____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________________________________
FORM 10-K
____________________________________
ý ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
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 No. 1-13300
____________________________________
CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)  
____________________________________
Delaware
 
54-1719854
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1680 Capital One Drive,
McLean, Virginia
 
22102
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (703) 720-1000
____________________________________
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the act :
Title of Each Class
 
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock (par value $.01 per share)
 
New York Stock Exchange
Warrants (expiring November 14, 2018)
 
New York Stock Exchange
Depositary Shares, Each Representing a 1/40 th  Interest in a Share of Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B
 
New York Stock Exchange
Depositary Shares, Each Representing a 1/40 th  Interest in a Share of Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C
 
New York Stock Exchange
Depositary Shares, Each Representing a 1/40 th  Interest in a Share of Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series D
 
New York Stock Exchange
Depositary Shares, Each Representing a 1/40th Interest in a Share of Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series F
 
New York Stock Exchange
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  ý  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   ý
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  ý  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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes   ý 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 the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment 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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
 
ý
  
Accelerated filer
 
  ¨
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨
  
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   ý
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the close of business on June 30, 2015 was approximately $47,456,297,783. As of January 29, 2016, there were 527,379,971 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
1.
Portions of the Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 5, 2016, are incorporated by reference into Part III.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
Item 1.
Business
 
 
 
Supervision and Regulation
 
 
 
 
Risk Factors
Item 1B.
 
 
 
PART II
Item  7.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Management
 
 
 
Liquidity Risk Profile
 
 
 
Item  7A.
 
 
 
 
 

 
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Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 2—Business Developments
 
Note 3—Discontinued Operations
 
Note 4—Investment Securities
 
Note 5—Loans
 
Note 6—Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
 
Note 7—Variable Interest Entities and Securitizations
 
Note 8—Goodwill and Intangible Assets
 
Note 9—Premises, Equipment and Lease Commitments
 
Note 10—Deposits and Borrowings
 
Note 11—Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
 
Note 12—Stockholders’ Equity
 
Note 13—Regulatory and Capital Adequacy
 
Note 14—Earnings Per Common Share
 
Note 15—Other Non-Interest Expense
 
 
Note 17—Employee Benefit Plans
 
Note 18—Income Taxes
 
Note 19—Fair Value Measurement
 
Note 20—Business Segments
 
Note 21—Commitments, Contingencies, Guarantees and Others
 
 
 
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
 
 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13.
Item 14.
 
 
 
Item 15.
 
 
 

 
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INDEX OF MD&A AND SUPPLEMENTAL TABLES
MD&A Tables:
Page
1
2
3
4
Non-Interest Income
5
6
6.1
6.2
7
8
Commercial Banking Business Results
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Estimated Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio under Fully Phased-In Basel III Standardized Approach
16
Loans Held for Investment Portfolio Composition
17
18
Home Loans - Risk Profile by Lien Priority
19
20
21
Credit Score Distribution
22
23
24
25
26
27
Troubled Debt Restructurings
28
29
30
31
32
Maturities of Large Denomination Domestic Time Deposits—$100,000 or More
33
34
35
36
Supplemental Tables:
 
A
Loans Held for Investment Portfolio Composition
B
C
D
E
Summary of Allowance for Loan And Lease Losses  and Unfunded Lending Commitments
F
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures and Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures

 
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PART I
Item 1. Business
OVERVIEW
General
Capital One Financial Corporation, a Delaware Corporation established in 1994 and headquartered in McLean, Virginia, is a diversified financial services holding company with banking and non-banking subsidiaries. Capital One Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) offer a broad array of financial products and services to consumers, small businesses and commercial clients through branches, the internet and other distribution channels.
As of December 31, 2015 , our principal subsidiaries included:
Capital One Bank (USA), National Association (“COBNA”), which offers credit and debit card products, other lending products and deposit products; and
Capital One, National Association (“CONA”), which offers a broad spectrum of banking products and financial services to consumers, small businesses and commercial clients.
The Company is hereafter collectively referred to as “we,” “us” or “our.” COBNA and CONA are collectively referred to as the “Banks.” References to “this Report” or our “ 2015 Form 10-K” or “ 2015 Annual Report” are to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 . All references to 2015 , 2014 , 2013 , 2012 and 2011 , refer to our fiscal years ended, or the dates, as the context requires, December 31, 2015 , December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013 December 31, 2012 and  December 31, 2011 , respectively. Certain business terms used in this document are defined in the “MD&A—Glossary and Acronyms” and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report.
As one of the nation’s ten largest banks based on deposits as of December 31, 2015 , we service banking customer accounts through the internet and mobile banking, as well as through ATMs and branch locations primarily across New York, Louisiana, Texas, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey and the District of Columbia . We also operate the largest online direct banking institution in the United States (“U.S.”) by deposits. In addition to bank lending, treasury management and depository services, we offer credit and debit card products, auto loans and mortgage banking in markets across the United States. We were the fourth largest issuer of Visa ® (“Visa”) and MasterCard ® (“MasterCard”) credit cards in the United States based on the outstanding balance of credit card loans as of December 31, 2015 .
We also offer products outside of the United States principally through Capital One (Europe) plc (“COEP”), an indirect subsidiary of COBNA organized and located in the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), and through a branch of COBNA in Canada. COEP has authority, among other things, to provide credit card and installment loans. Our branch of COBNA in Canada has the authority to provide credit card loans.
Recent Acquisitions and Dispositions
We regularly explore and evaluate opportunities to acquire financial services and financial assets, including credit card and other loan portfolios, and enter into strategic partnerships as part of our growth strategy. We also explore opportunities to acquire digital companies and related assets to improve our information technology infrastructure and to deliver on our digital strategy. We also regularly consider the potential disposition of certain of our assets, branches, partnership agreements or lines of businesses. We may issue equity or debt in connection with acquisitions, including public offerings, to fund such acquisitions. Below we provide information on acquisitions and dispositions completed in 2015, 2014 and 2013:
On December 1, 2015, we completed the acquisition of the Healthcare Financial Services business of General Electric Capital Corporation (“GE Healthcare acquisition”). As part of this acquisition, we recorded approximately $9.2 billion in assets, including $8.3 billion of loans.
On November 1, 2013, we completed the acquisition of Beech Street Capital, a privately-held, national originator and servicer of the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and the Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) multifamily commercial real estate loans. At closing,

 
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we acquired a mortgage servicing portfolio on approximately $10 billion of loans. Beech Street Capital was renamed Capital One Multifamily Finance in 2014.
On September 6, 2013, we completed the sale of the Best Buy private label and co-branded credit card portfolio to Citibank, N.A. (“Portfolio Sale”). Pursuant to the agreement with Citibank, N.A., we received $6.4 billion for the net portfolio assets.
See “ Note 2—Business Developments ” for additional information on our business acquisitions and dispositions.
Additional Information
Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “COF” and is included in the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 100 Index. Our principal executive office is located at 1680 Capital One Drive, McLean, Virginia 22102, telephone number (703) 720-1000. We maintain a website at www.capitalone.com. Documents available on our website include: (i) our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for the Corporation; (ii) our Corporate Governance Guidelines; and (iii) charters for the Audit, Compensation, Governance and Nominating, and Risk Committees of the Board of Directors. These documents also are available in print to any stockholder who requests a copy.
In addition, we make available free of charge through our website our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing or furnishing such material to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
OPERATIONS AND BUSINESS SEGMENTS
Our consolidated total net revenues are derived primarily from lending to consumer and commercial customers net of funding costs associated with deposits, short-term borrowings and long-term debt. We also earn non-interest income which primarily consists of interchange income net of reward expenses, and service charges and other customer-related fees. Our expenses primarily consist of the provision for credit losses, operating expenses (including salaries and associate benefits, occupancy and equipment costs, professional services, communication and data processing expenses and other miscellaneous expenses), marketing expenses and income taxes.
Our principal operations are currently organized for management reporting purposes into three primary business segments, which are defined primarily based on the products and services provided or the type of customer served: Credit Card, Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking. The operations of acquired businesses have been integrated into our existing business segments. Certain activities that are not part of a segment, such as management of our corporate investment portfolio and asset/liability management by our centralized Corporate Treasury group, are included in the Other category.
Credit Card: Consists of our domestic consumer and small business card lending, and the international card lending businesses in Canada and the United Kingdom.
Consumer Banking: Consists of our branch-based lending and deposit gathering activities for consumers and small businesses, national deposit gathering, national auto lending and consumer home loan lending and servicing activities.
Commercial Banking: Consists of our lending, deposit gathering and treasury management services to commercial real estate and commercial and industrial customers. Our commercial and industrial customers typically include companies with annual revenues between $10 million and $1 billion.
Customer usage and payment patterns, credit quality, levels of marketing expense and operating efficiency all affect our profitability. In our Credit Card business, we experience fluctuations in purchase volume and the level of outstanding loan receivables due to higher seasonal consumer spending and payment patterns around the winter holiday season, summer vacations and back-to-school periods. No individual quarter in 2015, 2014 or 2013 accounted for more than 30% of our total revenues in any of these fiscal years. Net charge-off rates in our Credit Card and Consumer Banking businesses also have historically exhibited seasonal patterns and generally tend to be the highest in the first and fourth quarters of the year.
For additional information on our business segments, including the financial performance of each business, see “Part II—Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”)— Executive Summary and Business Outlook ,” “MD&A— Business Segment Financial Performance ” and “ Note 20—Business Segments ” of this Report.

 
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SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
General
Capital One Financial Corporation is a bank holding company (“BHC”) under Section 3 of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (12 U.S.C. § 1842) (“BHC Act”) and is subject to the requirements of the BHC Act, including its required approvals for investments in or acquisitions of banking organizations, capital adequacy standards and limitations on our nonbanking activities. We are also subject to supervision, examination and regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”). Permissible activities for a BHC include those activities that are so closely related to banking as to be proper incidents thereto, such as consumer lending and other activities that have been approved by the Federal Reserve by regulation or order. Certain servicing activities are also permissible for a BHC if conducted for or on behalf of the BHC or any of its affiliates. Impermissible activities for BHCs generally include nonfinancial activities such as sales of commercial products.
On May 27, 2005, we became a “financial holding company” under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act amendments to the BHC Act (“GLBA”). The GLBA removed many of the restrictions on the activities of BHCs that become financial holding companies. A financial holding company, and the nonbank companies under its control, are permitted to engage in activities considered financial in nature (including, for example, insurance underwriting, agency sales and brokerage, securities underwriting and dealing and merchant banking activities), incidental to financial activities and, if the Federal Reserve determines that they pose no risk to the safety or soundness of depository institutions or the financial system in general, activities complementary to financial activities.
For a BHC to become and remain eligible for financial holding company status, the BHC and its subsidiary depository institutions must meet certain criteria, including capital, management and Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) requirements. The failure to meet such criteria could, depending on which requirements were not met, result in the Company facing restrictions on new financial activities or acquisitions or being required to discontinue existing activities that are not generally permissible for BHCs.
The Banks are national associations chartered under the laws of the United States, the deposits of which are insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to applicable limits. In addition to regulatory requirements imposed as a result of COBNA’s international operations (discussed below), the Banks are subject to comprehensive regulation and periodic examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), the FDIC and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”).
We also are registered as a financial institution holding company under Virginia law and, as such, we are subject to periodic examination by Virginia’s Bureau of Financial Institutions. We also face regulation in the international jurisdictions in which we conduct business (see below under “Regulation of International Business by Non-U.S. Authorities”).
Regulation of Business Activities
The business activities of the Company and Banks also are subject to regulation and supervision under various laws and regulations.
Regulations of Consumer Lending Activities
The activities of the Banks as consumer lenders are subject to regulation under various federal laws, including the Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”), the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the CRA, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (“SCRA”) and the Military Lending Act, as well as under various state laws. Depending on the underlying issue and applicable law, regulators are often authorized to impose penalties for violations of these statutes and, in certain cases, to order banks to compensate injured borrowers. Borrowers may also have a private right of action for certain violations. Federal bankruptcy and state debtor relief and collection laws also affect the ability of a bank to collect outstanding balances owed by borrowers. These laws may affect the ability of banks to collect outstanding balances.
The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act (amending the TILA) enacted in May 2009, and related changes to Regulation Z, impose a number of restrictions on credit card practices impacting rates and fees, require that a consumer’s ability to pay be taken into account before issuing credit or increasing credit limits, and update the disclosures required for open-end credit.

 
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Mortgage Lending
The CFPB has issued several final rules pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”) that provide additional disclosure requirements and substantive limitations on our mortgage lending activities. These rules, which include the Ability-to-Repay and Qualified Mortgage Standards under the TILA (Regulation Z) and Integrated Mortgage Disclosures under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (Regulation X) and the TILA (Regulation Z), could impact the type and amount of mortgage loans we offer.
Under the Dodd-Frank Act credit risk retention rules, securitizers also are generally required to retain a 5% economic interest in the credit risk of assets sold through the issuance of asset-backed securitizations, with an exemption for traditionally underwritten residential mortgage loans that meet the definition of a qualified residential mortgage loan. The final implementing rules on risk retention define a qualified residential mortgage loan to be identical to the CFPB’s definition of a qualified mortgage loan. Therefore, we may securitize such loans without being required to retain credit risk under these rules.
Debit Interchange Fees
The Dodd-Frank Act requires that the amount of any interchange fee received by a debit card issuer with respect to debit card transactions be reasonable and proportional to the cost incurred by the issuer with respect to the transaction. In 2011 and 2012, the Federal Reserve adopted final rules that implement the portion of the Dodd-Frank Act that limits interchange fees received by a debit card issuer. The final rules limited interchange fees per debit card transaction to $0.21 plus five basis points of the transaction amount and provided for an additional $0.01 fraud prevention adjustment to the interchange fee for issuers that meet certain fraud prevention requirements. In August 2015, the Federal Reserve issued a clarification regarding the inclusion of transaction-monitoring costs in its interchange fee rules, which clarification did not have any impact on the rules or our debit card business. The clarification followed a series of decisions in the federal courts that upheld the interchange rules.
Bank Secrecy Act and USA PATRIOT Act of 2001

The Bank Secrecy Act and the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (“Patriot Act”) require financial institutions, among other things, to implement a risk-based program reasonably designed to prevent money laundering and to combat the financing of terrorism, including through suspicious activity and currency transaction reporting, compliance, record-keeping and due diligence on customers.

The Patriot Act also contains financial transparency laws and enhanced information collection tools and enforcement mechanisms for the U.S. government, including: due diligence and record-keeping requirements for private banking and correspondent accounts; standards for verifying customer identification at account opening; and rules to produce certain records upon request of a regulator or law enforcement and to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism, money laundering and other crimes.
Funding
Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”), as discussed in “MD&A— Liquidity Risk Profile ,” only well-capitalized and adequately-capitalized institutions may accept brokered deposits. Adequately-capitalized institutions, however, must first obtain a waiver from the FDIC before accepting brokered deposits, and such deposits may not pay rates that significantly exceed the rates paid on deposits of similar maturity from the institution’s normal market area or, for deposits from outside the institution’s normal market area, the national rate on deposits of comparable maturity. The FDIC is authorized to terminate a bank’s deposit insurance upon a finding by the FDIC that the bank’s financial condition is unsafe or unsound or that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices or has violated any applicable rule, regulation, order or condition enacted or imposed by the bank’s regulatory agency. The termination of deposit insurance for a bank could have a material adverse effect on its liquidity and its earnings.
For any of our funding conducted through securitization, in addition to the credit risk retention provision requiring a securitizer to retain a portion of the credit risk of an asset-backed securitization, the Dodd-Frank Act also prohibits conflicts of interest relating to securitizations.
Nonbank Activities
Certain of our nonbank subsidiaries are subject to supervision and regulation by various other federal and state authorities. Capital One Securities, Inc. and Capital One Investing, LLC (formerly known as Capital One Sharebuilder, Inc.) are registered broker-

 
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dealers regulated by the SEC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Our broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to, among other things, net capital rules designed to measure the general financial condition and liquidity of a broker-dealer. Under these rules, broker-dealers are required to maintain the minimum net capital deemed necessary to meet their continuing commitments to customers and others, and are required to keep a substantial portion of their assets in relatively liquid form. These rules also limit the ability of broker-dealers to transfer capital to parent companies and other affiliates. Broker-dealers are also subject to other regulations covering their business operations, including sales and trading practices, public offerings, publication of research reports, use and safekeeping of client funds and securities, capital structure, record-keeping and the conduct of directors, officers and employees.
Capital One Asset Management LLC and Capital One Advisors, LLC (formerly known as ShareBuilder Advisors, LLC) are SEC-registered investment advisers regulated under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Capital One Asset Management LLC, whose sole client is CONA, provides investment advice to CONA’s private banking customers, including trusts, high net worth individuals, institutions, foundations, endowments and other organizations,
Finally, Capital One Agency LLC is a licensed insurance agency that provides both personal and business insurance services to retail and commercial clients and is regulated by the New York State Department of Financial Services in its home state and by the state insurance regulatory agencies in the states in which it operates.
Derivative Activities
In 2012, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) and the SEC jointly issued final rules further defining the Dodd-Frank Act’s “swap dealer” definitions. Based on the final rules, no Capital One entity will be required to register with the CFTC or SEC as a swap dealer; however, this may change in the future. If such registration occurs, the registered entity is required to comply with additional regulatory requirements relating to its derivatives activities. The Dodd-Frank Act also requires all swap market participants to keep swap transaction data records and report certain information to swap data repositories on a real-time and on-going basis. Further, each swap, group, category, type or class of swap that the CFTC or SEC determines must be cleared will need to be cleared through a derivatives clearinghouse unless the swap is eligible for a clearing exemption and executed on a designated contract market (“DCM”), exchange or swap execution facility (“SEF”), unless no DCM, exchange or SEF has made the swap available for trading.
Volcker Rule
We and each of our subsidiaries, including the Banks, are subject to the “Volcker Rule,” a provision of the Dodd-Frank Act that contains prohibitions on proprietary trading and certain investments in, and relationships with, covered funds (hedge funds, private equity funds, and similar funds), subject to certain exemptions and in each case as those terms are defined in the rule. The implementing regulations require that we maintain a robust compliance program in accordance with the requirements of the rule.
Capital Adequacy
The Company and the Banks are subject to capital adequacy guidelines adopted by the Federal Reserve and OCC. For a further discussion of the capital adequacy guidelines, see “MD&A—Capital Management” and “Note 13—Regulatory and Capital Adequacy.” The Company and the Banks exceeded minimum regulatory requirements under these guidelines as of December 31, 2015.
Basel III and U.S. Capital and Liquidity Rules
In December 2010, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (“Basel Committee”) published a final framework on additional capital and liquidity requirements (“Basel III”), which included detailed capital ratios and buffers, subject to transition periods through 2018. In November 2011, the Basel Committee adopted a framework that would impose an additional common equity Tier 1 capital buffer on globally systemically important banking organizations (“G-SIBs”), which surcharge would vary based on the company’s systemic importance as determined using five criteria: size, interconnectedness, cross-jurisdictional activity, substitutability and complexity (“G-SIB Surcharge”). As discussed further below, Capital One is currently not identified as a G-SIB. In January 2014, the Basel Committee made changes to the leverage ratio rules to account for differences in national accounting frameworks. The Basel Committee continues to evaluate further modifications to these and other capital standards, which, if finalized, would require rulemaking in the United States prior to their effectiveness for U.S. banking organizations.
The Federal Reserve, OCC and FDIC (collectively, the “Federal Banking Agencies”) issued a rule in July 2013 that implemented the Basel III capital framework developed by the Basel Committee and certain Dodd-Frank Act and other capital provisions, and

 
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that updated the prompt corrective action (“PCA”) framework to reflect the new regulatory capital minimums (“Final Basel III Capital Rule”). The Final Basel III Capital Rule increases the minimum capital that we and other institutions are required to hold.
Prior to being revised in the Final Basel III Capital Rule in 2013, the minimum risk-based capital requirements adopted by the Federal Banking Agencies followed Basel I. In December 2007 the “Advanced Approaches” version of Basel II was adopted. The Final Basel III Capital Rule modified both Basel I and the Basel II Advanced Approaches (as modified, referred to respectively as the “Basel III Standardized Approach” and the “Basel III Advanced Approaches”).
The Basel III Advanced Approaches is mandatory for those institutions with total consolidated assets of $250 billion or more or total consolidated on-balance-sheet foreign exposure of $10 billion or more. We became subject to these rules at the end of 2012. Prior to full implementation of the Basel III Advanced Approaches framework, organizations must complete a qualification period, known as the parallel run, during which they must meet the requirements of the rule to the satisfaction of their primary U.S. banking regulator. According to the rule, parallel run must last at least four quarters, though in practice it has taken U.S. banks considerably longer to complete parallel run. We entered parallel run on January 1, 2015. Compliance with the Basel III Advanced Approaches framework requires a material investment of resources in building processes and systems.
The so-called Collins Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Act, as implemented in the Final Basel III Capital Rule, establishes a capital floor so that organizations subject to the Basel III Advanced Approaches may not hold less capital than would be required using the Basel III Standardized Approach capital calculations. Based on current rules and our business mix, we estimate that our Basel III Advanced Approaches ratios will be lower than our Standardized Approach ratios.
The Final Basel III Capital Rule revised the definition of regulatory capital, established a new common equity Tier 1 capital requirement, set higher minimum capital ratio requirements, introduced a new capital conservation buffer of 2.5%, introduced a new countercyclical capital buffer (currently set at 0.0%) and updated the PCA framework. Compliance with certain aspects of the Final Basel III Capital Rule went into effect for Capital One as of January 1, 2014 and other provisions go into effect according to different start dates and phase-in periods. As of January 1, 2014, the minimum risk-based and leverage capital requirements for Advanced Approaches banking organizations included a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 4.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 5.5%, a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 8.0% and a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of at least 4.0%. On January 1, 2015, the minimum risk-based capital ratio requirements increased to 4.5% for the common equity Tier 1 capital ratio and to 6.0% for the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, and the minimum requirements for the total risk-based capital ratio and Tier 1 leverage capital ratio remained the same. Both the capital conservation buffer and the countercyclical capital buffer will be phased-in over a transition period of four years commencing on January 1, 2016. On January 1, 2014, we started to use the Basel III Standardized Approach, including transition provisions, for calculating our capital ratios. On January 1, 2015, we began to use the Basel III Standardized Approach for calculating our risk-weighted assets in our regulatory capital ratios, which were previously calculated under Basel I.
The Final Basel III Capital Rules also introduced a new supplementary leverage ratio (“SLR”) for all Advanced Approaches banking organizations with a minimum requirement of 3.0%. In September 2014, the Federal Banking Agencies issued a final rule that revised the calculation of total leverage exposures. The SLR compares Tier 1 capital to total leverage exposures and includes all on-balance sheet assets and many off-balance sheet assets, including derivatives and unused commitments. The new SLR becomes effective on January 1, 2018. However, as an Advanced Approaches banking organization, we were required to calculate and publicly disclose our SLR beginning in the first quarter of 2015.
For further information see “Part II—Item 7. MD&A—Capital Management.”
On July 20, 2015, the Federal Reserve approved a final rule establishing a G-SIB Surcharge for U.S.-based G-SIBs. The final rule establishes a methodology for determining which U.S. BHCs are considered G-SIBs and thus subject to a G-SIB Surcharge. A U.S. BHC whose score using the prescribed methodology equals or exceeds 130 is considered a G-SIB under the final rule. U.S. BHCs with total consolidated assets of $250 billion or more or total consolidated on-balance-sheet foreign exposure of $10 billion or more are required to determine annually, before December 31, beginning in 2015, whether or not they are considered G-SIBs for purposes of the G-SIB Surcharge. In connection with approving the final rule, the Federal Reserve identified eight U.S. BHCs that would be identified as G-SIBs based on the most recent available data. Capital One was not identified as a G-SIB based on the most recent available data.
The Basel Committee also published a liquidity framework in December 2010, which was subsequently amended. The liquidity framework includes two standards for liquidity risk supervision, each subject to observation periods and transitional arrangements. One standard, the liquidity coverage ratio (“LCR”), seeks to promote short-term resilience by requiring sufficient high-quality

 
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liquid assets to survive a stress scenario lasting for 30 days. The other standard, the net stable funding ratio (“NSFR”), seeks to promote longer-term resilience by requiring sufficient stable funding over a one-year period, based on the liquidity characteristics of assets and activities. We expect that minimum liquidity requirements for us and other institutions will increase as a result of the Basel III liquidity framework, though rules implementing the Basel III NSFR have not yet been proposed by the Federal Banking Agencies.
In September 2014, the Federal Banking Agencies issued final rules implementing the LCR in the United States. The rule (“Final LCR Rule”) applies to institutions with total consolidated assets of $250 billion or more or total consolidated on-balance sheet foreign exposure of $10 billion or more, and their respective consolidated subsidiary depository institutions with $10 billion or more in total consolidated assets. As a result, the Company and the Banks are subject to the Final LCR Rule. The Final LCR Rule requires the Company and each of the Banks to hold an amount of eligible high-quality, liquid assets that equals or exceeds 100% of their respective projected net cash outflows over a 30-day period, each as calculated in accordance with the Final LCR Rule. The Final LCR Rule phases in the minimum LCR standard as follows: 80% by January 1, 2015; 90% by January 1, 2016; and 100% by January 1, 2017 and thereafter. The Final LCR Rule came into effect in January 2015 and requires us to calculate the LCR as of the last business day of each month from January 2015 until July 2016. As of July 1, 2016, the Final LCR Rule requires us to calculate the LCR on a daily basis. In preparation for the Final LCR Rule, we modified the composition of our investment portfolio, with some of those actions resulting in us purchasing types of securities that are lower yielding than securities we otherwise would have purchased if not for the Final LCR Rule.
We will continue to monitor regulators’ implementation of the new capital and liquidity rules and assess the potential impact to us.
Market Risk Capital Rule
A market risk capital rule, which the Federal Banking Agencies amended in August 2012, supplements both the general risk-based capital rules and the Basel III Advanced Approaches rules by requiring institutions subject to the rule to adjust their risk-based capital ratios to reflect the market risk in their trading activities. The rule applies to institutions with aggregate trading assets and liabilities equal to the lesser of (i) 10% or more of total assets or (ii) $1 billion or more. Currently, we are not subject to this rule but may become subject to it in the future. In January 2016, the Basel Committee issued a revised framework for minimum capital requirements for market risk, which would require rulemaking by the Federal Banking Agencies prior to it impacting capital requirements for market risk for U.S. banking institutions.
FDICIA and Prompt Corrective Action
In general, the FDICIA subjects banks to significantly increased regulation and supervision. Among other things, the FDICIA requires Federal Banking Agencies to take “prompt corrective action” for banks that do not meet minimum capital requirements. The FDICIA establishes five capital ratio levels: well capitalized; adequately capitalized; undercapitalized; significantly undercapitalized; and critically undercapitalized. The three undercapitalized categories are based upon the amount by which a bank falls below the ratios applicable to an adequately-capitalized institution. The capital categories are determined solely for purposes of applying the FDICIA’s PCA provisions, and such capital categories may not constitute an accurate representation of the Banks’ overall financial condition or prospects.
Under applicable regulations for 2014, an insured depository institution was considered to be well capitalized if it maintained a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6%, a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of at least 5% and was not subject to any supervisory agreement, order or directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure. An insured depository institution was considered to be adequately capitalized if it maintained a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 4% and a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of at least 4% (3% for certain highly rated institutions), and did not otherwise meet the definition of well capitalized.
As noted above, the Final Basel III Capital Rule updated the PCA framework to reflect new, higher regulatory capital minimums. This rule adjusts the definitions of well capitalized and adequately capitalized. For an insured depository institution to be well capitalized, it must maintain a total risk-based capital ratio of 10% or more; a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8% or more; a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.5% or more; and a leverage ratio of 5% or more. An adequately-capitalized depository institution must maintain a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% or more; a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6% or more; a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5% or more; a leverage ratio of 4% or more; and, for Basel III Advanced Approaches institutions, a supplementary leverage ratio, which incorporates a broader set of exposures as noted above, of 3% or more. The revised PCA requirements became effective

 
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on January 1, 2015, other than the supplementary leverage ratio, which becomes effective on January 1, 2018. As of December 31, 2015, each of the Banks met the requirements for a well-capitalized institution.
As an additional means to identify problems in the financial management of depository institutions, the FDICIA requires regulators to establish certain non-capital safety and soundness standards. The standards relate generally to operations and management, asset quality, interest rate exposure and executive compensation. The agencies are authorized to take action against institutions that fail to meet such standards.
Enhanced Prudential Standards and Other Requirements Under the Dodd-Frank Act
With the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act, because we are a BHC with total consolidated assets of $50 billion or more (a “covered company”), we are subject to certain enhanced prudential standards, including requirements that may be recommended by the Financial Stability Oversight Council (“Council”) and implemented by the Federal Reserve and other regulators. As a result, we are becoming subject to more stringent standards and requirements than those applicable for smaller institutions. The Council also may issue recommendations to the Federal Reserve or other primary financial regulatory agencies to apply new or heightened standards to risky financial activities or practices.
In 2011, the Federal Reserve and FDIC finalized rules requiring us to implement resolution planning for orderly resolution in the event the Company faces material financial distress or failure. The FDIC issued similar rules regarding resolution planning applicable to the Banks. Additionally, although not a direct requirement under the Dodd-Frank Act, the OCC proposed guidelines in December 2015 that would require the Banks to develop recovery plans detailing the actions necessary to remain a going concern when the Banks are experiencing considerable financial or operational stress, but have not deteriorated to the extent resolution is imminent.
In October 2012, the Federal Reserve issued a rule that implements the requirement in the Dodd-Frank Act that the Federal Reserve conducts annual stress tests on the capacity of our capital to absorb losses as a result of adverse economic conditions. The stress test rule also implements the requirement that we conduct our own semiannual stress tests and requires us to publish the results of the stress tests on our website or other public forum. The OCC finalized a similar stress test rule in October 2012, to implement the requirement that each of the Banks conduct annual stress tests.
In December 2011, the Federal Reserve released proposed rules implementing certain other aspects of the enhanced prudential standards under the Dodd-Frank Act. The Federal Reserve finalized certain of the proposed rules on February 18, 2014, and we were required to comply with these requirements beginning on January 1, 2015 (“Enhanced Standards Rule”). The Enhanced Standards Rule, however, did not finalize the proposed single-counterparty credit limits or early remediation framework. Under the Enhanced Standards Rule, we must meet liquidity risk management standards, conduct internal liquidity stress tests, and maintain a 30-day buffer of highly liquid assets, in each case, consistent with the requirements of the rule. These requirements are in addition to the Final LCR, discussed above in “Basel III and U.S. Capital and Liquidity Rules.” In addition, the Enhanced Standards Rule requires that we comply with, and hold capital commensurate with the requirements of, any regulations adopted by the Federal Reserve relating to capital planning and stress tests. Stress testing and capital planning regulations are discussed further below under “Dividends, Stock Repurchases and Transfers of Funds.”
The Enhanced Standards Rule also requires that we establish and maintain an enterprise-wide risk management framework that includes a risk committee and a chief risk officer.
While not a requirement of the Dodd-Frank Act, in 2014 the OCC issued regulatory guidelines (“Heightened Standards Guidelines”) that apply heightened standards for risk management to large institutions subject to its supervision, including the Banks. The Heightened Standards Guidelines establish standards for the development and implementation by the Banks of a risk governance framework.
The Dodd-Frank Act also imposes new, more stringent standards and requirements with respect to bank and nonbank acquisitions and mergers and affiliate transactions. The Dodd-Frank Act also includes provisions related to corporate governance and executive compensation and new fees and assessments, among others.
The federal agencies have significant discretion in drafting the implementing regulations of the Dodd-Frank Act. Implementing regulations may result in modifications to our business models and organizational structure, and may subject us to escalating costs associated with any such changes. The full impact of the regulatory reform, including the Dodd-Frank Act, will not be known for some time. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act and subsequent legislation require various studies and reports to be delivered to Congress, which could result in additional legislative or regulatory action.

 
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Investment in the Company and the Banks
Certain acquisitions of our capital stock may be subject to regulatory approval or notice under federal or state law. Investors are responsible for ensuring that they do not, directly or indirectly, acquire shares of our capital stock in excess of the amount that can be acquired without regulatory approval, including under the BHC Act and the Change in Bank Control Act.
Federal law and regulations prohibit any person or company from acquiring control of the Company or the Banks without, in most cases, prior written approval of the Federal Reserve or the OCC, as applicable. Control exists if, among other things, a person or company acquires more than 25% of any class of our voting stock or otherwise has a controlling influence over us. For a publicly traded BHC like us, a rebuttable presumption of control arises if a person or company acquires more than 10% of any class of our voting stock.
Additionally, COBNA and CONA are “banks” within the meaning of Chapter 13 of Title 6.1 of the Code of Virginia governing the acquisition of interests in Virginia financial institutions (“Financial Institution Holding Company Act”). The Financial Institution Holding Company Act prohibits any person or entity from acquiring, or making any public offer to acquire, control of a Virginia financial institution or its holding company without making application to, and receiving prior approval from, the Virginia Bureau of Financial Institutions.
Dividends, Stock Repurchases and Transfers of Funds
In November 2011, the Federal Reserve finalized capital planning rules applicable to large BHCs including us (commonly referred to as Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review or “CCAR”). Under the rules, a BHC with total consolidated assets of $50 billion or more must submit a capital plan to the Federal Reserve on an annual basis that contains a description of all planned capital actions, including dividends or stock repurchases, over a nine-quarter planning horizon beginning with the fourth quarter of the calendar year prior to the submission of the capital plan (“CCAR cycle”). The BHC may take the capital actions in its capital plan if the Federal Reserve provides a non-objection to the plan. The Federal Reserve’s objection or non-objection generally applies to capital actions during the four quarters beginning with the second quarter of the second calendar year in the planning horizon.
On September 24, 2013, the Federal Reserve released an interim final rule that incorporated the Final Basel III Capital Rule into CCAR. On October 17, 2014, the Federal Reserve issued a final rule to modify the regulations for capital planning and stress testing (“2014 Final Capital Plan and Stress Test Rule”). In addition, the OCC issued a final rule in December 2014 modifying its Dodd-Frank Act stress testing regulation, to be consistent with the 2014 Final Capital Plan and Stress Test Rule changes to the Federal Reserve’s Dodd-Frank Act stress testing regulation. The Dodd-Frank Act stress testing regulations are described above in “Enhanced Prudential Standards and Other Requirements under the Dodd-Frank Act.”
The 2014 Final Capital Plan and Stress Test Rule changes the annual capital plan and stress test cycle start date from October 1 to January 1, effective for the cycle beginning January 1, 2016. Under the 2014 Final Capital Plan and Stress Test Rule, for the CCAR cycle under which capital plan submissions were due by January 5, 2015 (“2015 CCAR cycle”), the Federal Reserve’s objection or non-objection applies to planned capital actions from the second quarter of 2015 through the second quarter of 2016. Subsequent submissions each would cover a four-quarter period. The change in the start date of the annual cycle impacts the as-of dates for data used to project results as well as the dates that stress test results must be submitted to the regulators and disclosed to the public. For the annual company-run stress test, a BHC is required to disclose the results within 15 calendar days after the Federal Reserve discloses the results of that BHC’s supervisory stress test, unless that time period is extended by the Federal Reserve. The 2014 Final Capital Plan and Stress Test Rule requires a BHC to disclose results of its mid-cycle stress test within 30 calendar days after the BHC submits the results of its mid-cycle stress test to the Federal Reserve, unless that time period is extended by the Federal Reserve.
The 2014 Final Capital Plan and Stress Test Rule also provides a one-year deferral on the use of Basel III Advanced Approaches for banking institutions to estimate their capital ratios for the 2015 capital plan and stress test cycles. In addition, it shifts the focus of the Federal Reserve from annual capital issuances and distributions to quarterly capital issuances and distributions by establishing a new cumulative net distribution requirement. With certain limited exceptions, this requirement provides that--as measured on an aggregate basis beginning in the third quarter of the planning horizon--to the extent a BHC does not issue the amount of a given class of regulatory capital instrument that it projected in its capital plan, the BHC must reduce its capital distributions such that the cumulative net amounts of a BHC’s actual capital issuances and capital distributions for each category of regulatory capital instrument cannot be less than the cumulative net amounts of capital issuances and capital distributions for that category of regulatory capital instrument projected in the BHC’s capital plan.

 
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The Federal Reserve issued a final rule on November 25, 2015 to further modify its capital planning and stress testing regulations (“2015 Final Capital Plan and Stress Test Rule”). Among other changes, the 2015 Final Capital Plan and Stress Test Rule would indefinitely delay incorporation of the Basel III Advanced Approaches; remove the tier 1 common ratio from the capital plan and stress testing regulations, given the full phase-in of the common equity tier 1 capital requirement in the nine-quarter planning horizon of the 2016 capital plan and stress testing cycles; and delay the incorporation of the supplementary leverage ratio until the 2017 capital plan and stress testing cycles. In addition, on December 18, 2015, the Federal Reserve also issued guidance that summarizes and further details its supervisory expectations for the capital planning process, capital positions and modeling of large and complex firms such as the Company in connection with their capital planning and stress testing activities.
The purpose of the Federal Reserve’s capital plan and stress test rules is to ensure that large BHCs have robust, forward-looking capital planning processes that account for their unique risks and capital needs to continue operations through times of economic and financial stress. As part of its evaluation of a capital plan, the Federal Reserve will consider the comprehensiveness of the plan, the reasonableness of assumptions and analysis and methodologies used to assess capital adequacy and the ability of the BHC to maintain capital above each minimum regulatory capital ratio on a pro forma basis under expected and stressful conditions throughout a planning horizon of at least nine quarters. The 2016 CCAR cycle will measure our capital levels under the Basel III Standardized Approach, with appropriate phase-in provisions applicable to Capital One.
Traditionally, dividends to us from our direct and indirect subsidiaries have represented a major source of funds for us to pay dividends on our stock, make payments on corporate debt securities and meet our other obligations. There are various federal law limitations on the extent to which the Banks can finance or otherwise supply funds to us through dividends and loans. These limitations include minimum regulatory capital requirements, federal banking law requirements concerning the payment of dividends out of net profits or surplus, Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation W governing transactions between an insured depository institution and its affiliates, as well as general federal regulatory oversight to prevent unsafe or unsound practices. In general, federal and applicable state banking laws prohibit, without first obtaining regulatory approval, insured depository institutions, such as the Banks, from making dividend distributions if such distributions are not paid out of available earnings or would cause the institution to fail to meet applicable capital adequacy standards.
Deposit Insurance Assessments
Each of CONA and COBNA, as an insured depository institution, is a member of the DIF maintained by the FDIC. Through the DIF, the FDIC insures the deposits of insured depository institutions up to prescribed limits for each depositor. The DIF was formed on March 31, 2006, upon the merger of the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund in accordance with the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 (“Reform Act”). The Reform Act permits the FDIC to set a Designated Reserve Ratio (“DRR”) for the DIF. To maintain the DIF, member institutions may be assessed an insurance premium, and the FDIC may take action to increase insurance premiums if the DRR falls below its required level.
Prior to passage of the Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC had established a plan to restore the DIF in the face of recent insurance losses and future loss projections, which resulted in several rules that generally increased deposit insurance rates and purported to improve risk differentiation so that riskier institutions bear a greater share of insurance premiums. The Dodd-Frank Act reformed the management of the DIF in several ways: raised the minimum DRR to 1.35% (from the former minimum of 1.15%); removed the upper limit on the DRR; required that the reserve ratio reach 1.35% by September 30, 2020 (rather than 1.15% by the end of 2016); required that in setting assessments, the FDIC must offset the effect of meeting the increased reserve ratio on small insured depository institutions; and eliminated the requirement that the FDIC pay dividends from the DIF when the reserve ratio reaches certain levels. The FDIC has set the DRR at 2% and, in lieu of dividends, has established progressively lower assessment rate schedules as the reserve ratio meets certain trigger levels. The Dodd-Frank Act also required the FDIC to change the deposit insurance assessment base from deposits to average total consolidated assets minus average tangible equity. In February 2011, the FDIC finalized rules to implement this change that significantly modified how deposit insurance assessment rates are calculated for those banks with assets of $10 billion or greater. On November 18, 2014, the FDIC issued final rules to amend its deposit insurance assessment regulation to conform to the Final Basel III Capital Rule and to the final rule revising the supplementary leverage ratio.
On October 22, 2015, the FDIC proposed rules to implement the requirement that the FDIC offset the effect of meeting the increased reserve ratio from 1.15% to 1.35% on insured depository institutions with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion. The FDIC’s proposed rulemaking would impose a new quarterly deposit insurance surcharge assessment, with a quarterly rate of 1.125 basis points, on all insured depository institutions with assets of $10 billion or more (including COBNA and CONA), in addition to regular quarterly deposit insurance assessments applicable to each insured depository institution. The surcharge would begin the quarter after the DIF reserve ratio first reaches or exceeds 1.15% (projected by the FDIC as likely to occur during the first

 
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quarter of 2016) and would continue until the reserve ratio first reaches or exceeds 1.35%, but no later than the fourth quarter of 2018. As proposed, the surcharge is expected to be partially offset by lower FDIC assessment rates, which will be in effect once the DIF reserve ratio reaches 1.15%. The potential impact on COBNA and CONA is dependent upon the duration, rate and structure of the FDIC surcharge in the final rule, which has not yet been issued.
Source of Strength and Liability for Commonly-Controlled Institutions
Under the regulations issued by the Federal Reserve, a BHC must serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to its subsidiary banks (the so-called “source of strength doctrine”). The Dodd-Frank Act codified the source of strength doctrine, directing the Federal Reserve to require BHCs to serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks.
Under the “cross-guarantee” provision of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (“FIRREA”), insured depository institutions such as the Banks may be liable to the FDIC with respect to any loss incurred, or reasonably anticipated to be incurred, by the FDIC in connection with the default of, or FDIC assistance to, any commonly controlled insured depository institution. The Banks are commonly controlled within the meaning of the FIRREA cross-guarantee provision.
FDIC Orderly Liquidation Authority
The Dodd-Frank Act provides the FDIC with liquidation authority that may be used to liquidate nonbank financial companies and BHCs if the Treasury Secretary, in consultation with the President and based on the recommendation of the Federal Reserve and another federal agency, determines that doing so is necessary, among other criteria, to mitigate serious adverse effects on U.S. financial stability. Upon such a determination, the FDIC would be appointed receiver and must liquidate the company in a way that mitigates significant risks to financial stability and minimizes moral hazard. The costs of a liquidation of a financial company would be borne by shareholders and unsecured creditors and then, if necessary, by risk-based assessments on large financial companies. The FDIC has issued rules implementing certain provisions of its liquidation authority and may issue additional rules in the future. In November 2015, the Federal Reserve proposed rules designed to promote U.S. financial stability and orderly liquidity authority by requiring U.S. BHCs identified as G-SIBs to maintain outstanding a minimum amount of loss absorbing instruments, including a minimum amount of unsecured long-term debt, and related buffer. Capital One would not be subject to this requirement as proposed.
Regulation of International Business by Non-U.S. Authorities
COBNA is subject to regulation in foreign jurisdictions where it operates, currently in the United Kingdom and Canada.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, COBNA operates through COEP, which was established in 2000 and is an authorized payment institution regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) under the Payment Services Regulations 2009 and the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. COEP’s indirect parent, Capital One Global Corporation, is wholly-owned by COBNA and is subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve as an “agreement corporation” under the Federal Reserve’s Regulation K.
Over the past few years the U.K. government has enacted significant changes to the framework of financial services regulation. As part of these changes, in April 2013, the Financial Services Authority (“FSA”) was split into a new Prudential Regulatory Authority (“PRA”) and the FCA, with the FCA, rather than the PRA, regulating COEP. In April 2014, the FCA took over regulation of the U.K. consumer credit regime previously regulated by the Office of Fair Trading. The FCA’s new regulatory purview includes credit card lending activities. The FCA established a new Consumer Credit Sourcebook based on the existing regulatory regime which came into full effect on September 30, 2014. COEP, in common with other market participants, currently operates under certain “interim” permissions of FCA and COEP applied for related “full” permissions in October 2015 (with such full permissions anticipated to be granted during 2016).
Regulatory focus on Payment Protection Insurance (“PPI”) complaint handling has continued as PPI continues to be a key driver of consumer complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service (“FOS”). In January 2015, FCA announced it would gather evidence on current trends in PPI complaints to assess whether further interventions were required. In May 2015, the FCA also announced that it was considering whether further rules and/or guidance were required to deal with the impact of the decision in the case of Plevin v. Paragon Personal Finance to the effect that failure to disclose the amount of commission included in the price of the single premium PPI sold to the plaintiff created an unfair relationship between the lender and the borrower under section 140A of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. On November 26, 2015, the FCA launched a consultation on proposed new rules relating to PPI

 
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complaint handling, including the introduction of a 2-year deadline by which consumers would need to make their PPI complaints or else lose their right to have them assessed by firms or by the FOS.
COEP is a party to the Sentinel Card Protection (“SCP”) redress scheme which enables customers who bought SCP provided by Affinion International Limited to seek compensation. In August 2015 the redress scheme became effective with a general claims bar date of March 18, 2016, other than for exceptional circumstances. The claims bar date for exceptional circumstances is September 18, 2016. The redress scheme relating to Card Protection Plan (“CPP”) insurance, which enabled customers who bought card protection insurance with CPP to seek compensation, has now come to an end.
Canada
In Canada, COBNA operates as an authorized foreign bank pursuant to the Bank Act (Canada) (“Bank Act”) and is permitted to conduct its credit card business in Canada through its Canadian branch, Capital One Bank (Canada Branch) (“Capital One Canada”). The primary regulator of Capital One Canada is the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada (“OSFI”). Other regulators include the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (“FCAC”), the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada. Capital One Canada is subject to regulation under various Canadian federal laws, including the Bank Act and its regulations, the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act.
There were two new significant developments described below that affect credit cards issued by federally regulated financial institutions in Canada, such as Capital One Canada. These changes could increase our operational and compliance costs and affect the types and terms of products that we offer in Canada.
In April 2015, the voluntary agreement to reduce interchange fees among the Canadian federal government, MasterCard Canada and Visa Canada came into effect. The agreement contains a commitment to reduce interchange fees for consumer credit cards to an average of 1.5% and will remain in effect for 5 years.
On September 19, 2014, the Supreme Court of Canada (“Court”) released its decision in Bank of Montreal v. Marcotte . The Court found that certain provisions of Quebec provincial consumer protection legislation apply to credit cards issued by federally chartered banks. The broader implications of the applicability of provincial law to banks in Canada remain unclear.
COMPETITION
Each of our business segments operates in a highly competitive environment, and we face competition in all aspects of our business from numerous bank and non-bank providers of financial services.
Our Credit Card business competes with international, national, regional and local issuers of Visa and MasterCard credit cards, as well as with American Express ® , Discover Card ® , private-label card brands, and, to a certain extent, issuers of debit cards. In general, customers are attracted to credit card issuers largely on the basis of price, credit limit, reward programs and other product features.
Our Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking businesses compete with national, state and direct banks for deposits, commercial and auto loans, mortgages and trust accounts, as well as with savings and loan associations and credit unions for loans and deposits. Our competitors also include automotive finance companies, mortgage banking companies and other financial services providers that provide loans, deposits, and other similar services and products. In addition, we compete against non-depository institutions that are able to offer these products and services. Securities firms and insurance companies that elect to become financial holding companies may acquire banks and other financial institutions. Combinations of this type could significantly change the competitive environment in which we conduct business. The financial services industry is also likely to become more competitive as further technological advances enable more companies to provide financial services. These technological advances may diminish the importance of depository institutions and other financial intermediaries in the transfer of funds between parties. In addition, competition among direct banks is intense because online banking provides customers the ability to rapidly deposit and withdraw funds and open and close accounts in favor of products and services offered by competitors.
Our businesses generally compete on the basis of the quality and range of their products and services, transaction execution, innovation and price. Competition varies based on the types of clients, customers, industries and geographies served. Our ability to compete depends, in part, on our ability to attract and retain our associates and on our reputation. In the current environment, customers are generally attracted to depository institutions that are perceived as stable, with solid liquidity and funding. We believe

 
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that we are able to compete effectively in our current markets. There can be no assurance, however, that our ability to market products and services successfully or to obtain adequate returns on our products and services will not be impacted by the nature of the competition that now exists or may later develop, or by the broader economic environment. For a discussion of the risks related to our competitive environment, please refer to “Part I—Item 1A. Risk Factors .”
EMPLOYEES
A central part of our philosophy is to attract and retain highly capable staff. We had approximately 45,400 employees, whom we refer to as “associates,” as of December 31, 2015 . None of our associates are covered under a collective bargaining agreement, and management considers our associate relations to be satisfactory.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Technology/Systems
We leverage information technology to achieve our business objectives and to develop and deliver products and services that satisfy our customers’ needs. A key part of our strategic focus is the development and use of efficient, flexible computer and operational systems, such as cloud technology, to support complex marketing and account management strategies, the servicing of our customers, and the development of new and diversified products. We believe that the continued development and integration of these systems is an important part of our efforts to reduce costs, improve quality and provide faster, more flexible technology services. Consequently, we continuously review capabilities and develop or acquire systems, processes and competencies to meet our unique business requirements.
As part of our continuous efforts to review and improve our technologies, we may either develop such capabilities internally or rely on third-party outsourcers who have the ability to deliver technology that is of higher quality, lower cost, or both. We continue to rely on third-party outsourcers to help us deliver systems and operational infrastructure. These relationships include (but are not limited to): Total System Services Inc. (“TSYS”) for processing services for our North American and U.K. portfolios of consumer and small business credit card accounts, and Fidelity Information Services (“FIS”) for certain of our banking systems.
To protect our systems and technologies, we employ security, backup and recovery systems and generally require the same of our third-party service providers. In addition, we perform, or cause to be performed, a variety of vulnerability and penetration testing on the platforms, systems and applications used to provide our products and services in an effort to ensure that any attacks on these platforms, systems and applications are unlikely to succeed.
Intellectual Property
As part of our overall and ongoing strategy to protect and enhance our intellectual property, we rely on a variety of protections, including copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, patents and certain restrictions on disclosure, solicitation and competition. We also undertake other measures to control access to and distribution of our other proprietary information. Despite these precautions, it may be possible for a third party to copy or otherwise obtain and use certain intellectual property or proprietary information without authorization. Our precautions may not prevent misappropriation or infringement of our intellectual property or proprietary information. In addition, our competitors and other third parties also file patent applications for innovations that are used in our industry. The ability of our competitors and other third parties to obtain such patents may adversely affect our ability to compete. Conversely, our ability to obtain such patents may increase our competitive advantage. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in such efforts, or that the ability of our competitors to obtain such patents may not adversely impact our financial results.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
From time to time, we have made and will make forward-looking statements, including those that discuss, among other things, strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; projections, revenues, income, returns, expenses, capital measures, accruals for claims in litigation and for other claims against us; earnings per share or other financial measures for us; future financial and operating results; our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions; and the assumptions that underlie these matters.
To the extent that any such information is forward-looking, it is intended to fit within the safe harbor for forward-looking information provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Numerous factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements, including, among other things:
general economic and business conditions in the U.S., the U.K., Canada or our local markets, including conditions affecting employment levels, interest rates, collateral values, consumer income, credit worthiness and confidence, spending and savings that may affect consumer bankruptcies, defaults, charge-offs and deposit activity;
an increase or decrease in credit losses (including increases due to a worsening of general economic conditions in the credit environment), including the impact of inaccurate estimates or inadequate reserves;

 
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financial, legal, regulatory, tax or accounting changes or actions, including the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder, and other regulatory reforms and regulations governing bank capital and liquidity standards, including Basel-related initiatives and potential changes to financial accounting and reporting standards;
developments, changes or actions relating to any litigation, governmental investigation or regulatory enforcement action or matter involving us;
the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth;
increases or decreases in interest rates;
our ability to access the capital markets at attractive rates and terms to capitalize and fund our operations and future growth;
the success of our marketing efforts in attracting and retaining customers;
increases or decreases in our aggregate loan balances or the number of customers and the growth rate and composition thereof, including increases or decreases resulting from factors such as shifting product mix, amount of actual marketing expenses we incur and attrition of loan balances;
the level of future repurchase or indemnification requests we may receive, the actual future performance of mortgage loans relating to such requests, the success rates of claimants against us, any developments in litigation and the actual recoveries we may make on any collateral relating to claims against us;
the amount and rate of deposit growth;
changes in the reputation of, or expectations regarding, the financial services industry or us with respect to practices, products or financial condition;
changes in retail distribution strategies and channels, including in the behavior and expectations of our customers,
any significant disruption in our operations or technology platform, including security failures or breaches on our business;
our ability to maintain a compliance and technology infrastructure suitable for the nature of our business;
our ability to develop digital technology that addresses the needs of our customers, including the challenges relating to rapid significant technological changes;
our ability to control costs;
the effectiveness of our risk management strategies;
the amount of, and rate of growth in, our expenses as our business develops or changes or as it expands into new market areas;
our ability to execute on our strategic and operational plans;
any significant disruption of, or loss of public confidence in, the United States mail service affecting our response rates and consumer payments;
any significant disruption of, or loss of public confidence in, the internet affecting the ability of our customers to access their accounts and conduct banking transactions;
our ability to recruit and retain talented and experienced personnel to assist in the development, management and operation of new products and services;
changes in the labor and employment markets;
fraud or misconduct by our customers, employees or business partners;
competition from providers of products and services that compete with our businesses; and

 
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other risk factors listed from time to time in reports that we file with the SEC.
Any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf speak only as of the date they are made or as of the date indicated, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You should carefully consider the factors discussed above in evaluating these forward-looking statements. For additional information on factors that could materially influence forward-looking statements included in this Report, see the risk factors set forth under “Part I—Item 1A. Risk Factors ” in this Report.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
This section highlights specific risks that could affect our business. Although we have tried to discuss all material risks of which we are aware at the time this Report has been filed, other risks may prove to be important in the future, including those that are not currently ascertainable. In addition to the factors discussed elsewhere in this Report, other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward looking statements include:
General Economic and Market Risks
Changes And Instability In The Macroeconomic Environment May Adversely Affect Our Industry, Business, Results Of Operations And Financial Condition.
We offer a broad array of financial products and services to consumers, small businesses and commercial clients. We market our credit card products on a national basis throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom and offer banking and other services in many regions within the United States. A prolonged period of slow economic growth or a significant deterioration in economic conditions in the United States or one of these countries could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations as customers default on their loans or maintain lower deposit levels or, in the case of credit card accounts, carry lower balances and reduce credit card purchase activity.
Although certain economic conditions in the United States have shown signs of improvement in recent years, the macroeconomic environment remains unstable and uneven, and the U.S. economy remains susceptible to global events and volatility. Geopolitical matters, including international political unrest or disturbances, continued concerns over energy prices and economic instability or recession in certain regions, may impact the stability of financial markets and the U.S. economy.
Some of the risks we may face in connection with adverse changes and instability in macroeconomic environment include the following:
Payment patterns may change, causing increases in delinquencies and default rates, which could have a negative impact on our results of operations. In addition, changes in consumer confidence levels and behavior, including decreased consumer spending, lower demand for credit and a shift in consumer payment behavior towards avoiding late fees, finance charges and other fees, could have a negative impact on our results of operations.
Increases in bankruptcies could cause increases in our charge-off rates, which could have a negative impact on our results of operations.
Our ability to recover debt that we have previously charged-off may be limited, which could have a negative impact on our results of operations.
The process and models we use to estimate our allowance for loan and lease losses may become less reliable if actual losses diverge from the projections of our models as a result of changes in customer behavior, volatile economic conditions or other unexpected variations in key inputs and assumptions. As a result, our estimates for credit losses may become increasingly subject to management’s judgment and high levels of volatility over short periods of time, which could negatively impact our results of operations. See “ There Are Risks Resulting From The Extensive Use Of Models In Our Business.
Risks associated with financial market instability and volatility could cause a material adverse effect on our liquidity and our funding costs. For example, increases in interest rates and our credit spreads could negatively impact our results of operations.
Our ability to borrow from other financial institutions or to engage in funding transactions on favorable terms or at all could be adversely affected by disruptions in the capital markets or other events, including actions by rating agencies and

 
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deteriorating investor expectations, which could limit our access to funding. The interest rates that we pay on the securities we have issued are also influenced by, among other things, applicable credit ratings from recognized rating agencies. A downgrade to any of these credit ratings could affect our ability to access the capital markets, increase our borrowing costs and have a negative impact on our results of operations. Increased charge-offs, rising London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) and other events may cause our securitization transactions to amortize earlier than scheduled, which could accelerate our need for additional funding from other sources.
An inability to accept or maintain deposits or to obtain other sources of funding could materially affect our ability to fund our business and our liquidity position. Many other financial institutions have also increased their reliance on deposit funding and, as such, we expect continued competition in the deposit markets. We cannot predict how this competition will affect our costs. If we are required to offer higher interest rates to attract or maintain deposits, our funding costs will be adversely impacted.
Both shorter-term and longer-term interest rates remain below historical averages, as well as the yield curve, which is flatter than its historical average. A flat yield curve combined with low interest rates generally leads to lower revenue and reduced margins because it would limit our opportunity to increase the spread between asset yields and funding costs. Sustained periods of time with a flat yield curve coupled with low interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our earnings and our net interest margin.
A low interest rate environment increases our exposure to prepayment risk in our mortgage portfolio and the mortgage-backed securities in our investment portfolio. Increased prepayments, refinancing or other factors that impact loan balances could reduce expected revenue associated with mortgage assets and could also lead to a reduction in the value of our mortgage servicing rights, which could have a negative impact on our financial results. In addition, the Federal Reserve’s recent decision to raise short-term interest rates will increase debt service requirements for some of our borrowers and may adversely affect those borrowers’ ability to pay as contractually obligated, which could result in additional delinquencies or charge-offs and negatively impact our results of operations.
Regulatory Risk
Compliance With New And Existing Laws, Regulations And Regulatory Expectations May Increase Our Costs, Reduce Our Revenue, Limit Our Ability To Pursue Business Opportunities, And Increase Compliance Challenges.
Legislation and regulation with respect to the financial services industry has increased in recent years, and we expect that oversight of our business will continue to expand in scope and complexity. A wide and increasing array of banking and consumer lending laws apply to almost every aspect of our business. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could result in financial, structural and operational penalties, including significant fines and criminal sanctions, and could result in negative publicity or damage to our reputation with regulators or the public. In addition, establishing systems and processes to achieve compliance with these laws and regulations may increase our costs and limit our ability to pursue certain business opportunities.
We are subject to heightened regulatory oversight by the federal banking regulators to ensure that we build systems and processes that are commensurate with the nature of our business and that meet the heightened risk management and enhanced prudential standards issued by our regulators. For example, over the last several years, state and federal regulators have focused on compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering laws, data integrity and security, use of service providers, fair lending and other consumer protection issues. In July 2015, Capital One entered into a consent order with the OCC to address concerns about our anti-money laundering (“AML”) program (“AML Program”) emanating from our former Check Cashing Group within the Commercial Banking business. We have made substantial progress in taking the steps and making the improvements required by the OCC consent order. We expect heightened oversight of our AML Program will continue for the foreseeable future.
The Dodd-Frank Act, other regulatory reforms and implementing regulations have increased our need to build new compliance processes and infrastructure and to otherwise enhance our risk management throughout all aspects of our business. The cumulative impact of these changes also includes higher expectations for the amount of capital and liquidity we must maintain, as discussed in more detail below under the heading “ We May Not Be Able To Maintain Adequate Capital Or Liquidity Levels, Which Could Have A Negative Impact On Our Financial Results And Our Ability To Return Capital To Our Shareholders ,” and higher operational costs, which may further increase as regulators continue to implement such reforms. U.S. government agencies charged with adopting and interpreting laws, rules and regulations, including under the Dodd-Frank Act, may do so in an unforeseen manner, including in ways that potentially expand the reach of the laws, rules or regulations more than initially contemplated or currently anticipated.

 
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We have a large number of customer accounts in our credit card and auto lending businesses and we have made the strategic choice to originate and service subprime credit cards and auto loans which typically have higher delinquencies and charge-offs than prime customers. Accordingly, we have significant involvement with credit bureau reporting and the collection and recovery of delinquent and charged-off debt, primarily through customer communications, the filing of litigation against customers in default, the periodic sale of charged-off debt and vehicle repossession. The banking industry is subject to enhanced legal and regulatory scrutiny regarding credit bureau reporting and debt collection practices from regulators, courts and legislators. Any future changes to our business practices in these areas, including our debt collection practices, whether mandated by regulators, courts, legislators or otherwise, or any legal liabilities resulting from our business practices, including our debt collection practices, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition.
The legislative and regulatory environment is beyond our control, may change rapidly and unpredictably and may negatively influence our revenue, costs, earnings, growth, liquidity and capital levels. In addition, some rules and regulations may be subject to litigation or other challenges that delay or modify their implementation and impact on us. Certain laws and regulations, and any interpretations and applications with respect thereto, may benefit consumers, borrowers and depositors, but not stockholders. Our success depends on our ability to maintain compliance with both existing and new laws and regulations. For a description of the material laws and regulations to which we are subject, please refer to “Part I—Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation.”
Credit Risk
We May Experience Increased Delinquencies, Credit Losses, Inaccurate Estimates, And Inadequate Reserves.
Like other lenders, we face the risk that our customers will not repay their loans. Rising losses or leading indicators of rising losses (such as higher delinquencies, higher rates of non-performing loans, higher bankruptcy rates, lower collateral values or elevated unemployment rates) may require us to increase our allowance for loan and lease losses, which may degrade our profitability if we are unable to raise revenue or reduce costs to compensate for higher losses. In particular, we face the following risks in this area:
Missed Payments: Our customers may miss payments. Loan charge-offs (including from bankruptcies) are generally preceded by missed payments or other indications of worsening financial condition for our customers. Customers are more likely to miss payments during an economic downturn or prolonged periods of slow economic growth. In addition, we face the risk that consumer and commercial customer behavior may change (for example, an increase in the unwillingness or inability of customers to repay debt), causing a long-term rise in delinquencies and charge-offs.
Estimates of Inherent Losses: The credit quality of our portfolio can have a significant impact on our earnings. We allow for and reserve against credit risks based on our assessment of credit losses inherent in our loan portfolios. This process, which is critical to our financial results and condition, requires complex judgments, including forecasts of economic conditions. We may underestimate our inherent losses and fail to hold a loan loss allowance sufficient to account for these losses. Incorrect assumptions could lead to material underestimations of inherent losses and inadequate allowance for loan and lease losses. In cases where we modify a loan, if the modifications do not perform as anticipated we may be required to build additional allowance on these loans. The build or release of allowances impacts our current financial results.
Underwriting: Our ability to assess the credit worthiness of our customers may diminish, which could result in an increase in our credit losses and a deterioration of our returns. See “ Our Risk Management Strategies May Not Be Fully Effective In Mitigating Our Risk Exposures In All Market Environments Or Against All Types Of Risk .”
Business Mix: We engage in a diverse mix of businesses with a broad range of potential credit exposure. Our business mix could change in ways that could adversely affect the credit quality of our portfolio. Because we originate a relatively greater proportion of consumer loans in our loan portfolio compared to other large bank peers and originate both prime and subprime credit card accounts and auto loans, we may experience higher delinquencies and a greater number of accounts charging off compared to other large bank peers, which could result in increased credit losses, operating costs and regulatory scrutiny.
Charge-off Recognition / Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses: The rules governing the allowance for loan and lease losses could change . We account for the allowance for loan and lease losses according to accounting and regulatory guidelines and rules . These guidelines and rules, including Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) standards and the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (“FFIEC”) Account Management Guidance, could require changes in our account management or loss allowance practices and cause our charge-offs and/or allowance for loan and

 
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lease losses to increase for reasons unrelated to the underlying performance of our portfolio . Such changes could have an adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operation.
Industry Developments: Our charge-off and delinquency rates may be negatively impacted by industry developments, including new regulations applicable to our industry.
Collateral: The collateral we have on secured loans could be insufficient to compensate us for loan losses. When customers default on their secured loans, we attempt to recover collateral where permissible and appropriate. However, the value of the collateral may not be sufficient to compensate us for the amount of the unpaid loan, and we may be unsuccessful in recovering the remaining balance from our customers. Decreases in real estate values adversely affect the collateral value for our commercial lending and home loan activities, while the auto business is similarly exposed to collateral risks arising from the auction markets that determine used car prices. Therefore, the recovery of such property could be insufficient to compensate us for the value of these loans. Borrowers may be less likely to continue making payments on loans if the value of the property used as collateral for the loan is less than what the borrower owes, even if the borrower is still financially able to make the payments. Trends in home prices are a driver of credit costs in our home loan business as they impact both the probability of default and the loss severity of defaults. Additionally, the potential volatility in the number of defaulted and modified loans from changes in home prices can create material impacts on the servicing costs of the business, fluctuations in credit marks and profitability in acquired portfolios and volatility in mortgage servicing rights valuations. Although home prices have generally appreciated recently, the slow economic recovery, shifts in monetary policy and potentially diminishing demands from investors could threaten or limit the recovery. In our auto business, if vehicle prices experience declines, we could be adversely affected. For example, business and economic conditions that negatively affect household incomes, housing prices, and consumer behavior related to our businesses could decrease (i) the demand for new and used vehicles and (ii) the value of the collateral underlying our portfolio of auto loans, which could cause the number of consumers who become delinquent or default on their loans to increase.
Geographic and Industry Concentration: Although our consumer lending is geographically diversified, approximately 31% of our commercial loan portfolio is concentrated in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The regional economic conditions in the tri-state area affect the demand for our commercial products and services as well as the ability of our customers to repay their commercial loans and the value of the collateral securing these loans. An economic downturn or prolonged period of slow economic growth in, or a catastrophic event that disproportionately affects, the tri-state area could have a material adverse effect on the performance of our commercial loan portfolio and our results of operations. In addition, our Commercial Banking strategy includes an industry-specific focus. If any of the industries that we focus in experience changes, we may experience increased credit losses and our results of operations could be adversely impacted. For example, as of December 31, 2015, energy-related loan balances represented approximately 5% of our total commercial loan portfolio. This amount is comprised of loans to commercial entities in the energy industry, such as exploration and production, oil field services, and pipeline transportation of gas and crude oil, as well as loans to entities in industries that are indirectly impacted by energy prices, such as petroleum wholesalers, oil and gas equipment manufacturing, air transportation, and petroleum bulk stations and terminals. In recent years, oil prices have been declining, which has had an adverse effect on many of the borrowers in this portfolio and on the value of the collateral securing our loans to these borrowers, which could impair their ability to service loans outstanding to them and/or reduce demand for loans. If energy-related industries or any of the other industries that we focus on experience adverse changes, we may experience increased credit losses and our results of operations could be adversely impacted.
We May Experience Increased Losses And Inadequate Reserves Associated With Mortgage Repurchases And Indemnification Obligations.
Certain of our subsidiaries, including GreenPoint Mortgage Funding, Inc. (“GreenPoint”), Capital One Home Loans, LLC and Capital One, N.A., as successor to Chevy Chase Bank (“CCB”), may be required to repurchase mortgage loans that have been sold to investors in the event there are breaches of certain representations and warranties contained within the sales agreements. We may be required to repurchase mortgage loans that we sell to investors in the event that there was improper underwriting or fraud or in the event that the loans become delinquent shortly after they are originated. These subsidiaries also may be required to indemnify certain purchasers and others against losses they incur in the event of breaches of representations and warranties and in various other circumstances, including securities fraud or other public disclosure-related claims, and the amount of such losses could exceed the repurchase amount of the related loans. Consequently, we may be exposed to credit risk associated with sold loans.

 
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We have established reserves in our consolidated financial statements for potential losses that are considered to be both probable and reasonably estimable related to the mortgage loans sold by our originating subsidiaries. The adequacy of the reserve and the ultimate amount of losses incurred will depend on, among other things, the actual future mortgage loan performance, the actual level of future repurchase and indemnification requests, the actual success rate of claimants, developments in litigation and the regulatory environment related to us and the industry, actual recoveries on the collateral, and macroeconomic conditions (including unemployment levels and housing prices). Due to uncertainties relating to these factors, there can be no assurance that our reserves will be adequate or that the total amount of losses incurred will not have a material adverse effect upon our financial condition or results of operations.
In addition to the subsidiaries discussed above, we originate, sell and service commercial mortgage loans that meet underwriting guidelines established by GSEs. We are required to meet minimum collateral requirements and share a limited portion of the risk of loss during the remaining terms of these loans. The GSEs may change their collateral requirements for these loans in the future and also increase our loss-sharing obligations if the loans do not meet specific underwriting criteria or default within certain time periods following their sale to the GSEs. We cannot assure you that our liability associated with these loss-sharing agreements will be sufficient to cover any future losses from these loans. We may also be required to share additional losses with GSEs if loan defaults increase, which could impact our results of operations and liquidity.
For additional information related to our mortgage loan repurchase and indemnification obligations and related reserves and our estimate of the reasonably possible future losses from representation and warranty claims beyond the current accrual levels, as well as our loss-sharing agreements, as of December 31, 2015, see “ Note 21—Commitments, Contingencies, Guarantees and Others .”
Capital and Liquidity Risk
We May Not Be Able To Maintain Adequate Capital Or Liquidity Levels, Which Could Have A Negative Impact On Our Financial Results And Our Ability To Return Capital To Our Shareholders.
As a result of the Dodd-Frank Act and the U.S. implementation of international accords, financial institutions are becoming subject to new and increased capital and liquidity requirements. Although U.S. regulators have finalized regulations for some of these requirements, continued uncertainty remains as to the form additional new requirements will take or how and when they will apply to us. As a result, it is possible that we could be required to increase our capital and/or liquidity levels above the levels assumed in our current financial plans. These new requirements could have a negative impact on our ability to lend, grow deposit balances or make acquisitions and limit our ability to make most capital distributions. Higher capital levels also lower our return on equity.
In addition, as described further below, for regulatory capital purposes we entered parallel run on January 1, 2015, which must last a minimum of four quarters. We will become subject to the Basel III Advanced Approaches framework for purposes of determining our regulatory capital requirements once we receive regulatory approval to do so, although the exact timing of when such approval may be granted is uncertain. Although we have current estimates of risk-weighted asset calculations under that framework, there remains uncertainty around future regulatory interpretations of certain aspects of those calculations. Therefore, we cannot assure you that our current estimates will be correct, and we may need to hold significantly more regulatory capital in the future than we currently estimate to maintain a given capital ratio.
In September 2014, the Federal Banking Agencies issued the Final LCR Rule. See “Part I—Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation” for further details regarding the Final LCR Rule. There remains uncertainty as to the impact of daily compliance with the LCR on how we manage our business. See “ Note 13—Regulatory and Capital Adequacy ” and “Part I—Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation—Dividends, Stock Repurchases and Transfers of Funds” for additional information regarding recent developments in capital and liquidity requirements.
We consider various factors in the management of capital, including the impact of stress on our capital levels, as determined by both our internal modeling and the Federal Reserve’s modeling of our capital position in CCAR. In recent stress test cycles, including CCAR, we have observed a large difference between our estimates of our capital levels under stress and the Federal Reserve’s estimates of our capital levels under stress. In the current stress test cycle, including CCAR, the difference could be larger because we expect the Federal Reserve to continue to use its own assumptions in modeling results. Therefore, although our estimated capital levels under stress suggest that we have substantial capacity to return capital to shareholders and remain well capitalized under stress, it is possible that the Federal Reserve’s modeling may result in a materially lower capacity to return capital to shareholders than our estimates. See “Part I—Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation” for additional information.

 
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Operational Risk
We Face Risks Related To Our Operational, Technological And Organizational Infrastructure.
Our ability to grow and compete is dependent on our ability to build or acquire necessary operational, technological and organizational infrastructure or adapt to technological advances involving such infrastructure, which can be a challenge due to the fast pace of digital transformation and advances. We are embedding technology, data, and software development deeply into our business model and how we work.
Similar to other large corporations, we are exposed to operational risk that can manifest itself in many ways, such as errors related to failed or inadequate processes, inaccurate models, faulty or disabled computer systems, fraud by employees or persons outside of our company and exposure to external events. In addition, we are heavily dependent on the strength and capability of our technology systems which we use to manage our internal financial and other systems, interface with our customers and develop and implement effective marketing campaigns. We also depend on models to measure risks, estimate certain financial values, determine pricing on certain products, assess capital adequacy and calculate regulatory capital levels. If we implement or design our models poorly or use inaccurate assumptions in our models, business decisions based on the output of the models may be adversely affected. See “ There Are Risks Resulting From The Extensive Use Of Models In Our Business.

In addition, our businesses are dependent on our ability to process, record and monitor a large number of complex transactions. If any of our financial, accounting, or other data processing systems fail or have other significant shortcomings, our business and reputation could be materially adversely affected. We may also be subject to disruptions of our operating systems arising from events that are wholly or partially beyond our control, which may include, for example, computer viruses or electrical or telecommunications outages, cyber-attacks, including Distributed Denial of Service (“DDOS”) attacks discussed below, natural disasters, other damage to property or physical assets or events arising from local or larger scale politics, including terrorist acts. Any of these occurrences could diminish our ability to operate our businesses, service customer accounts, and protect customers’ information, or result in potential liability to customers, reputational damage, regulatory intervention and customers’ loss of confidence in our businesses, any of which could result in a material adverse effect. We also rely on the business infrastructure and systems of third parties with which we do business and to whom we outsource the maintenance and development of operational and technological functionality. System breakdowns or failures, adverse changes to financial condition, bankruptcy or other adverse conditions affecting the businesses of such third parties, including our vendors and other service providers, could have a material adverse effect on our business and reputation. Thus, any increase in the amount of our infrastructure that we outsource to third parties may increase our risk exposure.
Our ability to develop and deliver new products that meet the needs of our existing customers and attract new ones and to run our business in compliance with applicable laws and regulations depends on the functionality and reliability of our operational and technology systems. Any disruptions, failures or inaccuracies of our operational and technology systems and models, including those associated with improvements or modifications to such systems and models, could cause us to be unable to market and manage our products and services, manage our risk or to report our financial results in a timely and accurate manner, all of which could have a negative impact on our results of operations. In addition, our ongoing investments in infrastructure, which are necessary to maintain a competitive business, integrate acquisitions and establish scalable operations, may increase our expenses. As our business develops, changes or expands, additional expenses can arise as a result of a reevaluation of business strategies, management of outsourced services, asset purchases or other acquisitions, structural reorganization, compliance with new laws or regulations or the integration of newly acquired businesses. If we are unable to successfully manage our expenses, our financial results will be negatively affected.
We Could Incur Increased Costs Or Reductions In Revenue Or Suffer Reputational Damage And Business Disruptions In The Event Of The Theft, Loss Or Misuse Of Information, Including As A Result Of A Cyber-Attack.
Our products and services involve the gathering, management, processing, storage and transmission of sensitive and confidential information regarding our customers and their accounts, our employees and other third parties with which we do business. Our ability to provide such products and services, many of which are web-based, depends upon the management and safeguarding of information, software, methodologies and business secrets. To provide these products and services, we use information systems and infrastructure, including digital technologies, computer and email systems, software, networks, and other web-based technologies, that we and third-party service providers operate. We also have arrangements in place with third parties through which we share and receive information about their customers who are or may become our customers.

 
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Like other financial services firms, technologies, systems, networks and devices of Capital One or our customers, employees or other third parties with whom we interact continue to be the subject of attempted unauthorized access, mishandling or misuse of information, computer viruses or malware, cyber-attacks designed to obtain confidential information, destroy data, disrupt or degrade service, sabotage systems or cause other damage, denial of service attacks and other events. These threats may derive from human error, fraud or malice on the part of our employees or third parties or may result from accidental technological failure. Any of these parties may also attempt to fraudulently induce employees, customers, or other third-party users of our systems to disclose sensitive information in order to gain access to our data or that of our customers or third parties with whom we interact. Further, cyber and information security risks for large financial institutions like us have generally increased in recent years in part because of the proliferation of new technologies, the use of the Internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial transactions and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, perpetrators of fraud, hackers, terrorists, activists, formal and informal instrumentalities of foreign governments and other external parties. In addition, to access our products and services, our customers may use computers, smartphones, tablet PCs and other mobile devices that are beyond our security control systems.
If our information systems or infrastructure or those of our customers, partners or other market participants experience a significant disruption or breach, it could lead, depending on the nature of the disruption or breach, to the unauthorized access to and release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of our confidential information or personal or confidential information of our customers, employees or other third parties in our possession. Further, such disruption or breach could also result in unauthorized access to our proprietary information, software, methodologies and business secrets and in unauthorized transactions in Capital One accounts or unauthorized access to personal or confidential information maintained by those entities.
As a financial institution, we are subject to and examined for compliance with an array of data protection laws, regulations and guidance, as well as to our own internal privacy and information security policies and programs. However, because the methods and techniques employed by perpetrators of fraud and others to attack, disable, degrade or sabotage platforms, systems and applications change frequently, are increasingly sophisticated and often are not fully recognized or understood until after they have occurred, we and our third-party service providers and partners may be unable to anticipate certain attack methods in order to implement effective preventative measures or mitigate or remediate the damages caused in a timely manner. We may also be unable to hire and develop talent capable of detecting, mitigating or remediating these risks. Although we believe we have a robust suite of authentication and layered information security controls, including our cyber threat analytics, data encryption and tokenization technologies, anti-malware defenses and vulnerability management program, any one or combination of these controls could fail to detect, mitigate or remediate these risks in a timely manner.
A disruption or breach such as those discussed above could result in significant legal and financial exposure, regulatory intervention, remediation costs, card reissuance, supervisory liability, damage to our reputation or loss of confidence in the security of our systems, products and services that could adversely affect our business. We and other U.S. financial services providers continue to be targeted with evolving and adaptive cybersecurity threats from sophisticated third parties. Although we have not experienced any material losses relating to cyber incidents, there can be no assurance that unauthorized access or cyber incidents will not occur or that we will not suffer such losses in the future. Unauthorized access or cyber incidents could occur more frequently and on a more significant scale. If future attacks like these are successful or if customers are unable to access their accounts online for other reasons, it could adversely impact our ability to service customer accounts or loans, complete financial transactions for our customers or otherwise operate any of our businesses or services. In addition, a breach or attack affecting one of our third-party service providers or partners could harm our business even if we do not control the service that is attacked.
In addition, the increasing prevalence and the evolution of cyber-attacks and other efforts to breach or disrupt our systems or those of our partners, retailers or other market participants has led, and will likely continue to lead, to increased costs to us with respect to preventing, mitigating and remediating these risks, as well as any related attempted fraud. We may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or strengthen our protective security measures, investigate and remediate any vulnerabilities of our information systems and infrastructure or invest in new technology designed to mitigate security risks. For example, various retailers have continued to be victims of cyber-attacks in which customer data, including debit and credit card information, was obtained. In these situations, we incur a variety of costs, including those associated with replacing the compromised cards and remediating fraudulent transaction activity. Further, successful cyber-attacks at other large financial institutions or other market participants, whether or not we are impacted, could lead to a general loss of customer confidence in financial institutions that could negatively affect us, including harming the market perception of the effectiveness of our security measures or the financial system in general which could result in reduced use of our financial products. Though we have insurance against some cyber-risks and attacks, it may not be sufficient to offset the impact of a material loss event.

 
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Legal Risk
Our Businesses Are Subject To The Risk Of Increased Litigation, Government Investigations And Regulatory Enforcement.
Our businesses are subject to increased litigation, government investigations and other regulatory enforcement risks as a result of a number of factors and from various sources, including the highly regulated nature of the financial services industry, the focus of state and federal prosecutors on banks and the financial services industry, the structure of the credit card industry and business practices in the mortgage lending business. Given the inherent uncertainties involved in litigation, government investigations, and regulatory enforcement decisions, and the very large or indeterminate damages sought in some matters asserted against us, there can be significant uncertainty as to the ultimate liability we may incur from these kinds of matters. The finding, or even the assertion, of substantial legal liability against us could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition and could cause significant reputational harm to us, which could seriously harm our business.
In addition, financial institutions, including us, have faced significant regulatory scrutiny over the past several years, which has increasingly led to public enforcement actions. We and our subsidiaries are subject to comprehensive regulation and periodic examination by the Federal Reserve, the SEC, OCC, FDIC and CFPB. We have been subject to enforcement actions by many of these and other regulators and may continue to be involved in such actions, including governmental inquiries, investigations and enforcement proceedings, including by the Department of Justice. We expect that regulators and governmental enforcement bodies will continue taking formal enforcement actions against financial institutions in addition to addressing supervisory concerns through non-public supervisory actions or findings, which could involve restrictions on our activities, among other limitations that could adversely affect our business. Litigation, government investigations and other regulatory actions generally could subject us to significant fines, increased expenses, restrictions on our activities and damage to our reputation and our brand, and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Other Business Risks
We Face Intense Competition In All Of Our Markets.
We operate in a highly competitive environment, both in making loans and attracting deposits, and we expect competitive conditions to continue to intensify with respect to most of our products. We compete on the basis of the rates we pay on deposits and the rates and other terms we charge on the loans we originate or purchase, as well as the quality and range of our customer service, products, innovation and experience. Price competition for loans might result in origination of fewer loans or earning less on our loans. Some of our competitors are substantially larger than we are, which may give those competitors advantages, including a more diversified product and customer base, the ability to reach out to more customers and potential customers, operational efficiencies, more versatile technology platforms, the ability to innovate faster, broad-based local distribution capabilities, lower-cost funding and larger existing branch networks. In addition, some of our competitors, including new and emerging competitors in the digital and mobile payments space, are not subject to the same regulatory requirements or legislative scrutiny to which we are subject, which also could place us at a competitive disadvantage. Many of our competitors are also focusing on cross-selling their products and developing new products or technologies, which could affect our ability to maintain or grow existing customer relationships or require us to offer lower interest rates or fees on our lending products or higher interest rates on deposits. This increasingly competitive environment is primarily a result of changes in regulation, changes in technology and product delivery systems, as well as the consolidation of financial service providers, all of which may affect our customers’ expectations and demands.
As of December 31, 2015, we operate the largest online direct banking institution in the U.S. by deposits. While direct banking represents a significant opportunity to attract new customers that value greater and more flexible access to banking services at reduced costs, we face strong competition in the direct banking market. Aggressive pricing throughout the industry may adversely affect the retention of existing balances and the cost-efficient acquisition of new deposit funds and may affect our growth and profitability. In addition, the effects of a competitive environment may be exacerbated by the flexibility of direct banking and the increasing financial and technological sophistication of our customer base. Customers could also close their online accounts or reduce balances or deposits in favor of products and services offered by competitors for other reasons. These shifts, which could be rapid, could result from general dissatisfaction with our products or services, including concerns over pricing, online security or our reputation.
We have expanded our credit card partnership business over the past several years with the additions of a number of credit card partnerships. The market for key business partners, especially in the credit card business, is very competitive, and we may not be able to grow or maintain these partner relationships. We face the risk that we could lose partner relationships, even after we have

 
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invested significant resources, time and expense into acquiring and developing the relationships. The loss of any of our business partners could have a negative impact on our results of operations, including lower returns, excess operating expense and excess funding capacity.
In addition, the global payments industry is highly competitive and is rapidly changing and increasingly subject to regulatory scrutiny. We compete with all forms of payments, including a variety of new and evolving alternative payment mechanisms, systems and products, such as aggregators and web-based and wireless payment platforms or technologies, digital currencies, prepaid systems and payment services targeting users of social networks and online gaming (including those offering billing to the consumer’s mobile phone account), as well as consortia of merchants that are expected to combine payment systems to reduce interchange and other costs. If we are unable to continue to keep pace with innovation, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.
In such a competitive environment, we may lose entire accounts or may lose account balances to competing firms, or we may find it more costly to maintain our existing customer base. Customer attrition from any or all of our lending products, together with any lowering of interest rates or fees that we might implement to retain customers, could reduce our revenues and therefore our earnings. Similarly, unexpected customer attrition from our deposit products, in addition to an increase in rates or services that we may offer to retain those deposits, may increase our expenses and therefore reduce our earnings.

Our Business, Financial Condition And Results Of Operations May Be Adversely Affected By Merchants’ Increasing Focus On The Fees Charged By Credit Card Networks And By Regulation And Legislation Impacting Such Fees.
Credit card interchange fees are generally one of the largest components of the costs that merchants pay in connection with the acceptance of credit cards and are a meaningful source of revenue for our credit card businesses. Interchange fees are the subject of significant and intense global legal, regulatory and legislative focus, and the resulting decisions, regulations and legislation may have a material adverse impact on our overall business, financial condition and results of operations.
Regulators and legislative bodies in a number of countries are seeking to reduce credit card interchange fees through legislation, competition-related regulatory proceedings, central bank regulation and or litigation. Interchange reimbursement rates in the United States are set by credit card networks such as MasterCard and Visa. In some jurisdictions, such as Canada and certain countries in the European Union, interchange fees and related practices are subject to regulatory activity that have limited the ability of certain networks to establish default rates, including in some cases imposing caps on permissible interchange fees and we have already experienced these impacts in our International Card business. Legislators and regulators around the world are aware of each other’s approaches to the regulation of the payments industry. Consequently, a development in one country, state or region may influence regulatory approaches in another, such as our primary market, the United States.
In addition to this regulatory activity, merchants are also seeking avenues to reduce interchange fees. During the past few years, merchants and their trade groups have filed numerous lawsuits against Visa, MasterCard, American Express and their card-issuing banks, claiming that their practices toward merchants, including interchange and similar fees, violate federal antitrust laws. In 2005, a number of entities filed antitrust lawsuits against MasterCard and Visa and several member banks, including our subsidiaries and us, alleging among other things, that the defendants conspired to fix the level of interchange fees. In December 2013, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York granted final approval of the proposed class settlement. See “Note 21—Commitments, Contingencies, Guarantees and Others” for further details. Among other results of the settlement, merchants are now entitled to join together to negotiate lower interchange fees. Some major retailers may have sufficient bargaining power to independently negotiate lower interchange fees with MasterCard and Visa, which could, in turn, result in lower interchange fees for us when our cardholders undertake purchase transactions with these retailers. These and other merchants also continue to lobby aggressively for caps and restrictions on interchange fees and there can be no assurance that their efforts will not be successful or that they will not in the future bring legal proceedings against us or other credit card and debit card issuers and networks.
Beyond pursuing litigation, legislation and regulation, merchants may also promote forms of payment with lower fees, such as ACH-based payments, or seek to impose surcharges at the point of sale for use of credit or debit cards. For example, a consortium of large U.S. retailers was recently created to develop a merchant-owned mobile payment system in part to reduce interchange fees.
The heightened focus by merchants and regulatory and legislative bodies on the fees charged by credit and debit card networks, and the ability of certain merchants to successfully negotiate discounts to interchange fees with MasterCard and Visa or develop alternative payment systems could result in a reduction of interchange fees. Any resulting loss in income to us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  

 
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If We Are Not Able To Invest Successfully In And Introduce Digital And Other Technological Developments Across All Our Businesses, Our Financial Performance May Suffer.
Our industry is subject to rapid and significant technological changes and our ability to meet our customers’ needs and expectations is key to our ability to grow revenue and earnings. We expect digital technologies to have a significant impact on banking over time. Consumers increasingly expect robust digital experiences from their financial services providers. The ability for customers to access their accounts and conduct financial transactions using digital technology, including mobile applications, is an increasingly important aspect of the financial services industry and it impacts our ability to deliver products and services to our customers. To that end, financial institutions are rapidly introducing new digital and other technology-driven products and services, which aim to offer a better customer experience and to reduce costs. We continue to invest in digital technology designed to attract new customers, facilitate the ability of existing customers to conduct financial transactions and enhance the customer experience related to our products and services.
Our continued success depends, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using digital technology to provide products and services that efficiently meet their expectations in a cost-effective manner. The development and launch of new digital products and services depends in large part on our capacity to invest in and build the technology platforms that can enable them. We continue to actively invest in such technology platforms, however, we may fail to implement the correct technology, or may fail to do so in a timely manner as discussed in more detail above under the headings “ We Face Intense Competition In All Of Our Markets and “ We Face Risks Related To Our Operational, Technological And Organizational Infrastructure.
Some of our competitors are substantially larger than we are, which may allow those competitors to invest more money into their technology infrastructure and digital innovation than we do. In addition, we face intense competition from smaller companies which experience lower cost structures and different regulatory requirements than we do, and which may allow them to innovate more rapidly than we can. See “ We Face Intense Competition In All Of Our Markets. ” Further, our success depends on our ability to attract and retain strong digital and technology leaders, engineers and other talent, and competition for such talent is intense. If we are unable to attract and retain digital and technology talent, our ability to offer digital products and services and build the necessary technology infrastructure could be negatively affected, which could negatively impact our business and financial results. A failure to maintain or enhance our competitive position with respect to digital products and services, whether because we fail to anticipate customer expectations or because our technological developments fail to perform as desired or are not implemented in a timely or successful manner, could negatively impact our business and financial results.
We May Fail To Realize All Of The Anticipated Benefits Of Our Mergers, Acquisitions And Strategic Partnerships.
We have engaged in merger and acquisition activity and entered into strategic partnerships over the past several years and may continue to engage in such activity in the future. We continue to evaluate and anticipate engaging in, among other merger and acquisition activity, additional strategic partnerships and selected acquisitions of financial institutions and other financial assets, including credit card and other loan portfolios.
Any merger, acquisition or strategic partnership we undertake entails certain risks, which may materially and adversely affect our results of operations. If we experience greater than anticipated costs to integrate acquired businesses into our existing operations or are not able to achieve the anticipated benefits of any merger, acquisition or strategic partnership, including cost savings and other synergies, our business could be negatively affected. In addition, it is possible that the ongoing integration processes could result in the loss of key employees, errors or delays in systems implementation, the disruption of our ongoing businesses or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies that adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with partners, clients, customers, depositors and employees or to achieve the anticipated benefits of any merger, acquisition or strategic partnership. Integration efforts also may divert management attention and resources. These integration matters may have an adverse effect on us during any transition period.
In addition, we may face the following risks in connection with any merger, acquisition or strategic partnership:
New Businesses and Geographic or Other Markets: Our merger, acquisition or strategic partnership activity may involve our entry into new businesses and new geographic areas or other markets which present risks resulting from our relative inexperience in these new businesses or markets. These new businesses or markets may change the overall character of our consolidated portfolio of businesses and could react differently to economic and other external factors. We face the risk that we will not be successful in these new businesses or in these new markets.
Identification and Assessment of Merger and Acquisition Targets and Deployment of Acquired Assets: We cannot assure you that we will identify or acquire suitable financial assets or institutions to supplement our organic growth through

 
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acquisitions or strategic partnerships. In addition, we may incorrectly assess the asset quality and value of the particular assets or institutions we acquire. Further, our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of any merger, acquisition or strategic partnership will depend on our ability to assess the asset quality and value of the particular assets or institutions we partner with, merge with or acquire. We may be unable to profitably deploy any assets we acquire.
Accuracy of Assumptions: In connection with any merger, acquisition or strategic partnership, we may make certain assumptions relating to the proposed merger, acquisition or strategic partnership that may be, or may prove to be, inaccurate, including as a result of the failure to realize the expected benefits of any merger, acquisition or strategic partnership. The inaccuracy of any assumptions we may make could result in unanticipated consequences that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Target-specific Risk: Assets and companies that we acquire, or companies that we enter into strategic partnerships with, will have their own risks that are specific to a particular asset or company. These risks include, but are not limited to, particular or specific regulatory, accounting, operational, reputational and industry risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Indemnification rights, if any, may be insufficient to compensate us for any losses or damages resulting from such risks. In addition to regulatory approvals discussed above, certain of our merger, acquisition or partnership activity may require third-party consents in order for us to fully realize the anticipated benefits of any such transaction.
Reputational Risk And Social Factors May Impact Our Results And Damage Our Brand.
Our ability to originate and maintain accounts is highly dependent upon the perceptions of consumer and commercial borrowers and deposit holders and other external perceptions of our business and compliance practices or our financial health. In addition, our brand has historically been, and we expect it to continue to be, very important to us. Maintaining and enhancing our brand will depend largely on our ability to continue to provide high-quality products and services. Adverse perceptions regarding our reputation in the consumer, commercial and funding markets could lead to difficulties in generating and maintaining accounts as well as in financing them. In particular, negative public perceptions regarding our reputation could lead to decreases in the levels of deposits that consumer and commercial customers and potential customers choose to maintain with us. In addition, negative perceptions regarding certain industries or clients could also prompt us to cease business activities associated with those industries or clients.
Negative public opinion or damage to our brand could also result from actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities or circumstances, including lending practices, regulatory compliance, security breaches (including the use and protection of customer information), corporate governance, and sales and marketing, and from actions taken by regulators or other persons in response to such conduct. Such conduct could fall short of our customers’ and the public’s heightened expectations of companies of our size with rigorous data, privacy and compliance practices, and could further harm our reputation. In addition, third parties with whom we have important relationships may take actions over which we have limited control that could negatively impact perceptions about us. The proliferation of social media may increase the likelihood that negative public opinion from any of the events discussed above will impact our reputation and business.
In addition, a variety of social factors may cause changes in borrowing activity, including credit card use, payment patterns and the rate of defaults by accountholders and borrowers domestically and internationally. These social factors include changes in consumer confidence levels, the public’s perception regarding consumer debt, including credit card use, and changing attitudes about the stigma of bankruptcy. If consumers develop or maintain negative attitudes about incurring debt, or if consumption trends decline or if we fail to maintain and enhance our brand, or we incur significant expenses in this effort, our business and financial results could be materially and negatively affected.
If We Are Not Able To Protect Our Intellectual Property, Our Revenue And Profitability Could Be Negatively Affected.
We rely on a variety of measures to protect and enhance our intellectual property, including copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, patents and certain restrictions on disclosure, solicitation and competition. We also undertake other measures to control access to and distribution of our other proprietary information. These measures may not prevent misappropriation of our proprietary information or infringement of our intellectual property rights and a resulting loss of competitive advantage. In addition, our competitors or other third parties may file patent applications for innovations that are used in our industry or allege that our systems, processes or technologies infringe on their intellectual property rights. If our competitors or other third parties are successful in obtaining such patents or prevail in intellectual property-related litigation against us, we could lose significant revenues, incur significant license, royalty or technology development expenses, or pay significant damages.

 
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There Are Risks Resulting From The Extensive Use Of Models In Our Business.
We rely on quantitative models to aggregate and assess our various risk exposures and to estimate certain financial values. Models may be used in such processes as determining the pricing of various products, grading loans and extending credit, measuring interest rate and other market risks, predicting losses, assessing capital adequacy, and calculating economic and regulatory capital levels, as well as to estimate the value of financial instruments and balance sheet items. Poorly designed or implemented models present the risk that our business decisions based on information incorporating models will be adversely affected due to the inadequacy of that information. Also, information we provide to the public or to our regulators based on poorly designed or implemented models could be inaccurate or misleading. Some of the decisions that our regulators make, including those related to capital distribution to our shareholders, could be affected adversely due to the perception that the quality of the models used to generate the relevant information is insufficient. Any issues with the quality or effectiveness of our data aggregation and validation procedures, as well as the quality and integrity of data inputs, could result in ineffective risk management practices or inaccurate risk reporting. If our risk management framework proves ineffective, we could suffer unexpected losses which could materially adversely affect our results of operation or financial condition.
Our Risk Management Strategies May Not Be Fully Effective In Mitigating Our Risk Exposures In All Market Environments Or Against All Types Of Risk.
Management of risk, including market, credit, liquidity, compliance and strategic risks, requires, among other things, policies and procedures to record properly and verify a large number of transactions and events. See “MD&A—Risk Management” for further details. We have devoted significant resources to developing our risk management policies and procedures and expect to continue to do so in the future. Nonetheless, our risk management strategies may not be fully effective in identifying and mitigating our risk exposure in all market environments or against all types of risk, including risks that are unidentified or unanticipated, even if our models for assessing risk are properly designed and implemented.
Some of our methods of managing risk are based upon our use of observed historical market behavior and management’s judgment. These methods may not accurately predict future exposures, which could be significantly greater than the historical measures indicate. For example, market conditions during the financial crisis involved unprecedented dislocations and highlight the limitations inherent in using historical information to manage risk. In addition, credit risk is inherent in the financial services business and results from, among other things, extending credit to customers. Our ability to assess the creditworthiness of our customers may be impaired if the models and approaches we use to select, manage and underwrite our consumer and commercial customers become less predictive of future charge-offs (due, for example, to rapid changes in the economy, including the unemployment rate).
While we employ a broad and diversified set of risk monitoring and risk mitigation techniques, those techniques and the judgments that accompany their application cannot anticipate every economic and financial outcome or the timing of such outcomes. For example, our ability to implement our risk management strategies may be hindered by adverse changes in the volatility or liquidity conditions in certain markets and as a result, may limit our ability to distribute such risks (for instance, when we seek to syndicate exposure in bridge financing transactions we have underwritten). We may, therefore, incur losses in the course of our risk management or investing activities.
Changes In Consumer Behavior And Their Adoption of Digital Technology May Change Retail Distribution Strategies And May Adversely Impact Our Investments In Our Bank Premises And Equipment And Other Retail Distribution Assets, Lead To Increased Expenditures And Expose Us To Additional Risk.
We have significant investments in bank premises and equipment for our branch network and other branch banking assets including our full service banking centers, parcels of land held for the development of future banking centers and our retail work force. Advances in technology such as digital and mobile banking, in-branch self-service technologies, proximity or remote payment technologies, as well as progressively changing customer preferences for these other methods of banking, could decrease the value of our branch network or other retail distribution assets. As a result, we may need to change our retail distribution strategy and close, sell and/or renovate certain branches or parcels of land held for development and restructure or reduce our remaining branches and work force. These actions could lead to losses on these assets or could adversely impact the carrying value of other long-lived assets, increase our expenditures, dilute our brand and/or reduce customer demand for our products and services.
Further, to the extent that we change our retail distribution strategy and as a result expand into new business areas, we may face more competitors with more experience in the new business areas and more established relationships with relevant customers,

 
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regulators and industry participants, which could adversely affect our ability to compete. Our competitors may also be subject to less burdensome regulations. See “We Face Intense Competition In All Our Markets.”
Fluctuations In Market Interest Rates Or Volatility In The Capital Markets Could Adversely Affect Our Income And Expense, The Value Of Assets And Obligations, Our Regulatory Capital, Cost Of Capital Or Our Liquidity.
Like other financial institutions, our business may be sensitive to market interest rate movement and the performance of the capital markets. Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility across the capital markets could negatively impact market liquidity and limit our access to liquidity required to operate and grow our business. In addition, changes in interest rates or in valuations in the debt or equity markets could directly impact us. For example, we borrow money from other institutions and depositors, which we use to make loans to customers and invest in debt securities and other earning assets. We earn interest on these loans and assets and pay interest on the money we borrow from institutions and depositors. Fluctuations in interest rates, including changes in the relationship between short-term rates and long-term rates and in the relationship between our funding basis rate and our lending basis rate, may have negative impacts on our net interest income and therefore our earnings. In addition, interest rate fluctuations and competitor responses to those changes may affect the rate of customer prepayments for mortgage, auto and other term loans and may affect the balances customers carry on their credit cards. These changes can reduce the overall yield on our earning asset portfolio. Changes in interest rates and competitor responses to these changes may also impact customer decisions to maintain balances in the deposit accounts they have with us. In addition, changes in valuations in the debt and equity markets could have a negative impact on the assets we hold in our investment portfolio. Such market changes could also have a negative impact on the valuation of assets for which we provide servicing. Finally, the Final Basel III Capital Rule requires that most amounts reported in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”), including unrealized gains and losses on securities designated as available for sale , be included in our regulatory capital calculations. Changes in interest rates or market valuations that result in unrealized losses on components of AOCI could therefore impact our regulatory capital ratios negatively.
We assess our interest rate risk by estimating the effect on our earnings under various scenarios that differ based on assumptions about the direction and the magnitude of interest rate changes. We take risk mitigation actions based on those assessments. We face the risk that changes in interest rates could materially reduce our net interest income and our earnings, especially if actual conditions turn out to be materially different than those we assumed. See “MD&A—Market Risk Management” for additional information.
Our Business Could Be Negatively Affected If We Are Unable To Attract, Retain And Motivate Skilled Senior Leaders.
Our success depends, in large part, on our ability to retain key senior leaders, and competition for such senior leaders is intense. The executive compensation provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and the regulations issued thereunder, and any further legislation, regulation or regulatory guidance restricting executive compensation, may limit the types of compensation arrangements that we may enter into with our most senior leaders and could have a negative impact on our ability to attract, retain and motivate such leaders in support of our long-term strategy. These laws and regulations may not apply in the same manner to all financial institutions, and we therefore may face more restrictions than other institutions and companies with whom we compete for talent. If we are unable to retain talented senior leadership, our business could be negatively affected.
We Face Risks From Unpredictable Catastrophic Events.
Despite our substantial business contingency plans, the impact from natural disasters and other catastrophic events, including terrorist attacks, may have a negative effect on our business and infrastructure, including our information technology systems. In addition, if a natural disaster or other catastrophic event occurs in certain regions where our business and customers are concentrated, such as the mid-Atlantic and New York metropolitan area, we could be disproportionately impacted as compared to our competitors. The impact of such events and other catastrophes on the overall economy may also adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We Face Risks From The Use Of Or Changes To Assumptions Or Estimates In Our Financial Statements.
Pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”), we are required to use certain assumptions and estimates in preparing our financial statements, including determining our allowance for loan and lease losses, the fair value of certain assets and liabilities, and asset impairment, among other items. In addition, the FASB, the SEC and other regulatory bodies may change the financial accounting and reporting standards, including those related to assumptions and estimates we use to prepare our financial statements, in ways that we cannot predict and that could impact our financial statements. If actual results differ from the assumptions or estimates underlying our financial statements or if financial accounting and reporting standards are changed, we may experience unexpected material losses. For a discussion of our use of estimates in the preparation of our

 
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consolidated financial statements, see “MD&A—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” and “Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”
Limitations On Our Ability To Receive Dividends From Our Subsidiaries Could Affect Our Liquidity And Ability To Pay Dividends And Repurchase Common Stock.
We are a separate and distinct legal entity from our subsidiaries, including the Banks. Dividends to us from our direct and indirect subsidiaries, including the Banks, have represented a major source of funds for us to pay dividends on our common and preferred stock, repurchase common stock, make payments on corporate debt securities and meet other obligations. There are various federal law limitations on the extent to which the Banks can finance or otherwise supply funds to us through dividends and loans. These limitations include minimum regulatory capital requirements, federal banking law requirements concerning the payment of dividends out of net profits or surplus, Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation W governing transactions between an insured depository institution and its affiliates, as well as general federal regulatory oversight to prevent unsafe or unsound practices. If our subsidiaries’ earnings are not sufficient to make dividend payments to us while maintaining adequate capital levels, our liquidity may be affected and we may not be able to make dividend payments to our common or preferred stockholders, repurchase our common stock, make payments on outstanding corporate debt securities or meet other obligations, each and any of which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial position or perception of financial health.
 
The Soundness Of Other Financial Institutions And Other Third Parties Could Adversely Affect Us.
Our ability to engage in routine funding and other transactions could be adversely affected by the stability and actions of other financial services institutions. Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, servicing, counterparty and other relationships. We have exposure to an increasing number of financial institutions and counterparties. These counterparties include institutions that may be exposed to various risks over which we have little or no control, including European or U.S. sovereign debt that is currently or may become in the future subject to significant price pressure, rating agency downgrade or default risk.
In addition, we routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, mutual and hedge funds and other institutional clients, resulting in a significant credit concentration with respect to the financial services industry overall. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial services institutions, or the financial services industry generally, have led to market-wide liquidity problems and could lead to losses or defaults by us or by other institutions.
Likewise, adverse developments affecting the overall strength and soundness of our competitors, the financial services industry as a whole and the general economic climate or sovereign debt could have a negative impact on perceptions about the strength and soundness of our business even if we are not subject to the same adverse developments. In addition, adverse developments with respect to third parties with whom we have important relationships also could negatively impact perceptions about us. These perceptions about us could cause our business to be negatively affected and exacerbate the other risks that we face.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2. Properties
Our corporate and banking real estate portfolio consists of approximately 15.0 million square feet of owned or leased office and retail space, used to support our business. Of this overall portfolio, approximately 10.8 million square feet of space is dedicated for various corporate office uses and approximately 4.2 million square feet of space is for bank branches and related offices.
Our 10.8 million square feet of corporate office space consists of approximately 5.9 million square feet of leased space and 4.9 million square feet of owned space. Our headquarters is located in McLean, Virginia, and is included in our corporate office space. We maintain office space primarily in Virginia, Texas, Illinois, New York, Delaware, Louisiana and Maryland.
Our 4.2 million square feet of bank branches and related office space consists of approximately 2.1 million square feet of leased space and 2.1 million square feet of owned space, including branch locations primarily across New York, Louisiana, Texas, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey and District of Columbia. See “ Note 9—Premises, Equipment and Lease Commitments ” for information about our premises.

 
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Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The information required by Item 103 of Regulation S-K is included in “ Note 21—Commitments, Contingencies, Guarantees and Others .”
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.

 
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
Our common stock is listed on the NYSE and is traded under the symbol “COF.” As of January 29, 2016, there were 12,056 holders of record of our common stock. The table below presents the high and low closing trade prices of our common stock as reported by the NYSE and cash dividends per common share declared by us during each quarter indicated.    
 
 
Trade Price
 
Cash
Dividends
For the Quarter Ended
 
High
 
Low
 
December 31, 2015
 
$
81.42

 
$
72.18

 
$
0.40

September 30, 2015
 
91.71

 
71.55

 
0.40

June 30, 2015
 
89.38

 
79.67

 
0.40

March 31, 2015
 
82.49

 
73.21

 
0.30

December 31, 2014
 
$
83.31

 
$
76.43

 
$
0.30

September 30, 2014
 
84.95

 
78.04

 
0.30

June 30, 2014
 
83.49

 
72.95

 
0.30

March 31, 2014
 
78.02

 
68.66

 
0.30

Dividend Restrictions
For information regarding our ability to pay dividends, see the discussion under “Part I—Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation—Dividends, Stock Repurchases and Transfers of Funds,” “MD&A—Capital Management—Dividend Policy and Stock Purchases,” and “ Note 13—Regulatory and Capital Adequacy .”
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Information relating to compensation plans under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance is presented in Part III of this Report under “Part III—Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters .”

 
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Common Stock Performance Graph
The following graph shows the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock compared to an overall stock market index, the S&P Composite 500 Stock Index (“S&P 500 Index”), and a published industry index, the S&P Financial Composite Index (“S&P Financial Index”), over the five-year period commencing December 31, 2010 and ending December 31, 2015 . The stock performance graph assumes that $100 was invested in our common stock and each index and that all dividends were reinvested. The stock price performance on the graph below is not necessarily indicative of future performance.
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
Capital One
 
$
100.00

 
$
99.79

 
$
137.21

 
$
184.12

 
$
201.53

 
$
179.55

S&P 500 Index
 
100.00

 
100.00

 
113.40

 
146.97

 
163.71

 
162.52

S&P Financial Index
 
100.00

 
81.59

 
103.01

 
137.22

 
155.19

 
149.80

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
We did not have any sales of unregistered equity securities in 2015 .

 
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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table presents information related to repurchases of shares of our common stock for each calendar month in the fourth quarter of 2015 .
(Dollars in millions, except per share information)
 
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share (2)
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
 
Maximum
Amount That May
Yet be Purchased
Under the Plan
or Program (2)
October
 
3,036,479

 
$
75.06

 
3,036,479

 
$
1,647

November
 
3,247,143

 
79.21

 
3,229,942

 
1,391

December
 
1,812,341

 
77.93

 
1,812,341

 
1,250

Total
 
8,095,963

 
$
77.37

 
8,078,762

 
 
__________
(1)  
Primarily comprised of repurchases under the $3.125 billion common stock repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors and announced on March 11, 2015, which began on April 1, 2015 and authorized share repurchases through June 30, 2016. Also includes 17,201 shares purchased in November related to the withholding of shares to cover taxes on restricted stock awards whose restrictions have lapsed.
(2)  
Amounts exclude commission costs.

 
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Item 6. Summary of Selected Financial Data
The following table presents selected consolidated financial data and performance metrics for the five-year period ended December 31, 2015 . Certain prior period amounts have been recast to conform to the current period presentation. We prepare our consolidated financial statements based on U.S. GAAP. This data should be reviewed in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes and with the MD&A included in this Report. The historical financial information presented may not be indicative of our future performance.
Five-Year Summary of Selected Financial Data (1)  
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Change
(Dollars in millions, except per share data and as noted)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2015 vs. 2014
 
2014 vs. 2013
Income statement
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
$
20,459

 
$
19,397

 
$
19,898

 
$
18,964

 
$
14,987

 
5%

 
(3)%

Interest expense
 
1,625

 
1,579

 
1,792

 
2,375

 
2,246

 
3

 
(12
)
Net interest income
 
18,834

 
17,818

 
18,106

 
16,589

 
12,741

 
6

 
(2
)
Non-interest income (2)
 
4,579

 
4,472

 
4,278

 
4,807

 
3,538

 
2

 
5

Total net revenue
 
23,413

 
22,290

 
22,384

 
21,396

 
16,279

 
5

  

Provision for credit losses (3)
 
4,536

 
3,541

 
3,453

 
4,415

 
2,360

 
28

  
3

Non-interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketing
 
1,744

 
1,561

 
1,373

 
1,364

 
1,337

 
12

 
14

Amortization of intangibles
 
430

 
532

 
671

 
609

 
222

 
(19
)
 
(21
)
Operating expenses
 
10,822

 
10,087

 
10,309

 
9,824

 
7,672

 
7

 
(2
)
Total non-interest expense
 
12,996

 
12,180

 
12,353

 
11,797

 
9,231

 
7

  
(1
)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
5,881

 
6,569

 
6,578

 
5,184

 
4,688

 
(10
)
 

Income tax provision
 
1,869

 
2,146

 
2,224

 
1,475

 
1,452

 
(13
)
 
(4
)
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
 
4,012

 
4,423

 
4,354

 
3,709

 
3,236

 
(9
)
 
2

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
38

 
5

 
(233
)
 
(217
)
 
(106
)
 
**

 
**

Net income
 
4,050

 
4,428

 
4,121

 
3,492

 
3,130

 
(9
)
 
7

Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities
 
(20
)
 
(18
)
 
(17
)
 
(15
)
 
(26
)
 
11

 
6

Preferred stock dividends
 
(158
)
 
(67
)
 
(53
)
 
(15
)
 

 
136

 
26

Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
3,872

 
$
4,343

 
$
4,051

 
$
3,462

 
$
3,104

 
(11
)
 
7

Common share statistics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Basic earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income from continuing operations
 
$
7.08

 
$
7.70

 
$
7.39

 
$
6.56

 
$
7.04

 
(8)%

 
4%

Income (loss) from discontinued operations
 
0.07

 
0.01

 
(0.40
)
 
(0.39
)
 
(0.23
)
 
**

 
**

Net income per basic common share
 
$
7.15

 
$
7.71

 
$
6.99

 
$
6.17

 
$
6.81

 
(7
)
 
10

Diluted earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Net income from continuing operations
 
$
7.00

 
$
7.58

 
$
7.28

 
$
6.49

 
$
6.99

 
(8
)
 
4

Income (loss) from discontinued operations
 
0.07

 
0.01

 
(0.39
)
 
(0.38
)
 
(0.23
)
 
**

 
**

Net income per diluted common share
 
$
7.07

 
$
7.59

 
$
6.89

 
$
6.11

 
$
6.76

 
(7
)
 
10

Common shares outstanding (period end, in millions)
 
527.3

 
553.4

 
572.7

 
582.2

 
459.9

 
(5
)
 
(3
)
Dividends paid per common share
 
$
1.50

 
$
1.20

 
$
0.95

 
$
0.20

 
$
0.20

 
25

 
26

Tangible book value per common share (period end)
 
53.65

 
50.32

 
43.64

 
40.10

 
34.16

 
7

 
15

Common dividend payout ratio (4)
 
20.98
%
 
15.56
%
 
13.59
%
 
3.24
%
 
2.93
%
 
542
bps
 
197
bps
Stock price per common share at period end
 
$
72.18

 
$
82.55

 
$
76.61

 
$
57.93

 
$
42.29

 
(13)%

 
8%

Book value per common share at period end
 
89.67

 
81.41

 
72.69

 
69.43

 
64.40

 
10

 
12

Total market capitalization at period end
 
38,061

 
45,683

 
43,875

 
33,727

 
19,301

 
(17
)
 
4


 
33
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Change
(Dollars in millions, except per share data and as noted)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2015 vs. 2014
 
2014 vs. 2013
Balance sheet (average balances)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans held for investment
 
$
210,745

 
$
197,925

 
$
192,614

 
$
187,915

 
$
128,424

 
6%

 
3%

Interest-earning assets
 
282,581

 
267,174

 
266,423

 
255,079

 
175,265

 
6

  

Total assets
 
313,474

 
297,659

 
296,200

 
285,142

 
198,323

 
5

  

Interest-bearing deposits
 
185,677

 
181,036

 
187,700

 
183,314

 
109,644

 
3

  
(4
)
Total deposits
 
210,989

 
205,675

 
209,045

 
203,055

 
126,694

 
3

  
(2
)
Borrowings
 
45,420

 
38,882

 
37,807

 
38,025

 
38,022

 
17

  
3

Common equity
 
45,072

 
43,055

 
40,629

 
36,934

 
28,538

 
5

 
6

Total stockholders’ equity
 
47,713

 
44,268

 
41,482

 
37,265

 
28,538

 
8

 
7

Selected performance metrics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Purchase volume (5)
 
$
271,167

 
$
224,750

 
$
201,074

 
$
180,599

 
$
135,120

 
21%

 
12%

Total net revenue margin (6)
 
8.29%

 
8.34%

 
8.40%

 
8.39%

 
9.29%

 
(5
)bps
 
(6
)bps
Net interest margin (7)
 
6.66

 
6.67

 
6.80

 
6.50

 
7.27

 
(1
)
  
(13
)
Return on average assets
 
1.28

 
1.49

 
1.47

 
1.30

 
1.63

 
(21
)
 
2

Return on average tangible assets (8)
 
1.35

 
1.57

 
1.55

 
1.38

 
1.76

 
(22
)
 
2

Return on average common equity (9)
 
8.51

 
10.08

 
10.54

 
9.96

 
11.25

 
(157
)
 
(46
)
Return on average tangible common equity (“TCE”) (10)
 
12.87

 
15.79

 
17.35

 
17.25

 
22.05

 
(292
)
 
(156
)
Equity-to-assets ratio (11)
 
15.22

 
14.87

 
14.00

 
13.07

 
14.39

 
35

 
87

Non-interest expense as a percentage of average loans held for investment (12)
 
6.17

 
6.15

 
6.41

 
6.28

 
7.19

 
2

 
(26
)
Efficiency ratio (13)
 
55.51

 
54.64

 
55.19

 
55.14

 
56.70

 
87

  
(55
)
Effective income tax rate from continuing operations
 
31.8

 
32.7

 
33.8

 
28.5

 
31.0

 
(90
)
  
(110
)
Net charge-offs
 
$
3,695

 
$
3,414

 
$
3,934

 
$
3,555

 
$
3,771

 
8%

 
(13)%

Net charge-off rate (14)
 
1.75%

 
1.72%

 
2.04%

 
1.89%

 
2.94%

 
3
bps
 
(32
)bps
 
 
December 31,
 
Change
(Dollars in millions, except as noted)

2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2015 vs. 2014
 
2014 vs. 2013
Balance sheet (period end)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans held for investment
 
$
229,851

 
$
208,316

 
$
197,199

 
$
205,889

 
$
135,892

 
10%

 
6%

Interest-earning assets
 
302,007

 
277,849

 
265,170

 
280,096

 
179,878

 
9

 
5

Total assets
 
334,048

 
308,167

 
296,064

 
311,682

 
204,336

 
8

 
4

Interest-bearing deposits
 
191,874

 
180,467

 
181,880

 
190,018

 
109,945

 
6

 
(1
)
Total deposits
 
217,721

 
205,548

 
204,523

 
212,485

 
128,226

 
6

 
1

Borrowings
 
59,115

 
48,457

 
40,654

 
49,910

 
39,561

 
22

 
19

Common equity
 
43,990

 
43,231

 
40,779

 
39,572

 
29,617

 
2

 
6

Total stockholders’ equity
 
47,284

 
45,053

 
41,632

 
40,425

 
29,617

 
5

 
8

Credit quality metrics (period end)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan and lease losses
 
$
5,130

 
$
4,383

 
$
4,315

 
$
5,156

 
$
4,250

 
17%

 
2%

Allowance as a percentage of loans held for investment (“allowance coverage ratio”)
 
2.23%

 
2.10%

 
2.19
%
 
2.50
%
 
3.13
%
 
13
bps
 
(9
)bps
30+ day performing delinquency rate
 
2.69

 
2.62

 
2.63

 
2.70

 
3.35

 
7

 
(1
)
30+ day delinquency rate
 
3.00

 
2.91

 
2.96

 
3.09

 
3.95

 
9

 
(5
)
Capital ratios (15)
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio
 
11.1%

 
12.5%

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
(140
)bps
 
**

Tier 1 common ratio
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
12.2

 
10.9

 
9.6

 
**

 
**

Tier 1 capital ratio
 
12.4

 
13.2

 
12.6

 
11.3

 
12.0

 
(80
)bps
 
60
bps
Total capital ratio
 
14.6

 
15.1

 
14.7

 
13.5

 
14.8

 
(50
)
 
40

Tier 1 leverage ratio
 
10.6

 
10.8

 
10.1

 
8.6

 
10.0

 
(20
)
 
70

Tangible common equity ratio (16)
 
8.9

 
9.5

 
8.9

 
7.9

 
8.2

 
(60
)
 
60

Supplementary leverage ratio (17)
 
9.2

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
**

 
**


 
34
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



 
 
December 31,
 
Change
(Dollars in millions, except as noted)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2015 vs. 2014
 
2014 vs. 2013
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employees (in thousands), period end
 
45.4

 
46.0

 
45.4

 
42.2

 
34.1

 
(1)%

 
1%

__________
**
Change is not meaningful.
(1)  
As of January 1, 2015, we changed our accounting principle to move from a gross basis of presentation to a net basis, for presenting qualifying derivative assets and liabilities, as well as the related right to reclaim cash collateral or obligation to return cash collateral. See “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” for additional information. Prior period results, excluding regulatory ratios, have been recast to conform to this presentation.
(2)  
Includes a bargain purchase gain of $594 million attributable to the ING Direct acquisition recognized in non-interest income in the first quarter of 2012. The bargain purchase gain represents the excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired from ING Direct as of the acquisition date over the consideration transferred. See “MD&A—Glossary and Acronyms” for the definition of ING Direct acquisition.
(3)  
Provision for credit losses for 2012 includes expense of $1.2 billion to establish an initial allowance for the receivables acquired in the 2012 U.S. card acquisition accounted for based on contractual cash flows. See “MD&A—Glossary and Acronyms” for the definition of 2012 U.S. card acquisition.
(4)  
Calculated based on dividends per common share for the period divided by basic earnings per common share for the period.
(5)  
Consists of credit card purchase transactions, net of returns, for the period for both loans classified as held for investment and loans classified as held for sale. Excludes cash advance and balance transfer transactions.
(6)  
Calculated based on total net revenue for the period divided by average interest-earning assets for the period.
(7)  
Calculated based on net interest income for the period divided by average interest-earning assets for the period.
(8)  
Calculated based on income from continuing operations, net of tax, for the period divided by average tangible assets for the period. See “MD&A—Table F —Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures and Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures” for additional information.
(9)  
Calculated based on the sum of (i) income from continuing operations, net of tax; (ii) less dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities; (iii) less preferred stock dividends, for the period, divided by average common equity. Our calculation of return on average common equity may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
(10)  
Calculated based on the sum of (i) income from continuing operations, net of tax; (ii) less dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities; (iii) less preferred stock dividends, for the period, divided by average tangible common equity (“TCE”). Our calculation of return on average TCE may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. See “MD&A—Table F —Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures and Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures” for additional information.
(11)  
Calculated based on average stockholders’ equity for the period divided by average total assets for the period.
(12)  
Calculated based on non-interest expense for the period divided by average loans held for investment for the period.
(13)  
Calculated based on non-interest expense for the period divided by total net revenue for the period.
(14)  
Calculated based on net charge-offs for the period divided by average loans held for investment for the period.
(15)  
Beginning on January 1, 2014, we calculate our regulatory capital under Basel III Standardized Approach subject to transition provisions. Prior to January 1, 2014, we calculated regulatory capital measures under Basel I. See “MD&A— Capital Management ” and “MD&A—Table F —Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures and Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures” for additional information, including the calculation of each of these ratios.
(16)  
The tangible common equity ratio is a non-GAAP measure calculated as TCE divided by tangible assets. See “MD&A—Table F —Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures and Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures” for the calculation of this measure and reconciliation to the comparative U.S. GAAP measure.
(17)  
Supplementary leverage ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on Tier 1 capital under the Basel III Standardized Approach divided by total leverage exposure. See “MD&A—Capital Management” for additional information.

 
35
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


Table of Contents

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”)

This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are based upon management’s current expectations and are subject to significant uncertainties and changes in circumstances. Please review “Forward-Looking Statements” for more information on the forward-looking statements in this 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K (“this Report”). Our actual results may differ materially from those included in these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to, those described in “Part I—Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Report. Unless otherwise specified, references to notes to our consolidated financial statements refer to the notes to our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015 included in this Report.
 
Management monitors a variety of key indicators to evaluate our business results and financial condition. The following MD&A is intended to provide the reader with an understanding of our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity by focusing on changes from year to year in certain key measures used by management to evaluate performance, such as profitability, growth and credit quality metrics. MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 and accompanying notes. MD&A is organized in the following sections:
•   Executive Summary and Business Outlook
 
•   Capital Management
•   Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
•   Risk Management
•   Accounting Changes and Developments
 
•   Credit Risk Profile
•   Consolidated Results of Operations
 
•   Liquidity Risk Profile
•   Business Segment Financial Performance
 
•   Market Risk Profile
•   Consolidated Balance Sheets Analysis
 
•   Supplemental Tables
•   Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Variable Interest Entities
 
•   Glossary and Acronyms
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND BUSINESS OUTLOOK
In 2015 all three of our business segments delivered strong underlying performance. We continue to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns while investing to improve profitability.
Financial Highlights
We reported net income of $4.1 billion ( $7.07 per diluted common share) on total net revenue of $23.4 billion for 2015 . In comparison, we reported net income of $4.4 billion ( $7.59 per diluted common share) on total net revenue of $22.3 billion for 2014 and $4.1 billion ( $6.89 per diluted common share) on total net revenue of $22.4 billion for 2013 .
Our common equity Tier 1 capital ratio, as calculated under the Basel III Standardized Approach, including transition provisions, was 11.1% and 12.5% as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We formally entered parallel run for Basel III Advanced Approaches on January 1, 2015. See “MD&A— Capital Management ” below for additional information.
On March 11, 2015, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $3.125 billion of shares of our common stock (“2015 Stock Repurchase Program”). Through the end of 2015, we repurchased approximately $1.875 billion of shares of common stock as part of this program and expect to complete the 2015 Stock Repurchase Program by the end of the second quarter of 2016. On February 17, 2016, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $300 million of shares of common stock through the end of the second quarter of 2016 under the 2015 Stock Repurchase Program. See “MD&A— Capital Management ” below for additional information.
Below are additional highlights of our performance in 2015 . These highlights are generally based on a comparison between the results of 2015 and 2014 , except as otherwise noted. The changes in our financial condition and credit performance are generally based on our financial condition and credit performance as of December 31, 2015 , compared to our financial condition and credit performance as of December 31, 2014 . We provide a more detailed discussion of our financial performance in the sections following this “ Executive Summary and Business Outlook .”

 
36
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


Table of Contents

Total Company Performance
Earnings: Our net income decreased by $378 million to $4.1 billion in 2015 , compared to 2014 . The decrease in net income from continuing operations in 2015 was driven by (i) an increase in the provision for credit losses in our domestic credit card loan portfolio due to a larger allowance build in 2015 due to continued loan growth coupled with our expectations for rising charge-off rates, and higher charge-offs as new loan balances season; (ii) an increase in the provision for credit losses in our commercial loan portfolio due to a larger build in both the allowance and reserve for unfunded lending commitments resulting from adverse market conditions impacting our oil and gas portfolio and taxi medallion lending portfolio; and (iii) an increase in non-interest expense driven by higher operating and marketing expenses associated with loan growth and continued technology and infrastructure investments. In 2015, we recorded charges totaling $150 million for severance and related benefits pursuant to our ongoing benefit programs and certain site closures, as a result of the realignment of our workforce. We also recorded a build in the U.K. Payment Protection Insurance customer refund reserve (“U.K. PPI Reserve”) of $147 million in 2015, reflecting recent U.K. regulatory developments and updated estimates of future complaint levels. These expenses were partially offset by (i) higher interest income due to growth in our credit card, commercial and auto loan portfolios, partially offset by the planned run-off of our acquired home loan portfolio; and (ii) an increase in non-interest income primarily attributable to higher net interchange fees, partially offset by lower service charges and other customer-related fees primarily driven by the continued run-off of our payment protection products in our Domestic Card business. The increase in net income from discontinued operations in 2015 was primarily driven by a reduction in our mortgage representation and warranty reserve in 2015 resulting from favorable industry legal developments.
Loans Held for Investment: Period-end loans held for investment increased by $21.5 billion to $229.9 billion as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 and average loans held for investment increased by $12.8 billion to $210.7 billion in 2015 compared to 2014 . The increases were primarily driven by continued growth in our credit card, auto and commercial loan portfolios, including loans acquired from the GE Healthcare acquisition, partially offset by the planned run-off of our acquired home loan portfolio.
Net Charge-off and Delinquency Statistics: Our net charge-off rate increased by 3 basis points to 1.75% in 2015 compared to 2014 . Net charge-off rates remained low compared to our long-term trends, while we experienced rising losses in our taxi medallion lending portfolio and oil and gas portfolio within our Commercial Banking business. Our 30+ day delinquency rate increased by 9 basis points to 3.00% as of December 31, 2015 , from December 31, 2014 , primarily due to the seasoning of recent credit card loan originations and adverse market conditions impacting our taxi medallion lending portfolio. We provide additional information on our credit quality metrics below under “ Business Segment Financial Performance ” and “ Credit Risk Profile .”
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses: Our allowance for loan and lease losses increased by $747 million to $5.1 billion as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 . The increase in the allowance for loan and lease losses was primarily driven by continued loan growth, coupled with our expectations of rising charge-off rates in our domestic credit card portfolio driven by growth, as well as adverse market conditions impacting our oil and gas portfolio and taxi medallion lending portfolio in our Commercial Banking business . These factors also contributed to a higher allowance coverage ratio, which increased by 13 basis points to 2.23% as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 .
Business Segment Financial Performance
Table 1 summarizes our business segment results, which we report based on revenue and income from continuing operations, net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 . We provide information on the allocation methodologies used to derive our business segment results in “ Note 20—Business Segments .”
 
Table 1 : Business Segment Results
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
Total Net
Revenue
(1)
 
Net Income (2)
 
Total Net
Revenue
(1)
 
Net Income (2)
 
Total Net
Revenue
(1)
 
Net Income
(Loss) (2)
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
Credit Card
 
$
14,582

 
62
%
 
$
2,354

 
59
%
 
$
13,621

 
61
%
 
$
2,479

 
56
%
 
$
14,287

 
64
 %
 
$
2,615

 
60
 %
Consumer Banking
 
6,465

 
28

 
1,034

 
26

 
6,432

 
29

 
1,195

 
27

 
6,654

 
30

 
1,451

 
33

Commercial Banking (3)
 
2,352

 
10

 
570

 
14

 
2,201

 
10

 
659

 
15

 
2,069

 
9

 
731

 
17

Other (4)
 
14

 

 
54

 
1

 
36

 

 
90

 
2

 
(626
)
 
(3
)
 
(443
)
 
(10
)
Total from continuing operations
 
$
23,413

 
100
%
 
$
4,012

 
100
%
 
$
22,290

 
100
%
 
$
4,423

 
100
%
 
$
22,384

 
100
 %
 
$
4,354

 
100
 %
__________

 
37
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


Table of Contents

(1)  
Total net revenue consists of net interest income and non-interest income.
(2)  
Net income (loss) for our business segments and the Other category is based on income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax.
(3)  
Some of our tax-related commercial investments generate tax-exempt income or tax credits. Accordingly, we make certain reclassifications within our Commercial Banking business results to present revenues and yields on a taxable-equivalent basis, calculated assuming an effective tax rate approximately equal to our federal statutory tax rate of 35% with offsetting reclassifications within the Other category.
(4)  
Includes the residual impact of the allocation of our centralized Corporate Treasury group activities, unallocated corporate expenses that do not directly support the operations of the business segments and other items as described in “ Note 20—Business Segments .”
Credit Card: Our Credit Card business generated net income from continuing operations of $2.4 billion in 2015 , compared to net income from continuing operations of $2.5 billion in 2014 . The decrease in net income in 2015 was primarily attributable to (i) higher provision for credit losses driven by a larger allowance build in our domestic credit card loan portfolio in 2015 due to continued loan growth coupled with our expectations for rising charge-off rates, as well as higher charge-offs as new loan balances season; and (ii) higher non-interest expense due to higher operating and marketing expenses associated with loan growth. These drivers were partially offset by (i) higher net interest income primarily driven by loan growth; and (ii) higher non-interest income attributable to an increase in net interchange fees, partially offset by a decline in service charges and other customer-related fees primarily due to the continued run-off of our payment protection products in our Domestic Card business. Period-end loans held for investment increased by $10.2 billion to $96.1 billion as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 , primarily due to loan growth in our Domestic Card business.
Consumer Banking: Our Consumer Banking business generated net income from continuing operations of $1.0 billion in 2015 , compared to net income from continuing operations of $1.2 billion in 2014 . The decrease in net income in 2015 was primarily attributable to higher non-interest expense largely driven by increased operating expenses due to growth in our auto loan portfolio and continued technology and infrastructure investments in our retail banking business, as well as higher provision for credit losses due to a higher build in the allowance build for loan and lease losses in our Consumer Banking business, coupled with higher net charge-offs driven by growth in our auto loan portfolio. Period-end loans held for investment decreased by $1.1 billion to $70.4
billion as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 , primarily due to the planned run-off of our acquired home loan portfolio outpacing the growth in our auto loan portfolio.
Commercial Banking: Our Commercial Banking business generated net income from continuing operations of $570 million in 2015 , compared to net income from continuing operations of $659 million in 2014 . The decrease in net income in 2015 was primarily attributable to (i) higher provision for credit losses due to a larger build in both the allowance for loan and lease losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments resulting from adverse market conditions impacting our oil and gas portfolio and taxi medallion lending portfolio, and (ii) higher non-interest expense largely driven by higher operating expenses due to costs associated with the GE Healthcare acquisition and continued growth in our Commercial Banking business. These expenses were partially offset by higher net interest income driven by growth in commercial and multifamily real estate and commercial and industrial average loans and higher non-interest income driven by increased revenue from products and services provided to our commercial customers. Period-end loans held for investment increased by $12.4 billion to $63.3 billion as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 , driven by the GE Healthcare acquisition, as well as loan growth in our commercial and multifamily real estate and commercial and industrial loan portfolios.
Business Outlook
We discuss below our current expectations regarding our total company performance and the performance of each of our business segments over the near-term based on market conditions, the regulatory environment and our business strategies as of the time we filed this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The statements contained in this section are based on our current expectations regarding our outlook for our financial results and business strategies. Our expectations take into account, and should be read in conjunction with, our expectations regarding economic trends and analysis of our business as discussed in “Part I—Item 1. Business” and “Part II—Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Report. Certain statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise disclosed, forward-looking statements do not reflect: (i) any change in current dividend or repurchase strategies; (ii) the effect of any acquisitions, divestitures or similar transactions that have not been previously disclosed; or (iii) any changes in laws, regulations or regulatory interpretations, in each case after the date as of which such statements are made. See “Part I—Item 1. Business-Forward-Looking Statements” in this Report for more information on the forward-looking statements included in this Report and “Part I—Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Report for factors that could materially influence our results.
Total Company Expectations
Our strategies and actions are designed to deliver and sustain strong returns and capital generation through the acquisition and retention of franchise-enhancing customer relationships across our businesses. We believe that franchise-enhancing customer relationships create and sustain significant long-term value through long and loyal customer relationships and a gradual build in loan balances and revenues over time. Examples of franchise-enhancing customer relationships include rewards customers in our Credit Card business, retail deposit customers in our Consumer Banking business and primary banking relationships with commercial customers in our Commercial Banking business. We intend to grow these customer relationships by continuing to invest in scalable infrastructure and operating platforms, so that we can meet the heightened risk management expectations facing all banks and deliver a “brand-defining” customer experience that builds and sustains a valuable, long-term customer franchise.
We delivered revenue growth and attractive risk-adjusted returns in 2015, highlighted by strong growth in our Domestic Card business. In 2016, we expect full year growth in revenues, driven by loan growth. We expect some improvement in the full year 2016 efficiency ratio compared to 2015, with continuing improvement in 2017, excluding adjusting items.
We believe our actions have created a balance sheet with strong capital and liquidity. Pursuant to our approved 2015 capital plan, we increased our quarterly common stock dividend from $0.30 per share to $0.40 per share starting in the second quarter of 2015. We also expect to complete the repurchase of up to $3.125 billion of shares of our common stock pursuant to the 2015 Stock Repurchase Program through the second quarter of 2016. The timing and exact amount of any common stock repurchases will depend on various factors, including market conditions, opportunities for growth, and our capital position and amount of retained earnings. The 2015 Stock Repurchase Program does not include specific price targets, may be executed through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, including utilizing Rule 10b5-1 programs, and may be suspended at any time. See “MD&A— Capital Management —Dividend Policy and Stock Purchases” for more information.

 
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Business Segment Expectations
Credit Card : In our Domestic Card business, we expect the upward pressure on delinquencies and charge-offs as new loan balances season and become a larger proportion of our overall portfolio will continue through 2016 and begin to moderate in 2017. We continue to expect the full-year 2016 charge-off rate to be around four percent, with quarterly seasonal variability. Based on current information and assuming relative stability in consumer behavior, the domestic economy, and competitive conditions, we expect the full-year 2017 charge-off rate in the low four percent range, with quarterly seasonal variability. Loan growth coupled with our expectations for a rising charge-off rate drove an allowance build in the fourth quarter, and we expect loan growth to drive allowance additions going forward.
Consumer Banking : In our Consumer Banking business, we expect persistently low interest rates will continue to pressure returns in our deposit businesses in 2016. We expect planned run-off from our acquired home loan portfolio to continue in 2016. We also expect continued pressure on margins in our auto business due to the mix shift toward prime and continuing competitive pressure. We expect these trends will negatively affect revenues in 2016.
Commercial Banking : Organic growth in our Commercial Banking business is slowing compared to prior years because of actions we are taking in response to market conditions. While competition in the Commercial Banking business remains intense, pressuring margin and returns, we continue to see good growth opportunities in select specialty industry verticals. Credit performance remains strong for the majority of our commercial businesses, but credit pressures continue in our oil and gas portfolio and taxi medallion lending portfolio. Unless oil prices rebound it is likely that energy loans will drive increases in our criticized and non-performing loans, further allowance additions, and possibly increasing charge-offs in 2016.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make a number of judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the amount of assets, liabilities, income and expenses on the consolidated financial statements. Understanding our accounting policies and the extent to which we use management judgment and estimates in applying these policies is integral to understanding our financial statements. We provide a summary of our significant accounting policies under “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies .”
We have identified the following accounting policies as critical because they require significant judgments and assumptions about highly complex and inherently uncertain matters and the use of reasonably different estimates and assumptions could have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition. These critical accounting policies govern:
Loan loss reserves
Asset impairment
Fair value of financial instruments
Representation and warranty reserves
Customer rewards reserves
We evaluate our critical accounting estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis and update them, as necessary, based on changing conditions. Management has discussed our critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Loan Loss Reserves
We maintain an allowance for loan and lease losses that represents management’s estimate of incurred loan and lease losses inherent in our held-for-investment credit card, consumer banking and commercial banking loan portfolios as of each balance sheet date. We also separately reserve for binding unfunded lending commitments, letters of credit and financial guarantees.
We build our allowance for loan and lease losses and reserve for unfunded lending commitments through the provision for credit losses. Our provision for credit losses in each period is driven by charge-offs, changes to allowance for loan and lease losses, and

 
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changes to unfunded lending commitments. We recorded a provision for credit losses of $4.5 billion in 2015 and $3.5 billion in both 2014 and 2013 .
We have an established process, using analytical tools and management judgment, to determine our allowance for loan and lease losses. Losses are inherent in our loan portfolio and we calculate the allowance for loan and lease losses by estimating incurred losses for segments of our loan portfolio with similar risk characteristics and record a provision for credit losses. The allowance totaled $5.1 billion as of December 31, 2015 , compared to $4.4 billion as of December 31, 2014 .
We review and assess our allowance methodologies and adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses on a quarterly basis. Our assessment involves evaluating many factors including, but not limited to, historical loss and recovery experience, recent trends in delinquencies and charge-offs, risk ratings, the impact of bankruptcy filings, the value of collateral underlying secured loans, account seasoning, changes in our credit evaluation, underwriting and collection management policies, seasonality, general economic conditions, changes in the legal and regulatory environment and uncertainties in forecasting and modeling techniques used in estimating our allowance for loan and lease losses. Key factors that have a significant impact on our allowance for loan and lease losses include assumptions about unemployment rates, home prices, and the valuation of commercial properties and other collateral, consumer real estate, and automobiles.
In addition to the allowance for loan and lease losses, we review and assess our estimate of probable losses related to binding unfunded lending commitments, such as letters of credit and financial guarantees, and unfunded loan commitments on a quarterly basis. The factors impacting our assessment generally align with those considered in our evaluation of the allowance for loan and lease losses for the Commercial Banking business. Changes to the reserve for losses on unfunded lending commitments are recorded through the provision for credit losses in the consolidated statements of income and to other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Although we examine a variety of externally available data, as well as our internal loan performance data, to determine our allowance for loan and lease losses and reserve for unfunded lending commitments, our estimation process is subject to risks and uncertainties, including a reliance on historical loss and trend information that may not be representative of current conditions and indicative of future performance. Accordingly, our actual credit loss experience may not be in line with our expectations. We provide additional information on the methodologies and key assumptions used in determining our allowance for loan and lease losses for each of our loan portfolio segments in “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies .” We provide information on the components of our allowance, disaggregated by impairment methodology, and changes in our allowance in “ Note 6—Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses .”
Finance Charge and Fee Reserves
Finance charges and fees on credit card loans, net of amounts that we consider uncollectible, are included in loan receivables and revenue when the finance charges and fees are earned. We continue to accrue finance charges and fees on credit card loans until the account is charged-off; however, when we do not expect full payment of billed finance charges and fees, we reduce the balance of our credit card loan receivables by the amount of finance charges and fees billed but not expected to be collected and exclude this amount from revenue. Total net revenue was reduced by $732 million , $645 million and $796 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, for the estimated uncollectible amount of billed finance charges and fees. The finance charge and fee reserve totaled $262 million as of December 31, 2015 , compared to $216 million as of December 31, 2014 .
We review and assess the adequacy of the uncollectible finance charge and fee reserve on a quarterly basis. Our methodology for estimating the uncollectible portion of billed finance charges and fees is consistent with the methodology we use to estimate the allowance for incurred losses on the principal portion of our credit card loan receivables.
Asset Impairment
In addition to our loan portfolio, we review other assets for impairment on a regular basis in accordance with applicable impairment accounting guidance. This process requires significant management judgment and involves various estimates and assumptions. Our investment securities, goodwill and intangible assets represent a significant portion of our total assets excluding loans. Accordingly, below we describe our process for assessing impairment of these assets and the key estimates and assumptions involved in this process.

 
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Investment Securities
We regularly review our investment securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) using both quantitative and qualitative criteria. If we intend to sell a security in an unrealized loss position or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, the entire difference between the amortized cost basis of the security and its fair value is recognized in income. If we do not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of our amortized cost, we evaluate other quantitative and qualitative criteria to determine whether a credit loss exists. Our evaluation requires significant management judgment and a consideration of many factors, including, but not limited to, the extent and duration of the impairment; the health of and specific prospects for the issuer, including whether the issuer has failed to make scheduled interest or principal payments; recent events specific to the issuer and/or industry to which the issuer belongs; the payment structure of the security; external credit ratings; the value of underlying collateral and current market conditions. Quantitative criteria include assessing whether there has been an adverse change in expected future cash flows. See “ Note 4—Investment Securities ” for additional information.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill resulting from business combinations prior to January 1, 2009 represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill resulting from business combinations after January 1, 2009, is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree, over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date.
Goodwill totaled $14.5 billion and $14.0 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The increase was primarily attributable to $500 million of goodwill recognized as part of the GE Healthcare acquisition. See “ Note 2—Business Developments ” for additional information. Intangible assets, which we report on our consolidated balance sheets as a component of other assets, consist primarily of purchased credit card relationships (“PCCR”) and core deposit intangibles. The net carrying amount of intangible assets decreased to $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2015 , from $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2014 . Goodwill and intangible assets together represented 5% of our total assets as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 . We did not recognize material impairment on goodwill or intangible assets in 2015 , 2014 or 2013 .
Goodwill
Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, on an annual basis or in interim periods if events or circumstances indicate potential impairment. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below. The goodwill impairment test, performed as of October 1 of each year, is a two-step test. The first step identifies whether there is potential impairment by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the second step of the impairment test is required to measure the amount of any potential impairment loss.
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. The fair value of reporting units is calculated using a discounted cash flow calculation, a form of the income approach. The calculation uses projected cash flows based on each reporting unit’s internal forecast and the perpetuity growth method to calculate terminal values. These cash flows and terminal values are then discounted using discount rates based on our external cost of equity with adjustments for risk inherent in each reporting unit. Cash flows are adjusted, as necessary, in order to maintain each reporting unit’s equity capital requirements. Our discounted cash flow analysis requires management to make judgments about future loan and deposit growth, revenue growth, credit losses, and capital rates. Discount rates used in 2015 for the reporting units ranged from 8% to 13% . The key inputs into the discounted cash flow analysis were consistent with market data, where available, indicating that assumptions used were within a reasonable range of observable market data.
We calculate the carrying amounts of our reporting units using an allocated capital approach based on each reporting unit’s specific regulatory capital, economic capital requirements, and underlying risks. The total of the reporting unit carrying amount for the October 1, 2015 annual goodwill impairment test was $35.1 billion, compared to consolidated equity of $47.7 billion as of September 30, 2015. Of the $12.6 billion remaining equity, $8.2 billion was primarily attributable to the following items: capital allocated to our Other category, preferred stock, and capital that was reserved for dividends and share buy-backs that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2015. The remaining unallocated equity of approximately $4.4 billion, which represented approximately 9% of our total equity, has been reserved for potential future capital needs.

 
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We compare the total reporting unit carrying amounts to our total consolidated stockholders’ equity to assess the appropriateness of our methodology. If the second step of goodwill impairment testing is required for a reporting unit, we would undertake an extensive effort to build the specific reporting unit’s balance sheet for the test based on applicable accounting guidance. Based on our analysis, the current fair value exceeded the carrying amount of all reporting units as of our annual testing date; therefore, the second step of impairment testing was unnecessary.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets with definitive useful lives are amortized over their estimated lives and evaluated for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that an asset’s or asset group’s carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. An impairment loss, generally calculated as the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying amount of an asset or asset group, is recognized if the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows relating to the asset or asset group is less than the corresponding carrying amount. See “ Note 8—Goodwill and Intangible Assets ” for additional information.
Fair Value
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date (also referred to as an exit price). The fair value accounting guidance provides a three-level fair value hierarchy for classifying financial instruments. This hierarchy is based on the markets in which the assets or liabilities trade and whether the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value are observable or unobservable. Fair value measurement of a financial asset or liability is assigned a level based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 3: Unobservable inputs
The degree of management judgment involved in determining the fair value of a financial instrument is dependent upon the availability of quoted prices in active markets or observable market parameters. When quoted prices and observable data in active markets are not fully available, management judgment is necessary to estimate fair value. Changes in market conditions, such as reduced liquidity in the capital markets or changes in secondary market activities, may reduce the availability and reliability of quoted prices or observable data used to determine fair value.
We have developed policies and procedures to determine when markets for our financial assets and liabilities are inactive if the level and volume of activity has declined significantly relative to normal conditions. If markets are determined to be inactive, it may be appropriate to adjust price quotes received. When significant adjustments are required to price quotes or inputs, it may be appropriate to utilize an estimate based primarily on unobservable inputs.
Significant judgment may be required to determine whether certain financial instruments measured at fair value are classified as Level 2 or Level 3. In making this determination, we consider all available information that market participants use to measure the fair value of the financial instrument, including observable market data, indications of market liquidity and orderliness, and our understanding of the valuation techniques and significant inputs used. Based upon the specific facts and circumstances of each instrument or instrument category, judgments are made regarding the significance of the Level 3 inputs to the instruments’ fair value measurement in its entirety. If Level 3 inputs are considered significant, the instrument is classified as Level 3. The process for determining fair value using unobservable inputs is generally more subjective and involves a high degree of management judgment and assumptions.
Our financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis represented approximately 12% and 13% of our total assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Financial assets for which the fair value was determined using significant Level 3 inputs represented approximately 2% and 4% of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
We discuss changes in the valuation inputs and assumptions used in determining the fair value of our financial instruments, including the extent to which we have relied on significant unobservable inputs to estimate fair value and our process for corroborating these inputs, in “ Note 19—Fair Value Measurement .”
Fair Value Measurement

 
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We have a governance framework and a number of key controls that are intended to ensure that our fair value measurements are appropriate and reliable. Our governance framework provides for independent oversight and segregation of duties. Our control processes include review and approval of new transaction types, price verification and review of valuation judgments, methods, models, process controls and results. Groups independent from our trading and investing functions, including our Corporate Valuations Group (“CVG”), Fair Value Committee (“FVC”) and Model Validation Group, participate in the review and validation process. The fair valuation governance process is set up in a manner that allows the Chairperson of the FVC to escalate valuation disputes that cannot be resolved at the FVC to a more senior committee called the Valuations Advisory Committee (“VAC”) for resolution. The VAC is chaired by the Chief Financial Officer and includes other senior management. The VAC is only required to convene to review escalated valuation disputes; however, it met once during 2015 for a general update on the valuation process.
The CVG performs periodic verification of fair value measurements to determine if assigned fair values are reasonable. For example, in cases where we rely on third party pricing services to obtain fair value measures, we analyze pricing variances among different pricing sources and validate the final price used by comparing the information to additional sources, including dealer pricing indications in transaction results and other internal sources, where necessary. Additional validation procedures performed by the CVG include reviewing (either directly or indirectly through the reasonableness of assigned fair values) valuation inputs and assumptions, and monitoring acceptable variances between recommended prices and validation prices. The CVG and the Trade Analytics and Valuation team (“TAV”) perform due diligence reviews of the third party pricing services by comparing their prices with prices from other sources and reviewing other control documentation. Additionally, when necessary, the CVG and TAV challenge prices from third-party vendors to ensure reasonableness of prices through a pricing challenge process. This may include a request for a transparency of the assumptions used by the third party.
The FVC, which includes representation from business areas, our Risk Management division and our Finance division, is a forum for discussing fair market valuations, inputs, assumptions, methodologies, variance thresholds, valuation control environment and material risks or concerns related to fair market valuations. Additionally, the FVC is empowered to resolve valuation disputes between the primary valuation providers and the CVG. It provides guidance and oversight to ensure an appropriate valuation control environment. The FVC regularly reviews and approves our valuation methodologies to ensure that our methodologies and practices are consistent with industry standards and adhere to regulatory and accounting guidance. The Chief Financial Officer determines when material issues or concerns regarding valuations shall be raised to the Audit Committee or other delegated committee of the Board of Directors.
We have a model policy, established by an independent Model Risk Office, which governs the validation of models and related supporting documentation to ensure the appropriate use of models for pricing. The Model Validation Group is part of the Model Risk Office and validates all models and provides ongoing monitoring of their performance, including the validation and monitoring of the performance of all valuation models.
Representation and Warranty Reserve
In connection with the sales of mortgage loans, certain subsidiaries entered into agreements containing varying representations and warranties about, among other things, the ownership of the loan, the validity of the lien securing the loan, the loan’s compliance with any applicable loan criteria established by the purchaser, including underwriting guidelines and the ongoing existence of mortgage insurance, and the loan’s compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws. We may be required to repurchase the mortgage loan, indemnify the investor or insurer, or reimburse the investor for losses incurred on the loan in the event of a material breach of contractual representations or warranties.
We have established representation and warranty reserves for losses that we consider to be both probable and reasonably estimable associated with the mortgage loans sold by each subsidiary, including both litigation and non-litigation liabilities. The reserve-setting process relies heavily on estimates, which are inherently uncertain, and requires the application of judgment. In establishing the representation and warranty reserves, we rely on historical data and consider a variety of factors, depending on the category of purchaser. These factors include, but are not limited to, the historical relationship between loan losses and repurchase outcomes; the percentage of current and future loan defaults that we anticipate will result in repurchase requests over the lifetime of the loans; the percentage of those repurchase requests that we anticipate will result in actual repurchases; and estimated collateral valuations. We evaluate these factors and update our loss forecast models on a quarterly basis to estimate our lifetime liability.
Our aggregate representation and warranty mortgage reserve, which we report as a component of other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets, totaled $610 million and $731 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The adequacy of the reserve and the ultimate amount of losses incurred by us or one of our subsidiaries will depend on, among other things, actual future mortgage loan performance, the actual level of future repurchase and indemnification requests, the actual success rates of claimants,

 
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developments in litigation, actual recoveries on the collateral and macroeconomic conditions (including unemployment levels and housing prices).
As part of our business planning processes, we have considered various outcomes relating to the potential future representation and warranty liabilities of our subsidiaries that are possible but do not rise to the level of being both probable and reasonably estimable outcomes justifying an incremental accrual under applicable accounting standards. Our current best estimate of reasonably possible future losses from representation and warranty claims beyond what was in our reserve as of December 31, 2015 is approximately $1.6 billion , a decline from our estimate of $2.1 billion as of December 31, 2014 . Notwithstanding our ongoing attempts to estimate a reasonably possible amount of future losses beyond our current accrual levels based on current information, it is possible that actual future losses will exceed both the current accrual level and our current estimate of the amount of reasonably possible losses. This estimate involves considerable judgment, and reflects that there is still significant uncertainty regarding the numerous factors that may impact the ultimate loss levels, including, but not limited to, anticipated litigation outcomes, future repurchase and indemnification claim levels, ultimate repurchase and indemnification rates, future mortgage loan performance levels, actual recoveries on the collateral and macroeconomic conditions (including unemployment levels and housing prices). In light of the significant uncertainty as to the ultimate liability our subsidiaries may incur from these matters, an adverse outcome in one or more of these matters could be material to our consolidated results of operations or cash flows for any particular reporting period. See “ Note 21—Commitments, Contingencies, Guarantees and Others ” for additional information.
Customer Rewards Reserve
We offer products, primarily credit cards, which include programs that allow members to earn rewards, in the form of points, that can be redeemed for cash (primarily in the form of statement credits), gift cards, airline tickets or merchandise, based on account activity. The amount of rewards that a customer earns varies based on the terms and conditions of the rewards program and product. The majority of our rewards do not expire and there is no limit on the number of rewards points an eligible card member can earn. Customer rewards costs, which we generally record as an offset to interchange income, are driven by various factors, such as card member purchase volume, the terms and conditions of the rewards program and rewards redemption cost. We establish a customer rewards reserve that reflects management’s judgment regarding rewards earned that are expected to be redeemed and the estimated redemption cost.
We use financial models to estimate ultimate redemption rates of rewards earned to date by current card members based on historical redemption trends, current enrollee redemption behavior, card product type, year of program enrollment, enrollment tenure and card spend levels. Our current assumption is that the vast majority of all rewards earned will eventually be redeemed. We use a weighted-average cost per reward redeemed during the previous twelve months, adjusted as appropriate for recent changes in redemption costs, including mix of rewards redeemed, to estimate future redemption costs. We continually evaluate our reserve and assumptions based on developments in redemption patterns, cost per point redeemed, changes to the terms and conditions of the rewards program and other factors. Changes in the ultimate redemption rate and weighted-average cost per point have the effect of either increasing or decreasing the reserve through the current period provision by an amount estimated to cover the cost of all points previously earned but not yet redeemed by card members as of the end of the reporting period. We recognized customer rewards expense of $2.7 billion, $2.0 billion and $1.6 billion in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Our customer rewards liability, which is included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets, totaled $3.2 billion and $2.7 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
ACCOUNTING CHANGES AND DEVELOPMENTS
Accounting for Derivative Assets and Liabilities
As of January 1, 2015, we changed our accounting principle to move from a gross basis of presentation to a net basis, for presenting qualifying derivative assets and liabilities, as well as the related fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable), for instruments executed with the same counterparty where a right of setoff exists. This newly adopted policy is preferable as it more accurately reflects the Company’s counterparty credit risk as well as our contractual rights and obligations under these arrangements. Further, this change will align our presentation with that of the majority of our peer institutions. We retrospectively adopted this change in accounting principle and our consolidated balance sheet has been recast for all prior periods presented.
See “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this

 
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Report regarding the impact of recently issued or adopted new accounting pronouncements.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The section below provides a comparative discussion of our consolidated financial performance for 2015 , 2014 and 2013. Following this section, we provide a discussion of our business segment results. You should read this section together with our “ Executive Summary and Business Outlook ,” where we discuss trends and other factors that we expect will affect our future results of operations.
Net Interest Income
Net interest income represents the difference between the interest income, including certain fees, earned on our interest-earning assets and the interest expense on our interest-bearing liabilities. Interest-earning assets include loans, investment securities and other interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities include interest-bearing deposits, securitized debt obligations, senior and subordinated notes, and other borrowings. Generally, we include in interest income any past due fees on loans that we deem collectible. Our net interest margin, based on our consolidated results, represents the difference between the yield on our interest-earning assets and the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities, including the notional impact of non-interest bearing funding. We expect net interest income and our net interest margin to fluctuate based on changes in interest rates and changes in the amount and composition of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

 
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Table 2 below presents, for each major category of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the average outstanding balances, interest income earned, interest expense incurred, average yield and rate for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 .
Table 2 : Average Balances, Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin (1)
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
(Dollars in millions)
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Income/
Expense (2)(3)
 
Average Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Income/
Expense (2)(3)
 
Average Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Income/
Expense
(2)(3)
 
Average Yield/
Rate
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic credit card
 
$
78,931

 
$
11,187

 
14.17%
 
$
71,272

 
$
10,161

 
14.26%

 
$
74,950

 
$
10,876

 
14.51
%
International credit card
 
7,992

 
1,200

 
15.02
 
7,684

 
1,269

 
16.51

 
7,973

 
1,295

 
16.24

Total credit card
 
86,923

 
12,387

 
14.25
 
78,956

 
11,430

 
14.48

 
82,923

 
12,171

 
14.68

Consumer banking
 
71,365

 
4,460

 
6.25
 
71,127

 
4,447

 
6.25

 
72,652

 
4,428

 
6.09

Commercial banking
 
53,161

 
1,710

 
3.22
 
48,210

 
1,649

 
3.42

 
40,866

 
1,587

 
3.88

Other
 
100

 
228

 
228.00
 
126

 
136

 
107.94

 
168

 
36

 
21.43

Total loans, including loans held for sale
 
211,549

 
18,785

 
8.88
 
198,419

 
17,662

 
8.90

 
196,609

 
18,222

 
9.27

Investment securities
 
63,738

 
1,575

 
2.47
 
62,547

 
1,628

 
2.60

 
63,522

 
1,575

 
2.48

Cash equivalents and other interest-earning assets
 
7,294

 
99

 
1.36
 
6,208

 
107

 
1.72

 
6,292

 
101

 
1.61

Total interest-earning assets
 
$
282,581

 
$
20,459

 
7.24
 
$
267,174

 
$
19,397

 
7.26

 
$
266,423

 
$
19,898

 
7.47

Cash and due from banks
 
2,970

 
 
 
 
 
2,994

 
 
 
 
 
2,461

 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan and lease losses
 
(4,582
)
 
 
 
 
 
(4,151
)
 
 
 
 
 
(4,572
)
 
 
 
 
Premises and equipment, net
 
3,701

 
 
 
 
 
3,790

 
 
 
 
 
3,770

 
 
 
 
Other assets
 
28,804

 
 
 
 
 
27,852

 
 
 
 
 
28,118

 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
313,474

 
 
 
 
 
$
297,659

 
 
 
 
 
$
296,200

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
$
185,677

 
$
1,091

 
0.59
 
$
181,036

 
$
1,088

 
0.60

 
$
187,700

 
$
1,241

 
0.66

Securitized debt obligations
 
13,929

 
151

 
1.08
 
10,686

 
145

 
1.36

 
10,697

 
183

 
1.71

Senior and subordinated notes
 
20,935

 
330

 
1.58
 
16,543

 
299

 
1.81

 
12,440

 
315

 
2.53

Other borrowings and liabilities
 
11,297

 
53

 
0.47
 
12,325

 
47

 
0.38

 
14,670

 
53

 
0.36

Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
$
231,838

 
$
1,625

 
0.70
 
$
220,590

 
$
1,579

 
0.72

 
$
225,507

 
$
1,792

 
0.79

Non-interest-bearing deposits
 
25,312

 
 
 
 
 
24,639

 
 
 
 
 
21,345

 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
 
8,611

 
 
 
 
 
8,162

 
 
 
 
 
7,866

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities
 
265,761

 
 
 
 
 
253,391

 
 
 
 
 
254,718

 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity
 
47,713

 
 
 
 
 
44,268

 
 
 
 
 
41,482

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
313,474

 
 
 
 
 
$
297,659

 
 
 
 
 
$
296,200

 
 
 
 
Net interest income/spread
 
 
 
$
18,834

 
6.54
 
 
 
$
17,818

 
6.54

 
 
 
$
18,106

 
6.68

Impact of non-interest-bearing funding
 
 
 
 
 
0.12
 
 
 
 
 
0.13

 
 
 
 
 
0.12

Net interest margin
 
 
 
 
 
6.66%
 
 
 
 
 
6.67
%
 
 
 
 
 
6.80
%
__________
(1)  
As of January 1, 2015, we changed our accounting principle to move from a gross basis of presentation to a net basis, for presenting qualifying derivative assets and liabilities, as well as the related right to reclaim cash collateral or obligation to return cash collateral. See “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” for additional information. Prior period results have been recast to conform to this presentation.
(2)  
Past due fees included in interest income totaled approximately $1.4 billion in both 2015 and 2014 , and $1.7 billion in 2013 .
(3)  
Interest income and interest expense and the calculation of average yields on interest-earning assets and average rates on interest-bearing liabilities include the impact of hedge accounting.
Net interest income increased by $1.0 billion to $18.8 billion in 2015 compared to 2014 . The increase was primarily driven by growth in our credit card and commercial loan portfolios, as well as our auto loan portfolio in our Consumer Banking business.

 
46
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Net interest margin decreased by 1 basis point to 6.66% in 2015 compared to 2014 . The relatively consistent net interest margin reflected continued growth in our domestic card loan portfolio and the planned run-off of the acquired home loan portfolio in our Consumer Banking business, as well as lower wholesale funding costs; offset by the impact of declining yields in our auto, commercial, credit card and investment securities portfolios. The lower yield in the international credit card loan portfolio also reflected the impact from the build in the U.K. PPI Reserve in the second and third quarters of 2015.
Net interest income decreased by $288 million to $17.8 billion in 2014 compared to 2013 . The decrease was primarily driven by the Portfolio Sale in 2013, partially offset by growth in commercial, auto and credit card loan portfolios, lower funding costs and higher yielding investment securities in 2014. Net interest margin decreased by 13 basis points to 6.67% in 2014 compared to 2013 . The decrease was primarily due to lower average loan yields driven by the Portfolio Sale in 2013 and a shift in the mix of the loan portfolio to lower yielding commercial and auto loans, partially offset by a reduction in our cost of funds and higher yielding investment securities.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 3 displays the change in our net interest income between periods and the extent to which the variance is attributable to (i) changes in the volume of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities; or (ii) changes in the interest rates related to these assets and liabilities.
Table 3 : Rate/Volume Analysis of Net Interest Income (1)
 
 
2015 vs. 2014
 
2014 vs. 2013
(Dollars in millions)
 
Total Variance
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Total Variance
 
Volume
 
Rate
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card
 
$
957

 
$
1,135

 
$
(178
)
 
$
(741
)
 
$
(576
)
 
$
(165
)
Consumer banking
 
13

 
15

 
(2
)
 
19

 
(93
)
 
112

Commercial banking
 
61

 
159

 
(98
)
 
62

 
251

 
(189
)
Other
 
92

 
(28
)
 
120

 
100

 
(9
)
 
109

Total loans, including loans held for sale
 
1,123

 
1,281

 
(158
)
 
(560
)
 
(427
)
 
(133
)
Investment securities
 
(53
)
 
30

 
(83
)
 
53

 
(24
)
 
77

Cash equivalents and other interest-earning assets
 
(8
)
 
15

 
(23
)
 
6

 
(1
)
 
7

Total interest income
 
1,062

 
1,326

 
(264
)
 
(501
)
 
(452
)
 
(49
)
Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
3

 
27

 
(24
)
 
(153
)
 
(43
)
 
(110
)
Securitized debt obligations
 
6

 
35

 
(29
)
 
(38
)
 

 
(38
)
Senior and subordinated notes
 
31

 
70

 
(39
)
 
(16
)
 
74

 
(90
)
Other borrowings and liabilities
 
6

 
(4
)
 
10

 
(6
)
 
(8
)
 
2

Total interest expense
 
46

 
128

 
(82
)
 
(213
)
 
23

 
(236
)
Net interest income
 
$
1,016

 
$
1,198

 
$
(182
)
 
$
(288
)
 
$
(475
)
 
$
187

__________
(1)  
We calculate the change in interest income and interest expense separately for each item. The portion of interest income or interest expense attributable to both volume and rate is allocated proportionately when the calculation results in a positive value. When the portion of interest income or interest expense attributable to both volume and rate results in a negative value, the total amount is allocated to volume or rate, depending on which amount is positive.
Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income primarily consists of interchange income net of rewards expense, service charges and other customer-related fees, and other non-interest income. Other non-interest income includes the pre-tax net benefit for mortgage representation and warranty losses related to continuing operations, gains and losses from the sale of investment securities, gains and losses on derivatives not accounted for in hedge accounting relationships, and hedge ineffectiveness.

 
47
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


Table 4 displays the components of non-interest income for 2015 , 2014 and 2013.
Table 4 : Non-Interest Income
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Service charges and other customer-related fees
 
$
1,715

 
$
1,867

 
$
2,118

Interchange fees, net
 
2,235

 
2,021

 
1,896

Net other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings
 
(30
)
 
(24
)
 
(41
)
Other non-interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit for mortgage representation and warranty losses (1)
 
16

 
26

 
24

Net (losses) gains from the sale of investment securities
 
(2
)
 
21

 
7

Net fair value gains on free-standing derivatives
 
66

 
52

 
3

Other
 
579

 
509

 
271

Total other non-interest income
 
659

 
608

 
305

Total non-interest income
 
$
4,579

 
$
4,472

 
$
4,278

__________
(1)  
Represents the benefit for mortgage representation and warranty losses recorded in continuing operations. For the total impact to the net benefit for mortgage representation and warranty losses, including the portion recognized in our consolidated statements of income as a component of discontinued operations, see “MD&A— Consolidated Balance Sheets Analysis —Table 13 : Changes in Representation and Warranty Reserve.”
Non-interest income increased by $107 million to $4.6 billion in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily driven by an increase in interchange fees due to higher purchase volume in our Credit Card business, partially offset by (i) increased rewards expense due to a greater proportion of customers with rewards coupled with increased spend on products with higher rewards; and (ii) lower service charges and other customer-related fees primarily due to the continued run-off of our payment protection products in our Domestic Card business.
Non-interest income increased by $194 million to $4.5 billion in 2014 compared to 2013 . The main drivers included an increase in net interchange fees due to strong purchase volume in our credit card loan portfolio, partially offset by a decline in our service charges and other customer-related fees due to strategic choices we made related to our Domestic Card business.
Provision for Credit Losses
Our provision for credit losses in each period is driven by net charge-offs, changes to the allowance for loan and lease losses and changes to the reserve for unfunded lending commitments. We recorded a provision for credit losses of $4.5 billion in 2015 and $3.5 billion in both 2014 and 2013 . The provision for credit losses as a percentage of net interest income was 24.1% , 19.9% and 19.1% in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.
Our provision for credit losses increased by $995 million in 2015 compared to 2014 . The increase was primarily driven by (i) a larger allowance build in our domestic credit card loan portfolio in 2015 due to continued loan growth coupled with our expectations for rising charge-off rates, as well as higher charge-offs as new loan balances season; and (ii) a larger build in both the allowance and reserve for unfunded lending commitments resulting from adverse market conditions impacting our oil and gas portfolio and taxi medallion lending portfolio in our Commercial Banking business.
The increase in the provision for credit losses of $88 million in 2014 compared to 2013 , was primarily driven by a small allowance build of $68 million in 2014 due to loan growth in our domestic card, auto and commercial portfolios, as compared to a release of $552 million in 2013 due to an improved credit outlook coupled with improvements in delinquency inventories in our domestic card portfolio, which were observed in 2014; partially offset by lower net charge-offs of $520 million in 2014 compared to 2013 , mainly due to continued economic improvement and portfolio seasoning in our credit card loan portfolio.
We provide additional information on the provision for credit losses and changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses within “Credit Risk Profile—Summary of Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses,” “ Note 5—Loans ” and “ Note 6—Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses .” For information on the allowance methodology for each of our loan categories, see “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies .”

 
48
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expense consists of ongoing operating expenses, such as salaries and associate benefits, occupancy and equipment costs, professional services, communications and data processing expenses and other non-interest expenses, as well as marketing costs and amortization of intangibles.
Table 5 displays the components of non-interest expense for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 .
Table 5 : Non-Interest Expense
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Salaries and associate benefits
 
$
4,975

 
$
4,593

 
$
4,480

Occupancy and equipment
 
1,829

 
1,745

 
1,541

Marketing
 
1,744

 
1,561

 
1,373

Professional services
 
1,292

 
1,216

 
1,347

Communications and data processing
 
883

 
798

 
897

Amortization of intangibles
 
430

 
532

 
671

Other non-interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collections
 
322

 
372

 
470

Fraud losses
 
316

 
275

 
218

Bankcard, regulatory and other fee assessments
 
444

 
465

 
562

Other
 
761

 
623

 
794

Other non-interest expense
 
1,843

 
1,735

 
2,044

Total non-interest expense
 
$
12,996

 
$
12,180

 
$
12,353

Non-interest expense increased by $816 million to $13.0 billion in 2015 compared to 2014 . The increase was primarily due to (i) higher personnel expenses and charges for severance and related benefits pursuant to our ongoing benefit programs and certain site closures, as a result of the realignment of our workforce; (ii) higher operating and marketing expenses associated with loan growth, as well as acquisition and operating expenses related to the GE Healthcare acquisition; and (iii) continued technology and infrastructure investments. These increases were partially offset by a decline in the amortization of intangibles.
Non-interest expense decreased by $173 million , to $12.2 billion in 2014 compared to 2013 . The decrease reflects a decline in the amortization of intangibles and a reduction in acquisition-related costs and provision for litigation matters. These were partially offset by (i) higher marketing expenses associated with loan growth; (ii) higher operating expenses attributable to growth in our commercial and auto loan portfolios; and (iii) the change to include auto repossession-related expenses as a component of operating expenses (prior to January 1, 2014 these costs were reported as a component of net charge-offs), partially offset by lower bankcard, regulatory and other fee assessments and communications and data processing expenses.
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
Income (loss) from discontinued operations reflects ongoing costs, which primarily consist of mortgage loan repurchase representation and warranty charges, related to the mortgage origination operations of our former wholesale mortgage banking unit, GreenPoint Mortgage Funding, Inc. (“GreenPoint”), which was closed in 2007. Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, was $38 million in 2015 , compared to income from discontinued operations of $5 million in 2014 and a loss from discontinued operations of $233 million in 2013 . We recorded a benefit net of tax for mortgage representation and warranty reserve of $41 million ( $64 million before tax) in 2015 , compared to a $4 million benefit net of tax ($7 million before tax) and a provision net of tax of $210 million ($333 million before tax) in 2014 and 2013 , respectively.
We provide additional information on the net provision for mortgage representation and warranty losses and the related reserve for representation and warranty claims in “ Consolidated Balance Sheets Analysis —Mortgage Representation and Warranty Reserve” and “ Note 21—Commitments, Contingencies, Guarantees and Others .”

 
49
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Income Taxes
We recorded income tax provisions of $1.9 billion ( 31.8% effective income tax rate), $2.1 billion (32.7% effective income tax rate), $2.2 billion (33.8% effective income tax rate) in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Our effective tax rate on income from continuing operations varies between periods due, in part, to fluctuations in our pre-tax earnings, which affects the relative tax benefit of tax-exempt income, tax credits and other permanent tax items.
The decrease in our effective income tax rate in 2015 , from 2014 , was primarily due to lower income before taxes, higher discrete tax benefits and increased net tax credits. This decrease was partially offset by a reduced benefit of lower taxed foreign earnings.
The decrease in our effective income tax rate in 2014, from 2013, was primarily attributable to increased net tax credits and tax exempt income, and reductions in state rates, partially offset by increased discrete tax expenses.
We recorded net discrete tax benefits of $15 million in 2015, and net discrete tax expenses of $33 million and $16 million in 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Our effective income tax rate, excluding the impact of discrete tax items discussed above, was 32.0%, 32.2% and 33.6% in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.
We provide additional information on items affecting our income taxes and effective tax rate under “ Note 18—Income Taxes .”
BUSINESS SEGMENT FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Our principal operations are currently organized into three major business segments, which are defined based on the products and services provided or the type of customer served: Credit Card, Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking. The operations of acquired businesses have been integrated into our existing business segments. Certain activities that are not part of a segment, such as management of our corporate investment portfolio and asset/liability management by our centralized Corporate Treasury group, are included in the Other category.
The results of our individual businesses, which we report on a continuing operations basis, reflect the manner in which management evaluates performance and makes decisions about funding our operations and allocating resources. We may periodically change our business segments or reclassify business segment results based on modifications to our management reporting methodologies and changes in organizational alignment. Our business segment results are intended to reflect each segment as if it were a stand-alone business. We use an internal management and reporting process to derive our business segment results. Our internal management and reporting process employs various allocation methodologies, including funds transfer pricing, to assign certain balance sheet assets, deposits and other liabilities and their related revenue and expenses directly or indirectly attributable to each business segment. Total interest income and net fees are directly attributable to the segment in which they are reported. The net interest income of each segment reflects the results of our funds transfer pricing process, which is primarily based on a matched maturity method that takes into consideration market rates. Our funds transfer pricing process provides a funds credit for sources of funds, such as deposits generated by our Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking businesses, and a funds charge for the use of funds by each segment. The allocation process is unique to each business segment and acquired businesses. We regularly assess the assumptions, methodologies and reporting classifications used for segment reporting, which may result in the implementation of refinements or changes in future periods.
We refer to the business segment results derived from our internal management accounting and reporting process as our “managed” presentation, which differs in some cases from our reported results prepared based on U.S. GAAP. There is no comprehensive authoritative body of guidance for management accounting equivalent to U.S. GAAP; therefore, the managed presentation of our business segment results may not be comparable to similar information provided by other financial services companies. In addition, our individual business segment results should not be used as a substitute for comparable results determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Below we summarize our business segment results for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 and provide a comparative discussion of these results. We also discuss changes in our financial condition and credit performance statistics as of December 31, 2015 , compared to December 31, 2014 . We provide a reconciliation of our total business segment results to our reported consolidated results in “ Note 20—Business Segments .” Additionally, we provide information on the outlook for each of our business segments as described above under “ Executive Summary and Business Outlook .”

 
50
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Credit Card Business
The primary sources of revenue for our Credit Card business are interest income, net interchange income and fees collected from customers. Expenses primarily consist of the provision for credit losses, operating costs such as salaries and associate benefits, occupancy and equipment, professional services, communications and data processing expenses and marketing expenses.
Our Credit Card business generated net income from continuing operations of $2.4 billion , $2.5 billion and $2.6 billion in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.
Table 6 summarizes the financial results of our Credit Card business, which is comprised of Domestic Card and International Card, and displays selected key metrics for the periods indicated.
Table 6 : Credit Card Business Results
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Change
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015 vs. 2014
 
2014 vs. 2013
Selected income statement data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
$
11,161

 
$
10,310

 
$
10,967

 
8%

 
(6)%

Non-interest income
 
3,421

 
3,311

 
3,320

 
3

 

Total net revenue (1)
 
14,582

 
13,621

 
14,287

 
7

 
(5
)
Provision for credit losses
 
3,417

 
2,750

 
2,824

 
24

 
(3
)
Non-interest expense
 
7,502

 
7,063

 
7,439

 
6

 
(5
)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
3,663

 
3,808

 
4,024

 
(4
)
 
(5
)
Income tax provision
 
1,309

 
1,329

 
1,409

 
(2
)
 
(6
)
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
 
$
2,354

 
$
2,479

 
$
2,615

 
(5
)
 
(5
)
Selected performance metrics:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average loans held for investment (2)
 
$
86,735

 
$
78,946

 
$
79,207

 
10

 

Average yield on loans held for investment (3)
 
14.28%

 
14.48%

 
15.37%

 
(20
)bps
 
(89
)bps
Total net revenue margin (4)
 
16.81

 
17.25

 
18.04

 
(44
)
 
(79
)
Net charge-offs
 
$
2,918

 
$
2,728

 
$
3,285

 
7%

 
(17)%

Net charge-off rate
 
3.36%

 
3.46%

 
4.15%

 
(10
)bps
 
(69
)bps
Card loan premium amortization and other intangible accretion (5)
 
$
28

 
$
97

 
$
198

 
(71)%

 
(51)%

Purchased credit card relationship (“PCCR”) intangible amortization
 
316

 
369

 
434

 
(14
)
 
(15
)
Purchase volume (6)
 
271,167

 
224,750

 
201,074

 
21

 
12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Change
 
 
 
 
Selected period-end data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans held for investment (2)
 
$
96,125

 
$
85,876

 
12%

 
 
 
 
30+ day performing delinquency rate
 
3.36
%
 
3.24
%
 
12
bps
 
 
 
 
30+ day delinquency rate
 
3.40

 
3.30

 
10

 
 
 
 
Nonperforming loan rate
 
0.06

 
0.08

 
(2
)
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan and lease losses
 
$
3,654

 
$
3,204

 
14%

 
 
 
 
Allowance coverage ratio (7)
 
3.80
%
 
3.73
%
 
7
bps
 
 
 
 
__________
(1)  
We recognize billed finance charges and fee income on open-ended loans in accordance with the contractual provisions of the credit arrangements and estimate the uncollectible amount on a quarterly basis. The estimated uncollectible amount of billed finance charges and fees is reflected as a reduction in revenue and is not included in our net charge-offs. Total net revenue was reduced by $732 million , $645 million and $796 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, for the estimated uncollectible amount of billed finance charges and fees. The finance charge and fee reserve totaled $262 million and $216 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
(2)  
Period-end loans held for investment and average loans held for investment include accrued finance charges and fees, net of the estimated uncollectible amount.

 
51
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



(3)  
Calculated by dividing interest income for the period by average loans held for investment during the period. Interest income excludes various allocations including funds transfer pricing that assigns certain balance sheet assets, deposits and other liabilities and their related revenue and expenses attributable to each business segment. The transfer of the Best Buy Stores, L.P. (“Best Buy”) loan portfolio to held for sale resulted in an increase in the average yield for the total Credit Card business of 90 basis points in 2013.
(4)  
Calculated by dividing total net revenue for the period by average loans held for investment during the period for the specified loan category. Interest income also includes interest income on loans held for sale. The transfer of the Best Buy loan portfolio from loans held for investment to loans held for sale resulted in an increase in the net revenue margin for the total Credit Card business of 100 basis points in 2013.
(5)  
Represents the net reduction in interest income attributable to the amortization of premiums on purchased loans accounted for based on contractual cash flows and the accretion of other intangibles associated with the 2012 U.S. card acquisition.
(6)  
Consists of credit card purchase transactions, net of returns for the period for both loans classified as held for investment and loans classified as held for sale. Excludes cash advance and balance transfer transactions.
(7)  
Calculated by dividing the allowance for loan and lease losses as of the end of the period by period-end loans held for investment.
Key factors affecting the results of our Credit Card business for 2015 , compared to 2014 , and changes in financial condition and credit performance between December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 include the following:
Net Interest Income: Net interest income increased by $851 million to $11.2 billion in 2015 , primarily driven by loan growth in our Domestic Card business.
Non-Interest Income: Non-interest income increased by $110 million to $3.4 billion in 2015 . The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in interchange fees driven by higher purchase volume, partially offset by (i) increased rewards expense due to a greater proportion of customers with rewards coupled with increased spend on products with higher rewards; and (ii) lower service charges and other customer-related fees primarily due to the continued run-off of our payment protection products in our Domestic Card business.
Provision for Credit Losses: The provision for credit losses increased by $667 million to $3.4 billion in 2015 , primarily driven by a larger allowance build in our domestic credit card loan portfolio in 2015 due to continued loan growth coupled with our expectations for rising charge-off rates, as well as higher charge-offs as new loan balances season.
Non-Interest Expense: Non-interest expense increased by $439 million to $7.5 billion in 2015 . The increase was due to higher operating and marketing expenses associated with loan growth, partially offset by operating efficiencies and lower intangibles amortization expense.
Loans Held for Investment: Period-end loans held for investment increased by $10.2 billion to $96.1 billion as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 , and average loans held for investment increased by $7.8 billion to $86.7 billion in 2015 compared to 2014 . The increases were primarily due to loan growth in our domestic card loan portfolio, partially offset by the impact of foreign exchange rates in our international card loan portfolio driven by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar in 2015 .
Net Charge-off and Delinquency Statistics: The net charge-off rate decreased by 10 basis points to 3.36% in 2015 compared to 2014 , driven by our international card loan portfolio which benefited from the ramp up of our international partnership portfolio in Canada. The 30+ day delinquency rate increased by 10 basis points to 3.40% as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 due to the seasoning of our domestic card portfolio growth which has begun to put upward pressure on delinquencies.
Key factors affecting the results of our Credit Card business for 2014, compared to 2013, and changes in financial condition and credit performance between December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include the following:
Net Interest Income: Net interest income decreased by $657 million to $10.3 billion in 2014. The decrease in net interest income was primarily driven by the Portfolio Sale in the third quarter of 2013.
Non-Interest Income: Non-interest income was consistent at $3.3 billion in 2014 compared to 2013. During 2014 there was an increase in net interchange fees driven by higher purchase volume, offset by a reduction in service charges and other customer-related fees due to strategic choices we made in our Domestic Card business.
Provision for Credit Losses: The provision for credit losses decreased by $74 million to $2.8 billion in 2014. The decrease was due to lower net charge-offs, partially offset by an absence of a release in the allowance for loan and lease losses that was incurred in 2013 related to the domestic card loan portfolio.

 
52
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Non-Interest Expense: Non-interest expense decreased by $376 million to $7.1 billion in 2014. The decrease was largely due to (i) lower acquisition-related costs; (ii) lower operating expenses driven by the Portfolio Sale; (iii) operating efficiencies; and (iv) lower provision for litigation matters; partially offset by higher marketing expenses. Non-interest expense also included PCCR intangible amortization of $369 million in 2014.
Loans Held for Investment: Period-end loans held for investment increased by $4.6 billion to $85.9 billion as of December 31, 2014 from December 31, 2013. This increase was primarily driven by growth in the domestic card loan portfolio. Average loans held for investment decreased by $261 million to $78.9 billion in 2014 compared to 2013, due to the run-off of certain loans acquired in the 2012 U.S. card acquisition, as well as the Portfolio Sale in 2013, partially offset by growth in the second half of 2014.
Net Charge-off and Delinquency Statistics: The net charge-off rate decreased by 69 basis points to 3.46% in 2014 compared to 2013, largely due to continued economic improvement and portfolio seasoning. The 30+ day delinquency rate decreased by 24 basis points to 3.30% as of December 31, 2014 from December 31, 2013, due to lower delinquency inventories.
Domestic Card Business
Domestic Card generated net income from continuing operations of $2.2 billion in both 2015 and 2014 , and $2.4 billion in 2013 . Domestic Card accounted for 91% of total net revenues of our Credit Card business in 2015 , compared to 90% in both 2014 and 2013 . Income attributable to Domestic Card represented 95% of net income of our Credit Card business in 2015 , compared to 90% and 91% in 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The higher portion of total net revenue attributable to Domestic Card was primarily due to strong loan growth in our Domestic business, the impact of foreign exchange rates driven by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, as well as the build in our U.K. PPI Reserve in our International Card business.Table 6.1 summarizes the financial results for Domestic Card and displays selected key metrics for the periods indicated.
Table 6.1 : Domestic Card Business Results
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Change
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015 vs. 2014
 
2014 vs. 2013
Selected income statement data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
$
10,147

 
$
9,241

 
$
9,887

 
10%

 
(7)%

Non-interest income
 
3,183

 
3,001

 
2,957

 
6

 
1

Total net revenue (1)
 
13,330

 
12,242

 
12,844

 
9

 
(5
)
Provision for credit losses
 
3,204

 
2,493

 
2,502

 
29

 

Non-interest expense
 
6,627

 
6,264

 
6,645

 
6

 
(6
)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
3,499

 
3,485

 
3,697

 

 
(6
)
Income tax provision
 
1,267

 
1,246

 
1,316

 
2

 
(5
)
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
 
$
2,232

 
$
2,239

 
$
2,381

 

 
(6
)
Selected performance metrics:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average loans held for investment (2)
 
$
78,743

 
$
71,262

 
$
71,234

 
10

 

Average yield on loans held for investment (3)
 
14.21%

 
14.26%

 
15.27%

 
(5
)bps
 
(101
)bps
Total net revenue margin (4)
 
16.93

 
17.18

 
18.03

 
(25
)
 
(85
)
Net charge-offs
 
$
2,718

 
$
2,445

 
$
2,904

 
11%

 
(16)%

Net charge-off rate
 
3.45%

 
3.43%

 
4.08%

 
2
bps
 
(65
)bps
Card loan premium amortization and other intangible accretion (5)
 
$
28

 
$
97

 
$
198

 
(71)%

 
(51)%

PCCR intangible amortization
 
316

 
369

 
434

 
(14
)
 
(15
)
Purchase volume (6)
 
246,740

 
208,716

 
186,901

 
18

 
12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
53
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


(Dollars in millions)
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Change
 
 
 
 
Selected period-end data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans held for investment (2)
 
$
87,939

 
$
77,704

 
13%

 
 
 
 
30+ day delinquency rate
 
3.39%

 
3.27%

 
12
bps
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan and lease losses
 
$
3,355

 
$
2,878

 
17%

 
 
 
 
Allowance coverage ratio (7)
 
3.82%

 
3.70%

 
12
bps
 
 
 
 
__________
(1)  
We recognize billed finance charges and fee income on open-ended loans in accordance with the contractual provisions of the credit arrangements and estimate the uncollectible amount on a quarterly basis. The estimated uncollectible amount of billed finance charges and fees is reflected as a reduction in revenue and is not included in our net charge-offs.
(2)  
Period-end loans held for investment and average loans held for investment include accrued finance charges and fees, net of the estimated uncollectible amount.
(3)  
Calculated by dividing interest income for the period by average loans held for investment during the period for the specified loan category. Interest income includes interest income on loans held for sale and excludes various allocations including funds transfer pricing that assigns certain balance sheet assets, deposits and other liabilities and their related revenue and expenses attributable to each business segment. The transfer of the Best Buy loan portfolio from loans held for investment to loans held for sale resulted in an increase in the average yield for the Domestic Card business of 99 basis points in 2013.
(4)  
Calculated by dividing total net revenue for the period by average loans held for investment during the period. The transfer of the Best Buy loan portfolio from loans held for investment to loans held for sale resulted in an increase in the net revenue margin for the Domestic Card business of 111 basis points in 2013.
(5)  
Represents the net reduction in interest income attributable to the amortization of premiums on purchased loans accounted for based on contractual cash flows and the accretion of other intangibles associated with the 2012 U.S. card acquisition.
(6)  
Consists of domestic card purchase transactions, net of returns, for the period for both loans classified as held for investment and loans classified as held for sale. Excludes cash advance and balance transfer transactions.
(7)  
Calculated by dividing the allowance for loan and lease losses as of the end of the period by period-end loans held for investment.
Because our Domestic Card business accounts for the substantial majority of our Credit Card business, the key factors driving the results discussed above are similar to the key factors affecting our total Credit Card business. Net income for our Domestic Card business remained flat in 2015 , compared to 2014 as continued loan growth drove increases in both revenue and expenses, including provision for credit losses, and operating and marketing expenses.
The primary driver of the decline in net income for our Domestic Card business in 2014, compared to 2013, was a decrease in revenue primarily driven by the Portfolio Sale and higher marketing expenses, partially offset by lower acquisition-related costs and provision for litigation matters, as well as lower operating expenses attributable to the Portfolio Sale in 2013 and operating efficiencies.
International Card Business
International Card generated net income from continuing operations of $122 million , $240 million and $234 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The decrease of net income in 2015 , compared to 2014 was primarily due to a build of $147 million in our U.K. PPI Reserve in 2015, which resulted in a reduction to net revenue and an increase in non-interest expense, and the impact of foreign exchange rates driven by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar in 2015 .
The increase of net income in 2014, compared to 2013, was primarily due to a lower provision for credit losses, attributable to lower net charge-offs resulting from credit improvement, partially offset by lower non-interest income due to a decrease in service charges and other customer-related fees.

 
54
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


Table 6.2 summarizes the financial results for International Card and displays selected key metrics for the periods indicated.
Table 6.2 : International Card Business Results
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Change
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015 vs. 2014
 
2014 vs. 2013
Selected income statement data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
$
1,014

 
$
1,069

 
$
1,080

 
(5)%

 
(1)%

Non-interest income
 
238

 
310

 
363

 
(23
)
 
(15
)
Total net revenue
 
1,252

 
1,379

 
1,443

 
(9
)
 
(4
)
Provision for credit losses
 
213

 
257

 
322

 
(17
)
 
(20
)
Non-interest expense
 
875

 
799

 
794

 
10

 
1

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
164

 
323

 
327

 
(49
)
 
(1
)
Income tax provision
 
42

 
83

 
93

 
(49
)
 
(11
)
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
 
$
122

 
$
240

 
$
234

 
(49
)
 
3

Selected performance metrics:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average loans held for investment (1)
 
$
7,992

 
$
7,684

 
$
7,973

 
4

 
(4
)
Average yield on loans held for investment (2)
 
15.02%

 
16.53%

 
16.24%

 
(151
)bps
 
29
bps
Total net revenue margin (3)
 
15.66

 
17.95

 
18.10

 
(229
)
 
(15
)
Net charge-offs
 
$
200

 
$
283

 
$
381

 
(29)%

 
(26)%

Net charge-off rate
 
2.50%

 
3.69%

 
4.78%

 
(119
)bps
 
(109
)bps
Purchase volume (4)
 
$
24,427

 
$
16,034

 
$
14,173

 
52%

 
13
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Change
 
 
 
 
Selected period-end data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans held for investment (1)
 
$
8,186

 
$
8,172

 
 
 
 
 
30+ day performing delinquency rate
 
2.98%

 
2.94%

 
4bps
 
 
 
 
30+ day delinquency rate
 
3.46

 
3.60

 
(14)
 
 
 
 
Nonperforming loan rate
 
0.65

 
0.86

 
(21)
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan and lease losses
 
$
299

 
$
326

 
(8)%
 
 
 
 
Allowance coverage ratio (5)
 
3.66%

 
3.99%

 
(33)bps
 
 
 
 
__________
(1)  
Period-end loans held for investment and average loans held for investment include accrued finance charges and fees, net of the estimated uncollectible amount.
(2)  
Calculated by dividing interest income for the period by average loans held for investment during the period. Interest income excludes various allocations including funds transfer pricing that assigns certain balance sheet assets, deposits and other liabilities and their related revenue and expenses attributable to each business segment.
(3)  
Calculated by dividing total net revenue for the period by average loans held for investment during the period.
(4)  
Consists of international card purchase transactions, net of returns for the period. Excludes cash advance and balance transfer transactions.
(5)  
Calculated by dividing the allowance for loan and lease losses as of the end of the period by period-end loans held for investment.

 
55
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Consumer Banking Business
The primary sources of revenue for our Consumer Banking business are net interest income from loans and deposits and non-interest income from service charges and customer-related fees. Expenses primarily consist of the provision for credit losses, operating costs, such as salaries and associate benefits, occupancy and equipment costs, professional services, communications and data processing expenses, as well as marketing expenses.
Our Consumer Banking business generated net income from continuing operations of $1.0 billion , $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.
Table 7 summarizes the financial results of our Consumer Banking business and displays selected key metrics for the periods indicated.
Table 7 : Consumer Banking Business Results
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Change
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015 vs. 2014
 
2014 vs. 2013
Selected income statement data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
$
5,755

 
$
5,748

 
$
5,905

 

 
(3)%

Non-interest income
 
710

 
684

 
749

 
4%

 
(9
)
Total net revenue
 
6,465

 
6,432

 
6,654

 
1

 
(3
)
Provision for credit losses
 
819

 
703

 
656

 
17

 
7

Non-interest expense
 
4,026

 
3,869

 
3,745

 
4

 
3

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
1,620

 
1,860

 
2,253

 
(13
)
 
(17
)
Income tax provision
 
586

 
665

 
802

 
(12
)
 
(17
)
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
 
$
1,034

 
$
1,195

 
$
1,451

 
(13
)
 
(18
)
Selected performance metrics:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average loans held for investment: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto
 
$
39,967

 
$
34,769

 
$
29,446

 
15

 
18

Home loan
 
27,601

 
32,589

 
39,322

 
(15
)
 
(17
)
Retail banking
 
3,582

 
3,606

 
3,699

 
(1
)
 
(3
)
Total consumer banking
 
$
71,150

 
$
70,964

 
$
72,467

 

 
(2
)
Average yield on loans held for investment (2)
 
6.26%

 
6.26%

 
6.10%

 

 
16
bps
Average deposits
 
$
170,757

 
$
168,623

 
$
169,683

 
1%

 
(1)%

Average deposit interest rate
 
0.56%

 
0.57%

 
0.63%

 
(1
)bps
 
(6
)bps
Core deposit intangible amortization
 
$
79

 
$
108

 
$
138

 
(27)%

 
(22)%

Net charge-offs
 
731

 
675

 
616

 
8

 
10

Net charge-off rate
 
1.03%

 
0.95%

 
0.85%

 
8
bps
 
10
bps
Net charge-off rate (excluding Acquired Loans) (3)
 
1.45

  
1.49

 
1.51

 
(4
)
 
(2
)
Auto loan originations
 
$
21,185

 
$
20,903

 
$
17,388

 
1%

 
20
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
56
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


(Dollars in millions)
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Change
 
 
 
 
Selected period-end data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans held for investment: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto
 
$
41,549

 
$
37,824

 
10%

 
 
 
 
Home loan
 
25,227

 
30,035

 
(16
)
 
 
 
 
Retail banking
 
3,596

 
3,580

 

 
 
 
 
Total consumer banking
 
$
70,372

 
$
71,439

 
(1
)
 
 
 
 
30+ day performing delinquency rate
 
4.05%

 
3.60%

 
45
bps
 
 
 
 
30+ day performing delinquency rate (excluding Acquired Loans) (3)
 
5.50

 
5.34

 
16

 
 
 
 
30+ day delinquency rate
 
4.67

 
4.23

 
44

 
 
 
 
30+ day delinquency rate (excluding Acquired Loans) (3)
 
6.34

 
6.28

 
6

 
 
 
 
Nonperforming loans rate
 
0.79

 
0.77

 
2

 
 
 
 
Nonperforming loans rate (excluding Acquired Loans) (3)
 
1.08

 
1.14

 
(6
)
 
 
 
 
Nonperforming asset rate (4)
 
1.10

 
1.06

 
4

 
 
 
 
Nonperforming asset rate (excluding Acquired Loans) (3)(4)
 
1.50

 
1.57

 
(7
)
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan and lease losses
 
$
868

 
$
779

 
11%

 
 
 
 
Allowance coverage ratio (5)(6)
 
1.23%

 
1.09%

 
14
bps
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
$
172,702

 
$
168,078

 
3%

 
 
 
 
Loans serviced for others
 
7,530

 
6,701

 
12

 
 
 
 
__________
(1)  
The period-end consumer banking loans held for investment includes Acquired Loans with carrying values of $18.6 billion and $23.3 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The average balance of consumer banking loans held for investment includes Acquired Loans of $20.7 billion , $25.6 billion and $31.7 billion in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. See “MD&A—Glossary and Acronyms” for the definition of “Acquired Loans.”
(2)  
Calculated by dividing interest income for the period by average loans held for investment during the period. Interest income excludes various allocations including funds transfer pricing that assigns certain balance sheet assets, deposits and other liabilities and their related revenue and expenses attributable to each business segment.
(3)  
See “MD&A— Credit Risk Profile ” and “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” for additional information on the impact of Acquired Loans on our credit quality metrics.
(4)  
Nonperforming assets consist of nonperforming loans, real estate owned (“REO”) and other foreclosed assets. The nonperforming asset rate is calculated based on nonperforming assets as of the end of the period divided by the sum of period-end loans held for investment, foreclosed properties and other foreclosed assets, and is adjusted to exclude the impact of acquired REOs.
(5)  
Calculated by dividing the allowance for loan and lease losses as of the end of the period by period-end loans held for investment.
(6)  
Excluding the impact of acquired home loans, the coverage ratios for our home loan portfolio and total consumer banking were 0.50% and 1.60% , respectively, as of December 31, 2015 , compared to 0.52% and 1.56% , respectively, as of December 31, 2014 .
Key factors affecting the results of our Consumer Banking business for 2015 , compared to 2014 , and changes in financial condition and credit performance between December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 include the following:
Net Interest Income:  Net interest income remained flat at $5.8 billion in 2015 , as the higher net interest income generated by the growth in our auto loan portfolio was partially offset by lower net interest income from our home loan portfolio attributable to the planned run-off of the acquired portfolio and margin compression in auto loans.
Consumer Banking loan yield remained flat at 6.3% in 2015 , as the decrease in average loan yield in our auto loan portfolio was offset by changes in the product mix in Consumer Banking as a result of growth in our auto loan portfolio and the planned run-off of the acquired home loan portfolio. The increase in our auto loan portfolio in relation to our total consumer banking loan portfolio drove an increase in the total Consumer Banking yield, even as the average yield on auto loans decreased by 65 basis points to 8.0% in 2015 . This decrease was primarily attributable to two factors: (i) a shift to a higher proportion of prime auto loans; and (ii) continued competition across the auto business. The average yield on the home loan portfolio increased by 6 basis points to 3.9% in 2015 , as a result of higher yield on our acquired home loan portfolio.
Non-Interest Income:  Non-interest income increased by $26 million to $710 million in 2015 , primarily due to the gain recognized on loans originated and sold within our home loan portfolio.

 
57
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Provision for Credit Losses:  The provision for credit losses increased by $116 million to $819 million in 2015 , driven by an allowance build across our consumer banking loan portfolios, coupled with higher net charge-offs due to continued growth in our auto loan portfolio.
Non-Interest Expense: Non-interest expense increased by $157 million to $4.0 billion in 2015 , largely due to increased operating expenses due to continued technology and infrastructure investments in our retail banking business and growth in our auto loan portfolio.
Loans Held for Investment:  Period-end loans held for investment decreased by $1.1 billion to $70.4 billion as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 , primarily due to the planned run-off of our acquired home loan portfolio, partially offset by growth in our auto loan portfolio. Average loans held for investment were substantially flat, increasing by $186 million , or 0.3% , to $71.2 billion in 2015 compared to 2014 .
Deposits:  Period-end deposits increased by $4.6 billion to $172.7 billion as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 , primarily driven by our continued focus on deposit relationships with existing customers and attracting new customers.
Net Charge-off and Delinquency Statistics:  The net charge-off rate increased by 8 basis points to 1.03% in 2015 compared to 2014 . The 30+ day delinquency rate increased by 44 basis points to 4.67% as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 . The increase in the net charge-off rate and 30+ day delinquency rate reflected the planned run-off of our acquired home loan portfolio, which generally does not have charge-offs or delinquencies since these loans were recorded at fair value at acquisition, and a greater portion of auto loans in our portfolio, which have a higher charge-off and delinquency rate than other products within the total consumer banking loan portfolio.
Key factors affecting the results of our Consumer Banking business for 2014, compared to 2013, and changes in financial condition and credit performance between December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include the following:
Net Interest Income:  Net interest income decreased by $157 million to $5.7 billion in 2014. The decrease in net interest income was primarily attributable to compression in deposit spreads in retail banking due to the lower interest rate environment, declining home loan portfolio balances, and margin compression in our auto loan portfolio. The decreases were partially offset by higher net interest income generated by growth in our auto loan portfolio.
Consumer Banking loan yields increased by 16 basis points to 6.3% in 2014. The increase in 2014 was driven by changes in the product mix in Consumer Banking as a result of growth in our auto loan portfolio and the run-off of the acquired home loan portfolio. The increase in our auto loans in relation to our total consumer banking loan portfolio drove an increase in the total Consumer Banking yield, even as the average yield on auto loans decreased by 109 basis points to 8.7% in 2014. This decrease was primarily attributable to a shift to a higher portion of prime auto loans and increased competition in the auto business. The average yield on home loans portfolio increased by 38 basis points to 3.8% in 2014. The higher yield in the home loan portfolio was driven by an increase in expected cash flows as a result of credit improvement on the acquired home loan portfolio.
Non-Interest Income:  Non-interest income decreased by $65 million to $684 million in 2014. The decrease in non-interest income in 2014 was primarily attributable to the sale of certain MSRs in 2013.
Provision for Credit Losses:  The provision for credit losses increased by $47 million to $703 million in 2014. The increase in 2014, as compared to 2013, was driven by higher net charge-offs due to the growth in our auto loan portfolio and a smaller release of the allowance for loan and lease losses in the retail banking and home loan portfolios, offset by a smaller allowance build in the auto loan portfolio.
Non-Interest Expense : Non-interest expense increased by $124 million to $3.9 billion in 2014. The increase was largely due to the growth in our auto loan portfolio and to a smaller degree, the change to include the auto repossession-related expenses as a component of operating expenses. Prior to January 1, 2014, these costs were reported as a component of net charge-offs.
Loans Held for Investment : Period-end loans held for investment increased by $677 million to $71.4 billion as of December 31, 2014 from December 31, 2013, primarily due to the growth in the auto loan portfolio, mostly offset by the run-off of our acquired home loan portfolio. Average loans held for investment decreased by $1.5 billion to $71.0 billion in 2014 compared to 2013 due to the run-off in our acquired home loan portfolio outpacing growth in our auto loan portfolio.

 
58
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Deposits : Period-end deposits increased by $426 million to $168.1 billion as of December 31, 2014, from December 31, 2013.
Net Charge-off and Delinquency Statistics : The net charge-off rate increased by 10 basis points to 0.95% in 2014 compared to 2013. The increase in the net charge-off rate reflected a shift in the mix of the portfolio toward auto loans (which typically carry higher net charge-off rates than our home loan portfolio), as the home loan portfolio runs off. The 30+ day delinquency rate increased by 34 basis points to 4.23% as of December 31, 2014 from December 31, 2013.
Commercial Banking Business
The primary sources of revenue for our Commercial Banking business are net interest income from loans and deposits and non-interest income from customer fees and other transactions. Because we have some investments that generate tax-exempt income or tax credits, we make certain reclassifications to our Commercial Banking business results to present revenues on a taxable-equivalent basis. Expenses primarily consist of the provision for credit losses, operating costs, such as salaries and associate benefits, occupancy, equipment, professional services, communications and data processing expenses, as well as marketing expenses.
Our Commercial Banking business generated net income from continuing operations of $570 million , $659 million and $731 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Table 8 summarizes the financial results of our Commercial Banking business and displays selected key metrics for the periods indicated.
Table 8 : Commercial Banking Business Results
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Change
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015 vs. 2014
 
2014 vs. 2013
Selected income statement data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
$
1,865

 
$
1,751

 
$
1,674

 
7%

 
5%

Non-interest income
 
487

 
450

 
395

 
8

 
14

Total net revenue (1)
 
2,352

 
2,201

 
2,069

 
7

 
6

Provision (benefit) for credit losses (2)
 
302

 
93

 
(24
)
 
225

 
**

Non-interest expense
 
1,156

 
1,083

 
958

 
7

 
13

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
894

 
1,025

 
1,135

 
(13
)
 
(10
)
Income tax provision
 
324

 
366

 
404

 
(11
)
 
(9
)
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
 
$
570

 
$
659

 
$
731

 
(14
)
 
(10
)
Selected performance metrics:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average loans held for investment: (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and multifamily real estate
 
$
23,728

 
$
22,003

 
$
18,636

 
8

 
18

Commercial and industrial
 
28,349

 
25,028

 
21,062

 
13

 
19

Total commercial lending
 
52,077

 
47,031

 
39,698

 
11

 
18

Small-ticket commercial real estate
 
692

 
868

 
1,073

 
(20
)
 
(19
)
Total commercial banking
 
$
52,769

 
$
47,899

 
$
40,771

 
10

 
17

Average yield on loans held for investment (1)
 
3.21%

 
3.42%

 
3.88%

 
(21
)bps
 
(46
)bps
Average deposits
 
$
33,058

 
$
31,752

 
$
30,702

 
4%

 
3%

Average deposit interest rate
 
0.25%

 
0.24%

 
0.27%

 
1
bps
 
(3
)bps
Core deposit intangible amortization
 
$
15

 
$
21

 
$
27

 
(29)%

 
(22)%

Net charge-offs
 
47

 
10

 
14

 
370

 
(29
)
Net charge-off rate
 
0.09%

 
0.02%

 
0.03%

 
7
bps
 
(1
)bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
59
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


(Dollars in millions)
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Change
 
 
 
 
Selected period-end data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans held for investment: (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and multifamily real estate
 
$
25,518

 
$
23,137

 
10%

 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
 
37,135

 
26,972

 
38

 
 
 
 
Total commercial lending
 
62,653

 
50,109

 
25

 
 
 
 
Small-ticket commercial real estate
 
613

 
781

 
(22
)
 
 
 
 
Total commercial banking
 
$
63,266

 
$
50,890

 
24

 
 
 
 
Nonperforming loans rate
 
0.87%

 
0.34%

 
53
bps
 
 
 
 
Nonperforming asset rate (4)
 
0.87

 
0.36

 
51

 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan and lease losses (2)
 
$
604

 
$
395

 
53%

 
 
 
 
Allowance coverage ratio (5)
 
0.95%

 
0.78%

 
17
bps
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
$
34,257

 
$
31,954

 
7%

 
 
 
 
Loans serviced for others (6)
 
17,643

 
14,131

 
25

 
 
 
 
__________
**
Change is not meaningful.
(1)  
The average yield on loans held for investment is calculated by dividing interest income for the period by average loans held for investment during the period. Interest income excludes various allocations including funds transfer pricing that assigns certain balance sheet assets, deposits and other liabilities and their related revenue and expenses attributable to each business segment. Some of our tax-related commercial investments generate tax-exempt income or tax credits. Accordingly, we make certain reclassifications within our Commercial Banking business results to present revenues and yields on a taxable-equivalent basis, calculated assuming an effective tax rate approximately equal to our federal statutory tax rate of 35%.
(2)  
The provision for unfunded lending commitments is included in the provision for credit losses in our consolidated statements of income and the related reserve for unfunded lending commitments is included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. We recorded a reserve for unfunded lending commitments of $161 million , $106 million and $80 million as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.
(3)  
The period-end commercial banking loans held for investment include Acquired Loans with carrying value of $958 million and $191 millio n as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The average balance of commercial banking loans held for investment includes Acquired Loans of $215 million , $217 million and $303 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. See “MD&A—Glossary and Acronyms” for the definition of “Acquired Loans.”
(4)  
Nonperforming assets consist of nonperforming loans, real estate owned (“REO”) and other foreclosed assets. The nonperforming asset rate is calculated based on nonperforming assets as of the end of the period divided by the sum of period-end loans held for investment, foreclosed properties and other foreclosed assets, and is adjusted to exclude the impact of acquired REOs.
(5)  
Calculated by dividing the allowance for loan and lease losses as of the end of the period by period-end loans held for investment.
(6)  
Represents our portfolio of loans serviced for third parties related to our multifamily finance business.
Key factors affecting the results of our Commercial Banking business for 2015 , compared to 2014 , and changes in financial condition and credit performance between December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 include the following:
Net Interest Income: Net interest income increased by $114 million to $1.9 billion in 2015 . The increase was due to growth in commercial and industrial and commercial and multifamily real estate average loans, partially offset by lower loan yields driven by market and competitive pressures.
Non-Interest Income: Non-interest income increased by $37 million to $487 million in 2015 primarily driven by increased revenue from products and services provided to our commercial customers.
Provision for Credit Losses: The provision for credit losses increased by $209 million to $302 million in 2015 . The increase was primarily driven by a larger build in both the allowance and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments resulting from adverse market conditions impacting our oil and gas portfolio and taxi medallion lending portfolio. See “MD&A—Table 17—Commercial Loans by Industry” for additional information about the composition of our commercial banking loan portfolio, and “Note 5—Loans” for additional information about credit metrics for our commercial banking loan portfolio.
Non-Interest Expense: Non-i nterest expense increased by $73 million to $1.2 billion in 2015 , driven by higher operating expenses due to costs associated with the GE Healthcare acquisition and continued growth in our Commercial Banking business.
Loans Held for Investment: Period-end loans held for investment increased by $12.4 billion to $63.3 billion as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 driven by the GE Healthcare acquisition as well as growth in our commercial

 
60
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



and multifamily real estate loan portfolios. Average loans held for investment increased by $4.9 billion to $52.8 billion in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily driven by growth in our commercial and multifamily real estate loan portfolios.
Deposits: Period-end deposits increased by $2.3 billion to $34.3 billion as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 , driven by our strategy to strengthen existing relationships with and increase liquidity from our commercial customers.
Net Charge-off and Nonperforming Statistics: The net charge-off rate increased by 7 basis points to 0.09% in 2015 compared to 2014 . The nonperforming loans rate increased by 53 basis points to 0.87% as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 . The increases in these rates reflect losses and credit risk rating downgrades in our oil and gas portfolio and taxi medallion lending portfolio.
Key factors affecting the results of our Commercial Banking business for 2014, compared to 2013, and changes in financial condition and credit performance between December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include the following:
Net Interest Income: Net interest income increased by $77 million to $1.8 billion in 2014. The increase was driven by growth in commercial and multifamily real estate and commercial and industrial loans, partially offset by lower loan yields driven by market and competitive pressures.
Non-Interest Income: Non-interest income increased by $55 million to $450 million in 2014, primarily driven by increased revenue related to fee-based services and products attributable to multifamily finance business.
Provision for Credit Losses: The provision for credit losses increased by $117 million to $93 million in 2014, primarily due to the change from an allowance release in 2013 driven by credit improvements, to an allowance build in 2014 attributable to loan growth and portfolio specific risks. The above impact was partially offset by a smaller reserve build due to lower growth in unfunded lending commitments.
Non-Interest Expense: Non-interest expense increased by $125 million to $1.1 billion in 2014, driven by operating expenses associated with continued investments in business growth.
Loans Held for Investment: Period-end loans held for investment increased by $5.9 billion to $50.9 billion as of December 31, 2014 from December 31, 2013, and average loans held for investment increased by $7.1 billion to $47.9 billion in 2014 compared to 2013. The increases were driven by loan growth in the commercial and industrial and commercial and multifamily real estate businesses.
Deposits: Period-end deposits increased by $1.4 billion to $32.0 billion as of December 31, 2014 from December 31, 2013, driven by our strategy to deepen and expand relationships with commercial customers.
Net Charge-off Statistics: The net charge-off rate decreased by 1 basis point to 0.02% in 2014. The nonperforming loans rate increased by 1 basis point to 0.34% as of December 31, 2014 from December 31, 2013. The continued strength in the credit metrics in our Commercial Banking business reflects stable credit trends.
Other Category
Other includes unallocated amounts related to our centralized Corporate Treasury group activities, such as management of our corporate investment portfolio and asset/liability management, and certain capital management activities. Other also includes foreign exchange-rate fluctuations on foreign currency-denominated balances; unallocated corporate expenses that do not directly support the operations of the business segments or for which the business segments are not considered financially accountable in evaluating their performance, such as certain acquisition and restructuring charges; a portion of the net provision (benefit) for representation and warranty losses related to continuing operations; and offsets related to certain line-item reclassifications.

 
61
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


Table 9 summarizes the financial results of our Other category for the periods indicated.
Table 9 : Other Category Results
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Change
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015 vs. 2014
 
2014 vs. 2013
Selected income statement data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income (expense)
 
$
53

 
$
9

 
$
(440
)
 
**

 
**

Non-interest income
 
(39
)
 
27

 
(186
)
 
**

 
**

Total net revenue (loss) (1)
 
14

 
36

 
(626
)
 
(61
)%
 
**

Benefit for credit losses
 
(2
)
 
(5
)
 
(3
)
 
(60
)
 
67
 %
Non-interest expense
 
312

 
165

 
211

 
89

 
(22
)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
 
(296
)
 
(124
)
 
(834
)
 
139

 
(85
)
Income tax benefit
 
(350
)
 
(214
)
 
(391
)
 
64

 
(45
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax
 
$
54

 
$
90

 
$
(443
)
 
(40
)
 
**

__________
**
Change is not meaningful.
(1)  
Some of our tax-related commercial investments generate tax-exempt income or tax credits, accordingly we make certain reclassifications within our Commercial Banking business results to present revenues and yields on a taxable-equivalent basis, calculated assuming an effective tax rate approximately equal to our federal statutory tax rate of 35%, with offsetting reclassifications within the Other category.
Net income from continuing operations recorded in the Other category was $54 million in 2015 , compared to $90 million in 2014 . The reduction in net income in 2015 was primarily due to charges associated with (i) severance and related benefits pursuant to our ongoing benefit program as a result of the realignment of our workforce; and (ii) certain planned site closures, partially offset by higher discrete tax benefits and net tax credits.
Net income from continuing operations recorded in the Other category was $90 million in 2014, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $443 million in 2013. The shift to a net profit from a net loss was primarily due to lower funding costs, as well as the absence of the one-time charge associated with our redemption of trust preferred securities in January 2013.

 
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Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ANALYSIS
Total assets increased by $25.9 billion to $334.0 billion as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 primarily attributable to (i) an increase of $21.5 billion in loans held for investment due to growth in our credit card, auto and commercial portfolios, including loans acquired from the GE Healthcare acquisition, partially offset by the planned run-off of our acquired home loan portfolio; and (ii) an increase of $1.7 billion in investment securities due to purchases outpacing sales, maturities and paydowns. Total liabilities increased by $23.7 billion to $286.8 billion as of December 31, 2015 , primarily driven by higher deposit and outstanding debt due to new issuances outpacing maturities. Stockholders’ equity increased by $2.2 billion to $47.3 billion as of December 31, 2015 , primarily due to our net income of $4.1 billion in 2015 and $1.5 billion of proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock, partially offset by $2.4 billion of share repurchases under our 2014 and 2015 Stock Repurchase Programs and dividend payments.
The following is a discussion of material changes in the major components of our assets and liabilities during 2015 . Period-end balance sheet amounts may vary from average balance sheet amounts due to liquidity and balance sheet management activities that are intended to ensure the adequacy of capital while managing our liquidity requirements for the Company and our customers and our market risk exposure in accordance with our risk appetite.
Investment Securities
Our investment portfolio consists primarily of the following: U.S. Treasury securities; corporate debt securities guaranteed by U.S. government agencies; U.S. government-sponsored enterprise or agency (“Agency”) and non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”); other asset-backed securities (“ABS”); and other securities. The carrying value of our investments in U.S. Treasury, Agency securities and other securities guaranteed by the U.S. government or agencies of the U.S. government represented 90% and 86% of our total investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
The fair value of our securities available for sale portfolio was $39.1 billion as of December 31, 2015 , a decrease of $447 million from $39.5 billion as of December 31, 2014 . The decrease was primarily due to higher interest rates. The fair value of our securities held to maturity portfolio was $25.3 billion as of December 31, 2015 , an increase of $1.7 billion from $23.6 billion as of December 31, 2014 . The increase was primarily due to growth in this portfolio as purchases outpaced maturities and paydowns, slightly offset by decreases in fair value due to higher interest rates.
Gross unrealized gains on available for sale investment securities decreased to $578 million as of December 31, 2015 compared to $886 million as of December 31, 2014 primarily driven by an increase in interest rates. Gross unrealized losses on available for sale investment securities increased to $321 million as of December 31, 2015 compared to $237 million as of December 31, 2014 . Of the $321 million as of December 31, 2015 , $165 million was related to securities that had been in a loss position for 12 months or longer. We provide information on OTTI recognized in earnings on our investment securities above in “ Consolidated Results of Operations Non-Interest Income .”

 
63
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


Table 10 presents the amortized cost, carrying value and fair value for the major categories of our portfolio of investment securities as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 .
Table 10 : Investment Securities
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Investment securities available for sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
4,664

 
$
4,660

 
$
4,114

 
$
4,118

 
$
832

 
$
834

Corporate debt securities guaranteed by U.S. government agencies
 
0

 
0

 
819

 
800

 
1,282

 
1,234

RMBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency (1)
 
24,332

 
24,285

 
21,804

 
21,995

 
21,572

 
21,479

Non-agency
 
2,680

 
3,026

 
2,938

 
3,386

 
3,165

 
3,600

Total RMBS
 
27,012

 
27,311

 
24,742

 
25,381

 
24,737

 
25,079

CMBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency (1)
 
3,690

 
3,664

 
3,751

 
3,723

 
4,262

 
4,198

Non-agency
 
1,723

 
1,715

 
1,780

 
1,796

 
1,854

 
1,808

Total CMBS
 
5,413

 
5,379

 
5,531

 
5,519

 
6,116

 
6,006

Other ABS (2)
 
1,345

 
1,340

 
2,618

 
2,662

 
7,123

 
7,136

Other securities (3)
 
370

 
371

 
1,035

 
1,028

 
1,542

 
1,511

Total investment securities available for sale
 
$
38,804

 
$
39,061

 
$
38,859

 
$
39,508

 
$
41,632

 
$
41,800

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair
Value
Investment securities held to maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
199

 
$
198

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

Agency RMBS
 
21,513

 
22,133

 
20,163

 
21,210

 
17,443

 
17,485

Agency CMBS
 
2,907

 
2,986

 
2,337

 
2,424

 
1,689

 
1,700

Total investment securities held to maturity
 
$
24,619

 
$
25,317

 
$
22,500

 
$
23,634

 
$
19,132

 
$
19,185

__________
(1)  
Includes Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”).
(2)  
ABS collateralized by credit card loans constituted approximately 71% and 56% of the other ABS portfolio as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and ABS collateralized by auto dealer floor plan inventory loans and leases constituted approximately 11% and 16% of the other ABS portfolio as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
(3)  
Includes foreign government bonds, corporate securities, municipal securities and equity investments.
Credit Ratings
Our portfolio of investment securities continues to be concentrated in securities that generally have high credit ratings and low credit risk, such as securities issued and guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and Agencies. Approximately 95% and 93% of our total investment securities portfolio was rated AA+ or its equivalent, or better, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, while approximately 5% and 6% was below investment grade as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We categorize the credit ratings of our investment securities based on the lowest credit rating as issued by the following rating agencies: Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) and Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”).
Table 11 provides information on the credit ratings of our non-agency RMBS, non-agency CMBS, other ABS and other securities in our portfolio as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .

 
64
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


Table 11 : Non-Agency Investment Securities Credit Ratings
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Fair Value
 
AAA
 
Other
Investment
Grade
 
Below
Investment
Grade (1)
 
Fair Value
 
AAA
 
Other
Investment
Grade
 
Below
Investment
Grade
(1)
Non-agency RMBS
 
$
3,026

 
 
3%
 
97%
 
$
3,386

 
 
3%
 
97%
Non-agency CMBS
 
1,715

 
100%
 
 
 
1,796

 
100%
 
 
Other ABS
 
1,340

 
99
 
1
 
 
2,662

 
90
 
5
 
5
Other securities
 
371

 
8
 
64
 
28
 
1,028

 
2
 
88
 
10
__________
(1)  
Includes a small portion of investment securities that were not rated.
For additional information on our investment securities, see “ Note 4—Investment Securities .”
Loans Held for Investment
Total loans held for investment (“HFI”) consists of both unrestricted loans and loans restricted in our consolidated securitization trusts. Table 12 summarizes our portfolio of loans held for investment by portfolio segment, net of the allowance for loan and lease losses, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 12 : Loans Held for Investment
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Loans
 
Allowance
 
Net Loans
 
Loans
 
Allowance
 
Net Loans
Credit Card
 
$
96,125

 
$
3,654

 
$
92,471

 
$
85,876

 
$
3,204

 
$
82,672

Consumer Banking
 
70,372

 
868

 
69,504

 
71,439

 
779

 
70,660

Commercial Banking
 
63,266

 
604

 
62,662

 
50,890

 
395

 
50,495

Other
 
88

 
4

 
84

 
111

 
5

 
106

Total
 
$
229,851

 
$
5,130

 
$
224,721

 
$
208,316

 
$
4,383

 
$
203,933

Period-end loans held for investment increased by $21.5 billion to $229.9 billion as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 , primarily driven by continued growth in our credit card, auto and commercial loan portfolios, including loans acquired from the GE Healthcare acquisition, partially offset by the planned run-off of our acquired home loan portfolio.
We provide additional information on the composition of our loan portfolio and credit quality below in “ Credit Risk Profile ,” “MD&A— Consolidated Results of Operations ” and “ Note 5—Loans .”
Loans Held for Sale
Loans held for sale, which are carried at lower of cost or fair value, increased by $278 million to $904 million as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 . The increase was primarily due to certain loan portfolios acquired as part of the GE Healthcare acquisition that we intend to sell, as well as the transfer of certain domestic credit card loans from loans held for investment to loans held for sale.
Deposits
Our deposits represent our largest source of funding for our operations, providing a consistent source of low-cost funds. Total deposits increased by $12.2 billion to $217.7 billion as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 . The increase in deposits was primarily driven by the issuance of brokered deposits and growth in our Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking businesses as a result of our continued focus on deposit relationships with existing customers and our ongoing marketing strategy to attract new business from our commercial customers. We provide information on the composition of our deposits, average outstanding balances, interest expense and yield below in “ Liquidity Risk Profile .”

 
65
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Securitized Debt Obligations
Securitized debt obligations increased by $4.5 billion to $16.2 billion as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 primarily driven by debt issuances of approximately $5.1 billion , offset by debt maturities of $500 million during 2015 . We provide additional information on our borrowings below in “ Liquidity Risk Profile .”
Other Debt
Other debt, which consists primarily of federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase, senior and subordinated notes, and Federal Home Loan Banks (“FHLB”) advances, totaled $42.9 billion as of December 31, 2015 , of which $42.0 billion represented long-term debt and the remainder represented short-term borrowings. Other debt totaled $36.8 billion as of December 31, 2014 , of which $17.1 billion represented short-term borrowings and $19.7 billion represented long-term debt. During 2015 , we extended the maturity of our FHLB advances which resulted in a decrease in our short-term borrowings and a corresponding increase in our long-term debt.
The increase in other debt of $6.1 billion in 2015 was primarily attributable to a net increase of $2.8 billion in FHLB advances, $3.2 billion in unsecured senior notes and $101 million in federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase. We provide additional information on our borrowings below in “ Liquidity Risk Profile ” and in “ Note 10—Deposits and Borrowings .”
Mortgage Representation and Warranty Reserve
We acquired three subsidiaries that originated residential mortgage loans and sold these loans to various purchasers, including purchasers who created securitization trusts. These subsidiaries are Capital One Home Loans, LLC, which was acquired in February 2005; GreenPoint, which was acquired in December 2006 as part of the North Fork Bancorporation, Inc. (“North Fork”) acquisition; and CCB, which was acquired in February 2009 and subsequently merged into CONA.
We have established representation and warranty reserves for losses associated with the mortgage loans sold by each subsidiary that we consider to be both probable and reasonably estimable, including both litigation and non-litigation liabilities. These reserves are reported on our consolidated balance sheets as a component of other liabilities. The reserve setting process relies heavily on estimates, which are inherently uncertain, and requires judgment. We evaluate these estimates on a quarterly basis. We build our representation and warranty reserves through the provision for mortgage representation and warranty losses, which we report in our consolidated statements of income as a component of non-interest income for loans originated and sold by CCB and Capital One Home Loans, LLC and as a component of discontinued operations for loans originated and sold by GreenPoint. The aggregate reserve for all three entities totaled $610 million as of December 31, 2015 , compared to $731 million as of December 31, 2014 .
The table below summarizes changes in our representation and warranty reserve in 2015 and 2014 .
Table 13 : Changes in Representation and Warranty Reserve
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
Representation and warranty reserve, beginning of period
 
$
731

 
$
1,172

Benefit for mortgage representation and warranty losses:
 
 
 
 
Recorded in continuing operations
 
(16
)
 
(26
)
Recorded in discontinued operations
 
(64
)
 
(7
)
Total benefit for mortgage representation and warranty losses
 
(80
)
 
(33
)
Net realized losses
 
(41
)
 
(408
)
Representation and warranty reserve, end of period
 
$
610

 
$
731

As part of our business planning processes, we have considered various outcomes relating to the future representation and warranty liabilities of our subsidiaries that are possible but do not rise to the level of being both probable and reasonably estimable outcomes justifying an incremental reserve under applicable accounting standards. Our current best estimate of reasonably possible future losses from representation and warranty claims beyond what was in our reserve as of December 31, 2015 , is approximately $1.6 billion , a decline from our estimate of $2.1 billion as of December 31, 2014 . The decrease in the reasonably possible estimate for representation and warranty claims was primarily driven by favorable industry legal developments.

 
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Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



We provide additional information related to the representation and warranty reserve, including factors that may impact the adequacy of the reserve and the ultimate amount of losses incurred by our subsidiaries, in “ Note 21—Commitments, Contingencies, Guarantees and Others .”
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
Deferred tax assets and liabilities represent decreases or increases in taxes expected to be paid in the future because of future reversals of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as well as from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets are recognized subject to management’s judgment that realization is more likely than not. We evaluate the recoverability of these future tax deductions by assessing the adequacy of expected taxable income from all sources, including taxable income in carryback years, reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning strategies. These sources of income rely heavily on estimates. We use our historical experience and our short and long-range business forecasts to provide insight.
As of December 31, 2015 , we have recorded deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities and valuation allowances, of approximately $3.7 billion , which is an increase of $330 million from December 31, 2014 . We have recorded a valuation allowance of $166 million and $148 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We expect to fully realize the 2015 net deferred tax asset amounts in future periods. If changes in circumstances lead us to change our judgment about our ability to realize deferred tax assets in future years, we will adjust our valuation allowances in the period that our change in judgment occurs and record a corresponding increase or charge to income.
We provide additional information on income taxes in “Consolidated Results of Operations” and in “ Note 18—Income Taxes .”
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various types of arrangements with limited liability companies, partnerships or trusts that often involve special purpose entities and variable interest entities (“VIEs”). Some of these arrangements are not recorded on our consolidated balance sheets or may be recorded in amounts different from the full contract or notional amount of the arrangements, depending on the nature or structure of, and the accounting standards required to be applied to, the arrangement. These arrangements may expose us to potential losses in excess of the amounts recorded on our consolidated balance sheets. Our involvement in these arrangements can take many forms, including securitization and servicing activities, the purchase or sale of mortgage-backed or other asset-backed securities in connection with our home loan portfolio and loans to VIEs that hold debt, equity, real estate or other assets.
Our continuing involvement in unconsolidated VIEs primarily consists of certain mortgage loan trusts and community reinvestment and development entities. We provide a discussion of our activities related to these VIEs in “ Note 7—Variable Interest Entities and Securitizations .”
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
The level and composition of our capital are determined by multiple factors, including our consolidated regulatory capital requirements and internal risk-based capital assessments such as internal stress testing and economic capital. The level and composition of our capital may also be influenced by rating agency guidelines, subsidiary capital requirements, the business environment, conditions in the financial markets and assessments of potential future losses due to adverse changes in our business and market environments.
Capital Standards and Prompt Corrective Action
We are subject to capital adequacy standards adopted by the Federal Banking Agencies, including the Final Basel III Capital Rule. Moreover, the Banks, as insured depository institutions, are subject to PCA capital regulations.
In July 2013, the Federal Banking Agencies finalized new capital rules that implemented the Basel III capital framework (“Final Basel III Capital Rule”) developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain Dodd-Frank Act and other capital provisions, and that updated the PCA capital framework to reflect the new regulatory capital minimums. The Final Basel III Capital Rule amended both the Basel I and Basel II Advanced Approaches frameworks, establishing a new common equity Tier 1 capital

 
67
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



requirement and setting higher minimum capital ratio requirements. We refer to the amended Basel I framework as the “Basel III Standardized Approach,” and the amended Advanced Approaches framework as the “Basel III Advanced Approaches.”
At the end of 2012, we met one of the two independent eligibility criteria set by banking regulators for becoming subject to the Advanced Approaches capital rules. As a result, we have undertaken a multi-year process of implementing the Advanced Approaches regime for calculating risk-weighted assets and regulatory capital levels. We entered parallel run under Advanced Approaches on January 1, 2015, during which we will calculate capital ratios under both the Basel III Standardized Approach and the Basel III Advanced Approaches, though we will continue to use the Standardized Approach for purposes of meeting regulatory capital requirements.
In addition, beginning in the first quarter of 2015, as an Advanced Approaches banking organization, we are required to calculate and publicly disclose our supplementary leverage ratio.
For additional information about the capital adequacy guidelines we are subject to, see “Part 1—Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation.”
Separately, we also disclose a non-GAAP TCE ratio in “Part II—Item 6. Summary of Selected Financial Data .” While the TCE ratio is a capital measure widely used by investors, analysts, rating agencies, and bank regulatory agencies to assess the capital position of financial services companies, it may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. We provide information on the calculation of this ratio in “MD&A—Table F Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures and Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures .”
Table 14 provides a comparison of our regulatory capital ratios under the Basel III Standardized Approach subject to transition provisions, the regulatory minimum capital adequacy ratios and the PCA well-capitalized targets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 14 : Capital Ratios Under Basel III (1)
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Capital
Ratio
 
Minimum
Capital
Adequacy
 
Well-
Capitalized
 
Capital
Ratio
 
Minimum
Capital
Adequacy
 
Well-
Capitalized
Capital One Financial Corp:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common equity Tier 1 capital (2)
 
11.1
%
 
4.5%

 
N/A
 
12.5%
 
4.0%
 
N/A
Tier 1 capital (3)
 
12.4

 
6.0

 
6.0%
 
13.2
 
5.5
 
6.0%
Total capital (4)  
 
14.6

 
8.0

 
10.0
 
15.1
 
8.0
 
10.0
Tier 1 leverage (5)
 
10.6

 
4.0

 
N/A
 
10.8
 
4.0
 
N/A
Supplementary leverage ratio (6)
 
9.2

 
N/A

 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
Capital One Bank (USA), N.A.:
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common equity Tier 1 capital (2)
 
12.2%

 
4.5%

 
6.5%
 
11.3%
 
4.0%
 
N/A
Tier 1 capital (3)
 
12.2

 
6.0

 
8.0
 
11.3
 
5.5
 
6.0%
Total capital (4)  
 
15.2

 
8.0

 
10.0
 
14.6
 
8.0
 
10.0
Tier 1 leverage (5)
 
10.8

 
4.0

 
5.0
 
9.6
 
4.0
 
5.0
Supplementary leverage ratio (6)
 
9.0

 
N/A

 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
Capital One, N.A.:
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common equity Tier 1 capital (2)
 
11.8%

 
4.5
%
 
6.5%
 
12.5%
 
4.0%
 
N/A
Tier 1 capital (3)
 
11.8

 
6.0

 
8.0
 
12.5
 
5.5
 
6.0%
Total capital (4)  
 
12.9

 
8.0

 
10.0
 
13.6
 
8.0
 
10.0
Tier 1 leverage (5)
 
8.8

 
4.0

 
5.0
 
8.9
 
4.0
 
5.0
Supplementary leverage ratio (6)
 
7.9

 
N/A

 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
__________
(1)  
Capital ratios are calculated based on the Basel III Standardized Approach framework, subject to applicable transition provisions. As we continue to refine our classification of exposures under the Basel III Standardized Approach framework, risk-weighted asset classifications are subject to change.

 
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Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



(2)  
Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on common equity Tier 1 capital divided by risk-weighted assets.
(3)  
Tier 1 capital ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on Tier 1 capital divided by risk-weighted assets.
(4)  
Total capital ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on total capital divided by risk-weighted assets.
(5)  
Tier 1 leverage ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on Tier 1 capital divided by average assets, after certain adjustments.
(6)  
Supplementary leverage ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on Tier 1 capital under the Basel III Standardized Approach divided by total leverage exposure.
Capital One Financial Corporation exceeded Federal Banking Agencies’ minimum capital requirements and each of the Banks exceeded minimum regulatory requirements and were “well-capitalized” under PCA requirements as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Our common equity Tier 1 capital ratio, as calculated under the Basel III Standardized Approach, subject to transition provisions, was 11.1% and 12.5% as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
The calculation of our Basel III Standardized Approach common equity Tier 1 capital under the Final Basel III Capital Rule includes adjustments and deductions which are subject to transition provisions, such as the inclusion of the unrealized gains and losses on available for sale investment securities included in AOCI and adjustments related to intangible assets other than goodwill. The inclusion of AOCI and the adjustments related to intangible assets are phased-in at 20% for 2014, 40% for 2015, 60% for 2016, 80% for 2017 and 100% for 2018.
The following table compares our common equity Tier 1 capital and risk-weighted assets as of December 31, 2015 , calculated based on the Final Basel III Capital Rule, subject to applicable transition provisions, to our estimated common equity Tier 1 capital and risk-weighted assets as of December 31, 2015 , calculated under the Basel III Standardized Approach, as it applies when fully phased-in for Advanced Approaches banks like us that have not yet exited parallel run. Our estimated common equity Tier 1 capital ratio under the fully phased-in Basel III Standardized Approach is based on our interpretations, expectations and assumptions of relevant regulations, as well as interpretations provided by our regulators, and is subject to change based on changes to future regulations and interpretations. As we continue to engage with our regulators during our parallel run, there could be further changes to the calculation.
Table 15 : Estimated Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio under Fully Phased-In Basel III Standardized Approach (1)
(Dollars in millions)
 
December 31, 2015
Common equity Tier 1 capital under Basel III Standardized
 
$
29,544

Adjustments related to AOCI (2)
 
(363
)
Adjustments related to intangibles (2)
 
(590
)
Other adjustments (2)
 

Estimated common equity Tier 1 capital under fully phased-in Basel III Standardized
 
$
28,591

Risk-weighted assets under Basel III Standardized
 
$
265,739

Adjustments for fully phased-in Basel III Standardized (3)
 
(48
)
Estimated risk-weighted assets under fully phased-in Basel III Standardized
 
$
265,691

Estimated common equity Tier 1 capital ratio under fully phased-in Basel III Standardized (4)
 
10.8%

__________
(1)  
Estimated common equity Tier 1 capital ratio under the fully phased-in Basel III Standardized Approach is a non-GAAP financial measure.
(2)  
Assumes adjustments are fully phased-in.
(3)  
Adjustments include higher risk weights for items that are included in capital based on the threshold deduction approach, such as mortgage servicing assets and deferred tax assets. The adjustments also include removal of risk weights for items that are deducted from common equity Tier 1 capital.
(4)  
Calculated by dividing estimated common equity Tier 1 capital by estimated risk-weighted assets, which are both calculated under the Basel III Standardized Approach, as it applies when fully phased-in for Advanced Approaches banks that have not yet exited parallel run.
Under the Final Basel III Capital Rule, when we complete our parallel run for the Advanced Approaches, our minimum risk-based capital requirement will be the greater of the Basel III Standardized Approach and the Basel III Advanced Approaches. See “Part I—Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation” for additional information. Once we exit parallel run, based on clarification of the Final Basel III Capital Rule from our regulators, any difference between the Final Basel III Capital Rule definitions of expected credit losses and our eligible credit reserves will be deducted from our Basel III Standardized Approach numerator, subject to transition provisions. Inclusive of this impact, based on current rules and our business mix, we estimate that our Basel III Advanced Approaches ratios will be lower than our Standardized Approach ratios.

 
69
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Capital Planning and Regulatory Stress Testing
In compliance with the applicable regulatory capital planning rules, on January 5, 2015 we submitted our capital plan to the Federal Reserve as part of the 2015 CCAR cycle. On March 11, 2015, the Federal Reserve publicly disclosed its non-objection to our proposed capital distribution plans submitted pursuant to CCAR. As a result of this non-objection to our capital plan, the Board of Directors authorized an increase in the quarterly dividend on our common stock from the previous level of $0.30 per share to $0.40 per share. In addition, our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $3.125 billion of shares of our common stock beginning in the second quarter of 2015 through the end of the second quarter of 2016, in addition to share repurchases related to employee compensation. On February 17, 2016, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $300 million of shares of common stock through the end of the second quarter of 2016 under the 2015 Stock Repurchase Program. For the description of the regulatory capital planning rules we are subject to, see “Part I—Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation.”
Equity Offerings and Transactions
On May 14, 2015, we issued and sold one million shares of Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series E, $0.01 par value, with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the “Series E Preferred Stock”). The net proceeds of the offering of Series E Preferred Stock were approximately $988 million, after deducting underwriting commissions and offering expenses. Dividends are payable semi-annually in arrears in the second quarter and fourth quarter, at a rate of 5.55% per annum through May 31, 2020. Subsequent to May 31, 2020, dividends will be calculated as three month LIBOR plus a spread of 3.80%, payable quarterly in arrears.
On August 24, 2015, we issued and sold 20,000,000 Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of 6.20% Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series F, $0.01 par value, with a liquidation preference of $25 per Depositary Share (the “Series F Preferred Stock”). The net proceeds of the offering of Series F Preferred Stock were approximately $484 million, after deducting underwriting commissions and offering expenses. Dividends on the Series F Preferred Stock are payable quarterly in arrears.
Dividend Policy and Stock Purchases
On February 3, 2016, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.40 per share, payable on February 26, 2016 to stockholders of record at the close of the business on February 16, 2016. Our Board of Directors also approved quarterly dividends on our 6.00% fixed-rate non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, Series B (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), our 6.25% fixed-rate non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, Series C (the “Series C Preferred Stock”), our 6.70% fixed-rate non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, Series D (the “Series D Preferred Stock”) and our Series F Preferred Stock, payable on March 1, 2016 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 16, 2016. Based on these declarations, we will pay approximately $211 million in common equity dividends and approximately $37 million in total preferred dividends in the first quarter of 2016. Under the terms of our outstanding preferred stock, our ability to pay dividends on, make distributions with respect to, or to repurchase, redeem or acquire its common stock or any preferred stock ranking on parity with or junior to the preferred stock, is subject to restrictions in the event that we do not declare and either pay or set aside a sum sufficient for payment of dividends on the preferred stock for the immediately preceding dividend period.
We paid common stock dividends of $0.30 per share in the first quarter and $0.40 per share in each subsequent quarter of 2015 . We paid preferred stock dividends of $15.00 per share on the outstanding shares of our Series B Preferred Stock and $15.625 per share on the outstanding shares of our Series C Preferred Stock in each quarter of 2015. We paid preferred stock dividends of $22.5194 per share on the outstanding shares of our Series D Preferred Stock in the first quarter and $16.75 per share in each subsequent quarter of 2015. We also paid preferred stock dividends of $ 30.370833 per share on the outstanding shares of our Series E Preferred Stock and $ 16.705556 per share on the outstanding shares of our Series F Preferred Stock during the fourth quarter of 2015 .
The declaration and payment of dividends to our stockholders, as well as the amount thereof, are subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and depend upon our results of operations, financial condition, capital levels, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. As a BHC, our ability to pay dividends is largely dependent upon the receipt of dividends or other payments from our subsidiaries. Regulatory restrictions exist that limit the ability of the Banks to transfer funds to our BHC. As of December 31, 2015 , funds available for dividend payments from COBNA and CONA were $2.9 billion and $359 million , respectively . There can be no assurance that we will declare and pay any dividends to stockholders.

 
70
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



In addition, consistent with our 2015 capital plan, our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $3.125 billion of shares of common stock beginning in the second quarter of 2015 through the end of the second quarter of 2016. On February 17, 2016, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $300 million of shares of common stock through the end of the second quarter of 2016 under the 2015 Stock Repurchase Program. We notified the Federal Reserve of our intention to engage in additional share repurchases and the Federal Reserve did not object. Through the end of 2015, we repurchased approximately $1.875 billion of common stock as part of the 2015 Stock Repurchase Program.
The timing and exact amount of any future common stock repurchases will depend on various factors, including market conditions, opportunities for growth, our capital position and amount of retained earnings. Our stock repurchase program does not include specific price targets, may be executed through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, including utilizing Rule 10b5-1 programs, and may be suspended at any time. For additional information on dividends and stock repurchases, see “Part I—Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation—Dividends, Stock Repurchases and Transfer of Funds.”
RISK MANAGEMENT
Risk Framework
We use a risk framework to provide an overall enterprise-wide approach for effectively managing risk. We execute against our risk framework with the “Three Lines of Defense” risk management model to demonstrate and structure the roles, responsibilities and accountabilities in the organization for taking and managing risk.
The “First Line of Defense” is comprised of the business areas that through their day-to-day business activities take risk on our behalf. As the business owner, the first line is responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and controlling that risk, and for mitigating our overall risk exposure. The first line formulates strategy and operates within the risk appetite and framework. The “Second Line of Defense,” which includes the risk management organization, provides oversight of first line risk taking and management. The second line assists in determining risk capacity, risk appetite, and the strategies, policies and structure for managing risks. The second line owns the risk framework. The second line is both an ‘expert advisor’ to the first line and an ‘effective challenger’ of first line risk activities. The “Third Line of Defense” is comprised of our Internal Audit and Credit Review functions. The third line provides independent and objective assurance to senior management and to the Board of Directors that first and second line risk management and internal control systems and its governance processes are well-designed and working as intended.
Our risk framework, which is built around governance, processes and people, consists of the following eight key elements:
Establish Governance Processes, Accountabilities, and Risk Appetites
The starting point of our risk framework is the establishment of governance processes, accountabilities, and risk appetites. Our Board of Directors and senior management establish the tone at the top regarding the importance of internal control, including standards of conduct and the integrity and ethical values of the Company. Management reinforces expectations at the various levels of the organization. This portion of the framework sets the foundation for the methods for governing risk taking, the interactions within and among the lines of defense, and the risk appetites and tolerances.
Identify and Assess Risks and Ownership
Identifying and assessing risks and ownership is the beginning of the more detailed day-to-day process of managing risk. This portion of the framework clarifies the importance of strong first-line management and accountability for identifying and assessing risk while specifying the role of the second line to identify and assess risk, particularly when taking on new initiatives.
Develop and Operate Controls, Monitoring and Mitigation Plans
We develop, operate, and monitor controls to manage risk within tolerance levels. The first line develops controls to oversee and manage identified risks. Controls may prevent risks from occurring (e.g., ensuring compliance with a law or regulation) or measure the amount of risk being taken so that the amount may be proactively managed. Whenever possible, plans are implemented to mitigate risks or reduce them in order to reduce exposure. The first line leads mitigation, control, and monitoring actions. The second line is a consultant on control design when needed.

 
71
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Test and Detect Control Gaps and Perform Corrective Action
While the first line is principally accountable for taking, controlling, and monitoring risk, the second line oversees and monitors first line risk taking, including the effectiveness of first line controls, and the third line independently tests and oversees first and second line risk taking. These activities provide the second and third lines of defense with the ability to reduce the likelihood of unauthorized or unplanned risk taking within the organization. Control gaps are closed by first line corrective action.
Escalate Key Risks and Gaps to Executive Management and when appropriate, the Board of Directors
Escalation is an important component of our risk framework. Use of escalation is encouraged and does not necessarily indicate a failure on the part of first, second, or third line risk management. Through escalation in the first line, decisions requiring judgment can be raised to executives who have the broadest possible context and experience to make challenging decisions. Escalation in the second and third lines of defense can also demonstrate part of their core responsibilities of effective challenge. If appropriate, risks are escalated to the Board of Directors to ensure their alignment with material risk decisions and/or transparency to the largest risks facing the organization.
Calculate and Allocate Capital in Alignment with Risk Management and Measurement Processes (including Stress Testing)
Capital is held to protect the company from unforeseen risks or unexpected risk severity. As such, it is important that capital planning processes be well linked with risk management practices to ensure the appropriate capital protections are in place for the safety and soundness of the company. Stress testing and economic capital measurement, both of which incorporate inputs from across the risk spectrum, are key tools for evaluating our capital position and risk adjusted returns.
Support with the Right Culture, Talent, and Skills
The right culture, talent, and skills are critical to effective risk management. Our risk framework is supported with the right culture that promotes the foundation and values of the risk management organization. Skills necessary to effectively manage risk are reinforced through performance management systems. When needed, risk talent is augmented through recruitment of industry experts as well as training and development of internal associates.
Enabled by the Right Data, Infrastructure, and Programs
Data, infrastructure, and programs are key enablers of our risk management processes and practices. These core requirements enable effective risk modeling, efficient first, second, and third line risk activity performance, and cross-line interaction. In addition, effective program design of each risk category is regularly assessed to ensure risk practices continue to evolve with leading industry practices, and continue to interact across categories as desired for a strong overall risk management program.
Risk Appetite
Risk appetite refers to the level of risk our business is willing to take in pursuit of our corporate business objectives. The Board of Directors approves our risk appetite including specific risk limits where applicable. While first line executives manage risk on a day-to-day basis, the Chief Risk Officer provides effective challenge and independent oversight to ensure that risks are within the appetite and specific limits established by the Board of Directors. The Chief Risk Officer reports to the Board of Directors regularly on the nature and level of risk across all eight risk categories. In addition to his broader management responsibilities, our Chief Executive Officer is responsible for developing the strategy and mission of our organization, determining and leading our culture, and reviewing and providing input into our risk appetite.
We have a defined risk appetite for each of our eight risk categories that is approved by our Board of Directors. Stated risk appetites define the parameters for taking and accepting risks and are used by management and our Board of Directors to make business decisions. We communicate risk appetite statements, limits and thresholds to the appropriate levels in the organization and monitor adherence.
Risk Categories
We apply our risk framework to protect our company from the eight major categories of risk that we are exposed to through our business activities. Our eight major categories of risk are:

 
72
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Compliance Risk: Compliance risk is the risk to current or anticipated earnings or capital arising from violations of laws, rules, or regulations. Compliance risk can also arise from nonconformance with prescribed practices, internal policies and procedures, contractual obligations, or ethical standards that reinforce those laws, rules, or regulations;
Credit Risk: Credit risk is the risk of loss from an obligor’s failure to meet the terms of any contract or otherwise fail to perform as agreed;
Legal Risk: Legal risk is the risk of material adverse impact due to: new and changed laws and regulations; interpretations of law; drafting, interpretation and enforceability of contracts; adverse decisions/consequences arising from litigation or regulatory scrutiny; the establishment, management and governance of our legal entity structure; and the failure to seek/follow appropriate Legal counsel when needed;
Liquidity Risk: Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its future financial obligations as they come due, or invest in future asset growth because of an inability to obtain funds at a reasonable price within a reasonable time period;
Market Risk: Market risk is the risk that an institution’s earnings or the economic value of equity could be adversely impacted by changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, or other market factors;
Operational Risk: Operational risk is the risk of loss, capital impairment, adverse customer experience, or reputational impact resulting from failure to comply with policies and procedures, failed internal processes or systems, or from external events;
Reputation Risk: Reputation risk is the risk to market value, recruitment and retention of talented associates and maintenance of a loyal customer base due to the negative perceptions of our internal and external constituents regarding our business strategies and activities; and
Strategic Risk: Strategic risk is the risk of a material impact on current or anticipated earnings, capital, franchise or enterprise value arising from: (i) the Company’s competitive and market position and evolving forces in the industry that can affect that position; (ii) lack of responsiveness to these conditions; (iii) strategic decisions to change the Company’s scale, market position or operating model; or (iv) failure to appropriately consider implementation risks inherent in the Company’s strategy.
Below we provide an overview of how we manage our eight primary risk categories.
Compliance Risk Management
We recognize that compliance requirements for financial institutions are increasingly complex and that there are heightened expectations from our regulators and our customers. In response, we continuously evaluate the regulatory environment and proactively adjust our compliance risk program to fully address these expectations.
Our Compliance Management Program establishes expectations for determining compliance requirements, assessing the risk of new product offerings, creating appropriate controls and training to address requirements, monitoring for control performance, and independently testing for adherence to compliance requirements. The program also establishes regular compliance reporting to senior business leaders, the executive committee and the Board of Directors.
The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for establishing and overseeing our Compliance Risk Management Program. Business areas incorporate compliance requirements and controls into their business policies, standards, processes and procedures. They regularly monitor and report on the efficacy of their compliance controls and Corporate Compliance periodically independently tests to validate the effectiveness of business controls.
Credit Risk Management
We recognize that we are exposed to cyclical changes in credit quality. Consequently, we try to ensure our credit portfolio is resilient to economic downturns. Our most important tool in this endeavor is sound underwriting. In unsecured consumer loan underwriting, we generally assume that loans will be subject to an environment in which losses are higher than those prevailing at the time of underwriting. In commercial underwriting, we generally require strong cash flow, collateral and covenants and guarantees. In addition to sound underwriting, we continually monitor our portfolio and take steps to collect or work out distressed loans.

 
73
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



The Chief Risk Officer, in conjunction with the Consumer and Commercial Chief Credit Officers, is responsible for establishing credit risk policies and procedures, including underwriting and hold guidelines and credit approval authority, and monitoring credit exposure and performance of our lending-related transactions. These responsibilities are fulfilled by the Chief Consumer Credit Officer and the Chief Commercial Credit Officer who are responsible for evaluating the risk implications of credit strategy and for oversight of credit for both the existing portfolio and any new credit investments. The Chief Consumer Credit Officer and the Chief Commercial Credit Officer have formal approval authority for various types and levels of credit decisions, including individual commercial loan transactions. Division Presidents within each segment are responsible for managing the credit risk within their divisions and maintaining processes to control credit risk and comply with credit policies and guidelines. In addition, the Chief Risk Officer establishes policies, delegates approval authority and monitors performance for non-loan credit exposure entered into with financial counterparties or through the purchase of credit sensitive securities in our investment portfolio.
Our credit policies establish standards in five areas: customer selection, underwriting, monitoring, remediation, and portfolio management. The standards in each area provide a framework comprising specific objectives and control processes. These standards are supported by detailed policies and procedures for each component of the credit process. Starting with customer selection, our goal is to generally provide credit on terms that generate above hurdle returns. We use a number of quantitative and qualitative factors to manage credit risk, including setting credit risk limits and guidelines for each of our lines of business. We monitor performance relative to these guidelines and report results and any required mitigating actions to appropriate senior management committees and our Board of Directors.
Legal Risk Management
The General Counsel provides legal evaluation and guidance to the enterprise and business areas and partners with other risk management functions such as Compliance and Internal Audit. This evaluation and guidance is based on an assessment of the type and degree of legal risk associated with the internal business area practices and activities and of the controls the business has in place to mitigate legal risks.
Liquidity Risk Management
We seek to mitigate liquidity risk strategically and tactically. From a strategic perspective, we have acquired and built deposit gathering businesses and significantly reduced our loan to deposit ratio. From a tactical perspective, we have accumulated a sizable liquidity reserve comprised of cash, high-quality, unencumbered securities, and committed collateralized credit lines. We also continue to maintain access to the secured and unsecured markets through ongoing issuance. This combination of stable and diversified funding sources and our stockpile of liquidity reserves enables us to maintain confidence in our liquidity position.
The Chief Risk Officer, in conjunction with the Chief Market and Liquidity Risk Officer, is responsible for the establishment of liquidity risk management policies and standards for governance and monitoring of liquidity risk at a corporate level. The Chief Financial Officer is accountable for the management of liquidity risk. We assess liquidity strength by evaluating several different balance sheet metrics under severe stress scenarios to ensure we can withstand significant funding degradation in both idiosyncratic, and market wide and combined liquidity stress scenarios. Management reports liquidity metrics to appropriate senior management committees and our Board of Directors no less than quarterly. We continuously monitor market and economic conditions to evaluate emerging stress conditions with assessment and appropriate action plans in accordance with our Contingency Funding Plan.
Market Risk Management
We recognize that interest rate and foreign exchange risk is inherent in the business of banking due to the nature of the assets and liabilities of banks. Banks typically manage the trade-off between near-term earnings volatility and market value volatility by targeting moderate levels of each. In addition to using industry accepted techniques to analyze and measure interest rate and foreign exchange risk, we perform sensitivity analysis to identify our risk exposures under a broad range of scenarios. Investment securities and derivatives are the main levers for the management of interest rate and foreign exchange risk.
The Chief Risk Officer, in conjunction with the Chief Market and Liquidity Risk Officer, is responsible for the establishment of market risk management policies and standards and for governance and monitoring of market risk at a corporate level. The Chief Financial Officer is accountable for the management of market risk. We manage market risk exposure, which is principally driven by balance sheet interest rate risk, centrally and establish quantitative limits to control our exposure. Market risk is inherent in the financial instruments associated with our business operations and activities, including loans, deposits, securities, short-term borrowings, long-term debt and derivatives.

 
74
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



The market risk positions of our banking entities and our total company are calculated separately and in total and are reported in comparison to pre-established limits to the Asset Liability Committee monthly and to the Risk Committee of the Board of Directors no less than quarterly. Management is authorized to utilize financial instruments as outlined in our policy to actively manage market risk exposure.
Operational Risk Management
We recognize the criticality of managing operational risk on a day-to-day basis and that there are heightened expectations from our regulators and our customers. We have implemented appropriate operational risk management policies, standards, processes and tools to enable the delivery of high quality and consistent customer experiences.
The Chief Operational Risk Officer is responsible for establishing and overseeing our Operational Risk Management Program. The program establishes and enforces requirements and practices for assessing the operational risk profile, executing key control processes for select operational risks, and reporting of operational risk results. These activities are executed in accordance with Basel II Advanced Approaches requirements.
Reputation Risk Management
We recognize that reputation risk is of particular concern for financial institutions as a result of the aftermath of the financial crisis and economic downturn, which has resulted in increased scrutiny and widespread regulatory changes. We manage both strategic and tactical reputation issues and build our relationships with the government, media, consumer advocates, and other constituencies to help strengthen the reputations of both our company and industry. Our actions include implementing pro-consumer practices in our business and taking public positions in support of better consumer practices in our industry. The General Counsel is responsible for managing our overall reputation risk program. Day-to-day activities are controlled by the frameworks set forth in our Reputation Risk Management Policy and other risk management policies.
Strategic Risk Management
We monitor external market and industry developments to identify potential areas of strategic opportunity or risk. These items provide input for development of the Company’s strategy led by the Chief Executive Officer and other senior executives. Through the ongoing development and vetting of the corporate strategy, the Chief Risk Officer identifies and assesses risks associated with the strategy across all risk categories and monitors them throughout the year.
CREDIT RISK PROFILE
Our loan portfolio accounts for the substantial majority of our credit risk exposure. Our lending activities are governed under our credit policy and are subject to independent review and approval. Below we provide information about the composition of our loan portfolio, key concentrations and credit performance metrics.
We also engage in certain non-lending activities that may give rise to credit and counterparty settlement risk, including the purchase of securities for our investment securities portfolio, entering into derivative transactions to manage our market risk exposure and to accommodate customers, short-term advances on syndication activity, certain operational cash balances in other financial institutions, foreign exchange transactions, and customer overdrafts. We provide additional information on credit risk related to our investment securities portfolio under “Consolidated Balance Sheets Analysis—Investment Securities” and credit risk related to derivative transactions in “ Note 11—Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities .”
Primary Loan Products
We provide a variety of lending products. Our primary loan products include credit cards, auto, home loans and commercial.
Credit cards: We originate both prime and subprime credit cards through a variety of channels. Our credit cards generally have variable interest rates. The majority of our credit card accounts are underwritten using an automated underwriting system based on predictive models that we have developed. The underwriting criteria, which are customized for individual products and marketing programs, are established based on an analysis of the net present value of expected revenues, expenses and losses, subject to a further analysis using a variety of stress conditions. Underwriting decisions are generally based on credit bureau information, including payment history, debt burden and credit scores, such as Fair Isaac Corporation

 
75
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



(credit rating) (“FICO”), and on other factors, such as applicant income. We also maintain a credit card securitization program and selectively sell charged-off credit card loans.
Auto: We originate both prime and subprime auto loans. Customers are acquired through a network of auto dealers and direct marketing. Our auto loans generally have fixed interest rates. Loan terms are generally 75 months or less and can go up to 84 months. Loan sizes are customized by program and are generally less than $75,000. The underwriting criteria are customized for individual products and marketing programs and based on analysis of net present value of expected revenues, expenses and losses, subject to maintaining resilience under a variety of stress conditions. Underwriting decisions are generally based on application information and credit bureau information, along with collateral characteristics such as loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio. We generally retain all of our auto loans, though we have securitized and sold auto loans in the past and may do so in the future.
Home loans: Most of the existing home loans in our loan portfolio were originated by banks we acquired. Currently, we originate residential mortgage and home equity loans through our branches, direct marketing, and dedicated home loan officers. Our home loan products include conforming and non-conforming fixed rate and adjustable rate mortgage loans, as well as first and second lien home equity loans and lines of credit. In general, our underwriting policy limits for these loans include: (i) a maximum LTV ratio of 80% for loans without mortgage insurance; (ii) a maximum LTV ratio of 95% for loans with mortgage insurance or for home equity products; (iii) a maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%; and (iv) a maximum loan amount of $3 million. Our underwriting procedures are intended to verify the income of applicants and obtain appraisals to determine home values. We may, in limited instances, use automated valuation models to determine home values. Our underwriting standards for conforming loans are designed to meet the underwriting standards required by the agencies at a minimum, and we sell most of our conforming loans to the agencies. We generally retain non-conforming mortgages and home equity loans and lines of credit.
Commercial: We offer a range of commercial lending products, including loans secured by commercial real estate and loans to middle market commercial and industrial companies. Our commercial loans may have a fixed or variable interest rate; however, the majority of our commercial loans have variable rates. Our underwriting standards require an analysis of the borrower’s financial condition and prospects, as well as an assessment of the industry in which the borrower operates. Where relevant, we evaluate and appraise underlying collateral and guarantees. We maintain underwriting guidelines and limits for major types of borrowers and loan products that specify, where applicable, guidelines for debt service coverage, leverage, LTV ratio and standard covenants and conditions. We assign a risk rating and establish a monitoring schedule for loans based on the risk profile of the borrower, industry segment, source of repayment, the underlying collateral and guarantees (if any) and current market conditions. Although we generally retain commercial loans, we may syndicate positions for risk mitigation purposes (including bridge financing transactions we have underwritten). In addition, we originate and service multifamily commercial real estate loans which are sold to the GSEs.
Loans Held for Investment Portfolio Composition
Our loan portfolio consists of loans held for investment, including restricted loans underlying our consolidated securitization trusts and loans held for sale. Table 16 presents the composition of our portfolio of loans held for investment, including Acquired Loans, by portfolio segment, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Table 16 and the credit metrics presented in this section exclude loans held for sale, which are carried at lower of cost or fair value and totaled $904 million and $626 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

 
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Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


Table 16 : Loans Held for Investment Portfolio Composition
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Loans
 
% of Total
 
Loans
 
% of Total
Credit Card:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic credit card (1)
 
$
87,939

 
38.2%
 
$
77,704

 
37.3%
International credit card
 
8,186

 
3.6
 
8,172

 
3.9
Total credit card
 
96,125

 
41.8
 
85,876

 
41.2
Consumer Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto
 
41,549

 
18.1
 
37,824

 
18.2
Home loan
 
25,227

 
11.0
 
30,035

 
14.4
Retail banking
 
3,596

 
1.5
 
3,580

 
1.7
Total consumer banking
 
70,372

 
30.6
 
71,439

 
34.3
Commercial Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and multifamily real estate
 
25,518

 
11.1
 
23,137

 
11.1
Commercial and industrial
 
37,135

 
16.2
 
26,972

 
12.9
Total commercial lending
 
62,653

 
27.3
 
50,109

 
24.0
Small-ticket commercial real estate
 
613

 
0.3
 
781

 
0.4
Total commercial banking
 
63,266

 
27.6
 
50,890

 
24.4
Other loans
 
88

 
 
111

 
0.1
Total loans held for investment
 
$
229,851

 
100.0%
 
$
208,316

 
100.0%
__________
(1)  
Includes installment loans of $16 million and $144 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
We market our credit card products throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Our credit card loan portfolio is geographically diversified due to our product and marketing approach, with higher concentrations in California, New York, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Our auto loan portfolio is originated in most regions of the United States with a concentration in Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Illinois and Ohio. Our home loan portfolio is concentrated in California, New York, Maryland, Illinois, Virginia, New Jersey and Florida, which reflects the characteristics of the ING Direct portfolio that comprises the majority of our home loans. Retail banking includes small business loans and other consumer lending products originated through our branch network with a concentration in Louisiana, New York, Texas, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia.
Our commercial banking loan portfolio is originated in most regions of the United States with a concentration in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, Texas, California and Louisiana. Our small ticket commercial real estate portfolio, which was originated on a national basis through a broker network, is in a run-off mode.
We provide additional information on the geographic concentration, by loan category, of our loan portfolio in “ Note 5—Loans .”

 
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Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Commercial Loans
For purposes of portfolio risk management, we aggregate our commercial loan portfolio according to market segmentation primarily based on standard industry codes. Table 17 summarizes our commercial loans held for investment portfolio by industry classification as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 17 : Commercial Loans by Industry (1)
(Percentage of portfolio)
 
December 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Real estate
 
39%
 
41%
Healthcare
 
15
 
5
Finance and insurance
 
12
 
12
Oil and gas (2)
 
5
 
7
Business services
 
4
 
5
Public administration
 
4
 
5
Construction and land
 
4
 
4
Educational services
 
4
 
4
Retail trade
 
3
 
4
Transportation (3)
 
3
 
4
Other
 
7
 
9
Total
 
100%
 
100%
__________
(1)  
Industry categories are based on our interpretation of the North American Industry Classification System codes as they pertain to each individual loan.
(2)  
In addition to loans outstanding, we also have unfunded lending commitments of approximately $3.4 billion to oil and gas companies as of December 31, 2015, which is included in our total unfunded lending commitments to extend credit disclosed in “Note 5—Loans.”
(3)
Includes our taxi medallion lending portfolio among other portfolios.
Acquired Loans
Our portfolio of loans includes certain of our consumer and commercial loans acquired in business acquisitions that were recorded at fair value at acquisition and subsequently accounted for using the guidance for accounting for purchased credit-impaired (“PCI”) loans and debt securities, which is based upon expected cash flows to be collected. These loans are referred to as “Acquired Loans” or “PCI loans,” totaling $19.5 billion as of December 31, 2015 compared to $23.5 billion as of December 31, 2014 . See “MD&A—Glossary and Acronyms” for the definition of “Acquired Loans.”
The difference between the fair value at acquisition and expected cash flows represents the accretable yield, which is recognized in interest income over the life of the loans. The difference between the contractual payments on the loans and expected cash flows represents the nonaccretable difference or the amount of principal and interest not considered collectible, which incorporates future expected credit losses over the life of the loans. We regularly update our estimate of expected principal and interest to be collected from these loans and evaluate the results for each accounting pool that was established at acquisition based on loans with common risk characteristics. Probable decreases in expected cash flows would trigger the recognition of an allowance for loan and lease losses through our provision for credit losses. Probable and significant increases in expected cash flows would first reverse any previously recorded allowance for loan and lease losses established subsequent to acquisition, with any remaining increase in expected cash flows recognized prospectively in interest income over the remaining estimated life of the underlying loans. See “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” for additional information on Acquired Loans that are accounted for based on expected cash flows.
Home Loans
The majority of our home loan portfolio was acquired from the ING Direct and CCB acquisitions. These Acquired Loans represented 73.4% and 77.4% of our total home loan portfolio as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. See “MD&A—Glossary and Acronyms” for the definition of ING Direct and CCB acquisitions. The expected cash flows for our Acquired Loans in our home loan portfolio are significantly impacted by future expectations of home prices and interest rates. Decreases in expected cash flows that result from declining conditions, particularly associated with these variables, could result in an increase in the allowance for loan and lease losses and reduction in accretable yield. Charge-offs on these loans are not recorded until the expected credit losses within the nonaccretable difference are depleted. In addition, Acquired Loans are not classified as delinquent or nonperforming

 
78
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



as we expect to collect our net investment in these loans and the nonaccretable difference is expected to absorb the majority of the losses associated with these loans.
Table 18 presents our total home loan portfolio, and the break out of the acquired home loans and remaining loans within our home loan portfolio, by lien priority.
Table 18 : Home Loans - Risk Profile by Lien Priority
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Home Loans
 
Acquired Home Loans
 
Total Home Loans
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
Lien type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1st lien
 
$
5,705

 
22.6%
 
$
18,207

 
72.2%
 
$
23,912

 
94.8%
2nd lien
 
995

 
4.0
 
320

 
1.2
 
1,315

 
5.2
Total
 
$
6,700

 
26.6%
 
$
18,527

 
73.4%
 
$
25,227

 
100.0%
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Home Loans
 
Acquired Home Loans
 
Total Home Loans
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
Lien type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1st lien
 
$
5,756

 
19.2%
 
$
22,883

 
76.2%
 
$
28,639

 
95.4%
2nd lien
 
1,038

 
3.4
 
358

 
1.2
 
1,396

 
4.6
Total
 
$
6,794

 
22.6%
 
$
23,241

 
77.4%
 
$
30,035

 
100.0%
See “ Note 5—Loans ” in this Report for additional credit quality information. See “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” for information on our accounting policies for Acquired Loans, delinquent loans, nonperforming loans, net charge-offs and troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) for each of our loan categories.
Table 19 provides a sensitivity analysis of Acquired Loans in our home loan portfolio as of December 31, 2015 . The analysis reflects a hypothetical decline of 10% in the home price index and its impact on lifetime future cash flow expectations, accretable yield and allowance for loan and lease losses. Any significant economic events or variables not considered could impact results that are presented below.
Table 19 : Sensitivity Analysis - Acquired Home Loans (1)
(Dollars in millions)
 
December 31, 2015
 
Estimated Impact
Increase (Decrease)
Expected cash flows
 
$
21,795

 
$
(88
)
Accretable yield
 
3,304

 
63

Allowance for loan and lease losses
 
36

 
151

__________
(1)  
Changes in the accretable yield would be recognized in interest income in our consolidated statements of income over the life of the loans. Changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses would be recognized immediately in the provision for credit losses in the consolidated statements of income.

 
79
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Loan Maturity Profile
Table 20 presents the maturities of loans in our held-for-investment portfolio as of December 31, 2015 .
Table 20 : Loan Maturity Schedule
 
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in millions)
 
Due Up to
1 Year
 
> 1 Year
to 5 Years
 
> 5 Years
 
Total
Fixed rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card (1)
 
$
5,321

 
$
14,542

 
$

 
$
19,863

Consumer banking
 
1,112

 
28,710

 
18,169

 
47,991

Commercial banking
 
1,259

 
6,281

 
7,304

 
14,844

Other
 

 

 
4

 
4

Total fixed-rate loans
 
7,692

 
49,533

 
25,477

 
82,702

Variable rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card (1)
 
76,254

 
8

 

 
76,262

Consumer banking (2)
 
13,419

 
8,213

 
749

 
22,381

Commercial banking
 
45,900

 
2,452

 
70

 
48,422

Other
 
54

 
6

 
24

 
84

Total variable-rate loans
 
135,627

 
10,679

 
843

 
147,149

Total loans
 
$
143,319

 
$
60,212

 
$
26,320

 
$
229,851

__________
(1)  
Due to the revolving nature of credit card loans, we report the majority of our variable-rate credit card loans as due in one year or less. We report fixed-rate credit card loans with introductory rates that expire after a certain period of time as due in one year or less. We assume that the rest of our remaining fixed-rate credit card loans will mature within one to three years.
(2)  
We report the maturity period for the home loans portfolio included in the Consumer Banking business based on the earlier of the next re-pricing or contractual maturity date of the loan.
Credit Risk Measurement
We closely monitor economic conditions and loan performance trends to assess and manage our exposure to credit risk. Key metrics we track in evaluating the credit quality of our loan portfolio include delinquency and nonperforming asset rates, as well as net charge-off rates and our internal risk ratings of larger balance commercial loans. Trends in delinquency rates are a primary indicator of credit risk within our consumer loan portfolios, as changes in delinquency rates provide an early warning of changes in credit quality. The primary indicator of credit risk in our commercial loan portfolios is our internal risk ratings. Because we generally classify loans that have been delinquent for an extended period of time and other loans with significant risk of loss as nonperforming, the level of nonperforming assets represents another indicator of the potential for future credit losses. In addition to delinquency rates, the geographic distribution of our loans provides insight as to the credit quality of the portfolio based on regional economic conditions.
We underwrite most consumer loans using proprietary models, which are typically based on credit bureau data, including borrower credit scores, along with application information and, where applicable, collateral and deal structure data. We continuously adjust our management of credit lines and collection strategies based on customer behavior and risk profile changes. We also use borrower credit scores for subprime classification, for competitive benchmarking and, in some cases, to drive product segmentation decisions. 
The following table provides details on the credit scores of our domestic credit card and auto loan portfolios as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .

 
80
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


Table 21 : Credit Score Distribution
(Percentage of portfolio)
 
December 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Domestic credit card - Refreshed FICO scores: (1)
 
 
 
 
Greater than 660
 
66%
 
68%
660 or below
 
34
 
32
Total
 
100%
 
100%
Auto - At origination FICO scores: (2)
 
 
 
 
Greater than 660
 
51%
 
47%
621 - 660
 
17
 
17
620 or below
 
32
 
36
Total
 
100%
 
100%
__________
(1)  
Credit scores generally represent FICO scores. These scores are obtained from one of the major credit bureaus at origination and are refreshed monthly thereafter. We approximate non-FICO credit scores to comparable FICO scores for consistency purposes. Balances for which no credit score is available or the credit score is invalid are included in the 660 or below category.
(2)  
Credit scores represent FICO scores. These scores are obtained from three credit bureaus at the time of application and are not refreshed thereafter. The FICO score distribution is based on the average scores. Balances for which no credit score is available or the credit score is invalid are included in the 620 or below category.
We present information in the section below on the credit performance of our loan portfolio, including the key metrics we use in tracking changes in the credit quality of our loan portfolio.
See “ Note 5—Loans ” in this Report for additional credit quality information. Also, see “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” for information on our accounting policies for delinquent and nonperforming loans, net charge-offs and TDRs for each of our loan categories.
Delinquency Rates
We consider the entire balance of an account to be delinquent if the minimum required payment is not received by the customer’s due date, measured at the reporting date. Our 30+ day delinquency metrics include all loans held for investment that are 30 or more days past due, whereas our 30+ day performing delinquency metrics include loans that are 30 or more days past due but are currently classified as performing and accruing interest. The 30+ day delinquency and 30+ day performing delinquency metrics are the same for domestic credit card loans, as we continue to classify the substantial majority of domestic credit card loans as performing until the account is charged-off, typically when the account is 180 days past due. See “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for information on our policies for classifying loans as nonperforming for each of our loan categories. We provide additional information on our credit quality metrics above under “Business Segment Financial Performance.”

 
81
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Table 22 presents our 30+ day performing delinquency rates and 30+ day delinquency rates of our portfolio of loans held for investment, including Acquired Loans, by portfolio segment, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 22 : 30+ Day Delinquencies
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
30+ Day Performing Delinquencies
 
30+ Day Delinquencies
 
30+ Day Performing Delinquencies
 
30+ Day Delinquencies
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amount
 
Rate (1)
 
Amount
 
Rate (1)
 
Amount
 
Rate (1)
 
Amount
 
Rate (1)
Credit Card:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic credit card
 
$
2,985

 
3.39%
 
$
2,985

 
3.39%
 
$
2,538

 
3.27%
 
$
2,538

 
3.27%
International credit card
 
244

 
2.98
 
283

 
3.46
 
240

 
2.94
 
294

 
3.60
Total credit card
 
3,229

 
3.36
 
3,268

 
3.40
 
2,778

 
3.24
 
2,832

 
3.30
Consumer Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto
 
2,781

 
6.69
 
3,000

 
7.22
 
2,486

 
6.57
 
2,682

 
7.09
Home loan (2)
 
40

 
0.16
 
235

 
0.93
 
64

 
0.21
 
302

 
1.01
Retail banking
 
28

 
0.76
 
49

 
1.36
 
23

 
0.64
 
40

 
1.11
Total consumer banking (2)
 
2,849

 
4.05
 
3,284

 
4.67
 
2,573

 
3.60
 
3,024

 
4.23
Commercial Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and multifamily real estate
 
34

 
0.13
 
38

 
0.15
 
85

 
0.37
 
117

 
0.51
Commercial and industrial
 
66

 
0.18
 
288

 
0.78
 
15

 
0.05
 
73

 
0.27
Total commercial lending
 
100

 
0.16
 
326

 
0.52
 
100

 
0.20
 
190

 
0.38
Small-ticket commercial real estate
 
2

 
0.37
 
6

 
1.04
 
6

 
0.72
 
10

 
1.28
Total commercial banking
 
102

 
0.16
 
332

 
0.52
 
106

 
0.21
 
200

 
0.39
Other loans
 
3

 
3.61
 
11

 
11.98
 
3

 
2.84
 
14

 
12.23
Total
 
$
6,183

 
2.69
 
$
6,895

 
3.00
 
$
5,460

 
2.62
 
$
6,070

 
2.91
__________
(1)  
Calculated by loan category by dividing 30+ day delinquent loans as of the end of the period by period-end loans held for investment for the specified loan category, including Acquired Loans as applicable.
(2)  
Excluding the impact of Acquired Loans, the 30+ day performing delinquency rate for our home loan and total consumer banking portfolios was 0.60% and 5.50% , respectively, as of December 31, 2015 , and 0.94% and 5.34% , respectively, as of December 31, 2014 . Excluding the impact of Acquired Loans, the 30+ day delinquency rate for our home loan and total consumer banking portfolios was 3.50% and 6.34% , respectively, as of December 31, 2015 , and 4.45% and 6.28% , respectively, as of December 31, 2014 .
Table 23 presents an aging of 30+ day delinquent loans included in the above table.
Table 23 : Aging and Geography of 30+ Day Delinquent Loans
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amount
 
% of
Total Loans (1)
 
Amount
 
% of
Total Loans (1)
Total loans held for investment
 
$
229,851

 
100.00%
 
$
208,316

 
100.00%
Delinquency status:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30 – 59 days
 
$
3,069

 
1.33%
 
$
2,841

 
1.36%
60 – 89 days
 
1,668

 
0.73
 
1,424

 
0.68
90 + days
 
2,158

 
0.94
 
1,805

 
0.87
Total
 
$
6,895

 
3.00%
 
$
6,070

 
2.91%
Geographic region:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
6,612

 
2.88%
 
$
5,776

 
2.77%
International
 
283

 
0.12
 
294

 
0.14
Total
 
$
6,895

 
3.00%
 
$
6,070

 
2.91%
__________
(1)  
Calculated by dividing loans in each delinquency status category or geographic region as of the end of the period by the total loans held for investment, including Acquired Loans accounted for based on expected cash flows.

 
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Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Table 24 summarizes loans that were 90+ days delinquent as to interest or principal and still accruing interest as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . These loans consist primarily of credit card accounts between 90 days and 179 days past due. As permitted by regulatory guidance issued by the FFIEC, we continue to accrue interest and fees on domestic credit card loans through the date of charge-off, which is typically in the period the account becomes 180 days past due. While domestic credit card loans typically remain on accrual status until the loan is charged-off, we reduce the balance of our credit card receivables by the amount of finance charges and fees billed but not expected to be collected and exclude this amount from revenue.
Table 24 : 90+ Day Delinquent Loans Accruing Interest
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amount
 
% of
Total Loans
(1)
 
Amount
 
% of
Total Loans
(1)
Loan category:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card
 
$
1,500

 
1.56%
 
$
1,254

 
1.46%
Consumer banking
 

 
0.00
 
1

 
0.00
Commercial banking
 
5

 
0.01
 
8

 
0.01
Total
 
$
1,505

 
0.65
 
$
1,263

 
0.61
Geographic region:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
1,426

 
0.64%
 
$
1,190

 
0.59%
International
 
79

 
0.96
 
73

 
0.90
Total
 
$
1,505

 
0.65
 
$
1,263

 
0.61
__________
(1)  
Delinquency rates are calculated for each loan category by dividing 90+ day delinquent loans accruing interest by period-end loans held for investment for the specified loan category.
Nonperforming Loans and Nonperforming Assets
Nonperforming assets consist of nonperforming loans, foreclosed property and repossessed assets and the net realizable value of auto loans that have been charged-off as a result of a bankruptcy. Nonperforming loans include loans that have been placed on nonaccrual status. See “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” for information on our policies for classifying loans as nonperforming for each of our loan categories.
Table 25 presents comparative information on nonperforming loans, by portfolio segment, and other nonperforming assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . We do not classify loans held for sale as nonperforming, as they are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value. We provide additional information on our credit quality metrics above under “Business Segment Financial Performance.”

 
83
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


Table 25 : Nonperforming Loans and Other Nonperforming Assets (1)
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amount
 
% of Total Loans HFI
 
Amount
 
% of Total Loans HFI
Nonperforming loans held for investment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit Card:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International credit card
 
$
53

 
0.65%
 
$
70

 
0.86%
Total credit card
 
53

 
0.06
 
70

 
0.08
Consumer Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto
 
219

 
0.53
 
197

 
0.52
Home loan (2)
 
311

 
1.23
 
330

 
1.10
Retail banking
 
28

 
0.77
 
22

 
0.61
Total consumer banking (2)
 
558

 
0.79
 
549

 
0.77
Commercial Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and multifamily real estate
 
7

 
0.03
 
62

 
0.27
Commercial and industrial
 
538

 
1.45
 
106

 
0.39
Total commercial lending
 
545

 
0.87
 
168

 
0.33
Small-ticket commercial real estate
 
5

 
0.83
 
7

 
0.96
Total commercial banking (3)
 
550

 
0.87
 
175

 
0.34
Other loans
 
9

 
9.42
 
15

 
13.37
Total nonperforming loans held for investment (4)
 
$
1,170

 
0.51
 
$
809

 
0.39
Other nonperforming assets: (5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreclosed property (6)
 
$
126

 
0.05%
 
$
139

 
0.06%
Other assets (7)
 
198

 
0.09
 
183

 
0.09
Total other nonperforming assets
 
324

 
0.14
 
322

 
0.15
Total nonperforming assets
 
$
1,494

 
0.65
 
$
1,131

 
0.54
__________
(1)  
We recognized interest income for loans classified as nonperforming of $44 million and $38 million in 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Interest income forgone related to nonperforming loans was $53 million and $49 million in 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Forgone interest income represents the amount of interest income that would have been recorded during the period for nonperforming loans as of the end of the period had the loans performed according to their contractual terms.
(2)  
Excluding the impact of Acquired Loans, the nonperforming loan rate for our home loan and total consumer banking portfolios was 4.68% and 1.08% , respectively, as of December 31, 2015 , compared to 4.86% and 1.14% , respectively, as of December 31, 2014 .
(3)  
The Acquired Loans from the GE Healthcare acquisition are classified and presented as performing because we expect to collect all of our recorded investments in these loans. Were these loans to be classified based on their risk ratings, our nonperforming loan rate for our total commercial banking portfolio would be 0.93% as of December 31, 2015 .
(4)  
Excluding the impact of domestic credit card loans, nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans held for investment was 0.83% and 0.62% as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
(5)  
The denominator used in calculating the nonperforming asset ratios consists of total loans held for investment and total other nonperforming assets.
(6)  
Includes acquired REOs of $101 million as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
(7)  
Includes the net realizable value of auto loans that have been charged-off as a result of a bankruptcy and repossessed assets obtained in satisfaction of auto loans.

 
84
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Net Charge-Offs
Net charge-offs consist of the unpaid principal balance of loans held for investment that we determine to be uncollectible, net of recovered amounts. We charge-off loans as a reduction to the allowance for loan and lease losses when we determine the loan is uncollectible and record subsequent recoveries of previously charged off amounts as increases to the allowance for loan and lease losses. We exclude accrued and unpaid finance charges and fees and certain fraud losses from charge-offs. Generally costs to recover charged-off loans are recorded as collection expenses and included in our consolidated statements of income as a component of other non-interest expense as incurred. Our charge-off policy for loans varies based on the loan type. See “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” for information on our charge-off policy for each of our loan categories.
Table 26 presents our net charge-off amounts and rates, by portfolio segment, in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 .
Table 26 : Net Charge-Offs
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amount
 
Rate (1)
 
Amount
 
Rate (1)
 
Amount
 
Rate (1)
Credit Card:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic credit card
 
$
2,718

 
3.45%

 
$
2,445

 
3.43%

 
$
2,904

 
4.08
 %
International credit card
 
200

 
2.50

 
283

 
3.69

 
381

 
4.78

Total credit card
 
2,918

 
3.36

 
2,728

 
3.46

 
3,285

 
4.15

Consumer Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto
 
674

 
1.69

 
619

 
1.78

 
546

 
1.85

Home loan (2)
 
9

 
0.03

 
17

 
0.05

 
16

 
0.04

Retail banking
 
48

 
1.33

 
39

 
1.07

 
54

 
1.46

Total consumer banking (2)
 
731

 
1.03

 
675

 
0.95

 
616

 
0.85

Commercial Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and multifamily real estate
 
(15
)
 
(0.06
)
 
(5
)
 
(0.02
)
 
(8
)
 
(0.04
)
Commercial and industrial
 
60

 
0.21

 
10

 
0.04

 
15

 
0.07

Total commercial lending
 
45

 
0.09

 
5

 
0.01

 
7

 
0.02

Small-ticket commercial real estate
 
2

 
0.36

 
5

 
0.52

 
7

 
0.62

Total commercial banking
 
47

 
0.09

 
10

 
0.02

 
14

 
0.03

Other loans
 
(1
)
 
(1.66
)
 
1

 
0.36

 
19

 
11.34

Total net charge-offs
 
$
3,695

 
1.75

 
$
3,414

 
1.72

 
$
3,934

 
2.04

Average loans held for investment
 
$
210,745

 
 
 
$
197,925

 
 
 
$
192,614

 
 
__________
(1)  
Calculated for each loan category by dividing net charge-offs for the period by average loans held for investment during the period.
(2)  
Excluding the impact of Acquired Loans, the net charge-off rate for our home loan and total consumer banking portfolios was 0.13% and 1.45% , respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2015 , compared to 0.24% and 1.49% , respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2014 ; and 0.21% and 1.51% , respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2013 .
For information regarding management’s expectations of net charge-offs, see “MD&A—Business Segment Expectations.”

 
85
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Troubled Debt Restructurings
As part of our loss mitigation efforts, we may provide short-term (three to twelve months) or long-term (greater than twelve months) modifications to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty to improve long-term collectability of the loan and to avoid the need for foreclosure or repossession of collateral.
Table 27 presents our recorded investment of loans modified in TDRs as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . It excludes loan modifications that do not meet the definition of a TDR and Acquired Loans accounted for based on expected cash flows, which we track and report separately.
Table 27 : Troubled Debt Restructurings
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amount
 
% of Total Modifications
 
Amount
 
% of Total Modifications
Credit card
 
$
666

 
36.7%
 
$
692

 
41.9%

Consumer banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto
 
488

 
26.8
 
435

 
26.3

Home loan
 
229

 
12.6
 
218

 
13.2

Retail banking
 
42

 
2.3
 
35

 
2.1

Total consumer banking
 
759

 
41.7
 
688

 
41.6

Commercial banking
 
392

 
21.6
 
272

 
16.5

Total
 
$
1,817

 
100.0%
 
$
1,652

 
100.0%

Status of TDRs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performing
 
$
1,367

 
75.2%
 
$
1,203

 
72.8
%
Nonperforming
 
450

 
24.8
 
449

 
27.2

Total
 
$
1,817

 
100.0%
 
$
1,652

 
100.0%

The majority of our credit card TDRs involve reducing the interest rate on the account and placing the customer on a fixed payment plan not exceeding 60 months. The interest rate in effect immediately prior to the loan modification is used as the effective interest rate for purposes of measuring impairment using the present value of expected cash flows. In some cases, the interest rate on a credit card account is automatically increased due to non-payment, late payment or similar events. In all cases, we cancel the customer’s available line of credit on the credit card. If the customer does not comply with the modified payment terms, then the credit card loan agreement may revert to its original payment terms, likely resulting in any loan outstanding reflected in the appropriate delinquency category, and charged off in accordance with our standard charge-off policy.
In the Consumer Banking business, the majority of our loans modified in TDRs receive an extension, an interest rate reduction or principal reduction, or a combination of both. In addition, TDRs also occur in connection with bankruptcy of the borrower. In certain bankruptcy discharges, the loan is written down to the collateral value and the charged off amount is reported as principal reduction. Their impairment is determined using the present value of expected cash flows or a collateral evaluation for certain auto and home loans where the collateral value is lower than the recorded investment. In the Commercial Banking business, the majority of loans modified in TDRs receive an extension, with a portion of these loans receiving an interest rate reduction. The impairment on modified commercial loans is generally determined based on the underlying collateral value. We provide additional information on modified loans accounted for as TDRs, including the performance of those loans subsequent to modification, in “ Note 5—Loans .”
Impaired Loans
A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due from the borrower in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan. Generally, we report loans as impaired based on the method for measuring impairment in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. Loans defined as individually impaired include larger balance commercial nonperforming loans and TDRs. Loans held for sale are not reported as impaired, as these loans are recorded at lower of cost or fair value. Impaired loans also exclude Acquired Loans accounted for based on expected cash flows because this accounting methodology takes into consideration future credit losses expected to be incurred.

 
86
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Impaired loans, including TDRs, totaled $2.5 billion and $1.9 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Loans modified in TDRs accounted for $1.8 billion and $1.7 billion of impaired loans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We provide additional information on our impaired loans, including the allowance for loan and lease losses established for these loans, in “ Note 5—Loans ” and “ Note 6—Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses .”
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
Our allowance for loan and lease losses represents management’s best estimate of incurred loan and lease credit losses inherent in our held for investment portfolio as of each balance sheet date. The allowance for loan and lease losses is increased through the provision for credit losses and reduced by net charge-offs. We provide additional information on the methodologies and key assumptions used in determining our allowance for loan and lease losses in “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies .”
Our allowance for loan and lease losses increased by $747 million to $5.1 billion as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 . The allowance coverage ratio increased by 13 basis points to 2.23% as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 . The increase in the allowance for loan and lease losses was primarily driven by continued loan growth, coupled with our expectations of rising charge-off rates in our domestic credit card portfolio driven by growth, as well as adverse market conditions impacting our oil and gas portfolio and taxi medallion lending portfolio in our Commercial Banking business .
Table 28 presents changes in our allowance for loan and lease losses and unfunded lending commitments for 2015 and 2014 , and details the provision for credit losses recognized in our consolidated statements of income and charge-offs and recoveries by portfolio segment.

 
87
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


Table 28 : Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses and Unfunded Lending Commitments Activity
 
 
 
 
Consumer Banking
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Credit Card
 
Auto
 
Home
Loan
 
Retail
Banking
 
Total
Consumer
Banking
 
Commercial Banking
 
Other Loans (1)
 
Total
Allowance for loan and lease losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2013
 
$
3,214

 
$
606

 
$
83

 
$
63

 
$
752

 
$
338

 
$
11

 
$
4,315

Provision (benefit) for credit losses
 
2,750

 
674

 
(3
)
 
32

 
703

 
67

 
(5
)
 
3,515

Charge-offs
 
(3,963
)
 
(898
)
 
(32
)
 
(59
)
 
(989
)
 
(34
)
 
(10
)
 
(4,996
)
Recoveries
 
1,235

 
279

 
15

 
20

 
314

 
24

 
9

 
1,582

Net charge-offs
 
(2,728
)
 
(619
)
 
(17
)
 
(39
)
 
(675
)
 
(10
)
 
(1
)
 
(3,414
)
Other changes (2)
 
(32
)
 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
 
0

 
0

 
(33
)
Balance as of December 31, 2014
 
3,204

 
661

 
62

 
56

 
779

 
395

 
5

 
4,383

Unfunded lending commitments reserve:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2013
 

 

 

 
7

 
7

 
80

 

 
87

Provision for unfunded lending commitments
 

 

 

 

 

 
26

 

 
26

Balance as of December 31, 2014
 

 

 

 
7

 
7

 
106

 

 
113

Combined allowance and unfunded reserve as of
December 31, 2014
 
$
3,204

 
$
661

 
$
62

 
$
63

 
$
786

 
$
501

 
$
5

 
$
4,496

Allowance for loan and lease losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2014
 
$
3,204

 
$
661

 
$
62

 
$
56

 
$
779

 
$
395

 
$
5

 
$
4,383

Provision (benefit) for credit losses (3)
 
3,417

 
739

 
16

 
64

 
819

 
256

 
(2
)
 
4,490

Charge-offs
 
(4,028
)
 
(998
)
 
(20
)
 
(64
)
 
(1,082
)
 
(76
)
 
(7
)
 
(5,193
)
Recoveries
 
1,110

 
324

 
11

 
16

 
351

 
29

 
8

 
1,498

Net charge-offs
 
(2,918
)
 
(674
)
 
(9
)
 
(48
)
 
(731
)
 
(47
)
 
1

 
(3,695
)
Other changes (2)
 
(49
)
 

 
1

 

 
1

 

 

 
(48
)
Balance as of December 31, 2015
 
3,654

 
$
726

 
70

 
72

 
868

 
604

 
4

 
5,130

Unfunded lending commitments reserve:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2014
 

 

 

 
7

 
7

 
106

 

 
113

Provision for unfunded lending commitments (3)
 

 

 

 

 

 
46

 

 
46

Other changes (2)
 

 

 

 

 

 
9

 

 
9

Balance as of December 31, 2015
 

 

 

 
7

 
7

 
161

 

 
168

Combined allowance and unfunded reserve as of
December 31, 2015
 
$
3,654

 
$
726

 
$
70

 
$
79

 
$
875

 
$
765

 
$
4

 
$
5,298

__________
(1)  
Primarily consists of our discontinued GreenPoint mortgage operations loan portfolio.
(2)  
Represents foreign currency translation adjustments and the net impact of loan transfers and sales. At acquisition date we also recognized the fair value of the unfunded lending commitments reserve of the GE Healthcare acquisition. See “ Note 2—Business Developments ” for additional information about the GE Healthcare acquisition.
(3)  
Includes a provision for credit losses of $49 million to establish an initial allowance and reserve related to the loans acquired in the GE Healthcare acquisition.

 
88
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


Table 29 presents the allowance coverage ratios as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 29 : Allowance C overage Ratios
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Total allowance coverage ratios:
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a % of loans held for investment
 
2.23%
 
2.10%
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a % of nonperforming loans (1)
 
438.70
 
541.86
Allowance coverage ratios by loan category: (2)
 
 
 
 
Credit card (30+ day delinquent loans)
 
111.81
 
113.13
Consumer banking (30+ day delinquent loans)
 
26.42
 
25.76
Commercial banking (nonperforming loans)
 
109.76
 
225.86
__________
(1)  
The allowance for loan and lease losses for both of nonperforming and performing loans as a percentage of nonperforming loans, excluding the allowance for loan and lease losses related to our domestic credit card loans, was 151.80% and 186.07% as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
(2)  
Calculated based on the total allowance for loan and lease losses divided by the outstanding balance of loans within the specified loan category.
LIQUIDITY RISK PROFILE
We have established liquidity practices that are intended to ensure that we have sufficient asset-based liquidity to withstand the potential impact of deposit attrition or diminished liquidity in the funding markets. Our practices are intended to maintain adequate liquidity reserves to cover our funding requirements as well as any potential deposit run-off and maintain access to diversified funding sources to avoid over-dependence on volatile, less reliable funding markets. Our liquidity reserves consist of readily-marketable or pledgable assets which can be used as a source of liquidity, if needed.
Table 30 below presents the composition of our liquidity reserves as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 30 : Liquidity Reserves
(Dollars in millions)
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
8,023

 
$
7,242

Investment securities available for sale, at fair value
 
39,061

 
39,508

Investment securities held to maturity, at fair value
 
25,317

 
23,634

Total investment securities portfolio (1)(2)
 
64,378

 
63,142

FHLB borrowing capacity secured by loans
 
30,661

 
29,547

Outstanding FHLB advances and letters of credit secured by loans
 
(20,514
)
 
(17,720
)
Investment securities encumbered for Public Funds and others
 
(10,602
)
 
(10,631
)
Total liquidity reserves
 
$
71,946

 
$
71,580

__________
(1)  
The weighted-average life of our securities was approximately 5.8 years and 5.7 years as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
(2)  
As part of our liquidity management strategy, we pledge securities to secure borrowings from counterparties and to secure trust and public deposits and other purposes as required or permitted by law. We pledged securities available for sale with a fair value of $1.7 billion and $3.5 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We also pledged securities held to maturity with a carrying value of $8.7 billion and $9.0 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
Our liquidity reserves increased by $366 million to $71.9 billion as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 . This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the fair value of our investment securities portfolio, partially offset by an increase in our FHLB advances. See “MD&A— Risk Management ” for additional information on our management of liquidity risk.
We are subject to the Final LCR Rules as discussed in “Part I—Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation.” At December 31, 2015 , we exceeded the fully phased-in LCR requirement. The calculation and the underlying components are based on our interpretations, expectations and assumptions of relevant regulations, as well as interpretations provided by our regulators, and are subject to change based on changes to future regulations and interpretations.

 
89
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Borrowing Capacity
We filed a new shelf registration statement with the SEC on March 31, 2015, which expires in March 2018. Under this shelf registration, we may periodically offer and sell an indeterminate aggregate amount of senior or subordinated debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares, common stock, purchase contracts, warrants and units. There is no limit under this shelf registration to the amount or number of such securities that we may offer and sell, subject to market conditions. We also filed a new shelf registration statement with the SEC on July 30, 2015, which does not expire and allows us to periodically offer and sell up to $20 billion of securitized debt obligations.
In addition to our issuance capacity under the shelf registration statements, we also have access to FHLB advances with a maximum borrowing capacity of $30.7 billion as of December 31, 2015 , of which $10.2 billion was still available to us to borrow as of December 31, 2015 . We pledged loan collateral with an outstanding balance of $36.9 billion to secure this borrowing capacity. The ability to draw down funding is based on membership status and the amount is dependent upon the Banks’ ability to post collateral. Our FHLB membership is secured by our investment in FHLB stock of $884 million and $807 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, which was determined in part based on our outstanding advances. We also have access to the Federal Reserve Discount Window through which we had a borrowing capacity of $13.2 billion as of December 31, 2015 . On an annual basis, we process immaterial overnight test trades to ensure continued system functionality and borrowing capabilities. Although available, we do not view this borrowing capacity as a primary source of liquidity and did not utilize it during 2015 or 2014.
Funding
The Company’s primary source of funding comes from deposits, which provide us with a stable and relatively low cost of funds. In addition to deposits, the Company raises funding through the issuance of senior and subordinated notes, FHLB advances secured by certain portions of our loan and securities portfolios, the issuance of securitized debt obligations, the issuance of brokered deposits, the purchase of federal funds and other borrowings. A key objective in our use of these markets is to maintain access to a diversified mix of wholesale funding sources.
Deposits
Table 31 provides a comparison of the composition of our deposits, average balances, interest expense and average deposit rates for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 .
Table 31 : Deposit Composition and Average Deposit Rates
 
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in millions)
 
Period End
Balance
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Expense
 
% of
Average
Deposits
 
Average
Deposit
Rate
Non-interest bearing accounts
 
$
25,847

 
$
25,312

 
N/A

 
12.0%
 
N/A
Interest-bearing checking accounts (1)
 
44,720

 
42,785

 
$
208

 
20.3
 
0.49%
Saving deposits (2)
 
134,075

 
132,658

 
769

 
62.9
 
0.58
Time deposits less than $100,000
 
10,347

 
7,213

 
74

 
3.4
 
1.03
Total core deposits
 
214,989

 
207,968

 
1,051

 
98.6
 
0.51
Time deposits of $100,000 or more
 
1,889

 
2,043

 
36

 
1.0
 
1.76
Foreign time deposits (3)
 
843

 
978

 
4

 
0.4
 
0.34
Total deposits
 
$
217,721

 
$
210,989

 
$
1,091

 
100.0%
 
0.52
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
90
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


 
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Period End
Balance
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Expense
 
% of
Average
Deposits
 
Average
Deposit
Rate
Non-interest bearing accounts
 
$
25,081

 
$
24,639

 
N/A

 
12.0%
 
N/A
Interest-bearing checking accounts (1)
 
41,022

 
41,702

 
$
204

 
20.3
 
0.49%
Saving deposits (2)
 
130,156

 
129,868

 
752

 
63.1
 
0.58
Time deposits less than $100,000
 
6,051

 
5,856

 
75

 
2.8
 
1.29
Total core deposits
 
202,310

 
202,065

 
1,031

 
98.2
 
0.51
Time deposits of $100,000 or more
 
2,261

 
2,560

 
53

 
1.3
 
2.07
Foreign time deposits (3)
 
977

 
1,050

 
4

 
0.5
 
0.34
Total deposits
 
$
205,548

 
$
205,675

 
$
1,088

 
100.0%
 
0.53
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
(Dollars in millions)
 
Period End
Balance
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Expense
 
% of
Average
Deposits
 
Average
Deposit
Rate
Non-interest bearing accounts
 
$
22,643

 
$
21,345

 
N/A

 
10.2%
 
N/A
Interest-bearing checking accounts (1)
 
43,880

 
43,823

 
$
254

 
21.0
 
0.58%
Saving deposits (2)
 
127,667

 
129,373

 
714

 
61.8
 
0.55
Time deposits less than $100,000
 
6,299

 
8,955

 
161

 
4.3
 
1.80
Total core deposits
 
200,489

 
203,496

 
1,129

 
97.3
 
0.55
Time deposits of $100,000 or more
 
2,852

 
3,938

 
108

 
1.9
 
2.74
Foreign time deposits (3)
 
1,182

 
1,611

 
4

 
0.8
 
0.25
Total deposits
 
$
204,523

 
$
209,045

 
$
1,241

 
100.0%
 
0.59
__________
(1)  
Includes Negotiable Order of Withdrawal (“NOW”) accounts.
(2)  
Includes Money Market Deposit Accounts (“MMDA”).
(3)  
Substantially all of our foreign time deposits were greater than $100,000 as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 .
Our deposits include brokered deposits, which we obtained through the use of third-party intermediaries. Those brokered deposits are reported as interest-bearing checking, saving deposits and time deposits in the above table and totaled $12.0 billion and $5.1 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
The FDIC limits the acceptance of brokered deposits by “well-capitalized” insured depository institutions and, with a waiver from the FDIC, by “adequately capitalized” institutions. COBNA and CONA were “well-capitalized,” as defined under the federal banking regulatory guidelines, as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 . See “Part I—Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation” for additional information.

 
91
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Table 32 presents the contractual maturities of large-denomination domestic time deposits of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Our funding and liquidity management activities factor into the expected maturities of these deposits. Based on past activity, we expect to retain a portion of these deposits as they mature. Accordingly, we expect the actual net cash outflows will be less than the contractual maturity amounts.
Table 32 : Maturities of Large-Denomination Domestic Time Deposits—$100,000 or More
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amount
 
% of Total
 
Amount
 
% of Total
Up to three months
 
$
271

 
14.3%
 
$
492

 
21.8%
> 3 months to 6 months
 
213

 
11.3
 
403

 
17.8
> 6 months to 12 months
 
315

 
16.7
 
653

 
28.9
> 12 months
 
1,090

 
57.7
 
713

 
31.5
Total
 
$
1,889

 
100.0%
 
$
2,261

 
100.0%
Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt
We access the capital markets to meet our funding needs through the issuance of senior and subordinated notes, securitized debt obligation transactions, and federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase. In addition, we may utilize short-term and long-term FHLB advances secured by our investment securities, residential home loans, multifamily real estate loans, commercial real estate loans and home equity lines of credit. A portion of our long-term FHLBs are structured with a three-month call option at our discretion.
Our short-term borrowings include those borrowings with an original contractual maturity of one year or less and do not include the current portion of long-term debt. The short-term borrowings, which consist of federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase, and short-term FHLB advances, decreased by $16.1 billion to $981 million as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 as we extended the maturity of our FHLB advances during 2015.
Our long-term debt, which primarily consists of securitized debt obligations, senior and subordinated notes, and long-term FHLB advances, increased by $26.8 billion to $58.1 billion as of December 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014 . The increase was primarily attributable to net increases of $19.0 billion in long-term callable FHLB advances, $4.5 billion in securitized debt obligations and $3.2 billion in unsecured notes.
Table 33 displays the maturity profile, based on contractual maturities, of our short-term borrowings and long-term debt including securitized debt obligations, senior and subordinated notes and other borrowings as of December 31, 2015 .
Table 33 : Contractual Maturity Profile of Outstanding Debt
 
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in millions)
 
Up to
1 Year
 
> 1 Year
to 2 Years
 
> 2 Years
to 3 Years
 
> 3 Years
to 4 Years
 
> 4 Years
to 5 Years
 
> 5 Years
 
Total
Short-term borrowings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase
 
$
981

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
981

Total short-term borrowings
 
981

 

 

 

 

 

 
981

Long-term debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securitized debt obligations
 
3,519

 
7,234

 
2,361

 
1,136

 
1,564

 
352

 
16,166

Senior and subordinated notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unsecured senior debt
 
1,400

 
3,082

 
4,674

 
3,514

 

 
5,087

 
17,757

Unsecured subordinated debt
 
1,030

 

 

 
320

 

 
2,730

 
4,080

Total senior and subordinated notes
 
2,430

 
3,082

 
4,674

 
3,834

 

 
7,817

 
21,837

Other long-term borrowings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FHLB advances
 
18

 
18

 
10

 
1

 
1,000

 
19,051

 
20,098

Capital lease obligations
 
1

 
1

 
1

 
1

 
1

 
28

 
33

Total other long-term borrowings
 
19

 
19

 
11

 
2

 
1,001

 
19,079

 
20,131

Total long-term debt (1)
 
5,968

 
10,335

 
7,046

 
4,972

 
2,565

 
27,248

 
58,134

Total short-term borrowings and long-term debt
 
$
6,949

 
$
10,335

 
$
7,046

 
$
4,972

 
$
2,565

 
$
27,248

 
$
59,115

Percentage of total
 
12%

 
18%

 
12%

 
8%

 
4%

 
46%

 
100%

__________
(1)  
Includes unamortized discounts, premiums and other cost basis adjustments, which together resulted in a net reduction of $224 million as of December 31, 2015 .
We provide additional information on our short-term borrowings and long-term debt under “Consolidated Balance Sheets Analysis—Securitized Debt Obligations,” “Consolidated Balance Sheets Analysis—Other Debt” and in “ Note 10—Deposits and Borrowings .”
Credit Ratings
Our credit ratings impact our ability to access capital markets and our non-deposit borrowing costs. Rating agencies base their ratings on numerous factors, including liquidity, capital adequacy, asset quality, quality of earnings and the probability of systemic support. Significant changes in these factors could result in different ratings. Such ratings help to support our cost effective unsecured funding as part of our overall financing programs. Table 34 provides a summary of the credit ratings for the senior unsecured debt of Capital One Financial Corporation, COBNA and CONA as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .

 
92
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


Table 34 : Senior Unsecured Debt Credit Ratings
 
  
December 31, 2015
  
December 31, 2014
 
  
Capital One
Financial
Corporation
  
Capital One
Bank (USA),
N.A.
  
Capital One,
N.A.
  
Capital One
Financial
Corporation
  
Capital One
Bank (USA),
N.A.
  
Capital One,
N.A.
Moody’s
  
Baa1
  
Baa1
  
Baa1
  
Baa1
  
A3
  
A3
S&P
  
BBB
  
BBB+
  
BBB+
  
BBB
  
BBB+
  
BBB+
Fitch
  
A-
  
A-
  
A-
  
A-
  
A-
  
A-
As of February 23, 2016, Moody’s, S&P and Fitch have us on a stable outlook. On March 17, 2015, Moody’s announced that they would be adopting a new bank rating methodology that could potentially result in changes in the ratings of the securities of many banks, including Capital One. As a result of this adoption, on May 14, 2015, Capital One Financial Corporation’s subordinated debt and preferred stock ratings received upgrades, while on June 19, 2015, COBNA and CONA’s senior unsecured debt ratings received a downgrade of one level.
Contractual Obligations
In the normal course of business, we enter into various contractual obligations that may require future cash payments that affect our short- and long-term liquidity and capital resource needs. Our future cash outflows primarily relate to deposits, borrowings and operating leases. Table 35 summarizes, by remaining contractual maturity, our significant contractual cash obligations based on the undiscounted future cash payments as of December 31, 2015 . The actual timing and amounts of future cash payments may differ from the amounts presented below due to a number of factors, such as discretionary debt repurchases. Table 35 excludes certain obligations where the obligation is short-term or subject to valuation based on market factors, such as trade payables and trading liabilities. The table also excludes the representation and warranty reserve of $610 million as of December 31, 2015 and obligations for pension and post-retirement benefit plans, which are discussed in more detail in “ Note 17—Employee Benefit Plans .”
Table 35 : Contractual Obligations
 
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in millions)
 
Up to
1 Year
 
> 1 Years
to 3 Years
 
> 3 Years
to 5 Years
 
> 5 Years
 
Total
Interest-bearing time deposits (1)
 
$
4,864

 
$
4,072

 
$
4,023

 
$
121

 
$
13,080

Securitized debt obligations
 
3,519

 
9,595

 
2,700

 
352

 
16,166

Other debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase
 
981

 

 

 

 
981

Senior and subordinated notes
 
2,430

 
7,756

 
3,834

 
7,817

 
21,837

Other borrowings (2)
 
19

 
30

 
1,003

 
19,079

 
20,131

Total other debt
 
3,430

 
7,786

 
4,837

 
26,896

 
42,949

Operating leases
 
292

 
547

 
435

 
1,027

 
2,301

Purchase obligations (3)
 
175

 
241

 
66

 

 
482

Total
 
$
12,280

 
$
22,241

 
$
12,061

 
$
28,396

 
$
74,978

_________
(1)  
Includes only those interest-bearing deposits which have a contractual maturity date.
(2)  
Other borrowings include FHLB advances and capital lease obligations.
(3)  
Represents substantial agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding and specify all significant terms. The purchase obligations are included through the termination date of the agreements even if the contract is renewable. These include capital expenditures, contractual commitments to purchase equipment and services, software acquisition/license commitments, contractual minimum media commitments and any contractually required cash payments for acquisitions, and exclude funding commitments entered into in the ordinary course of business. See “ Note 21—Commitments, Contingencies, Guarantees and Others ” for further details.

 
93
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



MARKET RISK PROFILE
Market risk is inherent in the financial instruments associated with our operations and activities, including loans, deposits, securities, short-term borrowings, long-term debt and derivatives. Below we provide additional information about our primary sources of market risk, our market risk management strategies and the measures we use to evaluate our market risk exposure.
Primary Market Risk Exposures
Our primary source of market risk is interest rate risk. We also have exposure to foreign exchange risk.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk, which represents exposure to instruments whose yield or price varies with the volatility of interest rates, is our most significant source of market risk exposure. Banks are inevitably exposed to interest rate risk due to differences in the timing between the maturities or re-pricing of assets and liabilities.
Foreign Exchange Risk
Foreign exchange risk represents exposure to changes in the values of current holdings and future cash flows denominated in other currencies. Our primary exposure is related to the funding of our non-dollar net investments in our International Card business in the U.K. and Canada. Changes in foreign exchange rates affect the value of non-dollar denominated equity invested in our foreign operations and impact our AOCI and related capital ratios. Our intercompany funding exposes our consolidated statements of income to foreign exchange transaction risk, while our equity investments in our foreign operations results in translation risk in AOCI. We manage our transaction risk by entering into forward foreign currency derivative contracts to hedge our exposure to variability in cash flows related to foreign currency denominated intercompany borrowings. In the third quarter of 2014, we began entering into net investment hedges to manage our AOCI exposure. We apply hedge accounting to both intercompany funding hedges and net investment hedges.
We measure our total exposure by regularly tracking the equity value of our net equity invested in our U.K. and Canadian operations as well as their funding requirements. We apply a 30% U.S. dollar appreciation shock against each of our Great British Pound (“GBP”) and Canadian Dollar (“CAD”) net investment exposures, which we believe approximates a significant adverse foreign exchange movement over a one-year time horizon. Our gross equity exposures were 1.4 billion GBP and 1.3 billion GBP as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and 686 million CAD and 581 million CAD as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. As a result of our derivative management activities, we believe our net exposure to foreign exchange risk is minimal.
Market Risk Management
We employ several techniques to manage our interest rate and foreign exchange risk, which include, but are not limited to, altering the duration and re-pricing characteristics of our various assets and liabilities through interest rate derivatives or mitigating the foreign exchange exposure of certain non-dollar denominated equity or transactions through derivatives. Derivatives are one of the primary tools we use in managing interest rate and foreign exchange risk. Our current market risk management policies include the use of derivatives. We execute our derivative contracts in both over-the-counter and exchange-traded derivative markets. Although the majority of our derivatives are interest rate swaps, we also use a variety of other derivative instruments, including caps, floors, options, futures and forward contracts, to manage both our interest rate and foreign currency risk. The outstanding notional amount of our derivative contracts totaled $105.9 billion as of December 31, 2015 , compared to $88.6 billion as of December 31, 2014 , driven by an increase in our hedging activities.

 
94
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Market Risk Measurement
We have risk management policies and limits established by our market risk management policies and approved by the Board of Directors. Our objective is to manage our asset and liability risk position and exposure to market risk in accordance with these policies and prescribed limits based on prevailing market conditions and long-term expectations. Because no single measure can reflect all aspects of market risk, we use various industry standard market risk measurement techniques and analysis to measure, assess and manage the impact of changes in interest rates on our net interest income and our economic value of equity and foreign exchange rates on our non-dollar denominated earnings and non-dollar equity investments in foreign operations. We provide additional information below in “Economic Value of Equity.”
We consider the impact on both net interest income and economic value of equity in measuring and managing our interest rate risk. Because the federal funds rate was lowered to near zero in December 2008, remained in a target range of 0% to 0.25% until December 2015, and then increased to a range of 0.25% to 0.50%, we use a 50 basis points decrease as our declining interest rate scenario, since a scenario where interest rates would decline by 200 basis points is unlikely. In scenarios where a 50 basis points decline would result in a rate less than 0%, we assume a rate of 0%. Below we discuss the assumptions used in calculating each of these measures.
Net Interest Income Sensitivity
This sensitivity measure estimates the impact on our projected 12-month base-line interest rate sensitive revenue resulting from movements in interest rates. Interest rate sensitive revenue consists of net interest income and certain components of other non-interest income significantly impacted by movements in interest rates, including changes in the fair value of mortgage servicing rights and free-standing interest rate swaps. Adjusted net interest income consists of net interest income and changes in the fair value of mortgage servicing rights, including related derivative hedging activity, and changes in the fair value of free-standing interest rate swaps. In addition to our existing assets and liabilities, we incorporate expected future business growth assumptions, such as loan and deposit growth and pricing, and plans for projected changes in our funding mix in our baseline forecast. In measuring the sensitivity of interest rate movements on our projected interest rate sensitive revenue, we assume an instantaneous +200 basis points and -50 basis points shock, with the lower rate scenario limited to zero as described above.
Economic Value of Equity
Our economic value of equity sensitivity measure estimates the impact on the net present value of our assets and liabilities, including derivative hedging activity, resulting from movements in interest rates. Our economic value of equity sensitivity measures are calculated based on our existing assets and liabilities, including derivatives, and do not incorporate business growth assumptions or projected plans for funding mix changes. In measuring the sensitivity of interest rate movements on our economic value of equity, we assume a hypothetical instantaneous parallel shift in the level of interest rates of +200 basis points and -50 basis points to spot rates, with the lower rate scenario limited to zero as described above.
Table 36 shows the estimated percentage impact on our projected base-line net interest income and economic value of equity, calculated under the methodology described above, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 36 : Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis
 
 
December 31,
2015
 
December 31, 2014
Estimated impact on projected base-line net interest income
 
 
 
 
+200 basis points
 
2.6%

 
4.5%

–50 basis points
 
(1.6
)
 
(2.1
)
Estimated impact on economic value of equity
 
 
 
 
+200 basis points
 
(5.2
)
 
(3.4
)
–50 basis points
 
(0.6
)
 
(1.2
)
Our projected net interest income and economic value of equity sensitivity measures were within our policy limits as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . In addition to these industry standard measures, we will continue to factor into our internal interest rate risk management decisions the potential impact of alternative interest rate scenarios, such as stressed rate shocks as well as steepening and flattening yield curve scenarios.

 
95
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Limitations of Market Risk Measures
The interest rate risk models that we use in deriving these measures incorporate contractual information, internally-developed assumptions and proprietary modeling methodologies, which project borrower and depositor behavior patterns in certain interest rate environments. Other market inputs, such as interest rates, market prices and interest rate volatility, are also critical components of our interest rate risk measures. We regularly evaluate, update and enhance these assumptions, models and analytical tools as we believe appropriate to reflect our best assessment of the market environment and the expected behavior patterns of our existing assets and liabilities.
There are inherent limitations in any methodology used to estimate the exposure to changes in market interest rates. The sensitivity analysis described above contemplates only certain movements in interest rates and is performed at a particular point in time based on the existing balance sheet and, in some cases, expected future business growth and funding mix assumptions. The strategic actions that management may take to manage our balance sheet may differ significantly from our projections, which could cause our actual earnings and economic value of equity sensitivities to differ substantially from the above sensitivity analysis.

 
96
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



SUPPLEMENTAL TABLES
Table A —Loans Held for Investment Portfolio Composition
 
 
December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Credit Card:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic credit card (1)
 
$
87,939

 
$
77,704

 
$
73,255

 
$
83,141

 
$
56,609

International credit card
 
8,186

 
8,172

 
8,050

 
8,614

 
8,466

Total credit card
 
96,125

 
85,876

 
81,305

 
91,755

 
65,075

Consumer Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto
 
41,549

 
37,824

 
31,857

 
27,123

 
21,779

Home loan
 
25,227

 
30,035

 
35,282

 
44,100

 
10,433

Retail banking
 
3,596

 
3,580

 
3,623

 
3,904

 
4,103

Total consumer banking
 
70,372

 
71,439

 
70,762

 
75,127

 
36,315

Commercial Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and multifamily real estate
 
25,518

 
23,137

 
20,750

 
17,732

 
15,736

Commercial and industrial
 
37,135

 
26,972

 
23,309

 
19,892

 
17,088

Total commercial lending
 
62,653

 
50,109

 
44,059

 
37,624

 
32,824

Small-ticket commercial real estate
 
613

 
781

 
952

 
1,196

 
1,503

Total commercial banking
 
63,266

 
50,890

 
45,011

 
38,820

 
34,327

Other loans
 
88

 
111

 
121

 
187

 
175

Total loans held for investment
 
$
229,851

 
$
208,316

 
$
197,199

 
$
205,889

 
$
135,892

__________
(1)  
Includes installment loans of $16 million , $144 million , $323 million, $813 million and $1.9 billion as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 , 2013 , 2012 and 2011 , respectively.

 
97
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Table B —Performing Delinquencies (1)
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
(Dollars in millions)
 
Loans (2)(3)
 
% of
Total
Loans
(4)
 
Loans (2)(3)
 
% of
Total
Loans
(4)
 
Loans (2)(3)
 
% of
Total
Loans
(4)
 
Loans (2)(3)
 
% of
Total
Loans
(4)
 
Loans (2)(3)
 
% of
Total
Loans
(4)
Loans held for investment
 
$
229,851

 
100.00%

 
$
208,316

 
100.00%

 
$
197,199

 
100.00%

 
$
205,889

 
100.00%

 
$
135,892

 
100.00%

Delinquent loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30-59 days
 
3,042

 
1.33
%
 
2,803

 
1.34
%
 
2,584

 
1.31
%
 
2,629

 
1.28
%
 
2,267

 
1.67
%
60-89 days
 
1,636

 
0.71

 
1,394

 
0.67

 
1,313

 
0.67

 
1,399

 
0.68

 
1,043

 
0.77

90-119 days
 
603

 
0.26

 
508

 
0.24

 
512

 
0.26

 
628

 
0.30

 
497

 
0.36

120-149 days
 
493

 
0.21

 
409

 
0.20

 
418

 
0.21

 
485

 
0.24

 
390

 
0.29

150 or more days
 
409

 
0.18

 
346

 
0.17

 
361

 
0.18

 
414

 
0.20

 
355

 
0.26

Total
 
$
6,183

 
2.69%

 
$
5,460

 
2.62%

 
$
5,188

 
2.63%

 
$
5,555

 
2.70%

 
$
4,552

 
3.35%

By geographic area:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
5,939

 
2.58%

 
$
5,220

 
2.50%

 
$
4,889

 
2.48%

 
$
5,247

 
2.55%

 
$
4,114

 
3.03%

International
 
244

 
0.11

 
240

 
0.12

 
299

 
0.15

 
308

 
0.15

 
438

 
0.32

Total
 
$
6,183

 
2.69%

 
$
5,460

 
2.62%

 
$
5,188

 
2.63%

 
$
5,555

 
2.70%

 
$
4,552

 
3.35%

__________
(1)  
Acquired Loans are included in loans held for investment, but excluded from delinquent loans as these loans are considered performing in accordance with our expectations as of the purchase date, as we recorded these loans at estimated fair value when we acquired them. As of December 31, 2015 , 2014 , 2013 , 2012 and 2011 the Acquired Loan portfolio’s contractual 30 to 89 day delinquencies total $99 million , $152 million, $223 million, $369 million and $162 million, respectively. For loans 90+ day past due, see “MD&A—Table C —Nonperforming Loans and Other Nonperforming Assets.”
(2)  
Credit card loan balances are reported net of the finance charge and fee reserve, which totaled $262 million , $216 million, $190 million, $307 million and $74 million as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 , 2013 , 2012 and 2011 , respectively.
(3)  
The performing loan modifications and restructuring totaled $1.4 billion , $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, and $1.4 billion as of both December 31, 2012 and 2011 .
(4)  
Calculated by dividing loans in each delinquency status category and geographic region as of the end of the period by the total loan portfolio.

 
98
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


Table C —Nonperforming Loans and Other Nonperforming Assets
 
 
December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Nonperforming loans held for investment: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit Card:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International credit card
 
$
53

 
$
70

 
$
88

 
$
100

 
$

Total credit card
 
53

 
70

 
88

 
100

 

Consumer Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto
 
219

 
197

 
194

 
149

 
106

Home loan
 
311

 
330

 
376

 
422

 
456

Retail banking  
 
28

 
22

 
41

 
71

 
90

Total consumer banking
 
558

 
549

 
611

 
642

 
652

Commercial Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and multifamily real estate
 
7

 
62

 
52

 
137

 
207

Commercial and industrial
 
538

 
106

 
93

 
133

 
125

Total commercial lending
 
545

 
168

 
145

 
270

 
332

Small-ticket commercial real estate
 
5

 
7

 
4

 
12

 
40

Total commercial banking
 
550

 
175

 
149

 
282

 
372

Other loans
 
9

 
15

 
19

 
30

 
35

Total nonperforming loans held for investment
 
$
1,170

 
$
809

 
$
867

 
$
1,054

 
$
1,059

Other nonperforming assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreclosed property (2)
 
$
126

 
$
139

 
$
113

 
$
204

 
$
169

Other assets (3)
 
198

 
183

 
160

 
109

 
95

Total nonperforming assets
 
$
1,494

 
$
1,131

 
$
1,140

 
$
1,367

 
$
1,323

Nonperforming loans as a percentage of loans held for investment
 
0.51%

 
0.39%

 
0.44%

 
0.51%

 
0.78%

Nonperforming assets as a percentage of loans held for investment plus total other nonperforming assets
 
0.65

 
0.54

 
0.58

 
0.66

 
0.97

__________
(1)  
The ratio of nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans held for investment is calculated based on the nonperforming loans divided by the total outstanding unpaid principal balance of loans held for investment. The denominator used in calculating the nonperforming asset ratios consists of total loans held for investment and other nonperforming assets.
(2)  
Includes acquired REOs of $101 million as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 , $68 million, $167 million and $86 million as of December 31, 2013 , 2012 and 2011 , respectively.
(3)  
In 2013, we began including the net realizable value of auto loans that have been charged-off as a result of bankruptcy and repossessed assets obtained in satisfaction of auto loans. Both of these amounts are included in other assets. Prior period amounts have been adjusted to conform to current period presentation.

 
99
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


Table D —Net Charge-offs (1)
 
 
December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Average loans held for investment
 
$
210,745

 
$
197,925

 
$
192,614

 
$
187,915

 
$
128,424

Net charge-offs
 
3,695

 
3,414

 
3,934

 
3,555

 
3,771

Net charge-off rate
 
1.75%

 
1.72%

 
2.04%

 
1.89%

 
2.94%

__________
(1)  
Calculated for each loan category by dividing net charge-offs for the period divided by average loans held for investment during the period.


 
100
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


Table E —Summary of Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses and Unfunded Lending Commitments
 
 
December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Allowance for loan and lease losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
4,383

 
$
4,315

 
$
5,156

 
$
4,250

  
$
5,628

Provision for credit losses
 
4,490

 
3,515

 
3,401

 
4,446

  
2,401

Charge-offs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card
 
(4,028
)
 
(3,963
)
 
(4,542
)
 
(4,159
)
 
(4,310
)
Consumer banking
 
(1,082
)
 
(989
)
 
(888
)
 
(797
)
 
(732
)
Commercial banking
 
(76
)
 
(34
)
 
(49
)
 
(94
)
 
(214
)
Other loans
 
(7
)
 
(10
)
 
(26
)
 
(43
)
 
(59
)
Total charge-offs
 
(5,193
)
 
(4,996
)
 
(5,505
)
 
(5,093
)
 
(5,315
)
Recoveries:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card
 
1,110

 
1,235

 
1,257

 
1,215

 
1,254

Consumer banking
 
351

 
314

 
272

 
266

  
248

Commercial banking
 
29

 
24

 
35

 
52

  
37

Other loans
 
8

 
9

 
7

 
5

  
5

Total recoveries
 
1,498

 
1,582

 
1,571

 
1,538

  
1,544

Net charge-offs
 
(3,695
)
 
(3,414
)
 
(3,934
)
 
(3,555
)
 
(3,771
)
Other changes
 
(48
)
 
(33
)
 
(308
)
 
15

 
(8
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
5,130

 
$
4,383

 
$
4,315

 
$
5,156

  
$
4,250

Unfunded lending commitments reserve:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
113

 
$
87

 
$
35

 
$
66

 
$
107

Provision (benefit) for unfunded lending commitments
 
46

 
26

 
52

 
(31
)
 
(41
)
Other changes
 
9

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of period
 
168

 
113

 
87

 
35

 
66

Combined allowance and unfunded reserve at end of period
 
$
5,298

 
$
4,496

 
$
4,402

 
$
5,191

 
$
4,316

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of loans held for investment
 
2.23%

 
2.10%

 
2.19%

 
2.50%

 
3.13%

Combined allowance and unfunded reserve by geographic distribution:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
4,999

 
$
4,170

 
$
4,024

 
$
4,738

  
$
3,844

International
 
299

 
326

 
378

 
453

  
472

Total
 
$
5,298

 
$
4,496

 
$
4,402

 
$
5,191

  
$
4,316

Combined allowance and unfunded reserve by loan category:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card
 
$
3,654

 
$
3,204

 
$
3,214

 
$
3,979

 
$
2,847

Consumer banking
 
875

 
786

 
759

 
719

  
661

Commercial banking
 
765

 
501

 
418

 
460

  
772

Other loans
 
4

 
5

 
11

 
33

  
36

Total
 
$
5,298

 
$
4,496

 
$
4,402

 
$
5,191

  
$
4,316


 
101
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


Table F —Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures and Calculation of Regulatory Capital Measures (1)  
 
 
December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Period End Tangible Common Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Period end stockholders’ equity
 
$
47,284

 
$
45,053

 
$
41,632

 
$
40,425

 
$
29,617

Goodwill and intangible assets (2)
 
(15,701
)
 
(15,383
)
 
(15,784
)
 
(16,224
)
 
(13,908
)
Noncumulative perpetual preferred stock (3)
 
(3,294
)
 
(1,822
)
 
(853
)
 
(853
)
 

Tangible common equity
 
$
28,289

 
$
27,848

 
$
24,995

 
$
23,348

 
$
15,709

Average Tangible Common Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average stockholders' equity
 
$
47,713

 
$
44,268

 
$
41,482

 
$
37,265

 
$
28,538

Average goodwill and intangible assets (2)
 
(15,273
)
 
(15,575
)
 
(15,938
)
 
(15,604
)
 
(13,981
)
Average noncumulative perpetual preferred stock (3)
 
(2,641
)
 
(1,213
)
 
(853
)
 
(331
)
 

Average tangible common equity
 
$
29,799

 
$
27,480

 
$
24,691

 
$
21,330

 
$
14,557

Period End Tangible Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Period end assets
 
$
334,048

 
$
308,167

 
$
296,064

 
$
311,682

 
$
204,336

Goodwill and intangible assets (2)
 
(15,701
)
 
(15,383
)
 
(15,784
)
 
(16,224
)
 
(13,908
)
Tangible assets
 
$
318,347

 
$
292,784

 
$
280,280

 
$
295,458

 
$
190,428

Average Tangible Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average assets
 
$
313,474

 
$
297,659

 
$
296,200

 
$
285,142

 
$
198,323

Average goodwill and intangible assets (2)
 
(15,273
)
 
(15,575
)
 
(15,938
)
 
(15,604
)
 
(13,981
)
Average tangible assets
 
$
298,201

 
$
282,084

 
$
280,262

 
$
269,538

 
$
184,342

Non-GAAP TCE ratio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TCE ratio (4)
 
8.9%

 
9.5%

 
8.9
%
 
7.9
%
 
8.2
%
Capital Ratios (5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio (6)
 
11.1%

 
12.5%

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

Tier 1 common ratio (7)
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
12.2
%
 
10.9
%
 
9.6
%
Tier 1 capital ratio (8)
 
12.4

 
13.2

 
12.6

 
11.3

 
12.0

Total capital ratio (9)
 
14.6

 
15.1

 
14.7

 
13.5

 
14.8

Tier 1 leverage ratio (10)
 
10.6

 
10.8

 
10.1

 
8.6

 
10.0

Supplementary leverage ratio (11)
 
9.2

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

Risk-weighted assets (12)
 
$
265,739

 
$
236,944

 
$
224,556

 
$
223,499

 
$
155,571

Average assets for the leverage ratio
 
309,037

 
291,243

 
280,574

 
292,790

 
185,349

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
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Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
Regulatory Capital Under Basel III Standardized Approach (5)
 
 
 
 
Common equity excluding AOCI
 
$
44,606

 
$
43,661

Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
AOCI (13)(14)
 
(254
)
 
(69
)
Goodwill (2)
 
(14,296
)
 
(13,805
)
Intangible Assets (2)(14)
 
(393
)
 
(243
)
Other
 
(119
)
 
(10
)
Common equity Tier 1 capital
 
29,544

 
29,534

Tier 1 capital instruments (3)
 
3,294

 
1,822

Additional Tier 1 capital adjustments
 

 
(1
)
Tier 1 capital
 
32,838

 
31,355

Tier 2 capital instruments
 
2,654

 
1,542

Qualifying allowance for loan and lease losses
 
3,346

 
2,981

Additional Tier 2 capital adjustments
 

 
1

Tier 2 capital
 
6,000

 
4,524

Total capital (15)
 
$
38,838

 
$
35,879

 
 
December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Regulatory Capital Under Basel I (5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total stockholders’ equity
 
$
41,632

 
$
40,425

 
$
29,617

Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized losses (gains) on investment securities available for sale recorded in AOCI (13)
 
791

 
(712
)
 
(289
)
Net losses on cash flow hedges recorded in AOCI (13)
 
136

 
2

 
71

Disallowed goodwill and intangible assets (2)
 
(14,326
)
 
(14,428
)
 
(13,855
)
Disallowed deferred tax assets
 

 

 
(563
)
Noncumulative perpetual preferred stock (3)
 
(853
)
 
(853
)
 

Other
 
(5
)
 
(12
)
 
(2
)
Tier 1 common capital
 
27,375

 
24,422

 
14,979

Noncumulative perpetual preferred stock (3)
 
853

 
853

 

Tier 1 restricted core capital items
 
2

 
2

 
3,635

Tier 1 capital
 
28,230

 
25,277

 
18,614

Long-term debt qualifying as Tier 2 capital
 
1,914

 
2,119

 
2,438

Qualifying allowance for loan and lease losses
 
2,833

 
2,831

 
1,978

Other Tier 2 components
 
10

 
13

 
23

Tier 2 capital
 
4,757

 
4,963

 
4,439

Total capital (15)
 
$
32,987

 
$
30,240

 
$
23,053

_________
(1)  
As of January 1, 2015, we changed our accounting principle to move from a gross basis of presentation to a net basis, for presenting qualifying derivative assets and liabilities, as well as the related right to reclaim cash collateral or obligation to return cash collateral. See “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” for additional information. Prior period results, excluding regulatory ratios, have been recast to conform to this presentation.
(2)  
Includes impact of related deferred taxes.
(3)  
Includes related surplus.
(4)  
Tangible common equity ratio is a non-GAAP measure calculated based on TCE divided by tangible assets.
(5)  
Beginning on January 1, 2014, we calculate our regulatory capital under the Basel III Standardized Approach subject to transition provisions. Prior to January 1, 2014, we calculated regulatory capital under Basel I.
(6)  
Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on common equity Tier 1 capital divided by risk-weighted assets.
(7)  
Tier 1 common capital ratio is a regulatory capital measure under Basel I calculated based on Tier 1 common capital divided by Basel I risk-weighted assets.
(8)  
Tier 1 capital ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on Tier 1 capital divided by risk-weighted assets.

 
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(9)  
Total capital ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on total capital divided by risk-weighted assets.
(10)  
Tier 1 leverage ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on Tier 1 capital divided by average assets, after certain adjustments.
(11)  
Supplementary leverage ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on Tier 1 capital under the Basel III Standardized Approach divided by total leverage exposure. See “MD&A—Capital Management” for additional information.
(12)  
As of January 1, 2015, risk-weighted assets are calculated under the Basel III Standardized Approach, subject to transition provisions. Prior to January 1, 2015 risk-weighted assets were calculated under Basel I.
(13)  
Amounts presented are net of tax.
(14)  
Amounts based on transition provisions for regulatory capital deductions and adjustments of 20% for 2014 and 40% for 2015.
(15)  
Total capital equals the sum of Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 capital.


 
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Glossary and Acronyms
2012 U.S. card acquisition: On May 1, 2012, pursuant to the agreement with HSBC Finance Corporation, HSBC USA Inc. and HSBC Technology and Services (USA) Inc. (collectively, “HSBC”), we closed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and assumed liabilities of HSBC’s credit card and private label credit card business in the United States (other than the HSBC Bank USA, consumer credit card program and certain other retained assets and liabilities).
2015 Stock Repurchase Program: On March 11, 2015, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to $3.125 billion of shares of our common stock beginning in the second quarter of 2015 through the end of the second quarter of 2016. On February 17, 2016 we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $300 million of shares of common stock through the end of the second quarter of 2016.
Acquired Loans or PCI Loans: Refers to these loans acquired in a business combination that were recorded at fair value at acquisition and subsequently accounted for based on expected cash flows to be collected in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 310-30,  Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality  (formerly known as “Statement of Position 03-3,  Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer, ” commonly referred to as “SOP 03-3”). Our Acquired Loans include a limited portion of commercial loans acquired in the fourth quarter of 2015 in the GE Healthcare acquisition, a limited portion of the credit card loans acquired in the 2012 U.S. card acquisitions and the substantial majority of consumer and commercial loans acquired in the ING Direct and Chevy Chase acquisitions.
The excess of cash flows expected to be collected over the estimated fair value of purchased loans represents the accretable yield, which is recognized into interest income over the life of the loans. The difference between total contractual payments on the loans and all expected cash flows represents the nonaccretable difference or the amount of principal and interest not considered collectible, which incorporates future expected credit losses over the life of the loans. Decreases in expected cash flows from credit deterioration subsequent to acquisition will generally result in an impairment charge recognized in our provision for credit losses and an increase in the allowance for loan and lease losses. Charge-offs are not recorded until the expected credit losses within the nonaccretable difference are depleted. In addition, Acquired Loans are not classified as delinquent or nonperforming as we expect to collect our net investment in these loans and the nonaccretable difference will absorb the majority of the losses associated with these loans.
Annual Report: References to our “2015 Form 10-K” or “2015 Annual Report” or “this Report” are to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.
Banks: Refers to COBNA and CONA.
Basel Committee: The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision.
Basel III Advanced Approaches: The Basel III Advanced Approaches is mandatory for those institutions with consolidated total assets of $250 billion or more or consolidated total on-balance sheet foreign exposure of $10 million or more. The Final Basel III Capital Rule modified the Advanced Approaches version of Basel II to create the Basel III Advanced Approaches.
Basel III Standardized Approach: The Final Basel III Capital Rule modified Basel I to create the Basel III Standardized Approach, which requires for Basel III Advanced Approaches banking organizations that have yet to exit parallel run to use the Basel III Standardized Approach to calculate regulatory capital, including capital ratios, subject to transition provisions.
Benefit Obligation and Projected Benefit Obligation: Benefit Obligation refers to the total of the projected benefit obligation for pension plans and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligations. Projected Benefit Obligation represents the actuarial present value of all benefits accrued on employee service rendered prior to the calculation date, including allowance for future salary increases if the pension benefit is based on future compensation levels.
BHC Act: The Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (12 U.S.C. § 1842).
Capital One: Capital One Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries.
Carrying value (with respect to loans) : The amount at which a loan is recorded on the consolidated balance sheets. For loans recorded at amortized cost, carrying value is the unpaid principal balance net of unamortized deferred loan origination fees and costs, and unamortized purchase premium or discount. For loans that are or have been on nonaccrual status, the carrying value is also reduced by any net charge-offs that have been recorded and the amount of interest payments applied as a reduction of principal under the cost recovery method. For credit card loans, the carrying value also includes interest that has been billed to the customer. For loans classified as held for sale, carrying value is the lower of carrying value as described in the sentences above, or fair value.

 
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For Acquired Loans, the carrying value equals fair value upon acquisition adjusted for subsequent cash collections and yield accreted to date.
CCB: Chevy Chase Bank, F.S.B., which was acquired by the Company in 2009.
COBNA: Capital One Bank (USA), National Association, one of our fully owned subsidiaries, which offers credit and debit card products, other lending products and deposit products.
Collective trusts: An investment fund formed from the pooling of investments by investors.
Common equity Tier 1 capital: Common equity, related surplus and retained earnings less accumulated other comprehensive income net of applicable phase-ins, less goodwill and intangibles net of associated deferred tax liabilities and applicable phase-ins, less other deductions, as defined by regulators.
Company: Capital One Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries.
CONA: Capital One, National Association, one of our fully owned subsidiaries, which offers a broad spectrum of banking products and financial services to consumers, small businesses and commercial clients.
Credit risk: The risk of loss from an obligor’s failure to meet the terms of any contract or otherwise fail to perform as agreed.
Derivative: A contract or agreement whose value is derived from changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, prices of securities or commodities, credit worthiness for credit default swaps or financial or commodity indices.
Discontinued operations: The operating results of a component of an entity, as defined by ASC 205, that are removed from continuing operations when that component has been disposed of or it is management’s intention to sell the component.
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”): Regulatory reform legislation signed into law on July 21, 2010. This law broadly affects the financial services industry and contains numerous provisions aimed at strengthening the sound operation of the financial services sector.
Exchange Act: The Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
eXtensible Business Reporting Language (“XBRL”): A language for the electronic communication of business and financial data.
Federal Banking Agencies: The Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Federal Reserve: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
FICO score: A measure of consumer credit risk provided by credit bureaus, typically produced from statistical modeling software created by Fair Isaac Corporation utilizing data collected by the credit bureaus.
Final Basel III Capital Rule: The Federal Baking Agencies issued a rule in July 2013 implementing the Basel III capital framework developed by the Basel Committee as well as certain Dodd-Frank Act and other capital provisions.
Final LCR Rule: The Federal Banking Agencies issued final rules implementing the Basel III liquidity coverage ratio in the United States.
Foreign currency derivative contracts: An agreement to exchange contractual amounts of one currency for another currency at one or more future dates.
Foreign exchange contracts: Contracts that provide for the future receipt or delivery of foreign currency at previously agreed-upon terms.
GreenPoint: Refers to our wholesale mortgage banking unit, GreenPoint Mortgage Funding, Inc. (“GreenPoint”), which was closed in 2007.
GSE or Agency: A government-sponsored enterprise or agency is a financial services corporation created by the United States Congress. Examples of U.S. government agencies include Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Banks.
Impairment: The condition when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds or is expected to exceed its fair value.

 
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Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



Impaired loans: A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will not be able to collect all amounts due from the borrower in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan.
Inactive Insured Securitizations: Securitizations as to which the monoline bond insurers have not made repurchase-related requests or loan file requests to one of our subsidiaries.
ING Direct acquisition: On February 17, 2012, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the ING Direct business in the United States (“ING Direct”) from ING Groep N.V., ING Bank N.V., ING Direct N.V. and ING Direct Bancorp.
Insured securitizations: Securitizations supported by bond insurance.
Interest rate sensitivity: The exposure to interest rate movements.
Interest rate swaps: Contracts in which a series of interest rate flows in a single currency are exchanged over a prescribed period. Interest rate swaps are the most common type of derivative contract that we use in our asset/liability management activities.
Investment grade: Represents Moody’s long-term rating of Baa3 or better; and/or a Standard & Poor’s, Fitch or DBRS long-term rating of BBB- or better; or if unrated, an equivalent rating using our internal risk ratings. Instruments that fall below these levels are considered to be non-investment grade.
Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects: Capital One invests in private investment funds that make equity investments in multifamily affordable housing properties that provide affordable housing tax credits for these investments. The activities of these entities are financed with a combination of invested equity capital and debt.
Investor entities: Entities that invest in community development entities (“CDE”) that provide debt financing to businesses and non-profit entities in low-income and rural communities.
Leverage ratio (Basel I guideline): Tier 1 capital divided by average assets after certain adjustments, as defined by the regulators.
Liquidity risk: The risk that the Company will not be able to meet its future financial obligations as they come due, or invest in future asset growth because of an inability to obtain funds at a reasonable price within a reasonable time period.
Loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio: The relationship expressed as a percentage, between the principal amount of a loan and the appraised value of the collateral (i.e., residential real estate, autos, etc.) securing the loan.
Managed presentation: A non-GAAP presentation of financial results that includes reclassifications to present revenue on a fully taxable-equivalent basis. Management uses this non-GAAP financial measure at the segment level, because it believes this provides information to enable investors to understand the underlying operational performance and trends of the particular business segment and facilitates a comparison of the business segment with the performance of competitors.
Market risk: The risk that an institution’s earnings or the economic value of equity could be adversely impacted by changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates or other market factors.
Master netting agreement: An agreement between two counterparties that have multiple contracts with each other that provides for the net settlement of all contracts through a single payment in the event of default or termination of any one contract.
Mortgage-backed security (“MBS”): An asset-backed security whose cash flows are backed by the principal and interest payments of a set of mortgage loans.
Mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”): The right to service a mortgage loan when the underlying loan is sold or securitized. Servicing includes collections for principal, interest and escrow payments from borrowers and accounting for and remitting principal and interest payments to investors.
Net interest margin: The result of dividing net interest income by average interest-earning assets.
Nonperforming loans and leases: Loans and leases that have been placed on non-accrual status.
North Fork: North Fork Bancorporation, Inc., which was acquired by the Company in 2006.
Operational risk: The risk of loss, capital impairment, adverse customer experience or reputational impact resulting from failure to comply with policies and procedures, failed internal processes or systems, or from external events.
Option-ARM loans: The option-ARM real estate loan product is an adjustable-rate mortgage loan that initially provides the borrower with the monthly option to make a fully-amortizing, interest-only or minimum fixed payment. After the initial payment option period, usually five years, the recalculated minimum payment represents a fully-amortizing principal and interest payment that would effectively repay the loan by the end of its contractual term.

 
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Other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”): An impairment charge taken on a security whose fair value has fallen below the carrying value on the balance sheet and its value is not expected to recover through the holding period of the security.
Patriot Act: The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism).
Portfolio Sale: The sale of the Best Buy private label and co-branded credit card portfolio to Citibank, N.A., which was completed on September 6, 2013.
Proxy Statement: Capital One’s Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Stockholders Meeting.
Public Fund deposits: Deposits that are derived from a variety of political subdivisions such as school districts and municipalities.
Purchase volume: Dollar amount of customer purchases, net of returns.
Rating agency: An independent agency that assesses the credit quality and likelihood of default of an issue or issuer and assigns a rating to that issue or issuer.
Recorded investment: The amount of the investment in a loan which includes any direct write-down of the investment.
Repurchase agreement: An instrument used to raise short-term funds whereby securities are sold with an agreement for the seller to buy back the securities at a later date.
Restructuring charges: Charges typically from the consolidation or relocation of operations, and reductions in work force.
Return on average assets: Calculated based on income from continuing operations, net of tax, for the period divided by average total assets for the period.
Return on average common equity: Calculated based on the sum of (i) income from continuing operations, net of tax; (ii) less dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities; (iii) less preferred stock dividends, for the period, divided by average common equity. Our calculation of return on average common equity may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Return on average tangible common equity: Calculated based on the sum of (i) income from continuing operations, net of tax; (ii) less dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities; and (iii) less preferred stock dividends, for the period, divided by average tangible common equity. Our calculation of return on average tangible common equity may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Risk-weighted assets: Consist of on- and off-balance sheet assets that are assigned to one of several broad risk categories and weighted by factors representing their risk and potential for default. In 2014, the calculation of risk weighted assets is based on the general risk-based approach, as defined by regulators.
Securitized debt obligations: A type of asset-backed security and structured credit product constructed from a portfolio of fixed-income assets.
SOP 03-3: Statement of Position 03-3 (or ASC 310-30), Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer.
Small-ticket commercial real estate: Our small-ticket commercial real estate portfolio is predominantly low- or no-documentation loans with balances generally less than $2 million. This portfolio was originated on a national basis through a broker network and is in a run-off mode.
Subprime: For purposes of lending in our Credit Card business we generally consider FICO scores of 660 or below, or other equivalent risk scores, to be subprime. For purposes of auto lending in our Consumer Banking business we generally consider FICO scores of 620 or below to be subprime.
Tangible common equity (“TCE”): Common equity less goodwill and intangible assets adjusted for deferred tax liabilities associated with non-tax deductible intangible assets and tax deductible goodwill.
Tier 1 Common Capital: Tier 1 capital less preferred stock, qualifying trust preferred securities, hybrid securities and qualifying noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries under Basel I.
Troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”): A TDR is deemed to occur when the Company modifies the contractual terms of a loan agreement by granting a concession to a borrower that is experiencing financial difficulty.
U.K. PPI Reserve: U.K. Payment Protection Insurance customer refund reserve.

 
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U.S. GAAP: Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Accounting rules and conventions defining acceptable practices in preparing financial statements in the U.S.
Unfunded commitments: Legally binding agreements to provide a defined level of financing until a specified future date.
Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”): An entity that: (i) lacks enough equity investment at risk to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional financial support from other parties; (ii) has equity owners that lack the right to make significant decisions affecting the entity’s operations; and/or (iii) has equity owners that do not have an obligation to absorb or the right to receive the entity’s losses or return.
Volcker Rule: A final rule implementing Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act that contains prohibitions on proprietary trading and certain investments in, and relationships with, covered funds (hedge funds, private equity funds and similar funds).
Acronyms
ABS: Asset-backed security
AOCI: Accumulated other comprehensive income
ARM: Adjustable rate mortgage
ASC: Accounting Standard Codification
BHC: Bank holding company
bps: Basis points
CAD: Canadian Dollar
CCAR: Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review
CDE: Community development entities
CFPB: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
CFTC: Commodity Futures Trading Commission
CMBS: Commercial mortgage-backed securities
COEP: Capital One (Europe) plc
COF: Capital One Financial Corporation
COSO: Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
CRA: Community Reinvestment Act
DIF: Deposit Insurance Fund
DUS: Delegated Underwriting and Servicing
Fannie Mae: Federal National Mortgage Association
FASB: Financial Accounting Standards Board
FCA: Financial Conduct Authority
FDIC: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
FDICIA: The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991
FFIEC: Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council
FHA: Federal Housing Administration
FHLB: Federal Home Loan Banks
FICO: Fair Isaac Corporation (credit rating)
FIRREA: Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act
Fitch: Fitch Ratings
Freddie Mac: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
FVC: Fair Value Committee
GBP: Great British Pound
GDP: Gross domestic product

 
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Ginnie Mae: Government National Mortgage Association
GLBA: Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act
GSE or Agency: Government-Sponsored Enterprise
HELOCs: Home Equity Lines of Credit
HFI: Held for Investment
HSBC: HSBC Finance Corporation, HSBC USA Inc. and HSBC Technology and Services (USA) Inc.
LCR: Liquidity Coverage Ratio
LIBOR: London Interbank Offered Rate
Moody’s: Moody’s Investors Service
MSR: Mortgage servicing rights
NOW: Negotiable order of withdrawal
NSFR: Net stable funding ratio
OCC: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
OTC: Over-the-counter
PCA: Prompt corrective action
PCCR: Purchased credit card relationship
RMBS: Residential mortgage-backed securities
S&P: Standard & Poor’s
SCRA: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
SEC: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
SLR: Supplementary leverage ratio
TARP: Troubled Asset Relief Program
TAV: Trade Analytics and Valuation team
TCE: Tangible Common Equity
TDR: Troubled Debt Restructuring
TILA: Truth in Lending Act
U.K.: United Kingdom
U.S.: United States of America
UCL : Unfair Competition Law
VAC: Valuations Advisory Committee
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
For a discussion of the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk, see “MD&A— Risk Management —Market Risk Management” and “MD&A— Market Risk Profile .”

 
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
Page
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

 
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MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The management of Capital One Financial Corporation (the “Company” or “Capital One”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and for the assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. 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 reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Capital One’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company’s assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that the Company’s receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of the Company’s management and directors; and (iii) 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 its financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that 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 as of December 31, 2015 , based on the framework in “2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), commonly referred to as the “2013 Framework.” As allowed for by the SEC under the current year acquisition scope exception, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting excludes the evaluation of the internal controls over financial reporting of the Healthcare Financial Services business of General Electric Capital Corporation, which was acquired on December 1, 2015. As part of this acquisition, we recorded approximately $9.2 billion in assets, including $8.3 billion of loans.
Based on this assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2015 , the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on the criteria established by COSO in the 2013 Framework. Additionally, based upon management’s assessment, the Company determined that there were no material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 .
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 , has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their accompanying report, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 .
/s/ RICHARD D. FAIRBANK
Richard D. Fairbank
Chair, Chief Executive Officer and President
 
/s/ STEPHEN S. CRAWFORD
Stephen S. Crawford
Chief Financial Officer
 
February 25, 2016

 
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Capital One Financial Corporation
We have audited Capital One Financial Corporation’s (the “Company” or “Capital One”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 , based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Capital One Financial Corporation’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’s 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 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 (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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 (iii) 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 its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of the Healthcare Financial Services business acquired from General Electric Capital Corporation, which is included in the 2015 consolidated financial statements of Capital One Financial Corporation and constituted $9.2 billion in assets, including $8.3 billion of loans, as of December 1, 2015. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of Capital One Financial Corporation also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of the Healthcare Financial Services business acquired from General Electric Capital Corporation.
In our opinion, Capital One Financial Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 , based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Capital One Financial Corporation as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 , and our report dated February 25, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
McLean, Virginia
February 25, 2016

 
113
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
ON THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Capital One Financial Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Capital One Financial Corporation (the “Company” or “Capital One”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 . These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these 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 financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Capital One Financial Corporation at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 , in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2015, the Company elected to change its method of accounting to move from a gross basis of presentation to a net basis for presenting qualifying derivative assets and liabilities, as well as the related fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable), for instruments executed with the same counterparty where a right of setoff exists.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Capital One Financial Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 , based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 25, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
McLean, Virginia
February 25, 2016


 
114
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions, except per share-related data)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, including loans held for sale
 
$
18,785

 
$
17,662

 
$
18,222

Investment securities
 
1,575

 
1,628

 
1,575

Other
 
99

 
107

 
101

Total interest  income
 
20,459

 
19,397

 
19,898

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
1,091

 
1,088

 
1,241

Securitized debt obligations
 
151

 
145

 
183

Senior and subordinated notes
 
330

 
299

 
315

Other borrowings
 
53

 
47

 
53

Total interest expense
 
1,625

 
1,579

 
1,792

Net interest income
 
18,834

 
17,818

 
18,106

Provision for credit losses
 
4,536

 
3,541

 
3,453

Net interest income after provision for credit losses
 
14,298

 
14,277

 
14,653

Non-interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service charges and other customer-related fees
 
1,715

 
1,867

 
2,118

Interchange fees, net
 
2,235

 
2,021

 
1,896

Total other-than-temporary impairment
 
(39
)
 
(23
)
 
(37
)
Less: Portion of other-than-temporary impairment recorded in AOCI
 
9

 
(1
)
 
(4
)
Net other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings
 
(30
)
 
(24
)
 
(41
)
Other
 
659

 
608

 
305

Total non-interest income
 
4,579

 
4,472

 
4,278

Non-interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and associate benefits
 
4,975

 
4,593

 
4,480

Occupancy and equipment
 
1,829

 
1,745

 
1,541

Marketing
 
1,744

 
1,561

 
1,373

Professional services
 
1,292

 
1,216

 
1,347

Communications and data processing
 
883

 
798

 
897

Amortization of intangibles
 
430

 
532

 
671

Other
 
1,843

 
1,735

 
2,044

Total non-interest expense
 
12,996

 
12,180

 
12,353

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
5,881

 
6,569

 
6,578

Income tax provision
 
1,869

 
2,146

 
2,224

Income from continuing operations, net of tax
 
4,012

 
4,423

 
4,354

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
38

 
5

 
(233
)
Net income
 
4,050

 
4,428

 
4,121

Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities
 
(20
)
 
(18
)
 
(17
)
Preferred stock dividends
 
(158
)
 
(67
)
 
(53
)
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
3,872

 
$
4,343

 
$
4,051

Basic earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income from continuing operations
 
$
7.08

 
$
7.70

 
$
7.39

Income (loss) from discontinued operations
 
0.07

 
0.01

 
(0.40
)
Net income per basic common share
 
$
7.15

 
$
7.71

 
$
6.99

Diluted earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income from continuing operations
 
$
7.00

 
$
7.58

 
$
7.28

Income (loss) from discontinued operations
 
0.07

 
0.01

 
(0.39
)
Net income per diluted common share
 
$
7.07

 
$
7.59

 
$
6.89

Dividends paid per common share
 
$
1.50

 
$
1.20

 
$
0.95

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
115
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net income
 
$
4,050

 
$
4,428

 
$
4,121

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized (losses) gains on securities available for sale
 
(248
)
 
304

 
(597
)
Net changes in securities held to maturity
 
96

 
76

 
(897
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
 
110

 
120

 
(155
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(135
)
 
(48
)
 
8

Other
 
(9
)
 
(10
)
 
30

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
 
(186
)
 
442

 
(1,611
)
Comprehensive income
 
$
3,864

 
$
4,870

 
$
2,510























See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
116
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
 
December 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
 
$
3,407

 
$
3,147

Interest-bearing deposits with banks
 
4,577

 
4,095

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell
 
39

 
0

Total cash and cash equivalents
 
8,023

 
7,242

Restricted cash for securitization investors
 
1,017

 
234

Securities available for sale, at fair value
 
39,061

 
39,508

Securities held to maturity, at carrying value
 
24,619

 
22,500

Loans held for investment:
 
 
 
 
Unsecuritized loans held for investment
 
196,068

 
171,771

Restricted loans for securitization investors
 
33,783

 
36,545

Total loans held for investment
 
229,851

 
208,316

Allowance for loan and lease losses
 
(5,130
)
 
(4,383
)
Net loans held for investment
 
224,721

 
203,933

Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value
 
904

 
626

Premises and equipment, net
 
3,584

 
3,685

Interest receivable
 
1,189

 
1,079

Goodwill
 
14,480

 
13,978

Other assets
 
16,450

 
15,382

Total assets
 
$
334,048

 
$
308,167

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Interest payable
 
$
299

 
$
254

Deposits:
 
 
 
 
Non-interest bearing deposits
 
25,847

 
25,081

Interest-bearing deposits
 
191,874

 
180,467

Total deposits
 
217,721

 
205,548

Securitized debt obligations
 
16,166

 
11,624

Other debt:
 
 
 
 
Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase
 
981

 
880

Senior and subordinated notes
 
21,837

 
18,684

Other borrowings
 
20,131

 
17,269

Total other debt
 
42,949

 
36,833

Other liabilities
 
9,629

 
8,855

Total liabilities
 
286,764

 
263,114

Commitments, contingencies and guarantees (see Note 21)
 

 

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock (par value $.01 per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 3,375,000 and 1,875,000 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively)
 
0

 
0

Common stock (par value $.01 per share; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 648,317,395 and 643,557,048 shares issued as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and 527,259,920 and 553,391,311 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively)
 
6

 
6

Additional paid-in capital, net
 
29,655

 
27,869

Retained earnings
 
27,045

 
23,973

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(616
)
 
(430
)
Treasury stock at cost (par value $.01 per share; 121,057,475 and 90,165,737 shares as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively)
 
(8,806
)
 
(6,365
)
Total stockholders’ equity
 
47,284

 
45,053

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
334,048

 
$
308,167

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
117
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in millions)
 
Preferred Stock
 
Common Stock
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Balance as of December 31, 2012
 
875,000

 
$
0

 
631,806,585

 
$
6

 
$
26,188

 
$
16,779

 
$
739

 
$
(3,287
)
 
$
40,425

Comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4,121

 
(1,611
)
 
 
 
2,510

Dividends—common stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(555
)
 
 
 
 
 
(555
)
Dividends—preferred stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(53
)
 
 
 
 
 
(53
)
Purchases of treasury stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,033
)
 
(1,033
)
Issuances of common stock and restricted stock, net of forfeitures
 
 
 
 
 
3,049,705

 
0
 
81

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
81

Exercise of stock options, tax effects of exercises and restricted stock vesting
 
 
 
 
 
2,295,510

 
0
 
114

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
114

Compensation expense for restricted stock awards and stock options
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
143

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
143

Balance as of December 31, 2013
 
875,000

 
$
0

 
637,151,800

 
$
6

 
$
26,526

 
$
20,292

 
$
(872
)
 
$
(4,320
)
 
$
41,632

Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4,428

 
442

 
 
 
4,870

Dividends—common stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(680
)
 
 
 
 
 
(680
)
Dividends—preferred stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(67
)
 
 
 
 
 
(67
)
Purchases of treasury stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,045
)
 
(2,045
)
Issuances of common stock and restricted stock, net of forfeitures
 
 
 
 
 
1,373,725

 
0
 
100

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
100

Exercise of stock options and warrants, tax effects of exercises and restricted stock vesting
 
 
 
 
 
5,031,523

 
0
 
146

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
146

Issuances of preferred stock (Series C and Series D)
 
1,000,000

 
0

 
 
 
 
 
969

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
969

Compensation expense for restricted stock awards and stock options
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
128

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
128

Balance as of December 31, 2014
 
1,875,000

 
$
0

 
643,557,048

 
$
6

 
$
27,869

 
$
23,973

 
$
(430
)
 
$
(6,365
)
 
$
45,053

Comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4,050

 
(186
)
 
 
 
3,864

Dividends—common stock
 
 
 
 
 
46,846

 
0
 
4

 
(820
)
 
 
 
 
 
(816
)
Dividends—preferred stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(158
)
 
 
 
 
 
(158
)
Purchases of treasury stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,441
)
 
(2,441
)
Issuances of common stock and restricted stock, net of forfeitures
 
 
 
 
 
2,603,953

 
0
 
111

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
111

Exercise of stock options and warrants, tax effects of exercises and restricted stock vesting
 
 
 
 
 
2,109,548

 
0
 
71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
71

Issuances of preferred stock
(Series E and Series F)
 
1,500,000

 
0

 
 
 
 
 
1,472

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,472

Compensation expense for restricted stock awards and stock options
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
128

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
128

Balance as of December 31, 2015
 
3,375,000

 
$
0

 
648,317,395

 
$
6

 
$
29,655

 
$
27,045

 
$
(616
)
 
$
(8,806
)
 
$
47,284










See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
118
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
 
$
4,012

 
$
4,423

 
$
4,354

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
38

 
5

 
(233
)
Net income
 
4,050

 
4,428

 
4,121

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for credit losses
 
4,536

 
3,541

 
3,453

Depreciation and amortization, net
 
2,100

 
2,002

 
2,065

Net loss (gain) on sales of securities available for sale
 
2

 
(21
)
 
(7
)
Impairment losses on securities available for sale
 
30

 
24

 
41

Gain on sales of loans held for sale
 
(86
)
 
(48
)
 
(32
)
Stock plan compensation expense
 
161

 
205

 
240

Loans held for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Originations and purchases
 
(6,942
)
 
(5,619
)
 
(2,276
)
Proceeds from sales and paydowns
 
6,805

 
5,365

 
2,469

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Increase) decrease in interest receivable
 
(72
)
 
(29
)
 
356

Increase in other assets
 
(998
)
 
(478
)
 
(576
)
Increase (decrease) in interest payable
 
45

 
22

 
(165
)
Increase in other liabilities
 
575

 
99

 
550

Net cash used by discontinued operations
 
(79
)
 
(187
)
 
(255
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
10,127

 
9,304

 
9,984

Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases
 
(12,200
)
 
(12,650
)
 
(14,951
)
Proceeds from paydowns and maturities
 
7,742

 
7,968

 
13,664

Proceeds from sales
 
4,379

 
7,417

 
2,539

Securities held to maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases
 
(4,277
)
 
(4,827
)
 
(1,111
)
Proceeds from paydowns and maturities
 
2,163

 
1,471

 
266

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (increase) decrease in loans held for investment
 
(18,575
)
 
(16,563
)
 
2,291

Principal recoveries of loans previously charged off
 
1,498

 
1,582

 
1,589

Purchases of premises and equipment
 
(532
)
 
(502
)
 
(818
)
Net cash paid for acquisitions
 
(9,314
)
 
(24
)
 
(204
)
Net cash (used) provided by other investing activities
 
(610
)
 
137

 
456

Net cash (used) provided by investing activities
 
(29,726
)
 
(15,991
)
 
3,721

Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits and borrowings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash for securitization investors
 
(783
)
 
640

 
(446
)
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
 
12,163

 
1,017

 
(7,972
)
Issuance of securitized debt obligations
 
5,062

 
4,291

 
2,200

Maturities and paydowns of securitized debt obligations
 
(500
)
 
(2,992
)
 
(3,309
)
Issuance of senior and subordinated notes and long-term FHLB advances
 
31,830

 
7,714

 
2,063

Maturities and paydowns of senior and subordinated notes and long-term FHLB advances
 
(9,579
)
 
(2,375
)
 
(777
)
Redemption of junior subordinated debentures
 
0

 
0

 
(3,641
)
Net (decrease) increase in other short-term borrowings
 
(16,066
)
 
919

 
(5,144
)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Common stock:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net proceeds from issuances
 
111

 
100

 
81

Dividends paid
 
(816
)
 
(679
)
 
(555
)
Preferred stock:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net proceeds from issuances
 
1,472

 
969

 
0

Dividends paid
 
(158
)
 
(67
)
 
(53
)
Purchases of treasury stock
 
(2,441
)
 
(2,045
)
 
(1,033
)
Proceeds from share-based payment activities
 
85

 
146

 
114

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
 
20,380

 
7,638

 
(18,472
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
781

 
951

 
(4,767
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
 
7,242

 
6,291

 
11,058

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
 
$
8,023

 
$
7,242

 
$
6,291

Supplemental cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-cash items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net transfers from loans held for investment to loans held for sale
 
$
268

 
$
182

 
$
6,846

Transfer from securities available for sale to securities held to maturity
 
0

 
0

 
18,275

Net debt exchange of senior and subordinated notes
 
0

 
0

 
1,968

Interest paid
 
1,643

 
1,569

 
1,936

Income tax paid
 
1,732

 
1,603

 
1,721






























See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
119
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 1—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Company
Capital One Financial Corporation, a Delaware Corporation established in 1994 and headquartered in McLean, Virginia, is a diversified financial services holding company with banking and non-banking subsidiaries. Capital One Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) offer a broad array of financial products and services to consumers, small businesses and commercial clients through branches, the internet and other distribution channels. As of December 31, 2015 , our principal subsidiaries included:
Capital One Bank (USA), National Association (“COBNA”), which offers credit and debit card products, other lending products and deposit products; and
Capital One, National Association (“CONA”), which offers a broad spectrum of banking products and financial services to consumers, small businesses and commercial clients.
The Company and its subsidiaries are hereafter collectively referred to as “we,” “us” or “our.” COBNA and CONA are collectively referred to as the “Banks.”
We also offer products outside of the United States of America (“U.S.”) principally through Capital One (Europe) plc (“COEP”), an indirect subsidiary of COBNA organized and located in the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), and through a branch of COBNA in Canada. COEP has authority, among other things, to provide credit card loans. Our branch of COBNA in Canada also has the authority to provide credit card loans.
Our principal operations are currently organized for management reporting purposes into three major business segments, which are defined based on the products and services provided or the type of customer served: Credit Card, Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking. We provide details on our business segments, the integration of recent acquisitions into our business segments, and the allocation methodologies and accounting policies used to derive our business segment results in “ Note 20—Business Segments .”
Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and in the related disclosures. These estimates are based on information available as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. While management makes its best judgment, actual amounts or results could differ from these estimates. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Capital One Financial Corporation and all other entities in which we have a controlling financial interest. We determine whether we have a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting interest entity or a variable interest entity (“VIE”). All significant intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Voting Interest Entities
Voting interest entities are entities that have sufficient equity and provide the equity investors voting rights that give them the power to make significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations. Since a controlling financial interest in an entity is typically obtained through ownership of a majority voting interest, we consolidate our majority-owned subsidiaries and other voting interest entities in which we hold, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the voting rights or where we exercise control through other contractual rights.
Investments in entities where we do not have a controlling financial interest but we have significant influence over the entity’s financial and operating decisions (generally defined as owning a voting interest of 20% to 50%) are accounted for under the equity method. If we own less than 20% of a voting interest entity, we generally carry the investment at cost, except marketable equity securities, which we carry at fair value with changes in fair value included in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). We report investments accounted for under the equity or cost method in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets, and include our share of income or loss on equity method investments and dividends on cost method investments in other non-interest income in our consolidated statements of income.
Variable Interest Entities
VIEs are entities that, by design, either (i) lack sufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties; or (ii) have equity investors that do not have the ability to make significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations through voting rights, do not have the obligation to absorb the expected losses, or do not have the right to receive the residual returns of the entity. The entity that has a controlling financial interest in a VIE is referred to as the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate the VIE. An entity is deemed to be primary beneficiary if a VIE has both (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consider both qualitative and quantitative factors regarding the nature, size and form of our involvement with the VIE, such as our role in establishing the VIE and our ongoing rights and responsibilities; our economic interests, including debt and equity investments, servicing fees, and other arrangements deemed to be variable interests in the VIE; the design of the VIE, including the capitalization structure, subordination of interests, payment priority, relative share of interests held across various classes within the VIE’s capital structure and the reasons why the interests are held by us.
We perform on-going reassessments to evaluate whether changes in an entity’s capital structure or changes in the nature of our involvement with the entity result in a change to the VIE designation or a change to our consolidation conclusion. See “ Note 7—Variable Interest Entities and Securitizations ” for further details.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and amounts due from banks, federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell, and interest-bearing deposits with banks, all of which, if applicable, have stated maturities of three months or less when acquired.
Securities Resale and Repurchase Agreements
Securities purchased under resale agreements and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase, principally U.S. government and agency obligations, are not accounted for as sales but as collateralized financing transactions and recorded at the amounts at which the securities were acquired or sold, plus accrued interest. We continually monitor the market value of these securities and deliver additional collateral to or obtain additional collateral from counterparties, as appropriate.
Investment Securities
Our investment securities primarily consist of U.S. Treasury securities; corporate debt securities guaranteed by U.S. government agencies; U.S. government-sponsored enterprise or agency and non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities; other asset-backed securities and other securities. The accounting and measurement framework for our investment securities differs depending on the security classification. We classify 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 securities until maturity. Securities that we intend to hold for an indefinite period of time and may sell prior to maturity in response to changes in our investment strategy, liquidity needs, interest rate risk profile or for other reasons are classified as available for sale. Securities that we have the intent and ability to hold until maturity are classified as held to maturity.
We report securities available for sale on our consolidated balance sheets at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded, net of tax, as a component of AOCI. We report securities held to maturity on our consolidated balance sheets at carrying value. Carrying value generally is equal to amortized cost. Investment securities transferred into the held to maturity category from the available for sale category are recorded at fair value at the date of transfer. Any unrealized gains and losses at the transfer date are thereafter included in AOCI. Such unrealized gains or losses are accreted over the remaining life of the security and are expected to offset the amortization of the related premium or discount created upon the investment securities transfer into the held to maturity category, with no expected impact on future net income.
Unamortized premiums, discounts and other basis adjustments are recognized in interest income over the contractual lives of the securities using the effective interest method. We record purchases and sales of investment securities on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from the sale of debt securities are computed using the first in first out method of identification, and are included in non-interest income in our consolidated statements of income. If we intend to sell an available for sale security in an unrealized loss position or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, the entire difference between the amortized cost basis of the security and its fair value is recognized in our consolidated statements of income.
We regularly evaluate our securities whose values have declined below amortized cost to assess whether the decline in fair value represents an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). Amortized cost reflects historical cost adjusted for amortization of premiums, accretion of discounts and any previously recorded impairments. We discuss our assessment of and accounting for OTTI in “ Note 4—Investment Securities .” We discuss the techniques we use in determining the fair value of our investment securities in “ Note 19—Fair Value Measurement .”
Our investment portfolio also includes certain acquired debt securities that were deemed to be credit impaired at the acquisition date, and therefore are accounted for in accordance with accounting guidance for purchased credit-impaired (“PCI”) loans and debt securities. These securities are recorded at fair value at the acquisition date using the estimated cash flows we expect to collect discounted by the prevailing market interest rate. The difference between the contractually required payments due and the undiscounted cash flows we expect to collect at acquisition, considering the impact of prepayments, is referred to as the nonaccretable difference. The nonaccretable difference reflects estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the security, and is neither accreted into income nor recorded on our consolidated balance sheet. The excess of the undiscounted cash flows expected to be collected over the estimated fair value of credit-impaired debt securities at acquisition is referred to as the accretable yield, which is accreted into interest income using an effective yield method over the remaining life of the security. Decreases in expected cash flows attributable to credit result in the recognition of OTTI. Significant increases in expected cash flows are recognized prospectively over the remaining life of the security as an adjustment to the accretable yield. See “Loans Acquired” in this Note for further discussion of accounting guidance for purchased credit-impaired loans and debt securities.
Loans
Our loan portfolio consists of loans held for investment, including restricted loans underlying our consolidated securitization trusts, and loans held for sale, and is divided into three portfolio segments: credit card, consumer banking and commercial banking loans. Credit card loans consist of domestic and international credit card loans as well as installment loans. Consumer banking loans consist of auto, home and retail banking loans. Commercial banking loans consist of commercial and multifamily real estate, commercial and industrial, and small-ticket commercial real estate loans.
Loan Classification
Upon origination or purchase, we classify loans as held for investment or held for sale based on our investment strategy and management’s intent and ability with regard to the loans which may change over time. The accounting and measurement framework for loans differs depending on the loan classification, whether the loans are originated or purchased and whether purchased loans are considered credit-impaired at the date of acquisition. The presentation within the consolidated statements of cash flows is based on management’s intent at acquisition or origination. Cash flows related to unrestricted loans held for investment are included in cash flows from investing activities on our consolidated statements of cash flows while cash flows from restricted loans for securitization investors are included in cash flows from financing activities. The difference is due to the treatment of securitization transactions as secured borrowings. Cash flows related to unrestricted loans held for sale are included in cash flows from operating activities on our consolidated statements of cash flows.
Loans Held for Investment
Loans that we have the ability and intent to hold for the foreseeable future and loans associated with on-balance sheet securitization transactions accounted for as secured borrowings are classified as held for investment. Loans classified as held for investment, except Acquired Loans accounted for based upon expected cash flows described below, are reported at their amortized cost, which is the outstanding principal balance, net of any unearned income, unamortized deferred fees and costs, unamortized premiums and discounts and charge-offs. Credit card loans also include billed finance charges and fees, net of the estimated uncollectible amount.
Interest income is recognized on loans held for investment on an accrual basis. We generally defer certain loan origination fees and direct loan origination costs on originated loans, premiums and discounts on purchased loans and loan commitment fees. We recognize these amounts in interest income as yield adjustments over the life of the loan and/or commitment period using the effective interest method. Where appropriate, prepayment estimates are factored into the calculation of the constant effective yield necessary to apply the interest method. Prepayment estimates are based on historical prepayment data and existing and forecasted interest rates and economic data. For credit card loans, loan origination fees and direct loan origination costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over a 12 -month period. We establish an allowance for loan losses for probable losses inherent in our held for investment loan portfolio as of each balance sheet date. Loans held for investment are subject to our allowance for loan and lease losses methodology described below under “Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses.”
Loans Held for Sale
Loans purchased or originated with the intent to sell or for which we do not have the ability and intent to hold for the foreseeable future are classified as held for sale. Interest on these loans is recognized on an accrual basis. These loans are recorded at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Loan origination fees and direct loan origination costs are deferred until the loan is sold and are then recognized as part of the total gain or loss on sale.
If a loan is transferred from held for investment to held for sale, declines in fair value related to credit are recorded as a charge-off and amortization of deferred loan origination fees and costs ceases. Subsequent to transfer, we report write-downs or recoveries in fair value up to the carrying value at the date of transfer and realized gains or losses on loans held for sale in our consolidated statements of income as a component of other non-interest income. We calculate the gain or loss on loan sales as the difference between the proceeds received and the carrying value of the loans sold, net of the fair value of any retained servicing rights.
Loans Acquired
All purchased loans, including loans transferred in a business combination, acquired on or after January 1, 2009, are initially recorded at fair value, which includes consideration of expected future losses, as of the date of the acquisition. We account for purchased loans using the guidance for accounting for purchased credit-impaired loans and debt securities, which is based upon expected cash flows, if the purchased loans have a discount attributable, at least in part, to credit deterioration and they are not specifically scoped out of the guidance. We refer to these purchased loans that are subsequently accounted for based on expected cash flows to be collected in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 310-30,  Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality  (formerly known as “Statement of Position 03-3,  Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer, ” commonly referred to as “SOP 03-3”) as “Acquired Loans” or “PCI loans.” Other purchased loans that don’t meet our criteria described above are accounted for based on contractual cash flows.
Loans Acquired and Accounted for Based on Expected Cash Flows
In accounting for purchased loans based on expected cash flows, we first determine the contractually required payments due, which represent the total undiscounted amount of all uncollected principal and interest payments, adjusted for the effect of estimated prepayments. We then estimate the undiscounted cash flows we expect to collect, incorporating several key assumptions including expected default rates, loss severities and the amount and timing of prepayments. We estimate the fair value by discounting the estimated cash flows we expect to collect using an observable market rate of interest, when available, adjusted for factors that a market participant would consider in determining fair value. We may aggregate loans acquired in the same fiscal quarter into one or more pools if the loans have common risk characteristics. A pool is then accounted for as a single asset, with a single composite interest rate and an aggregate fair value and expected cash flows.
The excess of cash flows expected to be collected over the estimated fair value of purchased loans is referred to as the accretable yield. This amount is not recorded on our consolidated balance sheets, but is accreted into interest income over the life of the loan, or pool of loans, using the effective interest method. The difference between total contractual payments on the loans and all expected cash flows represents the nonaccretable difference or the amount of principal and interest not considered collectible.
Subsequent to acquisition, we evaluate our estimate of cash flows expected to be collected on a quarterly basis. These evaluations require the use of key assumptions and estimates similar to those used in estimating the initial fair value at acquisition. Subsequent changes in the estimated cash flows expected to be collected may result in changes in the accretable yield and nonaccretable difference or reclassifications from the nonaccretable difference to the accretable yield. Decreases in expected cash flows resulting from credit deterioration subsequent to acquisition will generally result in an impairment charge recognized in our provision for credit losses and an increase in the allowance for loan and lease losses. Charge-offs are not recorded until the expected credit losses within the nonaccretable difference are depleted. In addition, Acquired Loans are not classified as delinquent or nonperforming as we expect to collect our net investment in these loans. Increases in the cash flows expected to be collected would first reduce any previously recorded allowance for loan and lease losses established subsequent to acquisition. The excess over the recorded allowance for loan and lease losses would result in a reclassification to the accretable yield from the nonaccretable difference and an increase in interest income recognized over the remaining life of the loan or pool of loans. Disposals of loans in the form of sales to third parties, receipt of payment in full or in part by the borrower, and foreclosure of the collateral, result in removal of the loan from the Acquired Loans portfolio. See “ Note 5—Loans ” for additional information.
Loans Acquired and Accounted for Based on Contractual Cash Flows
To determine the fair value of loans at acquisition in a business combination, we estimate discounted contractual cash flows due using an observable market rate of interest, when available, adjusted for factors that a market participant would consider in determining fair value. In determining fair value, contractual cash flows are adjusted to include prepayment estimates based upon trends in default rates and loss severities. The difference between the fair value and the contractual cash flows is recorded as a loan discount or premium at acquisition. Subsequent to acquisition, the loans are classified and accounted for as either held for investment or held for sale based on management’s ability and intent. Loans held for investment are subject to our allowance for loan and lease losses methodology described below under “Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses.”
We are permitted to aggregate loans acquired in the same fiscal quarter into one or more pools if the loans have common risk characteristics. If we elect to pool loans, a pool is then accounted for as a single asset with a single composite interest rate and an aggregate fair value and expected cash flows.
Loan Modifications and Restructurings
As part of our loss mitigation efforts, we may provide modifications to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty to improve long-term collectability of the loan and to avoid the need for foreclosure or repossession of collateral. A loan modification in which a concession is granted to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty is accounted for and reported as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). Our loan modifications typically include an extension of the loan term, a reduction in the interest rate, or a combination of both. We describe our accounting for and measurement of impairment on restructured loans below under “Impaired Loans.” See “ Note 5—Loans ” for additional information on our loan modifications and restructurings.
Delinquent and Nonperforming Loans
The entire balance of a loan is considered contractually delinquent if the minimum required payment is not received by the first statement cycle date equal to or following the due date specified on the customer’s billing statement. Delinquency is reported on loans that are 30 or more days past due. Interest and fees continue to accrue on past due loans until the date the loan is placed on nonaccrual status, if applicable. We generally place loans on nonaccrual status when we believe the collectability of interest and principal is not reasonably assured.
Nonperforming loans generally include loans that have been placed on nonaccrual status. As described above, we do not report loans classified as held for sale as nonperforming.
Our policies for classifying loans as nonperforming, by loan category, are as follows:
Credit card loans: As permitted by regulatory guidance issued by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (“FFIEC”), our policy is generally to exempt credit card loans from being classified as nonperforming as these loans are generally charged off in the period the account becomes 180 days past due. Consistent with industry conventions, we generally continue to accrue interest and fees on delinquent credit card loans until the loans are charged-off. We classify credit card loans issued in the U.K. as nonperforming when the account becomes either 90 or 120 days past due depending on the specific facts and circumstances.
Consumer banking loans: We classify consumer banking loans as nonperforming when we determine that the collectability of all interest and principal on the loan is not reasonably assured, generally when the loan becomes 90 days past due. We accrue interest on consumer installment loans until charge off.
Commercial banking loans : We classify commercial banking loans as nonperforming as of the date we determine that the collectability of all interest and principal on the loan is not reasonably assured.
Modified loans and troubled debt restructurings: Modified loans, including TDRs, that are current at the time of the restructuring remain on accrual status if there is demonstrated performance prior to the restructuring and continued performance under the modified terms is expected. Otherwise, the modified loan is classified as nonperforming and placed on nonaccrual status until the borrower demonstrates a sustained period of performance over several payment cycles, generally six months of consecutive payments, under the modified terms of the loan.
Acquired Loans: Acquired Loans are not classified as delinquent or nonperforming.
Interest and fees accrued but not collected at the date a loan is placed on nonaccrual status are reversed against interest and fee income. In addition, the amortization of net deferred loan fees is suspended. Interest and fee income is subsequently recognized only upon the receipt of cash payments. If there is doubt regarding the ultimate collectability of loan principal, all cash received is generally applied against the principal balance of the loan. Nonaccrual loans are generally returned to accrual status when all principal and interest is current and repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest is reasonably assured, or when the loan is both well-secured and in the process of collection and collectability is no longer doubtful.
Impaired Loans
A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due from the borrower in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan. Generally, we report loans as impaired based on the method for measuring impairment in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. Loans held for sale are not reported as impaired, as these loans are recorded at lower of cost or fair value. Impaired loans also exclude Acquired Loans accounted for based on expected cash flows at acquisition because this accounting methodology takes into consideration expected future credit losses.
Loans defined as individually impaired, based on applicable accounting guidance, include larger balance nonperforming loans and TDR loans. Our policies for identifying loans as individually impaired, by loan category, are as follows:
Credit card loans: Credit card loans that have been modified in a troubled debt restructuring are identified and accounted for as individually impaired.
Consumer banking loans: Consumer loans that have been modified in a troubled debt restructuring are identified and accounted for as individually impaired.
Commercial banking loans: Commercial loans classified as nonperforming and commercial loans that have been modified in a troubled debt restructuring are reported as individually impaired.
Acquired Loans: Acquired Loans are tracked and reported separately from other impaired loans.
The majority of individually impaired loans are evaluated for an asset-specific allowance. Although a loan modified in a TDR may be returned to accrual status if the criteria described above under “Delinquent and Nonperforming Loans” are met, we continue to report the loan as impaired until maturity.
We generally measure impairment and the related asset-specific allowance for individually impaired loans based on the difference between the recorded investment of the loan and the present value of the expected future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate of the loan at the time of modification. If the loan is collateral dependent, we measure impairment based upon the fair value of the underlying collateral, which we determine based on the current fair value of the collateral less estimated selling costs, instead of discounted cash flows. Loans are identified as collateral dependent if we believe that collateral is the sole source of repayment.
Charge-Offs
We charge-off loans as a reduction to the allowance for loan and lease losses when we determine the loan is uncollectible and record subsequent recoveries of previously charged off amounts as an increase to the allowance for loan and lease losses. We exclude accrued and unpaid finance charges and fees and fraud losses from charge-offs. Costs to recover charged-off loans are recorded as collection expense and included in our consolidated statements of income as a component of other non-interest expense as incurred. Our charge-off time frames for loans by loan type are presented below.
Credit card loans: We generally charge-off credit card loans in the period the account becomes 180 days past due. We charge off delinquent credit card loans for which revolving privileges have been revoked as part of loan workout when the account becomes 120 days past due. Credit card loans in bankruptcy are generally charged-off by the end of the month following 30 days after the receipt of a complete bankruptcy notification from the bankruptcy court. Credit card loans of deceased account holders are charged-off by the end of the month following 60 days of receipt of notification.
Consumer banking loans: We generally charge-off consumer banking loans at the earlier of the date when the account is a specified number of days past due or upon repossession of the underlying collateral. Our charge-off time frame is 180 days for home loans and 120 days for auto and other consumer installment loans. Small business banking loans generally charge off at 90 or 120 days past due based on when unpaid principal loan amounts are deemed uncollectible. We calculate the initial charge-off amount for home loans based on the excess of our recorded investment in the loan over the fair value of the underlying property less estimated selling costs as of the date of the charge-off. We update our home value estimates on a regular basis and may recognize additional charge-offs for subsequent declines in home values. Consumer loans in bankruptcy, except for auto and home loans, generally are charged-off within 40 days of receipt of notification from the bankruptcy court. Auto and home loans where the borrower has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy are generally charged-off in the period that the loan is both 60 days or more past due and 60 days or more past the bankruptcy notification date. Auto and home loans where the borrower has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy are charged off by the end of the month in which the bankruptcy notification is received. Consumer loans of deceased account holders are charged-off by the end of the month following 60 days of receipt of notification.
Commercial banking loans: We charge-off commercial loans in the period we determine that the unpaid principal loan amounts are uncollectible.
Acquired Loans: We do not record charge-offs on Acquired Loans that are performing in accordance with or better than our expectations as of the date of acquisition, as the fair values of these loans already reflect a discount for expected future credit losses. We record charge-offs on Acquired Loans only if actual losses exceed estimated credit losses incorporated into the fair value recorded at acquisition.
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
We maintain an allowance for loan and lease losses (“allowance”) that represents management’s best estimate of incurred loan and lease losses inherent in our held for investment portfolio as of each balance sheet date. The provision for credit losses, which is charged to income, reflects credit losses we believe have been incurred and will eventually be reflected over time in our charge-offs. Charge-offs of uncollectible amounts are deducted from the allowance and subsequent recoveries are added back.
Management performs a quarterly analysis of our loan portfolio to determine if impairment has occurred and to assess the adequacy of the allowance based on historical and current trends as well as other factors affecting credit losses. We apply documented systematic methodologies to separately calculate the allowance for our consumer loan and commercial loan portfolios and for loans within each of these portfolios that we identify as individually impaired. Our allowance for loan and lease losses consists of three components that are allocated to cover the estimated probable losses in each loan portfolio based on the results of our detailed review and loan impairment assessment process: (i) a component for loans collectively evaluated for impairment; (ii) an asset-specific component for individually impaired loans; and (iii) a component related to Acquired Loans that have experienced significant decreases in expected cash flows subsequent to acquisition. Each of our allowance components is supplemented by an amount that represents management’s qualitative judgment of the imprecision and risks inherent in the processes and assumptions used in establishing the allowance. Management’s judgment involves an assessment of subjective factors, such as process risk, modeling assumption and adjustment risks and probable internal and external events that will likely impact losses.
Our consumer loan portfolio consists of smaller-balance, homogeneous loans, divided into four primary portfolio segments: credit card loans, auto loans, residential home loans and retail banking loans. Each of these portfolios is further divided by our business units into pools based on common risk characteristics, such as origination year, contract type, interest rate and geography, which are collectively evaluated for impairment. The commercial loan portfolio is primarily composed of larger-balance, non-homogeneous loans. These loans are subject to individual reviews that result in internal risk ratings. In assessing the risk rating of a particular loan, among the factors we consider are the financial condition of the borrower, geography, collateral performance, historical loss experience, and industry-specific information that management believes is relevant in determining the occurrence of a loss event and measuring impairment. These factors are based on an evaluation of historical and current information, and involve subjective assessment and interpretation. Emphasizing one factor over another or considering additional factors could impact the risk rating assigned to that loan.
The component of the allowance related to credit card and other consumer loans that we collectively evaluate for impairment is based on a statistical calculation, which is supplemented by management judgment as described above. Because of the homogeneous nature of our consumer loan portfolios, the allowance is based on the aggregated portfolio segment evaluations. The allowance is established through a process that begins with estimates of incurred losses in each pool based upon various statistical analyses. Loss forecast models are utilized to estimate probable losses incurred and consider several portfolio indicators including, but not limited to, historical loss experience, account seasoning, the value of collateral underlying secured loans, estimated foreclosures or defaults based on observable trends, delinquencies, bankruptcy filings, unemployment, credit bureau scores and general economic and business trends. Management believes these factors are relevant in estimating probable losses incurred and also considers an evaluation of overall portfolio credit quality based on indicators such as changes in our credit evaluation, underwriting and collection management policies, the effect of other external factors such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements, general economic conditions and business trends, and uncertainties in forecasting and modeling techniques used in estimating our allowance. We update our consumer loss forecast models and portfolio indicators on a quarterly basis to incorporate information reflective of the current economic environment.
The component of the allowance for commercial loans that we collectively evaluate for impairment is based on our historical loss experience for loans with similar risk characteristics and consideration of the current credit quality of the portfolio, which is supplemented by management judgment as described above. We apply internal risk ratings to commercial loans, which we use to assess credit quality and derive a total loss estimate based on an estimated probability of default (default rate) and loss given default (loss severity). Management may also apply judgment to adjust the loss factors derived, taking into consideration both quantitative and qualitative factors, including general economic conditions, specific industry and geographic trends, portfolio concentrations, trends in internal credit quality indicators, and current and past underwriting standards that have occurred but are not yet reflected in the historical data underlying our loss estimates.
The asset-specific component of the allowance covers smaller-balance homogeneous consumer loans whose terms have been modified in a TDR and larger balance nonperforming, non-homogeneous commercial loans. As discussed above under “Impaired Loans,” we generally measure the asset-specific component of the allowance based on the difference between the recorded investment of individually impaired loans and the present value of expected future cash flows. When the present value of expected future cash flows is lower than the carrying value of the loan, impairment is recognized through the provision for credit losses. If the loan is collateral dependent, we measure impairment based on the current fair value of the collateral less estimated selling costs, instead of discounted cash flows. The asset-specific component of the allowance for smaller-balance impaired loans is calculated on a pool basis using historical loss experience for the respective class of assets. The asset-specific component of the allowance for larger-balance commercial loans is individually calculated for each loan. Key considerations in determining the allowance include the borrower’s overall financial condition, resources and payment history, prospects for support from financially responsible guarantors, and when applicable, the estimated realizable value of any collateral.
We record all purchased loans at fair value at acquisition. Applicable accounting guidance prohibits the carry over or creation of valuation allowances in the initial accounting for impaired loans acquired in a transfer. Subsequent to acquisition, decreases in expected principal cash flows of Acquired Loans would trigger the recognition of impairment through our provision for credit losses. Subsequent increases in expected cash flows would first result in a recovery of any previously recorded allowance, to the extent applicable, and then increase the accretable yield. Write-downs on purchased impaired loans in excess of the nonaccretable difference are charged against the allowance for loan and lease losses. See “ Note 5—Loans ” for information on loan portfolios associated with acquisitions.
In addition to the allowance, we also estimate probable losses related to contractually binding unfunded lending commitments, such as letters of credit and financial guarantees, and binding unfunded loan commitments. The provision for unfunded lending commitments is included in the provision for credit losses in our consolidated statements of income and the related reserve for unfunded lending commitments is included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Unfunded lending commitments are subject to individual reviews and are analyzed and segregated by risk according to our internal risk rating scale, which we use to assess credit quality and derive a total loss estimate. We assess these risk classifications, taking into consideration both quantitative and qualitative factors, including historical loss experience, utilization assumptions, current economic conditions, performance trends within specific portfolio segments and other pertinent information to estimate the reserve for unfunded lending commitments.
Determining the appropriateness 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 and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments in future periods.
Securitization of Loans
Our loan securitization activities primarily involve the securitization of credit card loans, which have provided a source of funding for us. See “ Note 7—Variable Interest Entities and Securitizations ” for additional details. Loan securitization involves the transfer of a pool of loan receivables from our portfolio to a trust. The trust then sells an undivided interest in the pool of loan receivables to third-party investors through the issuance of debt securities and transfers the proceeds from the debt issuance to us as consideration for the loan receivables transferred. The debt securities are collateralized by the transferred receivables from our portfolio. We remove loans from our consolidated balance sheets when securitizations qualify as sales to non-consolidated VIEs, recognize assets retained and liabilities assumed at fair value and record a gain or loss on the transferred loans. Alternatively, when the transfer does not qualify as a sale but instead is considered a secured borrowing or when the sale is to a consolidated VIE, the asset will remain on our consolidated balance sheets with an offsetting liability recognized for the amount of proceeds received.
Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment, including leasehold improvements, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Land is carried at cost. We capitalize direct costs incurred during the application development stage of internally developed software projects. Depreciation and amortization expenses are generally calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Useful lives for premises and equipment are estimated as follows:
Premises & Equipment
 
Useful Lives
Buildings and improvement
 
5-39 years
Furniture and equipment
 
3-10 years
Computer software
 
3-7 years
Leasehold improvements
 
Lesser of useful life or the remaining fixed non-cancelable lease term
Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed in non-interest expense as incurred. Gains or losses upon disposition are reflected in income as realized.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level annually or more frequently if adverse circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. Goodwill is assigned to one or more reporting units at the date of acquisition. Our reporting units are Domestic Card, International Card, Auto, Other Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking. The annual goodwill impairment test, performed as of October 1 of each year, is a two-step test. The first step identifies whether there is potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If fair value is less than the carrying amount, the second step of the impairment test is required to measure the amount of any potential impairment loss. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized on either an accelerated or straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives and are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. See “ Note 8—Goodwill and Intangible Assets ” for additional detail.
Mortgage Servicing Rights
Mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) are initially recorded at fair value when mortgage loans are sold or securitized in the secondary market and the right to service these loans is retained for a fee. Subsequently, our consumer MSRs are carried at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair value recognized in non-interest income. Our commercial MSRs are subsequently accounted for under the amortization method and are periodically evaluated for impairment, which is recognized as a reduction in non-interest income. See “ Note 8—Goodwill and Intangible Assets ” and “ Note 19—Fair Value Measurement ” for additional information.
Foreclosed Property and Repossessed Assets
Foreclosed property and repossessed assets obtained through our lending activities typically include commercial and residential real estate or personal property, such as automobiles, and are recorded at net realizable value. For home loans collateralized by residential real estate, we reclassify loans to foreclosed property at the earlier of when we obtain legal title to the residential real estate property or when the borrower conveys all interest in the property to us. For all other foreclosed property and repossessed assets, we reclassify the loan to repossessed assets upon repossession of the property in satisfaction of the loan. Net realizable value is the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated selling costs and is based on appraisals, when available. We routinely monitor and update the net realizable value of acquired property, adjusting our accounting to be equal to the lower of cost or net realizable value. Any changes in net realizable value and gains or losses realized from disposition of the property are recorded in non-interest expense. See “ Note 19—Fair Value Measurement ” for details.
Restricted Equity Investments
We have investments in Federal Home Loan Banks (“FHLB”) stock and in the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) stock. These investments, which are included in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets, are not marketable and are carried at cost. We assess these investments for OTTI in accordance with applicable accounting guidance for evaluating impairment. See “ Note 10—Deposits and Borrowings ” for details.
Representation and Warranty Reserve
In connection with the sales of mortgage loans, certain of our subsidiaries entered into agreements containing varying representations and warranties about, among other things, the ownership of the loan, the validity of the lien securing the loan, the loan’s compliance with any applicable loan criteria established by the purchaser, including underwriting guidelines and the ongoing existence of mortgage insurance, and the loan’s compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws. We may be required to repurchase the mortgage loan, indemnify the investor or insurer, or reimburse the investor for loan losses incurred on the loan in the event of a material breach of contractual representations or warranties.
We have established representation and warranty reserves for losses that we consider to be both probable and reasonably estimable associated with the mortgage loans sold by each subsidiary, including both litigation and non-litigation liabilities. The reserve-setting process relies heavily on estimates, which are inherently uncertain, and requires the application of judgment. We evaluate these estimates on a quarterly basis.
Losses incurred on loans that we are required to either repurchase or make payments to the investor under indemnification provisions are charged against the representation and warranty reserve. The representation and warranty reserve is included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Changes to the representation and warranty reserve related to GreenPoint Mortgage Funding, Inc. (“GreenPoint”) are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. See “ Note 21—Commitments, Contingencies, Guarantees and Others ” for additional information related to our representation and warranty reserve.
Customer Rewards Reserve
We offer products, primarily credit cards, which include programs that allow members to earn rewards, in the form of points, that can be redeemed for cash (primarily in the form of statement credits), gift cards, airline tickets or merchandise, based on account activity. The amount of reward that a customer earns varies based on the terms and conditions of the rewards program and product. Customer rewards costs are generally recorded as an offset to interchange income, with a corresponding increase to the customer rewards reserve, when the rewards are earned by the customer. The customer rewards reserve is computed based on the estimated future cost of earned points that are expected to be redeemed and the average cost per point redeemed. The customer rewards reserve is reduced as points are redeemed. In estimating the customer rewards reserve, we consider historical rewards redemption behavior, the terms and conditions of the current rewards programs and card purchase activity. The customer rewards reserve is sensitive to changes in the reward redemption type and redemption rate, which is based on the expectation that the vast majority of all points earned will eventually be redeemed. The customer rewards reserve, which is included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets, totaled $3.2 billion and $2.7 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
Revenue Recognition
Interest Income and Fees
We recognize interest income, including finance charges, and fees on loans in interest and non-interest income in our consolidated statements of income in accordance with the contractual provisions of the credit arrangements. Loan origination fees and costs and premiums and discounts are generally deferred and amortized over the average life of the related loans using the effective interest method, except for those related to credit cards, which are amortized over 12 months on a straight-line basis. Direct loan origination costs consist of both internal and external costs associated with the origination of a loan.
Finance charges and fees on credit card loans, net of amounts that we consider uncollectible, are included in loan receivables and revenue when the fees are earned. Annual membership fees are deferred and amortized into income over one year on a straight-line basis. We continue to accrue finance charges and fees on credit card loans until the account is charged-off. Our methodology for estimating the uncollectible portion of billed finance charges and fees is consistent with the methodology we use to estimate the allowance for incurred principal losses on our credit card loan receivables.
Interchange Income
Interchange income represents merchant fees for credit card transactions processed through the MasterCard ® (“MasterCard”) and Visa ® (“Visa”) interchange networks, net of the fee retained by the merchant’s processing bank. The levels and structure of interchange rates are set by MasterCard and Visa and are based on cardholder purchase volumes. We recognize interchange income as earned at the time of purchase.
Card Partnership Agreements
Our partnership agreements relate to alliances with retailers and other partners to provide lending and other services to mutual customers. We primarily issue private-label and co-branded credit card loans to these customers over the term of the partnership agreements, which typically range from two to ten years.
Certain partners assist in or perform marketing activities on our behalf and promote our products and services to their customers. As compensation for providing these services, we often pay royalties, bounties, or other special bonuses to these partners. Depending upon the nature of the payments, they are recorded as a reduction of revenue, marketing expenses or other operating expenses. We have certain credit card partnership arrangements in which our partner agrees to share in a portion of the credit losses associated with the partnership.
If a partnership agreement provides for profit, revenue or loss sharing payments, we must determine whether to report those payments on a gross or net basis in our consolidated financial statements. We evaluate the contractual provisions of each transaction and applicable accounting guidance to determine the manner in which to report the impact of sharing arrangements in our consolidated financial statements. Our consolidated net income is the same regardless of whether revenue and loss sharing arrangements are reported on a gross or net basis.
When presented on a net basis, the loss sharing amounts due from partners are recorded as a reduction to our provision for credit losses on our consolidated statements of income and reduce the charge-off amounts that we report. The allowance for loan and lease losses attributable to these portfolios are also reduced by the loss sharing amount due from the partners. See “ Note 6—Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses ” for additional information related to our loss sharing arrangements.
Collaborative Arrangements
A collaborative arrangement is a contractual arrangement that involves a joint operating activity between two or more parties that are active participants in the activity. These parties are exposed to significant risks and rewards based upon the economic success of the joint operating activity. We assess each of our partnership agreements with profit, revenue or loss sharing payments to determine if a collaborative arrangement exists and, if so, how revenue generated from third parties, costs incurred and transactions between participants in the collaborative arrangement should be accounted for and reported on our consolidated financial statements. We currently have one partnership agreement that meets the definition of a collaborative agreement.
We share a fixed percentage of revenues, consisting of finance charges and late fees, with the partner, and the partner is required to reimburse us for a fixed percentage of credit losses incurred. Revenues and losses related to the partner’s credit card program and partnership agreement are reported on a net basis in our consolidated financial statements. Revenue sharing amounts attributable to the partner are recorded as an offset against total net revenue in our consolidated statements of income. Interest income was reduced by $1.1 billion , $1.0 billion and $965 million in 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively, for amounts earned by the partner, as part of the revenue sharing agreement. The financial statement impact of all of our loss sharing arrangements that qualify for net accounting treatment is disclosed in “ Note 6—Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses .”
Stock-Based Compensation
We reserve common shares for issuance to employees, directors and third-party service providers, in various forms, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and units and performance share awards and units. In addition, we also issue cash equity units and cash-settled restricted stock units which are not counted against the common shares reserved for issuance or available for issuance because they are settled in cash. For awards settled in shares, we generally recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the award’s service period. If an award settled in shares contains a performance condition with graded vesting, we recognize compensation expense using the accelerated attribution method. Equity units and restricted stock units that are cash-settled are accounted for as liability awards which results in quarterly expense fluctuations based on changes in our stock price through the date that the awards are settled. Awards that continue to vest after retirement are expensed over the shorter of the period of time between the grant date and the final vesting period or between the grant date and when the participant becomes retirement eligible; awards to participants who are retirement eligible at the grant date are subject to immediate expense recognition upon grant. Stock-based compensation expense is included in salaries and associate benefits in the consolidated statements of income.
Stock-based compensation expense for equity classified stock options is based on the grant date fair value, which is estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. Significant judgment is required when determining the inputs into the fair value model and the expected forfeiture rate of stock options. For awards other than stock options, the fair value of stock-based compensation used in determining compensation expense will generally equal the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Certain share-settled awards have discretionary vesting conditions which result in a requirement to remeasure at fair value each reporting period and potential for compensation expense to fluctuate with changes in our stock price.
Marketing Expenses
We expense marketing costs as incurred. Television advertising costs are expensed during the period in which the advertisements are aired.
Income Taxes
We recognize the current and deferred tax consequences of all transactions that have been recognized in the financial statements using the provisions of the enacted tax laws. Current income tax expense represents our estimated taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period and includes income tax expense related to our uncertain tax positions, as well as tax-related interest and penalties. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We record valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. See “ Note 18—Income Taxes ” for additional detail.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share is calculated and reported under the “two-class” method. The “two-class” method is an earnings allocation method under which earnings per share is calculated for each class of common stock and participating security considering both dividends declared or accumulated and participation rights in undistributed earnings as if all such earnings had been distributed during the period. We have unvested share-based payment awards which have a right to receive nonforfeitable dividends. These share-based payment awards are deemed to be participating securities.
Earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income, after deducting dividends on preferred stock and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities, by the average number of common shares outstanding during the period, net of any treasury shares. We calculate diluted earnings per share by dividing net income, after deducting dividends on preferred stock and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities, by the average number of common shares outstanding during the period, net of any treasury shares, after consideration of the potential dilutive effect of common stock equivalents. Common stock equivalents include warrants, stock options, restricted stock awards and units and performance share awards and units. Common stock equivalents are calculated based upon the treasury stock method using an average market price of common shares sold during the period. Dilution is not considered when the Company is in a net loss position. Common stock equivalents that have an antidilutive effect are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
All derivative financial instruments, whether designated for hedge accounting or not, are reported at their fair value on our consolidated balance sheets as either assets or liabilities, with consideration of legally enforceable master netting arrangements that allow us to net settle positive and negative positions and offset cash collateral with the same counterparty. We report net derivatives in a gain position, or derivative assets, on our consolidated balance sheets as a component of other assets. We report net derivatives in a loss position, or derivative liabilities, on our consolidated balance sheets as a component of other liabilities. See “ Note 11—Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities ” for additional detail on the accounting for derivative instruments, including those designated as qualifying for hedge accounting.
Fair Value
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date (also referred to as an exit price). The fair value accounting guidance provides a three-level fair value hierarchy for classifying financial instruments. This hierarchy is based on whether the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value are observable or unobservable. Fair value measurement of a financial asset or liability is assigned to a level based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
Level 1:     Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2:     Observable market-based inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 3: Unobservable inputs
The accounting guidance for fair value requires that we maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs in determining fair value. The accounting guidance also provides for the irrevocable option to elect, on a contract-by-contract basis, to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value at inception of the contract and record any subsequent changes in fair value into income. We have not made any material fair value option elections as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . See “ Note 19—Fair Value Measurement ” for additional information.
Accounting for Acquisitions
We account for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method, tangible and intangible identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree are recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date, with limited exceptions. Transaction costs and costs to restructure the acquired company are expensed as incurred. Goodwill is recognized as the excess of the acquisition price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired. Likewise, if the fair value of the net assets acquired is greater than the acquisition price, a bargain purchase gain is recognized and recorded in non-interest income.
If the acquired set of activities and assets does not meet the accounting definition of a business, the transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition. In an asset acquisition, the assets acquired are recorded at the purchase price plus any transaction costs incurred and no goodwill is recognized.
Change in Accounting Principle
Accounting for Derivative Assets and Liabilities
As of January 1, 2015, we changed our accounting principle to move from a gross basis of presentation to a net basis for presenting qualifying derivative assets and liabilities, as well as the related fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable), for instruments executed with the same counterparty where a right of setoff exists. This newly adopted policy is preferable as it more accurately reflects the Company’s counterparty credit risk as well as our contractual rights and obligations under these arrangements. Further, this change aligned our presentation with that of the majority of our peer institutions.
We retrospectively adopted this change in accounting principle and our consolidated balance sheet has been recast for all prior periods presented. As a result, our interest receivable, other assets and total assets as of December 31, 2014 were reduced by $356 million , $331 million and $687 million , respectively. Interest payable, other liabilities and total liabilities decreased as of December 31, 2014 by $63 million , $624 million and $687 million , respectively. There was no impact to operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows or any line item within the consolidated statements of income. See “ Note 11—Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities ” for additional detail on the accounting for derivative instruments.
New Accounting Standards Adopted
Business Combinations: Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments
In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance on the recognition and presentation of changes to the provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. An acquirer should recognize adjustments to provisional amounts with a corresponding adjustment of goodwill, as well as the effect on income of changes in depreciation, amortization or other income effects, in the reporting period in which the adjustments are identified as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. Disclosure is required, by line item, of the amount recorded in current period income that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods. We early adopted the guidance in the fourth quarter of 2015 on a prospective basis with no impact to our consolidated financial statements in the period of adoption. The accounting for business combinations after adoption will be subject to this new guidance if the initial accounting is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs.
Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs
In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs. Under the new guidance, the debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability will be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. We early adopted the guidance in the fourth quarter of 2015. Our adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets.
Accounting for Repurchase Transactions
In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance that requires repurchase-to-maturity transactions to be accounted for as secured borrowings rather than sales. New disclosures are also required for certain transactions accounted for as secured borrowings and transfers accounted for as sales when the transferor retains substantially all of the exposure to the economic return on the transferred financial assets. Our adoption of the accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2015 did not have a significant impact on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity as the guidance is consistent with our current practice. As required by the new guidance, the new disclosures were effective and have been provided beginning in the second quarter of 2015. 
Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period
In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance clarifying that a performance target contained within a share-based payment award that affects vesting and can be achieved after the requisite service period has been completed is to be accounted for as a performance condition. Accordingly, the grantor of such awards should recognize compensation cost in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved. The amount of the compensation cost recognized should represent the cost attributable to the requisite service period fulfilled. Our early adoption of this guidance in the first quarter of 2015 did not have a significant impact on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity as the guidance is consistent with our current practice.
Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity
In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance raising the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation. Under the new guidance, a component of an entity or group of components that has been disposed by sale, disposed of other than by sale or is classified as held for sale and that represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results should be reported as discontinued operations. Our adoption of this guidance in the first quarter of 2015 did not have any effect on our consolidated financial statements due to the prospective transition provisions.
Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure
In January 2014, the FASB issued guidance clarifying when an entity should reclassify a consumer mortgage loan collateralized by residential real estate to foreclosed property. Reclassification should occur when the creditor obtains legal title to the residential real estate property or when the borrower conveys 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. An entity should not wait until a redemption period, if any, has expired to reclassify a consumer mortgage loan to foreclosed property. Our adoption of this guidance in the first quarter of 2015 did not have a significant impact on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity as the guidance is materially consistent with our current practice.
Recently Issued but Not Yet Adopted Accounting Standards
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
In January 2016, the FASB issued revised guidance for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The main provisions of the guidance include, (i) most equity investments are to be measured at fair value and recorded through net income, except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that do not have a readily determinable fair value (for which a practical expedient can be elected); (ii) the use of the exit price notion is required when valuing financial instruments for disclosure purposes; (iii) an entity shall present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability under fair value option resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk; (iv) the determination of the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to an available-for-sale securities must be made in combination with other deferred tax assets. The guidance eliminates the current classifications of equity securities as trading or available-for-sale and will require separate presentation of financial assets and liabilities by category and form of the financial assets on the face of the consolidated balance sheets or within the accompanying notes. The guidance also eliminates the requirement to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet. The guidance will be effective January 1, 2018. Early adoption is only permitted for the requirement to present the portion of the total change in fair value attributable to a change in the instrument-specific credit risk in other comprehensive income. We are currently assessing the potential impact of this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In August 2015, the FASB deferred by one year the effective date for revenue recognition guidance to January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted effective January 1, 2017. In May 2014, the FASB issued revised guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of revenue from contracts with customers. The guidance is applicable to all entities and, once effective, will replace significant portions of existing industry and transaction-specific revenue recognition rules with a more principles-based recognition model. Most revenue associated with financial instruments, including interest and loan origination fees, is outside the scope of the guidance. Gains and losses on investment securities, derivatives and sales of financial instruments are similarly excluded from the scope. Entities can elect to adopt the guidance either on a full or modified retrospective basis. Full retrospective adoption will require a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. Modified retrospective adoption will require a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the reporting period in which the entity first applies the new guidance. We do not plan to early adopt the guidance. We are currently assessing the potential impact of this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements and which transition method we plan to elect.
Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis
In February 2015, the FASB issued revised guidance intended to improve upon and simplify the consolidation assessment required to evaluate whether organizations should consolidate certain legal entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, and securitization structures. The guidance also removed the indefinite deferral of specialized guidance for certain investment funds.  We adopted the guidance effective in the first quarter of 2016 on a modified retrospective basis. The amendments did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 
120
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 2—BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS
On December 1, 2015, we acquired the Healthcare Financial Services business of General Electric Capital Corporation (“GE Healthcare acquisition”), which provides financing to companies in various healthcare sectors, including hospitals, senior housing, medical offices, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and healthcare technology. The GE Healthcare acquisition expands our healthcare lending business within our Commercial Banking segment. We paid $8.9 billion net of cash acquired, with a customary post-closing adjustment expected in 2016. The transaction was funded through liquidity resources available to us at that time.
The GE Healthcare acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting, which requires, among other things, that we allocate the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on our best estimates of fair value as of the acquisition date. As of the acquisition date, we recorded $9.2 billion in assets, including $177 million of cash, $8.3 billion of loans, $136 million of intangible assets and $500 million of goodwill. We expect to finalize the accounting for assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the GE Healthcare acquisition by June 30, 2016. Results for the acquired GE healthcare business are included within our Commercial Banking segment from December 1, 2015 forward. See “ Note 5—Loans ” for additional information about the loans acquired and “ Note 8—Goodwill and Intangible Assets ” for additional information about intangibles acquired and goodwill recognized resulting from the GE Healthcare acquisition.
On November 1, 2013, we acquired Beech Street Capital, a privately-held, national originator and servicer of Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) multifamily commercial real estate loans. The acquisition expanded and enhanced our existing multifamily capabilities and product offerings. At closing, we acquired a commercial mortgage servicing portfolio of approximately $10 billion .
On September 6, 2013, we completed the sale of the Best Buy private label and co-branded credit card portfolio to Citibank, N.A. (“Portfolio Sale”). Pursuant to the agreement with Citibank, N.A., we received $6.4 billion for the net portfolio assets.

 
121
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 3—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Shutdown of Mortgage Origination Operations of our Wholesale Mortgage Banking Unit
In the third quarter of 2007, we closed the mortgage origination operations of our wholesale mortgage banking unit, GreenPoint Mortgage Funding Inc. (“GreenPoint”), which we acquired in December 2006 as part of the North Fork Bancorporation, Inc. (“North Fork”) acquisition. The results of the wholesale banking unit have been accounted for as a discontinued operation and are therefore not included in our results from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 . We have no significant continuing involvement in these operations.
The following table summarizes the results from discontinued operations related to the closure of the mortgage origination operations of our wholesale mortgage banking unit:
Table 3.1: Results of Discontinued Operations
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Non-interest income (expense), net
 
$
60

 
$
8

 
$
(371
)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes
 
60

 
8

 
(371
)
Income tax provision (benefit)
 
22

 
3

 
(138
)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
$
38

 
$
5

 
$
(233
)
The discontinued mortgage origination operations of our wholesale mortgage banking unit had remaining assets which primarily consisted of a deferred tax asset related to the reserve for representations and warranties on loans previously sold to third parties. See “ Note 21—Commitments, Contingencies, Guarantees and Others ” for information related to reserves we have established for our mortgage representation and warranty exposure.


 
122
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 4—INVESTMENT SECURITIES
Our investment portfolio consists primarily of the following: U.S. Treasury securities; corporate debt securities guaranteed by U.S. government agencies; U.S. government-sponsored enterprise or agency (“Agency”) and non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”); other asset-backed securities (“ABS”); and other securities. The carrying value of our investments in U.S. Treasury securities, Agency securities and other securities guaranteed by the U.S. government or U.S. government agencies represented 90% and 86% of our total investment securities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
Our investment portfolio includes securities available for sale and securities held to maturity. We classify 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 securities until maturity.
The table below presents the overview of our investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 4.1: Overview of Investment Securities Portfolio
(Dollars in millions)
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Securities available for sale, at fair value
 
$
39,061

 
$
39,508

Securities held to maturity, at carrying value
 
24,619

 
22,500

Total investments securities
 
$
63,680

 
$
62,008

The table below presents the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of securities available for sale as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 4.2: Investment Securities Available for Sale
 
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses (1)
 
Fair
Value
Investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
4,664

 
$
5

 
$
(9
)
 
$
4,660

RMBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency (2)
 
24,332

 
165

 
(212
)
 
24,285

Non-agency
 
2,680

 
368

 
(22
)
 
3,026

Total RMBS
 
27,012

 
533

 
(234
)
 
27,311

CMBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency (2)
 
3,690

 
21

 
(47
)
 
3,664

Non-agency
 
1,723

 
16

 
(24
)
 
1,715

Total CMBS
 
5,413

 
37

 
(71
)
 
5,379

Other ABS (3)
 
1,345

 
1

 
(6
)
 
1,340

Other securities (4)
 
370

 
2

 
(1
)
 
371

Total investment securities available for sale
 
$
38,804

 
$
578

 
$
(321
)
 
$
39,061


 
123
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




 
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses (1)
 
Fair
Value
Investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
4,114

 
$
5

 
$
(1
)
 
$
4,118

Corporate debt securities guaranteed by U.S. government agencies
 
819

 
1

 
(20
)
 
800

RMBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency (2)
 
21,804

 
296

 
(105
)
 
21,995

Non-agency
 
2,938

 
461

 
(13
)
 
3,386

Total RMBS
 
24,742

 
757

 
(118
)
 
25,381

CMBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency (2)
 
3,751

 
32

 
(60
)
 
3,723

Non-agency
 
1,780

 
31

 
(15
)
 
1,796

Total CMBS
 
5,531

 
63

 
(75
)
 
5,519

Other ABS (3)
 
2,618

 
54

 
(10
)
 
2,662

Other securities (4)
 
1,035

 
6

 
(13
)
 
1,028

Total investment securities available for sale
 
$
38,859

 
$
886

 
$
(237
)
 
$
39,508

__________
(1)  
Includes non-credit-related OTTI that is recorded in AOCI of $22 million and $8 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. All of this amount is related to non-agency RMBS.
(2)  
Includes Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”).
(3)  
ABS collateralized by credit card loans constituted approximately 71% and 56% of the other ABS portfolio as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and ABS collateralized by auto dealer floor plan inventory loans and leases constituted approximately 11% and 16% of the other ABS portfolio as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
(4)  
Includes foreign government bonds, corporate securities, municipal securities and equity investments.
The table below presents the amortized cost, carrying value, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of securities held to maturity as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 4.3: Investment Securities Held to Maturity
 
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized Losses Recorded in AOCI (1)
 
Carrying Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
199

 
$
0

 
$
199

 
$
0

 
$
(1
)
 
$
198

Agency RMBS
 
22,561

 
(1,048
)
 
21,513

 
692

 
(72
)
 
22,133

Agency CMBS
 
3,012

 
(105
)
 
2,907

 
87

 
(8
)
 
2,986

Total investment securities held to maturity
 
$
25,772

 
$
(1,153
)
 
$
24,619

 
$
779

 
$
(81
)
 
$
25,317

 
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Losses Recorded in AOCI (1)
 
Carrying Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
Agency RMBS
 
$
21,347

 
$
(1,184
)
 
$
20,163

 
$
1,047

 
$
0

 
$
21,210

Agency CMBS
 
2,457

 
(120
)
 
2,337

 
93

 
(6
)
 
2,424

Total investment securities held to maturity
 
$
23,804

 
$
(1,304
)
 
$
22,500

 
$
1,140

 
$
(6
)
 
$
23,634

__________
(1)  
Represents the unrealized holding gain or loss at the date of transfer from available for sale to held to maturity, net of any subsequent accretion. Any bonds purchased into the securities held for maturity portfolio rather than transferred, will not have unrealized losses recognized in AOCI.

 
124
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Investment Securities in a Gross Unrealized Loss Position
The table below provides, by major security type, information about our securities available for sale in a gross unrealized loss position and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 4.4: Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
(Dollars in millions)
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
3,096

 
$
(9
)
 
$
1

 
$
0

 
$
3,097

 
$
(9
)
RMBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
 
12,025

 
(110
)
 
4,420

 
(102
)
 
16,445

 
(212
)
Non-agency
 
355

 
(10
)
 
155

 
(12
)
 
510

 
(22
)
Total RMBS
 
12,380

 
(120
)
 
4,575

 
(114
)
 
16,955

 
(234
)
CMBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
 
1,352

 
(9
)
 
1,148

 
(38
)
 
2,500

 
(47
)
Non-agency
 
739

 
(13
)
 
330

 
(11
)
 
1,069

 
(24
)
Total CMBS
 
2,091

 
(22
)
 
1,478

 
(49
)
 
3,569

 
(71
)
Other ABS
 
825

 
(5
)
 
255

 
(1
)
 
1,080

 
(6
)
Other securities
 
250

 
0

 
19

 
(1
)
 
269

 
(1
)
Total investment securities available for sale in a gross unrealized loss position
 
$
18,642

 
$
(156
)
 
$
6,328

 
$
(165
)
 
$
24,970

 
$
(321
)
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
(Dollars in millions)
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
1,499

 
$
(1
)
 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
1,499

 
$
(1
)
Corporate debt securities guaranteed by U.S. government agencies
 
113

 
(2
)
 
557

 
(18
)
 
670

 
(20
)
RMBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
 
3,917

 
(15
)
 
4,413

 
(90
)
 
8,330

 
(105
)
Non-agency
 
412

 
(9
)
 
90

 
(4
)
 
502

 
(13
)
Total RMBS
 
4,329

 
(24
)
 
4,503

 
(94
)
 
8,832

 
(118
)
CMBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
 
294

 
(2
)
 
1,993

 
(58
)
 
2,287

 
(60
)
Non-agency
 
258

 
(1
)
 
681

 
(14
)
 
939

 
(15
)
Total CMBS
 
552

 
(3
)
 
2,674

 
(72
)
 
3,226

 
(75
)
Other ABS
 
783

 
(1
)
 
586

 
(9
)
 
1,369

 
(10
)
Other securities
 
106

 
0

 
551

 
(13
)
 
657

 
(13
)
Total investment securities available for sale in a gross unrealized loss position
 
$
7,382

 
$
(31
)
 
$
8,871

 
$
(206
)
 
$
16,253

 
$
(237
)
As of December 31, 2015 , the amortized cost of approximately 700 securities available for sale exceeded their fair value by $321 million , of which $165 million related to securities that had been in a loss position for 12 months or longer. As of December 31,

 
125
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




2015 , our investments in non-agency RMBS and CMBS, other ABS, and other securities accounted for $53 million , or 17% , of total gross unrealized losses on securities available for sale. As of December 31, 2015 , the carrying value of approximately 100 securities classified as held to maturity exceeded their fair value by $81 million .
Gross unrealized losses on our investment securities have increased since December 31, 2014. The unrealized losses related to investment securities for which we have not recognized credit impairment were primarily attributable to changes in market interest rates. As discussed in more detail below, we conduct periodic reviews of all investment securities with unrealized losses to assess whether impairment is other-than-temporary.
Maturities and Yields of Investment Securities
The following tables summarize the remaining scheduled contractual maturities, assuming no prepayments, of our investment securities as of December 31, 2015 .
Table 4.5: Contractual Maturities of Securities Available for Sale

 
December 31, 2015
 (Dollars in millions)
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less
 
$
1,116

 
$
1,116

Due after 1 year through 5 years
 
5,592

 
5,589

Due after 5 years through 10 years
 
1,574

 
1,593

Due after 10 years (1)
 
30,522

 
30,763

Total
 
$
38,804

 
$
39,061

__________
(1)  
Investments with no stated maturities, which consist of equity securities, are included with contractual maturities due after 10 years.
Table 4.6: Contractual Maturities of Securities Held to Maturity
 
 
December 31, 2015
 (Dollars in millions)
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
Due after 1 year through 5 years
 
$
199

 
$
198

Due after 5 years through 10 years
 
1,183

 
1,248

Due after 10 years
 
23,237

 
23,871

Total
 
$
24,619

 
$
25,317

Because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay certain obligations, the expected maturities of our securities are likely to differ from the scheduled contractual maturities presented above. The table below summarizes, by major security type, the expected maturities and weighted-average yields of our investment securities as of December 31, 2015 .

 
126
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Table 4.7: Expected Maturities and Weighted-Average Yields of Securities
 
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in millions)
 
Due in
1 Year or Less
 
Due > 1 Year
through
5 Years
 
Due > 5 Years
through
10 Years
 
Due > 10 Years
 
Total
Fair value of securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
701

 
$
3,958

 
$
1

 
$
0

 
$
4,660

RMBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
 
214

 
13,813

 
10,258

 
0

 
24,285

Non-agency
 
42

 
928

 
1,582

 
474

 
3,026

Total RMBS
 
256

 
14,741

 
11,840

 
474

 
27,311

CMBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
 
48

 
2,042

 
1,555

 
19

 
3,664

Non-agency
 
164

 
456

 
1,095

 
0

 
1,715

Total CMBS
 
212

 
2,498

 
2,650

 
19

 
5,379

Other ABS
 
215

 
1,044

 
81

 
0

 
1,340

Other securities
 
263

 
5

 
0

 
103

 
371

Total securities available for sale
 
$
1,647

 
$
22,246

 
$
14,572

 
$
596

 
$
39,061

Amortized cost of securities available for sale
 
$
1,651

 
$
22,169

 
$
14,444

 
$
540

 
$
38,804

Weighted-average yield for securities available for sale (1)
 
0.80
%
 
1.92
%
 
3.01
%
 
8.82
%
 
2.37
%
Carrying value of securities held to maturity:
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
0

 
$
199

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
199

Agency RMBS
 
10

 
1,336

 
16,697

 
3,470

 
21,513

Agency CMBS
 
0

 
134

 
2,387

 
386

 
2,907

Total securities held to maturity
 
$
10

 
$
1,669

 
$
19,084

 
$
3,856

 
$
24,619

Fair value of securities held to maturity
 
$
10

 
$
1,689

 
$
19,707

 
$
3,911

 
$
25,317

Weighted-average yield for securities held to maturity (1)
 
5.73
%
 
2.77
%
 
2.48
%
 
3.29
%
 
2.62
%
__________
(1)  
The weighted-average yield represents the effective yield for the investment securities and is calculated based on the amortized cost of each security.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment
We evaluate all securities in an unrealized loss position at least on a quarterly basis, and more often as market conditions require, to assess whether the impairment is other-than-temporary. Our OTTI assessment is based on a discounted cash flow analysis which requires careful use of judgments and assumptions. A number of qualitative and quantitative criteria may be considered in our assessment as applicable, including the size and the nature of the portfolio; historical and projected performance such as prepayment, default and loss severity for the RMBS portfolio; recent credit events specific to the issuer and/or industry to which the issuer belongs; the payment structure of the security; external credit ratings of the issuer and any failure or delay of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments; the value of underlying collateral; our intent and ability to hold the security; and current and projected market and macro-economic conditions.
If we intend to sell a security in an unrealized loss position or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, the entire difference between the amortized cost basis of the security and its fair value is recognized in earnings. As of December 31, 2015 , for any securities with unrealized losses recorded in AOCI, we do not intend to sell nor believe that we will be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of their amortized cost.
For those securities that we do not intend to sell nor expect to be required to sell, an analysis is performed to determine if any of the impairment is due to credit-related factors or whether it is due to other factors, such as interest rates. Credit-related impairment is recognized in earnings, with the remaining unrealized non-credit-related impairment recorded in AOCI. We determine the credit

 
127
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




component based on the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and the present value of its expected cash flows, discounted based on the effective yield.
The table below presents a rollforward of the credit-related OTTI recognized in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 on investment securities for which we had no intent to sell.
Table 4.8: Credit Impairment Rollforward
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Credit loss component, beginning of period
 
$
175

 
$
160

 
$
120

Additions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Initial credit impairment
 
7

 
5

 
14

Subsequent credit impairment
 
18

 
12

 
27

Total additions
 
25

 
17

 
41

Reductions due to payoffs, disposals, transfers and other
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
(1
)
Credit loss component, end of period
 
$
199

 
$
175

 
$
160

Realized Gains and Losses on Securities and OTTI Recognized in Earnings
The following table presents the gross realized gains and losses on the sale and redemption of securities available for sale, and the OTTI losses recognized in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 . We also present the proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale for the periods presented. We did not sell any investment securities that are classified as held to maturity.
Table 4.9: Realized Gains and Losses and OTTI Recognized in Earnings
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Realized gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross realized gains
 
$
23

 
$
55

 
$
8

Gross realized losses
 
(25
)
 
(34
)
 
(1
)
Net realized (losses) gains
 
(2
)
 
21

 
7

OTTI recognized in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit-related OTTI
 
(25
)
 
(17
)
 
(41
)
Intent-to-sell OTTI
 
(5
)
 
(7
)
 
0

Total OTTI recognized in earnings
 
(30
)
 
(24
)
 
(41
)
Net securities losses
 
$
(32
)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
(34
)
Total proceeds from sales
 
$
4,379

 
$
7,417

 
$
2,539

Securities Pledged and Received
As part of our liquidity management strategy, we pledge securities to secure borrowings from counterparties including the FHLB and the Federal Reserve. We also pledge securities to secure trust and public deposits and for other purposes as required or permitted by law. We pledged securities available for sale with a fair value of $1.7 billion and $3.5 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We also pledged securities held to maturity with a carrying value of $8.7 billion and $9.0 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Of the total securities pledged as collateral, we have encumbered $10.6 billion as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 , primarily related to Public Fund deposits. We accepted pledges of securities with a fair value of $172 million and $91 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, primarily related to our derivative transactions.

 
128
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Acquired Securities
The table below presents the outstanding balance and carrying value of the acquired credit-impaired debt securities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 4.10: Outstanding Balance and Carrying Value of Acquired Securities
(Dollars in millions)
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Outstanding balance
 
$
3,285

 
$
3,768

Carrying value
 
2,480

 
2,839

Changes in Accretable Yield of Acquired Securities
The following table presents changes in the accretable yield related to the acquired credit-impaired debt securities for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 .
Table 4.11: Changes in the Accretable Yield of Acquired Credit-Impaired Debt Securities
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Accretable yield, beginning of period
 
$
1,250

 
$
1,423

 
$
1,512

Additions from new acquisitions
 
0

 
34

 
88

Accretion recognized in earnings
 
(240
)
 
(243
)
 
(247
)
Reduction due to payoffs, disposals, transfers and other
 
(1
)
 
(3
)
 
(2
)
Net reclassifications from nonaccretable difference
 
228

 
39

 
72

Accretable yield, end of period
 
$
1,237

 
$
1,250

 
$
1,423


 
129
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 5—LOANS
Loan Portfolio Composition
Our loan portfolio consists of loans held for investment, including restricted loans underlying our consolidated securitization trusts, and loans held for sale, and is divided into three portfolio segments: credit card, consumer banking and commercial banking loans. Credit card loans consist of domestic and international credit card loans. Consumer banking loans consist of auto, home and retail banking loans. Commercial banking loans consist of commercial and multifamily real estate, commercial and industrial, and small-ticket commercial real estate loans.
Our portfolio of loans held for investment also includes certain of our consumer and commercial loans acquired through business acquisitions that were recorded at fair value at acquisition and subsequently accounted for based on expected cash flows to be collected, which were referred to as “Acquired Loans.” See “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” for additional information on accounting guidance for these loans.
Credit Quality
We closely monitor economic conditions and loan performance trends to manage and evaluate our exposure to credit risk. Trends in delinquency ratios are an indicator, among other considerations, of credit risk within our loan portfolio. The level of nonperforming loans represents another indicator of the potential for future credit losses. Accordingly, key metrics we track and use in evaluating the credit quality of our loan portfolio include delinquency and nonperforming loan rates, as well as net charge-off rates and our internal risk ratings of larger balance commercial loans. The table below presents the composition and an aging analysis of our loans held for investment portfolio, which includes restricted loans for securitization investors, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The delinquency aging includes all past due loans, both performing and nonperforming.
Table 5.1: Loan Portfolio Composition and Aging Analysis
 
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in millions)
 
Current
 
30-59
Days
 
60-89
Days
 
>  90
Days
 
Total
Delinquent
Loans
 
Acquired
Loans
 
Total
Loans
Credit Card:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic credit card (1)
 
$
84,954

 
$
906

 
$
658

 
$
1,421

 
$
2,985

 
$
0

 
$
87,939

International credit card
 
7,903

 
110

 
67

 
106

 
283

 
0

 
8,186

Total credit card
 
92,857

 
1,016

 
725

 
1,527

 
3,268

 
0

 
96,125

Consumer Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto
 
38,549

 
1,901

 
880

 
219

 
3,000

 
0

 
41,549

Home loan
 
6,465

 
41

 
18

 
176

 
235

 
18,527

 
25,227

Retail banking
 
3,514

 
21

 
8

 
20

 
49

 
33

 
3,596

Total consumer banking
 
48,528

 
1,963

 
906

 
415

 
3,284

 
18,560

 
70,372

Commercial Banking (2) :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and multifamily real estate
 
25,449

 
34

 
0

 
4

 
38

 
31

 
25,518

Commercial and industrial
 
35,920

 
51

 
34

 
203

 
288

 
927

 
37,135

Total commercial lending
 
61,369

 
85

 
34

 
207

 
326

 
958

 
62,653

Small-ticket commercial real estate
 
607

 
3

 
1

 
2

 
6

 
0

 
613

Total commercial banking
 
61,976

 
88

 
35

 
209

 
332

 
958

 
63,266

Other loans
 
77

 
2

 
2

 
7

 
11

 
0

 
88

Total loans ( 3)
 
$
203,438

 
$
3,069


$
1,668


$
2,158

 
$
6,895

 
$
19,518

 
$
229,851

% of Total loans
 
88.51%

 
1.33%

 
0.73%

 
0.94%

 
3.00
%
 
8.49%

 
100.00
%
  

 
130
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




 
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Current
 
30-59
Days
 
60-89
Days
 
>  90
Days
 
Total
Delinquent
Loans
 
Acquired
Loans
 
Total
Loans
Credit Card:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic credit card (1)
 
$
75,143

 
$
790

 
$
567

 
$
1,181

 
$
2,538

 
$
23

 
$
77,704

International credit card
 
7,878

 
114

 
69

 
111

 
294

 
0

 
8,172

Total credit card
 
83,021

 
904

 
636

 
1,292

 
2,832

 
23

 
85,876

Consumer Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto
 
35,142

 
1,751

 
734

 
197

 
2,682

 
0

 
37,824

Home loan
 
6,492

 
57

 
27

 
218

 
302

 
23,241

 
30,035

Retail banking
 
3,496

 
17

 
7

 
16

 
40

 
44

 
3,580

Total consumer banking
 
45,130

 
1,825

 
768

 
431

 
3,024

 
23,285

 
71,439

Commercial Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and multifamily real estate
 
22,974

 
74

 
7

 
36

 
117

 
46

 
23,137

Commercial and industrial
 
26,753

 
29

 
10

 
34

 
73

 
146

 
26,972

Total commercial lending
 
49,727

 
103

 
17

 
70

 
190

 
192

 
50,109

Small-ticket commercial real estate
 
771

 
6

 
1

 
3

 
10

 
0

 
781

Total commercial banking
 
50,498

 
109

 
18

 
73

 
200

 
192

 
50,890

Other loans
 
97

 
3

 
2

 
9

 
14

 
0

 
111

Total loans (3)
 
$
178,746

 
$
2,841

 
$
1,424

 
$
1,805

 
$
6,070

 
$
23,500

 
$
208,316

% of Total loans
 
85.81%

 
1.36%

 
0.68%

 
0.87%

 
2.91
%
 
11.28%

 
100.00
%
__________
(1)  
Includes installment loans of $16 million and $144 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
(2)  
Includes loans acquired in the GE Healthcare acquisition. At acquisition date of December 1, 2015, we recorded $8.2 billion of loans held for investment, of which $7.4 billion accounted for based on amortized cost and $847 million accounted for based on expected cash flows to be collected. See “ Note 2—Business Developments ” for additional information about the GE Healthcare acquisition.
(3)  
Loans, as presented, are net of unearned income, unamortized premiums and discounts, and unamortized deferred fees and costs totaling $989 million and $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
Table 5.2 presents the outstanding balance of loans 90 days or more past due that continue to accrue interest and loans classified as nonperforming as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 5.2: 90+ Day Delinquent Loans Accruing Interest and Nonperforming Loans (1)  
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
>  90 Days and Accruing
 
Nonperforming
Loans
 
>  90 Days and Accruing
 
Nonperforming
Loans
Credit Card:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic credit card
 
$
1,421

 
$
0

 
$
1,181

 
$
0

International credit card
 
79

 
53

 
73

 
70

Total credit card
 
1,500

 
53

 
1,254

 
70

Consumer Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto
 
0

 
219

 
0

 
197

Home loan
 
0

 
311

 
0

 
330

Retail banking
 
0

 
28

 
1

 
22

Total consumer banking
 
0

 
558

 
1

 
549


 
131
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
>  90 Days and Accruing
 
Nonperforming
Loans
 
>  90 Days and Accruing
 
Nonperforming
Loans
Commercial Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and multifamily real estate
 
0

 
7

 
7

 
62

Commercial and industrial
 
5

 
538

 
1

 
106

Total commercial lending
 
5

 
545

 
8

 
168

Small-ticket commercial real estate
 
0

 
5

 
0

 
7

Total commercial banking
 
5

 
550

 
8

 
175

Other loans
 
0

 
9

 
0

 
15

Total
 
$
1,505

 
$
1,170

 
$
1,263

 
$
809

% of Total loans
 
0.65%

 
0.51%

 
0.61%

 
0.39%

__________
(1)  
Nonperfor ming loans generally include loans that have been placed on nonaccrual status. Acquired Loans are excluded from loans reported as 90 days and accruing interest as well as nonperforming loans. See “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” for additional information on our policies for non-performing loans classification.
Credit Card
Our credit card loan portfolio is highly diversified across millions of accounts and numerous geographies without significant individual exposure. We therefore generally manage credit risk on a portfolio basis. The risk in our credit card portfolio correlates to broad economic trends, such as unemployment rates, gross domestic product (“GDP”), home values, as well as customer liquidity, all of which can have a material effect on credit performance. The primary factors we assess in monitoring the credit quality and risk of our credit card portfolio are delinquency and charge-off trends, including an analysis of the migration of loans between delinquency categories over time.
The table below displays the geographic profile of our credit card loan portfolio as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . We also present net charge-offs for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 5.3: Credit Card: Risk Profile by Geographic Region
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amount
 
% of
Total (1)
 
Amount
 
% of
Total (1)
Domestic credit card:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
California
 
$
10,029

 
10.5%
 
$
8,574

 
10.0%

New York
 
6,446

 
6.7
 
5,610

 
6.5

Texas
 
6,344

 
6.6
 
5,382

 
6.3

Florida
 
5,712

 
5.9
 
4,794

 
5.6

Illinois
 
4,121

 
4.3
 
3,747

 
4.4

Pennsylvania
 
3,764

 
3.9
 
3,581

 
4.2

Ohio
 
3,371

 
3.5
 
3,075

 
3.6

New Jersey
 
3,210

 
3.3
 
2,868

 
3.3

Michigan
 
2,922

 
3.0
 
2,681

 
3.1

Other
 
42,020

 
43.8
 
37,392

 
43.5

Total domestic credit card
 
87,939

 
91.5
 
77,704

 
90.5

International credit card:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Canada
 
4,889

 
5.1
 
4,747

 
5.5

United Kingdom
 
3,297

 
3.4
 
3,425

 
4.0

Total international credit card
 
8,186

 
8.5
 
8,172

 
9.5

Total credit card
 
$
96,125

 
100.0%
 
$
85,876

 
100.0
%
__________
(1)  
P ercentages by geographic region within the domestic and international credit card portfolios are calculated based on the total held for investment credit card loan s as of the end of the reported period.

 
132
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Table 5.4: Credit Card: Net Charge-offs
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amount
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Rate
Net charge-offs: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic credit card
 
$
2,718

 
3.45%
 
$
2,445

 
3.43%
International credit card
 
200

 
2.50
 
283

 
3.69
Total credit card
 
$
2,918

 
3.36
 
$
2,728

 
3.46
__________
(1)  
Net charge-offs consist of the unpaid principal balance of loans held for investment that we determine to be uncollectible, net of recovered amounts. The net charge-off rate is calculated for each loan category by dividing net charge-offs for the period by average loans held for investment during the period. Net charge-offs and the net charge-off rate are impacted periodically by fluctuations in recoveries, including impacts of debt sales.
Consumer Banking
Our consumer banking loan portfolio consists of auto, home loan and retail banking loans. Similar to our credit card loan portfolio, the risk in our consumer banking loan portfolio correlates to broad economic trends, such as unemployment rates, GDP, and home values, as well as customer liquidity, all of which can have a material effect on credit performance. Delinquency, nonperforming loans and charge-off trends are key factors we assess in monitoring the credit quality and risk of our consumer banking loan portfolio.
The table below displays the geographic profile of our consumer banking loan portfolio, including Acquired Loans. We also present the delinquency and nonperforming loan rates of our consumer banking loan portfolio as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , and net charge-offs for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 5.5: Consumer Banking: Risk Profile by Geographic Region
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amount
 
% of Total (1)
 
Amount
 
% of
Total (1)
Auto:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Texas
 
$
5,463

 
7.8%
 
$
5,248

 
7.4%
California
 
4,611

 
6.5
 
4,081

 
5.7
Florida
 
3,315

 
4.7
 
2,737

 
3.8
Georgia
 
2,245

 
3.2
 
2,066

 
2.9
Louisiana
 
1,882

 
2.7
 
1,773

 
2.5
Illinois
 
1,859

 
2.6
 
1,676

 
2.4
Ohio
 
1,738

 
2.5
 
1,566

 
2.2
Other
 
20,436

 
29.0
 
18,677

 
26.1
Total auto
 
41,549

 
59.0
 
37,824

 
53.0
Home loan:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
California
 
5,884

 
8.4
 
6,943

 
9.7
New York
 
2,171

 
3.1
 
2,452

 
3.4
Maryland
 
1,539

 
2.2
 
1,720

 
2.4
Illinois
 
1,490

 
2.1
 
1,873

 
2.6
Virginia
 
1,354

 
1.9
 
1,538

 
2.2
New Jersey
 
1,293

 
1.8
 
1,529

 
2.1
Florida
 
1,146

 
1.6
 
1,375

 
1.9
Other
 
10,350

 
14.8
 
12,605

 
17.7
Total home loan
 
25,227

 
35.9
 
30,035

 
42.0

 
133
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amount
 
% of Total (1)
 
Amount
 
% of
Total (1)
Retail banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Louisiana
 
1,071

 
1.5
 
1,120

 
1.5
New York
 
921

 
1.3
 
881

 
1.2
Texas
 
757

 
1.1
 
756

 
1.1
New Jersey
 
259

 
0.4
 
265

 
0.4
Maryland
 
180

 
0.3
 
167

 
0.2
Virginia
 
151

 
0.2
 
132

 
0.2
Other
 
257

 
0.3
 
259

 
0.4
Total retail banking
 
3,596

 
5.1
 
3,580

 
5.0
Total consumer banking
 
$
70,372

 
100.0%
 
$
71,439

 
100.0%
__________
(1)  
Pe rcentages by geographic region are calculated based on the total held for investment consumer banking loans as of the end of the reported period.
Table 5.6: Consumer Banking: Net Charge-offs and Nonperforming Loans
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amount
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Rate
Net charge-offs: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto
 
$
674

 
1.69%
 
$
619

 
1.78%
Home loan (2)
 
9

 
0.03
 
17

 
0.05
Retail banking
 
48

 
1.33
 
39

 
1.07
Total consumer banking (2)
 
$
731

 
1.03
 
$
675

 
0.95
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amount
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Rate
Nonperforming Loans: (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto
 
$
219

  
0.53%
 
$
197

  
0.52
%
Home loan (4)
 
311

 
1.23
 
330

 
1.10

Retail banking
 
28

 
0.77
 
22

 
0.61

Total consumer banking (4)
 
$
558

 
0.79
 
$
549

 
0.77

_______ ___
(1)  
Calculated for each loan category by dividing net charge-offs for the period by average loans held for investment during the period.
(2)  
Excluding the impact of Acquired Loans, the net charge-off rate for our home loan and total consumer banking portfolios were 0.13% and 1.45% , respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2015 , compared to 0.24% and 1.49% , respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2014 .
(3)  
Calculated for each loan category by dividing nonperforming loans for the period by period end loans held for investment during the period.
(4)  
Excluding the impact of Acquired Loans, the nonperforming loan rates for our home loan and total consumer banking portfolios were 4.68% and 1.08% , respectively, as of December 31, 2015 , compared to 4.86% and 1.14% , respectively, as of December 31, 2014 .

 
134
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Home Loan
Our home loan portfolio consists of both first-lien and second-lien residential mortgage loans. In evaluating the credit quality and risk of our home loan portfolio, we continually monitor a variety of mortgage loan characteristics that may affect the default experience on our overall home loan portfolio, such as vintage, geographic concentrations, lien priority and product type. Certain loan concentrations have experienced higher delinquency rates as a result of the significant decline in home prices after the peak in 2006 and subsequent rise in unemployment. These loan concentrations include loans originated between 2006 and 2008 in an environment of decreasing home sales, broadly declining home prices and more relaxed underwriting standards.
The following table presents the distribution of our home loan portfolio as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , based on selected key risk characteristics.
Table 5.7: Home Loan: Risk Profile by Vintage, Geography, Lien Priority and Interest Rate Type
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Loans
 
Acquired Loans
 
Total Home Loans
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amount
 
% of
Total (1)
 
Amount
 
% of
Total (1)
 
Amount
 
% of
Total (1)
Origination year: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
< = 2006
 
$
2,290

 
9.0%
 
$
4,783

 
19.0%
 
$
7,073

 
28.0%

2007
 
269

 
1.1
 
4,173

 
16.5
 
4,442

 
17.6

2008
 
157

 
0.6
 
2,866

 
11.4
 
3,023

 
12.0

2009
 
97

 
0.4
 
1,498

 
5.9
 
1,595

 
6.3

2010
 
97

 
0.4
 
2,208

 
8.8
 
2,305

 
9.2

2011
 
176

 
0.7
 
2,476

 
9.8
 
2,652

 
10.5

2012
 
1,276

 
5.1
 
389

 
1.5
 
1,665

 
6.6

2013
 
557

 
2.2
 
71

 
0.3
 
628

 
2.5

2014
 
680

 
2.7
 
31

 
0.1
 
711

 
2.8

2015
 
1,101

 
4.4
 
32

 
0.1
 
1,133

 
4.5

Total
 
$
6,700

 
26.6%
 
$
18,527

 
73.4%
 
$
25,227

 
100.0%

Geographic concentration: (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
California
 
$
871

 
3.5%
 
$
5,013

 
19.9%
 
$
5,884

 
23.4%

New York
 
1,295

 
5.1
 
876

 
3.5
 
2,171

 
8.6

Maryland
 
511

 
2.0
 
1,028

 
4.1
 
1,539

 
6.1

Illinois
 
89

 
0.4
 
1,401

 
5.5
 
1,490

 
5.9

Virginia
 
428

 
1.7
 
926

 
3.7
 
1,354

 
5.4

New Jersey
 
353

 
1.4
 
940

 
3.7
 
1,293

 
5.1

Florida
 
157

 
0.6
 
989

 
3.9
 
1,146

 
4.5

Louisiana
 
1,069

 
4.2
 
27

 
0.1
 
1,096

 
4.3

Arizona
 
81

 
0.4
 
995

 
3.9
 
1,076

 
4.3

Washington
 
113

 
0.4
 
806

 
3.2
 
919

 
3.6

Other
 
1,733

 
6.9
 
5,526

 
21.9
 
7,259

 
28.8

Total
 
$
6,700

 
26.6%
 
$
18,527

 
73.4%
 
$
25,227

 
100.0
%
Lien type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 st  lien
 
$
5,705

 
22.6%
 
$
18,207

 
72.2%
 
$
23,912

 
94.8%

2 nd  lien
 
995

 
4.0
 
320

 
1.2
 
1,315

 
5.2

Total
 
$
6,700

 
26.6%
 
$
18,527

 
73.4%
 
$
25,227

 
100.0%

Interest rate type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed rate
 
$
2,751

 
10.9%
 
$
2,264

 
9.0%
 
$
5,015

 
19.9%

Adjustable rate
 
3,949

 
15.7
 
16,263

 
64.4
 
20,212

 
80.1

Total
 
$
6,700

 
26.6%
 
$
18,527

 
73.4%
 
$
25,227

 
100.0%


 
135
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Loans
 
Acquired Loans
 
Total Home Loans
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amount
 
% of
Total (1)
 
Amount
 
% of
Total (1)
 
Amount
 
% of
Total (1)
Origination year: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
< = 2006
 
$
2,827

 
9.4%

 
$
5,715

 
19.1
%
 
$
8,542

 
28.5
%
2007
 
320

 
1.1

 
4,766

 
15.8

 
5,086

 
16.9

2008
 
187

 
0.6

 
3,494

 
11.7

 
3,681

 
12.3

2009
 
107

 
0.4

 
1,999

 
6.6

 
2,106

 
7.0

2010
 
120

 
0.4

 
3,108

 
10.3

 
3,228

 
10.7

2011
 
221

 
0.7

 
3,507

 
11.7

 
3,728

 
12.4

2012
 
1,620

 
5.4

 
533

 
1.8

 
2,153

 
7.2

2013
 
661

 
2.2

 
85

 
0.3

 
746

 
2.5

2014
 
731

 
2.4

 
34

 
0.1

 
765

 
2.5

Total
 
$
6,794

 
22.6
%
 
$
23,241

 
77.4%

 
$
30,035

 
100.0%

Geographic concentration: (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
California
 
$
924

 
3.1%

 
$
6,019

 
20.0%

 
$
6,943

 
23.1%

New York
 
1,379

 
4.6

 
1,073

 
3.6

 
2,452

 
8.2

Illinois
 
86

 
0.3

 
1,787

 
5.9

 
1,873

 
6.2

Maryland
 
457

 
1.5

 
1,263

 
4.2

 
1,720

 
5.7

Virginia
 
385

 
1.3

 
1,153

 
3.8

 
1,538

 
5.1

New Jersey
 
341

 
1.1

 
1,188

 
4.0

 
1,529

 
5.1

Florida
 
161

 
0.5

 
1,214

 
4.1

 
1,375

 
4.6

Arizona
 
89

 
0.3

 
1,215

 
4.1

 
1,304

 
4.4

Louisiana
 
1,205

 
4.0

 
38

 
0.1

 
1,243

 
4.1

Washington
 
109

 
0.4

 
1,038

 
3.4

 
1,147

 
3.8

Other
 
1,658

 
5.5

 
7,253

 
24.2

 
8,911

 
29.7

Total
 
$
6,794

 
22.6%

 
$
23,241

 
77.4%

 
$
30,035

 
100.0%

Lien type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 st  lien
 
$
5,756

 
19.2%

 
$
22,883

 
76.2%

 
$
28,639

 
95.4%

2 nd  lien
 
1,038

 
3.4

 
358

 
1.2

 
1,396

 
4.6

Total
 
$
6,794

 
22.6
%
 
$
23,241

 
77.4
%
 
$
30,035

 
100.0
%
Interest rate type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed rate
 
$
2,446

 
8.1%

 
$
2,840

 
9.5%

 
$
5,286

 
17.6%

Adjustable rate
 
4,348

 
14.5

 
20,401

 
67.9

 
24,749

 
82.4

Total
 
$
6,794

 
22.6
%
 
$
23,241

 
77.4%

 
$
30,035

 
100.0%

__________
(1)  
Percentages within each risk category are calculated based on total home loans held for investment.
(2)  
The Acquired Loans balances with an origination date in the years subsequent to 2012 are related to refinancing of previously acquired home loans.
(3)  
States listed represents the ten states in which we have the highest concentration of home loans.
Our recorded investment in home loans for properties that are in process of foreclosure was  $474 million  as of December 31, 2015 . We commence the foreclosure process on home loans when a borrower becomes at least 120 days delinquent in accordance with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regulations. Foreclosure procedures and time lines vary according to state law. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the carrying value of the foreclosed residential real estate properties which we hold and report as other assets on our consolidated balance sheet totaled $123 million and $131 million , respectively.

 
136
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Commercial Banking
We evaluate the credit risk of commercial loans individually and use a risk-rating system to determine the credit quality of our commercial loans. We assign internal risk ratings to loans based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt. In determining the risk rating of a particular loan, some of the factors considered are the borrower’s current financial condition, historical credit performance, projected future credit performance, prospects for support from financially responsible guarantors, the estimated realizable value of any collateral and current economic trends. The ratings scale based on our internal risk-rating system is as follows:
Noncriticized: Loans that have not been designated as criticized, frequently referred to as “pass” loans.
Criticized performing: Loans in which the financial condition of the obligor is stressed, affecting earnings, cash flows or collateral values. The borrower currently has adequate capacity to meet near-term obligations; however, the stress, left unabated, may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects at some future date.
Criticized nonperforming: Loans that are not adequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or the collateral pledged, if any. Loans classified as criticized nonperforming have a well-defined weakness, or weaknesses, which jeopardize the full repayment of the debt. These loans are characterized by the distinct possibility that we will sustain a credit loss if the deficiencies are not corrected and are generally placed on nonaccrual status.
We use our internal risk-rating system for regulatory reporting, determining the frequency of credit exposure reviews, and evaluating and determining the allowance for loan and lease losses for commercial loans. Loans of $1 million or more designated as criticized performing and criticized nonperforming are reviewed quarterly by management for further deterioration or improvement to determine if they are appropriately classified/rated and whether impairment exists. Noncriticized loans greater than $1 million are specifically reviewed, at least annually, to determine the appropriate loan rating. In addition, we evaluate the risk rating during the renewal process of any loan or if a loan becomes past due.
The following table presents the geographic distribution and internal risk ratings of our commercial loan portfolio as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 5.8: Commercial Banking: Risk Profile by Geographic Region and Internal Risk Rating
 
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in millions)
 
Commercial
and
Multifamily
Real Estate
 
% of
Total (1)
 
Commercial
and
Industrial
 
% of
Total (1)
 
Small-ticket
Commercial
Real Estate
 
% of
Total (1) 
 
Total
Commercial Banking
 
% of
Total (1) 
Geographic concentration: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Northeast
 
$
15,949

 
62.5%
 
$
8,074

 
21.8%

 
$
376

 
61.3%
 
$
24,399

 
38.6%
Mid-Atlantic
 
2,797

 
11.0
 
3,010

 
8.1

 
25

 
4.1
 
5,832

 
9.2
South
 
4,070

 
15.9
 
15,240

 
41.0

 
40

 
6.5
 
19,350

 
30.6
Other
 
2,702

 
10.6
 
10,811

 
29.1

 
172

 
28.1
 
13,685

 
21.6
Total
 
$
25,518

 
100.0%
 
$
37,135

 
100.0%

 
$
613

 
100.0%
 
$
63,266

 
100.0%
Internal risk rating: (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncriticized
 
$
25,130

 
98.5%
 
$
34,008

 
91.6%

 
$
605

 
98.7%
 
$
59,743

 
94.4%
Criticized performing
 
350

 
1.4
 
1,662

 
4.5

 
3

 
0.5
 
2,015

 
3.2
Criticized nonperforming
 
7

 
0.0
 
538

 
1.4

 
5

 
0.8
 
550

 
0.9
Acquired Loans (4)
 
31

 
0.1
 
927

 
2.5

 
0

 
0.0
 
958

 
1.5
Total
 
$
25,518

 
100.0%
 
$
37,135

 
100.0
%
 
$
613

 
100.0%
 
$
63,266

 
100.0%

 
137
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




 
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Commercial
and
Multifamily
Real Estate
 
% of
Total (1)
 
Commercial
and
Industrial
 
% of
Total (1)
 
Small-ticket
Commercial
Real Estate
 
% of
Total (1) 
 
Total
Commercial Banking
 
% of
Total (1) 
Geographic concentration: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Northeast
 
$
15,135

 
65.4%
 
$
6,384

 
23.7%
 
$
478

 
61.2%
 
$
21,997

 
43.2%
Mid-Atlantic
 
2,491

 
10.8
 
2,121

 
7.9
 
30

 
3.8
 
4,642

 
9.1
South
 
3,070

 
13.3
 
12,310

 
45.6
 
48

 
6.2
 
15,428

 
30.3
Other
 
2,441

 
10.5
 
6,157

 
22.8
 
225

 
28.8
 
8,823

 
17.4
Total
 
$
23,137

 
100.0%
 
$
26,972

 
100.0%
 
$
781

 
100.0%
 
$
50,890

 
100.0%
Internal risk rating: (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncriticized
 
$
22,489

 
97.2%
 
$
25,836

 
95.8%
 
$
767

 
98.2%
 
$
49,092

 
96.5%
Criticized performing
 
540

 
2.3
 
884

 
3.3
 
7

 
0.9
 
1,431

 
2.8
Criticized nonperforming
 
62

 
0.3
 
106

 
0.4
 
7

 
0.9
 
175

 
0.3
Acquired Loans (4)
 
46

 
0.2
 
146

 
0.5
 
0

 
0.0
 
192

 
0.4
Total
 
$
23,137

 
100.0%
 
$
26,972

 
100.0%
 
$
781

 
100.0%
 
$
50,890

 
100.0%
__________
(1)  
Percentages calculated based on total held for investment commercial loans in each respective loan category as of the end of the reported period.
(2)  
Northeast consists of CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA and VT. Mid-Atlantic consists of DC, DE, MD, VA and WV. South consists of AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, MO, NC, SC, TN and TX.
(3)  
Criticized exposures correspond to the “Special Mention,” “Substandard” and “Doubtful” asset c ategories defined by banking regulatory authorities.
(4)  
Acquired Loans that are being accounted for under ASC310-30 (formerly “SOP 03-3”) are classified as noncriticized. From a managed perspective, we evaluate loans based on their actual risk ratings. Were these Acquired Loans to be classified based on their risk ratings, $128 million and $171 million would be classified as Noncriticized, $793 million and $18 million as Criticized performing, and $37 million and $3 million as Criticized nonperforming as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
Impaired Loans
The following table presents information about our impaired loans, excluding the impact of Acquired Loans, which is reported separately as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , and for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 :
Table 5.9: Impaired Loans (1)  
 
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in millions)
 
With an
Allowance
 
Without
an
Allowance
 
Total
Recorded
Investment
 
Related
Allowance
 
Net
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
Credit Card:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic credit card
 
$
541

 
$
0

 
$
541

 
$
150

 
$
391

 
$
526

International credit card
 
125

 
0

 
125

 
59

 
66

 
121

Total credit card (2)
 
666

 
0

 
666

 
209

 
457

 
647

Consumer Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto (3)
 
273

 
215

 
488

 
22

 
466

 
772

Home loan
 
229

 
136

 
365

 
18

 
347

 
456

Retail banking
 
51

 
10

 
61

 
14

 
47

 
62

Total consumer banking
 
553

 
361

 
914

 
54

 
860

 
1,290

Commercial Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and multifamily real estate
 
82

 
3

 
85

 
11

 
74

 
88

Commercial and industrial
 
515

 
278

 
793

 
75

 
718

 
862

Total commercial lending
 
597

 
281

 
878

 
86

 
792

 
950

Small-ticket commercial real estate
 
6

 
0

 
6

 
0

 
6

 
7

Total commercial banking
 
603

 
281

 
884

 
86

 
798

 
957

Total
 
$
1,822

 
$
642

 
$
2,464

 
$
349

 
$
2,115

 
$
2,894


 
138
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




 
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
With an
Allowance
 
Without
an
Allowance
 
Total
Recorded
Investment
 
Related
Allowance
 
Net
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
Credit Card:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic credit card
 
$
546

 
$
0

 
$
546

 
$
145

 
$
401

 
$
531

International credit card
 
146

 
0

 
146

 
74

 
72

 
141

Total credit card (2)
 
692

 
0

 
692

 
219

 
473

 
672

Consumer Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto (3)
 
230

 
205

 
435

 
19

 
416

 
694

Home loan
 
218

 
149

 
367

 
17

 
350

 
472

Retail banking
 
45

 
5

 
50

 
6

 
44

 
52

Total consumer banking
 
493

 
359

 
852

 
42

 
810

 
1,218

Commercial Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and multifamily real estate
 
120

 
26

 
146

 
23

 
123

 
163

Commercial and industrial
 
161

 
55

 
216

 
16

 
200

 
233

Total commercial lending
 
281

 
81

 
362

 
39

 
323

 
396

Small-ticket commercial real estate
 
3

 
5

 
8

 
0

 
8

 
10

Total commercial banking
 
284

 
86

 
370

 
39

 
331

 
406

Total
 
$
1,469

 
$
445

 
$
1,914

 
$
300

 
$
1,614

 
$
2,296

 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
Credit Card:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic credit card
 
$
539

 
$
57

 
$
571

 
$
58

International credit card
 
135

 
10

 
160

 
11

Total credit card (2)
 
674

 
67

 
731

 
69

Consumer Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto (3)
 
462

 
82

 
387

 
72

Home loan
 
364

 
4

 
388

 
5

Retail banking
 
56

 
2

 
69

 
2

Total consumer banking
 
882

 
88

 
844

 
79

Commercial Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and multifamily real estate
 
109

 
3

 
175

 
6

Commercial and industrial
 
466

 
5

 
185

 
4

Total commercial lending
 
575

 
8

 
360

 
10

Small-ticket commercial real estate
 
7

 
0

 
8

 
0

Total commercial banking
 
582

 
8

 
368

 
10

Total
 
$
2,138

 
$
163

 
$
1,943

 
$
158

__________
(1)  
Impaired loans include loans modified in TDRs, all nonperforming commercial loans and nonperforming home loans with a specific impairment. Impaired loans without an allowance generally represent loans that have been charged down to the fair value of the underlying collateral for which we believe no additional losses have been incurred, or where the fair value of the underlying collateral meets or exceeds the loan’s amortized cost.
(2)  
Credit card loans include finance charges and fees.
(3)  
Although auto loans from loan recovery inventory are not reported in our loans held for investment, they are included as impaired loans above since they are reported as TD Rs.

 
139
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Loans modified in TDRs accounted for $1.8 billion and $1.7 billion of the impaired loans presented above as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Consumer TDRs classified as performing totaled $1.0 billion as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Commercial TDRs classified as performing totaled $334 million and $194 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
As part of our loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, we may provide multiple concessions to minimize our economic loss and improve long-term loan performance and collectability. The following tables present the major modification types, recorded investment amounts and financial effects of loans modified in TDRs during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 :
Table 5.10: Troubled Debt Restructurings
 
 
Total Loans
Modified
(1)(2)
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
Reduced Interest Rate
 
Term Extension
 
Balance Reduction
(Dollars in millions)
 
% of
TDR
Activity
(3)(4)
 
Average
Rate
Reduction
(5)
 
% of
TDR
Activity
(4)(6)
 
Average
Term
Extension
(Months)
(7)
 
% of
TDR
Activity
(4)(8)
 
Gross
Balance
Reduction
(9)
Credit Card:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic credit card
 
$
293

 
100%
 
12.28%
 
0%
 
0
 
0
%
 
$
0

International credit card
 
121

 
100
 
25.88
 
0
 
0
 
0

 
0

Total credit card
 
414

 
100
 
16.26
 
0
 
0
 
0

 
0

Consumer Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto
 
347

 
41
 
3.49
 
69
 
8
 
30

 
93

Home loan
 
48

 
61
 
2.70
 
79
 
231
 
7

 
0

Retail banking
 
24

 
18
 
6.88
 
87
 
6
 
0

 
0

Total consumer banking
 
419

 
42
 
3.44
 
71
 
36
 
26

 
93

Commercial Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and multifamily real estate
 
12

 
0
 
0.00
 
86
 
14
 
18

 
1

Commercial and industrial
 
249

 
0
 
0.67
 
34
 
7
 
0

 
0

Total commercial lending
 
261

 
0
 
0.67
 
36
 
8
 
1

 
1

Small-ticket commercial real estate
 
1

 
0
 
0.00
 
0
 
0
 
0

 
0

Total commercial banking
 
262

 
0
 
0.67
 
36
 
8
 
1

 
1

Total
 
$
1,095

 
54
 
12.42
 
36
 
29
 
10

 
$
94




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
140
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




 
 
Total Loans
Modified
(1)(2)
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
Reduced Interest Rate
 
Term Extension
 
Balance Reduction
(Dollars in millions)
% of
TDR
Activity
(3)(4)
 
Average
Rate
Reduction
(5)
 
% of
TDR
Activity
(4)(6)
 
Average
Term
Extension
(Months)
(7)
 
% of
TDR
Activity
(4)(8)
 
Gross
Balance
Reduction
(9)
Credit Card:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic credit card
 
$
269

 
100%
 
11.59%
 
0
%
 
0
 
0%
 
$
0

International credit card
 
149

 
100
 
25.39
 
0

 
0
 
0
 
0

Total credit card
 
418

 
100
 
16.51
 
0

 
0
 
0
 
0

Consumer Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto
 
334

 
39
 
1.38
 
65

 
9
 
34
 
102

Home loan
 
35

 
31
 
2.60
 
38

 
152
 
5
 
1

Retail banking
 
11

 
10
 
4.21
 
67

 
9
 
0
 
0

Total consumer banking
 
380

 
37
 
1.50
 
63

 
17
 
30
 
103

Commercial Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and multifamily real estate
 
72

 
35
 
1.31
 
93

 
8
 
6
 
2

Commercial and industrial
 
101

 
3
 
1.66
 
62

 
9
 
1
 
1

Total commercial lending
 
173

 
17
 
1.35
 
75

 
9
 
3
 
3

Small-ticket commercial real estate
 
2

 
0
 
0.00
 
0

 
0
 
0
 
0

Total commercial banking
 
175

 
17
 
1.35
 
74

 
9
 
3
 
3

Total
 
$
973

 
60
 
12.17
 
38

 
14
 
12
 
$
106

__________
(1)  
Represents total loans modified and accounted for as TDRs during the period. Paydowns, net charge-offs and any other changes in the loan carrying value subsequent to the loan entering TDR status are not reflected.
(2)  
We present the modification types utilized most prevalently across our loan portfolios. As not every modification type is included in the table above, the total % of TDR activity may not add up to 100%. 
(3)  
Represents percentage of loans modified and accounted for as TDRs during the period that were granted a reduced interest rate.
(4)  
Due to multiple concessions granted to some troubled borrowers, percentages may total more than 100% for certain loan types.
(5)  
Represents weighted average interest rate reduction for those loans that received an interest rate concession.
(6)  
Represents percentage of loans modified and accounted for as TDRs during the period that were granted a maturity date extension.
(7)  
Represents weighted average change in maturity date for those loans that received a maturity date extension.
(8)  
Represents percentage of loans modified and accounted for as TDRs during the period that were granted forgiveness or forbearance of a portion of their balance.
(9)  
Total amount represents the gross balance forgiven. For loans modified in bankruptcy, the gross balance reduction represents collateral value write downs associated with the discharge of the borrower’s obligations.
TDR—Subsequent Defaults of Completed TDR Modifications
The following table presents the type, number and recorded investment amount of loans modified in TDRs that experienced a default during the period and had completed a modification event in the twelve months prior to the default. A default occurs if the loan is either 90 days or more delinquent, has been charged-off as of the end of the period presented, or has been reclassified from accrual to nonaccrual status.

 
141
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Table 5.11: TDR Subsequent Defaults
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
(Dollars in millions)
 
Number of
Contracts
 
Amount
 
Number of
Contracts
 
Amount
 
Number of
Contracts
 
Amount
Credit Card:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic credit card
 
42,808

 
$
71

 
40,814
 
$
63

 
41,859

 
$
72

International credit card (1)
 
33,888

 
81

 
38,195
 
106

 
47,688

 
138

Total credit card
 
76,696

 
152

 
79,009
 
169

 
89,547

 
210

Consumer Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto
 
8,647

 
99

 
6,651
 
72

 
9,525

 
68

Home loan
 
14

 
2

 
24
 
5

 
33

 
3

Retail banking
 
26

 
2

 
75
 
10

 
126

 
7

Total consumer banking
 
8,687

 
103

 
6,750
 
87

 
9,684

 
78

Commercial Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and multifamily real estate
 
0

 
0

 
5
 
11

 
14

 
23

Commercial and industrial
 
7

 
19

 
2
 
1

 
24

 
22

Total commercial lending
 
7

 
19

 
7
 
12

 
38

 
45

Small-ticket commercial real estate
 
3

 
0

 
33
 
3

 
4

 
0

Total commercial banking
 
10

 
19

 
40
 
15

 
42

 
45

Total
 
85,393

 
$
274

 
85,799
 
$
271

 
99,273

 
$
333

___________
(1)  
In the U.K., regulators require the acceptance of payment plan proposals in which the modified payments may be less than the contractual minimum amount. As a result, loans entering long-term TDR payment programs in the U.K. typically continue to age and ultimately charge-off even when fully in compliance with the TDR program terms.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquired Loans Accounted for Based on Expected Cash Flows
Outstanding Balance and Carrying Value of Acquired Loans
The table below presents the outstanding balance and the carrying value of Acquired Loans that are accounted for based on expected cash flows to be collected as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The table separately displays loans considered impaired due to their deterioration in credit quality at acquisition and loans not considered impaired at acquisition.
Table 5.12: Acquired Loans Accounted for Based on Expected Cash Flows
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Total
 
Impaired
Loans
 
Non-Impaired
Loans
 
Total
 
Impaired
Loans
 
Non-Impaired
Loans
Outstanding balance (1)
 
$
21,151

 
$
3,840

 
$
17,311

 
$
25,201

 
$
4,279

 
$
20,922

Carrying value (2)
 
19,516

 
2,629

 
16,887

 
23,519

 
2,882

 
20,637

__________
(1)  
Includes Acquired Loans from the GE Healthcare acquisition, with an outstanding balance and carrying value of $957 million and $847 million , respectively. The gross contractual cash flows of these Acquired Loans were $1.1 billion , of which $138 million are not expected to be collected.
(2)  
Includes $37 million and $27 million of allowance for loan and lease losses for these loans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We recorded a $10 million provision and a $11 million release of the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, for Acquired Loans.

 
142
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Changes in Accretable Yield
The following table presents changes in the accretable yield on the Acquired Loans:
Table 5.13: Changes in Accretable Yield on Acquired Loans
(Dollars in millions)
 
Total
Loans
 
Impaired
Loans
 
Non-Impaired
Loans
Accretable yield as of December 31, 2013
 
$
6,420

 
$
2,114

 
$
4,306

Accretion recognized in earnings
 
(1,042
)
 
(379
)
 
(663
)
Reclassifications from nonaccretable difference for loans with improving cash flows (1)
 
214

 
94

 
120

Changes in accretable yield for non-credit related changes in expected cash flows (2)
 
(939
)
 
(344
)
 
(595
)
Accretable yield as of December 31, 2014
 
$
4,653

 
$
1,485

 
$
3,168

Addition due to acquisition
 
123

 
7

 
116

Accretion recognized in earnings
 
(817
)
 
(284
)
 
(533
)
Reclassifications from (to) nonaccretable difference for loans with changing cash flows (1)
 
26

 
43

 
(17
)
Changes in accretable yield for non-credit related changes in expected cash flows (2)
 
(502
)
 
(7
)
 
(495
)
Accretable yield as of December 31, 2015
 
$
3,483

 
$
1,244

 
$
2,239

__________
(1)  
Represents changes in accretable yield for those loans in pools that are driven primarily by credit performance.
(2)  
Represents changes in accretable yield for those loans in pools that are driven primarily by changes in actual and estimated prepayments.
Unfunded Lending Commitments
We manage the potential risk of unfunded lending commitments by limiting the total amount of arrangements, both by individual customer and in total, by monitoring the size and maturity structure of these portfolios and by applying the same credit standards for all of our credit activities. Unused credit card lines available to our customers totaled $308.3 billion and $292.9 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. While these amounts represented the total available unused credit card lines, we have not experienced and do not anticipate that all of our customers will access their entire available line at any given point in time.
In addition to available unused credit card lines, we enter into commitments to extend credit that are legally binding conditional agreements having fixed expirations or termination dates and specified interest rates and purposes. These commitments generally require customers to maintain certain credit standards. Collateral requirements and loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratios are the same as those for funded transactions and are established based on management’s credit assessment of the customer. These commitments may expire without being drawn upon; therefore, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future funding requirements. The outstanding unfunded commitments to extend credit, other than credit card lines, were approximately $27.9 billion and $24.5 billion , which included $1.0 billion and $924 million of advised lines of credit as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Advised lines of credit are not considered legally binding commitments as funding is subject to our satisfactory evaluation of the customer at the time credit is requested.
Finance Charge and Fee Reserves
We continue to accrue finance charges and fees on credit card loans until the account is charged-off. Our methodology for estimating the uncollectible portion of billed finance charges and fees is consistent with the methodology we use to estimate the allowance for incurred principal losses on our credit card loan receivables. Revenue was reduced by $732 million , $645 million and $796 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, for the estimated uncollectible portion of billed finance charges and fees. The finance charge and fee reserve, which is recorded as a contra asset on our consolidated balance sheets, totaled $262 million as of December 31, 2015 , compared to $216 million as of December 31, 2014 .
Loans Held for Sale
We had total loans held for sale of $904 million and $626 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We also originated for sale $6.4 billion , $5.4 billion and $2.1 billion of conforming residential mortgage loans and commercial multifamily real estate loans in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. We retained servicing on approximately 100% , 96% and 92% of these loans sold in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

 
143
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 6—ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES
Our allowance for loan and lease losses represents management’s best estimate of incurred loan and lease losses inherent in our loans held for investment portfolio as of each balance sheet date. In addition to the allowance for loan and lease losses, we also estimate probable losses related to unfunded lending commitments, such as letters of credit, financial guarantees, and binding unfunded loan commitments. The provision for unfunded lending commitments is included in the provision for credit losses in our consolidated statements of income and the related reserve for unfunded lending commitments is included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. See “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” for further discussion on the methodology and policy for determining our allowance for loan and lease losses for each of our loan portfolio segments.
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Activity
The table below summarizes changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses and unfunded lending commitments, by portfolio segment, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 6.1: Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses and Unfunded Lending Commitments
(Dollars in millions)
 
Credit
Card
 
Consumer
Banking
 
Commercial Banking
 
Other (1)
 
Total
Allowance for loan and lease losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2013
 
$
3,214

 
$
752

 
$
338

 
$
11

 
$
4,315

Provision (benefit) for credit losses
 
2,750

 
703

 
67

 
(5
)
 
3,515

Charge-offs
 
(3,963
)
 
(989
)
 
(34
)
 
(10
)
 
(4,996
)
Recoveries
 
1,235

 
314

 
24

 
9

 
1,582

Net charge-offs
 
(2,728
)
 
(675
)
 
(10
)
 
(1
)
 
(3,414
)
Other changes (2)
 
(32
)
 
(1
)
 
0

 
0

 
(33
)
Balance as of December 31, 2014
 
3,204

 
779

 
395

 
5

 
4,383

Unfunded lending commitments reserve:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2013
 
0

 
7

 
80

 
0

 
87

Provision for unfunded lending commitments
 
0

 
0

 
26

 
0

 
26

Balance as of December 31, 2014
 
0

 
7

 
106

 
0

 
113

Combined allowance and unfunded reserve as of December 31, 2014
 
$
3,204

 
$
786

 
$
501

 
$
5

 
$
4,496

Allowance for loan and lease losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2014
 
$
3,204

 
$
779

 
$
395

 
$
5

 
$
4,383

Provision (benefit) for credit losses (3)
 
3,417

 
819

 
256

 
(2
)
 
4,490

Charge-offs
 
(4,028
)
 
(1,082
)
 
(76
)
 
(7
)
 
(5,193
)
Recoveries
 
1,110

 
351

 
29

 
8

 
1,498

Net charge-offs
 
(2,918
)
 
(731
)
 
(47
)
 
1

 
(3,695
)
Other changes (2)
 
(49
)
 
1

 
0

 
0

 
(48
)
Balance as of December 31, 2015
 
3,654

 
868

 
604

 
4

 
5,130

Unfunded lending commitments reserve:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2014
 
0

 
7

 
106

 
0

 
113

Provision for unfunded lending commitments (3)
 
0

 
0

 
46

 
0

 
46

Other changes (2)
 
0

 
0

 
9

 
0

 
9

Balance as of December 31, 2015
 
0

 
7

 
161

 
0

 
168

Combined allowance and unfunded reserve as of December 31, 2015
 
$
3,654

 
$
875

 
$
765

 
$
4

 
$
5,298

__________
(1)  
Other primarily consists of our discontinued GreenPoint mortgage operations loan portfolio.
(2)  
Represents foreign currency translation adjustments and the net impact of loan transfers and sales. At acquisition date we also recognized the fair value of the unfunded lending commitments reserve of the GE Healthcare acquisition. See “ Note 2—Business Developments ” for additional information about the GE Healthcare acquisition.
(3)
Includes a provision for credit losses of $49 million to establish an initial allowance and reserve related to the loans acquired in the GE Healthcare acquisition.

 
144
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Components of Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses by Impairment Methodology
The table below presents the components of our allowance for loan and lease losses, by portfolio segment and impairment methodology, and the recorded investment of the related loans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 6.2: Components of Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses by Impairment Methodology
 
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in millions)
 
Credit
Card
 
Consumer Banking
 
Commercial Banking
 
Other
 
Total
Allowance for loan and lease losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collectively evaluated (1)
 
$
3,445

 
$
778

 
$
517

 
$
4

 
$
4,744

Asset-specific (2)(3)
 
209

 
54

 
86

 
0

 
349

Acquired Loans (4)
 
0

 
36

 
1

 
0

 
37

Total allowance for loan and lease losses (3)
 
$
3,654

 
$
868

 
$
604

 
$
4

 
$
5,130

Loans held for investment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collectively evaluated (1)
 
$
95,459

 
$
51,113

 
$
61,424

 
$
88

 
$
208,084

Asset-specific (2)
 
666

 
699

 
884

 
0

 
2,249

Acquired Loans (4)
 
0

 
18,560

 
958

 
0

 
19,518

Total loans held for investment
 
$
96,125

 
$
70,372

 
$
63,266

 
$
88

 
$
229,851

Allowance as a percentage of period-end loans held for investment
 
3.80%

 
1.23%

 
0.95%

 
4.94%

 
2.23%

 
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Credit
Card
 
Consumer Banking
 
Commercial Banking
 
Other
 
Total
Allowance for loan and lease losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collectively evaluated (1)
 
$
2,985

 
$
710

 
$
356

 
$
5

 
$
4,056

Asset-specific (2)
 
219

 
42

 
39

 
0

 
300

Acquired Loans (4)
 
0

 
27

 
0

 
0

 
27

Total allowance for loan and lease losses
 
$
3,204

 
$
779

 
$
395

 
$
5

 
$
4,383

Loans held for investment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collectively evaluated (1)
 
$
85,161

 
$
47,507

 
$
50,328

 
$
111

 
$
183,107

Asset-specific (2)
 
692

 
647

 
370

 
0

 
1,709

Acquired Loans (4)
 
23

 
23,285

 
192

 
0

 
23,500

Total loans held for investment
 
$
85,876

 
$
71,439

 
$
50,890

 
$
111

 
$
208,316

Allowance as a percentage of period-end loans held for investment
 
3.73%

 
1.09%

 
0.78%

 
4.68%

 
2.10%

__________
(1)  
The component of the allowance for loan and lease losses for credit card and other consumer loans that we collectively evaluate for impairment is based on a statistical calculation supplemented by management judgment and interpretation. The component of the allowance for loan and lease losses for commercial loans, which we collectively evaluate for impairment, is based on historical loss experience for loans with similar characteristics and consideration of credit quality supplemented by management judgment and interpretation.
(2)  
The asset-specific component of the allowance for loan and lease losses for smaller-balance impaired loans is calculated on a pool basis using historical loss experience for the respective class of assets. The asset-specific component of the allowance for loan and lease losses for larger-balance commercial loans is individually calculated for each loan.
(3)  
Includes an allowance build of $39 million related to loans purchased in the GE Healthcare acquisition.
(4)  
The Acquired Loans component of the allowance for loan and lease losses is accounted for based on expected cash flows. See “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” for details on these loans.

 
145
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




We have certain credit card partnership arrangements in which our partner agrees to share in a portion of the credit losses associated with the partnership. The loss sharing amounts due from these partners result in reductions in reported net charge-offs and provision for loan and lease losses. The table below summarizes these impacts for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 .
Table 6.3: Summary of Loss Sharing Arrangements Impact
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Reduction in net charge-offs
 
$
189

 
$
164

 
$
151

Reduction in provision for loan and lease losses
 
240

 
167

 
111

The expected reimbursement from these partners, which is netted against our allowance for loan and lease losses, was approximately $194 million , $143 million and $141 million as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 respectively. See “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” for further discussion on our credit card partnership agreements.


 
146
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 7—VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND SECURITIZATIONS
In the normal course of business, we enter into various types of transactions with entities that are considered to be VIEs. Our primary involvement with VIEs has been related to our securitization transactions in which we transferred assets from our balance sheet to securitization trusts. We have primarily securitized credit card loans and home loans, which have provided a source of funding for us and enabled us to transfer a certain portion of the economic risk of the loans or debt securities to third parties.
The entity that has a controlling financial interest in a VIE is referred to as the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate the VIE. The majority of the VIEs in which we are involved have been consolidated in our financial statements.
Summary of Consolidated and Unconsolidated VIEs
The table below presents a summary of VIEs, aggregated based on VIEs with similar characteristics, in which we had continuing involvement or held a variable interest as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . We separately present information for consolidated and unconsolidated VIEs.
For consolidated VIEs, we present the carrying amount of assets and liabilities reflected on our consolidated balance sheets. The assets of consolidated VIEs primarily consist of cash and loans, which we report on our consolidated balance sheets under restricted cash and restricted loans, respectively. The assets of a particular VIE are the primary source of funds to settle its obligations. The creditors of the VIEs typically do not have recourse to the general credit of the Company. The liabilities primarily consist of debt securities issued by the VIEs, which we report under securitized debt obligations. For unconsolidated VIEs, we present the carrying amount of assets and liabilities reflected on our consolidated balance sheets and our maximum exposure to loss. Our maximum exposure to loss is estimated based on the unlikely event that all of the assets in the VIEs become worthless and we are required to meet our maximum remaining funding obligations.
Table 7.1: Carrying Amount of Consolidated and Unconsolidated VIEs
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Consolidated
 
Unconsolidated
(Dollars in millions)
 
Carrying
Amount
of Assets
 
Carrying
Amount of
Liabilities
 
Carrying
Amount
of Assets
 
Carrying
Amount of
Liabilities
 
Maximum 
Exposure to
Loss
Securitization-Related VIEs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loan securitizations (1)
 
$
34,800

 
$
16,925

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

Home loan securitizations (2)
 
0

 
0

 
211

 
27

 
873

Total securitization-related VIEs
 
34,800

 
16,925

 
211

 
27

 
873

Other VIEs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Affordable housing entities
 
0

 
0

 
3,852

 
555

 
3,852

Entities that provide capital to low-income and rural communities
 
352

 
101

 
0

 
0

 
0

Other
 
0

 
0

 
57

 
0

 
57

Total other VIEs
 
352

 
101

 
3,909

 
555

 
3,909

Total VIEs
 
$
35,152

 
$
17,026

 
$
4,120

 
$
582

 
$
4,782


 
147
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Consolidated
 
Unconsolidated
(Dollars in millions)
 
Carrying
Amount
of Assets
 
Carrying
Amount of
Liabilities
 
Carrying
Amount
of Assets
 
Carrying
Amount of
Liabilities
 
Maximum
Exposure to
Loss
Securitization-Related VIEs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loan securitizations (1)
 
$
36,779

 
$
12,350

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

Home loan securitizations (2)
 
0

 
0

 
221

 
31

 
876

Total securitization-related VIEs
 
36,779

 
12,350

 
221

 
31

 
876

Other VIEs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Affordable housing entities
 
0

 
0

 
3,500

 
488

 
3,500

Entities that provide capital to low-income and rural communities
 
374

 
99

 
1

 
0

 
1

Other
 
4

 
0

 
74

 
0

 
74

Total other VIEs
 
378

 
99

 
3,575

 
488

 
3,575

Total VIEs
 
$
37,157

 
$
12,449

 
$
3,796

 
$
519

 
$
4,451

__________
(1)  
Represents the gross amount of assets and liabilities owned by the VIE, which includes the seller’s interest and retained and repurchased notes held by other related parties.
(2)  
The carrying amount of assets of unconsolidated securitization-related VIEs consists of retained interests associated with the securitization of option-adjustable rate mortgage (“option-ARM”) loans and letters of credit related to manufactured housing securitizations. These are reported on our consolidated balance sheets under other assets. The carrying amount of liabilities of unconsolidated securitization-related VIEs is comprised of obligations on certain swap agreements associated with the securitization of manufactured housing loans and other obligations. These are reported on our consolidated balance sheets under other liabilities.
Securitization-Related VIEs
In a securitization transaction, assets from our balance sheet are transferred to a trust we establish, which typically meets the definition of a VIE. Our continuing involvement in the majority of our securitization transactions consists primarily of holding certain retained interests and acting as the primary servicer on certain transactions. We also may have exposure associated with contractual obligations to repurchase previously transferred loans due to breaches of representations and warranties. See “ Note 21—Commitments, Contingencies, Guarantees and Others ” for information related to reserves we have established for our mortgage representation and warranty exposure.

 
148
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




The table below presents the securitization-related VIEs in which we had continuing involvement as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 7.2: Continuing Involvement in Securitization-Related VIEs
 
 
 
 
Mortgage
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Credit
Card
 
Option-
ARM
 
GreenPoint
HELOCs
 
GreenPoint
Manufactured
Housing
 
December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities held by third-party investors
 
$
16,166

 
$
1,754

 
$
74

 
$
789

 
Receivables in the trust
 
33,783

 
1,814

 
68

 
794

 
Cash balance of spread or reserve accounts
 
0

 
8

 
N/A

 
134

 
Retained interests
 
Yes

 
Yes

 
Yes

 
Yes

 
Servicing retained
 
Yes

 
Yes

(1)  
No

 
No

(2)  
Amortization event (3)
 
No

 
No

 
No

 
No

 
December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities held by third-party investors
 
$
11,624

 
$
2,026

 
$
95

 
$
887

 
Receivables in the trust
 
36,545

 
2,094

 
89

 
893

 
Cash balance of spread or reserve accounts
 
0

 
8

 
N/A

 
143

 
Retained interests
 
Yes

 
Yes

 
Yes

 
Yes

 
Servicing retained
 
Yes

 
Yes

(1)  
No

(1)  
No

(2)  
Amortization event (3)
 
No

 
No

 
No

 
No

 
__________
(1)  
We retained servicing of the outstanding balance for a portion of securitized mortgage receivables.
(2)  
The core servicing activities for the manufactured housing securitizations are completed by a third party.
(3)  
Amortization events vary according to each specific trust agreement but generally are triggered by declines in performance or credit metrics, such as net charge-off rates or delinquency rates below certain predetermined thresholds. Generally, the occurrence of an amortization event changes the sequencing and amount of trust-related cash flows to the benefit of senior noteholders.
Credit Card Loan Securitizations
We hold certain retained interests in our credit card loan securitizations and continue to service the receivables in these trusts. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , we were deemed to be the primary beneficiary, and accordingly, all of these trusts have been consolidated in our financial statements.
Mortgage Securitizations
Option-ARM Loans
We had previously securitized option-ARM loans by transferring the mortgage loans to securitization trusts that had issued mortgage-backed securities to investors. The outstanding balance of debt securities held by third-party investors related to our mortgage loan securitization trusts was $1.8 billion and $2.0 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
We continue to service a portion of the outstanding balance of securitized mortgage receivables. We also retain rights to future cash flows arising from the receivables, the most significant being certificated interest-only bonds issued by the trusts. We generally estimate the fair value of these retained interests based on the estimated present value of expected future cash flows from securitized and sold receivables, using our best estimates of the key assumptions which include credit losses, prepayment speeds and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. For the trusts that we continue to service, we do not consolidate these entities because we do not have the right to receive benefits nor the obligation to absorb losses that could potentially be significant to the trusts. For the remaining trusts, for which we no longer service the underlying mortgage loans, we do not consolidate these entities since we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the trusts.
In connection with the securitization of certain option-ARM loans, a third party is obligated to advance a portion of any “negative amortization” resulting from monthly payments that are less than the interest accrued for that payment period. We have an agreement

 
149
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




in place with the third party that mirrors this advance requirement. The amount advanced is tracked through mortgage-backed securities retained as part of the securitization transaction. As advances occur, we record an asset in the form of negative amortization bonds, which are held at fair value in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets. Our maximum exposure is affected by rate caps and monthly payment change caps, but the funding obligation cannot exceed the difference between the original loan balance multiplied by a preset negative amortization cap and the current unpaid principal balance.
We have also entered into certain derivative contracts related to the securitization activities. These are classified as free-standing derivatives, with fair value adjustments recorded in non-interest income in our consolidated statements of income. See “ Note 11—Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities ” for further details on these derivatives.
GreenPoint Mortgage Home Equity Lines of Credit (“HELOCs”)
Our discontinued wholesale mortgage banking unit, GreenPoint, previously sold HELOCs in whole loan sales and subsequently acquired residual interests in certain trusts which securitized some of those loans. We do not consolidate these trusts because we either lack the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the trusts or because we do not have the right to receive benefits or the obligation to absorb losses that could potentially be significant to the trusts. As the residual interest holder, GreenPoint is required to fund advances on the HELOCs when certain performance triggers are met due to deterioration in asset performance. On behalf of GreenPoint, we have funded cumulative advances of $30 million as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 . These advances are generally expensed as funded due to the low likelihood of recovery. We also have unfunded commitments of $6 million related to those interests for our non-consolidated VIEs as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
GreenPoint Credit Manufactured Housing
We retain the primary obligation for certain provisions of corporate guarantees, recourse sales and clean-up calls related to the discontinued manufactured housing operations of GreenPoint Credit, LLC, which was a subsidiary of GreenPoint and was sold to a third party in 2004. Although we are the primary obligor, recourse obligations related to aforementioned whole loan sales, commitments to exercise mandatory clean-up calls on certain securitization transactions and servicing were transferred to a third party in the sale transaction. We do not consolidate the trusts used for the securitization of manufactured housing loans because we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the trusts since we no longer service the loans.
We were required to fund letters of credit in 2004 to cover losses and are obligated to fund future amounts under swap agreements for certain transactions. We have the right to receive any funds remaining in the letters of credit after the securities are released.
The unpaid principal balance of manufactured housing securitization transactions where we are the residual interest holder was $794 million and $893 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. In the event the third-party servicer does not fulfill its obligation to exercise the clean-up calls on certain transactions, the obligation reverts to us and we would assume approximately $420 million of loans receivable upon our execution of the clean-up call with the requirement to absorb any losses on the loans receivable. We monitor the underlying assets for trends in delinquencies and related losses and review the purchaser’s financial strength as well as servicing performance. These factors are considered in assessing the adequacy of the liabilities established for these obligations and the valuations of the assets.
We also have credit exposure on agreements that we entered into to absorb a portion of the risk of loss on certain manufactured housing securitizations issued by GreenPoint Credit, LLC in 2000. Our maximum credit exposure related to the agreements totaled $13 million and $14 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. These agreements are recorded on our consolidated balance sheets as a component of other liabilities and our obligations under these agreements was $8 million and $12 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
Other VIEs
Affordable Housing Entities
As part of our community reinvestment initiatives, we invest in private investment funds that make equity investments in multi-family affordable housing properties. We receive affordable housing tax credits for these investments. The activities of these entities are financed with a combination of invested equity capital and debt.

 
150
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




We account for certain of our investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain criteria are met. The proportional amortization method amortizes the cost of the investment over the period in which the investor expects to receive tax credits and other tax benefits, and the resulting amortization is recognized as a component of income tax expense attributable to continuing operations. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , we recognized amortization of $337 million and $305 million , respectively, and tax credits of $382 million and $336 million , respectively, associated with these investments within income tax provision. The carrying value of our investments in these qualified affordable housing projects was $3.5 billion and $3.2 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We are periodically required to provide additional financial or other support during the period of the investments. We had a recorded liability of $1.3 billion for these unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2015 , which is expected to be paid from 2016 to 2019 .
For those investment funds considered to be VIEs, we are not required to consolidate them if we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of those entities. We record our interests in these unconsolidated VIEs in loans held for investment, other assets and other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Our interests consisted of assets of approximately $3.9 billion and $3.5 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Our maximum exposure to these entities is limited to our variable interests in the entities of $3.9 billion and $3.5 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to our general credit and we do not provide additional financial or other support other than during the period that we are contractually required to provide. The total assets of the unconsolidated VIE investment funds were $11.4 billion and $10.2 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
Entities that Provide Capital to Low-Income and Rural Communities
We hold variable interests in entities (“Investor Entities”) that invest in community development entities (“CDEs”) that provide debt financing to businesses and non-profit entities in low-income and rural communities. Variable interests in the CDEs held by the consolidated Investor Entities are also our variable interests. The activities of the Investor Entities are financed with a combination of invested equity capital and debt. The activities of the CDEs are financed solely with invested equity capital. We receive federal and state tax credits for these investments. We consolidate the VIEs in which we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and where we have the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits that could be potentially significant to the VIE. We have also consolidated other investments and CDEs that are not considered to be VIEs, but where we hold a controlling financial interest. The assets of the VIEs that we consolidated, which totaled approximately $352 million and $374 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, are reflected on our consolidated balance sheets in cash, loans held for investment, interest receivable and other assets. The liabilities are reflected in other liabilities. The creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to our general credit. We have not provided additional financial or other support other than during the period that we are contractually required to provide.
Other
Other VIEs include a variable interest that we hold in a trust that has a royalty interest in certain oil and gas properties. The activities of the trust are financed solely with debt. The total assets of the trust were $120 million and $159 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We were not required to consolidate the trust because we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the trust’s economic performance. Our maximum exposure to this entity is limited to our retained interest of $57 million and $74 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The creditors of the trust have no recourse to our general credit. We have not provided additional financial or other support other than during the period that we are contractually required to provide.

 
151
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 8—GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The table below displays the components of goodwill, intangible assets and MSRs as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Goodwill is presented separately on our consolidated balance sheets. Intangible assets and MSRs are included in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
Table 8.1: Components of Goodwill, Intangible Assets and MSRs
 
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in millions)
 
Carrying
Amount of
Assets
(1)
 
Accumulated Amortization (1)
 
Net
Carrying
Amount
 
Remaining
Amortization
Period
Goodwill
 
$
14,480

 
N/A

 
$
14,480

 
N/A
Intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchased credit card relationship (“PCCR”) intangibles
 
2,156

 
$
(1,467
)
 
689

 
5.1 years
Core deposit intangibles
 
1,771

 
(1,662
)
 
109

 
2.9 years
Other (2)
 
378

 
(135
)
 
243

 
9.6 years
Total intangible assets
 
4,305

 
(3,264
)
 
1,041

 
5.9 years
Total goodwill and intangible assets
 
$
18,785

 
$
(3,264
)
 
$
15,521

 

MSRs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        Consumer MSRs (3)
 
$
68

 
N/A

 
$
68

 

        Commercial MSRs (4)
 
212

 
$
(51
)
 
161

 

Total MSRs
 
$
280

 
$
(51
)
 
$
229

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Carrying
Amount of
Assets
(1)
 
Accumulated Amortization (1)
 
Net
Carrying
Amount
 
Remaining
Amortization
Period
Goodwill
 
$
13,978

 
N/A

 
$
13,978

 
N/A
Intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchased credit card relationship (“PCCR”) intangibles
 
2,124

 
$
(1,152
)
 
972

 
6.0 years
Core deposit intangibles
 
1,771

 
(1,569
)
 
202

 
3.8 years
Other (2)
 
300

 
(158
)
 
142

 
9.6 years
Total intangible assets
 
4,195

 
(2,879
)
 
1,316

 
6.1 years
Total goodwill and intangible assets
 
$
18,173

 
$
(2,879
)
 
$
15,294

 
 
MSRs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        Consumer MSRs (3)
 
$
53

 
N/A

 
$
53

 
 
        Commercial MSRs (4)
 
171

 
$
(24
)
 
147

 
 
Total MSRs
 
$
224

 
$
(24
)
 
$
200

 
 
__________
(1)  
Certain intangible assets that were fully amortized in prior periods were removed from our consolidated balance sheets.
(2)  
Primarily consists of brokerage relationship intangibles, partnership and other contract intangibles and trade name intangibles.
(3)  
Represents MSRs related to our Consumer Banking business that are carried at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets.
(4)  
Represents MSRs related to our Commercial Banking business that are subsequently accounted for under the amortization method and periodically assessed for impairment. We recorded $27 million and $21 million of amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

 
152
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Goodwill
The following table presents goodwill attributable to each of our business segments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 8.2: Goodwill Attributable to Business Segments
(Dollars in millions)
 
Credit
Card
 
Consumer
Banking
 
Commercial Banking
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2013
 
$
5,005

 
$
4,585

 
$
4,388

 
$
13,978

Acquisitions
 
2

 
10

 
0

 
12

Other adjustments
 
(6
)
 
(2
)
 
(4
)
 
(12
)
Balance as of December 31, 2014
 
5,001

 
4,593

 
4,384

 
13,978

Acquisitions  (1)
 
1

 
7

 
500

 
508

Other adjustments
 
(5
)
 
0

 
(1
)
 
(6
)
Balance as of December 31, 2015
 
$
4,997

 
$
4,600

 
$
4,883

 
$
14,480

__________
(1)  
In connection with the GE Healthcare acquisition, we recorded goodwill of $500 million representing the amount by which the purchase price exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired. The goodwill was assigned to the Commercial Banking segment. See “ Note 2—Business Developments ” for additional information about this acquisition. 
Goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2015 or 2014 , nor was any goodwill written off due to impairment during 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . The goodwill impairment test, performed as of October 1 of each year, is a two-step test. The first step identifies whether there is potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the second step of the impairment test is required to measure the amount of any potential impairment loss.
The fair value of reporting units is calculated using a discounted cash flow methodology, a form of the income approach. The calculation uses projected cash flows based on each reporting unit’s internal forecast and uses the perpetuity growth method to calculate terminal values. These cash flows and terminal values are then discounted using appropriate discount rates, which are largely based on our external cost of equity with adjustments for risk inherent in each reporting unit. Cash flows are adjusted, as necessary, in order to maintain each reporting unit’s equity capital requirements. Our discounted cash flow analysis requires management to make judgments about future loan and deposit growth, revenue growth, credit losses, and capital rates. Discount rates used in 2015 for the reporting units ranged from 8% to 13% . The key inputs into the discounted cash flow analysis were consistent with market data, where available, indicating that assumptions used were within a reasonable range of observable market data. Based on our analysis, fair value exceeded the carrying amount for all reporting units as of our annual testing date; therefore, the second step of impairment testing was unnecessary.
Intangible Assets
In connection with our acquisitions, we recorded intangible assets which include purchased credit card relationship (“PCCR”) intangibles, core deposit intangibles, brokerage relationship intangibles, partnership contract intangibles, other contract intangibles, trademark intangibles and other intangibles, which are subject to amortization. At acquisition, the PCCR intangibles reflect the estimated value of existing credit card holder relationships and the core deposit intangibles reflect the estimated value of deposit relationships. We did not record any material impairment on intangible assets during 2015 or 2014 .
Intangible assets are typically amortized over their respective estimated useful lives on either an accelerated or straight-line basis. The following table summarizes the actual amortization expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 and the estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets as of December 31, 2015 :

 
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Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Table 8.3: Amortization Expense
(Dollars in millions)
 
Amortization
Expense
Actual for the year ended December 31,
 
 
2013
 
$
671

2014
 
532

2015
 
430

Estimated future amounts for the year ended December 31,
 
 
2016
 
368

2017
 
269

2018
 
178

2019
 
100

2020
 
49

Thereafter
 
73

Total estimated future amounts
 
$
1,037



 
154
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 9—PREMISES, EQUIPMENT AND LEASE COMMITMENTS
Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
Table 9.1: Components of Premises and Equipment
 
 
December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
Land
 
$
458

 
$
552

Buildings and improvements
 
2,674

 
2,577

Furniture and equipment
 
1,735

 
1,730

Computer software
 
1,618

 
1,556

In progress
 
514

 
467

Total premises and equipment, gross
 
6,999

 
6,882

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
(3,415
)
 
(3,197
)
Total premises and equipment, net
 
$
3,584

 
$
3,685

Depreciation and amortization expense was $638 million , $656 million and $571 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively.
Lease Commitments
Certain premises and equipment are leased under agreements that expire at various dates through 2056 , without taking into consideration available renewal options. Many of these leases provide for payment by us, as the lessee, of property taxes, insurance premiums, cost of maintenance and other costs. In some cases, rentals are subject to increases in relation to a cost of living index. Total rent expenses amounted to approximately $276 million , $265 million and $245 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively.
Future minimum rental commitments as of December 31, 2015 , for all non-cancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more are as follows:
Table 9.2: Lease Commitments
(Dollars in millions)
 
Estimated Future
Minimum Rental
Commitments
2016
 
$
292

2017
 
281

2018
 
266

2019
 
230

2020
 
205

Thereafter
 
1,027

Total
 
$
2,301

Minimum sublease rental income of $124 million due in future years under non-cancelable leases has not been included in the table above as a reduction to minimum lease payments.

 
155
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 10—DEPOSITS AND BORROWINGS
Deposits
Our deposits, which are our largest source of funding for our asset growth and operations, consist of non-interest bearing and interest-bearing deposits, which include checking accounts, money market deposit accounts, negotiable order of withdrawals, savings deposits and time deposits.
We had $191.9 billion and $180.5 billion in interest-bearing deposits as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Time deposits issued by domestic offices totaled $12.2 billion and $8.3 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Of these deposits, the amount of domestic time deposits with a denomination of $100,000 or more was $1.9 billion and $2.3 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Time deposits issued by foreign offices totaled $843 million and $977 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Substantially all of our foreign time deposits were greater than $100,000 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Securitized and Unsecured Debt Obligations
We use a variety of funding sources other than deposits, including short-term borrowings, the issuance of senior and subordinated notes and other borrowings, and securitization transactions. In addition, we utilize FHLB advances, which are secured by certain portions of our loan and investment securities portfolios, for our funding needs. The securitized debt obligations are separately presented on our consolidated balance sheets, while federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase, senior and subordinated notes and other borrowings, including FHLB advances, are included in other debt on our consolidated balance sheets.
Securitized Debt Obligations
Our outstanding borrowings due to securitization investors were $16.2 billion and $11.6 billion as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. During 2015 , approximately $5.1 billion of new debt was issued to third-party investors from our credit card loan securitization trust, offset by $500 million of debt maturities.
Senior and Subordinated Notes
As of December 31, 2015 , we had $21.8 billion of senior and subordinated notes outstanding, inclusive of fair value hedging losses of $134 million . As of December 31, 2014 , we had $18.7 billion of senior and subordinated notes outstanding, inclusive of fair value hedging losses of $179 million . During 2015 , we issued $6.0 billion of long-term senior unsecured debt comprised of $700 million of floating-rate notes and $5.3 billion of fixed-rate notes. During 2015 , $2.8 billion of outstanding unsecured notes matured. See “ Note 11—Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities ” for information about our fair value hedging activities.
FHLB Advances and Other
In addition to the issuance capacity under the registration statement, we also have access to funding through the FHLB system and the Federal Reserve Discount Window. Our FHLB and Federal Reserve memberships require us to hold FHLB and Federal Reserve stock which totaled $2.1 billion and $2.0 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and are included in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
Our FHLB advances and lines of credit are secured by our investment securities, residential home loans, multifamily real estate loans, commercial real estate loans and HELOCs. The outstanding FHLB advances totaled $20.1 billion as of December 31, 2015 , substantially all of which represented long-term advances generally callable on a quarterly basis, and $17.3 billion as of December 31, 2014 , which was substantially comprised of short-term advances.
We have access to short-term borrowings through the Federal Reserve. Our membership with the Federal Reserve is secured by our investment in Federal Reserve stock, totaling $1.2 billion as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 . On an annual basis, we process immaterial overnight test trades to ensure continued system functionality and borrowing capabilities. We did not access the Federal Reserve Discount Window for funding during 2015 or 2014.

 
156
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Composition of Deposits, Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt
The table below summarizes the components of our deposits, short-term borrowings and long-term debt as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Our total short-term borrowings consist of federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase and other short-term borrowings with an original contractual maturity of one year or less. Our long-term debt consists of borrowings with an original contractual maturity of greater than one year. The amounts presented for outstanding borrowings include unamortized debt premiums and discounts, net of fair value hedge accounting adjustments.
Table 10.1: Components of Deposits, Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt
(Dollars in millions)
 
December 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Deposits:
 
 
 
 
Non-interest bearing deposits
 
$
25,847

 
$
25,081

Interest-bearing deposits
 
191,874

 
180,467

Total deposits
 
$
217,721

 
$
205,548

Short-term borrowings:
 
 
 
 
Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase
 
$
981

 
$
880

FHLB advances
 
0

 
16,200

Total short-term borrowings
 
$
981

 
$
17,080

 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Maturity
Dates
 
Interest Rates
 
Weighted-
Average
Interest Rate
 
 Outstanding Amount
 
December 31,
2014
Long-term debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securitized debt obligations (1)
 
2016 - 2025
 
0.37 - 5.75%
 
1.46%
 
$
16,166

 
$
11,624

Senior and subordinated notes: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed unsecured senior debt
 
2016 - 2025
 
1.15 - 6.75%
 
2.72
 
16,559

 
15,174

Floating unsecured senior debt
 
2016 - 2018
 
0.86 - 1.51%
 
1.11
 
1,198

 
880

Total unsecured senior debt
 
2.61
 
17,757

 
16,054

Fixed unsecured subordinated debt
 
2016 - 2025
 
3.38 - 8.80%
 
4.70
 
4,080

 
2,630

Total senior and subordinated notes
 
21,837

 
18,684

Other long-term borrowings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FHLB advances
 
2016 - 2025
 
0.28 - 6.41%
 
0.40
 
20,098

 
1,069

Capital lease obligations
 
2016 - 2035
 
3.09 - 12.86%
 
4.17
 
33

 
0

Total other long-term borrowings
 
20,131

 
1,069

Total long-term debt
 
$
58,134

 
$
31,377

Total short-term borrowings and long-term debt
 
$
59,115

 
$
48,457

___________
(1)  
Outstanding amount includes the impact from hedge accounting.


 
157
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Interest-bearing deposits, securitized debt obligations and other debt as of December 31, 2015 mature as follows:
Table 10.2: Maturity Profile of Borrowings and Debt
(Dollars in millions)
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
Thereafter
 
Total
Interest-bearing time deposits (1)
 
$
4,864

 
$
2,080

 
$
1,992

 
$
1,544

 
$
2,479

 
$
121

 
$
13,080

Securitized debt obligations
 
3,519

 
7,234

 
2,361

 
1,136

 
1,564

 
352

 
16,166

Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase
 
981

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
981

Senior and subordinated notes
 
2,430

 
3,082

 
4,674

 
3,834

 
0

 
7,817

 
21,837

Other borrowings
 
19

 
19

 
11

 
2

 
1,001

 
19,079

 
20,131

Total
 
$
11,813

 
$
12,415

 
$
9,038

 
$
6,516

 
$
5,044

 
$
27,369

 
$
72,195

__________
(1)  
Includes only those interest-bearing deposits which have a contractual maturity date.
Components of Interest Expense
The following table displays interest expense attributable to short-term borrowings and long-term debt for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 :
Table 10.3: Components of Interest Expense on Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Short-term borrowings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase
 
$
1

 
$
2

 
$
1

FHLB advances
 
9

 
19

 
28

Total short-term borrowings
 
10

 
21

 
29

Long-term debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securitized debt obligations (1)
 
151

 
145

 
183

Senior and subordinated notes (1)
 
330

 
299

 
315

Other long-term borrowings
 
43

 
26

 
24

Total long-term debt
 
524

 
470

 
522

Total interest expense on short-term borrowings and long-term debt
 
$
534

 
$
491

 
$
551

_ _________
(1)  
Interest expense includes the impact from hedge accounting.

 
158
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 11—DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
Use of Derivatives
We manage our asset and liability positions and market risk exposure and limits in accordance with our market risk management policies that are approved by our Board of Directors. Our primary market risks stem from the impact on our earnings and economic value of equity from changes in interest rates and, to a lesser extent, changes in foreign exchange rates. We employ several techniques to manage our interest rate sensitivity which include changing the duration and re-pricing characteristics of various assets and liabilities by using interest rate derivatives. Our current policies also include the use of derivatives to hedge foreign-currency denominated exposures so we may limit our earnings and capital ratio exposure to foreign exchange risk. We execute our derivative contracts in both the over-the-counter (“OTC”) and exchange-traded derivative markets, and clear derivative transactions through a central clearinghouse as required by the Dodd-Frank Act. The majority of our derivatives are interest rate swaps. In addition, we may use a variety of other derivative instruments, including caps, floors, options, futures and forward contracts, to manage our interest rate and foreign exchange risks. We offer various interest rate, foreign exchange rate and commodity derivatives as an accommodation to our customers as part of our Commercial Banking business but usually offset our exposure through derivative transactions with other counterparties.
Accounting for Derivatives
Our derivatives are designated as either qualifying accounting hedges or free-standing derivatives. Free-standing derivatives primarily consist of customer-accommodation derivatives and economic hedges that do not qualify for hedge accounting. Qualifying accounting hedges are designated as fair value hedges, cash flow hedges or net investment hedges.
Fair Value Hedges: We designate derivatives as fair value hedges when they are used to manage our exposure to changes in the fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities, which fluctuate in value as a result of movements in interest rates. Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as fair value hedges are recorded in earnings together with offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged item and any resulting ineffectiveness. Our fair value hedges consist of interest rate swaps that are intended to modify our exposure to interest rate risk on various fixed-rate assets and liabilities.
Cash Flow Hedges: We designate derivatives as cash flow hedges when they are used to manage our exposure to variability in cash flows related to forecasted transactions. Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded as a component of AOCI, to the extent that the hedge relationships are effective, and amounts are reclassified from AOCI to earnings as the forecasted transactions impact earnings. To the extent that any ineffectiveness exists in the hedge relationships, the amounts are recorded in current period earnings. Our cash flow hedges use interest rate swaps that are intended to hedge the variability in interest payments on some of our variable-rate assets. These hedges have the effect of converting some of our variable-rate assets to a fixed rate. We also have entered into forward foreign currency derivative contracts to hedge our exposure to variability in cash flows related to foreign-currency denominated intercompany borrowings.
Net Investment Hedges: We use net investment hedges to manage the foreign currency exposure related to our net investments in foreign operations that have functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Changes in the fair value of net investment hedges are recorded in the translation adjustment component of AOCI, offsetting the translation gain or loss from those foreign operations. We execute net investment hedges using foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge the translation exposure of the net investment in our foreign operations.
Free-Standing Derivatives: We use free-standing derivatives to hedge the risk of changes in the fair value of residential MSRs, mortgage loan origination and purchase commitments and other interests held. We also categorize our customer accommodation derivatives and the related offsetting contracts as free-standing derivatives. Changes in the fair value of free-standing derivatives are recorded in earnings as a component of other non-interest income.
Balance Sheet Presentation
As of January 1, 2015, we changed our accounting principle to move from a gross basis of presentation to a net basis for presenting qualifying derivative assets and liabilities, as well as the related fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral

 
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Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




(a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable), for instruments executed with the same counterparty where a right of setoff exists. See additional information in “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies .”
The following table summarizes the notional and fair values of our derivative instruments on a gross basis as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , which are segregated by derivatives that are designated as accounting hedges and those that are not, and are further segregated by type of contract within those two categories. The total derivative assets and liabilities are adjusted on an aggregate basis to take into consideration the effects of legally enforceable master netting agreements and any associated cash collateral received or paid.
Table 11.1: Derivative Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Notional or
Contractual
Amount
 
Derivative (1)
 
Notional or
Contractual
Amount
 
Derivative (1)
(Dollars in millions)
 
Assets    
 
Liabilities
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
Derivatives designated as accounting hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value hedges
 
$
34,417

 
$
550

 
$
146

 
$
24,543

 
$
480

 
$
39

Cash flow hedges
 
30,450

 
167

 
61

 
24,450

 
222

 
18

Total interest rate contracts
 
64,867

 
717

 
207

 
48,993

 
702

 
57

Foreign exchange contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow hedges
 
5,580

 
239

 
2

 
5,546

 
221

 
2

Net investment hedges
 
2,562

 
87

 
0

 
2,476

 
73

 
0

Total foreign exchange contracts
 
8,142

 
326

 
2

 
8,022

 
294

 
2

Total derivatives designated as accounting hedges
 
73,009

 
1,043

 
209

 
57,015

 
996

 
59

Derivatives not designated as accounting hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts covering:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSRs (2)
 
1,665

 
11

 
7

 
777

 
10

 
3

Customer accommodation
 
28,841

 
431

 
290

 
27,646

 
413

 
251

Other interest rate exposures (3)
 
1,519

 
33

 
10

 
2,614

 
33

 
21

Total interest rate contracts
 
32,025

 
475

 
307

 
31,037

 
456

 
275

Other contracts
 
882

 
0

 
4

 
593

 
0

 
5

Total derivatives not designated as accounting hedges
 
32,907

 
475

 
311

 
31,630

 
456

 
280

Total derivatives
 
$
105,916

 
$
1,518

 
$
520

 
$
88,645

 
$
1,452

 
$
339

Less: netting adjustment (4)
 
 
 
(532
)
 
(143
)
 
 
 
(624
)
 
(164
)
Total derivative assets/liabilities
 
 
 
$
986

 
$
377

 
 
 
$
828

 
$
175

__________
(1)  
Derivative assets and liabilities include interest accruals.
(2)  
Includes interest rate swaps and To Be Announced (“TBA”) contracts.
(3)  
Other interest rate exposures include mortgage-related derivatives.
(4)  
Represents balance sheet netting of derivative assets and liabilities, and related payables and receivables for cash collateral held or placed with the same counterparty. See Table 11.2 for further information.
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Liabilities
We execute the majority of our derivative transactions and repurchase agreements under master netting arrangements. Under our existing enforceable master netting arrangements, we generally have the right to offset exposure with the same counterparty. In addition, either counterparty can generally request the net settlement of all contracts through a single payment upon default on, or termination of, any one contract. As of January 1, 2015, the Company changed its accounting principle to begin offsetting derivative assets and liabilities for purposes of balance sheet presentation where a right of setoff exists. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , derivative contracts that are executed bilaterally with a counterparty in the OTC market and then novated to and cleared through

 
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Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




a central clearinghouse are not subject to offsetting due to current uncertainty about the legal enforceability of our right of setoff with the clearinghouses. 
The following table presents as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 the gross and net fair values of our derivative assets and liabilities and repurchase agreements, as well as the related offsetting amounts permitted under U.S. GAAP. The table also includes cash and non-cash collateral received or pledged associated with such arrangements. The collateral amounts shown are limited to the extent of the related net derivative fair values or outstanding balances, thus instances of over-collateralization are not shown.
Table 11.2: Offsetting of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
 
 
Gross
Amounts
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet
 
Net Amounts as Recognized
 
Securities Collateral Held Under Master Netting Agreements
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
 
Financial
Instruments
 
Cash Collateral Received
 
 
 
Net
Exposure
As of December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives assets (1)
 
$
1,518

 
$
(86
)
 
$
(446
)
 
$
986

 
$
(156
)
 
$
830

As of December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives assets (1)
 
1,452

 
(101
)
 
(523
)
 
828

 
(80
)
 
748

 
 
Gross
Amounts
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet
 
Net Amounts as Recognized
 
Securities Collateral Pledged Under Master Netting Agreements
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
 
Financial
Instruments
 
Cash Collateral Pledged
 
 
 
Net
Exposure
As of December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives liabilities (1)
 
$
520

 
$
(86
)
 
$
(57
)
 
$
377

 
$
0

 
$
377

Repurchase agreements (2)(3)
 
969

 
0

 
0

 
969

 
(969
)
 
0

As of December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives liabilities (1)
 
339

 
(101
)
 
(63
)
 
175

 
0

 
175

Repurchase agreements (2)
 
869

 
0

 
0

 
869

 
(869
)
 
0

__________
(1)  
The gross balances include derivative assets and derivative liabilities as of December 31, 2015 totaling $429 million and $314 million , respectively, related to the centrally cleared derivative contracts. The comparable amounts as of December 31, 2014 totaled $360 million and $127 million , respectively. These contracts were not subject to offsetting as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
(2)  
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company only had repurchase obligations outstanding and did not have any reverse repurchase receivables.
(3)  
Represents customer repurchase agreements that mature the next business day. As of December 31, 2015 , we pledged collateral with a fair value of $989 million under these customer repurchase agreements, all of which were agency RMBS securities.
Credit Risk-Related Contingency Features and Collateral
Certain of our derivatives contracts include provisions requiring that our debt maintain a credit rating of investment grade or above by each of the major credit rating agencies. In the event of a downgrade of our debt credit rating below investment grade, some of our derivatives counterparties would have the right to terminate the derivative contract and close out the existing positions, or demand immediate and ongoing full overnight collateralization on derivative instruments in a net liability position. Certain of our derivatives contracts may also allow, in the event of a downgrade of our debt credit rating of any kind, our derivatives counterparties to demand additional collateralization on such derivatives instruments in a net liability position. We posted $304 million and $87 million of cash collateral as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. If our debt credit rating had fallen below investment grade, we would have been required to post $55 million and $65 million of additional collateral as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The fair value of derivatives instruments with credit risk-related contingent features in a net liability position was less than $1 million as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Derivatives Counterparty Credit Risk
Derivatives instruments contain an element of credit risk that arises from the potential failure of a counterparty to perform according to the contractual terms of the contract. Our exposure to derivatives counterparty credit risk, at any point in time, is represented by the fair value of derivatives in a gain position, or derivatives assets, assuming no recoveries of underlying collateral. To mitigate

 
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Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




the risk of counterparty default, we enter into legally enforceable master netting agreements and maintain collateral agreements with certain derivative counterparties. We generally enter into these agreements on a bilateral basis with our counterparties; however, since June 2013 we have begun to clear eligible OTC derivatives through a central clearinghouse in accordance with the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act. These agreements typically provide for the right to offset exposures and require both parties to maintain collateral in the event the fair values of derivative financial instruments exceed established thresholds. We received cash collateral from derivatives counterparties totaling $544 million and $695 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We also received securities from derivatives counterparties with a fair value of $172 million and $91 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, which we have the ability to re-pledge. 
We record counterparty credit risk valuation adjustments on our derivative assets to properly reflect the credit quality of the counterparty. We consider collateral and legally enforceable master netting agreements that mitigate our credit exposure to each counterparty in determining the counterparty credit risk valuation adjustment, which may be adjusted in future periods due to changes in the fair value of the derivatives contracts, collateral and creditworthiness of the counterparty. The cumulative counterparty credit risk valuation adjustment recorded on our consolidated balance sheets as a reduction in the derivatives asset balance was $4 million and $5 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We also adjust the fair value of our derivatives liabilities to reflect the impact of our own credit quality. We calculate this adjustment by comparing the spreads on our credit default swaps to the discount benchmark curve. The cumulative credit risk valuation adjustment related to our credit quality recorded on our consolidated balance sheets as a reduction in the derivative liability balance was less than $1 million and $1 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
Income Statement Presentation and AOCI
The following tables summarize the impact of derivatives and the related hedged items in our consolidated statements of income and AOCI.
Fair Value Hedges and Free-Standing Derivatives
The net gains (losses) recognized in earnings related to derivatives in fair value hedging relationships and free-standing derivatives are presented below for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 .
Table 11.3: Gains and Losses on Fair Value Hedges and Free-Standing Derivatives
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Derivatives designated as accounting hedges: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value interest rate contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Losses) gains recognized in earnings on derivatives
 
$
(66
)
 
$
200

 
$
(550
)
Gains (losses) recognized in earnings on hedged items
 
75

 
(157
)
 
507

Net fair value hedge ineffectiveness gains (losses)
 
9

 
43

 
(43
)
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedges: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts covering:
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSRs
 
3

 
23

 
(12
)
Customer accommodation
 
21

 
18

 
49

Other interest rate exposures
 
44

 
11

 
(9
)
Total interest rate contracts
 
68

 
52

 
28

Foreign exchange contracts
 
0

 
1

 
(5
)
Other contracts
 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
(20
)
Total gains on derivatives not designated as accounting hedges
 
66

 
52

 
3

Net derivative gains (losses) recognized in earnings
 
$
75

 
$
95

 
$
(40
)
__________
(1)  
Amounts are recorded in our consolidated statements of income in other non-interest income.

 
162
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Cash Flow and Net Investment Hedges
The table below shows the net gains (losses) related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges and net investment hedges for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 .
Table 11.4: Gains and Losses on Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges and Net Investment Hedges
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Gains (losses) recorded in AOCI:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
 
$
301

 
$
251

 
$
(103
)
Foreign exchange contracts
 
(17
)
 
(23
)
 
(21
)
Subtotal
 
284

 
228

 
(124
)
Net investment hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
 
83

 
132

 
0

Net derivatives gains (losses) recognized in AOCI
 
$
367

 
$
360

 
$
(124
)
Gains (losses) recorded in earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI into earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts (1)
 
$
190

 
$
131

 
$
53

Foreign exchange contracts (2)
 
(16
)
 
(23
)
 
(22
)
Subtotal
 
174

 
108

 
31

Gains (losses) recognized in earnings due to ineffectiveness:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts (2)
 
2

 
1

 
(1
)
Net derivative gains recognized in earnings
 
$
176

 
$
109

 
$
30

__________
(1)  
Amounts reclassified are recorded in our consolidated statements of income in interest income or interest expense.
(2)  
Amounts are recorded in our consolidated statements of income in contra-revenue and other non-interest income.
In the next 12 months, we expect to reclassify to earnings net after-tax gains of $109 million currently recorded in AOCI as of December 31, 2015 . These amounts will offset the cash flows associated with the hedged forecasted transactions. The maximum length of time over which forecasted transactions were hedged was approximately six years as of December 31, 2015 . The amount we expect to reclassify into earnings may change as a result of changes in market conditions and ongoing actions taken as part of our overall risk management strategy.

 
163
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 12—STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred Stock
The following table summarizes the Company’s preferred stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 12.1: Preferred Stock Issued and Outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
Redeemable by Issuer Beginning
 
Per Annum Dividend Rate
 
Dividend Frequency
 
Liquidation Preference per Share
 
 
 
Carrying Value
(in millions)
Series
 
Description
 
Issuance Date
 
 
 
 
 
Total Shares Outstanding
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Series B (1)
 
6.00%
Non-Cumulative
 
August 20, 2012
 
September 1, 2017
 
6.00%
 
Quarterly
 
$
1,000

 
875,000

 
$
853

 
$
853

Series C (1)
 
6.25%
Non-Cumulative
 
June 12, 2014
 
September 1, 2019
 
6.25
 
Quarterly
 
1,000

 
500,000

 
484

 
484

Series D (1)
 
6.70%
Non-Cumulative
 
October 31, 2014
 
December 1, 2019
 
6.70
 
Quarterly
 
1,000

 
500,000

 
485

 
485

Series E
 
Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative
 
May 14, 2015
 
June 1, 2020
 
5.55% through 5/31/2020;
3-mo. LIBOR+ 380 bps thereafter
 
Semi-Annually through 5/31/2020; Quarterly thereafter
 
1,000

 
1,000,000

 
988

 
N/A

Series F (1)
 
6.20%
Non-Cumulative
 
August 24, 2015
 
December 1, 2020
 
6.20
 
Quarterly
 
1,000

 
500,000

 
484

 
N/A

Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
3,294

 
$
1,822

__________
(1) Ownership is held in the form of depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of fixed-rate non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The following table presents the changes in AOCI by component for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 .
Table 12.2: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
(Dollars in millions)
 
Securities
Available
for Sale
 
Securities Held to Maturity (1)
 
Cash Flow
Hedges
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation Adjustments
(2)
 
Other
 
Total
AOCI as of December 31, 2012
 
$
703

 
$
0

 
$
45

 
$
32

 
$
(41
)
 
$
739

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
 
(619
)
 
(915
)
 
(124
)
 
8

 
18

 
(1,632
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings
 
22

 
18

 
(31
)
 
0

 
12

 
21

Net other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(597
)
 
(897
)
 
(155
)
 
8

 
30

 
(1,611
)
AOCI as of December 31, 2013
 
106

 
(897
)
 
(110
)
 
40

 
(11
)
 
(872
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
302

 
0

 
228

 
(48
)
 
(5
)
 
477

Amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings
 
2

 
76

 
(108
)
 
0

 
(5
)
 
(35
)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)
 
304

 
76

 
120

 
(48
)
 
(10
)
 
442

AOCI as of December 31, 2014
 
410

 
(821
)
 
10

 
(8
)
 
(21
)
 
(430
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
 
(268
)
 
0

 
284

 
(135
)
 
(5
)
 
(124
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings
 
20

 
96

 
(174
)
 
0

 
(4
)
 
(62
)
Net other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(248
)
 
96

 
110

 
(135
)
 
(9
)
 
(186
)
AOCI as of December 31, 2015
 
$
162

 
$
(725
)
 
$
120

 
$
(143
)
 
$
(30
)
 
$
(616
)
__________
(1)  
The amortization of unrealized holding gains or losses reported in AOCI for securities held to maturity will be offset by the amortization of the premium or discount present at the date of transfer from securities available for sale to securities held to maturity, which occurred at fair value. These unrealized gains or losses will be amortized over the remaining life of the security with no expected impact on future net income.
(2)  
Includes the impact from hedging instruments designated as net investment hedges.

 
164
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




The following table presents the impacts on net income of amounts reclassified from each component of AOCI for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 .
Table 12.3: Reclassifications from AOCI
 
 
 
 
Amount Reclassified from AOCI
(Dollars in millions)
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
AOCI Components
 
Affected Income Statement Line Item
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-interest income
 
$
(2
)
 
$
21

 
$
7

 
 
Non-interest income - OTTI
 
(30
)
 
(24
)
 
(41
)
 
 
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
 
(32
)
 
(3
)
 
(34
)
 
 
Income tax benefit
 
(12
)
 
(1
)
 
(12
)
 
 
Net loss
 
(20
)
 
(2
)
 
(22
)
Securities held to maturity: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
(151
)
 
(131
)
 
(29
)
 
 
Income tax benefit
 
(55
)
 
(55
)
 
(11
)
 
 
Net loss
 
(96
)
 
(76
)
 
(18
)
Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts:
 
Interest income
 
303

 
209

 
86

Foreign exchange contracts:
 
Interest income
 
(5
)
 
0

 
0

 
 
Non-interest income
 
(21
)
 
(36
)
 
(35
)
 
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
277

 
173

 
51

 
 
Income tax provision
 
103

 
65

 
20

 
 
Net income
 
174

 
108

 
31

Other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Various (pension and other)
 
5

 
11

 
(13
)
 
 
Income tax provision (benefit)
 
1

 
6

 
(1
)
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
4

 
5

 
(12
)
Total reclassifications
 
$
62

 
$
35

 
$
(21
)
__________
(1)  
The amortization of unrealized holding gains or losses reported in AOCI for securities held to maturity will be offset by the amortization of the premium or discount created from the transfer into securities held to maturity, which occurred at fair value. These unrealized gains or losses will be amortized over the remaining life of the security with no expected impact on future net income.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
165
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




The table below summarizes other comprehensive income activity and the related tax impact for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 .

Table 12.4: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
(Dollars in millions)
 
Before
Tax
 
Provision
(Benefit)
 
After
Tax
 
Before
Tax
 
Provision
(Benefit)
 
After
Tax
 
Before
Tax
 
Provision
(Benefit)
 
After
Tax
Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized (losses) gains on securities available for sale
 
$
(393
)
 
$
(145
)
 
$
(248
)
 
$
482

 
$
178

 
$
304

 
$
(961
)
 
$
(364
)
 
$
(597
)
Net changes in securities held to maturity
 
151

 
55

 
96

 
131

 
55

 
76

 
(1,435
)
 
(538
)
 
(897
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
 
175

 
65

 
110

 
192

 
72

 
120

 
(250
)
 
(95
)
 
(155
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments (1)
 
(86
)
 
49

 
(135
)
 
29

 
77

 
(48
)
 
8

 
0

 
8

Other
 
(14
)
 
(5
)
 
(9
)
 
(18
)
 
(8
)
 
(10
)
 
49

 
19

 
30

Other comprehensive (loss) income
 
$
(167
)
 
$
19

 
$
(186
)
 
$
816

 
$
374

 
$
442

 
$
(2,589
)
 
$
(978
)
 
$
(1,611
)
__________
(1)  
Includes the impact from hedging instruments designated as net investment hedges.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
166
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 13—REGULATORY AND CAPITAL ADEQUACY
Regulation and Capital Adequacy
Bank holding companies (“BHCs”) and national banks are subject to capital adequacy standards adopted by the Federal Banking Agencies, including the Final Basel III Capital Rule. Moreover, the Banks, as insured depository institutions, are subject to PCA capital regulations,which require the Federal Banking Agencies to take prompt corrective action for banks that do not meet PCA capital requirements. The Final Basel III Capital Rule amended both the Basel I and Basel II Advanced Approaches frameworks, establishing a new common equity Tier 1 capital requirement and setting higher minimum capital ratio requirements. We refer to the amended Basel I framework as the “Basel III Standardized Approach,” and the amended Advanced Approaches framework as the “Basel III Advanced Approaches.”
At the end of 2012, we met one of the two independent eligibility criteria set by banking regulators for becoming subject to the Advanced Approaches capital rules. As a result, we have undertaken a multi-year process of implementing the Advanced Approaches regime for calculating risk-weighted assets and regulatory capital levels. We entered parallel run under Advanced Approaches on January 1, 2015, during which we will calculate capital ratios under both the Basel III Standardized Approach and the Basel III Advanced Approaches, though we will continue to use the Standardized Approach for purposes of meeting regulatory capital requirements.
As of January 1, 2015, under the Final Basel III Capital Rule, the regulatory minimum risk-based and leverage capital requirements for Advanced Approaches banking organizations include a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 4.5% , a Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 6.0% , a total capital ratio of at least 8.0% and a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of at least 4.0% . The Final Basel III Capital Rule introduced a supplementary leverage ratio for all Advanced Approaches banking organizations, which compares Tier 1 capital to total leverage exposure, which includes all on-balance sheet assets and certain off-balance sheet exposures, including derivatives and unused commitments. The supplementary leverage ratio minimum requirement of 3.0% becomes effective on January 1, 2018.
Beginning in the first quarter of 2015, as an Advanced Approaches banking organization, we are required to calculate and publicly disclose our supplementary leverage ratio. For additional information about the capital adequacy guidelines we are subject to, see “Part 1—Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation.”
The following table provides a comparison of our regulatory capital amounts and ratios under the Federal Banking Agencies’ capital adequacy standards as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .

 
167
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Table 13.1: Capital Ratios Under Basel III (1)
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Capital Amount
 
Capital
Ratio
 
Minimum
Capital
Adequacy
 
Well-
Capitalized
 
Capital Amount
 
Capital
Ratio
 
Minimum
Capital
Adequacy
 
Well-
Capitalized
Capital One Financial Corp:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common equity Tier 1 capital (2)
 
$
29,544

 
11.1%
 
4.5%
 
N/A
 
$
29,534

 
12.5%
 
4.0%
 
N/A
Tier 1 capital (3)
 
32,838

 
12.4
 
6.0
 
6.0%
 
31,355

 
13.2
 
5.5
 
6.0%
Total capital (4)
 
38,838

 
14.6
 
8.0
 
10.0
 
35,879

 
15.1
 
8.0
 
10.0
Tier 1 leverage (5)
 
32,838

 
10.6
 
4.0
 
N/A
 
31,355

 
10.8
 
4.0
 
N/A
Supplementary leverage ratio (6)
 
357,794

 
9.2
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A

 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
Capital One Bank (USA), N.A.:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common equity Tier 1 capital (2)
 
$
10,644

 
12.2%
 
4.5%
 
6.5%
 
$
8,503

 
11.3%
 
4.0%
 
N/A
Tier 1 capital (3)
 
10,644

 
12.2
 
6.0
 
8.0
 
8,503

 
11.3
 
5.5
 
6.0%
Total capital (4)
 
13,192

 
15.2
 
8.0
 
10.0
 
10,938

 
14.6
 
8.0
 
10.0
Tier 1 leverage (5)
 
10,644

 
10.8
 
4.0
 
5.0
 
8,503

 
9.6
 
4.0
 
5.0
Supplementary leverage ratio (6)
 
118,859

 
9.0
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A

 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
Capital One, N.A.:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common equity Tier 1 capital (2)
 
$
21,765

 
11.8%
 
4.5%
 
6.5%
 
$
21,136

 
12.5%
 
4.0%
 
N/A
Tier 1 capital (3)
 
21,765

 
11.8
 
6.0
 
8.0
 
21,136

 
12.5
 
5.5
 
6.0%
Total capital (4)
 
23,832

 
12.9
 
8.0
 
10.0
 
22,881

 
13.6
 
8.0
 
10.0
Tier 1 leverage (5)
 
21,765

 
8.8
 
4.0
 
5.0
 
21,136

 
8.9
 
4.0
 
5.0
Supplementary leverage ratio (6)
 
276,132

 
7.9
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A

 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
__________
(1)  
Capital ratios are calculated based on the Basel III Standardized Approach framework, subject to applicable transition provisions. As we continue to refine our classification of exposures under the Basel III Standardized Approach framework, risk-weighted asset classifications are subject to change.
(2)  
Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on common equity Tier 1 capital divided by risk-weighted assets.
(3)  
Tier 1 capital ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on Tier 1 capital divided by risk-weighted assets.
(4)  
Total capital ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on total capital divided by risk-weighted assets.
(5)  
Tier 1 leverage ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on Tier 1 capital divided by average assets, after certain adjustments .
(6)  
Supplementary leverage ratio is a regulatory capital measure calculated based on Tier 1 capital under the Basel III Standardized Approach divided by total leverage exposure.
Capital One Financial Corporation exceeded Federal Banking Agencies’ minimum capital requirements and the Banks exceeded minimum regulatory requirements and were “well-capitalized” under PCA requirements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Regulatory restrictions exist that limit the ability of the Banks to transfer funds to our BHC. Funds available for dividend payments from COBNA and CONA were $2.9 billion and $359 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2015 . Applicable provisions that may be contained in our borrowing agreements or the borrowing agreements of our subsidiaries may limit our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends to us or our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders. There can be no assurance that we will declare and pay any dividends.


 
168
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 14—EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:
Table 14.1: Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share data)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
 
$
4,012

 
$
4,423

 
4,354

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
38

 
5

 
(233
)
Net income
 
4,050

 
4,428

 
4,121

Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities (1)
 
(20
)
 
(18
)
 
(17
)
Preferred stock dividends
 
(158
)
 
(67
)
 
(53
)
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
3,872

 
$
4,343

 
$
4,051

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total weighted-average basic shares outstanding
 
541.8

 
563.1

 
579.7

Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options
 
2.6

 
2.7

 
2.2

Other contingently issuable shares
 
1.3

 
1.6

 
1.5

Warrants (2)
 
2.3

 
4.5

 
4.2

Total effect of dilutive securities
 
6.2

 
8.8

 
7.9

Total weighted-average diluted shares outstanding
 
548.0

 
571.9

 
587.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income from continuing operations per share
 
$
7.08

 
$
7.70

 
$
7.39

Income (loss) from discontinued operations per share
 
0.07

 
0.01

 
(0.40
)
Net income per basic common share
 
$
7.15

 
$
7.71

 
$
6.99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per common share: (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income from continuing operations per share
 
$
7.00

 
$
7.58

 
$
7.28

Income (loss) from discontinued operations per share
 
0.07

 
0.01

 
(0.39
)
Net income per diluted common share
 
$
7.07

 
$
7.59

 
$
6.89

__________
(1)  
Includes undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities using the two-class method under the accounting guidance for computing earnings per share.
(2)  
Represents warrants issued as part of the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Troubled Assets Relief Program (“TARP”). As of December 31, 2015 , there were 4.1 million warrants to purchase common stock outstanding.
(3)  
Excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share were 1.9 million shares related to options with exercise prices ranging from $70.96 to $88.81 , 2.9 million shares related to options with exercise prices ranging from $70.96 to $88.81 and 5.2 million shares related to options with exercise prices ranging from $56.28 to $88.81 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively, because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

 
169
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 15—OTHER NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
The following table represents the components of other non-interest expense for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 :
Table 15.1: Components of Other Non-Interest Expense
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Collections
 
$
322

 
$
372

 
$
470

Fraud losses
 
316

 
275

 
218

Bankcard, regulatory and other fee assessments
 
444

 
465

 
562

Other
 
761

 
623

 
794

Total other non-interest expense
 
$
1,843

 
$
1,735

 
$
2,044


 
170
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 16—STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
Stock Plans
We have one active stock-based compensation plan available for the issuance of shares to employees, directors and third-party service providers (if applicable). As of December 31, 2015 , under the Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive plan (the “2004 Plan”), we are authorized to issue 55 million common shares in various forms, including incentive stock options, nonstatutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards (“RSAs”), share-settled restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance share awards (“PSA”), and performance share units (“PSU”). Of this amount, 20 million shares remain available for future issuance as of December 31, 2015 . The 2004 Plan permits the use of newly issued shares or treasury shares upon the settlement of options and stock-based incentive awards, and we generally settle by issuing new shares.
We also issue cash-settled restricted stock units (and in the past issued cash equity units). These cash-settled units are not counted against the common shares authorized for issuance or available for issuance under the 2004 Plan.
Total compensation expense recognized for stock-based compensation for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $161 million , $205 million and $240 million , respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized in the consolidated statements of income for stock-based compensation for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $61 million , $77 million and $91 million , respectively.
Stock Options
Stock options have a maximum contractual term of ten years. Generally, the exercise price of stock options will equal the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Option vesting is determined at the time of grant and may be subject to the achievement of any applicable performance conditions. Options generally become exercisable over three years beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant, however some option grants cliff-vest on or shortly after the first or third anniversary of the grant date.
The following table presents a summary of 2015 activity for stock options and the balance of stock options exercisable as of December 31, 2015 .
Table 16.1: Summary of Stock Options Activity
(Shares in thousands, and intrinsic value in millions)
 
Shares
Subject to
Options
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding as of January 1, 2015
 
10,538

 
$
55.87

 
 
 
 
Granted
 
466

 
74.96

 
 
 
 
Exercised
 
(1,029
)
 
61.95

 
 
 
 
Forfeited
 
(49
)
 
87.98

 
 
 
 
Expired
 
(604
)
 
86.74

 
 
 
 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2015
 
9,322

 
$
53.98

 
3.7 years
 
$
188

Exercisable as of December 31, 2015
 
8,054

 
$
51.82

 
2.9 years
 
$
181

The weighted-average fair value of each option granted for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $15.11 , $16.39 and $13.42 , respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $23 million , $24 million and $47 million , respectively. The unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options as of December 31, 2015 was $3 million , which is expected to be amortized over a weighted-average period of 1 year .
The following table sets forth the cash received from the exercise of stock options under all stock-based incentive arrangements, and the actual income tax benefit realized related to tax deductions from the exercise of the stock options.

 
171
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Table 16.2: Stock Options Cash Flow Impact
 
 
Year ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Cash received for options exercised
 
$
64

 
$
131

 
$
105

Tax benefit realized for options exercised
 
9

 
9

 
18

Compensation expense for stock options is based on the grant date fair value, which is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Certain stock options have discretionary vesting conditions and are remeasured at fair value each reporting period. The option pricing model requires the use of numerous assumptions, many of which are subjective.
The following table presents the weighted-average assumptions used to value stock options granted during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 .
Table 16.3: Fair Value of Stock Options Granted
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Dividend yield (1)
 
1.82
%
 
1.74
%
 
2.29
%
Volatility (2)
 
24.00

 
26.00

 
32.00

Risk-free interest rate (3)
 
1.55

 
1.92

 
1.07

Expected option lives (4)
 
6.3 years

 
6.1 years

 
5.6 years

__________
(1)  
Represents the expected dividend rate over the life of the option.
(2)  
Based on the implied volatility of exchange-traded options and warrants.
(3)  
Based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve.
(4)  
Represents the period of time that options granted are expected to remain outstanding based on historical activities.
Restricted Stock Awards and Units
RSAs and RSUs represent share-settled awards that do not contain performance conditions and are granted to certain employees at no cost to the recipient. RSAs and RSUs generally vest over three years from the date of grant, however some RSAs and RSUs cliff vest on or shortly after the first or third anniversary of the grant date. These awards and units are subject to forfeiture until certain restrictions have lapsed, including continued employment for a specified period of time. A recipient of a RSA is entitled to voting rights and is generally entitled to dividends on the common stock. A recipient of a RSU is entitled to receive a share of common stock after the applicable restrictions lapse. Additionally, a recipient of a RSU is generally entitled to receive cash payments or additional shares of common stock equivalent to any dividends paid on the underlying common stock during the period the RSU is outstanding, but is not entitled to voting rights.
Generally, the value of RSAs and RSUs will equal the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant and the expense is recognized over the vesting period.

 
172
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




The following table presents a summary of 2015 activity for RSAs and RSUs.
Table 16.4: Summary of Restricted Stock Awards and Units
 
 
Restricted Stock Awards
 
Restricted Stock Units
(Shares/units in thousands)
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
per Share
 
Units
 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
per Unit
Unvested as of January 1, 2015
 
794

 
$
57.28

 
1,486

 
$
65.86

Granted
 
0

 
0.00

 
1,316

 
76.15

Vested
 
(375
)
 
53.14

 
(341
)
 
71.99

Forfeited
 
(32
)
 
57.46

 
(151
)
 
73.17

Unvested as of December 31, 2015
 
387

 
$
61.28

 
2,310

 
$
70.34

There were no new RSA grants in 2015 or 2014 . The weighted-average grant date fair value of RSAs in 2013 was $58.93 . The total fair value of RSAs that vested during 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 was $28 million , $57 million and $56 million , respectively. The unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSAs as of December 31, 2015 was $10 million , which is expected to be amortized over a weighted-average period of 1.2 years .
The weighted-average grant date fair value of RSUs in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $76.15 , $72.12 and $58.10 , respectively. The total fair value of RSUs that vested during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $27 million , $5 million and $6 million , respectively. The unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs as of December 31, 2015 was $80 million , which is expected to be amortized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years .
Performance Share Awards and Units
PSAs and PSUs represent share-settled awards that contain performance conditions and are granted to certain employees at no cost to the recipient. PSAs and PSUs generally vest over three years from the date of grant, however some PSUs cliff vest on or shortly after the third anniversary of the grant date. Generally, the value of PSAs and PSUs will equal the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant and the expense is recognized over the vesting period. Certain PSAs and PSUs have discretionary vesting conditions and are remeasured at fair value each reporting period. A recipient of a PSA is entitled to voting rights and is generally entitled to dividends on the common stock. A recipient of a PSU is entitled to receive a share of common stock after the applicable restrictions lapse. Additionally, a recipient of a PSU is generally entitled to receive cash payments or additional shares of common stock equivalent to any dividends paid on the underlying common stock during the period the PSU is outstanding, but is not entitled to voting rights.
The number of PSAs that vest each year, and PSUs that step vest over three years, can be reduced by 50% or 100% depending on whether specific performance goals are met during the vesting period. The number of three-year cliff vesting PSUs that will ultimately vest is contingent upon meeting specific performance goals over a three -year period. These PSUs also include an opportunity to receive from 0% to 150% of the target number of common shares.
The following table presents a summary of 2015 activity for PSAs and PSUs.

 
173
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Table 16.5: Summary of Performance Share Awards and Units
 
 
Performance Share Awards
 
Performance Share Units
(Shares/units in thousands)
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
per Share
 
Units
 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
per Unit
Unvested as of January 1, 2015
 
588

 
$
53.33

 
1,524

 
$
62.25

Granted (1)
 
0

 
0.00

 
1,213

 
65.98

Vested (1)
 
(395
)
 
51.42

 
(947
)
 
50.41

Forfeited
 
(10
)
 
56.32

 
(84
)
 
76.77

Unvested as of December 31, 2015
 
183

 
$
57.30

 
1,706

 
$
70.95

__________
(1)  
Includes adjustments for achievement of specific performance goals for performance share units granted in prior periods.
There were no PSAs granted in 2015. The weighted-average grant date fair value of PSAs granted during 2014 and 2013 was $70.96 and $56.32 , respectively. The total fair value of PSAs that vested during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $30 million , $33 million and $16 million , respectively. The unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested PSAs as of December 31, 2015 was $0.3 million , which is expected to be amortized over a weighted-average period of 0.1 years .
The weighted-average grant date fair value of PSUs granted during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $65.98 , $68.66 and $52.05 , respectively. The total fair value of performance share units that vested on the vesting date was $74 million , $20 million and $10 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested performance share units as of December 31, 2015 was $28 million , which is expected to be amortized over a weighted-average period of 1 year .
Cash-Settled Units
Cash-settled units are recorded as liabilities and marked-to-market on a quarterly basis. Cash-settled units are settled with a cash payment for each unit vested that is equal to the average fair market value of our common stock for the 15 or 20 trading days preceding the vesting date. Cash-settled units generally vest over three years beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant, however some cash-settled units cliff vest shortly before the one year anniversary of the grant date or on or shortly after the third anniversary of the grant date. Cash-settled units vesting during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 resulted in cash payments to associates of $70 million , $72 million and $74 million , respectively. We expect to recognize the unrecognized compensation cost for unvested cash-settled units of $1 million , as of December 31, 2015 , based on the closing price of our common stock as of that date, over a weighted-average period of 0.1 years .
Associate Stock Purchase Plan
We maintain an Associate Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”) which is a compensatory plan under the accounting guidance for stock-based compensation. We recognized $16 million , $13 million and $11 million in compensation expense for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, under the Purchase Plan.
Under the Purchase Plan, eligible associates are permitted to contribute between 1% and 15% of their base salary through payroll deductions. The amounts contributed are applied to the purchase of our unissued common or treasury stock at 85% of the current market price. Shares may also be acquired on the open market. Dividends for active participants are automatically reinvested in additional shares of common stock. Of the 18 million total authorized shares as of December 31, 2015 , 7 million shares were available for issuance.

 
174
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan
In 2002, we implemented our Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (the “2002 DRP”), which allows participating stockholders to purchase additional shares of our common stock through automatic reinvestment of dividends or optional cash investments. Of the 8 million total authorized shares as of December 31, 2015 , 7 million shares were available for issuance under the 2002 DRP.

 
175
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 17—EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Defined Contribution Plan
We sponsor a contributory Associate Savings Plan (the “Plan”) in which all full-time and part-time associates over the age of 18 are eligible to participate. We make non-elective contributions to each eligible associate’s account and match a portion of associate contributions. We also sponsor a voluntary non-qualified deferred compensation plan in which select groups of employees are eligible to participate. We make contributions to this plan based on participants’ deferral of salary, bonuses and other eligible pay. In addition, we match participants’ excess compensation (compensation over the Internal Revenue Service compensation limit) less deferrals. We contributed a total of $234 million , $214 million and $206 million to these plans during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively.
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
We sponsor a frozen qualified defined benefit pension plan and several non-qualified defined benefit pension plans. We also sponsor a plan that provides other postretirement benefits, including medical and life insurance coverage.
Our pension plans and the other postretirement benefit plans are valued using December 31, 2015 and 2014 measurement dates. Our policy is to amortize prior service amounts on a straight-line basis over the average remaining years of service to full eligibility for benefits of active plan participants.
The following table sets forth, on an aggregated basis, changes in the benefit obligation and plan assets, the funded status and how the funded status is recognized on our consolidated balance sheets.
Table 17.1: Changes in Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets
 
 
Defined Pension 
Benefits
 
Other Postretirement
Benefits
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Change in benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit obligation as of January 1,
 
$
204

 
$
185

 
$
55

 
$
53

Service cost
 
1

 
1

 
0

 
0

Interest cost
 
8

 
8

 
2

 
2

Benefits paid
 
(15
)
 
(17
)
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
Net actuarial (gain) loss
 
(13
)
 
27

 
(9
)
 
3

Benefit obligation as of December 31,
 
$
185

 
$
204

 
$
45

 
$
55

Change in plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets as of January 1,
 
$
239

 
$
230

 
$
7

 
$
7

Actual return on plan assets
 
(3
)
 
25

 
(1
)
 
0

Employer contributions
 
1

 
1

 
2

 
3

Benefits paid
 
(15
)
 
(17
)
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
Fair value of plan assets as of December 31,
 
$
222

 
$
239

 
$
5

 
$
7

Over (under) funded status as of December 31,
 
$
37

 
$
35

 
$
(40
)
 
$
(48
)
 
 
Defined Pension 
Benefits
 
Other Postretirement
Benefits
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Balance sheet presentation as of December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets
 
$
48

 
$
48

 
$
0

 
$
0

Other liabilities
 
(11
)
 
(13
)
 
(40
)
 
(48
)
Net amount recognized as of December 31,
 
$
37

 
$
35

 
$
(40
)
 
$
(48
)
Accumulated benefit obligation as of December 31,
 
$
185

 
$
204

 
 
 



 
176
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit costs and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income.
Table 17.2: Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Defined Pension 
Benefits
 
Other Postretirement
Benefits
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
 
$
1

 
$
1

 
$
0

 
$
0

Interest cost
 
8

 
8

 
2

 
2

Expected return on plan assets
 
(15
)
 
(14
)
 
0

 
0

Amortization of transition obligation, prior service credit and net actuarial loss (gain)
 
1

 
1

 
(4
)
 
(3
)
Net periodic benefit gain
 
$
(5
)
 
$
(4
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$
(1
)
Changes recognized in other comprehensive income, pretax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial (loss) gain
 
$
(5
)
 
$
(16
)
 
$
7

 
$
(3
)
Reclassification adjustments for amounts recognized in net periodic benefit cost
 
1

 
1

 
(4
)
 
(3
)
Total (loss) gain recognized in other comprehensive income
 
$
(4
)
 
$
(15
)
 
$
3

 
$
(6
)
Pre-tax amounts recognized in AOCI that have not yet been recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost consist of the following:
Table 17.3: Amounts Recognized in AOCI
 
 
December 31,
   
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Defined Pension
Benefits
 
Other Postretirement
Benefits
Prior service cost
 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
(2
)
 
$
(1
)
Net actuarial (loss) gain
 
(71
)
 
(67
)
 
12

 
8

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
 
$
(71
)
 
$
(67
)
 
$
10

 
$
7

Pre-tax amounts recorded in AOCI as of December 31, 2015 that are expected to be recognized as a component of our net periodic benefit cost in 2016 consist of the following:
Table 17.4: Estimated Amortization of Unamortized Actuarial Gains and Losses - 2016
 
 
2016 Estimate
(Dollars in millions)
 
Defined
Pension
Benefits
 
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
Prior service cost
 
$
0

 
$
1

Net actuarial (loss) gain
 
(1
)
 
3

Net (loss) gain
 
$
(1
)
 
$
4

The following table presents weighted-average assumptions used in the accounting for the plans:

 
177
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Table 17.5: Assumptions Used in the Accounting for the Plans
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Defined Pension 
Benefits
 
Other Postretirement 
Benefits
Assumptions for benefit obligations at measurement date:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
4.2%
 
3.9%
 
4.2%
 
3.9%
Assumptions for periodic benefit cost for the year ended:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
3.9
 
4.6
 
3.9
 
4.6
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
 
6.5
 
6.5
 
6.5
 
6.5
Assumptions for year-end valuations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-age 65
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
7.0
 
7.3
Post-age 65
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
7.1
 
7.4
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
4.5
 
4.5
Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
2037
 
2028
To develop the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption, consideration was given to the current level of expected returns on risk-free investments (primarily government bonds), the historical level of the risk premium associated with the other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested and the expectations for future returns of each asset class. The expected return for each asset class was then weighted based on the target asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on the plan assets assumption for the portfolio.
Assumed health care trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the other postretirement benefit plans. A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
Table 17.6: Sensitivity Analysis
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
   
 
1% Increase
 
1% Decrease
 
1% Increase
 
1% Decrease
Effect on year-end postretirement benefit obligation
 
$
5

 
$
(4
)
 
$
7

 
$
(6
)
Effect on total service and interest cost components
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

Plan Assets
The qualified defined benefit pension plan asset allocations as of the annual measurement dates are as follows:
Table 17.7: Plan Assets
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Common collective trusts (1)
 
57%
 
59%
Corporate bonds (Standard & Poor’s [“S&P”] rating of A or higher)
 
6
 
6
Corporate bonds (S&P rating of lower than A)
 
13
 
12
Government securities
 
18
 
16
Mortgage-backed securities
 
5
 
6
Municipal bonds
 
1
 
1
Total
 
100%
 
100%
__________
(1)  
Common collective trusts include domestic and international equity securities.

 
178
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Plan assets are invested using a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equity securities and debt securities are used to preserve asset values, diversify risk and enhance our ability to achieve our benchmark for long-term investment return.
Investment strategies and asset allocations are based on careful consideration of plan liabilities, the plan’s funded status and our financial condition. Investment performance and asset allocation are measured and monitored on a quarterly basis.
Plan assets are managed in a balanced portfolio comprised of three major components: a domestic equity portion, an international equity portion and a domestic fixed income portion. The expected role of plan equity investments is to maximize the long-term real growth of fund assets, while the role of fixed income investments is to generate current income, provide for more stable periodic returns and provide some protection against a prolonged decline in the market value of fund equity investments.
The investment guidelines provide the following asset allocation targets and ranges: domestic equity target of 39% and allowable range of 34% to 44% , international equity target of 16% and allowable range of 11% to 21% , fixed income securities target of 45% and allowable range of 35% to 55% .
Fair Value Measurement
For information on fair value measurements, including descriptions of Level 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy and the valuation methods we utilize, see “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” and “ Note 19—Fair Value Measurement .”
Table 17.8: Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basi s
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
Assets
at Fair
   Value  
(Dollars in millions)
 
Level 1  
 
Level 2
 
Level 3  
 
Common collective trusts
 
$
0

 
$
129

 
$
0

 
$
129

Corporate bonds (S&P rating of A or higher)
 
0

 
15

 
0

 
15

Corporate bonds (S&P rating of lower than A)
 
0

 
30

 
0

 
30

Government securities
 
0

 
40

 
0

 
40

Mortgage-backed securities
 
0

 
12

 
0

 
12

Municipal bonds
 
0

 
1

 
0

 
1

Total planned assets
 
$
0

 
$
227

 
$
0

 
$
227

 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
Assets
at Fair
  Value  
(Dollars in millions)
 
Level 1  
 
Level 2  
 
Level 3  
 
Common collective trusts
 
$
0

 
$
146

 
$
0

 
$
146

Corporate bonds (S&P rating of A or higher)
 
0

 
16

 
0

 
16

Corporate bonds (S&P rating of lower than A)
 
0

 
30

 
0

 
30

Government securities
 
0

 
38

 
0

 
38

Mortgage-backed securities
 
0

 
15

 
0

 
15

Municipal bonds
 
0

 
1

 
0

 
1

Total planned assets
 
$
0

 
$
246

 
$
0

 
$
246

Expected Future Benefit Payments
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:

 
179
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Table 17.9: Expected Future Benefits Payments
(Dollars in millions)
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Postretirement
Benefits
2016
 
$
13

 
$
3

2017
 
12

 
3

2018
 
12

 
3

2019
 
12

 
3

2020
 
12

 
3

2021-2025
 
54

 
13

In 2016, $1 million in contributions are expected to be made to the pension plans and $2 million in contributions are expected to be made to other postretirement benefits plans.

 
180
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 18—INCOME TAXES
We recognize the current and deferred tax consequences of all transactions that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements using the provisions of enacted tax laws. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to apply to taxable income in which the differences are expected to be settled or realized. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized.
The following table presents significant components of the provision for income taxes attributable to continuing operations :
Table 18.1: Significant Components of the Provision for Income Taxes Attributable to Continuing Operations
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Current income tax provision:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal taxes
 
$
1,991

 
$
1,934

 
$
1,581

State taxes
 
207

 
197

 
194

International taxes
 
73

 
91

 
115

Total current provision
 
$
2,271

 
$
2,222

 
$
1,890

Deferred income tax (benefit) provision:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal taxes
 
$
(368
)
 
$
(125
)
 
$
284

State taxes
 
(39
)
 
22

 
46

International taxes
 
5

 
27

 
4

Total deferred (benefit) provision
 
$
(402
)
 
$
(76
)
 
$
334

Total income tax provision
 
$
1,869

 
$
2,146

 
$
2,224

The international income tax provision is related to pre-tax earnings from foreign operations of approximately $288 million in 2015 , $466 million in 2014 and $459 million in 2013 .
The following table presents the income tax provision (benefit) reported in stockholders’ equity:
Table 18.2: Income Tax Provision (Benefit) Reported in Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Income tax provision (benefit) recorded in AOCI (1)
 
$
19

 
$
374

 
$
(978
)
Income tax (benefit) provision recorded in additional paid in capital
 
(7
)
 
16

 
(10
)
Foreign currency translation losses
 
23

 
6

 
5

Total income tax provision (benefit) recorded in stockholders’ equity
 
$
35

 
$
396

 
$
(983
)
__________
(1)  
Includes the impact from hedging instruments designated as net investment hedges.
The following table presents the reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate applicable to income from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 :

 
181
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Table 18.3: Effective Income Tax Rate
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Income tax at U.S. federal statutory tax rate
 
35.0%

 
35.0%

 
35.0%

State taxes, net of federal benefit
 
1.9

 
1.8

 
2.1

Low-income housing, new markets and other tax credits
 
(4.0
)
 
(3.0
)
 
(2.5
)
Other foreign tax differences, net
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(0.6
)
Other, net
 
(0.9
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(0.2
)
Effective tax rate
 
31.8%

 
32.7%

 
33.8%

The following table presents significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at  December 31, 2015 and 2014 :
Table 18.4: Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
(Dollars in millions)
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan and lease losses
 
$
1,853

 
$
1,574

Rewards programs
 
1,192

 
993

Security and loan valuations
 
912

 
928

Compensation and employee benefits
 
303

 
305

Goodwill and intangibles
 
245

 
140

Representation and warranty reserve
 
226

 
271

Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
 
176

 
163

Unearned income
 
143

 
100

Net unrealized losses on derivatives
 
0

 
41

Other assets
 
329

 
323

Subtotal
 
5,379

 
4,838

Valuation allowance
 
(166
)
 
(148
)
Total deferred tax assets
 
5,213

 
4,690

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Original issue discount
 
940

 
875

Fixed assets and leases
 
242

 
208

Net unrealized gains on derivatives
 
46

 
0

Other liabilities
 
323

 
275

Total deferred tax liabilities
 
1,551

 
1,358

Net deferred tax assets
 
$
3,662

 
$
3,332

As of the end of December 31, 2015 , we have federal net operating loss carryforwards and losses of $20 million attributable to prior acquisitions that expire from 2018 to 2034. Under IRS rules, the Company’s ability to utilize these losses against future income is limited. We have state operating loss carryforwards with a net tax value of $169 million that expire from 2016 to 2034.
The valuation allowance increased by $18 million to $166 million as of December 31, 2015 in order to adjust the tax benefit of certain state deferred tax assets and net operating loss carryforwards to the amount we have determined is more likely than not to be realized. We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to income taxes as a component of income tax expense. We recognized a $3 million benefit for net interest and penalties for both 2015 and 2014, and a $13 million benefit for 2013 .

 
182
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




The following table presents the accrued balance of tax, interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits:
Table 18.5: Reconciliation of the Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits
(Dollars in millions)
 
Gross
Unrecognized
Tax Benefits
 
Accrued
Interest and
Penalties
 
Gross Tax,
Interest and
Penalties
Balance as of January 1, 2014
 
$
114

 
$
39

 
$
153

Additions for tax positions related to prior years
 
9

 
2

 
11

Reductions for tax positions related to prior years due to IRS and other settlements
 
(16
)
 
(5
)
 
(21
)
Balance as of December 31, 2014
 
$
107

 
$
36

 
$
143

Additions for tax positions related to prior years
 
38

 
8

 
46

Reductions for tax positions related to prior years due to IRS and other settlements
 
(15
)
 
(11
)
 
(26
)
Balance as of December 31, 2015
 
$
130

 
$
33

 
$
163

Portion of balance at December 31, 2015 that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate
 
$
85

 
$
21

 
$
106

We are subject to examination by the IRS and other tax authorities in certain countries and states in which we operate. The tax years subject to examination vary by jurisdiction. During 2015, the IRS continued examining the Company’s federal income tax returns for the tax years 2012 and 2013. These examinations are expected to be completed in 2016. 
The Company entered into the IRS Compliance Assurance Process (“CAP”) for the Company’s 2014 federal income tax return.  The CAP examination process was substantially completed in 2015 prior to the filing of the Company’s 2014 federal income tax return. The Company has continued in the CAP examination process for the 2015 tax year, with a similar expectation that the IRS examination will be substantially completed prior to the filing of its 2015 federal income tax return in 2016. The Company has also been accepted into CAP for 2016. It is reasonably possible that further adjustments to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits may be made within twelve months of the reporting date as a result of the above-referenced pending matters. At this time, an estimate of the potential change to the amount of unrecognized tax benefits cannot be made.
As of December 31, 2015 , U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes have not been provided on approximately $1.5 billion of unremitted earnings of subsidiaries operating outside the U.S., in accordance with the guidance for accounting for income taxes in special areas. These earnings are considered by management to be invested indefinitely. Upon repatriation of these earnings, we could be subject to both U.S. income taxes (subject to possible adjustment for foreign tax credits) and withholding taxes payable to various foreign countries. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. income tax liability and foreign withholding tax on these unremitted earnings is not practicable at this time because such liability is dependent upon circumstances existing if and when remittance occurs.
As of December 31, 2015 , U.S. income taxes of approximately $107 million have not been provided for approximately $287 million of previously acquired thrift bad debt reserves created for tax purposes as of December 31, 1987. These amounts, acquired as a result of the merger with North Fork Bancorporation, Inc. (“North Fork”) and the acquisition of Chevy Chase Bank, F.S.B. (“CCB”), are subject to recapture in the unlikely event that CONA, as successor to North Fork and CCB, makes distributions in excess of earnings and profits, redeems its stock, or liquidates.

 
183
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 19—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date (also referred to as an exit price). The fair value accounting guidance provides a three-level fair value hierarchy for classifying financial instruments. This hierarchy is based on the markets in which the assets or liabilities trade and whether the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value are observable or unobservable. The fair value measurement of a financial asset or liability is assigned a level based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
Level 1:
  
Valuation is based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2:
  
Valuation is based on observable market-based inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or models using inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data of substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3:
  
Valuation is generated from techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. Valuation techniques include pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar techniques.
The accounting guidance for fair value measurements requires that we maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs in determining fair value. The accounting guidance provides for the irrevocable option to elect, on a contract-by-contract basis, to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value at inception of the contract and record any subsequent changes in fair value in earnings. We have not made any material fair value option elections as of or for the periods disclosed herein.
Fair Value Governance and Control
We have a governance framework and a number of key controls that are intended to ensure that our fair value measurements are appropriate and reliable. Our governance framework provides for independent oversight and segregation of duties. Our control processes include review and approval of new transaction types, price verification and review of valuation judgments, methods, models, process controls and results. Groups independent of our trading and investing functions, including our Corporate Valuations Group (“CVG”), Fair Value Committee (“FVC”) and Model Validation Group (“MVG”), participate in the review and validation process. The fair valuation governance process is set up in a manner that allows the Chairperson of the FVC to escalate valuation disputes that cannot be resolved by the FVC to a more senior committee called the Valuations Advisory Committee (“VAC”) for resolution. The VAC is chaired by the Chief Financial Officer and includes other members of senior management. The VAC is only required to convene to review escalated valuation disputes and may meet for a general update on the valuation process.
The CVG performs periodic verification of fair value measurements to determine if assigned fair values are reasonable. For example, in cases where we rely on third-party pricing services to obtain fair value measures, we analyze pricing variances among different pricing sources and validate the final price used by comparing the information to additional sources, including dealer pricing indications in transaction results and other internal sources, where necessary. Additional validation procedures performed by the CVG include reviewing (either directly or indirectly through the reasonableness of assigned fair values) valuation inputs and assumptions and monitoring acceptable variances between recommended prices and validation prices. The CVG and the Trade Analytics and Valuation (“TAV”) team perform due diligence reviews of the third-party pricing services by comparing their prices to those from other sources and periodically reviewing research publications. Additionally, when necessary, the CVG and TAV challenge prices from third-party vendors to ensure reasonableness of prices through a pricing challenge process. This may include a request for transparency of the assumptions used by the third party.
The FVC, which includes representation from our Risk Management and Finance functions, is a forum for discussing fair market valuations, related inputs, assumptions, methodologies, as well as variance thresholds, valuation control environments and material risks or concerns related to fair market valuations. Additionally, the FVC is empowered to resolve valuation disputes between the primary valuation providers and the CVG, and provides guidance and oversight to ensure an appropriate valuation control environment. The FVC regularly reviews and approves our valuation methodologies to ensure that our methodologies and practices are consistent with industry standards and adhere to regulatory and accounting guidance. The Chief Financial Officer determines when material issues or concerns regarding valuations shall be raised to the Audit Committee or another delegated committee of the Board of Directors.

 
184
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




We have a model policy, established by an independent Model Risk Office, which governs the validation of models and related supporting documentation to ensure the appropriate use of models for pricing. The MVG is part of the Model Risk Office and validates all models and provides ongoing monitoring of their performance, including the validation and monitoring of the performance of all valuation models.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table displays our assets and liabilities measured on our consolidated balance sheets at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 :
Table 19.1: Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
4,660

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
4,660

RMBS
 
0

 
26,807

 
504

 
27,311

CMBS
 
0

 
5,282

 
97

 
5,379

Other ABS
 
0

 
1,340

 
0

 
1,340

Other securities
 
355

 
2

 
14

 
371

Total securities available for sale
 
5,015

 
33,431

 
615

 
39,061

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer MSRs
 
0

 
0

 
68

 
68

Derivative assets (1)(2)
 
2

 
1,459

 
57

 
1,518

Retained interests in securitizations
 
0

 
0

 
211

 
211

Total assets
 
$
5,017

 
$
34,890

 
$
951

 
$
40,858

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities (1)(2)
 
$
2

 
$
491

 
$
27

 
$
520

Total liabilities
 
$
2

 
$
491

 
$
27

 
$
520


 
185
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
4,117

 
$
1

 
$
0

 
$
4,118

Corporate debt securities guaranteed by U.S. government agencies
 
0

 
467

 
333

 
800

RMBS
 
0

 
24,820

 
561

 
25,381

CMBS
 
0

 
5,291

 
228

 
5,519

Other ABS
 
0

 
2,597

 
65

 
2,662

Other securities
 
111

 
899

 
18

 
1,028

Total securities available for sale
 
4,228

 
34,075

 
1,205

 
39,508

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer MSRs
 
0

 
0

 
53

 
53

Derivative assets (1)(2)
 
4

 
1,382

 
66

 
1,452

Retained interests in securitizations
 
0

 
0

 
221

 
221

Total assets
 
$
4,232

 
$
35,457

 
$
1,545

 
$
41,234

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities (1)(2)
 
$
3

 
$
293

 
$
43

 
$
339

Total liabilities
 
$
3

 
$
293

 
$
43

 
$
339

__________
(1)  
As of January 1, 2015, we changed our accounting principle to move from a gross basis of presentation to a net basis, for presenting qualifying derivative assets and liabilities, as well as the related right to reclaim cash collateral or obligation to return cash collateral. See “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” for additional information. Prior period results have been recast to conform to this presentation.
The balances represent gross derivative amounts and are not reduced by the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements that allow us to net positive and negative positions and the related payables and receivables for cash collateral held or placed with the same counterparty. The net derivative assets were $986 million and $828 million , and the net derivative liabilities were $377 million and $175 million as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. See “ Note 11—Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities ” for further information.
(2)  
Does not reflect $4 million recognized as a net valuation allowance on derivative assets and liabilities for non-performance risk as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Non-performance risk is reflected in other assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and offset through non-interest income in the consolidated statements of income.
The determination of the classification of financial instruments in the fair value hierarchy is performed at the end of each reporting period. We consider all available information, including observable market data, indications of market liquidity and orderliness, and our understanding of the valuation techniques and significant inputs. Based upon the specific facts and circumstances of each instrument or instrument category, judgments are made regarding the significance of the unobservable inputs to the instruments’ fair value measurement in its entirety. If unobservable inputs are considered significant, the instrument is classified as Level 3. The process for determining fair value using unobservable inputs is generally more subjective and involves a high degree of management judgment and assumptions. During 2015 , we had minimal movements between Levels 1 and 2.
Level 3 Recurring Fair Value Rollforward
The table below presents a reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured and recognized at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 . When assets and liabilities are transferred between levels, we recognize the transfer as of the end of the period.
 
 

 
186
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Table 19.2: Level 3 Recurring Fair Value Rollforward
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
Total Gains (Losses)
(Realized/Unrealized)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
Included in Net
Income Related to Assets and
Liabilities Still Held as of
Dcember 31, 2015 (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Balance,
January 1,
2015
 
Included
in Net
Income (1)
 
Included in
OCI
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Issuances
 
Settlements
 
Transfers
Into
Level 3 (2)
 
Transfers
Out of
Level 3 (2)
 
Balance, December 31, 2015
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities guaranteed by U.S. government agencies
 
$
333

 
$
(1
)
 
$
6

 
$
0

 
$
(226
)
 
$
0

 
$
(12
)
 
$
0

 
$
(100
)
 
$
0

 
$
0

RMBS
 
561

 
35

 
(3
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
(63
)
 
343

 
(369
)
 
504

 
36

CMBS
 
228

 
0

 
(1
)
 
138

 
0

 
0

 
(52
)
 
0

 
(216
)
 
97

 
0

Other ABS
 
65

 
1

 
(2
)
 
0

 
(20
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
(44
)
 
0

 
0

Other securities
 
18

 
0

 
0

 
4

 
0

 
0

 
(8
)
 
0

 
0

 
14

 
0

Total securities available for sale
 
1,205

 
35

 
0

 
142

 
(246
)
 
0

 
(135
)
 
343

 
(729
)
 
615

 
36

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer MSRs
 
53

 
(1
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
22

 
(6
)
 
0

 
0

 
68

 
(1
)
Derivative assets (4)
 
66

 
14

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
49

 
(59
)
 
0

 
(13
)
 
57

 
14

Retained interest in securitizations
 
221

 
(10
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
211

 
(10
)
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities (4)
 
$
(43
)
 
$
(9
)
 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
(20
)
 
$
36

 
$
0

 
$
9

 
$
(27
)
 
$
(9
)
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
Total Gains (Losses)
(Realized/Unrealized)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
Included in Net
Income Related to Assets and Liabilities Still Held as of December 31, 2014 (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Balance,
January 1,
2014
 
Included
in Net
Income (1)
 
Included in
OCI
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Issuances
 
Settlements
 
Transfers
Into
Level 3 (2)
 
Transfers
Out of
Level 3 (2)
 
Balance,
December 31, 2014
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities guaranteed by U.S. government agencies
 
$
927

 
$
(5
)
 
$
20

 
$
0

 
$
(248
)
 
$
0

 
$
(63
)
 
$
64

 
$
(362
)
 
$
333

 
$
0

RMBS
 
1,304

 
65

 
39

 
1,022

 
0

 
0

 
(171
)
 
259

 
(1,957
)
 
561

 
64

CMBS
 
739

 
0

 
3

 
192

 
0

 
0

 
(75
)
 
66

 
(697
)
 
228

 
0

Other ABS
 
343

 
5

 
12

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
(3
)
 
75

 
(367
)
 
65

 
5

Other securities
 
17

 
(1
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
(8
)
 
10

 
0

 
18

 
0

Total securities available for sale
 
3,330

 
64

 
74

 
1,214

 
(248
)
 
0

 
(320
)
 
474

 
(3,383
)
 
1,205

 
69

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer MSRs
 
69

 
(27
)
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
15

 
(4
)
 
0

 
0

 
53

 
(27
)
Derivative assets (4)
 
50

 
20

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
20

 
(21
)
 
0

 
(3
)
 
66

 
19

Retained interest in securitization
 
199

 
22

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
221

 
22

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities (4)
 
$
(38
)
 
$
(20
)
 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
(15
)
 
$
29

 
$
0

 
$
1

 
$
(43
)
 
$
(20
)
__________
(1)  
Gains (losses) related to Level 3 Consumer MSRs, derivative assets and derivative liabilities, and retained interests in securitizations are reported in other non-interest income, which is a component of non-interest income, in our consolidated statements of income.
(2)  
During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the transfers into Level 3 were primarily driven by less consistency among vendor pricing on individual securities, while the transfers out of Level 3 for 2015 and 2014 were primarily driven by greater consistency among multiple pricing sources.

 
187
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




(3)  
The amount presented for unrealized gains (losses) for assets still held as of the reporting date primarily represents impairments of securities available for sale, accretion on certain fixed maturity securities, changes in fair value of derivative instruments and mortgage servicing rights transactions. Impairment is reported in total OTTI, which is a component of non-interest income, in our consolidated statements of income.
(4)  
All Level 3 derivative assets and liabilities are presented on a gross basis and are not reduced by the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements that allow us to net positive and negative positions and the related payables and receivables for cash collateral held or placed with the same counterparty.
Significant Level 3 Fair Value Asset and Liability Input Sensitivity
Changes in unobservable inputs may have a significant impact on fair value. Certain of these unobservable inputs will, in isolation, have a directionally consistent impact on the fair value of the instrument for a given change in that input. Alternatively, the fair value of the instrument may move in an opposite direction for a given change in another input. In general, an increase in the discount rate, default rates, loss severity and credit spreads, in isolation, would result in a decrease in the fair value measurement. In addition, an increase in default rates would generally be accompanied by a decrease in recovery rates, slower prepayment rates and an increase in liquidity spreads.
Techniques and Inputs for Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the significant unobservable inputs relied upon to determine the fair values of our Level 3 financial instruments on a recurring basis. We utilize multiple third-party pricing services to obtain fair value measures for our securities. Several of our third-party pricing services are only able to provide unobservable input information for a limited number of securities due to software licensing restrictions. Other third-party pricing services are able to provide unobservable input information for all securities for which they provide a valuation. As a result, the unobservable input information for the securities available for sale presented below represents a composite summary of all information we are able to obtain for a majority of our securities. The unobservable input information for all other Level 3 financial instruments is based on the assumptions used in our internal valuation models.
Table 19.3: Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
 
 
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
(Dollars in millions)
 
Fair Value at December 31,
2015
 
Significant
Valuation
Techniques
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
Range
 
Weighted
Average
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RMBS
 
$
504

 
Discounted cash flows (3rd party pricing)
 
Yield
Constant prepayment rate
Default rate
Loss severity
 
0-12%
0-28%
0-8%
16-85%
 
6%
4%
4%
55%
CMBS
 
97

 
Discounted cash flows (3rd party pricing)
 
Yield
Constant prepayment rate
 
2-3%
0-15%
 
3%
9%
Other securities
 
14

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Yield
 
1%
 
1%
Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer MSRs
 
68

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Total prepayment rate
Discount rate
Option-adjusted spread rate
Servicing cost ($ per loan)
 
11-18%
12%
435-1,500 bps
$93-$201
 
16%
12%
474 bps
$98
Derivative assets (1)
 
57

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Swap rates
 
2%
 
2%
Retained interests in securitization (2)
 
211

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Life of receivables (months) Constant prepayment rate
Discount rate
Default rate
Loss severity
 
16-75
1-13%
4-9%
2-6%
15-94%
 
N/A
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities (1)
 
$
27

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Swap rates
 
2%
 
2%

 
 
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

 
188
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




(Dollars in millions)
 
Fair Value at
December 31,
2014
 
Significant
Valuation
Techniques
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
Range
 
Weighted
Average
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RMBS
 
$
561

 
Discounted cash flows (3rd party pricing)
 
Yield
Constant prepayment rate
Default rate
Loss severity
 
0-18%
0-23%
0-15%
0-85%
 
6%
4%
5%
55%
CMBS
 
228

 
Discounted cash flows (3rd party pricing)
 
Yield
Constant prepayment rate
 
1-4%
0-100%
 
1%
5%
Other ABS
 
65

 
Discounted cash flows (3rd party pricing)
 
Yield
Constant prepayment rate
Default rate
Loss severity
 
2-7%
0-3%
1-10%
30-88%
 
5%
2%
7%
71%
U.S. government guaranteed debt and other securities
 
351

 
Discounted cash flows (3rd party pricing)
 
Yield
 
1-4%
 
3%
Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer MSRs
 
53

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Total prepayment rate
Discount rate
Option-adjusted spread rate
Servicing cost ($ per loan)
 
12-27%
12%
435-1,500 bps
$93-$209
 
18%
12%
478 bps
$101
Derivative assets (1)
 
66

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Swap rates
 
2-3%
 
2%
Retained interests in securitization (2)
 
221

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Life of receivables (months) Constant prepayment rate
Discount rate
Default rate
Loss severity
 
25-72
2-13%
4-9%
2-8%
19-95%
 
N/A
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities (1)
 
$
43

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Swap rates
 
2-3%
 
2%
__________
(1)  
All Level 3 derivative assets and liabilities are presented on a gross basis and are not reduced by the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements that allow us to net positive and negative positions and the related payables and receivables for cash collateral held or placed with the same counterparty.
(2)  
Due to the nature of the various mortgage securitization structures in which we have retained interests, it is not meaningful to present a consolidated weighted average for the significant unobservable inputs.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
We are required to measure and recognize certain other assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis on the consolidated balance sheets. These assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, from the application of lower of cost or market accounting or when we evaluate for impairment). The following table presents the carrying amount of the assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and still held as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , and for which a nonrecurring fair value measurement was recorded during the years then ended:
Table 19.4: Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements Related to Assets Still Held at Period End
 
 
December 31, 2015
  
 
Estimated Fair Value Hierarchy
 
Total
(Dollars in millions)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Loans held for investment
 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
362

 
$
362

Loans held for sale
 
0

 
149

 
0

 
149

Other assets (1)
 
0

 
0

 
92

 
92

Total
 
$
0

 
$
149

 
$
454

 
$
603


 
189
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




 
 
December 31, 2014
  
 
Estimated Fair Value Hierarchy
 
Total
(Dollars in millions)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Loans held for investment
 
$
0

 
$
0

 
$
121

 
$
121

Loans held for sale
 
0

 
34

 
0

 
34

Other assets (1)
 
0

 
0

 
65

 
65

Total
 
$
0

 
$
34

 
$
186

 
$
220

__________
(1)  
Includes foreclosed property and repossessed assets of $54 million and long-lived assets held for sale of $38 million as of December 31, 2015 , compared to foreclosed property and repossessed assets of $60 million and long-lived assets held for sale of $5 million as of December 31, 2014 .
In the above table, loans held for investment primarily include nonperforming loans for which specific reserves or charge-offs have been recognized. These loans are classified as Level 3 as they are valued based in part on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral and the non-recoverable rate, which is considered to be a significant unobservable input. Collateral fair value sources include the appraisal value obtained from independent appraisers, broker pricing opinions or other available market information. The non-recoverable rate ranged from 9% to 73% , with a weighted average of 20% , and from 0% to 74% , with a weighted average of 30% , as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The fair value of the other assets classified as Level 3 is determined based on appraisal value or listing price which involves significant judgment; the significant unobservable inputs and related quantitative information are not meaningful to disclose as they vary significantly across properties and collateral.
The following table presents total nonrecurring fair value measurements for the period, included in earnings, attributable to the change in fair value relating to assets that are still held at December 31, 2015 and 2014 :
Table 19.5: Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements Included in Earnings Related to Assets Still Held at Period End
 
 
Total Losses
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
Loans held for investment
 
$
(80
)
 
$
(24
)
Loans held for sale
 
(1
)
 
0

Other assets (1)
 
(45
)
 
(12
)
Total
 
$
(126
)
 
$
(36
)
__________
(1)  
Includes losses related to foreclosed property, repossessed assets and long-lived assets.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table is a summary of the fair value estimates for our financial instruments, excluding those financial instruments that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as they are included within the “Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis” table included earlier in this Note.

 
190
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Table 19.6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Estimated Fair Value Hierarchy
(Dollars in millions)
 
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
8,023

 
$
8,023

 
$
8,023

 
$
0

 
$
0

Restricted cash for securitization investors
 
1,017

 
1,017

 
1,017

 
0

 
0

Securities held to maturity
 
24,619

 
25,317

 
198

 
25,068

 
51

Net loans held for investment
 
224,721

 
222,007

 
0

 
0

 
222,007

Loans held for sale
 
904

 
933

 
0

 
860

 
73

Interest receivable (1)
 
1,189

 
1,189

 
0

 
1,189

 
0

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-interest bearing deposits
 
$
25,847

 
$
25,847

 
$
25,847

 
$
0

 
$
0

Interest-bearing deposits
 
191,874

 
185,075

 
0

 
15,848

 
169,227

Securitized debt obligations
 
16,166

 
16,225

 
0

 
16,225

 
0

Senior and subordinated notes
 
21,837

 
22,062

 
0

 
22,062

 
0

Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase
 
981

 
981

 
981

 
0

 
0

Other borrowings
 
20,131

 
20,134

 
0

 
20,134

 
0

Interest payable (1)
 
299

 
299

 
0

 
299

 
0

 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Estimated Fair Value Hierarchy
(Dollars in millions)
 
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
7,242

 
$
7,242

 
$
7,242

 
$
0

 
$
0

Restricted cash for securitization investors
 
234

 
234

 
234

 
0

 
0

Securities held to maturity
 
22,500

 
23,634

 
0

 
23,503

 
131

Net loans held for investment
 
203,933

 
207,104

 
0

 
0

 
207,104

Loans held for sale
 
626

 
650

 
0

 
650

 
0

Interest receivable (1)
 
1,079

 
1,079

 
0

 
1,079

 
0

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-interest bearing deposits
 
$
25,081

 
$
25,081

 
$
25,081

 
$
0

 
$
0

Interest-bearing deposits
 
180,467

 
174,074

 
0

 
11,668

 
162,406

Securitized debt obligations
 
11,624

 
11,745

 
0

 
11,745

 
0

Senior and subordinated notes
 
18,684

 
19,083

 
0

 
19,083

 
0

Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase
 
880

 
880

 
880

 
0

 
0

Other borrowings
 
17,269

 
17,275

 
0

 
17,275

 
0

Interest payable (1)
 
254

 
254

 
0

 
254

 
0

__________
(1)
As of January 1, 2015, we changed our accounting principle to move from a gross basis of presentation to a net basis, for presenting qualifying derivative assets and liabilities, as well as the related right to reclaim cash collateral or obligation to return cash collateral. Prior period results have been recast to conform to this presentation. See additional information in “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies .”
Financial Assets and Liabilities
The following describes the valuation techniques used in estimating the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . We applied the fair value provisions to the financial instruments not recognized on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value, which include securities held to maturity, loans held for investment, loans held for sale, interest receivable, interest-bearing deposits, securitized debt obligations, other borrowings and senior and subordinated notes. The provisions requiring us to maximize the use of observable inputs and to measure fair value using a notion of exit price were factored into our selection of inputs for our established valuation techniques.

 
191
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Cash and Cash Equivalents
The carrying amounts of cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell and interest-bearing deposits with banks approximate fair value.
Restricted Cash for Securitization Investors
The carrying amount of restricted cash for securitization investors approximates the fair value due to its relatively short-term nature.
Investment Securities
Quoted prices in active markets are used to measure the fair value of U.S. Treasury debt obligations. For the majority of securities in other investment categories, we utilize multiple third-party pricing services to obtain fair value measurements. A pricing service may be considered as the primary pricing provider for certain types of securities, and the designation of the primary pricing provider may vary depending on the type of securities. The determination of the primary pricing provider is based on our experience and validation benchmark of the pricing service’s performance in terms of providing fair value measurements for the various types of securities.
Certain securities are classified as Level 2 and 3, the majority of which are RMBS and CMBS. When significant assumptions are not consistently observable, fair values are derived using the best available data. Such data may include quotes provided by a dealer, the use of external pricing services, independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as calculation of the present values of future cash flows incorporating assumptions such as benchmark yields, spreads, prepayment speeds, credit ratings and losses. The techniques used by the pricing services utilize observable market data to the extent available. Pricing models may be used, which can vary by asset class and may incorporate available trade, bid and other market information. Across asset classes, information such as trader/dealer input, credit spreads, forward curves and prepayment speeds are used to help determine appropriate valuations. Because many fixed income securities do not trade on a daily basis, the pricing models may apply available information through processes such as benchmarking curves, like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing to prepare valuations. In addition, model processes are used by the pricing services to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios.
We validate the pricing obtained from the primary pricing providers through comparison of pricing to additional sources, including other pricing services, dealer pricing indications in transaction results and other internal sources. Pricing variances among different pricing sources are analyzed and validated. Additionally, on an on-going basis, we select a sample of securities and test the third-party valuation by obtaining more detailed information about the pricing methodology, sources of information and assumptions used to value the securities.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of our RMBS, CMBS and other ABS include yield, prepayment rate, default rate and loss severity in the event of default. Significant increases or decreases in any of those inputs in isolation or combination would result in a significant change in fair value measurement. Generally, an increase in the yield assumption will result in a decrease in fair value measurement; however, an increase or decrease in prepayment rate, default rate or loss severity may have a different impact on the fair value given various characteristics of the security including the capital structure of the deal, credit enhancement for the security or other factors.
Net Loans Held For Investment
Loans held for investment that are individually impaired are carried at the lower of cost or fair value of the underlying collateral, less the estimated cost to sell. The fair values of credit card loans, installment loans, auto loans, home loans and commercial loans are estimated using a discounted cash flow method, which is a form of the income approach. Discount rates are determined considering rates at which similar portfolios of loans would be made under current conditions and considering liquidity spreads applicable to each loan portfolio based on the secondary market. The fair value of credit card loans excludes any value related to customer account relationships. For loans held for investment that are recorded at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets and are measured on a nonrecurring basis, the fair value is determined using appraisal values that are obtained from independent appraisers, broker pricing opinions or other available market information, adjusted for the estimated costs to transact the sale.

 
192
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Due to the use of significant unobservable inputs, loans held for investment are classified as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy. Fair value adjustments for individually impaired collateralized loans held for investment are recorded in provision for credit losses in the consolidated statements of income.
Loans Held For Sale
Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost, net of deferred fees and deferred origination costs, or fair value. We originate loans with the intent to sell them. Certain commercial mortgage loans are sold to government-sponsored enterprises as part of a delegated underwriting and servicing (“DUS”) program. For DUS commercial mortgage loans, the fair value is estimated primarily using contractual prices and other observable market-based inputs. For residential mortgage loans classified as held for sale, the fair value is estimated using observable market prices for loans with similar characteristics as the primary component, with the secondary component derived from typical securitization activities and market conditions. Credit card loans held for sale are valued based on other observable market-based inputs. These assets are therefore classified as Level 2. Fair value adjustments to loans held for sale are recorded in other non-interest income in our consolidated statements of income.
Interest Receivable
The carrying amount of interest receivable approximates the fair value of this asset due to its relatively short-term nature.
Derivative Assets and Liabilities
We use both exchange-traded derivatives and OTC derivatives to manage our interest rate and foreign currency risk exposure. Quoted market prices are available and used to value our exchange-traded derivatives, which we classify as Level 1. However, predominantly all of our derivatives are traded in OTC markets where quoted market prices are not always readily available. Therefore, we value most OTC derivatives using valuation techniques, which include internally-developed models. We primarily rely on market observable inputs for our models, such as interest rate yield curves, credit curves, option volatility and currency rates, that vary depending on the type of derivative and nature of the underlying rate, price or index upon which the derivative’s value is based. Where model inputs can be observed in a liquid market and the model does not require significant judgment, such derivatives are typically classified as Level 2. When instruments are traded in less liquid markets and significant inputs are unobservable, such as interest rate swaps whose remaining terms do not correlate with market observable interest rate yield curves, the derivatives are classified as Level 3. The impact of counterparty non-performance risk is considered when measuring the fair value of derivative assets. We validate the pricing obtained from the internal models through comparison of pricing to additional sources, including external valuation agents and other internal sources. Pricing variances among different pricing sources are analyzed and validated. These derivatives are included in other assets or other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Mortgage Servicing Rights
We record consumer MSRs at fair value on a recurring basis, while commercial MSRs are subsequently measured at amortized cost with impairment recognized as a reduction in other non-interest income. MSRs do not trade in an active market with readily observable prices. Accordingly, we determine the fair value of MSRs using a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The model incorporates assumptions that we believe other market participants use in estimating future net servicing income, including estimates of prepayment speeds, discount rate/option-adjusted spreads, cost to service, contractual servicing fee income, ancillary income and late fees. Fair value measurements of MSRs use significant unobservable inputs and, accordingly, are classified as Level 3. In the event we enter into an agreement with a third party to sell the MSRs, the valuation is based on the agreed upon sale price which is considered to be the exit price and the MSRs are classified as Level 2.
Retained Interests in Securitizations
We have retained interests in various mortgage securitizations from previous acquisitions. Our retained interest includes rights to future cash flows arising from the receivables, the most significant being certificated interest-only bonds issued by a trust. We record our interest in these deals at fair value using market indications and valuation models to calculate the present value of future income. The models incorporate various assumptions that market participants use in estimating future income including weighted-average life, constant prepayment rate, discount rate, default rate and severity.

 
193
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Other Assets
Included in other assets are foreclosed property, other repossessed assets and long-lived assets held for sale. Foreclosed property, other repossessed assets and long-lived assets held for sale are carried at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. The fair value is determined based on the appraisal value, listing price of the property or collateral provided by independent appraisers, and is adjusted for the estimated costs to transact the sale. Due to the use of significant unobservable inputs, these assets are classified as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy. Fair value adjustments for these assets are recorded in other non-interest expense in the consolidated statements of income.
Non-Interest Bearing Deposits
The carrying amount of non-interest bearing deposits approximates fair value.
Interest-Bearing Deposits
The fair value of interest-bearing deposits is determined based on discounted expected cash flows using discount rates consistent with current market rates for similar products with similar remaining terms.
Securitized Debt Obligations
We utilized multiple third-party pricing services to obtain fair value measurements for the large majority of our securitized debt obligations. The techniques used by the pricing services utilize observable market data to the extent available; and pricing models may be used which incorporate available trade, bid and other market information. We used internal pricing models, discounted cash flow models or similar techniques to estimate the fair value of certain securitization trusts where third-party pricing was not available.
Senior and Subordinated Notes
We engage multiple third-party pricing services in order to estimate the fair value of senior and subordinated notes. The pricing services utilize pricing models that incorporate available trade, bid and other market information. It also incorporates spread assumptions, volatility assumptions and relevant credit information into the pricing models.
Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Loaned or Sold under Agreements to Repurchase and Other Borrowings
The carrying amount of federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements approximates fair value. The fair value of FHLB advances is determined based on discounted expected cash flows using discount rates consistent with current market rates for FHLB advances with similar remaining terms.
Interest Payable
The carrying amount of interest payable approximates the fair value of this liability due to its relatively short-term nature.


 
194
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 20—BUSINESS SEGMENTS
Our principal operations are currently organized into three major business segments, which are defined based on the products and services provided or the type of customer served: Credit Card, Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking. The operations of acquired businesses have been integrated into our existing business segments. Certain activities that are not part of a segment, such as management of our corporate investment portfolio and asset/liability management by our centralized Corporate Treasury group, are included in the Other category.
Credit Card: Consists of our domestic consumer and small business card lending, and the international card lending businesses in Canada and the United Kingdom.
Consumer Banking: Consists of our branch-based lending and deposit gathering activities for consumers and small businesses, national deposit gathering, national auto lending and consumer home loan lending and servicing activities.
Commercial Banking: Consists of our lending, deposit gathering and treasury management services to commercial real estate and commercial and industrial customers. Our commercial and industrial customers typically include companies with annual revenues between $10 million to $1 billion .
Other category: Includes the residual impact of the allocation of our centralized Corporate Treasury group activities, such as management of our corporate investment portfolio and asset/liability management, to our business segments. Accordingly, net gains and losses on our investment securities portfolio and certain trading activities are included in the Other category. Other category also includes foreign exchange-rate fluctuations on foreign currency-denominated transactions; unallocated corporate expenses that do not directly support the operations of the business segments or for which the business segments are not considered financially accountable in evaluating their performance, such as acquisition and restructuring charges; certain provisions for representation and warranty reserves related to continuing operations; certain material items that are non-recurring in nature; and offsets related to certain line-item reclassifications.
Basis of Presentation
We report the results of each of our business segments on a continuing operations basis. See “ Note 3—Discontinued Operations ” for a discussion of discontinued operations. The results of our individual businesses reflect the manner in which management evaluates performance and makes decisions about funding our operations and allocating resources.
Business Segment Reporting Methodology
The results of our business segments are intended to reflect each segment as if it were a stand-alone business. Our internal management and reporting process used to derive our segment results employs various allocation methodologies, including funds transfer pricing, to assign certain balance sheet assets, deposits and other liabilities and their related revenue and expenses directly or indirectly attributable to each business segment. Our funds transfer pricing process provides a funds credit for sources of funds, such as deposits generated by our Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking businesses, and a funds charge for the use of funds by each segment. Due to the integrated nature of our business segments, estimates and judgments have been made in allocating certain revenue and expense items. Transactions between segments are based on specific criteria or approximate third-party rates. We regularly assess the assumptions, methodologies and reporting classifications used for segment reporting, which may result in the implementation of refinements or changes in future periods.
The following is additional information on the principles and methodologies used in preparing our business segment results.
Net interest income: Interest income from loans held for investment and interest expense from deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities are reflected within each applicable business segment. Because funding and asset/liability management are managed centrally by our Corporate Treasury Group, net interest income for our business segments also includes the results of a funds transfer pricing process that is intended to allocate a cost of funds used or credit for funds provided to all business segment assets and liabilities, respectively, using a matched funding concept. Also, the taxable-equivalent benefit of tax-exempt products is allocated to each business unit with a corresponding increase in income tax expense.
Non-interest income: Non-interest fees and other revenue associated with loans or customers managed by each business segment and other direct revenues are accounted for within each business segment.

 
195
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Provision for credit losses: The provision for credit losses is directly attributable to the business segment in which the loans are managed.
Non-interest expense: Non-interest expenses directly managed and incurred by a business segment are accounted for within each business segment. We allocate certain non-interest expenses indirectly incurred by business segments, such as corporate support functions, to each business segment based on various factors, including the actual cost of the services from the service providers, the utilization of the services, the number of employees or other relevant factors.
Goodwill and intangible assets: Goodwill and intangible assets that are not directly attributable to business segments are assigned to business segments based on the relative fair value of each segment. Intangible amortization is included in the results of the applicable segment.
Income taxes: Income taxes are assessed for each business segment based on a standard tax rate with the residual tax expense or benefit to arrive at the consolidated effective tax rate included in the Other category.
Loans held for investment: Loans are reported within each business segment based on product or customer type.
Deposits: Deposits are reported within each business segment based on product or customer type.
Segment Results and Reconciliation
We may periodically change our business segments or reclassify business segment results based on modifications to our management reporting methodologies and changes in organizational alignment. The following tables present our business segment results for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , selected balance sheet data as of 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , and a reconciliation of our total business segment results to our reported consolidated income from continuing operations, assets and deposits. 
 
Table 20.1: Segment Results and Reconciliation
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
(Dollars in millions)
 
Credit
Card
 
Consumer
Banking
 
Commercial
Banking
 
Other
 
Consolidated
Total
Net interest income
 
$
11,161

 
$
5,755

 
$
1,865

 
$
53

 
$
18,834

Non-interest income
 
3,421

 
710

 
487

 
(39
)
 
4,579

Total net revenue
 
14,582

 
6,465

 
2,352

 
14

 
23,413

Provision (benefit) for credit losses
 
3,417

 
819

 
302

 
(2
)
 
4,536

Non-interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of intangibles:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PCCR intangible amortization
 
316

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
316

Core deposit intangible amortization
 
0

 
79

 
15

 
0

 
94

Total PCCR and core deposit intangible amortization
 
316

 
79

 
15

 
0

 
410

Other non-interest expense
 
7,186

 
3,947

 
1,141

 
312

 
12,586

Total non-interest expense
 
7,502

 
4,026

 
1,156

 
312

 
12,996

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
 
3,663

 
1,620

 
894

 
(296
)
 
5,881

Income tax provision (benefit)
 
1,309

 
586

 
324

 
(350
)
 
1,869

Income from continuing operations, net of tax
 
$
2,354

 
$
1,034

 
$
570

 
$
54

 
$
4,012

Loans held for investment
 
$
96,125

 
$
70,372

 
$
63,266

 
$
88

 
$
229,851

Deposits
 
0

 
172,702

 
34,257

 
10,762

 
217,721

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
196
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
 
Credit
Card
 
Consumer
Banking
 
Commercial
Banking
 
Other
 
Consolidated
Total
Net interest income
 
$
10,310

 
$
5,748

 
$
1,751

 
$
9

 
$
17,818

Non-interest income
 
3,311

 
684

 
450

 
27

 
4,472

Total net revenue
 
13,621

 
6,432

 
2,201

 
36

 
22,290

Provision (benefit) for credit losses
 
2,750

 
703

 
93

 
(5
)
 
3,541

Non-interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of intangibles:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PCCR intangible amortization
 
369

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
369

Core deposit intangible amortization
 
0

 
108

 
21

 
0

 
129

Total PCCR and core deposit intangible amortization
 
369

 
108

 
21

 
0

 
498

Other non-interest expense
 
6,694

 
3,761

 
1,062

 
165

 
11,682

Total non-interest expense
 
7,063

 
3,869

 
1,083

 
165

 
12,180

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
 
3,808

 
1,860

 
1,025

 
(124
)
 
6,569

Income tax provision (benefit)
 
1,329

 
665

 
366

 
(214
)
 
2,146

Income from continuing operations, net of tax
 
$
2,479

 
$
1,195

 
$
659

 
$
90

 
$
4,423

Loans held for investment
 
$
85,876

 
$
71,439

 
$
50,890

 
$
111

 
$
208,316

Deposits
 
0

 
168,078

 
31,954

 
5,516

 
205,548

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2013
(Dollars in millions)
 
Credit
Card
 
Consumer
Banking
 
Commercial
Banking
 
Other
 
Consolidated
Total
Net interest income (expense)
 
$
10,967

 
$
5,905

 
$
1,674

 
$
(440
)
 
$
18,106

Non-interest income
 
3,320

 
749

 
395

 
(186
)
 
4,278

Total net revenue (loss)
 
14,287

 
6,654

 
2,069

 
(626
)
 
22,384

Provision (benefit) for credit losses
 
2,824

 
656

 
(24
)
 
(3
)
 
3,453

Non-interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of intangibles:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PCCR intangible amortization
 
434

 
0

 
0

 
0

 
434

Core deposit intangible amortization
 
0

 
138

 
27

 
0

 
165

Total PCCR and core deposit intangible amortization
 
434

 
138

 
27

 
0

 
599

Other non-interest expense
 
7,005

 
3,607

 
931

 
211

 
11,754

Total non-interest expense
 
7,439

 
3,745

 
958

 
211

 
12,353

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
 
4,024

 
2,253

 
1,135

 
(834
)
 
6,578

Income tax provision (benefit)
 
1,409

 
802

 
404

 
(391
)
 
2,224

Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax
 
$
2,615

 
$
1,451

 
$
731

 
$
(443
)
 
$
4,354

Loans held for investment
 
$
81,305

 
$
70,762

 
$
45,011

 
$
121

 
$
197,199

Deposits
 
0

 
167,652

 
30,567

 
6,304

 
204,523



 
197
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 21—COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, GUARANTEES AND OTHERS
Letters of Credit and Loss Sharing Agreements
We issue letters of credit (financial standby, performance standby and commercial) to meet the financing needs of our customers. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by us to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party in a borrowing arrangement. Commercial letters of credit are short-term commitments issued primarily to facilitate trade finance activities for customers and are generally collateralized by the goods being shipped to the client. These collateral requirements are similar to those for funded transactions and are established based on management’s credit assessment of the customer. Management conducts regular reviews of all outstanding letters of credit and customer acceptances, and the results of these reviews are considered in assessing the adequacy of our allowance for loan and lease losses.
Within our Commercial Banking business, we originate multifamily commercial real estate loans with the intent to sell them to a GSE. We enter into loss sharing agreements with the GSE upon the sale of the loans. At inception, we record a liability representing the fair value of our obligation which is subsequently amortized as we are released from risk of payment under the loss sharing agreement. If payment under the loss sharing agreement becomes probable and estimable, an additional liability may be recorded on the consolidated balance sheets and a non-interest expense may be recognized in the consolidated statements of income. The amount of liability recognized on our consolidated balance sheets for our loss sharing agreements was $40 million and $36 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
We had standby letters of credit and commercial letters of credit with contractual amounts of $1.9 billion and $2.1 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The carrying value of outstanding letters of credit, which we include in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets was $3 million as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 . These financial guarantees had expiration dates ranging from 2016 to 2025 as of December 31, 2015 .
U.K. Cross Sell
In the U.K., we previously sold payment protection insurance (“PPI”) and other ancillary cross sell products. In response to an elevated level of customer complaints across the industry, heightened media coverage and pressure from consumer advocacy groups, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), formerly the Financial Services Authority, investigated and raised concerns about the way the industry has handled complaints related to the sale of these insurance policies. For the past several years, the U.K.’s Financial Ombudsman Service (“FOS”) has been adjudicating customer complaints relating to PPI, escalated to it by consumers who disagree with the rejection of their complaint by firms, leading to customer remediation payments by us and others within the industry. On October 2, 2015, the FCA issued a Statement on PPI (“FCA Proposal”) announcing it has decided to consult, by the end of 2015, on the introduction of a time bar for PPI complaints and on new rules and guidance about how banks should handle PPI complaints covered by s. 140A of the Consumer Credit Act of 1974 (“Consumer Credit Act”) in light of the U.K. Supreme Court’s 2014 ruling in Plevin v. Paragon Personal Finance Limited (“Plevin”). The consultation began on November 26, 2015 and will run into early 2016.
In determining our best estimate of incurred losses for future remediation payments, management considers numerous factors, including: (i) the number of customer complaints we expect in the future; (ii) our expectation of upholding those complaints; (iii) the expected number of complaints customers escalate to the FOS; (iv) our expectation of the FOS upholding such escalated complaints; (v) the number of complaints that fall under the s.140A of the Consumer Credit Act; and (vi) the estimated remediation payout to customers. We monitor these factors each quarter and adjust our reserves to reflect the latest data.
Management’s best estimate of incurred losses related to U.K. cross sell products, including PPI, totaled $176 million and $116 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. In the year ended December 31, 2015 , we increased reserves by $147 million primarily because of an increase of our claims rate assumption. Our best estimate of reasonably possible future losses beyond our reserve as of December 31, 2015 is approximately $250 million .

 
198
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Mortgage Representation and Warranty Liabilities
We acquired three subsidiaries that originated residential mortgage loans and sold these loans to various purchasers, including purchasers who created securitization trusts. These subsidiaries are Capital One Home Loans, LLC, which was acquired in February 2005; GreenPoint, which was acquired in December 2006 as part of the North Fork acquisition; and CCB, which was acquired in February 2009 and subsequently merged into CONA (collectively, the “subsidiaries”).
In connection with their sales of mortgage loans, the subsidiaries entered into agreements containing varying representations and warranties about, among other things, the ownership of the loan, the validity of the lien securing the loan, the loan’s compliance with any applicable loan criteria established by the purchaser, including underwriting guidelines and the existence of mortgage insurance, and the loan’s compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The representations and warranties do not address the credit performance of the mortgage loans, but mortgage loan performance often influences whether a claim for breach of representation and warranty will be asserted and has an effect on the amount of any loss in the event of a breach of a representation or warranty.
Each of these subsidiaries may be required to repurchase mortgage loans in the event of certain breaches of these representations and warranties. In the event of a repurchase, the subsidiary is typically required to pay the unpaid principal balance of the loan together with interest and certain expenses (including, in certain cases, legal costs incurred by the purchaser and/or others). The subsidiary then recovers the loan or, if the loan has been foreclosed, the underlying collateral. The subsidiary is exposed to any losses on the repurchased loans, taking into account any recoveries on the collateral. In some instances, rather than repurchase the loans, a subsidiary may agree to make cash payments to make an investor whole on losses or to settle repurchase claims, possibly including claims for attorneys’ fees and interest. In addition, our subsidiaries may be required to indemnify certain purchasers and others against losses they incur as a result of certain breaches of representations and warranties.
These subsidiaries, in total, originated and sold to non-affiliates approximately $111 billion original principal balance of mortgage loans between 2005 and 2008, which are the years (or “vintages”) with respect to which our subsidiaries have received the vast majority of the repurchase-related requests and other related claims.
The following table presents the original principal balance of mortgage loan originations, by vintage for 2005 through 2008, for the three general categories of purchasers of mortgage loans and the estimated unpaid principal balance as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 :
Table 21.1: Unpaid Principal Balance of Mortgage Loans Originated and Sold to Third Parties Based on Category of Purchaser
 
 
Estimated Unpaid Principal Balance
 
Original Principal Balance
(Dollars in billions)
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Total
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
GSEs
 
$
2

 
$
3

 
$
11

 
$
1

 
$
4

 
$
3

 
$
3

Insured Securitizations
 
4

 
4

 
20

 
0

 
2

 
8

 
10

Uninsured Securitizations and Other
 
14

 
16

 
80

 
3

 
15

 
30

 
32

Total
 
$
20

 
$
23

 
$
111

 
$
4

 
$
21

 
$
41

 
$
45

Between 2005 and 2008, our subsidiaries sold an aggregate amount of $11 billion in original principal balance mortgage loans to the GSEs.
Of the $20 billion in original principal balance of mortgage loans sold directly by our subsidiaries to private-label purchasers who placed the loans into securitizations supported by bond insurance (“Insured Securitizations”), approximately 48% of the original principal balance was covered by bond insurance. Further, approximately $16 billion original principal balance was placed in securitizations as to which the monoline bond insurers have made repurchase-related requests or loan file requests to one of our subsidiaries (“Active Insured Securitizations”) and the remaining approximately $4 billion original principal balance was placed in securitizations as to which the monoline bond insurers have not made repurchase-related requests or loan file requests to one of our subsidiaries (“Inactive Insured Securitizations”). Insured Securitizations often allow the monoline bond insurer to act independently of the investors. Bond insurers typically have indemnity agreements directly with both the mortgage originators and the securitizers, and they often have super-majority rights within the trust documentation that allow them to direct trustees to pursue mortgage repurchase-related requests without coordination with other investors.

 
199
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Because we do not service most of the loans our subsidiaries sold to others, we do not have complete information about the current ownership of a portion of the $80 billion in original principal balance of mortgage loans not sold directly to GSEs or placed in Insured Securitizations. We have determined based on information obtained from third-party databases that about $48 billion original principal balance of these mortgage loans was placed in private-label publicly issued securitizations not supported by bond insurance (“Uninsured Securitizations”). An additional approximately $22 billion original principal balance of mortgage loans were initially sold to private investors as whole loans. Various known and unknown investors purchased the remaining $10 billion original principal balance of mortgage loans.
With respect to the $111 billion in original principal balance of mortgage loans originated and sold to others between 2005 and 2008, we estimate that approximately $20 billion in unpaid principal balance remains outstanding as of December 31, 2015 , of which approximately $3 billion in unpaid principal balance is at least 90 days delinquent. Approximately $22 billion in losses have been realized by third parties. Because we do not service most of the loans we sold to others, we do not have complete information about the underlying credit performance levels for some of these mortgage loans. These amounts reflect our best estimates, including extrapolations of underlying credit performance where necessary. These estimates could change as we get additional data or refine our analysis.
The subsidiaries had open repurchase-related requests with regard to approximately $1.4 billion original principal balance of mortgage loans as of December 31, 2015 , a $1.2 billion decrease from December 31, 2014 . Currently, repurchase-related demands predominantly relate to the 2006 and 2007 vintages. We have received relatively few repurchase-related demands from the 2008 and 2009 vintages, mostly because GreenPoint ceased originating mortgages in August 2007.
The following table presents information on pending repurchase-related requests by counterparty category and timing of initial request. The amounts presented are based on original loan principal balances.
Table 21.2: Open Pipeline All Vintages (all entities) (1)
(Dollars in millions)
 
GSEs
 
Insured
Securitizations
 
Uninsured
Securitizations
and Other
 
Total
Open claims as of December 31, 2013
 
$
89

 
$
1,614

 
$
1,122

 
$
2,825

Gross new demands received
 
22

 
0

 
742

 
764

Loans repurchased/made whole
 
(31
)
 
0

 
(5
)
 
(36
)
Demands rescinded
 
(64
)
 
(965
)
 
(12
)
 
(1,041
)
Open claims as of December 31, 2014
 
16

 
649

 
1,847

 
2,512

Gross new demands received
 
23

 
0

 
23

 
46

Loans repurchased/made whole
 
(17
)
 
0

 
(1
)
 
(18
)
Demands rescinded
 
(21
)
 
(115
)
 
(1,054
)
 
(1,190
)
Open claims as of December 31, 2015
 
$
1

 
$
534

 
$
815

 
$
1,350

__________
(1)  
The open pipeline includes all timely repurchase-related requests ever received by our subsidiaries where the requesting party has not formally rescinded the repurchase-related request or our subsidiary has not agreed to either repurchase the loan at issue or make the requesting party whole with respect to its losses. The demands rescinded in 2015 reflect the ruling from New York’s highest court in June 2015 that the statute of limitations for repurchase claims begins when the relevant representations and warranties were made, as opposed to some later date during the life of the loan. Finally, the amounts reflected in this chart are the original principal balance amounts of the mortgage loans at issue and do not correspond to the losses our subsidiary would incur upon the repurchase of these loans.

 
200
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




The following table summarizes changes in our representation and warranty reserve for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 :
Table 21.3: Changes in Representation and Warranty Reserve (1)
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
Representation and warranty reserve, beginning of period
 
$
731

 
$
1,172

Benefit for mortgage representation and warranty losses:
 
 
 
 
Recorded in continuing operations
 
(16
)
 
(26
)
Recorded in discontinued operations
 
(64
)
 
(7
)
Total benefit for mortgage representation and warranty losses
 
(80
)
 
(33
)
Net realized losses
 
(41
)
 
(408
)
Representation and warranty reserve, end of period
 
$
610

 
$
731

__________
(1)  
Reported on our consolidated balance sheets as a component of other liabilities.
The following table summarizes the allocation of our representation and warranty reserve as December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Table 21.4: Allocation of Representation and Warranty Reserve
 
 
Reserve Liability
 
Loans Sold
2005 to 2008 (1)
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
(Dollars in millions, except for loans sold)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Selected period-end data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Active Insured Securitizations and GSEs
 
$
480

 
$
499

 
$
27

Inactive Insured Securitizations and Others
 
130

 
232

 
84

Total (2)
 
$
610

 
$
731

 
$
111

__________
(1)  
Reflects, in billions, the total original principal balance of loans originated by our subsidiaries and sold to third-party investors between 2005 and 2008.
(2)  
The total reserve liability includes an immaterial amount related to loans that were originated after 2008.
We established reserves for the $11 billion original principal balance of GSE loans, based on open claims and historic repurchase rates. We have entered into and completed repurchase or settlement agreements with respect to the majority of our repurchase exposure within this category.
Our reserves could also be impacted by any claims which may be brought by governmental agencies under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act (“FIRREA”), the False Claims Act, or other federal or state statutes. For example, GreenPoint and Capital One have received requests for information and/or subpoenas from various governmental regulators and law enforcement authorities, including members of the RMBS Working Group, relating to the origination of loans for sale to the GSEs and to RMBS participants. We are cooperating with these regulators and other authorities in responding to such requests.
For the $16 billion original principal balance in Active Insured Securitizations, our reserving approach is based upon the expected resolution of litigation with the monoline bond insurers. Accordingly, our representation and warranty reserves for this category are litigation reserves. In establishing litigation reserves for this category, we consider the current and future monoline insurer losses inherent within the securitization and apply legal judgment to the developing factual and legal record to estimate the liability for each securitization. We consider as factors within the analysis our own past monoline settlements in addition to publicly available industry monoline settlements. Our reserves with respect to the U.S. Bank Litigation, referenced below, are contained within the Active Insured Securitization reserve category. Further, to the extent we have litigation reserves with respect to indemnification risks from certain representation and warranty lawsuits brought by monoline bond insurers against third-party securitizations sponsors, where one of our subsidiaries provided some or all of the mortgage collateral within the securitization but is not a defendant in the litigation, such reserves are also contained within this category.

 
201
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




For the $4 billion original principal balance of mortgage loans in the Inactive Insured Securitizations category and the $48 billion original principal balance of mortgage loans in the Uninsured Securitizations category, we establish reserves based on an assessment of probable and estimable legal liability, if any, utilizing both our own experience and publicly available industry settlement information to estimate lifetime liability. In contrast with the bond insurers in the Insured Securitizations, investors in Uninsured Securitizations often face a number of legal and logistical hurdles before they can force a securitization trustee to pursue mortgage repurchases, including the need to coordinate with a certain percentage of investors holding the securities and to indemnify the trustee for any litigation it undertakes. Accordingly, we only reserve for such exposures when a trustee or investor with standing brings claims and it is probable we have incurred a loss. Some Uninsured Securitization investors from this category are currently suing investment banks and securitization sponsors under federal and/or state securities laws. Although we face some indirect indemnity risks from these litigations, we generally have not established reserves with respect to these indemnity risks because we do not consider them to be both probable and reasonably estimable liabilities. In addition, to the extent we have litigation reserves with respect to indemnification risks from certain representation and warranty lawsuits brought by parties who purchased loans from our subsidiaries and subsequently re-sold the loans into securitizations, such reserves are also contained within this category.
For the $22 billion original principal balance of mortgage loans sold to private investors as whole loans, we establish reserves based on open claims and historical repurchase rates.
The aggregate reserve for all three subsidiaries totaled $610 million as of December 31, 2015 , compared to $731 million as of December 31, 2014 . We recorded a net benefit for mortgage representation and warranty losses of $80 million (which includes a benefit of $16 million before taxes in continuing operations and a benefit of $64 million before taxes in discontinued operations) in 2015 . The decrease in the representation and warranty reserve was primarily driven by settlements and favorable industry legal developments, including a ruling from New York’s highest court that the statute of limitations for repurchase claims begins when the relevant representations and warranties were made, as opposed to some later date during the life of the loan.
As part of our business planning processes, we have considered various outcomes relating to the future representation and warranty liabilities of our subsidiaries that are possible but do not rise to the level of being both probable and reasonably estimable outcomes justifying an incremental accrual under applicable accounting standards. Our current best estimate of reasonably possible future losses from representation and warranty claims beyond our reserves as of December 31, 2015 is approximately $1.6 billion , a decrease from our $2.1 billion estimate at December 31, 2014 . The decrease in this estimate was primarily driven by favorable industry legal developments, including the statute of limitations ruling from New York’s highest court mentioned above. The estimate as of December 31, 2015 covers all reasonably possible losses relating to representation and warranty claim activity, including those relating to the U.S. Bank Litigation, the FHFA Litigation, and the LXS Trust Litigation described below.
In estimating reasonably possible future losses in excess of our current reserves, we assume a portion of the inactive securitizations become active and for all Insured Securitizations, we assume loss rates on the high end of those observed in monoline settlements or court rulings. For our remaining GSE exposures, Uninsured Securitizations and whole loan exposures, our reasonably possible risk estimates assume lifetime loss rates and claims rates at the highest levels of our past experience and also consider the limited instances of observed settlements. We do not assume claim rates or loss rates for these risk categories will be as high as those assumed for the Active Insured Securitizations, however, based on industry precedent. Should the number of claims or the loss rates on these claims increase significantly, our estimate of reasonably possible risk would increase materially. We also assume that repurchase-related requests will be resolved at discounts reflecting the nature of the claims, the vintage of the underlying loans and evolving legal precedents.
Notwithstanding our ongoing attempts to estimate a reasonably possible amount of future losses beyond our current accrual levels based on current information, it is possible that actual future losses will exceed both the current accrual level and our current estimate of the amount of reasonably possible losses. Our reserve and reasonably possible estimates involve considerable judgment and reflect that there is still significant uncertainty regarding numerous factors that may impact the ultimate loss levels, including, but not limited to: litigation outcomes; court rulings; governmental enforcement decisions; future repurchase and indemnification claim levels; securitization trustees pursuing mortgage repurchase litigation unilaterally or in coordination with investors; investors successfully pursuing repurchase litigation independently and without the involvement of the trustee as a party; ultimate repurchase and indemnification rates; future mortgage loan performance levels; actual recoveries on the collateral; and macroeconomic conditions (including unemployment levels and housing prices). In light of the significant uncertainty as to the ultimate liability our subsidiaries may incur from these matters, an adverse outcome in one or more of these matters could be material to our results of operations or cash flows for any particular reporting period.

 
202
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Litigation
In accordance with the current accounting standards for loss contingencies, we establish reserves for litigation related matters that arise from the ordinary course of our business activities when it is probable that a loss associated with a claim or proceeding has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. None of the amounts we currently have recorded individually or in the aggregate are considered to be material to our financial condition. Litigation claims and proceedings of all types are subject to many uncertain factors that generally cannot be predicted with assurance. Below we provide a description of potentially material legal proceedings and claims.
For some of the matters disclosed below, we are able to determine estimates of potential future outcomes that are not probable and reasonably estimable outcomes justifying either the establishment of a reserve or an incremental reserve build, but which are reasonably possible outcomes. For other disclosed matters, such an estimate is not possible at this time. For those matters below where an estimate is possible (excluding the reasonably possible future losses relating to the U.S. Bank Litigation, the FHFA Litigation, and the LXS Trust Litigation, because reasonably possible losses with respect to those litigations are included within the reasonably possible representation and warranty liabilities discussed above) management currently estimates the reasonably possible future losses beyond our reserves as of December 31, 2015 is approximately $200 million . Notwithstanding our attempt to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss beyond our current accrual levels for some litigation matters based on current information, it is possible that actual future losses will exceed both the current accrual level and the range of reasonably possible losses disclosed here. Given the inherent uncertainties involved in these matters, especially those involving governmental actors, and the very large or indeterminate damages sought in some of these matters, there is significant uncertainty as to the ultimate liability we may incur from these litigation matters and an adverse outcome in one or more of these matters could be material to our results of operations or cash flows for any particular reporting period.
Interchange Litigation
In 2005, a number of entities, each purporting to represent a class of retail merchants, filed antitrust lawsuits (the “Interchange Lawsuits”) against MasterCard and Visa and several member banks, including our subsidiaries and us, alleging among other things, that the defendants conspired to fix the level of interchange fees. The complaints seek injunctive relief and civil monetary damages, which could be trebled. Separately, a number of large merchants have asserted similar claims against Visa and MasterCard only. In October 2005, the class and merchant Interchange Lawsuits were consolidated before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York for certain purposes, including discovery. In July 2012, the parties executed and filed with the court a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to resolve the litigation on certain terms set forth in a settlement agreement attached to the Memorandum. The class settlement provides for, among other things, (i) payments by defendants to the class and individual plaintiffs totaling approximately $6.6 billion ; (ii) a distribution to the class merchants of an amount equal to 10 basis points of certain interchange transactions for a period of eight months ; and (iii) modifications to certain Visa and MasterCard rules regarding point of sale practices. In December 2013, the court granted final approval of the proposed class settlement, which was appealed to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in January 2014 and argued before the court on September 28, 2015. Several merchant plaintiffs have also opted out of the class settlement, some of which have sued MasterCard, Visa and various member banks, including Capital One. The opt-out cases were consolidated before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York for certain purposes, including discovery. These consolidated cases are in their preliminary stages, and Visa and MasterCard have settled a number of individual opt-out cases, requiring non-material payments from all banks. Separate settlement and judgment sharing agreements between Capital One and MasterCard and Visa allocate the liabilities of any judgment or settlement arising from the Interchange Lawsuits and associated opt-out cases. Visa created a litigation escrow account following its IPO of stock in 2008, which funds any settlements for its member banks, and any settlements related to MasterCard allocated losses are reflected in Capital One’s reserves.
In March 2011, a furniture store owner named Mary Watson filed a proposed class action in the Supreme Court of British Columbia against Visa, MasterCard, and several banks, including Capital One (the “Watson Litigation”). The lawsuit asserts, among other things, that the defendants conspired to fix the merchant discount fees that merchants pay on credit card transactions in violation of Section 45 of the Competition Act and seeks unspecified damages and injunctive relief. In addition, Capital One has been named as a defendant in similar proposed class action claims filed in other jurisdictions in Canada. In March 2014, the court granted a partial motion for class certification. Both parties appealed the decision to the Court of Appeal for British Columbia, which heard oral argument in December 2014. In April 2015, the merchant plaintiffs and Capital One agreed to settle all matters filed in Canada as to Capital One and the courts across the different provinces approved the class settlement in the fourth quarter of 2015.

 
203
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Credit Card Interest Rate Litigation
The Capital One Bank Credit Card Interest Rate Multi-district Litigation matter was created as a result of a June 2010 transfer order issued by the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multi-district Litigation (“MDL”), which consolidated for pretrial proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia two pending putative class actions against COBNA-Nancy Mancuso, et al. v. Capital One Bank (USA), N.A., et al., (E.D. Virginia); and Kevin S. Barker, et al. v. Capital One Bank (USA), N.A., (N.D. Georgia). A third action, Jennifer L. Kolkowski v. Capital One Bank (USA), N.A., (C.D. California) was subsequently transferred into the MDL. In August 2010, the plaintiffs in the MDL filed a Consolidated Amended Complaint alleging that COBNA breached its contractual obligations, and violated the Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”), the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act, the Unfair Competition Law (“UCL”), the California False Advertising Act, the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, and the Kansas Consumer Protection Act when it raised interest rates on certain credit card accounts. As a result of a settlement in another matter, the California-based UCL and TILA claims in the MDL are extinguished. The MDL plaintiffs sought statutory damages, restitution, attorney’s fees and an injunction against future rate increases. In September 2014, the court granted summary judgment for Capital One, which the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed in November 2015.
Mortgage Repurchase Litigation
In February 2009, GreenPoint was named as a defendant in a lawsuit commenced in the New York County Supreme Court, by U.S. Bank, N. A., Syncora Guarantee Inc. and CIFG Assurance North America, Inc. (the “U.S. Bank Litigation”). Plaintiffs allege, among other things, that GreenPoint breached certain representations and warranties in two contracts pursuant to which GreenPoint sold approximately 30,000 mortgage loans having an aggregate original principal balance of approximately $ 1.8 billion to a purchaser that ultimately transferred most of these mortgage loans to a securitization trust. Some of the securities issued by the trust were insured by Syncora and CIFG. Plaintiffs seek unspecified damages and an order compelling GreenPoint to repurchase the entire portfolio of 30,000 mortgage loans based on alleged breaches of representations and warranties relating to a limited sampling of loans in the portfolio, or, alternatively, the repurchase of specific mortgage loans to which the alleged breaches of representations and warranties relate. In March 2010, the court granted GreenPoint’s motion to dismiss with respect to plaintiffs Syncora and CIFG and denied the motion with respect to U.S. Bank. GreenPoint subsequently answered the complaint with respect to U.S. Bank, denying the allegations, and filed a counterclaim against U.S. Bank alleging breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing. In February 2012, the court denied plaintiffs’ motion for leave to file an amended complaint and dismissed Syncora and CIFG from the case. Syncora and CIFG appealed their dismissal to the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department (the “First Department”), which affirmed the dismissal in April 2013. The New York Court of Appeals denied Syncora’s and CIFG’s motion for leave to appeal the First Department’s decision in February 2014. Therefore, the case is now proceeding with U.S. Bank as the sole plaintiff. On May 20, 2015, Lehman Brothers Holding, Inc. (“LBHI”) filed an adversary proceeding in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York against U.S. Bank, Syncora, and GreenPoint regarding bankruptcy proofs of claims filed by U.S. Bank and Syncora on the same securitization at issue in the U.S. Bank Litigation.
In May, June, and July 2012, FHFA (acting as conservator for Freddie Mac) filed three summonses with notice in the New York state court against GreenPoint, on behalf of the trustees for three RMBS trusts backed by loans originated by GreenPoint with an aggregate original principal balance of $3.4 billion . In January 2013, the plaintiffs filed an amended consolidated complaint in the name of the three trusts, acting by the respective trustees, alleging breaches of contractual representations and warranties regarding compliance with GreenPoint underwriting guidelines relating to certain loans (“FHFA Litigation”). Plaintiffs seek specific performance of the repurchase obligations with respect to the loans for which they have provided notice of alleged breaches as well as all other allegedly breaching loans, rescissory damages, indemnification, costs and interest.
In July 2013, Lehman XS Trust, Series 2006-4N, by its trustee U.S. Bank, N.A. filed a lawsuit in the Southern District of New York against GreenPoint alleging breaches of representations and warranties made in certain loan sale agreements, pursuant to which GreenPoint sold mortgage loans with an original principal balance of $915 million to Lehman Brothers for securitization and sale to investors. The lawsuit (“LXS Trust Litigation”) seeks specific performance of GreenPoint’s obligation to repurchase certain allegedly breaching loans, or in the alternative, the repurchase of all loans in the trust, the award of rescissory damages, costs, fees and interest. In January 2014, the court granted GreenPoint’s motion to dismiss based on the statute of limitations, ruling that New York’s six-year statute of limitations began running no later than the time of the mortgage securitization. The plaintiff has appealed the dismissal of the complaint, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit heard oral argument on December 3, 2015.

 
204
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)



CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




As noted above in the section entitled Mortgage Representation and Warranty Liabilities, the Company’s subsidiaries establish reserves with respect to representation and warranty litigation matters, where appropriate, within the Company’s overall representation and warranty reserves. Please see above for more details.
Anti-Money Laundering
Capital One has received requests for subpoenas and testimony from the New York District Attorney’s Office (“NYDA”) with respect to certain former check casher clients of the Commercial Banking business and Capital One’s anti-money laundering (“AML”) program. In early 2015, we received similar requests from the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) of the U.S. Department of Treasury. Capital One is cooperating with all agencies involved in the investigation .
Intellectual Ventures Corp., et al.
In June 2013, Intellectual Ventures I, LLC and Intellectual Ventures II, LLC (collectively “IV”) sued Capital One Financial Corp., Capital One Bank (USA), N.A. and Capital One, N.A. (collectively “Capital One”) for patent infringement in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. In the Complaint, IV alleged infringement of patents related to various business processes across the Capital One enterprise. IV simultaneously filed patent infringement actions against numerous other financial institutions on the same and other patents in several other federal courts. Capital One filed an answer and counterclaim alleging antitrust violations. In December 2013, the court dismissed Capital One’s counterclaim and decided the parties’ arguments on claim construction. IV agreed to dismiss two patents in suit, and following claim construction, asked for a stipulation of non-infringement for one patent with an opportunity to appeal the court’s decision regarding claim construction. In April 2014, the court granted Capital One’s motion for summary judgment and found that the two remaining patents were either unpatentable or indefinite. In May 2014, IV appealed to the Federal Circuit, which affirmed the district court’s dismissal of all three remaining patents in July 2015.
In January 2014, IV filed a second suit against Capital One for patent infringement in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. In the complaint, IV again alleges infringement of patents related to various business practices across the Capital One enterprise. In March 2015, the court granted Capital One’s motion for leave to add a counterclaim for antitrust violations. IV voluntarily dismissed one of the patents against Capital One and in September 2015, the court granted summary judgment in favor of Capital One on the remaining four patents and dismissed IV’s claims. IV has appealed the dismissal of its claims to the Federal Circuit.
Other Pending and Threatened Litigation
In addition, we are commonly subject to various pending and threatened legal actions relating to the conduct of our normal business activities. In the opinion of management, the ultimate aggregate liability, if any, arising out of all such other pending or threatened legal actions will not be material to our consolidated financial position or our results of operations.

 
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CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 22—CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)  (1)
Financial Information
The following Parent Company Only financial statements are provided in accordance with Regulation S-X of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Table 22.1: Parent Company Statements of Income
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Interest income
 
$
120

 
$
114

 
$
94

Interest expense
 
185

 
204

 
250

Dividends from subsidiaries
 
450

 
3,449

 
5,950

Non-interest income
 
10

 
53

 
33

Non-interest expense
 
178

 
85

 
196

Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
 
217

 
3,327

 
5,631

Income tax (benefit) provision
 
(67
)
 
11

 
(66
)
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
 
3,766

 
1,112

 
(1,576
)
Net income
 
4,050

 
4,428

 
4,121

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
 
(186
)
 
442

 
(1,611
)
Comprehensive income
 
$
3,864

 
$
4,870

 
$
2,510

Table 22.2: Parent Company Balance Sheets
 
 
December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
Assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
7,245

 
$
8,262

Investment in subsidiaries
 
48,676

 
44,993

Loans to subsidiaries
 
521

 
1,494

Securities available for sale
 
905

 
961

Other assets
 
739

 
618

Total assets
 
$
58,086

 
$
56,328

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Senior and subordinated notes
 
$
8,657

 
$
8,907

Other borrowings
 
1,591

 
1,573

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
554

 
795

Total liabilities
 
10,802

 
11,275

Total stockholders’ equity
 
47,284

 
45,053

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
58,086

 
$
56,328


 
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CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Table 22.3: Parent Company Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
4,050

 
$
4,428

 
$
4,121

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends (undistributed earnings) from subsidiaries
 
(3,766
)
 
(1,112
)
 
1,576

Other operating activities
 
(300
)
 
(83
)
 
(1,120
)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
 
(16
)
 
3,233

 
4,577

Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net payments (to) from subsidiaries
 
(172
)
 
94

 
787

Proceeds from maturities of securities available for sale
 
65

 
50

 
46

Purchase of securities available for sale
 
0

 
(143
)
 
(287
)
Decrease (increase) in loans to subsidiaries
 
973

 
(7
)
 
(153
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
866

 
(6
)
 
393

Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in borrowings from subsidiaries
 
18

 
28

 
(3,490
)
Issuance of senior notes
 
2,487

 
1,498

 
849

Maturities of senior notes
 
(2,625
)
 
(2,100
)
 
(1,040
)
Common stock:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net proceeds from issuances
 
111

 
100

 
81

Dividends paid
 
(816
)
 
(679
)
 
(555
)
Preferred stock:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net proceeds from issuances
 
1,472

 
969

 
0

Dividends paid
 
(158
)
 
(67
)
 
(53
)
Purchases of treasury stock
 
(2,441
)
 
(2,045
)
 
(1,033
)
Proceeds from stock-based payment activities
 
85

 
146

 
114

Net cash used in financing activities
 
(1,867
)
 
(2,150
)
 
(5,127
)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
(1,017
)
 
1,077

 
(157
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
8,262

 
7,185

 
7,342

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 
$
7,245

 
$
8,262

 
$
7,185

___________
(1)  
As of January 1, 2015, we changed our accounting principle to move from a gross basis of presentation to a net basis, for presenting qualifying derivative assets and liabilities, as well as the related right to reclaim cash collateral or obligation to return cash collateral. See “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” for additional information. Prior period results have been recast to conform to this presentation.


 
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CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




NOTE 23—RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In the ordinary course of business, we may have loans issued to our executive officers, directors, and principal stockholders. Pursuant to our policy, such loans are issued on the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans to unrelated persons and do not involve more than the normal risk of collectability.


 
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CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (1)





(Dollars in millions, except per share data) (unaudited)
 
2015
 
2014
 
Q4
 
Q3
 
Q2
 
Q1
 
Q4
 
Q3
 
Q2
 
Q1
Summarized results of operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
$
5,384

 
$
5,164

 
$
4,937

 
$
4,974

 
$
5,045

 
$
4,887

 
$
4,712

 
$
4,753

Interest expense
 
423

 
404

 
400

 
398

 
389

 
390

 
397

 
403

Net interest income
 
4,961

 
4,760

 
4,537

 
4,576

 
4,656

 
4,497

 
4,315

 
4,350

Provision for credit losses
 
1,380

 
1,092

 
1,129

 
935

 
1,109

 
993

 
704

 
735

Net interest income after provision for credit losses
 
3,581

 
3,668

 
3,408

 
3,641

 
3,547

 
3,504

 
3,611

 
3,615

Non-interest income
 
1,233

 
1,140

 
1,135

 
1,071

 
1,157

 
1,142

 
1,153

 
1,020

Non-interest expense
 
3,480

 
3,160

 
3,307

 
3,049

 
3,284

 
2,985

 
2,979

 
2,932

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
1,334

 
1,648

 
1,236

 
1,663

 
1,420

 
1,661

 
1,785

 
1,703

Income tax provision
 
426

 
530

 
384

 
529

 
450

 
536

 
581

 
579

Income from continuing operations, net of tax
 
908

 
1,118

 
852

 
1,134

 
970

 
1,125

 
1,204

 
1,124

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
12

 
(4
)
 
11

 
19

 
29

 
(44
)
 
(10
)
 
30

Net income
 
920

 
1,114

 
863

 
1,153

 
999

 
1,081

 
1,194

 
1,154

Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities (2)
 
(4
)
 
(6
)
 
(4
)
 
(6
)
 
(4
)
 
(5
)
 
(4
)
 
(5
)
Preferred stock dividends
 
(68
)
 
(29
)
 
(29
)
 
(32
)
 
(21
)
 
(20
)
 
(13
)
 
(13
)
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
848

 
$
1,079

 
$
830

 
$
1,115

 
$
974

 
$
1,056

 
$
1,177

 
$
1,136

Per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income from continuing operations
 
$
1.58

 
$
2.01

 
$
1.50

 
$
2.00

 
$
1.71

 
$
1.97

 
$
2.09

 
$
1.94

Income (loss) from discontinued operations
 
0.02

 
(0.01
)
 
0.02

 
0.03

 
0.05

 
(0.08
)
 
(0.02
)
 
0.05

Net income per basic common share
 
$
1.60

 
$
2.00

 
$
1.52

 
$
2.03

 
$
1.76

 
$
1.89

 
$
2.07

 
$
1.99

Diluted earnings per common share: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income from continuing operations
 
$
1.56

 
$
1.99

 
$
1.48

 
$
1.97

 
$
1.68

 
$
1.94

 
$
2.06

 
$
1.91

Income (loss) from discontinued operations
 
0.02

 
(0.01
)
 
0.02

 
0.03

 
0.05

 
(0.08
)
 
(0.02
)
 
0.05

Net income per diluted common share
 
$
1.58

 
$
1.98

 
$
1.50

 
$
2.00

 
$
1.73

 
$
1.86

 
$
2.04

 
$
1.96

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic common shares
 
530.8

 
540.6

 
545.6

 
550.2

 
554.3

 
559.9

 
567.5

 
571.0

Diluted common shares
 
536.3

 
546.3

 
552.0

 
557.2

 
561.8

 
567.9

 
577.6

 
580.3

Average balance sheet data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans held for investment
 
$
220,052

 
$
211,227

 
$
206,337

 
$
205,194

 
$
203,436

 
$
199,422

 
$
194,996

 
$
193,722

Interest-earning assets
 
292,054

 
283,082

 
276,585

 
278,427

 
273,436

 
268,890

 
263,570

 
262,659

Total assets
 
323,354

 
313,822

 
307,206

 
309,401

 
304,153

 
298,913

 
294,089

 
293,551

Interest-bearing deposits
 
189,885

 
185,800

 
183,946

 
182,998

 
179,401

 
179,928

 
182,053

 
184,183

Total deposits
 
215,899

 
210,974

 
209,143

 
207,851

 
205,355

 
205,199

 
206,315

 
205,842

Borrowings
 
48,850

 
45,070

 
41,650

 
46,082

 
43,479

 
40,314

 
35,658

 
35,978

Total stockholders’ equity
 
48,712

 
48,456

 
47,255

 
46,397

 
45,576

 
44,827

 
43,767

 
42,859

__________
(1)  
As of January 1, 2015, we changed our accounting principle to move from a gross basis of presentation to a net basis, for presenting qualifying derivative assets and liabilities, as well as the related right to reclaim cash collateral or obligation to return cash collateral. See “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” for additional information. Prior period results have been recast to conform to this presentation.
(2.)  
Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities, earnings per share, and preferred stock dividends are computed independently for each period. Accordingly, the sum of each quarter may not agree to the year-to-date total.

 
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CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Overview
We are required under applicable laws and regulations to maintain controls and procedures, which include disclosure controls and procedures as well as internal control over financial reporting, as further described below.
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures refer to controls and other procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our financial reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding our required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, we recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and we must apply judgment in evaluating and implementing possible controls and procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2015 , the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2015 , at a reasonable level of assurance, in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting information required to be disclosed within the time periods specified by the SEC rules and forms.
(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We regularly review our disclosure controls and procedures and make changes intended to ensure the quality of our financial reporting. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we implemented a new human resource management system including necessary changes to processes, information technology and other components of internal control over financial reporting. There have been no other changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2015 which have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
(c) Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is included in “Part II—Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” and is incorporated herein by reference. The Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting also is included in “Part II—Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” and incorporated herein by reference.

 
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Table of Contents

CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Item 9B. Other Information
None.

 
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PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by Item 10 will be included in our Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Stockholder Meeting (“Proxy Statement”) under the headings “Corporate Governance at Capital One” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” and is incorporated herein by reference. The Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days of the end of our 2015 fiscal year.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by Item 11 will be included in the Proxy Statement under the headings “Director Compensation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Named Executive Officer Compensation,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation Committee Report,” and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by Item 12 will be included in the Proxy Statement under the headings “Security Ownership” and “Equity Compensation Plans,” and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
The information required by Item 13 will be included in the Proxy Statement under the headings “Related Person Transactions” and “Director Independence,” and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by Item 14 will be included in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Ratification of Selection of Independent Auditors,” and is incorporated herein by reference.

 
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PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Financial Statement Schedules
The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report in Part II, Item 8 and are incorporated herein by reference.
(1)
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on the Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013     
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Selected Quarterly Financial Information

(2)
Schedules:
       
None.
(b) Exhibits
An index to exhibits has been filed as part of this Report and is incorporated herein by reference.

 
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 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.
 
 
 
 
CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
 
Date: February 25, 2016
 
By:
 
/s/ RICHARD D. FAIRBANK
 
 
 
 
Richard D. Fairbank
 
 
 
 
Chair, Chief Executive Officer and President
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/ RICHARD D. FAIRBANK
 
Chair, Chief Executive Officer and President
 
February 25, 2016
Richard D. Fairbank
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
/s/ STEPHEN S. CRAWFORD
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
February 25, 2016
Stephen S. Crawford
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
/s/ R. SCOTT BLACKLEY
 
Controller
 
February 25, 2016
R. Scott Blackley
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
/s/ PATRICK W. GROSS
 
Director
 
February 25, 2016
Patrick W. Gross
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ ANN F. HACKETT
 
Director
 
February 25, 2016
Ann F. Hackett
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ LEWIS HAY, III
 
Director
 
February 25, 2016
Lewis Hay, III
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ BENJAMIN P. JENKINS, III
 
Director
 
February 25, 2016
Benjamin P. Jenkins, III
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ PIERRE E. LEROY
 
Director
 
February 25, 2016
Pierre E. Leroy
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ PETER E. RASKIND
 
Director
 
February 25, 2016
Peter E. Raskind
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ MAYO A. SHATTUCK III
 
Director
 
February 25, 2016
Mayo A. Shattuck III
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ BRADFORD H. WARNER
 
Director
 
February 25, 2016
Bradford H. Warner
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/CATHERINE G. WEST
 
Director
 
February 25, 2016
Catherine G. West
 
 
 
 

 
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EXHIBIT INDEX
CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
DATED DECEMBER 31, 2015
Commission File No. 1-13300
The following exhibits are incorporated by reference or filed herewith. References to (i) the “2002 Form 10-K” are to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed on March 17, 2003; (ii) the “2003 Form 10-K” are to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, filed on March 5, 2004; (iii) the “2004 Form 10-K” are to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, filed on March 9, 2005; (iv) the “2008 Form 10-K” are to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed on February 26, 2009; (v) the “2010 Form 10-K” are to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed on March 1, 2011, as amended on March 7, 2011; (vi) the “2011 Form 10-K” are to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed on February 28, 2012; (vii) the “2012 Form 10-K” are to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed on February 28, 2013; (viii) the “2013 Form 10-K” are to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed on February 27, 2014; and (ix) the “2014 Form 10-K” are to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed on February 24, 2015.
Exhibit No.
  
Description
3.1
 
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Capital One Financial Corporation, (as restated April 30, 2015) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 4, 2015).
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Capital One Financial Corporation, dated October 5, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 5, 2015).
3.3.1
 
Certificate of Designations of Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B, dated August 16, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 20, 2012).
3.3.2
 
Certificate of Designations of Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C, dated June 11, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 12, 2014).
3.3.3
 
Certificate of Designations of Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series D, dated October 29, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October 31, 2014).
3.3.4
 
Certificate of Designations of Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series E, dated May 12, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 14, 2015).
3.3.5
 
Certificate of Designations of Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series F, dated August 20, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 24, 2015).
4.1.1
 
Specimen certificate representing the common stock of Capital One Financial Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the 2003 Form 10-K).
4.1.2
 
Warrant Agreement, dated December 3, 2009, between Capital One Financial Corporation and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.1 of the Form 8-A, filed on December 4, 2009).
4.1.3
 
Deposit Agreement, dated August 20, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 20, 2012).
4.2
 
Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K, copies of instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt are not filed. The Company agrees to furnish a copy thereof to the SEC upon request.
10.1
 
Amended and Restated Capital One Financial Corporation Executive Severance Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2015).
10.1.1
 
Capital One Financial Corporation 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement on Definitive Schedule 14A, filed on March 17, 2004).
10.1.2
 
Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 3, 2006).
10.1.3
 
Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement on Definitive Schedule 14A, filed on March 13, 2009).
10.1.4
 
Third Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement on Definitive Schedule 14A, filed on March 18, 2014).
10.2.1
  
Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement granted to Richard D. Fairbank under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 23, 2005).
10.2.2
  
Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement granted to certain of our executives under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20.3 of the 2004 Form 10-K).

 
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Exhibit No.
  
Description
10.2.3
  
Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Award Agreement granted to our executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, under the Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan on January 26, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the 2010 Form 10-K).
10.2.4
  
Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Award Agreements granted to our executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, under the Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan on January 31, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2.10 of the 2011 Form 10-K).
10.2.5
  
Form of Performance Unit Award Agreements granted to our executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, under the Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan on January 31, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2.11 of the 2011 Form 10-K).
10.2.6
  
Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Award Agreements granted to our executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, under the Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan on January 31, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2.14 of the 2012 Form 10-K).
10.2.7
 
Form of Performance Unit Award Agreements granted to executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, under the Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan on January 31, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2.15 of the 2012 Form 10-K).
10.2.8
 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements granted to our executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, under the Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan on January 31, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2.16 of the 2012 Form 10-K).
10.2.9
  
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement granted to our executive officers under the Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan on January 31, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2.17 of the 2012 Form 10-K).
10.2.10
  
Restricted Stock Award Agreement granted to Stephen S. Crawford under the Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan on February 2, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2.18 of the 2012 Form 10-K).
10.2.11
  
Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Award Agreements granted to our executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, under the Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan on January 30, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2.15 of the 2013 Form 10-K).
10.2.12
  
Form of Performance Unit Award Agreements granted to executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, under the Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan on January 30, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2.16 of the 2013 Form 10-K).
10.2.13
  
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements granted to our executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, under the Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan on January 30, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2.17 of the 2013 Form 10-K).
10.2.14
  
Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Award Agreements granted to our executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, under the Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan on January 29, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2.14 of the 2014 Form 10-K).
10.2.15
  
Form of Performance Unit Award Agreements granted to executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, under the Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan on January 29, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2.15 of the 2014 Form 10-K).
10.2.16
  
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements granted to our executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, under the Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan on January 29, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2.16 of the 2014 Form 10-K).
10.2.17*
  
Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Award Agreements granted to our executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, under the Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan on February 4, 2016.
10.2.18*
  
Form of Performance Unit Award Agreements granted to executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, under the Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan on February 4, 2016.
10.2.19*
  
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements granted to our executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, under the Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan on February 4, 2016.
10.3.1
  
Capital One Financial Corporation 1999 Non-Employee Directors Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the 2002 Form 10-K).
10.3.2
  
Form of 1999 Non-Employee Directors Stock Incentive Plan Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement between Capital One Financial Corporation and certain of its Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2004).
10.3.3
  
Form of 1999 Non-Employee Directors Stock Incentive Plan Deferred Share Units Award Agreement between Capital One Financial Corporation and certain of its Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2004).
10.3.4
  
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement granted to our directors under the Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3.4 of the 2011 Form 10-K).
10.3.5
  
Form of Stock Option Award Agreement granted to our directors under the Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3.5 of the 2011 Form 10-K).
10.4
  
Amended and Restated Capital One Financial Corporation Executive Severance Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the 2011 Form 10-K).

 
216
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.
  
Description
10.5
  
Capital One Financial Corporation Non-Employee Directors Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the 2011 Form 10-K).
10.6.1
  
Amended and Restated Capital One Financial Corporation Voluntary Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the 2011 Form 10-K).
10.6.2
  
First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Capital One Financial Corporation Voluntary Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6.2 of the 2012 Form 10-K).
10.7.1
  
Form of Change of Control Employment Agreement between Capital One Financial Corporation and each of its named executive officers, other than the Chief Executive Officer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8.2 of the 2011 Form 10-K).
10.7.2
  
Form of 2011 Change of Control Employment Agreement between Capital One Financial Corporation and certain executive officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8.3 of the 2012 Form 10-K).
10.7.3
  
Change of Control Employment Agreement between Capital One Financial Corporation and Richard D. Fairbank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7.3 of the 2013 Form 10-K).
10.8.1
  
Form of Non-Competition Agreement between Capital One Financial Corporation and certain named executive officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the 2012 Form 10-K).
10.8.2
  
Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation of Customer Agreement between Capital One Financial Corporation and Jonathan W. Witter (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8.2 of the 2013 Form 10-K).
10.9
  
Offer Letter to Stephen S. Crawford dated January 31, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10.2 of the 2012 Form 10-K).
12.1*
  
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends.
21*
  
Subsidiaries of the Company.
23*
  
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
31.1*
  
Certification of Richard D. Fairbank.
31.2*
  
Certification of Stephen S. Crawford.
32.1*
  
Certification** of Richard D. Fairbank.
32.2*
  
Certification** of Stephen S. Crawford.
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.
__________
*
Indicates a document being filed with this Form 10-K.
**
Information in this Form 10-K furnished herewith shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the 1934 Act or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section.

 
217
Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)


Exhibit 10.2.17
CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
2004 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT
No. of Shares Subject to Option: 106,973
THIS NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated February 4, 2016 (the “Date of Grant”), between CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION , a Delaware corporation (“Capital One” or the “Company”), and Richard D. Fairbank (“Optionee” or “you”), is made pursuant and subject to the provisions of the Company’s 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the “Plan”), and all capitalized terms used herein that are defined in the Plan shall have the same meaning given them in the Plan unless otherwise defined herein.
W I T N E S S E T H :
1.     Grant of Options . Capital One hereby grants to Optionee options to purchase from the Company (each an “Option,” collectively, the “Options”) all or any part of an aggregate of 106,973 shares (the “Option Shares”) of common stock of the Company, $.01 par value per share, at the purchase price per share of $63.73 (the “Option Price”), being not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share on the Date of Grant, such Options to be exercisable as hereinafter provided. The Options shall be nonstatutory options that do not receive favorable tax treatment under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code.
2.      Terms and Conditions . The Options evidenced by this Agreement are subject to the following terms and conditions:
(a)      Expiration Date . The Options shall expire on February 3, 2026 (the “Expiration Date”) unless earlier terminated as provided for herein.
(b)      Transferability . The Options are transferable under the following conditions:
(i)     Except as provided in the following paragraph and in Section 2(d) below, the Options shall be nontransferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and, during the lifetime of Optionee, may be exercised only by Optionee, except as provided in Section 3 below.
The Options (or any portion thereof) may be transferred by the Optionee to (1) the spouse, children, or grandchildren of Optionee (each, an “Immediate Family Member”); (2) a trust or trusts for the exclusive benefit of Optionee and/or Immediate Family Members; or (3) a partnership in which Optionee and/or Immediate Family Members are the only partners, provided that (a) no consideration is paid to the Optionee in connection with the transfer; (b) in the event of a transfer to an individual, the Options are exercisable, during the original transferee’s lifetime, only by the transferee or by his or her guardian or legal representative; (c) following such transfer, Optionee retains no interest or reversion in the Options (or the underlying Shares upon exercise) and has no right to alter or amend the Options or revoke the transfer; and (d) subsequent transfer of the Options by the transferee (excluding transfers by will or by the laws of descent and distribution) is prohibited.
Following transfer, the Options shall continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the Options immediately before transfer (including terms and conditions based on the employment status of the Optionee); provided that where appropriate, all references in this Agreement to “Optionee” shall be deemed to refer to the transferee.
(ii)     Promptly upon transfer of any Options, the Optionee shall deliver written notice of the transfer to the Company’s Human Resources Department at the Company’s West Creek office in Richmond, Virginia. That written notice shall identify the transferee and the effective date of the transfer.
(iii)     If sale to the transferee of the Option Shares issuable upon exercise of the Options is not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Company, in its sole discretion, may condition such sale upon such terms and requirements as it deems appropriate to comply with applicable law.
(c)      Vesting of Options . Subject to the provisions of Sections 3, 11(a) and 11(b) below, the Options shall vest and become exercisable in full on February 15, 2019 (the “Vesting Date”) or, if earlier, upon the death or Disability of Optionee and in that event the date upon which the Options vest and become exercisable due to death or Disability





shall be the “Vesting Date” for all purposes hereunder. Upon the Optionee’s Retirement before the Vesting Date, the Options shall continue to vest and shall become exercisable in full on the Vesting Date, subject to reduction pursuant to Sections 11(a) and 11(b). The period between January 1, 2016 and the Vesting Date shall be the “Performance Period.” Except as otherwise provided in Sections 3(a), 3(b), 3(c) and 3(d) below, the right of Optionee and Optionee’s successors in interest to exercise the Options shall terminate three months after the date Optionee’s employment terminates (but no later than the Expiration Date).
(d)      Method of Exercising and Payment for Shares . The Options may be exercised by:
(i) Following the procedures for the exercise of Options as may be established from time to time by the Company or its designated agent (the “Procedures”). The Company will notify Optionee of the Procedures which will specify (1) any required notification, whether oral or written, to the Company or its designated agent; (2) the method for cash payment of the Option Price and any additional amounts to the Company or its designated agent; (3) if an Optionee elects to substitute Shares that an Optionee owns (valued at the Fair Market Value on the exercise date) for all or any portion of the cash payment, the method for delivery of such Shares to the Company or its designated agent; (4) if the Optionee exercises by means of a “cashless exercise,” any requirements related to such cashless exercise; and (5) any other requirements, including completion of any required tax or other forms, which must be completed prior to the exercise of the Options. The Optionee may contact (a) the Human Resources Department at the Company’s West Creek office in Richmond, Virginia or (b) the Company’s designated agent to obtain a copy of the Procedures; or
(ii)     Delivering written notice of exercise to the Human Resources Department at the Company’s West Creek office in Richmond, Virginia or to the Company’s designated agent. Such notice shall be accompanied by payment of the Option Price in full by cash (which shall include payment by check, bank draft or money order payable to the order of the Company). Optionee may by election substitute the delivery of Shares that Optionee owns (valued at their Fair Market Value on the date of exercise) that are duly endorsed for transfer for all or any portion of the cash payment, or Optionee may exercise the Options by means of a “cashless exercise” pursuant to which Option Shares may be issued directly to Optionee’s designated broker/dealer upon receipt by the Company of the Option Price in cash from such broker/dealer.
The exercise date will be, in the case of (i) above, the date upon which all of the Procedures have been completed by the Optionee, or such later date as agreed to by the Optionee and the Company or its designated agent, and in the case of (ii) above, the date that the written notice, together with any accompanying payment, is received by the Company.
3.      Termination of Employment . If Optionee’s employment with the Company or any Subsidiary terminates for any reason, including for Cause, as defined herein, other than death, Disability, Retirement or a termination following a Change of Control in accordance with Section 3(a), Optionee shall forfeit all rights under the Options except to the extent that the Options are already vested.
(a)     Vesting and Exercise following a Change of Control . Upon Optionee’s termination of employment by Capital One without Cause or by Optionee for Good Reason (each as defined below), in either case on or prior to the second anniversary of the occurrence of a Change of Control of Capital One, then, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Options shall vest and become exercisable immediately upon the occurrence of your termination of employment following such Change of Control (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein) and such date of termination shall be the Vesting Date. Any such vested Options outstanding as of the date of such termination shall remain outstanding and exercisable through the Expiration Date.
(b)      Exercise following Death . Except as provided in Section 3(d), if Optionee dies while employed by the Company or any Subsidiary or within three months following termination of employment, and before the exercise in full or expiration of the Options, Optionee’s estate, or the person or persons to whom the rights under the Options shall have passed by will or the laws of descent and distribution, may exercise the Options at any time within three years following Optionee’s death (but in any event no later than the Expiration Date).
(c)      Exercise following Disability . In the event of termination of Optionee’s employment by the Company or any Subsidiary by reason of Disability approved by the Company before exercise in full or expiration of the Options, Optionee may exercise the Options at any time within three years following such termination of employment (but in any event no later than the Expiration Date).





(d)      Exercise following Retirement . In the event of termination of Optionee’s employment by reason of Retirement before exercise in full or expiration of the Options, Optionee may exercise the Options at any time subsequent to vesting and before the Expiration Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Optionee dies following Optionee’s termination of employment by reason of Retirement but prior to the Expiration Date, the Options shall immediately become fully exercisable (if not exercisable already), and Optionee’s estate or the person or persons to whom the rights under the Options shall have passed by will or the laws of descent and distribution, may exercise the Options at any time within three years following Optionee’s death (but in any event no later than the Expiration Date).
For purposes of this Section 3, it shall not be considered a termination of employment if Optionee is placed by the Company or any Subsidiary on military or sick leave or such other type of leave of absence that the Committee in its sole discretion considers as continuing the employment relationship intact. At the time of any exercise of any Options exercised pursuant to this Section 3, the Option Price shall be paid in full as provided in Section 2.
For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean (1) the willful and continued failure to perform substantially your duties with the Company or any Affiliate (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness or following your delivery of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to you by the Board or the Committee that specifically identifies the manner in which the Board or the Committee believes that you have not substantially performed your duties, or (2) the willful engaging by you in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company. No act, or failure to act, on the part of you shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by you in bad faith or without reasonable belief that your action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon (A) authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, or if the Company is not the ultimate parent corporation of the Affiliate and is not publicly-traded, the board of directors of the ultimate parent of the Company (the “Applicable Board”) or (B) the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by you in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. The cessation of your employment shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to you a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Applicable Board (excluding you, if you are a member of the Applicable Board) at a meeting of the Applicable Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to you and you are given an opportunity, together with your counsel, to be heard before the Applicable Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Applicable Board, you are guilty of the conduct described in this paragraph, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.
For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean (1) the assignment to you of any duties inconsistent in any respect with your position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities, or any action by the Company that results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you; (2) any failure by the Company to pay your compensation owed other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you; (3) the Company’s requiring you (I) to be based at any office or location more than 35 miles from the office or location at which you were required to work as of the date of this Agreement or (II) to travel on Company business to a substantially greater extent than required during the 120-day period immediately prior to the date the Change of Control occurs; or (4) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any employment agreement. For purposes of this paragraph, any good faith determination of Good Reason made by you shall be conclusive. Your mental or physical incapacity following the occurrence of an event described above in clauses (1) through (4) shall not affect your ability to terminate employment for Good Reason.
Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party. “Notice of Termination” means a written notice that (1) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (2) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment under the provision so indicated, and (3) if the Date of Termination (as defined herein) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the Date of Termination (which Date of Termination shall be not more than 30 days after the giving of such notice). The failure by you or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance that contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of you or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude you or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing your or the Company’s respective rights hereunder.
“Date of Termination” means, if your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or such later date specified in the Notice of Termination, as the case may be. You





and the Company shall take all steps necessary to ensure that any termination described in Section 3(a) constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, and notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the date on which such separation from service takes place shall be the “Date of Termination.”
4.     Modification and Waiver . Except as provided in the Plan with respect to determinations of the Board or the Committee and subject to the Board’s right to amend the Plan, neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof can be changed, modified, amended, discharged, terminated or waived orally or by any course of dealing or purported course of dealing, but only by an agreement in writing signed by you and Capital One; provided, that changes, modifications and amendments not detrimental to you may be made in writing signed only by Capital One. No such agreement shall extend to or affect any provision of this Agreement not expressly changed, modified, amended, discharged, terminated or waived or impair any right consequent on such a provision. The waiver of or failure to enforce any breach of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver or acquiescence in any other breach thereof.
5.      Tax Obligations Upon Exercise of Options . The difference, on the date of exercise, between the Fair Market Value of the Option Shares purchased and the Option Price is compensation taxable to Optionee as ordinary income on the date of exercise and is subject to applicable federal, state and local taxes that the Company is obligated to withhold. The Company’s designated agent will automatically withhold upon exercise the number of Option Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum applicable withholding taxes, unless the Optionee makes other arrangements suitable to the Company for the payment of all applicable withholding taxes.
6.     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by United States federal law and, to the extent not preempted thereby, by the laws of the State of Delaware. Capital One and you hereby consent and submit to the personal jurisdiction and venue of any state or federal court located in any city or county of Delaware for resolution of any and all claims, causes of action or disputes arising out of this Agreement. You and Capital One agree that the court shall not set aside the Committee’s determinations unless there is clear and convincing evidence of bad faith or fraud.
7.      Conflicts . In the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Plan as in effect on the Date of Grant and the provisions of this Agreement, except terms otherwise defined herein, the provisions of the Plan shall govern. All references herein to the Plan shall mean the Plan as in effect on the date hereof.
8.      Bound by Plan . In consideration of the grant of the Options, Optionee agrees that he will comply with such conditions as the Committee may impose on the exercise of the Options and be bound by the terms of the Plan.
9.      Employment Status . This Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment nor does it alter Optionee’s terminable at will status or otherwise guarantee future employment.
10.      Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon, enforceable against, and inure to the benefit of Optionee, his legatees, distributees and personal representatives, and the Company and its successors and assigns.
11.      Performance-Based Adjustments, Clawbacks and Other Forfeiture Events .
(a) Performance-Based Adjustment . The number of Options vesting on the Vesting Date shall be subject to reduction as follows:
(i)     For each fiscal year of the Company ending during the Performance Period, if any, that the Core Earnings for the Company for such fiscal year, as certified by the Committee, are not positive (i.e., Core Earnings are not greater than zero):
(A)     The number of Options scheduled to vest on the Vesting Date shall be reduced by 17,829 ; and
(B)    The Committee shall determine the extent, if any, to which you are accountable for such outcome, and, based on such determination, the Committee shall determine (I) whether the number of Options scheduled to vest on the Vesting Date shall be reduced by up to an additional 17,829 Options and (II) whether the Vesting Date shall be delayed for all or any portion of such Options that are not so reduced.
The Committee shall make the determinations referenced in Section 11(a)(i)(B) in its sole discretion, taking into account the factors set forth on Appendix A hereto.





(ii)     For purposes of this Section 11(a), “Core Earnings” means the Company’s net income available to common stockholders, excluding, on a tax-adjusted basis, the impact of (A) impairment or amortization of intangible assets, (B) the build or release of the allowance for loan and lease losses, calculated as the difference between the provision for loan and lease losses and charge-offs, net of recoveries, and (C) the change in the combined uncollectible finance charge and fee reserve.
(iii)    In the event of any change to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles affecting the treatment or classification of any component of Core Earnings, such metric shall be calculated in a manner consistent with the definitions herein to the extent practicable.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement and for the avoidance of doubt, in the event of a Change of Control of Capital One, there shall be no reduction pursuant to this Section 11(a) for any fiscal year ending after the date of such Change of Control.
(b) Clawback . The number of Options vesting on the Vesting Date shall be subject to reduction in an amount as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion in the event that prior to the Vesting Date the Committee in its sole discretion determines that (i) there has been misconduct resulting in either a violation of law or of Capital One policy or procedures, including but not limited to Capital One’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, that in either case causes significant financial or reputational harm to Capital One and (ii) either you committed the misconduct or failed in your responsibility to manage or monitor the applicable conduct or risks.
(c) Forfeiture Event . Optionee agrees to reimburse the Company with respect to the Options and Option Shares to the extent required by Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or as otherwise required by law.
12.      Data Protection . You consent to the collection, processing and transfer (including international transfer) of your personally identifiable data in connection with the grant of the Options and participation in the Plan.
13.     Severability . This Agreement shall be enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, then that provision shall be reduced, modified or otherwise conformed to the relevant law, judgment or determination to the degree necessary to render it valid and enforceable without affecting the validity, legality or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement or the validity, legality or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be deemed severable from the remainder of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions contained in this Agreement shall be construed to preserve to the maximum permissible extent the intent and purposes of this Agreement.
14.     Miscellaneous. In accepting the grant, you acknowledge and agree that:
(a)    your obligations under this Agreement shall survive any termination of your employment with the Company for any reason;
(b)    any of the Company’s rights or remedies under this Agreement shall be cumulative and in addition to whatever other remedies the Company may have under law or equity;
(c)    any recovery by the Company under this Agreement will be a recovery of Options or Option Shares to which you were not entitled under this Agreement and is not to be construed in any manner as a penalty;
(d)    the Company may, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and Section 409A of the Code, retain for itself funds or securities otherwise payable to you pursuant to this Agreement to satisfy any obligation or debt that you owe the Company, including any obligations hereunder. The Company may not retain such funds or securities until such time as they would otherwise be distributable to you in accordance with this Agreement;
(e)    the Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on the Restricted Stock Units, any Shares acquired pursuant to the Restricted Stock Units, and your participation in the Plan, to the extent Capital One determines, in its sole discretion, that such other requirements are necessary or advisable in order to comply with local laws, rules and regulations, or to facilitate the administration of the Restricted Stock Units and the Plan. Such requirements may include (but are not limited to) requiring you to sign any agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing; and





(f)    Capital One from time to time distributes and makes available to associates disclosure documents, including a prospectus, relating to the Plan. You may also contact the HR Help Center to obtain copies of the Plan disclosure documents and the Plan. You should carefully read the Plan disclosure documents and the Plan. By accepting the benefits of this Agreement you acknowledge receipt of the Plan and the Plan disclosure documents and agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and the Plan. You hereby consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agree to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by Capital One or a third-party designated by Capital One.







IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed on their behalf.

                    
 
CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
By:
 
 
 
/s/ Mayo A. Shattuck III
 
 
Mayo A. Shattuck III
 
 
Chair, Compensation Committee
 
 
 
 
PARTICIPANT
 
By:
 
 
 
/s/ Richard D. Fairbank
 
 
Richard D. Fairbank
 
 
Chair of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President





APPENDIX A

PERFORMANCE-BASED ADJUSTMENT DETERMINATION FACTORS

The Committee shall take into account the following factors for purposes of making any determinations referenced in Section 11(a)(i)(B) of the Agreement in its sole discretion:

The extent to which Core Earnings were negative;

Whether the outcome was the result of the performance of a line of business, control function or staff group for which you exercised direct or indirect responsibility;

The extent to which your performance contributed to the outcome, including your performance with respect to risk management and oversight; and

Such other factors as the Committee deems appropriate.







CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
2004 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT
No. of Shares Subject to Option: %%TOTAL_SHARES_GRANTED%-%
THIS NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated February 4, 2016 (the “Date of Grant”), between CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“Capital One” or the “Company”), and %%FIRST_NAME%-% %%LAST_NAME%-% (“Optionee” or “you”), is made pursuant and subject to the provisions of the Company’s 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the “Plan”), and all capitalized terms used herein that are defined in the Plan shall have the same meaning given them in the Plan unless otherwise defined herein.
W I T N E S S E T H :
1.     Grant of Options . Capital One hereby grants to Optionee options to purchase from the Company (each an “Option,” collectively, the “Options”) all or any part of an aggregate of %%TOTAL_SHARES_GRANTED%-% shares (the “Option Shares”) of common stock of the Company, $.01 par value per share, at the purchase price per share of $xx.xx (the “Option Price”), being not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share on the Date of Grant, such Options to be exercisable as hereinafter provided. The Options shall be nonstatutory options that do not receive favorable tax treatment under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code.
2.     Terms and Conditions . The Options evidenced by this Agreement are subject to the following terms and conditions:
(a)     Expiration Date . The Options shall expire on February 3, 2026 (the “Expiration Date”) unless earlier terminated as provided for herein.        
(b)     Transferability . The Options are transferable under the following conditions:
(i)    Except as provided in the following paragraph and in Section 2(d) below, the Options shall be nontransferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and, during the lifetime of Optionee, may be exercised only by Optionee, except as provided in Section 3 below.
The Options (or any portion thereof) may be transferred by the Optionee to (1) the spouse, children, or grandchildren of Optionee (each, an “Immediate Family Member”); (2) a trust or trusts for the exclusive benefit of Optionee and/or Immediate Family Members; or (3) a partnership in which Optionee and/or Immediate Family Members are the only partners, provided that (a) no consideration is paid to the Optionee in connection with the transfer; (b) in the event of a transfer to an individual, the Options are exercisable, during the original transferee’s lifetime, only by the transferee or by his or her guardian or legal representative; (c) following such transfer, Optionee retains no interest or reversion in the Options (or the underlying Shares upon exercise) and has no right to alter or amend the Options or revoke the transfer; and (d) subsequent transfer of the Options by the transferee (excluding transfers by will or by the laws of descent and distribution) is prohibited.
Following transfer, the Options shall continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the Options immediately before transfer (including terms and conditions based on the employment status of the Optionee); provided that where appropriate, all references in this Agreement to “Optionee” shall be deemed to refer to the transferee.
(ii)    Promptly upon transfer of any Options, the Optionee shall deliver written notice of the transfer to the Company’s Human Resources Department at the Company’s West Creek office in Richmond, Virginia. That written notice shall identify the transferee and the effective date of the transfer.
(iii)    If sale to the transferee of the Option Shares issuable upon exercise of the Options is not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Company, in its sole discretion, may condition such sale upon such terms and requirements as it deems appropriate to comply with applicable law.
(c)     Vesting of Options . Subject to the provisions of Sections 3, 11(a) and 11(b) below, the Options shall vest and become exercisable as follows:    





One-third of the Options on February 15, 2017
One-third of the Options on February 15, 2018
One-third of the Options on February 15, 2019
Each of the dates immediately above shall be a “Scheduled Vesting Date.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, any unvested and not previously forfeited Options shall immediately vest and become fully exercisable upon the death or Disability of Optionee. Upon the Optionee’s Retirement before vesting of the Options, the Options shall continue to vest on the Scheduled Vesting Dates and remain subject to reduction pursuant to Sections 11(a) and 11(b) and shall become exercisable on the applicable Scheduled Vesting Dates. Except as otherwise provided in Sections 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d) and 3(e) below, the right of Optionee and Optionee’s successors in interest to exercise the Options shall terminate three months after the date Optionee’s employment terminates (but no later than the Expiration Date).
(d)     Method of Exercising and Payment for Shares . The Options may be exercised by:
(i)    Following the procedures for the exercise of Options as may be established from time to time by the Company or its designated agent (the “Procedures”). The Company will notify Optionee of the Procedures which will specify (1) any required notification, whether oral or written, to the Company or its designated agent; (2) the method for cash payment of the Option Price and any additional amounts to the Company or its designated agent; (3) if an Optionee elects to substitute Shares that an Optionee owns (valued at the Fair Market Value on the exercise date) for all or any portion of the cash payment, the method for delivery of such Shares to the Company or its designated agent; (4) if the Optionee exercises by means of a “cashless exercise,” any requirements related to such cashless exercise; and (5) any other requirements, including completion of any required tax or other forms, which must be completed prior to the exercise of the Options. The Optionee may contact (a) the Human Resources Department at the Company’s West Creek office in Richmond, Virginia or (b) the Company’s designated agent to obtain a copy of the Procedures; or
(ii)    Delivering written notice of exercise to the Human Resources Department at the Company’s West Creek office in Richmond, Virginia or to the Company’s designated agent. Such notice shall be accompanied by payment of the Option Price in full by cash (which shall include payment by check, bank draft or money order payable to the order of the Company). Optionee may by election substitute the delivery of Shares that Optionee owns (valued at their Fair Market Value on the date of exercise) that are duly endorsed for transfer for all or any portion of the cash payment, or Optionee may exercise the Options by means of a “cashless exercise” pursuant to which Option Shares may be issued directly to Optionee’s designated broker/dealer upon receipt by the Company of the Option Price in cash from such broker/dealer.
The exercise date will be, in the case of (i) above, the date upon which all of the Procedures have been completed by the Optionee, or such later date as agreed to by the Optionee and the Company or its designated agent, and in the case of (ii) above, the date that the written notice, together with any accompanying payment, is received by the Company.
3.     Termination of Employment . If Optionee’s employment with the Company or any Subsidiary terminates for any reason, including for Cause, as defined herein, other than death, Disability, Retirement or a termination following a Change of Control in accordance with Section 3(a), Optionee shall forfeit all rights under the Options except to the extent that the Options are already vested.
(a)     Vesting and Exercise following a Change of Control . Upon Optionee’s termination of employment by Capital One without Cause or by Optionee for Good Reason (each as defined below), in either case on or prior to the second anniversary of the occurrence of a Change of Control of Capital One, then, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Options shall vest and become exercisable immediately upon the occurrence of your termination of employment following such Change of Control (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein). Any such fully vested Options outstanding as of the date of such termination shall remain outstanding and exercisable through the Expiration Date.
(b)     Exercise following Death . Except as provided in Section 3(d), if Optionee dies while employed by the Company or any Subsidiary or within three months following termination of employment, and before the exercise in full or expiration of the Options, Optionee’s estate, or the person or persons to whom the rights under the Options shall have





passed by will or the laws of descent and distribution, may exercise the Options at any time within three years following Optionee’s death (but in any event no later than the Expiration Date).
(c)     Exercise following Disability . In the event of termination of Optionee’s employment by the Company or any Subsidiary by reason of Disability approved by the Company before exercise in full or expiration of the Options, Optionee may exercise the Options at any time within three years following such termination of employment (but in any event no later than the Expiration Date).
(d)     Exercise following Retirement . In the event of termination of Optionee’s employment by reason of Retirement before exercise in full or expiration of the Options, Optionee may exercise the Options at any time subsequent to vesting and before the Expiration Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Optionee dies following Optionee’s termination of employment by reason of Retirement but prior to the Expiration Date, the Options shall immediately become fully exercisable (if not exercisable already), and Optionee’s estate or the person or persons to whom the rights under the Options shall have passed by will or the laws of descent and distribution, may exercise the Options at any time within three years following Optionee’s death (but in any event no later than the Expiration Date).    
(e)     Exercise following termination by the Company not for Cause . In the event of the involuntary termination of Optionee’s employment by the Company not for Cause not in connection with a Change of Control as provided in Section 3(a), then any such fully vested Options outstanding as of the date of such termination shall remain outstanding and exercisable by the Optionee at any time within two years following Optionee’s termination of service (but in any event no later than the Expiration Date).
For purposes of this Section 3, it shall not be considered a termination of employment if Optionee is placed by the Company or any Subsidiary on military or sick leave or such other type of leave of absence that the Committee in its sole discretion considers as continuing the employment relationship intact. At the time of any exercise of any Options exercised pursuant to this Section 3, the Option Price shall be paid in full as provided in Section 2.
For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean (1) the willful and continued failure to perform substantially your duties with the Company or any Affiliate (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness or following your delivery of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to you by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company that specifically identifies the manner in which the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company believes that you have not substantially performed your duties, or (2) the willful engaging by you in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company. No act, or failure to act, on the part of you shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by you in bad faith or without reasonable belief that your action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon (A) authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, or if the Company is not the ultimate parent corporation of the Affiliate and is not publicly-traded, the board of directors of the ultimate parent of the Company (the “Applicable Board”), (B) the instructions of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (unless you are the Chief Executive Officer at the time of any such instruction) or (C) the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by you in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. The cessation of your employment shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to you a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Applicable Board (excluding you, if you are a member of the Applicable Board) at a meeting of the Applicable Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to you and you are given an opportunity, together with your counsel, to be heard before the Applicable Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Applicable Board, you are guilty of the conduct described in this paragraph, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.
For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean (1) the assignment to you of any duties inconsistent in any respect with your position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities, or any action by the Company that results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you; (2) any failure by the Company to pay your compensation owed other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you; (3) the Company’s requiring you (I) to be based at any office or location more than 35 miles from the office or location at which you were required to work as of the date of this Agreement or (II) to travel on Company business to a substantially greater extent than required during





the 120-day period immediately prior to the date the Change of Control occurs; or (4) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any employment agreement. For purposes of this paragraph, any good faith determination of Good Reason made by you shall be conclusive. Your mental or physical incapacity following the occurrence of an event described above in clauses (1) through (4) shall not affect your ability to terminate employment for Good Reason.
Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party. “Notice of Termination” means a written notice that (1) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (2) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment under the provision so indicated, and (3) if the Date of Termination (as defined herein) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the Date of Termination (which Date of Termination shall be not more than 30 days after the giving of such notice). The failure by you or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance that contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of you or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude you or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing your or the Company’s respective rights hereunder.
“Date of Termination” means, if your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or such later date specified in the Notice of Termination, as the case may be. You and the Company shall take all steps necessary to ensure that any termination described in Section 3(a) constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, and notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the date on which such separation from service takes place shall be the “Date of Termination.”
4.     Modification and Waiver . Except as provided in the Plan with respect to determinations of the Board or the Committee and subject to the Board’s right to amend the Plan, neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof can be changed, modified, amended, discharged, terminated or waived orally or by any course of dealing or purported course of dealing, but only by an agreement in writing signed by you and Capital One; provided, that changes, modifications and amendments not detrimental to you may be made in writing signed only by Capital One. No such agreement shall extend to or affect any provision of this Agreement not expressly changed, modified, amended, discharged, terminated or waived or impair any right consequent on such a provision. The waiver of or failure to enforce any breach of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver or acquiescence in any other breach thereof.
5.     Tax Obligations Upon Exercise of Options . The difference, on the date of exercise, between the Fair Market Value of the Option Shares purchased and the Option Price is compensation taxable to Optionee as ordinary income on the date of exercise and is subject to applicable federal, state and local taxes that the Company is obligated to withhold. The Company’s designated agent will automatically withhold upon exercise the number of Option Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum applicable withholding taxes, unless the Optionee makes other arrangements suitable to the Company for the payment of all applicable withholding taxes.
6.     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by United States federal law and, to the extent not preempted thereby, by the laws of the State of Delaware. Capital One and you hereby consent and submit to the personal jurisdiction and venue of any state or federal court located in any city or county of Delaware for resolution of any and all claims, causes of action or disputes arising out of this Agreement. You and Capital One agree that the court shall not set aside the Committee’s determinations unless there is clear and convincing evidence of bad faith or fraud.
7.     Conflicts . In the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Plan as in effect on the Date of Grant and the provisions of this Agreement, except terms otherwise defined herein, the provisions of the Plan shall govern. All references herein to the Plan shall mean the Plan as in effect on the date hereof.
8.     Bound by Plan . In consideration of the grant of the Options, Optionee agrees that he will comply with such conditions as the Committee may impose on the exercise of the Options and be bound by the terms of the Plan.
9.     Employment Status . This Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment nor does it alter Optionee’s terminable at will status or otherwise guarantee future employment.
10.     Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon, enforceable against, and inure to the benefit of Optionee, his legatees, distributees and personal representatives, and the Company and its successors and assigns.





11.     Performance-Based Adjustments, Clawbacks and Other Forfeiture Events .
(a) Performance-Based Adjustment . The number of Options vesting on the Scheduled Vesting Date shall be subject to reduction as follows:
(i)    In the event that the Core Earnings of the Company for the Company’s fiscal year ended immediately prior to such Scheduled Vesting Date, as certified by the Committee, are not positive (i.e., Core Earnings are not greater than zero):
(A)    The number of Options scheduled to vest on such Scheduled Vesting Date shall be reduced by 50%, rounding up to the nearest whole share; and
(B)    The Committee shall determine the extent, if any, to which you are accountable for such outcome and, based on such determination, the Committee shall determine (I) whether all or any portion of the remaining Options scheduled to vest on such Scheduled Vesting Date shall be forfeited and (II) whether the Scheduled Vesting Date shall be delayed for all or any portion of such Options that are not so forfeited.
The Committee shall make the determinations referenced in Section 11(a)(i)(B) in its sole discretion, taking into account the factors set forth on Appendix A hereto.
(ii)    For purposes of this Section 11(a), “Core Earnings” means the Company’s net income available to common stockholders, excluding, on a tax-adjusted basis, the impact of (A) impairment or amortization of intangible assets, (B) the build or release of the allowance for loan and lease losses, calculated as the difference between the provision for loan and lease losses and charge-offs, net of recoveries, and (C) the change in the combined uncollectible finance charge and fee reserve.
(iii)    In the event of any change to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles affecting the treatment or classification of any component of Core Earnings, such metric shall be calculated in a manner consistent with the definitions herein to the extent practicable.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement and for the avoidance of doubt, in the event of a Change of Control of Capital One, there shall be no reduction pursuant to this Section 11(a) for any fiscal year ending after the date of such Change of Control.
(b) Clawback . All unvested Options granted hereunder shall be subject to forfeiture in the event that the Committee in its sole discretion determines that (i) there has been misconduct resulting in either a violation of law or of Capital One policy or procedures, including but not limited to Capital One’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, that in either case causes significant financial or reputational harm to Capital One and (ii) either you committed the misconduct or failed in your responsibility to manage or monitor the applicable conduct or risks. In the event that the Committee makes a determination as provided in the preceding sentence, all or any portion of Options that have not yet vested under this Agreement as of the date of such determination shall be forfeited in an amount as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
(c) Forfeiture Event . Optionee agrees to reimburse the Company with respect to the Options and Option Shares to the extent required by Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or as otherwise required by law.
12.     Data Protection . You consent to the collection, processing and transfer (including international transfer) of your personally identifiable data in connection with the grant of the Options and participation in the Plan.
13.     Severability . This Agreement shall be enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, then that provision shall be reduced, modified or otherwise conformed to the relevant law, judgment or determination to the degree necessary to render it valid and enforceable without affecting the validity, legality or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement or the validity, legality or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be deemed severable from the remainder of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions contained in this Agreement shall be construed to preserve to the maximum permissible extent the intent and purposes of this Agreement.





14.     Miscellaneous . In accepting the grant, you acknowledge and agree that:
(a)    your obligations under this Agreement shall survive any termination of your employment with the Company for any reason;
(b)    any of the Company’s rights or remedies under this Agreement shall be cumulative and in addition to whatever other remedies the Company may have under law or equity;
(c)    any recovery by the Company under this Agreement will be a recovery of Options or Option Shares to which you were not entitled under this Agreement and is not to be construed in any manner as a penalty;     
(d)    the Company may, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and Section 409A of the Code, retain for itself funds or securities otherwise payable to you pursuant to this Agreement to satisfy any obligation or debt that you owe the Company, including any obligations hereunder. The Company may not retain such funds or securities until such time as they would otherwise be distributable to you in accordance with this Agreement;
(e)    the Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on the Restricted Stock Units, any Shares acquired pursuant to the Restricted Stock Units, and your participation in the Plan, to the extent Capital One determines, in its sole discretion, that such other requirements are necessary or advisable in order to comply with local laws, rules and regulations, or to facilitate the administration of the Restricted Stock Units and the Plan. Such requirements may include (but are not limited to) requiring you to sign any agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing; and
(f)    Capital One from time to time distributes and makes available to associates disclosure documents, including a prospectus, relating to the Plan. You may also contact the HR Help Center to obtain copies of the Plan disclosure documents and the Plan. You should carefully read the Plan disclosure documents and the Plan. By accepting the benefits of this Agreement you acknowledge receipt of the Plan and the Plan disclosure documents and agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and the Plan. You hereby consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agree to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by Capital One or a third-party designated by Capital One.







IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed on their behalf.

    
                            
 
CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
By:
 
 
 
/s/ JORY BERSON
 
 
Jory Berson
 
 
Chief Human Resources Officer






PARTICIPANT

By: SIGNED BY ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE
%%FIRST_NAME%-% %%LAST_NAME%-%

BY ELECTRONICALLY ACCEPTING THE AWARD, YOU AGREE THAT (i) SUCH ACCEPTANCE CONSTITUTES YOUR ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE IN EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT; (ii) YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN AND THE AGREEMENT; (iii) YOU HAVE REVIEWED THE PLAN AND THE AGREEMENT IN THEIR ENTIRETY, HAVE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO OBTAIN THE ADVICE OF COUNSEL PRIOR TO ACCEPTING THE AWARD AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN AND THE AGREEMENT; (iv) YOU HAVE BEEN PROVIDED WITH A COPY OR ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO A COPY OF THE U.S. PROSPECTUS FOR THE PLAN; AND (v) YOU HEREBY AGREE TO ACCEPT AS BINDING, CONCLUSIVE AND FINAL ALL DECISIONS OR INTERPRETATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE UPON ANY QUESTIONS ARISING UNDER THE PLAN AND THE AGREEMENT.

* * * * *





APPENDIX A
PERFORMANCE-BASED ADJUSTMENT DETERMINATION FACTORS
The Committee shall take into account the following factors for purposes of making any determinations referenced in Section 11(a)(i)(B) of the Agreement in its sole discretion:
The extent to which Core Earnings were negative;
Whether the outcome was the result of the performance of a line of business, control function or staff group for which you exercised direct or indirect responsibility;
The extent to which your performance contributed to the outcome, including your performance with respect to risk management and oversight; and
Such other factors as the Committee deems appropriate.





Exhibit 10.2.18
CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
2004 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
PERFORMANCE UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT

No. of Performance Units at Target: 137,298

THIS PERFORMANCE UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated February 4, 2016 (the “Date of Grant”), between CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION , a Delaware corporation ("Capital One" or the “Company”), and Richard D. Fairbank (“you”), is made pursuant and subject to the provisions of the Company's 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the "Plan") and all capitalized terms used herein that are defined in the Plan shall have the same meaning given them in the Plan unless they are otherwise defined herein.
WHEREAS, Article 9 of the Plan provides for the award from time to time in the discretion of the Committee of performance units, the vesting and issuance of which are subject to certain service, performance or other conditions;
W I T N E S S E T H :
1.     Grant of Performance Units . Capital One hereby grants to you an award of performance units (the “Units”) with a target award of 137,298 Units (the “Target Award”). The maximum payout for this award is 150% of the Target Award plus accrued dividends pursuant to Section 6. The Units shall vest and the underlying shares of common stock of Capital One, $.01 par value per share (such underlying shares, the “Shares”), shall be issuable only in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and of the Plan. The Units will not have voting rights.
2.     Non-Transferability . Subject to the provisions of Section 3 and 13 hereof, the right to receive some or all of the Units and the Shares related thereto shall not be assignable or transferable, or otherwise alienated, pledged or hypothecated or otherwise encumbered under any circumstances. Any purported or attempted assignment, transfer, alienation, pledge, hypothecation or encumbrance of such rights or of the Units or the Shares related thereto prior to their issuance to you shall be null and void and shall result in the immediate forfeiture of such rights or Units, including the Shares related thereto, and cancellation of this Agreement.
3.     Lapse of Restrictions .
(a) Vesting . Except as provided in Sections 3(b) and 3(c) below and to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein, the Units shall vest on a date as determined by the Committee after termination of the Performance Period (as defined below) and certification of performance by the Committee, but no later than March 15, 2019 (the “Date of Issuance”). On the Date of Issuance, the Units shall vest, and the Shares shall become issuable as determined based on the Company’s Adjusted ROA, as defined on Appendix A , as measured against a peer group, consisting of companies in the KBW Bank Sector index as of January 1, 2016, excluding custody banks in that index (the “Peer Group), over a three-year performance period beginning on January 1, 2016 and ending on December 31, 2018 (the “Performance Period”) as certified by the Committee following the end of the Performance Period. For members of the Peer Group who fail or are acquired, the Adjusted ROA through the time the independent company stops reporting GAAP financials will be frozen and serve as their final return metric for the Performance Period. Members of the Peer Group that continue to operate as independent companies but that fall out of the KBW Bank Sector index will continue to be used in the Peer Group. Members of the Peer Group as of January 1, 2016 are shown in Appendix B . Any new entrants to the KBW Bank Sector index after January 1, 2016 will not be considered members of the Peer Group for any award determination or calculation related to this Agreement. The number of Units that shall vest and the number of Shares that shall become issuable on the Date of Issuance is set forth on Appendix A . The number of Units vesting and the number of Shares that shall become issuable on the Date of Issuance shall be reduced in the event that Adjusted ROA for one or more fiscal years in the Performance Period is not positive, as provided on Appendix A . The number of Units vesting and the number of Shares that shall become issuable on the Date of Issuance shall also be subject to reduction in accordance with section 12(b) below.
With respect to any Units that have vested on the Date of Issuance, the Shares related thereto shall be issued to you, in settlement of such vested Units, on such Date of Issuance. Dividends will be accrued and paid out as additional





shares at the time of the award as provided in Section 6 below. All Units, including your rights thereto and to the underlying Shares, which do not vest on or before the Date of Issuance, as provided in this Section 3, shall immediately be forfeited as of such Date of Issuance (to the extent not previously forfeited as provided herein).
(b)     Effect of Termination of Employment .
(i)    Upon termination of your employment with Capital One for any reason other than death, Disability or Retirement, as defined below, prior to the Date of Issuance, all Units shall immediately be forfeited (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein).
(ii)    Upon termination of your employment as a result of your death or Disability on or prior to December 31, 2018, a number of the Units equal to (1) the Target Award amount as specified above, or (2) following a Change of Control, the Time-Based Units as calculated in Section 3(c) below, shall immediately vest and the Shares shall be immediately issuable to you as soon as practicable following your death or Disability and in all events on or before the later of December 31 of the year of termination or 2.5 months following such termination. Upon your termination of employment as a result of your death or Disability on or after January 1, 2019, but prior to the Date of Issuance, the number of Units that shall vest and the number of Shares that shall be issuable to you shall be as calculated in Section 3(a) above.
(iii)    Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, upon your Retirement on or before December 31, 2016, all Units shall immediately be forfeited; and upon your Retirement on or after January 1, 2017, the number of Units that shall vest and the number of Shares that shall be issuable to you shall be as calculated in Section 3(a) and 3(c).
(iv)    Upon termination of your employment with Capital One for Cause, as defined herein, prior to the Date of Issuance, all Units shall be immediately forfeited (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein).
(c) Effect of Change of Control . Upon a Change of Control, a number of Units shall, upon certification of performance by the Committee, convert into time-based restricted stock units (the “Time-Based Units”) calculated based on a performance period from January 1, 2016 through the end of the fiscal quarter immediately preceding the closing date of the transaction giving rise to the Change of Control; and provided further that the Date of Issuance in such case shall be December 31, 2018 subject to either (1) your continued employment through such date or (2) your Retirement, pursuant to Section 3(b)(iii). Upon your termination of employment by Capital One without Cause or for Good Reason (each as defined below), in either case on or prior to the second anniversary of the occurrence of a Change of Control of Capital One and prior to the Date of Issuance with respect to the Time-Based Units, then notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, all of the Time-Based Units shall vest and the Shares shall be issuable in full without restrictions on transferability immediately upon the occurrence of your termination of employment following such Change of Control (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein) and such date shall be the Date of Issuance; provided, however, that if the Time-Based Units are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code and not exempt from Section 409A of the Code as a short-term deferral or otherwise, and you are a “specified employee,” as defined in and pursuant to Reg. Section 1.409A 1(i) or any successor regulation, on the date of any such termination of employment without Cause or for Good Reason, you will not be entitled to such vesting earlier than the earlier of (i) the date which is six months from the date of your “separation from service” (as defined in Reg. Section 1.409A 1(h) or any successor regulation) as a result of such termination and (ii) your death.
With respect to any Time-Based Units that have vested, the Shares related thereto shall be issued to you, in settlement of such vested Time-Based Units, on the Date of Issuance. Dividends will be accrued and paid out as additional shares at the time of the award, as provided in Section 6 below. All Time-Based Units, including your rights thereto and to the underlying Shares, which do not vest on or before the Date of Issuance, as provided in this Section 3, shall immediately be forfeited as of such Date of Issuance (to the extent not previously forfeited as provided herein).
(d) Definitions .
(i)    For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean (1) the willful and continued failure to perform substantially your duties with the Company or any Affiliate (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness or following your delivery of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to you by the Board or the Committee





that specifically identifies the manner in which the Board or the Committee believes that you have not substantially performed your duties, or (2) the willful engaging by you in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company. No act, or failure to act, on the part of you shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by you in bad faith or without reasonable belief that your action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon (A) authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, or if the Company is not the ultimate parent corporation of the Affiliate and is not publicly-traded, the board of directors of the ultimate parent of the Company (the “Applicable Board”) or (B) the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by you in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. The cessation of your employment shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to you a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Applicable Board (excluding you, if you are a member of the Applicable Board) at a meeting of the Applicable Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to you and you are given an opportunity, together with your counsel, to be heard before the Applicable Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Applicable Board, you are guilty of the conduct described in this Section 3(d)(i), and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.
(ii)    For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean (1) the assignment to you of any duties inconsistent in any respect with your position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities, or any action by the Company that results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you; (2) any failure by the Company to pay your compensation owed other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you; (3) the Company’s requiring you (I) to be based at any office or location more than 35 miles from the office or location at which you were required to work as of the date of this Agreement or (II) to travel on Company business to a substantially greater extent than required during the 120-day period immediately prior to the date the Change of Control occurs; or (4) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any employment agreement. For purposes of this Section 3(d)(ii) of this Agreement, any good faith determination of Good Reason made by you shall be conclusive. Your mental or physical incapacity following the occurrence of an event described above in clauses (1) through (4) shall not affect your ability to terminate employment for Good Reason.
(iii)    Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party. “Notice of Termination” means a written notice that (1) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (2) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment under the provision so indicated, and (3) if the Date of Termination (as defined herein) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the Date of Termination (which Date of Termination shall be not more than 30 days after the giving of such notice). The failure by you or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance that contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of you or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude you or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing your or the Company’s respective rights hereunder.
(iv)    “Date of Termination” means, if your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or such later date specified in the Notice of Termination, as the case may be. You and the Company shall take all steps necessary to ensure that any termination described in this Section 3(d) constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, and notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the date on which such separation from service takes place shall be the “Date of Termination.”
4.     Modification and Waiver . Except as provided in the Plan with respect to determinations of the Board or the Committee and subject to the Board’s right to amend the Plan, neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof can be changed, modified, amended, discharged, terminated or waived orally or by any course of dealing or purported course of dealing, but only by an agreement in writing signed by you and Capital One; provided, that changes, modifications and amendments not detrimental to you may be made in writing signed only by Capital One. No such agreement shall extend to or affect any provision of this





Agreement not expressly changed, modified, amended, discharged, terminated or waived or impair any right consequent on such a provision. The waiver of or failure to enforce any breach of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver or acquiescence in any other breach thereof.
5.      Tax Withholding . If you become subject to withholding under applicable tax laws, you agree to pay Capital One the amount required to be withheld by one or more of the following methods:
(a) Capital One’s designated agent will automatically withhold the number of Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld and deliver the proceeds thereof to Capital One; or
(b)
by such other methods as Capital One may make available from time to time.
6.     Dividends . Dividends with respect to the Shares shall accrue beginning on January 1, 2016, through the applicable Date of Issuance when the Shares underlying the Units or Time-Based Units are delivered, at which time such accrued dividends shall be paid out in the form of additional shares of common stock of the Corporation based on the Fair Market Value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the business day prior to the Date of Issuance. The accrued dividends that shall be paid out to you shall be only such amount that has accrued with respect to the Shares underlying the Units or Time-Based Units that vest on the Date of Issuance.
7.     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by United States federal law and, to the extent not preempted thereby, by the laws of the State of Delaware. Capital One and you hereby consent and submit to the personal jurisdiction and venue of any state or federal court located in any city or county of Delaware for resolution of any and all claims, causes of action or disputes arising out of this Agreement. You and Capital One agree that the court shall not set aside the Committee’s determinations unless there is clear and convincing evidence of bad faith or fraud.
8.     Conflicts . In the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Plan as in effect on the Date of Grant and the provisions of this Agreement, except terms otherwise defined herein, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern. All references herein to the Plan shall mean the Plan as in effect on the date hereof.
9.     Bound by Plan . In consideration of the grant of the Units and the Shares, you agree that you will comply with such conditions as the Committee may impose on the Units and the Shares and be bound by the terms of the Plan.
10.     Employment Status . This Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment nor does it alter your terminable at will status or otherwise guarantee future employment.
11. Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon, enforceable against, and inure to the benefit of you and your legatees, distributees and personal representatives, and Capital One and its successors and assigns.
12.     Clawbacks and Other Forfeiture Events .
(a)    If, prior to the third anniversary of the Date of Issuance a Restatement Date occurs, you shall deliver to the Company on the Restatement Delivery Date the Clawback Shares (each as defined below), if any, as determined under this Section 12(a).
For purposes of this Section 12(a):
(i) “Amended Adjusted ROA” means the Adjusted ROA over the Performance Period and taking into account the financial results of the Company as reflected in the Restatement.
(ii) “Held Shares” means the Shares held by you as of the Restatement Delivery Date in the event that such number of Shares is less than the Clawback Shares.
(iii) “Clawback Shares” means the number of Shares equal to (A) the number of Shares that were issued to you under this Agreement on the Date of Issuance minus (B) the number of shares of common stock of the Company that would have been issuable to you on the Date of Issuance as determined based on the Amended Adjusted ROA and certified by the Committee following the Restatement Date. For any member of the Peer Group that restates its financial results for all or any portion of the Performance Period prior to the date that the number of Clawback Shares is certified by the Committee, the cumulative Adjusted ROA for such member of the Peer Group used for purposes of calculating the Clawback Shares shall take into account such





restatement. For the avoidance of doubt, neither you nor the Company shall have any obligation with respect to the Clawback Shares in the event that the number of Shares in clause (B) of the preceding sentence exceeds the number of Shares in clause (A) of the preceding sentence. The Clawback Shares shall be delivered to the Company in Shares; provided, however, that in the event that on the Restatement Delivery Date you do not hold a number of Shares equal to or greater than the Clawback Shares, you shall deliver to the Company (x) all Held Shares plus (y) the pre-tax proceeds from sales or other transfers of all Recovery Shares. Such pre-tax proceeds shall be calculated starting with the most recent sale or other transfer of Recovery Shares prior to the Restatement Delivery Date and continuing in reverse chronological order with any prior sales or transfers of Recovery Shares until the pre-tax proceeds of all Recovery Shares are determined. The “pre-tax proceeds” for any Recovery Shares that were transferred by you in a transaction other than a sale on the New York Stock Exchange shall be the Fair Market Value of such Recovery Shares as of the date of such transaction. The “pre-tax proceeds” for any Recovery Shares that were withheld pursuant to Section 5 shall be the Fair Market Value of such Recovery Shares as of the date they were withheld.
(iv) “Recovery Shares” means the number of Shares equal to the difference between the Clawback Shares and your Held Shares.
(v) “Restatement” means an accounting restatement of the Company’s financial statements, covering all or any portion of the Performance Period, due to the noncompliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event that the Company makes any accounting restatement solely due to (A) any change after the Date of Issuance in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles or (B) any change after the Date of Issuance in financial reporting requirements under the securities laws, such restatement shall not constitute a “Restatement” under this Section 12(a).
(vi) “Restatement Date” means the date after the Date of Issuance upon which the Company first files (A) a Restatement or (B) a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (or otherwise publicly announces) that the Company expects to issue a Restatement.
(vii) “Restatement Delivery Date” means the date that is 30 days after the number of Clawback Shares is certified by the Committee in accordance with this Section 12(a), or such earlier date upon which you deliver the Clawback Shares to the Company.
(b)    The number of Units vesting and the number of Shares that shall become issuable on the Date of Issuance shall be subject to reduction in an amount as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion in the event that, prior to the Date of Issuance, the Committee in its sole discretion determines that (i) there has been misconduct resulting in either a violation of law or of Capital One policy or procedures, including but not limited to Capital One’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, that in either case causes significant financial or reputational harm to Capital One and (ii) either you committed the misconduct or failed in your responsibility to manage or monitor the applicable conduct or risks.
(c)    You agree to reimburse the Company with respect to the Units and the Shares to the extent required under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or as otherwise required by law.
13.      Mandatory Holding Requirement .
(a)    You agree that with respect to the Applicable Holding Shares you may not transfer, sell, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of such Applicable Holding Shares until the Holding Date; provided that the requirements set forth in this Section 13 shall immediately lapse and be of no further force and effect upon your death, Disability or termination of employment by Capital One without Cause or for Good Reason following a Change of Control, pursuant to Section 3(c).
(b)    For purposes of this Section 13:
(i)    “Applicable Holding Shares” means 50% of the Shares acquired hereunder (not including any shares of common stock of the Company sold or retained by the Company or its designated agent to fund the payment of any tax withholding obligation, brokerage commission or fees payable in connection with the Shares) during your term of employment with the Company and during the one-year period after termination of your employment for any reason; and





(ii)    “Holding Date” means the first anniversary of the date of acquisition of any Applicable Holding Shares.
14.     Data Protection . You consent to the collection, processing and transfer (including international transfer) of your personally identifiable data in connection with the grant of the Units and participation in the Plan.

15.     Severability . This Agreement shall be enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, then that provision shall be reduced, modified or otherwise conformed to the relevant law, judgment or determination to the degree necessary to render it valid and enforceable without affecting the validity, legality or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement or the validity, legality or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be deemed severable from the remainder of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions contained in this Agreement shall be construed to preserve to the maximum permissible extent the intent and purposes of this Agreement.
    16.     Miscellaneous . In accepting the grant, you acknowledge and agree that:
(a)    this Agreement is intended to comply with the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code and shall be limited, construed and interpreted in a manner so as to comply therewith;
(b)    your obligations under this Agreement shall survive any termination of your employment with the Company for any reason;
(c)    any of the Company’s rights or remedies under this Agreement shall be cumulative and in addition to whatever other remedies the Company may have under law or equity;
(d)    any recovery by the Company under this Agreement will be a recovery of Shares to which you were not entitled under this Agreement and is not to be construed in any manner as a penalty;
(e)    the Company may, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and Section 409A of the Code, retain for itself funds or securities otherwise payable to you pursuant to this Agreement to satisfy any obligation or debt that you owe to the Company, including any obligations hereunder. The Company may not retain such funds or securities until such time as they would otherwise be distributable to you in accordance with this Agreement;
(f)    the Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on the Restricted Stock Units, any Shares acquired pursuant to the Restricted Stock Units, and your participation in the Plan, to the extent Capital One determines, in its sole discretion, that such other requirements are necessary or advisable in order to comply with local laws, rules and regulations, or to facilitate the administration of the Restricted Stock Units and the Plan. Such requirements may include (but are not limited to) requiring you to sign any agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing; and
(g)    Capital One from time to time distributes and makes available to associates disclosure documents, including a prospectus, relating to the Plan. You may also contact the HR Help Center to obtain copies of the Plan disclosure documents and the Plan. You should carefully read the Plan disclosure documents and the Plan. By accepting the benefits of this Agreement you acknowledge receipt of the Plan and the Plan disclosure documents and agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and the Plan. You hereby consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agree to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by Capital One or a third-party designated by Capital One.







IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed on their behalf.        
            
 
CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
By:
 
 
 
/s/ Mayo A. Shattuck III
 
 
Mayo A. Shattuck III
 
 
Chair, Compensation Committee
 
 
 
 
PARTICIPANT
 
By:
 
 
 
/s/ Richard D. Fairbank
 
 
Richard D. Fairbank
 
 
Chair of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President

                            







APPENDIX A

PERFORMANCE SHARE PAYOUT MATRIX

Adjusted ROA means the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of (a) the Company’s net income available to common stockholders, excluding, on a tax-adjusted basis, the impact of impairment or amortization of intangible assets, to (b) the Company’s average tangible assets for the period.
 
 
 
 
 
Percentile Achievement of Adjusted ROA Relative to Peer Group
If the Company's Adjusted ROA is positive for each fiscal year in the Performance Period
If the Company's Adjusted ROA is not positive for one fiscal year in the Performance Period
If the Company's Adjusted ROA is not positive for two fiscal years in the Performance Period
If the Company's Adjusted ROA is not positive for three fiscal years in the Performance Period
Percent of Target Shares Awarded
Percent of Target Shares Awarded
Percent of Target Shares Awarded
Percent of Target Shares Awarded
100%
150%
125%
100%
0%
99%
150%
125%
100%
0%
98%
150%
125%
100%
0%
97%
150%
125%
100%
0%
96%
150%
125%
100%
0%
95%
150%
125%
100%
0%
94%
150%
125%
100%
0%
93%
150%
125%
100%
0%
92%
150%
125%
100%
0%
91%
150%
125%
100%
0%
90%
150%
125%
100%
0%
89%
150%
125%
100%
0%
88%
150%
125%
100%
0%
87%
150%
125%
100%
0%
86%
150%
125%
100%
0%
85%
150%
125%
100%
0%
84%
150%
125%
100%
0%
83%
150%
125%
100%
0%
82%
150%
125%
100%
0%
81%
150%
125%
100%
0%
80%
150%
125%
100%
0%
79%
150%
125%
100%
0%
78%
150%
125%
100%
0%
77%
150%
125%
100%
0%
76%
150%
125%
100%
0%
75%
150%
125%
100%
0%
74%
148%
123%
99%
0%
73%
146%
122%
97%
0%
72%
144%
120%
96%
0%
71%
142%
118%
95%
0%
70%
140%
117%
93%
0%
69%
138%
115%
92%
0%
68%
136%
113%
91%
0%
67%
134%
112%
89%
0%





66%
132%
110%
88%
0%
65%
130%
108%
87%
0%
64%
128%
107%
85%
0%
63%
126%
105%
84%
0%
62%
124%
103%
83%
0%
61%
122%
102%
81%
0%
60%
120%
100%
80%
0%
59%
118%
98%
79%
0%
58%
116%
97%
77%
0%
57%
114%
95%
76%
0%
56%
112%
93%
75%
0%
55%
110%
92%
73%
0%
54%
108%
90%
72%
0%
53%
106%
88%
71%
0%
52%
104%
87%
69%
0%
51%
102%
85%
68%
0%
50%
100%
83%
67%
0%
49%
98%
82%
65%
0%
48%
96%
80%
64%
0%
47%
94%
78%
63%
0%
46%
92%
77%
61%
0%
45%
90%
75%
60%
0%
44%
88%
73%
59%
0%
43%
86%
72%
57%
0%
42%
84%
70%
56%
0%
41%
82%
68%
55%
0%
40%
80%
67%
53%
0%
39%
78%
65%
52%
0%
38%
76%
63%
51%
0%
37%
74%
62%
49%
0%
36%
72%
60%
48%
0%
35%
70%
58%
47%
0%
34%
68%
57%
45%
0%
33%
66%
55%
44%
0%
32%
64%
53%
43%
0%
31%
62%
52%
41%
0%
30%
60%
50%
40%
0%
29%
58%
48%
39%
0%
28%
56%
47%
37%
0%
27%
54%
45%
36%
0%
26%
52%
43%
35%
0%





25%
50%
42%
33%
0%
24%
48%
40%
32%
0%
23%
46%
38%
31%
0%
22%
44%
37%
29%
0%
21%
42%
35%
28%
0%
20%
40%
33%
27%
0%
19%
0%
0%
0%
0%
18%
0%
0%
0%
0%
17%
0%
0%
0%
0%
16%
0%
0%
0%
0%
15%
0%
0%
0%
0%
14%
0%
0%
0%
0%
13%
0%
0%
0%
0%
12%
0%
0%
0%
0%
11%
0%
0%
0%
0%
10%
0%
0%
0%
0%
9%
0%
0%
0%
0%
8%
0%
0%
0%
0%
7%
0%
0%
0%
0%
6%
0%
0%
0%
0%
5%
0%
0%
0%
0%
4%
0%
0%
0%
0%
3%
0%
0%
0%
0%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%







APPENDIX B

Bank of America
BB&T Corporation
Citigroup
Citizens Financial Group
Comerica
Fifth Third Bancorp
First Republic
Huntington Bancshares
JP Morgan Chase
KeyCorp
M&T
New York Community Bancorp
People’s United
PNC
Regions
SunTrust
SVB Financial
US Bancorp
Wells Fargo
Zions






CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION2004 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
PERFORMANCE UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
No. of Performance Units at Target: %%TOTAL_SHARES_GRANTED%-%
THIS PERFORMANCE UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated February 4, 2016 (the “Date of Grant”), between CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation ("Capital One" or the “Company”), and %%FIRST_NAME%-% %%LAST_NAME%-% (“you”), is made pursuant and subject to the provisions of the Company's 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the “Plan”) and all capitalized terms used herein that are defined in the Plan shall have the same meaning given them in the Plan unless they are otherwise defined herein.
WHEREAS, Article 9 of the Plan provides for the award from time to time in the discretion of the Committee of performance units, the vesting and issuance of which are subject to certain service, performance or other conditions;
W I T N E S S E T H :
1.     Grant of Performance Units . Capital One hereby grants to you an award of performance units (the “Units”) with a target award of %%TOTAL_SHARES_GRANTED%-% Units (the “Target Award”). The maximum payout for this award is 150% of the Target Award plus accrued dividends pursuant to Section 6. The Units shall vest and the underlying shares of common stock of Capital One, $.01 par value per share (such underlying shares, the “Shares”), shall be issuable only in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and of the Plan. The Units will not have voting rights.
2.     Non-Transferability . Subject to the provisions of Section 3 and 13 hereof, the right to receive some or all of the Units and the Shares related thereto shall not be assignable or transferable, or otherwise alienated, pledged or hypothecated or otherwise encumbered under any circumstances. Any purported or attempted assignment, transfer, alienation, pledge, hypothecation or encumbrance of such rights or of the Units or the Shares related thereto prior to their issuance to you shall be null and void and shall result in the immediate forfeiture of such rights or Units, including the Shares related thereto, and cancellation of this Agreement.
3.     Lapse of Restrictions .
(a) Vesting . Except as provided in Sections 3(b) and 3(c) below and to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein, the Units shall vest on a date as determined by the Committee after termination of the Performance Period (as defined below) and certification of performance by the Committee, but no later than March 15, 2019 (the “Date of Issuance”). On the Date of Issuance, the Units shall vest, and the Shares shall become issuable as determined based on the Company’s Adjusted ROA, as defined on Appendix A , as measured against a peer group, consisting of companies in the KBW Bank Sector index as of January 1, 2016, excluding custody banks in that index (the “Peer Group), over a three-year performance period beginning on January 1, 2016 and ending on December 31, 2018 (the “Performance Period”) as certified by the Committee following the end of the Performance Period. For members of the Peer Group who fail or are acquired, the Adjusted ROA through the time the independent company stops reporting GAAP financials will be frozen and serve as their final return metric for the Performance Period. Members of the Peer Group that continue to operate as independent companies but that fall out of the KBW Bank Sector index will continue to be used in the Peer Group. Members of the Peer Group as of January 1, 2016 are shown in Appendix B . Any new entrants to the KBW Bank Sector index after January 1, 2016 will not be considered members of the Peer Group for any award determination or calculation related to this Agreement. The number of Units that shall vest and the number of Shares that shall become issuable on the Date of Issuance is set forth on Appendix A . The number of Units vesting and the number of Shares that shall become issuable on the Date of Issuance shall be reduced in the event that Adjusted ROA for one or more fiscal years in the Performance Period is not positive, as provided on Appendix A . The number of Units vesting and the number of Shares that shall become issuable on the Date of Issuance shall also be subject to reduction in accordance with section 12(b) below.
With respect to any Units that have vested on the Date of Issuance, the Shares related thereto shall be issued to you, in settlement of such vested Units, on such Date of Issuance. Dividends will be accrued and paid out as additional shares at the time of the award, as provided in Section 6 below. All Units, including your rights thereto and to the underlying Shares, which do not vest on or before the Date of Issuance, as provided in this Section 3, shall immediately be forfeited as of such Date of Issuance (to the extent not previously forfeited as provided herein).





(b)     Effect of Termination of Employment .
(i)    Upon termination of your employment with Capital One for any reason other than death, Disability, Retirement or by Capital One not for Cause, as defined below, prior to the Date of Issuance, all Units shall immediately be forfeited (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein).
(ii)    Upon termination of your employment by Capital One not for Cause on or before December 31, 2018 and prior to the occurrence of a Change of Control, the number of Units that will vest and the number of underlying Shares that will become issuable to you shall be equal to the product of (x) the number of Units that would have vested on the Date of Issuance if you had remained employed with Capital One through December 31, 2018, and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of complete days from January 1, 2016 through the date of termination of your employment and the denominator of which is 1,096. Such Units shall vest and the underlying Shares shall become issuable to you on the Date of Issuance notwithstanding the fact that you are not employed by Capital One at such time. Upon your termination by Capital One not for Cause on or after January 1, 2019, but prior to the Date of Issuance, the number of Units that shall vest on the Date of Issuance and the number of underlying Shares that shall be issuable to you shall be as calculated in 3(a) above.    
(iii)    Upon termination of your employment as a result of your death or Disability on or prior to December 31, 2018, a number of the Units equal to (1) the Target Award amount as specified above, or (2) following a Change of Control, the Time-Based Units as calculated in Section 3(c) below, shall immediately vest and the Shares shall be immediately issuable to you as soon as practicable following your death or Disability and in all events on or before the later of December 31 of the year of termination or 2.5 months following such termination. Upon your termination of employment as a result of your death or Disability on or after January 1, 2019, but prior to the Date of Issuance, the number of Units that shall vest and the number of Shares that shall be issuable to you shall be as calculated in Section 3(a) above.
(iv)    Upon your Retirement on or before December 31, 2018, the number of Units that shall vest and the number of Shares that shall be issuable to you shall be as calculated in Section 3(a) and 3(c).
(c)                Effect of Change of Control . Upon a Change of Control, a number of Units shall, upon certification of performance by the Committee, convert into time-based restricted stock units (the “Time-Based Units”) calculated based on a performance period from January 1, 2016 through the end of the fiscal quarter immediately preceding the closing date of the transaction giving rise to the Change of Control; and provided further that the Date of Issuance in such case shall be December 31, 2018 subject to either (1) your continued employment through such date or (2) your Retirement, pursuant to Section 3(b)(iv). Upon your termination of employment by Capital One without Cause or for Good Reason (each as defined below), in either case on or prior to the second anniversary of the occurrence of a Change of Control of Capital One and prior to the Date of Issuance with respect to the Time-Based Units, then notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, all of the Time-Based Units shall vest and the Shares shall be issuable in full without restrictions on transferability immediately upon the occurrence of your termination of employment following such Change of Control (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein) and such date shall be the Date of Issuance; provided, however, that if the Time-Based Units are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code and not exempt from Section 409A of the Code as a short-term deferral or otherwise, and you are a “specified employee,” as defined in and pursuant to Reg. Section 1.409A 1(i) or any successor regulation, on the date of any such termination of employment without Cause or for Good Reason, you will not be entitled to such vesting earlier than the earlier of (i) the date which is six months from the date of your “separation from service” (as defined in Reg. Section 1.409A 1(h) or any successor regulation) as a result of such termination and (ii) your death.
With respect to any Time-Based Units that have vested, the Shares related thereto shall be issued to you, in settlement of such vested Time-Based Units, on the Date of Issuance. Dividends will be accrued and paid out as additional shares at the time of the award, as provided in Section 6 below. All Time-Based Units, including your rights thereto and to the underlying Shares, which do not vest on or before the Date of Issuance, as provided in this Section 3, shall immediately be forfeited as of such Date of Issuance (to the extent not previously forfeited as provided herein).
(d)     Definitions .
(i)    For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean (1) the willful and continued failure to perform substantially your duties with the Company or any Affiliate (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to





physical or mental illness or following your delivery of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to you by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company that specifically identifies the manner in which the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company believes that you have not substantially performed your duties, or (2) the willful engaging by you in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company. No act, or failure to act, on the part of you shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by you in bad faith or without reasonable belief that your action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon (A) authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, or if the Company is not the ultimate parent corporation of the Affiliate and is not publicly-traded, the board of directors of the ultimate parent of the Company (the “Applicable Board”), (B) the instructions of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (unless you are the Chief Executive Officer at the time of any such instruction) or (C) the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by you in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. The cessation of your employment shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to you a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Applicable Board (excluding you, if you are a member of the Applicable Board) at a meeting of the Applicable Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to you and you are given an opportunity, together with your counsel, to be heard before the Applicable Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Applicable Board, you are guilty of the conduct described in this Section 3(d)(i), and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.
(ii)    For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean (1) the assignment to you of any duties inconsistent in any respect with your position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities, or any action by the Company that results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you; (2) any failure by the Company to pay your compensation owed other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you; (3) the Company’s requiring you (I) to be based at any office or location more than 35 miles from the office or location at which you were required to work as of the date of this Agreement or (II) to travel on Company business to a substantially greater extent than required during the 120-day period immediately prior to the date the Change of Control occurs; or (4) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any employment agreement. For purposes of this Section 3(d)(ii) of this Agreement, any good faith determination of Good Reason made by you shall be conclusive. Your mental or physical incapacity following the occurrence of an event described above in clauses (1) through (4) shall not affect your ability to terminate employment for Good Reason.
(iii)    Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party. “Notice of Termination” means a written notice that (1) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (2) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment under the provision so indicated, and (3) if the Date of Termination (as defined herein) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the Date of Termination (which Date of Termination shall be not more than 30 days after the giving of such notice). The failure by you or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance that contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of you or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude you or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing your or the Company’s respective rights hereunder.
(iv)    “Date of Termination” means, if your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or such later date specified in the Notice of Termination, as the case may be. You and the Company shall take all steps necessary to ensure that any termination described in this Section 3(d) constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, and notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the date on which such separation from service takes place shall be the “Date of Termination.”
4.     Modification and Waiver . Except as provided in the Plan with respect to determinations of the Board or the Committee and subject to the Board’s right to amend the Plan, neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof can be changed, modified, amended, discharged, terminated or waived orally or by any course of dealing or purported course of dealing, but only by an agreement in writing signed by you and Capital One; provided, that changes, modifications and amendments not detrimental





to you may be made in writing signed only by Capital One. No such agreement shall extend to or affect any provision of this Agreement not expressly changed, modified, amended, discharged, terminated or waived or impair any right consequent on such a provision. The waiver of or failure to enforce any breach of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver or acquiescence in any other breach thereof.
5.      Tax Withholding . If you become subject to withholding under applicable tax laws, you agree to pay Capital One the amount required to be withheld by one or more of the following methods:
(a) Capital One’s designated agent will automatically withhold the number of Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld and deliver the proceeds thereof to Capital One; or
(b)
by such other methods as Capital One may make available from time to time.
6.     Dividends . Dividends with respect to the Shares shall accrue beginning on January 1, 2016, through the applicable Date of Issuance when the Shares underlying the Units or Time-Based Units are delivered, at which time such accrued dividends shall be paid out in the form of additional shares of common stock of the Corporation based on the Fair Market Value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the business day prior to the Date of Issuance. The accrued dividends that shall be paid out to you shall be only such amount that has accrued with respect to the Shares underlying the Units or Time-Based Units that vest on the Date of Issuance.
7.     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by United States federal law and, to the extent not preempted thereby, by the laws of the State of Delaware. Capital One and you hereby consent and submit to the personal jurisdiction and venue of any state or federal court located in any city or county of Delaware for resolution of any and all claims, causes of action or disputes arising out of this Agreement. You and Capital One agree that the court shall not set aside the Committee’s determinations unless there is clear and convincing evidence of bad faith or fraud.
8.     Conflicts . In the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Plan as in effect on the Date of Grant and the provisions of this Agreement, except terms otherwise defined herein, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern. All references herein to the Plan shall mean the Plan as in effect on the date hereof.
9.     Bound by Plan . In consideration of the grant of the Units and the Shares, you agree that you will comply with such conditions as the Committee may impose on the Units and the Shares and be bound by the terms of the Plan.
10.     Employment Status . This Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment nor does it alter your terminable at will status or otherwise guarantee future employment.
11. Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon, enforceable against, and inure to the benefit of you and your legatees, distributees and personal representatives, and Capital One and its successors and assigns.
12. Clawbacks and Other Forfeiture Events .
(a)    If, prior to the third anniversary of the Date of Issuance, a Restatement Date occurs, you shall deliver to the Company on the Restatement Delivery Date the Clawback Shares (each as defined below), if any, as determined under this Section 12(a).
For purposes of this Section 12(a):
(i) “Amended Adjusted ROA” means the Adjusted ROA over the Performance Period and taking into account the financial results of the Company as reflected in the Restatement.
(ii) “Held Shares” means the Shares held by you as of the Restatement Delivery Date in the event that such number of Shares is less than the Clawback Shares.
(iii) “Clawback Shares” means the number of Shares equal to (A) the number of Shares that were issued to you under this Agreement on the Date of Issuance minus (B) the number of shares of common stock of the Company that would have been issuable to you on the Date of Issuance as determined based on the Amended Adjusted ROA and certified by the Committee following the Restatement Date. For any member of the Peer Group that restates its financial results for all or any portion of the Performance Period prior to the date that the number of Clawback Shares is certified by the Committee, the cumulative Adjusted ROA for such





member of the Peer Group used for purposes of calculating the Clawback Shares shall take into account such restatement. For the avoidance of doubt, neither you nor the Company shall have any obligation with respect to the Clawback Shares in the event that the number of Shares in clause (B) of the preceding sentence exceeds the number of Shares in clause (A) of the preceding sentence. The Clawback Shares shall be delivered to the Company in Shares; provided, however, that in the event that on the Restatement Delivery Date you do not hold a number of Shares equal to or greater than the Clawback Shares, you shall deliver to the Company (x) all Held Shares plus (y) the pre-tax proceeds from sales or other transfers of all Recovery Shares. Such pre-tax proceeds shall be calculated starting with the most recent sale or other transfer of Recovery Shares prior to the Restatement Delivery Date and continuing in reverse chronological order with any prior sales or transfers of Recovery Shares until the pre-tax proceeds of all Recovery Shares are determined. The “pre-tax proceeds” for any Recovery Shares that were transferred by you in a transaction other than a sale on the New York Stock Exchange shall be the Fair Market Value of such Recovery Shares as of the date of such transaction. The “pre-tax proceeds” for any Recovery Shares that were withheld pursuant to Section 5 shall be the Fair Market Value of such Recovery Shares as of the date they were withheld.
(iv) “Recovery Shares” means the number of Shares equal to the difference between the Clawback Shares and your Held Shares.
(v) “Restatement” means an accounting restatement of the Company’s financial statements, covering all or any portion of the Performance Period, due to the noncompliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event that the Company makes any accounting restatement solely due to (A) any change after the Date of Issuance in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles or (B) any change after the Date of Issuance in financial reporting requirements under the securities laws, such restatement shall not constitute a “Restatement” under this Section 12(a).
(vi) “Restatement Date” means the date after the Date of Issuance upon which the Company first files (A) a Restatement or (B) a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (or otherwise publicly announces) that the Company expects to issue a Restatement.
(vii) “Restatement Delivery Date” means the date that is 30 days after the number of Clawback Shares is certified by the Committee in accordance with this Section 12(a), or such earlier date upon which you deliver the Clawback Shares to the Company.
(b)    The number of Units vesting and the number of Shares that shall become issuable on the Date of Issuance shall be subject to reduction in an amount as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion in the event that, prior to the Date of Issuance, the Committee in its sole discretion determines that (i) there has been misconduct resulting in either a violation of law or of Capital One policy or procedures, including but not limited to Capital One’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, that in either case causes significant financial or reputational harm to Capital One and (ii) either you committed the misconduct or failed in your responsibility to manage or monitor the applicable conduct or risks.
(c)    You agree to reimburse the Company with respect to the Units and the Shares to the extent required under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or as otherwise required by law.
13.      Mandatory Holding Requirement .
(a)    You agree that with respect to the Applicable Holding Shares you may not transfer, sell, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of such Applicable Holding Shares until the Holding Date; provided that the requirements set forth in this Section 13 shall immediately lapse and be of no further force and effect upon your death, Disability or termination of employment by Capital One without Cause or for Good Reason following a Change of Control, pursuant to Section 3(c).
(b)    For purposes of this Section 13:
(i)    “Applicable Holding Shares” means 50% of the Shares acquired hereunder (not including any shares of common stock of the Company sold or retained by the Company or its designated agent to fund the payment of any tax withholding obligation, brokerage commission or fees payable in connection with the Shares)





during your term of employment with the Company and during the one-year period after termination of your employment for any reason; and

(ii)    “Holding Date” means the first anniversary of the date of acquisition of any Applicable Holding Shares.
14.      Data Protection . You consent to the collection, processing and transfer (including international transfer) of your personally identifiable data in connection with the grant of the Units and participation in the Plan.
15.      Severability . This Agreement shall be enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, then that provision shall be reduced, modified or otherwise conformed to the relevant law, judgment or determination to the degree necessary to render it valid and enforceable without affecting the validity, legality or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement or the validity, legality or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be deemed severable from the remainder of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions contained in this Agreement shall be construed to preserve to the maximum permissible extent the intent and purposes of this Agreement.
16.     Miscellaneous . In accepting the grant, you acknowledge and agree that:
(a)    this Agreement is intended to comply with the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code and shall be limited, construed and interpreted in a manner so as to comply therewith;
(b)    your obligations under this Agreement shall survive any termination of your employment with the Company for any reason;
(c)    any of the Company’s rights or remedies under this Agreement shall be cumulative and in addition to whatever other remedies the Company may have under law or equity;
(d)    any recovery by the Company under this Agreement will be a recovery of Shares to which you were not entitled under this Agreement and is not to be construed in any manner as a penalty;
(e)    the Company may, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and Section 409A of the Code, retain for itself funds or securities otherwise payable to you pursuant to this Agreement to satisfy any obligation or debt that you owe to the Company, including any obligations hereunder. The Company may not retain such funds or securities until such time as they would otherwise be distributable to you in accordance with this Agreement;
(f)    the Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on the Restricted Stock Units, any Shares acquired pursuant to the Restricted Stock Units, and your participation in the Plan, to the extent Capital One determines, in its sole discretion, that such other requirements are necessary or advisable in order to comply with local laws, rules and regulations, or to facilitate the administration of the Restricted Stock Units and the Plan. Such requirements may include (but are not limited to) requiring you to sign any agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing; and
(g)    Capital One from time to time distributes and makes available to associates disclosure documents, including a prospectus, relating to the Plan. You may also contact the HR Help Center to obtain copies of the Plan disclosure documents and the Plan. You should carefully read the Plan disclosure documents and the Plan. By accepting the benefits of this Agreement you acknowledge receipt of the Plan and the Plan disclosure documents and agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and the Plan. You hereby consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agree to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by Capital One or a third-party designated by Capital One.





IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed on their behalf.    
            
 
CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
By:
 
 
 
/s/ JORY BERSON
 
 
Jory Berson
 
 
Chief Human Resources Officer





PARTICIPANT

By: SIGNED BY ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE
%%FIRST_NAME%-% %%LAST_NAME%-%

BY ELECTRONICALLY ACCEPTING THE AWARD, YOU AGREE THAT (i) SUCH ACCEPTANCE CONSTITUTES YOUR ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE IN EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT; (ii) YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN AND THE AGREEMENT; (iii) YOU HAVE REVIEWED THE PLAN AND THE AGREEMENT IN THEIR ENTIRETY, HAVE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO OBTAIN THE ADVICE OF COUNSEL PRIOR TO ACCEPTING THE AWARD AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN AND THE AGREEMENT; (iv) YOU HAVE BEEN PROVIDED WITH A COPY OR ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO A COPY OF THE U.S. PROSPECTUS FOR THE PLAN; AND (v) YOU HEREBY AGREE TO ACCEPT AS BINDING, CONCLUSIVE AND FINAL ALL DECISIONS OR INTERPRETATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE UPON ANY QUESTIONS ARISING UNDER THE PLAN AND THE AGREEMENT.

* * * * *






APPENDIX A

PERFORMANCE SHARE PAYOUT MATRIX

Adjusted ROA means the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of (a) the Company’s net income available to common stockholders, excluding, on a tax-adjusted basis, the impact of impairment or amortization of intangible assets, to (b) the Company’s average tangible assets for the period.
 
 
 
 
 
Percentile Achievement of Adjusted ROA Relative to Peer Group
If the Company's Adjusted ROA is positive for each fiscal year in the Performance Period
If the Company's Adjusted ROA is not positive for one fiscal year in the Performance Period
If the Company's Adjusted ROA is not positive for two fiscal years in the Performance Period
If the Company's Adjusted ROA is not positive for three fiscal years in the Performance Period
Percent of Target Shares Awarded
Percent of Target Shares Awarded
Percent of Target Shares Awarded
Percent of Target Shares Awarded
100%
150%
125%
100%
0%
99%
150%
125%
100%
0%
98%
150%
125%
100%
0%
97%
150%
125%
100%
0%
96%
150%
125%
100%
0%
95%
150%
125%
100%
0%
94%
150%
125%
100%
0%
93%
150%
125%
100%
0%
92%
150%
125%
100%
0%
91%
150%
125%
100%
0%
90%
150%
125%
100%
0%
89%
150%
125%
100%
0%
88%
150%
125%
100%
0%
87%
150%
125%
100%
0%
86%
150%
125%
100%
0%
85%
150%
125%
100%
0%
84%
150%
125%
100%
0%
83%
150%
125%
100%
0%
82%
150%
125%
100%
0%
81%
150%
125%
100%
0%
80%
150%
125%
100%
0%
79%
150%
125%
100%
0%
78%
150%
125%
100%
0%
77%
150%
125%
100%
0%
76%
150%
125%
100%
0%
75%
150%
125%
100%
0%
74%
148%
123%
99%
0%
73%
146%
122%
97%
0%
72%
144%
120%
96%
0%
71%
142%
118%
95%
0%
70%
140%
117%
93%
0%
69%
138%
115%
92%
0%
68%
136%
113%
91%
0%
67%
134%
112%
89%
0%





66%
132%
110%
88%
0%
65%
130%
108%
87%
0%
64%
128%
107%
85%
0%
63%
126%
105%
84%
0%
62%
124%
103%
83%
0%
61%
122%
102%
81%
0%
60%
120%
100%
80%
0%
59%
118%
98%
79%
0%
58%
116%
97%
77%
0%
57%
114%
95%
76%
0%
56%
112%
93%
75%
0%
55%
110%
92%
73%
0%
54%
108%
90%
72%
0%
53%
106%
88%
71%
0%
52%
104%
87%
69%
0%
51%
102%
85%
68%
0%
50%
100%
83%
67%
0%
49%
98%
82%
65%
0%
48%
96%
80%
64%
0%
47%
94%
78%
63%
0%
46%
92%
77%
61%
0%
45%
90%
75%
60%
0%
44%
88%
73%
59%
0%
43%
86%
72%
57%
0%
42%
84%
70%
56%
0%
41%
82%
68%
55%
0%
40%
80%
67%
53%
0%
39%
78%
65%
52%
0%
38%
76%
63%
51%
0%
37%
74%
62%
49%
0%
36%
72%
60%
48%
0%
35%
70%
58%
47%
0%
34%
68%
57%
45%
0%
33%
66%
55%
44%
0%
32%
64%
53%
43%
0%
31%
62%
52%
41%
0%
30%
60%
50%
40%
0%
29%
58%
48%
39%
0%
28%
56%
47%
37%
0%
27%
54%
45%
36%
0%
26%
52%
43%
35%
0%





25%
50%
42%
33%
0%
24%
48%
40%
32%
0%
23%
46%
38%
31%
0%
22%
44%
37%
29%
0%
21%
42%
35%
28%
0%
20%
40%
33%
27%
0%
19%
0%
0%
0%
0%
18%
0%
0%
0%
0%
17%
0%
0%
0%
0%
16%
0%
0%
0%
0%
15%
0%
0%
0%
0%
14%
0%
0%
0%
0%
13%
0%
0%
0%
0%
12%
0%
0%
0%
0%
11%
0%
0%
0%
0%
10%
0%
0%
0%
0%
9%
0%
0%
0%
0%
8%
0%
0%
0%
0%
7%
0%
0%
0%
0%
6%
0%
0%
0%
0%
5%
0%
0%
0%
0%
4%
0%
0%
0%
0%
3%
0%
0%
0%
0%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%







APPENDIX B

Bank of America
BB&T Corporation
Citigroup
Citizens Financial Group
Comerica
Fifth Third Bancorp
First Republic
Huntington Bancshares
JP Morgan Chase
KeyCorp
M&T
New York Community Bancorp
People’s United
PNC
Regions
SunTrust
SVB Financial
US Bancorp
Wells Fargo
Zions







Exhibit 10.2.19
CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
2004 Stock Incentive Plan
Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement
No. of Units: 27,460
THIS RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated February 4, 2016 (the “Date of Grant”), between CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“Capital One” or the “Company”), and Richard D. Fairbank (“you”), is made pursuant and subject to the provisions of the Company’s 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the “Plan”). All capitalized terms used herein that are defined in the Plan shall have the same meaning given them in the Plan unless otherwise defined herein.
WHEREAS, Article 8 of the Plan provides for the award from time to time in the discretion of the Committee of Restricted Stock Units, representing shares of common stock of Capital One, $.01 par value per share (“Common Stock”), the vesting and issuance of which are subject to continued employment with Capital One or other conditions;
W I T N E S S E T H :
1.     Grant of Restricted Stock Units . Capital One hereby grants to you 27,460 Restricted Stock Units (the “Restricted Stock Units”). The Restricted Stock Units shall vest, and the underlying shares of Common Stock (such underlying shares, the “Shares”) shall be issuable, only in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and of the Plan. The Restricted Stock Units will not have voting rights.
2.     Non-Transferability . Subject to the provisions of Section 3 and 13 hereof, the rights represented by the Restricted Stock Units shall not be assignable or transferable, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, under any circumstances. Any purported or attempted transfer of such Restricted Stock Units or such rights shall be null and void and shall result in the immediate forfeiture and cancellation of the Restricted Stock Units.
3.     Issuance of Common Stock .
(a)     Vesting . Except as provided in Sections 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 12(a) and 12(b) below, and to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein, the Restricted Stock Units shall vest, and the Shares shall be issuable in full without restrictions on transferability, other than the restrictions contained in Section 13 below, on February 15, 2019 (the “Vesting Date”). The period between January 1, 2016, and the Vesting Date shall be the “Performance Period.”
(b)     Effect of Termination of Employment .
(i)    Except as provided in Section 3(b)(ii), 3(b)(iii) and 3(d), upon your termination of employment with Capital One for any reason, all Restricted Stock Units shall immediately be forfeited (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein).
(ii)    Upon your termination of employment with Capital One as a result of your death or Disability, the Restricted Stock Units shall immediately vest, the date of such death or Disability shall be the Vesting Date (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein).
(iii)    Upon your termination of employment with Capital One as a result of Retirement, the Restricted Stock Units shall continue to vest and the Shares shall become issuable to you on the Vesting Date (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein) and remain subject to reduction pursuant to Sections 12(a) and 12(b).
(c)     Vesting Schedule Upon Becoming Subject to Withholding .
(i)    Unless otherwise determined by the Committee or the independent members of the Board of Directors, as applicable, and to the extent permitted or required by law, Capital One may determine, in its sole discretion, following you becoming subject to withholding under applicable tax laws at a time when amounts are not otherwise vesting pursuant to this Section 3, that a portion of the Restricted Stock Units shall vest and a portion of the Shares shall be issuable without restrictions on transferability and subsequently withheld by





Capital One’s designated agent, only and to the extent sufficient, if sold at Fair Market Value, on the date of such determination, to provide for the payment of any tax liability in accordance with applicable tax laws. The number of Restricted Stock Units vesting pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be rounded up to the nearest whole Restricted Stock Unit. It is understood that the remaining portion of the Restricted Stock Units shall continue to vest on the Vesting Date as provided herein (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein).
(ii)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, Capital One will take all necessary steps to withhold the amount determined in accordance with the immediately foregoing paragraph in satisfaction of any applicable tax withholding liability, unless Capital One makes another method of payment available to you.
(d)     Effect of Change of Control .
(i)    Upon your termination of employment by Capital One without Cause or by you for Good Reason (each as defined below), in either case on or prior to the second anniversary of the occurrence of a Change of Control of Capital One, then, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Restricted Stock Units shall vest and the Shares shall be issuable in full without restrictions on transferability immediately upon the occurrence of your termination of employment following such Change of Control (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein); provided, however, that if the Restricted Stock Units are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code and not exempt from Section 409A of the Code as a short-term deferral or otherwise, and you are a “specified employee,” as defined in and pursuant to Reg. Section 1.409A 1(i) or any successor regulation, on the date of any such termination of employment without Cause or for Good Reason, you will not be entitled to such vesting earlier than the earlier of (i) the date which is six months from the date of your “separation from service” (as defined in Reg. Section 1.409A 1(h) or any successor regulation) as a result of such termination and (ii) your death.
(ii)    For purposes of this Section 3(d), “Cause” shall mean (1) the willful and continued failure to perform substantially your duties with the Company or any Affiliate (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness or following your delivery of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to you by the Board or the Committee that specifically identifies the manner in which the Board or the Committee believes that you have not substantially performed your duties, or (2) the willful engaging by you in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company. No act, or failure to act, on the part of you shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by you in bad faith or without reasonable belief that your action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon (A) authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, or if the Company is not the ultimate parent corporation of the Affiliate and is not publicly-traded, the board of directors of the ultimate parent of the Company (the “Applicable Board”) or (B) the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by you in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. The cessation of your employment shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to you a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Applicable Board (excluding you, if you are a member of the Applicable Board) at a meeting of the Applicable Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to you and you are given an opportunity, together with your counsel, to be heard before the Applicable Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Applicable Board, you are guilty of the conduct described in this Section 3(d)(ii), and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.
(iii)    For purposes of this Section 3(d), “Good Reason” shall mean (1) the assignment to you of any duties inconsistent in any respect with your position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities, or any action by the Company that results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you; (2) any failure by the Company to pay your compensation owed other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you; (3) the Company’s requiring you (I) to be based at any office or location more than 35 miles from the office or location at which you were required to work as of the date of this Agreement or (II) to travel on Company business to a substantially greater extent than required during the 120-day period immediately





prior to the date the Change of Control occurs; or (4) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any employment agreement. For purposes of this Section 3(d)(iii) of this Agreement, any good faith determination of Good Reason made by you shall be conclusive.   Your mental or physical incapacity following the occurrence of an event described above in clauses (1) through (4) shall not affect your ability to terminate employment for Good Reason.
(iv)    Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party. “Notice of Termination” means a written notice that (1) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (2) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment under the provision so indicated, and (3) if the Date of Termination (as defined herein) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the Date of Termination (which Date of Termination shall be not more than 30 days after the giving of such notice). The failure by you or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance that contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of you or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude you or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing your or the Company’s respective rights hereunder.
(v)    “Date of Termination” means, if your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or such later date specified in the Notice of Termination, as the case may be. You and the Company shall take all steps necessary to ensure that any termination described in this Section 3(d) constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, and notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the date on which such separation from service takes place shall be the “Date of Termination.”
4.     Modification and Waiver . Except as provided in the Plan with respect to determinations of the Committee and subject to the Committee’s right to amend the Plan, neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof can be changed, modified, amended, discharged, terminated or waived orally or by any course of dealing or purported course of dealing, but only by an agreement in writing signed by you and Capital One; provided that, changes, modifications and amendments not detrimental to you may be made in writing signed only by Capital One. No such agreement shall extend to or affect any provision of this Agreement not expressly changed, modified, amended, discharged, terminated or waived or impair any right consequent on such a provision. The waiver of or failure to enforce any breach of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver or acquiescence in any other breach thereof.
5.     Tax Withholding . If you become subject to withholding under applicable tax laws other than as described in Section 3(c), you agree to pay Capital One the amount required to be withheld by one or more of the following methods:
(a)     Capital One’s designated agent will automatically withhold the number of shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld and deliver the proceeds thereof to Capital One; or
(b)     by such other methods as Capital One may make available from time to time.
6.     Dividend Equivalents . With respect to the Restricted Stock Units, you shall be credited with dividend equivalents as and when dividends are paid to the Company’s other stockholders. By accepting this Award, you agree that such dividend equivalents shall accumulate and be paid to you in cash (without interest) as and when the Restricted Stock Units from which such dividend equivalents are derived vest pursuant to Section 3. You further agree that all such dividend equivalents shall be subject to the same vesting requirements that apply to the Restricted Stock Units from which such dividend equivalents are derived.
7.     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by United States federal law and, to the extent not preempted thereby, by the laws of the State of Delaware. Capital One and you hereby consent and submit to the personal jurisdiction and venue of any state or federal court located in any city or county of Delaware for resolution of any and all claims, causes of action or disputes arising out of this Agreement. You and Capital One agree that the court shall not set aside the Committee’s determinations unless there is clear and convincing evidence of bad faith or fraud.
8.     Conflicts . In the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Plan as in effect on the Date of Grant and the provisions of this Agreement, except terms otherwise defined herein, the provisions of the Plan shall govern. All references herein to the Plan shall mean the Plan as in effect on the date hereof.





9.     Bound by Plan . In consideration of the grant of the Restricted Stock Units, you agree that you will comply with such conditions as the Committee may impose on the Restricted Stock Units and be bound by the terms of the Plan.
10.      Employment Status . This Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment nor does it alter your terminable at will status or otherwise guarantee future employment.
11.      Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon, enforceable against, and inure to the benefit of you and your legatees, distributees and personal representatives, and Capital One and its successors and assigns.
12.     Performance-Based Adjustments, Clawbacks and Other Forfeiture Events .
(a) Performance-Based Adjustment . The number of Restricted Stock Units vesting on the Vesting Date shall be subject to reduction as follows:
(i)     For each fiscal year of the Company ending during the Performance Period, if any, that the Core Earnings for the Company for such fiscal year, as certified by the Committee, are not positive (i.e., Core Earnings are not greater than zero):
(A)    The number of Restricted Stock Units scheduled to vest on the Vesting Date shall be reduced by 4,577 ;
(B)    The Committee shall determine the extent, if any, to which you are accountable for such outcome, and, based on such determination, the Committee shall determine (I) whether the number of Restricted Stock Units scheduled to vest on the Vesting Date shall be reduced by up to an additional 4,577 and (II) whether the Vesting Date shall be delayed for all or any portion of such Restricted Stock Units that are not so reduced.
The Committee shall make the determinations referenced in Section 12(a)(i)(B) in its sole discretion, taking into account the factors set forth on Appendix A hereto.
(ii)    For purposes of this Section 12(a), “Core Earnings” means the Company’s net income available to common stockholders, excluding, on a tax-adjusted basis, the impact of (A) impairment or amortization of intangible assets, (B) the build or release of the allowance for loan and lease losses, calculated as the difference between the provision for loan and lease losses and charge-offs, net of recoveries, and (C) the change in the combined uncollectible finance charge and fee reserve.
(iii)    In the event of any change to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles affecting the treatment or classification of any component of Core Earnings, such metric shall be calculated in a manner consistent with the definitions herein to the extent practicable.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement and for the avoidance of doubt, in the event of a Change of Control of Capital One, there shall be no reduction pursuant to this Section 12(a) for any fiscal year ending after the date of such Change of Control.
(b) Clawback . The number of Restricted Stock Units vesting on the Vesting Date shall be subject to reduction in an amount as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion in the event that prior to the Vesting Date the Committee in its sole discretion determines that (i) there has been misconduct resulting in either a violation of law or of Capital One policy or procedures, including but not limited to Capital One’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, that in either case causes significant financial or reputational harm to Capital One and (ii) either you committed the misconduct or failed in your responsibility to manage or monitor the applicable conduct or risks.
(c) Forfeiture Event . You agree to reimburse the Company with respect to the Restricted Stock Units to the extent required under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or as otherwise required by law.
13.     Mandatory Holding Requirement .
(a) You agree that with respect to the Applicable Holding Shares you may not transfer, sell, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of such Applicable Holding Shares until the Holding Date; provided that the requirements set forth in this Section 13 shall immediately lapse and be of no further force and effect upon your death, Disability or





termination of employment by Capital One without Cause or for Good Reason following a Change of Control, pursuant to Section 3(d).
(b)    For purposes of this Section 13:
(i)    “Applicable Holding Shares” means 50% of the Shares acquired hereunder (not including any shares of common stock of the Company sold or retained by the Company or its designated agent to fund the payment of any tax withholding obligation, brokerage commission or fees payable in connection with the Shares) during your term of employment with the Company and during the one-year period after termination of your employment for any reason; and
(ii)    “Holding Date” means the first anniversary of the date of acquisition of any Applicable Holding Shares.
14.     Data Protection . You consent to the collection, processing and transfer (including international transfer) of your personally identifiable data in connection with the grant of the Restricted Stock Units and participation in the Plan.
15.      Severability . This Agreement shall be enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, then that provision shall be reduced, modified or otherwise conformed to the relevant law, judgment or determination to the degree necessary to render it valid and enforceable without affecting the validity, legality or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement or the validity, legality or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be deemed severable from the remainder of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions contained in this Agreement shall be construed to preserve to the maximum permissible extent the intent and purposes of this Agreement.
16.     Miscellaneous . In accepting the grant, you acknowledge and agree that:
(a)    this Agreement is intended to comply with the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code and shall be limited, construed and interpreted in a manner so as to comply therewith;
(b)    your obligations under this Agreement shall survive any termination of your employment with the Company for any reason;
(c)    any of the Company’s rights or remedies under this Agreement shall be cumulative and in addition to whatever other remedies the Company may have under law or equity;
(d)    any recovery by the Company under this Agreement will be a recovery of Restricted Stock Units to which you were not entitled under this Agreement and is not to be construed in any manner as a penalty;
(e)    the Company may, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and Section 409A of the Code, retain for itself funds or securities otherwise payable to you pursuant to this Agreement to satisfy any obligation or debt that you owe the Company, including any obligations hereunder. The Company may not retain such funds or securities until such time as they would otherwise be distributable to you in accordance with this Agreement;
(f)    the Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on the Restricted Stock Units, any Shares acquired pursuant to the Restricted Stock Units, and your participation in the Plan, to the extent Capital One determines, in its sole discretion, that such other requirements are necessary or advisable in order to comply with local laws, rules and regulations, or to facilitate the administration of the Restricted Stock Units and the Plan. Such requirements may include (but are not limited to) requiring you to sign any agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing; and
(g)    Capital One from time to time distributes and makes available to associates disclosure documents, including a prospectus, relating to the Plan. You may also contact the HR Help Center to obtain copies of the Plan disclosure documents and the Plan. You should carefully read the Plan disclosure documents and the Plan. By accepting the benefits of this Agreement you acknowledge receipt of the Plan and the Plan disclosure documents and agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and the Plan. You hereby consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agree to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by Capital One





or a third-party designated by Capital One.






IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed on their behalf.        

                            
 
CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
By:
 
 
 
/s/ Mayo A. Shattuck III
 
 
Mayo A. Shattuck III
 
 
Chair, Compensation Committee
 
 
 
 
PARTICIPANT
 
By:
 
 
 
/s/ Richard D. Fairbank
 
 
Richard D. Fairbank
 
 
Chair of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President








APPENDIX A
PERFORMANCE-BASED ADJUSTMENT DETERMINATION FACTORS
The Committee shall take into account the following factors for purposes of making any determinations referenced in Section 12(a)(i)(B) of the Agreement in its sole discretion:
The extent to which Core Earnings were negative;
Whether the outcome was the result of the performance of a line of business, control function or staff group for which you exercised direct or indirect responsibility;
The extent to which your performance contributed to the outcome, including your performance with respect to risk management and oversight; and
Such other factors as the Committee deems appropriate.







CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
2004 Stock Incentive Plan
Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement
No. of Units: 28,009

THIS RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated February 4, 2016 (the “Date of Grant”), between CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“Capital One” or the “Company”), and Richard D. Fairbank (“you”), is made pursuant and subject to the provisions of the Company’s 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the “Plan”). All capitalized terms used herein that are defined in the Plan shall have the same meaning given them in the Plan unless otherwise defined herein.

WHEREAS, Article 8 of the Plan provides for the award from time to time in the discretion of the Committee of Restricted Stock Units, representing shares of common stock of Capital One, $.01 par value per share (“Common Stock”), the vesting and issuance of which are subject to continued employment with Capital One or other conditions;

W I T N E S S E T H :

1.     Grant of Restricted Stock Units . Capital One hereby grants to you 28,009 Restricted Stock Units (the “Restricted Stock Units”). The Restricted Stock Units shall vest only in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and of the Plan. The Restricted Stock Units will not have voting rights.

2.     Non-Transferability . Subject to the provisions of Section 3 hereof, the rights represented by the Restricted Stock Units shall not be assignable or transferable, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, under any circumstances. Any purported or attempted transfer of such units or such rights shall be null and void and shall result in the immediate forfeiture and cancellation of the Restricted Stock Units.

3.     Payment of Restricted Stock Units .

(a) Vesting . Except as provided in Sections 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 12(a) and 12(b) below, and to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein, the Restricted Stock Units shall vest in full on February 15, 2019 (the “Vesting Date”). The period between January 1, 2016, and the Vesting Date shall be the “Performance Period.”

Upon vesting, the Restricted Stock Units shall become payable in cash in an amount equal to the product of (i) the average Fair Market Value of the Common Stock for the 15 trading days preceding the Vesting Date and (ii) the number of Restricted Stock Units vesting on the Vesting Date (subject to Section 5 below).

(b)     Effect of Termination of Employment .

(i)    Except as provided in Section 3(b)(ii), 3(b)(iii) and 3(d), upon your termination of employment with Capital One for any reason all Restricted Stock Units shall immediately be forfeited (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein).

(ii)    Upon your termination of employment with Capital One as a result of your death or Disability, the Restricted Stock Units shall immediately vest, the date of such death or Disability shall be the Vesting Date and the cash shall become payable in full as described in Section 3(a) (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein).

(iii)    Upon your termination of employment with Capital One as a result of Retirement, the Restricted Stock Units shall continue to vest on the Vesting Date (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein) and remain subject to reduction pursuant to Sections 12(a) and 12(b).






(c)     Vesting Schedule Upon Becoming Subject to Withholding .

(i)    Unless otherwise determined by the Committee or the independent members of the Board of Directors, as applicable, and to the extent permitted or required by law, Capital One may determine, in its sole discretion, following you becoming subject to withholding under applicable tax laws at a time when amounts are not otherwise vesting pursuant to this Section 3, that a portion of the Restricted Stock Units shall vest and become payable, only and to the extent sufficient on the date of such determination (the “Determination Date”), to provide for the payment of any tax liability in accordance with applicable tax laws, in an amount equal to the product of (i) the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock for the Determination Date and (ii) the number of Restricted Stock Units vesting on the Determination Date. The number of Restricted Stock Units vesting pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be rounded up to the nearest whole Restricted Stock Unit. It is understood that the remaining portion of the Restricted Stock Units shall continue to vest on the Vesting Date as provided herein (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein).

(ii)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, Capital One will take all necessary steps to withhold the amount determined in accordance with the immediately foregoing paragraph in satisfaction of any applicable tax withholding liability, unless Capital One makes another method of payment available to you.

(d)     Effect of Change of Control .

(i)    Upon your termination of employment by Capital One without Cause or by you for Good Reason (each as defined below), in either case on or prior to the second anniversary of the occurrence of a Change of Control of Capital One, then, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Restricted Stock Units shall vest, the date of such termination shall be the Vesting Date and the Restricted Stock Units shall become payable in cash as described in Section 3(a) immediately following the occurrence of your termination of employment following such Change of Control (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein); provided, however, that if the Restricted Stock Units are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code and not exempt from Section 409A of the Code as a short-term deferral or otherwise, and you are a “specified employee,” as defined in and pursuant to Reg. Section 1.409A 1(i) or any successor regulation, on the date of any such termination of employment without Cause or for Good Reason, you will not be entitled to such vesting earlier than the earlier of (i) the date which is six months from the date of your “separation from service” (as defined in Reg. Section 1.409A 1(h) or any successor regulation) as a result of such termination and (ii) your death.

(ii)    For purposes of this Section 3(d), “Cause” shall mean (1) the willful and continued failure to perform substantially your duties with the Company or any Affiliate (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness or following your delivery of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to you by the Board or the Committee that specifically identifies the manner in which the Board or Committee believes that you have not substantially performed your duties, or (2) the willful engaging by you in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company. No act, or failure to act, on the part of you shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by you in bad faith or without reasonable belief that your action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon (A) authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, or if the Company is not the ultimate parent corporation of the Affiliate and is not publicly-traded, the board of directors of the ultimate parent of the Company (the “Applicable Board”) or (B) the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by you in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. The cessation of your employment shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to you a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Applicable Board (excluding you, if you are a member of the Applicable Board) at a meeting of the Applicable Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to you and you are given an opportunity, together with your counsel, to be heard before the Applicable Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Applicable Board, you are guilty of the conduct described in this Section 3(d)(ii), and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.






(iii)    For purposes of this Section 3(d), “Good Reason” shall mean (1) the assignment to you of any duties inconsistent in any respect with your position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities, or any action by the Company that results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you; (2) any failure by the Company to pay your compensation owed other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you; (3) the Company’s requiring you (I) to be based at any office or location more than 35 miles from the office or location at which you were required to work as of the date of this Agreement or (II) to travel on Company business to a substantially greater extent than required during the 120-day period immediately prior to the date the Change of Control occurs; or (4) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any employment agreement. For purposes of this Section 3(d)(iii) of this Agreement, any good faith determination of Good Reason made by you shall be conclusive.   Your mental or physical incapacity following the occurrence of an event described above in clauses (1) through (4) shall not affect your ability to terminate employment for Good Reason.

(iv)    Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party. “Notice of Termination” means a written notice that (1) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (2) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment under the provision so indicated, and (3) if the Date of Termination (as defined herein) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the Date of Termination (which Date of Termination shall be not more than 30 days after the giving of such notice). The failure by you or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance that contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of you or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude you or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing your or the Company’s respective rights hereunder.

(v)    “Date of Termination” means, if your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or such later date specified in the Notice of Termination, as the case may be. You and the Company shall take all steps necessary to ensure that any termination described in this Section 3(d) constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, and notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the date on which such separation from service takes place shall be the “Date of Termination.”

4.     Modification and Waiver . Except as provided in the Plan with respect to determinations of the Committee and subject to the Committee’s right to amend the Plan, neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof can be changed, modified, amended, discharged, terminated or waived orally or by any course of dealing or purported course of dealing, but only by an agreement in writing signed by you and Capital One; provided that, changes, modifications and amendments not detrimental to you may be made in writing signed only by Capital One. No such agreement shall extend to or affect any provision of this Agreement not expressly changed, modified, amended, discharged, terminated or waived or impair any right consequent on such a provision. The waiver of or failure to enforce any breach of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver or acquiescence in any other breach thereof.

5.     Tax Withholding . If you become subject to withholding under applicable tax laws other than as described in Section 3(c), you agree to pay Capital One the amount required to be withheld by one or more of the following methods:

(a) automatically through payroll withholding; or

(b)
by such other methods as Capital One may make available from time to time.

6.     Dividend Equivalents . With respect to the Restricted Stock Units, you shall be credited with dividend equivalents as and when dividends are paid to the Company’s other stockholders. By accepting this Award, you agree that such dividend equivalents shall accumulate and be paid to you in cash (without interest) as and when you receive payment under Section 3 with respect to the Restricted Stock Units from which such dividend equivalents are derived. You further agree that all such dividend equivalents shall be subject to the same vesting requirements that apply to the Restricted Stock Units from which such dividend equivalents are derived.






7.     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by United States federal law and, to the extent not preempted thereby, by the laws of the State of Delaware. Capital One and you hereby consent and submit to the personal jurisdiction and venue of any state or federal court located in any city or county of Delaware for resolution of any and all claims, causes of action or disputes arising out of this Agreement. You and Capital One agree that the court shall not set aside the Committee’s determinations unless there is clear and convincing evidence of bad faith or fraud.

8.     Conflicts . In the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Plan as in effect on the Date of Grant and the provisions of this Agreement, except terms otherwise defined herein, the provisions of the Plan shall govern. All references herein to the Plan shall mean the Plan as in effect on the date hereof.

9.     Bound by Plan . In consideration of the grant of the Restricted Stock Units, you agree that you will comply with such conditions as the Committee may impose on the Restricted Stock Units and be bound by the terms of the Plan.

10.      Employment Status . This Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment nor does it alter your terminable at will status or otherwise guarantee future employment.

11.      Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon, enforceable against, and inure to the benefit of you and your legatees, distributees and personal representatives, and Capital One and its successors and assigns.

12.     Performance-Based Adjustments, Clawbacks and Other Forfeiture Events .

(a) Performance-Based Adjustment . The number of Restricted Stock Units vesting on the Vesting Date shall be subject to reduction as follows:
(i)     For each fiscal year of the Company ending during the Performance Period, if any, that the Core Earnings for the Company for such fiscal year, as certified by the Committee, are not positive (i.e., Core Earnings are not greater than zero):
(A)    The number of Restricted Stock Units scheduled to vest on the Vesting Date shall be reduced by 4,669 ;
(B)    The Committee shall determine the extent, if any, to which you are accountable for such outcome, and, based on such determination, the Committee shall determine (I) whether the number of Restricted Stock Units scheduled to vest on the Vesting Date shall be reduced by up to an additional 4,669 and (II) whether the Vesting Date shall be delayed for all or any portion of such Restricted Stock Units that are not so reduced.
The Committee shall make the determinations referenced in Section 12(a)(i)(B) in its sole discretion, taking into account the factors set forth on Appendix A hereto.
(ii)    For purposes of this Section 12(a), “Core Earnings” means the Company’s net income available to common stockholders, excluding, on a tax-adjusted basis, the impact of (A) impairment or amortization of intangible assets, (B) the build or release of the allowance for loan and lease losses, calculated as the difference between the provision for loan and lease losses and charge-offs, net of recoveries, and (C) the change in the combined uncollectible finance charge and fee reserve.
(iii)    In the event of any change to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles affecting the treatment or classification of any component of Core Earnings, such metric shall be calculated in a manner consistent with the definitions herein to the extent practicable.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement and for the avoidance of doubt, in the event of a Change of Control of Capital One, there shall be no reduction pursuant to this Section 12(a) for any fiscal year ending after the date of such Change of Control.
(b) Clawback . The number of Restricted Stock Units vesting on the Vesting Date shall be subject to reduction in an amount as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion in the event that prior to the Vesting Date the Committee in its sole discretion determines that (i) there has been misconduct resulting in either a violation of law or of Capital One policy or procedures, including but not limited to Capital One’s Code of Business Conduct and





Ethics, that in either case causes significant financial or reputational harm to Capital One and (ii) either you committed the misconduct or failed in your responsibility to manage or monitor the applicable conduct or risks.
(c) Forfeiture Event . You agree to reimburse the Company with respect to the Restricted Stock Units to the extent required under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or as otherwise required by law.

13.     Data Protection . You consent to the collection, processing and transfer (including international transfer) of your personally identifiable data in connection with the grant of the Restricted Stock Units and participation in the Plan.
14.     Severability . This Agreement shall be enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, then that provision shall be reduced, modified or otherwise conformed to the relevant law, judgment or determination to the degree necessary to render it valid and enforceable without affecting the validity, legality or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement or the validity, legality or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be deemed severable from the remainder of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions contained in this Agreement shall be construed to preserve to the maximum permissible extent the intent and purposes of this Agreement.
15.     Miscellaneous . In accepting the grant, you acknowledge and agree that:
(a)    this Agreement is intended to comply with the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code and shall be limited, construed and interpreted in a manner so as to comply therewith;

(b)    your obligations under this Agreement shall survive any termination of your employment with the Company for any reason;

(c)    any of the Company’s rights or remedies under this Agreement shall be cumulative and in addition to whatever other remedies the Company may have under law or equity;

(d)    any recovery by the Company under this Agreement will be a recovery of Restricted Stock Units to which you were not entitled under this Agreement and is not to be construed in any manner as a penalty;

(e)    the Company may, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and Section 409A of the Code, retain for itself funds or securities otherwise payable to you pursuant to this Agreement to satisfy any obligation or debt that you owe the Company, including any obligations hereunder. The Company may not retain such funds or securities until such time as they would otherwise be distributable to you in accordance with this Agreement;

(f)    the Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on the Restricted Stock Units, any Shares acquired pursuant to the Restricted Stock Units, and your participation in the Plan, to the extent Capital One determines, in its sole discretion, that such other requirements are necessary or advisable in order to comply with local laws, rules and regulations, or to facilitate the administration of the Restricted Stock Units and the Plan. Such requirements may include (but are not limited to) requiring you to sign any agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing; and
(g)    Capital One from time to time distributes and makes available to associates disclosure documents, including a prospectus, relating to the Plan. You may also contact the HR Help Center to obtain copies of the Plan disclosure documents and the Plan. You should carefully read the Plan disclosure documents and the Plan. By accepting the benefits of this Agreement you acknowledge receipt of the Plan and the Plan disclosure documents and agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and the Plan. You hereby consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agree to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by Capital One or a third-party designated by Capital One.







IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed on their behalf.        
                    

                            
 
CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
By:
 
 
 
/s/ Mayo A. Shattuck III
 
 
Mayo A. Shattuck III
 
 
Chair, Compensation Committee
 
 
 
 
PARTICIPANT
 
By:
 
 
 
/s/ Richard D. Fairbank
 
 
Richard D. Fairbank
 
 
Chair of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President






APPENDIX A

PERFORMANCE-BASED ADJUSTMENT DETERMINATION FACTORS

The Committee shall take into account the following factors for purposes of making any determinations referenced in Section 12(a)(i)(B) of the Agreement in its sole discretion:

The extent to which Core Earnings were negative;

Whether the outcome was the result of the performance of a line of business, control function or staff group for which you exercised direct or indirect responsibility;

The extent to which your performance contributed to the outcome, including your performance with respect to risk management and oversight; and

Such other factors as the Committee deems appropriate.







CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
2004 Stock Incentive Plan
Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement

No. of Units: %%TOTAL_SHARES_GRANTED %-%


THIS RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated February 4, 2016 (the “Date of Grant”), between CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“Capital One” or the “Company”), and %%FIRST_NAME%-% %%LAST_NAME%-% (“you”), is made pursuant and subject to the provisions of the Company’s 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the “Plan”), and all capitalized terms used herein that are defined in the Plan shall have the same meaning given them in the Plan unless otherwise defined herein.

WHEREAS, Article 8 of the Plan provides for the award from time to time in the discretion of the Committee of Restricted Stock Units, representing shares of common stock of Capital One, $.01 par value per share (“Common Stock”), the vesting and issuance of which is subject to continued employment with Capital One or other conditions;

W I T N E S S E T H :

1.     Grant of Restricted Stock Units. Capital One hereby grants to you %%TOTAL_SHARES_GRANTED%-% Restricted Stock Units (the “Restricted Stock Units”). The Restricted Stock Units shall vest, and the underlying shares of Common Stock (such underlying shares, the “Shares”) shall be issuable, only in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and of the Plan. The Restricted Stock Units will not have voting rights.

2.     Non-Transferability . Subject to the provisions of Sections 3 and 12 hereof, the rights represented by the Restricted Stock Units shall not be assignable or transferable, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, under any circumstances. Any purported or attempted transfer of such Restricted Stock Units or such rights shall be null and void and shall result in the immediate forfeiture and cancellation of the Restricted Stock Units.

3.     Issuance of Common Stock .

(a)      Vesting . Except as provided in Sections 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 13(a) and 13(b) below and to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein, the Restricted Stock Units shall vest, and the Shares shall be issuable in full without restrictions on transferability, other than the restrictions contained in Section 12 below, according to the following schedule:
    
One-third of the Restricted Stock Units on February 15, 2017
One-third of the Restricted Stock Units on February 15, 2018
One-third of the Restricted Stock Units on February 15, 2019

Each of the immediately above dates shall be a “Scheduled Vesting Date.”

(b)     Effect of Termination of Employment .

(i)    Except as provided in Section 3(b)(ii), 3(b)(iii), 3(b)(iv) and 3(d), upon your termination of employment with Capital One for any reason all Restricted Stock Units shall immediately be forfeited (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein).

(ii)    Upon your termination of employment with Capital One as a result of your death or Disability, the Restricted Stock Units shall immediately vest, and the Shares shall be issuable in full without restrictions on transferability upon such termination of employment (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein).

(iii)    Upon your termination of employment with Capital One as a result of Retirement, the Restricted Stock Units shall continue to vest on the Scheduled Vesting Dates (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein) and remain subject to reduction pursuant to Section 13(a) and 13(b).






(iv)    Upon your termination of employment by Capital One in a manner that makes you eligible for severance compensation or benefits, you will receive continued vesting of the Restricted Stock Units scheduled to vest on each of the Scheduled Vesting Dates as if a termination of employment had not occurred subject to (A) your execution of a separation agreement and/or general release of claims within a period of time as required by Capital One (in a form as prescribed by Capital One, a “Release”), (B) such Release becoming effective and irrevocable in accordance with its terms and (C) your continued compliance with the terms of such Release through each Scheduled Vesting Date. To the extent a Scheduled Vesting Date occurs prior to the expiration of the period of time Capital One provides you to sign the Release, you shall be entitled to vesting of the applicable portion of your Restricted Stock Units on such Scheduled Vesting Date even if you have not yet executed the Release. For avoidance of doubt, such continued vesting shall remain subject to reduction pursuant to Section 13(a) and 13(b) and shall immediately cease (and any then-unvested Restricted Stock Units shall be immediately forfeited) in the event that you violate the terms and conditions of the Release. For purposes of this Section 3(b)(iv), you will be considered to have experienced a termination of employment by Capital One in a manner that makes you eligible for severance compensation or benefits if (X) you are a U.S. associate and you are eligible to receive benefits under any applicable U.S. Capital One severance plan in place at the time of your termination of employment, (Y) you are a U.K. associate and experience a termination by mutual agreement or redundancy, or (Z) you are a Canadian associate and experience an involuntary termination of employment that qualifies for severance payments under local law.

(c)     Vesting Schedule Upon Eligibility for Retirement or following certain severance-eligible terminations by Capital One .

(i)    Unless otherwise determined by the Committee or the independent members of the Board of Directors, as applicable, and to the extent permitted or required by law, a portion of the Restricted Stock Units shall vest, and the Shares shall be issuable in full without restrictions on transferability, following you becoming eligible for Retirement, or following you becoming entitled to continued vesting pursuant to Section 3(b)(iv), at a time determined by Capital One, only and to the extent sufficient, if sold at Fair Market Value, on the date of such determination, to provide for the payment of any tax liability caused as a consequence of such eligibility condition or entitlement in accordance with applicable tax laws. It is understood that the remaining portion of the Restricted Stock Units shall continue to vest on the Scheduled Vesting Dates as provided herein (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein).

(ii)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, Capital One will take all necessary steps to withhold the amount determined pursuant to the immediately foregoing paragraph in satisfaction of any applicable tax withholding liability.

(d)     Effect of Change of Control .

(i)    Upon your termination of employment by Capital One without Cause or by you for Good Reason (each as defined below), in either case on or prior to the second anniversary of the occurrence of a Change of Control of Capital One, then, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Restricted Stock Units shall vest and the Shares shall be issuable in full without restrictions on transferability immediately upon the occurrence of your termination of employment following such Change of Control (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein); provided, however, that if the Restricted Stock Units are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code and not exempt from Section 409A of the Code as a short-term deferral or otherwise, and you are a “specified employee,” as defined in and pursuant to Reg. Section 1.409A 1(i) or any successor regulation, on the date of any such termination of employment without Cause or for Good Reason, you will not be entitled to such vesting earlier than the earlier of (i) the date which is six months from the date of your “separation from service” (as defined in Reg. Section 1.409A 1(h) or any successor regulation) as a result of such termination and (ii) your death.

(ii)    For purposes of this Section 3(d), “Cause” shall mean (1) the willful and continued failure to perform substantially your duties with the Company or any Affiliate (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness or following your delivery of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to you by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company that specifically identifies the manner in which the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company believes that you have not substantially performed your duties, or (2) the





willful engaging by you in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company. No act, or failure to act, on the part of you shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by you in bad faith or without reasonable belief that your action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon (A) authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, or if the Company is not the ultimate parent corporation of the Affiliate and is not publicly-traded, the board of directors of the ultimate parent of the Company (the “Applicable Board”), (B) the instructions of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (unless you are the Chief Executive Officer at the time of any such instruction) or (C) the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by you in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. The cessation of your employment shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to you a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Applicable Board (excluding you, if you are a member of the Applicable Board) at a meeting of the Applicable Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to you and you are given an opportunity, together with your counsel, to be heard before the Applicable Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Applicable Board, you are guilty of the conduct described in this Section 3(d)(ii), and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

(iii)    For purposes of this Section 3(d), “Good Reason” shall mean (1) the assignment to you of any duties inconsistent in any respect with your position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities, or any action by the Company that results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you; (2) any failure by the Company to pay your compensation owed other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you; (3) the Company’s requiring you (I) to be based at any office or location more than 35 miles from the office or location at which you were required to work as of the date of this Agreement or (II) to travel on Company business to a substantially greater extent than required during the 120-day period immediately prior to the date the Change of Control occurs; or (4) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any employment agreement. For purposes of this Section 3(d)(iii) of this Agreement, any good faith determination of Good Reason made by you shall be conclusive.   Your mental or physical incapacity following the occurrence of an event described above in clauses (1) through (4) shall not affect your ability to terminate employment for Good Reason.

(iv)    Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party. “Notice of Termination” means a written notice that (1) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (2) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment under the provision so indicated, and (3) if the Date of Termination (as defined herein) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the Date of Termination (which Date of Termination shall be not more than 30 days after the giving of such notice). The failure by you or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance that contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of you or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude you or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing your or the Company’s respective rights hereunder.

(v)    “Date of Termination” means, if your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or such later date specified in the Notice of Termination, as the case may be. You and the Company shall take all steps necessary to ensure that any termination described in this Section 3(d) constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, and notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the date on which such separation from service takes place shall be the “Date of Termination.”

4.     Modification and Waiver . Except as provided in the Plan with respect to determinations of the Committee and subject to the Committee’s right to amend the Plan, neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof can be changed, modified, amended, discharged, terminated or waived orally or by any course of dealing or purported course of dealing, but only by an agreement in writing signed by you and Capital One; provided that, changes, modifications and amendments not detrimental to you may be made in writing signed only by Capital One. No such agreement shall extend to or affect any provision of this Agreement not expressly changed, modified, amended, discharged, terminated or waived or impair any right consequent on such





a provision. The waiver of or failure to enforce any breach of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver or acquiescence in any other breach thereof.

5.     Tax Withholding . If you become subject to withholding under applicable tax laws, you agree to pay Capital One the amount required to be withheld by one or more of the following methods:

(a) Capital One’s designated agent will automatically withhold the number of shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld and deliver the proceeds thereof to Capital One; or

(b) by such other methods as Capital One may make available from time to time.

6.     Dividend Equivalents . With respect to the Restricted Stock Units, you shall be credited with dividend equivalents as and when dividends are paid to the Company’s other stockholders. By accepting this Award, you agree that such dividend equivalents shall accumulate and be paid to you in cash (without interest) as and when the Restricted Stock Units from which such dividend equivalents are derived vest pursuant to Section 3. You further agree that all such dividend equivalents shall be subject to the same vesting requirements that apply to the Restricted Stock Units from which such dividend equivalents are derived.

7.     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by United States federal law and, to the extent not preempted thereby, by the laws of the State of Delaware. Capital One and you hereby consent and submit to the personal jurisdiction and venue of any state or federal court located in any city or county of Delaware for resolution of any and all claims, causes of action or disputes arising out of this Agreement. You and Capital One agree that the court shall not set aside the Committee’s determinations unless there is clear and convincing evidence of bad faith or fraud.

8.     Conflicts . In the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Plan as in effect on the Date of Grant and the provisions of this Agreement, except terms otherwise defined herein, the provisions of the Plan shall govern. All references herein to the Plan shall mean the Plan as in effect on the date hereof.

9.     Bound by Plan . In consideration of the grant of the Restricted Stock Units, you agree that you will comply with such conditions as the Committee may impose on the Restricted Stock Units and be bound by the terms of the Plan.

10.      Employment Status . This Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment nor does it alter your terminable at will status or otherwise guarantee future employment.

11.      Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon, enforceable against, and inure to the benefit of you and your legatees, distributees and personal representatives, and Capital One and its successors and assigns.

12.      Mandatory Holding Requirement .

(a)    You agree that with respect to the Applicable Holding Shares you may not transfer, sell, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of such Applicable Holding Shares until the Holding Date; provided that the requirements set forth in this Section 12 shall immediately lapse and be of no further force and effect upon your death, Disability or termination of employment by Capital One without Cause or for Good Reason following a Change of Control, pursuant to Section 3(d).

(b)    For purposes of this Section 12:

(i)    “Applicable Holding Shares” means 50% of the Shares acquired hereunder (not including any Shares sold or retained by the Company or its designated agent to fund the payment of any tax withholding obligation, brokerage commission or fees payable in connection with the Shares) during your term of employment with the Company and during the one-year period after termination of your employment for any reason; and

(ii)    “Holding Date” means the first anniversary of the date of acquisition of any Applicable Holding Shares.

13.     Performance-Based Adjustments, Clawbacks and Other Forfeiture Events .

(a)
Performance-Based Adjustment . The number of Restricted Stock Units vesting on the Scheduled





Vesting Date shall be subject to reduction as follows:

(i)    In the event that the Core Earnings of the Company for the Company’s fiscal year ended immediately prior to such Scheduled Vesting Date, as certified by the Committee, are not positive (i.e., Core Earnings are not greater than zero):
(A)    The number of Restricted Stock Units scheduled to vest on such Scheduled Vesting Date shall be reduced by 50%, rounding up to the nearest whole share; and
(B)    the Committee shall determine the extent, if any, to which you are accountable for such outcome and, based on such determination, the Committee shall determine (I) whether all or any portion of the remaining Restricted Stock Units scheduled to vest on such Scheduled Vesting Date shall be forfeited and (II) whether the Scheduled Vesting Date shall be delayed for all or any portion of such Restricted Stock Units that are not so forfeited.
The Committee shall make the determinations referenced in Section 13(a)(i)(B) in its sole discretion, taking into account the factors set forth on Appendix A hereto.
(ii)     For purposes of this Section 13(a), “Core Earnings” means the Company’s net income available to common stockholders, excluding, on a tax-adjusted basis, the impact of (A) impairment or amortization of intangible assets, (B) the build or release of the allowance for loan and lease losses, calculated as the difference between the provision for loan and lease losses and charge-offs, net of recoveries, and (C) the change in the combined uncollectible finance charge and fee reserve.
(iii)    In the event of any change to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles affecting the treatment or classification of any component of Core Earnings, such metric shall be calculated in a manner consistent with the definitions herein to the extent practicable.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement and for the avoidance of doubt, in the event of a Change of Control of Capital One, there shall be no reduction pursuant to this Section 13(a) for any fiscal year ending after the date of such Change of Control.
(b) Clawback . All unvested Restricted Stock Units granted hereunder shall be subject to forfeiture in the event that the Committee in its sole discretion determines that (i) there has been misconduct resulting in either a violation of law or of Capital One policy or procedures, including but not limited to Capital One’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, that in either case causes significant financial or reputational harm to Capital One and (ii) either you committed the misconduct or failed in your responsibility to manage or monitor the applicable conduct or risks. In the event that the Committee makes a determination as provided in the preceding sentence, all or any portion of the Restricted Stock Units that have not yet vested under this Agreement as of the date of such determination shall be forfeited in an amount as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
(c) Forfeiture Event . You agree to reimburse the Company with respect to the Restricted Stock Units to the extent required under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or as otherwise required by law.

14.     Data Protection . You consent to the collection, processing and transfer (including international transfer) of your personally identifiable data in connection with the grant of the Restricted Stock Units and participation in the Plan.
15.      Severability . This Agreement shall be enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, then that provision shall be reduced, modified or otherwise conformed to the relevant law, judgment or determination to the degree necessary to render it valid and enforceable without affecting the validity, legality or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement or the validity, legality or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be deemed severable from the remainder of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions contained in this Agreement shall be construed to preserve to the maximum permissible extent the intent and purposes of this Agreement.






16.     Miscellaneous . In accepting the grant, you acknowledge and agree that:

(a)    this Agreement is intended to comply with the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code and shall be limited, construed and interpreted in a manner so as to comply therewith;

(b)    your obligations under this Agreement shall survive any termination of your employment with the Company for any reason;

(c)    any of the Company’s rights or remedies under this Agreement shall be cumulative and in addition to whatever other remedies the Company may have under law or equity;

(d)    any recovery by the Company under this Agreement will be a recovery of Restricted Stock Units to which you were not entitled under this Agreement and is not to be construed in any manner as a penalty;

(e)    the Company may, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and Section 409A of the Code, retain for itself funds or securities otherwise payable to you pursuant to this Agreement to satisfy any obligation or debt that you owe the Company, including any obligations hereunder. The Company may not retain such funds or securities until such time as they would otherwise be distributable to you in accordance with this Agreement;

(f)    the Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on the Restricted Stock Units, any Shares acquired pursuant to the Restricted Stock Units, and your participation in the Plan, to the extent Capital One determines, in its sole discretion, that such other requirements are necessary or advisable in order to comply with local laws, rules and regulations, or to facilitate the administration of the Restricted Stock Units and the Plan. Such requirements may include (but are not limited to) requiring you to sign any agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing; and
(g)    Capital One from time to time distributes and makes available to associates disclosure documents, including a prospectus, relating to the Plan. You may also contact the HR Help Center to obtain copies of the Plan disclosure documents and the Plan. You should carefully read the Plan disclosure documents and the Plan. By accepting the benefits of this Agreement you acknowledge receipt of the Plan and the Plan disclosure documents and agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and the Plan. You hereby consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agree to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by Capital One or a third-party designated by Capital One.






IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed on their behalf.

    
                            
 
CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
By:
 
 
 
/s/ JORY BERSON
 
 
Jory Berson
 
 
Chief Human Resources Officer


                    
                    





PARTICIPANT

By: SIGNED BY ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE
%%FIRST_NAME%-% %%LAST_NAME%-%

BY ELECTRONICALLY ACCEPTING THE AWARD, YOU AGREE THAT (i) SUCH ACCEPTANCE CONSTITUTES YOUR ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE IN EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT; (ii) YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN AND THE AGREEMENT; (iii) YOU HAVE REVIEWED THE PLAN AND THE AGREEMENT IN THEIR ENTIRETY, HAVE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO OBTAIN THE ADVICE OF COUNSEL PRIOR TO ACCEPTING THE AWARD AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN AND THE AGREEMENT; (iv) YOU HAVE BEEN PROVIDED WITH A COPY OR ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO A COPY OF THE U.S. PROSPECTUS FOR THE PLAN; AND (v) YOU HEREBY AGREE TO ACCEPT AS BINDING, CONCLUSIVE AND FINAL ALL DECISIONS OR INTERPRETATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE UPON ANY QUESTIONS ARISING UNDER THE PLAN AND THE AGREEMENT.

* * * * *







APPENDIX A

PERFORMANCE-BASED ADJUSTMENT DETERMINATION FACTORS

The Committee shall take into account the following factors for purposes of making any determinations referenced in Section 13(a)(i)(B) of the Agreement in its sole discretion:

The extent to which Core Earnings were negative;

Whether the outcome was the result of the performance of a line of business, control function or staff group for which you exercised direct or indirect responsibility;

The extent to which your performance contributed to the outcome, including your performance with respect to risk management and oversight; and

Such other factors as the Committee deems appropriate.





CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
2004 Stock Incentive Plan
Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement

No. of Units: %%TOTAL_SHARES_GRANTED%-%

THIS RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated February  4, 2016 (the “Date of Grant”), between CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“Capital One” or the “Company”), and %%FIRST_NAME%-% %%LAST_NAME%-% (“you”), is made pursuant and subject to the provisions of the Company’s 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the “Plan”). All capitalized terms used herein that are defined in the Plan shall have the same meaning given them in the Plan unless otherwise defined herein.

WHEREAS, Article 8 of the Plan provides for the award from time to time in the discretion of the Committee of Restricted Stock Units, representing shares of common stock of Capital One, $.01 par value per share (“Common Stock”), the vesting and issuance of which are subject to continued employment with Capital One or other conditions;

W I T N E S S E T H :

1.     Grant of Restricted Stock Units . Capital One hereby grants to you %%TOTAL_SHARES_GRANTED%-% Restricted Stock Units (the “Restricted Stock Units”). The Restricted Stock Units shall vest only in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and of the Plan. The Restricted Stock Units will not have voting rights.

2.     Non-Transferability . Subject to the provisions of Section 3 hereof, the rights represented by the Restricted Stock Units shall not be assignable or transferable, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, under any circumstances. Any purported or attempted transfer of such units or such rights shall be null and void and shall result in the immediate forfeiture and cancellation of the Restricted Stock Units.

3.     Payment of Restricted Stock Units .

(a)      Vesting . Except as provided in Sections 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e) and 12(a) below, and to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein, the Restricted Stock Units shall vest as follows:
    
One-third of the Restricted Stock Units on February 15, 2017
One-third of the Restricted Stock Units on February 15, 2018
One-third of the Restricted Stock Units on February 15, 2019

Each of the immediately above dates shall be a “Scheduled Vesting Date.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Restricted Stock Units shall vest in full upon the termination of your employment due to death or Disability and the date of such death or Disability shall be the Scheduled Vesting Date for all applicable Restricted Stock Units.

Upon vesting, the Restricted Stock Units shall become payable in cash in an amount equal to the product of (i) the average Fair Market Value of the Common Stock for the 15 trading days preceding the Scheduled Vesting Date and (ii) the number of Restricted Stock Units vesting on the Scheduled Vesting Date (subject to Section 5 below).

(b)     Effect of Termination of Employment Not For Cause . Upon your termination of employment with Capital One due to Retirement or for any reason other than for Cause (as defined herein), death, Disability or a Change of Control, the Units shall continue to vest on the Scheduled Vesting Dates specified herein (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein) and remain subject to reduction pursuant to Section 12(a).

(c)     Effect of Termination of Employment For Cause . Upon your termination of employment with the Company for Cause prior to any Scheduled Vesting Date, all Restricted Stock Units, as of such date of termination, shall be immediately forfeited (to the extent not previously vested as provided herein).

(d)     Vesting Schedule Upon Becoming Subject to Withholding .




(i)    Unless otherwise determined by the Committee or the independent members of the Board of Directors, as applicable, and to the extent permitted or required by law, Capital One may determine, in its sole discretion, following you becoming subject to withholding under applicable tax laws at a time when amounts are not otherwise vesting pursuant to this Section 3, that a portion of the Restricted Stock Units shall vest and become payable, only and to the extent sufficient on the date of such determination (the “Determination Date”), to provide for the payment of any tax liability in accordance with applicable tax laws, in an amount equal to the product of (i) the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock for the Determination Date and (ii) the number of Restricted Stock Units vesting on the Determination Date. The number of Restricted Stock Units vesting pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be rounded up to the nearest whole Restricted Stock Unit. It is understood that the remaining portion of the Restricted Stock Units shall continue to vest on the Scheduled Vesting Dates as provided herein (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein).

(ii)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, Capital One will take all necessary steps to withhold the amount determined in accordance with the immediately foregoing paragraph in satisfaction of any applicable tax withholding liability.

(e)     Effect of Change of Control .

(i)    Upon your termination of employment by Capital One without Cause or by you for Good Reason (each as defined below), in either case on or prior to the second anniversary of the occurrence of a Change of Control of Capital One, then, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Restricted Stock Units shall vest, the date of such termination shall be the Scheduled Vesting Date for all applicable Restricted Stock Units and the cash shall become payable as described in Section 3(a) immediately following the occurrence of your termination of employment following such Change of Control (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein); provided, however, that if the Restricted Stock Units are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code and not exempt from Section 409A of the Code as a short-term deferral or otherwise, and you are a “specified employee,” as defined in and pursuant to Reg. Section 1.409A 1(i) or any successor regulation, on the date of any such termination of employment without Cause or for Good Reason, you will not be entitled to such vesting earlier than the earlier of (i) the date which is six months from the date of your “separation from service” (as defined in Reg. Section 1.409A 1(h) or any successor regulation) as a result of such termination and (ii) your death.

(ii)    For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean (1) the willful and continued failure to perform substantially your duties with the Company or any Affiliate (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness or following your delivery of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to you by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company that specifically identifies the manner in which the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company believes that you have not substantially performed your duties, or (2) the willful engaging by you in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company. No act, or failure to act, on the part of you shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by you in bad faith or without reasonable belief that your action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon (A) authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, or if the Company is not the ultimate parent corporation of the Affiliate and is not publicly-traded, the board of directors of the ultimate parent of the Company (the “Applicable Board”), (B) the instructions of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (unless you are the Chief Executive Officer at the time of any such instruction) or (C) the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by you in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. The cessation of your employment shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to you a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Applicable Board (excluding you, if you are a member of the Applicable Board) at a meeting of the Applicable Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to you and you are given an opportunity, together with your counsel, to be heard before the Applicable Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Applicable Board, you are guilty of the conduct described in this Section 3(e)(ii), and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

(iii)    For purposes of this Section 3(e), “Good Reason” shall mean (1) the assignment to you of any duties inconsistent in any respect with your position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements),



authority, duties or responsibilities, or any action by the Company that results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you; (2) any failure by the Company to pay your compensation owed other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you; (3) the Company’s requiring you (I) to be based at any office or location more than 35 miles from the office or location at which you were required to work as of the date of this Agreement or (II) to travel on Company business to a substantially greater extent than required during the 120-day period immediately prior to the date the Change of Control occurs; or (4) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any employment agreement. For purposes of this Section 3(e)(iii) of this Agreement, any good faith determination of Good Reason made by you shall be conclusive.   Your mental or physical incapacity following the occurrence of an event described above in clauses (1) through (4) shall not affect your ability to terminate employment for Good Reason.

(iv)    Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party. “Notice of Termination” means a written notice that (1) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (2) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment under the provision so indicated, and (3) if the Date of Termination (as defined herein) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the Date of Termination (which Date of Termination shall be not more than 30 days after the giving of such notice). The failure by you or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance that contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of you or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude you or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing your or the Company’s respective rights hereunder.

(v)    “Date of Termination” means, if your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or such later date specified in the Notice of Termination, as the case may be. You and the Company shall take all steps necessary to ensure that any termination described in this Section 3(e) constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, and notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the date on which such separation from service takes place shall be the “Date of Termination.”

4.     Modification and Waiver . Except as provided in the Plan with respect to determinations of the Committee and subject to the Committee’s right to amend the Plan, neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof can be changed, modified, amended, discharged, terminated or waived orally or by any course of dealing or purported course of dealing, but only by an agreement in writing signed by you and Capital One; provided that, changes, modifications and amendments not detrimental to you may be made in writing signed only by Capital One. No such agreement shall extend to or affect any provision of this Agreement not expressly changed, modified, amended, discharged, terminated or waived or impair any right consequent on such a provision. The waiver of or failure to enforce any breach of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver or acquiescence in any other breach thereof.

5.     Tax Withholding . If you become subject to withholding under applicable tax laws other than as described in Section 3(d), you agree to pay Capital One the amount required to be withheld by one or more of the following methods:

(a) automatically through payroll withholding; or

(b)
by such other methods as Capital One may make available from time to time.

6.     Dividend Equivalents . With respect to the Restricted Stock Units, dividend equivalents shall be paid to you in cash as soon as is practicable after dividends are paid to the Company’s other stockholders. Dividend equivalent payments shall be based on the total number of unvested Restricted Stock Units held as of the applicable dividend record date.

7.     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by United States federal law and, to the extent not preempted thereby, by the laws of the State of Delaware. Capital One and you hereby consent and submit to the personal jurisdiction and venue of any state or federal court located in any city or county of Delaware for resolution of any and all claims, causes of action or disputes arising out of this Agreement. You and Capital One agree that the court shall not set aside the Committee’s determinations unless there is clear and convincing evidence of bad faith or fraud.




8.     Conflicts . In the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Plan as in effect on the Date of Grant and the provisions of this Agreement, except terms otherwise defined herein, the provisions of the Plan shall govern. All references herein to the Plan shall mean the Plan as in effect on the date hereof.

9.     Bound by Plan . In consideration of the grant of the Restricted Stock Units, you agree that you will comply with such conditions as the Committee may impose on the Restricted Stock Units and be bound by the terms of the Plan.

10.      Employment Status . This Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment nor does it alter your terminable at will status or otherwise guarantee future employment.

11.      Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon, enforceable against, and inure to the benefit of you and your legatees, distributees and personal representatives, and Capital One and its successors and assigns.

12.     Clawbacks and Other Forfeiture Events .

(a)     Clawback . All unvested Restricted Stock Units granted hereunder shall be subject to forfeiture in the event that the Committee in its sole discretion determines that (i) there has been misconduct resulting in either a violation of law or of Capital One policy or procedures, including but not limited to Capital One’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, that in either case causes significant financial or reputational harm to Capital One and (ii) either you committed the misconduct or failed in your responsibility to manage or monitor the applicable conduct or risks. In the event that the Committee makes a determination as provided in the preceding sentence, all or any portion of Restricted Stock Units that have not yet vested under this Agreement as of the date of such determination shall be forfeited in an amount as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.

(b)     Forfeiture Event . You agree to reimburse the Company with respect to the Restricted Stock Units to the extent required under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or as otherwise required by law.

13.     Data Protection . You consent to the collection, processing and transfer (including international transfer) of your personally identifiable data in connection with the grant of the Restricted Stock Units and participation in the Plan.

14.     Severability . This Agreement shall be enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, then that provision shall be reduced, modified or otherwise conformed to the relevant law, judgment or determination to the degree necessary to render it valid and enforceable without affecting the validity, legality or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement or the validity, legality or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be deemed severable from the remainder of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions contained in this Agreement shall be construed to preserve to the maximum permissible extent the intent and purposes of this Agreement.

15.     Miscellaneous . In accepting the grant, you acknowledge and agree that:
(a)    this Agreement is intended to comply with the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code and shall be limited, construed and interpreted in a manner so as to comply therewith;

(b)    your obligations under this Agreement shall survive any termination of your employment with the Company for any reason;

(c)    any of the Company’s rights or remedies under this Agreement shall be cumulative and in addition to whatever other remedies the Company may have under law or equity;

(d)    any recovery by the Company under this Agreement will be a recovery of Restricted Stock Units to which you were not entitled under this Agreement and is not to be construed in any manner as a penalty;

(e)    the Company may, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and Section 409A of the Code, retain for itself funds or securities otherwise payable to you pursuant to this Agreement to satisfy any obligation or debt



that you owe the Company, including any obligations hereunder. The Company may not retain such funds or securities until such time as they would otherwise be distributable to you in accordance with this Agreement;

(f)    the Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on the Restricted Stock Units, any Shares acquired pursuant to the Restricted Stock Units, and your participation in the Plan, to the extent Capital One determines, in its sole discretion, that such other requirements are necessary or advisable in order to comply with local laws, rules and regulations, or to facilitate the administration of the Restricted Stock Units and the Plan. Such requirements may include (but are not limited to) requiring you to sign any agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing; and
(g)     Capital One from time to time distributes and makes available to associates disclosure documents, including a prospectus, relating to the Plan. You may also contact the HR Help Center to obtain copies of the Plan disclosure documents and the Plan. You should carefully read the Plan disclosure documents and the Plan. By accepting the benefits of this Agreement you acknowledge receipt of the Plan and the Plan disclosure documents and agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and the Plan. You hereby consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agree to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by Capital One or a third-party designated by Capital One.




IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed on their behalf.

    
                            
 
CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
By:
 
 
 
/s/ JORY BERSON
 
 
Jory Berson
 
 
Chief Human Resources Officer






PARTICIPANT

By: SIGNED BY ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE
%%FIRST_NAME%-% %%LAST_NAME%-%

BY ELECTRONICALLY ACCEPTING THE AWARD, YOU AGREE THAT (i) SUCH ACCEPTANCE CONSTITUTES YOUR ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE IN EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT; (ii) YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN AND THE AGREEMENT; (iii) YOU HAVE REVIEWED THE PLAN AND THE AGREEMENT IN THEIR ENTIRETY, HAVE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO OBTAIN THE ADVICE OF COUNSEL PRIOR TO ACCEPTING THE AWARD AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN AND THE AGREEMENT; (iv) YOU HAVE BEEN PROVIDED WITH A COPY OR ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO A COPY OF THE U.S. PROSPECTUS FOR THE PLAN; AND (v) YOU HEREBY AGREE TO ACCEPT AS BINDING, CONCLUSIVE AND FINAL ALL DECISIONS OR INTERPRETATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE UPON ANY QUESTIONS ARISING UNDER THE PLAN AND THE AGREEMENT.

* * * * *




CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
2004 Stock Incentive Plan
Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement

No. of Units: %%TOTAL_SHARES_GRANTED%-%

THIS RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated February 4, 2016 (the “Date of Grant”), between CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“Capital One” or the “Company”), and %%FIRST_NAME%-% %%LAST_NAME%-% (“you”), is made pursuant and subject to the provisions of the Company’s 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the “Plan”). All capitalized terms used herein that are defined in the Plan shall have the same meaning given them in the Plan unless otherwise defined herein.

WHEREAS, Article 8 of the Plan provides for the award from time to time in the discretion of the Committee of Restricted Stock Units, representing shares of common stock of Capital One, $.01 par value per share (“Common Stock”), the vesting and issuance of which are subject to continued employment with Capital One or other conditions;

W I T N E S S E T H :

1.     Grant of Restricted Stock Units . Capital One hereby grants to you %%TOTAL_SHARES_GRANTED%-% Restricted Stock Units (the “Restricted Stock Units”). The Restricted Stock Units shall vest only in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and of the Plan. The Restricted Stock Units will not have voting rights.

2.     Non-Transferability . Subject to the provisions of Section 3 hereof, the rights represented by the Restricted Stock Units shall not be assignable or transferable, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, under any circumstances. Any purported or attempted transfer of such units or such rights shall be null and void and shall result in the immediate forfeiture and cancellation of the Restricted Stock Units.

3.     Payment of Restricted Stock Units .

(a)      Vesting . Except as provided in Sections 3(b) and 3(c) below, and to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein, all of the Restricted Stock Units shall vest on January 1, 2017 (the “Vesting Date”); or, if earlier, in full upon the termination of your employment due to death or Disability and the date of such death or Disability shall be the Vesting Date.

The Restricted Stock Units shall become payable in cash in an amount equal to the product of (i) the average Fair Market Value of the Common Stock for the 15 trading days preceding the Payment Date and (ii) the number of Restricted Stock Units vesting on the Vesting Date (subject to Section 5 below). For purposes of this Agreement, the “Payment Date” shall be the earlier to occur of: (x) February 15, 2017; or (y) the termination of your employment due to death or Disability.

(b)     Effect of Termination of Employment . Upon your termination of employment with Capital One for any reason other than death, Disability or following a Change of Control in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(c) below, prior to the Vesting Date (such date of termination, the “Termination Date”), the Units shall immediately vest and become payable in cash as soon as administratively practicable following the Payment Date; provided that in such case the amount payable shall be equal to the product of (a) and (b) where (a) shall be equal to the product of (i) the average Fair Market Value of the Common Stock for the 15 trading days preceding the Payment Date and (ii) the number of Restricted Stock Units that would have vested on the Vesting Date if your employment had not been terminated and (b) is a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of calendar days from January 1, 2016 through and including the Termination Date and the denominator of which is 366.




(c)     Effect of Change of Control .

(i)    Upon your termination of employment by Capital One without Cause or by you for Good Reason (each as defined below) on or following the occurrence of a Change of Control, in either case on or prior to the Vesting Date, then, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, all of the Restricted Stock Units shall vest, the date of such termination shall be the Vesting Date and Payment Date for all applicable Restricted Stock Units and the Restricted Stock Units shall become payable in cash as calculated in Section 3(a) immediately following the occurrence of your termination of employment following such Change of Control (to the extent not previously vested or forfeited as provided herein); provided, however, that if the Restricted Stock Units are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code and not exempt from Section 409A of the Code as a short-term deferral or otherwise, and you are a “specified employee,” as defined in and pursuant to Reg. Section 1.409A 1(i) or any successor regulation, on the date of any such termination of employment without Cause or for Good Reason, you will not be entitled to such vesting earlier than the earlier of (i) the date which is six months from the date of your “separation from service” (as defined in Reg. Section 1.409A 1(h) or any successor regulation) as a result of such termination and (ii) your death.

(ii)    For purposes of this Section 3(c), “Cause” shall mean (1) the willful and continued failure to perform substantially your duties with the Company or any Affiliate (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness or following your delivery of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to you by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company that specifically identifies the manner in which the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company believes that you have not substantially performed your duties, or (2) the willful engaging by you in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company. No act, or failure to act, on the part of you shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by you in bad faith or without reasonable belief that your action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon (A) authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, or if the Company is not the ultimate parent corporation of the Affiliate and is not publicly-traded, the board of directors of the ultimate parent of the Company (the “Applicable Board”), (B) the instructions of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (unless you are the Chief Executive Officer at the time of any such instruction) or (C) the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by you in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. The cessation of your employment shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to you a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Applicable Board (excluding you, if you are a member of the Applicable Board) at a meeting of the Applicable Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to you and you are given an opportunity, together with your counsel, to be heard before the Applicable Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Applicable Board, you are guilty of the conduct described in this Section 3(c)(ii), and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

(iii)    For purposes of this Section 3(c), “Good Reason” shall mean (1) the assignment to you of any duties inconsistent in any respect with your position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities, or any action by the Company that results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you; (2) any failure by the Company to pay your compensation owed other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you; (3) the Company’s requiring you (I) to be based at any office or location more than 35 miles from the office or location at which you were required to work as of the date of this Agreement or (II) to travel on Company business to a substantially greater extent than required during the 120-day period immediately prior to the date the Change of Control occurs; or (4) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any employment agreement. For purposes of this Section 3(c)(iii) of this Agreement, any good faith determination of Good Reason made by you shall be conclusive. Your mental or physical incapacity following the occurrence of an event described above in clauses (1) through (4) shall not affect your ability to terminate employment for Good Reason.




(iv)    Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party. “Notice of Termination” means a written notice that (1) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (2) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment under the provision so indicated, and (3) if the Date of Termination (as defined herein) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the Date of Termination (which Date of Termination shall be not more than 30 days after the giving of such notice). The failure by you or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance that contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of you or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude you or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing your or the Company’s respective rights hereunder.

(v)    “Date of Termination” means, if your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or such later date specified in the Notice of Termination, as the case may be. You and the Company shall take all steps necessary to ensure that any termination described in this Section 3(c) constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, and notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the date on which such separation from service takes place shall be the “Date of Termination.”

4.     Modification and Waiver . Except as provided in the Plan with respect to determinations of the Committee and subject to the Committee’s right to amend the Plan, neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof can be changed, modified, amended, discharged, terminated or waived orally or by any course of dealing or purported course of dealing, but only by an agreement in writing signed by you and Capital One; provided that, changes, modifications and amendments not detrimental to you may be made in writing signed only by Capital One. No such agreement shall extend to or affect any provision of this Agreement not expressly changed, modified, amended, discharged, terminated or waived or impair any right consequent on such a provision. The waiver of or failure to enforce any breach of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver or acquiescence in any other breach thereof.

5.     Tax Withholding . If you become subject to withholding under applicable tax laws, you agree to pay Capital One the amount required to be withheld by one or more of the following methods:

(a) automatically through payroll withholding; or

(b)
by such other methods as Capital One may make available from time to time.

Further, if you are subject to any income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other tax-related items related to your participation in the Plan (“Tax-Related Items”) in more than one jurisdiction between the Date of Grant and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, you acknowledge that Capital One and/or your Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.

6.     Dividend Equivalents . With respect to the Restricted Stock Units, dividend equivalents shall be paid to you in cash as soon as is practicable after dividends are paid to the Company’s other stockholders. Dividend equivalent payments shall be based on the total number of Restricted Stock Units held as of the applicable dividend record date.

7.     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by United States federal law and, to the extent not preempted thereby, by the laws of the State of Delaware. Capital One and you hereby consent and submit to the personal jurisdiction and venue of any state or federal court located in any city or county of Delaware for resolution of any and all claims, causes of action or disputes arising out of this Agreement. You and Capital One agree that the court shall not set aside the Committee’s determinations unless there is clear and convincing evidence of bad faith or fraud.

8.     Conflicts . In the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Plan as in effect on the Date of Grant and the provisions of this Agreement, except terms otherwise defined herein, the provisions of the Plan shall govern. All references herein to the Plan shall mean the Plan as in effect on the date hereof.

9.     Bound by Plan . In consideration of the grant of the Restricted Stock Units, you agree that you will comply with such conditions as the Committee may impose on the Restricted Stock Units and be bound by the terms of the Plan.




10.      Employment Status . This Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment nor does it alter your terminable at will status or otherwise guarantee future employment.

11.      Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon, enforceable against, and inure to the benefit of you and your legatees, distributees and personal representatives, and Capital One and its successors and assigns.

12.     Forfeiture Event . You agree to reimburse the Company with respect to the Restricted Stock Units to the extent required under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or as otherwise required by law.

13.      Data Protection . You consent to the collection, processing and transfer (including international transfer) of your personally identifiable data in connection with the grant of the Restricted Stock Units and participation in the Plan.

14. Severability . This Agreement shall be enforceable to the fullest extent allowed by law. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, then that provision shall be reduced, modified or otherwise conformed to the relevant law, judgment or determination to the degree necessary to render it valid and enforceable without affecting the validity, legality or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement or the validity, legality or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be deemed severable from the remainder of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions contained in this Agreement shall be construed to preserve to the maximum permissible extent the intent and purposes of this Agreement.

15.     Miscellaneous . In accepting the grant, you acknowledge and agree that:

(a)    this Agreement is intended to comply with the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code and shall be limited, construed and interpreted in a manner so as to comply therewith;

(b)    your obligations under this Agreement shall survive any termination of your employment with the Company for any reason;

(c)    any of the Company’s rights or remedies under this Agreement shall be cumulative and in addition to whatever other remedies the Company may have under law or equity;

(d)    any recovery by the Company under this Agreement will be a recovery of Restricted Stock Units to which you were not entitled under this Agreement and is not to be construed in any manner as a penalty;

(e)    the Company may, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and Section 409A of the Code, retain for itself funds or securities otherwise payable to you pursuant to this Agreement to satisfy any obligation or debt that you owe the Company, including any obligations hereunder. The Company may not retain such funds or securities until such time as they would otherwise be distributable to you in accordance with this Agreement;

(f)    the Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on the Restricted Stock Units, any Shares acquired pursuant to the Restricted Stock Units, and your participation in the Plan, to the extent Capital One determines, in its sole discretion, that such other requirements are necessary or advisable in order to comply with local laws, rules and regulations, or to facilitate the administration of the Restricted Stock Units and the Plan. Such requirements may include (but are not limited to) requiring you to sign any agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing; and
(g)    Capital One from time to time distributes and makes available to associates disclosure documents, including a prospectus, relating to the Plan. You may also contact the HR Help Center to obtain copies of the Plan disclosure documents and the Plan. You should carefully read the Plan disclosure documents and the Plan. By accepting the benefits of this Agreement you acknowledge receipt of the Plan and the Plan disclosure documents and agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and the Plan. You hereby consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agree to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by Capital One or a third-party designated by Capital One.






IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed on their behalf.

    
                            
 
CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
By:
 
 
 
/s/ JORY BERSON
 
 
Jory Berson
 
 
Chief Human Resources Officer






PARTICIPANT

By: SIGNED BY ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE
%%FIRST_NAME%-% %%LAST_NAME%-%

BY ELECTRONICALLY ACCEPTING THE AWARD, YOU AGREE THAT (i) SUCH ACCEPTANCE CONSTITUTES YOUR ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE IN EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT; (ii) YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN AND THE AGREEMENT; (iii) YOU HAVE REVIEWED THE PLAN AND THE AGREEMENT IN THEIR ENTIRETY, HAVE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO OBTAIN THE ADVICE OF COUNSEL PRIOR TO ACCEPTING THE AWARD AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN AND THE AGREEMENT; (iv) YOU HAVE BEEN PROVIDED WITH A COPY OR ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO A COPY OF THE U.S. PROSPECTUS FOR THE PLAN; AND (v) YOU HEREBY AGREE TO ACCEPT AS BINDING, CONCLUSIVE AND FINAL ALL DECISIONS OR INTERPRETATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE UPON ANY QUESTIONS ARISING UNDER THE PLAN AND THE AGREEMENT.

* * * * *




Exhibit 12.1

COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND
EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS (1)(2)  
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Ratios (including interest expense on deposits):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
$
5,881

 
$
6,569

 
$
6,578

 
$
5,184

  
$
4,688

Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed charges
 
1,632

 
1,586

 
1,796

 
2,377

  
2,251

Equity in undistributed (gain) loss of unconsolidated subsidiaries
 
(19
)
 
(1
)
 
(16
)
 
(22
)
  
4

Earnings available for fixed charges, as adjusted
 
$
7,494

 
$
8,154

 
$
8,358

 
$
7,539

  
$
6,943

Fixed charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense on deposits and borrowings
 
$
1,625

 
$
1,579

 
$
1,792

 
$
2,375

  
$
2,246

Interest factor in rent expense
 
7

 
7

 
4

 
2

  
5

Total fixed charges
 
1,632

 
1,586

 
1,796

 
2,377

  
2,251

Preferred stock dividend requirements (3)
 
232

 
100

 
77

 
20

 

Total combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends
 
$
1,864

 
$
1,686

 
$
1,873

 
$
2,397

 
$
2,251

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
 
4.59

 
5.14

 
4.65

 
3.17

 
3.08

Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends
 
4.02
 
4.84
 
4.46
 
3.15
  
3.08
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios (excluding interest expense on deposits):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
$
5,881

 
$
6,569

 
$
6,578

 
$
5,184

  
$
4,688

Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed charges
 
541

 
498

 
555

 
974

  
1,064

Equity in undistributed (gain) loss of unconsolidated subsidiaries
 
(19
)
 
(1
)
 
(16
)
 
(22
)
  
4

Earnings available for fixed charges, as adjusted
 
$
6,403

 
$
7,066

 
$
7,117

 
$
6,136

  
$
5,756

Fixed charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense on borrowings (4)
 
$
534

 
$
491

 
$
551

 
$
972

  
$
1,059

Interest factor in rent expense
 
7

 
7

 
4

 
2

  
5

Total fixed charges
 
541

 
498

 
555

 
974

  
1,064

Preferred stock dividend requirements (3)
 
232

 
100

 
77

 
20

 

Total combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends
 
$
773

 
$
598

 
$
632

 
$
994

 
$
1,064

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges, excluding interest on deposits
 
11.84

 
14.19

 
12.82

 
6.30

 
5.41

Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges, excluding interest on deposits, and preferred stock dividends
 
8.28
 
11.82
 
11.26
 
6.17
  
5.41
_________
(1)  
As of January 1, 2014, we adopted the proportional amortization method of accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects. See “ Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” for additional information. Prior periods have been recast to conform to this presentation.
(2)  
We acquired ING Direct on February 17, 2012. On May 1, 2012, we closed the 2012 U.S. card acquisition. Each of these transactions was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting.
(3)  
Preferred stock dividends represent pre-tax earnings that would be required to cover any preferred stock dividends requirements, computed using our effective tax rate, whenever there is an income tax provision, for the relevant periods
(4)  
Represents total interest expense reported on our consolidated statements of income, excluding interest on deposits of $1.1 billion for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , and $1.2 billion , $1.4 billion and $1.2 billion for the years ended December 31, 2013 , 2012 and 2011 , respectively.




Exhibit 21

SUBSIDIARIES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015

Subsidiaries*
Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization
Parent Company
Capital One Bank, (USA), National Association (“COBNA”)
United States
Capital One Financial Corporation
Capital One N.A. (“CONA”)
United States
Capital One Financial Corporation
__________
*
Direct subsidiaries of Capital One Financial Corporation other than COBNA and CONA are not listed above because, in the aggregate, they would not constitute a significant subsidiary.





Exhibit 23
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements, as listed below, of Capital One Financial Corporation and in the related Prospectuses, where applicable, of our reports dated February 26, 2016, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Capital One Financial Corporation and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Capital One Financial Corporation, included in this Annual Report (the “Form 10-K”) of Capital One Financial Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Registration Statement Number
 
Form
 
Description
033-99748
 
Form S-3
 
Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan
333-97125
 
Form S-3
 
Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan
033-86986
 
Form S-8
 
1994 Stock Incentive Plan
033-91790
 
Form S-8
 
1995 Non-Employee Directors Stock Incentive Plan
033-97032
 
Form S-8
 
Amendment to 1994 Stock Incentive Plan
333-42853
 
Form S-8
 
1994 Stock Incentive Plan - 1997 Special Option Program
333-45453
 
Form S-8
 
Associate Savings Plan
333-51637
 
Form S-8
 
1994 Stock Incentive Plan
333-51639
 
Form S-8
 
1994 Stock Incentive Plan - Tier 5 Special Option Program
333-57317
 
Form S-8
 
1994 Stock Incentive Plan - 1998 Special Option Program
333-70305
 
Form S-8
 
1994 Stock Incentive Plan - Supplemental Special Option Program
333-78067
 
Form S-8
 
1994 Stock Incentive Plan
333-78383
 
Form S-8
 
1994 Stock Incentive Plan - 1999 Performance-Based Option Program and Supplemental Special Option Program
333-78609
 
Form S-8
 
1999 Stock Incentive Plan
333-78635
 
Form S-8
 
1999 Non-Employee Directors Stock Incentive Plan
333-84693
 
Form S-8
 
1994 Stock Incentive Plan - Supplemental Special Option Program
333-91327
 
Form S-8
 
1994 Stock Incentive Plan
333-92345
 
Form S-8
 
1994 Stock Incentive Plan
333-43288
 
Form S-8
 
1994 Stock Incentive Plan
333-58628
 
Form S-8
 
1994 Stock Incentive Plan
333-72788
 
Form S-8
 
1994 Stock Incentive Plan - 2001 Performance-Based Option Program
333-72822
 
Form S-8
 
1994 Stock Incentive Plan
333-76726
 
Form S-8
 
1994 Stock Incentive Plan
333-72820
 
Form S-8
 
1999 Non-Employee Directors Stock Incentive Plan
333-97123
 
Form S-8
 
2002 Non-Executive Officer Stock Incentive Plan
333-97127
 
Form S-8
 
Associate Savings Plan
333-100488
 
Form S-8
 
2002 Associate Stock Purchase Plan
333-117920
 
Form S-8
 
2004 Stock Incentive Plan
333-124428
 
Form S-8
 
Plans of Hibernia Corporation
333-136281
 
Form S-8
 
2004 Stock Incentive Plan
333-133665
 
Form S-8
 
Plans of North Fork Bancorporation
333-151325
 
Form S-8
 
Amended and Restated Associate Stock Purchase Plan
333-158664
 
Form S-8
 
Second Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan
333-181736
 
Form S-8
 
Amended and Restated 2002 Associate Stock Purchase Plan
333-193683
 
Form S-8
 
Associate Savings Plan as Amended and Restated
333-195677
 
Form S-8
 
Third Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan
333-203125
 
Form S-3
 
Senior Debt Securities, Subordinated Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Common Stock, Purchase Contracts, Warrants, Units





/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
McLean, Virginia
February 25, 2016





Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION FOR ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K OF CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL
CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
I, Richard D. Fairbank, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 of Capital One Financial Corporation;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date:
February 25, 2016
 
By:
 
/s/ RICHARD D. FAIRBANK
 
 
 
 
 
Richard D. Fairbank
Chair, Chief Executive Officer and President




Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION FOR ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K OF CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL
CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
I, Stephen S. Crawford, certify that,
1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 of Capital One Financial Corporation;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date:
February 25, 2016
 
By:
 
/s/ STEPHEN S. CRAWFORD
 
 
 
 
 
Stephen S. Crawford
Chief Financial Officer




Exhibit 32.1
Certification
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), I, Richard D. Fairbank, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Capital One Financial Corporation ("Capital One"), a Delaware corporation , do hereby certify that:
1.
The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the “Form 10-K”) of Capital One fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.
The information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Capital One.
Date:
February 25, 2016
 
By:
 
/s/ RICHARD D. FAIRBANK
 
 
 
 
 
Richard D. Fairbank
Chair, Chief Executive Officer and President
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Capital One and will be retained by Capital One and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.




Exhibit 32.2
Certification
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), I, Stephen S. Crawford, Chief Financial Officer of Capital One Financial Corporation ("Capital One"), a Delaware corporation, do hereby certify that:
1.
The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the “Form 10-K”) of Capital One fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.
The information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Capital One.
Date:
February 25, 2016
 
By:
 
/s/ STEPHEN S. CRAWFORD
 
 
 
 
 
Stephen S. Crawford
Chief Financial Officer
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Capital One and will be retained by Capital One and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.