure to changes in
the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or a firm commitment.
Fannie Mae—Federal National Mortgage Association.
FASB—Financial Accounting Standards Board.
FDIC—Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Federal Reserve—Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
FHLB—Federal Home Loan Bank.
FICO—Fair Isaac Credit Organization.
FINRA—Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
Fixed charge coverage ratio—Net income before taxes, depreciation and amortization and corporate interest expense
divided by corporate interest expense. This ratio indicates the Company’s ability to satisfy fixed financing expenses.
Forex—A type of trade that involves buying one currency while simultaneously selling another. Currencies are traded
in pairs consisting of a "base currency" and a "quote currency."
Freddie Mac—Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.
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Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP")—Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America.
Ginnie Mae—Government National Mortgage Association.
Gross loans receivable—Includes unpaid principal balances and premiums (discounts).
Interest rate cap—An option contract that puts an upper limit on a floating exchange rate. The writer of the cap has to
pay the holder of the cap the difference between the floating rate and the upper limit when that upper limit is breached. There is
usually a premium paid by the buyer of such a contract.
Interest rate floor—An option contract that puts a lower limit on a floating exchange rate. The writer of the floor has
to pay the holder of the floor the difference between the floating rate and the lower limit when that lower limit is breached.
There is usually a premium paid by the buyer of such a contract.
Interest rate swaps—Contracts that are entered into primarily as an asset/liability management strategy to reduce
interest rate risk. Interest rate swap contracts are exchanges of interest rate payments, such as fixed-rate payments for floating-
rate payments, based on notional principal amounts.
LCR—Liquidity Coverage Ratio.
LIBOR—London Interbank Offered Rate. LIBOR is the interest rate at which banks borrow funds from other banks in
the London wholesale money market (or interbank market).
LTV—Loan-to-value.
NASDAQ—National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations.
Net new brokerage assets—The total inflows to all new and existing brokerage customer accounts less total outflows
from all closed and existing brokerage customer accounts, excluding the effects of market movements in the value of brokerage
customer assets.
NFA—National Futures Association.
NOLs—Net operating losses.
Nonperforming assets—Assets that do not earn income, including those originally acquired to earn income
(nonperforming loans) and those not intended to earn income (real estate owned). Loans are classified as nonperforming when
they are no longer accruing interest, which includes loans that are 90 days and greater past due, TDRs that are on nonaccrual
status for all classes of loans (including loans in bankruptcy) and certain junior liens that have a delinquent senior lien.
Notional amount—The specified dollar amount underlying a derivative on which the calculated payments are based.
OCC—Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
Options—Contracts that grant the purchaser, for a premium payment, the right, but not the obligation, to either
purchase or sell the associated financial instrument at a set price during a period or at a specified date in the future.
OTTI—Other-than-temporary impairment.
OTS—Office of Thrift Supervision.
PII—Personally Identifiable Information.
Real estate owned and other repossessed assets—Ownership or physical possession of real property by the Company,
generally acquired as a result of foreclosure or repossession.
Recovery—Cash proceeds received on a loan that had been previously charged off.
Repurchase agreement—An agreement giving the seller of an asset the right or obligation to buy back the same or
similar securities at a specified price on a given date. These agreements are generally collateralized by mortgage-backed or
investment-grade securities.
Return on average total assets—Annualized net income divided by average assets.
Return on average total shareholders’ equity—Annualized net income divided by average shareholders’ equity.
Risk-weighted assets—Primarily computed by the assignment of specific risk-weightings assigned by the regulators to
assets and off-balance sheet instruments for capital adequacy calculations.
S&P—Standard & Poor’s.
SEC—U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Special mention loans—Loans where a borrower’s current credit history casts doubt on their ability to repay a loan.
Loans are classified as special mention when loans are between 30 and 89 days past due.
Sweep deposit accounts—Accounts with the functionality to transfer customer deposit balances to and from a FDIC
insured account at the banking subsidiaries.
Taxable equivalent interest adjustment—The operating interest income earned on certain assets is completely or
partially exempt from federal and/or state income tax. These tax-exempt instruments typically yield lower returns than a taxable
investment. To provide more meaningful comparison of yields and margins for all interest-earning assets, the interest income
earned on tax exempt assets is increased to make it fully equivalent to interest income on other taxable investments. This
adjustment is done for the analytic purposes in the net enterprise interest income/spread calculation and is not made on the
consolidated statement of income, as that is not permitted under GAAP.
Tier 1 capital—Adjusted equity capital used in the calculation of capital adequacy ratios. Tier 1 capital equals: total
shareholders’ equity, plus/(less) unrealized losses (gains) on available-for-sale securities and cash flow hedges and qualifying
restricted core capital elements, less disallowed servicing and deferred tax assets, goodwill and certain other intangible assets.
Troubled Debt Restructuring ("TDR")—A loan modification that involves granting an economic concession to a
borrower who is experiencing financial difficulty, and loans that have been charged-off due to bankruptcy notification.
Wholesale borrowings—Borrowings that consist of securities sold under agreements to repurchase and FHLB
advances and other borrowings.
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The following discussion about market risk disclosure includes forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ
materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to,
those set forth in Item 1A. Risk Factors in this report.
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to interest rate risk is related primarily to interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, all of
which are held for non-trading purposes. The management of interest rate risk is essential to profitability. The primary objective
of the management of interest rate risk is to control exposure to interest rates within the Board-approved limits, as outlined in
the scenario analysis below, and with limited exposure to earnings volatility resulting from interest rate fluctuations. Our
general strategies to manage interest rate risk include balancing variable-rate and fixed-rate assets and liabilities and utilizing
derivatives in a way that reduces overall exposure to changes in interest rates. Exposure to interest rate risk requires
management to make complex assumptions regarding maturities, market interest rates and customer behavior. Changes in
interest rates, including the following, could impact interest income and expense:
•
•
•
Interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities may re-price at different times or by different amounts
creating a mismatch.
The yield curve may steepen, flatten or change shape affecting the spread between short- and long-term rates.
Widening or narrowing spreads could impact net interest income.
Market interest rates may influence prepayments resulting in maturity mismatches. In addition, prepayments
could impact yields as premium and discounts amortize.
Exposure to interest rate risk is dependent upon the distribution and composition of interest-earning assets, interest-
bearing liabilities and derivatives. The differing risk characteristics of each product are managed to mitigate our exposure to
interest rate fluctuations. At December 31, 2014, 91% of our total assets were enterprise interest-earning assets.
At December 31, 2014, approximately 59% of total assets were residential real estate loans and available-for-sale and
held-to-maturity mortgage-backed securities. The values of these assets are sensitive to changes in interest rates, as well as
expected prepayment levels. As interest rates increase, fixed rate residential mortgages and mortgage-backed securities tend to
exhibit lower prepayments. The inverse is true in a falling rate environment.
When real estate loans prepay, unamortized premiums and/or discounts are recognized immediately in operating
interest income. Depending on the timing of the prepayment, these adjustments to operating income may impact anticipated
yields. The ALCO reviews estimates of the impact of changing market rates on prepayments. This information is incorporated
into our interest rate risk management strategy.
Our liability structure consists of two central sources of funding: deposits and wholesale borrowings. Cash provided to
us through deposits is the primary source of funding. Key deposit products include sweep accounts, complete savings accounts
and other money market and savings accounts. Wholesale borrowings include securities sold under agreements to repurchase
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and FHLB advances. Other sources of funding include customer payables, which is customer cash contained within our broker-
dealers, and corporate debt issued by the parent company.
Deposits and customer payables tend to be less rate-sensitive than wholesale borrowings. Agreements to repurchase
securities and the majority of FHLB advances re-price as agreements reset. Sweep accounts, complete savings accounts and
other money market and savings accounts re-price at management’s discretion. Corporate debt has fixed rates.
Derivative Instruments
We use derivative instruments to help manage interest rate risk. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange of fixed-rate
and variable-rate interest payments between two parties based on a contractual underlying notional amount, but do not involve
the exchange of the underlying notional amounts. Option products are utilized primarily to decrease the market value changes
resulting from the prepayment dynamics of the mortgage portfolio, as well as to protect against increases in funding costs. The
types of options employed include Cap Options ("Caps"), "Payor Swaptions" and "Receiver Swaptions." Caps mitigate the
market risk associated with increases in interest rates. Similarly, Payor and Receiver Swaptions mitigate the market risk
associated with the respective increases and decreases in interest rates. See derivative instruments discussion in Note 8—
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Scenario Analysis
Scenario analysis is an advanced approach to estimating interest rate risk exposure. Under the Economic Value of
Equity ("EVE") approach, the present value of all existing interest-earning assets, interest-bearing liabilities, derivatives and
forward commitments are estimated and then combined to produce an EVE figure. The approach values only the current
balance sheet in which the most significant assumptions are the prepayment rates of the loan portfolio and mortgage-backed
securities and the repricing of deposits. This approach does not incorporate assumptions related to business growth, or
liquidation and re-investment of instruments. This approach provides an indicator of future earnings and capital levels because
changes in EVE indicate the anticipated change in the value of future cash flows. The sensitivity of this value to changes in
interest rates is then determined by applying alternative interest rate scenarios, which include, but are not limited to,
instantaneous parallel shifts up 100, 200 and 300 basis points and down 100 basis points. The change in EVE amounts fluctuate
based on the parallel shifts in interest rates primarily due to the change in timing of cash flows in the Company’s residential
loan and mortgage-backed securities portfolios. Expected prepayment rates on residential mortgage loans and mortgage-backed
securities increase as interest rates decline. In a rising interest rate environment, expected prepayment rates decrease.
The EVE method is used at the E*TRADE Bank level and not for the Company. The ALCO monitors E*TRADE
Bank’s interest rate risk position. E*TRADE Bank had nearly 100% of enterprise interest-earning assets at both December 31,
2014 and 2013 and held 99% of enterprise interest-bearing liabilities at both December 31, 2014 and 2013. The sensitivity of
EVE at December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the limits established by E*TRADE Bank’s Board of Directors are listed below
(dollars in millions):
Change in EVE
(1)
Parallel Change in Interest Rates
(basis points)
+300
+200
+100
-100
$
$
$
$
Amount
December 31, 2014
Percentage(2)
(11.6)%
(6.6)%
(2.4)%
(0.4)%
(626)
(353)
(127)
(21)
Board Limit
(25)%
(15)%
(7)%
(7)%
$
$
$
$
Amount
December 31, 2013
Percentage(2)
(12.2)%
(7.6)%
(3.2)%
(0.8)%
(573)
(355)
(150)
(39)
Board Limit
(25)%
(15)%
(7)%
(7)%
(1) Due to historically low interest rates for all yield curve points, the minus 200 and 300 basis points scenarios are not produced for the years ended
December 31, 2014 and 2013.
(2) The percentage change represents the amount of change in EVE divided by the base EVE as calculated in the current interest rate environment.
We actively manage interest rate risk positions. As interest rates change, we will adjust our strategy and mix of assets,
liabilities and derivatives to optimize our position. For example, a 100 basis points increase in rates may not result in a change
in value as indicated above. The Company compares the parallel shift in interest rate changes in EVE to the established board
limits in order to assess the Company’s interest rate risk on a monthly basis. In the event that the percentage change in EVE
exceeds the board limits, E*TRADE Bank’s Chief Risk Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer must all be promptly
notified in writing and decide upon a plan of remediation. In addition, E*TRADE Bank’s Board of Directors must be promptly
notified of the exception and the planned resolution.
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Market Risk
Equity Securities Risk
We are indirectly exposed to equity securities risk in connection with securities collateralizing margin receivables to
customers, and risk related to our securities lending and borrowing activities. We manage risk on margin lending by requiring
customers to maintain margin collateral in compliance with regulatory and internal guidelines. We monitor required margin
levels daily and require our customers to deposit additional collateral, or to reduce positions, when necessary. We continuously
monitor customer accounts to detect excessive concentration, large orders or positions, and other activities that indicate
increased risk to us. We manage risks associated with our securities lending and borrowing activities by requiring credit
approvals for counterparties, by monitoring the market value of securities loaned and collateral values for securities borrowed
on a daily basis and requiring additional cash as collateral for securities loaned or return of collateral for securities borrowed
when necessary, and by participating in a risk-sharing program offered through the Options Clearing Corporation.
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ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
MANAGEMENT REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial
reporting. The Company's internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and board
of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. Internal control over financial
reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, is a process designed by, or
under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, and effected by the Company’s
board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP and includes those
policies and procedures that:
•
•
•
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions
and dispositions of the Company’s assets;
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only
in accordance with authorizations of Company’s management and directors; and
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or
disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or
improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a
timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future
periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting
using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in "Internal Control-
Integrated Framework (2013)." Based on this assessment, management has concluded that its internal control over financial
reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014 to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
E*TRADE Financial Corporation’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, has
issued an audit report regarding on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which appears on the next page.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
E*TRADE Financial Corporation
New York, New York
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of E*TRADE Financial Corporation and subsidiaries (the
"Company") as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over
financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal
control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of
internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and
operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered
necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s
principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s
board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the
maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of
the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that
could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or
improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a
timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future
periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2014, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),
the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014 of the Company and our report dated
February 24, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
McLean, Virginia
February 24, 2015
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
E*TRADE Financial Corporation
New York, New York
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of E*TRADE Financial Corporation and subsidiaries (the
"Company") as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income (loss), comprehensive
income (loss), shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the
amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
E*TRADE Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and
their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),
the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the criteria established in Internal
Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
and our report dated February 24, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
McLean, Virginia
February 24, 2015
88
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E*TRADE FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (LOSS)
(In millions, except share data and per share amounts)
Revenue:
Operating interest income
Operating interest expense
Net operating interest income
Commissions
Fees and service charges
Principal transactions
Gains on loans and securities, net
Other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI")
Less: noncredit portion of OTTI recognized into (out of) other
comprehensive income (loss) (before tax)
Net impairment
Other revenues
Total non-interest income
Total net revenue
Provision for loan losses
Operating expense:
Compensation and benefits
Advertising and market development
Clearing and servicing
FDIC insurance premiums
Professional services
Occupancy and equipment
Communications
Depreciation and amortization
Amortization of other intangibles
Impairment of goodwill
Facility restructuring and other exit activities
Other operating expenses
Total operating expense
Income before other income (expense) and income tax expense (benefit)
Other income (expense):
Corporate interest expense
Losses on early extinguishment of debt
Equity in income of investments and other
Total other income (expense)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net income (loss)
Basic earnings (loss) per share
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
Shares used in computation of per share data:
Basic (in thousands)
Diluted (in thousands)
$
$
$
$
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
1,293
(205)
1,088
456
186
10
36
—
—
—
38
726
1,814
36
412
120
94
79
112
79
71
78
22
—
8
70
1,145
633
(113)
(71)
3
(181)
452
159
293
1.02
1.00
$
$
$
$
1,220
(238)
982
420
155
73
61
(1)
(2)
(3)
35
741
1,723
143
363
108
124
104
85
73
69
89
24
142
28
66
1,275
305
(114)
—
4
(110)
195
109
86
0.30
0.29
$
$
$
$
1,371
(286)
1,085
378
122
93
201
(20)
3
(17)
38
815
1,900
355
353
139
129
117
86
74
73
91
25
—
8
67
1,162
383
(180)
(335)
1
(514)
(131)
(18)
(113)
(0.39)
(0.39)
288,705
294,103
286,991
292,589
285,748
285,748
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
89
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E*TRADE FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In millions)
Net income (loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Available-for-sale securities:
OTTI, net(1)
Noncredit portion of OTTI reclassification (into) out of other comprehensive
income (loss), net(2)
Unrealized gains (losses), net(3)
Reclassification into earnings, net(4)
Net change from available-for-sale securities
Cash flow hedging instruments:
Unrealized gains (losses), net(5)
Reclassification into earnings, net(6)
Net change from cash flow hedging instruments
Foreign currency translation gains, net
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss)
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
293
$
86
$
(113)
—
—
193
(26)
167
(39)
76
37
—
204
497
—
12
1
(261)
(37)
(297)
67
87
154
—
(143)
(57) $
$
(2)
187
(128)
69
(72)
78
6
2
77
(36)
$
(1) Amounts are net of benefit from income taxes of $0, less than $1 million and $8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012,
respectively.
(2) Amounts are net of benefit from income taxes of $0, less than $1 million and $1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012,
respectively.
(3) Amounts are net of provision for income taxes of $117 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, net of benefit from income taxes of $156 million
for the year ended December 31, 2013, and net of provision for income taxes of $112 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
(4) Amounts are net of provision for income taxes of $16 million, $23 million and $79 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012,
respectively.
(5) Amounts are net of benefit from income taxes of $29 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, net of provision for income taxes of $33 million
for the year ended December 31, 2013, and net of benefit from income taxes of $41 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
(6) Amounts are net of benefit from income taxes of $49 million, $52 million and $52 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012,
respectively.
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
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E*TRADE FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In millions, except share data)
Cash and equivalents
$
1,783
$
ASSETS
December 31,
2014
2013
Cash required to be segregated under federal or other regulations
Available-for-sale securities
Held-to-maturity securities (fair value of $12,476 and $10,092 at December 31,
2014 and 2013, respectively)
Margin receivables
Loans receivable, net (net of allowance for loan losses of $404 and $453 at
December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)
Investment in FHLB stock
Property and equipment, net
Goodwill
Other intangibles, net
Other assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
Deposits
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Customer payables
FHLB advances and other borrowings
Corporate debt
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 21)
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, shares authorized: 400,000,000 at December 31,
2014 and 2013; shares issued and outstanding: 289,272,576 and 287,357,001 at
December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively
Additional paid-in-capital ("APIC")
Accumulated deficit
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Total shareholders’ equity
$
$
555
12,388
12,248
7,675
5,979
88
245
1,792
194
2,583
45,530
$
3,672
6,455
1,299
1,366
2,473
40,155
3
7,350
(1,729)
(249)
5,375
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
45,530
$
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
91
1,838
1,066
13,592
10,181
6,353
8,123
61
237
1,792
216
2,821
46,280
4,543
6,310
1,279
1,768
1,553
41,424
3
7,328
(2,022)
(453)
4,856
46,280
24,890
$
25,971
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E*TRADE FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In millions)
Common Stock
Shares
Amount
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Deficit
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
Balance, December 31, 2011
285
$
Net loss
Other comprehensive income
Exercise of stock options and related
tax effects
Issuance of restricted stock, net of
forfeitures and retirements to pay
taxes
Share-based compensation
—
—
—
1
—
Balance, December 31, 2012
286
$
Net income
Other comprehensive loss
Exercise of stock options and related
tax effects
Issuance of restricted stock, net of
forfeitures and retirements to pay
taxes
Share-based compensation
—
—
—
1
—
Balance, December 31, 2013
287
$
Net income
Other comprehensive income
Conversion of convertible debentures
Exercise of stock options and related
tax effects
Issuance of restricted stock, net of
forfeitures and retirements to pay
taxes
Share-based compensation
—
—
1
—
1
—
3
—
—
—
—
—
3
—
—
—
—
—
3
—
—
—
—
—
—
$
7,307
$
—
—
(5)
(4)
21
$
7,319
$
—
—
(4)
(7)
20
$
7,328
$
—
—
5
6
(13)
24
(1,995) $
(113)
—
—
—
—
(387) $
—
77
—
—
—
(2,108) $
86
—
(310) $
—
(143)
—
—
—
—
—
—
(2,022) $
293
(453) $
—
—
—
—
—
—
204
—
—
—
—
4,928
(113)
77
(5)
(4)
21
4,904
86
(143)
(4)
(7)
20
4,856
293
204
5
6
(13)
24
Balance at December 31, 2014
289
$
3
$
7,350
$
(1,729) $
(249) $
5,375
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
92
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E*TRADE FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used
in) operating activities:
Provision for loan losses
Depreciation and amortization (including discount amortization and
accretion)
Net impairment and gains on loans and securities, net
Impairment of goodwill
Equity in income of investments and other
Losses on early extinguishment of debt
Share-based compensation
Deferred taxes
Other
Net effect of changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in cash required to be segregated under federal or
other regulations
Increase in margin receivables
Increase (decrease) in customer payables
Proceeds from sales and repayments of loans held-for-sale
Originations of loans held-for-sale
Net increase in trading securities
(Increase) decrease in other assets
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
Proceeds from sales, maturities of and principal payments on
available-for-sale securities
Purchases of held-to-maturity securities
Proceeds from maturities of and principal payments on held-to-
maturity securities
Proceeds from sale of loans
Net decrease in loans receivable
Capital expenditures for property and equipment
Proceeds from sale of G1 Execution Services, Inc.
Cash transferred on sale of G1 Execution Services, Inc.
Proceeds from sale of real estate owned and repossessed assets
Net cash flow from derivatives hedging assets
Other
Net cash provided by investing activities
93
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
293
$
86
$
(113)
36
331
(36)
—
(3)
6
24
155
1
511
(1,322)
145
11
—
—
(156)
705
701
143
395
(58)
142
(4)
—
20
107
—
(689)
(549)
1,345
15
—
—
33
131
1,117
355
409
(183)
—
(1)
135
21
(137)
(1)
899
(978)
(626)
343
(332)
(47)
265
(168)
(159)
(1,564)
(7,042)
(10,049)
3,323
(3,209)
1,144
813
1,273
(87)
76
(9)
37
(15)
(69)
1,713
6,263
(2,527)
1,828
—
1,724
(47)
—
—
62
19
6
286
12,446
(4,814)
1,308
—
1,766
(80)
—
—
102
(85)
71
665
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E*TRADE FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS—(Continued)
(In millions)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net (decrease) increase in deposits
Net (decrease) increase in securities sold under agreements to
repurchase
Advances from FHLB
Payments on advances from FHLB
Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes
Payments on senior and springing lien notes
Net cash flow from derivatives hedging liabilities
Other
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(Decrease) increase in cash and equivalents
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period
Cash and equivalents, end of period
Supplemental disclosures:
Cash paid for interest
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Transfers of loans held-for-investment to loans held-for-sale
Transfers from loans to other real estate owned and repossessed
assets
Transfers from other real estate owned and repossessed assets to
loans
Conversion of convertible debentures to common stock
Reclassification of market making business assets and liabilities to
business held-for-sale
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
(1,081) $
(2,422) $
1,932
(871)
730
(730)
540
(940)
(170)
53
(2,469)
(55)
1,838
1,783
318
$
$
— $
795
53
16
5
$
$
$
$
— $
88
2,180
(2,180)
—
—
5
2
(2,327)
(924)
2,762
1,838
277
2
41
75
$
$
$
$
$
— $
— $
79
$
(561)
2,930
(4,284)
1,305
(1,174)
25
(17)
156
662
2,100
2,762
592
6
—
128
—
—
—
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
94
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E*TRADE FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
POLICIES
Organization—E*TRADE Financial Corporation is a financial services company that provides brokerage and related
products and services primarily to individual retail investors under the brand "E*TRADE Financial." The Company also
provides investor-focused banking products, primarily sweep deposits, to retail investors. The Company’s most significant
subsidiaries are described below:
•
•
•
•
E*TRADE Securities LLC is a registered broker-dealer and is the primary provider of brokerage products
and services to the Company’s customers;
E*TRADE Clearing LLC is the clearing firm for the Company’s brokerage subsidiaries and its main purpose
is to clear and settle securities transactions for customers of E*TRADE Securities LLC;
E*TRADE Bank is a federally chartered savings bank utilized by E*TRADE's broker-dealers to maximize
the value of customer deposits. It provides the Company's customers with FDIC insurance on a certain
amount of customer deposits and provides other banking products to its customers; and
E*TRADE Financial Corporate Services is an operating subsidiary of the parent company and is the provider
of software and services for managing equity compensation plans to our corporate customers.
On February 10, 2014, the Company completed the sale of its subsidiary G1 Execution Services, LLC, a registered
broker-dealer and market maker, to an affiliate of Susquehanna International Group, LLP. The sale generated cash proceeds of
$76 million.
As of December 31, 2014, the Company's two primary U.S. broker-dealers, E*TRADE Clearing LLC and E*TRADE
Securities LLC, were operating subsidiaries of E*TRADE Bank. The Company recently received regulatory approval to move
both E*TRADE Clearing LLC and E*TRADE Securities LLC out from under E*TRADE Bank. E*TRADE Securities LLC
was moved out from under E*TRADE Bank in February 2015 and we plan to move E*TRADE Clearing LLC later in 2015.
Basis of Presentation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-
owned subsidiaries as determined under the voting interest model. Entities in which the Company has the ability to exercise
significant influence but in which the Company does not possess control are generally accounted for by the equity method.
Entities in which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence are generally carried at cost. However,
investments in marketable equity securities where the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over
the entities are accounted for as available-for-sale securities. The Company also evaluates its initial and continuing involvement
with certain entities to determine if the Company is required to consolidate the entities under the variable interest entity ("VIE")
model. This evaluation is based on a qualitative assessment of whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE,
which requires the Company to possess both: 1) the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic
performance of the VIE; and 2) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially
be significant to the VIE.
The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. Intercompany accounts and
transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior period items in these consolidated financial statements have been
reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which
are all normal and recurring in nature, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for
the periods presented.
The Company reports corporate interest expense separately from operating interest expense. The Company believes
reporting these items separately provides a clearer picture of the financial performance of the Company’s operations than would
a presentation that combined these two items. Operating interest expense is generated from the operations of the Company.
Corporate debt, which is the primary source of corporate interest expense, is related to prior recapitalization transactions and
acquisitions.
Similarly, the Company reports gains on sales of investments, net separately from gains on loans and securities, net.
The Company believes reporting these two items separately provides a clearer picture of the financial performance of the
Company's operations than would a presentation that combined these two items. Gains on loans and securities, net are the result
of activities in the Company’s operations, namely its balance sheet management segment. Gains on sales of investments, net
relate to investments of the Company at the corporate level and are not related to the ongoing business of the Company’s
operating subsidiaries. Gains on sales of investments, net are reported in the equity in income of investments and other line
item on the consolidated statement of income (loss).
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Table of Contents
Related Parties—Joseph M. Velli, Chairman and CEO of ConvergEx Group, served on the Board of Directors from
January 2010 to October 1, 2014. During this period, the Company used ConvergEx Group for clearing and transfer agent
services. Payments for these services represented less than 1% of the Company’s total operating expenses for each of the years
ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Use of Estimates—Preparing the Company's consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and
related notes for the periods presented. Actual results could differ from management’s estimates. Certain significant accounting
policies are critical because they are based on estimates and assumptions that require complex and subjective judgments by
management. Changes in these estimates or assumptions could materially impact the Company’s financial condition and results
of operations. Material estimates in which management believes changes could reasonably occur include: allowance for loan
losses; valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets; estimates of effective tax rates, deferred taxes and valuation
allowance; classification and valuation of certain investments; accounting for derivative instruments; and fair value
measurements.
Financial Statement Descriptions and Related Accounting Policies—Below are descriptions and accounting policies
for certain of the Company’s financial statement categories:
Cash and Equivalents—The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original or remaining maturities of
three months or less at the time of purchase that are not required to be segregated under federal or other regulations to be cash
and equivalents. Cash and equivalents included $0.9 billion and $1.0 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, of
overnight cash deposits, a portion of which the Company is required to maintain with the Federal Reserve Bank.
Cash Required to be Segregated Under Federal or Other Regulations—Certain cash balances that are required to be
segregated for the exclusive benefit of the Company’s brokerage customers are included in the cash required to be segregated
under federal or other regulations line item.
Available-for-Sale Securities—Available-for-sale securities consist primarily of debt securities and also include equity
securities. Securities classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, after any
applicable hedge accounting adjustments, reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax.
Realized and unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale debt and equity securities are computed using the specific
identification method. Interest earned on available-for-sale debt and equity securities is included in operating interest income.
Amortization or accretion of premiums and discounts on available-for-sale debt securities are also recognized in operating
interest income using the effective interest method over the contractual life of the security. Realized gains and losses on
available-for-sale debt and equity securities, other than OTTI, are included in the gains on loans and securities, net line item.
Available-for-sale securities that have an unrealized loss (impaired securities) are evaluated for OTTI at each balance sheet
date.
Held-to-Maturity Securities—Held-to-maturity securities consist of debt securities, primarily residential mortgage-
backed securities and agency debt securities. Held-to-maturity securities are carried at amortized cost based on the Company’s
intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. Interest earned on held-to-maturity debt securities is included in operating
interest income. Amortization or accretion of premiums and discounts are also recognized in operating interest income using
the effective interest method over the contractual life of the security. Held-to-maturity securities that have an unrecognized loss
(impaired securities) are evaluated for OTTI at each balance sheet date in a manner consistent with available-for-sale debt
securities.
Margin Receivables—Margin receivables represent credit extended to customers to finance their purchases of
securities by borrowing against securities the customers own. Securities owned by customers are held as collateral for amounts
due on the margin receivables, the value of which is not reflected in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company is permitted
to sell or re-pledge these securities held as collateral and use the securities to enter into securities lending transactions, to
collateralize borrowings or for delivery to counterparties to cover customer short positions. The fair value of securities that the
Company received as collateral in connection with margin receivables and securities borrowing activities, where the Company
is permitted to sell or re-pledge the securities, was approximately $10.8 billion and $9.1 billion at December 31, 2014 and
2013, respectively. Of this amount, $2.9 billion and $1.9 billion had been pledged or sold in connection with securities loans,
bank borrowings and deposits with clearing organizations at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Loans Receivable, Net—Loans receivable, net consists of real estate and consumer loans that management has the
intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity, also known as loans held-for-investment. Loans held-for-
investment are carried at amortized cost adjusted for unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans, deferred fees or
costs on originated loans, net charge-offs, and the allowance for loan losses. Premiums or discounts on purchased loans and
deferred fees or costs on originated loans are recognized in operating interest income using the effective interest method over
the contractual life of the loans and are adjusted for actual prepayments. The Company’s classes of loans are one- to four-
family, home equity and consumer and other loans.
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Impaired Loans—The Company considers a loan to be impaired when it meets the definition of a TDR. Impaired
loans exclude smaller-balance homogeneous one- to four-family, home equity and consumer and other loans that have not been
modified as TDRs and are collectively evaluated for impairment.
TDRs—Loan modifications completed under the Company’s loss mitigation programs in which economic concessions
were granted to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty are considered TDRs. TDRs also include loans that have been
charged-off based on the estimated current value of the underlying property less estimated selling costs due to bankruptcy
notification even if the loan has not been modified under the Company’s programs. Upon being classified as a TDR, such loan
is categorized as an impaired loan and is considered impaired until maturity regardless of whether the borrower performs under
the terms of the loan. The Company also processes minor modifications on a number of loans through traditional collections
actions taken in the normal course of servicing delinquent accounts. Minor modifications resulting in an insignificant delay in
the timing of payments are not considered economic concessions and therefore are not classified as TDRs.
Impairment on loan modifications is measured on an individual loan level basis, generally using a discounted cash
flow model. When certain characteristics of the modified loan cast substantial doubt on the borrower’s ability to repay the loan,
the Company identifies the loan as collateral dependent and charges-off the amount of the modified loan balance in excess of
the estimated current value of the underlying property less estimated selling costs. Collateral dependent TDRs are identified
based on the terms of the modification, which includes assigning a higher level of risk to loans in which the LTV or CLTV is
greater than 110% or 125%, respectively, a borrower’s credit score is less than 600 and certain types of modifications, such as
interest-only payments. TDRs that are not identified as higher risk using this risk assessment process and for which impairment
is measured using a discounted cash flow model, continue to be evaluated in the event that they become higher risk collateral
dependent TDRs.
TDRs, excluding loans in bankruptcy, are classified as nonperforming loans at the time of modification. Such TDRs
return to accrual status after six consecutive payments are made in accordance with the modified terms. Accruing TDRs that
subsequently become delinquent will immediately return to nonaccrual status. Bankruptcy loans are classified as
nonperforming loans within 60 days of bankruptcy notification and remain on nonaccrual status regardless of the payment
history.
Nonperforming Loans—The Company classifies loans as nonperforming when they are no longer accruing interest,
which includes loans that are 90 days and greater past due, TDRs that are on nonaccrual status for all classes of loans
(including loans in bankruptcy) and certain junior liens that have a delinquent senior lien. Interest previously accrued, but not
collected, is reversed against current income when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status. Interest payments received on
nonperforming loans are recognized on a cash basis in operating interest income until it is doubtful that full payment will be
collected, at which point payments are applied to principal. The recognition of deferred fees or costs on originated loans and
premiums or discounts on purchased loans in operating interest income is discontinued for nonperforming loans.
Nonperforming loans, excluding TDRs, loans in bankruptcy and certain junior liens that have a delinquent senior lien, return to
accrual status when the loan becomes less than 90 days past due. Loans modified as TDRs return to accrual status after six
consecutive payments have been made in accordance with the modified terms. All bankruptcy loans remain on nonaccrual
status regardless of the payment history. Certain junior liens that have a delinquent senior lien remain on nonaccrual status until
certain performance criteria are met.
Allowance for Loan Losses—The allowance for loan losses is management’s estimate of probable losses inherent in
the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The allowance for loan losses is typically equal to management’s forecast of loan
losses in the twelve months following the balance sheet date as well as the forecasted losses, including economic concessions
to borrowers, over the estimated remaining life of loans modified as TDRs.
The Company’s segments are one- to four-family, home equity and consumer and other. The estimate of the allowance
for loan losses is based on a variety of quantitative and qualitative factors, including:
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the composition and quality of the portfolio;
delinquency levels and trends;
current and historical charge-off and loss experience;
the Company’s historical loss mitigation experience;
the condition of the real estate market and geographic concentrations within the loan portfolio;
the interest rate climate;
the overall availability of housing credit; and
general economic conditions.
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For loans that are not TDRs, the Company established a general allowance. The one- to four-family and home equity
loan portfolios represented 48% and 45%, respectively, of total loans receivable as of December 31, 2014. The one- to four-
family and home equity loan portfolios are separated into risk segments based on key risk factors, which include but are not
limited to loan type, delinquency history, documentation type, LTV/CLTV ratio and borrowers’ credit scores. For home equity
loans in the second lien position, the original balance of the first lien loan at origination date and updated valuations on the
property underlying the loan are used to calculate CLTV. Both current CLTV and FICO scores are among the factors utilized to
categorize the risk associated with mortgage loans and assign a probability assumption of future default. The Company utilizes
historical mortgage loan performance data to develop the forecast of delinquency and default for these risk segments.
The general allowance for loan losses also includes a qualitative component to account for a variety of factors that
present additional uncertainty that may not be fully considered in the quantitative loss model but are factors the Company
believes may impact the level of credit losses. The Company utilizes a qualitative factor framework whereby, on a quarterly
basis, management assesses the risk associated with three main factors. These factors are: external factors, such as changes in
the macroeconomic, legal and regulatory environment; internal factors, such as procedural changes and reliance on third
parties; and portfolio specific factors, such as the impact on borrowers' monthly payments from one- to four-family loans
converting from interest only to amortizing. The uncertainty related to these factors may expand over time, temporarily
increasing the qualitative component in advance of the more precise identification of these probable losses being captured
within the general allowance. The total qualitative component was $37 million and $62 million as of December 31, 2014 and
2013, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, we enhanced our quantitative allowance methodology to identify higher
risk home equity lines of credit and extend the period of management’s forecasted loan losses captured within the general
allowance to include the total probable loss on a subset of these higher risk loans. These enhancements drove the migration of
estimated losses previously captured on these loans from the qualitative component to the quantitative component of the
general allowance, and drove the majority of the provision for loan losses within the home equity portfolio during the year
ended December 31, 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company increased its default assumptions related
to balloon loans and extended the period of management's forecasted loan losses captured within the general allowance to
include the total probable loss on higher risk balloon loans. The overall impact of these refinements drove the substantial
majority of provision for loan losses during the year ended December 31, 2013.
The consumer and other loan portfolio is separated into risk segments by product and delinquency status. The
Company utilizes historical performance data and historical recovery rates on collateral liquidation to forecast delinquency and
loss at the product level. The consumer and other loan portfolio represented 7% of total loans receivable as of December 31,
2014. The qualitative component for the consumer and other loan portfolio was $1 million and $4 million as of December 31,
2014 and 2013, respectively.
For modified loans accounted for as TDRs that are valued using the discounted cash flow model, the Company
established a specific allowance. The specific allowance for TDRs factors in the historical default rate of an individual loan
before being modified as a TDR in the discounted cash flow analysis in order to determine that specific loan’s expected
impairment. Specifically, a loan that has a more severe delinquency history prior to modification will have a higher future
default rate in the discounted cash flow analysis than a loan that was not as severely delinquent. For both of the one- to four-
family and home equity loan portfolio segments, the pre-modification delinquency status, the borrower’s current credit score
and other credit bureau attributes, in addition to each loan’s individual default experience and credit characteristics, are
incorporated into the calculation of the specific allowance. A specific allowance is established to the extent that the recorded
investment exceeds the discounted cash flows of a TDR with a corresponding charge to provision for loan losses. The specific
allowance for these individually impaired loans represents the forecasted losses over the estimated remaining life of the loan,
including the economic concession to the borrower.
Loan losses are recognized when, based on management's estimates, it is probable that a loss has been incurred. The
Company’s charge-off policy for both one- to four-family and home equity loans is to assess the value of the property when the
loan has been delinquent for 180 days or it is in bankruptcy, regardless of whether or not the property is in foreclosure, and
charge-off the amount of the loan balance in excess of the estimated current value of the underlying property less estimated
selling costs. TDR loan modifications are charged-off when certain characteristics of the loan, including CLTV, borrower’s
credit and type of modification, cast substantial doubt on the borrower’s ability to repay the loan. Closed-end consumer loans
are charged-off when the loan has been delinquent for 120 days or when it is determined that collection is not probable.
Investment in FHLB stock—The Company is a member of, and owns capital stock in, the FHLB system. The FHLB
provides the Company with reserve credit capacity and authorizes advances based on the security of pledged home mortgages
and other assets (principally securities that are obligations of, or guaranteed by, the U.S. Government) provided the Company
meets certain creditworthiness standards. FHLB advances, included in the FHLB advances and other borrowings line item, is a
wholesale funding source of E*TRADE Bank. As a condition of its membership in the FHLB, the Company is required to
maintain a FHLB stock investment. The Company accounts for its investment in FHLB stock as a cost method investment.
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Property and Equipment, Net—Property and equipment are carried at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over
their estimated useful lives, generally three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of their
estimated useful lives or lease terms. Buildings are depreciated over the lesser of their estimated useful lives or thirty-five
years. Land is carried at cost. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is not recoverable
and exceeds its fair value.
On October 31, 2014, the Company executed a sale-leaseback transaction on its office located in Alpharetta, Georgia.
The Company recorded the net sales proceeds of approximately $56 million as a financing obligation and the related assets
continue to be included in the property and equipment, net line item on the consolidated balance sheet. For additional
information on the sale-leaseback, see Note 9—Property and Equipment, Net.
The costs of internally developed software that qualify for capitalization are included in the property and equipment,
net line item. For qualifying internal-use software costs, capitalization begins when the conceptual formulation, design and
testing of possible software project alternatives are complete and management authorizes and commits to funding the project.
The Company does not capitalize pilot projects and projects where it believes that future economic benefits are less than
probable. Technology development costs incurred in the development and enhancement of software used in connection with
services provided by the Company that do not otherwise qualify for capitalization treatment are expensed as incurred.
Completed projects are carried at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of four years.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles, Net—Goodwill is acquired through business combinations and represents the excess
of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets. The Company evaluates
goodwill for impairment on an annual basis as of November 30 and in interim periods when events or changes indicate the
carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company has the option of performing a qualitative assessment of goodwill for any
of its reporting units to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value of a
reporting unit. If it is more likely than not that the fair value exceeds the carrying value of the reporting unit, then no further
testing is necessary; otherwise, the Company must perform a two-step quantitative assessment of goodwill. The Company may
elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing a two-step quantitative assessment.
Other intangibles, net represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible assets acquired
through the Company’s business combinations. The Company currently does not have any intangible assets with indefinite
lives. The Company evaluates other intangible assets with finite lives for impairment on an annual basis or when events or
changes indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company also evaluates the remaining useful lives of
intangible assets with finite lives each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the
remaining period of amortization.
For additional information on goodwill and other intangibles, net, see Note 10—Goodwill and Other Intangibles, Net.
Real Estate Owned and Repossessed Assets—Real estate owned and repossessed assets are included in the other assets
line item in the consolidated balance sheet. Real estate owned represents real estate acquired through foreclosure and also
includes those properties acquired through a deed in lieu of foreclosure or similar legal agreement. Both real estate owned and
repossessed assets are carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value, less estimated selling costs.
Equity and Cost Method Investments—The Company’s equity and cost method investments are generally limited
liability investments in partnerships, companies and other similar entities, including tax credit partnerships and community
development entities, that are not required to be consolidated. Equity and cost method investments are reported in the other
assets line item in the consolidated balance sheet. Under the equity method, the Company recognizes its share of the investee’s
net income or loss in the equity in income (loss) of investments and other line item in the consolidated statement of income
(loss). Additionally, the Company recognizes a liability for all legally binding unfunded equity commitments to the investees in
the other liabilities line item in the consolidated balance sheet.
The Company evaluates its equity and cost method investments for impairment when events or changes indicate the
carrying value may not be recoverable. If the impairment is determined to be other-than-temporary, the Company will
recognize an impairment loss in the equity in income (loss) of investments and other line item equal to the difference between
the expected realizable value and the carrying value of the investment.
Income Taxes—Deferred income taxes are recorded when revenues and expenses are recognized in different periods
for financial statement purposes than for tax purposes. Deferred tax asset or liability account balances are calculated at the
balance sheet date using current tax laws and rates in effect. Valuation allowances for deferred tax assets are established if it is
determined, based on evaluation of available evidence at the time the determination is made, that it is more likely than not that
some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Income tax expense (benefit) includes (i) deferred tax expense
(benefit), which generally represents the net change in the deferred tax asset or liability balance during the year plus any change
in valuation allowances, and (ii) current tax expense (benefit), which represents the amount of tax currently payable to or
receivable from a taxing authority. Uncertain tax positions are only recognized to the extent it is more likely than not that the
uncertain tax position will be sustained upon examination. For uncertain tax positions, tax benefit is recognized for cases in
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which it is more than fifty percent likely of being sustained on ultimate settlement. For additional information on income taxes,
see Note 16—Income Taxes.
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase—Securities sold under agreements to repurchase the same or similar
securities, also known as repurchase agreements, are collateralized by fixed- and variable-rate mortgage-backed securities or
investment grade securities. Repurchase agreements are treated as secured borrowings for financial statement purposes and the
obligations to repurchase securities sold are therefore reflected as liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.
Customer Payables—Customer payables represent credit balances in customer accounts arising from deposits of funds
and sales of securities and other funds pending completion of securities transactions. Customer payables primarily represent
customer cash contained within the Company’s broker-dealer subsidiaries. The Company pays interest on certain customer
payables balances.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)—The Company’s comprehensive income (loss) is composed of net income (loss),
noncredit portion of OTTI on debt securities, unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, the effective portion of
the unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives in cash flow hedge relationships and foreign currency translation gains, net of
reclassification adjustments and related tax.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—The Company enters into derivative transactions primarily to protect
against interest rate risk on the value of certain assets, liabilities and future cash flows. Each derivative instrument is recorded
on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value as a freestanding asset or liability. For financial statement purposes, the
Company’s policy is to not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and fair value amounts related to
collateral arrangements under master netting arrangements.
Accounting for derivatives differs significantly depending on whether a derivative is designated as a hedge based on
the applicable accounting guidance and, if designated as a hedge, the type of hedge designation. Derivative instruments
designated in hedging relationships that mitigate the exposure to the variability in expected future cash flows or other
forecasted transactions are considered cash flow hedges. Derivative instruments in hedging relationships that mitigate exposure
to changes in the fair value of assets or liabilities are considered fair value hedges. In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the
Company formally documents at inception all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items and the risk
management objective and strategy for each hedge transaction. Cash flow and fair value hedge ineffectiveness is measured on a
quarterly basis and is included in the gains on loans and securities, net line item in the consolidated statement of income (loss).
Cash flows from derivative instruments in hedging relationships are classified in the same category on the consolidated
statement of cash flows as the cash flows from the items being hedged. The Company also recognizes certain contracts and
commitments as derivatives when the characteristics of those contracts and commitments meet the definition of a derivative.
Gains and losses on derivatives that are not held as accounting hedges are recognized in the gains on loans and securities, net
line item in the consolidated statement of income (loss). For additional information on derivative instruments and hedging
activities, see Note 8—Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.
Fair Value—Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an
orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company determines the fair value for its
financial instruments and for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the
consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis. In addition, the Company determines the fair value for nonfinancial
assets and nonfinancial liabilities on a nonrecurring basis as required during impairment testing or by other accounting
guidance. For additional information on fair value, see Note 4—Fair Value Disclosures.
Operating Interest Income—Operating interest income is recognized as earned through holding interest-earning assets,
such as loans, available-for-sale securities, held-to-maturity securities, margin receivables, cash and equivalents, segregated
cash, and securities lending activities. Operating interest income also includes the impact of the Company’s derivative
transactions related to interest-earning assets.
Operating Interest Expense—Operating interest expense is recognized as incurred through holding interest-bearing
liabilities, such as deposits, customer payables, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, FHLB advances and other
borrowings, and securities lending activities and other balances. Operating interest expense also includes the impact of the
Company’s derivative transactions related to interest-bearing liabilities.
Commissions—Commissions are derived from the Company’s customers and are impacted by both trade types and
trade mix. Commissions from securities transactions are recognized on a trade-date basis.
Fees and Service Charges—Fees and service charges consist of order flow revenue, mutual fund service fees, advisor
management fees, foreign exchange revenue, reorganization fees and other fees and service charges. Order flow revenue is
accrued in the same period in which the related securities transactions are completed or related services are rendered.
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Principal Transactions—Principal transactions consisted of revenue from market making activities. The Company
completed the sale of its market making business on February 10, 2014 and therefore no longer records revenue from principal
transactions. For additional information on the market making business, see Note 2—Disposition.
Gains on Loans and Securities, Net—Gains on loans and securities, net includes gains or losses resulting from the sale
of available-for-sale securities; gains or losses resulting from sales of loans; hedge ineffectiveness; and gains or losses on
derivative instruments that are not accounted for as hedging instruments. Gains or losses resulting from the sale of available-
for-sale securities are recognized at the trade-date, based on the difference between the anticipated proceeds and the amortized
cost of the specific securities sold.
OTTI—The Company considers OTTI for an available-for-sale or held-to-maturity debt security to have occurred if
one of the following conditions are met: the Company intends to sell the impaired debt security; it is more likely than not that
the Company will be required to sell the impaired debt security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis; or the
Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. The Company’s evaluation of whether it
intends to sell an impaired debt security considers whether management has decided to sell the security as of the balance sheet
date. The Company’s evaluation of whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell an impaired debt
security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis considers the likelihood of sales that involve legal, regulatory or
operational requirements. For impaired debt securities that the Company does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than
not that the Company will be required to sell before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis, the Company uses both
qualitative and quantitative valuation measures to evaluate whether the Company expects to recover the entire amortized cost
basis of the security. The Company considers all available information relevant to the collectability of the security, including
credit enhancements, security structure, vintage, credit ratings and other relevant collateral characteristics.
If the Company intends to sell an impaired debt security or if it is more likely than not that the Company will be
required to sell the impaired debt security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis, the Company will recognize
OTTI in earnings equal to the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and the security’s fair value. If the
Company does not intend to sell the impaired debt security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required
to sell the impaired debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis but the Company does not expect to recover the
entire amortized cost basis of the security, the Company will separate OTTI into two components: 1) the amount related to
credit loss, recognized in earnings; and 2) the noncredit portion of OTTI, recognized through other comprehensive income
(loss).
The Company considers OTTI for an available-for-sale equity security to have occurred if the decline in the security’s
fair value below its cost basis is deemed other than temporary based on evaluation of both qualitative and quantitative valuation
measures. If the impairment of an available-for-sale equity security is determined to be other-than-temporary, the Company will
recognize OTTI in earnings equal to the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and the security’s fair
value. If the Company intends to sell an impaired equity security and the Company does not expect to recover the entire cost
basis of the security prior to the sale, the Company will recognize OTTI in the period the decision to sell is made.
Net Impairment—Net impairment includes OTTI net of the noncredit portion of OTTI on debt securities recognized
through other comprehensive income (loss) before tax.
Other Revenues—Other revenues primarily consist of fees from software and services for managing equity
compensation plans, which are recognized in accordance with applicable accounting guidance, including software revenue
recognition accounting guidance. Other revenues also include revenue ancillary to the Company’s customer transactions and
income from the cash surrender value of BOLI.
Share-Based Payments—In 2005, the Company adopted and the stockholders approved the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan
("2005 Plan") to replace the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan ("1996 Plan") which provides for the grant of nonqualified or incentive
stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units to officers, directors, employees and consultants for the
purchase of newly issued shares of the Company’s common stock at a price determined by the Board at the date of the grant.
The Company does not have a specific policy for issuing shares upon stock option exercises and share unit conversions;
however, new shares are typically issued in connection with exercises and conversions. The Company intends to continue to
issue new shares for future exercises and conversions.
Through 2011, the Company issued options to the Company's Board of Directors and to certain of the Company's
officers and employees. Options are generally exercisable ratably over a two- to four-year period from the date the option is
granted and expire within seven to ten years from the date of grant. Certain options provide for accelerated vesting upon a
change in control. Exercise prices were generally equal to the fair value of the shares on the grant date. As of December 31,
2014, there were 0.7 million shares outstanding and less than $1 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to
non-vested stock options. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.1 year.
The Company issues restricted stock awards to the Company's Board of Directors and restricted stock units to certain
of the Company's officers and employees. Each restricted stock unit can be converted into one share of the Company’s common
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stock upon vesting. These restricted stock awards and units are issued at the fair value on the date of grant and vest ratably over
the requisite service period, generally one year for restricted stock awards and three to four years for restricted stock units. As
of December 31, 2014, there were 3.3 million awards and units outstanding and $31 million of total unrecognized
compensation expense related to non-vested awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of
1.6 years. The total fair value of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units vested was $34 million, $19 million and $10
million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The Company recognized $24 million, $20 million and $21 million in compensation expense for its options, restricted
stock awards and restricted stock units for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Under the 2005 Plan, the remaining unissued authorized shares of the 1996 Plan, up to 4.2 million shares, were
authorized for issuance. Additionally, any shares that had been awarded but remained unissued under the 1996 Plan that were
subsequently canceled, would be authorized for issuance under the 2005 Plan, up to 3.9 million shares. In May 2009 and 2010,
an additional 3.0 million and 12.5 million shares, respectively, were authorized for issuance under the 2005 Plan at the
Company’s annual meetings of stockholders in each of those respective years. As of December 31, 2014, 7.2 million shares
were available for grant under the 2005 Plan.
The Company records share-based compensation expense in accordance with the stock compensation accounting
guidance. The Company recognizes compensation expense at the grant date fair value of a share-based payment award over the
requisite service period less estimated forfeitures. Share-based compensation expense is included in the compensation and
benefits line item.
Advertising and Market Development—Advertising production costs are expensed when the initial advertisement is
run.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share—Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the
weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution
that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. The
Company excludes from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share stock options, unvested restricted stock awards
and units and shares related to convertible debentures that would have been anti-dilutive.
New Accounting and Disclosure Guidance—Below is the new accounting and disclosure guidance that relates to
activities in which the Company is engaged.
Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit
Carryforward Exists
In July 2013, the FASB amended the presentation guidance on unrecognized tax benefits. The amended guidance
requires an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, to be presented in the financial statements as a
reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except
under certain circumstances. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is
not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that
would result from the disallowance of a tax position, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial
statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The unrecognized tax benefit should also be
presented in the financial statements as a liability if the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the Company to
use, and the Company does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset to settle any additional income taxes. The amended
presentation guidance became effective for annual and interim periods beginning on January 1, 2014 for the Company and was
applied prospectively to unrecognized tax benefits existing at that date. The adoption of the amended presentation guidance did
not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects
In January 2014, the FASB amended the accounting guidance for investments in qualified affordable housing projects.
The amended accounting guidance permits reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their
investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met.
Under the proportional amortization method, the initial cost of the investment is amortized in proportion to the tax credits and
other tax benefits received and the net investment performance is recognized in the consolidated statement of income (loss) as a
component of income tax expense (benefit). The adoption of the amended accounting guidance on a retrospective basis on
January 1, 2015 will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
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Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure
In January 2014, the FASB amended the accounting and disclosure guidance on reclassifications of residential real
estate collateralized mortgage loans upon foreclosure. The amended guidance clarifies that an in substance repossession or
foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property
collateralizing a mortgage loan, upon either (1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon
completion of a foreclosure or (2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to
satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. The amended
disclosure guidance requires interim and annual disclosure of both (1) the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property
held by the creditor and (2) the recorded investment in mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are
in the process of foreclosure. As early adoption was permitted, the Company early adopted the amended guidance on a
modified retrospective basis as of January 1, 2014. The adoption of the amended accounting guidance did not have a material
impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Presentation and Disclosure of Discontinued Operations
In April 2014, the FASB amended the presentation and disclosure guidance on disposal transactions. The amended
guidance raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both
discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The amended
guidance became effective for all disposals or classifications as held for sale occurring in annual and interim periods beginning
on January 1, 2015 for the Company. The adoption of the amended guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s
current financial condition, results of operations or cash flows; however, it may impact the reporting of future disposals if and
when they occur.
Revenue Recognition on Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the FASB amended the guidance on revenue recognition on contracts with customers. The new standard
outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to apply in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers.
The amended guidance will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning on January 1, 2017 for the Company and may
be applied on either a full retrospective or modified retrospective basis. Early adoption is not permitted. While the Company is
currently evaluating the impact of the new accounting guidance, the adoption of the amended guidance is not expected to have
a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Accounting and Disclosures for Repurchase Agreements
In June 2014, the FASB amended the accounting and disclosure guidance on repurchase agreements. The amended
guidance requires entities to account for repurchase-to-maturity transactions as secured borrowings, eliminates accounting
guidance on linked repurchase financing transactions, and expands the disclosure requirements related to transfers of financial
assets accounted for as sales and as secured borrowings. The amended accounting guidance and the amended disclosure
guidance for transfers of financial assets accounted for as sales became effective for annual and interim periods beginning on
January 1, 2015 for the Company and will be applied using a cumulative-effect approach as of that date. The amended
disclosure guidance for transfers of financial assets accounted for as secured borrowings will be effective for annual periods
beginning on January 1, 2015 and interim periods beginning on April 1, 2015 for the Company. The adoption of the amended
guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The
Company's disclosures will reflect the adoption of the amended disclosure guidance in the applicable reporting periods in 2015.
Classification of Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure
In August 2014, the FASB amended the accounting and disclosure guidance related to the classification of certain
government-guaranteed mortgage loans upon foreclosure. The amended guidance requires entities to derecognize a mortgage
loan and recognize a separate other receivable upon foreclosure if certain conditions are met. The separate other receivable is
recorded based on the amount of principal and interest expected to be recovered under the guarantee. The amended guidance
became effective for annual and interim periods beginning on January 1, 2015 for the Company and will be applied on a
modified retrospective basis. The adoption of the amended guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s
financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
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Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
In August 2014, the FASB amended the guidance related to an entity’s evaluations and disclosures of going concern
uncertainties. The new guidance requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of the entity’s ability to
continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued, and to provide certain disclosures if
conditions or events raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The amended guidance
will be effective for the Company for annual periods beginning on January 1, 2016 and for interim periods beginning on
January 1, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of the amended guidance will not impact the Company’s financial
condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Consolidation
In February 2015, the FASB amended the guidance on consolidation of certain legal entities. The amended guidance
modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities, eliminates
the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, and revises the consolidation analysis related to
fee arrangements and related party relationships. The amended guidance will be effective for annual and interim periods
beginning on January 1, 2016 for the Company and may be applied on either a full retrospective or modified retrospective
basis. While the Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new accounting guidance, the adoption of the amended
guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
NOTE 2—DISPOSITION
On February 10, 2014, the Company completed the sale of its market making business, G1 Execution Services, LLC,
to an affiliate of Susquehanna for cash proceeds of $76 million. The sale resulted in a gain of $4 million which was recorded in
the facility restructuring and other exit activities line item on the consolidated statement of income (loss). The table below
summarizes the carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities of the market making business at December 31,
2013 (dollars in millions):
Assets:
Cash and equivalents
Trading securities
Property and equipment, net
Other intangibles, net
Other assets
Total assets
Liabilities:
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
December 31, 2013(1)
$
$
$
$
11
105
2
21
38
177
107
107
(1)Assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 were classified as held-for-sale and reflected in the other assets and other liabilities line items on the consolidated
balance sheet respectively.
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NOTE 3—OPERATING INTEREST INCOME AND OPERATING INTEREST EXPENSE
The following table shows the components of operating interest income and operating interest expense (dollars in
millions):
Operating interest income:
Loans
Available-for-sale securities
Held-to-maturity securities
Margin receivables
Securities borrowed and other
Total operating interest income(1)
Operating interest expense:
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
FHLB advances and other borrowings
Deposits
Customer payables and other
Total operating interest expense(2)
Net operating interest income
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
297
288
328
264
116
1,293
(123)
(65)
(8)
(9)
(205)
$ 1,088
$
$
395
279
255
224
67
1,220
$
496
360
237
216
62
1,371
(148)
(68)
(13)
(9)
(238)
982
(158)
(93)
(24)
(11)
(286)
$ 1,085
(1) Operating interest income reflects $(31) million, $(16) million, and $(10) million of expense on hedges that qualify for hedge accounting for the years
ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
(2) Operating interest expense reflects $132 million, $153 million, and $142 million of expense on hedges that qualify for hedge accounting for the years
ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
NOTE 4—FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly
transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company may use various
valuation approaches, including market, income and/or cost approaches. The fair value hierarchy requires the Company to
maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Fair value is a
market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant. Accordingly, even when market assumptions
are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset
or liability at the measurement date. The fair value measurement accounting guidance describes the following three levels used
to classify fair value measurements:
•
•
•
Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible by
the Company.
Level 2—Quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either
directly or indirectly.
Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
The availability of observable inputs can vary and in certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into
different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of
input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to a
fair value measurement requires judgment and consideration of factors specific to the asset or liability.
Recurring Fair Value Measurement Techniques
Agency Debentures and U.S. Treasury Securities
The fair value measurements of agency debentures were classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as they were
based on quoted market prices observable in the marketplace. The fair value measurements of U.S. Treasury securities,
included in deposits with clearing organizations at December 31, 2013, were classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as
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they were based on quoted market prices in active markets. The Company did not hold any of these securities at December 31,
2014.
Residential Mortgage-backed Securities
The Company’s residential mortgage-backed securities portfolio primarily comprised agency mortgage-backed
securities and CMOs. Agency mortgage-backed securities and CMOs are guaranteed by U.S. government sponsored enterprises
and federal agencies. The weighted average coupon rates for the available-for-sale residential mortgage-backed securities at
December 31, 2014 are shown in the following table:
Agency mortgage-backed securities
Agency CMOs
Weighted Average
Coupon Rate
3.10%
3.08%
The fair value of agency mortgage-backed securities was determined using a market approach with quoted market
prices, recent market transactions and spread data for similar instruments. The fair value of agency CMOs was determined
using market and income approaches with the Company’s own trading activities for identical or similar instruments. Agency
mortgage-backed securities and CMOs were categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Other Debt Securities
The fair value measurements of agency debt securities were determined using market and income approaches along
with the Company’s own trading activities for identical or similar instruments and were categorized in Level 2 of the fair value
hierarchy.
The Company’s municipal bonds are revenue bonds issued by state and other local government agencies. The
valuation of corporate bonds is impacted by the credit worthiness of the corporate issuer. All of the Company’s municipal
bonds and corporate bonds were rated investment grade at December 31, 2014. These securities were valued using a market
approach with pricing service valuations corroborated by recent market transactions for identical or similar bonds. Municipal
bonds and corporate bonds were categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Publicly Traded Equity Securities
The fair value measurements of the Company's publicly traded equity securities were classified as Level 1 of the fair
value hierarchy as they were based on quoted market prices in active markets.
Derivative Instruments
Interest rate swap and option contracts were valued with an income approach using pricing models that are commonly
used by the financial services industry. The market observable inputs used in the pricing models include the swap curve, the
volatility surface, and prime or overnight indexed swap basis from a financial data provider. The Company does not consider
these models to involve significant judgment on the part of management, and the Company corroborated the fair value
measurements with counterparty valuations. The Company’s derivative instruments were categorized in Level 2 of the fair
value hierarchy. The consideration of credit risk, the Company’s or the counterparty’s, did not result in an adjustment to the
valuation of its derivative instruments in the periods presented.
Securities Owned and Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased
Securities transactions that were entered into by G1 Execution Services, LLC included trading securities classified as
held-for-sale assets within other assets and securities sold, not yet purchased classified as held-for-sale liabilities in the
Company’s fair value disclosures at December 31, 2013. The Company’s definition of actively traded was based on average
daily volume and other market trading statistics. The majority of the Company's securities owned and securities sold, not yet
purchased were categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of these securities was determined using listed
or quoted market prices. The Company did not hold any of these securities at December 31, 2014. Refer to Note 2-Disposition
for additional information on the sale of G1 Execution Services, LLC.
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurement Techniques
Certain other assets are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis: 1) one- to four-family and home equity loans in
which the amount of the loan balance in excess of the estimated current value of the underlying property less estimated selling
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costs has been charged-off; and 2) real estate owned that is carried at the lower of the property’s carrying value or fair value
less estimated selling costs.
The Company evaluates and reviews assets that have been subject to fair value measurement requirements on a
quarterly basis in accordance with policies and procedures that were designed to be in compliance with guidance from the
Company’s regulators. These policies and procedures govern the frequency of the review, the use of acceptable valuation
methods, and the consideration of estimated selling costs.
Loans Receivable and Real Estate Owned
Loans that have been delinquent for 180 days or that are in bankruptcy and certain TDR loan modifications are
charged-off based on the estimated current value of the underlying property less estimated selling costs. Property valuations for
these one- to four-family and home equity loans are based on the most recent "as is" property valuation data available, which
may include appraisals, broker price opinions, automated valuation models or updated values using home price indices.
Subsequent to the recording of an initial fair value measurement, these loans continue to be measured at fair value on a
nonrecurring basis, utilizing the estimated value of the underlying property less estimated selling costs. These property
valuations are updated on a monthly, quarterly or semi-annual basis depending on the type of valuation initially used. If the
value of the underlying property has declined, an additional charge-off is recorded. If the value of the underlying property has
increased, previously charged-off amounts are not reversed. If the valuation data obtained is significantly different from the
valuation previously received, the Company reviews additional property valuation data to corroborate or update the valuation.
Property valuations for real estate owned are based on the lowest value of the most recent property valuation data
available, which may include appraisals, listing prices or approved offer prices. Nonrecurring fair value measurements on one-
to four-family and home equity loans and real estate owned were classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as the majority
of the valuations included Level 3 inputs that were significant to the fair value.
The following table presents additional information about significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of
assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis that were categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy at
December 31, 2014:
Loans receivable:
One- to four-family
Home equity
Real estate owned
Goodwill
Unobservable Inputs
Average
Range
Appraised value
Appraised value
Appraised value
$
$
$
378,700
280,400
342,800
$37,000-$1,800,000
$9,000-$1,190,000
$5,000-$1,950,000
At the end of the second quarter of 2013, the Company decided to exit the market making business, and as a result
evaluated the total goodwill allocated to the market making reporting unit for impairment. The Company valued the market making
business by using a combination of expected present value of future cash flows of the business, a form of the income approach,
and prices of comparable businesses, a form of the market approach, with significant unobservable inputs. The Company valued
the market making reporting unit using the expected sale structure of the market making business. As a result of the evaluation,
it was determined that the entire carrying amount of goodwill allocated to the market making reporting unit was impaired, and
the Company recognized $142 million impairment of goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2013.
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Recurring and Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized in the following tables
(dollars in millions):
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Fair Value
December 31, 2014:
Recurring fair value measurements:
Assets
Available-for-sale securities:
Debt securities:
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities and CMOs
$
— $
11,164
$
— $
11,164
Agency debentures
Agency debt securities
Municipal bonds
Corporate bonds
Total debt securities
Publicly traded equity securities
Total available-for-sale securities
Other assets:
Derivative assets(1)
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis(2)
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities(1)
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis(2)
Nonrecurring fair value measurements:
Loans receivable:
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total loans receivable
Real estate owned
Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis(3)
$
$
$
$
$
—
—
—
—
—
33
33
—
33
648
499
40
4
12,355
—
12,355
24
$
12,379
— $
— $
66
66
$
$
$
— $
— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
648
499
40
4
12,355
33
12,388
24
— $
12,412
— $
— $
$
46
32
78
38
66
66
46
32
78
38
116
— $
— $
116
$
(1) All derivative assets and liabilities were interest rate contracts at December 31, 2014. Information related to derivative instruments is detailed in Note 8
—Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.
(2) Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis represented 27% and less than 1% of the Company’s total assets and total liabilities,
respectively, at December 31, 2014.
(3) Represents the fair value of assets prior to deducting estimated selling costs that were carried on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014,
and for which a fair value measurement was recorded during the period.
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December 31, 2013:
Recurring fair value measurements:
Assets
Available-for-sale securities:
Debt securities:
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3(1)
Total
Fair Value
Agency mortgage-backed securities and CMOs
$
— $
12,236
$
— $
12,236
Non-agency CMOs
Total residential mortgage-backed securities
Agency debentures
Agency debt securities
Municipal bonds
Corporate bonds
Total debt securities
Total available-for-sale securities
Other assets:
Derivative assets(2)
Deposits with clearing organizations(3)
Held-for-sale assets—trading securities(4)
Total other assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis(5)
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities(2)
Held-for-sale liabilities—securities sold, not yet purchased(4)
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis(5)
Nonrecurring fair value measurements:
Loans receivable:
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total loans receivable(6)
Real estate owned(6)
Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis(7)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
53
104
157
157
—
12,236
466
831
40
5
13,578
13,578
107
—
1
108
$
13,686
— $
94
94
$
169
1
170
$
$
$
14
14
—
—
—
—
14
14
—
—
—
—
14
14
12,250
466
831
40
5
13,592
13,592
107
53
105
265
$
13,857
— $
—
— $
169
95
264
— $
— $
246
$
—
—
—
—
—
—
46
292
47
— $
— $
339
$
246
46
292
47
339
$
$
$
$
$
(1)
Instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis categorized as Level 3 represented less than 1% of the Company's total assets and none of its
total liabilities at December 31, 2013.
(2) All derivative assets and liabilities were interest rate contracts at December 31, 2013. Information related to derivative instruments is detailed in Note 8
—Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.
(3) Represents U.S. Treasury securities held by a broker-dealer subsidiary.
(4) Assets and liabilities of the market making business were reclassified as held-for-sale and are presented in the other assets and other liabilities line
items, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013. Information related to the classification is detailed in Note 2—
Disposition.
(5) Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis represented 30% and 1% of the Company’s total assets and total liabilities,
respectively, at December 31, 2013.
(6) Represents the fair value of assets prior to deducting estimated selling costs that were carried on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013,
and for which a fair value measurement was recorded during the period.
(7) Goodwill allocated to the market making reporting unit with a carrying amount of $142 million was written down to zero during the year ended
December 31, 2013 and categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
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The following table presents the gains and losses associated with the assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring
basis during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in millions):
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total losses on loans receivable measured at fair value
(Gains) losses on real estate owned measured at fair value
Losses on goodwill measured at fair value
Transfers Between Levels 1 and 2
December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
$
$
$
$
10
30
$
40
(2) $
— $
$
40
58
$
98
(1) $
$
142
193
292
485
12
—
For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company’s transfers between levels of the fair
value hierarchy are deemed to have occurred at the beginning of the reporting period on a quarterly basis. The Company had no
material transfers between Level 1 and 2 during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Level 3 Rollforward for Recurring Fair Value Measurements
Level 3 assets include instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow
methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant
management judgment or estimation. While the Company’s fair value estimates of Level 3 instruments utilized observable
inputs where available, the valuation included significant management judgment in determining the relevance and reliability of
market information considered.
The following tables present additional information about Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for
the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in millions):
Beginning of period
Gains (losses) recognized in earnings(1)
Net gains recognized in other comprehensive income(2)
Sales
Settlements
Transfers in to Level 3(3)(4)
Transfers out of Level 3(3)(5)
End of period
Available-for-sale Securities
Non-agency CMOs
December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
$
$
14
6
3
(23)
—
—
—
— $
49
(3)
5
(35)
(2)
—
—
14
$
$
97
(13)
18
(68)
(23)
211
(173)
49
(1) Gains and losses recognized in earnings are reported in the gains on loans and securities, net and net impairment line items on the consolidated
statement of income (loss).
(2) Net gains recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) are reported in the net change from available-for-sale securities line item.
(3) The Company's transfers in and out of Level 3 are at the beginning of the reporting period on a quarterly basis.
(4) Non-agency CMOs were transferred in to Level 3 due to a lack of observable market data, resulting from a decrease in market activity for the
securities.
(5) Non-agency CMOs were transferred out of Level 3 because observable market data became available for those securities.
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Fair Value of Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value
The following table summarizes the carrying values, fair values and fair value hierarchy level classification of
financial instruments that are not carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars
in millions):
December 31, 2014
Carrying
Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Fair Value
Assets
Cash and equivalents
Cash required to be segregated under federal or other
regulations
Held-to-maturity securities:
Agency mortgage-backed securities and CMOs
Agency debentures
Agency debt securities
Other non-agency debt securities
$
$
$
1,783
555
9,793
164
2,281
10
Total held-to-maturity securities
$ 12,248
Margin receivables
Loans receivable, net:
One- to four-family
Home equity
Consumer and other
Total loans receivable, net(1)
Investment in FHLB stock
Deposits paid for securities borrowed
Liabilities
Deposits
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Customer payables
FHLB advances and other borrowings
Corporate debt
Deposits received for securities loaned
$
$
$
$
$
7,675
3,053
2,475
451
5,979
88
474
$ 24,890
$
$
$
$
$
3,672
6,455
1,299
1,366
1,649
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,783
555
$
$
— $
— $
1,783
— $
— $
555
— $
9,971
$
— $
9,971
—
—
—
166
2,329
—
— $ 12,466
— $
7,675
$
$
—
—
10
10
166
2,329
10
$ 12,476
— $
7,675
— $
— $
2,742
$
2,742
—
—
— $
— $
— $
—
—
2,274
449
— $
5,465
— $
88
$
$
474
— $
2,274
449
5,465
88
474
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
— $ 24,890
— $
3,681
— $
6,455
— $
922
— $
1,491
— $
1,649
— $ 24,890
— $
3,681
— $
6,455
252
$
1,174
— $
1,491
— $
1,649
(1) The carrying value of loans receivable, net includes the allowance for loan losses of $404 million and loans that are valued at fair value on a
nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2014.
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Assets
Cash and equivalents
Cash required to be segregated under federal or other
regulations
Held-to-maturity securities:
Agency mortgage-backed securities and CMOs
Agency debentures
Agency debt securities
Carrying
Value
$
$
$
1,838
1,066
8,359
164
1,658
Total held-to-maturity securities
$ 10,181
Margin receivables
Loans receivable, net:
One- to four-family
Home equity
Consumer and other
Total loans receivable, net(1)
Investment in FHLB stock
Deposits paid for securities borrowed
Liabilities
Deposits
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Customer payables
FHLB advances and other borrowings
Corporate debt
Deposits received for securities loaned
$
$
$
$
$
6,353
4,392
3,148
583
8,123
61
536
$ 25,971
$
$
$
$
$
4,543
6,310
1,279
1,768
1,050
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
December 31, 2013
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Fair Value
1,838
1,066
$
$
— $
— $
1,838
— $
— $
1,066
— $
8,293
$
— $
8,293
—
—
168
1,631
—
—
168
1,631
— $ 10,092
— $
6,353
$
$
— $ 10,092
— $
6,353
— $
— $
3,790
$
3,790
—
—
— $
— $
— $
—
—
— $
— $
2,822
596
7,208
61
$
$
536
— $
2,822
596
7,208
61
536
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
— $ 25,971
— $
4,571
— $
6,310
— $
924
— $
1,951
— $
1,050
— $ 25,971
— $
4,571
— $
6,310
225
$
1,149
— $
1,951
— $
1,050
(1) The carrying value of loans receivable, net includes the allowance for loan losses of $453 million and loans that are valued at fair value on a
nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2013.
The fair value measurement techniques for financial instruments not carried at fair value on the consolidated balance
sheet at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows:
Cash and equivalents, cash required to be segregated under federal or other regulations, margin receivables, deposits
paid for securities borrowed, customer payables and deposits received for securities loaned—Fair value is estimated to be
carrying value.
Held-to-maturity securities—The held-to-maturity securities portfolio included agency mortgage-backed securities
and CMOs, agency debentures, agency debt securities, and other non-agency debt securities. The fair value of agency
mortgage-backed securities is determined using market and income approaches with quoted market prices, recent market
transactions and spread data for similar instruments. The fair value of agency CMOs and agency debt securities is determined
using market and income approaches with the Company’s own trading activities for identical or similar instruments. The fair
value of agency debentures is based on quoted market prices that were derived from assumptions observable in the
marketplace. Fair value of other non-agency debt securities is estimated to be carrying value.
Loans receivable, net—Fair value is estimated using a discounted cash flow model. Loans are differentiated based on
their individual portfolio characteristics, such as product classification, loan category, pricing features and remaining maturity.
Assumptions for expected losses, prepayments and discount rates are adjusted to reflect the individual characteristics of the
loans, such as credit risk, coupon, term, and payment characteristics, as well as the secondary market conditions for these types
of loans. There was limited or no observable market data for the home equity and one- to four-family loan portfolios, which
indicates that the market for these types of loans is considered to be inactive. Given the limited market data, these fair value
measurements cannot be determined with precision and changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates,
could significantly affect the results of current or future fair value estimates. In addition, the amount that would be realized in a
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forced liquidation, an actual sale or immediate settlement could be significantly lower than both the carrying value and the
estimated fair value of the portfolio.
Investment in FHLB stock—FHLB stock is carried at cost, which is considered to be a reasonable estimate of fair
value.
Deposits—Fair value is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date for sweep deposits, complete savings
deposits, other money market and savings deposits and checking deposits. For certificates of deposit and brokered certificates
of deposit, fair value is estimated by discounting future cash flows using discount factors derived from current observable rates
implied for other similar instruments with similar remaining maturities.
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase—Fair value is determined by discounting future cash flows using
discount factors derived from current observable rates implied for other similar instruments with similar remaining maturities.
FHLB advances and other borrowings—Fair value for FHLB advances is estimated by discounting future cash flows
using discount factors derived from current observable rates implied for similar instruments with similar remaining maturities.
For subordinated debentures, fair value is estimated by discounting future cash flows at the rate implied by dealer pricing
quotes.
Corporate debt—Fair value is estimated using dealer pricing quotes. The fair value of the non-interest-bearing
convertible debentures is directly correlated to the intrinsic value of the Company’s underlying stock. As the price of the
Company’s stock increases relative to the conversion price, the fair value of the convertible debentures increases.
Fair Value of Commitments and Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company makes various commitments to extend credit and incur contingent
liabilities that are not reflected in the consolidated balance sheet. Changes in the economy or interest rates may influence the
impact that these commitments and contingencies have on the Company in the future. The Company does not estimate the fair
value of those commitments. The Company has the right to cancel these commitments in certain circumstances and has closed a
significant amount of customer home equity lines of credit in the past seven years. At December 31, 2014, the Company had
$169 million of unfunded commitments to extend credit. Information related to such commitments and contingent liabilities is
detailed in Note 21—Commitments, Contingencies and Other Regulatory Matters.
NOTE 5—OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
For financial statement purposes, the Company does not offset derivative instruments, repurchase agreements or
securities borrowing and securities lending transactions. The Company’s derivative instruments, repurchase agreements and
securities borrowing and securities lending transactions are generally transacted under master agreements that are widely used
by counterparties and that may allow for net settlements of payments in the normal course, as well as offsetting of all contracts
with a given counterparty in the event of bankruptcy or default of one of the two parties to the transaction. The following table
presents information about these transactions to enable the users of the Company’s financial statements to evaluate the potential
effect of rights of setoff between these recognized assets and recognized liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in
millions):
113
December 31, 2014
Assets:
Deposits paid for securities
borrowed (1)(5)
Derivative assets (1)(3)
Total
Liabilities:
Repurchase agreements (4)
Deposits received for
securities loaned (2)(6)
Derivative liabilities (2)(3)
$
$
$
December 31, 2013
Assets:
Deposits paid for securities
borrowed (1)(5)
Derivative assets (1)(3)
Total
Liabilities:
Repurchase agreements (4)
Deposits received for
securities loaned (2)(6)
Derivative liabilities (2)(3)
$
$
$
Table of Contents
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets and
Liabilities
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Net Amounts
Presented in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Financial
Instruments
Collateral
Received or
Pledged
(Including Cash)
Net Amount
474
24
498
$
$
— $
—
— $
474
24
498
$
$
(188) $
(15)
(203) $
(267) $
(3)
(270) $
3,672
$
— $
3,672
$
— $
(3,671) $
Total
$
5,351
$
— $
5,351
$
1,649
30
—
—
1,649
30
(188)
(15)
(203) $
(1,332)
(15)
(5,018) $
536
92
628
$
$
— $
—
— $
536
92
628
$
$
(247) $
(48)
(295) $
(282) $
(12)
(294) $
4,543
$
— $
4,543
$
— $
(4,537) $
Total
$
5,761
$
— $
5,761
$
1,050
168
—
—
1,050
168
(247)
(48)
(295) $
(740)
(120)
(5,397) $
(1) Net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet are reflected in the other assets line item.
(2) Net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet are reflected in the other liabilities line item.
(3) Excludes net accrued interest payable of $7 million and $19 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(4) The Company pledges available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities as collateral for amounts due on repurchase agreements and derivative
(5)
(6)
liabilities. The collateral pledged included available-for-sale securities at fair value and held-to-maturity securities at amortized cost for both December
31, 2014 and 2013.
Included in the gross amounts of deposits paid for securities borrowed was $278 million and $415 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013,
respectively, transacted through a program with a clearing organization, which guarantees the return of cash to the Company. For presentation purposes,
these amounts presented are based on the original counterparties to the Company’s master securities loan agreements.
Included in the gross amounts of deposits received for securities loaned was $1.1 billion and $682 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013,
respectively, transacted through a program with a clearing organization, which guarantees the return of securities to the Company. For presentation
purposes, these amounts presented are based on the original counterparties to the Company’s master securities loan agreements.
Effective June 10, 2013, certain types of derivatives that the Company trades are subject to the Dodd-Frank Act
clearing mandate and as a result, are subject to derivatives clearing agreements ("cleared derivatives contracts"). These cleared
derivatives contracts enable clearing by a derivatives clearing organization through a clearing member. Under the contracts, the
clearing member typically has a one-way right to offset all contracts in the event of the Company’s default or bankruptcy. As
such, the cleared derivatives contracts are not bilateral master netting agreements and do not allow for offsetting. At December
31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $0 and $15 million, respectively, in derivative assets of cleared derivatives contracts and
$36 million and $1 million, respectively, in derivative liabilities of cleared derivatives contracts.
114
19
6
25
1
129
—
130
7
32
39
6
63
—
69
Table of Contents
NOTE 6—AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE AND HELD-TO-MATURITY SECURITIES
The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at December 31, 2014 and 2013
are shown in the following tables (dollars in millions):
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized /
Unrecognized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized /
Unrecognized
Losses
Fair Value
December 31, 2014:
Available-for-sale securities:
Debt securities:
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities and CMOs $
11,156
$
113
$
Agency debentures
Agency debt securities
Municipal bonds
Corporate bonds
Total debt securities
Publicly traded equity securities(1)
Total available-for-sale securities
Held-to-maturity securities:
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities and CMOs
Agency debentures
Agency debt securities
Other non-agency debt securities
620
487
40
5
12,308
33
12,341
9,793
164
2,281
10
$
$
$
$
28
12
1
—
154
—
154
217
2
54
—
$
$
Total held-to-maturity securities
$
12,248
$
273
$
December 31, 2013:
Available-for-sale securities:
Debt securities:
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
Agency mortgage-backed securities and CMOs
$
12,505
$
Non-agency CMOs
Total residential mortgage-backed securities
Agency debentures
Agency debt securities
Municipal bonds
Corporate bonds
Total debt securities
Total available-for-sale securities
Held-to-maturity securities:
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities and CMOs
Agency debentures
Agency debt securities
Total held-to-maturity securities
$
$
$
17
12,522
520
832
42
6
13,922
13,922
8,359
164
1,658
$
$
$
$
$
66
2
68
—
8
—
—
76
76
99
4
13
10,181
$
116
$
(1) Publicly traded equity securities consisted of investments in a mutual fund related to the Community Reinvestment Act.
115
(105) $
—
—
(1)
(1)
(107)
—
(107) $
(39) $
—
(6)
—
(45) $
(335) $
(5)
(340)
(54)
(9)
(2)
(1)
(406)
(406) $
(165) $
—
(40)
(205) $
11,164
648
499
40
4
12,355
33
12,388
9,971
166
2,329
10
12,476
12,236
14
12,250
466
831
40
5
13,592
13,592
8,293
168
1,631
10,092
Table of Contents
Contractual Maturities
The contractual maturities of all available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities at December 31, 2014 are
shown below (dollars in millions):
Available-for-sale debt securities:
Due within one year
Due within one to five years
Due within five to ten years
Due after ten years
Total available-for-sale debt securities
Held-to-maturity debt securities:
Due within one year
Due within one to five years
Due within five to ten years
Due after ten years
Total held-to-maturity debt securities
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
3
9
842
11,454
12,308
169
892
2,787
8,400
12,248
$
3
9
849
11,494
12,355
171
921
2,868
8,516
12,476
The Company pledged $1.6 billion and $2.1 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, of available-for-sale
debt securities and $3.1 billion and $3.4 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, of held-to-maturity debt
securities as collateral for repurchase agreements, derivatives and other purposes.
116
Table of Contents
Investments with Unrealized or Unrecognized Losses
The following tables show the fair value and unrealized or unrecognized losses on available-for-sale and held-to-
maturity securities, aggregated by investment category, and the length of time that individual securities have been in a
continuous unrealized or unrecognized loss position at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in millions):
Less than 12 Months
12 Months or More
Total
Fair Value
Unrealized /
Unrecognized
Losses
Fair Value
Unrealized /
Unrecognized
Losses
Fair Value
Unrealized /
Unrecognized
Losses
December 31, 2014:
Available-for-sale securities:
Debt securities:
Agency residential mortgage-
backed securities and CMOs
$
403
$
Agency debentures
Municipal bonds
Corporate bonds
Total temporarily impaired
available-for-sale securities
Held-to-maturity securities:
Agency residential mortgage-backed
securities and CMOs
Agency debt securities
Total temporarily impaired held-
to-maturity securities
$
$
$
December 31, 2013:
Available-for-sale securities:
Debt securities:
Non-agency CMOs
Agency debentures
Agency debt securities
Municipal bonds
Corporate bonds
Total temporarily impaired
available-for-sale securities
Held-to-maturity securities:
Agency residential mortgage-backed
securities and CMOs
Agency debt securities
Total temporarily impaired held-
to-maturity securities
$
$
$
Agency mortgage-backed securities
and CMOs
$
6,422
$
—
3
—
(1) $
—
—
—
4,674
$
9
16
5
(104) $
—
(1)
(1)
5,077
$
9
19
5
(105)
—
(1)
(1)
406
$
(1) $
4,704
$
(106) $
5,110
$
(107)
45
$
110
— $
(1)
2,289
$
560
(39) $
(5)
2,334
$
670
155
$
(1) $
2,849
$
(44) $
3,004
$
—
466
384
27
—
(268) $
—
(54)
(9)
(2)
—
1,266
$
11
—
—
—
5
(67) $
(5)
—
—
—
(1)
7,688
$
11
466
384
27
5
7,299
$
(333) $
1,282
$
(73) $
8,581
$
(406)
3,607
$
1,153
(121) $
(40)
891
$
—
(44) $
—
4,498
$
1,153
(165)
(40)
4,760
$
(161) $
891
$
(44) $
5,651
$
(205)
(39)
(6)
(45)
(335)
(5)
(54)
(9)
(2)
(1)
The Company does not believe that any individual unrealized loss in the available-for-sale or unrecognized loss in the
held-to-maturity portfolio as of December 31, 2014 represents a credit loss. The credit loss component is the difference
between the security’s amortized cost basis and the present value of its expected future cash flows, and is recognized in
earnings. The noncredit loss component is the difference between the present value of its expected future cash flows and the
fair value and is recognized through other comprehensive income (loss). The Company assessed whether it intends to sell, or
whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell an impaired security before recovery of its
amortized cost basis. For debt securities that are considered other-than-temporarily impaired and that the Company does not
117
Table of Contents
intend to sell as of the balance sheet date and will not be required to sell prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, the
Company determines the amount of the impairment that is related to credit and the amount due to all other factors.
The majority of the unrealized or unrecognized losses on mortgage-backed securities are attributable to changes in
interest rates and a re-pricing of risk in the market. Agency mortgage-backed securities and CMOs, agency debentures and
agency debt securities are guaranteed or issued by U.S. government sponsored enterprises and federal agencies. Municipal
bonds and corporate bonds are evaluated by reviewing the credit-worthiness of the issuer and general market conditions. The
Company does not intend to sell the debt securities in an unrealized or unrecognized loss position as of the balance sheet date
and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt securities before the anticipated recovery of
its remaining amortized cost of the debt securities in an unrealized or unrecognized loss position at December 31, 2014.
The following table presents a roll forward for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 of the credit loss
component on debt securities held by the Company that had a noncredit loss recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
and had a credit loss recognized in earnings (dollars in millions):
Credit loss balance, beginning of period
Additions:
Initial credit impairment
Subsequent credit impairment
Debt securities sold
Credit loss balance, end of period (1)
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
166
$
187
$
203
—
—
(14)
152
$
—
3
(24)
166
$
1
16
(33)
187
$
$
(1) The credit loss balance at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 included $123 million, $121 million and $114 million, respectively, of credit losses
associated with debt securities that have been factored to zero, but the Company still holds legal title to these securities until maturity or until they are
sold.
Gains on Loans and Securities, Net
The detailed components of the gains on loans and securities, net line item on the consolidated statement of income
(loss) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (dollars in millions):
Gains (losses) on loans, net
Gains on securities, net:
Gains on available-for-sale securities
Losses on available-for-sale securities
Hedge ineffectiveness
Gains on securities, net
Gains on loans and securities, net
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
4
$
(1) $
42
—
(10)
32
36
$
69
(8)
1
62
61
$
1
212
(5)
(7)
200
201
$
$
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $7 million on the sale of $0.8
billion of one- to four-family loans modified as TDRs. The Company also sold $17 million in amortized cost of its available-
for-sale non-agency CMOs for proceeds of approximately $23 million, which resulted in a pre-tax gain of $6 million. Similarly,
during the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company sold $231 million in amortized cost of its available-for-sale non-
agency CMOs for proceeds of approximately $227 million, which resulted in a pre-tax loss of $4 million.
118
Table of Contents
NOTE 7—LOANS RECEIVABLE, NET
Loans receivable, net at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows (dollars in millions):
One- to four-family
Home equity
Consumer and other
Total loans receivable
Unamortized premiums, net
Allowance for loan losses
Total loans receivable, net
December 31,
2014
2013
$
3,060
$
2,834
455
6,349
34
(404)
5,979
$
$
4,475
3,454
602
8,531
45
(453)
8,123
At December 31, 2014, the Company pledged $5.4 billion and $0.5 billion of loans as collateral to the FHLB and
Federal Reserve Bank, respectively. At December 31, 2013, the Company pledged $6.8 billion and $0.6 billion of loans as
collateral to the FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank, respectively. Additionally, the Company’s entire loans receivable portfolio
was serviced by other companies at December 31, 2014 and 2013. During the second quarter of 2014, the Company sold $0.8
billion of one- to four-family loans modified as TDRs.
The following table represents the breakdown of the total recorded investment in loans receivable and allowance for
loan losses by loans that have been collectively evaluated for impairment and those that have been individually evaluated for
impairment at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in millions):
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
Loans individually evaluated for impairment (TDRs)
Total
Credit Quality and Concentrations of Credit Risk
Recorded Investment
Allowance for Loan Losses
December 31,
December 31,
2014
2013
2014
2013
$
$
5,850
533
6,383
$
$
7,163
1,413
8,576
$
$
338
66
404
$
$
329
124
453
The Company tracks and reviews factors to predict and monitor credit risk in its mortgage loan portfolio on an
ongoing basis. These factors include: loan type, estimated current LTV/CLTV ratios, delinquency history, documentation type,
borrowers’ current credit scores, housing prices, loan vintage and geographic location of the property. In economic conditions
in which housing prices generally appreciate, the Company believes that loan type, LTV/CLTV ratios and credit scores are the
key factors in determining future loan performance. In a housing market with declining home prices and less credit available
for refinance, the Company believes the LTV/CLTV ratio becomes a more important factor in predicting and monitoring credit
risk. The factors are updated on at least a quarterly basis. The Company tracks and reviews delinquency status to predict and
monitor credit risk in the consumer and other loan portfolio on at least a quarterly basis.
Credit Quality
The following tables show the distribution of the Company’s mortgage loan portfolios by credit quality indicator at
December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in millions):
119
Table of Contents
Current LTV/CLTV
<=80%
(1)
80%-100%
100%-120%
>120%
Total mortgage loans receivable
Average estimated current LTV/CLTV (2)
Average LTV/CLTV at loan origination (3)
One- to Four-Family
December 31,
Home Equity
December 31,
2014
2013
2014
2013
$
1,757
$
807
311
185
1,912
1,365
711
487
$
1,081
$
1,142
755
557
441
866
736
710
$
3,060
$
4,475
$
2,834
$
3,454
79%
71%
90%
72%
92%
80%
98%
80%
(1) Current CLTV calculations for home equity loans are based on the maximum available line for home equity lines of credit and outstanding principal
balance for home equity installment loans. For home equity loans in the second lien position, the original balance of the first lien loan at origination
date and updated valuations on the property underlying the loan are used to calculate CLTV. Current property values are updated on a quarterly basis
using the most recent property value data available to the Company. For properties in which the Company did not have an updated valuation, home
price indices were utilized to estimate the current property value.
(2) The average estimated current LTV/CLTV ratio reflects the outstanding balance at the balance sheet date and the maximum available line for home
equity lines of credit, divided by the estimated current value of the underlying property.
(3) Average LTV/CLTV at loan origination calculations are based on LTV/CLTV at time of purchase for one- to four-family purchased loans and undrawn
balances for home equity loans.
(1)
Current FICO
>=720
719 - 700
699 - 680
679 - 660
659 - 620
<620
Total mortgage loans receivable
One- to Four-Family
December 31,
Home Equity
December 31,
2014
2013
2014
2013
$
$
1,734
296
260
197
237
336
3,060
$
$
2,252
436
366
296
404
721
4,475
$
$
1,487
292
238
203
258
356
2,834
$
$
1,811
343
293
245
310
452
3,454
(1) FICO scores are updated on a quarterly basis; however, at December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were some loans for which the updated FICO scores
were not available. The current FICO distribution at December 31, 2014 included the most recent FICO scores where available, otherwise the original
FICO score was used, for approximately $49 million and $4 million of one- to four-family and home equity loans, respectively. The current FICO
distribution at December 31, 2013 included original FICO scores for approximately $95 million and $10 million of one- to four-family and home equity
loans, respectively.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
One- to four-family loans include interest-only loans for a five to ten year period, followed by an amortizing period
ranging from 20 to 25 years. At December 31, 2014, 42% of the Company's one- to four-family portfolio were not yet
amortizing. However, during the year ended December 31, 2014, based on the unpaid principal balance before charge-offs,
approximately 15% of these borrowers made voluntary annual principal payments of at least $2,500 and slightly over a third of
those borrowers made voluntary annual principal payments of at least $10,000.
The home equity loan portfolio is primarily second lien loans on residential real estate properties, which have a higher
level of credit risk than first lien mortgage loans. Approximately 15% of the home equity portfolio was in the first lien position
and the Company holds both the first and second lien positions in less than 1% of the home equity loan portfolio at
December 31, 2014. The home equity loan portfolio consists of approximately 19% of home equity installment loans and
approximately 81% of home equity lines of credit at December 31, 2014.
Home equity installment loans are primarily fixed rate and fixed term, fully amortizing loans that do not offer the
option of an interest-only payment. The majority of home equity lines of credit convert to amortizing loans at the end of the
draw period, which typically ranges from five to ten years. Approximately 7% of this portfolio will require the borrowers to
repay the loan in full at the end of the draw period. At December 31, 2014, 85% of the home equity line of credit portfolio had
not converted from the interest-only draw period and had not begun amortizing. However, during the year ended December 31,
2014, approximately 40% of the borrowers of the Company's not yet converted home equity line of credit loans made annual
principal payments of at least $500 on their home equity lines of credit and slightly under half of those borrowers reduced their
principal balance by at least $2,500.
120
Table of Contents
The following table outlines when one- to four-family and home equity lines of credit convert to amortizing by
percentage of the one- to four-family portfolio and home equity line of credit portfolios, respectively, at December 31, 2014:
Period of Conversion to Amortizing Loan
Already amortizing
Year ending December 31, 2015
Year ending December 31, 2016
Year ending December 31, 2017 or later
% of One- to Four-Family
Portfolio
58%
5%
16%
21%
% of Home Equity Line of
Credit Portfolio
15%
27%
44%
14%
Approximately 38% and 40% of the Company’s mortgage loans receivable were concentrated in California at
December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. No other state had concentrations of mortgage loans that represented 10% or more
of the Company’s mortgage loans receivable at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Delinquent Loans
The following table shows total loans receivable by delinquency category at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in
millions):
December 31, 2014
One- to four-family
Home equity
Consumer and other
Total loans receivable
December 31, 2013
One- to four-family
Home equity
Consumer and other
Total loans receivable
Nonperforming Loans
Current
30-89 Days
Delinquent
90-179 Days
Delinquent
180+ Days
Delinquent
Total
$
$
$
$
2,813
2,702
447
5,962
3,988
3,309
587
7,884
$
$
$
$
88
60
7
155
190
69
12
271
$
$
$
$
28
29
1
58
70
36
3
109
$
$
$
$
131
43
—
174
227
40
—
267
$
$
$
$
3,060
2,834
455
6,349
4,475
3,454
602
8,531
The following table shows the comparative data for nonperforming loans (dollars in millions):
One- to four-family
Home equity
Consumer and other
Total nonperforming loans receivable
December 31,
2014
2013
$
$
294
165
1
460
$
$
526
164
3
693
Nonperforming loans decreased $233 million to $460 million at December 31, 2014 when compared to December 31,
2013. The decrease in the one- to four-family nonperforming loans receivable during the year ended December 31, 2014 was
primarily due to the sale of one- to four-family loans modified as TDRs, which included $377 million of nonperforming loans.
The decrease in nonperforming loans receivable was partially offset by the increase in nonperforming TDRs that had been
charged-off due to bankruptcy notification. In February 2014, the OCC issued clarifying guidance related to consumer debt
discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings. As a result of the clarifying guidance, beginning the first quarter of 2014 these
bankruptcy loans remain on nonaccrual status regardless of payment history. This change did not have a material impact on the
statement of financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Prior to this change, the Company had $238 million of
bankruptcy loans classified as performing loans at December 31, 2013.
121
Table of Contents
Real Estate Owned and Loans with Formal Foreclosure Proceedings in Process
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company held $36 million and $50 million, respectively, of real estate owned
that were acquired through foreclosure or through a deed in lieu of foreclosure or similar legal agreement. The Company also
held $107 million and $199 million of loans for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process at December 31, 2014
and 2013, respectively.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The following table provides a roll forward by loan portfolio of the allowance for loan losses for the years ended
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in millions):
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period
Provision for loan losses
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Charge-offs, net
Allowance for loan losses, end of period
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period
Provision for loan losses
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Charge-offs, net
Allowance for loan losses, end of period
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period
Provision for loan losses
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Charge-offs, net
Allowance for loan losses, end of period
Year Ended December 31, 2014
One- to
Four-Family
Home
Equity
Consumer
and Other
Total
102
(42)
(44)
11
(33)
27
One- to
Four-Family
184
(55)
(41)
14
(27)
102
$
$
$
$
326
$
82
(65)
24
(41)
367
$
25
(4)
(17)
6
(11)
10
$
$
Year Ended December 31, 2013
Home
Equity
Consumer
and Other
Total
257
$
40
$
192
(157)
34
(123)
326
$
6
(33)
12
(21)
25
$
Year Ended December 31, 2012
One- to
Four-Family
Home
Equity
Consumer
and Other
Total
314
$
463
$
46
$
51
(190)
9
(181)
184
$
271
(517)
40
(477)
257
$
33
(51)
12
(39)
40
$
453
36
(126)
41
(85)
404
481
143
(231)
60
(171)
453
823
355
(758)
61
(697)
481
$
$
$
$
$
$
The general allowance for loan losses also included a qualitative component to account for a variety of factors that
present additional uncertainty that may not be fully considered in the quantitative loss model but are factors the Company
believes may impact the level of credit losses. The total qualitative component was $37 million and $62 million at December
31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Total allowance for loan losses decreased during the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to the sale of one-
to four-family loans modified as TDRs. As a result of this sale, the Company recorded a charge-off related to one- to four-
family loans of $42 million which drove the majority of the decrease in the allowance for loan losses.
During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company agreed to settlements with third party
mortgage originators specific to loans sold to the Company by those originators. One-time payments were agreed upon to
satisfy in full all pending and future repurchase requests with those specific originators. The Company applied the full amount
of payments of $11 million, $13 million and $11 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively,
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as recoveries to the allowance for loan losses, resulting in a corresponding reduction to net charge-offs as well as provision for
loan losses.
Impaired Loans—Troubled Debt Restructurings
TDRs include two categories of loans: (1) loan modifications completed under the Company’s programs that involve
granting an economic concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty, and (2) loans that have been charged off based
on the estimated current value of the underlying property less estimated selling costs due to bankruptcy notification.
Delinquency status is the primary measure the Company uses to evaluate the performance of loans modified as TDRs.
As mentioned above, the Company classifies loans as nonperforming when they are no longer accruing interest, which includes
loans that are 90 days and greater past due, TDRs that are on nonaccrual status for all classes of loans, including loans in
bankruptcy, and certain junior liens that have a delinquent senior lien. The following table shows a summary of the Company’s
recorded investment in TDRs that were on accrual and nonaccrual status, further disaggregated by delinquency status, in
addition to the recorded investment in TDRs at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in millions):
December 31, 2014
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total
December 31, 2013
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total
Accrual
(1)
TDRs
Current
(2)
30-89 Days
Delinquent
90-179 Days
Delinquent
180+ Days
Delinquent
Total Recorded
Investment in
TDRs (3)(4)
Nonaccrual TDRs
$
$
$
$
121
127
248
774
176
950
$
$
$
$
111
51
162
127
22
149
$
$
$
$
24
14
38
102
17
119
$
$
$
$
12
6
18
44
7
51
$
$
$
$
48
19
67
125
19
144
$
$
$
$
316
217
533
1,172
241
1,413
(1) Represents loans modified as TDRs that are current and have made six or more consecutive payments.
(2) Represents loans modified as TDRs that are current but have not yet made six consecutive payments, bankruptcy loans and certain junior lien TDRs
that have a delinquent senior lien.
(3) The unpaid principal balance in one- to four-family TDRs was $0.3 billion and $1.2 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For home
equity loans, the recorded investment in TDRs represents the unpaid principal balance.
(4) Total recorded investment in TDRs at December 31, 2014 consisted of $354 million of loans modified as TDRs and $179 million of loans that have
been charged off due to bankruptcy notification. Total recorded investment in TDRs at December 31, 2013 consisted of $1.2 billion of loans modified
as TDRs and $189 million of loans that have been charged off due to bankruptcy notification.
The decrease in the one- to four-family TDRs was primarily due to the sale of $0.8 billion of one- to four-family loans
modified as TDRs during the second quarter of 2014.
The following table shows the average recorded investment and interest income recognized both on a cash and accrual
basis for the Company’s TDRs during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in millions):
Average Recorded Investment
December 31,
Interest Income Recognized
December 31,
2014
2013
2012
2014
2013
2012
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total
$
$
576
227
803
$
$
1,205
262
1,467
$
$
1,054
297
1,351
$
$
16
18
34
$
$
33
20
53
$
$
31
12
43
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Included in the allowance for loan losses was a specific valuation allowance of $66 million and $124 million that was
established for TDRs at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The specific allowance for these individually impaired
loans represents the forecasted losses over the estimated remaining life of the loans, including the economic concessions
granted to the borrowers. The following table shows detailed information related to the Company’s TDRs at December 31,
2014 and 2013 (dollars in millions):
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2013
Recorded
Investment
in TDRs
Specific
Valuation
Allowance
Net Investment
in TDRs
Recorded
Investment
in TDRs
Specific
Valuation
Allowance
Net Investment
in TDRs
With a recorded allowance:
One- to four-family
Home equity
Without a recorded allowance:(1)
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total:
One- to four-family
Home equity
$
$
$
$
$
$
88
118
228
99
316
217
$
$
$
$
$
$
9
57
$
$
— $
— $
9
57
$
$
79
61
228
99
307
160
$
$
$
$
$
$
403
140
769
101
1,172
241
$
$
$
$
$
$
60
64
$
$
— $
— $
60
64
$
$
343
76
769
101
1,112
177
(1) Represents loans where the discounted cash flow analysis or collateral value is equal to or exceeds the recorded investment in the loan.
Troubled Debt Restructurings — Loan Modifications
The Company has loan modification programs that focus on the mitigation of potential losses in the one- to four-
family and home equity mortgage loan portfolio. The Company currently does not have an active loan modification program
for consumer and other loans. The various types of economic concessions that may be granted in a loan modification typically
consist of interest rate reductions, maturity date extensions, principal forgiveness or a combination of these concessions. The
Company uses specialized servicers that focus on loan modifications and pursue trial modifications for loans that are more than
180 days delinquent. Trial modifications are classified immediately as TDRs and continue to be reported as delinquent until the
successful completion of the trial period, which is typically 90 days. The loan then becomes a permanent modification reported
as current but remains on nonaccrual status until six consecutive payments have been made.
The vast majority of the Company’s loans modified as TDRs include an interest rate reduction in combination with
another type of concession. The Company prioritizes the interest rate reduction modifications in combination with the
following modification categories: principal forgiven, principal deferred and re-age/extension/capitalization of accrued interest.
Each class is mutually exclusive in that if a modification had an interest rate reduction with principal forgiven and an extension,
the modification would only be presented in the principal forgiven column in the table below. The following tables provide the
number of loans, post-modification balances immediately after being modified by major class, and the financial impact of
modifications during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in millions):
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Interest Rate Reduction
Number of
Loans
Principal
Forgiven
Principal
Deferred
Re-age/
Extension/
Interest
Capitalization
Other with
Interest Rate
Reduction
Other
Total
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total
64
195
259
$
$
1
—
1
$
$
— $
—
— $
11
4
15
$
$
2
2
4
$
$
6
9
15
$
$
20
15
35
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Year Ended December 31, 2013
Interest Rate Reduction
Number of
Loans
Principal
Forgiven
Principal
Deferred
Re-age/
Extension/
Interest
Capitalization
Other with
Interest Rate
Reduction
Other
Total
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total
324
253
577
$
$
19
—
19
$
$
5
—
5
$
$
71
7
78
$
$
11
7
18
$
$
18
7
25
$
$
124
21
145
Year Ended December 31, 2012
Interest Rate Reduction
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total
Number of
Loans
Principal
Forgiven
Principal
Deferred
614
638
1,252
$
$
53
—
53
$
$
37
—
37
Re-age/
Extension/
Interest
Capitalization
131
$
5
136
$
Other with
Interest Rate
Reduction
Other
Total
$
$
12
39
51
$
$
19
10
29
$
$
252
54
306
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total
One- to four-family
Home equity
Total
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Financial Impact
Principal
Forgiven
Pre-Modification
Weighted Average
Interest Rate
Post-Modification
Weighted Average
Interest Rate
—
—
—
5.2%
5.4%
2.6%
2.4%
Year Ended December 31, 2013
Financial Impact
Principal
Forgiven
Pre-Modification
Weighted Average
Interest Rate
Post-Modification
Weighted Average
Interest Rate
7
—
7
5.2%
4.7%
2.3%
1.9%
Year Ended December 31, 2012
Financial Impact
Principal
Forgiven
Pre-Modification
Weighted Average
Interest Rate
Post-Modification
Weighted Average
Interest Rate
17
—
17
5.9%
4.4%
2.3%
1.5%
$
$
$
$
$
$
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The Company considers modifications that become 30 days past due to have experienced a payment default. The
following table shows the recorded investment in modifications that experienced a payment default within 12 months after the
modification for the three years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in millions):
One- to four-family(1)
Home equity(2)
Total
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
Number of
Loans
Recorded
Investment
Number of
Loans
Recorded
Investment
Number of
Loans
Recorded
Investment
27
55
82
$
$
9
3
12
142
$
69
211
$
53
3
56
260
$
367
627
$
100
18
118
(1) For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, $1 million, $18 million and $28 million, respectively, of the recorded investment in one- to
four-family loans that had a payment default in the trailing 12 months was classified as current.
(2) For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, $1 million, $1 million and $6 million, respectively, of the recorded investment in home equity
loans that had a payment default in the trailing 12 months was classified as current.
NOTE 8—ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
The Company enters into derivative transactions primarily to protect against interest rate risk on the value of certain
assets, liabilities and future cash flows. Cash flow hedges, which include a combination of interest rate swaps and purchased
options, including caps, are used primarily to reduce the variability of future cash flows associated with existing variable-rate
assets and liabilities and forecasted issuances of liabilities. Fair value hedges, which include interest rate swaps, are used to
offset exposure to changes in value of certain fixed-rate assets and liabilities. Each derivative instrument is recorded on the
consolidated balance sheet at fair value as a freestanding asset or liability. The following table summarizes the fair value
amounts of derivatives designated as hedging instruments reported in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014 and
2013 (dollars in millions):
December 31, 2014
Interest rate contracts:
Cash flow hedges
Fair value hedges
Total derivatives designated as hedging
instruments(4)
December 31, 2013
Interest rate contracts:
Cash flow hedges
Fair value hedges
Total derivatives designated as hedging
instruments(4)
Notional
(1)
Asset
Fair Value
Liability
(2)
(3)
Net
$
$
$
$
$
2,000
1,069
3,069
$
$
3,305
1,614
$
23
1
24
$
$
27
80
(24) $
(42)
(66) $
(168) $
(1)
4,919
$
107
$
(169) $
(1)
(41)
(42)
(141)
79
(62)
(1) Reflected in the other assets line item on the consolidated balance sheet.
(2) Reflected in the other liabilities line item on the consolidated balance sheet.
(3) Represents derivative assets net of derivative liabilities for disclosure purposes only.
(4) All derivatives were designated as hedging instruments at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Cash Flow Hedges
The effective portion of the changes in fair value of the derivative instruments in a cash flow hedge is reported as a
component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax in the consolidated balance sheet, for both active and
discontinued hedges. Amounts are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net operating interest income
as a yield adjustment in the same period the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the
change in fair value of the derivative instrument in a cash flow hedge, which is equal to the excess of the cumulative change in
the fair value of the actual derivative over the cumulative change in the fair value of a hypothetical derivative which is created
to match the exact terms of the underlying instruments being hedged, is reported in the gains on loans and securities, net line
item in the consolidated statement of income (loss).
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If it becomes probable that a hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, amounts included in accumulated other
comprehensive loss related to the specific hedging instruments would be immediately reclassified into the gains on loans and
securities, net line item in the consolidated statement of income (loss). If hedge accounting is discontinued because a derivative
instrument is sold, terminated or otherwise de-designated, amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss related
to the specific hedging instrument continue to be reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss until the forecasted
transaction affects earnings.
The future issuances of liabilities, including repurchase agreements, are largely dependent on the market demand and
liquidity in the wholesale borrowings market. At December 31, 2014, the Company believes the forecasted issuance of all
liabilities in cash flow hedge relationships is probable. However, unexpected changes in market conditions in future periods
could impact the ability to issue these liabilities. The Company believes the forecasted issuance of liabilities in the form of
repurchase agreements is most susceptible to an unexpected change in market conditions.
The following table summarizes the effect of interest rate contracts designated and qualifying as hedging instruments
in cash flow hedges on accumulated other comprehensive loss and on the consolidated statement of income (loss) for the years
ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in millions):
Gains (losses) on derivatives recognized in OCI (effective portion), net of tax
Losses reclassified from AOCI into earnings (effective portion), net of tax
Cash flow hedge ineffectiveness gains(1)
For the Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
$
$
(39) $
(76) $
— $
67
$
(87) $
$
1
(72)
(78)
—
(1) The cash flow hedge ineffectiveness is reflected in the gains on loans and securities, net line item on the consolidated statement of income (loss).
During the upcoming twelve months, the Company expects to include a pre-tax amount of approximately $101 million
of net unrealized losses that are currently reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss in net operating interest income as
a yield adjustment in the same periods in which the related hedged items affect earnings. The maximum length of time over
which transactions are hedged is 8 years.
The following table shows the balance in accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to active and
discontinued cash flow hedges at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in millions):
Accumulated other comprehensive loss balance (net of tax) related to:
Discontinued cash flow hedges
Active cash flow hedges
Total cash flow hedges
December 31,
2014
December 31,
2013
$
$
(227) $
(34)
(261) $
(201)
(97)
(298)
The following table shows the balance in accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to cash flow hedges by
type of hedged item at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in millions):
Repurchase agreements
FHLB advances
Total balance of cash flow hedges, before tax
Tax benefit
Total balance of cash flow hedges, net of tax
Fair Value Hedges
December 31,
2014
December 31,
2013
$
$
(341) $
(81)
(422)
161
(261) $
(379)
(99)
(478)
180
(298)
Fair value hedges are accounted for by recording the fair value of the derivative instrument and the fair value of the
asset or liability being hedged on the consolidated balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of both the derivative instruments
and the underlying assets or liabilities are recognized in the gains on loans and securities, net line item in the consolidated
statement of income (loss). To the extent that the hedge is ineffective, the changes in the fair values will not offset and the
difference, or hedge ineffectiveness, is reflected in the gains on loans and securities, net line item in the consolidated statement
of income (loss).
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Hedge accounting is discontinued for fair value hedges if a derivative instrument is sold, terminated or otherwise de-
designated. If fair value hedge accounting is discontinued, the previously hedged item is no longer adjusted for changes in fair
value through the consolidated statement of income (loss) and the cumulative net gain or loss on the hedged asset or liability at
the time of de-designation is amortized to interest income or interest expense using the effective interest method over the
expected remaining life of the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments after de-designation of fair
value hedge accounting are recorded in the gains on loans and securities, net line item in the consolidated statement of income
(loss).
The following table summarizes the effect of interest rate contracts designated and qualifying as hedging instruments
in fair value hedges and related hedged items on the consolidated statement of income (loss) for the years ended December 31,
2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Hedging
Instrument
2014
Hedged
Item
Hedge
Ineffectiveness
(1)
Hedging
Instrument
2013
Hedged
Item
Hedge
Ineffectiveness
(1)
Agency debentures
Agency mortgage-backed securities
Total gains (losses) included in
earnings
$
$
(100) $
(33)
$
91
32
(9) $
(1)
$
73
34
(72) $
(35)
(133) $
123
$
(10) $
107
$
(107) $
1
(1)
—
Year Ended December 31,
Agency debentures
Agency mortgage-backed securities
FHLB advances
Total gains (losses) included in
earnings
Hedging
Instrument
$
(18) $
(7)
14
2012
Hedged
Item
16
7
(19)
Hedge
Ineffectiveness
$
(1)
(2)
—
(5)
$
(11) $
4
$
(7)
(1) Reflected in the gains on loans and securities, net line item on the consolidated statement of income (loss).
Credit Risk
Impact on Fair Value Measurements
Credit risk is an element of the recurring fair value measurements for certain assets and liabilities, including derivative
instruments. Credit risk is managed by limiting activity to approved counterparties and setting aggregate exposure limits for
each approved counterparty. The Company also monitors collateral requirements on derivative instruments through credit
support agreements, which reduce risk by permitting the netting of transactions with the same counterparty upon occurrence of
certain events.
The Company considered the impact of credit risk on the fair value measurement for derivative instruments,
particularly those in net liability positions to counterparties, to be mitigated by the enforcement of credit support agreements,
and the collateral requirements therein. The Company pledged approximately $126 million of its cash and mortgage-backed
securities as collateral related to its derivative contracts in net liability positions to counterparties at December 31, 2014.
The Company’s credit risk analysis for derivative instruments also considered the credit loss exposure on derivative
instruments in net asset positions. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the consideration of counterparty credit risk did
not result in an adjustment to the valuation of the Company’s derivative instruments.
Impact on Liquidity
In the normal course of business, collateral requirements contained in the Company’s derivative instruments are
enforced by the Company and its counterparties. Upon enforcement of the collateral requirements, the amount of collateral
requested is typically based on the net fair value of all derivative instruments with the counterparty; that is derivative assets net
of derivative liabilities at the counterparty level. If the Company were to be in violation of certain provisions of the derivative
instruments, the counterparties to the derivative instruments could request payment or collateralization on derivative
instruments. The Company expects such requests would be based on the fair value of derivative assets net of derivative
liabilities at the counterparty level. The fair value of derivative instruments in net liability positions at the counterparty level
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was $51 million at December 31, 2014. The fair value of the Company’s cash and mortgage-backed securities pledged as
collateral related to derivative contracts in net liability positions to counterparties, was $126 million at December 31, 2014,
which exceeded derivative instruments in net liability positions at the counterparty level by $75 million.
NOTE 9—PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in millions):
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2013
Software
Leasehold improvements
Equipment
Buildings
Furniture and fixtures
Land
Construction in progress
Total
$
$
Gross
Amount
487
114
102
72
23
3
42
843
Accumulated
Depreciation
and
Amortization
$
Net
Amount
Gross
Amount
96
30
26
46
2
3
42
245
$
$
489
112
95
72
23
3
10
804
(391) $
(84)
(76)
(26)
(21)
—
—
(598) $
Accumulated
Depreciation
and
Amortization
$
Net
Amount
116
35
22
48
3
3
10
237
(373) $
(77)
(73)
(24)
(20)
—
—
(567) $
$
$
Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $78 million, $89 million and $91
million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Software includes capitalized internally developed software costs of $27 million, $24 million and $55 million for the
years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Amortization of completed and in-service software was $47
million, $57 million and $58 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Software at
December 31, 2014 and 2013 also included $19 million and $15 million, respectively, of internally developed software in the
process of development for which amortization has not begun.
Sale-Leaseback Transaction
On October 31, 2014, the Company executed a sale-leaseback transaction on its office located in Alpharetta, Georgia.
This transaction has been treated as a financing as it did not qualify for leaseback accounting due to the presence of a sub-lease
and various forms of continuing involvement in the lease. The Company recorded the net sales proceeds of approximately $56
million as a financing obligation in the other liabilities line item and the related assets continue to be included in the property
and equipment, net line item on the consolidated balance sheet.
The obligation for future minimum lease payments and minimum sublease proceeds to be received under this lease is
as follows (dollars in millions):
Years ending December 31,
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
Total
Obligation for
Minimum Lease
Payments
Minimum Sublease
Proceeds
4
4
5
5
5
24
47
$
$
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(9)
(24)
$
$
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NOTE 10—GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES, NET
Goodwill
The following table outlines the activity in the carrying value of the Company’s goodwill, which is all assigned to the
Company’s trading and investing segment (dollars in millions):
Balance at December 31, 2012
Impairment of goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2013
Activity
Balance at December 31, 2014
Trading & Investing
$
$
1,934
(142)
1,792
—
1,792
Goodwill is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis as of November 30 and in interim periods when events or
changes indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. At December 31, 2014, all $1.8 billion of goodwill was allocated
to the retail brokerage reporting unit within the trading and investing segment. At December 31, 2013 the Company’s trading
and investing segment had two reporting units: market making and retail brokerage.
At the end of June 2013, the Company decided to exit its market making business. Based on this decision in the
second quarter of 2013, the Company conducted an interim goodwill impairment test for the market making reporting unit,
using the expected sale structure of the market making business. This structure assumed a shorter period of cash flows related
to an order flow arrangement, compared to prior estimates of fair value. Based on the results of the first step of the goodwill
impairment test, the Company determined that the carrying value of the market making reporting unit, including goodwill,
exceeded the fair value for that reporting unit as of June 30, 2013. The Company proceeded to the second step of the goodwill
impairment test to measure the amount of goodwill impairment. As a result of the evaluation, it was determined that the entire
carrying amount of goodwill allocated to the market making reporting unit was impaired, and the Company recognized a $142
million impairment of goodwill during the second quarter of 2013.
For both the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company elected to perform a qualitative analysis for the
retail brokerage reporting unit to determine whether it was more likely than not that the fair value was less than the carrying
value. As a result of these assessments, the Company determined that it was not necessary to perform a quantitative impairment
test and concluded that goodwill assigned to the retail brokerage reporting unit was not impaired at both December 31, 2014
and 2013.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, goodwill was net of accumulated impairment losses of $142 million related to the
trading and investing segment and $101 million related to the balance sheet management segment. At December 31, 2012,
goodwill was net of accumulated impairment losses of $101 million related to the balance sheet management segment.
Other Intangibles, Net
In the second quarter of 2013, pursuant to the Company's decision to exit the market making business, $21 million of
other intangible assets related to the market making reporting unit were reclassified as held-for-sale. These held-for-sale
intangible assets have been included in the other assets line item in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013. For
additional information on the market making business, see Note 2—Disposition. The following table outlines the Company's
other intangible assets with finite lives consisting of customer lists, which are amortized on an accelerated basis (dollars in
millions):
Weighted Average
Original
Useful Life
(Years)
Weighted Average
Remaining
Useful Life
(Years)
Gross Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net Amount
Customer Lists
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2013
20
20
11 $
$
12
435
435
$
$
(241) $
(219) $
194
216
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Assuming no future impairments of customer lists or additional acquisitions or dispositions, the following table
presents the Company's future annual amortization expense (dollars in millions):
Years ending December 31,
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
$
20
20
19
19
18
98
Total future amortization expense
$
194
NOTE 11—OTHER ASSETS
Other assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in millions):
Deferred tax assets, net
Deposits paid for securities borrowed
Held-for-sale assets(1)
Other(2)
Total other assets
December 31,
2014
2013
951
474
—
1,158
$
1,239
536
177
869
2,583
$
2,821
$
$
(1) Represents assets related to the market making business, which were classified as held-for-sale at December 31, 2013.
(2)
Includes accrued interest receivable, bank and brokerage operational related receivables, derivative assets, REO and repossessed assets, third party loan
servicing receivable, other prepaids and other assets.
NOTE 12—DEPOSITS
Deposits are summarized as follows (dollars in millions):
Sweep deposits(1)
Complete savings deposits
Checking deposits
Other money market and savings deposits
Time deposits(2)
Total deposits(3)
Amount
December 31,
Weighted-Average Rate
December 31,
2014
2013
2014
2013
$
$
19,119
3,753
1,137
833
48
24,890
$
$
19,592
4,303
1,098
914
64
25,971
0.03%
0.01%
0.03%
0.01%
0.50%
0.03%
0.04%
0.01%
0.03%
0.01%
0.64%
0.03%
(1) A sweep product transfers brokerage customer balances to banking subsidiaries, which hold these funds as customer deposits in FDIC insured demand
deposit and money market deposit accounts.
(2) Time deposits represent certificates of deposit and brokered certificates of deposit.
(3) As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $141 million and $129 million in non-interest bearing deposits, respectively.
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At December 31, 2014, scheduled maturities of time deposits were as follows (dollars in millions):
Years ending December 31,
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
Subtotal
Unamortized discount, net
Total time deposits
$
$
33
7
4
3
1
—
48
—
48
Scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit with denominations greater than or equal to $100,000, and greater than
or equal to $250,000, which is the FDIC deposit insurance coverage limit, were as follows (dollars in millions):
Three months or less
Three through six months
Six through twelve months
Over twelve months
Total certificates of deposit
>= $100,000
December 31,
>= $250,000
December 31,
2014
2013
2014
2013
$
$
1
1
2
2
6
$
$
1
2
2
3
8
$
$
— $
—
—
1
1
$
—
—
—
1
1
NOTE 13—SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE, FHLB ADVANCES AND OTHER
BORROWINGS
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, FHLB advances and other borrowings at December 31, 2014 and 2013
are shown in the following table (dollars in millions):
FHLB Advances and
Other Borrowings
Due within one year
$
3,022
$
Repurchase
(1)
Agreements
FHLB
Advances
Other
Total
$
— $
3,292
Due between one and two years
Due between two and three years
Thereafter
Subtotal
Fair value hedge adjustments
Deferred costs
Total other borrowings
at December 31, 2014
Total other borrowings
at December 31, 2013
350
300
—
3,672
—
—
270
250
400
—
920
21
(70)
—
—
428
428
—
—
428
428
$
$
3,672
4,543
$
$
871
851
$
$
$
$
4,971
0.64%
5,822
0.72%
(1) The maximum amount at any month end for repurchase agreements was $4.9 billion and $4.6 billion for years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013,
respectively.
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
Repurchase agreements are collateralized by fixed- and variable-rate mortgage-backed securities or investment grade
securities. The counterparties retain possession of the securities collateralizing the repurchase agreements until maturity of the
repurchase agreement. At December 31, 2014, there were no counterparties with whom the Company’s amount of risk
exceeded 10% of its shareholders’ equity. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the decrease in securities sold under
132
Weighted
Average
Interest Rate
0.35%
0.60%
0.68%
2.92%
0.64%
600
700
428
5,020
21
(70)
Table of Contents
agreements to repurchase was primarily due to the scheduled expiration of $600 million of repurchase agreements. In addition,
the Company paid down in advance of maturity $100 million of its fixed-rate repurchase agreements and recorded $12 million
in losses on early extinguishment of debt. During both years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company paid down in
advance of maturity $100 million of its fixed-rate repurchase agreements and recorded losses on early extinguishment of debt
of less than $1 million and $8 million, respectively.
Below is a summary of repurchase agreements and collateral associated with the repurchase agreements at
December 31, 2014 (dollars in millions):
Contractual Maturity
Up to 30 days
30 to 90 days
Over 90 days
Total
Repurchase Agreements
Collateral
U.S. Government Sponsored
Enterprise Obligations
Weighted
Average
Interest Rate
0.27%
0.39%
0.64%
0.44%
$
$
Amount
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
1,850
$
1,916
$
155
1,667
161
1,729
3,672
$
3,806
$
1,929
163
1,753
3,845
FHLB Advances and Other Borrowings
FHLB Advances—The Company had $750 million in floating-rate and $170 million in fixed-rate FHLB advances at
both December 31, 2014 and 2013. The floating-rate advances adjust quarterly based on LIBOR. During the year ended
December 31, 2012, the Company paid down in advance of maturity $1.0 billion of its FHLB advances and recorded $69
million in losses on the early extinguishment of debt. The Company did not have any similar transactions for the years ended
December 31, 2014 and 2013.
As a condition of its membership in the FHLB Atlanta, the Company is required to maintain a FHLB stock investment
currently equal to the lesser of: a percentage of 0.09% of total Bank assets; or a dollar cap amount of $15 million. Additionally,
the Bank must maintain an Activity Based Stock investment which is currently equal to 4.5% of the Bank’s outstanding
advances at the time of borrowing. The Company had an investment in FHLB stock of $88 million and $61 million at
December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company must also maintain qualified collateral as a percent of its advances,
which varies based on the collateral type, and is further adjusted by the outcome of the most recent annual collateral audit and
by FHLB’s internal ranking of the Bank’s creditworthiness. These advances are secured by a pool of mortgage loans and
mortgage-backed securities. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company pledged loans with a lendable value of $3.7 billion
and $3.9 billion, respectively, of the one- to four-family and home equity loans as collateral in support of both its advances and
unused borrowing lines.
Other Borrowings—Prior to 2008, ETBH raised capital through the formation of trusts, which sold trust preferred
securities in the capital markets. The capital securities must be redeemed in whole at the due date, which is generally 30 years
after issuance. Each trust issued Floating Rate Cumulative Preferred Securities ("trust preferred securities"), at par with a
liquidation amount of $1,000 per capital security. The trusts used the proceeds from the sale of issuances to purchase Floating
Rate Junior Subordinated Debentures ("subordinated debentures") issued by ETBH, which guarantees the trust obligations and
contributed proceeds from the sale of its subordinated debentures to E*TRADE Bank in the form of a capital contribution. The
most recent issuance of trust preferred securities occurred in 2007.
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The face values of outstanding trusts at December 31, 2014 are shown below (dollars in millions):
Trusts
ETBH Capital Trust II
ETBH Capital Trust I
ETBH Capital Trust V, VI, VIII
ETBH Capital Trust VII, IX—XII
ETBH Capital Trust XIII—XVIII, XX
ETBH Capital Trust XIX, XXI, XXII
ETBH Capital Trust XXIII—XXIV
ETBH Capital Trust XXV—XXX
Total
NOTE 14—CORPORATE DEBT
Face Value
Maturity
Date
$
$
2031
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
2036
2037
5
20
51
65
77
60
45
110
433
Annual Interest Rate
10.25%
3.75% above 6-month LIBOR
3.25%-3.65% above 3-month LIBOR
3.00%-3.30% above 3-month LIBOR
2.45%-2.90% above 3-month LIBOR
2.20%-2.40% above 3-month LIBOR
2.10% above 3-month LIBOR
1.90%-2.00% above 3-month LIBOR
Corporate debt at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is outlined in the following table (dollars in millions):
Face Value
Discount
Net
December 31, 2014
Interest-bearing notes:
6 3/8% Notes, due 2019
5 3/8% Notes, due 2022
Total interest-bearing notes
Non-interest-bearing debt:
0% Convertible debentures, due 2019
Total corporate debt
December 31, 2013
Interest-bearing notes:
6 3/4% Notes, due 2016
6% Notes, due 2017
6 3/8% Notes, due 2019
Total interest-bearing notes
Non-interest-bearing debt:
0% Convertible debentures, due 2019
$
$
$
800
540
1,340
38
1,378
$
$
(5) $
(7)
(12)
—
(12) $
Face Value
Discount
Net
$
435
505
800
1,740
42
(4) $
(4)
(6)
(14)
—
(14) $
795
533
1,328
38
1,366
431
501
794
1,726
42
1,768
Total corporate debt
$
1,782
$
6 3/8% Notes
In November 2012, the Company issued an aggregate principal amount of $800 million in 6 3/8% Notes, due
November 2019. Interest is payable semi-annually and the notes may be called by the Company beginning November 15, 2015
at a premium, which declines over time. The Company used the net proceeds from the issuance of the 6 3/8% Notes to redeem
all of its outstanding 7 7/8% Notes, due December 2015 and 12 1/2% Springing Lien Notes, due November 2017, including
paying the associated redemption premiums, accrued interest and related fees and expenses. The Company recorded $257
million in losses on early extinguishment of debt related to the redemption of the 7 7/8% Notes and 12 1/2% Springing Lien
Notes for the year ended December 31, 2012.
5 3/8% Notes
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In November 2014, the Company issued an aggregate principal amount of $540 million in 5 3/8% Notes, due
November 2022. Interest is payable semi-annually and the notes may be called by the Company beginning November 15, 2017
at a premium, which declines over time. The Company used the net proceeds from the issuance of the 5 3/8% Notes, along with
approximately $460 million of existing cash, to redeem all of its outstanding 6 3/4% Notes, due May 2016 and 6% Notes, due
November 2017, including paying the associated redemption premiums, accrued interest and related fees and expenses. The
Company recorded $59 million in losses on early extinguishment of debt related to the redemption of the 6 3/4% Notes and 6%
Notes for the year ended December 31, 2014.
0% Convertible Debentures
In 2009, the Company issued an aggregate principal amount of $1.7 billion in Class A convertible debentures and $2
million in Class B convertible debentures (collectively convertible debentures or 0% Convertible debentures) of non-interest-
bearing notes due August 2019, in exchange for $1.3 billion principal of the 12 1/2% Springing Lien Notes and $0.4 billion
principal of the 8% Notes, due June 2011.
The Class A convertible debentures are convertible into the Company’s common stock at a conversion rate of $10.34
per $1,000 principal amount of Class A convertible debentures and the Class B convertible debentures are convertible into the
Company’s common stock at a conversion rate of $15.51 per $1,000 principal amount of Class B convertible debentures. The
holders of the convertible debentures may convert all or any portion of the debentures at any time prior to the close of business
on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. At December 31, 2014, a cumulative total of
$1.7 billion of the Class A convertible debentures and $2 million of the Class B convertible debentures had been converted into
164.6 million shares and 0.1 million shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock.
Credit Facility
In November 2014, the Company entered into a $200 million senior secured revolving credit facility that expires in
November 2017. The Company has the ability to borrow against the credit facility for working capital and general corporate
purposes. The credit facility contains certain maintenance covenants, including the requirement for the parent company to
maintain unrestricted cash of $100 million. At December 31, 2014, there was no outstanding balance under this credit facility.
Ranking and Subsidiary Guarantees
All of the Company’s notes rank equal in right of payment with all of the Company’s existing and future
unsubordinated indebtedness and rank senior in right of payment to all its existing and future subordinated indebtedness.
However, the notes rank effectively junior to the Company's secured indebtedness to the extent of the collateral securing such
indebtedness, including any debt drawn under the Company's $200 million senior secured revolving credit facility.
In June 2011, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries issued guarantees on the 0% Convertible debentures. E*TRADE
Bank and E*TRADE Securities LLC, among others, did not issue such guarantees.
Corporate Debt Covenants
The Company’s corporate debt and credit facility described above have terms which include financial maintenance
covenants. At December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all such maintenance covenants.
Future Maturities of Corporate Debt
Scheduled principal payments of corporate debt at December 31, 2014 were as follows (dollars in millions):
Years ending December 31,
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
Total future principal payments of corporate debt
Unamortized discount
Total corporate debt
135
$
$
—
—
—
—
800
578
1,378
(12)
1,366
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NOTE 15—OTHER LIABILITIES
Other liabilities consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in millions):
Deposits received for securities loaned
Held-for-sale liabilities(1)
Other(2)
Total other liabilities
December 31,
2014
2013
$
$
1,649
$
—
824
2,473
$
1,050
107
396
1,553
(1) Represents liabilities related to the market making business, which was classified as held-for-sale at December 31, 2013.
(2)
Includes accounts payable, accrued expenses, bank and brokerage operational related payables, derivative liabilities, financing obligations, income tax
liabilities and other liabilities.
NOTE 16—INCOME TAXES
The components of income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as
follows (dollars in millions):
Current:
Federal
State
Foreign
Total current
Deferred:
Federal
State
Foreign
Total deferred
Non-current tax expense (benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit)
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
$
— $
4
—
4
152
3
—
155
—
159
$
— $
3
—
3
127
(20)
—
107
(1)
109
$
—
3
—
3
(137)
—
—
(137)
116
(18)
Non-current tax expense (benefit) relates to tax expense (benefit) associated with the reserves for uncertain tax
positions. The following table presents the components of income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) for the years
ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in millions):
Domestic
Foreign
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
$
438
14
452
$
$
186
9
195
$
$
(135)
4
(131)
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Unrecognized Tax Benefits
The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the
years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in millions):
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years
Additions based on tax positions related to current year
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years
Settlements with taxing authorities
Statute of limitations lapses
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
333
12
—
(14)
—
(1)
330
$
$
492
10
—
(163)
(5)
(1)
333
$
$
377
131
8
(23)
—
(1)
492
$
$
Unrecognized tax benefits decreased $3 million to $330 million during the year ended December 31, 2014. At
December 31, 2014, $270 million (net of federal benefits on state issues) represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits
that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective income tax rate in future periods.
In 2012, the Internal Revenue Service sent an examination notification to the Company related to its 2007, 2009 and
2010 federal tax returns. While the Company cannot predict the outcome of the examination, it believes that adequate provision
has been made for any of the Company’s uncertain tax positions. Uncertain tax positions are only recognized to the extent they
satisfy the accounting for uncertain tax positions criteria included in the income taxes accounting guidance, which states that in
order to recognize an uncertain tax position it must be more likely than not that it will be sustained upon examination. For
uncertain tax positions, tax benefit is recognized for positions in which it is more than fifty percent likely of being sustained on
effective settlement.
The following table summarizes the tax years that are either currently under examination or remain open under the
statute of limitations and subject to examination by the major tax jurisdictions in which the Company operates:
Jurisdiction
Hong Kong
United Kingdom
United States
Various states(1)
Open Tax Years
2008-2014
2012-2014
2004-2014
2007-2014
(1) Major state tax jurisdictions include California, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Virginia.
It is reasonably possible that the Company's unrecognized tax benefits could be reduced by as much as $151 million
within the next twelve months as a result of settlements of certain examinations or expiration of statutes of limitations.
The Company’s practice is to recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to income tax matters in income tax
expense. The Company has total reserves for interest and penalties of $21 million and $20 million as of December 31, 2014 and
2013, respectively. The tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 includes an increase in the accrual for interest and
penalties of $1 million, principally related to state taxes.
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Deferred Taxes and Valuation Allowance
Deferred income taxes are recorded when revenues and expenses are recognized in different periods for financial
statement and tax return purposes. The temporary differences and tax carryforwards that created deferred tax assets and
deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized in the following table (dollars in millions):
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating losses
Reserves and allowances, net
Mark to market
Deferred compensation
Tax credits
Basis differences in investments
Other
Total deferred tax assets
Valuation allowance
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization
Other
Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax asset
December 31,
2014
2013
$
632
601
110
43
37
9
1
1,433
(91)
1,342
(387)
(4)
(391)
951
$
572
891
125
36
31
12
7
1,674
(82)
1,592
(353)
—
(353)
1,239
$
$
The Company is required to establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and record a corresponding
increase to income tax expense if it is determined, based on evaluation of available evidence at the time the determination is
made, that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. If the Company were to
conclude that a valuation allowance was required, the resulting loss could have a material adverse effect on its financial
condition and results of operations. As of December 31, 2014, the Company did not establish a valuation allowance against its
federal deferred tax assets as it believes that it is more likely than not that all of these assets will be realized. Approximately
40% of existing federal deferred tax assets is not related to net operating losses and therefore, have no expiration date. The
Company ended 2014 with $1,937 million of gross federal net operating losses, the majority of which will expire within the
next 13 years. The increase in the net operating losses deferred tax asset was primarily driven by additional tax deductions
related to prior years.
The Company’s evaluation of the need for a valuation allowance focused on identifying significant, objective evidence
that it will be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future. The Company determined that its expectations regarding future
earnings are objectively verifiable due to various factors. One factor is the consistent profitability of the Company’s core
business, the trading and investing segment, which has generated substantial income for each of the last 11 years, including
through uncertain economic and regulatory environments. The core business is driven by brokerage customer activity and
includes trading, brokerage related cash, margin lending, retirement and investing, and other brokerage related activities. These
activities drive variable expenses that correlate to the volume of customer activity, which has resulted in stable, ongoing
profitability.
Another factor is the mitigation of losses in the balance sheet management segment, which generated a large net
operating loss in 2007 caused by the crisis in the residential real estate and credit markets. Much of this loss came from the sale
of the asset-backed securities portfolio and credit losses from the mortgage loan portfolio. The Company no longer holds any of
those asset-backed securities and shut down mortgage loan acquisition activities in 2007. In effect, the key business activities
that led to the generation of the deferred tax assets were shut down over seven years ago. In addition, we have realized the
benefits of various credit loss mitigation activities and improving economic conditions, including home price improvement
related to our loan portfolio. As a result, the losses have continued to decline significantly and the balance sheet management
segment has been profitable since 2012.
The Company's valuation allowance for deferred tax assets increased $9 million to $91 million at December 31, 2014.
The principal components of the deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance has been established include the following
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Table of Contents
state and foreign country net operating loss carryforwards and charitable contributions which have a limited carryforward
period:
•
•
•
At December 31, 2014, the Company had certain gross foreign country net operating loss carryforwards of
$121 million and other foreign country temporary differences of approximately $19 million for which a
deferred tax asset of approximately $32 million was established. The foreign net operating losses represent
the foreign tax loss carryforwards in numerous foreign countries, the vast majority of which are not subject to
expiration. In most of these foreign countries, the Company has historical tax losses; accordingly, the
Company has provided a valuation allowance of $32 million against such deferred tax assets at December 31,
2014.
At December 31, 2014, the Company had gross state net operating loss carryforwards that expire between
2015 and 2033 in several states of $3.8 billion, most of which are subject to change by corresponding
changes in apportionment. At December 31, 2014, we had total state deferred tax assets of approximately
$143 million that related to the Company's state net operating loss carryforwards and temporary differences
with a valuation allowance of $48 million against such deferred tax assets.
At December 31, 2014, the Company had charitable contribution carryforwards of $27 million that expire
between 2015 and 2017. A deferred tax asset of approximately $11 million was established with a
corresponding $11 million valuation allowance as it is more likely than not that these contributions will
expire unused.
The Company does not intend to permanently reinvest any undistributed earnings and profits in foreign subsidiaries.
As a result, the Company has fully recorded income taxes on those earnings at December 31, 2014.
Effective Tax Rate
The effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate as summarized in the following table for the years ended
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
Federal statutory rate
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit
Difference between statutory rate and foreign effective tax rate
Tax exempt income
Disallowed interest expense
Change in valuation allowance
2009 Debt Exchange
Tax credits
California state tax legislative changes
Estimated reserve for uncertain tax positions
Deferred tax adjustments
Disallowed losses on early extinguishment of debt
Tax on undistributed earnings and profits in certain foreign subsidiaries
New York state tax legislative changes
Tax impact of exit of market making business
Other
Effective tax rate
Tax Ownership Change
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
35.0%
2.0
(1.0)
(0.1)
—
2.2
—
(0.6)
—
(0.3)
(1.6)
—
1.1
(1.8)
—
0.3
35.2%
35.0%
2.8
(1.4)
(0.3)
—
1.1
—
(1.8)
—
(2.6)
4.5
—
2.4
—
16.4
(0.2)
55.9%
(35.0)%
(11.8)
(1.1)
(0.4)
10.3
6.9
(19.7)
(12.2)
19.2
9.1
8.4
7.4
2.5
—
—
2.4
(14.0)%
During the third quarter of 2009, the Company exchanged $1.7 billion principal amount of interest-bearing debt for an
equal principal amount of non-interest-bearing convertible debentures. Subsequent to the 2009 Debt Exchange, $592 million
and $129 million debentures were converted into 57 million and 13 million shares of common stock during the third and fourth
quarters of 2009, respectively. As a result of these conversions, the Company believes it experienced a tax ownership change
during the third quarter of 2009.
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Table of Contents
As of the date of the ownership change, the Company had federal NOLs available to carryforward of approximately
$1,886 million. This amount includes $480 million in federal NOLs that were recorded in the third quarter of 2012 due to
amended tax returns filed related primarily to additional tax deductions on the 2009 Debt Exchange and additional tax losses on
bad debts. Section 382 imposes an annual limitation on the use of a corporation’s NOLs, certain recognized built-in losses and
other carryovers after an "ownership change" occurs. Section 382 rules governing when a change in ownership occurs are
complex and subject to interpretation; however, an ownership change generally occurs when there has been a cumulative
change in the stock ownership of a corporation by certain "5% shareholders" of more than 50 percentage points over a rolling
three-year period.
Section 382 imposes an annual limitation on the amount of post-ownership change taxable income a corporation may
offset with pre-ownership change NOLs. In general, the annual limitation is determined by multiplying the value of the
corporation’s stock immediately before the ownership change (subject to certain adjustments) by the applicable long-term tax-
exempt rate. Any unused portion of the annual limitation is available for use in future years until such NOLs are scheduled to
expire (in general, NOLs may be carried forward 20 years). In addition, the limitation may, under certain circumstances, be
increased or decreased by built-in gains or losses, respectively, which may be present with respect to assets held at the time of
the ownership change that are recognized in the five-year period (one-year for loans) after the ownership change. The use of
NOLs arising after the date of an ownership change would not be affected unless a corporation experienced an additional
ownership change in a future period.
The Company believes the tax ownership change will extend the period of time it will take to fully utilize its pre-
ownership change NOLs, but will not limit the total amount of pre-ownership change federal NOLs it can utilize. The
Company’s updated estimate is that it will be subject to an overall annual limitation on the use of its pre-ownership change
NOLs of approximately $194 million. The Company’s overall pre-ownership change federal NOLs, which were approximately
$1,886 million, have a statutory carryforward period of 20 years (the majority of which expire in 13 years). As a result, the
Company believes it will be able to fully utilize these NOLs in future periods.
The Company’s ability to utilize the pre-ownership change NOLs is dependent on its ability to generate sufficient
taxable income over the duration of the carryforward periods and will not be impacted by its ability or inability to generate
taxable income in an individual year.
NOTE 17—SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
The activity in shareholders’ equity during the year ended December 31, 2014 is summarized in the following table
(dollars in millions):
Common Stock /
Additional Paid-In
Capital
Accumulated Deficit /
Other Comprehensive
Loss
Total
Beginning balance, December 31, 2013
Net income
Net change from available-for-sale securities
Net change from cash flow hedging instruments
Other(1)
Ending balance, December 31, 2014
$
$
7,331
$
—
—
—
22
7,353
$
(2,475) $
293
167
37
—
(1,978) $
4,856
293
167
37
22
5,375
(1) Other includes employee share-based compensation and conversions of convertible debentures.
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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following tables present after-tax changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the
years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in millions):
Beginning balance, December 31, 2013
Other comprehensive income (loss) before
reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss
Net change
Ending balance, December 31, 2014
Beginning balance, December 31, 2012
Other comprehensive income (loss) before
reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss
Net change
Ending balance, December 31, 2013
Beginning balance, December 31, 2011
Other comprehensive income (loss) before
reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss
Net change
Beginning balance, December 31, 2012
Available-for-
sale
Securities
Cash Flow
Hedging
Instruments
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Total
(160) $
(298) $
5
$
(453)
193
(26)
167
7
$
(39)
76
37
(261) $
—
—
—
5
$
Available-for-
sale
Securities
Cash Flow
Hedging
Instruments
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Total
137
$
(452) $
5
$
(260)
(37)
(297)
(160) $
67
87
154
(298) $
—
—
—
5
Available-for-
sale
Securities
Cash Flow
Hedging
Instruments
Foreign
Currency
Translation
68
$
(458) $
197
(128)
69
137
$
(72)
78
6
(452) $
3
2
—
2
5
Total
$
$
$
154
50
204
(249)
(310)
(193)
50
(143)
(453)
(387)
127
(50)
77
(310)
$
$
$
$
$
$
The following table presents the income statement line items impacted by reclassifications out of accumulated other
comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in millions):
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Loss Components
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss
Affected Line Items in the Consolidated Statement of
Income (Loss)
Available-for-sale securities:
Cash flow hedging instruments:
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
$
$
$
$
42
(16)
26
$
$
— $
(125)
(125)
49
(76) $
141
60 Gains on loans and securities, net
(23) Tax expense (benefit)
37
Reclassification into earnings, net
8 Operating interest income
(147) Operating interest expense
(139) Reclassification into earnings, before tax
Tax expense (benefit)
52
(87) Reclassification into earnings, net
Table of Contents
Preferred Stock
The Company has 1 million shares authorized in preferred stock. None were issued or outstanding at December 31,
2014 or 2013.
NOTE 18—EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
The following table presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (in millions, except share data
and per share amounts):
Basic:
Net income (loss)
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands)
Basic earnings (loss) per share
Diluted:
Net income (loss)
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands)
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted-average convertible debentures (in thousands)
Weighted-average options and restricted stock issued to
employees (in thousands)
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
$
$
293
288,705
1.02
293
$
$
$
86
286,991
0.30
86
288,705
286,991
$
$
$
(113)
285,748
(0.39)
(113)
285,748
3,999
1,399
4,125
1,473
—
—
294,103
292,589
$
1.00
$
0.29
$
285,748
(0.39)
The Company excluded the following shares from the calculations of diluted earnings (loss) per share for the years ended
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 as the effect would have been anti-dilutive (shares in millions):
Weighted-average shares excluded as a result of the Company’s net loss:
Convertible debentures
Stock options and restricted stock awards and units
Other stock options and restricted stock awards and units
Total
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
N/A
N/A
0.5
0.5
N/A
N/A
1.7
1.7
4.1
0.4
2.5
7.0
NOTE 19—REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
Registered Broker-Dealers
The Company’s U.S. broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to the Uniform Net Capital Rule (the "Rule") under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 administered by the SEC and FINRA, which requires the maintenance of minimum net
capital. The minimum net capital requirements can be met under either the Aggregate Indebtedness method or the Alternative
method. Under the Aggregate Indebtedness method, a broker-dealer is required to maintain minimum net capital of the greater
of 6 2/3% of its aggregate indebtedness, as defined, or a minimum dollar amount. Under the Alternative method, a broker-dealer
is required to maintain net capital equal to the greater of $250,000 or 2% of aggregate debit balances arising from customer
transactions. The method used depends on the individual U.S. broker-dealer subsidiary. The Company’s other broker-dealers,
including its international broker-dealer subsidiaries located in Europe and Asia, are subject to capital requirements determined
by their respective regulators.
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At December 31, 2014 and 2013, all of the Company’s broker-dealer subsidiaries met minimum net capital
requirements. The tables below summarize the minimum excess capital requirements for the Company’s broker-dealer
subsidiaries at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in millions):
December 31, 2014:
E*TRADE Clearing LLC(1)
E*TRADE Securities LLC(1)(2)
Other broker-dealers
Total
December 31, 2013:
E*TRADE Clearing LLC(1)
E*TRADE Securities LLC(1)
G1 Execution Services, LLC(3)
Other broker-dealers
Total
Required Net
Capital
Net Capital
Excess Net
Capital
$
$
$
$
170
—
1
171
144
—
1
2
147
$
$
$
$
795
459
19
1,273
715
261
22
22
1,020
$
$
$
$
625
459
18
1,102
571
261
21
20
873
(1) Elected to use the Alternative method to compute net capital. The net capital requirement was $250,000 for E*TRADE Securities LLC for both periods
presented.
(2) E*TRADE Securities LLC was moved from under E*TRADE Bank in February 2015 and subsequently paid a dividend of $434 million to the parent
company.
(3) Elected to use the Aggregate Indebtedness method to compute net capital. G1 Execution Services, LLC is the Company's market maker and was held-
for-sale at December 31, 2013. The sale of G1 Execution Services, LLC was completed on February 10, 2014.
Banking
E*TRADE Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies.
Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can trigger certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by
regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on E*TRADE Bank’s financial condition and results of
operations. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, E*TRADE Bank
must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of E*TRADE Bank’s assets, liabilities and certain off-
balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. In addition, E*TRADE Bank may not pay dividends to
the parent company without approval from its regulators and any loans by E*TRADE Bank to the parent company and its other
non-bank subsidiaries are subject to various quantitative, arm’s length, collateralization and other requirements. E*TRADE
Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk
weightings and other factors.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require E*TRADE Bank to meet minimum
total capital, Tier 1 capital and Tier 1 leverage ratios. As shown in the table below, at both December 31, 2014 and 2013,
E*TRADE Bank was categorized as "well capitalized" under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. However,
events beyond management's control, such as deterioration in credit markets, could adversely affect future earnings and
E*TRADE Bank's ability to meet future capital requirements and ability to pay dividends to the parent company. E*TRADE
Bank’s actual and required capital amounts and ratios at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented in the table below (dollars
in millions):
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December 31, 2014:
Total capital
Tier 1 capital
Tier 1 leverage
December 31, 2013:
Total capital
Tier 1 capital
Tier 1 leverage
Actual
Minimum Required to be
Well Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Excess Capital
$
$
$
$
$
$
4,772
4,548
4,548
4,331
4,105
4,105
26.93% $
25.67% $
10.61% $
24.25% $
22.98% $
9.51% $
1,772
1,063
2,143
1,786
1,072
2,158
10.00% $
6.00% $
5.00% $
10.00% $
6.00% $
5.00% $
3,000
3,485
2,405
2,545
3,033
1,947
NOTE 20—LEASE ARRANGEMENTS
The Company has non-cancelable operating leases for facilities through 2025. Future minimum lease payments and
sublease proceeds under these leases with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year, including leases involved in facility
restructurings, are as follows (dollars in millions):
Years ending December 31,
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
Total future minimum lease payments
Sublease proceeds
Net lease commitments
Operating Lease
Commitments
$
$
$
25
25
24
21
19
31
145
(4)
141
Certain leases contain provisions for renewal options and rent escalations based on increases in certain costs incurred
by the lessor. Rent expense, net of sublease income, was $21 million, $22 million and $23 million for the years ended
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Rent expense, which is recorded in the occupancy and equipment line item in
the consolidated statement of income (loss), excludes costs related to leases involved in facility restructurings, which are
recorded in the facility restructuring and other exit activities line item in the consolidated statement of income (loss).
On October 31, 2014, the Company executed a sale-leaseback transaction on its office located in Alpharetta, Georgia.
See Note 9—Property and Equipment, Net for more information.
NOTE 21—COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS
Legal Matters
Litigation Matters
On October 27, 2000, Ajaxo, Inc. ("Ajaxo") filed a complaint in the Superior Court for the State of California, County
of Santa Clara. Ajaxo sought damages and certain non-monetary relief for the Company’s alleged breach of a non-disclosure
agreement with Ajaxo pertaining to certain wireless technology that Ajaxo offered the Company as well as damages and other
relief against the Company for their alleged misappropriation of Ajaxo’s trade secrets. Following a jury trial, a judgment was
entered in 2003 in favor of Ajaxo against the Company for $1 million for breach of the Ajaxo non-disclosure agreement.
Although the jury found in favor of Ajaxo on its claim against the Company for misappropriation of trade secrets, the trial court
subsequently denied Ajaxo’s requests for additional damages and relief. On December 21, 2005, the California Court of Appeal
affirmed the above-described award against the Company for breach of the nondisclosure agreement but remanded the case to
the trial court for the limited purpose of determining what, if any, additional damages Ajaxo may be entitled to as a result of the
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jury’s previous finding in favor of Ajaxo on its claim against the Company for misappropriation of trade secrets. Although the
Company paid Ajaxo the full amount due on the above-described judgment, the case was remanded back to the trial court, and
on May 30, 2008, a jury returned a verdict in favor of the Company denying all claims raised and demands for damages against
the Company. Following the trial court’s entry of judgment in favor of the Company on September 5, 2008, Ajaxo filed post-
trial motions for vacating this entry of judgment and requesting a new trial. The trial court denied these motions. On
December 2, 2008, Ajaxo filed a notice of appeal with the Court of Appeal of the State of California for the Sixth District. On
August 30, 2010, the Court of Appeal affirmed the trial court’s verdict in part and reversed the verdict in part, remanding the
case. The Company petitioned the Supreme Court of California for review of the Court of Appeal decision. On December 16,
2010, the California Supreme Court denied the Company’s petition for review and remanded for further proceedings to the trial
court. The testimonial phase of the third trial in this matter concluded on June 12, 2012. By order dated May 28, 2014, the
Court determined to conduct a second phase of this bench trial to allow Ajaxo to attempt to prove entitlement to additional
royalties. Hearings in phase two of the trial concluded January 8, 2015, and final written closing statements will be submitted
March 16, 2015. The Company will continue to defend itself vigorously.
On May 16, 2011, Droplets Inc., the holder of two patents pertaining to user interface servers, filed a complaint in the
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas against E*TRADE Financial Corporation, E*TRADE Securities LLC,
E*TRADE Bank and multiple other unaffiliated financial services firms. Plaintiff contends that the defendants engaged in
patent infringement under federal law. Plaintiff seeks unspecified damages and an injunction against future infringements, plus
royalties, costs, interest and attorneys’ fees. On September 30, 2011, the Company and several co-defendants filed a motion to
transfer the case to the Southern District of New York. Venue discovery occurred throughout December 2011. On January 1,
2012, a new judge was assigned to the case. On March 28, 2012, a change of venue was granted and the case was transferred to
the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The Company filed its answer and counterclaim on
June 13, 2012 and plaintiff moved to dismiss the counterclaim. The Company filed a motion for summary judgment. Plaintiffs
sought to change venue back to the Eastern District of Texas on the theory that this case is one of several matters that should be
consolidated in a single multi-district litigation. On December 12, 2012, the Multidistrict Litigation Panel denied the transfer of
this action to Texas. By opinion dated April 4, 2013, the Court denied defendants’ motion for summary judgment and plaintiff’s
motion to dismiss the counterclaims. The Court issued its order on claim construction on October 22, 2013, and by order dated
January 28, 2014, the Court adopted the defendants' proposed claims construction. On March 25, 2014, the Court granted
plaintiff leave to amend its complaint to add a newly-issued patent, but stayed all litigation pertaining to that patent until a
covered business method review could be heard by the Patent and Trademark Appeals Board. The defendants' petitions for
covered business method reviews were denied by the Patent and Trademark Appeals Board. Motions for summary judgment
were filed in the U.S. District Court in August 2014 and the parties await the decision. The Company will continue to defend
itself vigorously in this matter, both in the District Court and at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Several cases have been filed nationwide involving the April 2007 leveraged buyout ("LBO") of the Tribune Company
("Tribune") by Sam Zell, and the subsequent bankruptcy of Tribune. In William Niese et al. v. A.G. Edwards et al., in Superior
Court of Delaware, New Castle County, former Tribune employees and retirees claimed that Tribune was actually insolvent at
the time of the LBO and that the LBO constituted a fraudulent transaction that depleted the plaintiffs’ retirement plans,
rendering them worthless. E*TRADE Clearing LLC, along with numerous other financial institutions, is a named defendant in
this case. One of the defendants removed the action to federal district court in Delaware on July 1, 2011. In Deutsche Bank
Trust Company Americas et al. v. Adaly Opportunity Fund et al., filed in the Supreme Court of New York, New York County
on June 3, 2011, the Trustees of certain notes issued by Tribune allege wrongdoing in connection with the LBO. In particular
the Trustees claim that the LBO constituted a constructive fraudulent transfer under various state laws. G1 Execution Services,
LLC (formerly known as E*TRADE Capital Markets, LLC), along with numerous other financial institutions, is a named
defendant in this case. In Deutsche Bank et al. v. Ohlson et al., filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Illinois, noteholders of Tribune asserted claims of constructive fraud and G1 Execution Services, LLC is a named defendant in
this case. Under the agreement governing the sale of G1 Execution Services, LLC to Susquehanna, the Company remains
responsible for any resulting actions taken against G1 Execution Services, LLC as a result of such investigation. In EGI-TRB
LLC et al. v. ABN-AMRO et al., filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County Illinois, creditors of Tribune assert fraudulent
conveyance claims against multiple shareholder defendants and E*TRADE Clearing LLC is a named defendant in this case.
These cases have been consolidated into a multi-district litigation. The Company’s time to answer or otherwise respond to the
complaints has been stayed pending further orders of the Court. On September 18, 2013, the Court entered the Fifth Amended
Complaint. On September 23, 2013, the Court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss the individual creditors’ complaint.
The individual creditors filed a notice of appeal. The steering committees for plaintiffs and defendants have submitted a joint
plan for the next phase of litigation. The next phase of the action will involve individual motions to dismiss. On April 22, 2014,
the Court issued its protocols for dismissal motions for those defendants who were "mere conduits" who facilitated the
transactions at issue. The motion to dismiss Count I of the Fifth Amended Complaint for failure to state a cause of action was
fully briefed on July 2, 2014, and the parties await decision on that motion. The Company will defend itself vigorously in these
matters.
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On April 30, 2013, a putative class action was filed by John Scranton, on behalf of himself and a class of persons
similarly situated, against E*TRADE Financial Corporation and E*TRADE Securities LLC in the Superior Court of California,
County of Santa Clara, pursuant to the California procedures for a private Attorney General action. The Complaint alleged that
the Company misrepresented through its website that it would always automatically exercise options that were in-the-money by
$0.01 or more on expiration date. Plaintiffs allege violations of the California Unfair Competition Law, the California
Consumer Remedies Act, fraud, misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation and breach of fiduciary duty. The case has been
deemed complex within the meaning of the California Rules of Court, and a case management conference was held on
September 13, 2013. The Company’s demurrer and motion to strike the complaint were granted by order dated December 20,
2013. The Court granted leave to amend the complaint. A second amended complaint was filed on January 31, 2014. On March
11, 2014, the Company moved to strike and for a demurrer to the second amended complaint. On October 20, 2014, the Court
sustained the Company's demurrer, dismissing four counts of the second amended complaint with prejudice and two counts
without prejudice. The plaintiffs filed a third amended complaint on November 10, 2014. The Company filed a third demurrer
and motion to strike on December 12, 2014. The Company will continue to defend itself vigorously in this matter.
On April 18, 2014, a putative class action was filed by the City of Providence, Rhode Island against forty-one high
frequency trading firms, stock exchanges, market-makers, and other broker-dealers, including the Company, in the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York. The Complaint alleges that the high frequency trading firms, certain broker-
dealers managing dark pools, and the exchanges manipulated the U.S. Securities markets, and that numerous market-makers
and broker-dealers participated in that manipulation by doing business with the high frequency traders. As to the Company, the
Complaint alleges violation of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act. On May 2, 2014, a similar putative class action
was filed by American European Insurance Company against forty-two high frequency trading firms, stock exchanges, market-
makers, and other broker-dealers, including the Company, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The
action filed by American European Insurance Company made allegations substantially similar to the allegations in the City of
Providence complaint. On June 13, 2014, a putative class action was filed by James J. Flynn and Dominic Morelli against
twenty-six firms including the Company in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The Flynn
Complaint made allegations substantially similar to the allegations in the City of Providence Complaint. The consolidated
amended complaint does not identify the Company as a defendant or make any allegations regarding the Company.
In addition to the matters described above, the Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in
the normal course of business. In each pending matter, the Company contests liability or the amount of claimed damages. In
view of the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of such matters, particularly in cases where claimants seek substantial
or indeterminate damages, or where investigation or discovery have yet to be completed, the Company is unable to reasonably
estimate a range of possible losses on its remaining outstanding legal proceedings; however, the Company believes any losses
would not be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition or results of operations
of the Company.
An unfavorable outcome in any matter could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial
condition, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, even if the ultimate outcomes are resolved in the Company’s favor,
the defense of such litigation could entail considerable cost or the diversion of the efforts of management, either of which could
have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Regulatory Matters
The securities, futures, foreign currency and banking industries are subject to extensive regulation under federal, state
and applicable international laws. From time to time, the Company has been threatened with or named as a defendant in
lawsuits, arbitrations and administrative claims involving securities, banking and other matters. The Company is also subject to
periodic regulatory audits and inspections. Compliance and trading problems that are reported to regulators, such as the SEC,
FINRA, CFTC, NFA or OCC by dissatisfied customers or others are investigated by such regulators, and may, if pursued, result
in formal claims being filed against the Company by customers or disciplinary action being taken against the Company or its
employees by regulators. Any such claims or disciplinary actions that are decided against the Company could have a material
impact on the financial results of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
During 2012, the Company completed a review of order handling practices and pricing for order flow between
E*TRADE Securities LLC and G1 Execution Services, LLC. The Company has implemented changes to its practices and
procedures that were recommended during the review. Banking regulators and federal securities regulators were regularly
updated during the course of the review and may initiate investigations into the Company’s historical practices which could
subject it to monetary penalties and cease-and-desist orders, which could also prompt claims by customers of E*TRADE
Securities LLC. Any of these actions could materially and adversely affect the Company’s broker-dealer businesses. On July
11, 2013, FINRA notified E*TRADE Securities LLC and G1 Execution Services, LLC that it is conducting an examination of
both firms’ routing practices. The Company is cooperating fully with FINRA in this examination. Under the agreement
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governing the sale of G1 Execution Services, LLC to Susquehanna, the Company remains responsible for any resulting actions
taken against G1 Execution Services, LLC as a result of such investigation.
In October 2014, E*TRADE Securities LLC and G1 Execution Services, LLC reached a settlement with the SEC in
connection with effecting the sale of certain "penny stock" securities on behalf of three former customers without an applicable
exemption from the registration provisions of the federal securities laws during the period 2007 to 2011. Without admitting or
denying the SEC's findings, E*TRADE Securities LLC and G1 Execution Services, LLC entered into a settlement pursuant to
which they agreed to be censured and consented to an order of the SEC requiring them to cease and desist from committing or
causing future violations of the registration provisions of the Securities Act of 1933. Pursuant to the settlement agreement,
E*TRADE Securities LLC and G1 Execution Services, LLC agreed to pay approximately $1.6 million in disgorgement and
prejudgment interest on commissions and a $1 million penalty.
Insurance
The Company maintains insurance coverage that management believes is reasonable and prudent. The principal
insurance coverage it maintains covers commercial general liability; property damage; hardware/software damage; cyber
liability; directors and officers; employment practices liability; certain criminal acts against the Company; and errors and
omissions. The Company believes that such insurance coverage is adequate for the purpose of its business. The Company’s
ability to maintain this level of insurance coverage in the future, however, is subject to the availability of affordable insurance
in the marketplace.
Estimated Liabilities
For all legal matters, an estimated liability is established in accordance with the loss contingencies accounting
guidance. Once established, the estimated liability is adjusted based on available information when an event occurs requiring an
adjustment.
Commitments
In the normal course of business, the Company makes various commitments to extend credit and incur contingent
liabilities that are not reflected in the consolidated balance sheet. Significant changes in the economy or interest rates may
influence the impact that these commitments and contingencies have on the Company in the future.
The Company’s equity and cost method investments are generally limited liability investments in partnerships,
companies and other similar entities, including tax credit partnerships and community development entities, that are not
required to be consolidated. The Company had $40 million in unfunded commitments with respect to these investments at
December 31, 2014.
At December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately $33 million of certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in
less than one year and $169 million of unfunded commitments to extend credit.
Guarantees
In prior periods when the Company sold loans, the Company provided guarantees to investors purchasing mortgage
loans, which are considered standard representations and warranties within the mortgage industry. The primary guarantees are
that: the mortgage and the mortgage note have been duly executed and each is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the
Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms; the mortgage has been duly acknowledged and recorded and is valid; and
the mortgage and the mortgage note are not subject to any right of rescission, set-off, counterclaim or defense, including,
without limitation, the defense of usury, and no such right of rescission, set-off, counterclaim or defense has been asserted with
respect thereto. The Company is responsible for the guarantees on loans sold. If these claims prove to be untrue, the investor
can require the Company to repurchase the loan and return all loan purchase and servicing release premiums. Management does
not believe the potential liability exposure will have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or
financial condition due to the nature of the standard representations and warranties, which have resulted in a minimal amount
of loan repurchases.
Prior to 2008, ETBH raised capital through the formation of trusts, which sold trust preferred securities in the capital
markets. The capital securities must be redeemed in whole at the due date, which is generally 30 years after issuance. Each trust
issued trust preferred securities at par, with a liquidation amount of $1,000 per capital security. The trusts used the proceeds
from the sale of issuances to purchase subordinated debentures issued by ETBH.
During the 30-year period prior to the redemption of the trust preferred securities, ETBH guarantees the accrued and
unpaid distributions on these securities, as well as the redemption price of the securities and certain costs that may be incurred
in liquidating, terminating or dissolving the trusts (all of which would otherwise be payable by the trusts). At December 31,
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2014, management estimated that the maximum potential liability under this arrangement, including the current carrying value
of the trusts, was equal to approximately $436 million or the total face value of these securities plus dividends, which may be
unpaid at the termination of the trust arrangement.
NOTE 22—SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company reports its operating results in two segments, based on the manner in which its chief operating decision
maker evaluates financial performance and makes resource allocation decisions: 1) trading and investing; and 2) balance sheet
management. Trading and investing includes retail brokerage products and services; investor-focused banking products; and
corporate services. Balance sheet management includes the management of asset allocation; loans previously originated by the
Company or purchased from third parties; deposits and customer payables; and credit, liquidity and interest rate risk. The
balance sheet management segment utilizes deposits and customer payables and compensates the trading and investing segment
via a market-based transfer pricing arrangement, which is eliminated in consolidation.
The Company does not allocate costs associated with certain functions that are centrally-managed to its operating
segments. These costs are separately reported in a corporate/other category, along with technology related costs incurred to
support centrally-managed functions; restructuring and other exit activities; and corporate debt and corporate investments.
The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based on the segment’s income (loss) before income taxes.
Financial information for the Company’s reportable segments is presented in the following tables (dollars in millions):
Net operating interest income
Total non-interest income
Total net revenue
Provision for loan losses
Total operating expense
Income (loss) before other income (expense) and income taxes
Total other income (expense)
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax expense
Net income
Net operating interest income
Total non-interest income
Total net revenue
Provision for loan losses
Total operating expense
Income (loss) before other income (expense) and income taxes
Total other income (expense)
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax expense
Net income
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Trading and
Investing
$
$
632
683
1,315
—
766
549
—
549
Balance Sheet
Management
455
$
43
498
36
148
314
—
314
$
$
$
Corporate/
Other
Total
$
1
—
1
—
231
(230)
(181)
(411) $
$
1,088
726
1,814
36
1,145
633
(181)
452
159
293
Year Ended December 31, 2013
Trading and
Investing
$
$
540
677
1,217
—
883
334
—
334
Balance Sheet
Management
442
$
64
506
143
179
184
—
184
$
$
$
Corporate/
Other
Total
— $
—
—
—
213
(213)
(110)
(323) $
$
982
741
1,723
143
1,275
305
(110)
195
109
86
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Net operating interest income
Total non-interest income
Total net revenue
Provision for loan losses
Total operating expense
Income (loss) before other income (expense) and income taxes
Total other income (expense)
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax (benefit)
Net loss
Trading and
Investing
$
641
622
1,263
—
769
494
—
$
494
$
Year Ended December 31, 2012
Balance Sheet
Management
444
$
Corporate/
Other
Total
$
— $
193
637
355
220
62
—
62
$
—
—
—
173
(173)
(514)
(687) $
$
1,085
815
1,900
355
1,162
383
(514)
(131)
(18)
(113)
Total other income (expense) included losses on early extinguishment of corporate debt of $59 million and $257
million during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2012, respectively. For additional information refer to Note 14—
Corporate Debt.
Segment Assets
As of December 31, 2014
As of December 31, 2013
As of December 31, 2012
Trading and
Investing
$
$
$
12,032
10,820
9,505
Balance Sheet
Management
33,075
$
34,784
$
37,306
$
$
$
$
Corporate/
Other
423
676
576
$
$
$
Total
45,530
46,280
47,387
Assets and total net revenue attributable to international locations were not material for the periods presented. No
single customer accounts for greater than 10% of gross revenues for any of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and
2012.
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NOTE 23—CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)
The following presents the parent company’s condensed statement of comprehensive income (loss), balance sheet and
statement of cash flows:
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In millions)
Dividends from subsidiaries
Other revenues
Total net revenue
Total operating expense
Income before other income (expense), income tax benefit, and equity in
income of consolidated subsidiaries
Total other income (expense)
Income (loss) before income tax benefit and equity in income of consolidated
subsidiaries
Income tax benefit
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
Net income (loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss)
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
$
311
333
644
421
223
(166)
57
(88)
148
293
204
497
$
$
$
193
281
474
359
115
(108)
7
(76)
3
86
(143)
(57) $
99
270
369
339
30
(434)
(404)
(188)
103
(113)
77
(36)
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
(In millions)
ASSETS
Cash and equivalents
Property and equipment, net
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries
Receivable from subsidiaries
Other assets
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Total assets
Liabilities:
Corporate debt
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
December 31,
2014
2013
220
165
5,763
31
745
6,924
1,366
183
1,549
5,375
6,924
$
$
$
$
406
137
5,445
36
710
6,734
1,768
110
1,878
4,856
6,734
$
$
$
$
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CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Equity in undistributed income from subsidiaries
Losses on early extinguishment of debt
Other
Net effect of decrease in other assets
Net effect of decrease in other liabilities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures for property and equipment
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary
Cash contributions to subsidiaries
Other
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes
Payments on senior and springing lien notes
Other
Net cash provided by financing activities
(Decrease) increase in cash and equivalents
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period
Cash and equivalents, end of period
Parent Company Guarantees
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
$
293
$
86
$
(113)
38
(148)
6
(44)
19
(3)
161
(62)
76
(29)
—
(15)
540
(940)
68
(332)
(186)
406
$
220
$
40
(3)
—
(15)
15
(60)
63
(24)
—
(39)
4
(59)
—
—
2
2
6
400
406
$
50
(103)
137
45
23
(178)
(139)
(27)
—
(26)
3
(50)
1,305
(1,174)
(21)
110
(79)
479
400
Guarantees are contingent commitments issued by the Company for the purpose of guaranteeing the financial
obligations of a subsidiary to a financial institution. The financial obligations of the Company and the relevant subsidiary do
not change by the existence of a corporate guarantee. Rather, upon the occurrence of certain events, the guarantee shifts
ultimate payment responsibility of an existing financial obligation from the relevant subsidiary to the guaranteeing parent
company.
The Company issues guarantees for the settlement of foreign exchange transactions. If a subsidiary fails to deliver
currency on the settlement date of a foreign exchange arrangement, the beneficiary financial institution may seek payment from
the Company. Terms are undefined, and are governed by the terms of the underlying financial obligation. At December 31,
2014, no claims had been made against the Company for payment under these guarantees and thus, no obligations have been
recorded. None of these guarantees are collateralized.
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NOTE 24—QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)
The information presented below reflects all adjustments, which, in the opinion of management, are of a normal and
recurring nature necessary to present fairly the results of operations for the quarterly periods presented (dollars in millions,
except per share amounts):
2014
2013
First
Second
Third
Fourth
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Total net revenue
Net income (loss)
Earnings (loss) per
share:
Basic
Diluted
$
$
$
$
475
97
0.34
0.33
$
$
$
$
438
69
0.24
0.24
$
$
$
$
440
86
0.30
0.29
$
$
$
$
461
41
0.14
0.14
$
$
$
$
420
35
0.12
0.12
$
$
$
$
$
440
(54) $
417
47
(0.19) $
(0.19) $
0.17
0.16
$
$
$
$
446
58
0.20
0.20
In the second quarter of 2013, the net loss was due to $142 million in impairment of goodwill as a result of the
decision to exit the market making business. For additional information on the impairment of goodwill, see Note 10—Goodwill
and Other Intangibles, Net.
In the fourth quarter of 2014, the decrease in net income was primarily due to $59 million pre-tax losses on early
extinguishment of debt related to the redemption of the 6 3/4% Notes and 6% Notes. For additional information on the
redemption of corporate debt, see Note 14—Corporate Debt.
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a)
Based on an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, our Chief
Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and
procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"), were
effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to provide reasonable assurance that information
required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is
(i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and
Exchange Commission rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s
management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow
timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial
Reporting and the Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included in Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
(b)
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended
December 31, 2014, identified in connection with management's evaluation required by paragraph (d) of
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially
affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
The information required to be furnished pursuant to Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 is incorporated by reference from the
Company’s definitive proxy statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC pursuant to
Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2014.
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PART IV
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules have been omitted because the required information is not applicable, not
material or is provided in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
Exhibit
Number
Description
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of E*TRADE Financial Corporation as currently in effect (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 4, 2010).
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2014).
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
Specimen of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Amendment No. 1 to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration Statement No. 333-05525, filed on July 22,
1996).
Indenture dated August 25, 2009 between E*TRADE Financial Corporation and The Bank of New York
Mellon, as Trustee, relating to the 2019 Debentures (includes form of note) (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 25, 2009).
Third Supplemental Indenture dated June 15, 2011, among the Company, the guaranteeing subsidiaries party
thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company., as Trustee, relating to the 2019 Debentures
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 4, 2011).
Senior Indenture dated November 14, 2012 between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust
Company, N.A., as Trustee (includes form of note) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 14, 2012).
First Supplemental Indenture dated November 14, 2012 between the Company and The Bank of New York
Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to the 6.375% Senior Notes due 2019 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 14, 2012).
Second Supplemental Indenture dated November 17, 2014 between the Company and The Bank of New York
Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to the 5.375% Senior Notes due 2022 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 17, 2014).
*4.7 Credit Agreement dated November 10, 2014 among the Company, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase
Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as Syndication Agent.
+10.1
Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form
10-K filed February 24, 2010).
†10.2 Master Service Agreement and Global Services Schedule, dated April 9, 2003, between E*TRADE Group,
Inc. and ADP Financial Information Services, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the
Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2003).
†10.3 Global Amendment to the Master Services Agreement and Global Services Schedule, dated November 19,
2013, by and between Broadridge Securities Processing Solutions, Inc. (formerly known as ADP Financial
Information Services, Inc.) and E*TRADE Group, Inc. now known as E*TRADE Financial Corporation
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2014).
+10.4 Amended 2005 Equity Incentive Plan of E*TRADE Financial Corporation. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 14, 2010).
*+10.5
Form of Executive Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Amended 2005 Equity Incentive Plan.
*+10.6
Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement for Amended 2005 Equity Incentive Plan.
+10.7
Executive Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.67 to the Company’s Current Report on Form
8-K filed on May 31, 2005).
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Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number
Description
10.8 Master Investment and Securities Purchase Agreement, dated November 29, 2007 by and between E*TRADE
Financial Corporation and Wingate Capital Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 4, 2007).
10.9
10.10
First Amendment to Master Investment and Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 12, 2007,
by and between Wingate Capital Ltd. and E*TRADE Financial Corporation (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 99.5 of the Schedule 13D filed by Citadel Limited Partnership et al with respect to E*TRADE
Financial Corporation on December 17, 2007).
Second Amendment to Master Investment and Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 18, 2008,
by and between Wingate Capital Ltd. and E*TRADE Financial Corporation (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 99.12 of the Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13D filed by Citadel Limited Partnership et al with
respect to E*TRADE Financial Corporation on January 18, 2008).
10.11
Form of Exchange Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed on May 6, 2008).
10.12 Guarantee and Support Agreement, dated as of July 14, 2008, by E*TRADE Financial Corporation in favor of
The Bank of Nova Scotia (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed on July 16, 2008).
10.13
Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors dated July 30, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.2 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2008).
*+10.14
Form of Employment Agreement between E*TRADE Financial Corporation and each of Matthew J. Audette,
Michael E. Foley and Karl A. Roessner.
+10.15
+10.16
+10.17
Employment Agreement dated January 17, 2013 by and between E*TRADE Financial Corporation and Paul
T. Idzik (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 26,
2013).
Employment Agreement dated May 1, 2013 by and between E*TRADE Financial Corporation and Navtej S.
Nandra (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on May 7, 2013).
Transition and Separation Agreement effective May 1, 2013 between Michael Curcio and E*TRADE
Financial Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on
August 6, 2013).
*12.1
Statement of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
*21.1
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
*23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
*31.1 Certification—Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
*31.2 Certification—Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
*32.1 Certification—Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
*101.INS XBRL Instance Document
*101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
*101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
*101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
*101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
*101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
Filed herein.
Exhibit is a management contract or a compensatory plan or arrangement.
Portions of this exhibit were omitted and filed separately with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to
a request for confidential treatment.
154
*
+
†
Table of Contents
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
SIGNATURES
Dated: February 24, 2015
E*TRADE Financial Corporation
(Registrant)
By
By
/S/ PAUL T. IDZIK
Paul T. Idzik
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/S/ MATTHEW J. AUDETTE
Matthew J. Audette
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/S/ PAUL T. IDZIK
Paul T. Idzik
Director and Chief Executive Officer
February 24, 2015
(Principal Executive Officer)
/S/ MATTHEW J. AUDETTE
Matthew J. Audette
Chief Financial Officer (Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
February 24, 2015
/S/ RICHARD J. CARBONE
Richard J. Carbone
/S/ CHRISTOPHER M. FLINK
Christopher M. Flink
James P. Healy
/S/ FREDERICK W. KANNER
Frederick W. Kanner
/S/ JAMES LAM
James Lam
/S/ RODGER A. LAWSON
Rodger A. Lawson
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
155
February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015
Table of Contents
Signature
Title
Date
Shelley B. Leibowitz
/S/ REBECCA SAEGER
Rebecca Saeger
/S/ JOSEPH L. SCLAFANI
Joseph L. Sclafani
/S/ GARY H. STERN
Gary H. Stern
/S/ DONNA L. WEAVER
Donna L. Weaver
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015
156