UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
þANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018
2020
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to
Commission File Number 1-11277
VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New Jersey22-2477875
(State or other jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)
1455 Valley Road Wayne, NJ07470
One Penn Plaza
New York,NY10119
(Address of principal executive office)(Zip code)
973-305-8800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading SymbolsName of exchange on which registered
Common Stock, no par valueVLYThe Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, no par valueVLYPPThe Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B, no par valueVLYPOThe Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
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  þ    No  o
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  oNo  þ
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 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  þ    No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files.)    Yes  þ    No  o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one):
Large accelerated filerþAccelerated fileroSmaller reporting companyo
Non-accelerated filerooEmerging growth companyo
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)     Yes oNo  þ
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $3.9$3.1 billion on June 30, 2018.2020.
There were 331,983,842405,611,861 shares of Common Stock outstanding at February 26, 2019.25, 2021.
Documents incorporated by reference:
Certain portions of the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement (the “2019“2021 Proxy Statement”) for the 20192021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 17, 201919, 2021 will be incorporated by reference in Part III. The 20192021 Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2018.2020.





TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Page
PART IPage
PART I
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Valley National Bancorp and Subsidiaries:
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 16.







PART I
 
Item 1.Business
The disclosures set forth in this item are qualified by Item 1A—Risk Factors and the section captioned “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” in Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this reportAnnual Report on Form 10-K (referred to as this "report") and other cautionary statements set forth elsewhere in this report.
Valley National Bancorp, headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, is a New Jersey corporation organized in 1983 and is registered as a bank holding company with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (“Holding Company Act”). The words “Valley,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Valley National Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiaries, unless we indicate otherwise. At December 31, 2018,2020, Valley had consolidated total assets of $31.9$40.7 billion, total net loans of $24.9$31.9 billion, total deposits of $24.5$31.9 billion and total shareholders��shareholders’ equity of $3.4$4.6 billion. In addition to its principal subsidiary, Valley National Bank (commonly referred to as the “Bank” in this report), Valley owns all of the voting and common shares of GCB Capital Trust III, State Bancorp Capital Trusts I and II, and Aliant Statutory Trust II at December 31, 20182020 through which trust preferred securities were issued. These trusts are not consolidated subsidiaries. See Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements.
Valley advertises and identifies itself under the trade names "Valley Bank" and "Valley".
Valley National Bank is a national banking association chartered in 1927 under the laws of the United States. Currently, the Bank has 220226 branches serving northern and central New Jersey, the New York City boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, Long Island, Florida and Alabama. The Bank offers a full suite of banking solutions through various commercial, retail, insurance and wealth management financial services products. These products include, but are not limited to, traditional commercial and industrial lending, commercial real estate financing, small business loans, equipment, basic consumer and commercial deposit products, personal financing solutions such as residential mortgages, home equity loans and automobile financing, as well as solutions for homeowners associations and a full service line of cash management solutions. The Bank also provides a variety of banking services including automated teller machines, telephone and internet banking, remote deposit capture, overdraft facilities, drive-in and night deposit services, and safe deposit facilities. In addition, certain international banking services are available to customers including standby letters of credit, documentary letters of credit and related products, and certain ancillary services such as foreign exchange transactions, documentary collections, foreign wire transfers, as well as transaction accounts for non-resident aliens.
Our primary focus is to build and develop profitable customer relationships across all lines of business and create a convenient and innovative omni-channel customer experience beyond our traditional branch footprint, including through the use and promotion of our mobile and online service offerings, such as our ValleyDirect on-line savings account.
Valley National Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries are all included in the consolidated financial statements of Valley (See Exhibit 21 at Part IV, Item 15 for a list of subsidiaries). These subsidiaries include, but are not limited to:
an insurance agency offering property and casualty, life and health insurance;
an asset management adviser that is a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC);
a title insurance agenciesagency in New York withwhich also provides services in New Jersey;
subsidiaries which hold, maintain and manage investment assets for the Bank;
a subsidiary which specializes in health care equipment lending and other commercial equipment leases; and
a subsidiary which owns and services New York commercial loans.
The Bank’s subsidiaries also include real estate investment trust subsidiaries (the REIT"REIT" subsidiaries), which own real estate related investments and a REIT subsidiary, which owns some of the real estate utilized by the Bank and related real estate investments. Except for Valley’s REIT subsidiaries and Valley's insurance agency (10% of which is owned by the insurance agency's co-CEOs), all subsidiaries mentioned above are directly or indirectly wholly owned by the Bank. Because each REIT must have 100 or more shareholders to qualify as a REIT, each REIT has issued less than 20 percent of its outstanding non-voting preferred stock to individuals, most of whom are current and former (non-executive officer) Bank employees. The Bank owns the remaining preferred stock and all the common stock of the REITs.

32020 Form 10-K


Recent Acquisitions
Valley has grown significantly in the past fiveseveral years primarily through bank acquisitions that expanded our branch footprint intoin New Jersey and Florida. Recent bank transactions are discussed further below.
Oritani Financial Corp. On December 1, 2019, Valley completed its acquisition of Oritani Financial Corp. ("Oritani") and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Oritani Bank. Oritani had approximately $4.3 billion in assets, $3.4 billion in net loans, $2.9 billion in deposits, after purchase accounting adjustments, and a branch network of 26 locations. The acquisition represented a significant addition to Valley's New Jersey franchise, and meaningfully enhanced its presence in the Bergen County market. The common shareholders of Oritani received 1.60 shares of Valley common stock for each Oritani share that they owned prior to the merger. The total consideration for the acquisition was approximately $835 million, consisting of approximately 71.1 million shares of Valley common stock and the outstanding Oritani stock-based awards.
USAmeriBancorp, Inc. On January 1, 2018, Valley completed its acquisition of USAmeriBancorp, Inc. (USAB) headquartered in Clearwater, Florida. USAB, largely through its wholly-owned subsidiary, USAmeriBank, had approximately $5.1 billion in assets, $3.7 billion in net loans and $3.6 billion in deposits, after purchase accounting adjustments, and maintained a branch network of 29 offices at December 31, 2018.offices. The acquisition representsrepresented a significant addition to Valley’s Florida presence, primarily in the Tampa Bay market. The acquisition also brought Valley to the Birmingham, Montgomery, and Tallapoosa areas in Alabama, where USAB maintained 15 of its branches. The common shareholders of USAB received 6.1 shares of Valley common stock for each USAB share they own.owned prior to merger. The total consideration for the acquisition was approximately $737 million, consisting of 64.9 million shares of Valley common stock and the outstanding USAB stock-basedstock based awards.

Impact of COVID-19
32018 Form 10-K




CNLBancshares, Inc. On December 1, 2015,Valley's primary market areas within New Jersey, New York, Florida and Alabama have all experienced significant outbreaks and resurgences of the disease caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and disruptions from the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic and any preventative or protective actions that Valley completedor its acquisitioncustomers have taken or may take in response resulted and may continue to result in extended periods of CNLBancshares, Inc. (CNL)disruption to Valley, its customers, service providers, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, CNLBank, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, a commercial bank with approximately $1.6 billion in assets, $825 million in loans, $1.2 billion in depositsthird parties. The full extent and 16 branch officesduration of the adverse impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on Valley's business, financial position, results of operations, and prospects are currently unknown, but could be significant. As of the date of its acquisition by Valley. The acquired branches allowed us to service Florida's west coast markets of Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myersthis report, the banking and Sarasota. We also added three officesfinancial services industries have been deemed essential businesses in the Jacksonville areajurisdictions in which Valley operates. Although our branches are now open, we continue to implement various protocols and expandedpractices imposed to safeguard the health and wellness of customers and employees and to comply with applicable government directives. However, the imposition and the extent of any further restrictions on our presenceoperations, and compliance therewith could have a material effect on Valley’s business. Valley cannot predict whether and to what extent governmental and nongovernmental authorities will continue to implement policy measures or further legislative relief to assist Valley and its customers and the failure to do so could have adverse effects on Valley's business.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provided for in the Orlando market. The common shareholders of CNL received 0.705 of a share of Valley common stock for each CNL share they owned priorCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, as supplemented by the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (Enhancement Act), was designed to the merger. The total consideration for the acquisition was approximately $230 million, consisting of 20.6 million shares of Valley common stock.
1st United Bancorp, Inc.On November 1, 2014, Valley acquired 1st United Bancorp, Inc. (1st United)aid small- and its wholly-owned subsidiary, 1st United Bank, a commercial bank with approximately $1.7 billion in assets, $1.2 billion inmedium-sized businesses through federally guaranteed loans and $1.4 billion in deposits, after purchase accounting adjustments. The 1st United acquisition gave Valley its first Florida branch network consisting of 20 branch offices covering some of the most attractive urban banking markets in Florida, including locations throughout southeast Florida, the Treasure Coast, central Florida and central Gulf Coast regions. The common shareholders of 1st United received 0.89 of a share of Valley common stock for each 1st United share they owned priordistributed through banks. These loans were intended to the merger. The total consideration for the acquisition was approximately $300 million, consisting of 30.7 million shares of Valley common stock and $8.9 million of cash consideration paid to 1st United stock option holders.
In connection with the 1st United acquisition, we acquired loansoffset payroll and other real estate owned subjectcosts to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) loss-share agreements (referredhelp those businesses remain viable and allow their workers to pay their bills. Valley National Bank is a certified Small Business Administration (SBA) lender and facilitated approximately 13,000 SBA-approved PPP loans with balances totaling $2.2 billion as “covered loans” and “covered OREO”, together “covered assets”). The FDIC loss-share agreements relateof December 31, 2020. While difficult to three previous FDIC-assisted acquisitions completed by 1st United from 2009accurately predict, we expect the majority of these loans to 2011. The Bank shares losses on covered assetsbe forgiven in accordance with provisions of each loss-share agreement. The vast majority of Valley's covered loans totaling $27.6 million, or 0.1 percent of total loans, at December 31, 2018 are covered by residential mortgage related loan loss sharing agreements acquired from 1st United that will expire between 2019rules, application and 2021.documentation requirements for this program.
Business Segments
Our business segments are reassessed by management, at least on an annual basis, to ensure the proper identification and reporting of our operating segments. Valley currently reports the results of its operations and manages its business through four business segments: commercial lending, consumer lending, investment management, and corporate and other adjustments. Valley’s Wealth Management Division comprised of trust, asset management and insurance services, is included in the consumer lending segment. See Note 2221 to the consolidated financial statements for details of the financial performance of our business segments. We offer a variety of products and services within the commercial and consumer lending segments as described below.


Commercial Lending Segment
Commercial and industrial loans. Commercial and industrial loans totaled approximately $4.3$6.9 billion and represented 17.321.3 percent of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2018.2020. We make commercial loans to small and middle market
2020 Form 10-K4


businesses most often located in the New Jersey, and New York, area, as well as Florida.Florida and Alabama. Loans originated from Florida accounted for approximately 28 percent of total commercial and industrial loans at both, December 31, 2018 as compared to 14 percent of such loans at December 31, 2017.2020 and 2019. A significant proportion of Valley’s commercial and industrial loan portfolio is granted to long-standing customers of proven ability, strong repayment performance, and high character. Underwriting standards are designed to assess the borrower’s ability to generate recurring cash flow sufficient to meet the debt service requirements of loans granted. While such recurring cash flow serves as the primary source of repayment, most of the loans are collateralized by borrower assets intended to serve as a secondary source of repayment should the need arise. Anticipated cash flows of borrowers, however, may not beoccur as expected and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value, or invalue. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the ability of the borrower to collect all amounts due from its customers.customers may be impaired. Our loan decisions include consideration of a borrower’s willingness to repay debts, collateral coverage, standing in the community and other forms of support. Strong consideration is given to long-term existing customers that have maintained a favorable relationship with the Bank. Commercial loan products offered consist of term loans for equipment purchases, working capital lines of credit that assist our customers’ financing of accounts receivable and inventory, and commercial mortgages for owner occupied properties. Working capital advances are generally used to finance seasonal requirements and are repaid at the end of the cycle. Short-term commercial business loans may be collateralized by a lien on accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and/or partly collateralized by real estate. Short-term loans may also be made on an unsecured basis based on a borrower’s financial strength and past performance. Whenever possible, we obtain the personal guarantee of the borrower’s principals to mitigate the risk. Unsecured loans, when made, are generally granted to the Bank’s most creditworthy borrowers. Unsecured commercial and industrial loans totaled $580.5 million$2.7 billion (including $2.2 billion of SBA guaranteed PPP loans) at December 31, 2018.2020. In addition, we provide financing to the medicalhealth care and industrial equipment leasing market through our leasing subsidiary, Highland Capital Corp.
The commercial portfolio also includes approximately $121.8$90.6 million and $8.4$6.9 million of New York City and Chicago taxi medallion loans at December 31, 2018, respectively, which we continue to closely monitor2020, respectively. All of these loans are on non-accrual status due to theongoing weakness exhibited in the

2018 Form 10-K4




taxi industry caused by strong competition from alternative ride-sharing services.services and the economic stress caused by COVID-19. At December 31, 2018,2020, the non-accrual taxi medallion portfolio included impaired loans totaling $73.7$97.5 million withhad related reserves of $27.9$66.4 million, or 68.1 percent of such loans, within the allowance for loan losses. While most of the taxi medallion loans within theWe continue to closely monitor this portfolio at December 31, 2018 are currently performing to their contractual terms,and negative trends in the market valuations of the underlying taxi medallion collateral and a decline in borrower cash flows, among other factors, could impactresult in additional charges to increase the future performance ofreserves associated with this loan portfolio. See the “Non-performing Assets” section of “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (MD&A) for additional information regarding our taxi medallion loans.
Commercial real estate loans. Commercial real estate and construction loans totaled $13.9$18.5 billion and represented 55.557.3 percent of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2018.2020. We originate commercial real estate loans that are largely secured by multi-unitvarious diversified property types across the New York metropolitan area (New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania) along with Florida and our Alabama footprint. Property types in this portfolio range from multi-family residential property andproperties to non-owner occupied commercial, industrial,industrial/warehouse and retail property within New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida.retail. Loans originated from Florida lending represented 2826 percent of the total commercial real estate loans at December 31, 20182020 as compared to 1325 percent of such loans at December 31, 2017.2019. Loans are generally written on an adjustable basis with rates tied to a specifically identified market rate index. Adjustment periods generally range between five to ten years and repayment is generally structured on a fully amortizing basis for terms up to thirty years. Commercial real estate loans are subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial and industrial loans but generally they involve larger principal balances and longer repayment periods as compared to commercial and industrial loans. Commercial real estate loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real property. Repayment of most loans is dependent upon the cash flow generated from the property securing the loan or the business that occupies the property. Commercial real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy and accordingly, conservative loan to value ratios are required at origination, as well as stress tested to evaluate the impact of market changes relating to key underwriting elements. The properties securing the commercial real estate portfolio represent diverse types, with most properties located within Valley’s primary markets. With respect to loans to developers and builders, we originate and manage construction loans structured on either a revolving or a non-revolving basis, depending on the nature of the underlying development project. Our construction loans totaling approximately $1.5$1.7 billion at December 31, 20182020 are generally secured by the real estate to be developed and may also be secured by additional real estate to mitigate the risk. Within our construction portfolio, we have a diverse mix of both residential (for sale and rental) and commercial development projects. Non-revolving construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantially all committed funds with repayment substantially dependent on the successful completion and sale, or lease, of the project. Sources of repayment for these types of loans may be from pre-committed permanent loans from other lenders, sales of developed property, or an interim loan commitment from Valley until permanent financing is obtained elsewhere. Revolving construction loans (generally relating to single-family residential construction) are controlled with loan advances dependent upon the presale of housing units financed. These loans are closely monitored by on-site inspections and are considered to have higher risks than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, governmental regulation of real property, general economic conditions and the availability of long-term financing.
52020 Form 10-K


Consumer Lending Segment
Residential mortgage loansResidential mortgage loans totaled $4.1$4.2 billion and represented 16.413.0 percent of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2018.2020. Our residential mortgage loans include fixed and variable interest rate loans located mostly located in New Jersey, New York and Florida. Valley’s ability to be repaid on such loans is closely linked to the economic and real estate market conditions in our lending markets. We also make mortgage loans secured by homes beyond this primary geographic area; however, lending outside this primary area is generally made in support of existing customer relationships, as well as targeted purchases of loans guaranteed by third parties. Mortgage loan originations are based on underwriting standards that generally comply with Fannie Mae and/or Freddie Mac requirements. Appraisals and valuations of real estate collateral are contracted through an approved appraisal management company. The appraisal management company adheres to all regulatory requirements. The Bank’s appraisal management policy and procedure is in accordance with regulatory requirements and guidance issued by the Bank’s primary regulator. Credit scoring, using FICO® and other proprietary, credit scoring models is employed in the ultimate, judgmental credit decision by Valley’s underwriting staff. Valley does not use third party contract underwriting services. In deciding whether to originate each residential mortgage, Valley considers the qualifications of the borrower, the value of the underlying property and other factors that we believe are predictive of future loan performance. Valley originated first mortgages include both fixed rate and adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) products with 10-year to 30-year maturities. The adjustable rate loans have a fixed-rate, fixed payment, introductory period of 5 to 10 years that is selected by the borrower. TheAdditionally, Valley originates jumbo residential mortgage loans, which are mostly fixed-rate with 30-year maturities. At December 31, 2020, fixed and adjustable rate jumbo residential mortgage loans totaled approximately $898 million and $218 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Additionally, Valley began to originate interest-only$2.5 billion. Interest-only (i.e., non-amortizing) residential mortgage loans during 2017 due to demand for this type of loan product in the New York City and northern New Jersey markets. Valley's interest-only residential mortgage loans have 15-year to 30-year maturities and totaled $75.4within our jumbo portfolio totaled $39.4 million (or 1.80.94 percent of the total residential mortgage loan portfolio) at December 31, 2018.2020. The Bank is also a servicer of residential mortgage portfolios, and it is compensated for loan administrative services performed for mortgage servicing rights related primarily to loans originated and sold by the Bank. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.

52018 Form 10-K




Other consumer loans. Other consumer loans totaled $2.7 billion and represented 10.88.4 percent of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2018.2020. Our other consumer loan portfolio is primarily comprised of direct and indirect automobile loans, loans secured by the cash surrender value of life insurance, home equity loans and lines of credit, and to a lesser extent, secured and unsecured other consumer loans (including credit card loans). Valley is an auto lender in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Connecticut, Delaware and Alabama offering indirect auto loans secured by either new or used automobiles. Automobile originations (including light truck and sport utility vehicles) are largely produced via indirect channels, originated through approved automobile dealers. Valley acquired an immaterial amount of automobile loans from its bank acquisitions in Florida since 2014, as auto lending was not a focus of the acquired operations. However, we implemented our indirect auto lending model in Florida duringin 2015, and in Alabama in 2018 using our New Jersey based underwriting and loan servicing platform. The relatively new Florida auto dealer network generated over $154approximately $85 million and $106$169 million of auto loans in 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively, while the auto loans originated from Alabama were not materialtotaled $22 million in 2018.2020 as compared to $39 million in 2019. Home equity lending consists of both fixed and variable interest rate productsproducts mainly to provide home equity loans to our residential mortgage customers or take a secondary position to another lender’s first lien position within the footprint of our primary lending territories. We generally will not exceed a combined (i.e., first and second mortgage) loan-to-value ratio of 80 percent when originating a home equity loan. Other consumer loans include direct consumer term loans, both secured and unsecured, but are largely comprised of personal lines of credit secured by cash surrender value of life insurance. The product is mainly originated through the Bank’s retail branch network and third party financial advisors. Unsecured consumer loans totaled approximately $58.1$49.4 million, including $10.4$8.8 million of credit card loans, at December 31, 2018.2020.
Wealth Management.Our Wealth Management and Insurance Services Division provides coordinated and integrated delivery of investmentasset management advisory services, trust services, commercial and personal insurance products, and title insurance. Asset management advisory services include investment services for individuals and small to medium sized businesses, trusts and custom -tailored investment strategies designed for various types of retirement plans. Trust services include living and testamentary trusts, investment management, custodial and escrow services, and estate administration, primarily to individuals.
Investment Management Segment
Although we are primarily focused on our lending and wealth management services, a large portion of our income is generated through investments in various types of securities, and depending on our liquid cash position, interest-bearing deposits with banks (primarily the Federal Reserve Bank of New York), as part of our asset/liability management strategies. As of December 31, 2018,2020, our total investment securities and interest bearing deposits with banks were $3.8$3.5 billion and $177.1 million,$1.1 billion, respectively. See the “Investment Securities Portfolio” section of the MD&A and Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information concerning our investment securities.


2020 Form 10-K6


Changes in Loan Portfolio Composition
At December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, approximately 7472 percent and 76 percent, respectively, of Valley’s gross loans totaling $25.0$32.2 billion and $18.3$29.7 billion, respectively, consisted of commercial real estate (including construction loans), residential mortgage, and home equity loans. The remaining 2628 percent and 24 percent at both December 31, 20182020 and 20172019, respectively, consisted of loans not collateralized by real estate. Valley has no internally planned changes that would significantly impact the current composition of our loan portfolio by loan type. However, we have continued to diversify the geographic concentrations in the New Jersey and New York City Metropolitan area within our loan portfolio primarily through our bank acquisitions and expanded lending teams in Florida since 2014, including our recent acquisition of USAB on January 1, 2018. Many external factors outlined in “ItemItem 1A. Risk Factors”,Factors, the “Executive Summary” section of ourItem 7. MD&A, and elsewhere in this report may impact our ability to maintain the current composition of our loan portfolio. See the “Loan Portfolio” section of ourin Item 7. MD&A in this report for further discussion of our loan composition and concentration risks.

2018 Form 10-K6




The following table presents the loan portfolio segments by state as an approximate percentage of each applicable segment and our percentage of total loans by state at December 31, 2018.2020.
          
 Percentage of Loan Portfolio Segment:  
 Commercial and  Industrial 
Commercial
Real Estate
 Residential Consumer 
% of Total
Loans
New Jersey32% 31% 44% 37% 34%
New York27
 34
 24
 29
 31
Florida28
 28
 19
 15
 25
Pennsylvania1
 1
 2
 9
 2
California1
 1
 6
 1
 2
Connecticut1
 *
 1
 2
 1
Other10
 5
 4
 7
 5
Total100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
 Percentage of Loan Portfolio Segment: 
Commercial and IndustrialCommercial
Real Estate
ResidentialConsumer% of Total
Loans
New Jersey31 %27 %41 %35 %30 %
New York24 38 29 29 33 
Florida28 26 21 17 25 
Pennsylvania
Alabama
California
Connecticut*
Other12 
Total100 %100 %100 %100 %100 %
*Represents less than one percent of the loan portfolio segment.


Risk Management
Financial institutions must manage a variety of business risks that can significantly affect their financial performance. Significant risks we confront are credit risks and asset/liability management risks, which include interest rate and liquidity risks. Credit risk is the risk of not collecting payments pursuant to the contractual terms of loan, lease and investment assets. Interest rate risk results from changes in interest rates which may impact the re-pricing of assets and liabilities in different amounts or at different dates. Liquidity risk is the risk that we will be unable to fund obligations to loan customers, depositors or other creditors at a reasonable cost.


Valley’s Board performs its risk oversight function primarily through several standing committees, including the Risk Committee, all of which report to the full Board. The full Board regularly engages in discussions of risk management and receives reports on risk factors from our executive management, other Company officers and the chairman of the Risk Committee. The Risk Committee assists the Board by, among other things, establishing an enterprise-wide risk management framework and risk culture that is aligned with Valley’s strategic plan and is appropriate for Valley’s capital, business activities, size and risk appetite. TheManagement applies the enterprise-wide risk management framework to holistically manage and monitor risks across the organization and to aggregate and manage the risk appetite approved by the board. As part of the risk management framework, the Risk Committee also reviews and recommends to the Board appropriate risk tolerances and limits for strategic, credit, interest rate, price, liquidity, compliance, operational (including cyber and information security risk), and reputation and price risk (and ensuresrisks, oversees that risks are managed within those tolerances),tolerances, and monitors compliance with applicable laws and regulations. With guidance from and oversight by the Risk Committee, management continually refines and enhances its risk management policies, procedures and monitoring programs to maintain effective risk management programs and processes.be able to adapt to changing risks.


In May 2018, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (the “EGRRCPA”) was signed into law. On July 6, 2018, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (FRB), Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) issued a joint interagency statement regarding the impact of the
72020 Form 10-K


EGRRCPA. As a result of this statement and the EGRRCPA, Valley and the Bank are no longer subject to Dodd-Frank Act stress testing requirements. While Valley is no longer required to publish company-run annual stress tests, it continues to internally run stress tests of its capital position that are subject to review by Valley's primary regulators. Additionally, the results of the internal stress tests are considered in combination with other risk management and monitoring practices at Valley to maintain an effective risk management program.
Cyber Security
Information security is a significant operational risk for Valley. Information security includes the risk of losses resulting from cyber attacks.cyber-attacks. Valley frequently experiences attempted cyber security attacks against its systems. However, to date, none of these incidents have resulted in material losses, known breaches of customer data or significant disruption of services to our customers. Within the past few years, we have significantly increased the resources dedicated to cyber security. We believe that further increases are likely to be required in the future, in anticipation of increases in the sophistication and persistency of cyber-attacks. We employ personnel dedicated to overseeing the infrastructure and systems necessary to defend against cyber security incidents. Senior management is regularly briefed on information and cyber security matters, preparedness and any incidents requiring a response.


72018 Form 10-K





Valley’s Board, through its Risk Committee, has primary oversight responsibility for information security and receives regular updates and reporting from management on information and cyber security matters, including information related to any third-party assessments of Valley’s cyber program. The Risk Committee periodically approves Valley’s information security policies.


We may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify our protective measures, to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures and if we experienced a cyber security breach of customer data, to make required notifications to customers and disclosure to government officials. As a result, cyber security and the continued development and enhancement of the controls and processes designed to protect our systems, computers, software, data and networks from attack, damage or unauthorized access is a high priority for us. While we have faithconfidence in our cyber security practices and personnel, we also know we are not immune from a costly and successful attack.


Credit Risk Management and Underwriting Approach
Credit risk management. For all loan types, we adhere to a credit policy designed to minimize credit risk while generating the maximum income given the level of risk.risk appetite. Management reviews and approves these policies and procedures on a regular basis with subsequent approval by the Board of Directors annually. Credit authority relating to a significant dollar percentage of the overall portfolio is centralized and controlled by the Credit Risk Management Division and by a Credit Committee. A reporting system supplements the review process by providing management with frequent reports concerning loan production, loan quality, internal loan classifications, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies, non-performing, and potential problem loans. Loan portfolio diversification is an important factor utilized by us to manage the portfolio’s risk across business sectors, geographic markets and through cyclical economic circumstances.
Our historical and current loan underwriting practice prohibits the origination of payment option adjustable residential mortgages which allow for negative interest amortization and subprime loans. Virtually all of our residential mortgage loan originations in recent years have conformed to rules requiring documentation of income, assets sufficient to close the transactions and debt to income ratios that support the borrower’s ability to repay under the loan’s proposed terms and conditions. These rules are applied to all loans originated for retention in our portfolio or for sale in the secondary market.
Loan underwriting and loan documentation. Loans are well documented in accordance with specific and detailed underwriting policies and verification procedures. General underwriting guidance is consistent across all loan types with possible variations in procedures and due diligence dictated by specific loan requests. Due diligence standards require acquisition and verification of sufficient financial information to determine a borrower’s or guarantor’s credit worthiness, capital support, capacity to repay, collateral support, and character. Credit worthiness is generally verified using personal or business credit reports from independent credit reporting agencies. Capital support is determined by acquisition of independent verifications of deposits, investments or other assets. Capacity to repay the loan is based on verifiable liquidity and earnings capacity as shown on financial statements and/or tax returns, banking activity levels, operating statements, rent rolls or independent verification of employment. Finally, collateral valuation is determined via appraisals from independent, bank-approved, certified or licensed property appraisers, valuation services, or readily available market resources.
Types of collateral. Loan collateral, when required, may consist of any one or a combination of the following asset types depending upon the loan type and intended purpose: commercial or residential real estate; general business assets including working assets such as accounts receivable, inventory, or fixed assets such as equipment or rolling stock; marketable securities or other forms of liquid assets such as bank deposits or cash surrender value of life insurance; automobiles; or other assets wherein adequate protective value can be established and/or verified by reliable outside independent appraisers. In addition to
2020 Form 10-K8


these types of collateral, we, in many cases, will obtain the personal guarantee of the borrower’s principals or an affiliated corporate entity to mitigate the risk of certain commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans.
Many times, we will underwrite loans to legal entities formed for the limited purpose of the business which is being financed. Credit granted to these entities and the ultimate repayment of such loans is primarily based on the cash flow generated from the property securing the loan or the business that occupies the property. The underlying real property securing the loans is considered a secondary source of repayment, and normally such loans are also supported by guarantees of the legal entity members. Absent such guarantees or approval by our credit committee, our commercial real estate underwriting guidelines require that the loan to value ratio (at origination) should not exceed 60 percent, except for certain low risk loan categories where the loan to value ratio requirement may be higher, based on the estimated market value of the property as established by an independent licensed appraiser.
Reevaluation of collateral values. Commercial loan renewals, refinancings and other subsequent transactions that include the advancement of new funds or result in the extension of the amortization period beyond the original term, require a new or updated appraisal. Renewals, refinancings and other subsequent transactions that do not include the advancement of new funds (other than for reasonable closing costs) or, in the case of commercial loans, the extension of the amortization period beyond the original term, do not require a new appraisal unless management believes there has been a material change in market conditions or the physical aspects of the property which may negatively impact the collectability of our loan. In general, the period of time

2018 Form 10-K8




an appraisal continues to be relevant will vary depending upon the circumstances affecting the property and the marketplace. Examples of factors that could cause material changes to reported values include the passage of time, the volatility of the local market, the availability of financing, the inventory of competing properties, new improvements to, or lack of maintenance of, the subject or competing surrounding properties, changes in zoning and environmental contamination.
Certain impairedcollateral-dependent loans are reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral (less estimated selling costs) if repayment is expected solely from the collateral and are commonly referred to as “collateral dependent impaired loans.” Commercial real estate loans are collateralized by real estate and construction loans are generally secured by the real estate to be developed and may also be secured by additional real estate to mitigate the risk. Residential and home equity loans are collateralized by residential real estate. Collateral values for such loans are typically estimated using individual appraisals performed every 12 months (or 18 months for impaired loans no greater than $1.0 million with current loan to value ratios less than 75 percent). Between scheduled appraisals, property values are monitored within the commercial portfolio by reference to recent trends in commercial property sales as published by leading industry sources. Property values are monitored within the residential mortgage portfolio by reference to available market indicators, including real estate price indices within Valley’s primary lending areas.
All refinanced residential mortgage loans require new appraisals for loansto be held in our loan portfolio.portfolio require either a new appraisal or a new evaluation in accordance with our appraisal policy. However, certain residential mortgage loans may be originated for sale and sold without new appraisals when the investor (Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac) presents a refinance of an existing government sponsored enterprise loan without the benefit of a new appraisal. Additionally, all loan types are assessed for full or partial charge-off when they are between 90 and 120 days past due (or sooner when the borrowers’ obligation has been released in bankruptcy) based upon their estimated net realizable value. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information concerning our loan portfolio risk elements, credit risk management and our loan charge-off policy.
Loan Renewals and Modifications
In the normal course of our lending business, we may renew loans to existing customers upon maturity of the existing loan. These renewals are granted provided that the new loan meets our standard underwriting criteria for such loan type. Additionally, on a case-by-case basis, we may extend, restructure, or otherwise modify the terms of existing loans from time to time to remain competitive and retain certain profitable customers, as well as assist customers who may be experiencing financial difficulties. If the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and a concession has been made at the time of such modification, the loan is classified as a troubled debt restructured loan (TDR)., except as explained below.
The majority of the concessions made for TDRs involve lowering the monthly payments on loans through either a reduction in interest rate below a market rate, an extension of the term of the loan without a corresponding adjustment to the risk premium reflected in the interest rate, lowering the monthly payments on loans through either a reduction in interest rate below a market rate or a combination of these two methods. The concessions rarely result in the forgiveness of principal or accrued interest. In addition, Valley frequently obtains additional collateral or guarantor support when modifying such loans. If the borrower has demonstrated performance under the previous terms and Valley’s underwriting process shows the borrower has the capacity to continue to perform under the restructured terms, the loan will continue to accrue interest. Non-accruing restructured loans may be returned to accrual status when there has been a sustained period of repayment performance (generally six consecutive months of payments) and both principal and interest are deemed collectible.
92020 Form 10-K


CARES Act Loan Modifications
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact to certain customers, Valley implemented short-term loan modifications such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or delays in payment that were insignificant, when requested by customers. These modifications complied with the CARES Act to provide temporary payment relief to those borrowers directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic who were not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019. Generally, the modification terms allow for a deferral of payments for up to 90 days, which Valley may extend for an additional 90 days. Any extensions beyond this period were made in accordance with applicable regulatory guidance. As of December 31, 2020, Valley had approximately $361 million of outstanding loans remaining in their payment deferral period under short-term modifications. Under the CARES Act and the Enhancement Act and other applicable guidance, none of these loans were considered TDRs as of December 31, 2020.
Extension of Credit to Past Due Borrowers
Loans are placed on non-accrual status generally when they become 90 days past due and the full and timely collection of principal and interest becomes uncertain. Valley’s historic and current policyValley prohibits the advancement of additional funds on non-accrual loans, TDRs and TDR loans,CARES Act loan modifications, except under certain workout plans if such extension of credit is intended to mitigate losses.
Allowance for Credit Losses
We maintain an allowance for credit losses (ACL) for financial assets measured at amortized cost. The ACL consists of the allowance for loan losses and unfunded loan commitments (combined the "allowance of credit losses for loans"), and the allowance for credit losses for held to maturity securities. The estimate of expected credit losses under the current expected credit losses (CECL) methodology adopted on January 1, 2020 is based on relevant information about the past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amounts. CECL methodology to estimate the allowance for loan losses has two components: (i) a collective reserve component for estimated lifetime expected credit losses for pools of loans that share common risk characteristics and (ii) an individual reserve component for loans that do not share common risk characteristics. Theallowance for unfunded credit commitments mainly consists of undisbursed non-cancellable lines of credit, new loan commitments and commercial letters of credit valued using a similar methodology as used for loans. Management's estimate of expected losses inherent in these off-balance sheet credit exposures also incorporates estimated utilization rate over the commitment's contractual period or an expected pull-through rate for new loan commitments. To measure the expected credit losses on held to maturity debt securities that have loss expectations, Valley estimates the expected credit losses using a discounted cash flow model developed by a third-party. The amount of ACL is based on ongoing, quarterly assessments by management. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding CECL methodology.
Loans Originated by Third Parties
From time to time, the Bank makes purchases of commercial real estate loans and loan participations, residential mortgage loans, automobile loans, and other loan types, originated by, and sometimes serviced by, other financial institutions. The purchase decision is usually based on several factors, including current loan origination volumes, market interest rates, excess liquidity, our continuous efforts to meet the credit needs of certain borrowers under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), as well as other asset/liability management strategies. AllValley purchased approximately $24 million and $35 million of the1-4 family loans, qualifying for CRA purposes during 2020 and 2019, respectively. All purchased loans are selected using Valley’s normal underwriting criteria at the time of purchase, or in some cases guaranteed by third parties. Purchased commercial and industrial, and commercial real estate participation loans are generally seasoned loans with expected shorter durations. Additionally, each purchased participation loan is stress-tested by Valley to assure its credit quality.
Purchased commercial loans (including commercial and industrial and commercial real estate loans), and residential mortgage loans totaled approximately $1.5 billion$855.5 million and $1.1 billion,$722.7 million, respectively, at December 31, 20182020 representing 8.743.63 percent, and 25.7417.27 percent of our total commercial and residential mortgage loans, respectively.
At December 31, 2018, the2020, 5.66 percent of commercial real estate loans originated by third parties had loanswere past due 30 days or more, totaling 1.37which represented 0.88 percent as compared to 0.20 percent forof our total commercial real estateloan portfolio, including all delinquencies.

92018 Form 10-K




Residentialand 9.16 percent of residential mortgage loans originated by third parties had loanswere past due 30 days or more totaling 1.64which represented 1.36 percent of these loans at December 31, 2018 as compared to 0.49 percent for our total residential mortgage portfolio.
Additionally, Valley has performed credit due diligence on the majority of the loans acquired in our bank acquisitions (disclosed under the "Recent Acquisitions" section above) in determining the estimated cash flows receivable from such loans. See the "Loan Portfolio" section of Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operationsour MD&A of this report below for additional information.

2020 Form 10-K10


Competition
Valley National Bank is one of the largest commercial banks headquartered in New Jersey, with its primary markets located in northern and central New Jersey, the New York City boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, Long Island, Florida and Alabama. Valley ranked 18th15th in competitive ranking and market share based on the deposits reported by 201180 FDIC-insured financial institutions in the New York, Northern New Jersey and Long Island deposit markets as of June 30, 2018.2020. The FDIC also ranked Valley 7th, 39th, 23rd,6th, 38th, 21st, and 15th18th in the states of New Jersey, New York, Florida, and Alabama, respectively, based on deposit market share as of June 30, 2018.2020. While our FDIC rankings reflect a solid foundation in our primary markets, the market for banking and bank-related services is highly competitive and we face substantial competition in all phasesareas of our operations. In additionoperations from a variety of different competitors, many of which are larger and may have more financial resources than Valley to deal with the FDIC-insured commercial bankspotential negative changes in our principal metropolitanthe financial markets we also compete with other providers of financial services such as savings institutions, credit unions, mutual funds, captive finance companies, mortgage companies, title agencies, asset managers, insurance companies and a growing list of other local, regional and national companies which offer various financial services.regulatory landscape. Many of these competitors may have fewer regulatory constraints, broader geographic service areas, greater capital, and, in some cases, lower cost structures. Valley competes with other providers of financial services such as commercial and savings banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, money market and mutual funds, mortgage companies, title agencies, asset managers, insurance companies, and a large list of other local, regional and national institutions which offer financial services.
In addition, competition has further intensified as
Additionally, the financial services industry is facing a resultwave of recent changes in regulation, and advances in technology and product delivery systems. We face strong competition for our borrowers, depositors,digital disruption from fintech companies and other large financial services providers. The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new, technology-driven products and services which increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers from financial technology (fintech) companies thatand to reduce costs. These competitors provide innovative web-based solutions to traditional retail banking services and products. Fintech companies tend to have stronger operating efficiencies and fewer regulatory burdens than their traditional bank counterparts, including Valley.

Within our markets, we also compete with some of the largest financial institutions in the world that have greater human and financial resources and are able to offer a large range of products and services at competitive rates and prices. In addition, we face an intense competition among direct banks 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. Nevertheless, we believe we can compete effectively as a result of utilizing various strategies including our long history of local customer service and convenience as part of a relationship management culture, in conjunction with the pricing of loans and deposits. Our customers are influenced by the convenience, quality of service from our knowledgeable staff, personal contacts and attention to customer needs, as well as availability of products and services and related pricing. We provide such convenience through our banking network of 220226 branches, an extensive ATM network, and our telephone and on-line banking systems. Our competitive advantage also lies in our strong community presence with over 90 years of service. This longevity is especially appealing to customers seeking a strong, stable and service-oriented bank.
We continually review our pricing, products, locations, alternative delivery channels and various acquisition prospects, and periodically engage in discussions regarding possible acquisitions to maintain and enhance our competitive position.
PersonnelHuman Capital
At Valley, our goal is to give people and businesses the power to succeed. We strive to build an inclusive, diverse, and high-performing culture where empowered associates, innovation and collaboration thrive.
Demographics. At December 31, 2018,2020, Valley National Bank and its subsidiaries employed 3,1923,155 full-time equivalent persons.persons across our multi-state footprint. Management considers relations with its employees to be satisfactory. During the year 2020, we hired 384 employees and our voluntary turnover rate was 13 percent. Our average tenure was approximately 8.6 years.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We believe that the diversity of our associates helps us to become stronger. Thus, we strive to foster a strong and inclusive culture that is committed to providing the quality service to our customers, the communities in which we operate and each other.
2018112020 Form 10-K10





As of December 31, 2020, the population of our workforce broken down by gender and diversity was as follows:

vly-20201231_g1.jpg
Total Rewards. We offer market competitive compensation programs to attract, engage, retain, and motivate talent across our footprint. These programs include base wages, performance-based bonus and incentive compensation, stock awards, a 401(k) Plan with a company match, healthcare and insurance benefits, voluntary benefits, commuter benefits, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, disability, family leave, wellness and employee assistance programs.
Health and Safety. We are committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our associates. In 2020, we embraced safety protocols that have become the new way of life in this pandemic era.
Maintaining alignment with state and local COVID-19 mandates and recommendations, Valley implemented remote work, where functional roles allowed, moving approximately 90 percent of our non-retail associates from the office until safety strategies could be implemented. Return to the workplace protocols and tools have allowed us to return critical workers to Valley facilities.
Talent. Within both our Talent Acquisition and Talent Development teams, our goal of attracting, developing, and retaining the most qualified people is crucial to all aspects of Valley's activities and long-term success and is central to our long-term strategy. We actively engage our senior business leaders in reviewing their critical roles in coordination with their strategic talent initiatives. Our annual Talent Review and Succession Planning process has created a broader understanding of our key talent and our flagship Leadership Development programs provide meaningful development and experiences that challenge our high potential associates.
Additional information regarding Valley's human capital management can be found under Item 1: Election of Directors of its 2021 Proxy Statement.
2020 Form 10-K12


Information about our Executive Officers

Name 
Age at
December 31,
2018
 
Executive
Officer
Since
 OfficeNameAge at
December 31,
2020
Executive
Officer
Since
OfficePrincipal occupation during last five years other than Valley
Ira Robbins 44 2009 President and Chief Executive Officer of Valley and Valley National BankIra Robbins462009Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Valley and Valley National Bank
Alan D. Eskow 70 1993 Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of Valley and Valley National Bank
Dianne M. Grenz 56 2014 Senior Executive Vice President of Valley and Chief Consumer Banking Officer of Valley National Bank
Michael D. HagedornMichael D. Hagedorn542019Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Valley and Valley National Bank2015 - 2018 Vice Chairman, UMB Financial Corporation, President and CEO, UMB Bank n.a.
Thomas A. Iadanza 60 2015 Senior Executive Vice President of Valley and Chief Lending Officer of Valley National BankThomas A. Iadanza622015Senior Executive Vice President of Valley and Chief Banking Officer of Valley National Bank
Joseph ChilluraJoseph Chillura542020Senior Executive Vice President of Valley and Chief Customer Officer of Valley National Bank
Ronald H. Janis 70 2017 Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Valley and Valley National BankRonald H. Janis722017Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Valley and Valley National Bank1992 - 2016 Partner, SEC, Banking and Merger & Acquisitions, Day Pitney LLP
Robert J. Bardusch 53 2016 Senior Executive Vice President of Valley and Chief Operating Officer of Valley National BankRobert J. Bardusch552016Senior Executive Vice President of Valley and Chief Operating Officer of Valley National Bank2014 - 2016 Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer, Head of Technology and Operations, MVB Financial Corp.
Kevin Chittenden 54 2016 Executive Vice President of Valley and Chief Residential Lending Officer of Valley National Bank
Bernadette M. Mueller 60 2009 Executive Vice President of Valley and Community Reinvestment Act Officer of Valley National Bank
Melissa F. Scofield 59 2015 Executive Vice President of Valley and Chief Risk Officer of Valley National BankMelissa F. Scofield612015Executive Vice President of Valley and Chief Risk Officer of Valley National Bank
Yvonne M. Surowiec 58 2017 Executive Vice President of Valley and Chief Human Resources Officer of Valley National BankYvonne M. Surowiec602017Senior Executive Vice President of Valley and Chief People Officer of Valley National Bank2014 - 2016 Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, CDK Global
Mark Saeger 54 2018 Executive Vice President of Valley and Chief Credit Officer of Valley National BankMark Saeger562018Executive Vice President of Valley and Chief Credit Officer of Valley National Bank
Eugene M. Fernandez 55 2018 Executive Vice President of Valley and Chief Marketing Officer of Valley National Bank
Mitchell L. Crandell 48 2007 First Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer of Valley and Valley National BankMitchell L. Crandell502007Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer of Valley and Valley National Bank
All officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
Available Information
The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov which contains reports and other information filed with the SEC electronically. We make our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments thereto available on our website at www.valley.com without charge as soon as reasonably practicable after filing or furnishing them to the SEC. Also available on theour website are Valley’s Code of Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees including our executive officers and directors, Valley’s Audit Committee Charter, Valley’s Compensation and Human Resources Committee Charter, Valley’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter, and Valley’s Corporate Governance Guidelines.
Additionally, we will provide without charge a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K or the Code of Conduct and Ethics to any shareholder by mail. Requests should be sent to Valley National Bancorp, Attention: Shareholder Relations, 1455 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470.


132020 Form 10-K


SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
The banking industry is highly regulated. Statutory and regulatory controls increase a bank holding company’s cost of doing business and limit the options of its management to deploy assets and maximize income. The compliance cost for Valley is significant and subject to increase as new governmental regulations are enacted and/or the level of enforcement of those regulators increases. In particular, Valley employs specialists and retains outside advisors to ensure that Valley has sufficient resources to comply with the regulations to which it is subject. Certain of Valley's competitors, including credit unions, fintech companies, and others, are not regulated to the extent that Valley and other banks are, which may place Valley at a competitive disadvantage.
The following discussion is not intended to be a complete list of all the activities regulated by the banking laws or of the impact of such laws and regulations on Valley or Valley National Bank. It is intended only to briefly summarize some material provisions.

Bank Holding Company Regulation
Valley is a bank holding company within the meaning of the Holding Company Act. As a bank holding company, Valley is supervised by the FRB and is required to file reports with the FRB and provide such additional information as the FRB may require.
The Holding Company Act prohibits Valley, with certain exceptions, from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of five percent or more of the voting shares of any company which is not a bank and from engaging in any business other than

112018 Form 10-K




that of banking, managing and controlling banks or furnishing services to subsidiary banks, except that it may, upon application, engage in, and may own shares of companies engaged in, certain businesses found by the FRB to be so closely related to banking “as to be a proper incident thereto.” The Holding Company Act requires prior approval by the FRB of the acquisition by Valley of five percent or more of the voting stock of any other bank. Satisfactory capital ratios, Community Reinvestment Act ratings, and anti-money laundering policies are generally prerequisites to obtaining federal regulatory approval to make acquisitions. The policy of the FRB provides that a bank holding company is expected to act as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support the subsidiary bank in circumstances in which it might not do so absent that policy. Acquisitions through the Bank require approval of the OCC. The Holding Company Act does not place territorial restrictions on the activities of non-bank subsidiaries of bank holding companies. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, discussed below, allows Valley to expand into insurance, securities and other activities that are financial in nature if Valley elects to become a financial holding company.
Regulation of Bank Subsidiary
Valley National Bank is subject to the supervision of, and to regular examination by, the OCC. Various laws and the regulations thereunder applicable to Valley and its bank subsidiary impose restrictions and requirements in many areas, including capital requirements, the maintenance of reserves, establishment of new offices, the making of loans and investments, consumer protection, employment practices, bank acquisitions and entry into new types of business. There are various legal limitations, including Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, which govern the extent to which a bank subsidiary may finance or otherwise supply funds to its holding company or its holding company’s non-bank subsidiaries. Under federal law, no bank subsidiary may, subject to certain limited exceptions, make loans or extensions of credit to, or investments in the securities of, its parent or the non-bank subsidiaries of its parent (other than direct subsidiaries of such bank which are not financial subsidiaries) or take their securities as collateral for loans to any borrower. Each bank subsidiary is also subject to collateral security requirements for any loans or extensions of credit permitted by such exceptions. With the approval of the OCC, and subject to certain legal requirements, a bank may establish financial subsidiaries which may act as insurance agents, securities brokers and perform other non-banking functions.
Capital Requirements
Pursuant to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (FDICIA), each federal banking agency has promulgated regulations, specifying the levels at which a financial institution would be considered “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized,” or “critically undercapitalized,” and to take certain mandatory and discretionary supervisory actions based on the capital level of the institution. To qualify to engage in financial activities under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, all depository institutions must be “well capitalized.” The financial holding company of a national bank will be put under directives to raise its capital levels or divest its activities if the depository institution falls from that level.
In July 2013, the FRB and the OCC published finalhave rules establishing a new comprehensive capital framework for U.S. banking organizations, referred to herein as the Basel III rules.
Under Basel III, the minimum capital ratios for us and Valley National Bank are as follows:
4.5 percent CET1 (common equity Tier 1) to risk-weighted assets.
6.0 percent Tier 1 capital (i.e., CET1 plus Additional Tier 1) to risk-weighted assets.
8.0 percent Total capital (i.e., Tier 1 plus Tier 2) to risk-weighted assets.
2020 Form 10-K14


4.0 percent Tier 1 capital to average consolidated assets as reported on consolidated financial statements (known as the “leverage ratio”).
As of January 1, 2019,Under Basel III, required usboth Valley and Valley National Bank are required to maintain a 2.5 percent “capital conservation buffer”, composed entirely of CET1, on top of the minimum risk-weighted asset ratios, effectively resulting in minimum ratios of (i) CET1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 7.0 percent, (ii) Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.5 percent, and (iii) total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 10.5 percent. The capital conservation buffer is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. Banking institutions with a ratio of (i) CET1 to risk-weighted assets, (ii) Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets or (iii) total capital to risk-weighted assets above the respective minimum but below the capital conservation buffer will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers based on the amount of the shortfall. As of January 1, 2019, we and the Bank maintained the required capital conservation buffer of 2.5 percent.
Basel III also provides for a number of complex deductions from and adjustments to CET1. These include, for example, the requirement that mortgage servicing rights, deferred tax assets dependent upon future taxable income and significant investments in common equity issued by nonconsolidated financial entities be deducted from CET1its various capital components.
Pursuant to the extent that any one such category exceeds 10 percentFederal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of CET11991 (FDICIA), each federal banking agency has promulgated regulations, specifying the levels at which a financial institution would be considered “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized,” or all such categories in“critically undercapitalized,” and to take certain mandatory and discretionary supervisory actions based on the aggregate exceed 15 percentcapital level of CET1. The deductions and other adjustments to CET1 were previously scheduled to be phased in incrementally between January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2018. In November 2017, banking regulators announced that the phase in of certain of these adjustments for non-advanced approaches banking organizations such as Valley was frozen.

2018 Form 10-K12




Under current capital standards, the effects of accumulated other comprehensive income items included in capital are excluded for the purposes of determining regulatory capital ratios. Under Basel III, the effects of certain accumulated other comprehensive items are not excluded; however, non-advanced approaches banking organizations, including Valley and Valley National Bank, were permitted to make a one-time permanent election to continue to exclude these items effective as of January 1, 2015. We made this one-time election in the applicable bank regulatory reports as of March 31, 2015.
Basel III, with respect to us, required that our trust preferred securities be eliminated from Tier 1 capital by January 1, 2016. Accordingly, none of Valley’s trust preferred securities were included in Tier 1 capital during 2018 and 2017.institution.
With respect to Valley National Bank, Basel III also revised the “prompt corrective action” regulations pursuant to Section 38 of the FDICIA, by (i) introducing a CET1 ratio requirement at each capital quality level (other than critically undercapitalized); (ii) increasing the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirement for each category; and (iii) requiring a leverage ratio of 5 percent to be well-capitalized. The OCC’s regulations implementing these provisions of FDICIA provide that an institution will be classified as “well capitalized” if it (i) has a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10.0 percent, (ii) has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8.0 percent, (iii) has a CET1 ratio of at least 6.5 percent, (iv) has a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 5.0 percent, and (v) meets certain other requirements. An institution will be classified as “adequately capitalized” if it meets the aforementioned minimum capital ratios under Basel III. An institution will be classified as “undercapitalized” if it (i) has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8.0 percent, (ii) has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0 percent, (iii) has a CET1 ratio of less than 4.5 percent or (iv) has Tier 1 leverage ratio of less than 4.0 percent. An institution will be classified as “significantly undercapitalized” if it (i) has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0 percent, (ii) has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0 percent, (iii) has a CET1 ratio of less than 3.0 percent or (iv) has a Tier 1 leverage ratio of less than 3.0 percent. An institution will be classified as “critically undercapitalized” if it has a tangible equity to total assets ratio that is equal to or less than 2.0 percent. An insured depository institution may be deemed to be in a lower capitalization category if it receives an unsatisfactory examination rating. Similar categories apply to bank holding companies. On January 1, 2019, the capital conservation buffer was fully phased in, and as a result, the capital ratios applicable to depository institutions under Basel III now exceed the ratios to be considered well-capitalized under the prompt corrective action regulations.
Basel III prescribes a standardized approach for calculating risk-weighted assets. Valley National Bank’s capital ratios were all above the minimum levels required for it to be considered a “well capitalized” financial institution at December 31, 20182020, under the “prompt corrective action” regulationsregulations.
For regulatory capital purposes, in effectconnection with the Federal Reserve Board’s final interim rule as of such date.April 3, 2020, 100 percent of the CECL Day 1 impact to shareholders' equity equaling $28.2 million after-tax will be deferred for a two-year period ending January 1, 2022, at which time it will be phased in on a pro-rata basis over a three-year period ending January 1, 2025. Additionally, 25 percent of the reserve build (i.e., provision for credit losses less net charge-offs) for the year ended December 31, 2020 will be phased in over the same time frame.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the Dodd-Frank Act)
The Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law on July 21, 2010. The Dodd-Frank Act significantly changed the bank regulatory landscape and has impacted the lending, deposit, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies. Some of the effects are discussed below.
The Dodd-Frank Act created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and shifted most of the federal consumer protection rules applicable to banks and the enforcement power with respect to such rules to the CFPB.
Under the Durbin Amendment contained in the Dodd-Frank Act, the Federal ReserveFRB adopted rules applying to banks with more than $10 billion in assets which established a maximum permissible interchange fee equal to no more than 21 cents plus 5 basis points of the transaction value for many types of debit interchange transactions. The Federal ReserveFRB also adopted a rule to allow a debit card issuer to recover 1 cent per transaction for fraud prevention purposes if the issuer complies with certain fraud-related requirements required by the Federal Reserve.FRB. The Federal ReserveFRB also has rules governing routing and exclusivity that require issuers to offer two unaffiliated networks for routing transactions on each debit or prepaid product. AsBecause we exceed $10 billion in assets, we are subject to the interchange fee cap.
On May 24,
152020 Form 10-K


The Dodd-Frank Act also imposed stress testing on Valley and the Bank. However, the 2018 the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (the “EGRRCPA”) was signed into law. On July 6, 2018, the Fed, the OCC and the FDIC issued a joint interagency statement regarding the impact of the EGRRCPA. As a result of this statement and the EGRRCPA resulted in Valley and the Bank arebeing no longer subject to Dodd-Frank Actthe stress testing requirements. However, under safety and soundness requirementsprinciples we will continue to conduct stress testing of our own design.
Volcker Rule
The Volcker Rule (contained in the Dodd-Frank Act) prohibits an insured depository institution and its affiliates from: (i) engaging in certain “proprietary trading” and (ii) investing in or sponsoring certain types of funds (Covered Funds) subject to certain limited exceptions.. The ruleRule also effectively prohibits most short-term trading strategies by any U.S. banking entity if those strategies involve instruments other than those specifically permitted for tradinginvestments and prohibits the use of some hedging strategies. We identified no investments held as of December 31, 20182020 that meet the definition of Covered Funds. Regulators are currently considering modifying certain aspects of the Volcker Rule.

132018 Form 10-K




Incentive Compensation
The Dodd-Frank Act requires the federal bank regulators and the SEC to maintain guidelines prohibiting incentive-based payment arrangements at specified regulated entities, including us and our Bank, having at least $1 billion in total assets that encourage inappropriate risks by providing an executive officer, employee, director or principal stockholder with excessive compensation, fees, or benefits or that could lead to material financial loss to the entity.
The Federal Reserve willFRB and the OCC review, as part of thetheir regular, risk-focused examination process, the incentive compensation arrangements of banking organizations, such as us, that are not “large, complex banking organizations.” These reviews will beare tailored to each organization based on the scope and complexity of the organization’s activities and the prevalence of incentive compensation arrangements. The findings of the supervisory initiatives will be included in reports of examination. Deficiencies will be incorporated into the organization’s supervisory ratings, which can affect the organization’s ability to make acquisitions and take other actions. Enforcement actions may be taken against a banking organization if its incentive compensation arrangements, or related risk management control or governance processes, pose a risk to the organization’s safety and soundness and the organization is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies.
Dividend Limitations
Valley is a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries. Valley’s revenues (on a parent company only basis) result in substantial part from dividends paid by the Bank. The Bank’s dividend payments, without prior regulatory approval, are subject to regulatory limitations. Under the National Bank Act, without consent, a national bank may declare, in any one year, dividends only in an amount aggregating not more than the sum of its net profits for such year and its retained net profits for the preceding two years. In addition, the bank regulatory agencies have the authority to prohibit us from paying dividends if the supervising agency determines that such payment would constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice. Among other things, consultation with the FRB supervisory staff is required in advance of our declaration or payment of a dividend to our shareholders that exceeds our earnings for the trailing four-quarter period in which the dividend is being paid.
Transactions by the Bank with Related Parties
Valley National Bank’s authority to extend credit to its directors, executive officers and 10 percent shareholders, as well as to entities controlled by such persons, is currently governed by the requirements of the National Bank Act, Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Regulation O of the FRB thereunder. Among other things, these provisions require that extensions of credit to insiders (i) be made on terms that are substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons and that do not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features and (ii) not exceed certain limitations on the amount of credit extended to such persons, individually and in the aggregate, which limits are based, in part, on the amount of the Bank’s capital. In addition, extensions of credit in excess of certain limits must be approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors. Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Valley and its subsidiaries, other than the Bank under the authority of Regulation O, may not extend or arrange for any personal loans to its directors and executive officers.
Section 22 of the Federal Reserve Act prohibits the Bank from paying to a director, officer, attorney or employee a rate on deposits that is greater than the rate paid to other depositors on similar deposits with the Bank. Regulation W governs and limits transactions between the Bank and Valley.
Community Reinvestment
Under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), as implemented by OCC regulations, a national bank has a continuing and affirmative obligation consistent with its safe and sound operation to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate-income neighborhoods. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions nor does it limit an institution’s discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community. The CRA requires the OCC, in connection with its examination of a national bank, to assess the association’s record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take such record into account in its
2020 Form 10-K16


evaluation of certain applications by such association. The CRA also requires all institutions to make public disclosure of their CRA ratings. Valley National Bank received an overall “satisfactory”“outstanding” CRA rating in its most recent examination.
The OCC approvals of the most recent acquisitions of USAB and CNL in January 2018 and December 2015, respectively, were unconditional, however, the OCC will continue to monitor the Bank's progress with the CRA plan, and any necessary enhancements based upon new markets or otherwise, through its normal supervisory reviews. Valley National Bank's CRA plan is available for review on its website at www.valley.com.
A bank which does not have a CRA program that is deemed satisfactory or better by its regulator willmay be prevented from making acquisitions.

2018 Form 10-K14




Corporate Governance
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 added new legal requirements for public companies affecting corporate governance, accounting and corporate reporting, to increase corporate responsibility and to protect investors. Among other things, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002:
required our management to evaluate our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting, and required our auditors to issue a report on our internal control over financial reporting;
imposed on our chief executive officer and chief financial officer additional responsibilities with respect to our external financial statements, including certification of financial statements within the Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q by the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer;
established independence requirements for audit committee members and outside auditors;
created the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board which oversees public accounting firms; and
increased various criminal penalties for violations of securities laws.
NASDAQ, where Valley common stock is listed, has corporate governance listing standards, including rules strengthening director independence requirements for boards, as well as the audit committee and the compensation committee, and requiring the adoption of charters for the compensation and audit committees.
USA PATRIOT Act
As part of the USA PATRIOT Act, Congress adopted the International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “Anti Money Laundering Act”). The Anti Money Laundering Act authorizes the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury, in consultation with the heads of other government agencies, to adopt special measures applicable to financial institutions such as banks, bank holding companies, broker-dealers and insurance companies. Among its other provisions, the Anti Money Laundering Act requires each financial institution: (i) to establish an anti-money laundering program; (ii) to establish due diligence policies, procedures and controls that are reasonably designed to detect and report instances of money laundering in United States private banking accounts and correspondent accounts maintained for non-United States persons or their representatives; and (iii) to avoid establishing, maintaining, administering, or managing correspondent accounts in the United States for, or on behalf of, a foreign shell bank that does not have a physical presence in any country.
Regulations implementing the due diligence requirements require minimum standards to verify customer identity and maintain accurate records, encourage cooperation among financial institutions, federal banking agencies, and law enforcement authorities regarding possible money laundering or terrorist activities, prohibit the anonymous use of “concentration accounts,” and require all covered financial institutions to have in place an anti-money laundering compliance program.
The OCC, along with other banking agencies, have strictly enforced various anti-money laundering and suspicious activity reporting requirements using formal and informal enforcement tools to cause banks to comply with these provisions.
A bank which is issued a formal or informal enforcement requirement with respect to its Anti Money Laundering program will be prevented from making acquisitions.
Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulation (OFAC)
The U.S. Treasury Department’s OFAC administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions against targeted foreign countries and regimes, under authority of various laws, including designated foreign countries, nationals and others. OFAC publishes lists of specially designated targets and countries. We and our Bank are responsible for, among other things, blocking accounts of, and transactions with, such targets and countries, prohibiting unlicensed trade and financial transactions with them and reporting blocked transactions after their occurrence. Failure to comply with these sanctions could have serious legal and reputational consequences, including causing applicable bank regulatory authorities not to approve merger or acquisition transactions when regulatory approval is required or to prohibit such transactions even if approval is not required.


Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Supervision
As a financial institution with more than $10 billion in assets, Valley National Bank is supervised by the CFPB for consumer protection purposes. The CFPB’s regulation of Valley National Bank is focused on risks to consumers and compliance with the federal consumer financial laws and includes regular examinations of the Bank. The CFPB, along with the Department of Justice and bank regulatory authorities also seek to enforce discriminatory lending laws. In such actions, the CFPB and others have used a disparate impact analysis, which measures discriminatory results without regard to intent. Consequently, unintentional actions

152018 Form 10-K




by Valley could have a material adverse impact on our lending and results of operations if the actions are found to be discriminatory by our regulators.
Valley National Bank is subject to federal consumer protection statutes and regulations promulgated under those laws, including, but not limited to the following:
Truth-In-Lending Act and Regulation Z, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers;
Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and Regulation C, requiring financial institutions to provide certain information about home mortgage and refinanced loans;
Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed, or other prohibited factors in extending credit;
172020 Form 10-K


Fair Credit Reporting Act and Regulation V, governing the provision of consumer information to credit reporting agencies and the use of consumer information; and
Fair Debt Collection Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies.
Valley National Bank’s deposit operations are also subject to the following federal statutes and regulations, among others:
The Truth in Savings Act and Regulation DD, which requires disclosure of deposit terms to consumers;
Regulation CC, which relates to the availability of deposit funds to consumers;
The Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain the confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records; and
Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E, governing automatic deposits to, and withdrawals from, deposit accounts and customers’ rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services.
The CFPB examines Valley National Bank’s compliance with such laws and the regulations under them.
Insurance of Deposit Accounts
The Bank’s deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC. Under the FDIC’s risk-based system, insured institutions are assigned to one of four risk categories based on supervisory evaluations, regulatory capital levels and certain other factors with less risky institutions paying lower assessments on their deposits.
As required by the Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC has adopted rules that revise the assessment base to consist of average consolidated total assets during the assessment period minus the average tangible equity during the assessment period. In addition, the rules eliminated the adjustment for secured borrowings, including Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances, and made certain other changes to the impact of unsecured borrowings and brokered deposits on an institution’s deposit insurance assessment.
The rules also revised the assessment rate schedule to provide initial base assessment rates ranging from 5 to 35 basis points and total base assessment rates ranging from 2.5 to 45 basis points after adjustment.
The Dodd-Frank Act made permanent a $250 thousand limit for federal deposit insurance.
In 2016, the FDIC added a surcharge to the insurance assessments for banks with over $10 billion in assets, which became effective in July 2016 and continued until the Bank's December 2018 assessment invoice, which covered the assessment period from July 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018. After that invoice, the FDIC assessment no longer included a quarterly surcharge.
London Interbank Offered Rate
Central banks around the world, including the Fed,FRB, have commissioned working groups of market participants and official sector representatives with the goal of finding suitable replacements for the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) based on observable market transactions because of the probable phase out of LIBOR. It isMost tenors of LIBOR are expected to cease being published on June 30, 2023 with some tenors expected to cease being published earlier. The FRB has stated that a transitionfinancial institutions should stop writing contacts using LIBOR by the end of 2021 at the latest. This change away from the widespread use of LIBOR and transition to alternative rates will occur over the course of the next few years. Although the full impact of a transition, including the potential or actual discontinuance of LIBOR publication, remains unclear, this changeother benchmarks may have an adverse impact on the value of, return on and trading markets for a broad array of financial products, including any LIBOR-based securities, loans and derivatives that are included in our financial assets and liabilities. A transition away from LIBOR may also requirerequires extensive changes to the contracts that govern these LIBOR-based products, as well as our systems and processes.
A number of the bank'sBank's commercial loans, certain residential mortgage loans, derivative positions, trust preferred securities issued to our capital trusts, and some residential loansthe reset provisions for our preferred stock issuances are based upon LIBOR. The Bank will also be subject to changes to models and systems that currently use LIBOR reference rates, as well as market and strategic risks that could arise from the use of alternative reference rates. The Bank has established a working group to identify and prepare fall back language and replacement provisions, as well as ensure our systems readiness for a change in reference rate. Regulators have expressed concern about litigation that could arise due to the change from LIBOR to another rate.
Prohibitions Against Tying Arrangements
Banks are subject to the prohibitions of 12 U.S.C. Section 1972 on certain tying arrangements. A depository institution is working on replacement language where necessary.

prohibited, subject to some exceptions, from extending credit to or offering any other service, or fixing or varying the
20182020 Form 10-K1618





consideration for such extension of credit or service, on the condition that the customer obtain some additional service from the institution or its affiliates or not obtain services of a competitor of the institution.

Item 1A.Risk Factors
An investment in our securities is subject to risks inherent to our business. The material risks and uncertainties that management believes may affect Valley are described below. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference in this report. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing Valley. Additional risks and uncertainties that management is not aware of or that management currently believes are immaterial may also impair Valley’s business operations. The value or market price of our securities could decline due to any of these identified or other risks, and you could lose all or part of your investment. This report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors.
Risks Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic
We anticipate that the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to adversely affect us and our customers, counterparties, employees, and third-party service providers. The full extent and duration of the adverse impacts on our business, financial position, results of operations, and prospects are currently unknown and could be significant.
The spread of COVID-19 has created a global public-health crisis that has resulted in widespread volatility and deterioration in business, economic, and market conditions and household incomes, including in the states of New Jersey, New York, Florida and Alabama where we conduct nearly all of our business. The extent of the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our capital and liquidity, and on our business, results of operations, financial position and prospects generally will depend on a number of evolving factors, including:
The duration, extent, and severity of the pandemic.COVID-19 has not yet been contained and could affect significantly more households and businesses. The duration and severity of the pandemic, future resurgences of COVID-19 in our primary market areas, the efficacy of new approved vaccines and the timing of the distribution of such vaccines, continue to be impossible to predict. There remains substantial uncertainty surrounding the pace of economic recovery and the return of business and consumer confidence.
The response of governmental and nongovernmental authorities. Many responsive measures have been directed toward curtailing household and business activity to contain COVID-19 while simultaneously deploying fiscal- and monetary-policy measures to partially mitigate the adverse effects on individual households and businesses. These actions are not always coordinated or consistent across jurisdictions but, in general, have rapidly expanded in scope and intensity, contributing to substantial market volatility. We cannot predict whether and to what extent governmental and nongovernmental authorities will continue to implement policy measures to assist us and our customers and the failure to do so could have adverse effects on our business.
The effect on our customers, counterparties, employees, and third-party service providers. COVID-19 and its associated consequences and uncertainties, including increased unemployment rates, are affecting individuals, households, and businesses differently and unevenly and we anticipate will continue to do so. Many, however, have already changed their behavior in response to governmental mandates and advisories to sharply restrain commercial and social interactions and discretionary spending. As a result, our credit, operational, and other risks have generally increased and, for the foreseeable future, are expected to remain elevated or increase further.
The effect on economies and markets.Whether the actions of governmental and nongovernmental authorities will be successful in mitigating the adverse effects of COVID-19 in the future is unclear. National, regional, and local economies (including the local economies in the markets areas which we serve) and markets could suffer disruptions that are lasting. Governmental actions are meaningfully influencing the interest-rate environment and financial-market activity, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. We can provide no assurance that governmental or non-governmental mitigation efforts will continue or be effective in the future.
In 2020, the most notable impacts to our results of operations were a higher provision expense for credit losses, which we expect to continue. Our provision for credit losses for loans was $125.1 million for 2020 as compared to $24.2 million for 2019. With recent increases in COVID-19 infection rates in our market areas, our forecast of macroeconomic conditions and operating results, including expected lifetime credit losses on our loan portfolio, remains subject to meaningful uncertainty. We have also entered into forbearance agreements (short-term loan modifications) with respect to approximately 600 loans with outstanding balances of approximately $361 million as of December 31, 2020. If these borrowers are unable to resume payments on their loans, our loan charge-offs may increase.
192020 Form 10-K


Governments have taken unprecedented steps to partially mitigate the adverse effects of their containment measures. For example, on March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was enacted to inject more than $2 trillion of financial assistance into the U.S. economy. The FRB has taken decisive and sweeping actions as well. Since March 15, 2020, these have included a reduction in the target range for the federal funds rate to 0 to 0.25 percent, a program to purchase an indeterminate amount of Treasury securities and agency mortgage-backed securities, and numerous facilities to support the flow of credit to households and businesses.
While there is evidence that our actions and those of governments and others have assisted our customers, counterparties, and third-party service providers and advanced our business and the economy generally it is uncertain how much, if at all, these actions will be effective in the future. For example, while our short-term loan modifications granted to certain customers impacted by COVID-19 may better position them to resume their regular payments to us in the future and enhance our brand and customer loyalty, these modifications have and may continue to negatively impact our cash flows and results of operations, may produce a higher degree of requests for extensions and rewrites than we have anticipated, and may not be as successful as we expect in managing our credit risk. In addition, while the FRB’s monetary policy may benefit us to some degree by supporting economic activity among our customers, this policy and sudden shifts may inhibit our ability to grow or sustain net interest income and effectively manage interest rate risk.
In order to safeguard the health and wellness of our customers and employees, and to comply with applicable government directives, we have modified our business practices, including temporary closure of certain non-branch offices, restricting employee travel and directing employees to work from home whenever possible, and have implemented our business continuity plans to the extent necessary. These measures, and further actions we may take as required by government authorities or that we otherwise determine are in the best interests of our customers and employees, could increase certain risks, including cybersecurity risks, impair our ability to perform critical functions and adversely impact our results of operations.
We are unable to estimate the near-term and ultimate impacts of COVID-19 on our business and operations at this time. The pandemic could cause us to experience higher credit losses in our lending portfolio, additional increases in our allowance for credit losses, impairment of our goodwill and other financial assets, diminished access to capital markets and other funding sources, further reduced demand for our products and services, and other negative impacts on our financial position, results of operations, and prospects. In addition, sustained adverse effects may impair our capital and liquidity positions, require us to take capital actions, prevent us from satisfying our minimum regulatory capital ratios and other supervisory requirements, result in downgrades in our credit ratings, and the reduction or elimination of our common stock dividend in future periods.
As a participating lender in the SBA Paycheck Protection Program, we are subject to additional risks of litigation from our customers or other parties regarding our processing of loans for the PPP and risks that the SBA may not fund some or all PPP loan guaranties, which could have a significant adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations, and prospects.
The CARES Act included a $349 billion loan program administered through the SBA referred to as the PPP. Under the PPP, small businesses and other entities and individuals can apply for loans from existing SBA lenders and other approved regulated lenders that enroll in the program, subject to numerous limitations and eligibility criteria. On April 16, 2020, the SBA notified lenders that the original $349 billion of funding under the PPP was exhausted, and on April 24, 2020, Congress allocated an additional $310 billion to the program. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which was signed into law on December 27, 2020, provides approximately $900 billion in new COVID-19 stimulus relief partly comprised of additional funding under the PPP. The amendment to the PPP also expands borrowers eligibility to certain second draws under the program. We participated as a lender in each round of the PPP. Since the opening of the PPP, banks have been subject to class action litigation regarding the process and procedures that such banks used in processing applications for the PPP and their refusal to pay agent fees. Class action litigation was filed against us, along with many other banks claiming the banks are obligated to pay agent fees. The litigation against us was dismissed by the plaintiffs without prejudice. Any financial liability, litigation costs or reputational damage caused by PPP-related litigation could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and prospects.
We may have a credit risk on PPP loans if a determination is made by the SBA that there is a deficiency in the manner in which the loan was originated, funded, or serviced by us, such as an issue with the eligibility of a borrower to receive a PPP loan, which may or may not be related to the ambiguity in the laws, rules and guidance regarding the operation of the PPP. In the event of a loss resulting from a default on a PPP loan and a determination by the SBA that there was a deficiency in the manner in which the PPP loan was originated, funded, or serviced by us, the SBA may deny its liability under the guaranty, reduce the amount of the guaranty, or, if it has already paid under the guaranty, seek recovery of any loss related to the deficiency from us, which could adversely impact our business, financial position, results of operations and prospects.
Valley's outstanding PPP loans totaled $2.2 billion as of December 31, 2020.

2020 Form 10-K20


We may be required to consult with the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) before declaring cash dividends on our common stock, which ultimately may delay, reduce, or eliminate such dividends and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Holders of our common stock are only entitled to receive such cash dividends as our Board of Directors may declare out of funds legally available for such payments. Although we have historically declared cash dividends on our common stock, we are not required to do so. We may reduce or eliminate our common stock cash dividend in the future depending upon our results of operations, financial condition or other metrics which could be adversely impacted by the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which remains unknown.
In July 2020, the FRB updated its supervisory guidance to provide greater clarity regarding the situations in which bank holding companies, like Valley, may expect an expedited consultation in connection with the declaration of dividends that exceed quarterly earnings. To qualify, amongst other criteria, total commercial real estate loan concentrations cannot represent 300 percent or more of total capital and the outstanding balance of the commercial real estate loan portfolio cannot increase by 50 percent or more during the prior 36 months. Currently, we believe that Valley does not meet the standard for expedited consultation and approval of its dividend, should it be required. As a result, Valley could be subject to a lengthier and possibly more burdensome review process by the FRB when considering paying dividends that exceed quarterly earnings. The delay, reduction or elimination of our quarterly dividend could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. See additional information regarding our quarterly cash dividend and the current rate of earnings retention at the "Capital Adequacy" section of the MD&A.

Risks Associated with Our Business Model
Our investments in certain tax-advantaged projects may not generate returns as anticipated and may have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
We invest in certain tax-advantaged investments that support qualified affordable housing projects, community development and, prior to 2019, renewable energy resources. Our investments in these projects are designed to generate a return primarily through the realization of federal and state income tax credits, and other tax benefits, over specified time periods. Third parties perform diligence on these investments for us on which we rely both at inception and on an on-going basis. We are subject to the risk that previously recorded tax credits, which remain subject to recapture by taxing authorities based on compliance features required to be met at the project level, may fail to meet certain government compliance requirements and may not be able to be realized. The possible inability to realize these tax credits and other tax benefits may have a negative impact on our financial results. The risk of not being able to realize the tax credits and other tax benefits depends on many factors outside our control, including changes in the applicable tax code and the ability of the projects to be completed.
We previously invested in mobile solar generators sold and leased back by DC Solar and its affiliates (DC Solar). DC Solar had its assets frozen in December 2018 by the U.S. Department of Justice. DC Solar and related entities are in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. A group of investors who purchased mobile solar generators from, and leased them back to, DC Solar, including us received tax credits for making these renewable resource investments. During the fourth quarter 2019, several of the co-conspirators pleaded guilty to fraud in the on-going federal investigation. Based upon this new information, Valley deemed that its tax positions related to the DC Solar funds did not meet the more likely than not recognition threshold in Valley's tax reserve assessment at December 31, 2019. As a result, our net income for the year ended December 31, 2019 included an increase to our provision for income taxes of $31.1 million, reflecting the reserve for uncertain tax liability positions related to tax credits and other tax benefits previously recognized from the investments in the DC Solar funds plus interest. The principals pled guilty to fraud in early 2020.
While we believe that Valley was fully reserved for the tax positions related to DC Solar at December 31, 2020, we continue to evaluate all our existing tax positions each quarter under U.S. GAAP.
We recently implemented new deposit services for businesses in the state licensed marijuana industry which could expose us to additional liabilities and regulatory compliance costs.
In 2020, we implemented specialized deposit services intended for a limited number of state licensed medical-use marijuana business customers. Medical use marijuana, as well as recreational use businesses are legal in numerous states and the District of Columbia, including our primary markets of New Jersey, New York, and Florida. However, such businesses are not legal at the federal level and cannabis remains a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. In 2014, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) published guidelines for financial institutions servicing state legal cannabis businesses. We have implemented a comprehensive control framework that includes written policies and procedures related to the on-boarding of such businesses and the monitoring and maintenance of such business accounts that comports with the FinCEN guidance. Additionally, our policies call for due diligence review of the cannabis business before the business is on-boarded, including confirmation that the business is properly licensed and maintains
212020 Form 10-K


the license in good standing in the applicable state. Throughout the relationship, our policies call for continued monitoring of the business, including site visits, to determine if the business continues to meet our requirements, including maintenance of required licenses and calls for undertaking periodic financial reviews of the business. The Bank’s program originally was limited to offering depository products to medical marijuana businesses. Deposit transactions are monitored for compliance with the applicable state medical program rules and other regulations before approval and acceptance by the Bank’s BSA/AML Department. More recently, the Bank has agreed to limited lending on real estate and expanded to licensed recreational dispensaries. The Bank may offer additional banking products and services to such customers in the future.
While we believe our policies and procedures will allow us to operate in compliance with the FinCEN guidelines, there can be no assurance that compliance with the FinCEN guidelines will protect us from federal prosecution or other regulatory sanctions. Federal prosecutors have significant discretion and there can be no assurance that the federal prosecutors will not choose to strictly enforce the federal laws governing cannabis. Any change in the federal government’s enforcement position, could potentially subject us to criminal prosecution and other regulatory sanctions. While we also believe our BSA/AML policies and programs for this new business are sufficient, the medical and recreational marijuana business is considered high-risk, thus increasing the risk of a regulatory action against our BSA/AML program that has adverse consequences, including but not limited to, preventing us from undertaking mergers, acquisitions and other expansion activities.
The loss of or decrease in lower-cost funding sources within our deposit base, including our inability to achieve deposit retention targets under our branch transformation strategy, may adversely impact our net interest income and net income.
Checking and savings, NOW, and money market deposit account balances and other forms of customer deposits can decrease when customers perceive alternative investments, such as the stock market or money market or fixed income mutual funds, as providing a better risk/return trade-off. Additionally, our customers largely bank with us because of our local customer service and convenience. For certain customers, this convenience could be negatively impacted by recent branch consolidation activity undergone as part of our branch transformation strategy. If customers move money out of bank deposits and into other investments, Valley could lose a low cost source of funds, increasing its funding costs and reducing Valley’s net interest income and net income.
A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate, and events that negatively impact the real estate market could adversely affect our asset quality and profitability for those loans secured by real property and increase the number of defaults and the level of losses within our loan portfolio.
A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 72 percent of our total loans had real estate as a primary or secondary component of collateral. The real estate collateral in each case provides an alternate source of repayment in the event of default by the borrower and could deteriorate in value during the time the credit is extended. A downturn in the real estate market in our primary market areas could result in an increase in the number of borrowers who default on their loans and a reduction in the value of the collateral securing their loans, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our profitability and asset quality. If we are required to liquidate the collateral securing a loan to satisfy the debt during a period of reduced real estate values, our earnings and shareholders’ equity could be adversely affected. The declines in home or commercial real estate prices in the New Jersey, New York and Florida markets we primarily serve, along with the unpredictable long-term impact and path of the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, also may result in increases in delinquencies and losses in our loan portfolios. Unexpected decreases in home or commercial real estate prices coupled with slow economic growth and elevated levels of unemployment could drive losses beyond those which are provided for in our allowance for loan losses. In that event, our earnings could be adversely affected.
We could incur future goodwill impairment.
If our estimates of the fair value of our goodwill change as a result of changes in our business or other factors, we may determine a goodwill impairment charge is necessary. Estimates of the fair value of goodwill are determined using several factors and assumptions, including, but not limited to, industry pricing multiples and estimated cash flows. Based upon Valley’s 2020 goodwill impairment testing, the fair values of its four reporting units, wealth management, consumer lending, commercial lending, and investment management, were in excess of their carrying values. No assurance can be given that we will not record an impairment loss on goodwill in the future and any such impairment loss could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. At December 31, 2020, our goodwill totaled $1.4 billion. See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

2020 Form 10-K22


Our market share and income may be adversely affected by our inability to successfully compete against larger and more diverse financial service providers, digital fintech start-up firms and other financial services providers which have advanced technological capabilities.
Valley faces substantial competition in all areas of its operations from a variety of different competitors, many of which are larger and may have more financial resources than Valley to deal with the potential negative changes in the financial markets and regulatory landscape. Many of these competitors may have fewer regulatory constraints, broader geographic service areas, greater capital, and, in some cases, lower cost structures. Valley competes with other providers of financial services such as commercial and savings banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, money market and mutual funds, mortgage companies, title agencies, asset managers, insurance companies, and a large list of other local, regional and national institutions which offer financial services.
Additionally, the financial services industry is facing a wave of digital disruption from fintech companies and other large financial services providers. The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new, technology-driven products and services which increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers and to reduce costs. These competitors provide innovative web-based solutions to traditional retail banking services and products. Fintech companies tend to have stronger operating efficiencies and fewer regulatory burdens than their traditional bank counterparts, including Valley.
Regulatory changes may continue to allow new entrants into the markets in which we operate. The result of these regulatory changes will likely cause other non-traditional financial services companies to compete directly with Valley. Many of the companies have stronger operating efficiencies and fewer regulatory burdens than their traditional bank counterparts, including Valley.
Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. We may not be able to effectively implement new, technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers and service interruptions, transaction processing errors and system conversion delays and may cause us to fail to comply with applicable laws. Many of Valley’s competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. Valley may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to its customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could have a material adverse impact on Valley’s business and, in turn, Valley’s financial condition and results of operations.

Failure to successfully implement our growth strategies could cause us to incur substantial costs and expenses which may not be recouped and adversely affect our future profitability.
From time to time, Valley may implement new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets are not fully developed. Valley may invest significant time and resources to develop and market new lines of business and/or products and services. Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and/or new products or services may not be achieved, and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible. External factors, such as compliance with regulations, competitive alternatives, and shifting customer preferences, may also impact the successful implementation of a new line of business or a new product or service. Additionally, any new line of business and/or new product or service could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of Valley’s system of internal controls. Failure to successfully manage these risks could have a material adverse effect on Valley’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to environmental liability risk associated with lending activities which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real property. During the ordinary course of business, we may foreclose on and take title to properties securing certain loans. In doing so, there is a risk that hazardous or toxic substances could be found on these properties. If hazardous or toxic substances are found, we may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage. Environmental laws may require us to incur substantial expenses and may materially reduce the affected property’s value or limit our ability to use or sell the affected property. In addition, future laws or more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws may increase our exposure to environmental liability. Although we have policies and procedures to perform an environmental review prior to originating certain commercial real estate loans, as well as before initiating any foreclosure action on real property, these reviews may not be sufficient to detect all potential environmental hazards. The remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
232020 Form 10-K


We may incur future losses in connection with repurchases and indemnification payments related to mortgages that we have sold into the secondary market.
We engage in the origination of residential mortgages for sale into the secondary market, while typically retaining the loan servicing. In connection with such sales, we make representations and warranties, which, if breached, may require us to repurchase such loans, substitute other loans or indemnify the purchasers of such loans for actual losses incurred in respect of such loans. The aggregate principal balances of residential mortgage loans serviced by the Bank for others approximated $3.5 billion and $3.4 billion at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Over the past several years, we have experienced a nominal amount of repurchase requests, and only a few of which have actually resulted in repurchases by Valley (only two and four loan repurchases in 2020 and 2019, respectively). None of the loan repurchases resulted in a material loss. As of December 31, 2020, no reserves pertaining to loans sold were established on our financial statements. While we currently believe our repurchase risk remains low based upon our careful loan underwriting and documentation standards, it is possible that requests to repurchase loans could occur in the future and such requests may have a negative financial impact on us.

Net gains on sales of residential mortgage loans are a significant component of our non-interest income and could fluctuate in future periods.
Net gains on sales of residential mortgage loans represented approximately 23 percent and 9 percent of our non-interest income for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Our net gains on sales of loans for each period are comprised of both gains on sales of residential mortgages and the net change in the mark to market gains and losses on our loans held for sale carried at fair value at each period end. Our ability or decision to sell a portion of our mortgage loan production in the secondary market is dependent upon, amongst other factors, the levels of market interest rates, consumer demand marketable loans, our sales and pricing strategies, the economy and our need to maintain the appropriate level of interest rate risk on our balance sheet. A change in one or more of these or other factors could significantly impact our ability to sell mortgage loans in the future and adversely impact the level of our non-interest income and financial results.   
We may not be able to attract and retain skilled people.
Our success depends, in large part, on our ability to attract and retain key people. Competition for the best people in most activities in which we engage can be intense and we may not be able to hire people or to retain them. The unexpected loss of services of one or more of our key personnel, including, but not limited to, the executive officers disclosed in Item 1 of this Annual Report, could have a material adverse impact on our business because we would lose the employees’ skills, knowledge of the market, and years of industry experience and may have difficulty promptly finding qualified replacement personnel.
Climate change and severe weather could significantly impact our ability to conduct our business.
A significant portion of our primary markets is located near coastal waters which could generate naturally occurring severe weather, or in response to climate change, that could have a significant impact on our ability to conduct business. Many areas in New Jersey, New York, Florida and Alabama in which our branches operate are subject to severe flooding from time to time and significant disruptions related to the weather may become common events in the future. Heavy storms and hurricanes can also cause severe property damage and result in business closures, negatively impacting both the financial health of retail and commercial customers and our ability to operate our business. The risk of significant disruption and potential losses from future storm activity exists in all of our primary markets.
Risks Related to Our Industry

We may not be able to detect money laundering and other illegal or improper activities fully or on a timely basis, which could expose us to additional liability and could have a material adverse effect on us.
We are required to comply with anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism and other laws and regulations in the United States. These laws and regulations require us, among other things, to adopt and enforce “know-your-customer” policies and procedures and to report suspicious and large transactions to applicable regulatory authorities. These laws and regulations have become increasingly complex and detailed, require improved systems and sophisticated monitoring and compliance personnel and have become the subject of enhanced government supervision.
While we have adopted policies and procedures aimed at detecting and preventing the use of our banking network for money laundering and related activities, those policies and procedures may not completely eliminate instances in which we may be used by customers to engage in money laundering and other illegal or improper activities. To the extent we fail to fully comply with applicable laws and regulations, the OCC, along with other banking agencies, have the authority to impose fines and other penalties and sanctions on us. In addition, our business and reputation could suffer if customers use our banking network for money laundering or illegal or improper purposes.
2020 Form 10-K24


Changes in interest rates could reduce our net interest income and earnings.
Valley’s earnings and cash flows are largely dependent upon its net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income earned on interest-earning assets, such as loans and investment securities, and interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowed funds. Interest rates are sensitive to many factors that are beyond Valley’s control, including general economic conditions, competition, and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, in particular, the policies of the FRB. Changes in interest rates driven by such factors could influence not only the interest Valley receives on loans and investment securities and the amount of interest it pays on deposits and borrowings, but such changes could also affect (i) Valley’s ability to originate loans and obtain deposits, (ii) the fair value of Valley’s financial assets, including the held to maturity and available for sale investment securities portfolios, and (iii) the average duration of Valley’s interest-earning assets and liabilities. This also includes the risk that interest-earning assets may be more responsive to changes in interest rates than interest-bearing liabilities, or vice versa (repricing risk), the risk that the individual interest rates or rate indices underlying various interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities may not change in the same degree over a given time period (basis risk), and the risk of changing interest rate relationships across the spectrum of interest-earning asset and interest-bearing liability maturities (yield curve risk). AnyThe FRB has acted to decrease targeted short-term interest rates to 0%-.25%, and it is anticipated that short-term interest rates could remain at these low rates for an extended time period. A period of extended low interest rates could have a negative impact on Valley's net interest income, and any substantial or unexpected change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on Valley’s financial condition and results of operations. See additional information atin the “Net Interest Income” and “Interest Rate Sensitivity” sections of our MD&A.
Our financial results and condition may be adversely impacted by changing economic conditions.
WhileThe replacement of the economy and real estate market conditions have significantly improved in recent years, a return to a recessionary economy could result in financial stress on our borrowers that would adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Financial institutions can be affected by changing conditions in the real estate and financial markets. Volatility in the housing markets, real estate values and unemployment levels could result in significant write-downs of asset values by financial institutions. The majority of Valley’s lending is in northern and central New Jersey, the New York City metropolitan area, Florida and Alabama. As a result of this geographic concentration, a significant broad-based deterioration in economic conditions in these areas could have a material adverse impact on the quality of Valley’s loan portfolio, results of operations and future growth potential. Adverse economic conditions in our market areas can reduce ourLIBOR benchmark interest rate of growth, affect our customers’ ability to repay loans and adversely impact our financial condition and earnings. General economic conditions, including inflation, unemployment and money supply fluctuations, also may adversely affect our profitability.
Our investments in certain tax-advantaged projects may not generate returns as anticipated and may have an adverse impact on ourValley’s business, financial condition or results of operations.
We invest in certain tax-advantagedCertain loans made by us and financing extended to us are made at variable rates that use LIBOR as a benchmark for establishing the interest rate. In addition, we also have investments, interest rate derivatives and borrowings that support qualified affordable housing projects, community developmentreference LIBOR. On July 27, 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit LIBOR rates after 2021. Subsequently, on November 30, 2020, the ICE Benchmark Administration announced its plan to extend the date most U.S. dollar LIBOR values would cease being computed to June 30, 2023. On the same date, the FRB. FDIC and renewable energy resources. Our investments in these projectsOCC issued a joint statement instructing banks to cease entering into new LIBOR-based loan agreements by no later than December 31, 2021. In the United States, efforts to identify a set of alternative U.S. dollar reference interest rates are designed to generate a return primarily through the realization of federal and state income tax credits, and other tax benefits, over specified time periods. Due diligence review is performed both prior to the initial investment and on an ongoing, basis. We are subject to the risk that previously recorded tax credits, which remain subject to recapture by taxing authorities based on compliance features required to be met at the project level, may fail to meet certain government compliance requirements and may not be able to be realized. The possible inability to realize these tax credits and other tax benefits may have a negative impact on our financial results. The risk of not being able to realize the tax credits and other tax benefits depends on many factors outside our control, including changes in the applicable tax code and the abilityAlternative Reference Rate Committee (ARRC) has recommended the use of a Secured Overnight Funding Rate (SOFR). SOFR is different from LIBOR in that it is a backward looking secured rate rather than a forward looking unsecured rate. These differences could lead to a greater disconnect between the projectsBank's costs to be completed. We previously invested in mobile solar generators sold and managed by DC Solar and its affiliates (DC Solar). For reasons that were not knownraise funds for SOFR as compared to us, DC Solar had its assets frozen in December 2018. DC Solar filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February 2019. In February 2019, an affidavit fromLIBOR. The implementation of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agent stated that DC Solar was operating a fraudulent "Ponzi-like scheme" and that the majority of mobile solar generators sold to investors and managed by DC Solar and the majority of the related lease revenues claimed to have been received by DC Solar may not have existed. Certain investors in DC Solar, including us, received tax credits for making these renewable resource investments. As a result of the information provided in the FBI special agent's affidavit filed in the U.S. District Courtsubstitute index or indices for the Eastern District of California, we believe that, in 2019, we may be required to record an uncertain tax position liability under

172018 Form 10-K




Accounting Standards Codification 740, Income Taxes for a significant portion of the tax credit benefits we received in the past. We will continue to evaluate our existing tax positions, as well as new positions as they arise. However, if we are required to recognize an uncertain tax position liability in our 2019 consolidated financial statements, the uncertain tax position liability and charge-offs may have an adverse impact on our income tax liabilities, results of operations and financial condition.
The future impact of changes to the Internal Revenue Code is uncertain and may adversely affect our business.
The U.S. Congress passed significant reform of the Internal Revenue Code, known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (Tax Act) at the end of 2017. While the decline in the federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent lowered Valley’s income tax expense as a percentage of its taxable income in 2018 and will in subsequent years, other provisions of the Tax Act negatively impacted Valley's consolidated financial statements and it may adversely affect Valley in the future. For example, under the new provisions of the Tax Act, the Bank's FDIC insurance assessment totaling $28.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 was partially non-tax deductible based upon the asset size of the Bank.
The Tax Act also imposes higher limitations on the deductibilitycalculation of interest and property tax expenses whichrates under our loan agreements with our borrowers may adversely impact the property values of real estate used to secure loans and create an additional tax burden for many borrowers, particularly in high tax jurisdictions such as New Jersey and New York where Valley operates. These and other federal tax changes could significantly impact the level of lending activity and the financial health of our customers. The negative impact to customers could potentially result in, among other things, an inability to repay loans or maintain deposits at Valley in states where Valley operates, especially New York and New Jersey. Any negative financial impact to our customers resulting from tax reform could adversely impact our financial condition and earnings.
The ultimate impact of the Tax Act on our business and our customers is uncertain and may be adverse.
Claims and litigation could result inincur significant expenses losses and damage to our reputation.
From time to time as part of Valley’s normal course of business, customers, bankruptcy trustees, former customers, contractual counterparties, third parties and former employees make claims and take legal action against Valley based on actions or inactions of Valley. If such claims and legal actions are not resolved in a manner favorable to Valley, theyeffecting the transition, may result in financial liability and/reduced loan balances if borrowers do not accept the substitute index or adversely affect the market perception of Valleyindices, and its products and services. This may also impact customer demand for Valley’s products and services. Any financial liability could have a material adverse effect on Valley’s financial condition and results of operations. Any reputation damage could have a material adverse effect on Valley’s business. During 2018, Valley settled litigation matters (including one settlement subsequently approved by the courts in February 2019) resulting in a total charge of $12.2 million within professional and legal fees.
See the "Litigation" section under Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for information regarding significant pending lawsuits.
Cyber-attacks could compromise our information or result in disputes or litigation with customers over the data of our customers being improperly divulged, which could expose usappropriateness or comparability to liability, losses and escalating operating costs.
Valley regularly collects, processes, transmits and stores confidential information regarding its customers, employees and others for whom it services loans.  In some cases, this confidential or proprietary information is collected, compiled, processed, transmitted or stored by third parties on Valley’s behalf.
Information security risks have increased becauseLIBOR of the proliferation of new technologies and the increased sophistication and activities of perpetrators of cyber-attacks. Many financial institutions and companies engaged in data processing have reported significant breaches in the security of their websitessubstitute index or other systems, some ofindices, which have involved sophisticated and targeted attacks intended to obtain unauthorized access to confidential information, destroy data, denial-of-service, or sabotage systems, often through the introduction of computer viruses or malware, cyber-attacks and other means. Although Valley frequently experiences attempted cybersecurity attacks against its systems, to date, none of these incidents have resulted in material losses, known breaches of customer data or significant disruption of services to Valley’s customers. However, there can be no assurance that Valley will not incur such issues in the future, exposing us to significant on-going operational costs and reputational harm.
Additionally, risk exposure to cyber security matters will remain elevated or increase in the future due to, among other things, the increasing size and prominence of Valley in the financial services industry, our expansion of Internet and mobile banking tools and products based on customer needs, and the system and customer account conversions associated with the integration of merger targets.
In managing our cyber risks, when entering a new vendor relationship, we review and gage the cyber security risk of such third-party service providers. A successful attack on one of our third-party service providers could adversely affect our business and result in the disclosure or misuse of our confidential information. While we believe we are taking reasonable, risk-based precautions to manage the risk of cyber-attacks against third party service providers, there can be no assurance that our third-party service providers will not suffer a cyber-attack that exposes us to significant operational costs and damages.

2018 Form 10-K18




While we believe we have risk based technology reasonably capable of discovering cyber-attacks, and personnel who are qualified to monitor our technology and systems to detect cyber-attacks, we can offer no assurance that we will be able to identify and prevent cyber-attacks when they occur. Significant damage may occur if Valley fails to identify, or there is a delay in identifying, a cyber-attack on our systems, or those of our third-party service providers.
A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate, and events that negatively impact the real estate market could adversely affect our asset quality and profitability for those loans secured by real property and increase the number of defaults and the level of losses within our loan portfolio.
A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate. As of December 31, 2018, approximately 74 percent of our total loans had real estate as a primary or secondary component of collateral. The real estate collateral in each case provides an alternate source of repayment in the event of default by the borrower and could deteriorate in value during the time the credit is extended. A downturn in the real estate market in our primary market areas could result in an increase in the number of borrowers who default on their loans and a reduction in the value of the collateral securing their loans, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our profitability and asset quality. If we are required to liquidate the collateral securing a loan to satisfy the debt during a period of reduced real estate values, our earnings and shareholders’ equity could be adversely affected. The declines in home or commercial real estate prices in the New Jersey, New York and Florida markets we primarily serve, along with the reduced availability of mortgage credit, also may result in increases in delinquencies and losses in our loan portfolios. Unexpected decreases in home or commercial real estate prices coupled with slow economic growth and elevated levels of unemployment could drive losses beyond those which are provided for in our allowance for loan losses. In that event, our earnings could be adversely affected.
The secondary market for residential mortgage loans, for the most part, is limited to conforming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans. The effects of this limited mortgage market combined with another correction in residential real estate market prices and reduced levels of home sales, could result in price reductions in home values, adversely affecting the value of collateral securing mortgage loans held, mortgage loan originations and gains on sale of mortgage loans. Declines in real estate values and home sales volumes, and financial stress on borrowers as a result of job losses or other factors, could have further adverse effects on borrowers that result in higher delinquencies and greater charge-offs in future periods, which could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. For additional risks relatedThese reforms may cause LIBOR to our salescease to exist, new methods of residential mortgages incalculating LIBOR to be established or the secondary market, see the “We may incur future losses in connection with repurchases and indemnification payments related to mortgages that we have sold into the secondary market” risk factor below.
Net gains on salesestablishment of residential mortgage loans are a significant component of our non-interest incomemultiple alternative reference rates. These consequences cannot be entirely predicted and could fluctuate in future periods.
Net gainshave an adverse impact on salesthe market value for or value of residential mortgageLIBOR-linked securities, loans, represented approximately 15 percent and 19 percentother financial obligations or extensions of our non-interest income for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  Our abilitycredit held by or decisiondue to sell a portion of our mortgage loan production in the secondary market is dependent upon, amongst other factors, the levels of market interest rates, consumer demand marketable loans, our sales and pricing strategies, the economy and our need to maintain the appropriate level of interest rate risk on our balance sheet.  A change in one or more of these or other factors could significantly impact our ability to sell mortgage loans in the future and adversely impact the level of our non-interest income and financial results.   us.
Higher charge-offs and weak credit conditions could require us to further increase our allowance for credit losses through a provision charge to earnings.
We maintain an allowance for credit losses based on our assessment of credit losses inherent in our loan portfolio (including unfunded credit commitments). The process for determining the amount of the allowance for credit losses is critical to our financial results and conditions. It requires difficult, subjective and complex judgments about the future, including the impact of national and regional economic conditions on the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans. If our judgment proves to be incorrect, our allowance for loancredit losses may not be sufficient to cover the lifetime credit losses inherent in our loan portfolio.and held to maturity debt securities portfolios, as well as unfunded credit commitments. Deterioration in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may require an increase in the allowance for credit losses in addition to the increase in our loan losses.allowance in 2020 due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, bank regulators review the classification of our loans in their examination of us and we may be required in the future to change the internal classification on certain of our loans, which may require us to increase our provision for loancredit losses or loan charge-offs. If actual net charge-offs were to exceed Valley’s allowance, its earnings would be negatively impacted by additional provisions for loancredit losses. Any increase in our allowance for loancredit losses or loan charge-offs as required by the OCC or otherwise could have an adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

192520182020 Form 10-K





An increase in our non-performing assets may reduce our interest income and increase our net loan charge-offs, provision for loan losses, and operating expenses.
Non-performing assets (including non-accrual loans, other real estate owned, and other repossessed assets) totaled $194.6 million at December 31, 2020. Our non-accrual loans increased from 0.22 percent of total loans at December 31, 2016 to 0.350.58 percent of total loans at December 31, 20182020 largely due to a significant increase in non-accrual taxi medallion loans within our commercial and industrial loan portfolio since 2016. While most of the taxi medallion loans are currently performingportfolio. Due to their contractual terms, continued negative trends in the marketestimated fair valuations of the underlying taxi medallion collateral, caused by ride-sharinga weak operating environment for ride services could impactand uncertain borrower performance, the future performanceremainder of our previously accruing taxi medallion loans were placed on non-accrual status during the first quarter 2020. At December 31, 2020, the non-accrual taxi medallion loans totaling $97.5 million had related reserves of $66.4 million, or 68.1 percent of such loans, within the level of our loan charge-offs and the provision for loan loans. Additionally, a downturn in economic or real estate market conditions could result in increased charge-offs to our allowance for loan losses and lost interest income relating to non-performing loans.losses.
Non-performing assets (including non-accrual loans, other real estate owned, and other repossessed assets) totaled $98.6 million at December 31, 2018. These non-performing assets can adversely affect our net income mainly through decreased interest income and increased operating expenses incurred to maintain such assets or loss charges related to subsequent declines in the estimated fair value of foreclosed assets. Adverse changes in the value of our non-performing assets, or the underlying collateral, or in the borrowers’ performance or financial conditions could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Potential further declines in the market valuation of taxi medallions and the stressed operating environment within both New York City and Chicago due to the COVID-19 pandemic could also negatively impact the future performance of this portfolio. There can be no assurance that we will not experience increases in non-performing loans in the future, or that our non-performing assets will not result in lower financial returns in the future.
We may be required to increase our allowance for credit losses as a result of changes to an accounting standard.
In 2016, the FASB released a new standard for determining the amount of the allowance for credit losses. The new standard will be effective for Valley for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2020. The new credit loss model will be a significant change from the standard in place today, as it requires the allowance for credit losses to be calculated based on current expected credit losses (commonly referred to as the "CECL model") rather than losses inherent in the portfolio as of a point in time. When adopted, the CECL model will likely increase our allowance for credit losses, which could materially affect our financial conditionGeneral Commercial, Operational and future results of operations. The extent of the increaseFinancial and its impact to our financial condition is under evaluation but will ultimately depend upon the nature and characteristics of Valley's portfolio at the adoption date, and the macroeconomic conditions and forecasts at that date; therefore, the potential financial impact is currently unknown.
The loss of or decrease in lower-cost funding sources within our deposit base, including our inability to achieve deposit retention targets under our branch transformation strategy, may adversely impact our net interest income and net income.
Checking and savings, NOW, and money market deposit account balances and other forms of customer deposits can decrease when customers perceive alternative investments, such as the stock market or money market or fixed income mutual funds, as providing a better risk/return tradeoff. Additionally, our customers largely bank with us because of our local customer service and convenience. For a certain percentage customers, this convenience could be negatively impacted by recent branch consolidation activity undergone as part of our branch transformation strategy. If customers move money out of bank deposits and into other investments, Valley could lose a low cost source of funds, increasing its funding costs and reducing Valley’s net interest income and net income.
We may not be able to detect money laundering and other illegal or improper activities fully or on a timely basis, which could expose us to additional liability and could have a material adverse effect on us.
We are required to comply with anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism and other laws and regulations in the United States. These laws and regulations require us, among other things, to adopt and enforce “know-your-customer” policies and procedures and to report suspicious and large transactions to applicable regulatory authorities. These laws and regulations have become increasingly complex and detailed, require improved systems and sophisticated monitoring and compliance personnel and have become the subject of enhanced government supervision.
While we have adopted policies and procedures aimed at detecting and preventing the use of our banking network for money laundering and related activities, those policies and procedures may not completely eliminate instances in which we may be used by customers to engage in money laundering and other illegal or improper activities. To the extent we fail to fully comply with applicable laws and regulations, the OCC, along with other banking agencies, have the authority to impose fines and other penalties and sanctions on us. In addition, our business and reputation could suffer if customers use our banking network for money laundering or illegal or improper purposes.Regulatory Risks
Our controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented, which may result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Management periodically reviews and updates our internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of the

2018 Form 10-K20




controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

As disclosed in “Item 9A - Controls and Procedures,” a material weakness was identified in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 resulting from Valley not assigning the appropriate levels of responsibility and authority to its Ethics and Compliance group to identify and evaluate the severity and financial reporting implications of allegations of non-compliance with laws and regulations, Company policies and procedures and other complaints. Additionally, Valley did not establish controls over required communications of such matters to senior management or others within the organization and to those charged with governance to enable them to conduct or monitor the investigation and resolution of such matters on a timely basis. Based on this material weakness, management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2017. During the first quarter of 2018, Valley initiated remediation efforts. Management reviewed the design and operation of the controls and made enhancements to the proper identification and escalation of allegations of non-compliance with laws and regulations, Company policies and procedures and other complaints that require the attention of senior management and those charged with governance. During the third quarter of 2018, management completed the implementation of such enhancements and the new controls and procedures were placed in operation. Management evaluated these new controls and procedures and determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2018.
We could incur future goodwill impairment.
If our estimates of the fair value of our goodwill change as a result of changes in our business or other factors, we may determine a goodwill impairment charge is necessary. Estimates of the fair value of goodwill are determined using several factors and assumptions, including, but not limited to, industry pricing multiples and estimated cash flows. Based upon Valley’s 2018 and 2017 goodwill impairment testing, the fair values of its four reporting units, wealth management, consumer lending, commercial lending, and investment management, were in excess of their carrying values. If the fair values of the four reporting units were less than their book value of the total common shareholders’ equity for an extended period of time, Valley would consider this and other factors, including the anticipated cash flows of each of the reporting units, to determine whether goodwill is impaired. No assurance can be given that we will not record an impairment loss on goodwill in the future and any such impairment loss could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. At December 31, 2018, our goodwill totaled $1.1 billion. See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
We may reduce or eliminate the cash dividend on our common stock, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Holders of our common stock are only entitled to receive such cash dividends as our Board of Directors may declare out of funds legally available for such payments. Although we have historically declared cash dividends on our common stock, we are not required to do so and may reduce or eliminate our common stock cash dividend in the future depending upon our results of operations, financial condition or other metrics. This could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Additionally, as a bank holding company, our ability to declare and pay dividends is dependent on federal regulatory policies and regulations including the supervisory policies and guidelines of the OCC and the FRB regarding capital adequacy and dividends. Among other things, consultation of the FRB supervisory staff is required in advance of our declaration or payment of a dividend that exceeds our earnings for a four-quarter period in which the dividend is being paid.
If our subsidiaries are unable to make dividends and distributions to us, we may be unable to make dividend payments to our preferred and common shareholders or interest payments on our long-term borrowings and junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts.
We are a separate and distinct legal entity from our banking and non-banking subsidiaries and depend on dividends, distributions, and other payments from the Bank and its non-banking subsidiaries to fund cash dividend payments on our preferred and common stock and to fund most payments on our other obligations. Regulations relating to capital requirements affect the ability of the Bank to pay dividends and other distributions to us and to make loans to us. Additionally, if our subsidiaries’ earnings are not sufficient to make dividend payments to us while maintaining adequate capital levels, we may not be able to make dividend payments to our preferred and common shareholders or interest payments on our long-term borrowings and junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts. Furthermore, our right to participate in a distribution of assets upon a subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization is subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors.
Extensive regulation and supervision have a negative impact on our ability to compete in a cost-effective manner and may subject us to material compliance costs and penalties.
Valley, primarily through its principal subsidiary and certain non-bank subsidiaries, is subject to extensive federal and state regulation and supervision. Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors’ funds, federal deposit insurance funds

212018 Form 10-K




and the banking system as a whole. Many laws and regulations affect Valley’s lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy and growth, among other things. They encourage Valley to ensure a satisfactory level of lending in defined areas and establish and maintain comprehensive programs relating to anti-money laundering and customer identification. Congress, state legislatures, and federal and state regulatory agencies continually review banking laws, regulations and policies for possible changes. Changes to statutes, regulations or regulatory policies, including changes in interpretation or implementation of statutes, regulations or policies, could affect Valley in substantial and unpredictable ways. Such changes could subject Valley to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products it may offer and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things. Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties and/or reputation damage, which could have a material adverse effect on Valley’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Valley’s compliance with certain of these laws will be considered by banking regulators when reviewing bank merger and bank holding company acquisitions.
We are subject to numerous laws designed to protect consumers, including the Community Reinvestment Act and fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to a wide variety of sanctions.
The Community Reinvestment Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act and other fair lending laws and regulations impose community investment and nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Department of Justice and other federal agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. A successful regulatory challenge to an institution’s performance under the Community Reinvestment Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act or other fair lending laws and regulations could result in a wide variety of sanctions, including damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, restrictions on mergers and acquisitions, restrictions on expansion and restrictions on entering new business lines. Private parties also may challenge an institution’s performance under fair lending laws in litigation. Such actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Future acquisitions may dilute shareholder value, especially tangible book value per share.
We regularly evaluate opportunities to acquire other financial institutions. As a result, merger and acquisition discussions and, in some cases, negotiations may take place and future mergers or acquisitions involving cash, debt, or equity securities may occur at any time. Acquisitions typically involve the payment of a premium over book and market values, and, therefore, some dilution of our tangible book value per common share may occur in connection with any future acquisitions.
Future offerings of common stock, preferred stock, debt or other securities may adversely affect the market price of our stock and dilute the holdings of existing shareholders.
In the future, we may increase our capital resources or, if our or the Bank’s actual or projected capital ratios fall below or near the current (Basel III) regulatory required minimums, we or the Bank could be forced to raise additional capital by making additional offerings of common stock, preferred stock or debt securities. Additional equity offerings may dilute the holdings of our existing shareholders or reduce the market price of our common stock, or both. Holders of our common stock are not entitled to preemptive rights or other protections against dilution. Upon liquidation, holders of our debt securities and shares of preferred stock, and lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive distributions of our available assets prior to the holders of our common stock. In December 2016, Valley issued 9.24 million shares of common stock and used the proceeds for growth in the Bank’s loan portfolio, as well as other general corporate purposes. In August 2017, Valley issued 4.0 million shares of non-cumulative perpetual stock with a dividend at issuance of 5.50 percent and a liquidation preference of $25 per share. See Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements for more details on our common and preferred stock.
Changes in accounting policies or accounting standards could cause us to change the manner in which we report our financial results and condition in adverse ways and could subject us to additional costs and expenses.
Valley’s accounting policies are fundamental to understanding its financial results and condition. Some of these policies require the use of estimates and assumptions that may affect the value of Valley’s assets or liabilities and financial results. Valley identified its accounting policies regarding the allowance for loan losses, purchased credit-impaired loans, goodwill and other intangible assets, and income taxes to be critical because they require management to make difficult, subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. Under each of these policies, it is possible that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions, using different assumptions, or as new information becomes available.
From time to time, the FASB and the SEC change their guidance governing the form and content of Valley’s external financial statements. In addition, accounting standard setters and those who interpret U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP), such as the FASB, SEC, banking regulators and Valley’s independent registered public accounting firm, may change or even reverse their previous interpretations or positions on how these standards should be applied. Such changes are expected to continue and may accelerate dependent upon the FASB and International Accounting Standards Board commitments to achieving convergence between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. Changes in U.S. GAAP and changes in current

2018 Form 10-K22




interpretations are beyond Valley’s control, can be hard to predict and could materially impact how Valley reports its financial results and condition. In certain cases, Valley could be required to apply new or revised guidance retroactively or apply existing guidance differently (also retroactively) which may result in Valley restating prior period financial statements for material amounts. Additionally, significant changes to U.S. GAAP may require costly technology changes, additional training and personnel, and other expenses that will negatively impact our results of operations.
We may be unable to adequately manage our liquidity risk, which could affect our ability to meet our obligations as they become due, capitalize on growth opportunities, or pay regular dividends on our common stock.
Liquidity risk is the potential that Valley will be unable to meet its obligations as they come due, capitalize on growth opportunities as they arise, or pay regular dividends on our common stock because of an inability to liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding on a timely basis, at a reasonable cost and within acceptable risk tolerances.
Liquidity is required to fund various obligations, including credit commitments to borrowers, mortgage and other loan originations, withdrawals by depositors, repayment of borrowings, dividends to shareholders, operating expenses and capital expenditures. Liquidity is derived primarily from retail deposit growth and retention; principal and interest payments on loans; principal and interest payments on investment securities; sale, maturity and prepayment of investment securities; net cash provided from operations; and access to other funding sources, such as the FHLB and certain brokered deposit channels established by the Bank.
Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry in general. Factors that could have a detrimental impact to our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity due to persistent weakness, or downturn, in the economy or adverse regulatory action against us. Our ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are not necessarily specific to us, such as a severe disruption of the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry as a whole.
Our market share and income may be adversely affected by our inability to successfully compete against larger and more diverse financial service providers and digital fintech start-up firms.
Valley faces substantial competition in all areas of its operations from a variety of different competitors, many of which are larger and may have more financial resources than Valley to deal with the potential negative changes in the financial markets and regulatory landscape. Valley competes with other providers of financial services such as commercial and savings banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, money market and mutual funds, mortgage companies, title agencies, asset managers, insurance companies, and a large list of other local, regional and national institutions which offer financial services. Additionally, the financial services industry is facing a wave of digital disruption from fintech companies that provide innovative web-based solutions to traditional retail banking services and products. Fintech companies tend to have stronger operating efficiencies and fewer regulatory burdens than their traditional bank counterparts, including Valley.
Mergers and acquisitions of financial institutions within New Jersey, the New York Metropolitan area and Florida may also occur given the current difficult banking environment and add more competitive pressure to a substantial portion of our marketplace. Our profitability depends upon our continued ability to successfully compete in our market area. If Valley is unable to compete effectively, it may lose market share and its income generated from loans, deposits, and other financial products may decline.
Our ability to make opportunistic acquisitions is subject to significant risks, including the risk that regulators will not provide the requisite approvals.
We may make opportunistic whole or partial acquisitions of other banks, branches, financial institutions, or related businesses from time to time that we expect may further our business strategy. Any possible acquisition will be subject to regulatory approval, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain such approval in a timely manner or at all. Even if we obtain regulatory approval, these acquisitions could involve numerous risks, including lower than expected performance or higher than expected costs, difficulties related to integration, diversion of management's attention from other business activities, changes in relationships with customers, and the potential loss of key employees. In addition, we may not be successful in identifying acquisition candidates, integrating acquired institutions, or preventing deposit erosion or loan quality deterioration at acquired institutions. Competition for acquisitions can be highly competitive, and we may not be able to acquire other institutions on attractive terms. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in completing or will even pursue future acquisitions, or if such transactions are completed, that we will be successful in integrating acquired businesses into operations. Ability to grow may be limited if we choose not to pursue or are unable to successfully make acquisitions in the future.

232018 Form 10-K




Failure to successfully implement our growth strategies could cause us to incur substantial costs and expenses which may not be recouped and adversely affect our future profitability.
From time to time, Valley may implement new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets are not fully developed. Valley may invest significant time and resources to develop and market new lines of business and/or products and services. Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and/or new products or services may not be achieved, and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible. External factors, such as compliance with regulations, competitive alternatives, and shifting customer preferences, may also impact the successful implementation of a new line of business or a new product or service. Additionally, any new line of business and/or new product or service could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of Valley’s system of internal controls. Failure to successfully manage these risks could have a material adverse effect on Valley’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
We may not keep pace with technological change within the financial services industry, negatively affecting our ability to remain competitive and profitable.
The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers and to reduce costs. Valley’s future success depends, in part, upon its ability to address the needs of its customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in Valley’s operations. Many of Valley’s competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. Valley may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to its customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could have a material adverse impact on Valley’s business and, in turn, Valley’s financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on our systems employeesof controls and certain service providers,procedures, and if our system fails, our operations could be disrupted.
We face the risk that the design of our controls and procedures, including those to mitigate the risk of fraud by employees or outsiders, may prove to be inadequate or are circumvented, thereby causing delays in detection of errors or inaccuracies in data and information. We regularly review and update our internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of our controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We may also be subject to disruptions of our systems arising from events that are wholly or partially beyond our control (including, for example, electrical or telecommunications outages), which may give rise to losses in service to customers and to financial loss or liability. We are further exposed to the risk that our external vendors may be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations (or will be subject to the same risk of fraud or operational errors by their respective employees as us) and to the risk that our (or our vendors’) business continuity and data security systems prove to be inadequate. We maintain a system of comprehensive policies and a control framework designed to monitor vendor risks including, among other things, (i) changes in the vendor’s organizational structure or internal controls, (ii) changes in the vendor’s financial condition, (iii) changes in the vendor’s support for existing products and services and (iv) changes in the vendor’s strategic focus. While we believe these policies and procedures help to mitigate risk, the failure of an external vendor to perform in accordance with the contracted arrangements under service level agreements could be disruptive to our operations, which could have a material adverse impact on our business and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations.
WeOur financial results and condition may not be able to attractadversely impacted by changing economic conditions.
Financial institutions can be affected by changing conditions in the real estate and retain skilled people.
Our success depends,financial markets. Weak economic conditions could result in large part,financial stress on our ability to attractborrowers that would adversely affect our financial condition and retain key people. Competition forresults of operations. Volatility in the best peoplehousing markets, real estate values and unemployment levels could result in most activitiessignificant write-downs of asset values by financial institutions. The majority of Valley’s lending is in which we engage can be intensenorthern and we may not be able to hire people or to retain them. The unexpected loss of services of one or more of our key personnel, including, but not limited to,central New Jersey, the executive officers disclosed in Item 1New York City metropolitan area, Florida and Alabama. As a result of this Annual Report,geographic concentration, a significant broad-based deterioration in economic conditions in these areas could have a material adverse impact on the quality of Valley’s loan
2020 Form 10-K26


portfolio, results of operations and future growth potential. Adverse economic conditions in our market areas can reduce our rate of growth, affect our customers’ ability to repay loans and adversely impact our financial condition and earnings. General economic conditions, including inflation, unemployment and money supply fluctuations, also may adversely affect our profitability.
Our business, because we would losefinancial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by the employees’ skills, knowledgeoutbreak of the market, and years of industry experience and may have difficulty promptly finding qualified replacement personnel.
Severe weather,pandemic disease, acts of terrorism, and other external eventsevents.
The emergence of widespread health emergencies or pandemics, such as COVID-19, could significantly impact our abilitylead to conduct our business.
A significant portion of our primary markets is located near coastal waters which could generate naturally occurring severe weather, or in responseadditional quarantines, business shutdowns, labor shortages, disruptions to climate change, that could have a significant impact on our ability to conduct business. Many areas in New Jersey, New York, Floridasupply chains, and Alabama in which our branches operate are subject to severe flooding from time to time and significant weather related disruptions may become common events in the future. Heavy storms and hurricanes can also cause

2018 Form 10-K24




severe property damage and result in business closures, negatively impacting both the financial health of retail and commercial customers and our ability to operate our business. The risk of significant disruption and potential losses from future storm activity exists in all of our primary markets.
overall economic instability. Additionally, New York City and New Jersey remain central targets for potential acts of terrorism against the United States. Such events could affect the stability of our deposit base, impair the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, result in loss of revenue and/or cause us to incur additional expenses. Although we have established and regularly test disaster recovery policies and procedures, the occurrence of any such event in the future could have a material adverse effect on our business, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We areOur ability to make opportunistic acquisitions is subject to environmentalsignificant risks, including the risk that regulators will not provide the requisite approvals.
We may make opportunistic whole or partial acquisitions of other banks, branches, financial institutions, or related businesses from time to time that we expect may further our business strategy. Any possible acquisition will be subject to regulatory approval, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain such approval in a timely manner or at all. Even if we obtain regulatory approval, these acquisitions could involve numerous risks, including lower than expected performance or higher than expected costs, difficulties related to integration, diversion of management's attention from other business activities, changes in relationships with customers, and the potential loss of key employees. In addition, we may not be successful in identifying acquisition candidates, integrating acquired institutions, or preventing deposit erosion or loan quality deterioration at acquired institutions. Competition for acquisitions can be intense, and we may not be able to acquire other institutions on attractive terms. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in completing or will even pursue future acquisitions, or if such transactions are completed, that we will be successful in integrating acquired businesses into operations. Ability to grow may be limited if we choose not to pursue or are unable to successfully make acquisitions in the future.
The future impact of changes to the Internal Revenue Code is uncertain and may adversely affect our business.
The U.S. Congress passed significant reform of the Internal Revenue Code, known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (Tax Act) at the end of 2017. While the decline in the federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent lowered Valley’s income tax expense as a percentage of its taxable income in 2018 and subsequent years, other provisions of the Tax Act negatively impacted Valley's consolidated financial statements and it may adversely affect Valley in the future. For example, under the provisions of the Tax Act, the $3.3 million and $2.5 million of the Bank's total FDIC insurance assessment for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, was non-tax deductible based upon the asset size of the Bank. If Valley's total assets were to exceed $50 billion at any year-end, its entire FDIC insurance assessment would be non-tax deductible in that fiscal year. The future impact of the Tax Act or subsequent amendments to the tax rates and laws on our business may be adverse.
The new Biden presidential administration has indicated an intention to increase corporate taxes which would reduce our net income.
Our adoption of the CECL model for determining our allowance for credit losses has added volatility, could add additional volatility, to our provision for credit losses and earnings.
Effective January 1, 2020, Valley adopted the FASB's new accounting guidance on the impairment of financial instruments, commonly known as the current expected credit loss (CECL) model. The CECL model requires the allowance for credit losses for certain financial assets, including loans, held to maturity securities and certain off-balance sheet credit exposures, to be calculated based on current expected credit losses over the lives of the assets rather than incurred losses as of a point in time.
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. Changes in such estimates could significantly impact our allowance and provision for credit losses. Accordingly, our actual allowance for credit losses may be materially different than the amounts reported due to the inherent uncertainty in the estimation process, including future loss estimates based upon our reasonable and supportable economic forecasts. Also, future amount could differ materially from
272020 Form 10-K


those estimates due to changes in values and circumstances after the balance sheet date. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the impact of the adoption of the CECL model.
We may be unable to adequately manage our liquidity risk, which could affect our ability to meet our obligations as they become due, capitalize on growth opportunities, or pay regular dividends on our common stock.
Liquidity risk is the potential that Valley will be unable to meet its obligations as they come due, capitalize on growth opportunities as they arise, or pay regular dividends on our common stock because of an inability to liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding on a timely basis, at a reasonable cost and within acceptable risk tolerances. Liquidity is required to fund various obligations, including credit commitments to borrowers, mortgage and other loan originations, withdrawals by depositors, repayment of borrowings, dividends to shareholders, operating expenses and capital expenditures. Liquidity is derived primarily from retail deposit growth and retention; principal and interest payments on loans; principal and interest payments on investment securities; sale, maturity and prepayment of investment securities; net cash provided from operations; and access to other funding sources, such as the FHLB and certain brokered deposit channels established by the Bank.
Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry in general. Factors that could have a detrimental impact to our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity due to persistent weakness, or downturn, in the economy or adverse regulatory action against us. Our ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are not necessarily specific to us, such as a severe disruption of the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry as a whole.
Cyber-attacks could compromise our information or result in the data of our customers being improperly divulged, which could expose us to liability, losses and escalating operating costs.
Valley regularly collects, processes, transmits and stores confidential information regarding its customers, employees and others for whom it services loans. In some cases, this confidential or proprietary information is collected, compiled, processed, transmitted or stored by third parties on Valley’s behalf. Information security risks have increased because of the proliferation of new technologies and the increased sophistication and activities of perpetrators of cyber-attacks. Many financial institutions and companies engaged in data processing have reported significant breaches in the security of their websites or other systems, some of which have involved sophisticated and targeted attacks intended to obtain unauthorized access to confidential information, destroy data, denial-of-service, or sabotage systems, often through the introduction of computer viruses or malware, cyber-attacks and other means. Although Valley frequently experiences attempted cybersecurity attacks against its systems, to date, none of these incidents have resulted in material losses, known breaches of customer data or significant disruption of services to Valley’s customers. However, there can be no assurance that Valley will not incur such issues in the future, exposing us to significant on-going operational costs and reputational harm.
Additionally, risk exposure to cyber security matters will remain elevated or increase in the future due to, among other things, the increasing size and prominence of Valley in the financial services industry, our expansion of Internet and mobile banking tools and products based on customer needs, and the system and customer account conversions associated with the integration of merger targets.
In managing our cyber risks, when entering a new vendor relationship, we review and gauge the cyber security risk of such third-party service providers. A successful attack on one of our third-party service providers could adversely affect our business and result in the disclosure or misuse of our confidential information.
While we believe we are taking reasonable, risk-based precautions to manage the risk of cyber-attacks against third-party service providers, there can be no assurance that our third-party service providers will not suffer a cyber-attack that exposes us to significant operational costs and damages. While we believe we have risk based technology reasonably capable of discovering cyber-attacks, and personnel who are qualified to monitor our technology and systems to detect cyber-attacks, we can offer no assurance that we will be able to identify and prevent cyber-attacks when they occur. Significant damage may occur if Valley fails to identify, or there is a delay in identifying, a cyber-attack on our systems, or those of our third-party service providers.
Extensive regulation and supervision have a negative impact on our ability to compete in a cost-effective manner and may subject us to material compliance costs and penalties.
Valley, primarily through its principal subsidiary and certain non-bank subsidiaries, is subject to extensive federal and state regulation and supervision. Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors’ funds, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole. Many laws and regulations affect Valley’s lending activitiespractices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy and growth, among other things. They encourage Valley to ensure a satisfactory level of lending in defined areas and establish and maintain comprehensive programs relating to anti-money laundering and
2020 Form 10-K28


customer identification. Congress, state legislatures, and federal and state regulatory agencies continually review banking laws, regulations and policies for possible changes. Changes to statutes, regulations or regulatory policies, including changes in interpretation or implementation of statutes, regulations or policies, could affect Valley in substantial and unpredictable ways. Such changes could subject Valley to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products it may offer and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things. Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties and/or reputation damage, which could have a material adverse effect on ourValley’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Valley’s compliance with certain of these laws will be considered by banking regulators when reviewing bank merger and bank holding company acquisitions.
We are subject to numerous laws designed to protect consumers, including the Community Reinvestment Act and fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to a wide variety of sanctions.
The Community Reinvestment Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act and other fair lending laws and regulations impose community investment and nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Department of Justice and other federal agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. A significant portionsuccessful regulatory challenge to an institution’s performance under the Community Reinvestment Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act or other fair lending laws and regulations could result in a wide variety of our loan portfolio is secured by real property. During the ordinary course ofsanctions, including damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, restrictions on mergers and acquisitions, restrictions on expansion and restrictions on entering new business welines. Private parties also may foreclose on and take title to properties securing certain loans. In doing so, there is a risk that hazardous or toxic substances could be found on these properties. If hazardous or toxic substances are found, we may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage. Environmentalchallenge an institution’s performance under fair lending laws may require us to incur substantial expenses and may materially reduce the affected property’s value or limit our ability to use or sell the affected property. In addition, future laws or more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws may increase our exposure to environmental liability. Although we have policies and procedures to perform an environmental review prior to originating certain commercial real estate loans, as well as before initiating any foreclosure action on real property, these reviews may not be sufficient to detect all potential environmental hazards. The remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazardin litigation. Such actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may incur future lossesChanges in connection with repurchases and indemnification payments related to mortgages that we have sold into the secondary market.
We engage in the origination of residential mortgages for sale into the secondary market, while typically retaining the loan servicing. In connection with such sales, we make representations and warranties, which, if breached, may requireaccounting policies or accounting standards could cause us to repurchase such loans, substitute other loans or indemnifychange the purchasers of such loans for actual losses incurredmanner in respect of such loans. The aggregate principal balances of residential mortgage loans serviced by the Bank for others approximated $3.2 billion and $2.8 billion at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Over the past several years,which we have experienced a nominal amount of repurchase requests, and only a few of which have actually resulted in repurchases by Valley (only five and two loan repurchases in 2018 and 2017, respectively). None of the loan repurchases resulted in material loss. As of December 31, 2018, no reserves pertaining to loans sold were established onreport our financial statements. While we currently believe our repurchase risk remains low based upon our careful loan underwritingresults and documentation standards,condition in adverse ways and could subject us to additional costs and expenses.
Valley’s accounting policies are fundamental to understanding its financial results and condition. Some of these policies require the use of estimates and assumptions that may affect the value of Valley’s assets or liabilities and financial results. Valley identified its accounting policies regarding the allowance for credit losses, goodwill and other intangible assets, and income taxes to be critical because they require management to make difficult, subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. Under each of these policies, it is possible that requestsmaterially different amounts would be reported under different conditions, using different assumptions, or as new information becomes available.
From time to repurchase loanstime, the FASB and the SEC change their guidance governing the form and content of Valley’s external financial statements. In addition, accounting standard setters and those who interpret U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP), such as the FASB, SEC, banking regulators and Valley’s independent registered public accounting firm, may change or even reverse their previous interpretations or positions on how these standards should be applied. Such changes are expected to continue and may accelerate dependent upon the FASB and International Accounting Standards Board commitments to achieving convergence between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. Changes in U.S. GAAP and changes in current interpretations are beyond Valley’s control, can be hard to predict and could occurmaterially impact how Valley reports its financial results and condition. In certain cases, Valley could be required to apply new or revised guidance retroactively or apply existing guidance differently (also retroactively) which may result in the futureValley restating prior period financial statements for material amounts. Additionally, significant changes to U.S. GAAP may require costly technology changes, additional training and such requests may have a negative financialpersonnel, and other expenses that will negatively impact on us.
Possible replacement of the LIBOR benchmark interest rate may have an impact on Valley’s business, financial condition orour results of operations.
On July 27, 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), a regulator of financial services firmsClaims and litigation could result in the United Kingdom, announced that it intendssignificant expenses, losses and damage to stop persuading or compelling banksour reputation.
From time to submit LIBOR rates after 2021. The FCA and the submitting LIBOR banks have indicated they will support the LIBOR indices through 2021 to allow for an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate. In the United States, efforts to identify a set of alternative U.S. dollar reference interest rates include proposals by the Alternative Reference Rates Committee of the Federal Reserve Board. Other financial services regulators and industry groups are evaluating the possible phase-out of LIBOR and the development of alternate reference rate indices or reference rates. Manytime as part of Valley’s assetsnormal course of business, customers, bankruptcy trustees, former customers, contractual counterparties, third parties and liabilities are indexed to LIBOR. We are evaluating the potential impactcurrent and former employees make claims and take legal action against Valley based on actions or inactions of the possible replacement of the LIBOR benchmark interest rate, butValley. If such claims and legal actions are not ableresolved in a manner favorable to predict whether LIBOR will cease to be available after 2021, whetherValley, they may result in financial liability and/or adversely affect the alternative rates the Federal Reserve Board proposes to publish will become market benchmarks in placeperception of LIBOR, or what theValley and its products and services. This may also impact of suchcustomer demand for Valley’s products and services. Any financial liability could have a transition will havematerial adverse effect on Valley’s business, financial condition orand results of operations. Any reputation damage could have a material adverse effect on Valley’s business.

Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments
None.


252920182020 Form 10-K





Risks Related to an Investment in our Securities

We may reduce or eliminate the cash dividend on our common stock, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Holders of our common stock are only entitled to receive such cash dividends as our Board of Directors may declare out of funds legally available for such payments. Although we have historically declared cash dividends on our common stock, we are not required to do so and may reduce or eliminate our common stock cash dividend in the future depending upon our results of operations, financial condition or other metrics. This reduction or elimination of our dividend could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
If our subsidiaries are unable to pay dividends or make distributions to us, we may be unable to make dividend payments to our preferred and common shareholders or interest payments on our long-term borrowings and junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts.
We are a separate and distinct legal entity from our banking and non-banking subsidiaries and depend on dividends, distributions, and other payments from the Bank and its non-banking subsidiaries to fund cash dividend payments on our preferred and common stock and to fund most payments on our other obligations. Regulations relating to capital requirements affect the ability of the Bank to pay dividends and other distributions to us and to make loans to us. Additionally, if our subsidiaries’ earnings are not sufficient to make dividend payments to us while maintaining adequate capital levels, we may not be able to make dividend payments to our preferred and common shareholders or interest payments on our long-term borrowings and junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts. Furthermore, our right to participate in a distribution of assets upon a subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization is subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors.
Future acquisitions may dilute shareholder value, especially tangible book value per share.
We regularly evaluate opportunities to acquire other financial institutions. As a result, merger and acquisition discussions and, in some cases, negotiations may take place and future mergers or acquisitions involving cash, debt, or equity securities may occur at any time. Acquisitions typically involve the payment of a premium over book and market values, and, therefore, some dilution of our tangible book value per common share may occur in connection with any future acquisitions.
Future offerings of common stock, preferred stock, debt or other securities may adversely affect the market price of our stock and dilute the holdings of existing shareholders.
In the future, we may increase our capital resources or, if our or the Bank’s actual or projected capital ratios fall below or near the current (Basel III) regulatory required minimums, we or the Bank could be forced to raise additional capital by making additional offerings of common stock, preferred stock or debt securities. Additional equity offerings may dilute the holdings of our existing shareholders or reduce the market price of our common stock, or both. Holders of our common stock are not entitled to preemptive rights or other protections against dilution. Upon liquidation, holders of our debt securities and shares of preferred stock, and lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive distributions of our available assets prior to the holders of our common stock. See Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements for more details on our common and preferred stock.

Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
2020 Form 10-K30



Item 2.Properties
We conduct our business at 220 226 retail banking centers locations in northern and central New Jersey, the New York City boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, Long Island, Florida and Alabama. We own 12098 of our banking center facilities and several non-branch operating facilities. The other properties are leased for various terms.

The following table summarizes our retail banking centers in each state:
Number of banking centers% of Total
New Jersey
Northern10646.9 
Central2511.1 
Total New Jersey13158.0 
New York
Manhattan125.3 
Long Island125.3 
Brooklyn94.0 
Queens52.2 
Total New York3816.8 
Florida4118.1 
Alabama167.1 
Total226100.0 %
 Number of banking centers % of Total
New Jersey   
Northern99
 45.0
Central25
 11.4
Total New Jersey124
 56.4
New York   
Manhattan12
 5.5
Long Island12
 5.5
Brooklyn9
 4.1
Queens5
 2.3
Total New York38
 17.3
Florida43
 19.5
Alabama15
 6.8
Total220
 100.0%
    

Our principal businessexecutive office is located at 1455 Valley Road, Wayne, New Jersey. Including our principal business office, we own five office buildings in Wayne, New Jersey and one building in Chestnut Ridge, New York, which are used for various operations of Valley National Bank and its subsidiaries. Our New York City corporate headquarters are located at One Penn Plaza in Manhattan, andNew York. Many of our bank operations are located in Wayne, New Jersey, where we own five office buildings. Our New York City corporate headquarters are primarily used as a central hub for New York based lending activities of senior executives and other commercial lenders. We also lease six non-bank office facilities in Florida, used for operational, executive and lending purposes.
On JanuaryDecember 1, 2018,2019, the acquisition of USABOritani added 1426 banking centers mostly located in Florida, mostly in the Tampa Bay area, and 15 banking centers in the Birmingham, Montgomery and Tallapoosa areas of Alabama.
northern New Jersey. During the second half of 2018, Valley embarked on a new strategy to overhaul its retail network. The Bank is striving to create a branch infrastructure that is more reflective of current and future activity within our target markets. During 2018, we identified several branches within New Jersey and New York that did not meet certain internal performance measures. Of those identified,2020, we closed 7and consolidated 11 of the 26 acquired branches into nearby legacy Valley branches. See the "Executive Summary" section of Item 7. MD&A for details on other planned changes to our branch network in 2018 and closed or will close 13 additional branches during the first quarter of 2019.2021.
The total net book value of our premises and equipment (including land, buildings, leasehold improvements and furniture and equipment) was $341.6$319.8 million at December 31, 2018.2020. We believe that all of our properties and equipment are well maintained, in good operating condition and adequate for all of our present and anticipated needs.
During February 2019, we entered into an agreement for the sale-leaseback of 29 of our currently owned properties. The transaction is expected to close in the first or second quarter of 2019, and is subject to change or termination due to buyer due diligence on the identified properties. See the "Recent Event" section of the MD&A and Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements for more information.

Item 3.Legal Proceedings
In the normal course of business, we may be a party to various outstanding legal proceedings and claims. In the opinion of management, our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity should not be materially affected by the outcome of such legal proceedings and claims. See Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.

2018312020 Form 10-K26








PART II
 
Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “VLY”. There were 7,3307,638 shareholders of record as of December 31, 2018.2020.


Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative total return on a hypothetical $100 investment made on December 31, 20132015 in: (a) Valley’s common stock; (b) the KBW Regional Banking Index (KRX) and (c) the Standard and Poor’s (S&P) 500 Stock Index. The graph is calculated assuming that all dividends are reinvested during the relevant periods. The graph shows how a $100 investment would increase or decrease in value over time based on dividends (stock or cash) and increases or decreases in the market price of the stock.


chart-70018cc62891f550374a01.jpgvly-20201231_g2.jpg

12/1512/1612/1712/1812/1912/20
Valley$100.00 $123.55 $123.65 $101.66 $136.48 $122.76 
KBW Regional Banking Index (KRX)100.00 139.12 141.63 116.86 144.76 132.18 
S&P 500100.00 111.95 136.38 130.39 171.44 202.96 


12/1312/1412/1512/1612/1712/18
Valley$100.00
$100.30
$106.44
$131.50
$131.61
$108.20
KBW Regional Banking Index (KRX)100.00
102.43
108.56
151.04
153.77
126.88
S&P 500100.00
113.68
115.24
129.02
157.17
150.27


Issuer Repurchase of Equity Securities
The following table presents the purchases of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers during the three months ended December 31, 2018:2020:
Period
Total Number of
Shares Purchased (1)
 
Average Price
Paid Per
Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans(2)
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased
      Under the Plans (2)
October 1, 2018 to October 31, 20181,821
 $10.56
 
 4,112,465
November 1, 2018 to November 30, 201841,478
 10.02
 
 4,112,465
December 1, 2018 to December 31, 201862,839
 9.32
 
 4,112,465
Total106,138
   
  
Period
Total Number of
Shares Purchased (1)
Average Price
Paid Per
Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans(2)
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased
      Under the Plans (2)
October 1, 2020 to October 31, 20202,322 $6.85 — 4,112,465 
November 1, 2020 to November 30, 20209,571 7.71 — 4,112,465 
December 1, 2020 to December 31, 202031,301 9.98 — 4,112,465 
Total43,194 — 
(1)
Represents repurchases made in connection with the vesting of employee stock awards.

(1)Represents repurchases made in connection with the vesting of employee stock awards.
2720182020 Form 10-K32





(2)On January 17, 2007, Valley publicly announced its intention to repurchase up to 4.7 million outstanding common shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The repurchase plan has no stated expiration date. No repurchase plans or programs expired or terminated during the three months ended December 31, 2020.

(2)
On January 17, 2007, Valley publicly announced its intention to repurchase up to 4.7 million outstanding common shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The repurchase plan has no stated expiration date. No repurchase plans or programs expired or terminated during the three months ended December 31, 2018.

Equity Compensation Plan Information
The information set forth in Item 12 of Part III of this Annual Report under the heading “Equity Compensation Plan Information” is incorporated by reference herein.

2018 Form 10-KItem 6.28Selected Financial Data

Not applicable.




Item 6.Selected Financial Data
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with Valley’s consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto presented herein in response to Item 8 of this Annual Report.
 As of or for the Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
 ($ in thousands, except for share data)
Summary of Operations:         
Interest income—tax equivalent basis (1) 
$1,164,967
 $842,457
 $770,270
 $705,879
 $642,334
Interest expense302,045
 174,107
 148,774
 156,754
 161,846
Net interest income—tax equivalent basis (1)
862,922
 668,350
 621,496
 549,125
 480,488
Less: tax equivalent adjustment5,719
 8,303
 8,382
 7,866
 7,933
Net interest income857,203
 660,047
 613,114
 541,259
 472,555
Provision for credit losses32,501
 9,942
 11,869
 8,101
 1,884
Net interest income after provisions for credit losses824,702
 650,105
 601,245
 533,158
 470,671
Non-interest income:         
(Losses) gains on securities transactions, net(2,342) (20) 777
 2,487
 745
Gains on sales of loans, net20,515
 20,814
 22,030
 4,245
 1,731
(Losses) gains on sales of assets, net(2,402) (95) 1,358
 2,776
 18,087
Other non-interest income118,281
 91,007
 84,095
 83,304
 59,255
Total non-interest income134,052
 111,706
 108,260
 92,812
 79,818
Non-interest expense:         
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
 315
 51,129
 10,132
Amortization of tax credit investments24,200
 41,747
 34,744
 27,312
 24,196
Other non-interest expense604,861
 467,326
 441,066
 420,634
 368,927
Total non-interest expense629,061
 509,073
 476,125
 499,075
 403,255
Income before income taxes329,693
 252,738
 233,380
 126,895
 147,234
Income tax expense68,265
 90,831
 65,234
 23,938
 31,062
Net income261,428
 161,907
 168,146
 102,957
 116,172
Dividends on preferred stock12,688
 9,449
 7,188
 3,813
 
Net income available to common shareholders$248,740
 $152,458
 $160,958
 $99,144
 $116,172
Per Common Share:         
Earnings per share:         
Basic$0.75
 $0.58
 $0.63
 $0.42
 $0.56
Diluted0.75
 0.58
 0.63
 0.42
 0.56
Dividends declared0.44
 0.44
 0.44
 0.44
 0.44
Book value9.48
 8.79
 8.59
 8.26
 8.03
Tangible book value (2)
5.97
 6.01
 5.80
 5.36
 $5.38
Weighted average shares outstanding:         
Basic331,258,964
 264,038,123
 254,841,571
 234,405,909
 205,716,293
Diluted332,693,718
 264,889,007
 255,268,336
 234,437,000
 205,716,293
Ratios:         
Return on average assets0.86% 0.69% 0.76% 0.53% 0.69%
Return on average shareholders’ equity7.91
 6.55
 7.46
 5.26
 7.18
Return on average tangible shareholders’ equity (3)
12.21
 9.32
 11.07
 7.66
 10.26
Average shareholders’ equity to average assets10.93
 10.53
 10.08
 10.08
 9.62
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (4)
6.45
 6.83
 6.91
 6.52
 6.87
Efficiency ratio (5)
63.46
 65.96
 66.00
 78.71
 73.00
Dividend payout58.67
 75.86
 69.80
 105.00
 78.40
Tier 1 leverage capital (6)
7.57
 8.03
 7.74
 7.90
 7.46
Common equity Tier 1 capital (6)
8.43
 9.22
 9.27
 9.01
 N/A
Tier 1 risk-based capital (6)
9.30
 10.41
 9.90
 9.72
 9.73
Total risk-based capital (6)
11.34
 12.61
 12.15
 12.02
 11.42
Financial Condition:         
Assets$31,863,088
 $24,002,306
 $22,864,439
 $21,612,616
 $18,792,491
Net loans24,883,610
 18,210,724
 17,121,684
 15,936,929
 13,371,560
Deposits24,452,974
 18,153,462
 17,730,708
 16,253,551
 14,034,116
Shareholders’ equity3,350,454
 2,533,165
 2,377,156
 2,207,091
 1,863,017
See Notes to the Selected Financial Data that follow.

292018 Form 10-K




Notes to Selected Financial Data
(1)
In this report a number of amounts related to net interest income and net interest margin are presented on a tax equivalent basis using a federal tax rate of 21 percent for 2018 and 35 percent for 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014.  Valley believes that this presentation provides comparability of net interest income and net interest margin arising from both taxable and tax-exempt sources and is consistent with industry practice and SEC rules.
(2)
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains supplemental financial information which has been determined by methods other than U.S. GAAP that management uses in its analysis of our performance. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide information useful to investors in understanding our underlying operational performance, our business and performance trends, and facilitates comparisons with the performance of others in the financial services industry. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for or superior to financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Tangible book value per common share, which is a non-GAAP measure, is computed by dividing shareholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets by common shares outstanding as follows:
 At December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
 ($ in thousands, except for share data)
Common shares outstanding331,431,217
 264,468,851
 263,638,830
 253,787,561
 232,110,975
Shareholders’ equity$3,350,454
 $2,533,165
 $2,377,156
 $2,207,091
 $1,863,017
Less: Preferred stock209,691
 209,691
 111,590
 111,590
 
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets1,161,655
 733,144
 736,121

735,221

614,667
Tangible common shareholders’ equity$1,979,108
 $1,590,330

$1,529,445

$1,360,280

$1,248,350
Tangible book value per common share$5.97
 $6.01
 $5.80
 $5.36
 $5.38

(3)
Return on average tangible shareholders’ equity, which is a non-GAAP measure, is computed by dividing net income by average shareholders’ equity less average goodwill and average other intangible assets, as follows:
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
 ($ in thousands)
Net income$261,428
 $161,907
 $168,146
 $102,957
 $116,172
Average shareholders’ equity$3,304,531
 $2,471,751
 $2,253,570
 $1,958,757
 $1,618,965
Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets1,163,397
 734,200
 734,520
 614,084
 486,769
Average tangible shareholders’ equity$2,141,134
 $1,737,551
 $1,519,050
 $1,344,673
 $1,132,196
Return on average tangible shareholders’ equity12.21% 9.32% 11.07% 7.66% 10.26%

(4)
Tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets, which is a non-GAAP measure, is computed by dividing tangible shareholders’ equity (shareholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets) by tangible assets, as follows:
 At December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
     ($ in thousands)    
Tangible common shareholders’ equity$1,979,108
 $1,590,330
 $1,529,445
 $1,360,280
 $1,248,350
Total assets$31,863,088
 $24,002,306
 $22,864,439
 $21,612,616
 $18,792,491
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets1,161,655
 733,144
 736,121
 735,221
 614,667
Tangible assets$30,701,433
 $23,269,162
 $22,128,318
 $20,877,395
 $18,177,824
Tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets6.45% 6.83% 6.91% 6.52% 6.87%

(5)
The efficiency ratio measures total non-interest expense as a percentage of net interest income plus total non-interest income.
(6)
Capital positions and ratios as of December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were calculated under Basel III rules which became effective January 1, 2015.


2018 Form 10-K30




Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The purpose of this analysis is to provide the reader with information relevant to understanding and assessing Valley’s results of operations for each of the past three years and financial condition for each of the past two years. In order to fully appreciate this analysis, the reader is encouraged to review the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes thereto appearing under Item 8 of this report, and statistical data presented in this document. For comparison of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, please refer to Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 10, 2020.
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K,report, both in the MD&A and elsewhere, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are not historical facts and include expressions about management’s confidence and strategies and management’s expectations about our business, new and existing programs and products, acquisitions, relationships, opportunities, taxation, technology, market conditions and economic expectations. These statements may be identified by such forward-looking terminology as “should,” “expect,” “believe,” “view,” “opportunity,” “allow,” “continues,” “reflects,” “typically,” “usually,” “anticipate,” or similar statements or variations of such terms. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties and our actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements in addition to those risk factors listed under the “Risk Factors” section in Part1, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K include, but are not limited to:
weakness
the impact of COVID-19 on the U.S. and global economies, including business disruptions, reductions in employment and an increase in business failures, specifically among our clients;
the impact of COVID-19 on our employees and our ability to provide services to our customers and respond to their needs as more cases of COVID-19 may arise in our primary markets;
potential judgments, claims, damages, penalties, fines and reputational damage resulting from pending or future litigation and regulatory and government actions, including as a declineresult of our participation in and execution of government programs related to the COVID-19 pandemic or as a result of our actions in response to, or failure to implement or effectively implement, federal, state and local laws, rules or executive orders requiring that we grant forbearances or not act to collect our loans;
the impact of forbearances or deferrals we are required or agree to as a result of customer requests and/or government actions, including, but not limited to our potential inability to recover fully deferred payments from the borrower or the collateral;
damage verdicts or settlements or restrictions related to existing or potential class action litigation or individual litigation arising from claims of violations of laws or regulations, contractual claims, breach of fiduciary responsibility, negligence, fraud, environmental laws, patent or trademark infringement, employment related claims, and other matters;
a prolonged downturn in the economy, mainly in New Jersey, New York, Florida and Alabama, as well as an unexpected decline in commercial real estate values within our market areas;
the inability to retain USAB’s customershigher or lower than expected income tax expense or tax rates, including increases or decreases resulting from changes in uncertain tax position liabilities, tax laws, regulations and key employees;case law;
the inability to grow customer deposits to keep pace with loan growth;
an increasea material change in our allowance for credit losses under CECL due to higher than expected loan losses within one forecasted economic conditions and/or more segments ofunexpected credit deterioration in our loan portfolio;and investment portfolios;
less than expected cost reductions and revenue enhancement from Valley's cost reduction plans, including its earnings enhancement program called "LIFT" and branch transformation strategy;the need to supplement debt or equity capital to maintain or exceed internal capital thresholds;
greater than expected technology related costs due to, among other factors, prolonged or failed implementations, additional project staffing and obsolescence caused by continuous and rapid market innovations;
332020 Form 10-K


the loss of or decrease in lower-cost funding sources within our deposit base, including our inability to achieve deposit retention targets under Valley's branch transformation strategy;
the effect of the partial U.S. Government shutdown on levels of economic activity in the markets in which we operate and on levels of end market demand in the economy in general;
cyber-attacks, computer viruses or other malware that may breach the security of our websites or other systems to obtain unauthorized access to confidential information, destroy data, disable or degrade service, or sabotage our systems;
results of examinations by the OCC,Office of the FRB,Comptroller of the CFPBCurrency (OCC), the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and other regulatory authorities, including the possibility that any such regulatory authority may, among other things, require us to increase our allowance for credit losses, write-down assets, reimburse customers, change the way we do business, or limit or eliminate certain other banking activities;
damage verdicts or settlements or restrictions related to existing or potential litigations arising from claims of breach of fiduciary responsibility, negligence, fraud, contractual claims, environmental laws, patent or trade mark infringement, employment related claims, and other matters;
changes in accounting policies or accounting standards, including the new authoritative accounting guidance (known as the current expected credit loss (CECL) model) which may increase the required level of our allowance for credit losses after adoption on January 1, 2020;
higher or lower than expected income tax expense or tax rates, including increases or decreases resulting from the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and other changes in tax laws, regulations and case law;
our inability or determination not to pay dividends at current levels, or at all, because of inadequate earnings, regulatory restrictions or limitations, changes in our capital requirements or a decision to increase capital by retaining more earnings;
unanticipated loan delinquencies, loss of collateral, decreased service revenues, and other potential negative effects on our business caused by severe weather, the COVID-19 pandemic or other external events;
unexpected significant declines in the loan portfolio due to the lack of economic expansion, increased competition, large prepayments, changes in regulatory lending guidance or other factors; and
the failure of other financial institutions with whom we have trading, clearing, counterparty and other financial relationships.


312018 Form 10-K




Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our accounting and reporting policies conform, in all material respects, to U.S. GAAP. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management has made estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated statements of financial condition and results of operations for the periods indicated. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Valley’s accounting policies are fundamental to understanding management’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations. Our significant accounting policies are presented in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. We identified our policies for the allowance for loancredit losses, purchased credit-impaired loans, goodwill and other intangible assets, and income taxes to be critical because management has to make subjective and/or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain and because it is likely that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. Management has reviewed the application of these policies with the Audit Committee of Valley’s Board of Directors.
The judgments used by management in applying the critical accounting policies discussed below may be affected by significant changes in the economic environment, which may result in changes to future financial results. Specifically, subsequent evaluations of the loan portfolio, in light of the factors then prevailing, may result in material changes in the allowance for loancredit losses in future periods, and the inability to collect on outstanding loans could result in increased loan losses.
Allowance for Credit Losses. Determining the allowance for credit losses for loans has historically been identified as a critical accounting estimate. On January 1, 2020, we adopted new accounting guidance which requires entities to estimate and recognize an allowance for lifetime expected credit losses for loans, unfunded credit commitments and held to maturity debt securities measured at amortized cost. Previously, an allowance for credit losses for loans was recognized based on probable incurred losses. See Notes 1, 4 and 5 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our accounting policies and methodologies for establishing the allowance for credit losses.
The accounting estimates relating to the allowance for credit losses is a "critical accounting estimate" for the following reasons:
Changes in the provision for credit losses can materially affect our financial results;
Estimates relating to the allowance for credit losses require us to project future borrower performance, delinquencies and charge-offs, along with, when applicable, collateral values, based on a reasonable and supportable forecast period utilizing forward-looking economic scenarios in order to estimate probability of default and loss given default;
The allowance for credit losses is influenced by factors outside of our control such as industry and business trends, geopolitical events and the effects of laws and regulations as well as economic conditions such as trends in housing prices, interest rates, gross domestic product (GDP), inflation, energy prices and unemployment; and
2020 Form 10-K34


Judgment is required to determine whether the models used to generate the allowance for credit losses produce an estimate that is sufficient to encompass the current view of lifetime expected credit losses.
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. Changes in such estimates could significantly impact our allowance and provision for credit losses. Accordingly, our actual credit loss experience may not be in line with our expectations.
Changes in Our Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans
Valley considers it difficult to quantify the impact of changes in forecast on its allowance for credit losses. However, management believes the following discussion may enable investors to better understand the variables that drive the allowance for credit losses for loans, which amounted to $340.2 million at December 31, 2020.
As discussed further in the "Allowance for Credit Losses" section in this MD&A, we incorporated a multi-scenario economic forecast for estimating lifetime expected credit losses at December 31, 2020. As a result of the deterioration in economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020 and the related increase in economic uncertainty, we increased our probability weighting for the most severe economic scenario as compared to those at January 1, 2020. As a result, approximately $50.2 million of the $87.2 million increase in our allowance for credit losses for loans from January 1, 2020 reflected the impact of the adverse economic forecast within Valley's lifetime expected credit loss estimate, as well as other qualitative factors. Specific reserves, largely based upon management's valuation of collateral for collateral dependent loans and the present value of expected cash flows for certain troubled debt restructured loans, and quantitative reserves, based upon expected and actual transitions in the credit quality of our loan portfolio, represented $20.9 million and $16.1 million, respectively, of the remaining increase in reserves at December 31, 2020.
In addition, the valuation of certain collateral dependent impaired loans (including New York City taxi cab medallion loan valuations based on the estimated value of the underlying medallions) could be adversely impacted by illiquidity or dislocation in certain markets, resulting in depressed market valuations of the underlying collateral, thus leading to additional provisions for loan losses.
Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for credit losses includes the allowance for loan lossesGoodwill and the reserve for unfunded commercial letters of credit and represents management’s estimate of credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance is based on periodic evaluations of the loan portfolios. There are numerous components that enter into the evaluation of the allowance for loan losses, which includes a quantitative analysis, as well as a qualitative review of its results. The qualitative review is subjective and requires aOther Intangible Assets. We have significant amount of judgment. Various banking regulators, as an integral part of their examination process, also review the allowance for loan losses. Such regulators may require, based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination, that certain loan balances be charged off or require that adjustments be made to the allowance for loan losses when their credit evaluations differ from those of management. Additionally, our allowance for credit losses methodology includes loan portfolio evaluations at the portfolio segment level, which consists of the commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, construction, residential mortgage, home equity, automobilegoodwill and other consumer loan portfolios.
The allowance for loan losses consists of the following:
specific reserves for individually impaired loans;
reserves for adversely classified loans, and higher risk rated loans that are not impaired loans;
reserves for other loans that are not impaired; and, if applicable,
reserves for impairment of purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loans subsequent to their acquisition date.
Our reserves on classified and non-classified loans also include reserves based on general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to Valley, including changes in loan portfolio volume, the composition and concentrations of credit, new market initiatives, and the impact of competition on loan structuring and pricing.
Reserves for PCI loans within the Allowance for Loan Losses
We evaluated the acquired PCI loans and elected to account for them in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Subtopic 310-30, “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality,” since all of these loans were acquired at a discount attributable, at least in part, to credit quality. The PCI loans are initially recorded at their estimated fair values segregated into pools of loans sharing common risk characteristics. The fair values include estimatesintangible assets related to expected prepaymentsour acquisitions totaling $1.4 billion and the amount and timing of undiscounted expected principal, interest and other cash flows.
The PCI loans are subject to our internal credit review. If and when unexpected credit deterioration occurs at the loan pool level subsequent to the acquisition date, a provision for credit losses for the PCI loans will be charged to earnings for the full amount of the decline in expected cash flows for the pool. Under the accounting guidance of ASC Subtopic 310-30, for acquired credit impaired loans, the allowance for loan losses on (or reserves for) PCI loans is measured at each financial reporting date based on future expected cash flows. This assessment and measurement are performed at the pool level and not at the individual loan level. Accordingly, decreases in expected cash flows resulting from further credit deterioration on a pool of acquired PCI

2018 Form 10-K32




loan pools as of such measurement date compared to those originally estimated are recognized by recording a provision and allowance for loan losses on PCI loans. Subsequent increases in the expected cash flows of the loans in that pool would first reduce any allowance for loan losses on PCI loans; and any excess will be accreted for prospectively as a yield adjustment. Valley had no allowance reserves related to PCI loans at December 31, 2018 and 2017.
Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements describes the methodology used to determine the allowance for loan losses and a discussion of the factors driving changes in the amount of the allowance for loan losses is included in this MD&A.
Changes in Our Allowance for Loan Losses
Valley considers it difficult to quantify the impact of changes in forecast on its allowance for loan losses. However, management believes the following discussion may enable investors to better understand the variables that drive the allowance for loan losses, which amounted to $151.9$70.4 million at December 31, 2018.
For impaired credits, if the present value of expected cash flows were 10 percent higher or lower, the allowance would have decreased $3.3 million or increased $4.8 million, respectively, at December 31, 2018. If the fair value of the collateral (for collateral dependent loans) was 10 percent higher or lower, the allowance would have decreased $4.3 million or increased $4.7 million, respectively, at December 31, 2018.
The internal risk rating assigned to each non-classified credit is an important variable in determining the allowance. If each non-classified credit were rated one grade worse (special mention rate), the allowance would have increased by approximately $24.9 million as of December 31, 2018. Additionally, if the loss factors used to calculate the allowance for non-classified loans were 10 percent higher or lower, the allowance would have increased or decreased by approximately $11.0 million, respectively, at December 31, 2018. Moreover, if the expected loss rate applied to classified loans were to increase or decrease by 10 percent, the allowance would have been $930 thousand higher or lower, respectively, at December 31, 2018.
Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans. Purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loans are loans acquired at a discount (that is due, in part, to credit quality). Valley's PCI loan portfolio totaling $4.2 billion at December 31, 2018 primarily consists of loans acquired in business combinations subsequent to 2011. The PCI loans are initially recorded at fair value (as determined by the present value of expected future cash flows) with no valuation allowance (i.e., the allowance for loan losses), and aggregated and accounted for as pools of loans based on common risk characteristics. We estimate the undiscounted cash flows expected to be collected by incorporating several key assumptions, including probability of default, loss given default, and the amount of actual prepayments after the acquisition dates. The difference between the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition and the initial carrying amount (fair value) of the PCI loans, or the “accretable yield,” is recognized as interest income utilizing the level-yield method over the life of each pool. Contractually required payments for interest and principal that exceed the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition, or the “non-accretable difference.” The non-accretable difference, which is neither accreted into income nor recorded on our consolidated balance sheet, reflects estimated future credit losses and uncollectable contractual interest expected to be incurred over the life of the loans. Prepayments affect the estimated life of PCI loans and could change the amount of interest income, and possibly principal, expected to be collected. Reclassifications of the non-accretable difference to the accretable yield may occur subsequent to the loan acquisition dates due to increases in our estimate of the expected cash flows of the loan pools.
On a quarterly basis, the Bank periodically evaluates the remaining contractual required payments due and estimates of cash flows expected to be collected for the underlying loans of each PCI loan pool. These evaluations require the continued use of key assumptions and estimates necessary in forecasting the estimated cash flows. We attempt to ensure the forecasted expectations are reasonable based on the information currently available; however, due to the uncertainties inherent in the use of estimates, actual cash flow results may differ from our forecast and the differences may be significant. To mitigate such differences, we carefully prepare and review the assumptions utilized in forecasting estimated cash flows.
PCI loans that may have been classified as non-performing loans by an acquired bank are no longer classified as non-performing because these loans are accounted for on a pooled basis. Management’s judgment is required in classifying loans in pools as performing loans, and is dependent on having a reasonable expectation about the timing and amount of the pool cash flows to be collected, even if certain loans within the pool are contractually past due.
See Notes 1 and 5 to the consolidated financial statements, and "Loan Portfolio" section included in this MD&A for further PCI loan details, including net increases and decreases in expected cash flows subsequent to the applicable PCI loan acquisition dates impacting the accretable yield in 2018 and 2017.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.2020, respectively. We record all assets, liabilities, and non-controlling interests in the acquireetarget in purchase acquisitions, including goodwill and other intangible assets, at fair value as of the acquisition date, and expense all acquisition related costs as incurred as required by ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations.” The initial recording of goodwill and other intangible assets requires subjective judgments concerning estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities. Goodwill totaling $1.1 billion at December 31, 2018 is not amortized but is subject to annual tests for impairment or more often, if events or circumstances indicate

332018 Form 10-K




it may be impaired. Our determination of whether or not goodwill is impaired requires us to make significant judgments and to use significant estimates and assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows. If we change our strategy or if market conditions shift, our judgments may change, which may result in adjustments to the recorded goodwill balance. Other intangible assets totaling $77.0 million at December 31, 2018 are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are subject to impairment tests if events or circumstances indicate a possible inability to realize the carrying amount. Such evaluation of other intangible assets is based on undiscounted cash flow projections. The initial recording of
On January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU No. 2017-04 intended to simplify the goodwill and other intangible assets requires subjective judgments concerning estimates ofimpairment test by eliminating a second step which required an entity to determine the implied fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities.
Currently,reporting unit’s goodwill. Instead, an impairment loss is now recognized if the goodwill impairment analysis is generally a two-step test. During 2018, Valley elected to perform step onecarrying value of the two-step goodwill impairment test for all of itsnet assets assigned to the reporting units but may choose to perform an optional qualitative assessment allowable for one or more units in future periods to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Step one comparesunit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, with its carryingthe impairment loss not to exceed the amount including goodwill. Ifof goodwill recorded.
We perform our annual goodwill impairment test in the second quarter of each year, or more often if events or circumstances warrant. In addition to the annual impairment test, we assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on macroeconomic variables and economic forecasts and how those might impact the fair value of our reporting units each quarter end. After consideration of these variables and other possible triggering events or circumstances, as well as our operating results, we determined it was more-likely-than-not that the fair values of our four reporting unit exceeds itsunits, wealth management, consumer lending, commercial lending, and investment management, were in excess of their carrying amount,values during 2020. Therefore, we concluded there were no triggering events that would require additional goodwill impairment test of the reporting unit is considered not impaired; however, ifunits during 2020.
Based upon Valley’s 2020 annual goodwill impairment testing, the fair values of its four reporting units were in excess of their carrying amountvalues. In 2021, we will continue to monitor and evaluate the impact of the reporting unit exceedsCOVID-19 and its fair value, an additional step must be performed. That additional step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount ofimpact on our market capitalization, overall economic conditions, and any triggering events that goodwill. The implied fair valuemay indicate a possible impairment of goodwill is determinedallocated to our reporting units. While not expected at this time, we may be required to record a charge to earnings should there
352020 Form 10-K


be a deficiency in a manner similar to the amount of goodwill calculated in a business combination, i.e., by measuring the excess of theour estimated fair value of one or more of our reporting units during our subsequent annual (or more frequent) impairment tests. See the "Business Segments" section for more information regarding our business segments/reporting unit, as determined in the first step above, over the aggregate estimated fair values of the individual assets, liabilities, and identifiable intangibles, as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination at the impairment test date. An impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. The loss establishes a new basis in the goodwill and subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment losses is not permitted.units.
Fair value may beis determined using market prices, comparison to similar assets, market multiples,certain discounted cash flow analysis and other determinants.market multiple methods. Estimated cash flows may extend far into the future and, by their nature, are difficult to determine over an extended timeframe. Factors that may materially affect the estimates include, among others, impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on macroeconomic variables and economic forecasts, competitive forces, customer behaviors and attrition, changes in revenue growth trends, cost structures and technology, and changes in discount rates, growth rate, terminal values, and specific industry or market sector conditions. To assist in assessing the impact of potential goodwill or other intangible assets impairment charges at December 31, 2018,2020, the impact of a five percent impairment charge on these intangible assets would result in a reduction in pre-tax income of approximately $58.1$72.6 million. See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding goodwill and other intangible assets.
Income Taxes. We are subject to the income tax laws of the U.S., its states and municipalities. The income tax laws of the jurisdictions in which we operate are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and the relevant government taxing authorities. In establishing a provision for income tax expense, we must make judgments and interpretations about the application of these inherently complex tax laws to our business activities, as well as the timing of when certain items may affect taxable income.
Our interpretations may be subject to review during examination by taxing authorities and disputes may arise over the respective tax positions. We attempt to resolve these disputes during the tax examination and audit process and ultimately through the court systems when applicable. We monitor relevant tax authorities and revise our estimate of accrued income taxes due to changes in income tax laws and their interpretation by the courts and regulatory authorities on a quarterly basis. Revisions of our estimate of accrued income taxes also may result from our own income tax planning and from the resolution of income tax controversies. Such revisions in our estimates may be material to our operating results for any given quarter.
The provision for income taxes is composed of current and deferred taxes. Deferred taxes arise from differences between assets and liabilities measured for financial reporting versus income tax return purposes. Deferred tax assets are recognized if, in management’s judgment, their realizability is determined to be more likely than not. We perform regular reviews to ascertain the realizability of our deferred tax assets. These reviews include management’s estimates and assumptions regarding future taxable income, which also incorporate various tax planning strategies. In connection with these reviews, if we determine that a portion of the deferred tax asset is not realizable, a valuation allowance is established. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, managementManagement determined it is more likely than not that Valley will realize its net deferred tax assets, except for aimmaterial valuation allowanceallowances, as of $733 thousand established at December 31, 2018. However, in the fourth quarter of 2017 we re-measured2020 and reduced our deferred tax assets by $15.4 million for the estimated impact of the Tax Act, which decreased our federal income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent effective January 1, 2018. During 2018, we recognized a $2.3 million tax benefit related to the adjustment of the Tax Act provisional amounts in our final 2017 tax returns completed in the fourth quarter of 2018. During 2017, we2019.
We also reduced our state deferred tax assets by $4.5 million to reflect the effect of our organic and acquisition-based expansion primarily in Florida on our existing state deferred tax assets. During 2018 and 2017, the charge to our income tax expense related to the reduction of such deferred tax assets was immaterial. The $2.3 million and $19.9 million in total adjustments were reflected as credits and charges, respectively, to our income tax expense for 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Historically, we maintainedmaintain a reserve related to certain tax positions that management believes contain an element of uncertainty. An uncertain tax position is measured based on the largest amount of benefit that management believes is more likely than not to be realized. During the fourth quarter of 2018,2020 and 2019, our income tax expense includedreflected $1.5 million and $31.1 million increases to our tax provision related to reserve for uncertain tax liability positions and/or accrued interest related to such positions at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as compared to a $3.3 million net state tax benefit of $3.3 millionin 2018 related

2018 Form 10-K34




to the eliminationreduction of our remaining reserve for unrecognized tax benefitsreserves at December 31, 2018 caused by the expiration of the statute of limitations for certain tax positions.
See Notes 1 and 13 to the consolidated financial statements and the "Executive Summary" and “Income Taxes” sectionsections in this MD&A for an additional discussion on the accounting for income taxes.
New Authoritative Accounting Guidance. See Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements for a description of recent accounting pronouncements including the dates of adoption and the anticipated effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Executive Summary
Company Overview. At December 31, 2018,2020, Valley had consolidated total assets of $31.9$40.7 billion, total net loans of $24.9$31.9 billion, total deposits of $24.5$31.9 billion and total shareholders’ equity of $3.4$4.6 billion. Our commercial bank operations after the acquisition of USAmeriBancorp, Inc (see below) include branch office locations in northern and central New Jersey, the New York City boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, Long Island, Florida and Alabama. Of our current 220current 226 branch network, 5658 percent, 17 percent, 2018 percent and 7 percent of thethe branches are located in New Jersey, New York, Florida and Alabama, respectively. Despite our current and pasttargeted branch consolidation activity, we have significantly grown both in asset size and locations significantly over the past several years primarily through bank acquisitions.

USAmeriBancorp, Inc. On January 1, 2018, Valley completed itsacquisitions, including our acquisition of USAmeriBancorp, Inc. (USAB) headquartered in Clearwater, Florida. USAB, largely throughOritani Financial Corp. (Oritani) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, USAmeriBank, hadOritani Bank on December 1, 2019. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for more information regarding the Oritani acquisition.
2020 Form 10-K36


Impact of COVID-19. The spread of COVID-19 has created a global public health crisis that has resulted in unprecedented uncertainty, volatility and disruption in financial markets and in governmental, commercial and consumer activity in the United States and globally, including the markets that we serve. While the overall level of economic activity has improved in the second half of 2020 following the steep economic downturn in second quarter 2020, certain industries and businesses continue to be adversely impacted with a significant loss of their normal revenue streams and continue to experience business interruptions. Our outlook, which remains unchanged from the end of the third quarter 2020 indicates continued macroeconomic deterioration with higher levels of credit stress related to borrowers impacted by COVID-19 and lower valuations of collateral securing our non-performing taxi medallion loan portfolio. Uncertainties and disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic slowed our traditional new commercial loan volumes and the loan balances for residential and many consumer loan products saw moderate declines in the second half of 2020, primarily as a result of the higher level of residential mortgage loans originated for sale due to our current interest rate risk management strategies. Any sustained economic downturn due to COVID-19 and other factors, or other long-term changes in consumer and business behaviors from COVID-19 may adversely impact the value of assets that serve as collateral for our loans.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provided for in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, as supplemented by the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (Enhancement Act), was designed to aid small- and medium-sized businesses through federally guaranteed loans distributed through banks. These loans are intended to guarantee 8 to 24 weeks of payroll and other costs to help those businesses remain viable and allow their workers to pay their bills. Valley National Bank is a certified Small Business Administration (SBA) lender and facilitated approximately $5.113,000 SBA-approved PPP loans with balances totaling $2.2 billion in assets, $3.7 billion in net loans and $3.6 billion in deposits, and maintained a branch network of 29 offices as of December 31, 2018. 2020. While difficult to accurately predict, we expect the majority of these loans to be forgiven in accordance with rules, application and documentation requirements for this program.
The acquisition represents a significant additionConsolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which was signed into law on December 27, 2020 (Appropriations Act), provides approximately $900 billion in new COVID-19 stimulus relief partly comprised of additional funding under the PPP. The Appropriations Act also expanded borrower eligibility under the PPP to Valley’s Florida franchise,certain second draws under the program. During the first quarter 2021, Valley has approved PPP loan applications totaling approximately $534 million within its pipeline, and meaningfully enhanced its presenceoriginated $499 million of such loans through February 19, 2021. Our future PPP loan originations may ultimately be less than the approved loan application pipeline due to normal underwriting contingencies.
We have reopened all bank branches in our network that were either temporarily closed or had reduced lobby services due to COVID-19. However, we continue to act with an abundance of caution in order to safeguard the health and wellness of our customers and employees and may limit capacity in our branch locations and/or require scheduled appointments in the Tampa Bay market,future. We continue to closely monitor local conditions in the areas we serve and will take actions as circumstances warrant, which is Florida’s second largest metropolitan area by population. The acquisition also brought Valleymay necessitate certain branch or other office closures and reduced lobby services. Our business continuity plan continues to remain in effect with many of our non-customer facing employees continuing to work remotely as we monitor the level of the health crisis in our primary markets.
In response to the Birmingham, Montgomery,COVID-19 pandemic and Tallapoosa areasits economic impact on certain customers and in Alabama, whereaccordance with provisions set forth by the CARES Act, Valley now operates 15 branch office locations.implemented short-term loan modifications, such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or delays in payment that are insignificant, when requested by customers. Generally, the modification terms allow for a deferral of payments for up to 90 days, which Valley may extend for an additional 90 days. Any extensions beyond this period were made in accordance with applicable regulatory guidance. As of December 31, 2020, Valley had $361 million of outstanding loans remaining in their payment deferral period under short-term modifications. The common shareholders$361 million of USAB received 6.1 sharesloans in deferral represented approximately 1.1 percent of Valley common stockour total loan portfolio at December 31, 2020, having decreased significantly from approximately $1.1 billion, or 3.3 percent of total loans, near the start of the third quarter 2020.
Significant uncertainties persist as to the impact of future economic conditions and stress on our customers. The severe adverse economic pressures, coupled with the implementation of an expected loss methodology for each USAB share they own. The total considerationdetermining our provision for credit losses as required by CECL, contributed to a sharply increased provision for credit losses for the acquisition was approximately $737.2 million, andyear ended December 31, 2020, following our initial adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020. We continue to monitor the transaction resulted in $394.0 millionimpact of goodwill and $45.9 million of core deposit intangible assets subject to amortization. Full systems integration was completed in the second quarter of 2018 with minimal disruption to our customers.

Re-Branding. During October 2018, Valley National Bank announced a new look and feel for its brand and, in many instances, will start referring to itself with a simpler name: “Valley.” The Bank’s brand refresh includes a new logo, visual changes to its web and mobile platforms, and a plan for transforming branches with new signage and a sleek, modern look. In conjunction with the re-branding effort, the listing for Valley's common stock, preferred stock and warrants switchedCOVID-19 closely, as well as any effects that may result from the New York Stock ExchangeCARES Act, Enhancement Act and other government stimulus or Federal Reserve actions. However, the extent to NASDAQ. Valley’s common stock symbol remained VLY.which the COVID-19 pandemic will impact our operations and financial results during the first quarter 2021 and beyond is highly uncertain. See the "Operating Environment" section of MD&A for more details.
Branch Transformation. During the second half of 2018,As previously disclosed, Valley has embarked on a new strategy to continuously overhaul its retail network. The Bank is striving to create a branch infrastructure that is more reflectiveApproximately two years ago we established the foundation of current and future activity within our target markets. We intend to place greater emphasis on service, sales, and efficiency. We are inwhat the process of upgrading many staff and training components placing greater importance on mobile and digital implementation, as well as customer education and promotion of those products. Valley's branch transformation will also include the repositioning, re-branding, functionality, aesthetics, and in many cases, reducing the square footage of our branches.
During 2018,branch network would look like in coming years. At that time, we identified several74 branches within New Jersey and New York that did not meet certain internal performance measures. Of those identified, wemeasures, including 20 branches that were closed 7 branches in 2018 and closed or will close 13 additional branches duringconsolidated by the end of the first quarter of 2019. The estimated annual operating expense savings from the 20 branch closures is expected to be approximately $9 million. We recognized severance costs and branch asset impairment charges of $2.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively, related to the branch closures and branch staff reductions in 2018.
For the remaining 54 branches, we
372020 Form 10-K


implemented tailored action plans focused on improving profitability and deposit levels, as well as upgrades in staffing and training, within a defined timeline. During 2020, we permanently closed an additional 16 branches located in New Jersey, including the consolidation of 11 acquired Oritani branches into nearby legacy Valley branches, and 2 Florida branches. We also permanently closed one New Jersey branch in the first quarter 2021. For the overall branch network, we continue to monitor the operating performance of each branch and implement tailored action plans focused on improving profitability and deposit levels for those branches that underperform.
While we expect the repositioning, renovations and consolidation to be mostly complete by the end of 2020, it is important to recognize the evolving retail banking landscape combined with our expectation regarding profitability will make this activity a permanent component of Valley's overall strategy.
Earnings Enhancement Program.In December 2016, Valley announced a company-wide earnings enhancement initiative called LIFT. The LIFT program is a review of our business practices with goals of improving our overall efficiency, targeting resources to more value-added activities and delivering on the financial banking experience expected by our customers. In July 2017, we completed the idea generation and approval phase of the LIFT program. As a result of these efforts, we currently expect

352018 Form 10-K




to achieve approximately $22 million in total cost reductions and revenue enhancements on an annualized pre-tax run-rate after fully phased-in by June 30, 2019.
As of December 31, 2018, Valley had completed LIFT enhancements that will result in cost reductions greater than 83 percent of the $22 million annual goal. We remain on track to fully implement the LIFT program generated enhancements and realize the total cost reduction goal by June 30, 2019, although we can provide no assurance that all of the program generated enhancements and cost reductions will ultimately be realized.
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. During the fourth quarter of 2017, we incurred a $18.5 million charge due to the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act) signed into law by the President on December 22, 2017. Of the $18.5 million charge, $15.4 million relates to the estimated tax expense from the re-measurement of net deferred tax assets and the remaining $3.1 million is after-tax losses from adjustments to low income housing and tax-advantaged renewable energy investments included in non-interest expense. Effective January 1, 2018, our Federal income tax rate decreased from 35 percent to 21 percent under the Tax Act. See the "Non-Interest Expense" and "Income Taxes" sections below for more details.
Recent Event. During February 2019, we announced that the Bank entered into an agreement for the sale-leaseback of 29 of its currently owned properties. The properties, consisting of 1 corporate location and 28 branches, are expected to be sold for an aggregate cash purchase price of approximately $107 million. Valley expects to realize a pre-tax gain of approximately $81 million net of transaction related expenses. The transaction is expected to close in the first or second quarter of 2019 and is subject to change or termination due to current buyer due diligence on the identified properties.
In addition, Valley announced its plan to eliminate approximately 60 corporate positions as a part of continuous efforts to improve operating efficiencies. The annualized salary and benefit expense associated with these eliminations is expected to be in excess of $5 million, excluding severance charges. Valley expects to implement the majority of cost saves by the end of the second quarter of 2019.
Other Matters. We have previously invested in mobile solar generators sold and managed by DC Solar, which were included in other assets on the balance sheet and separately disclosed in Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements. For reasons that were not known to us, DC Solar had its assets frozen in December 2018. DC Solar filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February 2019. In February 2019, an affidavit from an FBI special agent stated that DC Solar was operating a fraudulent "Ponzi-like scheme" and that the majority of mobile solar generators sold to investors and managed by DC Solar and the majority of the related lease revenues claimed to have been received by DC Solar may not have existed. Certain investors in DC Solar, including us, received tax credits for making these renewable resource investments. We claimed tax credit benefits of approximately $22.8 million in our consolidated financial statements between 2013 through 2015. If the allegations set forth in the declaration filed by the FBI are proven to be accurate, up to the entire amount of the tax credits claimed by us could potentially be disallowed. Based on the information known as of the date of this Annual Report on the Form 10-K, we believe that this has not met the more-likely-than-not criterion to record an uncertain tax position liability. As a result of the information in the FBI declaration, we are evaluating whether or not an unrecognized tax liability exists under ASC 740 for an uncertain tax position in 2019 for at least part, if not potentially all, of the tax credit benefits that we claimed. If we are required to recognize an uncertain tax position liability in our 2019 consolidated financial statements, the uncertain tax position liability and charge-offs may have an adverse impact on our income tax liabilities, results of operations and financial condition. For additional information on the risks of our investments in tax-advantaged investments, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Annual Results. Net income totaled $261.4$390.6 million, or $0.75$0.93 per diluted common share, for the year ended December 31, 20182020 compared to $161.9$309.8 million in 2017,2019, or $0.58$0.87 per diluted common share. The increase in net income compared to 2019 was largely due to: (i)
a $197.2$220.9 million, or 29.924.6 percent, increase in our net interest income driven primarily by a $5.5$5.6 billion increase in average loan balances and a sharp reduction in interest rates of 85 basis points on the cost of total interest bearing liabilities resulting from the low interest environment, partially offset by loan yields that were 53 basis points lower and interest expense related to higher short-term interest rates and a $4.9$3.9 billion increase in average interest bearing liabilities as compared to 2017, (ii) liabilities; and
a $22.3 million increase in non-interest income partly due to higher service charges on deposit accounts and other income related to our USAB acquisition and a $6.5 million gain on the sale of Visa Class B shares in 2018, (iii) a $22.6$7.5 million decrease in income tax expense largely due to the net impact of the Tax Act,a $31.1 million addition to our reserves for uncertain tax positions in 2019, partially offset by (iv) increased income taxes mostly caused by higher 2020 pre-tax income; partially offset by
a $120.0 million, or 23.6 percent, increase in total non-interest expense largely due to increased operational size from the USAB acquisition, as well as an increase of $14.8 million in USAB merger expenses, $12.2 million in legal expense related to litigation reserves, higher costs related to Branch Transformation, re-branding and technology, and (v) a $22.6$101.5 million increase in our provision for credit losses. losses for loans due to the CECL adoption and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the model results;
a $31.5 million decrease in non-interest income, due in large part to a $78.5 million gain on the sale (and leaseback) of certain Bank properties recognized in 2019, partially offset by a $23.3 million increase in the gain on sale of residential mortgage loans, as well as swap fee income which increased $25.6 million to $59.0 million for 2020; and
a $14.6 million increase in non-interest expense largely due to higher levels of expense related to our expanded franchise following the Oritani acquisition on December 1, 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by a $20.0 million decrease in the loss on extinguishment of debt and a $7.1 million decrease in the amortization of tax credit investments.
See the “Net Interest Income,” “Non-Interest Income,” “Non-Interest Expense,” and “Income Taxes” sections below for more details on the items above and other infrequent items, including merger expenses and the loss on extinguishment of debt, impacting our 20182020 annual results.
Operating Environment.U.S. economic growth accelerated, and labor market conditions strengthened in 2018. RealDuring 2020, real gross domestic product expanded 3.0declined 3.5 percent for 2018, compared to an increase of 2.2 and 1.6 percent in 20172019. The decline in growth was driven by decreases in household consumption, exports, restocking of inventories, business fixed investment and 2016, respectively.state and local government spending. These decreases were partially offset by increases in residential fixed investment and federal government spending, particularly from non-defense spending, which supported economic activity.
During 2018,To support economic activity, the Federal Reserve gradually increasedreduced the target range for the federal funds rate four times throughoutin the year.first half of 2020 and began purchasing Treasury securities and agency residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities. As a result,of the target range increased from 1.25 percent to 1.50 percent asdated of January 1, 2018 to 2.25 percent to 2.50 percent

2018 Form 10-K36




at December 31, 2018. The Federal Open Market Committee leftthis report, the target range for the federal funds rate unchangedis between zero and 0.25 percent. The Federal Reserve indicated at their January 2019its recent meeting and noted it would be patient and look at incoming datathat the current stance of monetary policy is appropriate to determine if additional interest rate increases would be appropriate in the future.support a return to sustained expansion of economic activity.
The 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield ended the fourth quarter of 20182020 at 2.690.93 percent, 29or 99 basis points higherlower as compared withto December 31, 2017. However, the2019. The spread between the 2-year2- and 10-year U.S. Treasury note yields ended the fourth quarter of 2018year at 0.150.80 percent, 8or 46 basis points lower than September 30, 2018 and 41 basis points lowerhigher, compared with December 31, 2017.to the end of 2019.
For all commercial banks in the U.S., loans and leases grew approximately 3.5 percent from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2020. For the industry, banks reported that demand for most commercial loan growth accelerated in 2018 to 5.2 percentproducts had declined sharply compared to 4.1 percentthe end of 2019. The decline was broad-based across commercial real estate lending and loans to middle market firms. However, banks reported sharply higher demand for residential mortgage loans, particularly those related to jumbo products. Additionally, the industry reported that underwriting standards had generally tightened significantly for both commercial and residential loans. Valley’s commercial and industrial originations in 2017. Alternatively, deposit growth decelerated from 4.2 percent2020 were primarily driven by loans associated with PPP. In addition, Valley continued to see solid demand for residential mortgage loans across its geographies during most of 2020. However, the path of economic activity is highly contingent on the progress made in 2017combating COVID-19. Should health conditions warrant more widespread restrictions to 4.1 percent in 2018. Core deposit growth continues to business activity, spending and investment would
2020 Form 10-K38


be challenged by traditional rate driven market competition, attractive investment options due to a strong economy, as well asadversely impacted. Therefore, if conditions remain subdued it could weigh on the rapid adoption of non-traditional digital banking platforms by more consumers.
See further discussion of our loans, deposits and the impact of the current economic and interest rate environmentsBank’s future financial results, as highlighted throughoutbelow in the remaining MD&A discussion below.&A.

Loans. Total loans increased by $6.7$2.5 billion to $25.0$32.2 billion at December 31, 20182020 from December 31, 2017, net2019 largely due to $2.2 billion of SBA PPP loans classified as commercial and industrial loans, as well as growth in commercial mortgage loans (including construction loans) which increased $827.1 million, or 4.7 percent during the year ended December 31, 2020. The residential mortgage category and most consumer loan categories experienced moderate declines during the year ended December 31, 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and a higher level of residential mortgage loans sold during 2018. Adjustedoriginated for $3.7sale. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we originated $1.2 billion of residential mortgage loans acquired from USABfor sale rather than held for investment. Loans held for sale totaled $301.4 million and $76.1 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Asset Quality. Prior to our adoption of the CECL standard on January 1, 2018, total loans grew by 13.4 percent in 2018 due to strong demand in most loan categories. For 2019, we have established a goal to grow2020, our overall loan portfolio in the range of 6 to 8 percent. However, there can be no assurance that we will achieve such levels given the potential for unforeseen changes in the market and other conditions. See further details on our loan activities under the “Loan Portfolio” section below.
Asset Quality. Our past due loans and non-accrual loans which are discussed further below, exclude PCIexcluded those loans which were classified as purchased credit impaired (PCI) loans. Under U.S. GAAP, the new standard, Valley's former PCI loans (acquired at a discount that is due, in part, to credit quality) are accounted for on a pool basisas purchased credit deteriorated (PCD) loans and, if applicable, are not subject to delinquency classificationreported in the same manner as loans originated by Valley. Atour past due and non-accrual categories at December 31, 2018, our PCI loan portfolio2020.
Total non-performing assets (NPAs), consisting of non-accrual loans, other real estate owned (OREO), other repossessed assets and non-accrual debt security increased $90.1 million, or 86.3 percent to $194.6 million at December 31, 2020 as compared to December 31, 2019. This increase was largely due to non-accrual PCD loans totaling approximately $45 million reported at December 31, 2020 and higher non-accrual taxi medallion loans within the commercial and industrial category. Non-accrual loans totaled $4.2 billion,$185.3 million, or 16.70.58 percent of our totalentire loan portfolio and includes all of the$32.2 billion, at December 31, 2020 as compared to $93.1 million, or 0.31 percent of total loans, acquired from USAB on January 1, 2018.at December 31, 2019.
Total non-PCI loan portfolio delinquencies (includingaccruing past due loans (i.e., loans past due 30 days or more and non-accrual loans) as a percentage of total loans were 0.62 percent and 0.70 percent at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Totalstill accruing past due loans decreasedinterest) increased $30.8 million to $67.7 million at December 31, 2018 from $80.5 million at December 31, 2017 mostly due to normal period-end fluctuations in early stage delinquencies and a few large matured performing commercial real estate and construction loans in the normal process of renewal reported at December 31, 2017. Non-accrual loans totaled $88.4$99.0 million, or 0.35 percent of our entire loan portfolio of $25.0 billion, at December 31, 2018 as compared to $47.2 million, or 0.260.31 percent of total loans at December 31, 2017.2020 as compared to $68.2 million, or 0.23 percent of total loans, at December 31, 2019. The increase in non-accruals was largely due to a $49.2 millionan increase in the commercial and industrial loan category caused by taxi cab medallion loans internally downgraded to doubtful, partially offset by a $9.0 million declineearly stage delinquencies in commercial real estate loans. Overall, our non-performing assets increased by 71.6 percent to $98.6category as well as approximately $11 million of accruing past due loans PCD loans reported at December 31, 2018 as compared to $57.5 million at December 31, 2017 primarily due to the increase in non-accrual loans.2020.
Our lending strategy is based on underwriting standards designed to maintain high credit quality and we remain optimistic regarding the overall future performance of our loan portfolio. However, due to the potential for future credit deterioration caused by the unpredictable future strengthdownturn in economic conditions impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and a number of the U.S. economy and the housing and labor markets,our borrowers performing under short-term forbearance agreements, management cannot provide assurance that our non-performing assets will remain at, ornot increase substantially from the levels reported as ofat December 31, 2018.2020. See the “Non-performing Assets” section below for further analysis of our asset quality.
Investments. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recognized net losses on securities transactions of $2.3 million as compared to net losses totaling $20 thousand in 2017 and net gains of $777 thousand in 2016. The 2018 net losses were partly related to the sale of all the private label mortgage-backed securities classified as available for sale in our investment portfolio during the fourth quarter. See further details in the “Investment Securities Portfolio” section below and Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.
Deposits and Other Borrowings. Our mix of total deposits slightly shifted to time deposits during 2018at December 31, 2020 as compared to 2017 largely due toDecember 31, 2019 reflects the greater useshift in customer preference for deposits without stated maturities resulting from the uncertainties stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and the low interest rates offered on our time deposits. Additionally, PPP loan originations were deposited into customers' checking accounts which increased the proportion of brokered timenon-interest bearing deposits in the second half of 2018. Non-interestour overall deposit mix. Average non-interest bearing deposits represented approximately 2827 percent of total average deposits for the year ended December 31, 2018, while2020, whereas savings, NOW and money market accounts were 4947 percent and time deposits were 23 percent. Average non-interest bearing26 percent of total average deposits increased $1.0 billion to approximately $6.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 20182020. Average non-interest bearing deposits, savings, NOW and money market accounts, and time deposits were 25 percent, 45 percent, and 30 percent, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019. Average total deposits for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to 20172019 increased by $5.4 billion due, in large part, to $887.1 million of deposits assumed from USAB andthe aforementioned PPP loan proceeds, as well as our continuous efforts to encourage new and existing loan borrowers to maintain deposit accounts at Valley. Average savings, NOWValley, including government deposits. Ending balances of brokered deposits (consisting of both time and money market accountdeposit accounts) were $3.1 billion and $4.1 billion at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
While we believe the current operating environment will likely continue to be favorable for Valley’s deposit gathering initiatives, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to maintain deposit levels at or near those reported at December 31, 2020. Additionally, the vast majority of the PPP loan customers that are Valley depositors are expected to continue to use PPP funds for qualifying payroll and other costs over an 8 to 24 week total period to obtain loan forgiveness. The resulting outflow of funds for such expenditures may contribute to lower levels of deposit balances increased $2.2in 2021.
Average short-term borrowings decreased $448.7 million to $1.6 billion for 2020 as compared to $11.1 billion in 20182019 largely due to $1.7 billionthe success of deposits assumed from USAB and severalour retail and business account initiatives. government deposit gathering efforts and a moderate shift into long-term borrowings.
Average time deposits alsolong-term borrowings increased $1.8$899.0 million to approximately $2.9 billion for 2020 as compared to $5.1 billion in 20182019 largely due to (i) $999.6 million of deposits assumed from USAB, (ii) increased use of brokered CDs as an alternative to more costlynew FHLB borrowings with shorter or similar maturities and (iii) successful retail

our $115.0 million, 5.25 percent fixed-to-floating subordinated notes issued in June
373920182020 Form 10-K





deposit gathering efforts. Ending balances of brokered money market deposit accounts and brokered time deposits totaled $1.1 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2018 as compared to $1.4 billion and $71.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2017.
Average short-term borrowings increased $702.0 million to $2.2 billion for 2018 as compared to 2017 largely due to new FHLB advances used for funding of loan growth and balancing the appropriate mix of short- and long-term funding in the current interest rate environment. Valley also assumed $650.0 million of very short duration borrowings from USAB on January 1, 2018.
Average long-term borrowings increased $226.3 million to approximately $2.1 billion for 2018 as compared to 2017 largely due to an increase in average FHLB advances to fund loan growth during 2018, and to a lesser extent $100.5 million of borrowings assumed from USAB. See2020. For further discussion of our average interest bearing liabilities undersee the “Net Interest Income” section below, and for further discussion of our borrowed funds, see Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements.
Selected Performance Indicators. The following table presents our annualized performance ratios for the three years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
 202020192018
Return on average assets0.96 %0.93 %0.86 %
Return on average assets, as adjusted0.99 0.98 0.93 
Return on average shareholders’ equity8.68 8.71 7.91 
Return on average shareholders’ equity, as adjusted8.93 9.19 8.55 
Return on average tangible shareholders’ equity (ROATE)12.82 13.05 12.21 
ROATE, as adjusted13.19 13.77 13.20 
Adjusted return on average assets, adjusted return on average shareholders' equity, ROATE and adjusted ROATE included in the table above are non-GAAP measures. Management believes these measures provide information useful to management and investors in understanding our underlying operational performance, business and performance trends, and that these measures facilitate comparisons of our prior performance with the performance of others in the financial services industry. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for or superior to financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures may also be calculated differently from similar measures disclosed by other companies. The non-GAAP measure reconciliations are presented below.
Adjusted net income for the three years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was computed as follows:
202020192018
(in thousands)
Net income, as reported$390,606 $309,793 $261,428 
Add: Loss on extinguishment of debt (net of tax)8,649 22,992 — 
Add: Net impairment losses on securities (net of tax)— 2,104 — 
Add: (Gains) losses on securities transactions (net of tax)(377)108 1,677 
Add: Severance expense (net of tax) (1)
1,489 3,477 1,907 
Add: Tax credit investment impairment (net of tax) (2)
— 1,746 — 
Add: Branch related asset impairment (net of tax)— — 1,304 
Add: Legal expenses (litigation reserve impact only, net of tax)— — 8,726 
Add: Merger related expenses (net of tax) (3)
1,371 11,929 12,494 
Add: Income tax expense (benefit) (4)
— 31,123 (274)
Less: Gain on sale-leaseback transaction (net of tax) (5)
— (56,414)— 
Less: Gain on sale of Visa Class B shares (net of tax) (6)
— — (4,677)
Net income, as adjusted$401,738 $326,858 $282,585 
(1)Severance expense is included in salary and employee benefits expense.
(2)Impairment is included in the amortization of tax credit investments.
(3)Merger related expenses are primarily within salary and employee benefits expense, professional and legal fees, and other non-interest expenses.
(4)Income tax expense related to reserves for uncertain tax positions in 2019, and a net income tax benefit related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the USAB acquisition in 2018.
(5)The gain on sale leaseback transactions is included in net gains on the sales of assets within other non-interest income.
(6)    The gain from the sale of non-marketable securities is included in other non-interest.
In addition to the items used to calculate net income, as adjusted, in the tables above, our net income is, from time to time, impacted by fluctuations in the level of net gains on sales of loans and swap fees recognized from commercial loan customer transactions. These amounts can vary widely from period to period due to, among other factors, the amount of residential mortgage loans originated for sale, bulk loan portfolio sales and commercial loan customer demand for certain products. See the “Non-Interest Income” section below for more details.
2020 Form 10-K40


Adjusted annualized return on average assets for the three years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was computed by dividing adjusted net income by average assets, as follows:
202020192018
($ in thousands)
Net income, as adjusted$401,738$326,858$282,585
Average assets40,557,32633,442,73830,229,276
Return on average assets, as adjusted0.99 %0.98 %0.93 %
Adjusted annualized return on average shareholders' equity for the three years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was computed by dividing adjusted net income by average shareholders' equity, as follows:
202020192018
($ in thousands)
Net income, as adjusted$401,738$326,858$282,585
Average shareholders' equity4,500,0673,555,4833,304,531
Return on average shareholders' equity, as adjusted8.93 %9.19 %8.55 %
ROATE and adjusted ROATE for the three years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were computed by dividing net income and adjusted net income, respectively, by average shareholders’ equity less average goodwill and average other intangible assets, as follows:
 202020192018
 ($ in thousands)
Net income$390,606$309,793$261,428
Net income, as adjusted$401,738$326,858$282,585
Average shareholders’ equity$4,500,067$3,555,483$3,304,531
Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets1,454,3491,182,1401,163,398
Average tangible shareholders’ equity$3,045,718$2,373,343$2,141,133
 ROATE12.82 %13.05 %12.21 %
 ROATE, as adjusted13.19 %13.77 %13.20 %
Net Interest Income
Net interest income consists of interest income and dividends earned on interest earning assets less interest expense on interest bearing liabilities and represents the main source of income for Valley. The net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis is calculated by dividing tax equivalent net interest income by average interest earning assets and is a key measurement used in the banking industry to measure income from interest earning assets. During 2018, Valley elected to reclassify fee income related to derivative interest rate swaps executed with commercial loan customers totaling $16.4 million from interest and fees on loans to other non-interest income within the presentation of its net interest margin below and the consolidated financial statements. The applicable prior period amounts have also been reclassified to conform to this current presentation. See further discussion of the swap fees in the "Non-Interest Income" section below.
Annual Period 2018.2020. Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis increased by $194.6$220.2 million to $862.9 million$1.1 billion for 20182020 as compared to 2017.2019. The increase was mainly driven by interest income related to a $5.5$5.6 billion increase in average loan balances, including the impact of $3.4 billion of loans acquired from Oritani on December 1, 2019, and a 31an 85 basis point increase in loan yield, partially offset by interest expense related to a $4.9 billion increase in average interest bearing liabilities and a 36 basis point increasereduction in the cost of suchour total interest bearing liabilities as compareddue to 2017. See further discussion of the lower interest rate environment in 2020. The changes in our average interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities are discussed further below.
The net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis was 3.113.03 percent for the year ended December 31, 20182020 and remained unchangedincreased 8 basis points as compared to 2017.2019. However, the yield on average interest earning assets increased 29decreased 59 basis points mainly attributable to the increaseddecreased yield on average loans.loans and average taxable investments. The yield on average loans increased 31decreased 53 basis points to 4.434.04 percent for 20182020 as compared to 4.124.57 percent in 20172019 largely due to new and renewedrefinanced loan volumes and higheroriginations at lower market interest rates, in 2018.loan prepayments, and interest rates resetting on adjustable rate loans throughout 2020. Our average non-taxabletaxable investment portfolio yield decreased 4554 basis points during 20182020 as compared to onethe prior year ago due to the combination of principal repayments on higher yielding residential mortgage-backed securities, a $10.2 million increase in net premium amortization and lower tax equivalent yield caused by the Tax Act, partially offset by higher market rates on securities acquired andyielding new investments purchased in 2018. Offsetting2020. More than offsetting the increasedecrease in the yield on average interest earning assets, the cost of average interest bearing liabilities increased 36decreased 85 basis points to 1.470.99 percent for 2018.2020 as compared to the prior year. The increasedecrease in the overall cost as compared to 20172019 was mainly driven by increases of 36, 89due to significantly lower rates paid on our deposits products and 32 basis points in oura customer shift from higher cost of average savings, NOW and money market deposit accounts; short-term borrowings; andmaturing time deposits respectively, in 2018. The increases were largely due to a gradual increase in short-term market interest rates during 2018 that were influenced by five individual increases of 0.25 percent in the federal funds target rate from mid-December 2017 to mid-December 2018 by the FOMC,deposits without stated maturities, as well as strong market competition for customer deposits.lower rates on short-term borrowings following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual averagecost of funds was largely influenced by decreases which occurred in March 2020 totaling 150 basis points in the daily effective federal funds rate increased 83 basis points to 1.83a
412020 Form 10-K


target range of between zero and 0.25 percent for 2018 from 1.00the remainder of 2020. The average daily effective federal funds rate was 2.16 percent in 2017.
Our earning asset portfolio is comprised of both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans and investments. Many of our earning assets are priced based upon the prevailing treasury rates, the Valley prime rate (set by Valley management based on various internal and external factors) or on the U.S. prime interest rate as published in The Wall Street Journal. On average, the 10-year treasury rate increased from 2.33 percent in 2017 to 2.91 percent in 2018, positively impacting our yield on average loans as new and renewed fixed-rate loans originated in 2018. Additionally, the U.S. prime rate increased to 5.50 percent from 5.25 percent in mid-December 2017 and has increased five times since mid-December 2017 in conjunction with the increase in the targeted federal funds rate. The higher U.S. prime rate, and our increase in the Valley prime rate to 6.375 percent from 6.125 percent during December 2018, will have an immediate positive impact on the yield of our U.S. and Valley prime rate based loan portfolios for 2019 as compared to 2018. Should the treasury rates remain at or increase above current levels, this will also have a positive, but more gradual, effect on our interest income based on our ability to originate new and renewed fixed rate loans.2019.
Average interest earning assets totaling $27.7$37.0 billion for the year ended December 31, 20182020 increased $6.2$6.4 billion, or 28.921.0 percent, as compared to 2017.2019. Average loan balances increased $5.5$5.6 billion to $23.3$31.8 billion in 20182020 and drovewas the majority ofmajor driver in the $299.5$62.1 million increase in the interest income on a tax equivalent basis for loans as compared to 2017.2019. The growth in average loans during 20182020 was due, in large part, to $3.7the $3.4 billion ofin loans acquired from USAB on January 1, 2018, strong loan demand in all commercial loan categories and greater retentionOritani, SBA PPP loans with average balances of residential mortgage loan production. Much of the new loan production in the commercial area came from additional business with current customer relationships, including opportunities to expand the former USAB

2018 Form 10-K38




lending limits with customers in our new Tampa Bay market. Average investment securities increased $663.8 million to approximately $4.1$1.5 billion in 2018 due to $522.6 million of securities acquired from USAB, as well as a moderate expansion of residential mortgage-backed securities held in the taxable portfolio. Average federal funds sold and other interest bearing deposits increased $29.3 million to $218.9 million forduring the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to 2017 mostly due to slightly higher levels of overnight liquidity2020 and strong loan demand for commercial loans. These items were partially offset by principal repayments that outpaced new loan originations held primarily caused by fluctuationsfor investment in the timingresidential mortgage and consumer loan categories. The new commercial loan production in 2020 came from a blend of new loan originations.and existing customer relationships with significant geographic and product diversification across our primary markets.
Average interest bearing liabilities increased $4.9$3.9 billion to $20.5$26.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 20182020 from the same period in 20172019 mainly due to increases$2.9 billion of deposits assumed in all ofthe Oritani acquisition and higher retail and government deposit balances within our funding categories. Averagebranch network. The average non-interest bearing deposits and savings, NOW and money market accountsaccount balances increased $2.2by $1.9 billion mostlyand $2.9 billion, respectively, largely due to $1.7 billiondeposits from PPP loan customers, higher savings rates amongst our customers and increased customer preference for deposits without stated maturities driven by the combination of such deposits assumed from USABthe uncertainties of the pandemic and retail money market account gathering initiatives during 2018, partially offset by slightly lower utilization of brokered money market account balances inthe low rates offered on our loan growth funding strategy and other liquidity needs in 2018.time deposit products. Average time deposits increased $1.8 billion$604.5 million to $5.1$8.1 billion for 20182020 as compared to 20172019 mainly due to $999.6 million$1.2 billion of CDs assumedtime deposits acquired from USAB,Oritani, partially offset by the normal run off of maturing retail CDs. Average balances for retail CDs strategies executed in 2018 and increased use of brokered CDs inby $424.6 million to $4.7 billion for the second half of 2018.year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the prior year. Average short-term and long-term borrowings increased $702.0decreased $448.7 million and $226.3increased $899.0 million in 2018,2020, respectively, as compared to 20172019 due, in part, to a higher level ofour ability to lock in lower rates on long-term FHLB borrowings usedadvances to fund new loan and investment activities, and, to a lesser extent, $650.0 million and $100.5 million, respectively, of such borrowings assumed from USAB.activities. See the "Fourth Quarter of 2018"2020" section below for more information regarding changes in our interest bearing liabilities during 2018.2020.
Fourth Quarter of 2018. 2020. Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis totaling $223.4$288.8 million for the fourth quarter of 20182020 increased $52.0$4.7 million and $5.3$49.2 million as compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 and third quarter of 2018, respectively. The increase as compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 was largely due to the acquisition of USAB on January 1, 2018 and loan growth during 2018. Interest income on a tax equivalent basis increased $17.6 million to $316.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 as compared to the third quarter of 2018, largely2020 and fourth quarter 2019, respectively. The increase compared to the third quarter 2020 was mainly due to an increase of $871.7 millionlower rates on our deposit products combined with a shift in customer preference towards deposits without stated maturities, as well as a reduction in average loansshort-term and a 11 basis point increase in the yield on average loans.long-term borrowings funded by excess liquidity. Interest expense of $92.5$46.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018 increased $12.32020 decreased $8.1 million fromas compared to the third quarter of 20182020. Overall, average interest-bearing liabilities decreased $354.6 million and average non-interest bearing deposits increased $323.1 million in the fourth quarter 2020 as compared to the third quarter 2020. Interest income on a tax equivalent basis decreased $3.4 million to $335.0 million for the fourth quarter 2020 as compared to the third quarter 2020 mainly due to a 3 basis point decrease in the yield on average loans, as well as a moderate decline in interest and dividends from investment securities. The decrease was mostly attributable to principal repayments on securities, and a decline in our reinvestment activity within the available for sale investment securities portfolio largely due to higherthe low interest rates on many of our interest bearing deposit products and FHLB borrowings, and a $756.9 million increase in average interest-bearing liabilities. The increase in average interest-bearing liabilities was largely driven by both brokered and retail time deposit gathering initiatives, partially offset by lower short-term and long-term FHLB borrowings.rate environment.
The net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis of 3.103.06 percent for the fourth quarter of 2018 decreased 32020 increased 5 basis points as compared to 3.01 percent for the third quarter 2020, and 2increased 10 basis points from 3.13 percent and 3.122.96 percent for the fourth quarter of 2017 and third quarter of 2018, respectively.2019. The yield on average interest earning assets increaseddecreased by 124 basis points on a linked quarter basis mostly due to the higher yields on average loans and investment securities.impact of the lower interest rate environment. The yield on average loans increaseddecreased to 4.613.86 percent for the fourth quarter of 20182020 from 4.503.89 percent for the third quarter of 2018, mostly2020 largely due to the high volumecontinued repayment of new loan originations at current market rates.higher yielding loans, partially offset by a $2.2 million increase in interest and fees from PPP loans. The increased yieldincrease in interest and fees on average investment securitiesPPP loans was partlymostly caused by a decrease in premium amortization on residential mortgage-backed securities, due to lower prepayments on such financial instruments.moderate level of loan forgiveness activity and acceleration of net unamortized deferred loan fees during the fourth quarter 2020. The overall cost of average interest bearinginterest-bearing liabilities increaseddecreased by 1711 basis points to 1.720.69 percent for the fourth quarter of 20182020 as compared to the linked third quarter of 2018. The increase was due to a 23 basis point increase in both the cost of average interest bearing deposits and short-term borrowings, largely driven by higher market interest rates. The cost of average long-term borrowings also increased 21 basis points as compared to the third quarter of 2018 largely2020 due to the changelower rates offered on deposit products and the shift to lower cost deposits as well as lower average short- and long-term borrowing balances with repayments funded by excess liquidity. This includes our prepayment of $534 million in higher cost long-term borrowings during December 2020 that is expected to positively impact our average cost of funds in the composition of such borrowings caused by the maturity and repayment of lower cost borrowings in the second half of 2018.first quarter 2021. Our cost of total average deposits was 1.070.33 percent for the fourth quarter of 20182020 as compared to 0.880.41 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2018.third quarter 2020.
Looking forward, we expect moderate compression pressureongoing interest rate pressures on the level of our net interest margin for the first quarter of 20192021 and beyond due to lower market rate driven yields on our overall mix of new and refinanced loan originations. However, we are encouraged by the potential narrowingopportunity to reprice stated maturity deposits and borrowings maturing over the 12-month period. We have over $4 billion of the spread between short and long-term interest rates and two less daysretail CDs maturing at an average cost of approximately 80 basis points during the quarter. For the full yearfirst nine months of 2019, we anticipate net interest income growth of approximately 5 to 7 percent. However, our net interest margin and net interest income could both experience an unexpected material decline as compared to the fourth quarter of 2018 due to a multitude of other conditional and sometimes unpredictable factors.2021.



3920182020 Form 10-K42





The following table reflects the components of net interest income for each of the three years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016:2018:


ANALYSIS OF AVERAGE ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND
NET INTEREST INCOME ON A TAX EQUIVALENT BASIS
 
 2018 2017 2016
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
 ($ in thousands)
Assets                 
Interest earning assets:                 
Loans (1)(2)
$23,340,330
 $1,033,996
 4.43% $17,819,003
 $734,485
 4.12% $16,400,745
 $680,892
 4.15%
Taxable investments (3)
3,409,687
 100,515
 2.95
 2,910,390
 82,488
 2.83
 2,536,197
 64,349
 2.54
Tax-exempt investments (1)(3)
733,956
 27,220
 3.71
 569,469
 23,691
 4.16
 604,188
 23,903
 3.96
Interest bearing deposits with banks218,938
 3,236
 1.48
 189,636
 1,793
 0.95
 288,182
 1,126
 0.39
Total interest earning assets27,702,911
 1,164,967
 4.21
 21,488,498
 842,457
 3.92
 19,829,312
 770,270
 3.88
Allowance for loan losses(136,775)     (117,529)     (109,084)    
Cash and due from banks278,181
     236,297
     291,021
    
Other assets2,431,537
     1,886,035
     2,032,704
    
Unrealized losses on securities available for sale, net(46,578)     (14,503)     921
    
Total assets$30,229,276
     $23,478,798
     $22,044,874
    
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity                 
Interest bearing liabilities:                 
Savings, NOW and money market deposits$11,093,136
 $108,394
 0.98% $8,934,335
 $55,300
 0.62% $8,563,208
 $39,787
 0.46%
Time deposits5,131,167
 81,959
 1.60
 3,329,693
 42,546
 1.28
 3,104,307
 37,775
 1.22
Total interest bearing deposits16,224,303
 190,353
 1.17
 12,264,028
 97,846
 0.80
 11,667,515
 77,562
 0.66
Short-term borrowings2,187,998
 45,930
 2.10
 1,486,001
 18,034
 1.21
 1,246,790
 12,022
 0.96
Long-term borrowings (4)
2,116,619
 65,762
 3.11
 1,890,288
 58,227
 3.08
 1,610,576
 59,190
 3.68
Total interest bearing liabilities20,528,920
 302,045
 1.47
 15,640,317
 174,107
 1.11
 14,524,881
 148,774
 1.02
Non-interest bearing deposits6,193,839
     5,192,087
     5,067,124
    
Other liabilities201,986
     174,643
     199,299
    
Shareholders’ equity3,304,531
     2,471,751
     2,253,570
    
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$30,229,276
     $23,478,798
     $22,044,874
    
Net interest income/interest rate spread (5)
  862,922
 2.74%   668,350
 2.81%   621,496
 2.86%
Tax equivalent adjustment  (5,719)     (8,303)     (8,382)  
Net interest income, as reported  $857,203
     $660,047
     $613,114
  
Net interest margin (6)
    3.09%     3.07%     3.09%
Tax equivalent effect    0.02
     0.04
     0.04%
Net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis (6)
    3.11%     3.11%     3.13%
 202020192018
 Average
Balance
InterestAverage
Rate
Average
Balance
InterestAverage
Rate
Average
Balance
InterestAverage
Rate
 ($ in thousands)
Assets
Interest earning assets:
Loans (1)(2)
$31,785,859 $1,284,807 4.04 %$26,235,253 $1,198,908 4.57 %$23,340,330 $1,033,996 4.43 %
Taxable investments (3)
3,446,670 81,893 2.38 3,394,397 98,949 2.92 3,409,687 100,515 2.95 
Tax-exempt investments (1)(3)
549,204 18,434 3.36 647,178 22,051 3.41 733,956 27,220 3.71 
Interest bearing deposits with banks1,229,200 2,556 0.21 298,702 5,723 1.92 218,938 3,236 1.48 
Total interest earning assets37,010,933 1,387,690 3.75 30,575,530 1,325,631 4.34 27,702,911 1,164,967 4.21 
Allowance for loan losses(295,131)(157,562)(136,775)
Cash and due from banks309,539 275,619 278,181 
Other assets3,495,464 2,762,478 2,431,537 
Unrealized losses on securities available for sale, net36,521 (13,327)(46,578)
Total assets$40,557,326 $33,442,738 $30,229,276 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Interest bearing liabilities:
Savings, NOW and money market deposits$14,280,137 $76,169 0.53 %$11,406,073 $145,177 1.27 %$11,093,136 $108,394 0.98 %
Time deposits8,125,869 106,067 1.31 7,521,338 166,693 2.22 5,131,167 81,959 1.60 
Total interest bearing deposits22,406,006 182,236 0.81 18,927,411 311,870 1.65 16,224,303 190,353 1.17 
Short-term borrowings1,621,581 11,372 0.70 2,070,258 47,862 2.31 2,187,998 45,930 2.10 
Long-term borrowings (4)
2,850,213 71,207 2.50 1,951,203 63,220 3.24 2,116,619 65,762 3.11 
Total interest bearing liabilities26,877,800 264,815 0.99 22,948,872 422,952 1.84 20,528,920 302,045 1.47 
Non-interest bearing deposits8,284,376 6,364,986 6,193,839 
Other liabilities895,083 573,397 201,986 
Shareholders’ equity4,500,067 3,555,483 3,304,531 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$40,557,326 $33,442,738 $30,229,276 
Net interest income/interest rate spread (5)
1,122,875 2.76 %902,679 2.50 %862,922 2.74 %
Tax equivalent adjustment(3,971)(4,631)(5,719)
Net interest income, as reported$1,118,904 $898,048 $857,203 
Net interest margin (6)
3.02 %2.94 %3.09 %
Tax equivalent effect0.01 0.01 0.02 %
Net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis (6)
3.03 %2.95 %3.11 %
(1)
Interest income is presented on a tax equivalent basis using a 21 percent federal tax rate for 2018, and a 35 percent federal tax rate for both 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(2)
Loans are stated net of unearned income and include non-accrual loans.
(3)
The yield for securities that are classified as available for sale is based on the average historical amortized cost.
(4)
Includes junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts which are presented separately on the consolidated statements of condition.
(5)
Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on interest earning assets and the average cost of interest bearing liabilities and is presented on a fully tax equivalent basis.
(6)
Net interest income as a percentage of total average interest earning assets.

(1)Interest income is presented on a tax equivalent basis using a 21 percent federal tax rate.
(2)Loans are stated net of unearned income and include non-accrual loans.
(3)The yield for securities that are classified as available for sale is based on the average historical amortized cost.
(4)Includes junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts which are presented separately on the consolidated statements of condition.
(5)Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on interest earning assets and the average cost of interest bearing liabilities and is presented on a fully tax equivalent basis.
(6)Net interest income as a percentage of total average interest earning assets.

2018432020 Form 10-K40






The following table demonstrates the relative impact on net interest income of changes in the volume of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities and changes in rates earned and paid by Valley on such assets and liabilities. Variances resulting from a combination of changes in volume and rates are allocated to the categories in proportion to the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each category.


CHANGE IN NET INTEREST INCOME ON A TAX EQUIVALENT BASIS
 
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 Compared to 2017 2017 Compared to 2016
 
Change
Due to
Volume
 
Change
Due to
Rate
 
Total
Change
 
Change
Due to
Volume
 
Change
Due to
Rate
 
Total
Change
 (in thousands)
Interest income:           
Loans*$241,292
 $58,219
 $299,511
 $59,125
 $(2,302) $56,823
Taxable investments14,611
 3,416
 18,027
 10,114
 8,025
 18,139
Tax-exempt investments*6,303
 (2,774) 3,529
 (1,411) 1,199
 (212)
Federal funds sold and other interest bearing deposits311
 1,132
 1,443
 (491) 1,158
 667
Total increase in interest income262,517
 59,993
 322,510
 67,337
 8,080
 75,417
Interest expense:           
Savings, NOW and money market deposits15,640
 37,454
 53,094
 1,790
 13,723
 15,513
Time deposits26,955
 12,458
 39,413
 2,824
 1,947
 4,771
Short-term borrowings10,962
 16,934
 27,896
 2,561
 3,451
 6,012
Long-term borrowings and junior subordinated debentures7,028
 507
 7,535
 9,418
 (10,381) (963)
Total increase in interest expense60,585
 67,353
 127,938
 16,593
 8,740
 25,333
Increase (decrease) in net interest income$201,932
 $(7,360) $194,572
 $50,744
 $(660) $50,084
 2020 Compared to 20192019 Compared to 2018
 Change
Due to
Volume
Change
Due to
Rate
Total
Change
Change
Due to
Volume
Change
Due to
Rate
Total
Change
 (in thousands)
Interest income:
Loans*$234,704 $(148,805)$85,899 $131,473 $33,439 $164,912 
Taxable investments1,502 (18,558)(17,056)(449)(1,117)(1,566)
Tax-exempt investments*(3,293)(324)(3,617)(3,063)(2,106)(5,169)
Federal funds sold and other interest bearing deposits5,471 (8,638)(3,167)1,372 1,115 2,487 
Total increase (decrease) in interest income238,384 (176,325)62,059 129,333 31,331 160,664 
Interest expense:
Savings, NOW and money market deposits30,152 (99,160)(69,008)3,137 33,646 36,783 
Time deposits12,497 (73,123)(60,626)46,254 38,480 84,734 
Short-term borrowings(8,658)(27,832)(36,490)(2,558)4,490 1,932 
Long-term borrowings and junior subordinated debentures24,674 (16,687)7,987 (5,282)2,740 (2,542)
Total increase (decrease) in interest expense58,665 (216,802)(158,137)41,551 79,356 120,907 
Increase (decrease) in net interest income$179,719 $40,477 $220,196 $87,782 $(48,025)$39,757 
*Interest income is presented on a tax equivalent basis using a 21 percent federal tax rate for 2018, and a 35 percent federal tax rate for both 2017 and 2016, respectively.
*    Interest income is presented on a tax equivalent basis using a 21 percent federal tax rate.
Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income represented 10.411.7 percent and 11.814.0 percent of total interest income plus non-interest income for 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, non-interest income increased $22.3decreased $31.5 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017.2019 largely due to the gain on the sale of several Valley properties recognized in 2019. See further details below.
2020 Form 10-K44


The following table presents the components of non-interest income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017,2020, 2019, and 2016:2018:
 202020192018
 (in thousands)
Trust and investment services$12,415 $12,646 $12,633 
Insurance commissions7,398 10,409 15,213 
Service charges on deposit accounts18,257 23,636 26,817 
Gains (losses) on securities transactions, net524 (150)(2,342)
Net impairment losses on securities recognized in earnings— (2,928)— 
Fees from loan servicing10,352 9,794 9,319 
Gains on sales of loans, net42,251 18,914 20,515 
(Losses) gains on sales of assets, net(1,891)78,333 (2,401)
Bank owned life insurance10,083 8,232 8,691 
Other83,643 55,634 45,607 
Total non-interest income$183,032 $214,520 $134,052 
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
 (in thousands)
Trust and investment services$12,633
 $11,538
 $10,345
Insurance commissions15,213
 18,156
 19,106
Service charges on deposit accounts26,817
 21,529
 20,879
(Losses) gains on securities transactions, net(2,342) (20) 777
Fees from loan servicing9,319
 7,384
 6,441
Gains on sales of loans, net20,515
 20,814
 22,030
Bank owned life insurance8,691
 7,338
 6,694
Other43,206
 24,967
 21,988
Total non-interest income$134,052

$111,706

$108,260

412018 Form 10-K




Trusts and investment services income increased $1.1Insurance commissions decreased $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to 2017 mainly due to higher investment and advisory fees resulting2020 from increased assets under management during 2018. The increase in assets under management was largely due to higher market valuations and asset appreciation during 2018.
Insurance commissions decreased $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $18.2$10.4 million in 20172019 mainly due to lower volumes of business generated by the Bank's insurance agency subsidiary.
Service charges on deposit accounts increased $5.3decreased $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 20182020 as compared to 20172019 mostly driven by the acquisition of USAB on January 1, 2018.due to waived fees related to COVID-19 customer relief efforts in 2020.
Net impairment losses on securities transactions increased $2.3totaling $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared2019 relate to 2017. The higher levelone special revenue bond in default of net losses was partly dueits contractual payments. See the “Investment Securities Portfolio” section of this MD&A and Note 4 to the sale of all ofconsolidated financial statements for further details on our private label mortgage-backedinvestment securities classified as available for sale for an aggregate net loss of $1.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2018, as well as the sale of equity securities previously classified as available for sale and certain municipal securities acquired from USAB.impairment analysis.
Fees from loan servicing increased $1.9 million$558 thousand for the year ended December 31, 20182020 from $18.2$9.8 million in 20172019 mainly due to additional fees from mortgage servicing rights of loans originated and sold by us during the last 12 months.year ended December 31, 2020. The aggregate principal balances of residential mortgage loans serviced by us for others increased approximately $300$123 million to $3.2$3.5 billion, at December 31, 20182020 from $2.8$3.4 billion at December 31, 2017.2019.
Net gains on sales of loans remained relatively unchangedincreased $23.3 million for the year ended December 31, 20182020 as compared to 2017 despite a lower volume of loans sold during 2018, mainly2019 largely due to higher spreads (margins)(or margins) on individual loan sales despite a slightly higher volume of residential mortgage loans sold during 2020. During 2020, we sold $1.0 billion of residential mortgages as compared to 2017. During 2018, we sold $675.9 million of residential mortgages originated for sale as compared to $800.9$935 million of residential mortgage loans sold during 2017. Residential2019, including $30 million and $436 million of pre-existing loans sold from our residential mortgage loan originations (including both new and refinanced loans) increased 82.4 percent to $1.7 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to $955.7 million in 2017.portfolio, respectively. Our net gains on sales of loans for each period are comprised of both gains on sales of residential mortgages and the net change in the mark to market gains and losses on our loans held for sale carried at fair value at each period end. The net gains in the fair value of loans held for sale totaled $211 thousand$13.5 million and $782 thousand$1.0 million in 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively. Residential mortgage loan originations (including both new and refinanced loans) increased 22.3 percent to $1.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to $1.6 billion in 2019. See further discussions of our residential mortgage loan origination activity under “Loans” in the "Executive Summary" section of this MD&A above and the fair valuation of our loans held for sale at Note 3 ofto the consolidated financial statements.statements for details about the fair value methodology.
Other non-interest income increased $18.2Net gains on sales of assets decreased $80.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from 2017 partly2020 as compared to 2019 primarily due to (i) a $8.1$78.5 million gain on the sale (and leaseback) of 26 bank properties recognized during the first quarter 2019.
Other non-interest income increased $28.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to 2019 mainly due to a $25.6 million increase in fee income related to derivative interest rate swaps executed with commercial lending customers, (ii) a $6.5 million gain realized on the sale of our Visa Class B shares during the fourth quarter of 2018 and (iii) additional other income generated from the USAB acquisition.customers. Swap fee income totaled $16.4$59.0 million and $8.3$33.4 million for the years ended December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively. Partially offsetting these items, we also recognized branch asset impairment charges of $1.8 million relatedA decline in commercial loan activity in 2021, as well as several other factors, could have a significant negative impact on our ability to branch closures duringgenerate swap fee income at or near the third quarter of 2018.fees realized in 2020.

452020 Form 10-K


Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expense increased $120.0$14.6 million to $629.1$646.1 million for the year ended December 31, 20182020 as compared to 2017.2019. The following table presents the components of non-interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016:2018:
Years Ended December 31,
2018 2017 2016 202020192018
  (in thousands)    (in thousands) 
Salary and employee benefits expense$333,816
 $263,337
 $243,222
Salary and employee benefits expense$333,221 $327,431 $333,816 
Net occupancy and equipment expense108,763
 92,243
 87,140
Net occupancy and equipment expense129,002 118,191 108,763 
FDIC insurance assessment28,266
 19,821
 20,100
FDIC insurance assessment18,949 21,710 28,266 
Amortization of other intangible assets18,416
 10,016
 11,327
Amortization of other intangible assets24,645 18,080 18,416 
Professional and legal fees34,141
 25,834
 17,755
Professional and legal fees32,348 20,810 34,141 
Loss on extinguishment of debtLoss on extinguishment of debt12,036 31,995 — 
Amortization of tax credit investments24,200
 41,747
 34,744
Amortization of tax credit investments13,335 20,392 24,200 
Telecommunication expense12,102
 9,921
 10,021
Telecommunication expense10,737 9,883 12,102 
Other69,357
 46,154
 51,816
Other71,875 63,063 69,357 
Total non-interest expense$629,061
 $509,073
 $476,125
Total non-interest expense$646,148 $631,555 $629,061 
Salary and employee benefits expense increased by $70.5$5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 20182020 as compared to 20172019. The increase was largely due to (i) normal increases in annual compensation and incentives (including additional staffingsalaries related to Bank branch and other operational staff retained from the USAB

2018 Form 10-K42




acquisition), (ii) expansion of our technology and home mortgage consultant teams, (iii) $9.8Oritani acquisition, higher cash incentive compensation (including $2.2 million of changespecial bonuses paid to hourly and part-time employees to reward them for their efforts and contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic) and increased medical expenses. These additional expenses were partially offset by cost reductions from our ongoing branch transformation efforts and other operational improvements during the year ended December 31, 2020 and lower merger related charges. Change in control, severance and retention expenses related to the USAB acquisition, and (iv) $2.7 million of severance costs related to our Branch Transformation strategy during the fourth quarter of 2018. Stock-based compensation expense increased $7.0 million to $18.8bank acquisitions was $13.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared2019. Severance costs related to 2017.operational restructuring efforts and our branch transformation strategy totaled $2.1 million and $4.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Net occupancy and equipment expenses increased $16.5$10.8 million for the year ended December 31, 20182020 as compared to 20172019 largely due to costshigher rental expenses resulting from a sale leaseback transaction completed near the end of the first quarter 2019 and higher depreciation expense related to the 29-branch networkcomputer equipment and new data centers placed into service in fourth quarter 2019. In addition, during 2020, we incurred higher equipment and certain other COVID-19 pandemic related expenses which included additional cleaning services for facilities to maintain employee and customer safety. During 2020, we also incurred additional costs associated with branches and other facilities acquired from USABOritani, which were partially offset by costs savings from branch closures during 2020 as compared to 2019.
The FDIC insurance assessment decreased in 2020 largely due to the Bank's improved capital position following the Oritani acquisition and retained earnings resulting from a stronger 2020 performance.
Amortization of other intangibles increased $6.6 million to $24.6 million at December 31, 2020 as compared to 2019 largely due to higher technology equipment related expense. Repairamortization expense of loan servicing rights and maintenance, and depreciation expense increased $11.0 million and $2.7 millioncore deposit intangible, as well as $818 thousand of net impairment charges of loan servicing rights for the year ended December 31, 2018, respectively,2020 as compared to 2017. USAB merger related expenses within the category totaled $856net recoveries of impairment charges totaling $36 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2018.
The FDIC insurance assessment increased $8.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from the year ended December 31, 2017 mainly due to the USAB acquisition and the organic growth of our balance sheet over the last 12-month period.
Amortization of other intangible assets increased $8.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to 2017 mainly due to an increase of $7.5 million in amortization expense of core deposit intangibles (CDI) during 2018.2019. The increase in the amortization of CDIcore deposits intangibles was driven by the recognition of $45.9 million of CDIprimarily due to intangibles generated in the USAB acquisition (seeOritani acquisition. See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for more details). Higher amortization expense of loan servicing rights, caused by additional loan servicing rights recorded over the last twelve-month period, also contributed to the increase in 2018.information.
Professional and legal fees increased $8.3$11.5 million for the year ended December 31, 20182020 as compared to 2017, largely2019. The increase was mainly due to litigation reserve chargeshigher costs from technology transformation consulting services, as well as remote work readiness costs largely incurred in the second quarter 2020.
Loss on extinguishment of $12.2debt totaling $12.0 million and merger related expenses of $837 thousand during 2018. These increases were partially offset by lower consulting and advisory fees for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to 2017, which included additional fees2020 reflects prepayment penalties related to the LIFT Project and USAB acquisition.prepayments of $584.3 million of long-term borrowings primarily consisting of FHLB advances prepaid in the fourth quarter. These debt prepayments were funded by excess cash liquidity. See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Amortization of tax credit investments decreased $17.5$7.1 million for the year ended December 31, 20182020 as compared to 2017 mostly2019 partly due to normal a decline in impairment. The year ended December 31, 2019 included a $2.4 million impairment charge related to investments in three federal renewable energy tax credit funds sponsored by DC Solar (See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information). The remainder of the variance from 2019 was mainly due to
2020 Form 10-K46


differences in the timing and amount of such investments and recognition of the related tax credits, as well as a $4.3 million charge during the fourth quarter of 2017 related to the impairment of tax credit investments caused by the Tax Act.credits. Tax credit investments, while negatively impacting the level of our operating expenses and efficiency ratio, directly reduce our income tax expense and effective tax rate. See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Other non-interest expense increased $23.2$8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 20182020 as compared to 2017 partly2019. This increase was largely due to increases of $5.9 million and $5.6 million inhigher data processing feescosts, certain PPP loan and USAB mergerother COVID-19 related expense during 2018, respectively. During 2018, we also experienced moderate increasescosts, as well as incrementally higher operating expenses in several categories due to the expansion of our operations both organically and through the acquisition of Oritani in the fourth quarter 2019. Net gains on the sale of OREO properties included in other non-interest expense decreased $674 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to 2019. The negative impact of these times was partially offset by moderate decreases in several other significant components of other expense, such as travel, entertainment and entertainment, debit card and ATMbusiness meals expense postage, and stationary and print expenses. These additional expenses were largely driven by our growth both organically and through the acquisition of USAB. Advertising expense included in this category increased $3.8 million to $5.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018during 2020 as compared to 2017 mostly due to focused campaigns in the new Florida markets, as well as the more recent Valley re-branding efforts.2019.













432018 Form 10-K




Efficiency Ratio.The efficiency ratio measures total non-interest expense as a percentage of net interest income plus total non-interest income. We believe this non-GAAP measure provides a meaningful comparison of our operational performance and facilitates investors’ assessments of business performance and trends in comparison to our peers in the banking industry. Our overall efficiency ratio, and its comparability to some of our peers, is negatively impacted mostlyprimarily by the amortization of tax credit investments, as well as infrequent charges within non-interest income and expense, including, but not limited to the loss on extinguishment of debt, merger related expenses litigation expenses, severance costs, and gains and lossesthe net gain on securitiessale-leaseback transactions. See table below for more details.
The following table presents our efficiency ratio and a reconciliation of the efficiency ratio adjusted for such items during the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016:2018:
 202020192018
 ($ in thousands)
Total non-interest expense, as reported$646,148 $631,555 $629,061 
Less: Loss on extinguishment of debt (pre-tax)12,036 31,995 — 
Less: Amortization of tax credit investments (pre-tax)13,335 20,392 24,200 
Less: Merger related expenses (pre-tax)(1)
1,907 16,579 17,445 
Less: Severance expense (mainly branch transformation, pre-tax)(2)
2,072 4,838 2,662 
Less: Legal expenses (litigation reserve impact only, pre-tax)— — 12,184 
Total non-interest expense, as adjusted616,798 557,751 572,570 
Net interest income1,118,904 898,048 857,203 
Total non-interest income, as reported183,032 214,520 134,052 
Add: Net impairment losses on securities (pre-tax)— 2,928 — 
Add: Branch related asset impairment (pre-tax)(3)
— — 1,821 
Add: Losses on securities transactions, net (pre-tax)(524)150 2,342 
Less: Gain on the sale of Visa Class B shares (pre-tax)(4)
— — 6,530 
Less: Gain on sale leaseback transaction (pre-tax)(5)
— 78,505 — 
Total non-interest income, as adjusted$182,508 $139,093 $131,685 
Gross operating income, as adjusted$1,301,412 $1,037,141 $988,888 
Efficiency ratio49.63 %56.77 %63.46 %
Efficiency ratio, adjusted47.39 %53.78 %57.90 %
(1)Merger related expenses are primarily within salary and employee benefits expense, professional and legal fees, and other expense.
(2)Severance expenses are included in salary and employee benefits.
(3)Branch related asset impairment is included in net losses on sale of assets within non-interest income.
(4)The gain from the sale of non-marketable securities is included in other non-interest income.
(5)The gain on sale leaseback transactions is included in gains on the sales of assets within other non-interest income.
Management continuously monitors its expenses in an effort to optimize Valley's performance. Based upon these efforts and our revenue goals, we achieved an adjusted efficiency ratio (as shown in the table above) of 47.39 percent for 2020 that exceeded our previously announced goal of 51 percent or lower for the year. We can provide no assurance that our adjusted efficiency ratio will remain at the level reported for 2020.

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
 ($ in thousands)
Total non-interest expense, as reported$629,061
 $509,073
 $476,125
Less: Amortization of tax credit investments (pre-tax)24,200
 41,747
 34,744
Less: LIFT program expenses (pre-tax) (1)

 9,875
 
Less: Merger related expenses (pre-tax) (2)
17,445
 2,620
 
Less: Severance expense (branch transformation only, pre-tax)2,662
 
 
Less: Legal expenses (litigation reserve impact only, pre-tax)12,184
 
 
Total non-interest expense, as adjusted$572,570
 $454,831
 $441,381
Net interest income857,203
 660,047
 613,114
Total non-interest income, as reported134,052
 111,706
 108,260
Add: Branch related asset impairment (pre-tax) (3)
1,821
 
 
Add: Losses (gains) on securities transactions, net (pre-tax)2,342
 20
 (777)
Less: Gain on the sale of Visa Class B shares (pre-tax)6,530
 
 
Total non-interest income, as adjusted$131,685
 $111,726
 $107,483
Gross operating income, as adjusted$988,888
 $771,773
 $720,597
Efficiency ratio63.46% 65.96% 66.00%
Efficiency ratio, adjusted57.90% 58.93% 61.25%
(1)LIFT program expenses are primarily within professional and legal fees and salary and employee benefits expense.472020 Form 10-K
(2)Merger related expenses are primarily within salary and employee benefits and other expense.
(3)Branch related asset impairment is included in net losses on sale of assets within non-interest income.
See the “Results of Operations—2017 Compared to 2016” section later in this MD&A for the discussion and analysis of changes in our non-interest expense from 2016 to 2017.


Income Taxes
Effective January 1, 2018, the federal corporate income tax rate decreased from 35 percent to 21 percent under the Tax Act. Income tax expense was $68.3$139.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, reflecting an effective tax rate of 20.726.3 percent, as compared to $90.8$147.0 million for the year ended 2017,2019, reflecting an effective tax rate of 35.932.2 percent. The decreasedecline in both income tax expense and the effective tax rate in 20182020 as compared to 20172019 was primarily caused by the lower 2018 federal tax rate andmainly due to a $15.4$31.1 million charge recognizedincrease in the fourth quarter of 2017 resulting from the re-measurement of Valley's estimated net deferredprovision for income taxes related to uncertain tax asset as of December 31, 2017 under the Tax Act. Theliability positions during 2019. However, income tax expense declined by only $7.5 million as compared to 2019 largely due to an increase in taxable income for the year ended December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2020 and effective2019, our uncertain tax rate for 2018 also reflect a netliability positions relate to renewable energy tax benefit of $3.3 million related to the reduction in our reserve for unrecognizedcredits and other tax benefits due to the expiration of the statute of limitations for certain tax positions.previously recognized from our investments in mobile generators sold and leased back by DC Solar and its affiliates.
On July 1, 2018, The State of New Jersey enacted new legislation that created a temporary surtax effective for tax years 2018 through 2021 and will require companies to file combined tax returns beginning in 2019. The surtaxCARES Act did not have a material impact on our reported income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2018. The New Jersey surtax equals 2.5 percent for the years 2018 and 2019 and decreases to 1.5 percent for 2020 and 2021.

2018 Form 10-K44




2020.
U.S. GAAP requires that any change in judgment or change in measurement of a tax position taken in a prior annual period be recognized as a discrete event in the quarter in which it occurs, rather than being recognized as a change in effective tax rate for the current year. Our adherence to these tax guidelines may result in volatile effective income tax rates in future quarterly and annual periods. Factors that could impact management’s judgment include changes in income, tax laws and regulations, and tax planning strategies. Based on the current information available, we anticipate that our effective tax rate will range from 22 percent to 24 percent for 2019, primarily reflecting the estimated impacts of the changes in federal and state tax laws (including the New Jersey surtax effective July 1, 2018), tax-exempt income, tax-advantaged investments and general business credits.
See additional information regarding our income taxes under our “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” section above, as well as Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.
Business Segments
We have four business segments that we monitor and report on to manage our business operations. These segments are consumer lending, commercial lending, investment management, and corporate and other adjustments. Our reportable segments have been determined based upon Valley’s internal structure of operations and lines of business. Each business segment is reviewed routinely for its asset growth, contribution to income before income taxes and return on average interest earning assets and impairment (if events or circumstances indicate a possible inability to realize the carrying amount). Expenses related to the branch network, all other components of retail banking, along with the back office departments of our subsidiary bankthe Bank are allocated from the corporate and other adjustments segment to each of the other three business segments. Interest expense and internal transfer expense (for general corporate expenses) are allocated to each business segment utilizing a “pool funding”transfer pricing methodology, which involves the allocation of uniformoperating and funding costcosts based on each segments’segment's respective mix of average earning assets and/or liabilities outstanding for the period. The financial reporting for each segment contains allocations and reporting in line with our operations, which may not necessarily be comparable to any other financial institution. The accounting for each segment includes internal accounting policies designed to measure consistent and reasonable financial reporting and may result in income and expense measurements that differ from amounts under U.S. GAAP. Furthermore, changes in management structure or allocation methodologies and procedures may result in changes in reported segment financial data. See Note 22 to the consolidated financial statements for the segments’ financial data.
Consumer lending. The consumer lending segment is mainly comprised of residential mortgage loans, automobile loans, secured personal lines of credit and home equity loans and represented in the aggregate 27.221.4 percent of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2018.2020, and was mainly comprised of residential mortgage loans and automobile loans, and to a lesser extent, home equity loans, secured personal lines of credit and other consumer loans (including credit card loans). The duration of the residential mortgage loan portfolio (which represented 16.413.0 percent of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2018)2020) is subject to movements in the market level of interest rates and forecasted prepayment speeds. The weighted average life of the automobile loans portfolio (representing 5.34.2 percent of total loans at December 31, 2018)2020) is relatively unaffected by movements in the market level of interest rates. However, the average life may be impacted by new loans as a result of the availability of credit within the automobile marketplace and consumer demand for purchasing new or used automobiles. The consumer lending segment also includes the Wealth Management and Insurance Services Division, comprised of trust, asset management, and insurance services, and asset-based lending support services.
Average interest earning assets in this segment increased $1.0 billion$269.3 million to $6.2$7.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 20182020 as compared to 2017.2019. The increase was mainly attributablelargely due to organic$255 million of loans acquired from Oritani on December 1, 2019, loan growth from residential mortgage loan growth drivenoriginations for investment during the first quarter 2020 (prior to the economic slowdown caused by our home mortgage consulting team, as well as $365.9 million and $109.8 million of residential mortgage loans and home equity loans, respectively, acquired from USAB on January 1, 2018. Automobile loans and other consumer loans (mainly consisting of secured personal lines) also grew by 9.2 percent and 18.3 percent, respectively, over the last 12 months.COVID-19 pandemic).
Income before income taxes generated by the consumer lending segment decreased $6.2increased $46.6 million to $57.3$124.1 million for the year ended December 31, 20182020 as compared to $63.5$77.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease was2019 largely attributabledue to increases in non-interest expenseof $28.5 million and internal transfer expense, partially offset by an increase in net interest income. Non-interest expense increased $20.3 million as compared to 2017 due, in part, to higher salary and employee benefits expense related to the USAB acquisition and additional compensation related to our growing home mortgage consultant team. The internal transfer expense increased $9.2 million, as compared to 2017. The negative impact of these items was partially offset by an increase of $27.7$23.5 million in net interest income and non-interest income, respectively. The increase in net interest income was mostly due to higherdriven by the lower cost of funding and increase in average loans, and yields on new loan volumes, partially offset by lower yields on loans in the consumer segment. The increase in non-interest income was primarily attributable to higher funding costs.net gains on sales of residential mortgage loans for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to 2019. The positive impact of the aforementioned items
2020 Form 10-K48


was partially offset by increases of $4.8 million and $1.5 million in the provision for loan losses and non-interest expense, respectively. The increase in the provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to 2019 was mainly due to the adverse economic forecast caused by COVID-19 pandemic included in our estimate of lifetime expected credit losses for this segment, as well as additional qualitative management adjustments to reflect the potential for higher levels of credit stress related to borrowers impacted by COVID-19 pandemic. See further details in the "Allowance for Credit Losses" section of this MD&A.
The net interest margin on the consumer lending portfolio was 2.77increased 29 basis points to 2.92 percent for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018. The 2018 margin remained unchanged from 20172020 as compared to 2019 due to a 2766 basis point increase in the yield on average loans that was fully offset by a 27 basis point increasedecrease in the costs associated with our funding sources.sources, partially offset by a 37 basis point decrease in the yield on average loans. The increaseddecrease in our funding costs was mainly due to both deposits and borrowings continuing to reprice at lower interest rates and the prepayment of the $635 million high cost FHLB advances in December 2019. The 37 basis point decrease in loan yield was largely due to higher market interest rates onlower yielding new loan volumes. The increased cost of funds was primarily due to increased short-term interest rates resulting from the Federal Reserve's gradual increase in short-term market interest rates during 2018 and intense

452018 Form 10-K




competition for deposits mainly in our New Jersey and New York markets. See the "Executive Summary" and the "Net Interest Income" sections above for more details on our loans, deposits and other borrowings.
The return on average interest earning assets before income taxes for the consumer lending segment was 0.921.73 percent for 20182020 compared to 1.231.12 percent for 2017.2019.
Commercial lending. The commercial lending segment is mainly comprised of floating rate and adjustable rate commercial and industrial loans and construction loans, as well as fixed rate owner occupied and commercial real estate loans. Due to the portfolio’s interest rate characteristics, commercial lending is Valley’s business segment that is most sensitive to movements in market interest rates. Commercial and industrial loans totaled approximately $4.3$6.9 billion and represented 17.321.3 percent of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2018.2020. Commercial real estate loans and construction loans totaled $13.9$18.5 billion and represented 55.557.3 percent of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2018.2020.
Average interest earning assets in this segment increased $4.5$5.3 billion to $17.1$24.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 20182020 as compared to 2017.2019. The increase was primarily attributabledue to approximately $3.2organic loan growth from $2.2 billion of PPP loans originated in 2020, as well as $3.1 billion of commercial PCI loans acquired from USAB and strong loan growth during the last 12 months.Oritani on December 1, 2019.
For the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, income before income taxes for the commercial lending segment increased $85.1$79.4 million to $308.5$448.6 million as compared to 2017.2019. Net interest income increased $165.0$195.1 million to $621.7$863.7 million for the year ended December 31, 20182020 as compared to 2017 largely2019 mainly due to the aforementionedcombined effect of a $101.5 million increase in interest income driven by higher average loanloans balances as well as an increaseand a $93.6 million decrease in yield on new loan originations.interest expense caused by the reduction in our cost of funds. Non-interest income increased $10.9$23.6 million for the year ended December 31, 20182020 as compared to 2017 mainly2019 primarily due to fee income related to derivative interest rate swaps executed with commercial loan customers which totaled $16.4$59.0 million for the year ended December 31, 20182020 as compared to $8.3$33.4 million in 2017.2019. The positive impact of thesethe aforementioned items was partially offset by ana $96.1 million increase in the internal transfer expense, non-interest expense and the provision for credit losses. The provision for credit losses increased $20.2 million to $27.0$113.6 million for the year ended December 31, 20182020 as compared to 2017 (See details2019. The increase in the provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to 2019 was mainly due to the adverse economic forecast lifetime expected credit losses during 2020, higher specific reserves for tax medallion loans and qualitative adjustments for potential credit stress related to borrowers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. See the "Allowance for Credit Losses" section of this MD&A). The internalbelow for further details. Internal transfer expense and non-interest expense increased $46.6$46.5 million and $24.0to $267.6 million respectively, for the year ended December 31, 20182020 as compared to 2017, due, in part, to the USAB acquisition.2019.
The net interest margin for this segment increased 24 basis points to 3.633.5 percent during 20182020 as compared to 2019 due to a result of a 2966 basis point increase in the yield on average loans, partially offset by a 27 basis point increasedecrease in the cost of our funding sources, as compared to 2017.mostly offset by a 62 basis point decrease in the yield on average loans.
The return on average interest earning assets before income taxes for this segment was 1.801.82 percent for 20182020 compared to 1.771.91 percent for the prior year period.


Investment management. The investment management segment generates a large portion of our income through investments in various types of securities and interest-bearing deposits with other banks. These investments are mainly comprised of fixed rate securities and, depending on our liquid cash position, federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks (primarily the FRBFederal Reserve Bank of New York), as part of our asset/liability management strategies. The fixed rate investments are one of Valley’s least sensitive assets to changes in market interest rates. However, a portion of the investment portfolio is invested in shorter-duration securities to maintain the overall asset sensitivity of our balance sheet. See the “Asset/Liability Management” section below for further analysis.
Average interest earning assets increased $693.1$884.8 million to $4.4$5.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 20182020 as compared to 2017 mostly2019 primarily due to investment securities acquired from USAB and some additional investmenta $930.5 million increase in residential mortgage-backed securities. Average otheraverage interest bearing deposits also increased $29.3with banks, partially offset by a $45.7 million decline in average investment securities. The increase in average overnight interest bearing deposits with banks
492020 Form 10-K


was mainly due to $218.9 million forour higher levels of excess liquidity levels that were maintained in the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared2020 period in response to 2017.the uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The decrease in average investment securities was mainly driven by principal repayments on securities with slower reinvestment activity caused by the low interest rate environment.
For the year ended December 31, 2018,2020, income before income taxes for the investment management segment increased $529 thousanddecreased $7.4 million to $38.9$19.6 million as compared to 2017 primarily2019 mainly due to a $5.6 million increaseincreases in net interest income and a $946 thousand increase in non-interest income, partially offset by a $6.0 million increase in the internal transfer expense. The increase in net interest income was mainly driven by higher average investment balances during the year ended December 31, 2018 as comparedexpense and provision for credit losses for debt securities held to 2017.maturity totaling $7.1 million and $635 thousand, respectively.
The net interest margin for this segment decreased 2129 basis points to 1.971.30 percent during the year ended December 31, 20182020 as compared to 2017 as2019 due to a result of a 2795 basis point increasedecrease in the yield on average investments, partially offset by a 66 basis point decrease in costs associated with our funding sources, partially offset by a 6 basis point increase in the yield on average investments.sources. The increasedecrease in the yield on average investments during 2020 as compared to one year ago was partly due to purchaseslargely driven by repayment and prepayment of higher yieldingyield residential mortgage-backed securities, as well as calls and maturities of state and municipal bonds. Additionally, we have recorded a higher premium amortization expense related to the increased prepayment of mortgage-backed securities and purchased lower yielding investment securities during 2020. The increase in average overnight investments with banks at low yields also contributed to the positive impact of increased marketdecline in the net interest rates onmargin for the variable rate portion of our securities portfolio.

2018 Form 10-K46




investment management segment.
The return on average interest earning assets before income taxes for this segment was 0.890.37 percent for 20182020 compared to 1.050.62 percent for 2017.2019.
Corporate and other adjustments. The amounts disclosed as “corporate and other adjustments” represent income and expense items not directly attributable to a specific segment, including net securities gains and losses not reported in the investment management segment above, interest expense related to subordinated notes, amortization and impairment of tax credit investments, as well as incomenon-core items, including the loss on extinguishment of debt and expense from derivative financial instruments.merger expenses.
The pre-tax net loss for the corporate segment increased $2.5totaled $62.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $75.0 million2020 as compared to $72.5$17.0 million in 2017.2019. The higher net loss during 2018 for this segmentnegative change of $45.2 million was mainly due to a decrease in non-interest income coupled with an increase in non-interest expense, partially offset by an increase inhigher internal transfer income. The non-interest expense increased $75.7
Non-interest income decreased $79.9 million to $440.2$26.7 million for the year ended December 31, 20182020 from 2019 primarily due to a $78.5 million net gain on the sale (and leaseback) of several bank locations recognized during 2019. Non-interest expense increased $16.2 million to $468.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to 2017 largely2019 largely due to higherincreases in net occupancy and equipment expense, salaries and employee benefits expenses, related to the USAB acquisition, USAB merger expenseloss on extinguishment of debt, and professional and legal fees related to litigation reserves.fees. See further details in the "Non-Interest Expense" section in this MD&A. Internal transfer income increased $61.7$52.7 million to $344.9$402.2 million for the year ended December 31, 20182020 as compared to the prior year.year largely due to general increases related to our growth.


ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT
Interest Rate Sensitivity
Our success is largely dependent upon our ability to manage interest rate risk. Interest rate risk can be defined as the exposure of our interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities to the movement in interest rates. Our Asset/Liability Management Committee is responsible for managing such risks and establishing policies that monitor and coordinate our sources and uses of funds. Asset/Liability management is a continuous process due to the constant change in interest rate risk factors. In assessing the appropriate interest rate risk levels for us, management weighs the potential benefit of each risk management activity within the desired parameters of liquidity, capital levels and management’s tolerance for exposure to income fluctuations. Many of the actions undertaken by management utilize fair value analysis and attempts to achieve consistent accounting and economic benefits for financial assets and their related funding sources. We have predominately focused on managing our interest rate risk by attempting to match the inherent risk and cash flows of financial assets and liabilities. Specifically, management employs multiple risk management activities such as optimizing the level of new residential mortgage originations retained in our mortgage portfolio through increasing or decreasing loan sales in the secondary market, product pricing levels, the desired maturity levels for new originations, the composition levels of both our interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, as well as several other risk management activities.
We use a simulation model to analyze net interest income sensitivity to movements in interest rates. The simulation model projects net interest income based on various interest rate scenarios over a 12-month and 24-month period. The model is based on the actual maturity and re-pricing characteristics of rate sensitive assets and liabilities. The model incorporates certain assumptions which management believes to be reasonable regarding the impact of changing interest rates and the prepayment assumptions of certain assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2018.2020. The model assumes changes in interest rates without any proactive change in the composition or size of the balance sheet by management. In the model, the forecasted shape of the yield
2020 Form 10-K50


curve remains static as of December 31, 2018.2020. The impact of interest rate derivatives, such as interest rate swaps, is also included in the model.
Our simulation model is based on market interest rates and prepayment speeds prevalent in the market as of December 31, 2018.2020. Although the size of Valley’s balance sheet is forecasted to remain static as of December 31, 2018,2020, in our model, the composition is adjusted to reflect new interest earning assets and funding originations coupled with rate spreads utilizing our actual originations during 2018.2020. The model utilizes an immediate parallel shift in the market interest rates at December 31, 2018.2020.
The assumptions used in the net interest income simulation are inherently uncertain. Actual results may differ significantly from those presented in the table above, due to the frequency and timing of changes in interest rates, and changes in spreads between maturity and re-pricing categories. Overall, our net interest income is affected by changes in interest rates and cash flows from our loan and investment portfolios. We actively manage these cash flows in conjunction with our liability mix, duration and interest rates to optimize the net interest income, while structuring the balance sheet in response to actual or potential changes in interest rates. Additionally, our net interest income is impacted by the level of competition within our marketplace. Competition can negatively impact the level of interest rates attainable on loans and increase the cost of deposits, which may result in downward pressure on our net interest margin in future periods. Other factors, including, but not limited to, the slope of the yield curve and projected cash flows will impact our net interest income results and may increase or decrease the level of asset sensitivity of our balance sheet.
Convexity is a measure of how the duration of a financial instrument changes as market interest rates change. Potential movements in the convexity of bonds held in our investment portfolio, as well as the duration of the loan portfolio may have a positive or negative impact on our net interest income in varying interest rate environments. As a result, the increase or decrease

472018 Form 10-K




in forecasted net interest income may not have a linear relationship to the results reflected in the table above.below. Management cannot provide any assurance about the actual effect of changes in interest rates on our net interest income.
The following table reflects management’s expectations of the change in our net interest income over the next 12-month period in light ofconsidering the aforementioned assumptions. While an instantaneous and severe shift in interest rates was used in this simulation model, we believe that any actual shift in interest rates would likely be more gradual and would therefore have a more modest impact than shown in the table below.
 Estimated Change in
Future Net Interest Income
Changes in Interest RatesDollar
Change
Percentage
Change
(in basis points)($ in thousands)
+200$39,132 3.47 %
+10021,769 1.93 
- 100(36,059)(3.19)
- 200(39,083)(3.46)
   
Estimated Change in
Future Net Interest Income
 Changes in Interest Rates 
Dollar
Change
 
Percentage
Change
 
 (in basis points) ($ in thousands)
 +200 $16,547
 1.82 %
 +100 9,410
 1.04
 - 100 (4,473) (0.49)
 - 200 (27,716) (3.06)
As noted in the table above, a 100 basis point immediate increase in interest rates combined with a static balance sheet where the size, mix, and proportions of assets and liabilities remain unchanged is projected to moderately increase net interest income over the next 12 months12-month period by 1.04 percent. The Bank’s asset sensitivity to changes in market rates increased1.93 percent as compared to December 31, 20172019 (which projected a decreasean increase of 0.350.81 percent in net interest income over a 12-month period). The changeManagement believes the interest rate sensitivity remains within an acceptable tolerance range at December 31, 2020. However, the level of net interest income sensitivity may increase or decrease in the sensitivityfuture as a result of our balance sheet since December 31, 2017 was primarily due to the impact of the interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities acquired from USAB in the first quarter of 2018. However, the net asset sensitivity of the acquired financial instruments was partially mitigated by a significant increase in short-term borrowings used for funding loan growth during 2018. Future changesseveral factors, including, but not limited to potential changes in secondary mortgage loan sales, deposit and borrowings strategies, the slope of the yield curve and projected cash flows will affect our net interest income results and may increase or decrease the level of net interest income sensitivity.flows.

512020 Form 10-K


The following table sets forth the amounts of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities that were outstanding at December 31, 20182020 and their associated fair values. The expected cash flows are categorized based on each financial instrument’s anticipated maturity or interest rate reset date in each of the future periods presented.

2018 Form 10-K48





INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
Rate 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Thereafter 
Total
Balance
 
Fair
Value
Rate20212022202320242025ThereafterTotal
Balance
Fair
Value
($ in thousands) ($ in thousands)
Interest sensitive assets:                 Interest sensitive assets:
Interest bearing deposits with banks2.35% $177,088
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $177,088
 $177,088
Interest bearing deposits with banks0.10 %$1,071,360 $— $— $— $— $— $1,071,360 $1,071,360 
Equity securitiesEquity securities2.79 29,378 — — — — — 29,378 29,378 
Investment securities available for saleInvestment securities available for sale2.26 427,937 301,174 146,051 93,599 93,774 276,938 1,339,473 1,339,473 
Investment securities held to maturity3.52
 437,470
 274,955
 262,828
 215,431
 188,457
 689,105
 2,068,246
 2,034,943
Investment securities held to maturity2.25 411,734 417,771 309,740 164,189 145,511 724,066 2,173,011 2,227,612 
Investment securities available for sale2.85
 135,166
 285,461
 234,334
 258,821
 148,426
 687,336
 1,749,544
 1,749,544
Loans held for sale, at fair value4.65
 35,155
 
 
 
 
 
 35,155
 35,155
Loans held for sale, at fair value3.07 301,427 — — — — — 301,427 301,427 
Loans4.49
 10,559,163
 3,056,634
 2,703,476
 2,312,576
 2,106,710
 4,296,910
 25,035,469
 24,068,755
Loans3.81 8,778,292 5,403,499 3,303,992 2,296,397 1,676,110 10,758,822 32,217,112 31,635,060 
Total interest sensitive assets4.31% $11,344,042
 $3,617,050
 $3,200,638
 $2,786,828
 $2,443,593
 $5,673,351
 $29,065,502
 $28,065,485
Total interest sensitive assets3.55 %$11,020,128 $6,122,444 $3,759,783 $2,554,185 $1,915,395 $11,759,826 $37,131,761 $36,604,310 
Interest sensitive liabilities:                 Interest sensitive liabilities:
Deposits:                 Deposits:
Savings, NOW and money market0.78% $11,213,495
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $11,213,495
 $11,213,495
Savings, NOW and money market0.15 %$16,015,658 $— $— $— $— $— $16,015,658 $16,015,658 
Time2.10
 4,987,313
 1,551,066
 163,059
 176,727
 143,287
 42,532
 7,063,984
 7,005,573
Time0.75 5,877,581 502,743 167,077 59,719 38,229 69,329 6,714,678 6,639,022 
Short-term borrowings2.45
 2,118,914
 
 
 
 
 
 2,118,914
 2,091,892
Short-term borrowings0.39 1,147,958 — — — — — 1,147,958 1,151,478 
Long-term borrowings3.30
 244,666
 25,000
 840,000
 250,000
 194,602
 100,000
 1,654,268
 1,751,194
Long-term borrowings2.75 860,124 29,377 553,164 300,000 378,000 175,000 2,295,665 2,405,345 
Junior subordinated debentures5.10
 55,370
 
 
 
 
 
 55,370
 55,692
Junior subordinated debentures2.68 — — — — — 56,065 56,065 57,779 
Total interest sensitive liabilities1.56% $18,619,758

$1,576,066

$1,003,059

$426,727

$337,889

$142,532

$22,106,031

$22,117,846
Total interest sensitive liabilities0.55 %$23,901,321 $532,120 $720,241 $359,719 $416,229 $300,394 $26,230,024 $26,269,282 
Interest sensitivity gap  $(7,275,716)
$2,040,984

$2,197,579

$2,360,101

$2,105,704

$5,530,819

$6,959,471

$5,947,639
Interest sensitivity gap$(12,881,193)$5,590,324 $3,039,542 $2,194,466 $1,499,166 $11,459,432 $10,901,737 $10,335,028 
Ratio of interest sensitive assets to interest sensitive liabilities  0.61:1
 2.29:1
 3.19:1
 6.53:1
 7.23:1
 39.80:1
 1.31:1
 1.27:1
Ratio of interest sensitive assets to interest sensitive liabilities0.46:111.51:15.22:17.10:24.60:139.15:11.42:11.39:1
The above table provides an approximation of the projected re-pricing of assets and liabilities at December 31, 20182020 based on the basis of contractual maturities, adjusted for anticipated prepayments of principal (including anticipated call dates on long-term borrowings and junior subordinated debentures), and scheduled rate adjustments. The prepayment experience reflected herein is based on historical experience combined with market consensus expectations derived from independent external sources. The actual repayments of these instruments could vary substantially if future prepayments differ from historical experience or current market expectations. While all non-maturity deposit liabilities are reflected in the 20182021 column in the table above, management controls the re-pricing of the vast majority of the interest-bearing instruments within these liabilities.
Our cash flow derivatives are designed to protect us from upward movement in interest rates on certain deposits and other borrowings. The interest rate sensitivity table reflects the sensitivity at current interest rates. As a result, the notional amount of our derivatives is not included in the table. We use various assumptions to estimate fair values. See Note 3 ofto the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of fair value measurements.
The total gap re-pricing within one year as of December 31, 20182020 was a negative $7.3$12.9 billion, representing a ratio of interest sensitive assets to interest sensitive liabilities of 0.61:0.46:1. The total gap re-pricing position, as reported in the table above, reflects the projected interest rate sensitivity of our principal cash flows based on market conditions as of December 31, 2018.2020. As the market level of interest rates and associated prepayment speeds move, the total gap re-pricing position will change accordingly, but not likely in a linear relationship. Management does not view our one-year gap position as of December 31, 20182020 as presenting an unusually high risk potential, although no assurances can be given that we are not at risk from interest rate increases or decreases.
2020 Form 10-K52



Liquidity and Cash Requirements
Bank Liquidity. Liquidity measures the ability to satisfy current and future cash flow needs as they become due. A bank’s liquidity reflects its ability to meet loan demand, to accommodate possible outflows in deposits and to take advantage of interest rate opportunities in the marketplace. Liquidity management is monitoredcarefully performed and reported by our Asset/Liability Management Committee and the Investment Committee of theTreasury Department to two Board of Directors of Valley National Bank, which reviewcommittees. Among other actions, Treasury reviews historical funding requirements, current liquidity position, sources and stability of funding, marketability of assets, options for attracting additional funds, and anticipated

492018 Form 10-K




future funding needs, including the level of unfunded commitments. Our goal is to maintain sufficient liquidity to cover current and potential funding requirements.
The Bank has no required regulatory liquidity ratios to maintain; however, it adheres to an internal liquidity policy. The current policy maintainsrequires that we may not have a ratio of loans to deposits in excess of 125110 percent or reliance on wholesale funding greater than 3025 percent of total funding. The Bank was in compliance with the foregoing policies at December 31, 2018.2020.
At December 31, 2020, the Bank had various contractual obligations totaling $7.9 billion and $10.1 billion of maturing liabilities due in 12 months or less and greater than 1 year, respectively.
The following table summarized maturities of contractual obligations of the Bank at December 31, 2020:
One Year
or Less
One to
Three Years
Three to
Five Years
Over Five
Years
Total
(in thousands)
Time deposits$5,877,581 $669,820 $97,948 $69,329 $6,714,678 
Short-term borrowings1,147,958 — — — 1,147,958 
Long-term borrowings852,519 457,540 579,635 — 1,889,694 
Lease obligations35,944 62,856 55,027 122,848 276,675 
Capital expenditures22,744 — — — 22,744 
Other purchase obligations 39,793 1,657 712 — 42,162 
Total$7,976,539 $1,191,873 $733,322 $192,177 $10,093,911 
In the ordinary course of operations, the Bank enters into various financial obligations, including contractual obligations that may require future cash payments. As a financial services provider, we routinely enter into commitments to extend credit, including loan commitments, standby and commercial letters of credit. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans made by the Bank. We enter into forward commitments for the future delivery of residential mortgage loans when interest rate lock commitments are entered into in order to economically hedge the effect of future changes in interest rates on Bank's commitments to fund the loans, as well as on its portfolio of mortgage loans held for sale. Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are subject to change since many of these commitments are expected to expire unused or only partially used based upon our historical experience, the total amounts of these commitments do not necessarily reflect future cash requirements. At December 31, 2020 our off-balance sheet commitments totaled $7.8 billion, inclusive of commitments of $2.9 billion due in 12 months or less. See Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.
Management believes the Bank has the ability to generate and obtain adequate amounts of cash to meet its short-term and long-term obligations as they come due by utilizing various cash resources described below.
On the asset side of the balance sheet, the Bank has numerous sources of liquid funds in the form of cash and due from banks, interest bearing deposits with banks (including the Federal Reserve Bank of New York), investment securities held to maturity that are maturing within 90 days or would otherwise qualify as maturities if sold (i.e., 85 percent of original cost basis has been repaid), investment securities available for sale, loans held for sale, and, from time to time, federal funds sold and receivables related to unsettled securities transactions. These liquidLiquid assets totaled approximately $2.3$3.1 billion, representing 8.08.3 percent of earning assets, at December 31, 20182020 and $2.0$2.2 billion, representing 9.36.4 percent of earning assets, at December 31, 2017.2019. Of the $2.3$3.1 billion of liquid assets at December 31, 2018,2020, approximately $1.1 billion$789.0 million of various investment securities were pledged to counterparties to support our earning asset funding strategies. We anticipate the receipt of approximately $747$926.0 million in principal from securities in the total investment portfolio over the next 12 months12-month period due to normally scheduled principal repayments and expected prepayments of certain securities, primarily residential mortgage-backed securities.
532020 Form 10-K


Additional liquidity is derived from scheduled loan payments of principal and interest, as well as prepayments received. Loan principal payments (including loans held for sale at December 31, 2018)2020) are projected to be approximately $5.9$8.9 billion over the next 12 months.12-month period. As a contingency plan for significant funding needs, liquidity could also be derived from the sale of conforming residential mortgages from our loan portfolio, or from the temporary curtailment of lending activities.
On the liability side of the balance sheet, we utilize multiple sources of funds to meet liquidity needs, including retail and commercial deposits, brokered and municipal deposits, and short-term and long-term borrowings. Our core deposit base, which generally excludes fully insured brokered deposits and both retail and brokered certificates of deposit over $250 thousand, represents the largest of these sources. CoreAverage core deposits averagedtotaled approximately $18.1$25.8 billion and $15.4$20.4 billion for the years ended December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively, representing 65.369.8 percent and 71.866.8 percent of average earning assets at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively. The level of interest bearing deposits is affected by interest rates offered, which is often influenced by our need for funds and the need to match the maturities of assets and liabilities.
The following table lists, by maturity, all certificates of deposit of $250 thousand and over at December 31, 2018:2020:
2020
(in thousands)
Less than three months$602,581 
Three to six months382,060 
Six to twelve months272,531 
More than twelve months138,114 
Total$1,395,286 
 2018
 (in thousands)
Less than three months$268,842
Three to six months249,448
Six to twelve months288,064
More than twelve months303,048
Total$1,109,402
Additional funding may be provided from short-term liquidity borrowings through deposit gathering networks and in the form of federal funds purchased obtained through our well established relationships with several correspondent banks. While therethese lending lines are no firm lending commitments currently in place,uncommitted, management believes that we could borrow approximately $512 million$1.5 billion for a short time from these banks on a collective basis. The Bank is also a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and has the ability to borrow from them in the form of FHLB advances secured by pledges of certain eligible collateral, including but not limited to U.S. government and agency mortgage-backed securities and a blanket assignment of qualifying first lien mortgage loans, consisting of both residential mortgage and commercial real estate loans. Additionally, Valley's collateral pledged to the FHLB may be used to obtain Municipal Letters of Credit (MULOC) to collateralize certain municipal deposits held by Valley. At December 31, 2020, Valley had $700 million of MULOCs outstanding for this purpose.Furthermore, we are able to obtain overnight borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York via the discount window as a contingency for additional liquidity. At December 31, 2018,2020, our borrowing capacity (excluding added capacity available to us by pledging PPP loans), under the Federal Reserve Bank's discount window was approximately $1.2$1.6 billion.
We also have access to other short-term and long-term borrowing sources to support our asset base, such as repos (i.e., securities sold under agreements to repurchase). Short-term borrowings (consisting of FHLB advances, repos, and from time to time, federal funds purchased) increased $1.4 billion$55.0 million to $2.1$1.1 billion at December 31, 2018 as compared to $748.6 million at2020 from December 31, 2017 mostly2019 largely due to newan increase of $60 million in FHLB advances used for normal loan funding activity and liquidity purposes. The change in short-term borrowings is generally driven by the levels of loan originations both for investment and sale, repayments of long-term borrowings, and our use of time deposits, fully insured brokered deposits and other short-term funding in our current liquidity/funding strategies.advances.

2018 Form 10-K50




Average short-term FHLB advances exceeded 30 percent of total shareholders' equity at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.2019. The following table sets forth information regarding Valley’s short-term FHLB advances at the datesdate and for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:2019:
2019
($ in thousands)
FHLB advances:
Average balance outstanding$1,681,844 
Maximum outstanding at any month-end during the period2,510,000 
Balance outstanding at end of period940,000 
Weighted average interest rate during the period1.88 %
Weighted average interest rate at the end of the period1.85 

 2018 2017
 ($ in thousands)
FHLB advances:   
Average balance outstanding$1,828,751
 $1,196,507
Maximum outstanding at any month-end during the period2,607,000
 1,907,000
Balance outstanding at end of period1,732,000
 427,000
Weighted average interest rate during the period1.00% 1.07%
Weighted average interest rate at the end of the period2.44
 1.34
2020 Form 10-K54


Corporation Liquidity. Valley's long-term cash requirements included obligations under subordinated debt and junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trust totaling $400 million and $60.8 million at December 31, 2020, respectively. Valley’s recurring cash requirements primarily consist of dividends to preferred and common shareholders and interest expense on subordinated notes and junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts. As part of our on-going asset/liability management strategies, Valley could also use cash to repurchase shares of its outstanding common stock under its share repurchase program or redeem its callable junior subordinated debentures. These cash needs are routinely satisfied by dividends collected from the Bank. Projected cash flows from the Bank are expected to be adequate to pay preferred and common dividends, if declared, and interest expense payable to subordinated note holders and capital trusts, given the current capital levels and current profitable operations of the bank subsidiary. In addition to dividends received from the Bank, Valley can satisfy its cash requirements by utilizing its own cash and potential new funds borrowed from outside sources or capital issuances. Valley also has the right to defer interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures, and therefore distributions on its trust preferred securities for consecutive quarterly periods up to five years, but not beyond the stated maturity dates, and subject to other conditions.
Investment Securities Portfolio
The primary purpose of the investment portfolio is to provide a source of earnings, be a source of liquidity, and serve as a tool for managing interest rate risk. The decision to purchase or sell securities is based upon the current assessment of long and short-term economic and financial conditions, including the interest rate environment and other statement of financial condition components. See additional information under "Interest Rate Sensitivity", "Liquidity" and "Capital Adequacy" sections elsewhere in this MD&A.
As of December 31, 2018,2020, our investment portfolio was comprised of equity securities (mainly consisting of a money market mutual fund and investments in public and private Community Reinvestment Act funds), U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government agency securities, taxable and tax-exempt issues of states and political subdivisions, residential mortgage-backed securities, single-issuer trust preferred securities principally issued by bank holding companies and high quality corporate bonds. There were no securities in the name of any one issuer exceeding 10 percent of shareholders’ equity, except for residential mortgage-backed securities issued by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Securities with limited marketability and/or restrictions, such as Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stocks, are carried at cost and are included in other assets.
Among other securities, our investments in trust preferredavailable for sale debt securities such as bank issued and other corporate bonds, (including some issued by banks)as well as municipal special revenue bonds, that may pose a higher risk of future impairment charges to us as a result of the uncertain economic environment and its potential negative effect on the future performance of the security issuers.

There were no securities in the name of any one issuer exceeding 10 percent of shareholders’ equity, except for residential mortgage-backed securities issued by Ginnie Mae and Fannie Mae. Certain securities with limited marketability and/or restrictions, such as Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stocks, are carried at cost and are included in other assets.

515520182020 Form 10-K





Investment securities at December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018 were as follows:
202020192018
2018 2017 2016 (in thousands)
(in thousands)
Held to maturity     
Equity securitiesEquity securities$29,378 $41,410 $— 
Available for sale debt securitiesAvailable for sale debt securities
U.S. Treasury securitiesU.S. Treasury securities51,393 50,943 49,306 
U.S. government agency securitiesU.S. government agency securities26,157 29,243 36,277 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:Obligations of states and political subdivisions:
Obligations of states and state agenciesObligations of states and state agencies41,799 78,573 97,113 
Municipal bondsMunicipal bonds38,151 91,478 99,979 
Total obligations of states and political subdivisionsTotal obligations of states and political subdivisions79,950 170,051 197,092 
Residential mortgage-backed securitiesResidential mortgage-backed securities1,090,022 1,254,786 1,429,782 
Corporate and other debt securitiesCorporate and other debt securities91,951 61,778 37,087 
Total available for sale debt securitiesTotal available for sale debt securities1,339,473 1,566,801 1,749,544 
Total investment securities (fair value)Total investment securities (fair value)$1,368,851 $1,608,211 $1,749,544 
Held to maturity debt securitiesHeld to maturity debt securities
U.S. Treasury securities$138,517
 $138,676
 $138,830
U.S. Treasury securities$68,126 $138,352 $138,517 
U.S. government agency securities8,721
 9,859
 11,329
U.S. government agency securities6,222 7,345 8,721 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:     Obligations of states and political subdivisions:
Obligations of states and state agencies341,702
 244,272
 252,185
Obligations of states and state agencies262,762 297,454 341,702 
Municipal bonds243,954
 221,606
 314,405
Municipal bonds207,497 203,251 243,954 
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions585,656
 465,878
 566,590
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions470,259 500,705 585,656 
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,266,770
 1,131,945
 1,112,460
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,550,306 1,620,119 1,266,770 
Trust preferred securities37,332
 49,824
 59,804
Trust preferred securities37,348 37,324 37,332 
Corporate and other debt securities31,250
 46,509
 36,559
Corporate and other debt securities40,750 32,250 31,250 
Total investment securities held to maturity (amortized cost)$2,068,246
 $1,842,691
 $1,925,572
Total investment securities held to maturity (amortized cost)$2,173,011 $2,336,095 $2,068,246 
Available for sale     
U.S. Treasury securities$49,306
 $49,642
 $49,591
U.S. government agency securities36,277
 42,505
 23,041
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:     
Obligations of states and state agencies97,113
 38,219
 40,342
Municipal bonds99,979
 74,665
 79,425
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions197,092
 112,884
 119,767
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,429,782
 1,223,295
 1,015,542
Trust preferred securities
 3,214
 8,009
Corporate and other debt securities37,087
 51,164
 60,565
Total debt securities1,749,544

1,482,704

1,276,515
Equity securities
 11,201
 20,858
Total investment securities available for sale (fair value)$1,749,544
 $1,493,905
 $1,297,373
Total investment securities$3,817,790
 $3,336,596
 $3,222,945
Total investment securities$3,541,862 $3,944,306 $3,817,790 
As of December 31, 2018,2020, total investments increased $481.2decreased $402.4 million or 14.410.2 percent as compared to 20172019 largely due to an increase(i) a combined net decrease of $234.6 million in residential mortgage-backed securities classified aswithin both the held forto maturity and available for sale totalingcategories mainly driven by a higher level of prepayments during 2020, (ii) a combined $341.3$120.5 million and a $204.0 million combined increasedecrease in obligations of states and state agencies classified aswithin both the held to maturity and available for sale. These increases weresale categories mainly driven by investment securities acquired from USAB. See Note 2due to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.normal maturities, sales, calls, and paydowns, and (iii) a $70.2 million decrease in held to maturity U.S. Treasury securities.
At December 31, 2018,2020, we had $1.3$1.6 billion and $1.4$1.1 billion of residential mortgage-backed securities classified as held to maturity and available for sale, respectively. Approximately 7166 percent and 6956 percent of these residential mortgage-backed securities, respectively, were issued and guaranteed by Ginnie Mae. The remainder of our outstanding residential mortgage-backed security balances at December 31, 20182020 were issued by either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae.Mac.



20182020 Form 10-K5256





The following table presents the remaining contractual maturities (unadjusted for any expected prepayments) with the corresponding weighted-average yields of held to maturity and available for sale debt securities at December 31, 2018:2020:
 0-1 year1-5 years5-10 yearsOver 10 yearsTotal
 Amount
(1)
Yield
(2)
Amount
(1)
Yield
(2)
Amount
(1)
Yield
(2)
Amount
(1)
Yield
(2)
Amount
(1)
Yield
(2)
 ($ in thousands)
Available for sale debt securities
U.S. Treasury securities$— — %$51,393 2.01 %$— — %$— — %$51,393 2.01 %
U.S. government agency securities28 3.08 2,030 2.79 — 24,099 2.72 26,157 2.73 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions: (3)
Obligations of states and state agencies1,245 2.46 4,606 4.44 12,716 6.97 23,232 4.12 41,799 4.97 
Municipal bonds13,282 0.99 7,379 3.17 9,732 5.21 7,758 4.59 38,151 3.22 
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions14,527 1.12 11,985 3.66 22,448 6.21 30,990 4.23 79,950 4.14 
Residential mortgage-backed securities (4)
1,335 0.18 17,236 2.00 90,303 2.50 981,148 1.94 1,090,022 1.99 
Corporate and other debt securities— — 19,771 3.41 72,180 4.66 — 91,951 4.39 
Total$15,890 1.04 %$102,415 2.49 %$184,931 3.79 %$1,036,237 2.03 %$1,339,473 2.29 %
Held to maturity debt securities
U.S. Treasury securities$— — %$68,126 3.74 %$— — %$— — %$68,126 3.74 %
U.S. government agency securities— — — 6,222 2.54 6,222 2.54 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions: (3)
Obligations of states and state agencies3,035 3.37 43,449 4.49 105,985 5.19 110,293 3.65 262,762 4.41 
Municipal bonds23,140 3.34 97,067 3.53 30,521 3.97 56,769 4.24 207,497 3.77 
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions26,175 3.34 140,516 3.83 136,506 4.92 167,062 3.85 470,259 4.13 
Residential mortgage-backed securities (4)
— 13,477 3.04 5,796 2.82 1,531,033 1.69 1,550,306 1.71 
Trust preferred securities— — 1,353 8.23 35,995 2.30 37,348 2.51 
Corporate and other debt securities2,000 3.06 25,750 3.64 13,000 4.49 — 40,750 3.88 
Total$28,175 3.32 %$247,869 3.74 %$156,655 4.83 %$1,740,312 1.91 %$2,173,011 2.35 %
 0-1 year 1-5 years 5-10 years Over 10 years Total
 
Amount
(1)
 
Yield
(2)
 
Amount
(1)
 
Yield
(2)
 
Amount
(1)
 
Yield
(2)
 
Amount
(1)
 
Yield
(2)
 
Amount
(1)
 
Yield
(2)
 ($ in thousands)
Held to maturity                   
U.S. Treasury securities$
 % $108,966
 2.90% $29,551
 3.06% $
 % $138,517
 2.93%
U.S. government agency securities
 
 
 
 
 
 8,721
 2.53
 8,721
 2.53
Obligations of states and political subdivisions: (3)
                   
Obligations of states and state agencies8,125
 1.59
 48,680
 5.07
 135,071
 4.64
 149,826
 3.60
 341,702
 4.17
Municipal bonds11,293
 4.16
 105,492
 4.03
 76,861
 3.92
 50,308
 6.12
 243,954
 4.43
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions19,418
 3.08
 154,172
 4.36
 211,932
 4.38
 200,134
 4.23
 585,656
 4.28
Residential mortgage-backed securities (4)

 
 5,197
 3.19
 23,047
 3.03
 1,238,526
 2.92
 1,266,770
 2.92
Trust preferred securities
 
 
 
 1,353
 8.23
 35,979
 4.86
 37,332
 4.98
Corporate and other debt securities2,000
 2.37
 11,250
 2.77
 18,000
 4.64
 
 
 31,250
 3.82
Total$21,418
 3.02% $279,585
 3.70% $283,883
 4.17% $1,483,360
 3.14% $2,068,246
 3.36%
Available for sale                   
U.S. Treasury securities$
 % $49,306
 1.60% $
 % $
 % $49,306
 1.60%
U.S. government agency securities
 
 2,850
 1.64
 
 
 33,427
 3.18
 36,277
 3.06
Obligations of states and political subdivisions: (3)
                

  
Obligations of states and state agencies2,002
 2.28
 18,484
 3.36
 24,091
 4.39
 52,536
 4.24
 97,113
 4.07
Municipal bonds2,640
 2.71
 37,502
 2.69
 30,372
 4.49
 29,465
 4.80
 99,979
 3.86
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions4,642
 2.52
 55,986
 2.91
 54,463
 4.45
 82,001
 4.44
 197,092
 3.96
Residential mortgage-backed securities (4)
15
 5.08
 9,039
 2.38
 80,570
 2.74
 1,340,158
 2.84
 1,429,782
 2.83
Corporate and other debt securities
 
 14,910
 2.92
 22,177
 4.55
 
 
 37,087
 3.89
Total$4,657
 2.53% $132,091
 2.36% $157,210
 3.59% $1,455,586
 2.94% $1,749,544
 2.95%
(1)Held to maturity debt securities amounts are presented at amortized costs, stated at cost less principal reductions, if any, and adjusted for accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. Available for sale amounts are presented at fair value.
(1)
(2)Average yields are calculated on a yield-to-maturity basis.
(3)Average yields on obligations of states and political subdivisions are generally tax-exempt and calculated on a tax-equivalent basis using a statutory federal income tax rate of 21 percent.
(4)Residential mortgage-backed securities are shown using stated final maturity.
Held to maturity amounts are presented at amortized costs, stated at cost less principal reductions, if any, and adjusted for accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. Available for sale amounts are presented at fair value.
(2)
Average yields are calculated on a yield-to-maturity basis.
(3)
Average yields on obligations of states and political subdivisions are generally tax-exempt and calculated on a tax-equivalent basis using a statutory federal income tax rate of 21 percent.
(4)
Residential mortgage-backed securities are shown using stated final maturity.
The residential mortgage-backed securities portfolio is a significant source of our liquidity through the monthly cash flow of principal and interest. Mortgage-backed securities, like all securities, are sensitive to change in the interest rate environment, increasing and decreasing in value as interest rates fall and rise. As interest rates fall, the potential increase in prepayments can reduce the yield on the mortgage-backed securities portfolio, and reinvestment of the proceeds will be at lower yields. Conversely, rising interest rates may reduce cash flows from prepayments and extend anticipated duration of these assets. We monitor the changes in interest rates, cash flows and duration, in accordance with our investment policies. Management seeks out investment securities with an attractive spread over our cost of funds.
Other-Than-Temporary
Allowance for Credit Losses and Impairment Analysis
We mayEffective January 1, 2020, Valley adopted ASU No. 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments", which requires an estimate of lifetime expected credit losses for held to maturity debt securities established as an allowance for credit losses and replaces the other-than-temporarily impaired model for available for sale debt securities.

Available for sale debt securities. The new guidance in ASC Topic 326-30 requires credit losses to be requiredpresented as an allowance, rather than as a write-down if management does not intend to record impairment charges on our investment securities if they suffer a decline in value that is considered other-than-temporary. Numerous factors, including lacksell an available for sale debt security before recovery of liquidityits amortized cost basis. Available for re-sales of certain investment securities, absence of reliable pricing information for investment securities, adverse changes in business climate, adverse actions by regulators, or unanticipated changes in the competitive environment could have a negative effect on our investment portfolio and may result in other-than temporary impairment on our investmentsale debt securities in future periods. For debt securities, the primary consideration in determining whetherunrealized loss positions are evaluated for impairment is other-than-temporary is whether or not Valley expectsrelated to collect all contractual cash flows.

535720182020 Form 10-K





credit losses at least quarterly. In assessing whether a credit loss exists, we compare the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis for the security, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded, limited to the amount the fair value is less than amortized cost basis. Declines in fair value that have not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses, such as declines due to changes in market interest rates, are recorded through other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.

We have evaluated all available for sale debt securities that are in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2020 and determined that the declines in fair value are mainly attributable to changes in market volatility, due to factors such as interest rates and spread factors, but not attributable to credit quality or other factors. Based on a comparison of the present value of expected cash flows to the amortized cost, management recognized no impairment charges during the year ended December 31, 2020 and, as a result, there was no allowance for credit losses for available for sale debt securities at December 31, 2020.
During 2019, Valley recognized a $2.9 million impairment charge under the other-than-temporary impairment model on one special revenue bond classified as available for sale included in obligations of states and state agencies category. At December 31, 2020, the impaired security had an adjusted amortized cost and fair value of $680 thousand and $815 thousand, respectively. There was no impairment recognized in earnings during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Held to maturity debt securities. As discussed further in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, Valley has a zero loss expectation for certain securities within the held to maturity portfolio, including, U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. agency securities, residential mortgage-backed securities issued by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and collateralized municipal bonds. To measure the expected credit losses on held to maturity debt securities that have loss expectations, Valley estimates the expected credit losses using a discounted cash flow model developed by a third party. Assumptions used in the model for pools of securities with common risk characteristics include the historical lifetime probability of default and severity of loss in the event of default, with the model incorporating several economic cycles of loss history data to calculate expected credit losses given default at the individual security level. At December 31, 2020, held to maturity debt securities were carried net of allowance for credit losses totaling $1.4 million. The provision totaled $635 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 driven mainly by our negative economic forecast incorporated within the allowance model since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were no net charge-offs of debt securities during 2020.
Investment grades. The investment grades in the table below reflect the most current independent analysis performed by third parties of each security as of the date presented and not necessarily the investment grades at the date of our purchase of the securities. For many securities, the rating agencies may not have performed an independent analysis of the tranches owned by us, but rather an analysis of the entire investment pool. For this and other reasons, we believe the assigned investment grades may not accurately reflect the actual credit quality of each security and should not be viewed in isolation as a measure of the quality of our investment portfolio.
2020 Form 10-K58


The following table presents the held to maturity and available for sale debt investment securities portfolios by investment grades at December 31, 2018.2020.
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2018 Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value (in thousands)
(in thousands)
Available for sale investment grades:*Available for sale investment grades:*
AAA RatedAAA Rated$1,152,291 $43,476 $(786)$1,194,981 
AA RatedAA Rated26,640 672 (32)27,280 
A RatedA Rated7,558 206 — 7,764 
BBB RatedBBB Rated31,047 840 (18)31,869 
Non-investment gradeNon-investment grade11,839 19 (69)11,789 
Not ratedNot rated64,131 1,673 (14)65,790 
Total debt securities available for saleTotal debt securities available for sale$1,293,506 $46,886 $(919)$1,339,473 
Held to maturity investment grades:*       Held to maturity investment grades:*
AAA Rated$1,628,611
 $9,684
 $(36,504) $1,601,791
AAA Rated$1,821,431 $54,035 $(254)$1,875,212 
AA Rated285,607
 4,113
 (1,698) 288,022
AA Rated183,391 6,537 — 189,928 
A Rated36,606
 366
 (353) 36,619
A Rated14,527 429 — 14,956 
BBB Rated3,000
 60
 
 3,060
BBB Rated5,000 512 — 5,512 
Non-investment grade
 
 
 
Non-investment grade5,650 — (105)5,545 
Not rated114,422
 213
 (9,184) 105,451
Not rated143,012 813 (7,366)136,459 
Total investment securities held to maturity$2,068,246
 $14,436
 $(47,739) $2,034,943
Available for sale investment grades:*       
AAA Rated$1,616,252
 $1,725
 $(43,851) $1,574,126
AA Rated88,204
 42
 (1,705) 86,541
A Rated21,227
 27
 (412) 20,842
BBB Rated17,982
 127
 (367) 17,742
Non-investment grade10,436
 
 (1,267) 9,169
Not rated42,303
 74
 (1,253) 41,124
Total investment securities available for sale$1,796,404
 $1,995
 $(48,855) $1,749,544
Total debt securities held to maturityTotal debt securities held to maturity$2,173,011 $62,326 $(7,725)$2,227,612 
*    Rated using external rating agencies. Ratings categories include entire range. For example, “A Rated” includes A+, A, and A-. Split rated securities with two ratings are categorized at the higher of the rating levels.
*Rated using external rating agencies (primarily S&P and Moody’s). Ratings categories include entire range. For example, “A Rated” includes A+, A, and A-. Split rated securities with two ratings are categorized at the higher of the rating levels.
The unrealized losses in the AAA rated category (in the above table) in both held to maturity and available for sale investmentdebt securities are mainly related to residential mortgage-backed securities mainly issued by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac. The held to maturity portfolio includes $114.4included $143.0 million in investments not rated by the rating agencies with aggregate unrealized losses of $9.2$7.4 million at December 31, 2018. The unrealized losses for this category included $5.9 million of unrealized losses2020 related to 4four single-issuer bank trust preferred issuances with a combined amortized cost of $36$36.0 million. All single-issuer bank trust preferred securities classified as held
See Note 4 to maturity, including the aforementioned four securities, are paying in accordance with their terms and have no deferrals of interest or defaults. Additionally, we analyze the performance of each issuer on a quarterly basis, including a review of performance data from the issuer’s most recent bank regulatory report to assess the company’s credit risk and the probability of impairment of the contractual cash flows of the applicable security. Based uponconsolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our quarterly review at December 31, 2018, all of the issuers appear to meet the regulatory capital minimum requirements to be considered a “well-capitalized” financial institution and/or have maintained performance levels adequate to support the contractual cash flows of the security.
There was no other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings as a result of Valley's impairment analysis of its securities during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 as the collateral supporting much of the investment securities has improved or performed as expected. During the fourth quarter of 2018, we sold all of our private label mortgage-backed securities classified as available for sale, including securities that were previously impaired and rated non-investment grade, for an aggregate net loss of $1.5 million.portfolio.



2018592020 Form 10-K54





Loan Portfolio
The following table reflects the composition of the loan portfolio for the years indicated.
 At December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
 ($ in thousands)
Commercial and industrial$4,331,032
 $2,741,425
 $2,638,195
 $2,540,491
 $2,251,111
Commercial real estate:         
Commercial real estate12,407,275
 9,496,777
 8,719,667
 7,424,636
 6,160,881
Construction1,488,132
 851,105
 824,946
 754,947
 533,134
Total commercial real estate13,895,407
 10,347,882
 9,544,613
 8,179,583
 6,694,015
Residential mortgage4,111,400
 2,859,035
 2,867,918
 3,130,541
 2,576,372
Consumer:         
Home equity517,089
 446,280
 469,009
 511,203
 497,247
Automobile1,319,571
 1,208,902
 1,139,227
 1,239,313
 1,144,831
Other consumer860,970
 728,056
 577,141
 441,976
 310,337
Total consumer loans2,697,630
 2,383,238
 2,185,377
 2,192,492
 1,952,415
Total loans *
$25,035,469
 $18,331,580
 $17,236,103
 $16,043,107
 $13,473,913
As a percent of total loans:         
Commercial and industrial17.3% 15.0% 15.3% 15.8% 16.7%
Commercial real estate55.5
 56.4
 55.4
 51.0
 49.7
Residential mortgage16.4
 15.6
 16.6
 19.5
 19.1
Consumer loans10.8
 13.0
 12.7
 13.7
 14.5
Total100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
 At December 31,
 20202019201820172016
 ($ in thousands)
Commercial and industrial$4,709,569 $4,825,997 $4,331,032 $2,741,425 $2,638,195 
Commercial and industrial PPP loans2,152,139 — — — — 
Total Commercial and industrial6,861,708 4,825,997 4,331,032 2,741,425 2,638,195 
Commercial real estate:
Commercial real estate16,724,998 15,996,741 12,407,275 9,496,777 8,719,667 
Construction1,745,825 1,647,018 1,488,132 851,105 824,946 
Total commercial real estate18,470,823 17,643,759 13,895,407 10,347,882 9,544,613 
Residential mortgage4,183,743 4,377,111 4,111,400 2,859,035 2,867,918 
Consumer:
Home equity431,553 487,272 517,089 446,280 469,009 
Automobile1,355,955 1,451,623 1,319,571 1,208,902 1,139,227 
Other consumer913,330 913,446 860,970 728,056 577,141 
Total consumer loans2,700,838 2,852,341 2,697,630 2,383,238 2,185,377 
Total loans *
$32,217,112 $29,699,208 $25,035,469 $18,331,580 $17,236,103 
As a percent of total loans:
Commercial and industrial21.3 %16.2 %17.3 %15.0 %15.3 %
Commercial real estate57.3 59.5 55.5 56.4 55.4 
Residential mortgage13.0 14.7 16.4 15.6 16.6 
Consumer loans8.4 9.6 10.8 13.0 12.7 
Total100 %100 %100 %100 %100 %
*Total loans are net of unearned premiums and deferred loan costs of $21.5 million, $22.2 million, $15.3 million and $3.5 million at December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, as compared to unearned discounts and deferred loan fees of $9.0 million at December 31, 2014.
*    Includes net unearned discount and deferred loan fees of $95.8 million at December 31, 2020, and net unearned premiums and deferred loan fees of $12.6 million, $21.5 million, $22.2 million, and $15.3 million at December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. Net unearned discounts and deferred loans fees at December 31, 2020 include the non-credit discount on purchased credit deteriorated (PCD) loans and $43.2 million of net unearned fees related to PPP loans.
Total loans increased by $6.7$2.5 billion, or 8.5 percent to $25.0$32.2 billion at December 31, 20182020 from December 31, 2017, net of residential mortgage loans sold during 2018. Adjusted for $3.72019 mainly due to approximately $2.2 billion of SBA PPP loans acquired from USABwithin commercial and industrial loans, as well as continued annual growth in our commercial real estate loan portfolio. Upon our adoption of the CECL standard on January 1, 2018, total2020, we recorded a $61.6 million gross-up for PCD loans grew by 13.4 percent in 2018 due(mainly commercial and industrial and commercial real estate loans) that increased the amortized cost basis of loans with a corresponding increase to strong demand in most loan categories discussed further below.the allowance for credit losses. During 2018,2020, Valley also originated $406.1 million$1.2 billion of residential mortgage loans for sale rather than investment. Loans held for sale totaled $35.2$301.4 million and $15.1$76.1 million at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively. See additional information regarding our residential mortgage loan activities below.
Our loan portfolio includes PCI loans, which are loans acquired at a discount that is due, in part, to credit quality. At December 31, 2018, our PCI loan portfolio increased $2.8 billion to $4.2 billion as compared to December 31, 2017 primarily due to the PCI loan classification of all the loans acquired from USAB on January 1, 2018.
Commercial and industrial loans totaled $4.3$6.9 billion at December 31, 20182020 and increased by $1.6$2.0 billion from December 31, 20172019 mainly due to a $1.0 billion increase from December 31, 2017PPP loan originations. Excluding the PPP loans, commercial and industrial loans decreased $116.4 million largely due to our selective underwriting and tempered loan demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the non-PCI loan portfolio,New Jersey and $583 million of PCI loans acquired from USAB. The increase in non-PCI loans was due to strong organic growth mostly driven by new smallNew York markets during the fourth quarter 2020, and our existing small to middle market lending relationships within our regions established by focused calling efforts by our experienced lending teams. We have enhancedbecoming more strategic with new capital expenditures due to the economic uncertainty. Commercial and industrial loans included PPP loans of approximately $2.2 billion, net of unearned net deferred fees totaling $43.2 million at December 31, 2020. Valley expects the majority of these borrowers to qualify for loan forgiveness under the guidelines of the SBA program. During 2021, PPP loan forgiveness and the unknown full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic could likely weigh on Valley's ability to grow the commercial teams through targeted hires over the last 12 to 18 months. The growth is also partly due to our lending teams in the new Florida markets, and to a lesser extent, increased new business investment by pre-existing Valley relationships. While we are optimistic about the first quarter of 2019 and currentindustrial loan pipeline, we do expect some leveling off of loan growth as compared to 2018 due to a number of factors, including a competitive marketplace for strong borrowers, lower business investment, a decline in the initial expansion opportunities with existing customers in the Tampa, Florida market, as well as normal PCI and other loan repayments.portfolio.
Commercial real estate loans (excluding construction loans) increased $2.9 billion$728.3 million to $12.4$16.7 billion at December 31, 20182020 from December 31, 20172019. The increase was mainly due to strong loan volumes within our loan commitment pipeline, including many pre-existing, longstanding borrowers, an active refinance market driven by low interest rates as well as some slower repayment activity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction loans totaled $1.7 billion of PCI loans acquired from USABat December 31, 2020 and a $1.4 billion increase in non-PCI loan portfolioincreased $98.8 million from December 31, 2017, partly offset2019, mainly driven by normal PCI loan repayments. The increase in non-PCI loans was primarily due to strong organic loan volumes generated across a broad-based segment of borrowers within the commercial real estate portfolio mainly from pre-exiting relationships in our Florida market area where we have taken full advantage of Valley's higher lending

advances on new and existing construction
5520182020 Form 10-K60





projects, partially offset by the run-off of completed existing projects, and, to a lesser extent, migration of such completed projects to permanent financing during 2020. Construction demand in our Florida markets, which have mostly reopened during the current COVID-19 pandemic, remains robust as compared to the Northeast and we intend to be strategically competitive for the strongest borrowers and projects in that market.
capacity with former USAB customers, as well as targeted growth in New Jersey and New York. ConstructionResidential mortgage loans totaled $1.5$4.2 billion at December 31, 20182020 and increased $637.0decreased by $193.4 million from December 31, 2017 partly2019 largely due to $338 millionloan principal repayment and refinance activity and higher levels of PCI loans acquired from USAB. The remaining net increase was mainly driven by organic growth in the new Florida markets, as well as advances on existing construction projects.
Residentialresidential mortgage loans totaled $4.1 billion at December 31, 2018 and increased by $1.3 billion from December 31, 2017originated for sale due to strong production from our home mortgage consultant team over the past 12 months.current interest rate risk management strategies. Our new and refinanced residential mortgage loan originations increased 82.422.3 percent to $1.7$1.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 20182020 as compared to $955.7 million$1.6 billion in 2017.2019. Of the $1.7$1.9 billion in total originations, $262$367 million represented Florida residential mortgage loans. During 2018, Valley2020, we sold $676$1.0 billion of residential mortgages as compared to $934.5 million of residential mortgages originated for sale as compared to approximately $801mortgage loans sold during 2019, including $30 million and $436 million of mortgagespre-existing loans sold during the year ended December 31, 2017.from our residential mortgage loan portfolio, respectively. We retain mortgage originations based on credit criteria and loan to value levels, the composition of our interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities and our ability to manage the interest rate risk associated with certain levels of these instruments. From time to time, we purchase residential mortgage loans originated by, and sometimes serviced by, other financial institutions based on several factors, including current loan origination volumes, market interest rates, excess liquidity, CRA and other asset/liability management strategies. Purchased residential mortgage loans are generally selected using Valley’s normal underwriting criteria at the time of purchase and are sometimes partially or fully guaranteed by third parties or insured by government agencies such as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). During 2018,Administration. Valley purchased approximately $105 $24.3 million and $35 million of 1-4 family loans, qualifying for CRA purposes.
Ourpurposes during 2020 and 2019, respectively. We may continue to sell a large portion of our new fixed rate residential mortgage production declined approximately 12 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018 as compared to the linked third quarter of 2018. However, we have seen good loan application volumes in the early stagesoriginations during 2021 based upon normal management of the first quarterinterest rate risk and mix of 2019 and the current economy and market interest rates for residential mortgages have remained favorable for consumer demand.earning assets on our balance sheet.
Consumer loans totaled $2.7 billion at December 31, 20182020 and increased $314.4decreased $151.5 million from December 31, 20172019 mainly due to growthdecreases in automobile and secured personal lines of credit.home equity loan portfolios. Automobile loans increased $110.7decreased $95.7 million or 6.6 percent to $1.3$1.4 billion at December 31, 20182020 from December 31, 2017 primarily2019 as our new indirect auto loan volumes did not keep pace with the normal portfolio repayment and refinance activity during 2020. New loan originations have declined since the beginning of the second quarter 2020 mostly due to higher indirect auto application activity duringa combination of tightening our underwriting policies and impact of the second half of 2018. Additionally,COVID-19 pandemic. During 2020, our Florida dealership network contributed over $155contributed $84.6 million in auto loan originations, representing approximately 2417 percent of Valley's total new auto loan production for 20182020 as compared to $106$169 million, or 1923 percent, of total originations in 2017. While we're optimistic that this positive trend2019. Home equity loans decreased $55.7 million in new loan production will continue into the first quarter of 2019, we can provide no assurance that our auto loans will not decline in future periods. Other consumer loans increased $132.9 million to $861.02020 from $487.3 million at December 31, 2018 as compared to 2017 largely due to continued strong growth and customer usage of collateralized personal lines of credit that allow the customer to manage their liquidity needs by accessing the cash value of their whole life insurance policy. Home equity loans increased only $70.8 million in 2018 from $446.3 million at December 31, 2017 mainly due to $91.2 million loans acquired from USAB, partially offset by normal repayment activity. The non-PCI loans slightly declined year over year, as new2019. New home equity loan volumes and customer usage of existing home equity lines of credit continuedcontinue to be weak in 2018. We believe this trend may continue formodest and outpaced by repayment activity, despite the first quarter offavorable low interest rate environment. Other consumer loans totaled $913.3 million at December 31, 2020 and remained relatively unchanged as compared to 2019mainly due to many factors, including the Tax Act changes that limit the deductibilityboth tempered usage and demand within our collateralized personal lines of mortgage interest expense for homeowners.
Despite the overall strong organic loan growth experienced in 2018, we expect this trend to moderately slowdown in both commercial and consumer lending activities in 2019. However, we will continue to focus on new niche commercial loan programs to increase the overall yield of our loancredit portfolio and provide supplemental growth opportunities. For 2019, we anticipate overall loan portfolio growth in the range of 6 to 8 percent. However, there can be no assurance that we will achieve such levels, or balances will not decline from December 31, 2018 given the potential for unforeseen changes in consumer confidence, the economy and other market conditions..
Most of our lending is in northern and central New Jersey, New York City, Long Island, and Florida, with the exception of smaller auto and residential mortgage loan portfolios derived primarily from other neighboring states of New Jersey, which could present a geographic and credit risk if there was another significant broad-baseddue to the recent economic downturn within these regions.regions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertain path forward to restart the U.S. economy. To mitigate our geographic risks, we make efforts to maintain a diversified portfolio as to type of borrower and loan to guard against a potential downward turn in any one economic sector. Geographically,
For 2021, we may make further inroads intoremain cautiously optimistic about overall loan growth, exclusive of PPP loans. In the early stages of the first quarter 2021, our primary lending markets through bank acquisitions, such asloan origination pipelines remain robust and organic growth opportunities, especially in Florida, appear to have returned to closer to pre-pandemic levels.However, there can be no assurance that those positive trends will continue, or balances will not decline from December 31, 2020 given the potential for unforeseen changes in consumer confidence, the economy, and other market conditions. In addition, while difficult to accurately predict, we believe that many of our recent acquisitionSBA PPP loans will become eligible for forgiveness in 2021 in accordance with the rules of USAB, as well as select de novo branch efforts or adding lending staff.


this program and is highly likely to result in a large reduction in these loan balances.
2018612020 Form 10-K56





The following table reflects the contractual maturity distribution of the commercial and industrial and construction loans within our loan portfolio as of December 31, 2018:2020:
One Year or
Less
 
One to
Five Years
 
Over Five
Years
 TotalOne Year or
Less
One to
Five Years
Over Five
Years
Total
(in thousands) (in thousands)
Commercial and industrial—fixed-rate$570,642
 $747,242
 $953,144
 $2,271,028
Commercial and industrial—fixed-rate$1,884,762 $629,218 $1,030,907 $3,544,887 
Commercial and industrial—adjustable-rate517,618
 677,808
 864,578
 2,060,004
Commercial and industrial—adjustable-rate626,965 1,591,237 1,098,619 3,316,821 
Construction—fixed-rate228,724
 89,687
 40,526
 358,937
Construction—fixed-rate217,919 147,489 86,750 452,158 
Construction—adjustable-rate719,553
 282,150
 127,492
 1,129,195
Construction—adjustable-rate839,709 348,675 105,283 1,293,667 
$2,036,537
 $1,796,887
 $1,985,740
 $5,819,164
$3,569,355 $2,716,619 $2,321,559 $8,607,533 
We may renew loans at maturity when requested by a customer. In such instances, we generally conduct a review which includes an analysis of the borrower’s financial condition and, if applicable, a review of the adequacy of collateral via a new appraisal from an independent, bank approved, certified or licensed property appraiser or readily available market resources. A rollover of the loan at maturity may require a principal reduction or other modified terms.
Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans (Including Covered Loans)
PCI loans increased $2.8 billion to $4.2 billion at December 31, 2018 from $1.4 billion at December 31, 2017 mainly due to $3.7 billion of PCI loans acquired from USAB on January 1, 2018, partially offset by normal repayment activity. Our PCI loans include loans acquired in business combinations subsequent to 2011 and, to a much lesser extent, covered loans in which the Bank will share losses with the FDIC under loss-sharing agreements. Our covered loans, consisting of residential mortgage and other consumer loans totaled $27.6 million at December 31, 2018.
As required by U.S. GAAP, all of our PCI loans are accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30. This accounting guidance requires the PCI loans to be aggregated and accounted for as pools of loans based on common risk characteristics. A pool is accounted for as one asset with a single composite interest rate, aggregate fair value and expected cash flows. For PCI loan pools accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30, the difference between the contractually required payments due and the cash flows expected to be collected, considering the impact of prepayments, is referred to as the non-accretable difference. The contractually required payments due represent the total undiscounted amount of all uncollected principal and interest payments. Contractually required payments due may increase or decrease for a variety of reasons, e.g. when the contractual terms of the loan agreement are modified, when interest rates on variable rate loans change, or when principal and/or interest payments are received. The Bank estimates the undiscounted cash flows expected to be collected by incorporating several key assumptions, including probability of default, loss given default, and the amount of actual prepayments after the acquisition dates. The non-accretable difference, which is neither accreted into income nor recorded on our consolidated balance sheet, reflects estimated future credit losses and uncollectable contractual interest expected to be incurred over the life of the loans. The excess of the undiscounted cash flows expected at the acquisition date over the carrying amount (fair value) of the PCI loans is referred to as the accretable yield. This amount is accreted into interest income over the remaining life of the loans, or pool of loans, using the level yield method. The accretable yield is affected by changes in interest rate indices for variable rate loans, changes in prepayment assumptions, and changes in expected principal and interest payments over the estimated lives of the loans. Prepayments affect the estimated life of PCI loans and could change the amount of interest income, and possibly principal, expected to be collected. Reclassifications of the non-accretable difference to the accretable yield may occur subsequent to the loan acquisition dates due to increases in expected cash flows of the loan pools.
At acquisition, we use a third party service provider to assist with our assessment of the contractual and estimated cash flows. During subsequent evaluation periods, Valley uses a third party software application to assess the contractual and estimated cash flows. Using updated loan-level information derived from Valley’s main operating system, contractually required loan payments and expected cash flows for each pool level, the software reforecasts both the contractual cash flows and cash flows expected to be collected. The loan-level information used to reforecast the cash flows is subsequently aggregated on a pool basis. The expected payment data, discount rates, impairment data and changes to the accretable yield are reviewed by Valley to determine whether this information is accurate and the resulting financial statement effects are reasonable.
Similar to contractual cash flows, we reevaluate expected cash flows on a quarterly basis. Unlike contractual cash flows which are determined based on known factors, significant management assumptions are necessary in forecasting the estimated cash flows. We attempt to ensure the forecasted expectations are reasonable based on the information currently available; however, due to the uncertainties inherent in the use of estimates, actual cash flow results may differ from our forecast and the differences may be significant. To mitigate such differences, we carefully prepare and review the assumptions utilized in forecasting estimated cash flows.

572018 Form 10-K




On a quarterly basis, Valley analyzes the actual cash flow versus the forecasts at the loan pool level and variances are reviewed to determine their cause. In re-forecasting future estimated cash flow, Valley will adjust the credit loss expectations for loan pools, as necessary. These adjustments are based, in part, on actual loss severities recognized for each loan type, as well as changes in the probability of default. For periods in which Valley does not reforecast estimated cash flows, the prior reporting period’s estimated cash flows are adjusted to reflect the actual cash received and credit events which transpired during the current reporting period.
The following tables summarize the changes in the carrying amounts of PCI loans and the accretable yield on these loans for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
 2018 2017
 Carrying
Amount
 
Accretable
Yield
 Carrying
Amount
 
Accretable
Yield
 (in thousands)
Balance, beginning of the period$1,387,215
 $282,009
 $1,771,502
 $294,514
Acquisition3,736,984
 559,907
 
 
Accretion235,741
 (235,741) 89,770
 (89,770)
Payments received(1,169,661) 
 (470,523) 
Net increase in expected cash flows
 269,783
 
 77,265
Transfers to other real estate owned(193) 
 (3,534) 
Balance, end of the period$4,190,086
 $875,958
 $1,387,215
 $282,009
The net increase in expected cash flows for certain pools of loans (included in the table above) is recognized prospectively as an adjustment to the yield over the estimated remaining life of the individual pools. The net increase in the expected cash flows totaling approximately $269.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 was largely due to higher interest rates and increased construction loan balances (mainly acquired from USAB) captured in the cash flow reforecast in the fourth quarter of 2018. The net increase in the expected cash flows totaling $77.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 was largely due to a decrease in the expected losses for certain PCI loan pools during the fourth quarter of 2017.
Non-performing Assets
Prior to our adoption of the CECL standard on January 1, 2020, our past due loans and non-accrual loans discussed further below excluded those loans which were classified as purchased credit impaired (PCI) loans. Under previous U.S. GAAP, the PCI loans (acquired at a discount that is due, in part, to credit quality) were accounted for on a pool basis and were not subject to delinquency classification in the same manner as loans originated by Valley. Under the CECL standard, Valley's former PCI loan pools are accounted for as PCD loans on a loan level basis and, if applicable, are reported in our past due and non-accrual loans at December 31, 2020.
Non-performing assets (NPAs), which exclude non-performing PCI loans, include non-accrual loans, other real estate owned (OREO) and, other repossessed assets (which consist of automobiles)automobiles and taxi medallions) and non-accrual debt securities at December 31, 2018.2020. Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when they become past due in excess of 90 days as to payment of principal or interest. Exceptions to the non-accrual policy may be permitted if the loan is sufficiently collateralized and in the process of collection. OREO is acquired through foreclosure on loans secured by land or real estate. OREO and other repossessed assets are reported at the lower of cost or fair value, less cost to sell at the time of acquisition and at the lower of fair value, less estimated costs to sell, or cost thereafter. The non-performingsell. Non-performing assets totaling $98.6$194.6 million at December 31, 20182020 increased 71.6$90.1 million, or 86.3 percent, over the last 12-month periodfrom December 31, 2019 (as shown in the table below) primarilymainly due to higher non-accrual commercial and industrial loans which included $58.4in most loan categories, including approximately $45 million of non-accrual taxi medallionPCD loans (largely in the commercial loan categories) reported at December 31, 2018 as compared2020. The increase in non-accruals within non-PCD loans was mainly due to $14.2 millionthe negative impact of such loans at December 31, 2017.the COVID-19 pandemic. NPAs as a percentage of total loans and NPAs totaled 0.390.60 percent and 0.310.35 percent at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively. Despite the year over year increase largely driven by the taxi medallion loan portfolio, weWe believe theour total NPAs has remained relatively low as a percentage of the total loan portfolio and NPAs over the past five years.years, despite the uptick in 2020 related to non-accrual PCD loans (not required to be reported as non-performing in prior periods) and borrowers impacted by COVID-19. The moderate level of NPAs is reflective of our consistent approach to the loan underwriting criteria for both Valley originated loans and loans purchased from third parties. Past due loans and non-accrual loans in the table below exclude PCI loans. Under U.S. GAAP, the PCI loans (acquired at a discount that is due, in part, to credit quality) are accounted for on a pool basis and are not subject to delinquency classification in the same manner as loans originated by Valley. For additional details, regarding performing and non-performing PCI loans, see the "Credit quality indicators" section in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.






Our lending strategy is based on underwriting standards designed to maintain high credit quality and we remain optimistic regarding the overall future performance of our loan portfolio. However, due to the potential for future credit deterioration caused by the uncertain economic recovery from the COVID -19 pandemic recession, lack of, or inadequate additional federal stimulus and a number of our borrowers that are performing under short-term forbearance agreements, management cannot provide assurance that our non-performing assets will not increase substantially from the levels reported at December 31, 2020.
20182020 Form 10-K5862





The following table sets forth by loan category, accruing past due and non-performing assets on the dates indicated in conjunction with our asset quality ratios:
 At December 31,
 20202019201820172016
 ($ in thousands)
Accruing past due loans*
30 to 59 days past due
Commercial and industrial$6,393 $11,700 $13,085 $3,650 $6,705 
Commercial real estate35,030 2,560 9,521 11,223 5,894 
Construction315 1,486 2,829 12,949 6,077 
Residential mortgage17,717 17,143 16,576 12,669 12,005 
Total Consumer10,257 13,704 9,740 8,409 4,197 
Total 30 to 59 days past due69,712 46,593 51,751 48,900 34,878 
60 to 89 days past due
Commercial and industrial2,252 2,227 3,768 544 5,010 
Commercial real estate1,326 4,026 530 — 8,642 
Construction— 1,343 — 18,845 — 
Residential mortgage10,351 4,192 2,458 7,903 3,564 
Total Consumer1,823 2,527 1,386 1,199 1,147 
Total 60 to 89 days past due15,752 14,315 8,142 28,491 18,363 
90 or more days past due
Commercial and industrial9,107 3,986 6,156 — 142 
Commercial real estate993 579 27 27 474 
Construction— — — — 1,106 
Residential mortgage3,170 2,042 1,288 2,779 1,541 
Total Consumer271 711 341 284 209 
Total 90 or more days past due13,541 7,318 7,812 3,090 3,472 
Total accruing past due loans$99,005 $68,226 $67,705 $80,481 $56,713 
Non-accrual loans*
Commercial and industrial$106,693 $68,636 $70,096 $20,890 $8,465 
Commercial real estate46,879 9,004 2,372 11,328 15,079 
Construction84 356 356 732 715 
Residential mortgage25,817 12,858 12,917 12,405 12,075 
Total Consumer5,809 2,204 2,655 1,870 1,174 
Total non-accrual loans185,282 93,058 88,396 47,225 37,508 
Other real estate owned (OREO)5,118 9,414 9,491 9,795 9,612 
Other repossessed assets3,342 1,276 744 441 384 
Non-accrual debt securities815 680 — — 1,935 
Total non-performing assets (NPAs)$194,557 $104,428 $98,631 $57,461 $49,439 
Performing troubled debt restructured loans$57,367 $73,012 $77,216 $117,176 $85,166 
Total non-accrual loans as a % of loans0.58 %0.31 %0.35 %0.26 %0.22 %
Total NPAs as a % of loans and NPAs0.60 0.35 0.39 0.31 0.29 
Total accruing past due and non-accrual loans as a % of loans0.88 0.54 0.62 0.70 0.55 
Allowance for loan losses as a % of non-accrual loans183.64 173.83 171.79 255.92 305.05 
 At December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
 ($ in thousands)
Accruing past due loans (1)
         
30 to 59 days past due         
Commercial and industrial$13,085
 $3,650
 $6,705
 $3,920
 $1,630
Commercial real estate9,521
 11,223
 5,894
 2,684
 8,938
Construction2,829
 12,949
 6,077
 1,876
 448
Residential mortgage16,576
 12,669
 12,005
 6,681
 6,200
Total Consumer9,740
 8,409
 4,197
 3,348
 2,982
Total 30 to 59 days past due51,751
 48,900
 34,878
 18,509
 20,198
60 to 89 days past due         
Commercial and industrial3,768
 544
 5,010
 524
 1,102
Commercial real estate530
 
 8,642
 
 113
Construction
 18,845
 
 2,799
 
Residential mortgage2,458
 7,903
 3,564
 1,626
 3,575
Total Consumer1,386
 1,199
 1,147
 626
 764
Total 60 to 89 days past due8,142
 28,491
 18,363
 5,575
 5,554
90 or more days past due         
Commercial and industrial6,156
 
 142
 213
 226
Commercial real estate27
 27
 474
 131
 49
Construction
 
 1,106
 
 3,988
Residential mortgage1,288
 2,779
 1,541
 1,504
 1,063
Total Consumer341
 284
 209
 208
 152
Total 90 or more days past due7,812
 3,090
 3,472
 2,056
 5,478
Total accruing past due loans$67,705

$80,481

$56,713

$26,140

$31,230
Non-accrual loans (1)
         
Commercial and industrial$70,096
 $20,890
 $8,465
 $10,913
 $8,467
Commercial real estate2,372
 11,328
 15,079
 24,888
 22,098
Construction356
 732
 715
 6,163
 5,223
Residential mortgage12,917
 12,405
 12,075
 17,930
 17,760
Total Consumer2,655
 1,870
 1,174
 2,206
 2,209
Total non-accrual loans88,396
 47,225
 37,508
 62,100
 55,757
Non-performing loans held for sale
 
 
 
 7,130
Other real estate owned (OREO) (2)
9,491
 9,795
 9,612
 13,563
 14,249
Other repossessed assets744
 441
 384
 437
 1,232
Non-accrual debt securities
 
 1,935
 2,142
 4,729
Total non-performing assets$98,631
 $57,461
 $49,439
 $78,242
 $83,097
          
Performing troubled debt restructured loans$77,216
 $117,176
 $85,166
 $77,627
 $97,743
Total non-accrual loans as a % of loans0.35% 0.26% 0.22% 0.39% 0.41%
Total NPAs as a % of loans and NPAs0.39
 0.31
 0.29
 0.49
 0.61
Total accruing past due and non-accrual loans as a % of loans0.62
 0.70
 0.55
 0.55
 0.65
Allowance for loan losses as a % of non-accrual loans171.79
 255.92
 305.05
 170.98
 183.57


*Past due loans and non-accrual loans presented at December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively, exclude PCI loans. Prior to January 1, 2020, PCI loans were accounted for on a pool basis under U.S. GAAP and were not subject to delinquency classification.
596320182020 Form 10-K





(1)
Past due loans and non-accrual loans exclude PCI loans that are accounted for on a pool basis.
(2)
This table excludes covered OREO properties subject to loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC totaling $558 thousand, $5.0 million and $9.2 million at December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. There were no covered OREO properties at December 31, 2018 and 2017.
Loans past due 30 to 59 days increased $2.9$23.1 million to $51.8$69.7 million at December 31, 20182020 as compared to $48.9$46.6 million at December 31, 2017, mostly2019 partially due to an increase in commercial and industrial loan delinquencies, partially offset by decreases in construction loan anda $12.3 million matured commercial real estate loan delinquencies. Commercial and industrial loan delinquencies increased $9.4 million as compared to December 31, 2017 partly due to two commercial real estate loan relationships with a combined total of $16.8 million reported in the normal process of renewal totaling $6.0 millionthis delinquency category at December 31, 2018. Construction2020. While one of these loans within this delinquency category decreased $10.1 million to $2.8 million at December 31, 2018is internally classified as compared to one year ago mainly due to two loan relationships reported at December 31, 2017substandard, management believes it is well secured and in the process of which both were subsequently brought current to their contractual terms.collection.
Loans past due 60 to 89 days decreased $20.3increased $1.4 million to $8.1$15.8 million at December 31, 20182020 as compared to December 31, 2017 largely2019 mostly due to an $18.8 million decrease in constructionhigher residential mortgage loan delinquencies. This decrease was mainly due to four loan relationships in the normal process of renewal or collection that were included in this loan category at December 31, 2017.delinquencies caused by a few larger borrowers.
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing increased $4.7$6.2 million to $7.8$13.5 million at December 31, 20182020 as compared to December 31, 2017. Commercial2019 mainly due to higher commercial and industrial loan delinquencies. Residential mortgage loan delinquencies increased $6.2$1.1 million mainlyas compared to 2019 primarily due to one large loan relationship in the process of collection included in this category at December 31, 2018.2020. All of the loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing are considered to be well secured and in the process of collection.
Non-accrual loans increased $41.2$92.2 million to $88.4$185.3 million at December 31, 20182020 as compared to December 31, 20172019. Commercial and industrial non-accrual loans increased $38.1 million mainly due to an increase inthe reclassification of $34.2 million of previously accruing taxi medallion loans withinto non-accrual status during the commercialfirst quarter of 2020 and industrial loan category. Non-accrual taxi medallion$12.7 million of non-accrual PCD loans increased $44.3 million to $58.5 millionincluded at December 31, 2018 as compared to $14.2 million at December 31, 2017 mainly due to continued weakness in the New York City taxi industry. The majority of the non-accrual taxi medallion loans were previously performing troubled debt restructured (TDR) loans and included in our impaired loans at both December 31, 2018 and 2017.2020. See further discussion of our taxi medallion loan portfolio below. The $37.9 million increase in non-accrual commercial real estate loans was largely due to six loan relationships totaling $20.8 million and $22.1 of non-accrual PCD included at December 31, 2020.
Although the timing of collection is uncertain, management believes that most of the non-accrual loans at December 31, 2018,2020, are well secured and largely collectible based on, in part, our quarterly review of impairedcollateral dependent loans and the valuation of the underlying collateral, if applicable. Our impaired loans (mainly consisting of non-accrual commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans over $250 thousand and all troubled debt restructured loans) totaled $156.6 million at December 31, 2018 and had $33.0 million in related specific reserves included in our total allowance for loan losses. If interest on non-accrual loans had been accrued in accordance with the original contractual terms, such interest income would have amounted to approximately $3.6$6.2 million, $2.5 million and $2.1$3.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016,2018, respectively; none of these amounts were included in interest income during these periods. 
During 2018,2020, we continued to closely monitor the performance of our New York City (NYC) and Chicago taxi medallion loans totaling $121.8$90.6 million and $8.4$6.9 million, respectively, within the commercial and industrial loan portfolio at December 31, 2018. While most of the taxi medallion loans are currently performing2020. Due to their contractual terms, continued negative trends in the marketestimated fair valuations of the underlying taxi medallion collateral, due to competing car service providersa weak operating environment for ride services and other external factors could impactuncertain borrower performance, the future performance and internal classificationremainder of this portfolio.our previously accruing taxi medallion loans were placed on non-accrual status during the first quarter 2020. At December 31, 2018, the2020, non-accrual taxi medallion portfolio included impaired loans totaling $73.7$97.5 million withhad related reserves of $27.9$66.4 million, or 68.1 percent of such loans, within the allowance for loan losses as compared to impaired loans totaling $63.9$63.3 million with related reservesreserves of $9.1$25.0 million at December 31, 2017. At December 31, 2018, the impaired medallion loans largely consisted of $58.5 million of non-accrual taxi cab medallion loans classified as doubtful, as well as performing troubled debt restructured (TDR) loans classified as substandard loans.2019.
Valley's historical taxi medallion lending criteria was conservative in regard to capping the loan amounts in relation to the prevailing market valuations, at the time of origination, as well as obtaining personal guarantees and other collateral in certain instances. However, the severe decline in the market valuation of taxi medallions over the last several years has adversely affected the estimated fair valuation of these loans and, as a result, increased the level of our allowance for loan losses at December 31, 20182020 (See the "Allowance for Credit Losses" section below). Potential further declines in the market valuation of taxi medallions and the stressed operating environment within both New York City and Chicago due to the COVID-19 pandemic could also negatively impact the future performance of this portfolio. For example, a 25 percent further decline in our current estimated market value of the taxi medallions would require additional allocated reserves of $10.6 $5.5 million within the allowance for loan losses based upon the impaired taxi medallion loan balances at December 31, 2018. Additionally, Valley currently has $22.5 million of performing non-impaired taxi medallion loans which are scheduled to mature in 2019, and $18.3 million that mature between 2023 and 2027. If the loans with 2019 maturities were renewed and became TDRs, an additional reserve of $8.6 million would be required based on the allowance methodology at December 31, 2018. 2020.

2018 Form 10-K60




OREO (which consistsconsisted of 5225 commercial and residential properties) decreased $304 thousand to $9.5$5.1 million at December 31, 20182020 as compared to $9.8$9.4 million at December 31, 2017.2019. During 2020, we transferred 14 properties totaling $4.0 million and sold 19 properties for total proceeds of $9.0 million. The sales of OREO properties resulted in net gains of $674 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to net gains of $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. See Notes 1 and 3 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding OREO and other repossessed assets, including our foreclosed asset activity, in Notes 1 and 3 to the consolidated financial statements.activity.
Troubled debt restructured loans (TDRs)TDRs represent loan modifications for customers experiencing financial difficulties where a concession has been granted. Performing TDRs (i.e., TDRs not reported as loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing or as non-accrual loans) decreased $40.0$15.6 million to $77.2$57.4 million at December 31, 20182020 as compared to $117.2$73.0 million at December 31, 20172019 mainly due to the taxi medallionpaydowns of several commercial and industrial loans migrating to non-accrual loan status during 2018.2020. Performing TDRs consisted of 11987 loans and 141119 loans (primarily in the commercial and industrial loan and commercial real estate portfolios) at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively. On an aggregate basis, the $77.2$57.4 million in performing TDRs at December 31, 20182020 had a modified weighted
2020 Form 10-K64


average interest rate of approximately 5.374.68 percent as compared to a pre-modification weighted average interest rate of 4.70 percent.4.94 percent. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for additional disclosures regarding our TDRs.
Loan Forbearance. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact to certain customers, Valley implemented short-term loan modifications such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or delays in payment that are insignificant, when requested by customers. Generally, the modification terms allow for a deferral of payments for up to 90 days, which Valley may extend for an additional 90 days. Any extensions beyond this period were done in accordance with applicable regulatory guidance.
The increasefollowing table presents the outstanding loan balances and number of loans in an active payment deferral period under short-term modifications as of December 31, 2020:
December 31, 2020
 AmountNumber of loans
 ($ in thousands)
Commercial and industrial$12,835 53 
Commercial real estate299,874 55 
Residential mortgage38,615 95 
Consumer9,937 407 
Total$361,261 610 
During the fourth quarter 2020, active loan forbearances decreased from approximately 1,400 loans with total outstanding balances of $1.1 billion remaining as of September 30, 2020.
Higher Risk COVID-19 Credit Exposures. Valley has identified certain borrower industries as being potentially exposed to the effects of economic shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The following table presents non-PPP loans and active deferrals in the modified weighted average interest rateCOVID-19 exposure industries at December 31, 2020:
December 31, 2020
Non-PPP loan balance% of non-PPP loansActive deferrals% of total industry loans
 
 ($ in thousands)
Doctors and surgery$510,772 1.7 %$4,609 0.9 %
Retail trade596,015 2.0 15,974 2.7 
Hotels and hospitality504,571 1.7 — — 
Restaurants and food service328,838 1.1 25,973 7.9 
Entertainment and recreation215,695 0.7 3,564 1.7 
Total$2,155,891 7.2 %$50,120 2.3 %
As of the performing TDRsDecember 31, 2020, Valley had approximately $2.2 billion, or 7.2 percent of total loans (excluding PPP loans), that were made to borrowers in these industries. Active deferrals in this category totaled approximately $50 million, or 2.3 percent of total loans in COVID-19 exposed industries at December 31, 2020, as compared to $158 million, or 7.1 percent of total loans at September 30, 2020. Approximately 90 percent of total loan balances within the pre-modification weighted average interest rate was largely due to loans restructured at higher current market interest rates, but with extended loan terms.risk industries were pass-rated under Valley’s internal risk rating system as of December 31, 2020.
Potential Problem Loans
Although we believe that substantially all risk elements at December 31, 20182020 have been disclosed in the categories presented above, it is possible that for a variety of reasons, including economic conditions, certain borrowers may be unable to comply with the contractual repayment terms on certain real estate and commercial loans. As part of the analysis of the loan portfolio, management determined that there were approximately $142.8$258.8 million and $146.0$91.7 million in potential problem loans (consisting mostly of commercial and industrial loans) at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively. The increase from 2019 was mainly due to many of the risk rating downgrades resulting from the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic had on borrowers, as well as inclusion of PCD loans, which were previously excluded and were accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30. Potential problem loans were not classified as non-accrual loans in the non-performing asset table above. Potential problem loans are defined as performing loans for which management has concerns about the ability of such borrowers to comply with the loan repayment terms and which may result in a non-performing loan. Our decision to include performing loans in potential problem loans does not necessarily mean that management expects losses to occur, but rather that management recognizes potential problem loans carry a higher probability of default. At December 31, 2018,2020, the potential problem loans consisted of various types of performing commercial loan
652020 Form 10-K


credits, including industries highlighted in the "Higher Risk COVID-19 Credit Exposures" table above, that are internally risk rated substandard including taxi medallion loans, because the loans exhibited well-defined weaknesses and required additional attention by management. See further discussion regarding our internal loan classification system at Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements. There can be no assurance that Valley has identified all of its potential problem loans at December 31, 2018.2020.


Asset Quality and Risk Elements
Lending is one of the most important functions performed by Valley and, by its very nature, lending is also the most complicated, risky and profitable part of our business. For our commercial loan portfolio, comprised of commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, and construction loans, a separate credit department is responsible for risk assessment and periodically evaluating overall creditworthiness of a borrower. Additionally, efforts are made to limit concentrations of credit so as to minimize the impact of a downturn in any one economic sector. We believe our loan portfolio is diversified as to type of borrower and loan. However, loans collateralized by real estate including $3.4 billion of PCI loans, represent approximately 7472 percent of total loans at December 31, 2018.2020. Most of the loans collateralized by real estate are in northern and central New Jersey, New York City and Florida presenting a geographical credit risk if there was a further significant broad-based deterioration in economic conditions within these regions (see Part I,impacted by COVID-19 pandemic. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - "Our financial results and condition may be adversely impacted by changing economic conditions")-"Risks Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic".
Consumer loans are comprised of residential mortgage loans, home equity loans, automobile loans and other consumer loans. Residential mortgage loans are secured by 1-4 family properties mostly located in New Jersey, New York and Florida. We do provide mortgage loans secured by homes beyond this primary geographic area; however, lending outside this primary area has generally consisted of loans made in support of existing customer relationships, as well as targeted purchases of certain loans guaranteed by third parties. Our mortgage loan originations are comprised of both jumbo (i.e., loans with balances above conventional conforming loan limits) and conventional loans based on underwriting standards that generally comply with Fannie Mae and/or Freddie Mac requirements. The weighted average loan-to-value ratio of all residential mortgage originations in 2018 was 702020 was 68 percent while FICO® (independent objective criteria measuring the creditworthiness of a borrower) scores averaged 748.757. Home equity and automobile loans are secured loans and are made based on an evaluation of the collateral and the borrower’s creditworthiness.creditworthiness. In addition to our primary markets, automobile loans are mostly originated in several other contiguous states. Due to the level of our underwriting standards applied to all loans, management believes the out of market loans generally present no more risk than those made within the market. However, each loan or group of loans made outside of our primary markets poses different geographic risks based upon the economy of that particular region.

612018 Form 10-K




Management realizes that some degree of risk must be expected in the normal course of lending activities. Allowances are maintained to absorb such loanlifetime expected credit losses inherent in the portfolio. The allowance for credit losses and related provision are an expression of management’s evaluation of the credit portfolio and economic climate.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The allowance for credit losses (ACL) includes the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded commercial letters of credit. Management maintainsEffective January 1, 2020, we adopted the allowance fornew CECL standard, which is based on lifetime expected credit losses at a level estimatedrather than incurred losses. Periods prior to absorb probable2020 have been reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP, which followed the incurred credit losses inherent inmethodology. See the loan portfoliotable below and unfunded letter of credit commitments at the balance sheet dates, based on ongoing evaluations of the loan portfolio. Our methodology for evaluating the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses includes:
segmentation of the loan portfolio based on the major loan categories, which consist of commercial, commercial real estate (including construction), residential mortgageNotes 1 and other consumer loans (including automobile and home equity loans);
tracking the historical levels of classified loans and delinquencies;
assessing the nature and trend of loan charge-offs;
providing specific reserves on impaired loans; and
evaluating the PCI loan pools for additional credit impairment subsequent to the acquisition dates.
Additionally, the qualitative factors, such as the volume of non-performing loans, concentration risks by size, type, and geography, new markets, collateral adequacy, credit policies and procedures, staffing, underwriting consistency, loan review and economic conditions are taken into consideration when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses.
The allowance for loan losses consists of four elements: (i) specific reserves for individually impaired credits, (ii) reserves for adversely classified, or higher risk rated, loans that are not impaired, (iii) reserves for other loans based on historical loss factors (using the appropriate loss look-back and loss emergence periods) adjusted for both internal and external qualitative risk factors to Valley, including the aforementioned factors, as well as changes in both organic and purchased loan portfolio volumes, the composition and concentrations of credit, new market initiatives, and the impact of competition on loan structuring and pricing, and (iv) an allowance for PCI loan pools impaired subsequent to the acquisition date, if applicable.
The Credit Risk Management Department individually evaluates non-accrual (non-homogeneous) loans within the commercial and industrial loan and commercial real estate loan portfolio segments over $250 thousand and troubled debt restructured loans within all the loan portfolio segments for impairment based on the underlying anticipated method of payment consisting of either the expected future cash flows or the related collateral. If payment is expected solely based on the underlying collateral, an appraisal is completed to assess the fair value of the collateral. Collateral dependent impaired loan balances are written down to the current fair value (less estimated selling costs) of each loan’s underlying collateral resulting in an immediate charge-off to the allowance, excluding any consideration for personal guarantees that may be pursued in the Bank’s collection process. (See the “Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Non-recurring Basis” section of Note 35 to the consolidated financial statements for further details). If repayment is based upon future expected cash flows,details on the present valueimpact of the expected future cash flows discounted atDay 1 CECL adoption and the loan’s original effective interest rate is comparedincurred credit losses methodology.
Under CECL, our methodology to the carrying value of the loan, and any shortfall is recorded as a specific valuation allowance inestablish the allowance for loan losses has two basic components: (1) a collective reserve component for estimated expected credit losses. At December 31, 2018,losses for pools of loans that share common risk characteristics and (2) an individual reserve component for loans that do not share risk characteristics, consisting of collateral dependent, TDR, and expected TDR loans. Valley also maintains a $33.0 million specific valuation allowance was included in theseparate allowance for unfunded credit commitments mainly consisting of undisbursed non-cancellable lines of credit, new loan commitments and commercial letters of credit.
Valley estimated the collective ACL using a current expected credit losses related to $156.6 million of impaired loans that had such an allowance. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for more details regarding impaired loans.
The allowance allocations for non-classified loans within all of our loan portfolio segments are calculated by applying historical loss factors by specific loan types to the applicable outstanding loans and unfunded commitments. Loss factors aremethodology which is based on the Bank’srelevant information about historical loss experience, over a look-back period determined to provide the appropriate amount of data to accurately estimate expected losses as of period end. Additionally, management assesses the loss emergence period for the expected losses of each loan segmentcurrent conditions, and adjusts each historical loss factor accordingly. The loss emergence period is the estimated time from the date of a loss event (such as a personal bankruptcy) to the actual recognition of the loss (typically via the first full or partial loan charge-off)reasonable and is determined based upon a study of our past loss experience by loan segment. The loss factors may also be adjusted for significant changes in the current loan portfolio qualitysupportable forecasts that in management’s judgment, affect the collectability of the portfolio asloan balances. In estimating the component of the evaluation date.



allowance on a collective basis we use a transition matrix model which calculates an expected life of loan loss percentage for each loan pool by generating probability of default and loss given default metrics. The metrics are based on the migration of loans from performing to loss by credit quality rating or delinquency categories using historical life-of-loan analysis periods for each loan portfolio pool and the severity of loss based on the aggregate net lifetime losses. The model's expected losses based on loss history are adjusted for qualitative factors. Among other things, these adjustments include and account for differences in: (i) the impact of the reasonable and supportable economic forecast, relative probability weightings and reversion period, (ii) other asset specific risks to the extent they do not exist in the historical loss information, and (iii) net expected recoveries of charged off loan balances. These adjustments are based on qualitative factors not reflected in the quantitative model but are likely to impact the measurement of estimated credit
20182020 Form 10-K6266





losses. The expected lifetime loss rate is the life of loan loss percentage from the transition matrix model plus the impact of the adjustments for qualitative factors. The expected credit losses are the product of multiplying the model’s expected lifetime loss rate by the exposure at default at period end on an undiscounted basis.
Valley utilizes a two-year reasonable and supportable forecast period followed by a one-year period over which estimated losses revert to historical loss experience for the remaining life of the loan on a straight-line basis. The forecasts consist of a multi-scenario economic forecast model to estimate future credit losses and is governed by a cross-functional committee. The committee meets each quarter to determine which economic scenarios developed by Moody's will be incorporated into the model, as well as the relative probability weightings of the selected scenarios, based upon all readily available information. The model projects economic variables under each scenario based on detailed statistical analyses. We have identified and selected key variables that most closely correlated to our historical credit performance, which include: GDP, unemployment and the Case-Shiller Home Price Index.
During the fourth quarter 2020, we continued to incorporate a probability weighted three-scenario economic forecast, including Moody's Baseline, S-3 and S-4 scenarios. At December 31, 2020, Valley maintained a higher combined weighting on the S-3 and S-4 alternative downside scenarios as compared to the Moody's Baseline scenario to reflect downside risk factors, including, but not limited to the unknown effect of the latest federal economic stimulus to promote a strong economic recovery, loan customers with payment deferrals, increasing COVID-19 infection rates in many locales and the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and the timing of the vaccine distribution across the U.S. Each of these risk factors may affect the performance of Valley’s loan portfolio over time.
The S-4 forecast is the most severe economic scenario and included the following assumptions at December 31, 2020:

The COVID-19 pandemic will persist and meaningfully impact the economy;
The national unemployment rate will remain elevated throughout 2021 and 2022, with a peak at 11.5 percent in the third quarter 2022;
An overall decline in spending on a wide range of products and services;
A prolonged economic downturn will persist until the fourth quarter 2021 with real GDP growth resuming by mid-year 2022; and
The target federal funds interest rate will remain at or near zero for the foreseeable future.
The allowance for credit losses for loans methodology and accounting policy are fully described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.

672020 Form 10-K


The following table summarizes the relationship among loans, loans charged-off, loan recoveries, the provision for credit losses and the allowance for credit losses for the years indicated:
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
 ($ in thousands)
Average loans outstanding$23,340,330
 $17,819,003
 $16,400,745
 $14,447,020
 $12,081,683
          
Beginning balance—Allowance for credit losses$124,452
 $116,604
 $108,367
 $104,287
 $117,112
Loans charged-off:         
Commercial and industrial(2,515) (5,421) (5,990) (7,928) (12,722)
Commercial real estate(348) (559) (650) (1,864) (4,894)
Construction
 
 
 (926) (4,576)
Residential mortgage(223) (530) (866) (813) (1,004)
Total Consumer(4,977) (4,564) (3,463) (3,441) (3,702)
Total loan charge-offs(8,063) (11,074) (10,969) (14,972) (26,898)
Charged-off loans recovered:         
Commercial and industrial4,623
 4,736
 2,852
 7,233
 6,874
Commercial real estate417
 552
 2,047
 846
 2,198
Construction
 873
 10
 913
 912
Residential mortgage272
 1,016
 774
 421
 248
Total Consumer2,093
 1,803
 1,654
 1,538
 1,957
Total loan recoveries7,405
 8,980
 7,337
 10,951
 12,189
Net charge-offs(658) (2,094) (3,632) (4,021) (14,709)
Provision charged for credit losses32,501
 9,942
 11,869
 8,101
 1,884
Ending balance—Allowance for credit losses$156,295
 $124,452
 $116,604
 $108,367
 $104,287
Components of allowance for credit losses:         
Allowance for loan losses$151,859
 $120,856
 $114,419
 $106,178
 $102,353
Allowance for unfunded letters of credit4,436
 3,596
 2,185
 2,189
 1,934
Allowance for credit losses$156,295
 $124,452
 $116,604
 $108,367
 $104,287
Components of provision for credit losses:         
Provision for loan losses *
$31,661
 $8,531
 $11,873
 $7,846
 $3,445
Provision for unfunded letters of credit840
 1,411
 (4) 255
 (1,561)
Provision for credit losses$32,501
 $9,942
 $11,869
 $8,101
 $1,884
          
Ratio of net charge-offs during the period to average loans outstanding0.00% 0.01% 0.02% 0.03% 0.12%
Allowance for credit losses as a % of non-PCI loans0.75
 0.73
 0.75
 0.79
 0.89
Allowance for credit losses as a % of total loans0.62
 0.68
 0.68
 0.68
 0.77
 Years Ended December 31,
 20202019201820172016
 ($ in thousands)
Average loans outstanding$31,785,859$26,235,253$23,340,330$17,819,003$16,400,745
Beginning balance—Allowance for credit losses for loans$164,604$156,295$124,452$116,604$108,367
Impact of ASU No. 2016-13 adoption on January 1, 2020 (1)
37,989
Allowance for purchased credit deteriorated (PCD) loans (1)
61,643
Beginning balance, adjusted264,236156,295124,452116,604108,367
Loans charged-off: (2)
Commercial and industrial(34,630)(13,260)(2,515)(5,421)(5,990)
Commercial real estate(767)(158)(348)(559)(650)
Residential mortgage(598)(126)(223)(530)(866)
Total Consumer(9,294)(8,671)(4,977)(4,564)(3,463)
Total charge-offs(45,289)(22,215)(8,063)(11,074)(10,969)
Charged-off loans recovered:
Commercial and industrial1,9562,3974,6234,7362,852
Commercial real estate1,0541,2374175522,047
Construction45287310
Residential mortgage670662721,016774
Total Consumer3,1882,6062,0931,8031,654
Total recoveries7,3206,3067,4058,9807,337
Net charge-offs(37,969)(15,909)(658)(2,094)(3,632)
Provision charged for credit losses125,08724,21832,5019,94211,869
Ending balance—Allowance for credit losses for loans$351,354$164,604$156,295$124,452$116,604
Components of allowance for credit losses for loans:
Allowance for loan losses$340,243$161,759$151,859$120,856$114,419
Allowance for unfunded credit commitments11,1112,8454,4363,5962,185
Allowance for credit losses for loans$351,354$164,604$156,295$124,452$116,604
Components of provision for credit losses for loans:
Provision for credit losses for loans$123,922$25,809$31,661$8,531$11,873
Provision for unfunded credit commitments (3)
1,165(1,591)8401,411(4)
Provision for credit losses for loans$125,087$24,218$32,501$9,942$11,869
Annualized ratio of net charge-offs during the period to average loans outstanding0.12 %0.06 %0.00 %0.01 %0.02 %
*Includes a negative (credit) provision for covered loans totaling $5.9 million for 2014. There was no provision for covered loans in 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015.
(1)    The adjustment represents an increase in the allowance for credit losses for loans as a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 effective January 1, 2020.
(2)     Charge-offs and recoveries presented for periods prior to January 1, 2020 exclude loans formerly accounting for as PCI loans.
(3)    Periods prior to January 1, 2020 represent the allowance and provision for unfunded letters of credit only.
Our net loan charge-offs decreased $1.4increased $22.1 million to $658 thousand$38.0 million in 20182020 as compared to $2.1$15.9 million in 2017. The improvement2019 mainly due to higher gross charge-offs in net loan charge-offs as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017 was due, in part, to lower commercial and industrial loan grosscategory. The higher level of commercial and industrial loan charge-offs in 2020 was largely driven by taxi medallion partial loan charge-offs totaling $12.5 million for the year ended
2020 Form 10-K68


December 31, 2020 (as compared to $6.5 million for 2019) and the partial and full charge-offs of two loans totaling $7.8 million and $6.0 million, respectively.
While net charge-offs increased largely due to borrowers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic during 2018.
Net charge-offs have steadily declined over the last four years and2020, they have remained relatively low overwithin management's expectations for the last five years as compared to manycredit quality of our peers.Valley's loan portfolio and its underwriting standards. During thisthe five-year period ended December 31, 2020, our net charge-offs were at a high of 0.12 percent of average loans

632018 Form 10-K




during 20142020 and a low of 0.00 percent of average loansnear zero during 2018. The lower level of our net loan charge-offs during 2018 was largely as a result of the continued solid performance of our loan portfolio, strong collections and a favorable economic environment. While we have a positive outlook for the future performance of the loan portfolio, and the economy, there can be no assurance that our levels of net charge-offs will not deteriorate in 2019,2021, especially given the relatively modest levels realizeduncertain course of the economic recovery, labor markets and the number of our COVID-19 impacted borrowers that remained in the past five years.
Despite the low levelactive deferral of net loan charge-offs, the provision for credit losses increased $22.6 million to $32.5 million in 2018 as compared to 2017 largely due to strong loan growth and higher allocated reserves for impaired loans (mostly related to taxi medallion loans within commercial and industrial loans).contractual payments at December 31, 2020.
The following table summarizes the allocation of the allowance for credit losses to specific loan portfolio categories for the past five years:years ended December 31,: 
2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 20202019201820172016
Allowance
Allocation
 
Percent
of Loan
Category
to total
loans
 
Allowance
Allocation
 
Percent
of Loan
Category
to total
loans
 
Allowance
Allocation
 
Percent
of Loan
Category
to total
loans
 
Allowance
Allocation
 
Percent
of Loan
Category
to total
loans
 
Allowance
Allocation
 
Percent
of Loan
Category
to total
loans
Allowance
Allocation*
Percent of Loan Category to total loansAllowance
Allocation*
Percent of Loan Category to total loansAllowance
Allocation*
Percent of Loan Category to total loansAllowance
Allocation*
Percent of Loan Category to total loansAllowance
Allocation*
Percent of Loan Category to total loans
($ in thousands) ($ in thousands)
Loan Category:                   Loan Category:
Commercial and industrial*$95,392
 17.3% $60,828
 15.0% $53,005
 15.3% $50,956
 15.8% $45,610
 16.7%
Commercial and industrialCommercial and industrial$131,070 21.3 %$104,059 16.2 %$90,956 17.3 %$57,232 15.0 %$50,820 15.3 %
Commercial real estate:                   Commercial real estate:
Commercial real estate26,482
 49.6
 36,293
 51.8
 36,405
 50.6
 32,037
 46.3
 27,426
 45.7
Commercial real estate146,009 51.9 20,019 53.9 26,482 49.6 36,293 51.8 36,405 50.6 
Construction23,168
 5.9
 18,661
 4.6
 19,446
 4.8
 15,969
 4.7
 15,414
 4.0
Construction18,104 5.4 25,654 5.6 23,168 5.9 18,661 4.6 19,446 4.8 
Total commercial real estateTotal commercial real estate164,113 57.3 45,673 59.5 49,650 55.5 54,954 56.4 55,851 55.4 
Residential mortgage5,041
 16.4
 3,605
 15.6
 3,702
 16.6
 4,625
 19.5
 5,093
 19.1
Residential mortgage28,873 13.0 5,060 14.7 5,041 16.4 3,605 15.6 3,702 16.6 
Total Consumer6,212
 10.8
 5,065
 13.0
 4,046
 12.7
 4,780
 13.7
 5,179
 14.5
Total Consumer16,187 8.4 6,967 9.6 6,212 10.8 5,065 13.0 4,046 12.7 
Unallocated
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 5,565
 
Total allowance for credit losses$156,295
 100% $124,452
 100% $116,604
 100% $108,367
 100% $104,287
 100%
Total allowance for loan lossesTotal allowance for loan losses340,243 100.0 %161,759 100.0 %151,859 100.0 %120,856 100.0 %114,419 100.0 %
Allowance for unfunded credit commitmentsAllowance for unfunded credit commitments11,111 2,845 4,436 3,596 2,185 
Total allowance for credit losses for loansTotal allowance for credit losses for loans$351,354 $164,604 $156,295 $124,452 $116,604 
* IncludesCECL was adopted January 1, 2020. Prior periods reflect the allowance for unfunded letters of credit.credit losses for loans under the incurred loss model.
The allowance for credit losses for loans, comprised of our allowance for loan losses and reserve for unfunded credit commitments (including letters of credit,credit), as a percentage of total loans was 0.621.09 percent at December 31, 20182020 and 0.680.55 percent at December 31, 2017. Our2019. The allowance allocations for credit losses at December 31, 2018for loans increased across most loan categories mainly due strong organic loan growth. The increased allowance allocation for the commercial and industrial loans category (see table above) at December 31, 2018 was also partly due to higher specific reserves for impaired taxi medallion loans. At December 31, 2018, the allowance allocation for commercial real estate loans declined to $26.5 million from $36.3$186.8 million at December 31, 2017 mainly2020 as compared to December 31, 2019 largely due to a continued declineValley's Day 1 CECL adoption adjustment of $99.6 million recorded on January 1, 2020 and the reserve build under CECL during 2020. The reserve build in historical loss rates over2020 reflected several factors, including deterioration in Valley's macroeconomic outlook since the prolonged current economic cycle. Additionally, our estimateonset of the allowanceCOVID-19 pandemic, additional qualitative management adjustments to reflect the potential for higher levels of credit stress related to borrowers negatively impacted by the pandemic, the impact of lower valuations of collateral securing our non-performing taxi medallion loan portfolio and additional quantitative reserves, based upon expected and actual transitions in the credit quality of our loan portfolio. As a result, the provision for credit losses at December 31, 2018 was impacted by the level of net charge-offs and internally classified loans, assumptions based on the current economic environment, as well as other qualitative factors.
Our allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total non-PCI loans (excluding PCI loans with carrying values totaling approximately $4.2 billion) was 0.75 percent at December 31, 2018increased $100.9 million to $125.1 million in 2020 as compared to 0.73 percent at December 31, 2017. PCI loans, largely acquired through prior bank acquisitions, are accounted for on a pool basis and initially recorded net of fair valuation discounts related to credit which may be used to absorb future losses on such loans before any allowance for loan losses is recognized subsequent to acquisition. Due to the adequacy of such discounts, there were no allowance reserves related to PCI loans at December 31, 2018 and 2017. See Notes 1 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our allowance for loan losses.2019.
Prior to December 31, 2015, the allowance also contained reserves identified as the unallocated portion in the table above to cover inherent losses within a given loan category which have not been otherwise reviewed or measured on an individual basis. Such reserves represented management’s attempt to ensure that the overall allowance reflected a margin for imprecision and the uncertainty that is inherent in estimates of probable credit losses. During 2015, Valley refined and enhanced its assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. As a result, Valley no longer has an “unallocated” segment in its allowance for credit losses, as the risks and uncertainties meant to be captured by the unallocated allowance have been included in the qualitative framework for the respective portfolios at December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015. As such, the unallocated allowance has in essence been reallocated to the certain portfolios based on the risks and uncertainties it was meant to capture.

2018 Form 10-K64




Loan Repurchase Contingencies
We engage in the origination of residential mortgages for sale into the secondary market. Our loan sales totaled approximately $1.0 billion, $935 million and $676 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. During 2016,2020 and 2019, loan sales increased significantly from 20152018 as new loan originations and 2014 as refinance activity once again strengthened due to a favorably low interest rate environment complemented, from time to time, by sales from the held for most of the year. While refinance activity declined in 2017, Valley expanded its efforts in the purchased home loan market and expanded its team of home mortgage consultants. As a result of these efforts combined with portfolio loan sales, loan sales totaled approximately $676 million and $801 million for 2018 and 2017, respectively.investment portfolio.
In connection with loan sales, we make representations and warranties, which, if breached, may require us to repurchase such loans, substitute other loans or indemnify the purchasers of such loans for actual losses incurred due to such loans. However, the performance of our loans sold has been historically strong due to our strict underwriting standards and procedures. Over the past several years, we have experienced a nominal amount of repurchase requests, only a few of which have actually resulted in repurchases by Valley (only fivetwo loan repurchases in 2020 and four loan repurchases in 2018 and two loan repurchase in 2017)2019). None of the loan repurchases resulted in material loss. Accordingly, no reserves pertaining to loans sold were established on our consolidated financial statements at December 31, 20182020 and 2017.2019. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - "We may incur future losses in
692020 Form 10-K


connection with repurchases and indemnification payments related to mortgages that we have sold into the secondary market” of this Annual Reportreport for additional information.
Capital Adequacy
A significant measure of the strength of a financial institution is its shareholders’ equity. At December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, shareholders’ equity totaled approximately $3.4$4.6 billion and $2.5$4.4 billion, or 10.511.3 percent and 10.611.7 percent of total assets, respectively. During 2018,2020, total shareholders’ equity increased by $817.3$207.9 million primarily due to (i) the additional capital of $737.2 million issued in the USAB acquisition, (ii) net income of $261.4$390.6 million, (ii) an increase in other comprehensive income of $24.5 million, and (iii) a $17.2$13.0 million increase attributable to the effect of share issuances under our stock incentive plan, and (iv) net proceeds of $1.0 million from the reissuance of treasury stock and issuance of authorized common shares issued under our dividend reinvestment plan totaling 87 thousand shares. Theplan. These positive changes were partially offset by (i) cash dividends declared on common and preferred stock totaling a combined $159.0$192.0 million and (ii) $23.4 a $28.2 million of other comprehensive losses, and (iii) a $17.1 million netnet cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings for the adoption of new accounting guidance as of January 1, 2018.2020.
Valley and Valley National Bank are subject to the regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal Reserve Bank and the OCC. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require Valley and Valley National Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of common equity Tier 1 capital, total and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and Tier 1 capital to average assets, as defined in the regulations.
Effective January 1, 2015, Valley implemented the Basel III regulatory capital framework and related Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”). Basel III final rules require a newWe are required to maintain common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 4.5 percent, Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 6.0 percent, ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0 percent, and minimum leverage ratio of 4.0 percent. The rule changes included the implementation ofpercent, plus a new2.5 percent capital conservation buffer that is added to the minimum requirements for capital adequacy purposes. The capital conservation buffer was subject to a three-year phase-in period that started on January 1, 2016, at 0.625 percent of risk-weighted assets and increases each subsequent year by 0.625 percent until reaching its final level of 2.5 percent, which was fully phased-in on January 1, 2019. As of December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, Valley and Valley National Bank exceeded all capital adequacy requirements with the capital conservation buffer under the Basel III Capital Rules.requirements. See Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements for Valley’s and Valley National Bank’s regulatory capital positions and capital ratios at December 31, 20182020 and 2017.2019.
For regulatory capital purposes, in connection with the Federal Reserve Board’s final interim rule as of April 3, 2020, 100 percent of the CECL Day 1 impact to shareholders' equity equaling $28.2 million after-tax will be deferred for a two-year period ending January 1, 2022, at which time it will be phased in on a pro-rata basis over a three-year period ending January 1, 2025. Additionally, 25 percent of the reserve build (i.e., provision for credit losses less net charge-offs) for the year ended December 31, 2020 will be phased in over the same time frame.
Typically, our primary source of capital growth is through retention of earnings. Our rate of earnings retention is derived by dividing undistributed earnings per common share by earnings (or net income available to common stockholders)shareholders) per common share. Our retention ratio was 41.352.7 percent and 24.149.4 percent for the years ended December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively. Our retention ratio increased from the year ended December 31, 2017, however it was negatively impacted by infrequent charges, including legal expenses related to litigation reserves, USAB merger expense, branch asset impairment and severance costs related to our Branch Transformation strategy. Our retention ratio is expected to improve in 2019 due to, among other factors, higher earnings from continued loan growth and further implementation of our LIFT and Branch Transformation initiatives.
Cash dividends declared amounted to $0.44 per common share for both years ended December 31, 20182020 and 2017.2019. The Board is committed to examining and weighing relevant facts and considerations, including its commitment to shareholder value, each time it makes a cash dividend decision. The Federal Reserve has cautioned all bank holding companies about distributing dividends which may reduce the level of capital or not allow capital to grow in light ofconsidering the increased capital levels as required under the Basel III rules. Prior to the date of this filing, Valley has received no objection or adverse guidance from the FRB or the OCC regarding the current level of its quarterly common stock dividend.

652018 Form 10-K




However, the FRB recently reiterated its long-standing guidance that banking organizations should consult them before declaring dividends in excess of earnings for the corresponding quarter. The renewed guidance was largely due to the increased risk of the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacting the future level of bank earnings. See Item 1A. Risk Factors of this report for additional information.
Valley maintains an effective shelf registration statement with the SEC that allows us to periodically offer and sell in one or more offerings, individually or in any combination, our common stock, preferred stock and other non-equity securities. The shelf registration statement provides Valley with capital raising flexibility and enables Valley to promptly access the capital markets in order to pursue growth opportunities that may become available in the future and permits Valley to comply with any changes in the regulatory environment that call for increased capital requirements. Valley’s ability, and any decision to issue and sell securities pursuant to the shelf registration statement, is subject to market conditions and Valley’s capital needs at such time. Additional equity offerings may dilute the holdings of our existing shareholders or reduce the market price of our common stock, or both. Such offerings may be necessary in the future due to several reasons beyond management’s control, including numerous external factors that could negatively impact the strength of the U.S. economy or our ability to maintain or increase the level of our net income. See Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on Valley’s preferred stock issuances.


Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Contractual Obligations and Commitments. In the ordinary course of operations, Valley enters into various financial obligations, including contractual obligations that may require future cash payments. As a financial services provider, we routinely enter into commitments to extend credit, including loan commitments, standby and commercial letters of credit. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans made by the Bank. See Note 15 of the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
The following table summarizes Valley’s contractual obligations and other commitments to make future payments as of December 31, 2018. Payments for deposits, borrowings and debentures do not include interest. Payments related to leases, capital expenditures, other purchase obligations and commitments to sell loans are based on actual payments specified in the underlying contracts. Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are presented at contractual amounts; however, since many of these commitments are expected to expire unused or only partially used based upon our historical experience, the total amounts of these commitments do not necessarily reflect future cash requirements.
  
Note to
Financial
Statements
 
One Year
or Less
 
One to
Three Years
 
Three to
Five Years
 
Over Five
Years
 Total
        (in thousands)    
Contractual obligations:            
Time deposits Note 9 $4,987,313
 $1,714,126
 $320,014
 $42,531
 $7,063,984
Long-term borrowings (1) 
 Note 10 255,000
 865,000
 375,000
 160,000
 1,655,000
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts (1) 
 Note 11 
 
 
 60,827
 60,827
Operating leases Note 15 29,093
 58,304
 52,626
 262,200
 402,223
Capital expenditures   51,526
 
 
 
 51,526
Other purchase obligations (2)
   44,357
 1,488
 44
 
 45,889
Total   $5,367,289

$2,638,918

$747,684

$525,558

$9,279,449
Other commitments:            
Commitments to extend credit Note 15 $3,709,389
 $1,623,627
 $508,858
 $805,257
 $6,647,131
Standby letters of credit Note 15 210,685
 41,803
 37,377
 27,076
 316,941
Commitments to sell loans Note 15 58,897
 
 
 
 58,897
Total   $3,978,971

$1,665,430

$546,235

$832,333

$7,022,969

(1)
Amounts presented consist of the contractual principal balances. Carrying values and call dates are set forth in Notes 10 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements for long-term borrowings and junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts, respectively.
(2)
This category primarily consists of contractual obligations for communication and technology costs.
Valley also has obligations under its pension benefit plans, not included in the above table, as further described in Note 12 of the consolidated financial statements.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. We are exposed to certain risks arising from both our business operations and economic conditions. We principally manage our exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of our core business activities. We manage economic risks, including interest rate and liquidity risks, primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of our assets and liabilities and, from time to time, the use of derivative financial


20182020 Form 10-K6670




instruments. Specifically, we enter into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. Our derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of our known or expected cash receipts and our known or expected cash payments mainly related to certain variable-rate borrowings and fixed-rate loan assets. Valley also enters into mortgage banking derivatives which are non-designated hedges. These derivatives include interest rate lock commitments provided to customers to fund certain residential mortgage loans to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of such loans. Valley enters into forward commitments for the future delivery of residential mortgage loans when interest rate lock commitments are entered into in order to economically hedge the effect of future changes in interest rates on Valley’s commitments to fund the loans, as well as on its portfolio of mortgage loans held for sale.
See Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for quantitative information on our derivative financial instruments and hedging activities.
Trust Preferred Securities. In addition to the commitments and derivative financial instruments of the types described above, our off-balance sheet arrangements include a $1.8 million ownership interest in the common securities of our statutory trusts to issue trust preferred securities at December 31, 2018. See Note 11 of the consolidated financial statements for additional information on our statutory trusts and the related junior subordinated debentures and trust preferred securities.
Results of Operations—2017 Compared to 2016
Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis increased by $50.1 million to $676.6 million for 2017 compared with $626.5 million for 2016. The increase was mainly driven by a $1.4 billion increase in average loan balances, partially offset by interest expense related to a $1.1 billion increase in average interest bearing liabilities as compared to 2016.
Average interest earning assets totaling $21.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased $1.7 billion, or 8.4 percent, as compared to 2016. Average loan balances increased $1.4 billion to $17.8 billion in 2017 and drove the $56.8 million increase in the interest income on a tax equivalent basis for loans as compared to 2016. The growth in average loans during 2017 was fueled mostly by solid demand for commercial real estate loans and secured personal lines of credit throughout the year, supplemented by $411 million of purchased loans primarily consisting of participations in multi-family loans and whole 1-4 family loans that were a mix of qualifying and non-qualifying CRA loans. Average investment securities increased $339.5 million to approximately $3.5 billion in 2017 due to moderate expansion of the taxable portfolio mostly within the residential mortgage-backed securities classified as available for sale category. Average federal funds sold and other interest bearing deposits decreased $98.5 million to $189.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to 2016 mostly due to lower levels of overnight liquidity held primarily by fluctuations in the timing of new loan originations and loan purchases.
Average interest bearing liabilities increased $1.1 billion to $15.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017 from the same period in 2016 due to increases in several funding categories. Average savings, NOW and money market accounts increased $371.1 million mostly due to retail money market account gathering initiatives during the second half of 2017 partially offset by slightly lower utilization of brokered money market account balances in our loan growth funding strategy and other liquidity needs in 2017. Average time deposits increased $225.4 million to $3.3 billion for 2017 as compared to 2016 mainly due to similar retail certificate of deposit strategies executed in the second half of 2017. Average short-term and long-term borrowings increased $239.2 million and $279.7 million in 2017, respectively, as compared to 2016 due, in part, to a higher level of FHLB borrowings used to fund new loan and investment activities, partially offset by declines in both short and long-term securities sold under agreements to repurchase.
Non-interest income represented 10.9 percent and 11.9 percent of total interest income plus non-interest income for 2017 and 2016, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2017, non-interest income increased $216 thousand as compared to 2016 mainly due to increases in net gains on sales of loans, trust and investment services income, and fees from loans servicing, partially offset by lower insurance commissions.
Net gains on sales of loans decreased $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to 2016 largely due to lower spreads (or margins) on individual loan sales despite a higher volume of residential mortgage loans sold during 2017.
Trusts and investment services income increased $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to 2016 mainly due to higher investment and advisory fees resulting from increased assets under management during 2017. The increase in assets under management was largely due to higher market valuations and asset appreciation during 2017.
Fees from loan servicing increased $943 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to $6.4 million in 2016 mainly due to the high volume of loans originated for sale and significantly higher sales volumes during 2017. Valley retains loan servicing on the majority of its loans originated and sold in the secondary market.


672018 Form 10-K




The increases in non-interest income were partially offset by a decrease in insurance commissions totaling $950 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $19.1 million in 2016 mainly due to lower volumes of business generated by the Bank's insurance agency subsidiary.
Non-interest expense increased $32.9 million to $509.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to 2016. The increase was mainly attributable to increases in salaries and employee benefits, professional and legal fees, amortization of tax credit investments, and net occupancy and equipment expenses.
Salary and employee benefits expense increased by $18.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 due to increased salaries and cash incentive compensation (both paid and accrued) for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increases were largely due to normal increases in annual compensation and incentives, expansion of our technology and home mortgage consultant teams, stock-based compensation expense as well as severance costs totaling $3.8 million related to our LIFT initiative recognized during the third quarter of 2017. Professional and legal fees also increased $8.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to 2016 largely due to advisory and legal fees related to our LIFT program and the acquisition of USAB during 2017. In addition, amortization of tax credit investments increased $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to 2016 mostly due to a $4.3 million charge related to the impairment of tax credit investments caused by the Tax Act, as well as normal differences in the timing and amount of such investments and recognition of the related tax credits. Lastly, net occupancy and equipment expenses increased $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to 2016 largely due to higher technology equipment related expense.
Income tax expense was $90.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, reflecting an effective tax rate of 35.9 percent, as compared to $65.2 million for the year ended 2016, reflecting an effective tax rate of 28.0 percent. The increase in both income tax expense and the effective tax rate in 2017 was primarily caused by the estimated impact of the Tax Act, consisting of an $15.4 million charge resulting from the re-measurement of Valley's estimated net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2017.

Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
For informationInformation regarding Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk see Part II,is discussed in the "Interest Rate Sensitivity" section contained in Item 7, “Management’s7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Interest Rate Sensitivity.”


Operations and it is incorporated herein by reference.
2018712020 Form 10-K68





Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 December 31,
 20202019
(in thousands except for share data)
Assets
Cash and due from banks$257,845 $256,264 
Interest bearing deposits with banks1,071,360 178,423 
Investment securities:
Equity securities29,378 41,410 
Available for sale debt securities1,339,473 1,566,801 
Held to maturity debt securities (net of allowance for credit losses of $1,428 at December 31, 2020)2,171,583 2,336,095 
Total investment securities3,540,434 3,944,306 
Loans held for sale, at fair value301,427 76,113 
Loans32,217,112 29,699,208 
Less: Allowance for loan losses(340,243)(161,759)
Net loans31,876,869 29,537,449 
Premises and equipment, net319,797 334,533 
Lease right of use assets252,053 285,129 
Bank owned life insurance535,209 540,169 
Accrued interest receivable106,230 105,637 
Goodwill1,382,442 1,373,625 
Other intangible assets, net70,449 86,772 
Other assets971,961 717,600 
Total Assets$40,686,076 $37,436,020 
Liabilities
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing$9,205,266 $6,710,408 
Interest bearing:
Savings, NOW and money market16,015,658 12,757,484 
Time6,714,678 9,717,945 
Total deposits31,935,602 29,185,837 
Short-term borrowings1,147,958 1,093,280 
Long-term borrowings2,295,665 2,122,426 
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts56,065 55,718 
Lease liabilities276,675 309,849 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities381,991 284,722 
Total Liabilities36,093,956 33,051,832 
Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, 0 par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares:
Series A (4,600,000 shares issued at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019)111,590 111,590 
Series B (4,000,000 shares issued at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019)98,101 98,101 
Common stock (0 par value, authorized 650,000,000 shares; issued 403,881,488 shares at December 31, 2020 and 403,322,773 shares at December 31, 2019)141,746 141,423 
Surplus3,637,468 3,622,208 
Retained earnings611,158 443,559 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(7,718)(32,214)
Treasury stock, at cost (22,490 common shares at December 31, 2020 and 44,383 common shares at December 31, 2019)(225)(479)
Total Shareholders’ Equity4,592,120 4,384,188 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$40,686,076 $37,436,020 
 December 31,
 2018 2017
 (in thousands except for share data)
Assets   
Cash and due from banks$251,541
 $243,310
Interest bearing deposits with banks177,088
 172,800
Investment securities:   
Held to maturity (fair value of $2,034,943 at December 31, 2018 and $1,837,620 at December 31, 2017)2,068,246
 1,842,691
Available for sale1,749,544
 1,493,905
Total investment securities3,817,790
 3,336,596
Loans held for sale, at fair value35,155
 15,119
Loans25,035,469
 18,331,580
Less: Allowance for loan losses(151,859) (120,856)
Net loans24,883,610
 18,210,724
Premises and equipment, net341,630
 287,705
Bank owned life insurance439,602
 386,079
Accrued interest receivable95,296
 73,990
Goodwill1,084,665
 690,637
Other intangible assets, net76,990
 42,507
Other assets659,721
 542,839
Total Assets$31,863,088
 $24,002,306
Liabilities   
Deposits:   
Non-interest bearing$6,175,495
 $5,224,928
Interest bearing:   
Savings, NOW and money market11,213,495
 9,365,013
Time7,063,984
 3,563,521
Total deposits24,452,974
 18,153,462
Short-term borrowings2,118,914
 748,628
Long-term borrowings1,654,268
 2,315,819
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts55,370
 41,774
Accrued expenses and other liabilities231,108
 209,458
Total Liabilities28,512,634
 21,469,141
Shareholders’ Equity   
Preferred stock, no par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares:   
Series A (4,600,000 shares issued at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017)111,590
 111,590
Series B (4,000,000 shares issued at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017)98,101
 98,101
Common stock (no par value, authorized 450,000,000 shares; issued 331,634,951 shares at December 31, 2018 and 264,498,643 shares at December 31, 2017)116,240
 92,727
Surplus2,796,499
 2,060,356
Retained earnings299,642
 216,733
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(69,431) (46,005)
Treasury stock, at cost (203,734 shares at December 31, 2018 and 29,792 shares at December 31, 2017)(2,187) (337)
Total Shareholders’ Equity3,350,454
 2,533,165
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$31,863,088
 $24,002,306


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2020 Form 10-K72


VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 Years Ended December 31,
 202020192018
 (in thousands, except for share data)
Interest Income
Interest and fees on loans$1,284,707 $1,198,908 $1,033,993 
Interest and dividends on investment securities:
Taxable70,249 86,926 87,306 
Tax-exempt14,563 17,420 21,504 
Dividends11,644 12,023 13,209 
Interest on federal funds sold and other short-term investments2,556 5,723 3,236 
Total interest income1,383,719 1,321,000 1,159,248 
Interest Expense
Interest on deposits:
Savings, NOW and money market76,169 145,177 108,394 
Time106,067 166,693 81,959 
Interest on short-term borrowings11,372 47,862 45,930 
Interest on long-term borrowings and junior subordinated debentures71,207 63,220 65,762 
Total interest expense264,815 422,952 302,045 
Net Interest Income1,118,904 898,048 857,203 
Provision for credit losses for held to maturity securities635 
Provision for credit losses for loans125,087 24,218 32,501 
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses993,182 873,830 824,702 
Non-Interest Income
Trust and investment services12,415 12,646 12,633 
Insurance commissions7,398 10,409 15,213 
Service charges on deposit accounts18,257 23,636 26,817 
Gains (losses) on securities transactions, net524 (150)(2,342)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities(2,928)
Fees from loan servicing10,352 9,794 9,319 
Gains on sales of loans, net42,251 18,914 20,515 
(Losses) gains on sales of assets, net(1,891)78,333 (2,401)
Bank owned life insurance10,083 8,232 8,691 
Other83,643 55,634 45,607 
Total non-interest income183,032 214,520 134,052 
Non-Interest Expense
Salary and employee benefits expense333,221 327,431 333,816 
Net occupancy and equipment expense129,002 118,191 108,763 
FDIC insurance assessment18,949 21,710 28,266 
Amortization of other intangible assets24,645 18,080 18,416 
Professional and legal fees32,348 20,810 34,141 
Loss on extinguishment of debt12,036 31,995 
Amortization of tax credit investments13,335 20,392 24,200 
Telecommunication expenses10,737 9,883 12,102 
Other71,875 63,063 69,357 
Total non-interest expense646,148 631,555 629,061 
Income Before Income Taxes530,066 456,795 329,693 
Income tax expense139,460 147,002 68,265 
Net Income390,606 309,793 261,428 
Dividends on preferred stock12,688 12,688 12,688 
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders$377,918 $297,105 $248,740 
697320182020 Form 10-K





VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME—(Continued)
Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
(in thousands, except for share data)
Earnings Per Common Share:
Basic$0.94 $0.88 $0.75 
Diluted0.93 0.87 0.75 
Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share0.44 0.44 0.44 
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic403,754,356 337,792,270 331,258,964 
Diluted405,046,207 340,117,808 332,693,718 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
 (in thousands, except for share data)
Interest Income     
Interest and fees on loans$1,033,993
 $734,474
 $680,876
Interest and dividends on investment securities:     
Taxable87,306
 72,676
 58,143
Tax-exempt21,504
 15,399
 15,537
Dividends13,209
 9,812
 6,206
Interest on other short-term investments3,236
 1,793
 1,126
Total interest income1,159,248
 834,154
 761,888
Interest Expense     
Interest on deposits:     
Savings, NOW and money market108,394
 55,300
 39,787
Time81,959
 42,546
 37,775
Interest on short-term borrowings45,930
 18,034
 12,022
Interest on long-term borrowings and junior subordinated debentures65,762
 58,227
 59,190
Total interest expense302,045
 174,107
 148,774
Net Interest Income857,203
 660,047
 613,114
Provision for credit losses32,501
 9,942
 11,869
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses824,702
 650,105
 601,245
Non-Interest Income     
Trust and investment services12,633
 11,538
 10,345
Insurance commissions15,213
 18,156
 19,106
Service charges on deposit accounts26,817
 21,529
 20,879
(Losses) gains on securities transactions, net(2,342) (20) 777
Fees from loan servicing9,319
 7,384
 6,441
Gains on sales of loans, net20,515
 20,814
 22,030
Bank owned life insurance8,691
 7,338
 6,694
Other43,206
 24,967
 21,988
Total non-interest income134,052
 111,706
 108,260
Non-Interest Expense     
Salary and employee benefits expense333,816
 263,337
 243,222
Net occupancy and equipment expense108,763
 92,243
 87,140
FDIC insurance assessment28,266
 19,821
 20,100
Amortization of other intangible assets18,416
 10,016
 11,327
Professional and legal fees34,141
 25,834
 17,755
Amortization of tax credit investments24,200
 41,747
 34,744
Telecommunication expenses12,102
 9,921
 10,021
Other69,357
 46,154
 51,816
Total non-interest expense629,061
 509,073
 476,125
Income Before Income Taxes329,693
 252,738
 233,380
Income tax expense68,265
 90,831
 65,234
Net Income261,428
 161,907
 168,146
Dividends on preferred stock12,688
 9,449
 7,188
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders$248,740
 $152,458
 $160,958
Earnings Per Common Share:     
Basic$0.75
 $0.58
 $0.63
Diluted0.75
 0.58
 0.63
Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share0.44
 0.44
 0.44
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:     
Basic331,258,964
 264,038,123
 254,841,571
Diluted332,693,718
 264,889,007
 255,268,336


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

20182020 Form 10-K7074





VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 Years Ended December 31,
 202020192018
 (in thousands)
Net income$390,606 $309,793 $261,428 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains and losses on debt securities available for sale
Net gains (losses) arising during the period27,845 39,262 (22,932)
Less reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income(377)119 2,237 
Total27,468 39,381 (20,695)
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (cash flow hedges)
Net (losses) gains on derivatives arising during the period(2,251)(989)1,874 
Less reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income2,074 1,291 2,494 
Total(177)302 4,368 
Defined benefit pension plan
Net losses arising during the period(3,418)(2,561)(7,151)
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost(98)(93)146 
Amortization of actuarial net loss721 188 447 
Total(2,795)(2,466)(6,558)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)24,496 37,217 (22,885)
Total comprehensive income$415,102 $347,010 $238,543 
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
 (in thousands)
Net income$261,428
 $161,907
 $168,146
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:     
Unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale     
Net (losses) gains arising during the period(22,932) 352
 (4,293)
Less reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) included in net income1,857
 11
 (465)
Total(21,075) 363
 (4,758)
Non-credit impairment losses on available for sale and held to maturity securities     
Net change in non-credit impairment losses on securities
 498
 417
Less reclassification adjustment for accretion of credit impairment losses included in net income380
 (167) (539)
Total380
 331
 (122)
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (cash flow hedges)     
Net gains (losses) on derivatives arising during the period1,874
 576
 (2,461)
Less reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income2,494
 5,028
 7,641
Total4,368
 5,604
 5,180
Defined benefit pension plan     
Net (losses) gains arising during the period(7,151) (2,722) 3,298
Amortization of prior service cost146
 191
 (181)
Amortization of net loss447
 248
 185
Total(6,558) (2,283) 3,302
Total other comprehensive (loss) income(22,885) 4,015
 3,602
Total comprehensive income$238,543
 $165,922
 $171,748


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



717520182020 Form 10-K





VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Common StockAccumulated
Preferred StockSharesAmountSurplusRetained
Earnings
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Treasury
Stock
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 ($ in thousands)
Balance - December 31, 2017$209,691 264,469 $92,727 $2,060,356 $216,733 $(46,005)$(337)$2,533,165 
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01— — — — 480 (480)— — 
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU No. 2017-12— — — — 61 (61)— — 
Adjustment due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-16— — — — (17,611)— — (17,611)
Balance - January 1, 2018209,691 264,469 92,727 2,060,356 199,663 (46,546)(337)2,515,554 
Net income— — — — 261,428 — — 261,428 
Other comprehensive loss,  net of tax— — — — — (22,885)— (22,885)
Cash dividends declared:
Preferred stock, Series A, $1.56 per share— — — — (7,188)— — (7,188)
Preferred stock, Series B, $1.38 per share— — — — (5,500)— — (5,500)
Common Stock, $0.44 per share— — — — (146,346)— — (146,346)
Effect of stock incentive plan, net— 1,955 771 21,022 (2,415)— (2,198)17,180 
Common stock issued— 65,007 22,742 715,121 — — 348 738,211 
Balance - December 31, 2018$209,691 331,431 $116,240 $2,796,499 $299,642 $(69,431)$(2,187)$3,350,454 
Adjustment due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02— — — — 4,414 — — 4,414 
Adjustment due to the adoption of ASU No. 2017-08— — — — (1,446)— — (1,446)
Balance - January 1, 2019209,691 331,431 116,240 2,796,499 302,610 (69,431)(2,187)3,353,422 
Net income— — — — 309,793 — — 309,793 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax— — — — — 37,217 — 37,217 
Cash dividends declared:
Preferred stock, Series A, $1.56 per share— — — — (7,188)— — (7,188)
Preferred stock, Series B, $1.38 per share— — — — (5,500)— — (5,500)
Common Stock, $0.44 per share— — — — (154,689)— — (154,689)
Effect of stock incentive plan, net— 726 291 15,346 (1,467)— 1,708 15,878 
Common stock issued— 71,121 24,892 810,363 — — — 835,255 
Balance - December 31, 2019$209,691 403,278 $141,423 $3,622,208 $443,559 $(32,214)$(479)$4,384,188 
   Common Stock     Accumulated    
 Preferred Stock Shares Amount Surplus 
Retained
Earnings
 
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 ($ in thousands)
Balance - December 31, 2015$111,590
 253,788
 $88,626
 $1,927,399
 $125,171
 $(45,695) $
 $2,207,091
Net income
 
 
 
 168,146
 
 
 168,146
Other comprehensive income,  net of tax
 
 
 
 
 3,602
 
 3,602
Cash dividends declared on
    preferred stock

 
 
 
 (7,188) 
 
 (7,188)
Cash dividends declared on
    common stock

 
 
 
 (113,212) 
 
 (113,212)
Effect of stock incentive plan, net
 57
 365
 10,737
 (143) 
 (3,894) 7,065
Common stock issued
 9,794
 3,362
 106,265
 (20) 
 2,045
 111,652
Balance - December 31, 2016111,590
 263,639
 92,353
 2,044,401
 172,754
 (42,093) (1,849) 2,377,156
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU No. 2018-02
 
 
 
 7,927
 (7,927) 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 161,907
 
 
 161,907
Other comprehensive income,  net of tax
 
 
 
 
 4,015
 
 4,015
Preferred stock issued98,101
 
 
 
 
 
 
 98,101
Cash dividends declared on
preferred stock

 
 
 
 (9,449) 
 
 (9,449)
Cash dividends declared on
common stock

 
 
 
 (116,332) 
 
 (116,332)
Effect of stock incentive plan, net
 117
 229
 11,297
 (18) 
 (1,948) 9,560
Common stock issued
 713
 145
 4,658
 (56) 
 3,460
 8,207
Balance - December 31, 2017209,691
 264,469
 92,727
 2,060,356
 216,733
 (46,005) (337) 2,533,165
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01
 
 
 
 480
 (480) 
 
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU No. 2017-12
 
 
 
 61
 (61) 
 
Adjustment due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-16
 
 
 
 (17,611) 
 
 (17,611)
Balance - January 1, 2018209,691
 264,469
 92,727
 2,060,356
 199,663
 (46,546) (337) 2,305,863
Net income
 
 
 
 261,428
 
 
 261,428
Other comprehensive loss,  net of tax
 
 
 
 
 (22,885) 
 (22,885)
Cash dividends declared on
preferred stock

 
 
 
 (12,688) 
 
 (12,688)
Cash dividends declared on
common stock

 
 
 
 (146,346) 
 
 (146,346)
Effect of stock incentive plan, net
 1,955
 771
 21,022
 (2,415) 
 (2,198) 17,180
Common stock issued
 65,007
 22,742
 715,121
 
 
 348
 738,211
Balance - December 31, 2018$209,691
 331,431
 $116,240
 $2,796,499
 $299,642
 $(69,431) $(2,187) $3,350,454

2020 Form 10-K76


VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY—(Continued)
Common StockAccumulated
Preferred StockSharesAmountSurplusRetained
Earnings
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Treasury
Stock
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
($ in thousands)
Balance - December 31, 2019$209,691 403,278 $141,423 $3,622,208 $443,559 $(32,214)$(479)$4,384,188 
Adjustment due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-13— — — — (28,187)— — (28,187)
Balance - January 1, 2020209,691 403,278 141,423 3,622,208 415,372 (32,214)(479)4,356,001 
Net income— — — — 390,606 — — 390,606 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax— — — — — 24,496 — 24,496 
Cash dividends declared:
Preferred stock, Series A, $1.56 per share— — — — (7,188)— — (7,188)
Preferred stock, Series B, $1.38 per share— — — — (5,500)— — (5,500)
Common Stock, $0.44 per share— — — — (179,277)— — (179,277)
Effect of stock incentive plan, net— 581 323 15,260 (2,855)— 254 12,982 
Balance - December 31, 2020$209,691 403,859 $141,746 $3,637,468 $611,158 $(7,718)$(225)$4,592,120 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



2018772020 Form 10-K72






VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016 202020192018
(in thousands) (in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:     Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income$261,428
 $161,907
 $168,146
Net income$390,606 $309,793 $261,428 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization27,554
 24,845
 24,431
Depreciation and amortization57,615 53,317 27,554 
Stock-based compensation19,472
 12,204
 10,032
Stock-based compensation16,154 14,726 19,472 
Provision for credit losses32,501
 9,942
 11,869
Provision for credit losses125,722 24,218 32,501 
Net amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on securities and borrowings38,454
 46,346
 24,310
Net amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on securities and borrowings38,315 29,512 38,454 
Amortization of other intangible assets18,416
 10,016
 11,327
Amortization of other intangible assets24,645 18,080 18,416 
Losses (gains) on securities transactions, net2,342
 20
 (777)
(Gains) losses on securities transactions, net(Gains) losses on securities transactions, net(524)150 2,342 
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale687,983
 813,855
 572,439
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale1,019,841 509,448 398,350 
Gains on sales of loans, net(20,515) (20,814) (22,030)Gains on sales of loans, net(42,251)(18,914)(20,515)
Net impairment losses on securities recognized in earningsNet impairment losses on securities recognized in earnings2,928 
Originations of loans held for sale(406,087) (444,290) (425,713)Originations of loans held for sale(1,211,227)(537,985)(406,087)
Losses (gains) on sales of assets, net2,402
 95
 (1,358)Losses (gains) on sales of assets, net1,891 (78,333)2,401 
Net deferred income tax (benefit) expense(11,780) 76,848
 27,154
Net deferred income tax (benefit) expense(5,060)15,228 (11,780)
Net change in:     Net change in:
Fair value of borrowings hedged by derivative transactions
 
 6,158
Cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance(8,691) (7,338) (6,694)Cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance(10,083)(8,232)(8,691)
Accrued interest receivable(9,183) (7,174) (3,262)Accrued interest receivable(593)1,440 (9,183)
Other assets(33,145) (57,353) 47,458
Other assets(311,760)(163,330)(33,144)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities(7,562) 121
 (24,313)Accrued expenses and other liabilities58,234 57,882 (7,562)
Net cash provided by operating activities593,589
 619,230
 419,177
Net cash provided by operating activities151,525 229,928 303,956 
Cash flows from investing activities:     Cash flows from investing activities:
Net loan originations and purchases(3,257,939) (1,418,073) (1,379,431)Net loan originations and purchases(2,490,937)(2,538,909)(3,257,939)
Investment securities held to maturity:     
Equity securities:Equity securities:
Purchases(264,721) (220,356) (669,157)Purchases(8,337)(14,776)
SalesSales28,439 24,748 
Held to maturity debt securities:Held to maturity debt securities:
PurchasesPurchases(682,509)(701,879)(264,721)
Maturities, calls and principal repayments241,077
 290,929
 325,766
Maturities, calls and principal repayments824,477 424,475 241,077 
Investment securities available for sale:     
Available for sale debt securities:Available for sale debt securities:
Purchases(289,554) (411,788) (679,530)Purchases(333,971)(30,392)(289,554)
Sales44,377
 2,727
 4,782
Sales30,020 271,901 44,377 
Maturities, calls and principal repayments255,031
 204,684
 867,998
Maturities, calls and principal repayments555,589 316,024 255,031 
Death benefit proceeds from bank owned life insurance4,220
 13,089
 2,406
Death benefit proceeds from bank owned life insurance15,043 9,560 4,220 
Proceeds from sales of real estate property and equipment7,786
 9,357
 20,560
Proceeds from sales of real estate property and equipment19,111 109,043 7,786 
Proceeds from sales of loans held for investmentsProceeds from sales of loans held for investments30,020 1,234,022 289,633 
Purchases of real estate property and equipment(26,440) (18,117) (20,707)Purchases of real estate property and equipment(24,607)(23,375)(26,440)
Cash and cash equivalents acquired in acquisitions156,612
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents acquired in acquisitions22,239 156,612 
Net cash used in investing activities$(3,129,551) $(1,547,548) $(1,527,313)Net cash used in investing activities$(2,037,662)$(897,319)$(2,839,918)
     
7320182020 Form 10-K78





VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORPVALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—(Continued)CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—(Continued)CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—(Continued)
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2018 2017 2016202020192018
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Cash flows from financing activities:     Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in deposits$2,734,669
 $422,754
 $1,477,157
Net change in deposits$2,749,765 $1,808,148 $2,734,669 
Net change in short-term borrowings720,307
 (332,332) 3,969
Net change in short-term borrowings54,678 (1,036,134)720,307 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term borrowings, net
 1,065,000
 385,000
Proceeds from issuance of long-term borrowings, net838,388 950,000 
Repayments of long-term borrowings(750,682) (185,000) (769,182)Repayments of long-term borrowings(667,739)(890,000)(750,682)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock, net
 98,101
 
Cash dividends paid to preferred shareholders(15,859) (6,277) (7,188)Cash dividends paid to preferred shareholders(12,688)(12,688)(15,859)
Cash dividends paid to common shareholders(138,857) (115,881) (111,813)Cash dividends paid to common shareholders(177,965)(146,537)(138,857)
Purchase of common shares to treasury(3,801) (2,645) (3,191)Purchase of common shares to treasury(5,374)(1,805)(3,801)
Common stock issued, net2,704
 8,207
 112,085
Common stock issued, net2,202 2,957 2,704 
Other, netOther, net(612)(492)
Net cash provided by financing activities2,548,481
 951,927
 1,086,837
Net cash provided by financing activities2,780,655 673,449 2,548,481 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents12,519
 23,609
 (21,299)Net change in cash and cash equivalents894,518 6,058 12,519 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year416,110
 392,501
 413,800
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year434,687 428,629 416,110 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$428,629
 $416,110
 $392,501
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$1,329,205 $434,687 $428,629 
     
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

    Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash payments for:     Cash payments for:
Interest on deposits and borrowings$290,444
 $170,614
 $151,209
Interest on deposits and borrowings$279,042 $415,649 $290,444 
Federal and state income taxes53,587
 29,013
 26,564
Federal and state income taxes148,383 106,336 53,587 
     
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:     Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned$743
 $7,301
 $8,089
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned$4,040 $5,100 $743 
Loans transferred to loans held for sale289,633
 313,201
 174,501
Loans transferred to loans held for sale30,020 1,234,022 289,633 
Lease right of use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilitiesLease right of use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities16,062 312,143 
Acquisition:     Acquisition:
Non-cash assets acquired:     Non-cash assets acquired:
Equity securitiesEquity securities$$51,382 $
Investment securities available for saleInvestment securities available for sale335,894 308,385 
Investment securities held to maturity$214,217
 $
 $
Investment securities held to maturity4,877 214,217 
Investment securities available for sale308,385
 
 
Loans3,736,984
 
 
Loans3,378,358 3,736,984 
Premises and equipment62,066
 
 
Premises and equipment23,585 62,066 
Bank owned life insurance49,052
 
 
Bank owned life insurance101,896 49,052 
Accrued interest receivable12,123
 
 
Accrued interest receivable11,781 12,123 
Goodwill394,028
 
 
Goodwill297,777 394,028 
Other intangible assets45,906
 
 
Other intangible assets20,690 45,906 
Other assets100,059
 
 
Other assets50,873 100,059 
Total non-cash assets acquired$4,922,820
 $
 $
Total non-cash assets acquired$$4,277,113 $4,922,820 
Liabilities assumed:     Liabilities assumed:
Deposits$3,564,843
 $
 $
Deposits$$2,924,716 $3,564,843 
Short-term borrowings649,979
 
 
Short-term borrowings10,500 649,979 
Long-term borrowings87,283
 
 
Long-term borrowings430,130 87,283 
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts13,249
 
 
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts13,249 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities26,848
 
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities98,751 26,848 
Total liabilities assumed$4,342,202
 $
 $
Total liabilities assumed$$3,464,097 $4,342,202 
Net non-cash assets acquired$580,618
 $
 $
Net non-cash assets acquired$$813,016 $580,618 
Net cash and cash equivalents acquired in acquisition$156,612
 $
 $
Net cash and cash equivalents acquired in acquisition$$22,239 $156,612 
Common stock issued in acquisition$737,230
 $
 $
Common stock issued in acquisition$$835,255 $737,230 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2018792020 Form 10-K74





VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Note 1)
Business
Valley National Bancorp, a New Jersey Corporation (Valley), is a bank holding company whose principal wholly-owned subsidiary is Valley National Bank (the “Bank”), a national banking association providing a full range of commercial, retail and trust and investment services largely through its offices and ATM network throughout northern and central New Jersey, the New York City boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, Long Island, Florida and Alabama. The Bank is subject to intense competition from other financial services companiesservice providers and is subject to the regulation of certain federal and state agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by certain regulatory authorities.
Valley National Bank’s subsidiaries are all included in the consolidated financial statements of Valley. These subsidiaries include, but are not limited to:
an insurance agency offering property and casualty, life and health insurance;
an asset management adviser that is a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC);
a title insurance agenciesagency in New York, withwhich also provides services in New Jersey;
subsidiaries which hold, maintain and manage investment assets for the Bank;
a subsidiary which specializes in health care equipment lending and other commercial equipment leases; and
a subsidiary which owns and services New York commercial loans.
The Bank’s subsidiaries also include real estate investment trust subsidiaries (the “REIT” subsidiaries) which own real estate related investments and a REIT subsidiary which owns some of the real estate utilized by the Bank and related real estate investments. Except for Valley’s REIT subsidiaries and its insurance agency (10% of which is owned by the insurance agency's co-CEOs), all subsidiaries mentioned above are directly or indirectly wholly-owned by the Bank. Because each REIT subsidiary must have 100 or more shareholders to qualify as a REIT, each REIT subsidiary has issued less than 20 percent of its outstanding non-voting preferred stock to individuals, most of whom are non-senior managementcurrent and former Bank employees. The Bank owns the remaining preferred stock and all the common stock of the REITs.
Basis of PresentationAllowance for Credit Losses
The consolidated financial statements of Valley include the accounts of its commercial bank subsidiary, Valley National Bank and all of Valley’s direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated. The accounting and reporting policies of Valley conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and general practices within the financial services industry. In accordance with applicable accounting standards, Valley does not consolidate statutory trusts establishedallowance for the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities and related trust common securities. See Note 11 for more details. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, management has made estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated statements of financial condition and results of operations for the periods indicated. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to change are:credit losses (ACL) includes the allowance for loan losses purchased credit-impaired loans, the evaluation of goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, and income taxes. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effectsreserve for unfunded commercial letters of revisions are reflectedcredit. Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted the new CECL standard, which is based on lifetime expected credit losses rather than incurred losses. Periods prior to 2020 have been reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP, which followed the incurred credit losses methodology. See the table below and Notes 1 and 5 to the consolidated financial statements in the period they are deemed necessary. While management uses its best judgment, actual amounts or results could differ significantly from those estimates. The current economic environment has increased the degree of uncertainty inherent in these material estimates.
Effective January 1, 2018, Valley acquired USAmeriBancorp, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, USAmeriBank. See Note 2 for further details regarding this acquisition.on the impact of the Day 1 CECL adoption and the incurred credit losses methodology.
CashUnder CECL, our methodology to establish the allowance for loan losses has two basic components: (1) a collective reserve component for estimated expected credit losses for pools of loans that share common risk characteristics and Cash Equivalents(2) an individual reserve component for loans that do not share risk characteristics, consisting of collateral dependent, TDR, and expected TDR loans. Valley also maintains a separate allowance for unfunded credit commitments mainly consisting of undisbursed non-cancellable lines of credit, new loan commitments and commercial letters of credit.
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, interest bearing deposits in other banks (includingValley estimated the Federal Reserve Bank of New York) and, from time to time, overnight federal funds sold. The Bankcollective ACL using a current expected credit losses methodology which is required to maintain reserve balances in cash or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank based on relevant information about historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the loan balances. In estimating the component of the allowance on a collective basis we use a transition matrix model which calculates an expected life of loan loss percentage for each loan pool by generating probability of deposits.default and loss given default metrics. The metrics are based on the migration of loans from performing to loss by credit quality rating or delinquency categories using historical life-of-loan analysis periods for each loan portfolio pool and the severity of loss based on the aggregate net lifetime losses. The model's expected losses based on loss history are adjusted for qualitative factors. Among other things, these adjustments include and account for differences in: (i) the impact of the reasonable and supportable economic forecast, relative probability weightings and reversion period, (ii) other asset specific risks to the extent they do not exist in the historical loss information, and (iii) net expected recoveries of charged off loan balances. These reserve balances totaled $120.7 million and $122.0 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


adjustments are based on qualitative factors not reflected in the quantitative model but are likely to impact the measurement of estimated credit
7520182020 Form 10-K66





Investment Securities
Investment securities are classified atlosses. The expected lifetime loss rate is the timelife of purchase based on management’s intention, as securities held-to-maturity or securities available-for-sale.  Investment securities classified as held-to-maturity are those that management hasloan loss percentage from the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity.  Investment securities held-to-maturity are carried at amortized cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts usingtransition matrix model plus the level-yield method over the contractual termimpact of the securities, adjustedadjustments for actual prepayments, or to call date ifqualitative factors. The expected credit losses are the security was purchased at premium. Investment securities classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses reported as a componentproduct of other comprehensive income ormultiplying the model’s expected lifetime loss net of tax. Realized gains or losses on the available-for-sale securities are recognizedrate by the specific identification methodexposure at default at period end on an undiscounted basis.
Valley utilizes a two-year reasonable and are included in net gains on securities transactions. Security transactions are recordedsupportable forecast period followed by a one-year period over which estimated losses revert to historical loss experience for the remaining life of the loan on a trade-datestraight-line basis. Investments in Federal Home Loan BankThe forecasts consist of a multi-scenario economic forecast model to estimate future credit losses and Federal Reserve Bank stock,is governed by a cross-functional committee. The committee meets each quarter to determine which have limited marketability, are carried at cost in other assets.
Quarterly, Valley evaluates its investment securities classifiedeconomic scenarios developed by Moody's will be incorporated into the model, as held to maturity and available for sale for other-than-temporary impairment. Valley's evaluation of other-than-temporary impairment considers factors that include, among others, the causes of the decline in fair value, such as credit problems, interest rate fluctuations, or market volatility; and the severity and duration of the decline. For debt securities, the primary consideration in determining whether impairment is other-than-temporary is whether or not it is probable that current and/or future contractual cash flows have been or may be impaired. Valley also assesses the intent and ability to hold the securities (as well as the likelihoodrelative probability weightings of a near-term recovery),the selected scenarios, based upon all readily available information. The model projects economic variables under each scenario based on detailed statistical analyses. We have identified and selected key variables that most closely correlated to our historical credit performance, which include: GDP, unemployment and the intentCase-Shiller Home Price Index.
During the fourth quarter 2020, we continued to sellincorporate a probability weighted three-scenario economic forecast, including Moody's Baseline, S-3 and S-4 scenarios. At December 31, 2020, Valley maintained a higher combined weighting on the securitiesS-3 and whether it is more likely thanS-4 alternative downside scenarios as compared to the Moody's Baseline scenario to reflect downside risk factors, including, but not that we will be requiredlimited to sell the securities before the recovery of their amortized cost basis. In assessing the level of other-than-temporary impairment attributable to credit loss, Valley compares the present value of cash flows expected to be collected with the amortized cost basisunknown effect of the security.  Iflatest federal economic stimulus to promote a determination is made that a debt security is other-than-temporarily impaired, Valley will estimatestrong economic recovery, loan customers with payment deferrals, increasing COVID-19 infection rates in many locales and the amountefficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and the timing of the unrealized loss thatvaccine distribution across the U.S. Each of these risk factors may affect the performance of Valley’s loan portfolio over time.
The S-4 forecast is attributable to creditthe most severe economic scenario and all other non-credit related factors. The credit related component will be recognized as an other-than-temporary impairment charge in non-interest income.  The non-credit related component will be recorded as an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.  When a debt security becomes other-than-temporarily impaired, its amortized cost basis is reduced to reflect the portion of the total impairment related to credit loss. There was no other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings as a result of Valley's impairment analysis of its securities during 2018, 2017 and 2016. See the “Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Analysis” section of Note 4 for further discussion.
Interest income on investments includes amortization of purchase premiums and discounts. Valley discontinues the recognition of interest on debt securities if the securities meet both ofincluded the following criteria: (i) regularly scheduled interest payments have not been paid or have been deferred byassumptions at December 31, 2020:

The COVID-19 pandemic will persist and meaningfully impact the issuer,economy;
The national unemployment rate will remain elevated throughout 2021 and (ii) full collection of all contractual principal and interest payments is not deemed to be the most likely outcome, resulting2022, with a peak at 11.5 percent in the recognitionthird quarter 2022;
An overall decline in spending on a wide range of other-than-temporary impairment ofproducts and services;
A prolonged economic downturn will persist until the security.fourth quarter 2021 with real GDP growth resuming by mid-year 2022; and
Loans HeldThe target federal funds interest rate will remain at or near zero for Salethe foreseeable future.
Loans heldThe allowance for sale generally consist of residential mortgagecredit losses for loans originatedmethodology and intended for saleaccounting policy are fully described in the secondary market and are carried at their estimated fair value on an instrument-by-instrument basis as permitted by the fair value option election under U.S. GAAP. Changes in fair value are recognized in non-interest income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income as a component of net gains on sales of loans. Origination fees and costs related to loans originated for sale (and carried at fair value) are recognized as earned and as incurred. Loans held for sale are generally sold with loan servicing rights retained by Valley. Gains recognized on loan sales include the value assignedNote 1 to the rights to service the loan. See “Loan Servicing Rights” section below.consolidated financial statements.
Loans and Loan Fees
Loans are reported at their outstanding principal balance net of any unearned income, charge-offs, unamortized deferred fees and costs on originated loans and premium or discounts on purchased loans, except for purchased credit-impaired loans. Loan origination and commitment fees, net of related costs are deferred and amortized as an adjustment of loan yield over the estimated life of the loans approximating the effective interest method.
Loans are deemed to be past due when the contractually required principal and interest payments have not been received as they become due. Loans are placed on non-accrual status generally, when they become 90 days past due and the full and timely collection of principal and interest becomes uncertain. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, interest accruals cease and uncollected accrued interest is reversed and charged against current income. Payments received on non-accrual loans are generally applied against principal. A loan in which the borrowers’ obligation has not been released in bankruptcy courts may be restored to an accruing basis when it becomes well secured and is in the process of collection, or all past due amounts become current under the loan agreement and collectability is no longer doubtful.


672020 Form 10-K


The following table summarizes the relationship among loans, loans charged-off, loan recoveries, the provision for credit losses and the allowance for credit losses for the years indicated:
 Years Ended December 31,
 20202019201820172016
 ($ in thousands)
Average loans outstanding$31,785,859$26,235,253$23,340,330$17,819,003$16,400,745
Beginning balance—Allowance for credit losses for loans$164,604$156,295$124,452$116,604$108,367
Impact of ASU No. 2016-13 adoption on January 1, 2020 (1)
37,989
Allowance for purchased credit deteriorated (PCD) loans (1)
61,643
Beginning balance, adjusted264,236156,295124,452116,604108,367
Loans charged-off: (2)
Commercial and industrial(34,630)(13,260)(2,515)(5,421)(5,990)
Commercial real estate(767)(158)(348)(559)(650)
Residential mortgage(598)(126)(223)(530)(866)
Total Consumer(9,294)(8,671)(4,977)(4,564)(3,463)
Total charge-offs(45,289)(22,215)(8,063)(11,074)(10,969)
Charged-off loans recovered:
Commercial and industrial1,9562,3974,6234,7362,852
Commercial real estate1,0541,2374175522,047
Construction45287310
Residential mortgage670662721,016774
Total Consumer3,1882,6062,0931,8031,654
Total recoveries7,3206,3067,4058,9807,337
Net charge-offs(37,969)(15,909)(658)(2,094)(3,632)
Provision charged for credit losses125,08724,21832,5019,94211,869
Ending balance—Allowance for credit losses for loans$351,354$164,604$156,295$124,452$116,604
Components of allowance for credit losses for loans:
Allowance for loan losses$340,243$161,759$151,859$120,856$114,419
Allowance for unfunded credit commitments11,1112,8454,4363,5962,185
Allowance for credit losses for loans$351,354$164,604$156,295$124,452$116,604
Components of provision for credit losses for loans:
Provision for credit losses for loans$123,922$25,809$31,661$8,531$11,873
Provision for unfunded credit commitments (3)
1,165(1,591)8401,411(4)
Provision for credit losses for loans$125,087$24,218$32,501$9,942$11,869
Annualized ratio of net charge-offs during the period to average loans outstanding0.12 %0.06 %0.00 %0.01 %0.02 %
2018 Form 10-K76




Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans
Purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loans are loans acquired at a discount (that is due, in part, to credit quality). Valley's PCI loan portfolio primarily consists of loans acquired in business combinations subsequent to 2011 and $27.6 million of mainly residential mortgage loans subject to loss sharing agreements (referred to as "covered loans") with the FDIC. (1)    The PCI loans are initially recorded at fair value (as determined by the present value of expected future cash flows) with no allowance for loan losses. Interest income on PCI loans has been accounted for based on the acquired loans’ expected cash flows. The PCI loans may be aggregated and accounted for as a pool of loans if the loans being aggregated have common risk characteristics. A pool is accounted for as a single asset with a single composite interest rate and an aggregate expectation of cash flow.
The difference between the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition and the investment in the loans, or the “accretable yield,” is recognized as interest income utilizing the level-yield method over the life of each pool. Contractually required payments for interest and principal that exceed the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition, or the “nonaccretable difference,” are not recognized as a yield adjustment or as a loss accrual or an allowance for loan losses. Increases in expected cash flows subsequent to the acquisition are recognized prospectively through adjustment of the yield on the pool over its remaining life, while decreases in expected cash flows are recognized as impairment through a loss provision andrepresents an increase in the allowance for credit losses for loans as a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 effective January 1, 2020.
(2)     Charge-offs and recoveries presented for periods prior to January 1, 2020 exclude loans formerly accounting for as PCI loans.
(3)    Periods prior to January 1, 2020 represent the allowance and provision for unfunded letters of credit only.
Our net loan losses. Therefore,charge-offs increased $22.1 million to $38.0 million in 2020 as compared to $15.9 million in 2019 mainly due to higher gross charge-offs in the commercial and industrial loan category. The higher level of commercial and industrial loan charge-offs in 2020 was largely driven by taxi medallion partial loan charge-offs totaling $12.5 million for the year ended
2020 Form 10-K68


December 31, 2020 (as compared to $6.5 million for 2019) and the partial and full charge-offs of two loans totaling $7.8 million and $6.0 million, respectively.
While net charge-offs increased largely due to borrowers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020, they have remained within management's expectations for the credit quality of Valley's loan portfolio and its underwriting standards. During the five-year period ended December 31, 2020, our net charge-offs were at a high of 0.12 percent of average loans during 2020 and near zero during 2018. While we have a positive outlook for the future performance of the loan portfolio, there can be no assurance that our levels of net charge-offs will not deteriorate in 2021, especially given the uncertain course of the economic recovery, labor markets and the number of our COVID-19 impacted borrowers that remained in active deferral of contractual payments at December 31, 2020.
The following table summarizes the allocation of the allowance for credit losses to specific loan portfolio categories for the past five years ended December 31,: 
 20202019201820172016
 Allowance
Allocation*
Percent of Loan Category to total loansAllowance
Allocation*
Percent of Loan Category to total loansAllowance
Allocation*
Percent of Loan Category to total loansAllowance
Allocation*
Percent of Loan Category to total loansAllowance
Allocation*
Percent of Loan Category to total loans
 ($ in thousands)
Loan Category:
Commercial and industrial$131,070 21.3 %$104,059 16.2 %$90,956 17.3 %$57,232 15.0 %$50,820 15.3 %
Commercial real estate:
Commercial real estate146,009 51.9 20,019 53.9 26,482 49.6 36,293 51.8 36,405 50.6 
Construction18,104 5.4 25,654 5.6 23,168 5.9 18,661 4.6 19,446 4.8 
Total commercial real estate164,113 57.3 45,673 59.5 49,650 55.5 54,954 56.4 55,851 55.4 
Residential mortgage28,873 13.0 5,060 14.7 5,041 16.4 3,605 15.6 3,702 16.6 
Total Consumer16,187 8.4 6,967 9.6 6,212 10.8 5,065 13.0 4,046 12.7 
Total allowance for loan losses340,243 100.0 %161,759 100.0 %151,859 100.0 %120,856 100.0 %114,419 100.0 %
Allowance for unfunded credit commitments11,111 2,845 4,436 3,596 2,185 
Total allowance for credit losses for loans$351,354 $164,604 $156,295 $124,452 $116,604 
* CECL was adopted January 1, 2020. Prior periods reflect the allowance for credit losses for loans under the incurred loss model.
The allowance for credit losses for loans, comprised of our allowance for loan losses on these impaired pools reflect only losses incurred after the acquisition (representing the present valueand unfunded credit commitments (including letters of all cash flows that were expected at acquisition but currently are not expected to be received). Valley had no allowance reserves related to PCIcredit), as a percentage of total loans was 1.09 percent at December 31, 2020 and 0.55 percent at December 31, 2019. The allowance for credit losses for loans increased $186.8 million at December 31, 2020 as compared to December 31, 2019 largely due to Valley's Day 1 CECL adoption adjustment of $99.6 million recorded on January 1, 2020 and the reserve build under CECL during 2020. The reserve build in 2020 reflected several factors, including deterioration in Valley's macroeconomic outlook since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, additional qualitative management adjustments to reflect the potential for higher levels of credit stress related to borrowers negatively impacted by the pandemic, the impact of lower valuations of collateral securing our non-performing taxi medallion loan portfolio and additional quantitative reserves, based upon expected and actual transitions in the credit quality of our loan portfolio. As a result, the provision for credit losses increased $100.9 million to $125.1 million in 2020 as compared to 2019.
Loan Repurchase Contingencies
We engage in the origination of residential mortgages for sale into the secondary market. Our loan sales totaled approximately $1.0 billion, $935 million and $676 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. During 2020 and 2017.2019, loan sales increased significantly from 2018 as new loan originations and refinance activity strengthened due to a favorably low interest rate environment complemented, from time to time, by sales from the held for investment portfolio.
OnIn connection with loan sales, we make representations and warranties, which, if breached, may require us to repurchase such loans, substitute other loans or indemnify the purchasers of such loans for actual losses incurred due to such loans. However, the performance of our loans sold has been historically strong due to our strict underwriting standards and procedures. Over the past several years, we have experienced a quarterly basis,nominal amount of repurchase requests, only a few of which have actually resulted in repurchases by Valley (only two loan repurchases in 2020 and four loan repurchases in 2019). None of the Bank periodically evaluatesloan repurchases resulted in material loss. Accordingly, no reserves pertaining to loans sold were established on our consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2020 and 2019. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - "We may incur future losses in
692020 Form 10-K


connection with repurchases and indemnification payments related to mortgages that we have sold into the remaining contractual required paymentssecondary market” of this report for additional information.
Capital Adequacy
A significant measure of the strength of a financial institution is its shareholders’ equity. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, shareholders’ equity totaled approximately $4.6 billion and $4.4 billion, or 11.3 percent and 11.7 percent of total assets, respectively. During 2020, total shareholders’ equity increased by $207.9 million primarily due to (i) net income of $390.6 million, (ii) an increase in other comprehensive income of $24.5 million, and estimates(iii) a $13.0 million increase attributable to the effect of share issuances under our stock incentive plan. These positive changes were partially offset by (i) cash flows expecteddividends declared on common and preferred stock totaling a combined $192.0 million and (ii) a $28.2 million net cumulative effect adjustment to be collectedretained earnings for the underlying loansadoption of each PCI loan pool. These evaluations require the continued usenew accounting guidance as of key assumptionsJanuary 1, 2020.
Valley and estimates, similarValley National Bank are subject to the initial estimateregulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal Reserve Bank and the OCC. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require Valley and Valley National Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of fair value. Changescommon equity Tier 1 capital, total and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and Tier 1 capital to average assets, as defined in the contractualregulations.
We are required paymentsto maintain common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 4.5 percent, Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 6.0 percent, ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0 percent, and minimum leverage ratio of 4.0 percent, plus a 2.5 percent capital conservation buffer added to the minimum requirements for capital adequacy purposes. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, Valley and Valley National Bank exceeded all capital adequacy requirements. See Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements for Valley’s and Valley National Bank’s regulatory capital positions and capital ratios at December 31, 2020 and 2019.
For regulatory capital purposes, in connection with the Federal Reserve Board’s final interim rule as of April 3, 2020, 100 percent of the CECL Day 1 impact to shareholders' equity equaling $28.2 million after-tax will be deferred for a two-year period ending January 1, 2022, at which time it will be phased in on a pro-rata basis over a three-year period ending January 1, 2025. Additionally, 25 percent of the reserve build (i.e., provision for credit losses less net charge-offs) for the year ended December 31, 2020 will be phased in over the same time frame.
Typically, our primary source of capital growth is through retention of earnings. Our rate of earnings retention is derived by dividing undistributed earnings per common share by earnings (or net income available to common shareholders) per common share. Our retention ratio was 52.7 percent and 49.4 percent for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Cash dividends declared amounted to $0.44 per common share for both years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. The Board is committed to examining and weighing relevant facts and considerations, including its commitment to shareholder value, each time it makes a cash dividend decision. The Federal Reserve has cautioned all bank holding companies about distributing dividends which may reduce the level of capital or not allow capital to grow considering the increased capital levels as required under the Basel III rules. Prior to the date of this filing, Valley has received no objection or adverse guidance from the FRB or the OCC regarding the current level of its quarterly common stock dividend. However, the FRB recently reiterated its long-standing guidance that banking organizations should consult them before declaring dividends in excess of earnings for the corresponding quarter. The renewed guidance was largely due to the increased risk of the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacting the future level of bank earnings. See Item 1A. Risk Factors of this report for additional information.
Valley maintains an effective shelf registration statement with the SEC that allows us to periodically offer and estimated cash flows expectedsell in one or more offerings, individually or in any combination, our common stock, preferred stock and other non-equity securities. The shelf registration statement provides Valley with capital raising flexibility and enables Valley to be collectedpromptly access the capital markets in order to pursue growth opportunities that may resultbecome available in the future and permits Valley to comply with any changes in the accretable yieldregulatory environment that call for increased capital requirements. Valley’s ability, and non-accretable differenceany decision to issue and sell securities pursuant to the shelf registration statement, is subject to market conditions and Valley’s capital needs at such time. Additional equity offerings may dilute the holdings of our existing shareholders or reclassifications between accretable yield andreduce the non-accretable difference. Formarket price of our common stock, or both. Such offerings may be necessary in the pools with better than expected cash flows,future due to several reasons beyond management’s control, including numerous external factors that could negatively impact the forecasted increase is recorded as an additional accretable yield that is recognized as a prospective increase to our interest income on loans and the FDIC loss-share receivable, if applicable, is prospectively reduced by the guaranteed portionstrength of the additional cash flows expectedU.S. economy or our ability to be received, with a corresponding reduction to non-interestmaintain or increase the level of our net income. See Note 518 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.information on Valley’s preferred stock issuances.
PCI loans that may have been classified as non-performing loans

2020 Form 10-K70


Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Information regarding Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk is discussed in the "Interest Rate Sensitivity" section contained in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and it is incorporated herein by an acquiredreference.
712020 Form 10-K


Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 December 31,
 20202019
(in thousands except for share data)
Assets
Cash and due from banks$257,845 $256,264 
Interest bearing deposits with banks1,071,360 178,423 
Investment securities:
Equity securities29,378 41,410 
Available for sale debt securities1,339,473 1,566,801 
Held to maturity debt securities (net of allowance for credit losses of $1,428 at December 31, 2020)2,171,583 2,336,095 
Total investment securities3,540,434 3,944,306 
Loans held for sale, at fair value301,427 76,113 
Loans32,217,112 29,699,208 
Less: Allowance for loan losses(340,243)(161,759)
Net loans31,876,869 29,537,449 
Premises and equipment, net319,797 334,533 
Lease right of use assets252,053 285,129 
Bank owned life insurance535,209 540,169 
Accrued interest receivable106,230 105,637 
Goodwill1,382,442 1,373,625 
Other intangible assets, net70,449 86,772 
Other assets971,961 717,600 
Total Assets$40,686,076 $37,436,020 
Liabilities
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing$9,205,266 $6,710,408 
Interest bearing:
Savings, NOW and money market16,015,658 12,757,484 
Time6,714,678 9,717,945 
Total deposits31,935,602 29,185,837 
Short-term borrowings1,147,958 1,093,280 
Long-term borrowings2,295,665 2,122,426 
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts56,065 55,718 
Lease liabilities276,675 309,849 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities381,991 284,722 
Total Liabilities36,093,956 33,051,832 
Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, 0 par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares:
Series A (4,600,000 shares issued at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019)111,590 111,590 
Series B (4,000,000 shares issued at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019)98,101 98,101 
Common stock (0 par value, authorized 650,000,000 shares; issued 403,881,488 shares at December 31, 2020 and 403,322,773 shares at December 31, 2019)141,746 141,423 
Surplus3,637,468 3,622,208 
Retained earnings611,158 443,559 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(7,718)(32,214)
Treasury stock, at cost (22,490 common shares at December 31, 2020 and 44,383 common shares at December 31, 2019)(225)(479)
Total Shareholders’ Equity4,592,120 4,384,188 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$40,686,076 $37,436,020 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2020 Form 10-K72


VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 Years Ended December 31,
 202020192018
 (in thousands, except for share data)
Interest Income
Interest and fees on loans$1,284,707 $1,198,908 $1,033,993 
Interest and dividends on investment securities:
Taxable70,249 86,926 87,306 
Tax-exempt14,563 17,420 21,504 
Dividends11,644 12,023 13,209 
Interest on federal funds sold and other short-term investments2,556 5,723 3,236 
Total interest income1,383,719 1,321,000 1,159,248 
Interest Expense
Interest on deposits:
Savings, NOW and money market76,169 145,177 108,394 
Time106,067 166,693 81,959 
Interest on short-term borrowings11,372 47,862 45,930 
Interest on long-term borrowings and junior subordinated debentures71,207 63,220 65,762 
Total interest expense264,815 422,952 302,045 
Net Interest Income1,118,904 898,048 857,203 
Provision for credit losses for held to maturity securities635 
Provision for credit losses for loans125,087 24,218 32,501 
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses993,182 873,830 824,702 
Non-Interest Income
Trust and investment services12,415 12,646 12,633 
Insurance commissions7,398 10,409 15,213 
Service charges on deposit accounts18,257 23,636 26,817 
Gains (losses) on securities transactions, net524 (150)(2,342)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities(2,928)
Fees from loan servicing10,352 9,794 9,319 
Gains on sales of loans, net42,251 18,914 20,515 
(Losses) gains on sales of assets, net(1,891)78,333 (2,401)
Bank owned life insurance10,083 8,232 8,691 
Other83,643 55,634 45,607 
Total non-interest income183,032 214,520 134,052 
Non-Interest Expense
Salary and employee benefits expense333,221 327,431 333,816 
Net occupancy and equipment expense129,002 118,191 108,763 
FDIC insurance assessment18,949 21,710 28,266 
Amortization of other intangible assets24,645 18,080 18,416 
Professional and legal fees32,348 20,810 34,141 
Loss on extinguishment of debt12,036 31,995 
Amortization of tax credit investments13,335 20,392 24,200 
Telecommunication expenses10,737 9,883 12,102 
Other71,875 63,063 69,357 
Total non-interest expense646,148 631,555 629,061 
Income Before Income Taxes530,066 456,795 329,693 
Income tax expense139,460 147,002 68,265 
Net Income390,606 309,793 261,428 
Dividends on preferred stock12,688 12,688 12,688 
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders$377,918 $297,105 $248,740 
732020 Form 10-K


VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME—(Continued)
Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
(in thousands, except for share data)
Earnings Per Common Share:
Basic$0.94 $0.88 $0.75 
Diluted0.93 0.87 0.75 
Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share0.44 0.44 0.44 
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic403,754,356 337,792,270 331,258,964 
Diluted405,046,207 340,117,808 332,693,718 


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2020 Form 10-K74


VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 Years Ended December 31,
 202020192018
 (in thousands)
Net income$390,606 $309,793 $261,428 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains and losses on debt securities available for sale
Net gains (losses) arising during the period27,845 39,262 (22,932)
Less reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income(377)119 2,237 
Total27,468 39,381 (20,695)
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (cash flow hedges)
Net (losses) gains on derivatives arising during the period(2,251)(989)1,874 
Less reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income2,074 1,291 2,494 
Total(177)302 4,368 
Defined benefit pension plan
Net losses arising during the period(3,418)(2,561)(7,151)
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost(98)(93)146 
Amortization of actuarial net loss721 188 447 
Total(2,795)(2,466)(6,558)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)24,496 37,217 (22,885)
Total comprehensive income$415,102 $347,010 $238,543 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

752020 Form 10-K


VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common StockAccumulated
Preferred StockSharesAmountSurplusRetained
Earnings
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Treasury
Stock
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 ($ in thousands)
Balance - December 31, 2017$209,691 264,469 $92,727 $2,060,356 $216,733 $(46,005)$(337)$2,533,165 
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01— — — — 480 (480)— — 
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU No. 2017-12— — — — 61 (61)— — 
Adjustment due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-16— — — — (17,611)— — (17,611)
Balance - January 1, 2018209,691 264,469 92,727 2,060,356 199,663 (46,546)(337)2,515,554 
Net income— — — — 261,428 — — 261,428 
Other comprehensive loss,  net of tax— — — — — (22,885)— (22,885)
Cash dividends declared:
Preferred stock, Series A, $1.56 per share— — — — (7,188)— — (7,188)
Preferred stock, Series B, $1.38 per share— — — — (5,500)— — (5,500)
Common Stock, $0.44 per share— — — — (146,346)— — (146,346)
Effect of stock incentive plan, net— 1,955 771 21,022 (2,415)— (2,198)17,180 
Common stock issued— 65,007 22,742 715,121 — — 348 738,211 
Balance - December 31, 2018$209,691 331,431 $116,240 $2,796,499 $299,642 $(69,431)$(2,187)$3,350,454 
Adjustment due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02— — — — 4,414 — — 4,414 
Adjustment due to the adoption of ASU No. 2017-08— — — — (1,446)— — (1,446)
Balance - January 1, 2019209,691 331,431 116,240 2,796,499 302,610 (69,431)(2,187)3,353,422 
Net income— — — — 309,793 — — 309,793 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax— — — — — 37,217 — 37,217 
Cash dividends declared:
Preferred stock, Series A, $1.56 per share— — — — (7,188)— — (7,188)
Preferred stock, Series B, $1.38 per share— — — — (5,500)— — (5,500)
Common Stock, $0.44 per share— — — — (154,689)— — (154,689)
Effect of stock incentive plan, net— 726 291 15,346 (1,467)— 1,708 15,878 
Common stock issued— 71,121 24,892 810,363 — — — 835,255 
Balance - December 31, 2019$209,691 403,278 $141,423 $3,622,208 $443,559 $(32,214)$(479)$4,384,188 
2020 Form 10-K76


VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY—(Continued)
Common StockAccumulated
Preferred StockSharesAmountSurplusRetained
Earnings
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Treasury
Stock
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
($ in thousands)
Balance - December 31, 2019$209,691 403,278 $141,423 $3,622,208 $443,559 $(32,214)$(479)$4,384,188 
Adjustment due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-13— — — — (28,187)— — (28,187)
Balance - January 1, 2020209,691 403,278 141,423 3,622,208 415,372 (32,214)(479)4,356,001 
Net income— — — — 390,606 — — 390,606 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax— — — — — 24,496 — 24,496 
Cash dividends declared:
Preferred stock, Series A, $1.56 per share— — — — (7,188)— — (7,188)
Preferred stock, Series B, $1.38 per share— — — — (5,500)— — (5,500)
Common Stock, $0.44 per share— — — — (179,277)— — (179,277)
Effect of stock incentive plan, net— 581 323 15,260 (2,855)— 254 12,982 
Balance - December 31, 2020$209,691 403,859 $141,746 $3,637,468 $611,158 $(7,718)$(225)$4,592,120 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

772020 Form 10-K


VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 Years Ended December 31,
 202020192018
 (in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income$390,606 $309,793 $261,428 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization57,615 53,317 27,554 
Stock-based compensation16,154 14,726 19,472 
Provision for credit losses125,722 24,218 32,501 
Net amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on securities and borrowings38,315 29,512 38,454 
Amortization of other intangible assets24,645 18,080 18,416 
(Gains) losses on securities transactions, net(524)150 2,342 
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale1,019,841 509,448 398,350 
Gains on sales of loans, net(42,251)(18,914)(20,515)
Net impairment losses on securities recognized in earnings2,928 
Originations of loans held for sale(1,211,227)(537,985)(406,087)
Losses (gains) on sales of assets, net1,891 (78,333)2,401 
Net deferred income tax (benefit) expense(5,060)15,228 (11,780)
Net change in:
Cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance(10,083)(8,232)(8,691)
Accrued interest receivable(593)1,440 (9,183)
Other assets(311,760)(163,330)(33,144)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities58,234 57,882 (7,562)
Net cash provided by operating activities151,525 229,928 303,956 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net loan originations and purchases(2,490,937)(2,538,909)(3,257,939)
Equity securities:
Purchases(8,337)(14,776)
Sales28,439 24,748 
Held to maturity debt securities:
Purchases(682,509)(701,879)(264,721)
Maturities, calls and principal repayments824,477 424,475 241,077 
Available for sale debt securities:
Purchases(333,971)(30,392)(289,554)
Sales30,020 271,901 44,377 
Maturities, calls and principal repayments555,589 316,024 255,031 
Death benefit proceeds from bank owned life insurance15,043 9,560 4,220 
Proceeds from sales of real estate property and equipment19,111 109,043 7,786 
Proceeds from sales of loans held for investments30,020 1,234,022 289,633 
Purchases of real estate property and equipment(24,607)(23,375)(26,440)
Cash and cash equivalents acquired in acquisitions22,239 156,612 
Net cash used in investing activities$(2,037,662)$(897,319)$(2,839,918)
2020 Form 10-K78


VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—(Continued)
Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
(in thousands)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in deposits$2,749,765 $1,808,148 $2,734,669 
Net change in short-term borrowings54,678 (1,036,134)720,307 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term borrowings, net838,388 950,000 
Repayments of long-term borrowings(667,739)(890,000)(750,682)
Cash dividends paid to preferred shareholders(12,688)(12,688)(15,859)
Cash dividends paid to common shareholders(177,965)(146,537)(138,857)
Purchase of common shares to treasury(5,374)(1,805)(3,801)
Common stock issued, net2,202 2,957 2,704 
Other, net(612)(492)
Net cash provided by financing activities2,780,655 673,449 2,548,481 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents894,518 6,058 12,519 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year434,687 428,629 416,110 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$1,329,205 $434,687 $428,629 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash payments for:
Interest on deposits and borrowings$279,042 $415,649 $290,444 
Federal and state income taxes148,383 106,336 53,587 
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned$4,040 $5,100 $743 
Loans transferred to loans held for sale30,020 1,234,022 289,633 
Lease right of use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities16,062 312,143 
Acquisition:
Non-cash assets acquired:
Equity securities$$51,382 $
Investment securities available for sale335,894 308,385 
Investment securities held to maturity4,877 214,217 
Loans3,378,358 3,736,984 
Premises and equipment23,585 62,066 
Bank owned life insurance101,896 49,052 
Accrued interest receivable11,781 12,123 
Goodwill297,777 394,028 
Other intangible assets20,690 45,906 
Other assets50,873 100,059 
Total non-cash assets acquired$$4,277,113 $4,922,820 
Liabilities assumed:
Deposits$$2,924,716 $3,564,843 
Short-term borrowings10,500 649,979 
Long-term borrowings430,130 87,283 
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts13,249 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities98,751 26,848 
Total liabilities assumed$$3,464,097 $4,342,202 
Net non-cash assets acquired$$813,016 $580,618 
Net cash and cash equivalents acquired in acquisition$$22,239 $156,612 
Common stock issued in acquisition$$835,255 $737,230 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
792020 Form 10-K


VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Note 1)
Business
Valley National Bancorp, a New Jersey Corporation (Valley), is a bank are no longer classified as non-performing because these loans are accounted for onholding company whose principal wholly-owned subsidiary is Valley National Bank (the “Bank”), a pooled basis. Management’s judgmentnational banking association providing a full range of commercial, retail and trust and investment services largely through its offices and ATM network throughout northern and central New Jersey, the New York City boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, Long Island, Florida and Alabama. The Bank is required in classifying loans in pools as performing loans,subject to intense competition from other financial service providers and is dependent on havingsubject to the regulation of certain federal and state agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by certain regulatory authorities.
Valley National Bank’s subsidiaries are all included in the consolidated financial statements of Valley. These subsidiaries include, but are not limited to:
an insurance agency offering property and casualty, life and health insurance;
an asset management adviser that is a reasonable expectation aboutregistered investment adviser with the timingSecurities and amountExchange Commission (SEC);
a title insurance agency in New York, which also provides services in New Jersey;
subsidiaries which hold, maintain and manage investment assets for the Bank;
a subsidiary which specializes in health care equipment lending and other commercial equipment leases; and
a subsidiary which owns and services New York commercial loans.
The Bank’s subsidiaries also include real estate investment trust subsidiaries (the “REIT” subsidiaries) which own real estate related investments and a REIT subsidiary which owns some of the pool cash flowsreal estate utilized by the Bank and related real estate investments. Except for Valley’s REIT subsidiaries and its insurance agency (10% of which is owned by the insurance agency's co-CEOs), all subsidiaries mentioned above are directly or indirectly wholly-owned by the Bank. Because each REIT subsidiary must have 100 or more shareholders to be collected, even if certain loans withinqualify as a REIT, each REIT subsidiary has issued less than 20 percent of its outstanding non-voting preferred stock to individuals, most of whom are current and former Bank employees. The Bank owns the pool are contractually past due.remaining preferred stock and all the common stock of the REITs.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The allowance for credit losses (the “allowance”)(ACL) includes the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded commercial letters of credit. Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted the new CECL standard, which is increased through provisionsbased on lifetime expected credit losses rather than incurred losses. Periods prior to 2020 have been reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP, which followed the incurred credit losses methodology. See the table below and Notes 1 and 5 to the consolidated financial statements for further details on the impact of the Day 1 CECL adoption and the incurred credit losses methodology.
Under CECL, our methodology to establish the allowance for loan losses has two basic components: (1) a collective reserve component for estimated expected credit losses for pools of loans that share common risk characteristics and (2) an individual reserve component for loans that do not share risk characteristics, consisting of collateral dependent, TDR, and expected TDR loans. Valley also maintains a separate allowance for unfunded credit commitments mainly consisting of undisbursed non-cancellable lines of credit, new loan commitments and commercial letters of credit.
Valley estimated the collective ACL using a current expected credit losses methodology which is based on relevant information about historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the loan balances. In estimating the component of the allowance on a collective basis we use a transition matrix model which calculates an expected life of loan loss percentage for each loan pool by generating probability of default and loss given default metrics. The metrics are based on the migration of loans from performing to loss by credit quality rating or delinquency categories using historical life-of-loan analysis periods for each loan portfolio pool and the severity of loss based on the aggregate net lifetime losses. The model's expected losses based on loss history are adjusted for qualitative factors. Among other things, these adjustments include and account for differences in: (i) the impact of the reasonable and supportable economic forecast, relative probability weightings and reversion period, (ii) other asset specific risks to the extent they do not exist in the historical loss information, and (iii) net expected recoveries of charged against current earningsoff loan balances. These adjustments are based on qualitative factors not reflected in the quantitative model but are likely to impact the measurement of estimated credit
2020 Form 10-K66


losses. The expected lifetime loss rate is the life of loan loss percentage from the transition matrix model plus the impact of the adjustments for qualitative factors. The expected credit losses are the product of multiplying the model’s expected lifetime loss rate by the exposure at default at period end on an undiscounted basis.
Valley utilizes a two-year reasonable and additionallysupportable forecast period followed by crediting amountsa one-year period over which estimated losses revert to historical loss experience for the remaining life of recoveries received, if any,the loan on previously charged-off loans. a straight-line basis. The forecasts consist of a multi-scenario economic forecast model to estimate future credit losses and is governed by a cross-functional committee. The committee meets each quarter to determine which economic scenarios developed by Moody's will be incorporated into the model, as well as the relative probability weightings of the selected scenarios, based upon all readily available information. The model projects economic variables under each scenario based on detailed statistical analyses. We have identified and selected key variables that most closely correlated to our historical credit performance, which include: GDP, unemployment and the Case-Shiller Home Price Index.
During the fourth quarter 2020, we continued to incorporate a probability weighted three-scenario economic forecast, including Moody's Baseline, S-3 and S-4 scenarios. At December 31, 2020, Valley maintained a higher combined weighting on the S-3 and S-4 alternative downside scenarios as compared to the Moody's Baseline scenario to reflect downside risk factors, including, but not limited to the unknown effect of the latest federal economic stimulus to promote a strong economic recovery, loan customers with payment deferrals, increasing COVID-19 infection rates in many locales and the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and the timing of the vaccine distribution across the U.S. Each of these risk factors may affect the performance of Valley’s loan portfolio over time.
The S-4 forecast is the most severe economic scenario and included the following assumptions at December 31, 2020:

The COVID-19 pandemic will persist and meaningfully impact the economy;
The national unemployment rate will remain elevated throughout 2021 and 2022, with a peak at 11.5 percent in the third quarter 2022;
An overall decline in spending on a wide range of products and services;
A prolonged economic downturn will persist until the fourth quarter 2021 with real GDP growth resuming by mid-year 2022; and
The target federal funds interest rate will remain at or near zero for the foreseeable future.
The allowance is reduced by charge-offs onfor credit losses for loans ormethodology and accounting policy are fully described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.

672020 Form 10-K


The following table summarizes the relationship among loans, loans charged-off, loan recoveries, the provision for credit losses and the allowance for credit losses for the years indicated:
 Years Ended December 31,
 20202019201820172016
 ($ in thousands)
Average loans outstanding$31,785,859$26,235,253$23,340,330$17,819,003$16,400,745
Beginning balance—Allowance for credit losses for loans$164,604$156,295$124,452$116,604$108,367
Impact of ASU No. 2016-13 adoption on January 1, 2020 (1)
37,989
Allowance for purchased credit deteriorated (PCD) loans (1)
61,643
Beginning balance, adjusted264,236156,295124,452116,604108,367
Loans charged-off: (2)
Commercial and industrial(34,630)(13,260)(2,515)(5,421)(5,990)
Commercial real estate(767)(158)(348)(559)(650)
Residential mortgage(598)(126)(223)(530)(866)
Total Consumer(9,294)(8,671)(4,977)(4,564)(3,463)
Total charge-offs(45,289)(22,215)(8,063)(11,074)(10,969)
Charged-off loans recovered:
Commercial and industrial1,9562,3974,6234,7362,852
Commercial real estate1,0541,2374175522,047
Construction45287310
Residential mortgage670662721,016774
Total Consumer3,1882,6062,0931,8031,654
Total recoveries7,3206,3067,4058,9807,337
Net charge-offs(37,969)(15,909)(658)(2,094)(3,632)
Provision charged for credit losses125,08724,21832,5019,94211,869
Ending balance—Allowance for credit losses for loans$351,354$164,604$156,295$124,452$116,604
Components of allowance for credit losses for loans:
Allowance for loan losses$340,243$161,759$151,859$120,856$114,419
Allowance for unfunded credit commitments11,1112,8454,4363,5962,185
Allowance for credit losses for loans$351,354$164,604$156,295$124,452$116,604
Components of provision for credit losses for loans:
Provision for credit losses for loans$123,922$25,809$31,661$8,531$11,873
Provision for unfunded credit commitments (3)
1,165(1,591)8401,411(4)
Provision for credit losses for loans$125,087$24,218$32,501$9,942$11,869
Annualized ratio of net charge-offs during the period to average loans outstanding0.12 %0.06 %0.00 %0.01 %0.02 %
(1)    The adjustment represents an increase in the allowance for credit losses for loans as a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 effective January 1, 2020.
(2)     Charge-offs and recoveries presented for periods prior to January 1, 2020 exclude loans formerly accounting for as PCI loans.
(3)    Periods prior to January 1, 2020 represent the allowance and provision for unfunded letters of credit only.
Our net loan charge-offs increased $22.1 million to $38.0 million in 2020 as compared to $15.9 million in 2019 mainly due to higher gross charge-offs in the commercial and industrial loan category. The higher level of commercial and industrial loan charge-offs in 2020 was largely driven by taxi medallion partial loan charge-offs totaling $12.5 million for the year ended
2020 Form 10-K68


December 31, 2020 (as compared to $6.5 million for 2019) and the partial and full charge-offs of two loans totaling $7.8 million and $6.0 million, respectively.
While net charge-offs increased largely due to borrowers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020, they have remained within management's expectations for the credit quality of Valley's loan portfolio and its underwriting standards. During the five-year period ended December 31, 2020, our net charge-offs were at a high of 0.12 percent of average loans during 2020 and near zero during 2018. While we have a positive outlook for the future performance of the loan portfolio, there can be no assurance that our levels of net charge-offs will not deteriorate in 2021, especially given the uncertain course of the economic recovery, labor markets and the number of our COVID-19 impacted borrowers that remained in active deferral of contractual payments at December 31, 2020.
The following table summarizes the allocation of the allowance for credit losses to specific loan portfolio categories for the past five years ended December 31,: 
 20202019201820172016
 Allowance
Allocation*
Percent of Loan Category to total loansAllowance
Allocation*
Percent of Loan Category to total loansAllowance
Allocation*
Percent of Loan Category to total loansAllowance
Allocation*
Percent of Loan Category to total loansAllowance
Allocation*
Percent of Loan Category to total loans
 ($ in thousands)
Loan Category:
Commercial and industrial$131,070 21.3 %$104,059 16.2 %$90,956 17.3 %$57,232 15.0 %$50,820 15.3 %
Commercial real estate:
Commercial real estate146,009 51.9 20,019 53.9 26,482 49.6 36,293 51.8 36,405 50.6 
Construction18,104 5.4 25,654 5.6 23,168 5.9 18,661 4.6 19,446 4.8 
Total commercial real estate164,113 57.3 45,673 59.5 49,650 55.5 54,954 56.4 55,851 55.4 
Residential mortgage28,873 13.0 5,060 14.7 5,041 16.4 3,605 15.6 3,702 16.6 
Total Consumer16,187 8.4 6,967 9.6 6,212 10.8 5,065 13.0 4,046 12.7 
Total allowance for loan losses340,243 100.0 %161,759 100.0 %151,859 100.0 %120,856 100.0 %114,419 100.0 %
Allowance for unfunded credit commitments11,111 2,845 4,436 3,596 2,185 
Total allowance for credit losses for loans$351,354 $164,604 $156,295 $124,452 $116,604 
* CECL was adopted January 1, 2020. Prior periods reflect the allowance for credit losses for loans under the incurred loss model.
The allowance for credit losses for loans, comprised of our allowance for loan losses and unfunded credit commitments (including letters of credit), as a percentage of total loans was 1.09 percent at December 31, 2020 and 0.55 percent at December 31, 2019. The allowance for credit losses for loans increased $186.8 million at December 31, 2020 as compared to December 31, 2019 largely due to Valley's Day 1 CECL adoption adjustment of $99.6 million recorded on January 1, 2020 and the reserve build under CECL during 2020. The reserve build in 2020 reflected several factors, including deterioration in Valley's macroeconomic outlook since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, additional qualitative management adjustments to reflect the potential for higher levels of credit stress related to borrowers negatively impacted by the pandemic, the impact of lower valuations of collateral securing our non-performing taxi medallion loan portfolio and additional quantitative reserves, based upon expected and actual transitions in the credit quality of our loan portfolio. As a result, the provision for credit losses increased $100.9 million to $125.1 million in 2020 as compared to 2019.
Loan Repurchase Contingencies
We engage in the origination of residential mortgages for sale into the secondary market. Our loan sales totaled approximately $1.0 billion, $935 million and $676 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. During 2020 and 2019, loan sales increased significantly from 2018 as new loan originations and refinance activity strengthened due to a favorably low interest rate environment complemented, from time to time, by sales from the held for investment portfolio.
In connection with loan sales, we make representations and warranties, which, if breached, may require us to repurchase such loans, substitute other loans or indemnify the purchasers of such loans for actual losses incurred due to such loans. However, the performance of our loans sold has been historically strong due to our strict underwriting standards and procedures. Over the past several years, we have experienced a nominal amount of repurchase requests, only a few of which have actually resulted in repurchases by Valley (only two loan repurchases in 2020 and four loan repurchases in 2019). None of the loan repurchases resulted in material loss. Accordingly, no reserves pertaining to loans sold were established on our consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2020 and 2019. See Item 1A. Risk Factors - "We may incur future losses in
692020 Form 10-K


connection with repurchases and indemnification payments related to mortgages that we have sold into the secondary market” of this report for additional information.
Capital Adequacy
A significant measure of the strength of a financial institution is its shareholders’ equity. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, shareholders’ equity totaled approximately $4.6 billion and $4.4 billion, or 11.3 percent and 11.7 percent of total assets, respectively. During 2020, total shareholders’ equity increased by $207.9 million primarily due to (i) net income of $390.6 million, (ii) an increase in other comprehensive income of $24.5 million, and (iii) a $13.0 million increase attributable to the effect of share issuances under our stock incentive plan. These positive changes were partially offset by (i) cash dividends declared on common and preferred stock totaling a combined $192.0 million and (ii) a $28.2 million net cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings for the adoption of new accounting guidance as of January 1, 2020.
Valley and Valley National Bank are subject to the regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal Reserve Bank and the OCC. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require Valley and Valley National Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of common equity Tier 1 capital, total and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and Tier 1 capital to average assets, as defined in the regulations.
We are required to maintain common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 4.5 percent, Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 6.0 percent, ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0 percent, and minimum leverage ratio of 4.0 percent, plus a 2.5 percent capital conservation buffer added to the minimum requirements for capital adequacy purposes. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, Valley and Valley National Bank exceeded all capital adequacy requirements. See Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements for Valley’s and Valley National Bank’s regulatory capital positions and capital ratios at December 31, 2020 and 2019.
For regulatory capital purposes, in connection with the Federal Reserve Board’s final interim rule as of April 3, 2020, 100 percent of the CECL Day 1 impact to shareholders' equity equaling $28.2 million after-tax will be deferred for a two-year period ending January 1, 2022, at which time it will be phased in on a pro-rata basis over a three-year period ending January 1, 2025. Additionally, 25 percent of the reserve build (i.e., provision for credit losses less net charge-offs) for the year ended December 31, 2020 will be phased in over the same time frame.
Typically, our primary source of capital growth is through retention of earnings. Our rate of earnings retention is derived by dividing undistributed earnings per common share by earnings (or net income available to common shareholders) per common share. Our retention ratio was 52.7 percent and 49.4 percent for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Cash dividends declared amounted to $0.44 per common share for both years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. The Board is committed to examining and weighing relevant facts and considerations, including its commitment to shareholder value, each time it makes a cash dividend decision. The Federal Reserve has cautioned all bank holding companies about distributing dividends which may reduce the level of capital or not allow capital to grow considering the increased capital levels as required under the Basel III rules. Prior to the date of this filing, Valley has received no objection or adverse guidance from the FRB or the OCC regarding the current level of its quarterly common stock dividend. However, the FRB recently reiterated its long-standing guidance that banking organizations should consult them before declaring dividends in excess of earnings for the corresponding quarter. The renewed guidance was largely due to the increased risk of the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacting the future level of bank earnings. See Item 1A. Risk Factors of this report for additional information.
Valley maintains an effective shelf registration statement with the SEC that allows us to periodically offer and sell in one or more offerings, individually or in any combination, our common stock, preferred stock and other non-equity securities. The shelf registration statement provides Valley with capital raising flexibility and enables Valley to promptly access the capital markets in order to pursue growth opportunities that may become available in the future and permits Valley to comply with any changes in the regulatory environment that call for increased capital requirements. Valley’s ability, and any decision to issue and sell securities pursuant to the shelf registration statement, is subject to market conditions and Valley’s capital needs at such time. Additional equity offerings may dilute the holdings of our existing shareholders or reduce the market price of our common stock, or both. Such offerings may be necessary in the future due to several reasons beyond management’s control, including numerous external factors that could negatively impact the strength of the U.S. economy or our ability to maintain or increase the level of our net income. See Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on Valley’s preferred stock issuances.


2020 Form 10-K70


Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Information regarding Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk is discussed in the "Interest Rate Sensitivity" section contained in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and it is incorporated herein by reference.
712020 Form 10-K


Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 December 31,
 20202019
(in thousands except for share data)
Assets
Cash and due from banks$257,845 $256,264 
Interest bearing deposits with banks1,071,360 178,423 
Investment securities:
Equity securities29,378 41,410 
Available for sale debt securities1,339,473 1,566,801 
Held to maturity debt securities (net of allowance for credit losses of $1,428 at December 31, 2020)2,171,583 2,336,095 
Total investment securities3,540,434 3,944,306 
Loans held for sale, at fair value301,427 76,113 
Loans32,217,112 29,699,208 
Less: Allowance for loan losses(340,243)(161,759)
Net loans31,876,869 29,537,449 
Premises and equipment, net319,797 334,533 
Lease right of use assets252,053 285,129 
Bank owned life insurance535,209 540,169 
Accrued interest receivable106,230 105,637 
Goodwill1,382,442 1,373,625 
Other intangible assets, net70,449 86,772 
Other assets971,961 717,600 
Total Assets$40,686,076 $37,436,020 
Liabilities
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing$9,205,266 $6,710,408 
Interest bearing:
Savings, NOW and money market16,015,658 12,757,484 
Time6,714,678 9,717,945 
Total deposits31,935,602 29,185,837 
Short-term borrowings1,147,958 1,093,280 
Long-term borrowings2,295,665 2,122,426 
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts56,065 55,718 
Lease liabilities276,675 309,849 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities381,991 284,722 
Total Liabilities36,093,956 33,051,832 
Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, 0 par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares:
Series A (4,600,000 shares issued at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019)111,590 111,590 
Series B (4,000,000 shares issued at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019)98,101 98,101 
Common stock (0 par value, authorized 650,000,000 shares; issued 403,881,488 shares at December 31, 2020 and 403,322,773 shares at December 31, 2019)141,746 141,423 
Surplus3,637,468 3,622,208 
Retained earnings611,158 443,559 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(7,718)(32,214)
Treasury stock, at cost (22,490 common shares at December 31, 2020 and 44,383 common shares at December 31, 2019)(225)(479)
Total Shareholders’ Equity4,592,120 4,384,188 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$40,686,076 $37,436,020 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2020 Form 10-K72


VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 Years Ended December 31,
 202020192018
 (in thousands, except for share data)
Interest Income
Interest and fees on loans$1,284,707 $1,198,908 $1,033,993 
Interest and dividends on investment securities:
Taxable70,249 86,926 87,306 
Tax-exempt14,563 17,420 21,504 
Dividends11,644 12,023 13,209 
Interest on federal funds sold and other short-term investments2,556 5,723 3,236 
Total interest income1,383,719 1,321,000 1,159,248 
Interest Expense
Interest on deposits:
Savings, NOW and money market76,169 145,177 108,394 
Time106,067 166,693 81,959 
Interest on short-term borrowings11,372 47,862 45,930 
Interest on long-term borrowings and junior subordinated debentures71,207 63,220 65,762 
Total interest expense264,815 422,952 302,045 
Net Interest Income1,118,904 898,048 857,203 
Provision for credit losses for held to maturity securities635 
Provision for credit losses for loans125,087 24,218 32,501 
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses993,182 873,830 824,702 
Non-Interest Income
Trust and investment services12,415 12,646 12,633 
Insurance commissions7,398 10,409 15,213 
Service charges on deposit accounts18,257 23,636 26,817 
Gains (losses) on securities transactions, net524 (150)(2,342)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities(2,928)
Fees from loan servicing10,352 9,794 9,319 
Gains on sales of loans, net42,251 18,914 20,515 
(Losses) gains on sales of assets, net(1,891)78,333 (2,401)
Bank owned life insurance10,083 8,232 8,691 
Other83,643 55,634 45,607 
Total non-interest income183,032 214,520 134,052 
Non-Interest Expense
Salary and employee benefits expense333,221 327,431 333,816 
Net occupancy and equipment expense129,002 118,191 108,763 
FDIC insurance assessment18,949 21,710 28,266 
Amortization of other intangible assets24,645 18,080 18,416 
Professional and legal fees32,348 20,810 34,141 
Loss on extinguishment of debt12,036 31,995 
Amortization of tax credit investments13,335 20,392 24,200 
Telecommunication expenses10,737 9,883 12,102 
Other71,875 63,063 69,357 
Total non-interest expense646,148 631,555 629,061 
Income Before Income Taxes530,066 456,795 329,693 
Income tax expense139,460 147,002 68,265 
Net Income390,606 309,793 261,428 
Dividends on preferred stock12,688 12,688 12,688 
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders$377,918 $297,105 $248,740 
732020 Form 10-K


VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME—(Continued)
Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
(in thousands, except for share data)
Earnings Per Common Share:
Basic$0.94 $0.88 $0.75 
Diluted0.93 0.87 0.75 
Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share0.44 0.44 0.44 
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic403,754,356 337,792,270 331,258,964 
Diluted405,046,207 340,117,808 332,693,718 


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2020 Form 10-K74


VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 Years Ended December 31,
 202020192018
 (in thousands)
Net income$390,606 $309,793 $261,428 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains and losses on debt securities available for sale
Net gains (losses) arising during the period27,845 39,262 (22,932)
Less reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income(377)119 2,237 
Total27,468 39,381 (20,695)
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (cash flow hedges)
Net (losses) gains on derivatives arising during the period(2,251)(989)1,874 
Less reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income2,074 1,291 2,494 
Total(177)302 4,368 
Defined benefit pension plan
Net losses arising during the period(3,418)(2,561)(7,151)
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost(98)(93)146 
Amortization of actuarial net loss721 188 447 
Total(2,795)(2,466)(6,558)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)24,496 37,217 (22,885)
Total comprehensive income$415,102 $347,010 $238,543 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

752020 Form 10-K


VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common StockAccumulated
Preferred StockSharesAmountSurplusRetained
Earnings
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Treasury
Stock
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 ($ in thousands)
Balance - December 31, 2017$209,691 264,469 $92,727 $2,060,356 $216,733 $(46,005)$(337)$2,533,165 
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01— — — — 480 (480)— — 
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU No. 2017-12— — — — 61 (61)— — 
Adjustment due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-16— — — — (17,611)— — (17,611)
Balance - January 1, 2018209,691 264,469 92,727 2,060,356 199,663 (46,546)(337)2,515,554 
Net income— — — — 261,428 — — 261,428 
Other comprehensive loss,  net of tax— — — — — (22,885)— (22,885)
Cash dividends declared:
Preferred stock, Series A, $1.56 per share— — — — (7,188)— — (7,188)
Preferred stock, Series B, $1.38 per share— — — — (5,500)— — (5,500)
Common Stock, $0.44 per share— — — — (146,346)— — (146,346)
Effect of stock incentive plan, net— 1,955 771 21,022 (2,415)— (2,198)17,180 
Common stock issued— 65,007 22,742 715,121 — — 348 738,211 
Balance - December 31, 2018$209,691 331,431 $116,240 $2,796,499 $299,642 $(69,431)$(2,187)$3,350,454 
Adjustment due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02— — — — 4,414 — — 4,414 
Adjustment due to the adoption of ASU No. 2017-08— — — — (1,446)— — (1,446)
Balance - January 1, 2019209,691 331,431 116,240 2,796,499 302,610 (69,431)(2,187)3,353,422 
Net income— — — — 309,793 — — 309,793 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax— — — — — 37,217 — 37,217 
Cash dividends declared:
Preferred stock, Series A, $1.56 per share— — — — (7,188)— — (7,188)
Preferred stock, Series B, $1.38 per share— — — — (5,500)— — (5,500)
Common Stock, $0.44 per share— — — — (154,689)— — (154,689)
Effect of stock incentive plan, net— 726 291 15,346 (1,467)— 1,708 15,878 
Common stock issued— 71,121 24,892 810,363 — — — 835,255 
Balance - December 31, 2019$209,691 403,278 $141,423 $3,622,208 $443,559 $(32,214)$(479)$4,384,188 
2020 Form 10-K76


VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY—(Continued)
Common StockAccumulated
Preferred StockSharesAmountSurplusRetained
Earnings
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Treasury
Stock
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
($ in thousands)
Balance - December 31, 2019$209,691 403,278 $141,423 $3,622,208 $443,559 $(32,214)$(479)$4,384,188 
Adjustment due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-13— — — — (28,187)— — (28,187)
Balance - January 1, 2020209,691 403,278 141,423 3,622,208 415,372 (32,214)(479)4,356,001 
Net income— — — — 390,606 — — 390,606 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax— — — — — 24,496 — 24,496 
Cash dividends declared:
Preferred stock, Series A, $1.56 per share— — — — (7,188)— — (7,188)
Preferred stock, Series B, $1.38 per share— — — — (5,500)— — (5,500)
Common Stock, $0.44 per share— — — — (179,277)— — (179,277)
Effect of stock incentive plan, net— 581 323 15,260 (2,855)— 254 12,982 
Balance - December 31, 2020$209,691 403,859 $141,746 $3,637,468 $611,158 $(7,718)$(225)$4,592,120 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

772020 Form 10-K


VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 Years Ended December 31,
 202020192018
 (in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income$390,606 $309,793 $261,428 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization57,615 53,317 27,554 
Stock-based compensation16,154 14,726 19,472 
Provision for credit losses125,722 24,218 32,501 
Net amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on securities and borrowings38,315 29,512 38,454 
Amortization of other intangible assets24,645 18,080 18,416 
(Gains) losses on securities transactions, net(524)150 2,342 
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale1,019,841 509,448 398,350 
Gains on sales of loans, net(42,251)(18,914)(20,515)
Net impairment losses on securities recognized in earnings2,928 
Originations of loans held for sale(1,211,227)(537,985)(406,087)
Losses (gains) on sales of assets, net1,891 (78,333)2,401 
Net deferred income tax (benefit) expense(5,060)15,228 (11,780)
Net change in:
Cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance(10,083)(8,232)(8,691)
Accrued interest receivable(593)1,440 (9,183)
Other assets(311,760)(163,330)(33,144)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities58,234 57,882 (7,562)
Net cash provided by operating activities151,525 229,928 303,956 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net loan originations and purchases(2,490,937)(2,538,909)(3,257,939)
Equity securities:
Purchases(8,337)(14,776)
Sales28,439 24,748 
Held to maturity debt securities:
Purchases(682,509)(701,879)(264,721)
Maturities, calls and principal repayments824,477 424,475 241,077 
Available for sale debt securities:
Purchases(333,971)(30,392)(289,554)
Sales30,020 271,901 44,377 
Maturities, calls and principal repayments555,589 316,024 255,031 
Death benefit proceeds from bank owned life insurance15,043 9,560 4,220 
Proceeds from sales of real estate property and equipment19,111 109,043 7,786 
Proceeds from sales of loans held for investments30,020 1,234,022 289,633 
Purchases of real estate property and equipment(24,607)(23,375)(26,440)
Cash and cash equivalents acquired in acquisitions22,239 156,612 
Net cash used in investing activities$(2,037,662)$(897,319)$(2,839,918)
2020 Form 10-K78


VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—(Continued)
Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
(in thousands)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in deposits$2,749,765 $1,808,148 $2,734,669 
Net change in short-term borrowings54,678 (1,036,134)720,307 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term borrowings, net838,388 950,000 
Repayments of long-term borrowings(667,739)(890,000)(750,682)
Cash dividends paid to preferred shareholders(12,688)(12,688)(15,859)
Cash dividends paid to common shareholders(177,965)(146,537)(138,857)
Purchase of common shares to treasury(5,374)(1,805)(3,801)
Common stock issued, net2,202 2,957 2,704 
Other, net(612)(492)
Net cash provided by financing activities2,780,655 673,449 2,548,481 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents894,518 6,058 12,519 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year434,687 428,629 416,110 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$1,329,205 $434,687 $428,629 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash payments for:
Interest on deposits and borrowings$279,042 $415,649 $290,444 
Federal and state income taxes148,383 106,336 53,587 
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned$4,040 $5,100 $743 
Loans transferred to loans held for sale30,020 1,234,022 289,633 
Lease right of use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities16,062 312,143 
Acquisition:
Non-cash assets acquired:
Equity securities$$51,382 $
Investment securities available for sale335,894 308,385 
Investment securities held to maturity4,877 214,217 
Loans3,378,358 3,736,984 
Premises and equipment23,585 62,066 
Bank owned life insurance101,896 49,052 
Accrued interest receivable11,781 12,123 
Goodwill297,777 394,028 
Other intangible assets20,690 45,906 
Other assets50,873 100,059 
Total non-cash assets acquired$$4,277,113 $4,922,820 
Liabilities assumed:
Deposits$$2,924,716 $3,564,843 
Short-term borrowings10,500 649,979 
Long-term borrowings430,130 87,283 
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts13,249 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities98,751 26,848 
Total liabilities assumed$$3,464,097 $4,342,202 
Net non-cash assets acquired$$813,016 $580,618 
Net cash and cash equivalents acquired in acquisition$$22,239 $156,612 
Common stock issued in acquisition$$835,255 $737,230 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
792020 Form 10-K


VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Note 1)
Business
Valley National Bancorp, a New Jersey Corporation (Valley), is a bank holding company whose principal wholly-owned subsidiary is Valley National Bank (the “Bank”), a national banking association providing a full range of commercial, retail and trust and investment services largely through its offices and ATM network throughout northern and central New Jersey, the New York City boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, Long Island, Florida and Alabama. The Bank is subject to intense competition from other financial service providers and is subject to the regulation of certain federal and state agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by certain regulatory authorities.
Valley National Bank’s subsidiaries are all included in the consolidated financial statements of Valley. These subsidiaries include, but are not limited to:
an insurance agency offering property and casualty, life and health insurance;
an asset management adviser that is a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC);
a title insurance agency in New York, which also provides services in New Jersey;
subsidiaries which hold, maintain and manage investment assets for the Bank;
a subsidiary which specializes in health care equipment lending and other commercial equipment leases; and
a subsidiary which owns and services New York commercial loans.
The Bank’s subsidiaries also include real estate investment trust subsidiaries (the “REIT” subsidiaries) which own real estate related investments and a REIT subsidiary which owns some of the real estate utilized by the Bank and related real estate investments. Except for Valley’s REIT subsidiaries and its insurance agency (10% of which is owned by the insurance agency's co-CEOs), all subsidiaries mentioned above are directly or indirectly wholly-owned by the Bank. Because each REIT subsidiary must have 100 or more shareholders to qualify as a REIT, each REIT subsidiary has issued less than 20 percent of its outstanding non-voting preferred stock to individuals, most of whom are current and former Bank employees. The Bank owns the remaining preferred stock and all the common stock of the REITs.
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements of Valley include the accounts of its commercial bank subsidiary, Valley National Bank and all of Valley’s direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated. The accounting and reporting policies of Valley conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and general practices within the financial services industry. In accordance with applicable accounting standards, Valley does not consolidate statutory trusts established for the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities and related trust common securities. See Note 11 for more details. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
Significant Estimates. In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, management has made estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated statements of financial condition and results of operations for the periods indicated. Material estimates that require application of management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgment and are particularly susceptible to change include: the allowance for credit losses, the evaluation of goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, and income taxes. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are deemed necessary. While management uses its best judgment, actual amounts or results could differ significantly from those estimates. The current economic environment has increased the degree of uncertainty inherent in these material estimates. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Also, future amounts and values could differ materially from those estimates due to changes in values and circumstances after the balance sheet date.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, interest bearing deposits in other banks (including the Federal Reserve Bank of New York) and, from time to time, overnight federal funds sold. The Bank is required to maintain reserve balances in cash or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank based on a
2020 Form 10-K80


percentage of deposits. These reserve balances totaled $896.1 million and $114.4 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Investment Securities
Debt securities are classified at the time of purchase based on management’s intention, as securities available-for-sale or securities held-to-maturity. Investment securities classified as held-to-maturity are those that management has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity. Investment securities held-to-maturity are carried at amortized cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts using the level-yield method over the contractual term of the securities, adjusted for actual prepayments, or to call date if the security was purchased at premium. Investment securities classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses reported as a component of other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax. Realized gains or losses on the available-for-sale securities are recognized by the specific identification method and are included in net gains and losses on securities transactions. Equity securities are stated at fair value with any unrealized and realized gains and losses reported in non-interest income. Investments in Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock, which have limited marketability, are carried at cost in other assets. Security transactions are recorded on a trade-date basis.
Interest income on investments includes amortization of purchase premiums and discounts. Valley discontinues the recognition of interest on debt securities if the securities meet both of the following criteria: (i) regularly scheduled interest payments have not been paid or have been deferred by the issuer, and (ii) full collection of all contractual principal and interest payments is not deemed to be the most likely outcome.
Allowance for Credit Losses for Held to Maturity Debt Securities
On January 1, 2020, Valley adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-13, which requires us to estimate and recognize an allowance for credit losses for held to maturity debt securities using the current expected credit loss methodology (CECL).
Valley's CECL model includes a zero loss expectation for certain securities within the held to maturity portfolio, and therefore Valley is not required to estimate an allowance for credit losses related to these securities. After an evaluation of qualitative factors, Valley identified the following securities types which it believes qualify for this exclusion: U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. agency securities, residential mortgage-backed securities issued by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and collateralized municipal bonds commonly referred to as Tax Exempt Mortgage Securities (TEMS).
To measure the expected credit losses on held to maturity debt securities that have loss expectations, Valley estimates the expected credit losses using a discounted cash flow model developed by a third-party. Assumptions used in the model for pools of securities with common risk characteristics include the historical lifetime probability of default and severity of loss in the event of default, with the model incorporating several economic cycles of loss history data to calculate expected credit losses given default at the individual security level. The model is adjusted for a probability weighted multi-scenario economic forecast to estimate future credit losses. Valley uses a two-year reasonable and supportable forecast period, followed by a one-year period over which estimated losses revert to historical loss experience for the remaining life of the investment security. The economic forecast methodology and governance for debt securities is aligned with Valley's economic forecast used for the loan portfolio. Accrued interest receivable is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.
See the "New Authoritative Accounting Guidance" section below and Note 4 for more details regarding our adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 and the allowance for credit losses for held to maturity securities.
Impairment of Available for Sale Debt Securities
The impairment model for available for sale debt securities differs from the CECL methodology applied to held to maturity debt securities because the available for sale debt securities are measured at fair value rather than amortized cost. Available for sale debt securities in unrealized loss positions are evaluated for impairment related to credit losses on a quarterly basis. In performing an assessment of whether any decline in fair value is due to a credit loss, Valley considers the extent to which the fair value is less than the amortized cost, changes in credit ratings, any adverse economic conditions, as well as all relevant information at the individual security level, such as credit deterioration of the issuer or collateral underlying the security. In assessing the impairment, Valley compares the present value of cash flows expected to be collected with the amortized cost basis of the security. If it is determined that the decline in fair value was due to credit losses, an allowance for credit losses is recorded, limited to the amount the fair value is less than amortized cost basis. The non-credit related decrease in the fair value, such as a decline due to changes in market interest rates, is recorded in other comprehensive income, net of tax. Valley also assesses the intent to sell the securities (as well as the likelihood of a near-term recovery). If Valley intends to sell
812020 Form 10-K


an available for sale debt security or it is more likely than not that Valley will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the debt security is written down to its fair value and the write down is charged to the debt security’s fair value at the reporting date with any incremental impairment reported in earnings. See Note 4 for additional information.
Prior to January 1, 2020, Valley evaluated its investment securities classified as held to maturity and available for sale for other-than temporary impairment. Valley's evaluation of other-than-temporary impairment considered factors that included, among others, the causes of the decline in fair value, such as credit problems, interest rate fluctuations, or market volatility; and the severity and duration of the decline. Valley also assessed the intent and ability to hold the securities (as well as the likelihood of a near-term recovery), and the intent to sell the securities and whether it is more likely than not that Valley was required to sell the securities before the recovery of their amortized cost basis. Once a debt security was deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, it was written down to fair value with the estimated credit related component was recognized as an other-than-temporary impairment charge in non-interest income. The non-credit related component was recorded as an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.
Loans Held for Sale
Loans held for sale generally consist of residential mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market and are carried at their estimated fair value on an instrument-by-instrument basis as permitted by the fair value option election under U.S. GAAP. Changes in fair value are recognized in non-interest income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income as a component of net gains on sales of loans. Origination fees and costs related to loans originated for sale (and carried at fair value) are recognized as earned and as incurred. Loans held for sale are generally sold with loan servicing rights retained by Valley. Gains recognized on loan sales include the value assigned to the rights to service the loan. See the “Loan Servicing Rights” section below.
Loans and Loan Fees
Loans are reported at their outstanding principal balance net of any unearned income, charge-offs, unamortized deferred fees and costs on originated loans and premium or discounts on purchased loans, except for purchased credit deteriorated (PCD) loans recorded at the purchase price, including non-credit discounts, plus the allowance for credit losses expected at the time of acquisition. Loan origination and commitment fees, net of related costs are deferred and amortized as an adjustment of loan yield over the estimated life of the loans approximating the effective interest method.
Loans are deemed to be past due when the contractually required principal and interest payments have not been received as they become due. Loans are placed on non-accrual status generally, when they become 90 days past due and the full and timely collection of principal and interest becomes uncertain. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, interest accruals cease and uncollected accrued interest is reversed and charged against current income. Cash collections from non-accrual loans are generally credited to the loan balance, and no interest income is recognized on these loans until the principal balance has been determined to be a loss,fully collectible. A loan in which the borrowers’ obligation has not been released in bankruptcy courts may be restored to an accruing basis when it becomes well secured and is in the process of collection, or all past due amounts become current under the loan agreement and collectability is no longer doubtful.
Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans
As noted previously, Valley adopted ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, and thus 2020 follows the current expected credit losses methodology. Prior periods have been reported in accordance with establishedpreviously applicable GAAP, which followed the incurred credit losses methodology. The following policies when all effortsnoted are under the current expected credit losses methodology. A summary of collection have been exhausted.Valley’s previous policies under the incurred credit losses methodology follows at the end of this section.
The allowance for credit losses (ACL) is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Provisions for credit losses for loans and recoveries on loan previously charged-off by Valley are added back to the allowance.
Under CECL, Valley's methodology to establish the allowance for credit losses for loans has two basic components: (1) a collective reserve component for estimated lifetime expected credit losses for pools of loans that share common risk characteristics and (2) an individual reserve component for loans that do not share common risk characteristics. Previously, an allowance for loan losses was recognized based on probable incurred losses.
Reserves for loans that share common risk characteristics. Valley estimated the collective ACL using a current expected credit losses methodology which is based on relevant information about historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the loan balances. In estimating the component of the
2020 Form 10-K82


allowance on a collective basis, Valley uses a transition matrix model which calculates an expected life of loan loss percentage for each loan pool by generating probability of default and loss given default metrics. The metrics are based on the migration of loans from performing to loss by credit quality rating or delinquency categories using historical life-of-loan analysis periods for each loan portfolio pool, and the severity of loss, based on the aggregate net lifetime losses. The model's expected losses based on loss history are adjusted for qualitative factors. Among other things, these adjustments include and account for differences in: (i) the impact of the reasonable and supportable economic forecast, probability weightings and reversion period, (ii) other asset specific risks to the extent they do not exist in the historical loss information, and (iii) net expected recoveries of charged off loan balances. These adjustments are based on qualitative factors not reflected in the quantitative model but are likely to impact the measurement of estimated credit losses. The expected lifetime loss rate is the life of loan loss percentage from the transition matrix model plus the impact of the adjustments for qualitative factors. The expected credit losses are the product of multiplying the model’s expected lifetime loss rate by the exposure at default at period end on an undiscounted basis.
Valley utilizes a two-year reasonable and supportable forecast period followed by a one-year period over which estimated losses revert to historical loss experience for the remaining life of the loan on a straight-line basis. The forecasts consist of a multi-scenario economic forecast model to estimate future credit losses that is governed by a cross-functional committee. The committee meets each quarter to determine which economic scenarios developed by Moody's will be incorporated into the model, as well as the relative probability weightings of the selected scenarios, based upon all readily available information. The model projects economic variables under each scenario based on detailed statistical analyses. Valley has identified and selected key variables that most closely correlated to its historical credit performance, which include: GDP, unemployment and the Case-Shiller Home Price Index.
The loan credit quality data utilized in the transition matrix model is based on an internal credit risk rating system for the commercial and industrial loan and commercial real estate loan portfolio segments and delinquency aging status for the residential and consumer loan portfolio segments. Loans are risk-rated based on an internal credit risk grading process that evaluates, among other things: (i) the obligor’s ability to repay; (ii) the underlying collateral, if any; and (iii) the economic environment and industry in which the borrower operates. This analysis is performed at the relationship manager level for all commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans, and evaluated by the Loan Review Department on a test basis. Loans with a grade that is below “Pass” grade are adversely classified. Once a loan is adversely classified, the assigned relationship manager and/or a special assets officer in conjunction with the Credit Risk Management Department analyzes the loan to determine whether the loan is a collateral dependent asset (i.e., repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the sale or operation of the collateral) and the need to specifically assign a specific valuation allowance for loan losses to the loan, as discussed further below.
Reserves for loans that that do not share common risk characteristics. Valley measures specific reserves for individual loans that do not share common risk characteristics with other loans, consisting of collateral dependent, troubled debt restructured (TDR) loans, and expected TDR loans, based on the amount of lifetime expected credit losses calculated on those loans and charge-offs of those amounts determined to be uncollectible. Factors considered by Valley in measuring the extent of expected credit loss include payment status, collateral value, borrower financial condition, guarantor support and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Collateral dependent loan balances are written down to the estimated current fair value (less estimated selling costs) of each loan’s underlying collateral resulting in an immediate charge-off to the allowance, excluding any consideration for personal guarantees that may be pursued in the Bank’s collection process. If repayment is based upon future expected cash flows, the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate is compared to the carrying value of the loan, and any shortfall is recorded as the allowance for credit losses. The effective interest rate used to discount expected cash flows is adjusted to incorporate expected prepayments, if applicable.

Valley elected to exclude accrued interest on loans from the amortized cost of loans held for investment. The accrued interest is presented separately in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

Loans charge-offs. Loans rated as "loss" within Valley's internal rating system are charged-off. Commercial loans are generally assessed for full or partial charge-off to the net realizable value for collateral dependent loans when a loan is between 90 or 120 days past due or sooner if it is probable that a loan may not be fully collectable. Residential loans and home equity loans are generally charged-off to net realizable value when the loan is 120 days past due (or sooner when the borrowers’ obligation has been released in bankruptcy). Automobile loans are fully charged-off when the loan is 120 days past due or partially charged-off to the net realizable value of collateral, if the collateral is recovered prior to such time. Unsecured consumer loans are generally fully charged-off when the loan is 150 days past due.
Under the incurred credit losses methodology utilized in the prior periods, the allowance for credit losses was maintained at a level estimated to absorb probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio, as well as other credit risk related charge-offs. The allowance is based on ongoing evaluations of the probable estimated losses inherent in the non-PCInon-purchase credit impaired
832020 Form 10-K


(PCI) loan portfolio and off-balance sheet unfunded letters of credit, as well as reserves for impairment of PCI loans subsequent to their acquisition date. As discussed under the “Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans” section above, Valley had no allowance reserves related to PCI loans at December 31, 2018 and 2017. 2019.
The Bank’s methodology for evaluating the appropriateness of the allowance includesincluded grouping the non-covered loan portfolio into loan segments based on common risk characteristics, tracking the historical levels of classified loans and delinquencies, estimating the appropriate loss look-back and loss emergence periods related to historical losses for each loan segment, providing specific reserves on impaired loans, and assigning incremental reserves where necessary based upon qualitative and economic outlook factors including numerous variables, such as the nature and trends of recent loan charge-offs. Additionally, the volume of non-performing loans, concentration risks by size, type, and geography, new markets, collateral adequacy, credit policies and procedures, staffing, underwriting consistency, loan review and economic conditions are taken into consideration.
The allowance for loan losses consists of four elements: (i) specific reserves for individually impaired credits, (ii) reserves for adversely classified, or higher risk rated, loans that are not impaired, (iii) reserves for other loans based on historical loss factors (using the appropriate loss look-back and loss emergence periods) adjusted for both internal and external qualitative risk factors to Valley, including the aforementioned factors, as well as changes in both organic and purchased loan portfolio volumes, the composition and concentrations of credit, new market initiatives, and the impact of competition on loan structuring and pricing, and (iv) an allowance for PCI loan pools impaired subsequent to the acquisition date, if applicable.

772018 Form 10-K




The Credit Risk Management Department individually evaluates non-accrual (non-homogeneous) commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans over $250 thousand and all troubled debt restructured loans. The value of an impaired loan is measured based upon the underlying anticipated method of payment consisting of either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent, and its payment is expected solely based on the underlying collateral. If the value of an impaired loan is less than its carrying amount, impairment is recognized through a provision to the allowance for loan losses. Collateral dependent impaired loan balances are written down to the estimated current fair value (less estimated selling costs) of each loan’s underlying collateral resulting in an immediate charge-off to the allowance, excluding any consideration for personal guarantees that may be pursued in the Bank’s collection process. If repayment is based upon future expected cash flows, the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate is compared to the carrying value of the loan, and any shortfall is recorded as a specific valuation allowance in the allowance for loan losses. Accrual of interest is discontinued on an impaired loan when management believes, after considering collection efforts and other factors, the borrower’s financial condition is such that collection of all principal and interest is doubtful. Cash collections from non-accrual loans are generally credited to the loan balance, and no interest income is recognized on these loans until the principal balance has been determined to be fully collectible. Residential mortgage loans and consumer loans usually consist of smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment, and are specifically excluded from the impaired loan portfolio, except where the loan is classified as a troubled debt restructured loan.
The allowances established for probable losses on specific loans are based on a regular analysis and evaluation of the loans. Loans are evaluated based on an internal credit risk rating system for the commercial and industrial loan and commercial real estate loan portfolio segments and non-performing loan status for the residential and consumer loan portfolio segments. Loans are risk-rated based on an internal credit risk grading process that evaluates, among other things: (i) the obligor’s ability to repay; (ii) the underlying collateral, if any; and (iii) the economic environment and industry in which the borrower operates. This analysis is performed at the relationship manager level for all commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans, and evaluated by the Loan Review Department on a test basis. Loans with a grade that is below “Pass” grade are adversely classified. See Note 5 for details. Any change in the credit risk grade of adversely classified performing and/or non-performing loans affects the amount of the related allowance. Once a loan is adversely classified, the assigned relationship manager and/or a special assets officer in conjunction with the Credit Risk Management Department analyzes the loan to determine whether the loan is impaired and, if impaired, the need to specifically assign a valuation allowance for loan losses to the loan. Specific valuation allowances are determined by analyzing the borrower’s ability to repay amounts owed, collateral deficiencies, the relative risk grade of the loan and economic conditions affecting the borrower’s industry, among other things. Loans identified as losses by management are charged-off. Commercial loans are generally assessed for full or partial charge-off to the net realizable value for collateral dependent loans when a loan is between 90 or 120 days past due or sooner if it is probable that a loan may not be fully collectable. Residential loans and home equity loans are generally charged-off to net realizable value when the loan is 120 days past due (or sooner when the borrowers’ obligation has been released in bankruptcy). Automobile loans are fully charged-off when the loan is 120 days past due or partially charged-off to the net realizable value of collateral, if the collateral is recovered prior to such time. Unsecured consumer loans are generally fully charged-off when the loan is 150 days past due.
The allowance allocations for other loans (i.e., risk rated loans that are not adversely classified and loans that are not risk rated) are calculated by applying historical loss factors for each loan portfolio segment to the applicable outstanding loan portfolio balances. Loss factors are calculated using statistical analysis supplemented by management judgment. The statistical analysis considers historical default rates, historical loss severity in the event of default, and the average loss emergence period for each loan portfolio segment. The management analysis includes an evaluation of loan portfolio volumes, the composition and concentrations of credit, credit quality and current delinquency trends.
Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments
Theallowance for unfunded credit commitments consists of undisbursed non-cancellable lines of credit, new loan commitments and commercial letters of credit valued using a similar CECL methodology as used for loans. Management's estimate of expected losses inherent in these off-balance sheet credit exposures also incorporates estimated utilization rate over the commitment's contractual period or an expected pull-through rate for new loan commitments. The allowance for unfunded credit commitments is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
See NotesNote 5 and 6 for a discussion of Valley’s loan credit quality and additional allowance disclosures.for credit losses.
Leases
Lessor Arrangements. Valley's lessor arrangements primarily consist of direct financing and sales-type leases for equipment included in the commercial and industrial loan portfolio. Lease agreements may include options to renew and for the lessee to purchase the leased equipment at the end of the lease term.
Lessee Arrangements. Valley's lessee arrangements predominantly consist of operating and finance leases for premises and equipment. The majority of the operating leases include one or more options to renew that can significantly extend the lease terms. Valley’s leases have a wide range of lease expirations through the year 2062. 
Operating and finance leases are recognized as right of use (ROU) assets and lease liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position. The ROU assets represent the right to use underlying assets for the lease terms and lease liabilities represent Valley’s obligations to make lease payments arising from the lease. The ROU assets include any prepaid lease payments and initial direct costs, less any lease incentives. At the commencement dates of leases, ROU assets and lease liabilities are initially recognized based on their net present values with the lease terms including options to extend or terminate the lease when Valley is reasonably certain that the options will be exercised to extend. ROU assets are amortized into net occupancy and equipment expense over the expected lives of the leases.
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Lease liabilities are discounted to their net present values on the balance sheet based on incremental borrowing rates as determined at the lease commencement dates using quoted interest rates for readily available borrowings, such as fixed rate FHLB borrowings, with similar terms as the lease obligations. Lease liabilities are reduced by actual lease payments.
See Note 6 for additional information on Valley's lease related assets and obligations.
Premises and Equipment, Net
Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Estimated useful lives range from 3 years for capitalized software to up to 40 years for buildings. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the lease or estimated useful life of the asset, whichever is shorter. Major improvements are capitalized, while repairs and maintenance costs are charged to operations as incurred. Upon retirement or disposition, any gain or loss is credited or charged to operations. See Note 7 for further details.
Bank Owned Life Insurance
Valley owns bank owned life insurance (BOLI) to help offset the cost of employee benefits. BOLI is recorded at its cash surrender value. Valley’s BOLI is invested primarily in U.S. Treasury securities and residential mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored enterprises and Ginnie Mae. The majority of the underlying investment portfolio is managed by one

2018 Form 10-K78




independent investment firm. The change in the cash surrender value is included as a component of non-interest income and is exempt from federal and state income taxes as long as the policies are held until the death of the insured individuals.
Other Real Estate Owned
Valley acquires other real estate owned (OREO) through foreclosure on loans secured by real estate. OREO is reported at the lower of cost or fair value, as established by a current appraisal (less estimated costs to sell), and it is included in other assets. Any write-downs at the date of foreclosure are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Expenses incurred to maintain these properties, unrealized losses resulting from valuation write-downs after the date of foreclosure, and realized gains and losses upon sale of the properties are included in other non-interest expense. OREO totaled $9.5$5.1 million and $9.8$9.4 million at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively. OREO included foreclosed residential real estate properties totaling $852 thousand$1.0 million and $7.3$2.1 million at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively. Residential mortgage and consumer loans secured by residential real estate properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings are in process totaled $1.8$1.9 million and $3.8$2.8 million at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively.
Goodwill
Intangible assets resulting from acquisitions under the acquisition method of accounting consist of goodwill and other intangible assets (see “Other Intangible Assets” below). Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of businesses acquired over the fair value of the net assets acquired and is not amortizedamortized. The initial recording of goodwill and other intangible assets requires subjective judgments concerning estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities. Goodwill is subject to an annual assessmenttests for impairment. Currently, theimpairment or more often, if events or circumstances indicate it may be impaired.
Prior to January 1, 2020, goodwill impairment analysis is generallywas determined using a two-step quantitative test. However,On January 1, 2020, Valley adopted ASU No. 2017-04, which simplified the impairment test by eliminating the step two requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, an impairment loss is recognized if the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, with the impairment loss not to exceed the amount of goodwill allocated to the unit (formerly step one of the two-step test). Goodwill is allocated to Valley's reporting unit, which is a business segment or one level below, at the date goodwill is recorded. Under current accounting guidance, Valley may choose to perform an optional qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-stepsingle-step quantitative goodwill impairment test for one or more reporting units in future periods. During 2018 and 2017, Valley elected to perform step one of the two-step goodwill impairment test for all of its reporting units.each annual period.
Goodwill is allocated to Valley’s reporting unit, which is a business segment or one level below, at the date goodwill is actually recorded. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, a second step in the analysis is performed to determine the amount of impairment, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded equal to the excess amount in the current period earnings. Valley reviews goodwill for impairment annually during the second quarter using a quantitative test, or more frequently if a triggering event indicates impairment may have occurred,occurred. Our determination of whether or not goodwill is impaired requires us to determine potential impairment by determiningmake judgments, and use significant estimates and assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows. If we change our strategy or if market conditions shift, our judgments may change, which may result in adjustments to the fair value of the reporting unit has fallen below the carrying value.recorded goodwill balance.
Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets primarily consist of loan servicing rights (largely generated from loan servicing retained by the Bank on residential mortgage loan originations sold in the secondary market to government sponsored enterprises), core
852020 Form 10-K


deposits (the portion of an acquisition purchase price which represents value assigned to the existing deposit base) and, to a much lesser extent, customer lists obtained through acquisitions. Other intangible assets are amortized using various methods over their estimated lives and are periodically evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows. If impairment is deemed to exist, an adjustment is recorded to earnings in the current period for the difference between the fair value of the asset and its carrying amount. See further details regarding loan servicing rights below.
Loan Servicing Rights
Loan servicing rights are recorded when originated mortgage loans are sold with servicing rights retained, or when servicing rights are purchased. Valley initially records the loan servicing rights at fair value. Subsequently, the loan servicing rights are carried at the lower of unamortized cost or market (i.e., fair value). The fair values of the loan servicing rights for each risk-stratified group of loan servicing rights are determinedcalculated using a method which utilizes servicing income, discount rates,fair value model from a third party vendor that uses various inputs and assumptions, including but not limited to, prepayment speeds, internal rate of return (“discount rate”), servicing cost, ancillary income, float rate, tax rate, and default rates specifically relative to Valley’s portfolio for originated mortgage servicing rights.inflation. The prepayment speed and the discount rate are considered two of the most significant inputs in the model.
The unamortizedUnamortized costs associated with acquiring loan servicing rights, net of any valuation allowances, are included in other intangible assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition and are accounted for using the amortization method. Under this method, Valley amortizes the loan servicing assets in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing revenues. On a quarterly basis, Valley stratifies its loan servicing assets into groupings based on risk characteristics and assesses each group for impairment based on fair value. A valuation allowance is established through an impairment charge to earnings to the extent the unamortized cost of a stratified group of loan servicing rights exceeds its estimated fair value. Increases in the fair value of impaired loan servicing rights are recognized as a reduction of the valuation allowance, but not in excess of such allowance. The amortization of loan servicing rights is recorded in non-interest income.

792018 Form 10-K




Stock-Based Compensation
Compensation expense for stock options and restricted stock units, restricted stock and stock option awards (i.e., non-vested stock awards) is based on the fair value of the award on the date of the grant and is recognized ratably over the service period of the award. Under Valley’sBeginning in 2019, Valley's long-term incentive compensation plans,plan was amended to include a service period requirement for award grantees thatwho are eligible for retirement dopursuant to which an award will vest at one-twelfth per month after the grant date, which requires the grantees to continue service with Valley for one year in order for the award to fully vest. Compensation expense for these awards is amortized monthly over a one year period after the grant date. Prior to 2019, award grantees who were eligible for retirement did not have a service period requirement. Compensation expense for these awards is recognized immediately in earnings. The service period for non-retirement eligible employees is the shorter of the stated vesting period of the award or the period until the employee’s retirement eligibility date. The fair value of each option granted is estimated using a binomial option pricing model. The fair value of restricted stock units and awards is based upon the last sale price reported for Valley’s common stock on the date of grant or the last sale price reported preceding such date, except for performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards with a market condition. The grant date fair value of a performance-based restricted stock or restricted stock unit award that vests based on a market condition is determined by a third party specialist using a Monte Carlo valuation model. See Note 12 for additional information.
Fair Value Measurements
In general, fair values of financial instruments are based upon quoted market prices, where available. When observable market prices and parameters are not fully available, management uses valuation techniques based upon internal and third party models requiring more management judgment to estimate the appropriate fair value measurements. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value, including adjustments based on internal cash flow model projections that utilize assumptions similar to those incorporated by market participants. Other adjustments may include amounts to reflect counterparty credit quality and Valley’s creditworthiness, among other things, as well as unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments are applied consistently over time. See Note 3 for additional information.
Revenue Recognition
On January 1, 2018, Valley adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)" and subsequent related updates that modify the guidance used to recognize revenue from contracts with customers for transfers of goods and services and transfers of non-financial assets, unless those contracts are within the scope of other guidance. The adoption did not materially change Valley's recognition of revenues within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606. Valley's revenue contracts generally have a single performance obligation, as the promise to transfer the individual goods or services is not separately identifiable, or distinct from other obligations within the contracts. Valley does not have a material amount of long-term customer agreements that include multiple performance obligations requiring price allocation and differences in the timing of revenue recognition. Valley has no customer contracts with variable fee agreements based upon performance.
The following revenues, reported separately within total non-interest income on the consolidated statements of income, are Valley's revenue within the scope of ASC Topic 606:
Trust606 includes: (i) trust and investment services. Trust and investments services include fees income from investment management, investment advisory, trust, custody and other products. Trust and investment management fee income is primarily from client assets under management (AUM) for which the fees are determined based upon a tiered scale relative to the market value of the AUM. The revenue from trust and investment services is typically earned over theproducts; (ii) service period specified in the contract.
Service charges on deposit accounts. Service charges on deposit accounts include fees from
2020 Form 10-K86


checking accounts, savings accounts, overdrafts, insufficient funds, ATM transactions and other activities. The revenues for most deposit related fees are recognized immediately upon performance of the service due to the short-term nature of the contractual terms.
Otheractivities; and (iii) other income. Other income within the scope of ASC Topic 606 within this revenue category includes from fee income related to derivative interest rate swaps executed with commercial loan customers, and fees from interchange, wire transfers, credit cards, safe deposit box, ACH, lockbox and various other products and services-related income. These fees are either recognized immediately at the related transaction date or over the period in which the related service is provided. Other income also consists of items which are outside the scope of ASC Topic 606, including letters of credit fees, net gains and losses on sales of assets and income or expense related to certain changes in FDIC loss-share receivables.
Income Taxes
Valley uses the asset and liability method to provide income taxes on all transactions recorded in the consolidated financial statements. This method requires that income taxes reflect the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets or liabilities for book and tax purposes. Accordingly, a deferred tax asset or liability for each temporary difference is determined based on the enacted tax rates that will be in effect when the underlying items of income and expense are expected to be realized.

2018 Form 10-K80




Valley’s expense for income taxes includes the current and deferred portions of that expense. Deferred tax assets are recognized if, in management's judgment, their realizability is determined to be more likely than not. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount we expect to realize. Deferred income tax expense or benefit results from differences between assets and liabilities measured for financial reporting versus income-tax return purposes. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date. See Note 13 for details regarding the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted by the U.S. government on December 22, 2017.
Valley maintains a reserve related to certain tax positions that management believes contain an element of uncertainty. An uncertain tax position is measured based on the largest amount of benefit that management believes is more likely than not to be realized. Periodically, Valley evaluates each of its tax positions and strategies to determine whether the reserve continues to be appropriate.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income or loss is defined as the change in equity of a business entity during a period due to transactions and other events and circumstances, excluding those resulting from investments by and distributions to shareholders. Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income or loss. Valley’s components of other comprehensive income or loss, net of deferred tax, include: (i) unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale (including the non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairment charges relating to these securities);sale; (ii) unrealized gains and losses on derivatives used in cash flow hedging relationships; and (iii) the pension benefit adjustment for the unfunded portion of its various employee, officer, and director pension plans. Income tax effects are released from accumulated other comprehensive income on an individual unit of account basis. Valley presents comprehensive income and its components in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for all periods presented. See Note 19 for additional disclosures.
Earnings Per Common Share
In Valley's computation of the earnings per common share, the numerator of both the basic and diluted earnings per common share is net income available to common shareholders (which is equal to net income less dividends on preferred stock). The weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in the denominator for basic earnings per common share is increased to determine the denominator used for diluted earnings per common share by the effect of potentially dilutive common stock equivalents utilizing the treasury stock method.


The following table shows the calculation of both basic and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016:2018:
202020192018
 (in thousands, except for share data)
Net income available to common shareholders$377,918 $297,105 $248,740 
Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding403,754,356 337,792,270 331,258,964 
Plus: Common stock equivalents1,291,851 2,325,538 1,434,754 
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding405,046,207 340,117,808 332,693,718 
Earnings per common share:
Basic$0.94 $0.88 $0.75 
Diluted0.93 0.87 0.75 
 2018 2017 2016
 (in thousands, except for share data)
Net income available to common shareholders$248,740
 $152,458
 $160,958
Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding331,258,964
 264,038,123
 254,841,571
Plus: Common stock equivalents1,434,754
 850,884
 426,765
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding332,693,718
 264,889,007
 255,268,336
Earnings per common share:     
Basic$0.75
 $0.58
 $0.63
Diluted0.75
 0.58
 0.63
872020 Form 10-K


Common stock equivalents represent the dilutive effect of additional common shares issuable upon the assumed vesting or exercise, if applicable, of performance-based restricted stock units and common stock options and warrants to purchase Valley’s common shares. Common stock options with exercise prices that exceed the average market price of Valley’s common stock during the periods presented may have an anti-dilutive effect on the diluted earnings per common share calculation and therefore are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation. Average outstandingcalculation along with restricted stock units. Potential anti-dilutive warrantsweighted common shares totaled approximately 1.7 million, 288 thousand, and to a lesser extent, common stock options equaled approximately 2.1 million 3.1 million, and 4.0 million of common shares for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. All of the outstanding warrants expired unexercised in the fourth quarter of 2018. See Note 18 for details.

812018 Form 10-K




Preferred and Common Stock Dividends
Valley issued 4.6 million shares and 4.0 million shares of non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock in June 2015 and August 2017, respectively, which were initially recorded at fair value (seevalue. See Note 18 for additional details on the preferred stock issuances).issuances. The preferred shares are senior to Valley common stock, whereas the current year dividends must be paid before Valley can pay dividends to its common stockholders.shareholders. Preferred dividends declared are deducted from net income for computing income available to common stockholdersshareholders and earnings per common share computations.
Cash dividends to both preferred and common stockholdersshareholders are payable and accrued when declared by Valley's Board of Directors.
Treasury Stock
Treasury stock is recorded using the cost method and accordingly is presented as a reduction of shareholders’ equity.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
As part of its asset/liability management strategies and to accommodate commercial borrowers, Valley has used interest rate swaps and caps to hedge variability in cash flows or fair values caused by changes in interest rates. Valley also uses derivatives not designated as hedges for non-speculative purposes to (1) manage its exposure to interest rate movements related to a service for commercial lending customers, risk participation agreements sharing(2) share the risk of default on the interest rate swaps forrelated to certain purchased or sold loan participations through the use of risk participation agreements and (3) manage the interest rate risk of mortgage banking activities consisting ofwith customer interest rate lock commitments and forward contracts to sell residential mortgage loans, andloans. Valley also has hybrid instruments, consisting of market linked certificates of deposit with an embedded swap contract. Valley records all derivatives including embedded derivatives as assets or liabilities at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
Derivatives used to hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Derivatives used to hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Valley records all derivatives as assets or liabilities at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is initially reported in other comprehensive income or loss and subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings, and the ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized directly in earnings. For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative and the hedged item related to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. On a quarterly basis, Valley assesses the effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the changes in cash flows or fair value of the derivative hedging instrument with the changes in cash flows or fair value of the designated hedged item or transaction. If a hedging relationship is terminated due to ineffectiveness, and the derivative instrument is not re-designated to a new hedging relationship, the subsequent change in fair value of such instrument is charged directly to earnings. Derivatives not designated as hedges do not meet the hedge accounting requirements under U.S. GAAP. Changes in fair value of derivatives not designated in hedging relationships are recorded directly in earnings. Valley calculates the credit valuation adjustments to the fair value of derivatives designated as fair value hedges on a net basis by counterparty portfolio, as an accounting policy election under the provisions of ASU No. 2011-04.election.
New Authoritative Accounting Guidance
New Accounting Guidance Adopted in 2018
2020. ASU No. 2018-13, "Fair Value2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changesof Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" amends the accounting guidance on the impairment of financial instruments. The FASB issued an amendment to replace the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement" eliminates, amends and adds disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. In addition, the amendments eliminate the term "atincurred loss impairment methodology under prior accounting guidance with a minimum" from the disclosure requirements under Topic 820 to promote an appropriate exercise of discretion to consider materiality when evaluating required disclosures.new CECL model.

Valley adopted ASU No. 2018-13, issued in August 2018, is effective for all entities for reporting periods beginning2016-13 on January 1, 2020 with earlyusing the modified retrospective approach for all financial assets measured at amortized cost (except for PCD loans) and off-balance sheet credit exposures. At adoption, permitted. Early adoption is allowedValley recorded a $100.4 million increase to its allowance for any period for which the financial statements have not been issued yet or have not been made available for issuance. As a result, Valley elected to early adopt ASU No. 2018-13 during the third quartercredit losses, including reserves of 2018. The adoption resulted in the removal of the Level 3 assets roll-forward$92.5 million, $7.1 million and qualitative and quantitative disclosures regarding valuation techniques and unobservable inputs used to measure the fair value of Level 3 assets previously presented in Note 3 due to the immaterial amount of such assets (which were also subsequently sold during the fourth quarter of 2018).
ASU No. 2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities" amends the hedge accounting recognition and presentation requirements to better align a company’s financial reporting for hedging activities with the economic objectives of those activities. ASU No. 2017-12 is effective for the annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted. Valley elected to early adopt ASU No. 2017-12 for annual and

$793 thousand
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interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018. The adoptionrelated to loans, unfunded credit commitments and held to maturity debt securities, respectively. Of the $92.5 million in loan reserves, $61.6 million represents PCD loan related reserves which were recognized through a gross-up that increased the amortized cost basis of ASU No. 2017-12 requiredloans with a modified retrospective methodcorresponding increase to be used by Valleythe allowance for credit losses, and therefore resulted in an immaterial cumulative-effect adjustmentno impact to retained earnings asshareholders' equity. The remaining non-credit discount of January 1, 2018$97.7 million related to eliminatePCD loans is accreted into interest income over the separate measurement of ineffectiveness from accumulated comprehensive income (see Note 19).
ASU No. 2017-07, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost" requires service cost to be reported in the same financial statement line item(s) as other current employee compensation costs. All other components of expense must be presented separately from service cost, and outside any subtotal of income from operations. Only the service cost component of expense is eligible to be capitalized. ASU No. 2017-07 should be applied retrospectively for the presentationlife of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement, and prospectively, on and afterloans at the effective date, for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit in assets. ASU No. 2017-07 was effective for Valley for its annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018. ASU No. 2017-07 did not have a significant impact on the presentation of Valley's consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory”. Under previous U.S. GAAP, the tax effects of intercompany sales were deferred until the transferred asset is sold to a third party or otherwise recovered through amortization. This was an exception to the accounting for income taxes that generally requires recognition of current and deferred income taxes. Effective January 1, 2018, ASU No. 2016-16 eliminated the exception for intercompany sales of assets. ASU No. 2016-16 was applied using the modified retrospective method, and, as a result, Valley recorded a $17.6 million cumulative effect adjustment that reduced retained earningsinterest rate effective January 1, 20182020. Valley elected the prospective transition approach for PCD loans that were previously classified as purchased-credit impaired (PCI) loans. Under this guidance, Valley was not required to record netreassess whether PCI loans met the PCD loans criteria as of the date of the date of adoption. The non-PCD loan related increase to the allowance for credit losses of $38.8 million, including the reserves for unfunded loan commitments and held to maturity debt securities, was offset in shareholders' equity and deferred tax liabilities relatedassets. See Notes 4 and 5 for allowance for credit losses required disclosures. Reporting periods prior to pre-existing transactions.
ASU No. 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments" clarifies how certain cash receipts and cash payments should be classified and presented in the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 includes guidance on eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity of practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 was effective for Valley for annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018 and it was applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. ASU No. 2016-15 did not have a significant impact on the presentation of Valley's consolidated statements of cash flows.
ASU No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” requires that: (i) equity investments with readily determinable fair values must be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, (ii) equity investments without readily determinable fair values must be measured at either fair value or at cost adjusted for changes in observable prices minus impairment with changes in value under either of these methods recognized in net income, (iii) entities that record financial liabilities at fair value due to a fair value option election must recognize changes in fair value caused by a change in instrument-specific credit risk in other comprehensive income, (iv) entities must assess whether a valuation allowance is required for deferred tax assets related to available-for-sale debt securities, and (v) entities are required to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes. ASU No. 2016-01 also eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet (see Note 3). ASU No. 2016-01 was effective for Valley for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018 and did not have a material effect on Valley’s consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)" and subsequent related updates modify the guidance used to recognize revenue from contracts with customers for transfers of goods or services and transfers of non-financial assets, unless those contracts are within the scope of other guidance. The updates also require new qualitative and quantitative disclosures, including disaggregation of revenues and descriptions of performance obligations. The guidance does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including loans and securities that are accounted for under other U.S. GAAP. Valley adopted the guidance on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method, however, Valley did not record a cumulative-effect adjustment to opening retained earnings at the adoption date because it found no material changes related to the timing or amount of revenue recognition. Consequently, the new revenue recognition standard did not have a material impact on Valley’s consolidated financial statements. Valley has also concluded that additional disaggregation of revenue categories that are within the scope of the new guidance is not necessary. See the "Revenue Recognition" section of Note 1 above for additional information.
ASU No. 2018-15 “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract” requires implementation costs incurred in cloud computing arrangements which do not include a software license to be deferred and expensed over the term of the hosting arrangement. The implementation costs should be deferred using the Topic 350-40 “Internal-Use Software” model to

832018 Form 10-K




determine which implementation costs are eligible to be capitalized based on the project stage and nature of the cost. The expense should be presented in the same income statement line item as the fees associated with the cloud computing arrangement. ASU No. 2018-15 will be effective for public entities' annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted. ASU No. 2018-15 should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively. However, prospective transition would be applied to any eligible costs incurred on or after the adoption date related to arrangements entered into before and after the adoption date. During the fourth quarter of 2018, Valley adopted ASU No. 2018-15 on a prospective basis. The adoption of ASU No. 2018-15 did not have a significant impact on Valley's consolidated financial statements.
New Accounting Guidance to be Adopted in the First Quarter of 2019
ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” and subsequent related updates require lessees to recognize leases on balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The new standard establishes a right-of-use model that requires lessees to recognize a right of use (ROU) asset and related lease liability for all leases with a term longer than 12 months. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize right of use assets and lease liabilities. Leases will continue to be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement. Topic 842 became effective for Valley for reporting periods after January 1, 2019 and it had a material effect on our financial statements related to the recognition of new ROU assets and lease liabilities and significant new disclosures about leasing activities. The new standard also provides several optional practical expedients in transition and accounting policy elections. Valley elected the "package of practical expedients," the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components, and the short-term lease recognition exemption accounting policy election.
Valley initially applied Topic 842 at the adoption date and recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2019 under the new optional transition method provided by ASU No. 2018-11, "Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements". Upon adoption, Valley recorded a right of use asset of approximately $216 million (net of the reversal of the current deferred rent liability) and lease obligation of approximately $241 million as of January 1, 2019. The recognized right of use asset is expected to negatively impact total risk-based capital by approximately 10 to 12 basis points and tier 1 capital by approximately 7 to 9 basis points during the first quarter of 2019. Valley applied the hindsight practical expedient and concluded that several lease terms should be reduced. As a result, Valley will adjust the initial recognition of the carrying amount of ROU asset and lease obligation and record an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2019 totaling $6.2 million. The comparative prior periods reported in the financial statements in the period of adoption will continue to be presented in accordance with current GAAP in Topic 840.previously applicable GAAP.
ASU No. 2017-08, "Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities" shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. ASU No. 2017-08 requires the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The accounting for securities held at a discount does not change and the discount continues to be amortized as an adjustment to yield over the contractual life (to maturity) of the instrument. ASU No. 2017-08 is effective for Valley for the annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted, and is to be applied using the modified retrospective method. Additionally, in the period of adoption, entities should provide disclosures about a change in accounting principle. ASU No. 2017-08 will not have a significant impact on Valley's consolidated financial statements.
New Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted


ASU No. 2017-04, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment" eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (i.e., Step 2 of the current goodwill impairment test guidance) to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, an entity will be required to record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (i.e., measure the charge based on Step 1 of the current guidance). In addition, ASU No. 2017-04 eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. However, an entity will be required to disclose the amount of goodwill allocated to each reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount of net assets. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU No. 2017-04 iswas effective for Valley for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginningon January 1, 2020 and is notValley applied this new guidance in its annual goodwill impairment test performed during the second quarter 2020.
New Accounting Guidance Issued in 2020. ASU No. 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)" provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contract modifications and hedging relationships that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to have a significant impact on the presentation of Valley's consolidated financial statements. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim goodwill impairment testing dates.
ASU No. 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" amends the accounting guidance on the impairment of financial instruments. ASU No. 2016-13 addsbe discontinued, subject to U.S. GAAP

2018 Form 10-K84




an impairment model (known as the current expected credit loss (CECL) model) that is based on all expected losses over the lives of the assets rather than incurred losses.meeting certain criteria. Under the new guidance, an entity can elect by accounting topic or industry subtopic to account for the modification of a contract affected by reference rate reform as a continuation of the existing contract, if certain conditions are met. In addition, the new guidance allows an entity to elect on a hedge-by-hedge basis to continue to apply hedge accounting for hedging relationships in which the critical terms change due to reference rate reform, if certain conditions are met. A one-time election to sell and/or transfer held to maturity debt securities that reference a rate affected by reference rate reform is required to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts.also allowed. ASU No. 2016-13 is2020-04 became effective for Valley for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2020.all entities as of March 12, 2020 and can apply to all LIBOR reference rate modifications any time through December 31, 2022. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the ASU on Valley’s consolidated financial statements. Valley has established a working group to identify and prepare fall back language and replacement provisions. In addition, the working group is evaluating substitute indices for LIBOR and testing Valley's models and systems that currently use LIBOR to ensure reference rates change readiness.
New Accounting Guidance Adopted in the First Quarter 2021.ASU No. 2020-08, "Codification Improvements to Subtopic 310-20, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs" provides clarification and affects the guidance previously issued by ASU No. 2017-08 “Receivables -Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities.” ASU No. 2020-08 clarifies that an entity should reevaluate whether a debt security with multiple call dates is within the scope of paragraph 310-20-35-33. For each reporting period, to the extent that the amortized cost basis of an individual callable debt security exceeds the amount repayable by the issuer at the next call date, the premium should be amortized to the next call date, unless the guidance to consider estimated prepayments is applied. Valley adopted ASU No. 2020-08 on January 1, 2021. This new guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on Valley’s implementation effortconsolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2021-01 "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)" extends some of Topic 848’s optional expedients to derivative contracts impacted by the discounting transition, including for derivatives that do not reference LIBOR or other reference rates that are expected to be discontinued. ASU No. 2021-01 is managed through several cross-functional working groups.  These groups continueeffective for all entities immediately upon issuance and may be elected retrospectively to evaluateeligible modifications as of any date from the requirementsbeginning of the interim period that includes March 12, 2020, or prospectively to new standard, assess itsmodifications made on or after any date within the interim period including January 7, 2021. The ASU No. 2021-01 is not expected to have a significant impact on current operational processes, and develop loss models that accurately project lifetime expected loss estimates. Valley expects that the adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 will result in an increase in its allowance for credit losses due to several factors, including: (i) the allowance related to Valley loans will increase to include credit losses over the full remaining expected life of the portfolio, and will consider expected future changes in macroeconomic conditions, (ii) the nonaccretable difference (as defined in Note 8) on PCI loans will be recognized as an allowance, offset by an increase in the carrying value of the related loans, and (iii) an allowance will be established for estimated credit losses on investment securities classified as held to maturity. The extent of the increase is under evaluation, but will depend upon the nature and characteristics of Valley's loan and investment portfolios at the adoption date, and the economic conditions and forecasts at that date.Valley’s consolidated financial statements.




892020 Form 10-K


BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Note 2)


Oritani Financial Corp.
On December 1, 2019, Valley completed its acquisition of Oritani Financial Corp. ("Oritani") and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Oritani Bank. Oritani had approximately $4.3 billion in assets, $3.4 billion in net loans and $2.9 billion in deposits, after purchase accounting adjustments, and a branch network of 26 locations. The acquisition represented a significant addition to Valley's New Jersey franchise, and meaningfully enhanced its presence in the Bergen County market. The common shareholders of Oritani received 1.60 shares of Valley common stock for each Oritani share that they owned prior to the merger. The total consideration for the acquisition was approximately $835.3 million, consisting of 71.1 million shares of Valley common stock and the outstanding Oritani stock-based awards.
Merger expenses totaled $1.9 million and $16.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which primarily related to salary and employee benefits, as well as professional and legal, net occupancy and equipment, and other expenses. These expenses are included in non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income.
During 2020, Valley revised the estimated fair values of the acquired assets as of the Oritani acquisition date due to additional information obtained that existed as of December 1, 2019. The adjustments mostly related to the fair value of certain loans, current taxes payable and the valuation of deferred tax assets as of the acquisition date. These adjustments resulted in an $8.8 million increase in goodwill (see Note 8 for amount of goodwill as allocated to Valley's business segments).
Had the acquisition of Oritani taken place on the beginning of the following annual periods presented, Valley’s revenues (defined as the sum of net interest income and non-interest income), net income, basic earnings per share, and diluted earnings per share would have equaled the amounts indicated in the following table for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 20192018
(in thousands, except per share data)Unaudited
Revenues$1,219,887 $1,106,012 
Net income361,079 313,977 
Basic earnings per share0.86 0.75 
Diluted earnings per share0.85 0.75 

USAmeriBancorp, Inc.
On January 1, 2018, Valley completed its acquisition of USAmeriBancorp, Inc. (USAB) headquartered in Clearwater, Florida. USAB, largely through its wholly-owned subsidiary, USAmeriBank, had approximately $5.1 billion in assets, $3.7 billion in net loans and $3.6 billion in deposits, after purchase accounting adjustments, and maintained a branch network of 29 offices at December 31, 2018.offices. The acquisition representsrepresented a significant addition to Valley’s Florida presence, primarily in the Tampa Bay market. The acquisition also brought Valley to the Birmingham, Montgomery, and Tallapoosa areas in Alabama, where USAB maintained 15 of its branches. The common shareholders of USAB received 6.1 shares of Valley common stock for each USAB share they own.owned prior to the merger. The total consideration for the acquisition was approximately $737 million, consisting of 64.9 million shares of Valley common stock and the outstanding USAB stock-based awards.
Merger expenses totaled $17.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, which primarily related to salary and employee benefits and other expenses are included in non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income.

852018 Form 10-K





The following table sets forth assets acquired, and liabilities assumed in the USAB acquisition, at their estimated fair values as of the closing date of the transaction:
 January 1, 2018
 (in thousands)
Assets acquired: 
Cash and cash equivalents$156,612
Investment securities held to maturity214,217
Investment securities available for sale308,385
Loans3,736,984
Premises and equipment62,066
Bank owned life insurance49,052
Accrued interest receivable12,123
Goodwill394,028
Other intangible assets45,906
Other assets: 
Deferred taxes10,623
Other real estate owned4,073
FHLB and FRB stock38,809
Tax credit investments20,138
Other26,416
Total other assets100,059
Total assets acquired$5,079,432
Liabilities assumed: 
Deposits: 
Non-interest bearing$887,083
Savings, NOW and money market1,678,115
Time999,645
Total deposits3,564,843
Short-term borrowings649,979
Long-term borrowings87,283
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts13,249
Accrued expenses and other liabilities26,848
Total liabilities assumed$4,342,202
Common stock issued in acquisition$737,230

The determination of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed required management to make estimates about discount rates, future expected cash flows, market conditions, and other future events that are highly subjective in nature and subject to change. The fair value estimates are subject to change for up to one year after the closing date of the transaction if additional information (existing at the date of closing) relative to closing date fair values becomes available. Valley revised the estimated fair values of the acquired assets as of the acquisition date due to additional acquisition date information obtained during the second half of 2018. The adjustments related to the fair value of certain purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loans and deferred tax assets which, on a combined basis, resulted in a $5.8 million net increase in goodwill (see Note 8 for amount of goodwill as allocated to Valley's business segments).


2018 Form 10-K86




Fair Value Measurement of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

Described below are the methods used to determine the fair values of the significant assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the USAB acquisition.

Cash and cash equivalents. The estimated fair values of cash and cash equivalents approximate their stated face amounts, as these financial instruments are either due on demand or have short-term maturities.

Investment securities. The estimated fair values of the investment securities were calculated utilizing Level 2 inputs. The prices for these instruments are obtained through an independent pricing service when available, or dealer market participants with whom Valley has historically transacted both purchases and sales of investment securities. The prices are derived from market quotations and matrix pricing. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things. Management reviewed the data and assumptions used in pricing the securities by its third party provider to ensure the highest level of significant inputs are derived from market observable data.

Loans. The acquired loan portfolio was segregated into categories for valuation purposes primarily based on loan type (commercial, commercial real estate, residential and consumer) and credit risk rating. The estimated fair values were computed by discounting the expected cash flows from the respective portfolios. Management estimated the contractual cash flows expected to be collected at the acquisition date by using valuation models that incorporated estimates of current key assumptions, such as prepayment speeds, default rates, and loss severity rates. Prepayment assumptions were developed by reference to recent or historical prepayment speeds observed for loans with similar underlying characteristics. Prepayment assumptions were influenced by many factors, including, but not limited to, forward interest rates, loan and collateral types, payment status, and current loan-to-value ratios. Default and loss severity rates were developed by reference to recent or historical default and loss rates observed for loans with similar underlying characteristics. Default and loss severity assumptions were influenced by many factors, including, but not limited to, underwriting processes and documentation, vintages, collateral types, collateral locations, estimated collateral values, loan-to-value ratios, and debt-to-income ratios.

The expected cash flows from the acquired loan portfolios were discounted to present value based on the estimated market rates. The market rates were estimated using a buildup approach based on the following components: funding cost, servicing cost and consideration of liquidity premium.  The funding cost estimated for the loans was based on a mix of wholesale borrowing and equity funding. The methods used to estimate the Level 3 fair values of loans are extremely sensitive to the assumptions and estimates used. While management attempted to use assumptions and estimates that best reflected the acquired loan portfolios and current market conditions, a greater degree of subjectivity is inherent in these values than in those determined in active markets.

The difference between the fair value and the expected cash flows from the acquired loans will be accreted to interest income over the remaining term of the loans in accordance with ASC Subtopic 310-30, “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality.” See Note 5 for further details.

Other intangible assets. Other intangible assets mostly consisting of core deposit intangibles (CDI) are measures of the value of non-maturity checking, savings, NOW and money market deposits that are acquired in a business combination. The fair value of the CDI is based on the present value of the expected cost savings attributable to the core deposit funding, relative to an alternative source of funding. The CDI is amortized over an estimated useful life of 10 years to approximate the existing deposit relationships acquired.

Deposits. The fair values of deposit liabilities with no stated maturity (i.e., non-interest bearing accounts and savings, NOW and money market accounts) are equal to the carrying amounts payable on demand. The fair values of certificates of deposit represent contractual cash flows, discounted to present value using interest rates currently offered on deposits with similar characteristics and remaining maturities.

Short-term borrowings. The short-term borrowings consist of securities sold under agreements to repurchase and FHLB advances. The carrying amounts approximate their fair values because they frequently re-price to a market rate.

Long-term borrowings. The fair values of long-term borrowings consisting of subordinated notes and FHLB advances were estimated by discounting the estimated future cash flows using market discount rates for borrowings with similar characteristics, terms and remaining maturities. See Note 10 for further details.

872018 Form 10-K




Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts. There is no active market for the trust preferred securities issued by Aliant Statutory Trust II; therefore, the fair value of junior subordinated debentures was estimated utilizing the income approach. Valuation methods under the income approach include those methods that provide for the direct capitalization of earnings estimates, as well as valuation methods calling for the forecasting of future benefits (earnings or cash flows) and then discounting those benefits to the present at an appropriate discount rate. Under the income approach, the expected cash flows over the remaining estimated life were discounted to the present at an appropriate discount rate. See Note 11 for further details.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Note 3)
Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,”Measurements” establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1Unadjusted exchange quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, or identical liabilities traded as assets that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 1 - Unadjusted exchange quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, or identical liabilities traded as assets that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 - Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly (i.e., quoted prices on similar assets) for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 2Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly (i.e., quoted prices on similar assets), for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).


Level 3 - Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).
20182020 Form 10-K8890






Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis and Non-Recurring Basis
The following tables present the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy as reported on the consolidated statements of financial condition at December 31, 20182020 and 2017.2019. The assets presented under “non-recurring fair value measurements” in the table below are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments under certain circumstances (e.g., when an impairment loss is recognized).
  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
December 31,
2018
 
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable  Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
December 31,
2020
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable  Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
(in thousands) (in thousands)
Recurring fair value measurements:       Recurring fair value measurements:
Assets       Assets
Investment securities:       Investment securities:
Available for sale:       
Equity securities (1)
Equity securities (1)
$26,379 $18,600 $$
Available for sale debt securities:Available for sale debt securities:
U.S. Treasury securities$49,306
 $49,306
 $
 $
U.S. Treasury securities51,393 51,393 
U.S. government agency securities36,277
 
 36,277
 
U.S. government agency securities26,157 26,157 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions197,092
 
 197,092
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions79,950 79,135 815 
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,429,782
 
 1,429,782
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,090,022 1,090,022 
Corporate and other debt securities37,087
 
 37,087
 
Corporate and other debt securities91,951 91,951 
Total available for sale1,749,544
 49,306
 1,700,238
 
Loans held for sale (1)
35,155
 
 35,155
 
Other assets (2)
48,979
 
 48,979
 
Total available for sale debt securitiesTotal available for sale debt securities1,339,473 51,393 1,287,265 815 
Loans held for sale (2)
Loans held for sale (2)
301,427 301,427 
Other assets (3)
Other assets (3)
387,452 387,452 
Total assets$1,833,678
 $49,306
 $1,784,372
 $
Total assets$2,054,731 $69,993 $1,976,144 $815 
Liabilities       Liabilities
Other liabilities (2)
$23,681
 $
 $23,681
 $
Other liabilities (3)
Other liabilities (3)
$156,281 $$156,281 $
Total liabilities$23,681
 $
 $23,681
 $
Total liabilities$156,281 $$156,281 $
Non-recurring fair value measurements:       Non-recurring fair value measurements:
Collateral dependent impaired loans (3)
$45,245
 $
 $
 $45,245
Collateral dependent loansCollateral dependent loans$35,228 $$$35,228 
Loan servicing rights273
 
 
 273
Loan servicing rights15,603 15,603 
Foreclosed assets5,673
 
 
 5,673
Foreclosed assets7,387 7,387 
Total$51,191
 $
 $
 $51,191
Total$58,218 $$$58,218 
912020 Form 10-K


  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
 December 31,
2019
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable  Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 (in thousands)
Recurring fair value measurements:
Assets
Investment securities:
Equity securities at fair value$41,410 $41,410 $$
Available for sale debt securities:
U.S. Treasury securities50,943 50,943 
U.S. government agency securities29,243 29,243 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions170,051 169,371 680 
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,254,786 1,254,786 
Corporate and other debt securities61,778 61,778 
Total available for sale debt securities1,566,801 50,943 1,515,178 680 
Loans held for sale (2)
76,113 76,113 
Other assets (3)
158,532 158,532 
Total assets$1,842,856 $92,353 $1,749,823 $680 
Liabilities
Other liabilities (3)
$43,926 $$43,926 $
Total liabilities$43,926 $$43,926 $
Non-recurring fair value measurements:
Collateral dependent impaired loans$39,075 $$$39,075 
Loan servicing rights1,591 1,591 
Foreclosed assets10,807 10,807 
Total$51,473 $$$51,473 
892018 Form 10-K


(1)Includes equity securities measured as net asset value (NAV) per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient totaling $7.8 million at December 31, 2020. These securities have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.

(2)Represents residential mortgage loans held for sale that are carried at fair value and had contractual unpaid principal balances totaling approximately $286.4 million and $74.5 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

(3)Derivative financial instruments are included in this category.
   Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
 December 31,
2017
 
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable  Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 (in thousands)
Recurring fair value measurements:       
Assets       
Investment securities:       
Available for sale:       
U.S. Treasury securities$49,642
 $49,642
 $
 $
U.S. government agency securities42,505
 
 42,505
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions112,884
 
 112,884
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,223,295
 
 1,215,935
 7,360
Trust preferred securities3,214
 
 3,214
 
Corporate and other debt securities51,164
 7,783
 43,381
 
Equity securities11,201
 1,382
 9,819
 
Total available for sale1,493,905
 58,807
 1,427,738
 7,360
Loans held for sale (1)
15,119
 
 15,119
 
Other assets (2)
26,417
 
 26,417
 
Total assets$1,535,441
 $58,807
 $1,469,274
 $7,360
Liabilities       
Other liabilities (2)
$24,330
 $
 $24,330
 $
Total liabilities$24,330
 $
 $24,330
 $
Non-recurring fair value measurements:       
Collateral dependent impaired loans (3)
$48,373
 $
 $
 $48,373
Loan servicing rights5,350
 
 
 5,350
Foreclosed assets3,472
 
 
 3,472
Total$57,195
 $
 $
 $57,195
(1)
Represents residential mortgage loans held for sale that are carried at fair value and had contractual unpaid principal balances totaling approximately $34.6 million and $14.8 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(2)
Derivative financial instruments are included in this category.
(3)
Excludes PCI loans.


Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following valuation techniques were used for financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis. All of the valuation techniques described below apply to the unpaid principal balance, excluding any accrued interest or dividends at the measurement date. Interest income and expense are recorded within the consolidated statements of income depending on the nature of the instrument using the effective interest method based on acquired discount or premium.
Equity Securities. The fair value of equity securities largely consists of a publicly traded mutual fund, a Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) investment fund that is carried at quoted prices in active markets and privately held CRA funds measured at NAV.
Available for sale debt securities. All U.S. Treasury securities, certain corporate and other debt securities, and certain preferred equity securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. The majority of other investment securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. The prices for these instruments are obtained through an independent pricing service or dealer market participants with whom Valley has historically transacted both purchases and sales of investment securities. Prices obtained from these sources include prices derived from market quotations and matrix pricing. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things. Management reviews the data and assumptions used in pricing the securities by its third party provider to ensure the highest level of significant inputs are derived
2020 Form 10-K92


from market observable data. In addition, Valley reviews the volume and level of activity for all available for sale securities and attempts to identify transactions which may not be orderly or reflective of a significant level of activity and volume.

2018 Form 10-K90




For certain private mortgage-backed securities reportedIn calculating the fair value of one impaired special revenue bond (within obligations of states and political subdivisions in the table above) under Level 3, Valley prepared its best estimate of the present value of the cash flows to determine an internal price estimate. In determining the internal price, Valley utilized recent financial information and developments provided by the issuer, as well as other unobservable inputs which reflect Valley’s own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing of the defaulted security. A quoted price received from an independent pricing service was weighted with the internal price estimate to determine the fair value of the instrument at December 31, 2017, Valley prepared present value cash flow models derived from unobservable market2020 and 2019. See Note 4 for additional information (Level 3 inputs). During the fourth quarter of 2018, Valley sold all of the its Level 3 available for sale securities, including 4 private label mortgage-backed securities.regarding this impaired security.
Loans held for sale.  Residential mortgage loans originated for sale are reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs. The fair values were calculated utilizing quoted prices for similar assets in active markets. The market prices represent a delivery price, which reflects the underlying price each institution would pay Valley for an immediate sale of an aggregate pool of mortgages. Non-performance risk did not materially impact the fair value of mortgage loans held for sale at December 31, 20182020 and 20172019 based on the short duration these assets were held and the credit quality of these loans.
Derivatives.  Derivatives are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. The fair valuevalues of Valley’s derivatives are determined using third party prices that are based on discounted cash flow analysesanalysis using observed market inputs, such as the LIBOR, and Overnight Index Swap rate curves.and Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) curves for all cleared derivatives. The fair value of mortgage banking derivatives, consisting of interest rate lock commitments to fund residential mortgage loans and forward commitments for the future delivery of such loans (including certain loans held for sale at December 31, 20182020 and 2017)2019), is determined based on the current market prices for similar instruments. The fair values of most of the derivatives incorporate credit valuation adjustments, which consider the impact of any credit enhancements to the contracts, to account for potential nonperformance risk of Valley and its counterparties. The credit valuation adjustments were not significant to the overall valuation of Valley’s derivatives at December 31, 20182020 and 2017.2019.


Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis
The following valuation techniques were used for certain non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, including impairedcollateral dependent loans reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral, loan servicing rights and foreclosed assets, which are reported at fair value upon initial recognition or subsequent impairment as described below.
ImpairedCollateral dependent loans.  Certain impaired  Collateral dependent loans are reported at the fair valueloans where foreclosure of the underlying collateral ifis probable, or where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and substantially all of the repayment is expected solely from the collateral and are commonly referred to as “collateral dependent impaired loans.”collateral. Collateral values are estimated using Level 3 inputs, consisting of individual third-party appraisals that are significantlymay be adjusted based on customizedcertain discounting criteria. At December 31, 2018, certainCertain real estate appraisals may be discounted based on specific market data by location and property type. During 2018 and 2017,At December 31, 2020, collateral dependent impaired loans were individually re-measured and reported at fair value through direct loan charge-offs to the allowance for loan losses and/or a specific valuation allowance allocation based on the fair value of the underlying collateral. The collateral dependent loan direct charge-offs to the allowance for loan losses totaled $638 thousand$4.5 million and $2.1 million for the years ended December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively. TheseAt December 31, 2020, collateral dependent impairedloans, primarily consisting of taxi medallion loans, with a total recorded investmentamortized cost of $73.7$104.4 million and $57.5$74.6 million at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively, were reduced by specific valuation allowance for loan losses allocations totaling $28.5$69.1 million and $9.1$35.5 million to a reported total net carrying amount of $45.2$35.2 million and $48.4$39.1 million at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively.
Loan servicing rights.  Fair values for each risk-stratified group of loan servicing rights are calculated using a fair value model from a third party vendor that requires inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (Level 3). The fair value model is based on various assumptions, including but not limited to, prepayment speeds, internal rate of return (“discount rate”)(discount rate), servicing cost, ancillary income, float rate, tax rate, and inflation. The prepayment speed and the discount rate are considered two of the most significant inputs in the model. At December 31, 2018,2020, the fair value model used a blended prepayment speedsspeed (stated as constant prepayment rates) from 0 percent up to 24of 19.8 percent and a discount rate of 89.6 percent for the valuation of the loan servicing rights. A significant degree of judgment is involved in valuing the loan servicing rights using Level 3 inputs. The use of different assumptions could have a significant positive or negative effect on the fair value estimate. Impairment charges are recognized on loan servicing rights when the amortized cost of a risk-stratified group of loan servicing rights exceeds the estimated fair value. Valley recorded net recoveries of impairment charges on itsCertain loan servicing rights were re-measured at fair value totaling$388 thousand $15.6 million and $429 thousand the years ended$1.6 million at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively. See Note 8 for additional information.
Foreclosed assets.  Certain foreclosed assets (consisting of other real estate owned and other repossessed assets included in other assets), upon initial recognition and transfer from loans, are re-measured and reported at fair value through a charge-off to the allowance for loan losses based upon the fair value of the foreclosed assets. The fair value of a foreclosed asset, upon initial recognition, is typically estimated using Level 3 inputs, consisting of a third-party appraisal less estimated cost to sell. When an appraisal thatasset is adjusted based on customized discounting criteria, similaracquired, the excess of the loan balance over fair value, less estimated selling costs, is charged to the criteria usedallowance for impaired loans described above. There were noloan losses. If further declines in the estimated fair value
932020 Form 10-K


of the asset occur, an asset is re-measured and reported at fair value through a write-down recorded in non-interest expense. The adjustments to the appraisals of foreclosed assets ranged from 1.5 percent to 22 percent at December 31, 2018. During the years ended2020 and were 0t material at December 31, 2018 and 2017, foreclosed assets measured at fair value upon initial recognition or subsequent re-measurement totaled $5.7 million and $3.5 million, respectively. The charge-offs of foreclosed assets to the allowance for loan losses totaled $2.0 million and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The re-measurement of foreclosed assets at fair value subsequent to their initial recognition resulted in losses of $390 thousand, $361 thousand and $1.0 million included in non-interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.2019.

912018 Form 10-K





Other Fair Value Disclosures
ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments,” requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or non-recurring basis.
The fair value estimates presented in the following table were based on pertinent market data and relevant information on the financial instruments available as of the valuation date. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the entire portfolio of financial instruments. Because no market exists for a portion of the financial instruments, fair value estimates may be based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
Fair value estimates are based on existing balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. For instance, Valley has certain fee-generating business lines (e.g., its mortgage servicing operation, trust and investment management departments) that were not considered in these estimates since these activities are not financial instruments. In addition, the tax implications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of the estimates.
2020 Form 10-K94



The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments not measured and not reported at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial condition at December 31, 20182020 and 20172019 were as follows:
   December 31,
   2018 2017
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value 
Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value
   (in thousands)
Financial assets         
Cash and due from banksLevel 1 $251,541
 $251,541
 $234,310
 $234,310
Interest bearing deposits with banksLevel 1 177,088
 177,088
 172,800
 172,800
Investment securities held to maturity:         
U.S. Treasury securitiesLevel 1 138,517
 142,049
 138,676
 145,257
U.S. government agency securitiesLevel 2 8,721
 8,641
 9,859
 9,981
Obligations of states and political subdivisionsLevel 2 585,656
 586,033
 465,878
 477,479
Residential mortgage-backed securitiesLevel 2 1,266,770
 1,235,605
 1,131,945
 1,118,044
Trust preferred securitiesLevel 2 37,332
 31,486
 49,824
 40,088
Corporate and other debt securitiesLevel 2 31,250
 31,129
 46,509
 46,771
Total investment securities held to maturity  2,068,246
 2,034,943
 1,842,691
 1,837,620
Net loansLevel 3 24,883,610
 24,068,755
 18,210,724
 17,562,153
Accrued interest receivableLevel 1 95,296
 95,296
 73,990
 73,990
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock (1) 
Level 1 232,080
 232,080
 178,668
 178,668
Financial liabilities         
Deposits without stated maturitiesLevel 1 17,388,990
 17,388,990
 14,589,941
 14,589,941
Deposits with stated maturitiesLevel 2 7,063,984
 7,005,573
 3,563,521
 3,465,373
Short-term borrowingsLevel 1 2,118,914
 2,091,892
 748,628
 679,316
Long-term borrowingsLevel 2 1,654,268
 1,751,194
 2,315,819
 2,453,797
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trustsLevel 2 55,370
 55,692
 41,774
 37,289
Accrued interest payable (2) 
Level 1 25,762
 25,762
 14,161
 14,161
  20202019
 Fair Value
Hierarchy
Carrying
Amount
Fair ValueCarrying
Amount
Fair Value
  (in thousands)
Financial assets
Cash and due from banksLevel 1$257,845 $257,845 $256,264 $256,264 
Interest bearing deposits with banksLevel 11,071,360 1,071,360 178,423 178,423 
Equity securities (1)
Level 32,999 2,999 
Held to maturity debt securities:
U.S. Treasury securitiesLevel 168,126 75,484 138,352 144,113 
U.S. government agency securitiesLevel 26,222 6,513 7,345 7,362 
Obligations of states and political subdivisionsLevel 2470,259 484,506 500,705 513,607 
Residential mortgage-backed securitiesLevel 21,550,306 1,589,655 1,620,119 1,629,572 
Trust preferred securitiesLevel 237,348 30,033 37,324 31,382 
Corporate and other debt securitiesLevel 240,750 41,421 32,250 32,684 
Total held to maturity debt securities (2)
2,173,011 2,227,612 2,336,095 2,358,720 
Net loansLevel 331,876,869 31,635,060 29,537,449 28,964,396 
Accrued interest receivableLevel 1106,230 106,230 105,637 105,637 
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock (3)
Level 2250,116 250,116 214,421 214,421 
Financial liabilities
Deposits without stated maturitiesLevel 125,220,924 25,220,924 19,467,892 19,467,892 
Deposits with stated maturitiesLevel 26,714,678 6,639,022 9,717,945 9,747,867 
Short-term borrowingsLevel 11,147,958 1,151,478 1,093,280 1,081,879 
Long-term borrowingsLevel 22,295,665 2,405,345 2,122,426 2,181,401 
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trustsLevel 256,065 57,779 55,718 53,889 
Accrued interest payable (4)
Level 118,839 18,839 33,066 33,066 
(1)
Included in other assets.
(2)
Included in accrued expenses and other liabilities.

(1)Represents equity securities without a readily determinable fair value measured at costs less impairment, if any.
(2)The carrying amount is presented gross without the allowance for credit losses.
(3)Included in other assets.
(4)Included in accrued expenses and other liabilities.


2018952020 Form 10-K92






INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Note 4)

Equity Securities
Held to Maturity
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses andEquity securities carried at fair value of investment securities held to maturitytotaled $29.4 million and $41.4 million at December 31, 20182020 and 2017 were as follows:
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2018       
U.S. Treasury securities$138,517
 $3,532
 $
 $142,049
U.S. government agency securities8,721
 55
 (135) 8,641
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:       
Obligations of states and state agencies341,702
 4,332
 (5,735) 340,299
Municipal bonds243,954
 3,141
 (1,361) 245,734
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions585,656
 7,473
 (7,096) 586,033
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,266,770
 3,203
 (34,368) 1,235,605
Trust preferred securities37,332
 77
 (5,923) 31,486
Corporate and other debt securities31,250
 96
 (217) 31,129
Total investment securities held to maturity$2,068,246
 $14,436
 $(47,739) $2,034,943
December 31, 2017       
U.S. Treasury securities$138,676
 $6,581
 $
 $145,257
U.S. government agency securities9,859
 122
 
 9,981
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:       
Obligations of states and state agencies244,272
 7,083
 (1,653) 249,702
Municipal bonds221,606
 6,199
 (28) 227,777
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions465,878
 13,282
 (1,681) 477,479
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,131,945
 4,842
 (18,743) 1,118,044
Trust preferred securities49,824
 60
 (9,796) 40,088
Corporate and other debt securities46,509
 532
 (270) 46,771
Total investment securities held to maturity$1,842,691
 $25,419
 $(30,490) $1,837,620

932018 Form 10-K




The age of unrealized losses and fair value of related securities held to maturity at2019, respectively. At December 31, 20182020, Valley's equity securities consisted of one publicly traded money market mutual fund, CRA investments both public traded and 2017 were as follows:
 
Less than
Twelve Months
 
More than
Twelve Months
 Total
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2018           
U.S. government agency securities$
 $
 $6,074
 $(135) $6,074
 $(135)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:           
Obligations of states and state agencies16,098
 (266) 138,437
 (5,469) 154,535
 (5,735)
Municipal bonds3,335
 (37) 60,078
 (1,324) 63,413
 (1,361)
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions19,433
 (303) 198,515
 (6,793) 217,948
 (7,096)
Residential mortgage-backed securities72,240
 (852) 846,671
 (33,516) 918,911
 (34,368)
Trust preferred securities
 
 30,055
 (5,923) 30,055
 (5,923)
Corporate and other debt securities9,948
 (52) 4,835
 (165) 14,783
 (217)
Total$101,621
 $(1,207) $1,086,150
 $(46,532) $1,187,771
 $(47,739)
December 31, 2017           
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:           
Obligations of states and state agencies$6,342
 $(50) $53,034
 $(1,603) $59,376
 $(1,653)
Municipal bonds4,644
 (25) 561
 (3) 5,205
 (28)
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions10,986
 (75) 53,595
 (1,606) 64,581
 (1,681)
Residential mortgage-backed securities344,216
 (2,357) 570,969
 (16,386) 915,185
 (18,743)
Trust preferred securities
 
 38,674
 (9,796) 38,674
 (9,796)
Corporate and other debt securities9,980
 (270) 
 
 9,980
 (270)
Total$365,182
 $(2,702) $663,238
 $(27,788) $1,028,420
 $(30,490)
The unrealized losses on investmentprivately held and, to a lesser extent, equity securities available for sale are primarily due to changes in interest rates (including, in certain cases, changes in credit spreads), and in some cases, lack of liquidity in the marketplace. The total number of security positions in the securities held to maturity portfolio in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2018 was 378 as compared to 152 at December 31, 2017.
The unrealized losses existing for more than twelve months within the residential mortgage-backed securities category of the held to maturity portfolio at December 31, 2018 mostly related to investment grade securities issued by Ginnie Mae and Fannie Mae.
The unrealized losses existing for more than twelve months for trust preferred securities at December 31, 2018 primarily related to four non-rated single-issuer securities, issued by bank holding companies. All single-issuer trust preferred securities classified as held to maturity are paying in accordance with their terms, have no deferrals of interest or defaults and, if applicable, the issuers meet the regulatory capital requirements to be considered “well-capitalized institutions” at December 31, 2018.
As of December 31, 2018, thewithout readily determinable fair value of investments held to maturity that were pledged to secure public deposits, repurchase agreements, lines of credit, and for other purposes required by law was $1.3 billion.
The contractual maturities of investments in debt securities held to maturity at December 31, 2018 are set forth in the table below. Maturities may differ from contractual maturities in residential mortgage-backed securities because the mortgages

2018 Form 10-K94




underlying the securities may be prepaid without any penalties. Therefore, residential mortgage-backed securities are not included in the maturity categories in the following summary.
 December 31, 2018
 Amortized Cost Fair Value
 (in thousands)
Due in one year$21,418
 $21,459
Due after one year through five years274,389
 278,051
Due after five years through ten years260,835
 267,813
Due after ten years244,834
 232,015
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,266,770
 1,235,605
Total investment securities held to maturity$2,068,246
 $2,034,943
Actual maturities of debt securities may differ from those presented above since certain obligations provide the issuer the right to call or prepay the obligation prior to scheduled maturity without penalty.
The weighted-average remaining expected life for residential mortgage-backed securities held to maturity was 7.7 years at December 31, 2018.values.
Available for Sale Debt Securities
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of investment securities available for sale at December 31, 20182020 and 20172019 were as follows:
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
December 31, 2018       
December 31, 2020December 31, 2020
U.S. Treasury securities$50,975
 $
 $(1,669) $49,306
U.S. Treasury securities$50,031 $1,362 $$51,393 
U.S. government agency securities36,844
 71
 (638) 36,277
U.S. government agency securities25,067 1,103 (13)26,157 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:       Obligations of states and political subdivisions:
Obligations of states and state agencies100,777
 18
 (3,682) 97,113
Obligations of states and state agencies40,861 970 (32)41,799 
Municipal bonds101,207
 209
 (1,437) 99,979
Municipal bonds37,489 731 (69)38,151 
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions201,984
 227
 (5,119) 197,092
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions78,350 1,701 (101)79,950 
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,469,059
 1,484
 (40,761) 1,429,782
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,050,369 40,426 (773)1,090,022 
Corporate and other debt securities37,542
 213
 (668) 37,087
Corporate and other debt securities89,689 2,294 (32)91,951 
Total investment securities available for sale$1,796,404
 $1,995
 $(48,855) $1,749,544
Total investment securities available for sale$1,293,506 $46,886 $(919)$1,339,473 
December 31, 2017       
December 31, 2019December 31, 2019
U.S. Treasury securities$50,997
 $
 $(1,355) $49,642
U.S. Treasury securities$50,952 $12 $(21)$50,943 
U.S. government agency securities42,384
 158
 (37) 42,505
U.S. government agency securities28,982 280 (19)29,243 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:       Obligations of states and political subdivisions:
Obligations of states and state agencies38,435
 158
 (374) 38,219
Obligations of states and state agencies78,116 540 (83)78,573 
Municipal bonds74,752
 477
 (564) 74,665
Municipal bonds90,662 902 (86)91,478 
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions113,187
 635
 (938) 112,884
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions168,778 1,442 (169)170,051 
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,239,534
 2,423
 (18,662) 1,223,295
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,248,814 11,234 (5,262)1,254,786 
Trust preferred securities3,726
 
 (512) 3,214
Corporate and other debt securities50,701
 623
 (160) 51,164
Corporate and other debt securities61,261 628 (111)61,778 
Equity securities10,505
 1,190
 (494) 11,201
Total investment securities available for sale$1,511,034
 $5,029
 $(22,158) $1,493,905
Total investment securities available for sale$1,558,787 $13,596 $(5,582)$1,566,801 
9520182020 Form 10-K96






The age of unrealized losses and fair value of related securities available for sale at December 31, 20182020 and 20172019 were as follows:
 Less than
Twelve Months
More than
Twelve Months
Total
 Fair ValueUnrealized
Losses
Fair ValueUnrealized
Losses
Fair ValueUnrealized
Losses
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2020
U.S. government agency securities$$$1,479 $(13)$1,479 $(13)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:
Obligations of states and state agencies1,010 (32)1,010 (32)
Municipal bonds6,777 (69)6,777 (69)
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions6,777 (69)1,010 (32)7,787 (101)
Residential mortgage-backed securities41,418 (500)27,911 (273)69,329 (773)
Corporate and other debt securities12,517 (32)12,517 (32)
Total$60,712 $(601)$30,400 $(318)$91,112 $(919)
December 31, 2019
U.S. Treasury securities$25,019 $(21)$$$25,019 $(21)
U.S. government agency securities1,783 (19)1,783 (19)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:
Obligations of states and state agencies18,540 (21)8,755 (62)27,295 (83)
Municipal bonds13,177 (86)13,177 (86)
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions18,540 (21)21,932 (148)40,472 (169)
Residential mortgage-backed securities240,412 (1,194)282,798 (4,068)523,210 (5,262)
Corporate and other debt securities5,139 (111)5,139 (111)
Total$289,110 $(1,347)$306,513 $(4,235)$595,623 $(5,582)
 
Less than
Twelve Months
 
More than
Twelve Months
 Total
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2018           
U.S. Treasury securities$
 $
 $49,306
 $(1,669) $49,306
 $(1,669)
U.S. government agency securities2,120
 (20) 26,775
 (618) 28,895
 (638)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:           
Obligations of states and state agencies17,560
 (95) 75,718
 (3,587) 93,278
 (3,682)
Municipal bonds5,018
 (106) 70,286
 (1,331) 75,304
 (1,437)
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions22,578
 (201) 146,004
 (4,918) 168,582
 (5,119)
Residential mortgage-backed securities119,645
 (668) 1,221,942
 (40,093) 1,341,587
 (40,761)
Corporate and other debt securities12,339
 (161) 12,397
 (507) 24,736
 (668)
Total$156,682
 $(1,050) $1,456,424
 $(47,805) $1,613,106
 $(48,855)
December 31, 2017           
U.S. Treasury securities$916
 $(2) $48,726
 $(1,353) $49,642
 $(1,355)
U.S. government agency securities31,177
 (37) 
 
 31,177
 (37)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:           
Obligations of states and state agencies13,337
 (131) 7,792
 (243) 21,129
 (374)
Municipal bonds31,669
 (256) 12,133
 (308) 43,802
 (564)
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions45,006
 (387) 19,925
 (551) 64,931
 (938)
Residential mortgage-backed securities406,940
 (2,461) 599,167
 (16,201) 1,006,107
 (18,662)
Trust preferred securities
 
 3,214
 (512) 3,214
 (512)
Corporate and other debt securities5,855
 (45) 15,115
 (115) 20,970
 (160)
Equity securities
 
 5,150
 (494) 5,150
 (494)
Total$489,894
 $(2,932) $691,297
 $(19,226) $1,181,191
 $(22,158)
The unrealized losses on investment securitiesWithin the available for sale are primarily due to changes in interest rates (including, in certain cases, changes in credit spreads) and, in some cases, lack of liquidity indebt securities portfolio, the marketplace. The total number of security positions in the securities available for sale portfolio in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 20182020 was 54558 as compared to 327182 at December 31, 2017.
The unrealized losses more than twelve months for the residential mortgage-backed securities category of the available for sale portfolio at December 31, 2018 largely related to several investment grade securities mainly issued by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac.2019.
As of December 31, 2018,2020, the fair value of securities available for sale that were pledged to secure public deposits, repurchase agreements, lines of credit, and for other purposes required by law, was $1.1 billion.

$789.0 million.
2018972020 Form 10-K96





The contractual maturities of investments securities available for sale debt securities at December 31, 20182020 are set forth in the following table. Maturities may differ from contractual maturities in residential mortgage-backed securities because the mortgages underlying the securities may be prepaid without any penalties. Therefore, residential mortgage-backed securities are not included in the maturity categories in the following summary.
December 31, 2018 December 31, 2020
Amortized Cost Fair ValueAmortized CostFair Value
(in thousands) (in thousands)
Due in one year$4,666
 $4,643
Due in one year$14,553 $14,555 
Due after one year through five years125,825
 123,051
Due after one year through five years82,656 85,179 
Due after five years through ten years78,305
 76,640
Due after five years through ten years92,674 94,629 
Due after ten years118,549
 115,428
Due after ten years53,254 55,088 
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,469,059
 1,429,782
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,050,369 1,090,022 
Total investment securities available for sale$1,796,404
 $1,749,544
Total investment securities available for sale$1,293,506 $1,339,473 
Actual maturities of available for sale debt securities may differ from those presented above since certain obligations provide the issuer the right to call or prepay the obligation prior to scheduled maturity without penalty.
The weighted-average remaining expected life for residential mortgage-backed securities available for sale was 7.83.4 years at December 31, 2018.2020.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Analysis of Available for Sale Debt Securities
Valley records impairment charges on its investmentValley's available for sale debt securities when the decline in fair value is considered other-than-temporary. Numerous factors, including lack of liquidity for re-sales of certain investment securities; decline in the creditworthiness of the issuer; absence of reliable pricing information for investment securities; adverse changes in business climate; adverse actions by regulators; or unanticipated changes in the competitive environment could have a negative effect on Valley’s investment portfolio and may result in other-than-temporary impairment on certain investment securities in future periods. Valley's investment portfolios include trust preferred securities andincludes corporate bonds (including some issued by banks).and revenue bonds, among other securities. These investmentstypes of securities may pose a higher risk of future impairment charges by Valley as a result of the unpredictable nature of the U.S. economy and its potential negative effect on the future performance of the security issuers.issuers, including due to the economic effects of COVID-19 pandemic.
For the single-issuer trust preferred securities and corporate and otherAvailable for sale debt securities Valley reviews each portfolioin unrealized loss positions are evaluated for impairment related to determine if all the securities are paying in accordance with their terms and have no deferrals of interest or defaults. A deferral event by a bank holding company for which Valley holds trust preferred securities may require the recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment charge if Valley determines that it is more likely than not that all contractual interest and principal cash flows may not be collected. Among other factors, the probability of the collection of all interest and principal determined by Valley in its impairment analysis declines if there is an increase in the estimated deferral period of the issuer. Additionally, a FDIC receivership for any single-issuer would result in an impairment and significant loss. Including the other factors outlined above, Valley analyzes the performance of the issuerscredit losses on a quarterly basis, including a review of performance data from the issuers’ most recent bank regulatory report, if applicable, to assess their credit risk and the probability of impairment of the contractual cash flows of the applicable security. All of the issuers had capital ratios at December 31, 2018basis. See Note 1 for further information regarding Valley's accounting policy. Valley has evaluated available for sale debt securities that were at or above the minimum amounts to be considered a “well-capitalized” financial institution, if applicable, and/or have maintained performance levels adequate to support the contractual cash flows of the trust preferred securities.
At December 31, 2018, approximately 40.6 percent of the $782.7 million carrying value of obligations of states and political subdivisions were issued by the states of (or municipalities within) New Jersey, Utah, Texas, and Maryland. The obligations of states and political subdivisions mainly consist of general obligation bonds and, to lesser extent, special revenue bonds which hadare in an aggregated amortized cost and fair value of $198.8 million and $193.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2018. Special revenue bonds were largely issued by the Utah and Minnesota and other state housing authorities, as well Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. As part of Valley’s pre-purchase analysis and on-going quarterly assessment of impairment of the obligations of states and political subdivisions, our Credit Risk Management Department conducts a financial analysis and risk rating assessment of each security issuer based on the issuer’s most recently issued financial statements and other publicly available information. Substantially all of these investments are investment grade. As of December 31, 2018, these securities are expected to perform in accordance with their contractual terms and, as a result, Valley expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis of these securities.
There were no other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities recognized in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. Management does not believe that any individual unrealized loss position as of December 31, 20182020 included in the investment portfolio tablestable above represents other-than-temporary impairment as management mainly attributesand has determined that the declines in fair value are mainly attributable to

972018 Form 10-K




changes in interest rates and market volatility, not credit quality or other factors. Based on a comparison of the present value of expected cash flows to the amortized cost, management recognized 0 impairment during the year ended December 31, 2020 and, as a result, there was 0 allowance for credit losses for available for sale debt securities at December 31, 2020.
During 2019, Valley recognized a $2.9 million impairment charge on one special revenue bond classified as available for sale (within the obligations of states and state agencies in the tables above). The impairment was due to severe credit deterioration disclosed by the issuer in the second quarter 2019, as well as the issuer's default on its contractual payment. At December 31, 2020, the non-accruing impaired security had an adjusted amortized cost and fair value of $680 thousand and $815 thousand, respectively. At December 31, 2020, the revenue bonds, included in the obligations of states and political subdivisions, are a mix of municipal bonds with investment grade ratings or non-rated revenue bonds mostly secured by Ginnie Mae securities that are commonly referred to as Tax Exempt Mortgage Securities (TEMS) and paying in accordance with their contractual terms.


2020 Form 10-K98


Held to Maturity Debt Securities
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of investment debt securities held to maturity at December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2020
U.S. Treasury securities$68,126 $7,358 $$75,484 
U.S. government agency securities6,222 291 6,513 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:
Obligations of states and state agencies262,762 8,060 (105)270,717 
Municipal bonds207,497 6,292 213,789 
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions470,259 14,352 (105)484,506 
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,550,306 39,603 (254)1,589,655 
Trust preferred securities37,348 50 (7,365)30,033 
Corporate and other debt securities40,750 672 (1)41,421 
Total investment securities held to maturity$2,173,011 $62,326 $(7,725)$2,227,612 
December 31, 2019
U.S. Treasury securities$138,352 $5,761 $$144,113 
U.S. government agency securities7,345 58 (41)7,362 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:
Obligations of states and state agencies297,454 7,745 (529)304,670 
Municipal bonds203,251 5,696 (10)208,937 
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions500,705 13,441 (539)513,607 
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,620,119 14,803 (5,350)1,629,572 
Trust preferred securities37,324 39 (5,981)31,382 
Corporate and other debt securities32,250 454 (20)32,684 
Total investment securities held to maturity$2,336,095 $34,556 $(11,931)$2,358,720 
992020 Form 10-K


The age of unrealized losses and fair value of related securities held to maturity at December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
 Less than
Twelve Months
More than
Twelve Months
Total
 Fair ValueUnrealized
Losses
Fair ValueUnrealized
Losses
Fair ValueUnrealized
Losses
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2020
Obligations of states and political subdivisions$5,546 $(105)$$$5,546 $(105)
Residential mortgage-backed securities21,599 (245)2,470 (9)24,069 (254)
Trust preferred securities28,630 (7,365)28,630 (7,365)
Corporate and other debt securities10,749 (1)10,749 (1)
Total$37,894 $(351)$31,100 $(7,374)$68,994 $(7,725)
December 31, 2019
U.S. government agency securities$5,183 $(41)$$$5,183 $(41)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:
Obligations of states and state agencies11,178 (55)32,397 (474)43,575 (529)
Municipal bonds798 (10)798 (10)
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions11,178 (55)33,195 (484)44,373 (539)
Residential mortgage-backed securities307,885 (1,387)254,915 (3,963)562,800 (5,350)
Trust preferred securities29,990 (5,981)29,990 (5,981)
Corporate and other debt securities4,980 (20)4,980 (20)
Total$324,246 $(1,483)$323,080 $(10,448)$647,326 $(11,931)
Within the securities held to maturity portfolio, the total number of security positions in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2020 was 13 as compared to 82 at December 31, 2019.
As of December 31, 2020, the fair value of debt securities held to maturity that were pledged to secure public deposits, repurchase agreements, lines of credit, and for other purposes required by law was $1.4 billion.
The contractual maturities of investments in debt securities held to maturity at December 31, 2020 are set forth in the table below. Maturities may differ from contractual maturities in residential mortgage-backed securities because the mortgages underlying the securities may be prepaid without any penalties. Therefore, residential mortgage-backed securities are not included in the maturity categories in the following summary.
 December 31, 2020
 Amortized CostFair Value
 (in thousands)
Due in one year$28,174 $28,290 
Due after one year through five years234,392 246,981 
Due after five years through ten years150,859 154,904 
Due after ten years209,280 207,782 
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,550,306 1,589,655 
Total investment securities held to maturity$2,173,011 $2,227,612 
Actual maturities of held to maturity debt securities may differ from those presented above since certain obligations provide the issuer the right to call or prepay the obligation prior to scheduled maturity without penalty.
The weighted-average remaining expected life for residential mortgage-backed securities held to maturity was 4.2 years at December 31, 2020.
2020 Form 10-K100


Credit Quality Indicators
Valley monitors the credit quality of the held to maturity debt securities utilizing the most current credit ratings from external rating agencies. The following table summarizes the amortized cost of held to maturity debt securities by external credit rating at December 31, 2020 and 2019.
AAA/AA/A RatedBBB ratedNon-investment grade ratedNon-ratedTotal
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2020
U.S. Treasury securities$68,126 $$$$68,126 
U.S. government agency securities6,222 6,222 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:
Obligations of states and state agencies228,286 5,650 28,826 262,762 
Municipal bonds166,408 41,089 207,497 
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions394,694 5,650 69,915 470,259 
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,550,306 1,550,306 
Trust preferred securities37,348 37,348 
Corporate and other debt securities5,000 35,750 40,750 
Total investment securities held to maturity$2,019,348 $5,000 $5,650 $143,013 $2,173,011 
December 31, 2019
U.S. Treasury securities$138,352 $$$$138,352 
U.S. government agency securities7,345 7,345 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:
Obligations of states and state agencies248,533 5,722 43,199 297,454 
Municipal bonds202,642 609 203,251 
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions451,175 5,722 43,808 500,705 
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,620,119 1,620,119 
Trust preferred securities37,324 37,324 
Corporate and other debt securities5,000 27,250 32,250 
Total investment securities held to maturity$2,216,991 $10,722 $$108,382 $2,336,095 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions include municipal bonds and revenue bonds issued by various municipal corporations. At December 31, 2020, most of the obligations of states and political subdivisions were rated investment grade and a large portion of the "non-rated" category included TEMS securities secured by Ginnie Mae securities. Trust preferred securities consist of non-rated single-issuer securities, issued by bank holding companies. Corporate bonds consist of debt primarily issued by banks.
Allowance for Credit Losses for Held to Maturity Debt Securities
Valley has a zero loss expectation for certain securities within the held to maturity portfolio, and therefore it is not required to estimate an allowance for credit losses related to these securities under the CECL standard. After an evaluation of qualitative factors, Valley identified the following securities types which it believes there are noqualify for this exclusion: U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. agency securities, residential mortgage-backed securities issued by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and collateralized municipal bonds called TEMS. To measure the expected credit losses on these securities.held to maturity debt securities that have loss expectations, Valley estimates the expected credit losses using a discounted cash flow model developed by a third-party. See Note 1 for further details.
At December 31, 2020, held to maturity debt securities were carried net of allowance for credit losses totaling $1.4 million. Valley recorded a provision for credit losses of $635 thousand during the year December 31, 2020. There were 0 net charge-offs of debt securities in the respective periods.
Realized Gains and Losses
1012020 Form 10-K


Gross gains and losses realized on sales, maturities and other securities transactions included in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018 were as follows:
202020192018
 (in thousands)
Sales transactions:
Gross gains$665 $$1,769 
Gross losses(9)(3,881)
$656 $$(2,112)
Maturities and other securities transactions:
Gross gains$34 $67 $42 
Gross losses(166)(217)(272)
$(132)$(150)$(230)
Net gains (losses) on securities transactions$524 $(150)$(2,342)
 2018 2017 2016
 (in thousands)
Sales transactions:     
Gross gains$1,769
 $
 $271
Gross losses(3,881) (25) (58)
 $(2,112) $(25) $213
Maturities and other securities transactions:     
Gross gains$42
 $43
 $615
Gross losses(272) (38) (51)
 $(230) $5
 $564
(Losses) gains on securities transactions, net$(2,342) $(20) $777


Net gains on sales transactions for the year ended December 31, 2020 (as presented in the table above) primarily related to the sales of $30 million of certain available for sale municipal securities. Net losses on sales transactions in 2018 (as presented in the table above) primarily related to the sales of equity securities previously classified as available for sale, certain municipal securities acquired from USAB and all of Valley's private label mortgage-backed securities classified as available for sale, including securities that were previously impaired.
LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES FOR LOANS (Note 5)
The detail of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 20182020 and 20172019 was as follows:
 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 
Non-PCI
Loans
 
PCI
Loans*
 Total 
Non-PCI
Loans
 
PCI
Loans*
 Total
 (in thousands)
Loans:           
Commercial and industrial$3,590,375
 $740,657
 $4,331,032
 $2,549,065
 $192,360
 $2,741,425
Commercial real estate:           
Commercial real estate9,912,309
 2,494,966
 12,407,275
 8,561,851
 934,926
 9,496,777
Construction1,122,348
 365,784
 1,488,132
 809,964
 41,141
 851,105
Total commercial real estate loans11,034,657
 2,860,750
 13,895,407
 9,371,815
 976,067
 10,347,882
Residential mortgage3,682,984
 428,416
 4,111,400
 2,717,744
 141,291
 2,859,035
Consumer:           
Home equity371,340
 145,749
 517,089
 373,631
 72,649
 446,280
Automobile1,319,206
 365
 1,319,571
 1,208,804
 98
 1,208,902
Other consumer846,821
 14,149
 860,970
 723,306
 4,750
 728,056
Total consumer loans2,537,367
 160,263
 2,697,630
 2,305,741
 77,497
 2,383,238
Total loans$20,845,383
 $4,190,086
 $25,035,469
 $16,944,365
 $1,387,215
 $18,331,580
 20202019
 (in thousands)
Loans:
Commercial and industrial *$6,861,708 $4,825,997 
Commercial real estate:
Commercial real estate16,724,998 15,996,741 
Construction1,745,825 1,647,018 
Total commercial real estate loans18,470,823 17,643,759 
Residential mortgage4,183,743 4,377,111 
Consumer:
Home equity431,553 487,272 
Automobile1,355,955 1,451,623 
Other consumer913,330 913,446 
Total consumer loans2,700,838 2,852,341 
Total loans$32,217,112 $29,699,208 
*PCI loans include covered loans (mostly consisting of residential mortgage loans) totaling $27.6 million and $38.7 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

*    Includes $2.2 billion of loans originated under the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), net of unearned fees totaling $43.2 million at December 31, 2020.
Total loans (excluding PCI covered loans) include net unearned discounts and deferred loan fees of $95.8 million at December 31, 2020 and net unearned premiums and deferred loan costs totaling $21.5 million and $22.2$12.6 million at December 31, 20182019. Net unearned discounts and 2017, respectively. The outstanding balances (representing contractual balances owed to Valley) for PCI loans totaled $4.4 billion and $1.5 billiondeferred loan fees at December 31, 20182020 include the non-credit discount on PCD loans and 2017, respectively.net unearned fees related to PPP loans.

2018 Form 10-K98





Accrued interest on loans, which is excluded from the amortized cost of loans held for investment, totaled $90.2 million and $86.3 million at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, and is presented separately in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
Valley transferred $289.6and sold $30.0 million and $313.2$436.5 million of residential mortgage loans from the loan portfolio to loans held for sale in 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively. ExclusiveValley transferred and sold $798 million of suchcommercial real estate loans
2020 Form 10-K102


from the loan portfolio to loans held for sale in 2019. Excluding the loan transfers, there were no0 other sales or transfers of loans from the held for investment portfolio during the years December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Related Party Loans
In the ordinary course of business, Valley has granted loans to certain directors, executive officers and their affiliates (collectively referred to as “related parties”). These loans were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other unaffiliated persons and do not involve more than normal risk of collectability. All loans to related parties are performing as of December 31, 2020.
The following table summarizes the changes in the total amounts of loans and advances to the related parties during the year ended December 31, 2020:
2020
(in thousands)
Outstanding at beginning of year$193,281 
New loans and advances71,356 
Repayments(25,012)
Outstanding at end of year$239,625 
Loan Portfolio Risk Elements and Credit Risk Management
Credit risk management.  For all loan types discussed below, Valley adheres to a credit policy designed to minimize credit risk while generating the maximum income given the level of risk appetite. Management reviews and approves these policies and procedures on a regular basis with subsequent approval by the Board of Directors annually. Credit authority relating to a significant dollar percentage of the overall portfolio is centralized and controlled by the Credit Risk Management Division and by the Credit Committee. A reporting system supplements the management review process by providing management with frequent reports concerning loan production, loan quality, internal loan classification, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies, non-performing, and potential problem loans. Loan portfolio diversification is an important factor utilized by Valley to manage its risk across business sectors and through cyclical economic circumstances.
Commercial and industrial loans.  A significant portion of Valley’s commercial and industrial loan portfolio is granted to long standing customers of proven ability, strong repayment performance, and high character. Underwriting standards are designed to assess the borrower’s ability to generate recurring cash flow sufficient to meet the debt service requirements of loans granted. While such recurring cash flow serves as the primary source of repayment, a significant number of the loans are collateralized by borrower assets intended to serve as a secondary source of repayment should the need arise. Anticipated cash flows of borrowers, however, may not be as expected and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value, or in the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the ability of the borrower to collect all amounts due from its customers. Short-term loans may be made on an unsecured basis based on a borrower’s financial strength and past performance. Whenever possible, Valley will obtain the personal guarantee of the borrower’s principals to mitigate the risk. Unsecured loans, when made, are generally granted to the Bank’s most credit worthy borrowers. Unsecured commercial and industrial loans totaled $2.7 billion (including $2.2 billion of SBA guaranteed PPP loans) and $606.1 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The commercial portfolio also includes taxi medallion loans totaling approximately $97.5 million with related reserves of $66.4 million at December 31, 2020. All of these loans are on non-accrual status due to ongoing weakness exhibited in the taxi industry caused by strong competition from alternative ride-sharing services and the economic stress caused by COVID-19 pandemic.
Commercial real estate loans. Commercial real estate loans are subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial and industrial loans but generally they involve larger principal balances and longer repayment periods as compared to commercial and industrial loans. Commercial real estate loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real property. Repayment of most loans is dependent upon the cash flow generated from the property securing the loan or the business that occupies the property. Commercial real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy and accordingly, conservative loan to value ratios are required at origination, as well as stress tested to evaluate the impact of market changes relating to key underwriting elements. The properties securing the commercial real estate portfolio represent diverse types, with most properties located within Valley’s primary markets.
Construction loans.  With respect to loans to developers and builders, Valley originates and manages construction loans structured on either a revolving or non-revolving basis, depending on the nature of the underlying development project. These loans are generally secured by the real estate to be developed and may also be secured by additional real estate to mitigate the risk. Non-revolving construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantially all committed funds with repayment
1032020 Form 10-K


substantially dependent on the successful completion and sale, or lease, of the project. Sources of repayment for these types of loans may be from pre-committed permanent loans from other lenders, sales of developed property, or an interim loan commitment from Valley until permanent financing is obtained elsewhere. Revolving construction loans (generally relating to single-family residential construction) are controlled with loan advances dependent upon the presale of housing units financed. These loans are closely monitored by on-site inspections and are considered to have higher risks than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, governmental regulation of real property, general economic conditions and the availability of long-term financing.
Residential mortgages.  Valley originates residential, first mortgage loans based on underwriting standards that generally comply with Fannie Mae and/or Freddie Mac requirements. Appraisals and valuations of real estate collateral are contracted directly with independent appraisers or from valuation services and not through appraisal management companies. The Bank’s appraisal management policy and procedure is in accordance with regulatory requirements and guidance issued by the Bank’s primary regulator. Credit scoring, using FICO® and other proprietary credit scoring models are employed in the ultimate, judgmental credit decision by Valley’s underwriting staff. Valley does not use third party contract underwriting services. Residential mortgage loans include fixed and variable interest rate loans secured by one to four family homes mostly located in northern and central New Jersey, the New York City metropolitan area, and Florida. Valley’s ability to be repaid on such loans is closely linked to the economic and real estate market conditions in these regions. In deciding whether to originate each residential mortgage, Valley considers the qualifications of the borrower as well as the value of the underlying property.
Home equity loans.  Home equity lending consists of both fixed and variable interest rate products. Valley mainly provides home equity loans to its residential mortgage customers within the footprint of its primary lending territory. Valley generally will not exceed a combined (i.e., first and second mortgage) loan-to-value ratio of 80 percent when originating a home equity loan.
Automobile loans.  Valley uses both judgmental and scoring systems in the credit decision process for automobile loans. Automobile originations (including light truck and sport utility vehicles) are largely produced via indirect channels, originated through approved automobile dealers. Automotive collateral is generally a depreciating asset and there are times in the life of an automobile loan where the amount owed on a vehicle may exceed its collateral value. Additionally, automobile charge-offs will vary based on the strength or weakness of the used vehicle market, original advance rate, when in the life cycle of a loan a default occurs and the condition of the collateral being liquidated. Where permitted by law, and subject to the limitations of the bankruptcy code, deficiency judgments are sought and acted upon to ultimately collect all money owed, even when a default resulted in a loss at collateral liquidation. Valley uses a third party to actively track collision and comprehensive risk insurance required of the borrower on the automobile and this third party provides coverage to Valley in the event of an uninsured collateral loss.
Other consumer loans.  Valley’s other consumer loan portfolio includes direct consumer term loans, both secured and unsecured. The other consumer loan portfolio includes exposures in personal lines of credit (mainly those secured by cash surrender value of life insurance), credit card loans and personal loans. Unsecured consumer loans totaled approximately $49.4 million and $53.9 million, including $8.8 million and $8.2 million of credit card loans, at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Management believes the aggregate risk exposure to unsecured loans and lines of credit was not significant at December 31, 2020.

2020 Form 10-K104


Credit Quality
The following table presents past due, current and non-accrual loans without an allowance for credit losses by loan portfolio class (including PCD loans) at December 31, 2020:
 Past Due and Non-Accrual Loans  
 30-59 Days
Past Due
Loans
60-89 Days
Past Due
Loans
90 Days or More
Past Due Loans
Non-Accrual
Loans
Total
Past Due
Loans
Current
Loans
Total
Loans
Non-Accrual Loans Without Allowance for Credit Losses
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2020
Commercial and industrial$6,393 $2,252 $9,107 $106,693 $124,445 $6,737,263 $6,861,708 $4,075 
Commercial real estate:
Commercial real estate35,030 1,326 993 46,879 84,228 16,640,770 16,724,998 32,416 
Construction315 84 399 1,745,426 1,745,825 
Total commercial real estate loans35,345 1,326 993 46,963 84,627 18,386,196 18,470,823 32,416 
Residential mortgage17,717 10,351 3,170 25,817 57,055 4,126,688 4,183,743 11,610 
Consumer loans:
Home equity953 492 4,936 6,381 425,172 431,553 50 
Automobile8,056 1,107 245 338 9,746 1,346,209 1,355,955 
Other consumer1,248 224 26 535 2,033 911,297 913,330 
Total consumer loans10,257 1,823 271 5,809 18,160 2,682,678 2,700,838 50 
Total$69,712 $15,752 $13,541 $185,282 $284,287 $31,932,825 $32,217,112 $48,151 


1052020 Form 10-K


The following table presents past due, non-accrual and current loans by loan portfolio class at December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2019, purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loans were excluded from past due and non-accrual loans reported because they continued to earn interest income from the accretable yield at the pool level. The PCI loan pools are accounted for as PCD loans (on a loan level basis with a related allowance for credit losses) under the CECL standard adopted at January 1, 2020 and reported in the past due loans and non-accrual loans in the table above at December 31, 2020.
 Past Due and Non-Accrual Loans  
 30-59 Days
Past Due
Loans
60-89 Days
Past Due
Loans
90 Days Or More
Past Due
Non-Accrual
Loans
Total
Past Due
Loans
Current
Non-PCI
Loans
PCI
Loans
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2019
Commercial and industrial$11,700 $2,227 $3,986 $68,636 $86,549 $4,057,434 $682,014 
Commercial real estate:
Commercial real estate2,560 4,026 579 9,004 16,169 10,886,724 5,093,848 
Construction1,486 1,343 356 3,185 1,492,532 151,301 
Total commercial real estate loans4,046 5,369 579 9,360 19,354 12,379,256 5,245,149 
Residential mortgage17,143 4,192 2,042 12,858 36,235 3,760,707 580,169 
Consumer loans:
Home equity1,051 80 1,646 2,777 373,243 111,252 
Automobile11,482 1,581 681 334 14,078 1,437,274 271 
Other consumer1,171 866 30 224 2,291 900,411 10,744 
Total consumer loans13,704 2,527 711 2,204 19,146 2,710,928 122,267 
Total$46,593 $14,315 $7,318 $93,058 $161,284 $22,908,325 $6,629,599 

If interest on non-accrual loans had been accrued in accordance with the original contractual terms, such interest income would have amounted to approximately $6.2 million, $2.5 million, and $3.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively; none of these amounts were included in interest income during these periods. 
Credit quality indicators. Valley utilizes an internal loan classification system as a means of reporting problem loans within commercial and 2017.industrial, commercial real estate, and construction loan portfolio classes. Under Valley’s internal risk rating system, loan relationships could be classified as “Pass,” “Special Mention,” “Substandard,” “Doubtful,” and “Loss.” Substandard loans include loans that exhibit well-defined weakness and are characterized by the distinct possibility that Valley will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loans classified as Doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, based on currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. Loans classified as Loss are those considered uncollectible with insignificant value and are charged-off immediately to the allowance for loan losses, and, therefore, not presented in the table below. Loans that do not currently pose a sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories but pose weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention are deemed Special Mention. Loans rated as Pass do not currently pose any identified risk and can range from the highest to average quality, depending on the degree of potential risk. Risk ratings are updated any time the situation warrants.


2020 Form 10-K106


The following table presents the internal loan classification risk by loan portfolio class by origination year (including PCD loans) based on the most recent analysis performed at December 31, 2020:
 Term Loans  
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
December 31, 202020202019201820172016Prior to 2016Revolving Loans Amortized Cost BasisRevolving Loans Converted to Term LoansTotal
 (in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
Risk Rating:
Pass$3,058,596 $605,112 $556,284 $212,215 $162,483 $337,484 $1,677,559 $350 $6,610,083 
Special Mention819 10,236 2,135 9,502 10,228 14,165 49,883 51 97,019 
Substandard5,215 3,876 12,481 1,798 4,215 12,965 18,913 462 59,925 
Doubtful5,203 17,010 2,596 69,871 94,681 
Total commercial and industrial$3,064,630 $624,427 $570,901 $240,525 $179,522 $434,485 $1,746,355 $863 $6,861,708 
Commercial real estate
Risk Rating:
Pass$3,096,549 $3,052,076 $2,230,047 $1,767,528 $1,798,137 $3,916,990 $199,145 $15,532 $16,076,004 
Special Mention50,193 68,203 44,336 48,813 66,845 109,295 1,705 389,390 
Substandard18,936 17,049 30,997 59,618 11,541 118,725 2,531 259,397 
Doubtful207 207 
Total commercial real estate$3,165,678 $3,137,328 $2,305,380 $1,875,959 $1,876,523 $4,145,217 $203,381 $15,532 $16,724,998 
Construction
Risk Rating:
Pass$145,246 $120,800 $111,174 $15,497 $47,971 $20,029 $1,199,034 $$1,659,751 
Special Mention1,043 9,996 17,414 47,311 75,764 
Substandard26 246 2,628 17 380 7,013 10,310 
Total construction$145,246 $121,869 $111,420 $18,125 $57,984 $37,823 $1,253,358 $$1,745,825 
1072020 Form 10-K


For residential mortgages, automobile, home equity and other consumer loan portfolio classes, Valley also evaluates credit quality based on the aging status of the loan, which was previously presented, and by payment activity. The following table presents the amortized cost in those loan classes (including PCD loans) based on payment activity by origination year as of December 31, 2020:
 Term Loans  
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
December 31, 202020202019201820172016Prior to 2016Revolving Loans Amortized Cost BasisRevolving Loans Converted to Term LoansTotal
 (in thousands)
Residential mortgage
Performing$730,764 $778,161 $684,761 $582,650 $380,723 $943,616 $64,798 $$4,165,473 
90 days or more past due3,085 4,212 3,464 4,144 3,365 18,270 
Total residential mortgage$730,764 $781,246 $688,973 $586,114 $384,867 $946,981 $64,798 $$4,183,743 
Consumer loans
Home equity
Performing$8,580 $10,634 $11,756 $8,886 $5,340 $15,393 $318,869 $50,879 $430,337 
90 days or more past due25 83 378 730 1,216 
Total home equity8,580 10,634 11,756 8,886 5,365 15,476 319,247 51,609 431,553 
Automobile
Performing426,121 438,181 272,075 151,523 50,853 16,550 1,355,303 
90 days or more past due19 108 173 223 35 94 652 
Total automobile426,140 438,289 272,248 151,746 50,888 16,644 1,355,955 
Other Consumer
Performing12,271 5,558 6,815 1,112 1,077 5,314 880,748 912,895 
90 days or more past due22 408 435 
Total other consumer12,271 5,558 6,815 1,112 1,077 5,336 880,753 408 913,330 
Total Consumer$446,991 $454,481 $290,819 $161,744 $57,330 $37,456 $1,200,000 $52,017 $2,700,838 

The following table presents the credit exposure by internally assigned risk rating by class of loans (excluding PCI loans) based on the most recent analysis performed at December 31, 2019:
Credit exposure—
by internally assigned risk rating
 Special  Total Non-PCI
PassMentionSubstandardDoubtfulLoans
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2019
Commercial and industrial$3,982,453 $33,718 $66,511 $61,301 $4,143,983 
Commercial real estate10,781,587 77,884 42,560 862 10,902,893 
Construction1,487,877 7,486 354 1,495,717 
Total$16,251,917 $119,088 $109,425 $62,163 $16,542,593 



2020 Form 10-K108


For residential mortgages, automobile, home equity and other consumer loan portfolio classes (excluding PCI loans), Valley also evaluates credit quality based on the aging status of the loan, which was previously presented, and by payment activity. The following table presents the recorded investment in those loan classes based on payment activity as of December 31, 2019:
Credit exposure—
by payment activity
Performing
Loans
Non-Performing
Loans
Total Non-PCI
Loans
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2019
Residential mortgage$3,784,084 $12,858 $3,796,942 
Home equity374,374 1,646 376,020 
Automobile1,451,018 334 1,451,352 
Other consumer902,478 224 902,702 
Total$6,511,954 $15,062 $6,527,016 
The following table presents the recorded investment in PCI loans by class based on individual loan payment activity as of December 31, 2019:
Credit exposure—PerformingNon-PerformingTotal
by payment activityLoansLoansPCI Loans
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2019
Commercial and industrial$653,997 $28,017 $682,014 
Commercial real estate5,065,388 28,460 5,093,848 
Construction148,692 2,609 151,301 
Residential mortgage571,006 9,163 580,169 
Consumer120,356 1,911 122,267 
Total$6,559,439 $70,160 $6,629,599 
Troubled debt restructured loans. From time to time, Valley may extend, restructure, or otherwise modify the terms of existing loans, on a case-by-case basis, to remain competitive and retain certain customers, as well as assist other customers who may be experiencing financial difficulties. If the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and a concession has been made at the time of such modification, the loan is classified as a troubled debt restructured loan (TDR). At the adoption of ASU 2016-13, Valley was not required to reassess whether modifications to individual PCI loans prior to January 1, 2020 met the TDR loan criteria.
Generally the concessions made for TDRs involve lowering the monthly payments on loans through either a reduction in interest rate below a market rate, an extension of the term of the loan without a corresponding adjustment to the risk premium reflected in the interest rate, or a combination of these two methods. The concessions may also involve payment deferrals but rarely result in the forgiveness of principal or accrued interest. In addition, Valley frequently obtains additional collateral or guarantor support when modifying such loans. If the borrower has demonstrated performance under the previous terms of the loan and Valley’s underwriting process shows the borrower has the capacity to continue to perform under the restructured terms, the loan will continue to accrue interest. Non-accruing restructured loans may be returned to accrual status when there has been a sustained period of repayment performance (generally six consecutive months of payments) and both principal and interest are deemed collectible.
Performing TDRs (not reported as non-accrual loans) totaled $57.4 million and $73.0 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Non-performing TDRs totaled $92.8 million and $65.1 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
1092020 Form 10-K


The following table presents pre- and post-modification amortized cost of loans by loan class modified as TDRs (excluding PCI loans prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13) during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. The pre-modification and post-modification outstanding recorded investments disclosed in the table below represent the loan carrying amounts immediately prior to the modification and the carrying amounts at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Troubled Debt
Restructurings
Number of
Contracts
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded Investment
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded Investment
  ($ in thousands)
December 31, 2020
Commercial and industrial42 $46,090 $42,679 
Commercial real estate24,683 21,654 
Residential mortgage12 2,377 2,323 
Consumer72 70 
Total61 $73,222 $66,726 
December 31, 2019
Commercial and industrial111 $77,781 $73,503 
Commercial real estate3,143 3,098 
Residential mortgage376 374 
Consumer215 207 
Total117 $81,515 $77,182 
The total TDRs presented in the table above had allocated a specific allowance for loan losses that totaled $21.1 million and $36.0 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. There were $7.7 million and $4.9 million in loan charge-offs related to loans modified as TDRs for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. At December 31, 2020, the commercial and industrial loan category in the above table mostly consisted of non-accrual TDR taxi medallion loans classified as substandard and doubtful. Valley did not extend any commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans have been modified as TDRs during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Loans modified as TDRs (excluding PCI loan modifications prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13) in the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and for which there was a payment default (90 or more days past due) were as follows:
 Years Ended December 31,
20202019
Troubled Debt Restructurings Subsequently DefaultedNumber of
Contracts
Recorded
Investment
Number of
Contracts
Recorded
Investment
 ($ in thousands)
Commercial and industrial27 $23,247 43 $31,782 
Residential mortgage247 154 
Total28 $23,494 44 $31,936 
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act loan modifications. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact to certain customers, Valley implemented short-term loan modifications such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or delays in payment that were insignificant, when requested by customers. These modifications complied with the CARES Act to provide temporary payment relief to those borrowers directly impacted by COVID-19 who were not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019. Generally, the modification terms allow for a deferral of payments for up to 90 days, which Valley may extend for an additional 90 days. Any extensions beyond this period were made in accordance with applicable regulatory guidance. As of December 31, 2020, Valley had approximately $361 million of outstanding loans remaining in their payment deferral period under short-term modifications. Under the applicable guidance, none of these loans were considered TDRs as of December 31, 2020.
Collateral dependent loans. Loans are collateral-dependent when the debtor is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the sale or operation of the collateral. When Valley determines that foreclosure is probable, the collateral dependent loan balances are written down to the estimated current fair value (less estimated selling costs) resulting in an immediate charge-off to the allowance, excluding any consideration for personal guarantees that may be pursued in the Bank’s collection process.
2020 Form 10-K110



The following table presents collateral dependent loans by class as of December 31, 2020:
2020
(in thousands)
Commercial and industrial$106,239 
Commercial real estate41,562 
Residential mortgage28,176 
Home equity50 
Total$176,027 
Commercial and industrial loans reported in the table above are primarily collateralized by taxi medallions. Commercial real estate loans are collateralized by real estate and construction loans. Residential and home equity loans are collateralized by residential real estate.
Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans

PCI loans are accounted for in accordance with ASC Subtopic 310-30 and are initially recorded at fair value (as determined by the present value of expected future cash flows) with no valuation allowance (i.e., the allowance for loan losses), and aggregated and accounted for as pools of loans based on common risk characteristics. The difference between the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition and the initial carrying amount (fair value) of the PCI loans, or the “accretable yield,” is recognized as interest income utilizing the level-yield method over the life of each pool. Contractually required payments for interest and principal that exceed the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition, or the “non-accretable difference,” are not recognized as a yield adjustment, as a loss accrual or a valuation allowance. Reclassifications of the non-accretable difference to the accretable yield may occur subsequent to the loan acquisition dates due to increases in expected cash flows of the loan pools. See Note 1 for additional information.

Credit Quality
The following table presents information regarding the estimates of the contractually required payments, the cash flows expected to be collected,past due, current and the estimated fair value of the PCInon-accrual loans acquired in the USAB acquisition as of January 1, 2018 (See Note 2without an allowance for more details):credit losses by loan portfolio class (including PCD loans) at December 31, 2020:
 Past Due and Non-Accrual Loans  
 30-59 Days
Past Due
Loans
60-89 Days
Past Due
Loans
90 Days or More
Past Due Loans
Non-Accrual
Loans
Total
Past Due
Loans
Current
Loans
Total
Loans
Non-Accrual Loans Without Allowance for Credit Losses
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2020
Commercial and industrial$6,393 $2,252 $9,107 $106,693 $124,445 $6,737,263 $6,861,708 $4,075 
Commercial real estate:
Commercial real estate35,030 1,326 993 46,879 84,228 16,640,770 16,724,998 32,416 
Construction315 84 399 1,745,426 1,745,825 
Total commercial real estate loans35,345 1,326 993 46,963 84,627 18,386,196 18,470,823 32,416 
Residential mortgage17,717 10,351 3,170 25,817 57,055 4,126,688 4,183,743 11,610 
Consumer loans:
Home equity953 492 4,936 6,381 425,172 431,553 50 
Automobile8,056 1,107 245 338 9,746 1,346,209 1,355,955 
Other consumer1,248 224 26 535 2,033 911,297 913,330 
Total consumer loans10,257 1,823 271 5,809 18,160 2,682,678 2,700,838 50 
Total$69,712 $15,752 $13,541 $185,282 $284,287 $31,932,825 $32,217,112 $48,151 


  January 1, 2018
  (in thousands)
Contractually required principal and interest $4,398,687
Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected (non-accretable difference) (101,796)
Expected cash flows to be collected 4,296,891
Interest component of expected cash flows (accretable yield) (559,907)
Fair value of acquired loans $3,736,984

1052020 Form 10-K


The following table presents changes inpast due, non-accrual and current loans by loan portfolio class at December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2019, purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loans were excluded from past due and non-accrual loans reported because they continued to earn interest income from the accretable yield at the pool level. The PCI loan pools are accounted for PCIas PCD loans (on a loan level basis with a related allowance for credit losses) under the CECL standard adopted at January 1, 2020 and reported in the past due loans and non-accrual loans in the table above at December 31, 2020.
 Past Due and Non-Accrual Loans  
 30-59 Days
Past Due
Loans
60-89 Days
Past Due
Loans
90 Days Or More
Past Due
Non-Accrual
Loans
Total
Past Due
Loans
Current
Non-PCI
Loans
PCI
Loans
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2019
Commercial and industrial$11,700 $2,227 $3,986 $68,636 $86,549 $4,057,434 $682,014 
Commercial real estate:
Commercial real estate2,560 4,026 579 9,004 16,169 10,886,724 5,093,848 
Construction1,486 1,343 356 3,185 1,492,532 151,301 
Total commercial real estate loans4,046 5,369 579 9,360 19,354 12,379,256 5,245,149 
Residential mortgage17,143 4,192 2,042 12,858 36,235 3,760,707 580,169 
Consumer loans:
Home equity1,051 80 1,646 2,777 373,243 111,252 
Automobile11,482 1,581 681 334 14,078 1,437,274 271 
Other consumer1,171 866 30 224 2,291 900,411 10,744 
Total consumer loans13,704 2,527 711 2,204 19,146 2,710,928 122,267 
Total$46,593 $14,315 $7,318 $93,058 $161,284 $22,908,325 $6,629,599 

If interest on non-accrual loans had been accrued in accordance with the original contractual terms, such interest income would have amounted to approximately $6.2 million, $2.5 million, and $3.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively; none of these amounts were included in interest income during these periods. 
Credit quality indicators. Valley utilizes an internal loan classification system as a means of reporting problem loans within commercial and 2017:
 2018 2017
 (in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period$282,009
 $294,514
Acquisition559,907
 
Accretion(235,741) (89,770)
Net increase in expected cash flows269,783
 77,265
Balance, end of period$875,958
 $282,009
The net increaseindustrial, commercial real estate, and construction loan portfolio classes. Under Valley’s internal risk rating system, loan relationships could be classified as “Pass,” “Special Mention,” “Substandard,” “Doubtful,” and “Loss.” Substandard loans include loans that exhibit well-defined weakness and are characterized by the distinct possibility that Valley will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loans classified as Doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in expected cash flowsthose classified as Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, based on currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. Loans classified as Loss are those considered uncollectible with insignificant value and are charged-off immediately to the allowance for certain pools of loans (includedloan losses, and, therefore, not presented in the table above) is recognized prospectively as an adjustmentbelow. Loans that do not currently pose a sufficient risk to the yield over the estimated remaining lifewarrant classification in one of the individual pools. The net increase in the expected cash flows totaling approximately $269.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 was largely due to higher interest rates and increased construction loan balances (mainly acquired from USAB) captured in the cash flow reforecast in the fourth quarter of 2018. The net increase in the expected cash flows totaling approximately $77.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 was largely due to a decrease in the expected losses for certain PCI loan pools during the fourth quarter of 2017.
Related Partyaforementioned categories but pose weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention are deemed Special Mention. Loans
In the ordinary course of business, Valley has granted loans to certain directors, executive officers and their affiliates (collectively referred to rated as “related parties”). These loans were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other unaffiliated persons andPass do not involve more than normalcurrently pose any identified risk and can range from the highest to average quality, depending on the degree of collectability. All loans to related partiespotential risk. Risk ratings are performing as of December 31, 2018.updated any time the situation warrants.


9920182020 Form 10-K106






The following table summarizespresents the changesinternal loan classification risk by loan portfolio class by origination year (including PCD loans) based on the most recent analysis performed at December 31, 2020:
 Term Loans  
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
December 31, 202020202019201820172016Prior to 2016Revolving Loans Amortized Cost BasisRevolving Loans Converted to Term LoansTotal
 (in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
Risk Rating:
Pass$3,058,596 $605,112 $556,284 $212,215 $162,483 $337,484 $1,677,559 $350 $6,610,083 
Special Mention819 10,236 2,135 9,502 10,228 14,165 49,883 51 97,019 
Substandard5,215 3,876 12,481 1,798 4,215 12,965 18,913 462 59,925 
Doubtful5,203 17,010 2,596 69,871 94,681 
Total commercial and industrial$3,064,630 $624,427 $570,901 $240,525 $179,522 $434,485 $1,746,355 $863 $6,861,708 
Commercial real estate
Risk Rating:
Pass$3,096,549 $3,052,076 $2,230,047 $1,767,528 $1,798,137 $3,916,990 $199,145 $15,532 $16,076,004 
Special Mention50,193 68,203 44,336 48,813 66,845 109,295 1,705 389,390 
Substandard18,936 17,049 30,997 59,618 11,541 118,725 2,531 259,397 
Doubtful207 207 
Total commercial real estate$3,165,678 $3,137,328 $2,305,380 $1,875,959 $1,876,523 $4,145,217 $203,381 $15,532 $16,724,998 
Construction
Risk Rating:
Pass$145,246 $120,800 $111,174 $15,497 $47,971 $20,029 $1,199,034 $$1,659,751 
Special Mention1,043 9,996 17,414 47,311 75,764 
Substandard26 246 2,628 17 380 7,013 10,310 
Total construction$145,246 $121,869 $111,420 $18,125 $57,984 $37,823 $1,253,358 $$1,745,825 
1072020 Form 10-K


For residential mortgages, automobile, home equity and other consumer loan portfolio classes, Valley also evaluates credit quality based on the aging status of the loan, which was previously presented, and by payment activity. The following table presents the amortized cost in those loan classes (including PCD loans) based on payment activity by origination year as of December 31, 2020:
 Term Loans  
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
December 31, 202020202019201820172016Prior to 2016Revolving Loans Amortized Cost BasisRevolving Loans Converted to Term LoansTotal
 (in thousands)
Residential mortgage
Performing$730,764 $778,161 $684,761 $582,650 $380,723 $943,616 $64,798 $$4,165,473 
90 days or more past due3,085 4,212 3,464 4,144 3,365 18,270 
Total residential mortgage$730,764 $781,246 $688,973 $586,114 $384,867 $946,981 $64,798 $$4,183,743 
Consumer loans
Home equity
Performing$8,580 $10,634 $11,756 $8,886 $5,340 $15,393 $318,869 $50,879 $430,337 
90 days or more past due25 83 378 730 1,216 
Total home equity8,580 10,634 11,756 8,886 5,365 15,476 319,247 51,609 431,553 
Automobile
Performing426,121 438,181 272,075 151,523 50,853 16,550 1,355,303 
90 days or more past due19 108 173 223 35 94 652 
Total automobile426,140 438,289 272,248 151,746 50,888 16,644 1,355,955 
Other Consumer
Performing12,271 5,558 6,815 1,112 1,077 5,314 880,748 912,895 
90 days or more past due22 408 435 
Total other consumer12,271 5,558 6,815 1,112 1,077 5,336 880,753 408 913,330 
Total Consumer$446,991 $454,481 $290,819 $161,744 $57,330 $37,456 $1,200,000 $52,017 $2,700,838 

The following table presents the credit exposure by internally assigned risk rating by class of loans (excluding PCI loans) based on the most recent analysis performed at December 31, 2019:
Credit exposure—
by internally assigned risk rating
 Special  Total Non-PCI
PassMentionSubstandardDoubtfulLoans
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2019
Commercial and industrial$3,982,453 $33,718 $66,511 $61,301 $4,143,983 
Commercial real estate10,781,587 77,884 42,560 862 10,902,893 
Construction1,487,877 7,486 354 1,495,717 
Total$16,251,917 $119,088 $109,425 $62,163 $16,542,593 



2020 Form 10-K108


For residential mortgages, automobile, home equity and other consumer loan portfolio classes (excluding PCI loans), Valley also evaluates credit quality based on the aging status of the loan, which was previously presented, and by payment activity. The following table presents the recorded investment in those loan classes based on payment activity as of December 31, 2019:
Credit exposure—
by payment activity
Performing
Loans
Non-Performing
Loans
Total Non-PCI
Loans
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2019
Residential mortgage$3,784,084 $12,858 $3,796,942 
Home equity374,374 1,646 376,020 
Automobile1,451,018 334 1,451,352 
Other consumer902,478 224 902,702 
Total$6,511,954 $15,062 $6,527,016 
The following table presents the recorded investment in PCI loans by class based on individual loan payment activity as of December 31, 2019:
Credit exposure—PerformingNon-PerformingTotal
by payment activityLoansLoansPCI Loans
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2019
Commercial and industrial$653,997 $28,017 $682,014 
Commercial real estate5,065,388 28,460 5,093,848 
Construction148,692 2,609 151,301 
Residential mortgage571,006 9,163 580,169 
Consumer120,356 1,911 122,267 
Total$6,559,439 $70,160 $6,629,599 
Troubled debt restructured loans. From time to time, Valley may extend, restructure, or otherwise modify the terms of existing loans, on a case-by-case basis, to remain competitive and retain certain customers, as well as assist other customers who may be experiencing financial difficulties. If the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and a concession has been made at the time of such modification, the loan is classified as a troubled debt restructured loan (TDR). At the adoption of ASU 2016-13, Valley was not required to reassess whether modifications to individual PCI loans prior to January 1, 2020 met the TDR loan criteria.
Generally the concessions made for TDRs involve lowering the monthly payments on loans through either a reduction in interest rate below a market rate, an extension of the term of the loan without a corresponding adjustment to the risk premium reflected in the total amountsinterest rate, or a combination of these two methods. The concessions may also involve payment deferrals but rarely result in the forgiveness of principal or accrued interest. In addition, Valley frequently obtains additional collateral or guarantor support when modifying such loans. If the borrower has demonstrated performance under the previous terms of the loan and Valley’s underwriting process shows the borrower has the capacity to continue to perform under the restructured terms, the loan will continue to accrue interest. Non-accruing restructured loans may be returned to accrual status when there has been a sustained period of repayment performance (generally six consecutive months of payments) and both principal and interest are deemed collectible.
Performing TDRs (not reported as non-accrual loans) totaled $57.4 million and $73.0 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Non-performing TDRs totaled $92.8 million and $65.1 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
1092020 Form 10-K


The following table presents pre- and post-modification amortized cost of loans and advancesby loan class modified as TDRs (excluding PCI loans prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13) during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. The pre-modification and post-modification outstanding recorded investments disclosed in the table below represent the loan carrying amounts immediately prior to the modification and the carrying amounts at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Troubled Debt
Restructurings
Number of
Contracts
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded Investment
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded Investment
  ($ in thousands)
December 31, 2020
Commercial and industrial42 $46,090 $42,679 
Commercial real estate24,683 21,654 
Residential mortgage12 2,377 2,323 
Consumer72 70 
Total61 $73,222 $66,726 
December 31, 2019
Commercial and industrial111 $77,781 $73,503 
Commercial real estate3,143 3,098 
Residential mortgage376 374 
Consumer215 207 
Total117 $81,515 $77,182 
The total TDRs presented in the table above had allocated a specific allowance for loan losses that totaled $21.1 million and $36.0 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. There were $7.7 million and $4.9 million in loan charge-offs related partiesto loans modified as TDRs for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. At December 31, 2020, the commercial and industrial loan category in the above table mostly consisted of non-accrual TDR taxi medallion loans classified as substandard and doubtful. Valley did not extend any commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans have been modified as TDRs during the year ended December 31, 2018:2020.
Loans modified as TDRs (excluding PCI loan modifications prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13) in the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and for which there was a payment default (90 or more days past due) were as follows:
 2018
 (in thousands)
Outstanding at beginning of year$151,265
New loans and advances86,837
Repayments(23,994)
Outstanding at end of year$214,108
 Years Ended December 31,
20202019
Troubled Debt Restructurings Subsequently DefaultedNumber of
Contracts
Recorded
Investment
Number of
Contracts
Recorded
Investment
 ($ in thousands)
Commercial and industrial27 $23,247 43 $31,782 
Residential mortgage247 154 
Total28 $23,494 44 $31,936 
Loan Portfolio Risk ElementsCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Credit Risk ManagementEconomic Security (CARES) Act loan modifications. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact to certain customers, Valley implemented short-term loan modifications such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or delays in payment that were insignificant, when requested by customers. These modifications complied with the CARES Act to provide temporary payment relief to those borrowers directly impacted by COVID-19 who were not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019. Generally, the modification terms allow for a deferral of payments for up to 90 days, which Valley may extend for an additional 90 days. Any extensions beyond this period were made in accordance with applicable regulatory guidance. As of December 31, 2020, Valley had approximately $361 million of outstanding loans remaining in their payment deferral period under short-term modifications. Under the applicable guidance, none of these loans were considered TDRs as of December 31, 2020.
Credit risk management.  For all of its loan types discussed below, Valley adheresCollateral dependent loans. Loans are collateral-dependent when the debtor is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to a credit policy designed to minimize credit risk while generatingbe provided substantially through the maximum income given the level of risk. Management reviews and approves these policies and procedures on a regular basis with subsequent approval by the Board of Directors annually. Credit authority relating to a significant dollar percentagesale or operation of the overall portfoliocollateral. When Valley determines that foreclosure is centralized and controlled by the Credit Risk Management Division and by the Credit Committee. A reporting system supplements the management review process by providing management with frequent reports concerning loan production, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies, non-performing, and potential problem loans. Loan portfolio diversification is an important factor utilized by Valley to manage its risk across business sectors and through cyclical economic circumstances.
Commercial and industrial loans.  A significant proportion of Valley’s commercial and industrial loan portfolio is granted to long standing customers of proven ability, strong repayment performance, and high character. Underwriting standards are designed to assess the borrower’s ability to generate recurring cash flow sufficient to meet the debt service requirements of loans granted. While such recurring cash flow serves as the primary source of repayment, a significant number of the loans are collateralized by borrower assets intended to serve as a secondary source of repayment should the need arise. Anticipated cash flows of borrowers, however, may not be as expected andprobable, the collateral securing these loansdependent loan balances are written down to the estimated current fair value (less estimated selling costs) resulting in an immediate charge-off to the allowance, excluding any consideration for personal guarantees that may fluctuate in value, orbe pursued in the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the ability of the borrower to collect all amounts due from its customers. Short-term loans may be made on an unsecured basis based on a borrower’s financial strength and past performance. Whenever possible, Valley will obtain the personal guarantee of the borrower’s principals to mitigate the risk. Unsecured loans, when made, are generally granted to the Bank’s most credit worthy borrowers. Unsecured commercial and industrial loans totaled $580.5 million and $401.8 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
The commercial portfolio also includes taxi medallion loans, most of which consist of loans to fleet owners of New City medallions. At December 31, 2018, the taxi medallion loans totaled $130.2 million and were classified as either substandard or doubtful loans. While most of the taxi medallion loans within the portfolio at December 31, 2018 are currently performing to their contractual terms, negative trends in the market valuations of the underlying taxi medallion collateral and a decline in borrower cash flows, among other factors, could impact the future performance of this portfolio.
Commercial real estate loans. Commercial real estate loans are subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial and industrial loans but generally they involve larger principal balances and longer repayment periods as compared to commercial and industrial loans. Commercial real estate loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real property. Repayment of most loans is dependent upon the cash flow generated from the property securing the loan or the business that occupies the property. Commercial real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy and accordingly, conservative loan to value ratios are required at origination, as well as stress tested to evaluate the impact of market changes relating to key underwriting elements. The properties securing the commercial real estate portfolio represent diverse types, with most properties located within Valley’s primary markets.
Construction loans.  With respect to loans to developers and builders, Valley originates and manages construction loans structured on either a revolving or non-revolving basis, depending on the nature of the underlying development project. These loans are generally secured by the real estate to be developed and may also be secured by additional real estate to mitigate the risk. Non-revolving construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantially all committed funds with repayment substantially dependent on the successful completion and sale, or lease, of the project. Sources of repayment for these types of loans may be from pre-committed permanent loans from other lenders, sales of developed property, or an interim loan commitment from Valley until permanent financing is obtained elsewhere. Revolving construction loans (generally relating to single-family residential construction) are controlled with loan advances dependent upon the presale of housing units financed. These loans are closely monitored by on-site inspections and are considered to have higher risks than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, governmental regulation of real property, general economic conditions and the availability of long-term financing.

collection process.
20182020 Form 10-K100110






Residential mortgages.  Valley originates residential, first mortgageThe following table presents collateral dependent loans based on underwriting standards that generally comply with Fannie Mae and/or Freddie Mac requirements. Appraisalsby class as of December 31, 2020:
2020
(in thousands)
Commercial and industrial$106,239 
Commercial real estate41,562 
Residential mortgage28,176 
Home equity50 
Total$176,027 
Commercial and valuations ofindustrial loans reported in the table above are primarily collateralized by taxi medallions. Commercial real estate collateralloans are contracted directly with independent appraisers or from valuation services and not through appraisal management companies. The Bank’s appraisal management policy and procedure is in accordance with regulatory requirements and guidance issuedcollateralized by the Bank’s primary regulator. Credit scoring, using FICO® and other proprietary credit scoring models are employed in the ultimate, judgmental credit decision by Valley’s underwriting staff. Valley does not use third party contract underwriting services. Residential mortgage loans include fixed and variable interest rate loans secured by one to four family homes mostly located in northern and central New Jersey, the New York City metropolitan area, and Florida. Valley’s ability to be repaid on such loans is closely linked to the economic and real estate market conditions in these regions. In deciding whether to originate each residential mortgage, Valley considers the qualifications of the borrower as well as the value of the underlying property.
Home equityand construction loans.  Home equity lending consists of both fixed Residential and variable interest rate products. Valley mainly provides home equity loans to itsare collateralized by residential mortgage customers within the footprint of its primary lending territory. Valley generally will not exceed a combined (i.e., first and second mortgage) loan-to-value ratio of 80 percent when originating a home equity loan.real estate.
Automobile loans.  Valley uses both judgmental and scoring systems in the credit decision process for automobile loans. Automobile originations (including light truck and sport utility vehicles) are largely produced via indirect channels, originated through approved automobile dealers. Automotive collateral is generally a depreciating asset and there are times in the life of an automobile loan where the amount owed on a vehicle may exceed its collateral value. Additionally, automobile charge-offs will vary based on the strength or weakness of the used vehicle market, original advance rate, when in the life cycle of a loan a default occurs and the condition of the collateral being liquidated. Where permitted by law, and subject to the limitations of the bankruptcy code, deficiency judgments are sought and acted upon to ultimately collect all money owed, even when a default resulted in a loss at collateral liquidation. Valley uses a third party to actively track collision and comprehensive risk insurance required of the borrower on the automobile and this third party provides coverage to Valley in the event of an uninsured collateral loss.
Other consumer loans.  Valley’s other consumer loan portfolio includes direct consumer term loans, both secured and unsecured. The other consumer loan portfolio includes exposures in personal lines of credit (mainly those secured by cash surrender value of life insurance), credit card loans and personal loans. Unsecured consumer loans totaled approximately $58.1 million and $18.1 million, including $10.4 million and $8.2 million of credit card loans, at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Valley believes the aggregate risk exposure to unsecured loans and lines of credit was not significant at December 31, 2018.
Credit Quality
The following tables presenttable presents past due, current and non-accrual loans without an allowance for credit losses by loan portfolio class (including PCD loans) at December 31, 2020:
 Past Due and Non-Accrual Loans  
 30-59 Days
Past Due
Loans
60-89 Days
Past Due
Loans
90 Days or More
Past Due Loans
Non-Accrual
Loans
Total
Past Due
Loans
Current
Loans
Total
Loans
Non-Accrual Loans Without Allowance for Credit Losses
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2020
Commercial and industrial$6,393 $2,252 $9,107 $106,693 $124,445 $6,737,263 $6,861,708 $4,075 
Commercial real estate:
Commercial real estate35,030 1,326 993 46,879 84,228 16,640,770 16,724,998 32,416 
Construction315 84 399 1,745,426 1,745,825 
Total commercial real estate loans35,345 1,326 993 46,963 84,627 18,386,196 18,470,823 32,416 
Residential mortgage17,717 10,351 3,170 25,817 57,055 4,126,688 4,183,743 11,610 
Consumer loans:
Home equity953 492 4,936 6,381 425,172 431,553 50 
Automobile8,056 1,107 245 338 9,746 1,346,209 1,355,955 
Other consumer1,248 224 26 535 2,033 911,297 913,330 
Total consumer loans10,257 1,823 271 5,809 18,160 2,682,678 2,700,838 50 
Total$69,712 $15,752 $13,541 $185,282 $284,287 $31,932,825 $32,217,112 $48,151 


1052020 Form 10-K


The following table presents past due, non-accrual and current loans (excluding PCI loans, which are accounted for on a pool basis) by loan portfolio class at December 31, 20182019. At December 31, 2019, purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loans were excluded from past due and 2017:non-accrual loans reported because they continued to earn interest income from the accretable yield at the pool level. The PCI loan pools are accounted for as PCD loans (on a loan level basis with a related allowance for credit losses) under the CECL standard adopted at January 1, 2020 and reported in the past due loans and non-accrual loans in the table above at December 31, 2020.
 Past Due and Non-Accrual Loans  
 30-59 Days
Past Due
Loans
60-89 Days
Past Due
Loans
90 Days Or More
Past Due
Non-Accrual
Loans
Total
Past Due
Loans
Current
Non-PCI
Loans
PCI
Loans
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2019
Commercial and industrial$11,700 $2,227 $3,986 $68,636 $86,549 $4,057,434 $682,014 
Commercial real estate:
Commercial real estate2,560 4,026 579 9,004 16,169 10,886,724 5,093,848 
Construction1,486 1,343 356 3,185 1,492,532 151,301 
Total commercial real estate loans4,046 5,369 579 9,360 19,354 12,379,256 5,245,149 
Residential mortgage17,143 4,192 2,042 12,858 36,235 3,760,707 580,169 
Consumer loans:
Home equity1,051 80 1,646 2,777 373,243 111,252 
Automobile11,482 1,581 681 334 14,078 1,437,274 271 
Other consumer1,171 866 30 224 2,291 900,411 10,744 
Total consumer loans13,704 2,527 711 2,204 19,146 2,710,928 122,267 
Total$46,593 $14,315 $7,318 $93,058 $161,284 $22,908,325 $6,629,599 
 Past Due and Non-Accrual Loans    
 
30-59 Days
Past Due
Loans
 
60-89 Days
Past Due
Loans
 
Accruing  Loans
90 Days Or More
Past Due
 
Non-Accrual
Loans
 
Total
Past Due
Loans
 
Current
Non-PCI
Loans
 
Total
Non-PCI
Loans
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2018             
Commercial and industrial$13,085
 $3,768
 $6,156
 $70,096
 $93,105
 $3,497,270
 $3,590,375
Commercial real estate:             
Commercial real estate9,521
 530
 27
 2,372
 12,450
 9,899,859
 9,912,309
Construction2,829
 
 
 356
 3,185
 1,119,163
 1,122,348
Total commercial real estate loans12,350
 530
 27
 2,728
 15,635
 11,019,022
 11,034,657
Residential mortgage16,576
 2,458
 1,288
 12,917
 33,239
 3,649,745
 3,682,984
Consumer loans:             
Home equity872
 40
 
 2,156
 3,068
 368,272
 371,340
Automobile7,973
 1,299
 308
 80
 9,660
 1,309,546
 1,319,206
Other consumer895
 47
 33
 419
 1,394
 845,427
 846,821
Total consumer loans9,740
 1,386
 341
 2,655
 14,122
 2,523,245
 2,537,367
Total$51,751
 $8,142
 $7,812
 $88,396
 $156,101
 $20,689,282
 $20,845,383


1012018 Form 10-K




 Past Due and Non-Accrual Loans    
 
30-59 Days
Past Due
Loans
 
60-89 Days
Past Due
Loans
 
Accruing  Loans
90 Days Or More
Past Due
 
Non-Accrual
Loans
 
Total
Past Due
Loans
 
Current
Non-PCI
Loans
 
Total
Non-PCI
Loans
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2017             
Commercial and industrial$3,650
 $544
 $
 $20,890
 $25,084
 $2,523,981
 $2,549,065
Commercial real estate:             
Commercial real estate11,223
 
 27
 11,328
 22,578
 8,539,273
 8,561,851
Construction12,949
 18,845
 
 732
 32,526
 777,438
 809,964
Total commercial real estate loans24,172
 18,845
 27
 12,060
 55,104
 9,316,711
 9,371,815
Residential mortgage12,669
 7,903
 2,779
 12,405
 35,756
 2,681,988
 2,717,744
Consumer loans:             
Home equity1,009
 94
 
 1,777
 2,880
 370,751
 373,631
Automobile5,707
 987
 271
 73
 7,038
 1,201,766
 1,208,804
Other consumer1,693
 118
 13
 20
 1,844
 721,462
 723,306
Total consumer loans8,409
 1,199
 284
 1,870
 11,762
 2,293,979
 2,305,741
Total$48,900
 $28,491
 $3,090
 $47,225
 $127,706
 $16,816,659
 $16,944,365
If interest on non-accrual loans had been accrued in accordance with the original contractual terms, such interest income would have amounted to approximately $3.6$6.2 million, $2.5 million, and $2.1$3.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016,2018, respectively; none of these amounts were included in interest income during these periods. 
Impaired loans.  Impaired loans, consisting of non-accrual commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans over $250 thousand and all loans which were modified in troubled debt restructurings, are individually evaluated for impairment. PCI loans are not classified as impaired loans because they are accounted for on a pool basis.

2018 Form 10-K102




The following table presents information about impaired loans by loan portfolio class at December 31, 2018 and 2017:
 
Recorded
Investment
With No
Related
Allowance
 
Recorded
Investment
With
Related
Allowance
 
Total
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2018         
Commercial and industrial$8,339
 $89,513
 $97,852
 $104,007
 $29,684
Commercial real estate:         
Commercial real estate16,732
 25,606
 42,338
 44,337
 2,615
Construction803
 457
 1,260
 1,260
 13
Total commercial real estate loans17,535
 26,063
 43,598
 45,597
 2,628
Residential mortgage7,826
 6,078
 13,904
 14,948
 600
Consumer loans:         
Home equity125
 1,146
 1,271
 1,366
 113
Total consumer loans125
 1,146
 1,271
 1,366
 113
Total$33,825
 $122,800
 $156,625
 $165,918
 $33,025
December 31, 2017         
Commercial and industrial$9,946
 $75,553
 $85,499
 $90,269
 $11,044
Commercial real estate:         
Commercial real estate28,709
 29,771
 58,480
 62,286
 2,718
Construction1,904
 467
 2,371
 2,394
 17
Total commercial real estate loans30,613
 30,238
 60,851
 64,680
 2,735
Residential mortgage5,654
 8,402
 14,056
 15,332
 718
Consumer loans:         
Home equity3,096
 664
 3,760
 4,917
 64
Total consumer loans3,096
 664
 3,760
 4,917
 64
Total$49,309
 $114,857
 $164,166
 $175,198
 $14,561
Interest income recognized on a cash basis for impaired loans classified as non-accrual was not material for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
The following table presents, by loan portfolio class, the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:
 2018 2017 2016
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 (in thousands)
Commercial and industrial$108,071
 $1,822
 $80,974
 $1,459
 $36,552
 $1,045
Commercial real estate:           
Commercial real estate44,838
 2,289
 54,799
 1,908
 59,633
 2,122
Construction1,517
 69
 3,258
 86
 5,790
 182
Total commercial real estate loans46,355
 2,358
 58,057
 1,994
 65,423
 2,304
Residential mortgage15,384
 506
 15,451
 760
 21,340
 874
Consumer loans:           
Home equity865
 21
 4,295
 160
 2,626
 68
Total consumer loans865
 21
 4,295
 160
 2,626
 68
Total$170,675
 $4,707
 $158,777
 $4,373
 $125,941
 $4,291

1032018 Form 10-K




Troubled debt restructured loans. From time to time, Valley may extend, restructure, or otherwise modify the terms of existing loans, on a case-by-case basis, to remain competitive and retain certain customers, as well as assist other customers who may be experiencing financial difficulties. If the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and a concession has been made at the time of such modification, the loan is classified as a troubled debt restructured loan (TDR). Valley’s PCI loans are excluded from the TDR disclosures below because they are evaluated for impairment on a pool by pool basis. When an individual PCI loan within a pool is modified as a TDR, it is not removed from its pool. All TDRs are classified as impaired loans and are included in the impaired loan disclosures above.
The majority of the concessions made for TDRs involve lowering the monthly payments on loans through either a reduction in interest rate below a market rate, an extension of the term of the loan without a corresponding adjustment to the risk premium reflected in the interest rate, or a combination of these two methods. The concessions rarely result in the forgiveness of principal or accrued interest. In addition, Valley frequently obtains additional collateral or guarantor support when modifying such loans. If the borrower has demonstrated performance under the previous terms of the loan and Valley’s underwriting process shows the borrower has the capacity to continue to perform under the restructured terms, the loan will continue to accrue interest. Non-accruing restructured loans may be returned to accrual status when there has been a sustained period of repayment performance (generally six consecutive months of payments) and both principal and interest are deemed collectible.
Performing TDRs (not reported as non-accrual loans) totaled $77.2 million and $117.2 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Non-performing TDRs totaled $55.0 million and $27.0 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
The following table presents non-PCI loans by loan class modified as TDRs during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. The pre-modification and post-modification outstanding recorded investments disclosed in the table below represent the loan carrying amounts immediately prior to the modification and the carrying amounts at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Troubled Debt
Restructurings
 
Number of
 Contracts
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded Investment
    ($ in thousands)
December 31, 2018      
Commercial and industrial 25
 $16,251
 $15,105
Commercial real estate:      
Commercial real estate 8
 5,643
 6,600
Construction 1
 532
 356
Total commercial real estate 9
 6,175
 6,956
Residential mortgage 8
 1,500
 1,461
Consumer 2
 99
 101
Total 44
 $24,025
 $23,623
December 31, 2017      
Commercial and industrial 90
 $75,894
 $69,020
Commercial real estate:      
Commercial real estate 6
 23,781
 23,548
Construction 3
 1,188
 932
Total commercial real estate 9
 24,969
 24,480
Residential mortgage 7
 1,769
 1,727
Total 106
 $102,632
 $95,227

The total TDRs presented in the table above had allocated specific reserves for loan losses that totaled $6.5 million and $8.7 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These specific reserves are included in the allowance for loan losses for loans individually evaluated for impairment disclosed in Note 6. There were no loan charge-offs related to loans modified as TDRs during 2018 and 2017. At December 31, 2018, the commercial and industrial loan category in the above table largely consisted of non-performing and performing TDR taxi cab medallion loans classified as substandard and non-accrual doubtful loans.


2018 Form 10-K104




The non-PCI loans modified as TDRs within the previous 12 months and for which there was a payment default (90 or more days past due) for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017
Troubled Debt Restructurings Subsequently Defaulted
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
 ($ in thousands)
Commercial and industrial10
 $8,829
 7
 $5,841
Commercial real estate
 
 1
 165
Residential mortgage3
 490
 5
 1,125
Total13
 $9,319
 13
 $7,131
Credit quality indicators. Valley utilizes an internal loan classification system as a means of reporting problem loans within commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, and construction loan portfolio classes. Under Valley’s internal risk rating system, loan relationships could be classified as “Pass,” “Special Mention,” “Substandard,” “Doubtful,” and “Loss.” Substandard loans include loans that exhibit well-defined weakness and are characterized by the distinct possibility that Valley will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loans classified as Doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, based on currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. Loans classified as Loss are those considered uncollectible with insignificant value and are charged-off immediately to the allowance for loan losses, and, therefore, not presented in the table below. Loans that do not currently pose a sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories but pose weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention are deemed Special Mention. Loans rated as Pass do not currently pose any identified risk and can range from the highest to average quality, depending on the degree of potential risk. Risk ratings are updated any time the situation warrants.

2020 Form 10-K106


The following table presents the internal loan classification risk by loan portfolio class by origination year (including PCD loans) based on the most recent analysis performed at December 31, 2020:
 Term Loans  
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
December 31, 202020202019201820172016Prior to 2016Revolving Loans Amortized Cost BasisRevolving Loans Converted to Term LoansTotal
 (in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
Risk Rating:
Pass$3,058,596 $605,112 $556,284 $212,215 $162,483 $337,484 $1,677,559 $350 $6,610,083 
Special Mention819 10,236 2,135 9,502 10,228 14,165 49,883 51 97,019 
Substandard5,215 3,876 12,481 1,798 4,215 12,965 18,913 462 59,925 
Doubtful5,203 17,010 2,596 69,871 94,681 
Total commercial and industrial$3,064,630 $624,427 $570,901 $240,525 $179,522 $434,485 $1,746,355 $863 $6,861,708 
Commercial real estate
Risk Rating:
Pass$3,096,549 $3,052,076 $2,230,047 $1,767,528 $1,798,137 $3,916,990 $199,145 $15,532 $16,076,004 
Special Mention50,193 68,203 44,336 48,813 66,845 109,295 1,705 389,390 
Substandard18,936 17,049 30,997 59,618 11,541 118,725 2,531 259,397 
Doubtful207 207 
Total commercial real estate$3,165,678 $3,137,328 $2,305,380 $1,875,959 $1,876,523 $4,145,217 $203,381 $15,532 $16,724,998 
Construction
Risk Rating:
Pass$145,246 $120,800 $111,174 $15,497 $47,971 $20,029 $1,199,034 $$1,659,751 
Special Mention1,043 9,996 17,414 47,311 75,764 
Substandard26 246 2,628 17 380 7,013 10,310 
Total construction$145,246 $121,869 $111,420 $18,125 $57,984 $37,823 $1,253,358 $$1,745,825 
1072020 Form 10-K


For residential mortgages, automobile, home equity and other consumer loan portfolio classes, Valley also evaluates credit quality based on the aging status of the loan, which was previously presented, and by payment activity. The following table presents the amortized cost in those loan classes (including PCD loans) based on payment activity by origination year as of December 31, 2020:
 Term Loans  
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
December 31, 202020202019201820172016Prior to 2016Revolving Loans Amortized Cost BasisRevolving Loans Converted to Term LoansTotal
 (in thousands)
Residential mortgage
Performing$730,764 $778,161 $684,761 $582,650 $380,723 $943,616 $64,798 $$4,165,473 
90 days or more past due3,085 4,212 3,464 4,144 3,365 18,270 
Total residential mortgage$730,764 $781,246 $688,973 $586,114 $384,867 $946,981 $64,798 $$4,183,743 
Consumer loans
Home equity
Performing$8,580 $10,634 $11,756 $8,886 $5,340 $15,393 $318,869 $50,879 $430,337 
90 days or more past due25 83 378 730 1,216 
Total home equity8,580 10,634 11,756 8,886 5,365 15,476 319,247 51,609 431,553 
Automobile
Performing426,121 438,181 272,075 151,523 50,853 16,550 1,355,303 
90 days or more past due19 108 173 223 35 94 652 
Total automobile426,140 438,289 272,248 151,746 50,888 16,644 1,355,955 
Other Consumer
Performing12,271 5,558 6,815 1,112 1,077 5,314 880,748 912,895 
90 days or more past due22 408 435 
Total other consumer12,271 5,558 6,815 1,112 1,077 5,336 880,753 408 913,330 
Total Consumer$446,991 $454,481 $290,819 $161,744 $57,330 $37,456 $1,200,000 $52,017 $2,700,838 

The following table presents the credit exposure by internally assigned risk rating by class of loans (excluding PCI loans) based on the most recent analysis performed at December 31, 2018 and 2017.2019:
Credit exposure—
by internally assigned risk rating
 Special  Total Non-PCI
PassMentionSubstandardDoubtfulLoans
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2019
Commercial and industrial$3,982,453 $33,718 $66,511 $61,301 $4,143,983 
Commercial real estate10,781,587 77,884 42,560 862 10,902,893 
Construction1,487,877 7,486 354 1,495,717 
Total$16,251,917 $119,088 $109,425 $62,163 $16,542,593 
Credit exposure—
by internally assigned risk rating
   Special     Total Non-PCI
 Pass Mention Substandard Doubtful Loans
  (in thousands)
December 31, 2018          
Commercial and industrial $3,399,426
 $31,996
 $92,320
 $66,633
 $3,590,375
Commercial real estate 9,828,744
 30,892
 51,710
 963
 9,912,309
Construction 1,121,321
 215
 812
 
 1,122,348
Total $14,349,491
 $63,103
 $144,842
 $67,596
 $14,625,032
December 31, 2017          
Commercial and industrial $2,375,689
 $62,071
 $96,555
 $14,750
 $2,549,065
Commercial real estate 8,447,865
 48,009
 65,977
 
 8,561,851
Construction 808,091
 360
 1,513
 
 809,964
Total $11,631,645
 $110,440
 $164,045
 $14,750
 $11,920,880

At December 31, 2018, the commercial and industrial loans rated substandard and doubtful in the above table included performing TDR taxi medallion loans and non-accrual taxi medallion loans, respectively.


10520182020 Form 10-K108





For residential mortgages, automobile, home equity and other consumer loan portfolio classes (excluding PCI loans), Valley also evaluates credit quality based on the aging status of the loan, which was previously presented, and by payment activity. The following table presents the recorded investment in those loan classes based on payment activity as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:2019:
Credit exposure—
by payment activity
Performing
Loans
Non-Performing
Loans
Total Non-PCI
Loans
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2019
Residential mortgage$3,784,084 $12,858 $3,796,942 
Home equity374,374 1,646 376,020 
Automobile1,451,018 334 1,451,352 
Other consumer902,478 224 902,702 
Total$6,511,954 $15,062 $6,527,016 
Credit exposure—
by payment activity
 
Performing
Loans
 
Non-Performing
Loans
 
Total Non-PCI
Loans
  (in thousands)
December 31, 2018      
Residential mortgage $3,670,067
 $12,917
 $3,682,984
Home equity 369,184
 2,156
 371,340
Automobile 1,319,126
 80
 1,319,206
Other consumer 846,402
 419
 846,821
Total $6,204,779
 $15,572
 $6,220,351
December 31, 2017      
Residential mortgage $2,705,339
 $12,405
 $2,717,744
Home equity 371,854
 1,777
 373,631
Automobile 1,208,731
 73
 1,208,804
Other consumer 723,286
 20
 723,306
Total $5,009,210
 $14,275
 $5,023,485

Valley evaluates the credit quality of its PCI loan pools based on the expectation of the underlying cash flows of each pool, derived from the aging status and by payment activity of individual loans within the pool. The following table presents the recorded investment in PCI loans by class based on individual loan payment activity as of December 31, 20182019:
Credit exposure—PerformingNon-PerformingTotal
by payment activityLoansLoansPCI Loans
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2019
Commercial and industrial$653,997 $28,017 $682,014 
Commercial real estate5,065,388 28,460 5,093,848 
Construction148,692 2,609 151,301 
Residential mortgage571,006 9,163 580,169 
Consumer120,356 1,911 122,267 
Total$6,559,439 $70,160 $6,629,599 
Troubled debt restructured loans. From time to time, Valley may extend, restructure, or otherwise modify the terms of existing loans, on a case-by-case basis, to remain competitive and 2017:retain certain customers, as well as assist other customers who may be experiencing financial difficulties. If the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and a concession has been made at the time of such modification, the loan is classified as a troubled debt restructured loan (TDR). At the adoption of ASU 2016-13, Valley was not required to reassess whether modifications to individual PCI loans prior to January 1, 2020 met the TDR loan criteria.
Generally the concessions made for TDRs involve lowering the monthly payments on loans through either a reduction in interest rate below a market rate, an extension of the term of the loan without a corresponding adjustment to the risk premium reflected in the interest rate, or a combination of these two methods. The concessions may also involve payment deferrals but rarely result in the forgiveness of principal or accrued interest. In addition, Valley frequently obtains additional collateral or guarantor support when modifying such loans. If the borrower has demonstrated performance under the previous terms of the loan and Valley’s underwriting process shows the borrower has the capacity to continue to perform under the restructured terms, the loan will continue to accrue interest. Non-accruing restructured loans may be returned to accrual status when there has been a sustained period of repayment performance (generally six consecutive months of payments) and both principal and interest are deemed collectible.
Credit exposure— Performing Non-Performing Total
by payment activity Loans Loans PCI Loans
  (in thousands)
December 31, 2018      
Commercial and industrial $710,045
 $30,612
 $740,657
Commercial real estate 2,478,990
 15,976
 2,494,966
Construction 364,815
 969
 365,784
Residential mortgage 421,609
 6,807
 428,416
Consumer 158,502
 1,761
 160,263
Total $4,133,961
 $56,125
 $4,190,086
December 31, 2017      
Commercial and industrial $172,105
 $20,255
 $192,360
Commercial real estate 924,574
 10,352
 934,926
Construction 39,802
 1,339
 41,141
Residential mortgage 135,745
 5,546
 141,291
Consumer 76,901
 596
 77,497
Total $1,349,127
 $38,088
 $1,387,215


Performing TDRs (not reported as non-accrual loans) totaled $57.4 million and $73.0 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Non-performing TDRs totaled $92.8 million and $65.1 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
20181092020 Form 10-K106





The following table presents pre- and post-modification amortized cost of loans by loan class modified as TDRs (excluding PCI loans prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13) during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. The pre-modification and post-modification outstanding recorded investments disclosed in the table below represent the loan carrying amounts immediately prior to the modification and the carrying amounts at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Note 6)
Troubled Debt
Restructurings
Number of
Contracts
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded Investment
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded Investment
  ($ in thousands)
December 31, 2020
Commercial and industrial42 $46,090 $42,679 
Commercial real estate24,683 21,654 
Residential mortgage12 2,377 2,323 
Consumer72 70 
Total61 $73,222 $66,726 
December 31, 2019
Commercial and industrial111 $77,781 $73,503 
Commercial real estate3,143 3,098 
Residential mortgage376 374 
Consumer215 207 
Total117 $81,515 $77,182 
The total TDRs presented in the table above had allocated a specific allowance for loan losses that totaled $21.1 million and $36.0 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. There were $7.7 million and $4.9 million in loan charge-offs related to loans modified as TDRs for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. At December 31, 2020, the commercial and industrial loan category in the above table mostly consisted of non-accrual TDR taxi medallion loans classified as substandard and doubtful. Valley did not extend any commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans have been modified as TDRs during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Loans modified as TDRs (excluding PCI loan modifications prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13) in the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and for which there was a payment default (90 or more days past due) were as follows:
 Years Ended December 31,
20202019
Troubled Debt Restructurings Subsequently DefaultedNumber of
Contracts
Recorded
Investment
Number of
Contracts
Recorded
Investment
 ($ in thousands)
Commercial and industrial27 $23,247 43 $31,782 
Residential mortgage247 154 
Total28 $23,494 44 $31,936 
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act loan modifications. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact to certain customers, Valley implemented short-term loan modifications such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or delays in payment that were insignificant, when requested by customers. These modifications complied with the CARES Act to provide temporary payment relief to those borrowers directly impacted by COVID-19 who were not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019. Generally, the modification terms allow for a deferral of payments for up to 90 days, which Valley may extend for an additional 90 days. Any extensions beyond this period were made in accordance with applicable regulatory guidance. As of December 31, 2020, Valley had approximately $361 million of outstanding loans remaining in their payment deferral period under short-term modifications. Under the applicable guidance, none of these loans were considered TDRs as of December 31, 2020.
Collateral dependent loans. Loans are collateral-dependent when the debtor is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the sale or operation of the collateral. When Valley determines that foreclosure is probable, the collateral dependent loan balances are written down to the estimated current fair value (less estimated selling costs) resulting in an immediate charge-off to the allowance, excluding any consideration for personal guarantees that may be pursued in the Bank’s collection process.
2020 Form 10-K110



The following table presents collateral dependent loans by class as of December 31, 2020:
2020
(in thousands)
Commercial and industrial$106,239 
Commercial real estate41,562 
Residential mortgage28,176 
Home equity50 
Total$176,027 
Commercial and industrial loans reported in the table above are primarily collateralized by taxi medallions. Commercial real estate loans are collateralized by real estate and construction loans. Residential and home equity loans are collateralized by residential real estate.
Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans

The table below includes disclosure requirements prior to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, and presents changes in the accretable yield for PCI loans for the year ended December 31, 2019:
2019
(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period$875,958 
Acquisition600,178 
Accretion(214,415)
Net decrease in expected cash flows(10,995)
Balance, end of period$1,250,726 
The net decrease in expected cash flows for certain pools of loans (included in the table above) is recognized prospectively as an adjustment to the yield over the estimated remaining life of the individual pools. The net decrease in the expected cash flows totaling approximately $11.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 was largely due to the high volume of contractual principal prepayments caused by the low level of market interest rates.
Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans
The allowance for credit losses consistsfor loans under the new CECL standard adopted on January 1, 2020, consisted of the allowance for loan losses and the allowance for unfunded letters of credit. Management maintainscredit commitments. Prior periods reflect the allowance for credit losses at a level estimated to absorb probable loan losses offor loans under the loan portfolio and unfunded letter of credit commitments atincurred loss model under the balance sheet date. The allowance for loan losses is based on ongoing evaluations of the probable estimated losses inherent in the loan portfolio, including unexpected additional credit impairment of PCI loan pools subsequent to acquisition. There was no allowance allocation for PCI loan losses at December 31, 2018 and 2017.
previously applicable U.S. GAAP. The following table summarizes the allowance for credit losses for loans at December 31, 20182020 and 2017:2019:
20202019
 (in thousands)
Components of allowance for credit losses for loans:
Allowance for loan losses$340,243 $161,759 
Allowance for unfunded credit commitments11,111 2,845 
Total allowance for credit losses for loans$351,354 $164,604 

 December 31,
 2018 2017
 (in thousands)
Components of allowance for credit losses:   
Allowance for loan losses$151,859
 $120,856
Allowance for unfunded letters of credit4,436
 3,596
Total allowance for credit losses$156,295
 $124,452
1112020 Form 10-K


The following table summarizes the provision for credit losses for loans for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016:2018:
202020192018
 (in thousands)
Components of provision for credit losses for loans:
Provision for loan losses$123,922 $25,809 $31,661 
Provision for unfunded credit commitments1,165 (1,591)840 
Total provision for credit losses for loans$125,087 $24,218 $32,501 
 2018 2017 2016
 (in thousands)
Components of provision for credit losses:     
Provision for loan losses$31,661
 $8,531
 $11,873
Provision for unfunded letters of credit840
 1,411
 (4)
Total provision for credit losses$32,501
 $9,942
 $11,869

The following table details the activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31, 20182020 and 2017:2019:
Commercial
and Industrial
Commercial
Real Estate
Residential
Mortgage
ConsumerTotal
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2020
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance$104,059 $45,673 $5,060 $6,967 $161,759 
Impact of ASU 2016-13 adoption*15,169 49,797 20,575 6,990 92,531 
Beginning balance, adjusted119,228 95,470 25,635 13,957 254,290 
Loans charged-off(34,630)(767)(598)(9,294)(45,289)
Charged-off loans recovered1,956 1,506 670 3,188 7,320 
Net (charge-offs) recoveries(32,674)739 72 (6,106)(37,969)
Provision for loan losses44,516 67,904 3,166 8,336 123,922 
Ending balance$131,070 $164,113 $28,873 $16,187 $340,243 
December 31, 2019
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance$90,956 $49,650 $5,041 $6,212 $151,859 
Loans charged-off(13,260)(158)(126)(8,671)(22,215)
Charged-off loans recovered2,397 1,237 66 2,606 6,306 
Net (charge-offs) recoveries(10,863)1,079 (60)(6,065)(15,909)
Provision for loan losses23,966 (5,056)79 6,820 25,809 
Ending balance$104,059 $45,673 $5,060 $6,967 $161,759 
 
Commercial
and Industrial
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Residential
Mortgage
 Consumer Total
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2018         
Allowance for loan losses:         
Beginning balance$57,232
 $54,954
 $3,605
 $5,065
 $120,856
Loans charged-off(2,515) (348) (223) (4,977) (8,063)
Charged-off loans recovered4,623
 417
 272
 2,093
 7,405
Net (charge-offs) recoveries2,108
 69
 49
 (2,884) (658)
Provision for loan losses31,616
 (5,373) 1,387
 4,031
 31,661
Ending balance$90,956
 $49,650
 $5,041
 $6,212
 $151,859
December 31, 2017         
Allowance for loan losses:         
Beginning balance$50,820
 $55,851
 $3,702
 $4,046
 $114,419
Loans charged-off(5,421) (559) (530) (4,564) (11,074)
Charged-off loans recovered4,736
 1,425
 1,016
 1,803
 8,980
Net (charge-offs) recoveries(685) 866
 486
 (2,761) (2,094)
Provision for loan losses7,097
 (1,763) (583) 3,780
 8,531
Ending balance$57,232
 $54,954
 $3,605
 $5,065
 $120,856

*    Includes a $61.6 million increase representing the estimated expected credit losses for PCD loans as a result of the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020.


Valley incorporated a multi-scenario economic forecast for estimating lifetime expected credit losses at December 31, 2020. As a result of the deterioration in economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020 and the related increase in economic uncertainty, Valley increased its probability weighting for the most severe economic scenario as compared to those at January 1, 2020. The increase in the allowance for credit losses for loans from January 1, 2020 reflected the impact of the adverse economic forecast within Valley's lifetime expected credit loss estimate, as well as other qualitative factors.
10720182020 Form 10-K112





The following table represents the allocation of the allowance for loan losses and the related loans by loan portfolio segment disaggregated based on the impairmentallowance measurement methodology for the years ended December 31, 20182020 and 2017. Loans2019.
Commercial
and Industrial
Commercial
Real Estate
Residential
Mortgage
ConsumerTotal
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2020
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for credit losses$73,063 $1,338 $1,206 $264 $75,871 
Collectively evaluated for credit losses58,007 162,775 27,667 15,923 264,372 
Total$131,070 $164,113 $28,873 $16,187 $340,243 
Loans:
Individually evaluated for credit losses$131,057 $61,754 $35,151 $1,631 $229,593 
Collectively evaluated for credit losses6,730,651 18,409,069 4,148,592 2,699,207 31,987,519 
Total$6,861,708 $18,470,823 $4,183,743 $2,700,838 $32,217,112 
December 31, 2019
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for credit losses$36,662 $1,338 $518 $58 $38,576 
Collectively evaluated for credit losses67,397 44,335 4,542 6,909 123,183 
Total$104,059 $45,673 $5,060 $6,967 $161,759 
Loans:
Individually evaluated for credit losses$100,860 $51,242 $10,689 $853 $163,644 
Collectively evaluated for credit losses4,043,123 12,347,368 3,786,253 2,729,221 22,905,965 
Loans acquired with discounts related to credit quality682,014 5,245,149 580,169 122,267 6,629,599 
Total$4,825,997 $17,643,759 $4,377,111 $2,852,341 $29,699,208 

Impaired loans.  Impaired loans disclosures presented below as of December 31, 2019 represent requirements prior to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020. Impaired loans, consisting of non-accrual commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans over $250 thousand and all loans which were modified in troubled debt restructurings, are individually evaluated for impairment represent Valley’simpairment. PCI loans were not classified as impaired loans. Loans acquiredloans because they are accounted for on a pool basis and were paying as expected.
The following table presents information about impaired loans by loan portfolio class at December 31, 2019:
Recorded
Investment
With No
Related
Allowance
Recorded
Investment
With
Related
Allowance
Total
Recorded
Investment
Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
Related
Allowance
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2019
Commercial and industrial$14,617 $86,243 $100,860 $114,875 $36,662 
Commercial real estate:
Commercial real estate26,046 24,842 50,888 51,258 1,338 
Construction354 354 354 
Total commercial real estate loans26,400 24,842 51,242 51,612 1,338 
Residential mortgage5,836 4,853 10,689 11,800 518 
Consumer loans:
Home equity366 487 853 956 58 
Total consumer loans366 487 853 956 58 
Total$47,219 $116,425 $163,644 $179,243 $38,576 
Interest income recognized on a cash basis for impaired loans classified as non-accrual was not material for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

1132020 Form 10-K


LEASES (Note 6)
The following table presents the components of the right of use (ROU) assets and lease liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition by lease type at December 31, 2020 and 2019.
December 31,
20202019
(in thousands)
ROU assets:
Operating leases$251,293 $284,255 
Finance leases760 874 
Total$252,053 $285,129 
Lease liabilities:
Operating leases$275,248 $308,060 
Finance leases1,427 1,789 
Total$276,675 $309,849 
Net occupancy and equipment expense included lease cost of $29.0 million, net of sublease income of $3.5 million, for the year ended December 31, 2018.
In 2019, Valley closed a sale-leaseback transaction for 26 properties, consisting of 25 branches and 1 corporate office, for an aggregate sales price of $100.5 million. As a result, Valley recorded a pre-tax net gain totaling $78.5 million in 2019. Additionally, Valley recorded ROU assets and lease obligations totaling $78.4 million, respectively, for the lease of the 26 properties with discountsan expected term of 12.0 years and operating lease costs of $7.9 million within occupancy and equipment expense on a straight-line basis annually over the term of the lease. 
The following table presents the components by lease type, of total lease cost recognized in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
20202019
(in thousands)
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of ROU assets$363 $291 
Interest on lease liabilities146 191 
Operating lease cost36,094 34,175 
Short-term lease cost783 410 
Variable lease cost4,296 3,573 
Sublease income(2,520)(3,422)
Total lease cost (included in net occupancy and equipment expense)$39,162 $35,218 
The following table presents supplemental cash flow information related to credit quality represent Valley’s PCI loans.leases for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
20202019
(in thousands)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$35,943 $34,380 
Operating cash flows from finance leases146 192 
Financing cash flows from finance leases612 492 

 
Commercial
and Industrial
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Residential
Mortgage
 Consumer Total
 (in thousands)        
December 31, 2018         
Allowance for loan losses:         
Individually evaluated for impairment$29,684
 $2,628
 $600
 $113
 $33,025
Collectively evaluated for impairment61,272
 47,022
 4,441
 6,099
 118,834
Total$90,956
 $49,650
 $5,041
 $6,212
 $151,859
Loans:         
Individually evaluated for impairment$97,852
 $43,598
 $13,904
 $1,271
 $156,625
Collectively evaluated for impairment3,492,523
 10,991,059
 3,669,080
 2,536,096
 20,688,758
Loans acquired with discounts related to credit quality740,657
 2,860,750
 428,416
 160,263
 4,190,086
Total$4,331,032
 $13,895,407
 $4,111,400
 $2,697,630
 $25,035,469
December 31, 2017         
Allowance for loan losses:         
Individually evaluated for impairment$11,044
 $2,735
 $718
 $64
 $14,561
Collectively evaluated for impairment46,188
 52,219
 2,887
 5,001
 106,295
Total$57,232
 $54,954
 $3,605
 $5,065
 $120,856
Loans:         
Individually evaluated for impairment$85,499
 $60,851
 $14,056
 $3,760
 $164,166
Collectively evaluated for impairment2,463,566
 9,310,964
 2,703,688
 2,301,981
 16,780,199
Loans acquired with discounts related to credit quality192,360
 976,067
 141,291
 77,497
 1,387,215
Total$2,741,425
 $10,347,882
 $2,859,035
 $2,383,238
 $18,331,580
2020 Form 10-K114


PREMISESThe following table presents supplemental information related to leases at December 31, 2020 and 2019:
December 31,
20202019
Weighted-average remaining lease term
Operating leases12.3 years12.8 years
Finance leases2.0 years3.0 years
Weighted-average discount rate
Operating leases3.56 %3.68 %
Finance leases7.45 %8.25 %
The following table presents a maturity analysis of lessor and lessee arrangements outstanding as of December 31, 2020:
LessorLessee
Direct Financing and Sales-Type LeasesOperating LeasesFinance Leases
(in thousands)
2021$188,580 $35,175 $769 
2022166,076 32,788 769 
2023139,589 29,288 11 
2024103,498 28,036 
202559,049 26,991 
Thereafter40,126 194,732 
Total lease payments696,918 347,010 1,549 
Less: present value discount(53,369)(71,762)(122)
Total$643,549 $275,248 $1,427 
The total net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases was $643.5 million and $478.8 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, comprised of $641.3 million and $477.1 million in lease receivables and $2.2 million and $1.7 million in unguaranteed residuals, respectively. Total lease income was $25.2 million, $19.4 million and $14.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NETNET (Note 7)
At December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, premises and equipment, net consisted of:
2018 201720202019
(in thousands) (in thousands)
Land$93,600
 $77,235
Land$90,379 $93,594 
Buildings250,510
 210,335
Buildings214,476 220,140 
Leasehold improvements77,425
 79,217
Leasehold improvements88,898 85,042 
Furniture and equipment263,604
 255,189
Furniture and equipment282,701 274,715 
Total premises and equipment685,139
 621,976
Total premises and equipment676,454 673,491 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(343,509) (334,271)Accumulated depreciation and amortization(356,657)(338,958)
Total premises and equipment, net$341,630
 $287,705
Total premises and equipment, net$319,797 $334,533 
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment included in non-interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018 was approximately $27.6$30.6 million, $24.8$29.4 million, and $24.4$27.6 million, respectively.



20181152020 Form 10-K108





GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Note 8)
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill as allocated to our business segments, or reporting units thereof, for goodwill impairment analysis were:
 Business Segment / Reporting Unit*
 
Wealth
Management
 
Consumer
Lending
 
Commercial
Lending
 
Investment
Management
 Total
 (in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2016$21,218
 $200,103
 $316,258
 $153,058
 $690,637
Balance at December 31, 2017$21,218
 $200,103
 $316,258
 $153,058
 $690,637
Goodwill from business combinations
 86,922
 241,592
 65,514
 394,028
Balance at December 31, 2018$21,218
 $287,025
 $557,850
 $218,572
 $1,084,665
 Business Segment / Reporting Unit*
 Wealth
Management
Consumer
Lending
Commercial
Lending
Investment
Management
Total
 (in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2018$21,218 $287,025 $557,850 $218,572 $1,084,665 
Goodwill from business combinations19,547 267,917 1,496 288,960 
Balance at December 31, 2019$21,218 $306,572 $825,767 $220,068 $1,373,625 
Goodwill from business combinations597 8,175 45 8,817 
Balance at December 31, 2020$21,218 $307,169 $833,942 $220,113 $1,382,442 
*Valley’s Wealth Management Division is comprised of trust, asset management and insurance services. This reporting unit is included in the Consumer Lending segment for financial reporting purposes.
*    Valley’s Wealth Management Division is comprised of trust, asset management and insurance services. This reporting unit is included in the Consumer Lending segment for financial reporting purposes.
    
TheCertain estimates for acquired assets and assumed liabilities are subject to change for up to one year after the acquisition date. During 2020, goodwill from business combinations during 2018 set forth inreflects the table above relateseffect of the combined adjustments to the USAB acquisition. During 2018, Valley adjusted theestimated fair valuevalues of certain PCI loans, current taxes payable and deferred tax assets which, on a combined basis, resulted in a $5.8 million net increase in goodwill.as of the acquisition date. See Note 2 for further details related to the USAB acquisition.details.
There was no impairment0 impairment of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016.2018.
The following tables summarize other intangible assets as of December 31, 20182020 and 2017:2019:
Gross
Intangible
Assets
Accumulated
Amortization
Valuation
Allowance
Net
Intangible
Assets
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2020
Loan servicing rights$103,150 $(80,340)$(865)$21,945 
Core deposits101,160 (53,747)47,413 
Other3,945 (2,854)1,091 
Total other intangible assets$208,255 $(136,941)$(865)$70,449 
December 31, 2019
Loan servicing rights$94,827 $(70,095)$(47)$24,685 
Core deposits101,160 (40,384)60,776 
Other3,945 (2,634)1,311 
Total other intangible assets$199,932 $(113,113)$(47)$86,772 
 
Gross
Intangible
Assets
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Valuation
Allowance
 
Net
Intangible
Assets
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2018       
Loan servicing rights$87,354
 $(63,161) $(83) $24,110
Core deposits80,470
 (29,136) 
 51,334
Other3,945
 (2,399) 
 1,546
Total other intangible assets$171,769
 $(94,696) $(83) $76,990
December 31, 2017       
Loan servicing rights$79,138
 $(57,054) $(471) $21,613
Core deposits43,396
 (24,297) 
 19,099
Other4,087
 (2,292) 
 1,795
Total other intangible assets$126,621
 $(83,643) $(471) $42,507
Core deposits are amortized using an accelerated method and have a weighted average amortization period of 8 8.9 years. The line item labeled “Other” included in the table above primarily consists of customer lists which are amortized over their expected lives generally using a straight-line method and have a weighted average amortization period of 7.6 years. Valley recorded approximately $44.6 million and $1.4$20.7 million of core deposit intangibles and loan servicing rights, respectively, resulting from the USABOritani acquisition. Valley evaluates core deposits and other intangibles for impairment when an indication of impairment exists. NoNaN impairment was recognized during the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016.2018.




10920182020 Form 10-K116





The following table summarizes the change in loan servicing rights during the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016:2018:
202020192018
 (in thousands)
Loan servicing rights:
Balance at beginning of year$24,732 $24,193 $22,084 
Origination of loan servicing rights8,322 7,473 8,216 
Amortization expense(10,244)(6,934)(6,107)
Balance at end of year$22,810 $24,732 $24,193 
Valuation allowance:
Balance at beginning of year$(47)$(83)$(471)
Impairment adjustment(818)36 388 
Balance at end of year$(865)$(47)$(83)
Balance at end of year, net of valuation allowance$21,945 $24,685 $24,110 
 2018 2017 2016
 (in thousands)
Loan servicing rights:     
Balance at beginning of year$22,084
 $20,368
 $16,681
Origination of loan servicing rights8,216
 7,039
 8,479
Amortization expense(6,107) (5,323) (4,792)
Balance at end of year$24,193
 $22,084
 $20,368
Valuation allowance:     
Balance at beginning of year$(471) $(900) $(289)
Impairment adjustment388
 429
 (611)
Balance at end of year$(83) $(471) $(900)
Balance at end of year, net of valuation allowance$24,110
 $21,613
 $19,468
Loan servicing rights are accounted for using the amortization method (see Note 1method. As shown in the above table, Valley recorded net impairment charges on its loan servicing rights totaling$818 thousand for more details).the year ended December 31, 2020 and net recoveries impairment charges totaling $36 thousand and $388 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The Bank is a servicer of residential mortgage loan portfolios, and it is compensated for loan administrative services performed for mortgage servicing rights of loans originated and sold by the Bank, and to a lesser extent, purchased mortgage servicing rights. The aggregate principal balances of residential mortgage loans serviced by the Bank for others approximated $3.2$3.5 billion, $2.8$3.4 billion and $2.5$3.2 billion at December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016,2018, respectively. The outstanding balance of loans serviced for others is not included in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
Valley recognized amortization expense on other intangible assets, including net recoveries and netof impairment charges on loan servicing rights (reflected in the table above), of $18.4$24.6 million, $10.0$18.1 million and $11.3$18.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016,2018, respectively.
The following table presents the estimated amortization expense of other intangible assets over the next five-year period:
YearLoan Servicing
Rights
Core
Deposits
Other
 (in thousands)
2021$5,391 $11,607 $206 
20223,969 9,876 191 
20232,933 8,146 131 
20242,210 6,537 117 
20251,688 4,929 103 


Year
Loan Servicing
Rights
 
Core
Deposits
 Other
 (in thousands)
2019$5,574
 $10,961
 $235
20204,590
 9,607
 220
20213,614
 8,252
 206
20222,872
 6,898
 191
20232,286
 5,544
 131
1172020 Form 10-K


DEPOSITS (Note 9)
Included in time deposits are certificates of deposit over $250 thousand totaling $1.1$1.4 billion and $647.3 million$1.7 billion at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively. Interest expense on time deposits of $250 thousand or more totaled approximately $4.5 million, $5.8 million and $6.6 million $1.3 million,in 2020, 2019 and $1.1 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


The scheduled maturities of time deposits as of December 31, 2018 are2020 were as follows:
Year Amount
  (in thousands)
2019 $4,987,313
2020 1,551,067
2021 163,059
2022 176,727
2023 143,287
Thereafter 42,531
Total time deposits $7,063,984

2018 Form 10-K110




YearAmount
 (in thousands)
2021$5,877,581 
2022502,743 
2023167,077 
202459,719 
202538,229 
Thereafter69,329 
Total time deposits$6,714,678 
Deposits from certain directors, executive officers and their affiliates totaled $66.8$97.3 million and $77.7$67.1 million at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively.
BORROWED FUNDS (Note 10)
Short-Term Borrowings
Short-term borrowings at December 31, 20182020 and 20172019 consisted of the following:
2018 201720202019
(in thousands) (in thousands)
FHLB advances$1,732,000
 $427,000
FHLB advances$1,000,000 $940,000 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase261,914
 321,628
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase147,958 153,280 
Federal funds purchased125,000
 
Total short-term borrowings$2,118,914
 $748,628
Total short-term borrowings$1,147,958 $1,093,280 
The weighted average interest rate for short-term borrowings was 2.450.38 percent and 1.051.68 percent at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively. Short-term FHLB advances totaling $200 million were hedged with cash flow interest rate swaps at December 31, 2020. See Note 15 for additional details.
Long-Term Borrowings
Long-term borrowings at December 31, 20182020 and 20172019 consisted of the following:
 2018 2017
 (in thousands)
FHLB advances, net (1)
$1,309,666
 $1,980,666
Subordinated debt, net (2)
294,602
 235,153
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase50,000
 100,000
Total long-term borrowings$1,654,268
 $2,315,819
20202019
 (in thousands)
FHLB advances, net (1)
$1,592,252 $1,480,012 
Subordinated debt, net (2)
403,413 292,414 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase300,000 350,000 
Total long-term borrowings$2,295,665 $2,122,426 
(1)FHLB advances are presented net of unamortized prepayment penalties and other purchase accounting adjustments totaling $10.3$2.6 million and $14.3$2.8 million at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively.
(2)Subordinated debt is presented net of unamortized debt issuance costs totaling $1.4$2.7 million and $1.7$1.2 million at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively.
In 2016, Valley prepaid $355 million and $50 million of the long-term FHLB advances and securities sold under agreements to repurchase, respectively. These prepaid borrowings, which had contractual maturity dates in 2018 and a total average interest rate of 3.69 percent, were funded with a new fixed-rate FHLB advance totaling $405.0 million (maturing in August 2021). The transaction was accounted for as a debt modification under U.S. GAAP. As a result, the new advance has an adjusted annual interest rate of 2.51 percent, after amortization of prepayment penalties totaling $20.0 million paid to the FHLB.
In 2016, Valley also prepaid $87 million of FHLB advances assumed in the acquisition of CNL. The prepayment was entirely funded by cash balances that were held as collateral at the FHLB of Atlanta and resulted in the recognition of a $315 thousand loss on extinguishment of debt reported within other non-interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2016.
FHLB Advances. The long-termLong-term FHLB advances had a weighted average interest rate of 3.132.02 percent and 2.522.23 percent at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively. These FHLB advances are secured by pledges of certain eligible collateral, including but not limited to, U.S. government and agency mortgage-backed securities and a blanket assignment of qualifying first lien mortgage loans, consisting of both residential mortgage and commercial real estate loans.

Long-term FHLB advances totaling $900 million were hedged with cash flow interest rate swaps at December 31, 2020. See Note 15 for additional details.
11120182020 Form 10-K118





Long-Term Borrowings
The long-term FHLB advances at December 31, 20182020 are scheduled for contractual balance repayments as follows:
Year AmountYearAmount
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
2019 $255,000
2020 25,000
2021 840,000
2021$552,519 
2022 200,000
202229,377 
20232023428,163 
20242024300,000 
20252025279,635 
Total long-term FHLB advances $1,320,000
Total long-term FHLB advances$1,589,694 
There are no0 FHLB advances with scheduled repayments in years 2021 and thereafter, reported in the table above, which are callable for early redemption by the FHLB during 2021.
In December 2020, Valley prepaid $534.3 million of long-term FHLB advances scheduled to mature in 2021 and 2022 with a weighted average effective interest rate of 2.48 percent. The transaction was funded with excess cash liquidity and accounted for as an early debt extinguishment resulting in a loss of $9.7 million reported within non-interest expense for the table above.year ended December 31, 2020. In December 2019, Valley prepaid $635.0 million of long-term FHLB advances. These prepaid borrowings had contractual maturity dates in 2021 and 2022 and a weighted average interest rate of 3.93 percent. The debt prepayment was funded by cash proceeds from the sale of commercial real estate loans and overnight borrowings. The transaction was also accounted for as an early debt extinguishment and resulted in a loss of $32.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Subordinated Debt. InOn June 2015,5, 2020, Valley issued $100$115 million of 5.25 percent Fixed-to-Floating Rate subordinated notes issued in due June 15, 2030 and callable in whole or in part on or after June 15, 2025 or upon the occurrence of certain events. Interest on the subordinated notes during the initial five-year term through June 15, 2025 is payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15. Thereafter, interest is expected to be set based on Three-Month Term SOFR plus 514 basis points and paid quarterly through maturity of the notes. The subordinated notes had a net carrying value of $113.3 million at December 31, 2020.
At December 31, 2020, Valley also had the following subordinated debt outstanding:
$100 million of 4.55 percent subordinated debentures (notes) issued in June 2015 and due JulyJune 30, 2025 with no call dates or prepayments allowed unless certain conditions exist. Interest on the subordinated notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 30 of each year. The subordinated notes had a net carrying value of $99.3$99.5 million and $99.2$99.4 million at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively.
In September 2013, Valley issued $125$125 million of its 5.125 percent subordinated notes issued in September 2013 and due September 27, 2023 with no call dates or prepayments allowed, unless certain conditions exist. Interest on the subordinated debentures is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 27 and September 27 of each year. In conjunction with the issuance, Valley entered into an interest rate swap transaction used to hedge the change in the fair value of the subordinated notes. In August 2016, the fair value interest rate swap with a notional amount of $125 million was terminated resulting in an adjusted fixed annual interest rate of 3.32 percent on the subordinated notes, after amortization of the derivative valuation adjustment recorded at the termination date. The subordinated notes had a net carrying value of $134.2$130.5 million and $135.2$132.4 million at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively.
On January 1, 2018, Valley assumed $60$60 million of 6.25 percent subordinated notes, assumed on January 1, 2018 in connection with the acquisition of USAB. The notes are due April 1, 2026 callable beginning April 1, 2021. Interest on the subordinated debentures is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year. After purchase accounting adjustments, the subordinated notes had a net carrying value of $61.1$60.1 million and $60.6 million at December 31, 2018.2020 and 2019, respectively.
Long-term securities sold under agreements. agreements to repurchase (repos). The long-term securities sold under agreementsrepos had a weighted average interest rate of 3.703.37 percent and 3.371.94 percent at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively. Long-term repos outstanding as of December 31, 2020 all have maturities in 2021.
In September 2020, Valley prepaid $50 million of long-term institutional repo borrowings with an interest rate of 3.70 percent and an original contractual maturity date in January 2022. The debt prepayment was funded by excess cash liquidity.
1192020 Form 10-K


The long-term repos attransaction was accounted for as an early debt extinguishment resulting in a loss of $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 are scheduled for contractual balance repayments as follows:2020.
Year Amount
  (in thousands)
2022 $50,000
Total long-term securities sold under agreements to repurchase $50,000
Pledged Securities. The fair value of securities pledged to secure public deposits, repurchase agreements, lines of credit, FHLB advances and for other purposes required by law approximated $2.4$2.1 billion and $1.9$2.3 billion for December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively.


JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES ISSUED TO CAPITAL TRUSTS (Note 11)
All of the statutory trusts presented in the table below were acquired in past bank acquisitions, including the Aliant Statutory Trust II acquired from USAB on January 1, 2018.acquisitions. These trusts were established for the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities and related trust common securities. The proceeds from such issuances were used by the trust to purchase an equivalent amount of junior subordinated debentures issued by the acquired bank, and now assumed by Valley. The junior subordinated debentures, the sole assets of the trusts, are unsecured obligations of Valley, and are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all present and future senior and subordinated indebtedness and certain other financial obligations of Valley. Valley does not consolidate its capital trusts based on U.S. GAAP but wholly owns all of the common securities of each trust.

2018 Form 10-K112




The table below summarizes the outstanding junior subordinated debentures and the related trust preferred securities issued by each trust as of December 31, 20182020 and 2017:2019:
 
GCB
Capital Trust III
 
State Bancorp
Capital Trust I
 
State Bancorp
Capital Trust II
 Aliant Statutory Trust II
 ($ in thousands)
Junior Subordinated Debentures:       
December 31, 2018       
Carrying value (1)
$24,743
 $8,924
 $8,337
 $13,366
Contractual principal balance24,743
 10,310
 10,310
 15,464
December 31, 2017       
Carrying value (1)
$24,743
 $8,824
 $8,207
 NA
Contractual principal balance24,743
 10,310
 10,310
 NA
Annual interest rate (2)
3-mo. LIBOR+1.4%
 3-mo. LIBOR+3.45%
 3-mo. LIBOR+2.85%
 3-mo. LIBOR+1.8%
Stated maturity dateJuly 30, 2037
 November 7, 2032
 January 23, 2034
 December 15, 2036
Initial call dateJuly 30, 2017
 November 7, 2007
 January 23, 2009
 December 15, 2011
Trust Preferred Securities:       
December 31, 2018 and 2017       
Face value$24,000
 $10,000
 $10,000
 $15,000
Annual distribution rate (2)
3-mo. LIBOR+1.4%
 3-mo. LIBOR+3.45%
 3-mo. LIBOR+2.85%
 3-mo. LIBOR+1.8%
Issuance dateJuly 2, 2007
 October 29, 2002
 December 19, 2003
 December 14, 2006
Distribution dates (3)
Quarterly
 Quarterly
 Quarterly
 Quarterly
GCB
Capital Trust III
State Bancorp
Capital Trust I
State Bancorp
Capital Trust II
Aliant Statutory Trust II
($ in thousands)
Junior Subordinated Debentures:
December 31, 2020
Carrying value (1)
$24,743 $9,125 $8,599 $13,598 
Contractual principal balance24,743 10,310 10,310 15,464 
December 31, 2019
Carrying value (1)
$24,743 $9,025 $8,468 $13,482 
Contractual principal balance24,743 10,310 10,310 15,464 
Annual interest rate3-mo. LIBOR+1.4%3-mo. LIBOR+3.45%3-mo. LIBOR+2.85%3-mo. LIBOR+1.8%
Stated maturity dateJuly 30, 2037November 7, 2032January 23, 2034December 15, 2036
Initial call dateJuly 30, 2017November 7, 2007January 23, 2009December 15, 2011
Trust Preferred Securities:
December 31, 2020 and 2019
Face value$24,000 $10,000 $10,000 $15,000 
Annual distribution rate3-mo. LIBOR+1.4%3-mo. LIBOR+3.45%3-mo. LIBOR+2.85%3-mo. LIBOR+1.8%
Issuance dateJuly 2, 2007October 29, 2002December 19, 2003December 14, 2006
Distribution dates (2)
QuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterlyQuarterly
(1)The carrying values include unamortized purchase accounting adjustments at December 31, 2018 and 2017.
(2)Interest on GCB Capital Trust III was fixed at an annual rate of 6.96 percent until July 30, 2017, thereafter, it resets quarterly to 3-month LIBOR plus 1.4 percent. The annual interest rate for all of the junior subordinated debentures and related trust preferred securities excludes the effect of the purchase accounting adjustments.
(3)All cash distributions are cumulative.

(1)The carrying values include unamortized purchase accounting adjustments at December 31, 2020 and 2019.
(2)All cash distributions are cumulative.

The trust preferred securities are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, upon repayment of the junior subordinated debentures at the stated maturity date or upon early redemption. The trusts’ ability to pay amounts due on the trust preferred securities is solely dependent upon Valley making payments on the related junior subordinated debentures. Valley’s obligation under the junior subordinated debentures and other relevant trust agreements, in aggregate, constitutes a full and unconditional guarantee by Valley of the trusts’ obligations under the trust preferred securities issued. Under the junior subordinated debenture agreements, Valley has the right to defer payment of interest on the debentures and, therefore, distributions on the trust preferred securities, for up to five years, but not beyond the stated maturity dates in the table above. Currently, Valley has no intention to exercise its right to defer interest payments on the debentures.
The trust preferred securities are included in Valley’s total risk-based capital (as Tier 2 capital) for regulatory purposes at December 31, 20182020 and 2017.2019.

2020 Form 10-K120


BENEFIT PLANS (Note 12)
Pension Plan
The Bank has a non-contributory defined benefit plan (qualified plan) covering most of its employees. The qualified plan benefits are based upon years of credited service and the employee’s highest average compensation as defined. Additionally, the Bank has a supplemental non-qualified, non-funded retirement plan, which is designed to supplement the pension plan for key officers, and Valley has a non-qualified, non-funded directors’ retirement plan (both of these plans are referred to as the “non-qualified plans” below).
Effective December 31, 2013, the benefits earned under the qualified and non-qualified plans were frozen. As a result, Valley re-measured the projected benefit obligation of the affected plans and the funded status of each plan at June 30, 2013. Consequently, participants in each plan will not accrue further benefits and their pension benefits will be determined based on their compensation and service as of December 31, 2013. Plan benefits will not increase for any compensation or service earned after such date. All participants were immediately vested in their frozen accrued benefits if they were employed by the Bank as of December 31, 2013.

1132018 Form 10-K




The following table sets forth the change in the projected benefit obligation, the change in fair value of plan assets and the funded status and amounts recognized in Valley’s consolidated financial statements for the qualified and non-qualified plans at December 31, 20182020 and 2017:2019:
 2018 2017
 (in thousands)
Change in projected benefit obligation:   
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year$170,566
 $161,306
Interest cost5,542
 5,713
Actuarial (gain) loss(11,540) 10,148
Benefits paid(7,204) (6,601)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year$157,364
 $170,566
Change in fair value of plan assets:   
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year$222,124
 $206,639
Actual (loss) return on plan assets(5,545) 21,468
Employer contributions1,133
 618
Benefits paid(7,204) (6,601)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year*$210,508
 $222,124
    
Funded status of the plan

 

Asset recognized$53,144
 $51,558
Accumulated benefit obligation157,364
 170,566
20202019
 (in thousands)
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year$175,405 $157,364 
Interest cost4,941 6,113 
Actuarial loss18,813 20,001 
Benefits paid(8,310)(8,073)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year$190,849 $175,405 
Change in fair value of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year$236,621 $210,508 
Actual return on plan assets30,987 32,835 
Employer contributions1,353 1,351 
Benefits paid(8,310)(8,073)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year*$260,651 $236,621 
Funded status of the plan
Asset recognized$69,802 $61,216 
Accumulated benefit obligation190,849 175,405 
*    Includes accrued interest receivable of $660$623 thousand and $993$641 thousand as of December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively.

Amounts recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss as of year-end that have not been recognized as a component of the net periodic pension expense for Valley’s qualified and non-qualified plans are presented in the following table. Valley expects to recognize approximately $309 thousand$1.5 million of the net actuarial loss reported in the following table as of December 31, 20182020 as a component of net periodic pension expense during 2019.2021.
20202019
 (in thousands)
Net actuarial loss$50,272 $46,248 
Prior service cost321 357 
Deferred tax benefit(14,132)(13,168)
Total$36,461 $33,437 


 2018 2017
 (in thousands)
Net actuarial loss$42,893
 $33,602
Deferred tax benefit(12,205) (14,044)
Total$30,688
 $19,558
1212020 Form 10-K


The non-qualified plans had a projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets as follows:
20202019
 (in thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$20,513 $20,081 
Accumulated benefit obligation20,513 20,081 
Fair value of plan assets
 2018 2017
 (in thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$18,708
 $20,175
Accumulated benefit obligation18,708
 20,175
Fair value of plan assets
 
In determining discount rate assumptions, management looks to current rates on fixed-income corporate debt securities that receive a rating of AA or higher from either Moody’s or S&P with durations equal to the expected benefit payments streams required of each plan. The weighted average discount rate used in determining the actuarial present value of benefit obligations for the qualified and non-qualified plans was 4.302.52 percent and 3.69and 3.32 percent as of December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively. 

2018 Form 10-K114





The net periodic pension income for the qualified and non-qualified plans reported within other non-interest expense (due to the adoption of ASU No. 2017-07) included the following components for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016:2018:
202020192018
 (in thousands)
Interest cost$4,941 $6,113 $5,542 
Expected return on plan assets(17,200)(16,453)(15,912)
Amortization of net loss1,003 264 625 
Total net periodic pension income$(11,256)$(10,076)$(9,745)
 2018 2017 2016
 (in thousands)
Interest cost$5,542
 $5,713
 $6,681
Expected return on plan assets(15,912) (15,163) (14,539)
Amortization of net loss625
 381
 294
Total net periodic pension income$(9,745) $(9,069) $(7,564)
At the end of 2016, Valley changed the method utilized to estimateestimated the interest cost component of net periodic pension costs for our qualified and non-qualified plans. Historically, Valley estimatedincome (as shown in the interest cost component (and the service cost component when it was applicable)table above) using a single weighted average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. At December 31, 2016, Valley elected to use a spot rate approach for the plans in the estimation of these components of benefit cost by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve to the relevant projected cash flows. Valley believes this provides a better estimate of service and interest costs. Valley accounted for this change in estimate prospectively starting in 2017. This change does not affectcosts than a single weighted average discount rate derived from the measurementyield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the total benefit obligation. For 2017, the change in estimate when compared to the prior approach accounted for a large portion of the decline in interest cost from 2016 to 2017 as shown in the table above.applicable period.
Other changes in the qualified and non-qualified plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income/lossincome for the years ended December 31, 20182020 and 20172019 were as follows:
20202019
 (in thousands)
Net loss$5,026 $3,619 
Amortization of prior service cost(136)(35)
Amortization of actuarial loss(1,003)(264)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income$3,887 $3,320 
Total recognized in net periodic pension income and other comprehensive income (before tax)$(7,233)$(6,721)
 2018 2017
 (in thousands)
Net loss$9,917
 $3,843
Amortization of prior service cost(35) (35)
Amortization of actuarial loss(625) (381)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income$9,257
 $3,427
Total recognized in net periodic pension income and other comprehensive income/loss (before tax)$(453) $(5,607)
The benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, expected to be paid in future years are presented in the following table: 
YearAmount
 (in thousands)
2021$8,889 
20229,123 
20239,389 
20249,579 
20259,726 
Thereafter49,314 



Year Amount
  (in thousands)
2019 $8,213
2020 8,491
2021 8,764
2022 8,938
2023 9,182
Thereafter 47,835
2020 Form 10-K122


The weighted average discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on assets and rate of compensation increase used in determining Valley’s pension expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018 were as follows:
202020192018
2018 2017 2016
Discount rate3.69% 4.12% 4.33%
Discount rate - projected benefit obligationDiscount rate - projected benefit obligation3.29 %4.30 %3.69 %
Discount rate - interest costDiscount rate - interest cost2.62 %3.99 %3.31 %
Expected long-term return on plan assets7.50% 7.50% 7.50%Expected long-term return on plan assets7.50 %7.50 %7.50 %
Rate of compensation increaseN/A
 N/A
 N/A
Rate of compensation increaseN/AN/AN/A
The expected rate of return on plan assets assumption is based on the concept that it is a long-term assumption independent of the current economic environment and changes would be made in the expected return only when long-term inflation expectations change, asset allocations change materially or when asset class returns are expected to change for the long-term.

1152018 Form 10-K




In accordance with Section 402 (c) of ERISA, the qualified plan’s investment managers are granted full discretion to buy, sell, invest and reinvest the portions of the portfolio assigned to them consistent with the Bank’s Pension Committee’s policy and guidelines. The target asset allocation set for the qualified plan is an approximate equal weighting of 50 percent fixed income securities and 50 percent equity securities. TheAlthough much depends upon market conditions, the absolute investment objective for the equity portion is to earn at least 7 percent cumulative annualized reala mid-to-high single digit return, after adjustment by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), over rolling five-year periods, while the relative objective is to earn returnsperiods. Relative performance should be above the S&P 500 Indexmedian of a suitable grouping of other equity portfolios and a suitable index over rolling three-year periods. For the fixed income portion, the absolute objective is to earn at least a 3 percent cumulativepositive annual real return, after adjustment by the CPI, over rolling five-year periods withperiods. Relative performance should be better than the median performance of bonds when judged against a relative objectivesuitable index of earning returnsother fixed income portfolios and above the Merrill Lynch Intermediate Government/Corporate Index over rolling three-year periods. Cash equivalents will be invested in money market funds or in other high quality instruments approved by the Trustees of the qualified plan.
The exposure of the plan assets of the qualified plan to a concentration of credit risk is limited by the Bank’s Pension Committee’s diversification of the investments into various investment options with multiple asset managers. The Pension Committee engages an investment management advisory firm that regularly monitors the performance of the asset managers and ensures they are within compliance of the policies adopted by the Trustees. If the risk profile and overall return of assets managed are not in line with the risk objectives or expected return benchmarks for the qualified plan, the advisory firm may recommend the termination of an asset manager to the Pension Committee.
In general, the plan assets of the qualified plan are investment securities that are well-diversified in terms of industry, capitalization and asset class.
The following table presents the qualified plan weighted-average asset allocations by asset category that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy under ASC Topic 820. Financial assets are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. See Note 3 for further details regarding the fair value hierarchy.
     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
 
% of Total
Investments
 December 31, 2018 
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 ($ in thousands)
Assets:         
Investments:         
Equity securities28% $59,447
 $59,447
 $
 $
Corporate bonds24
 50,889
 
 50,889
 
Mutual funds17
 36,293
 36,293
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities24
 50,838
 50,838
 
 
Cash and money market funds4
 7,429
 7,429
 
 
U.S. government agency securities3
 4,952
 
 4,952
 
Total investments100% $209,848
 $154,007
 $55,841
 $
     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
 
% of Total
Investments
 December 31, 2017 
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 ($ in thousands)
Assets:         
Investments:         
Equity securities38% $84,791
 $84,791
 $
 $
Corporate bonds22
 47,471
 
 47,471
 
Mutual funds23
 48,814
 48,814
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities13
 28,671
 28,671
 
 
Cash and money market funds4
 9,522
 9,522
 
 
U.S. government agency securities*
 1,862
 
 1,862
 
Total investments100% $221,131
 $171,798
 $49,333
 $
*Represents less than one percent of total investments.

   Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
 % of Total
Investments
December 31, 2020Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 ($ in thousands)
Assets:
Investments:
Equity securities37 %$94,434 $94,434 $$
U.S. Treasury securities20 52,549 52,549 
Corporate bonds20 51,410 51,410 
Mutual funds18 48,041 48,041 
U.S. government agency securities8,174 8,174 
Cash and money market funds5,420 5,420 
Total investments100 %$260,028 $200,444 $59,584 $
20181232020 Form 10-K116





   Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
 % of Total
Investments
December 31, 2019Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 ($ in thousands)
Assets:
Investments:
Equity securities32 %$75,633 $75,633 $$
U.S. Treasury securities22 51,732 51,732 
Corporate bonds21 51,221 51,221 
Mutual funds18 42,119 42,119 
U.S. government agency securities6,263 6,263 
Cash and money market funds9,013 9,013 
Total investments100 %$235,981 $178,497 $57,484 $
The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value:
Equity securities, U.S. Treasury securities and cash and money market funds are valued at fair value in the table above utilizing exchange quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments (Level 1 inputs). Mutual funds are measured at their respective net asset values, which represents fair values of the securities held in the funds based on exchange quoted prices available in active markets (Level 1 inputs).
Corporate bonds and U.S. government agency securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. The prices for these investments are derived from market quotations and matrix pricing obtained through an independent pricing service. Such fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.
Based upon actuarial estimates, Valley does not expect to make any contributions to the qualified plan. Funding requirements for subsequent years are uncertain and will significantly depend on whether the plan’s actuary changes any assumptions used to calculate plan funding levels, the actual return on plan assets, changes in the employee groups covered by the plan, and any legislative or regulatory changes affecting plan funding requirements. For tax planning, financial planning, cash flow management or cost reduction purposes, Valley may increase, accelerate, decrease or delay contributions to the plan to the extent permitted by law.
Other Qualified Plan
On December 1, 2019, Valley assumed obligations under Oritani’s Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan for Financial Institutions (“Pentegra DB Plan”). The Pentegra DB Plan's Employer Identification Number is 13-5645888 and the Plan Number is 333. The Pentegra DB Plan is a tax-qualified defined-benefit multiple-employer plan. Under the Pentegra DB Plan, contributions made by a participating employer may be used to provide benefits to participants of other participating employers. The Pentegra DB Plan was frozen as of December 31, 2008. During 2020, Valley withdrew from the Pentegra DB Plan and distributed annuities to participants based on the actuarial computation of their pension benefit. Valley recognized approximately $1.1 million of expense included in other non-interest expense related to the final contribution to the Pentegra DB Plan and distribution of the annuities for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Other Non-Qualified Plans
Valley maintains otherseparate non-qualified plans for former directors of banks acquired, as well as a non-qualified plan for formerand senior management of Merchants Bank of New York acquired in January of 2001. Valley did not merge these plans into its existing non-qualified plans. Collectively, atAt December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, the remaining obligations under these plans were $1.7$1.4 million and $2.1$1.6 million, respectively, of which $512$399 thousand and $682$451 thousand, respectively, were funded by Valley.
As of December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, all of the obligations were included in other liabilities and $872$731 thousand (net of a $345$286 thousand tax benefit) and $994$803 thousand (net of a $400$314 thousand tax benefit), respectively, were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The $816 thousand$1.0 million in accumulated other comprehensive loss will be reclassified to expense on a straight-line basis over the remaining benefit periods of these non-qualified plans.


2020 Form 10-K124


Valley assumed, in the Oritani acquisition on December 1, 2019, certain obligations under non-qualified retirement plans described below:
Non-qualified benefit equalization plans (BEP) that provided supplemental benefits to certain eligible executives and officers. The BEP plans were terminated on November 30, 2019 and the funded obligation under the BEP plans totaled $26.8 million on December 31, 2019. The accrued benefits were fully distributed to the participants on July 1, 2020.
Non-qualified benefit equalization pension plan that provided benefits to certain officers who were disallowed certain benefits under former Oritani’s qualified pension plan. This plan was terminated on November 30, 2019 and the accrued benefits are payable to plan participants in five equal installments beginning annually on December 1, 2020 through December 1, 2024. The funded obligation under this plan totaled $1.3 million and $1.6 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Income Agreement (the SERP) for the former CEO of Oritani. The SERP is a retirement benefit with a minimum payment period of 20 years upon death, disability, normal retirement, early retirement or separation from service after a change in control. Distributions from the plan began on July 1, 2020. The funded obligation under the SERP totaled $13.6 million and $13.0 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Valley recorded $1.5 million of expenses related to the SERP for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The above Oritani non-qualified plans are secured by investments in money market mutual funds which are held in a trust and classified as equity securities on the consolidated statements of financial condition at both December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Valley also assumed an Executive Group Life Insurance Replacement (“Split-Dollar”) Plan from Oritani. The Split-Dollar plan provides life insurance benefits to certain eligible employees upon death while employed or following termination of employment due to disability, retirement or change in control. Participants in the Split-Dollar plan are entitled to up to two times their base annual salary, as defined by the plan. The accrued liability for the Split-Dollar plan totaled $1.8 million and $961 thousand at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Valley recorded $812 thousand of expenses related to the Split-Dollar plan for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Bonus Plan
Valley National Bank and its subsidiaries may award cash incentive and merit bonuses to its officers and employees based upon a percentage of the covered employees’ compensation as determined by the achievement of certain performance objectives. Amounts charged to salary expense were $25.1 million, $19.1 million and $18.8 million $10.8 millionduring 2020, 2019 and $10.5 million during 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Savings and Investment Plan
Valley National Bank maintains a KSOP, which is defined as a 401(k) plan with an employee stock ownership feature. This planthat covers eligible employees of the Bank and its subsidiaries and allows employees to contribute a percentage of their salary, with the Bank matching a certain percentage of the employee contribution in cash invested in accordance with each participant’s investment elections. The Bank recorded $8.5$10.1 million, $7.1$8.6 million and $6.7$8.5 million in expense for contributions to the plan for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016,2018, respectively.
Stock-BasedDeferred Compensation Plan
Valley has a non-qualified, unfunded deferred compensation plan maintained for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for selected employees participating in the 401(k) plan whose contributions are limited as a result of the limitations under section 401(a)(17) of the IRS Code. Each participant in the plan is permitted to defer per calendar year, up to 5 percent of the portion of the participant’s salary and cash bonus above the limit in effect under the Company's 401(k) plan and receive employer matching contributions that become fully vested after two years of participation in the plan. Plan participants also receive an annual interest crediting on their balances held as of December 31 each year. Benefits are generally paid to a participant in a single lump sum following the participant’s separation from service with Valley. Valley recorded plan expenses of $372 thousand, $273 thousand and $262 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, Valley had an unsecured general liability of $1.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively, included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in connection with this plan.
Stock Based Compensation
Valley currently has one active employee stock incentive plan, the 2016 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (the “2016 Stock Plan”)2016 Plan), adopted by Valley’s Board of Directors on January 29, 2016 and approved by its shareholders on April 28, 2016. The 2016 Stock Plan is administered by the Compensation and Human Resources Committee (the “Committee”)Committee) appointed by Valley’s Board of Directors. The Committee can grant awards to officers and key employees of Valley. The purposeprimary purposes of the 2016 Stock Plan isare to provide additional incentive to officers and key employees of Valley and its subsidiaries, whose substantial contributions are
1252020 Form 10-K


essential to the continued growth and success of Valley, and to attract and retain competent and dedicated officers and other key employees whose efforts will result in the continued and long-term growth of Valley’s business.


Under the 2016 Stock Plan, Valley may award shares of common stock in the form of stock appreciation rights, both incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units (RSUs) to its employees and non-employee directors.directors (for acting in their roles as board members). As of December 31, 2018, 5.52020, 3.0 million sharesshares of common stock were available for issuance under the 2016 Stock Plan. The essential features of each award are described in the award agreement relating to that award. The grant, exercise, vesting, settlement or payment of an award may be based upon the fair value of Valley’s common stock on the last sale price reported for Valley’s common stock on such date or the last sale price reported preceding such date, except for performance-based awards with a market

1172018 Form 10-K




condition. The grant date fair values of performance-based awards that vest based on a market condition are determined by a third party specialist using a Monte Carlo valuation model.
On January 26, 2021, the Board of Directors approved the Valley National Bancorp 2021 Incentive Compensation Plan (the 2021 Plan). The maximum term to exercise an incentive stock option is ten years from the date of grant and2021 Plan is subject to a vesting schedule.approval by Valley shareholders at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on April 19, 2021. The 2021 Plan would authorize the Committee to issue up to 9 million shares to Valley's employees and directors. Awards under the 2021 Plan will be granted in substantially the same manner as the 2016 Plan. The 2021 Plan is described in more detail in Valley's 2021 definitive proxy statement.
Valley recorded total stock-based compensation expense primarily for restricted stock awards, totaling $19.5of $16.5 million, $12.2$15.0 million and $10.0$19.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016,2018, respectively. The stock-based compensation expense for 2020, 2019 and 2018 2017 and 2016 included $4.3$1.5 million, $4.3$2.1 million and $3.5$4.3 million, respectively, related to stock awards granted to retirement eligible employeesemployees. In 2020 and 2019, compensation expense for these awards was amortized monthly over a one year period after the grant date. Prior to 2019, award grantees who were eligible for retirement did not have a service period requirement and the expense was immediately recognized. The fair values of all other stock awards are expensed over the shorter of the vesting or required service period. As of December 31, 2018,2020, the unrecognized amortization expense for all stock-based compensation totaled approximately $16.6$17.8 million and will be recognized over an average remaining vesting period of approximately 2.1 years. 1.76 years.
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). Restricted stock units are awarded as (1) performance-based RSUs and (2) time-based RSUs. Performance based RSUs vest based on (i) growth in tangible book value per share plus dividends and (ii) total shareholder return as compared to our peer group. The performance based RSUs "cliff" vest after three years based on the cumulative performance of Valley during that time period. Generally, time-based RSUs vest ratably one-third each year over a three-year vesting period. The RSUs earn dividend equivalents (equal to cash dividends paid on Valley's common share) over the applicable performance or service period. Dividend equivalents, per the terms of the agreements, are accumulated and paid to the grantee at the vesting date, or forfeited if the applicable performance or service conditions are not met. The grant date fair value of the performance-based RSUs was $10.82, $10.43 and $12.36 per share for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. The grant date fair value of time-based RSUs was $10.29 and $10.32 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Valley did not award time-based restricted stock units during 2018.
The following table sets forth the changes in RSUs outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
Restricted Stock Units Outstanding
 202020192018
Outstanding at beginning of year2,158,255 1,378,886 1,114,962 
Acquired in business combinations336,379 
Granted2,030,026 1,412,941 509,725 
Vested(879,085)(500,204)(503,879)
Forfeited(80,537)(133,368)(78,301)
Outstanding at end of year3,228,659 2,158,255 1,378,886 
Restricted Stock.  Restricted stock is awarded to key employees providing for the immediate award of our common stock subject to certain vesting and restrictions under the 2016 Stock Plan. Compensation expense is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the shares.



2020 Form 10-K126


The following table sets forth the changes in restricted stock awards (RSAs) outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016:2018:
Restricted Stock Awards Outstanding
 202020192018
Outstanding at beginning of year1,058,681 1,720,968 1,771,702 
Granted1,263,144 
Vested(610,607)(547,653)(1,128,521)
Forfeited(34,373)(114,634)(185,357)
Outstanding at end of year413,701 1,058,681 1,720,968 
 Restricted Stock Awards Outstanding
 2018 2017 2016
Outstanding at beginning of year1,771,702
 2,100,816
 2,755,138
Granted1,263,144
 608,786
 544,307
Vested(1,128,521) (736,575) (1,050,293)
Forfeited(185,357) (201,325) (148,336)
Outstanding at end of year1,720,968
 1,771,702
 2,100,816


The RSAs granted in 2018 have vesting periods ranging from one to five years. The average grant date fair valueValley did not award any shares of RSAs granted during the year ended December 31, 2018 was $11.85 per share.restricted stock during 2020 and 2019. Included in the RSAs granted (in the table above) during 2018 and 2017,are 60 thousand and 45 thousand shares respectively, were issued to Valley directors. In 2018 and 2017, each non-management director received $60 thousand and $50 thousand, respectively, of RSAs as part of their annual retainer. The RSAs were granted on the date of the annual shareholders’ meeting with the number of RSAs determined using the closing market price on the date prior to grant. The RSAs vest on the earlier of the next annual shareholders’ meeting or the first anniversary of the grant date, with acceleration upon a change in control, death or disability, but not resignation from the Board of Directors.directors, which are fully vested.
During 2014, 240 thousand shares of performance-based RSAs were granted to executive officers and vested based on the same performance measures for the RSU grants discussed below. During 2017 and 2016, 85 thousand and 53 thousand restricted shares, respectively, vested related to the performance-based RSAs. The total remaining unvested performance-based RSAs were forfeited during 2017 due to failure to meet the performance and market conditions at the final year of vesting.
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The RSUs vest based on (i) growth in tangible book value per share plus dividends (75 percent of performance shares) and (ii) total shareholder return as compared to our peer group (25 percent of performance shares). The RSUs "cliff" vest after three years based on the cumulative performance of Valley during that time period. The RSUs earn dividend equivalents (equal to cash dividends paid on Valley's common share) over the applicable performance period. Dividend equivalents, per the terms of the agreements, are accumulated and paid to the grantee at the vesting date, or forfeited if the performance conditions are not met. The grant date fair value of the RSUs was $12.36, $11.05 and $8.32 per share for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. Compensation costs related to RSUs totaled $5.5 million, $3.8 million and $2.8 million, and were included in total stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


2018 Form 10-K118




The following table sets forth the changes in RSUs outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:
 Restricted Stock Units Outstanding
 2018 2017 2016
Outstanding at beginning of year1,114,962
 744,281
 313,212
Acquired from USAB336,379
 
 
Granted509,725
 370,681
 431,069
Vested(503,879) 
 
Forfeited(78,301) 
 
Outstanding at end of year1,378,886
 1,114,962
 744,281

In connection with the USAB acquisition on January 1, 2018, Valley assumed 336 thousand time-based RSUs (of which 179 thousand remained unvested and outstanding as of December 31, 2018). The stock plan under which the stock awards were issued is no longer active. Stock-based compensation expense related to the USAB RSUs totaled $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Stock Options.  The fair value of each option granted on the date of grant is estimated using a binomial option pricing model. The fair values are estimated using assumptions for dividend yield based on the annual dividend rate; the stock volatility, based on Valley’s historical and implied stock price volatility; the risk-free interest rates, based on the U.S. Treasury constant maturity bonds, in effect on the actual grant dates, with a remaining term approximating the expected term of the options; and expected exercise term calculated based on Valley’s historical exercise experience.
The following table summarizes stock options activity as of December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018 and changes during the years ended on those dates:
 202020192018
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Stock OptionsSharesPriceSharesPriceSharesPrice
Outstanding at beginning of year3,453,516 $1,051,787 $446,980 $13 
Acquired in business combinations3,130,171 1,803,165 
Exercised(249,308)(716,920)(975,325)
Forfeited or expired(217,861)11 (11,522)(223,033)14 
Outstanding at end of year2,986,347 3,453,516 1,051,787 
Exercisable at year-end2,986,347 3,339,517 604,003 
 2018 2017 2016
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Stock OptionsShares Price Shares Price Shares Price
Outstanding at beginning of year446,980
 $13
 732,489
 $14
 1,383,365
 $16
Acquired from USAB1,803,165
 5
 
 
 
 
Exercised(975,325) 5
 
 
 
 
Forfeited or expired(223,033) 14
 (285,509) 16
 (650,876) 18
Outstanding at end of year1,051,787
 7
 446,980
 13
 732,489
 14
Exercisable at year-end604,003
 7
 446,980
 13
 632,489
 14


In connection with the USAB acquisition on January 1, 2018, Valley assumed stock option awards totaling 1.8 million shares of Valley common stock (of which options for 813 thousand shares remained outstanding as of December 31, 2018) at a weighted average exercise price of $5.47.
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2018:2020:
Options Outstanding and Exercisable
Range of Exercise PricesNumber of OptionsWeighted Average
Remaining Contractual
Life in Years
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
$2-$491,500 1.6$
4-6149,248 4.3
6-82,687,999 0.9
8-1032,000 7.310 
10-1225,600 7.710 
2,986,347 1.3

Options Outstanding and Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices Number of Options 
Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual
Life in Years
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
$2-$4 40,870
 2.9 $3
4-6 284,912
 5.1 5
6-10 42,094
 7.6 7
10-18 236,127
 1.9 12
  604,003
 3.9 7


11912720182020 Form 10-K





Director Restricted Stock Plan. The Director Restricted Stock Plan provides the non-employee members of the Board of Directors with the opportunity to forgo some or their entire annual cash retainer and meeting fees in exchange for shares of Valley restricted stock. On January 29, 2014, the Director Restricted Stock Plan was amended to provide that no additional fees may be exchanged for Valley’s restricted stock effective April 1, 2014. The Director Restricted Stock Plan terminated in April 2018 when the remaining restricted stock under the plan vested.
The following table sets forth the changes in director’s restricted stock awards outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:
 Restricted Stock Awards Outstanding
 2018 2017 2016
Outstanding at beginning of year17,885
 55,510
 80,117
Vested(17,885) (37,625) (24,607)
Outstanding at end of year
 17,885
 55,510
INCOME TAXES (Note 13)
The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") was enacted on December 22, 2017 and introduces significant changes to U.S. income tax law. Effective in 2018, the Tax Act reduced the U.S. statutory corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent.
In response to the Tax Act, the SEC staff issued guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act. The guidance provides a one-year measurement period for companies to complete the accounting. Valley reflected the income tax effects of those aspects of the Tax Act for which the accounting is complete. To the extent Valley’s accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act is incomplete but it can determine a reasonable estimate, Valley recorded a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements, it should continue to apply the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the Tax Act.
Due to the timing of the enactment and the complexity involved in applying the provisions of the Tax Act, Valley made reasonable estimates of the effects and recorded provisional amounts in its financial statements as of December 31, 2017. The accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act was completed with the final 2017 tax returns in the fourth quarter of 2018, resulting in a $2.3 million tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018 consisted of the following:
 2018 2017 2016
 (in thousands)
Current expense:     
Federal$51,147
 $8,483
 $25,176
State28,898
 5,500
 12,904
 80,045
 13,983
 38,080
Deferred (benefit) expense:     
Federal(17,463) 49,169
 10,658
State5,683
 27,679
 16,496
 (11,780) 76,848
 27,154
Total income tax expense$68,265
 $90,831
 $65,234

2018 Form 10-K120




202020192018
 (in thousands)
Current expense:
Federal$96,057 $95,317 $51,147 
State48,463 36,457 28,898 
144,520 131,774 80,045 
Deferred (benefit) expense:
Federal(3,109)10,444 (17,463)
State(1,951)4,784 5,683 
(5,060)15,228 (11,780)
Total income tax expense$139,460 $147,002 $68,265 
The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to the significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 20182020 and 2017 are2019 were as follows:
2018 201720202019
(in thousands) (in thousands)
Deferred tax assets:   Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for loan losses$42,882
 $34,885
Depreciation19,111
 8,336
Allowance for credit lossesAllowance for credit losses$96,508 $44,486 
Employee benefits13,301
 10,596
Employee benefits20,888 28,263 
Investment securities, including other-than-temporary impairment losses13,222
 5,021
Net operating loss carryforwards21,570
 30,658
Net operating loss carryforwards17,814 19,768 
Purchase accounting33,629
 18,819
Purchase accounting10,354 41,857 
Capital loss carryforward830
 
Other21,274
 21,930
Other24,677 19,904 
Total deferred tax assets165,819
 130,245
Total deferred tax assets170,241 154,278 
Deferred tax liabilities:   Deferred tax liabilities:
Pension plans18,786
 18,912
Pension plans22,705 19,686 
DepreciationDepreciation3,829 4,527 
Investment securitiesInvestment securities12,690 2,319 
Other investments17,758
 13,234
Other investments9,584 7,731 
Deferred income
 37,952
Core deposit intangibles14,223
 5,182
Core deposit intangibles12,960 16,620 
Other8,858
 7,469
Other12,226 13,665 
Total deferred tax liabilities59,625
 82,749
Total deferred tax liabilities73,994 64,548 
Valuation Allowance733
 
Valuation Allowance916 916 
Net deferred tax asset (included in other assets)$105,461
 $47,496
Net deferred tax asset (included in other assets)$95,331 $88,814 
Valley's federal net operating loss carryforwards totaled approximately $80.2$64.1 million at December 31, 20182020 and expire during the period from 2029 through 2034. Valley's capital loss carryforwards totaled $3.1 million at December 31, 20182020 and expire at December 31, 2023. State net operating loss carryforwards totaled approximately $104$92.2 million at December 31, 20182020 and expire during the period from 2029 through 2038.
Based upon taxes paid and projections of future taxable income over the periods in which the net deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes that it is more likely than not that Valley will realize the benefits, net of an immaterial valuation allowance, of these deductible differences and loss carryforwards.

2020 Form 10-K128


Reconciliation between the reported income tax expense and the amount computed by multiplying consolidated income before taxes by the statutory federal income tax rate of 21 percent for the year ended December 31, 2018, and 35 percent for the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019, and 20162018 were as follows:
202020192018
 (in thousands)
Federal income tax at expected statutory rate$111,314 $95,927 $69,235 
Increase (decrease) due to:
State income tax expense, net of federal tax effect36,744 32,581 23,851 
Tax-exempt interest, net of interest incurred to carry tax-exempt securities(2,786)(3,118)(3,974)
Bank owned life insurance(2,026)(1,637)(1,734)
Tax credits from securities and other investments(10,071)(11,636)(20,798)
FDIC insurance premium3,283 2,507 3,318 
Impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017(2,274)
Addition to reserve for uncertainties31,123 
Other, net3,002 1,255 641 
Income tax expense$139,460 $147,002 $68,265 
 2018 2017 2016
 (in thousands)
Federal income tax at expected statutory rate$69,235
 $88,458
 $81,683
Increase (decrease) due to:     
State income tax expense, net of federal tax effect23,851
 21,046
 19,197
Tax-exempt interest, net of interest incurred to carry tax-exempt securities(3,974) (5,245) (5,308)
Bank owned life insurance(1,734) (2,568) (2,343)
Tax credits from securities and other investments(20,798) (27,037) (25,954)
FDIC insurance premium3,318
 
 
Impact of the Tax Act(2,274) 15,441
 
Other, net641
 736
 (2,041)
Income tax expense$68,265
 $90,831
 $65,234
We invest in certain tax-advantaged investments that support qualified affordable housing projects, community development and, prior to 2019, renewable energy resources. Our investments in these projects are designed to generate a return primarily through the realization of federal and state income tax credits, and other tax benefits, over specified time periods. Third parties perform diligence on these investments for us on which we rely both at inception and on an on-going basis. We are subject to the risk that previously recorded tax credits, which remain subject to recapture by taxing authorities based on compliance features required to be met at the project level, may fail to meet certain government compliance requirements and may not be able to be realized.


We previously invested in mobile solar generators sold and leased back by DC Solar and its affiliates (DC Solar). DC Solar had its assets frozen in December 2018 by the U.S. Department of Justice. DC Solar and related entities are in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. A group of investors who purchased mobile solar generators from, and leased them back to, DC Solar, including us received tax credits for making these renewable resource investments. During the fourth quarter 2019, several of the co- conspirators pleaded guilty to fraud in the on-going federal investigation. Based upon this information, Valley deemed that its tax positions related to the DC Solar funds did not meet the more likely than not recognition threshold in Valley's tax reserve assessment at December 31, 2019. The principals pled guilty to fraud in early 2020.
1212018 Form 10-K




As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, Valley believes that it was fully reserved for the renewable energy tax credits and other tax benefits previously recognized from the investments in the DC Solar funds plus interest. Valley will continue to evaluate all its existing tax positions, however, cannot provide assurance that it will not recognize additional tax provisions related to this uncertain tax liability in the future.


A reconciliation of Valley’s gross unrecognized tax benefits for 2020, 2019 and 2018 2017 and 2016 areis presented in the table below:

2018 2017 2016202020192018
(in thousands) (in thousands)
Beginning balance$4,238
 $16,144
 $19,892
Beginning balance$31,918 $$4,238 
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years
 1,121
 3,958
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years31,918 
Settlements with taxing authorities
 (13,027) (4,820)Settlements with taxing authorities
Reductions due to expiration of statute of limitations(4,238) 
 (2,886)Reductions due to expiration of statute of limitations(4,238)
Ending balance$
 $4,238
 $16,144
Ending balance$31,918 $31,918 $
The entire balance of unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would favorably affect ourValley's effective income tax rate. It is reasonably possible that the liability for unrecognized tax benefits could increase or decrease in the next twelve months due to completion of tax authorities’ exams or the expiration of statutes of limitations. Management estimates that the liability for unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by $3.5 million within the next twelve months. Valley’s policy is to report interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Valley accrued approximately $1.8$7.6 million and $4.6
1292020 Form 10-K


$6.1 million of interest expense associated with Valley’s uncertain tax positions at December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively.
Valley believes no provisions There was 0 interest expense accrued for incomeuncertain tax uncertainties consistent with ASC 740 should be recorded as ofpositions during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Valley is evaluatingmonitors its tax positions for the possibilityunderlying facts, circumstances, and information available including the federal investigation of recording an uncertain tax position liability in 2019 with regards to its investments in mobile solar generators sold and managed by DC Solar and its affiliates (DC Solar). For further information, see Note 23 - Subsequent Events.changes in tax laws, case law and regulations that may necessitate subsequent de-recognition of previous tax benefits.
Valley files income tax returns in the U.S. federal and various state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, Valley is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2013.2017. Valley is under examination by the IRS and also currently under routine examination by various state jurisdictions, and we expect the examinations to be completed within the next 12 months. Valley has considered, for all open audits, any potential adjustments in establishing our reserve for unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2018.2020.
TAX CREDIT INVESTMENTS (Note 14)
Valley’s tax credit investments are primarily related to investments promoting qualified affordable housing projects, and other investments related to community development and renewable energy sources. Some of these tax-advantaged investments support Valley’s regulatory compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act. Valley’s investments in these entities generate a return primarily through the realization of federal income tax credits, and other tax benefits, such as tax deductions from operating losses of the investments, over specified time periods. These tax credits and deductions are recognized as a reduction of income tax expense.
Valley’s tax credit investments are carried in other assets on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Valley’s unfunded capital and other commitments related to the tax credit investments are carried in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Valley recognizes amortization of tax credit investments, including impairment losses, within non-interest expense ofin the consolidated statements of income using the equity method of accounting. An impairment loss is recognized whenAfter initial measurement, the carrying amounts of tax credit investments with non-readily determinable fair valuevalues are increased to reflect Valley's share of income of the tax credit investment is less thaninvestee and are reduced to reflect its carrying value.share of losses of the investee, dividends received and other-than-temporary impairments, if applicable. See the "Impairment Analysis" section below.

The following table presents the balances of Valley’s affordable housing tax credit investments, other tax credit investments, and related unfunded commitments at December 31, 20182020 and 2017:2019:
December 31,
20202019
(in thousands)
Other Assets:
Affordable housing tax credit investments, net$20,074 $25,049 
Other tax credit investments, net47,301 59,081 
Total tax credit investments, net$67,375 $84,130 
Other Liabilities:
Unfunded affordable housing tax credit commitments$1,379 $1,539 
Unfunded other tax credit commitments1,139 
    Total unfunded tax credit commitments$1,379 $2,678 
 December 31,
 2018 2017
 (in thousands)
Other Assets:   
Affordable housing tax credit investments, net$36,961
 $22,135
Other tax credit investments, net68,052
 42,015
Total tax credit investments, net$105,013
 $64,150
Other Liabilities:   
Unfunded affordable housing tax credit commitments$4,520
 $3,690
Unfunded other tax credit commitments8,756
 15,020
    Total unfunded tax credit commitments$13,276
 $18,710




20182020 Form 10-K122130





The following table presents other information relating to Valley’s affordable housing tax credit investments and other tax credit investments for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016:2018:
202020192018
(in thousands)
Components of Income Tax Expense:
Affordable housing tax credits and other tax benefits$5,414 $6,757 $6,713 
Other tax credit investment credits and tax benefits8,065 10,205 21,351 
Total reduction in income tax expense$13,479 $16,962 $28,064 
Amortization of Tax Credit Investments:
Affordable housing tax credit investment losses$2,714 $2,184 $1,880 
Affordable housing tax credit investment impairment losses2,209 3,295 2,544 
Other tax credit investment losses2,234 5,668 1,970 
Other tax credit investment impairment losses6,178 9,245 17,806 
Total amortization of tax credit investments recorded in non-interest expense$13,335 $20,392 $24,200 
 2018 2017 2016
 (in thousands)
Components of Income Tax Expense:     
Affordable housing tax credits and other tax benefits$6,713
 $7,383
 $5,013
Other tax credit investment credits and tax benefits21,351
 35,530
 33,294
Total reduction in income tax expense$28,064
 $42,913
 $38,307
Amortization of Tax Credit Investments:     
Affordable housing tax credit investment losses$1,880
 $2,748
 $2,077
Affordable housing tax credit investment impairment losses*2,544
 4,684
 450
Other tax credit investment losses1,970
 2,866
 790
Other tax credit investment impairment losses*17,806
 31,449
 31,427
Total amortization of tax credit investments recorded in non-interest expense$24,200
 $41,747
 $34,744
Impairment Analysis
An impairment loss is recognized when the fair value of the tax credit investment is less than its carrying value. The determination of whether a decline in value of a tax credit investment is other-than-temporary requires significant judgment and is performed separately for each investment. The tax credit investments are reviewed for impairment quarterly, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable. These circumstances can include, but are not limited to, the following factors:

*As a result of the Tax Act, Valley incurred additional impairment of $2.2 million and $2.1 million related to affordable housing tax credit investments and other tax credit investments, respectively, during the fourth quarter of 2017.
Evidence that Valley does not have the ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment;
The inability of the investee to sustain earnings;
A current fair value of the investment based upon cash flow projections that is less than the carrying amount; and
Change in the economic or technological environment that could adversely affect the investee’s operations

On a quarterly basis, Valley obtains financial reporting on its underlying tax credit investment assets for each fund from the fund manager who is independent of Valley and the Fund Sponsor. The financial reporting is reviewed for deterioration in the financial condition of the fund, the level of cash flows and any significant losses or impairment charges. Valley also regularly reviews the condition and continuing prospects of the underlying operations of the investment with the fund manager, including any observations from site visits and communications with the Fund Sponsor, if available. Annually, Valley obtains the audited financial statements prepared by an independent accounting firm for each investment, as well as the annual tax returns. Generally, none of the aforementioned review factors are individually conclusive and the relative importance of each factor will vary based on facts and circumstances. However, the longer the expected period of recovery, the stronger and more objective the positive evidence needs to be in order to overcome the presumption that the impairment is other than temporary. If management determines that a decline in value is other than temporary per its quarterly and annual reviews, including current probable cash flow projections, the applicable tax credit investment is written down to its estimated fair value through an impairment charge to earnings, which establishes the new cost basis of the investment.

During the first quarter 2019, Valley determined that future cash flows related to the remaining investments in 3 federal renewable energy tax credit funds sponsored by DC Solar (previously reported in other tax credit investments, net) were not probable based upon new information available, including the sponsor’s bankruptcy proceedings which were reclassified to Chapter 7 from Chapter 11 in late March 2019. As a result, Valley recognized impairment charge for the entire aggregate unamortized investment of $2.4 million for the first quarter 2019, which is included within amortization of tax credit investments for the year ended December 31, 2019.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 15)
Lease Commitments
Certain bank facilities are occupied under non-cancelable long-term operating leases, which expire at various dates through 2058. Certain lease agreements provide for renewal options and increases in rental payments based upon increases in the consumer price index or the lessors’ cost of operating the facility. Minimum aggregate lease payments for the remainder of the lease terms are as follows:
    Sublease  
Year Gross Rents Rents Net Rents
  (in thousands)
2019 $29,093
 $2,382
 $26,711
2020 29,379
 2,290
 27,089
2021 28,925
 2,160
 26,765
2022 27,562
 2,002
 25,560
2023 25,064
 1,938
 23,126
Thereafter 262,200
 8,558
 253,642
Total lease commitments $402,223
 $19,330
 $382,893
Net occupancy expense for years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 included rental expense of $29.0 million, $27.7 million, and $27.7 million, respectively, net of rental income of $3.5 million, $3.9 million, and $4.0 million, respectively, for leased bank facilities.
Financial Instruments with Off-balance Sheet Risk
In the ordinary course of business in meeting the financial needs of its customers, Valley, through its subsidiary Valley National Bank, is a party to various financial instruments, which are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements. These financial instruments include standby and commercial letters of credit, unused portions of lines of credit and
1312020 Form 10-K


commitments to extend various types of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The commitment or contract amount of these instruments is an indicator of the Bank’s level of involvement in each type of instrument as well as the exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party to the financial instrument. The Bank seeks to limit any exposure of credit loss by applying the same credit policies in making commitments, as it does for on-balance sheet lending facilities.


1232018 Form 10-K




The following table provides a summary of financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk at December 31, 20182020 and 2017:2019:
2018 201720202019
(in thousands) (in thousands)
Commitments under commercial loans and lines of credit$5,164,186
 $3,401,653
Commitments under commercial loans and lines of credit$5,595,561 $5,550,967 
Home equity and other revolving lines of credit1,178,306
 1,006,329
Home equity and other revolving lines of credit1,485,911 1,379,581 
Standby letters of credit316,941
 250,536
Standby letters of credit293,900 296,036 
Outstanding residential mortgage loan commitments235,310
 192,685
Outstanding residential mortgage loan commitments244,286 233,291 
Commitments to sell loansCommitments to sell loans155,627 68,492 
Commitments under unused lines of credit—credit card66,229
 54,906
Commitments under unused lines of credit—credit card68,735 44,527 
Commitments to sell loans58,897
 57,405
Commercial letters of credit3,100
 2,115
Commercial letters of credit1,663 2,887 
TotalTotal$7,845,683 $7,575,781 
Obligations to advance funds under commitments to extend credit, including commitments under unused lines of credit, are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have specified expiration dates, which may be extended upon request, or other termination clauses and generally require payment of a fee. These commitments do not necessarily represent future cash requirements as it is anticipated that many of these commitments will expire without being fully drawn upon. The Bank’s lending activity for outstanding loan commitments is primarily to customers within the states of New Jersey, New York, and Florida.
Standby letters of credit represent the guarantee by the Bank of the obligations or performance of the bank customer in the event of the default of payment or nonperformance to a third party beneficiary.
Loan sale commitments represent contracts for the sale of residential mortgage loans to third parties in the ordinary course of the Bank’s business. These commitments require the Bank to deliver loans within a specific period to the third party. The risk to the Bank is its non-delivery of loans required by the commitment, which could lead to financial penalties. The Bank has not defaulted on its loan sale commitments.
Litigation
In the normal course of business, Valley is a party to various outstanding legal proceedings and claims. In the opinion of management, the financial condition, results of operations and liquidity of Valley should not be materially affected by the outcome of such legal proceedings and claims. However, in the event of an adverse outcome or settlement in one or more of our legal proceedings, operating results for a particular period may be negatively impacted. Disclosure is required when a risk of material loss in a litigation or claim is more than remote. Disclosure is also required of the estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss, unless an estimate cannot be made.
Although there can be no assurance as to the ultimate outcome, Valley has generally denied, or believes it has a meritorious defense and will deny liability in litigation pending against Valley and claims made, including the matter described below. Valley intends to defend vigorously each case against it. Liabilities are established for legal claims when payments associated with the claims become probable and the possible losses related to the matter can be reasonably estimated. Based upon information currently available and advice of counsel, Valley believes that the eventual outcome of such claims will not have a material adverse effect on Valley’s consolidated financial position.
Maritza Gaston and George Gallart v. Valley National Bancorp and Valley National Bank. In April 2017, Valley was served with a Class and Collective Action Complaint, filed in the Eastern District of New York, alleging that Valley had violated both Federal and State wage and hour laws and the Fair Labor Standards Act and seeking to recover overtime compensation on behalf of a class of Valley employees. While Branch Service Managers are classified by Valley as “exempt” employees and do not receive overtime pay, plaintiff’s counsel claims that Branch Service Managers perform non-exempt duties, should therefore be classified as non-exempt hourly employees and should have been paid overtime for any time worked in excess of 40 hours per week. The Federal Magistrate granted conditional certification for the class and collective action in late 2017. In October 2018, following mediation, Valley and Plaintiffs agreed to a settlement in principal for a total payment by Valley of $1.5 million. The settlement was subsequently approved by the court in February 2019.  

2018 Form 10-K124




Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Valley is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. Valley principally manages its exposure to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. Valley manages economic risks, including interest rate and liquidity risks, primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its assets and liabilities and, from time to time, the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, Valley enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. Valley’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of Valley’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments related to assets and liabilities as outlined below.
Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk.  Valley’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, Valley uses interest rate swaps and caps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the payment of either fixed or variable-rate amounts in exchange for the receipt of variable or fixed-rate amounts from a counterparty. Interest rate caps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up-front premium.
At December 31, 2018,2020, Valley had the following cash flow hedge derivatives:
Two forward starting10 interest rate swaps, eachswap agreements, with a total notional amount of $75 million,$1.1 billion, to hedge the changes in cash flows associated with certain short-term FHLB advances and brokered money market deposits. Starting in November 2015, the interest rate swapsValley is required Valley to pay fixed-rate amountsfixed-rates of approximately 2.72interest ranging from 0.05 percent to 0.67 percent and 2.97 percent, in exchangereceives variable rates of interest that reset quarterly based on three-month LIBOR. Expiration dates for the receipt of variable-rate payments at the three-month LIBOR rate. The two swaps have expiration dates of November 2019 and November 2020.range from April 2021 to August 2022.
Four forward starting interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $182 million to hedge the changes in cash flows associated with borrowed funds. Starting in March and April 2016, the interest rate swaps required Valley to pay fixed-rate amounts ranging from approximately 2.51 percent to 2.88 percent, in exchange for the receipt of variable-rate payments at the three-month LIBOR rate. The four swaps have expiration dates ranging from March 2019 to September 2020.
Valley terminated an interest rate cap with a notional amount of $125 million in May 2018. The terminated swap, originally maturing in September 2023, was used to hedge the change in cash flows associated with prime rate indexed deposits, consisting of consumer and commercial money market accounts, which variable rates are indexed to the prime rate.
One interest rate swap with an amount of $150 million used to hedge the changes in cash flows associated with certain brokered money market deposits, matured in November 2018.
Fair Value Hedges of Fixed Rate Assets and Liabilities.  Valley is exposed to changes in the fair value of certain of its fixed rate assets or liabilities due to changes in benchmark interest rates based on one-month LIBOR. From time to time, Valley uses interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in fair value. Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges
2020 Form 10-K132


involve the receipt of variable rate payments from a counterparty in exchange for Valley making fixed rate payments over the life of the agreements without the exchange of the underlying notional amount. For derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. Valley includes the gain or loss on the hedged items in the same income statement line item as the loss or gain on the related derivatives.
At December 31, 2018, Valley had oneValley's 1 interest rate swap with a notional amount of approximately $7.5 million used to hedge the change in the fair value of a commercial loan.loan matured in November 2020. Valley did not have any fair value hedges at December 31, 2020.
Non-designated Hedges.  Derivatives not designated as hedges may be used to manage Valley’s exposure to interest rate movements or to provide service to customers but do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting under U.S. GAAP. Derivatives not designated as hedges are not entered into for speculative purposes. Under a program, Valley executes interest rate swaps with commercial lending customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies. These interest rate swaps with customers are simultaneously offset by interest rate swaps that Valley executes with a third party, such that Valley minimizes its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions. As thethese interest rate swaps associated with this program do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the customer swaps and the offsetting swaps are recognized directly in earnings.
Valley sometimes enters into risk participation agreements with external lenders where the banks are sharing their risk of default on the interest rate swaps on participated loans. Valley either pays or receives a fee depending on the participation type. Risk participation agreements are credit derivatives not designated as hedges. Credit derivatives are not speculative and are not

1252018 Form 10-K




used to manage interest rate risk in assets or liabilities. Changes in the fair value in credit derivatives are recognized directly in earnings. At December 31, 2018,2020, Valley had 18 26 credit swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $109.4$221.1 million related to risk participation agreements. 
At December 31, 2018,2020, Valley had onehad 2 "steepener" swapswaps with a total current notional amount of $10.4 million where the receive rate on the swap mirrors the pay rate on the brokered deposits. The rates paid on these types of hybrid instruments are based on a formula derived from the spread between the long and short ends of the constant maturity swap (CMS) rate curve. Although these types of instruments do not meet the hedge accounting requirements, the change in fair value of both the bifurcated derivative and the stand alonestand-alone swap tend to move in opposite directions with changes in three-month LIBOR rate and therefore provide an effective economic hedge.
Valley regularly enters into mortgage banking derivatives which are non-designated hedges. These derivatives include interest rate lock commitments provided to customers to fund certain residential mortgage loans to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of such loans. Valley enters into forward commitments for the future delivery of residential mortgage loans when interest rate lock commitments are entered into in order to economically hedge the effect of future changes in interest rates on Valley’s commitments to fund the loans as well as on its portfolio of mortgage loans held for sale.
Amounts included in the consolidated statements of financial condition related to the fair value of Valley’s derivative financial instruments were as follows:
 December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
 Fair ValueFair Value
Other AssetsOther LiabilitiesNotional AmountOther AssetsOther LiabilitiesNotional Amount
 (in thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Cash flow hedge interest swaps$$179 $1,100,000 $$1,484 $180,000 
Fair value hedge interest rate swaps229 7,281 
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments$$179 $1,100,000 $$1,713 $187,281 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swaps and other contracts (1)
$387,008 $154,025 $8,889,557 $158,382 $42,020 $4,113,106 
Mortgage banking derivatives444 2,077 321,486 150 193 142,760 
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$387,452 $156,102 $9,211,043 $158,532 $42,213 $4,255,866 
 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 Fair Value   Fair Value  
 Other Assets Other Liabilities Notional Amount Other Assets Other Liabilities Notional Amount
 (in thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:           
Cash flow hedge interest rate caps and swaps$
 $27
 $332,000
 $650
 $81
 $607,000
Fair value hedge interest rate swaps
 347
 7,536
 
 637
 7,775
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments$
 $374
 $339,536
 $650
 $718
 $614,775
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:           
Interest rate swaps, and embedded and credit derivatives$48,642
 $22,533
 $3,390,578
 $25,696
 $23,494
 $1,687,005
Mortgage banking derivatives337
 774
 105,247
 71
 118
 113,233
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$48,979
 $23,307
 $3,495,825
 $25,767
 $23,612
 $1,800,238
1332020 Form 10-K



(1)     Other contracts include risk participation agreements.

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and London Clearing House (LCH) have enacted rulebook changes that re-characterize variation margin as settlements of the outstanding derivative instead of cash collateral. The CME and LCH variation margins are classified as a single-unit of account with the fair value of certain cash flow hedges and over-the-counter (OTC) non-designated derivative instruments on a prospective basis effective January 1, 2017 for derivatives outstanding with the CME and January 1, 2018 for derivatives outstanding with the LCH.instruments. As a result, the fair value of the designated cash flow interest rate swaps assets and designated and non-designated interest rate swaps liabilities were offsetreduced by variation margins postedmargin treated as settlement of the related derivatives fair values for legal and accounting purposes as required by (with) the applicable counterpartiescentral clearing houses and reported in the table above on a net basis at December 31, 2018.2020 and 2019.


Gains (losses) included in the consolidated statements of income and in other comprehensive income (loss), on a pre-tax basis, related to interest rate derivatives designated as hedges of cash flows were as follows:
202020192018
 (in thousands)
Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense$(2,912)$(1,808)$(3,493)
Amount of (loss) gain recognized in other comprehensive income(3,169)(1,380)2,651 
 2018 2017 2016
 (in thousands)
Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense$(3,493) $(8,579) $(13,034)
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income2,651
 1,005
 (4,035)

2018 Form 10-K126




The net gains or losses related to cash flow hedge ineffectiveness were immaterial during the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016.2018. The accumulated net after-tax losses related to effective cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive loss were $4.0$4.0 million and $8.3$3.7 million at December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, respectively.
Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to cash flow interest rate derivatives are reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the hedged variable interest rate liabilities. Valley estimates that $1.3$3.4 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense in 2019.2021.
Gains (losses) included in the consolidated statements of income related to interest rate derivatives designated as hedges of fair value were as follows:
 2018 2017 2016
 (in thousands)
Derivative—interest rate swaps:     
Interest income$290
 $348
 $320
Interest expense
 
 6,670
Hedged item—loans, deposits and long-term borrowings:     
Interest income$(290) $(348) $(320)
Interest expense
 
 (6,645)
Fee income related to derivative interest rate swaps executed with commercial loan customers totaled $16.4 million, $8.3 million and $5.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
202020192018
 (in thousands)
Derivative—interest rate swaps:
Interest income$229 $133 $290 
Hedged item—loans, deposits and long-term borrowings:
Interest income$(229)$(133)$(290)
The following table presents the hedged items related to interest rate derivatives designated as hedges of fair value and the cumulative basis fair value adjustment included in the net carrying amount of the hedged items at December 31, 2018:2020 and 2019:
Line Item in the Statement of Financial Position in Which the Hedged Item is IncludedCarrying Amount of the Hedged AssetCumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Included in the Carrying Amount of the Hedged Asset
2020201920202019
(in thousands)
Loans$$7,510 $$229 
Line Item in the Statement of Financial Position in Which the Hedged Item is IncludedCarrying Amount of the Hedged Asset Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Included in the Carrying Amount of the Hedged Asset
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (in thousands)
Loans$7,882
 $8,412
 $346
 $637

Net (losses) gainslosses included in the consolidated statements of income related to derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments were as follows:
202020192018
 (in thousands)
Non-designated hedge interest rate and credit derivatives
Other non-interest expense$1,067 $898 $792 
Fee income related to derivative interest rate swaps executed with commercial loan customers totaled $59.0 million, $33.4 million and $16.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
 2018 2017 2016
 (in thousands)
Non-designated hedge interest rate and credit derivatives     
Other non-interest expense$(792) $(744) $690
2020 Form 10-K134


Collateral Requirements and Credit Risk Related Contingency Features.  By using derivatives, Valley is exposed to credit risk if counterparties to the derivative contracts do not perform as expected. Management attempts to minimize counterparty credit risk through credit approvals, limits, monitoring procedures and obtaining collateral where appropriate. Credit risk exposure associated with derivative contracts is managed at Valley in conjunction with Valley’s consolidated counterparty risk management process. Valley’s counterparties and the risk limits monitored by management are periodically reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.


Valley has agreements with its derivative counterparties providing that if Valley defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then Valley could also be declared in default on its derivative counterparty agreements. Additionally, Valley has an agreement with several of its derivative counterparties that contains provisions that require Valley’s debt to maintain an investment grade credit rating from each of the major credit rating agencies from which it receives a credit rating. If Valley’s credit rating is reduced below investment grade, or such rating is withdrawn or suspended, then the counterparty could terminate the derivative positions and Valley would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements. As of December 31, 2018,2020, Valley was in compliance with all of the provisions of its derivative counterparty agreements. As of December 31, 2018,2020, the fair value of derivatives in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements was $2.2 million.$152.8 million. Valley has derivative counterparty agreements that require minimum collateral posting thresholds for certain counterparties.



1272018 Form 10-K




BALANCE SHEET OFFSETTING (Note 16)
Certain financial instruments, including certain OTC derivatives (consisting of(mostly interest rate caps and swaps) and repurchase agreements (accounted for as secured long-term borrowings), may be eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheetstatements of financial condition and/or subject to master netting arrangements or similar agreements. OTC derivatives include interest rate swaps executed and settled bilaterally with counterparties without the use of an organized exchange or central clearing house (presented in the table below). The credit risk associated with bilateral OTC derivatives is managed through obtaining collateral and enforceable master netting agreements.
Valley is party to master netting arrangements with its financial institution counterparties; however, Valley does not offset assets and liabilities under these arrangements for financial statement presentation purposes. The master netting arrangements provide for a single net settlement of all swap agreements, as well as collateral, in the event of default on, or termination of, any one contract. Collateral, usually in the form of cash or marketable investment securities, is posted by the counterparty with net liability positions in accordance with contract thresholds. Master repurchase agreements which include “right of set-off” provisions generally have a legally enforceable right to offset recognized amounts. In such cases, the collateral would be used to settle the fair value of the repurchase agreement should Valley be in default. Total amount of collateral held or pledged can not exceed the net derivative fair values with the counterparty.
1352020 Form 10-K


The table below presents information about Valley’s financial instruments that are eligible for offset in the consolidated statements of financial condition as of December 31, 20182020 and 2017.2019.
       Gross Amounts Not Offset  
 
Gross Amounts
Recognized
 
Gross Amounts
Offset
 
Net Amounts
Presented
 
Financial
Instruments
 
Cash
Collateral
 
Net
Amount
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2018           
Assets:           
Interest rate caps and swaps$48,642
 $
 $48,642
 $(1,214) $
 $47,428
Liabilities:           
Interest rate caps and swaps$22,907
 $
 $22,907
 $(1,214) $(1,852) $19,841
Repurchase agreements150,000
 
 150,000
 
 (150,000)
* 

Total$172,907
 $
 $172,907
 $(1,214) $(151,852) $19,841
December 31, 2017           
Assets:           
Interest rate caps and swaps$26,346
 $
 $26,346
 $(5,376) $
 $20,970
Liabilities:           
Interest rate caps and swaps$24,212
 $
 $24,212
 $(5,376) $(8,141) $10,695
Repurchase agreements200,000
 
 200,000
 
 (200,000)
* 

Total$224,212
 $
 $224,212
 $(5,376) $(208,141) $10,695
    Gross Amounts Not Offset 
 Gross Amounts
Recognized
Gross Amounts
Offset
Net Amounts
Presented
Financial
Instruments
Cash
Collateral (1)
Net
Amount
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2020
Assets:
Interest rate swaps$150,487 $$150,487 $$$150,487 
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps$150,487 $$150,487 $$(150,487)$
Repurchase agreements300,000 300,000 (300,000)(2)
Total liabilities$450,487 $$450,487 $(300,000)$(150,487)$
December 31, 2019
Assets:
Interest rate swaps$17,218 $$17,218 $— $$17,218 
Interest rate swaps$17,218 $$17,218 $— $(16,881)$337 
Repurchase agreements350,000 350,000 (350,000)(2)— 
Total liabilities$367,218 $$367,218 $(350,000)$(16,881)$337 
* (1)     Cash collateral pledged to our counterparties in relation to market value exposures of OTC derivative contracts in a liability position.
(2)    Represents the fair value of non-cash pledged investment securities.
REGULATORY AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS (Note 17)
Valley’s primary source of cash is dividends from the Bank. Valley National Bank, a national banking association, is subject to certain restrictions on the amount of dividends that it may declare without prior regulatory approval. In addition, the dividends declared cannot be in excess of the amount which would cause the subsidiary bank to fall below the minimum required for capital adequacy purposes.
Valley and Valley National Bank are subject to the regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal Reserve Bank and the OCC. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct significant impact on Valley’s consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines Valley and Valley National Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of Valley’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require Valley and Valley National Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of common equity Tier 1 capital, total and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and Tier 1 capital to average assets, as defined in the regulations.
Effective January 1, 2015, Valley implemented the Basel III regulatory capital framework and related Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”). Basel III final rules requireis required to maintain a new common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 4.5 percent, Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 6.0 percent, ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0 percent, and minimum leverage ratio of 4.0 percent. The new rule includespercent, plus a 2.5 percent capital conservation buffer that is added

2018 Form 10-K128




to the minimum requirements for capital adequacy purposes. The capital conservation buffer was subject to a three-year phase-in period that started on January 1, 2016, at 0.625 percent of risk-weighted assets and increased each subsequent year by 0.625 percent until reaching its final level of 2.5 percent when fully phased-in on January 1, 2019. As of December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, Valley and Valley National Bank exceeded all capital adequacy requirements (see table below).
For regulatory capital purposes, in connection with the capital conservation buffer requiredFederal Reserve Board’s final interim rule as of April 3, 2020, 100 percent of the CECL Day 1 impact to shareholders' equity equaling $28.2 million after-tax will be deferred for a two-year period ending January 1, 2022, at which time it will be phased in at these dates underon a pro-rata basis over a three-year period ending January 1, 2025. Additionally, 25 percent of the Basel III Capital Rules (see table below).reserve build (i.e., provision for credit losses less net charge-offs) for the year ended December 31, 2020 will be phased in over the same time frame.

2020 Form 10-K136


The following table presents Valley’s and Valley National Bank’s actual capital positions and ratios under the Basel III risk-based capital guidelines at December 31, 20182020 and 2017:2019:
 ActualMinimum Capital
Requirements
To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provision
 AmountRatioAmountRatioAmountRatio
 ($ in thousands)
As of December 31, 2020
Total Risk-based Capital
Valley$3,802,223 12.64 %$3,159,019 10.50 %N/AN/A
Valley National Bank3,839,922 12.76 3,158,842 10.50 $3,008,421 10.00 %
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital
Valley2,991,085 9.94 2,106,013 7.00 N/AN/A
Valley National Bank3,607,625 11.99 2,105,894 7.00 1,955,473 6.50 
Tier 1 Risk-based Capital
Valley3,205,926 10.66 2,557,301 8.50 N/AN/A
Valley National Bank3,607,625 11.99 2,557,158 8.50 2,406,736 8.00 
Tier 1 Leverage Capital
Valley3,205,926 8.06 1,591,852 4.00 N/AN/A
Valley National Bank3,607,625 9.07 1,591,457 4.00 1,989,321 5.00 
As of December 31, 2019
Total Risk-based Capital
Valley$3,427,134 11.72 %$3,070,687 10.50 %N/AN/A
Valley National Bank3,416,674 11.69 3,069,894 10.50 $2,923,709 10.00 %
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital
Valley2,754,524 9.42 2,047,125 7.00 N/AN/A
Valley National Bank3,152,070 10.78 2,046,596 7.00 1,900,411 6.50 
Tier 1 Risk-based Capital
Valley2,968,530 10.15 2,485,795 8.50 N/AN/A
Valley National Bank3,152,070 10.78 2,485,153 8.50 2,338,967 8.00 
Tier 1 Leverage Capital
Valley2,968,530 8.76 1,355,378 4.00 N/AN/A
Valley National Bank3,152,070 9.31 1,354,693 4.00 1,693,366 5.00 
  Actual 
Minimum Capital
Requirements
 
To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provision
  Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio
  ($ in thousands)
As of December 31, 2018            
Total Risk-based Capital            
Valley $2,786,971
 11.34% $2,426,975
 9.875% N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank 2,698,654
 10.99
 2,424,059
 9.875
 $2,454,743
 10.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital            
Valley 2,071,871
 8.43
 1,566,781
 6.375
 N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank 2,442,359
 9.95
 1,564,899
 6.375
 1,595,583
 6.50
Tier 1 Risk-based Capital            
Valley 2,286,676
 9.30
 1,935,435
 7.875
 N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank 2,442,359
 9.95
 1,933,110
 7.875
 1,963,794
 8.00
Tier 1 Leverage Capital            
Valley 2,286,676
 7.57
 1,208,882
 4.00
 N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank 2,442,359
 8.09
 1,207,039
 4.00
 1,508,798
 5.00
   
As of December 31, 2017            
Total Risk-based Capital            
Valley $2,258,044
 12.61% $1,656,575
 9.250% N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank 2,185,967
 12.23
 1,653,088
 9.250
 $1,787,122
 10.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital            
Valley 1,651,849
 9.22
 1,029,763
 5.750
 N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank 1,961,316
 10.97
 1,027,595
 5.750
 1,161,629
 6.50
Tier 1 Risk-based Capital            
Valley 1,864,279
 10.41
 1,298,397
 7.250
 N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank 1,961,316
 10.97
 1,295,663
 7.250
 1,429,698
 8.00
Tier 1 Leverage Capital            
Valley 1,864,279
 8.03
 928,484
 4.00
 N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank 1,961,316
 8.47
 926,459
 4.00
 1,158,074
 5.00
1372020 Form 10-K


COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK (Note 18)
Common Stock
Common Stock Issuance. In December 2016, Valley issued and sold 9.24 million shares of its common stock in a registered public offering. The net proceeds of the offering totaled $106.4 million and were used to, among other things, support loan growth at the Bank during 2017. Valley also issues shares in business combinations and shares related to stock awards under the 2016 Plan. See Notes 2 and 12 for further details.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan.  As part of  Valley's transfer agent maintains its dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP), Valley may with shares purchased in the open market. The ability to issue authorized and previously unissued or treasury shares of Valley common stock for purchases. Under theor reissue treasury stock as part of Valley's DRIP a shareholder may choose to have future cash dividends automatically invested in Valley common stock and make voluntary optional cash payments of up to $100 thousand per quarter to purchase shares of Valley common stock. Shares purchased under this plan were issued directly from Valley.was terminated effective February 12, 2018. During 2018, 2017 and 2016, 87 thousand, 713 thousand, and 554 thousand common shares respectively, were reissued

1292018 Form 10-K




from treasury stock or issued from authorized common shares under the DRIP for net proceeds totaling $1.0 million, $8.2 million and $5.2 million, respectively. The aspect of the DRIP allowing Valley to issue shares was terminated effective February 12, 2018. Valley's transfer agent maintains a DRIP with shares purchased in the open market.million.
Common Stock Warrants.  On January 1, 2012, Valley assumed in the acquisition of State Bancorp, Inc. a warrant issued (in connection with State Bancorp's redeemed preferred stock issuance) to the U.S. Treasury in December 2008. The ten-year warrant to purchase up to 489 thousand of Valley common shares has an exercise price of $11.30 per share and is exercisable on a net exercise basis. During May 2015, the U.S. Treasury sold the warrant shares individually through a public action, in which Valley did not receive any of the proceeds. All of the warrants expired unexercised on December 5, 2018.
In connection with the issuance of senior preferred shares in 2008 under the TARP program, Valley issued to the U.S. Treasury a ten-year warrant to purchase up to approximately 2.5 million of Valley common shares. During 2010, the U.S. Treasury sold the warrant shares individually through a public auction, in which Valley did not receive any of the proceeds. Each warrant entitled the holder to purchase approximately 1.103 Valley common shares at $16.12 per share. All of the warrants expired unexercised on November 14, 2018.
Repurchase Plan. In 2007, Valley’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $4.74.7 million of common shares. Purchases of Valley’s common shares may be made from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions generally not exceeding prevailing market prices. Repurchased shares are held in treasury and are expected to be used for general corporate purposes. Under the repurchase plan, Valley made no0 purchases of its outstanding shares during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 2017 and 2016.in the open market.
Other Stock Repurchases. Valley also purchases shares directly from its employees in connection with employee elections to withhold taxes related to the vesting of stock awards. During the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016,2018, Valley purchased approximately 441510 thousand, 218175 thousand and 328441 thousand shares, respectively, of its outstanding common stock at an average price of $11.83, $12.12$10.61, $10.45 and $9.73,$11.83, respectively, for such purpose.
Preferred Stock
Series A Issuance. On June 19, 2015, Valley issued 4.6 million shares of its Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, no0 par value per share, with a liquidation preference of $25 per share. Dividends on the preferred stock accrue and are payable quarterly in arrears, at a fixed rate per annum equal to 6.25 percent from the original issue date to, but excluding, June 30, 2025, and thereafter at a floating rate per annum equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 3.85 percent. The net proceeds from the preferred stock offering totaled $111.6 million. Commencing June 30, 2025, Valley may redeem the preferred shares at the liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends, subject to certain conditions.
Series B Issuance. On August 3, 2017, Valley issued 4.0 million shares of its Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B, no0 par value per share, with a liquidation preference of $25 per share. Dividends on the preferred stock will accrue and be payable quarterly in arrears, at a fixed rate per annum equal to 5.50 percent from the original issuance date to, but excluding, September 30, 2022, and thereafter at a floating rate per annum equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 3.578 percent. The net proceeds from the preferred stock offering totaled $98.1 million. Commencing September 30, 2022, Valley may redeem the preferred shares at the liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends, subject to certain conditions.
Preferred stock is included in Valley's Additional(additional) Tier 1 capital and total risk-based capital at December 31, 20182020 and 2017.

2019.
20182020 Form 10-K130138





OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Note 19)
The following table presents the tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016.2018. Components of other comprehensive income (loss) include changes in net unrealized gains and losses on debt securities available for sale (including the non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairment charges relating to certain securities during the period);sale; unrealized gains and losses on derivatives used in cash flow hedging relationships; and the pension benefit adjustment for the unfunded portion of various employee, officer and director pension plans.
 2018 2017 2016
 
Before
Tax
 
Tax
Effect
 
After
Tax
 
Before
Tax
 
Tax
Effect
 
After
Tax
 
Before
Tax
 
Tax
Effect
 
After
Tax
 (in thousands)
Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale (AFS) securities                 
Net (losses) gains arising during the period$(32,123) $9,191
 $(22,932) $636
 $(284) $352
 $(7,294) $3,001
 $(4,293)
Less reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) included in net income (1)
2,342
 (485) 1,857
 20
 (9) 11
 (777) 312
 (465)
Net change(29,781) 8,706
 (21,075) 656
 (293) 363
 (8,071) 3,313
 (4,758)
Non-credit impairment losses on securities available for sale and held to maturity 
                 
Net change in non-credit impairment losses on securities
 
 
 849
 (351) 498
 719
 (302) 417
Less reclassification adjustment for accretion of credit impairment losses included in net income (2)
531
 (151) 380
 (284) 117
 (167) (921) 382
 (539)
Net change531
 (151) 380
 565
 (234) 331
 (202) 80
 (122)
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (cash flow hedges)                 
Net gains (losses) arising during the period2,651
 (777) 1,874
 1,005
 (429) 576
 (4,035) 1,574
 (2,461)
Less reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income (3)
3,493
 (999) 2,494
 8,579
 (3,551) 5,028
 13,034
 (5,393) 7,641
Net change6,144
 (1,776) 4,368
 9,584
 (3,980) 5,604
 8,999
 (3,819) 5,180
Defined benefit pension plan                 
Net (losses) gains arising during the period(9,916) 2,765
 (7,151) (3,843) 1,121
 (2,722) 5,837
 (2,539) 3,298
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(4)
212
 (66) 146
 268
 (77) 191
 (300) 119
 (181)
Amortization of net loss (4)
625
 (178) 447
 381
 (133) 248
 294
 (109) 185
Net change(9,079) 2,521
 (6,558) (3,194) 911
 (2,283) 5,831
 (2,529) 3,302
Total other comprehensive (loss) income$(32,185) $9,300
 $(22,885) $7,611
 $(3,596) $4,015
 $6,557
 $(2,955) $3,602
 202020192018
Before
Tax
Tax
Effect
After
Tax
Before
Tax
Tax
Effect
After
Tax
Before
Tax
Tax
Effect
After
Tax
 (in thousands)
Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale (AFS) debt securities
Net gains (losses) arising during the period$38,477 $(10,632)$27,845 $54,723 $(15,461)$39,262 $(32,123)$9,191 $(22,932)
Less reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income (1)
(524)147 (377)150 (31)119 2,873 (636)2,237 
Net change37,953 (10,485)27,468 54,873 (15,492)39,381 (29,250)8,555 (20,695)
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (cash flow hedges)
Net (losses) gains arising during the period(3,169)918 (2,251)(1,380)391 (989)2,651 (777)1,874 
Less reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) included in net income (2)
2,912 (838)2,074 1,808 (517)1,291 3,493 (999)2,494 
Net change(257)80 (177)428 (126)302 6,144 (1,776)4,368 
Defined benefit pension plan
Net (losses) gains arising during the period(5,719)2,301 (3,418)(2,385)(176)(2,561)(9,916)2,765 (7,151)
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit (3)
(136)38 (98)(135)42 (93)212 (66)146 
Amortization of net loss (3)
1,003 (282)721 264 (76)188 625 (178)447 
Net change(4,852)2,057 (2,795)(2,256)(210)(2,466)(9,079)2,521 (6,558)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)$32,844 $(8,348)$24,496 $53,045 $(15,828)$37,217 $(32,185)$9,300 $(22,885)
(1)
(1)    Included in gains (losses) gains on securities transactions, net.
(2)Included in interest and dividends on investment securities (taxable).
(3)Included in interest expense.
(4)Included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 12 for details.


(2)     Included in interest expense.

(3)     Included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 12 for details.

13113920182020 Form 10-K





The following table presents the after-tax changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016:2018:
 Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive LossTotal
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 Unrealized Gains
and Losses on AFS Securities
Unrealized Gains
and Losses on
Derivatives
Defined
Benefit
Pension
Plan
 (in thousands)
Balance-December 31, 2017$(12,384)$(8,338)$(25,283)$(46,005)
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01(480)(480)
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU No. 2017-12(61)(61)
Balance-January 1, 2018(12,864)(8,399)(25,283)(46,546)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications(22,932)1,874 (7,151)(28,209)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)2,237 2,494 593 5,324 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net(20,695)4,368 (6,558)(22,885)
Balance-December 31, 2018(33,559)(4,031)(31,841)(69,431)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications39,262 (989)(2,561)35,712 
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)119 1,291 95 1,505 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net39,381 302 (2,466)37,217 
Balance-December 31, 20195,822 (3,729)(34,307)(32,214)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications27,845 (2,251)(3,418)22,176 
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)(377)2,074 623 2,320 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net27,468 (177)(2,795)24,496 
Balance-December 31, 2020$33,290 $(3,906)$(37,102)$(7,718)
 Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss 
Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Unrealized Gains
and Losses on AFS Securities
 
Non-credit
Impairment
Losses on
Securities
 
Unrealized Gains
and Losses on
Derivatives
 
Defined
Benefit
Pension
Plan
 
 (in thousands)
Balance-December 31, 2015$(5,336) $(520) $(17,644) $(22,195) $(45,695)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications(4,293) 417
 (2,461) 3,298
 (3,039)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive (loss) income(465) (539) 7,641
 4
 6,641
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net(4,758) (122) 5,180
 3,302
 3,602
Balance-December 31, 2016(10,094) (642) (12,464) (18,893) (42,093)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications352
 498
 576
 (2,722) (1,296)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)11
 (167) 5,028
 439
 5,311
Other comprehensive income (loss), net363
 331
 5,604
 (2,283) 4,015
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU No. 2018-02(2,273) (69) (1,478) (4,107) (7,927)
Balance-December 31, 2017(12,004) (380) (8,338) (25,283) (46,005)
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01(480) 
 
 
 (480)
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU No. 2017-12
 
 (61) 
 (61)
Balance-January 1, 2018(12,484) (380) (8,399) (25,283) (46,546)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications(22,932) 
 1,874
 (7,151) (28,209)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive (loss) income1,857
 380
 2,494
 593
 5,324
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net(21,075) 380
 4,368
 (6,558) (22,885)
Balance-December 31, 2018$(33,559) $
 $(4,031) $(31,841) $(69,431)







20182020 Form 10-K132140





QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION (Note 20)
Condensed Statements of Financial Condition
 December 31,
 20202019
 (in thousands)
Assets
Cash$130,163 $119,213 
Equity securities2,999 
Investments in and receivables due from subsidiaries4,998,795 4,671,578 
Other assets11,133 12,953 
Total Assets$5,143,090 $4,803,744 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Dividends payable to shareholders$46,591 $45,796 
Long-term borrowings403,413 292,414 
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts56,065 55,718 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities44,901 25,628 
Shareholders’ equity4,592,120 4,384,188 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$5,143,090 $4,803,744 
 Quarters Ended 2018
 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
 (in thousands, except for share data)
Interest income$267,495
 $280,118
 $297,041
 $314,594
Interest expense59,897
 69,366
 80,241
 92,541
Net interest income207,598
 210,752
 216,800
 222,053
Provision for credit losses10,948
 7,142
 6,552
 7,859
Non-interest income:       
Gains on sales of loans, net6,753
 7,642
 3,748
 2,372
Other non-interest income25,498
 30,427
 25,290
 32,322
Non-interest expense:       
Amortization of tax credit investments5,274
 4,470
 5,412
 9,044
Other non-interest expense168,478
 145,446
 146,269
 144,668
Income before income taxes55,149
 91,763
 87,605
 95,176
Income tax expense13,184
 18,961
 18,046
 18,074
Net income41,965
 72,802
 69,559
 77,102
Dividend on preferred stock3,172
 3,172
 3,172
 3,172
Net income available to common shareholders38,793
 69,630
 66,387
 73,930
Earnings per common share:       
Basic$0.12
 $0.21
 $0.20
 $0.22
Diluted0.12
 0.21
 0.20
 0.22
Cash dividends declared per common share0.11
 0.11
 0.11
 0.11
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:       
Basic330,727,416
 331,318,381
 331,486,500
 331,492,648
Diluted332,465,527
 332,895,483
 333,000,242
 332,856,385
Condensed Statements of Income
 Years Ended December 31,
 202020192018
 (in thousands)
Income
Dividends from subsidiary$186,000 $160,000 $155,000 
Income from subsidiary4,436 4,550 4,550 
Gains on securities transactions, net
Losses on sales of assets, net(147)
Other interest and income21 51 39 
Total Income190,457 164,601 159,445 
Total Expenses23,484 27,998 32,269 
Income before income tax and equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary166,973 136,603 127,176 
Income tax (benefit) expense(3,946)24,524 (20,547)
Income before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary170,919 112,079 147,723 
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary219,687 197,714 113,705 
Net Income390,606 309,793 261,428 
Dividends on preferred stock12,688 12,688 12,688 
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders$377,918 $297,105 $248,740 
 Quarters Ended 2017
 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
 (in thousands, except for share data)
Interest income$198,455
 $207,007
 $210,741
 $217,951
Interest expense36,587
 42,187
 46,796
 48,537
Net interest income161,868
 164,820
 163,945
 169,414
Provision for credit losses2,470
 3,632
 1,640
 2,200
Non-interest income:       
Gains on sales of loans, net4,128
 4,791
 5,520
 6,375
Other non-interest income21,592
 24,039
 21,477
 23,784
Non-interest expense:       
Amortization of tax credit investments5,324
 7,732
 8,389
 20,302
Other non-interest expense115,628
 111,507
 124,176
 116,015
Income before income taxes64,166
 70,779
 56,737
 61,056
Income tax expense18,071
 20,714
 17,088
 34,958
Net income46,095
 50,065
 39,649
 26,098
Dividend on preferred stock1,797
 1,797
 2,683
 3,172
Net income available to common shareholders44,298
 48,268
 36,966
 22,926
Earnings per common share:       
Basic$0.17
 $0.18
 $0.14
 $0.09
Diluted0.17
 0.18
 0.14
 0.09
Cash dividends declared per common share0.11
 0.11
 0.11
 0.11
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:       
Basic263,797,024
 263,958,292
 264,058,174
 264,332,895
Diluted264,546,266
 264,778,242
 264,936,220
 265,288,067


13314120182020 Form 10-K




PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION (Note 21)
Condensed Statements of Financial Condition
 December 31,
 2018 2017
 (in thousands)
Assets   
Cash$109,839
 $90,807
Investment securities available for sale
 254
Investments in and receivables due from subsidiaries3,609,836
 2,738,700
Other assets32,721
 36,277
Total Assets$3,752,396
 $2,866,038
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity   
Dividends payable to shareholders$37,644
 $33,100
Long-term borrowings294,602
 235,153
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts55,370
 41,774
Accrued expenses and other liabilities14,326
 22,846
Shareholders’ equity3,350,454
 2,533,165
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$3,752,396
 $2,866,038
Condensed Statements of Income
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
 (in thousands)
Income     
Dividends from subsidiary$155,000
 $122,000
 $90,000
Income from subsidiary4,550
 4,550
 4,550
Gains on securities transactions, net3
 
 239
Losses on sales of assets, net(147)



Other interest and income39
 135
 34
Total Income159,445
 126,685
 94,823
Total Expenses32,269
 39,621
 33,604
Income before income tax and equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary127,176
 87,064
 61,219
Income tax benefit(20,547) (30,179) (23,349)
Income before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary147,723
 117,243
 84,568
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary113,705
 44,664
 83,578
Net Income261,428
 161,907
 168,146
Dividends on preferred stock12,688
 9,449
 7,188
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders$248,740
 $152,458
 $160,958


2018 Form 10-K134





Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
 Years Ended December 31,
 202020192018
 (in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net Income$390,606 $309,793 $261,428 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary(219,687)(197,714)(113,705)
Stock-based compensation16,154 14,726 19,472 
Net amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on borrowings230 124 63 
Gains on securities transactions, net(3)
Losses on sales of assets, net147 
Net change in:
Other assets121 19,768 9,928 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities17,905 8,803 (10,657)
Net cash provided by operating activities205,329 155,500 166,673 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of equity securities(2,500)
Sales of investment securities available for sale257 
Cash and cash equivalents acquired in acquisitions11,947 7,915 
Repayment of subordinated debt by subsidiary100,000 
Capital contributions to subsidiary(210,000)
Other, net(1,200)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities(113,700)11,947 8,172 
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term borrowings, net113,146 
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders(12,688)(12,688)(15,859)
Dividends paid to common shareholders(177,965)(146,537)(138,857)
Purchase of common shares to treasury(5,374)(1,805)(3,801)
Common stock issued, net2,202 2,957 2,704 
Net cash used in financing activities(80,679)(158,073)(155,813)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents10,950 9,374 19,032 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year119,213 109,839 90,807 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$130,163 $119,213 $109,839 
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
 (in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net Income$261,428
 $161,907
 $168,146
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:     
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary(113,705) (44,664) (83,578)
Stock-based compensation19,472
 12,204
 10,032
Net amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on borrowings63
 197
��163
Gains on securities transactions, net(3)


(239)
Losses on sales of assets, net147
 


Net change in:     
Other assets9,928
 (89) 8,007
Accrued expenses and other liabilities(10,657) 8,737
 18,381
Net cash provided by operating activities166,673
 138,292
 120,912
Cash flows from investing activities:     
Investment securities available for sale:     
Sales257
 
 739
Cash and cash equivalents acquired in acquisitions7,915
 
 
Capital contributions to subsidiary
 (98,000) (106,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities8,172
 (98,000) (105,261)
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock, net
 98,101
 
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders(15,859) (6,277) (7,188)
Dividends paid to common shareholders(138,857) (115,881) (111,813)
Purchase of common shares to treasury(3,801) (2,644) (3,191)
Common stock issued, net2,704
 8,207
 112,085
Net cash used in financing activities(155,813) (18,494) (10,107)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents19,032
 21,798
 5,544
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year90,807
 69,009
 63,465
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$109,839
 $90,807
 $69,009
BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Note 22)21)
Valley has four4 business segments that it monitors and reports on to manage Valley’s business operations. These segments are consumer lending, commercial lending, investment management, and corporate and other adjustments. Valley’s reportable segments have been determined based upon its internal structure of operations and lines of business. Each business segment is reviewed routinely for its asset growth, contribution to income before income taxes and return on average interest earning assets and impairment (if events or circumstances indicate a possible inability to realize the carrying amount). Expenses related to the branch network, all other components of retail banking, along with the back office departments of our subsidiary bankthe Bank are allocated from the corporate and other adjustments segment to each of the other three business segments. Interest expense and internal transfer expense (for general corporate expenses) are allocated to each business segment utilizing a “pool funding”transfer pricing methodology, which involves the allocation of uniformoperating and funding costcosts based on each segments’segment's respective mix of average earning assets and/or liabilities outstanding for the period. The financial reporting for each segment contains allocations and reporting in line with Valley’s operations, which may not necessarily be comparable to any other financial institution. The accounting for each segment includes internal accounting policies designed to measure consistent and reasonable financial
2020 Form 10-K142


reporting and may result in income and expense measurements that differ from amounts under U.S. GAAP. Furthermore, changes in management structure or allocation methodologies and procedures may result in changes in reported segment financial data.

1352018 Form 10-K




The consumer lending segment is mainly comprised of residential mortgages and automobile loans, and to a lesser extent, secured personal lines of credit, home equity loans and other consumer loans. The duration of the residential mortgage loan portfolio is subject to movements in the market level of interest rates and forecasted prepayment speeds. The average weighted life of the automobile loans within the portfolio is relatively unaffected by movements in the market level of interest rates. However, the average life may be impacted by new loans as a result of the availability of credit within the automobile marketplace and consumer demand for purchasing new or used automobiles. The consumer lending segment also includes the Wealth Management and Insurance Services Division, comprised of trust, asset management, and insurance services.
The commercial lending segment is mainly comprised of floating rate and adjustable rate commercial and industrial loans and construction loans, as well as fixed rate owner occupied and commercial real estate loans. Due to the portfolio’s interest rate characteristics, commercial lending is Valley’s business segment that is most sensitive to movements in market interest rates.
The investment management segment generates a large portion of Valley’s income through investments in various types of securities and interest-bearing deposits with other banks. These investments are mainly comprised of fixed rate securities and depending on Valley's liquid cash position, federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks (primarily the Federal Reserve Bank of New York), as part of its asset/liability management strategies. The fixed rate investments are among Valley’s assets that are least sensitive to changes in market interest rates. However, a portion of the investment portfolio is invested in shorter-duration securities to maintain the overall asset sensitivity of Valley’s balance sheet.
The amounts disclosed as “corporate and other adjustments” represent income and expense items not directly attributable to a specific segment, including net securities gains and losses on securities not reported in the investment management segment above, interest expense related to subordinated notes, amortization and impairment of tax credit investments, as well as incomenon-core items, including the loss on extinguishment of debt and expense from derivative financial instruments.merger expenses.


The following tables represent the financial data for Valley’s four4 business segments for the years ended December 31, 2018, 20172020, 2019 and 2016:2018:
Year Ended December 31, 2018 Year Ended December 31, 2020
Consumer
Lending
 
Commercial
Lending
 
Investment
Management
 
Corporate
and Other
Adjustments
 Total Consumer
Lending
Commercial
Lending
Investment
Management
Corporate
and Other
Adjustments
Total
($ in thousands) ($ in thousands)
Average interest earning assets (unaudited)$6,197,161
 $17,143,169
 $4,362,581
 $
 $27,702,911
Average interest earning assets (unaudited)$7,160,793 $24,625,066 $5,225,074 $0$37,010,933 
         
Interest income$235,264
 $798,974
 $130,971
 $(5,961) $1,159,248
Interest income$257,196 $1,027,796 $102,883 $(4,156)$1,383,719 
Interest expense64,083
 177,273
 45,112
 15,577
 302,045
Interest expense47,712 164,075 34,814 18,214264,815 
Net interest income (loss)171,181
 621,701
 85,859
 (21,538) 857,203
Net interest income (loss)209,484 863,721 68,069 (22,370)1,118,904 
Provision for credit losses5,550
 26,951
 
 
 32,501
Provision for credit losses11,502 113,585 635 0125,722 
Net interest income (loss) after provision for credit losses165,631
 594,750
 85,859
 (21,538) 824,702
Net interest income (loss) after provision for credit losses197,982 750,136 67,434 (22,370)993,182 
Non-interest income61,280
 22,275
 8,691
 41,806
 134,052
Non-interest income81,499 64,783 10,083 26,667183,032 
Non-interest expense92,462
 95,171
 1,251
 440,177
 629,061
Non-interest expense77,582 98,710 1,136 468,720646,148 
Internal expense transfer77,164
 213,399
 54,353
 (344,916) 
Internal transfer expense (income)Internal transfer expense (income)77,835 267,588 56,788 (402,211)
Income (loss) before income taxes$57,285
 $308,455
 $38,946
 $(74,993) $329,693
Income (loss) before income taxes$124,064 $448,621 $19,593 $(62,212)$530,066 
Return on average interest earning assets (pre-tax) (unaudited)0.92% 1.80% 0.89% N/A
 1.19%Return on average interest earning assets (pre-tax) (unaudited)1.73 %1.82 %0.37 %N/A1.43 %
 

20181432020 Form 10-K136





 Year Ended December 31, 2019
 Consumer
Lending
Commercial
Lending
Investment
Management
Corporate
and Other
Adjustments
Total
 ($ in thousands)
Average interest earning assets (unaudited)$6,891,462 $19,343,791 $4,340,277 $0$30,575,530 
Interest income$272,773 $926,328 $126,723 $(4,824)$1,321,000 
Interest expense91,798 257,670 57,815 15,669422,952 
Net interest income (loss)180,975 668,658 68,908 (20,493)898,048 
Provision for credit losses6,688 17,530 024,218 
Net interest income (loss) after provision for credit losses174,287 651,128 68,908 (20,493)873,830 
Non-interest income57,981 41,157 8,818 106,564214,520 
Non-interest expense76,046 101,924 1,034 452,551631,555 
Internal transfer expense (income)78,743 221,113 49,670 (349,526)
Income (loss) before income taxes$77,479 $369,248 $27,022 $(16,954)$456,795 
Return on average interest earning assets (pre-tax) (unaudited)1.12 %1.91 %0.62 %N/A1.49 %
 Year Ended December 31, 2018
 Consumer
Lending
Commercial
Lending
Investment
Management
Corporate
and Other
Adjustments
Total
 ($ in thousands)
Average interest earning assets (unaudited)$6,197,161 $17,143,169 $4,362,581 $0$27,702,911 
Interest income$235,264 $798,974 $130,971 $(5,961)$1,159,248 
Interest expense64,083 177,273 45,112 15,577302,045 
Net interest income (loss)171,181 621,701 85,859 (21,538)857,203 
Provision for credit losses5,550 26,951 032,501 
Net interest income (loss) after provision for credit losses165,631 594,750 85,859 (21,538)824,702 
Non-interest income61,280 22,275 8,691 41,806134,052 
Non-interest expense92,462 95,171 1,251 440,177629,061 
Internal transfer expense (income)77,164 213,399 54,353 (344,916)
Income (loss) before income taxes$57,285 $308,455 $38,946 $(74,993)$329,693 
Return on average interest earning assets (pre-tax) (unaudited)0.92 %1.80 %0.89 %N/A1.19 %
 Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
Consumer
Lending
 
Commercial
Lending
 
Investment
Management
 
Corporate
and Other
Adjustments
 Total
 ($ in thousands)
Average interest earning assets (unaudited)$5,166,171
 $12,652,832
 $3,669,495
 $
 $21,488,498
          
Interest income$182,508
 $552,297
 $107,972
 $(8,623) $834,154
Interest expense39,018
 95,562
 27,714
 11,813
 174,107
Net interest income (loss)143,490
 456,735
 80,258
 (20,436) 660,047
Provision for credit losses3,197
 6,745
 
 
 9,942
Net interest income (loss) after provision for credit losses140,293
 449,990
 80,258
 (20,436) 650,105
Non-interest income63,375
 11,414
 7,745
 29,172
 111,706
Non-interest expense72,207
 71,216
 1,193
 364,457
 509,073
Internal expense transfer68,007
 166,847
 48,393
 (283,247) 
Income (loss) before income taxes$63,454
 $223,341
 $38,417
 $(72,474) $252,738
Return on average interest earning assets (pre-tax) (unaudited)1.23% 1.77% 1.05% N/A
 1.18%
 Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
Consumer
Lending
 
Commercial
Lending
 
Investment
Management
 
Corporate
and Other
Adjustments
 Total
 ($ in thousands)
Average interest earning assets (unaudited)$5,081,798
 $11,318,947
 $3,428,567
 $
 $19,829,312
          
Interest income$176,929
 $504,341
 $89,378
 $(8,760) $761,888
Interest expense35,175
 78,347
 23,732
 11,520
 148,774
Net interest income (loss)141,754
 425,994
 65,646
 (20,280) 613,114
Provision for credit losses905
 10,964
 
 
 11,869
Net interest income (loss) after provision for credit losses140,849
 415,030
 65,646
 (20,280) 601,245
Non-interest income63,443
 8,327
 6,694
 29,796
 108,260
Non-interest expense62,721
 70,145
 1,281
 341,978
 476,125
Internal expense transfer71,578
 160,198
 48,475
 (280,251) 
Income (loss) before income taxes$69,993
 $193,014
 $22,584
 $(52,211) $233,380
Return on average interest earning assets (pre-tax) (unaudited)1.38% 1.71% 0.66% N/A
 1.18%

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Note 23)
During February 2019, Valley announced that the Bank entered into an agreement for the sale-leaseback of 29 of its currently owned properties. The properties, consist of 1 corporate location and 28 branches. Valley expects to realize a material pre-tax gain net of transaction related expenses. The transaction is expected to close in the first or second quarter of 2019 and is subject to change or termination due to buyer due diligence on the identified properties.
Valley has previously invested in mobile solar generators sold and managed by DC Solar, which were included in other assets on the balance sheet and the tax credit investments in Note 14. For reasons that were not known to Valley, DC Solar had its assets frozen in December 2018. DC Solar filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February 2019. In February 2019, an affidavit from a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agent stated that DC Solar was operating a fraudulent "Ponzi-like scheme" and that the majority of mobile solar generators sold to investors and managed by DC Solar and the majority of the related lease revenues claimed to have been received by DC Solar may not have existed. Certain investors in DC Solar, including Valley,


13720182020 Form 10-K144





received tax credits for making these renewable resource investments. Valley has claimed tax credit benefits of approximately $22.8 million in the consolidated financial statements between 2013 through 2015. If the allegations set forth in the declaration filed by the FBI are proven to be accurate, up to the entire amount of the tax credits claimed by Valley could potentially be disallowed. Based on the information known as of the date of this Annual Report on the Form 10-K, Valley believes that this has not met the more-likely-than-not criterion to record an uncertain tax position liability. As a result of the information in the FBI declaration, Valley is evaluating whether or not an unrecognized tax liability exists under ASC 740 for an uncertain tax position in 2019 for at least part, if not potentially all, of the tax credit benefits Valley has claimed.

1382018 Form 10-K





Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm



To the Shareholders and Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Valley National Bancorp:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Valley National Bancorp and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018,2020, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three‑yearthree-year period ended December 31, 2018,2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018,2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 28, 201926, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for the recognition and measurement of credit losses as of January 1, 2020 due to the adoption of ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Allowance for loan losses evaluated on a collective basis

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (ASC Topic 326), as of January 1, 2020. As discussed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s total allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2020 was $340.2 million, of which $264.4 million related to the loans collectively evaluated for credit losses (the collective ALL). The collective ALL includes the measure of expected credit losses on a collective basis for those loans that share similar risk characteristics. In estimating the collective ALL, the Company uses a transition matrix model which calculates an expected life of loan loss percentage for each loan pool by using probability of default and loss given default metrics.
1452020 Form 10-K


The metrics are based on the migration of loans from performing to loss by credit quality rating or delinquency categories using life-of-loan analysis periods for each loan portfolio pool, and the severity of loss, based on the aggregate net lifetime losses incurred. The expected credit losses are the product of multiplying the model’s expected life of loan loss percentages by the exposure at default at period end. The model’s expected losses are adjusted for qualitative factors which includes a two-year reasonable and supportable forecast period followed by a one-year period over which estimated losses revert to historical loss experience on a straight-line basis for the remaining life of the loan. The forecasts consist of a multi-scenario economic forecast model which is assigned relative probability weightings. These adjustments are based on qualitative factors not reflected in the quantitative model but are likely to impact the measurement of estimated credit losses.
We identified the assessment of the collective ALL as a critical audit matter. A high degree of audit effort, including specialized skills and knowledge, and subjective and complex auditor judgment was involved in the assessment of the collective ALL. Specifically, the assessment encompassed the evaluation of the collective ALL methodology, including the model and methods used to estimate the (1) life of loan loss percentages and the related significant assumptions, including probability of default, loss given default and credit risk ratings for commercial loans, and (2) the qualitative factors, including the reasonable and supportable economic forecasts and related weightings, and reversion. The assessment also included an evaluation of the conceptual soundness and performance of the methodology utilized to derive the quantitative life of loan loss percentages and qualitative factors and the Company’s procedures to validate the model utilized to produce the lifetime loss estimate. In addition, auditor judgment was required to evaluate the sufficiency of audit evidence obtained.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the Company’s measurement of the collective ALL estimate, including controls over the:
development of the collective ALL methodology
development of the transition matrix model
identification and determination of the significant assumptions used in the model
development and ongoing monitoring of the appropriateness of the reasonable and supportable forecast period
development of the qualitative factors, including the significant assumptions used in the measurement of the qualitative factors
procedures performed by the Company to validate the model is fit for use and appropriate to estimate lifetime losses
periodic testing of loan risk ratings for loan portfolios
analysis of the collective ALL results, trends and ratios.
We evaluated the Company’s process to develop the collective ALL estimate by testing certain sources of data, factors, and assumptions that the Company used, and considered the relevance and reliability of such data, factors and assumptions. In addition, we involved credit risk professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in:
evaluating the Company’s collective ALL methodology for compliance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
evaluating the judgments made by the Company relative to the development and performance monitoring of the transition matrix model used to calculate the life of loan loss percentage by comparing them to Company-specific metrics and trends and the applicable industry and regulatory practices
testing the conceptual soundness and performance of the transition matrix model by inspecting the model documentation and model validation documentation to determine whether the model is suitable for the intended use
evaluating the economic forecast scenarios and related weightings by comparing them to the Company’s business environment and relevant industry practices
testing the reasonable and supportable forecast period and reversion period to evaluate the length of each period by comparison to specific portfolio risk characteristics and trends
determining whether the loan portfolio is segmented by similar risk characteristics by comparing to the Company’s business environment and relevant industry practices
2020 Form 10-K146


testing individual credit risk ratings for a selection of commercial loans by evaluating the financial performance of the borrower, sources of repayment and any relevant guarantees or underlying collateral
evaluating the methodology used to develop the qualitative factor framework and the effect of those factors on the collective ALL by comparing the qualitative factors to the specific portfolio risk characteristics, trends and relevant industry practices and identified limitations of the underlying quantitative models.
We also assessed the sufficiency of the audit evidence obtained related to the collective ALL by evaluating the cumulative results of the audit procedures, qualitative aspects of the Company’s accounting practices and potential bias in the accounting estimate.
Goodwill impairment assessment of the Company’s reporting units
As discussed in Notes 1 and 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the carrying value of the Company’s goodwill balance is $1.4 billion as of December 31, 2020. The Company’s goodwill is not amortized but is subject to annual tests for impairment in the second quarter, or more often, if events or circumstances indicate it may be impaired. The Company elected to perform a quantitative impairment test for its annual assessment in the second quarter which compared the fair value of each of the reporting units with their carrying amounts, including goodwill. If the fair value of each of the reporting units exceeded its carrying amounts, the goodwill of the reporting unit was not impaired. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting units exceeds the fair value, with the impairment charge not to exceed the amount of goodwill recorded. Fair value is determined using market multiples and certain discounted cash flow analyses. Factors that may materially affect the fair value estimate include, among others, changes in discount rates, terminal values and specific industry or market sector conditions.
We identified the measurement of the fair value of each of the reporting units in the Company’s annual goodwill impairment assessment as a critical audit matter. A high degree of audit effort, including specialized skills and knowledge, and subjective and complex auditor judgement was involved in performing procedures over the individual reporting unit estimated cash flows and related key assumptions, which included the discount rate and the terminal value growth rate used in the discounted cash flow analyses. The key assumptions were challenging to test as they represented subjective determinations of future market and economic conditions that were also more sensitive to variation. Minor changes in these assumptions could have had a significant effect on the Company’s measurement of the fair value of the reporting units and the impairment assessment of the carrying value of the goodwill.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the Company’s determination of the estimated fair value of the reporting units in the annual goodwill impairment assessment, including controls over the selection and development of key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow analyses. We involved valuation professionals with specialized skill and knowledge, who assisted in:
evaluating the Company’s fair value methodology for the reporting units for compliance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
evaluating the Company’s discount rate by comparing it against a discount rate range that was independently developed using publicly available data for comparable entities
evaluating the Company’s terminal value growth rate by comparing it against an average growth rate range that was independently developed using publicly available economic and industry data for comparable entities
developing an independent estimate of the reporting units’ fair value using the reporting units’ cash flow forecast and an independently developed discount rate and compared our estimate of fair value to the Company’s fair value estimate
reconciling the Company’s estimated fair value to its market capitalization as of the measurement date and evaluating the implied control premium for alignment with industry standards.

/s/ KPMG LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2008.

Short Hills, New Jersey
February 28, 201926, 2021





13914720182020 Form 10-K






Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Valley maintains disclosure controls and procedures which, consistent with Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are defined to mean controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that Valley files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to Valley’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Valley’s management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of Valley’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on such evaluation, Valley’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 20182020 (the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
Valley’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A system of internal control, no matter how well conceived and operated, provides reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system of internal control are met. The design of a system of internal control reflects resource constraints and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because there are inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within Valley have been or will be detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns occur because of a simple error or mistake. Controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of internal control is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. There can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Valley’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Valley’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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. In addition, 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 of December 31, 2018,2020, management assessed the effectiveness of Valley’s internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission. Management’s assessment included an evaluation of the design of Valley’s internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operating
2020 Form 10-K148


effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. Management reviewed the results of its assessment with the Audit Committee.
Based on this assessment, management determined that, as of December 31, 2018,2020, Valley’s internal control over financial

2018 Form 10-K140




reporting was effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited Valley’s December 31, 20182020 consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an audit report expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of Valley’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018.2020. The report is included in this item under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”
Remediation of Material Weakness
As previously disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, management identified the following material weakness in internal controls as of December 31, 2017:
Valley did not assign appropriate levels of responsibility and authority to its Ethics and Compliance group to identify and evaluate the severity and financial reporting implications of allegations of non-compliance with laws and regulations, Company policies and procedures and other complaints. Additionally, Valley did not establish controls over required communications of such matters to senior management or others within the organization and to those charged with governance to enable them to conduct or monitor the investigation and resolution of such matters on a timely basis.
During the first quarter of 2018, Valley initiated remediation efforts. Management reviewed the design and operation of the controls and made enhancements to the proper identification and escalation of allegations of non-compliance with laws and regulations, Company policies and procedures and other complaints that require the attention of senior management and those charged with governance. During the third quarter of 2018, management completed the implementation of such enhancements and the new controls and procedures were placed in operation. Management evaluated the new controls and procedures designed to remediate the material weakness and determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2018.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Beginning January 1, 2020, Valley adopted ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. Valley implemented changes to the policies, processes, and controls over the estimation of the allowance for credit losses to support the adoption of ASU No. 2016-13. Many of the controls that existed under the incurred model remained unchanged under the new standard. New controls were established over the review of economic forecasting projections obtained externally. Except as noted above relativerelated to the remediationadoption of the prior year material weakness,ASU No. 2016-13, Valley’s CEO and CFO have also concluded that there were nohave not been any changes in Valley’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fourth quarter of 2018year ended December 31, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Valley’s internal control over financial reporting.





Valley has not experienced any material impact to Valley’s internal controls over financial reporting due to the fact that most of Valley’s employees responsible for financial reporting are working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Valley is continually monitoring and assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Valley’s internal controls over financial reporting to minimize the impact to their design and operating effectiveness.
14114920182020 Form 10-K





Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm



To the Shareholders and Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Valley National Bancorp:

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Valley National Bancorp’sBancorp and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018,2020, based oncriteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018,2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated statements of financial condition of the Company as of December 31, 20182020 and 2017,2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018,2020, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 28, 201926, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’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 are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.


We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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 of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
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 (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of 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.


/s/ KPMG LLP



Short Hills, New Jersey
February 28, 2019

26, 2021
20182020 Form 10-K142150





Item 9B.Other Information
Not applicable.
PART III
 

Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Certain information regarding executive officers is included under the section captioned “Executive“ Information about our Executive Officers” in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.report. The information set forth under the captions “Director Information”, and “Corporate Governance”, and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the 20192021 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 11.Executive Compensation
The information set forth under the captions “Director Compensation”, “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Executive Compensation” in the 20192021 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
The information set forth under the captions “Equity Compensation Plan Information” and “Stock Ownership of Management and Principal Shareholders” in the 20192021 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information set forth under the captions “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation”, “Certain Transactions with Management” and “Corporate Governance” in the 20192021 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information set forth under the caption “Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the 20192021 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.


PART IV
Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)Financial Statements and Schedules:
The following (a)Financial Statements and Supplementary DataSchedules:
The following financial statements and supplementary data are filed as part of this annual report:
Page
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
Consolidated Statements of Income
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are either inapplicable or not required, or because the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statementsconsolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

(b)Exhibits (numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K):

(3)Articles of Incorporation and By-laws:
14315120182020 Form 10-K




(b)Exhibits (numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K):

(3)Articles of Incorporation and By-laws:



(4)Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders:
(4)Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders:

(10)Material Contracts:

(10) Material Contracts:

2018 Form 10-K144




2020 Form 10-KN.152



1452018 Form 10-K







2018 Form 10-K146





(21)List of Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018:
2020 Form 10-K154



(21)List of Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2020:
NameJurisdiction of

Incorporation
Percentage of Voting Securities Owned by the Parent Directly or Indirectly
(a)Subsidiaries of Valley:
Valley National BankUnited States100%
Aliant Statutory Trust IIDelaware100%
GCB Capital Trust IIIDelaware100%
State Bancorp Capital Trust IDelaware100%
State Bancorp Capital Trust IIDelaware100%
(b)      Subsidiaries of Valley National Bank:
Hallmark Capital Management, Inc.New Jersey100%
Highland Capital Corp.New Jersey100%
Masters Coverage Corp.Valley Insurance Services, Inc.New York100%90%
New York Metro Title and Settlement Agency, Inc.New York100%
Valley Commercial Capital, LLCNew Jersey100%
Valley National Title Services, Inc.New Jersey100%
Valley Securities Holdings, LLCNew JerseyYork100%
VNB Loan Services, Inc.New York100%
VNB New York, LLCNew York100%
(c)       VNB Route 23 Realty LLCSubsidiaries of Valley Insurance Services, Inc.:New Jersey100%
(c)       Subsidiaries of Masters Coverage Corp.:
Life Line Planning, Inc.New York100%
RISC One, Inc.New York100%
(d)Valley Insurance Services of Florida, LLCFlorida100%
(d)Subsidiaries of Valley Securities Holdings, LLC:
SAR II, Inc.New Jersey100%
Shrewsbury Capital CorporationNew Jersey100%
Valley Investments, Inc.New Jersey100%
(e)Oritani Investment Corp.New Jersey100%
(e)Subsidiary of Oritani Investment Corp.:
Oritani Asset Corp.New Jersey100%
(f)Subsidiary of SAR II, Inc.:
VNB Realty, Inc.New Jersey100%
(f)(g)Subsidiary of Shrewsbury Capital Corporation:
GCB Realty, LLCNew Jersey100%
(g)Subsidiary of VNB Realty, Inc.:
VNB Capital Corp.New York100%

VNB Capital Corp.New York100%
(101)Interactive Data File. * 
*Filed herewith.
+Management contract and compensatory plan or arrangement.
Item 16.Form 10-K Summary
Not applicable.

14715520182020 Form 10-K





SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of sectionSection 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
By:
VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP/s/    IRA ROBBINS
By:
/s/    IRA ROBBINS
Ira Robbins,Chairman of the Board,President
and Chief Executive Officer
By:
/s/    ALAN   MICHAEL D. ESKOWHAGEDORN
AlanMichael D. Eskow,Hagedorn,
Senior Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
Dated: February 28, 201926, 2021
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 indicated:
 
SignatureTitleDate
/S/   IRA ROBBINS
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)February 28, 201926, 2021
Ira Robbins
/S/    ALAN D. ESKOW
Senior Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer) and
Corporate Secretary
February 28, 2019
Alan D. Eskow
/S/    MITCHELL L. CRANDELL
First Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
February 28, 2019
Mitchell L. Crandell
   GERALD H. LIPKIN*
Chairman of the Board and
Director
February 28, 2019
Gerald H. Lipkin
ANDREW B. ABRAMSON*
DirectorFebruary 28, 2019
Andrew B. Abramson
PETER J. BAUM*
DirectorFebruary 28, 2019
Peter J. Baum
PAMELA R. BRONANDER*
DirectorFebruary 28, 2019
Pamela R. Bronander
ERIC P. EDELSTEIN*
DirectorFebruary 28, 2019
Eric P. Edelstein
GRAHAM O. JONES*
DirectorFebruary 28, 2019
Graham O. Jones
GERALD KORDE*
DirectorFebruary 28, 2019
Gerald Korde
MICHAEL L. LARUSSO*
DirectorFebruary 28, 2019
Michael L. LaRusso
MARC J. LENNER*
DirectorFebruary 28, 2019
Marc J. Lenner


2018 Form 10-K
/S/    MICHAEL D. HAGEDORN
148Senior Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
February 26, 2021




Michael D. Hagedorn
/S/    MITCHELL L. CRANDELL
Executive Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
February 26, 2021
SignatureMitchell L. CrandellTitleDate
SURESH L. SANI*
DirectorFebruary 28, 2019
Suresh L. Sani
MELISSA J. SCHULTZ*
DirectorFebruary 28, 2019
Melissa J. Schultz

JENNIFER W. STEANS
DirectorFebruary 28, 2019
Jennifer W. Steans
JEFFREY S. WILKS*
DirectorFebruary 28, 2019
Jeffrey S. Wilks
*
/S/    ALAN D. ESKOWNDREW B. ABRAMSON*
DirectorFebruary 28, 201926, 2021
Alan D. Eskow, attorney-in fact.
Andrew B. Abramson



PETER J. BAUM*
1492018DirectorFebruary 26, 2021
Peter J. Baum
ERIC P. EDELSTEIN*
DirectorFebruary 26, 2021
Eric P. Edelstein
GRAHAM O. JONES*
DirectorFebruary 26, 2021
Graham O. Jones
MARC J. LENNER*
DirectorFebruary 26, 2021
Marc J. Lenner
KEVIN J. LYNCH*
DirectorFebruary 26, 2021
Kevin J. Lynch
PETER V. MAIO*
DirectorFebruary 26, 2021
Peter V. Maio
SURESH L. SANI*
DirectorFebruary 26, 2021
Suresh L. Sani
2020 Form 10-K156


SignatureTitleDate
LISA J. SCHULTZ*
DirectorFebruary 26, 2021
Lisa J. Schultz
JENNIFER W. STEANS*
DirectorFebruary 26, 2021
Jennifer W. Steans
JEFFREY S. WILKS*
DirectorFebruary 26, 2021
Jeffrey S. Wilks
DR. SIDNEY S. WILLIAMS, JR.*
DirectorFebruary 26, 2021
Dr. Sidney S. Williams, Jr.
*
By: /s/    MICHAEL D. HAGEDORN
February 26, 2021
Michael D. Hagedorn, attorney-in fact


1572020 Form 10-K