UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
 

FORM 10-Q
 
 
(Mark One)
xQuarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31,June 30, 2018
OR
¨

Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from                     to                     
Commission File Number 1-11277 
 
 
VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
New Jersey 22-2477875
(State or other jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
  
1455 Valley Road
Wayne, NJ
 07470
(Address of principal executive office) (Zip code)
973-305-8800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 
 
 
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  x    No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.)    Yes  x    No  ¨
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 filerxAccelerated filer¨Emerging growth company¨
      
Non-accelerated filer
¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company¨
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 is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. Common Stock (no par value), of which 331,261,486331,469,947 shares were outstanding as of May 9,August 8, 2018


TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
  
Page
Number
PART I 
   
Item 1. 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Item 2.
   
Item 3.
   
Item 4.
   
PART II 
   
Item 1.
   
Item 1A.
   
Item 2.
   
Item 6.
  


1




PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(in thousands, except for share data)
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Assets(Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  
Cash and due from banks$222,311
 $243,310
$307,428
 $243,310
Interest bearing deposits with banks274,349
 172,800
164,838
 172,800
Investment securities:      
Held to maturity (fair value of $2,014,954 at March 31, 2018 and $1,837,620 at December 31, 2017)2,048,583
 1,842,691
Held to maturity (fair value of $1,988,782 at June 30, 2018 and $1,837,620 at December 31, 2017)2,030,194
 1,842,691
Available for sale1,843,514
 1,493,905
1,833,467
 1,493,905
Total investment securities3,892,097
 3,336,596
3,863,661
 3,336,596
Loans held for sale, at fair value8,449
 15,119
32,670
 15,119
Loans22,552,767
 18,331,580
23,234,716
 18,331,580
Less: Allowance for loan losses(132,862) (120,856)(138,762) (120,856)
Net loans22,419,905
 18,210,724
23,095,954
 18,210,724
Premises and equipment, net346,700
 287,705
348,396
 287,705
Bank owned life insurance436,334
 386,079
437,037
 386,079
Accrued interest receivable86,804
 73,990
88,155
 73,990
Goodwill1,078,892
 690,637
1,078,892
 690,637
Other intangible assets, net86,487
 42,507
83,966
 42,507
Other assets612,029
 542,839
681,982
 542,839
Total Assets$29,464,357
 $24,002,306
$30,182,979
 $24,002,306
Liabilities      
Deposits:      
Non-interest bearing$6,124,256
 $5,224,928
$6,217,420
 $5,224,928
Interest bearing:      
Savings, NOW and money market11,077,789
 9,365,013
10,769,940
 9,365,013
Time4,757,801
 3,563,521
4,653,412
 3,563,521
Total deposits21,959,846
 18,153,462
21,640,772
 18,153,462
Short-term borrowings1,618,416
 748,628
2,877,912
 748,628
Long-term borrowings2,353,548
 2,315,819
2,103,993
 2,315,819
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts55,109
 41,774
55,196
 41,774
Accrued expenses and other liabilities232,435
 209,458
227,794
 209,458
Total Liabilities26,219,354
 21,469,141
26,905,667
 21,469,141
Shareholders’ Equity      
Preferred stock, no par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized:   
Series A (4,600,000 shares issued at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017)111,590
 111,590
Series B (4,000,000 shares issued at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017)98,101
 98,101
Common stock (no par value, authorized 450,000,000 shares; issued 331,202,537 shares at March 31, 2018 and 264,498,643 shares at December 31, 2017)115,824
 92,727
Preferred stock, no par value; authorized 50,000,000:   
Series A (4,600,000 shares issued at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017)111,590
 111,590
Series B (4,000,000 shares issued at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017)98,101
 98,101
Common stock (no par value, authorized 450,000,000 shares; issued 331,538,971 shares at June 30, 2018 and 264,498,643 shares at December 31, 2017)116,027
 92,727
Surplus2,784,194
 2,060,356
2,789,190
 2,060,356
Retained earnings199,555
 216,733
232,593
 216,733
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(64,103) (46,005)(69,124) (46,005)
Treasury stock, at cost (12,678 common shares at March 31, 2018 and 29,792 common shares at December 31, 2017)(158) (337)
Treasury stock, at cost (84,946 common shares at June 30, 2018 and 29,792 common shares at December 31, 2017)(1,065) (337)
Total Shareholders’ Equity3,245,003
 2,533,165
3,277,312
 2,533,165
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$29,464,357
 $24,002,306
$30,182,979
 $24,002,306
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2




VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except for share data)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Interest Income          
Interest and fees on loans$237,586
 $174,353
$247,690
 $181,720
 $485,276
 $356,073
Interest and dividends on investment securities:          
Taxable21,323
 17,589
22,222
 18,928
 43,545
 36,517
Tax-exempt5,721
 4,031
5,639
 3,943
 11,360
 7,974
Dividends1,939
 2,151
3,728
 2,137
 5,667
 4,288
Interest on federal funds sold and other short-term investments926
 331
839
 279
 1,765
 610
Total interest income267,495
 198,455
280,118
 207,007
 547,613
 405,462
Interest Expense          
Interest on deposits:          
Savings, NOW and money market22,317
 10,183
24,756
 12,714
 47,073
 22,897
Time14,616
 9,553
16,635
 10,166
 31,251
 19,719
Interest on short-term borrowings5,732
 3,901
10,913
 5,516
 16,645
 9,417
Interest on long-term borrowings and junior subordinated debentures17,232
 12,950
17,062
 13,791
 34,294
 26,741
Total interest expense59,897
 36,587
69,366
 42,187
 129,263
 78,774
Net Interest Income207,598
 161,868
210,752
 164,820
 418,350
 326,688
Provision for credit losses10,948
 2,470
7,142
 3,632
 18,090
 6,102
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses196,650
 159,398
203,610
 161,188
 400,260
 320,586
Non-Interest Income          
Trust and investment services3,230
 2,744
3,262
 2,800
 6,492
 5,544
Insurance commissions3,821
 5,061
4,026
 4,358
 7,847
 9,419
Service charges on deposit accounts7,253
 5,236
6,679
 5,342
 13,932
 10,578
Losses on securities transactions, net(765) (23)
(Losses) gains on securities transactions, net(36) 22
 (801) (1)
Fees from loan servicing2,223
 1,815
2,045
 1,831
 4,268
 3,646
Gains on sales of loans, net6,753
 4,128
7,642
 4,791
 14,395
 8,919
Bank owned life insurance1,763
 2,463
2,652
 1,701
 4,415
 4,164
Other7,973
 4,296
11,799
 7,985
 19,772
 12,281
Total non-interest income32,251
 25,720
38,069
 28,830
 70,320
 54,550
Non-Interest Expense          
Salary and employee benefits expense93,292
 65,927
78,944
 63,564
 172,236
 129,491
Net occupancy and equipment expense27,924
 23,035
26,901
 22,609
 54,825
 45,644
FDIC insurance assessment5,498
 5,127
8,044
 4,928
 13,542
 10,055
Amortization of other intangible assets4,293
 2,536
4,617
 2,562
 8,910
 5,098
Professional and legal fees17,047
 4,695
5,337
 4,302
 22,384
 8,997
Amortization of tax credit investments5,274
 5,324
4,470
 7,732
 9,744
 13,056
Telecommunication expense3,594
 2,659
3,015
 2,707
 6,609
 5,366
Other16,830
 11,649
18,588
 10,835
 35,418
 22,484
Total non-interest expense173,752
 120,952
149,916
 119,239
 323,668
 240,191
Income Before Income Taxes55,149
 64,166
91,763
 70,779
 146,912
 134,945
Income tax expense13,184
 18,071
18,961
 20,714
 32,145
 38,785
Net Income$41,965
 $46,095
$72,802
 $50,065
 $114,767
 $96,160
Dividends on preferred stock3,172
 1,797
3,172
 1,797
 6,344
 3,594
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders$38,793
 $44,298
$69,630
 $48,268
 $108,423
 $92,566
Earnings Per Common Share:          
Basic$0.12
 $0.17
$0.21
 $0.18
 $0.33
 $0.35
Diluted0.12
 0.17
0.21
 0.18
 0.33
 0.35
Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share0.11
 0.11
0.11
 0.11
 0.22
 0.22
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:  Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:      
Basic330,727,416
 263,797,024
331,318,381
 263,958,292
 331,024,531
 263,878,103
Diluted332,465,527
 264,546,266
332,895,483
 264,778,242
 332,599,991
 264,662,863
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3




VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Net income$41,965
 $46,095
$72,802
 $50,065
 $114,767
 $96,160
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:          
Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities          
Net (losses) gains arising during the period(20,929) 1,307
(6,461) 1,896
 (27,390) 3,203
Less reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income548
 13
Less reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) included in net income30
 (13) 578
 
Total(20,381) 1,320
(6,431) 1,883
 (26,812) 3,203
Non-credit impairment losses on available for sale securities          
Net change in non-credit impairment losses on securities(268) 113
212
 21
 (56) 134
Less reclassification adjustment for accretion of credit impairment losses included in net income(16) (87)12
 (39) (4) (126)
Total(284) 26
224
 (18) (60) 8
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (cash flow hedges)          
Net gains on derivatives arising during the period1,960
 127
Net gains (losses) on derivatives arising during the period455
 (873) 2,415
 (746)
Less reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income1,036
 1,475
619
 1,356
 1,655
 2,831
Total2,996
 1,602
1,074
 483
 4,070
 2,085
Defined benefit pension plan          
Amortization of net loss112
 59
112
 59
 224
 118
Total other comprehensive (loss) income(17,557) 3,007
(5,021) 2,407
 (22,578) 5,414
Total comprehensive income$24,408
 $49,102
$67,781
 $52,472
 $92,189
 $101,574
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


4




VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income$41,965
 $46,095
$114,767
 $96,160
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization7,247
 6,260
13,783
 12,549
Stock-based compensation7,395
 4,127
12,153
 6,872
Provision for credit losses10,948
 2,470
18,090
 6,102
Net amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on securities and borrowings8,495
 6,043
17,212
 11,366
Amortization of other intangible assets4,293
 2,536
8,910
 5,098
Losses on securities transactions, net765
 23
801
 1
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale237,360
 161,325
437,876
 303,268
Gains on sales of loans, net(6,753) (4,128)(14,395) (8,919)
Originations of loans held for sale(227,660) (112,682)(446,849) (154,475)
Losses on sales of assets, net97
 34
222
 453
Net change in:      
Fair value of borrowings hedged by derivative transactions
 (454)
Cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance(1,763) (2,463)(4,415) (4,164)
Accrued interest receivable(691) (1,429)(2,042) (2,916)
Other assets19,480
 (7,103)(55,464) (1,521)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities(15,295) (35,145)(16,281) (20,709)
Net cash provided by operating activities85,883
 65,509
84,368
 249,165
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Net loan originations and purchases(475,346) (323,470)(1,158,514) (707,654)
Investment securities held to maturity:      
Purchases(52,945) (52,160)(100,160) (60,230)
Maturities, calls and principal repayments58,227
 77,141
120,876
 157,351
Investment securities available for sale:      
Purchases(174,047) (207,402)(239,226) (252,770)
Sales38,625
 
38,625
 
Maturities, calls and principal repayments60,858
 50,543
124,635
 87,188
Death benefit proceeds from bank owned life insurance560
 1,998
2,652
 1,998
Proceeds from sales of real estate property and equipment7,378
 4,970
9,773
 6,822
Purchases of real estate property and equipment(4,260) (5,627)(12,811) (12,976)
Cash and cash equivalents acquired in acquisition156,612
 
156,612
 
Net cash used in investing activities(384,338) (454,007)(1,057,538) (780,271)
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Net change in deposits241,541
 (399,567)(77,533) (480,690)
Net change in short-term borrowings219,809
 564,004
1,479,305
 653,484
Proceeds from issuance of long-term borrowings, net
 200,000

 560,000
Repayments of long-term borrowings(50,000) 
(300,027) (175,000)
Cash dividends paid to preferred shareholders(3,172) (1,797)(6,344) (3,594)
Cash dividends paid to common shareholders(29,611) (29,012)(65,989) (58,000)
Purchase of common shares to treasury(2,083) (2,151)(2,598) (2,183)
Common stock issued, net2,521
 1,246
2,512
 2,377
Net cash provided by financing activities379,005
 332,723
1,029,326
 496,394
Net change in cash and cash equivalents80,550
 (55,775)56,156
 (34,712)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year416,110
 392,501
416,110
 392,501
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$496,660
 $336,726
$472,266
 $357,789


5




VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(in thousands)

VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(in thousands)

VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(in thousands)

Three Months Ended
March 31,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:      
Cash payments for:      
Interest on deposits and borrowings$58,881
 $56,735
$124,816
 $100,380
Federal and state income taxes8,843
 1,599
29,280
 7,683
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:      
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned$145
 $4,813
$672
 $5,865
Transfer of loans to loans held for sale
 103,884
263,324
 225,541
Acquisition:      
Non-cash assets acquired:      
Investment securities held to maturity$214,217
 $
$214,217
 $
Investment securities available for sale308,385
 
308,385
 
Loans3,744,682
 
3,744,682
 
Premises and equipment62,066
 
62,066
 
Bank owned life insurance49,052
 
49,052
 
Accrued interest receivable12,123
 
12,123
 
Goodwill388,255
 
388,255
 
Other intangible assets45,906
 
45,906
 
Other assets98,134
 
98,134
 
Total non-cash assets acquired$4,922,820
 $
$4,922,820
 $
Liabilities assumed:      
Deposits$3,564,843
 $
$3,564,843
 $
Short-term borrowings649,979
 
649,979
 
Long-term borrowings87,283
 
87,283
 
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts13,249
 
13,249
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities26,848
 
26,848
 
Total liabilities assumed4,342,202
 
4,342,202
 
Net non-cash assets acquired$580,618
 $
$580,618
 $
Net cash and cash equivalents acquired in acquisition$156,612
 $
$156,612
 $
Common stock issued in acquisition$737,230
 $
$737,230
 $
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.








 




6




VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1. Basis of Presentation
The unaudited consolidated financial statements of Valley National Bancorp, a New Jersey corporation ("Valley"), include the accounts of its commercial bank subsidiary, Valley National Bank (the “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. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly Valley’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows at March 31,June 30, 2018 and for all periods presented have been made. The results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31,on June 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year.
In preparing the unaudited 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: the allowance for loan losses; estimated cash flows from purchased credit impaired loans, the evaluation of goodwill and other intangible assets, and investment securities for impairment; fair value measurements of assets and liabilities; 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.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and industry practice have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the SEC. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.


7




Note 2. Business Combinations

On January 1, 2018, Valley completed its acquisition of USAmeriBancorp, Inc. (USAB) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, USAmeriBank, headquartered in Clearwater, Florida. USAB 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. The acquisition represents a significant addition to Valley’s Florida franchise, specifically in the Tampa Bay market. The acquisition also brought Valley to the Birmingham, Montgomery, and Tallapoosa areas in Alabama, where Valley now operates 15 of its branches. The common shareholders of USAB received 6.1 shares of Valley common stock for each USAB share they owned. The total consideration for the acquisition was approximately $737 million.
Merger expenses totaled $13.4$3.2 million and $16.8 million for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, respectively, which primarily related to salary and employee benefits and professional and legal feesother expense included in non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income.
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
Loans3,744,682
Premises and equipment62,066
Bank owned life insurance49,052
Accrued interest receivable12,123
Goodwill388,255
Other intangible assets45,906
Other assets: 
Deferred taxes8,698
Other real estate owned4,073
FHLB and FRB stock38,809
Tax credit investments20,138
Other26,416
Total other assets98,134
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 acquisition737,230

8





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. As Valley continues to analyze the acquired assets and liabilities, there may be adjustments to the recorded carrying values. However, Valley does not expect significant future adjustments to the recorded amounts at January 1, 2018.

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 Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Subtopic 310-30, “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality.” See Note 8 for further details.


9




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.

Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts. There is no active market for the trust preferred
securities issued by AlientAliant 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.
Note 3. Earnings Per Common Share
The following table shows the calculation of both basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017.
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
(in thousands, except for share data)(in thousands, except for share data)
Net income available to common shareholders$38,793
 $44,298
$69,630
 $48,268
 $108,423
 $92,566
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding330,727,416
 263,797,024
331,318,381
 263,958,292
 331,024,531
 263,878,103
Plus: Common stock equivalents1,738,111
 749,242
1,577,102
 819,950
 1,575,460
 784,760
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding332,465,527
 264,546,266
332,895,483
 264,778,242
 332,599,991
 264,662,863
Earnings per common share:          
Basic$0.12
 $0.17
$0.21
 $0.18
 $0.33
 $0.35
Diluted0.12
 0.17
0.21
 0.18
 0.33
 0.35

Common stock equivalents represent the dilutive effect of additional common shares issuable upon the assumed vesting or exercise, if applicable, of restricted stock units, common stock options and warrants to purchase Valley’s common shares. Common stock options and warrants with exercise prices that exceed the average market price of Valley’s common stock during the periods presented have an anti-dilutive effect on the diluted earnings per common share calculation and therefore are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation. Anti-dilutive warrants and, to a lesser extent, common stock options equaled approximately 2.9 million and 3.23.3 million shares for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

10




Note 4. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table presents the after-tax changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018. 
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss 
Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss 
Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Unrealized Gains
and Losses on
Available for Sale
(AFS) Securities
 
Non-credit
Impairment
Losses on
AFS Securities
 
Unrealized Gains
and (Losses) on
Derivatives
 
Defined
Benefit
Pension Plan
 
Unrealized Gains
and Losses on
Available for Sale
(AFS) Securities
 
Non-credit
Impairment
Losses on
AFS Securities
 
Unrealized Gains
and (Losses) on
Derivatives
 
Defined
Benefit
Pension Plan
 
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Balance at 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 at January 1, 2018(12,484) (380) (8,399) (25,283) (46,546)
Balance at March 31, 2018$(32,865) $(664) $(5,403) $(25,171) $(64,103)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications(20,929) (268) 1,960
 
 (19,237)(6,461) 212
 455
 
 (5,794)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive (loss) income548
 (16) 1,036
 112
 1,680
30
 12
 619
 112
 773
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net(20,381) (284) 2,996
 112
 (17,557)(6,431) 224
 1,074
 112
 (5,021)
Balance at March 31, 2018$(32,865) $(664) $(5,403) $(25,171) $(64,103)
Balance at June 30, 2018$(39,296) $(440)
$(4,329)
$(25,059) $(69,124)


 Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss 
Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Unrealized Gains
and Losses on
Available for Sale
(AFS) Securities
 
Non-credit
Impairment
Losses on
AFS Securities
 
Unrealized Gains
and (Losses) on
Derivatives
 
Defined
Benefit
Pension Plan
 
 (in thousands)
Balance at 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 at January 1, 2018(12,484) (380) (8,399) (25,283) (46,546)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassification(27,390) (56) 2,415
 
 (25,031)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive (loss) income578
 (4) 1,655
 224
 2,453
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net(26,812) (60) 4,070
 224
 (22,578)
Balance at June 30, 2018$(39,296) $(440) $(4,329) $(25,059) $(69,124)







11




The following table presents amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss on a gross and net of tax basis for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017. 
 
Amounts Reclassified from
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
  
Amounts Reclassified from
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss 2018 2017 Income Statement Line Item 2018 2017 2018 2017 Income Statement Line Item
 (in thousands)   (in thousands)  
Unrealized losses on AFS securities before tax (765) $(23) Losses on securities transactions, net
Unrealized (losses) gains on AFS securities before tax $(36) $22
 $(801) $(1) (Losses) gains on securities transactions, net
Tax effect 217
 10
  6
 (9) 223
 1
 
Total net of tax (548) (13)  (30) 13
 (578) 
 
Non-credit impairment losses on AFS securities before tax:              
Accretion of credit loss impairment due to an increase in expected cash flows 22
 149
 Interest and dividends on investment securities (taxable) (16) 67
 6
 215
 Interest and dividends on investment securities (taxable)
Tax effect (6) (62)  4
 (28) (2) (89) 
Total net of tax 16
 87
  (12) 39
 4
 126
 
Unrealized losses on derivatives (cash flow hedges) before tax (1,451) (2,518) Interest expense (866) (2,314) (2,317) (4,832) Interest expense
Tax effect 415
 1,043
  247
 958
 662
 2,001
 
Total net of tax (1,036) (1,475)  (619) (1,356) (1,655) (2,831) 
Defined benefit pension plan:              
Amortization of net loss (157) (101) * (157) (101) (314) (202) *
Tax effect 45
 42
  45
 42
 90
 84
 
Total net of tax (112) (59)  (112) (59) (224) (118) 
Total reclassifications, net of tax $(1,680) $(1,460)  $(773) $(1,363) $(2,453) $(2,823) 
 
*Amortization of net loss is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost recognized within other non-interest expense.

11




Note 5. New Authoritative Accounting Guidance

New Accounting Guidance Adopted in the First Quarter of 2018
Accounting Standards Update (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 interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU No. 2017-12 required a modified retrospective method to be used by Valley and resulted in an immaterial cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 to eliminate the separate measurement of ineffectiveness from accumulated comprehensive income (see Note 4).
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 presentation 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 after 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

12




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 current GAAP, the tax effects of intercompany sales are deferred until the transferred asset is sold to a third party or otherwise recovered through amortization. This is an exception to the accounting for income taxes that generally requires recognition of current and deferred income taxes. ASU No. 2016-16 eliminates the exception for intercompany sales of assets. ASU No. 2016-16 was effective for Valley on January 1, 2018 and it was applied using the modified retrospective method. As a result, Valley recorded a $15.4 million cumulative effect adjustment that reduced retained earnings effective January 1, 2018 to record net deferred tax liabilities related 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, if it is related to instrument-specific credit risk, (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 6). ASU No. 2016-01 was effective for Valley for

12




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. Valley adopted the guidance on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method with a cumulative-effect adjustment to opening retained earnings. The guidance does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including loans and securities that are accounted for under other U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the new revenue recognition standard was not expected to have a material impact on Valley’s consolidated financial statements. Valley has completed its review of non-interest income revenue streams within the scope of the guidance and an assessment of its revenue contracts and did not identify material changes related to the timing or amount of revenue recognition. Therefore, Valley did not record an adjustment to opening retained earnings at January 1, 2018 due to the adoption of this standard. Valley has also concluded that additional disaggregation of revenue categories (as reported herein and consistent with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017) that are within the scope of the new guidance is not necessary. Qualitative disclosures regarding such revenues, as required by the new guidance, are presented in Note 12.

13




New Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted
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 is not expected to have a significant impact on Valley's consolidated financial statements.
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 is effective for Valley for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning January 1, 2020 and is not 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 after January 1, 2017.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 adds to U.S. GAAP 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. Under the new guidance, an entity 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. ASU No. 2016-13 is effective for Valley for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2020. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the ASU on Valley’s consolidated financial statements. Management has initiated aValley’s implementation effort is managed through several cross-functional working group with multiple members from applicable departmentsgroups.  These groups continue to evaluate the requirements of the new standard, planning forassess its impact on current operational processes, and develop loss modeling requirements

13




consistent withmodels that accurately project lifetime expected loss estimates, and assessing the impact it will have on current processes.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.
ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” requiresand subsequent related updates require the recognition of a right of use asset and related lease liability by lessees for leases classified as operating leases under current GAAP. Topic 842, which replaces the current guidance under Topic 840, retains a distinction between finance leases and operating leases. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee also will not significantly change from current GAAP. 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. Topic 842 will be effective for Valley for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. Valley mustexpects to initially apply Topic 842 at the adoption date and recognize a modified retrospective cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2019 under the new optional

14




transition approach for the applicable leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliestmethod provided by ASU No. 2018-11, "Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements". The comparative period presentedprior periods reported in the financial statements. The modified retrospective approachstatements in the period of adoption will continue to be presented in accordance with current GAAP in Topic 840. In addition, the amendments in ASU No. 2018-11 provide lessors with a practical expedient, by class of underlying asset, to not separate non-lease components from the associated lease component. Those components can be accounted for as a single component if the non-lease components would not require any transition accountingotherwise be accounted for leases that expired beforeunder the earliest comparative period presented. Management is currently evaluatingnew revenue guidance (Topic 606) when certain criteria are met. Overall, management continues to evaluate the impact of Topic 842 on Valley’s consolidated financial statements and presently evaluating all of its known leases for compliance with the new lease accounting guidance. Management has also made substantial progress in thecompleted an initial review of Valley's contractual arrangements for embedded leases, in an effortand is currently validating the results of this review and accumulating the lease data necessary to identify Valley’s full lease population.apply the new guidance. Valley expects a gross-up of its consolidated statements of financial condition as a result of recognizing lease liabilities and right of use assets; the extent of such gross-up is under evaluation. Valley does not expect material changes to the recognition of operating lease expense in its consolidated statements of income.
Note 6. Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities

ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” 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 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).


1415




Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring and Non-Recurring Basis

The following tables present the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy as reported on the consolidated statements of financial condition at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The assets presented under “nonrecurring fair value measurements” in the tabletables 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). 
March 31,
2018
 Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:June 30,
2018
 Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
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:  
Assets              
Investment securities:              
Available for sale:              
U.S. Treasury securities$48,906
 $48,906
 $
 $
$48,667
 $48,667
 $
 $
U.S. government agency securities40,590
 
 40,590
 
38,006
 
 38,006
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions221,174
 
 221,174
 
211,529
 
 211,529
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,474,075
 
 1,467,577
 6,498
1,477,846
 
 1,471,403
 6,443
Trust preferred securities3,183
 
 3,183
 
2,279
 
 2,279
 
Corporate and other debt securities55,586
 7,690
 47,896
 
55,140
 7,629
 47,511
 
Total available for sale1,843,514
 56,596
 1,780,420
 6,498
1,833,467
 56,296
 1,770,728
 6,443
Loans held for sale (1)
8,449
 
 8,449
 
32,670
 
 32,670
 
Other assets (2)
25,982
 
 25,982
 
30,132
 
 30,132
 
Total assets$1,877,945
 $56,596
 $1,814,851
 $6,498
$1,896,269
 $56,296
 $1,833,530
 $6,443
Liabilities              
Other liabilities (2)
$30,119
 $
 $30,119
 $
$37,902
 $
 $37,902
 $
Total liabilities$30,119
 $
 $30,119
 $
$37,902
 $
 $37,902
 $
Non-recurring fair value measurements:              
Collateral dependent impaired loans (3)
$40,872
 $
 $
 $40,872
$36,957
 $
 $
 $36,957
Loan servicing rights2,831
 
 
 2,831
2,212
 
 
 2,212
Foreclosed assets923
 
 
 923
1,239
 
 
 1,239
Total$44,626
 $
 $
 $44,626
$40,408
 $
 $
 $40,408

1516




   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 originated for sale that are carried at fair value and had contractual unpaid principal balances totaling approximately $8.3$32.1 million and $14.8 million at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
(2)Derivative financial instruments are included in this category.
(3)Excludes PCI loans.

The changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017 are summarized below: 
Available for Sale SecuritiesAvailable for Sale Securities
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of the period$7,360
 $11,888
$6,498
 $11,367
 $7,360
 $11,888
Total net (losses) gains included in other comprehensive income(398) 44
Total net gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income313
 (31) (85) 13
Settlements, net(464) (565)(368) (606) (832) (1,171)
Balance, end of the period$6,498
 $11,367
$6,443
 $10,730
 $6,443
 $10,730


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No changes in unrealized gains or losses on Level 3 securities were included in earnings during the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017. There were no transfers of assets into or out of Level 3, or between Level 1 and Level 2, during the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017.

There have been no material changes in the valuation methodologies used at March 31,June 30, 2018 from December 31, 2017.

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 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.

Available for sale 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 from market observable data. For certain securities, the inputs used by either dealer market participants or an independent pricing service may be derived from unobservable market information (Level 3 inputs). In these instances, Valley evaluates the appropriateness and quality of the assumption and the resulting price. In addition, Valley reviews the volume and level of activity for all available for sale and trading securities and attempts to identify transactions which may not be orderly or reflective of a significant level of activity and volume. For securities meeting these criteria, the quoted prices received from either market participants or an independent pricing service may be adjusted, as necessary, to estimate fair value and this results in fair values based on Level 3 inputs. In determining fair value, Valley utilizes unobservable inputs which reflect Valley’s own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing each security. In developing its assertion of market participant assumptions, Valley utilizes the best information that is both reasonable and available without undue cost and effort.

In calculating the fair value for the available for sale securities under Level 3, Valley prepared present value cash flow models for four private label mortgage-backed securities. The cash flows for the Level 3 securities incorporated the expected cash flow of each security adjusted for default rates, loss severities and prepayments of the individual loans collateralizing the security.

The following table presents quantitative information about Level 3 inputs used to measure the fair value of these securities at March 31,June 30, 2018: 
Security Type
Valuation
Technique
 
Unobservable
Input
 Range 
Weighted
Average
        
Private label mortgage-backed securitiesDiscounted cash flow Prepayment rate        4.81.8 - 33.8%28.8% 19.113.0%
   Default rate     3.33.1 - 47.047.4 8.38.9
   Loss severity    45.845.4 - 61.662.0 56.557.1


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Significant increases or decreases in any of the unobservable inputs in the table above in isolation would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement of the securities. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the default rate is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumption used for prepayment rates.

The cash flow assumptions for the Level 3 securities incorporated independent third party market participant data based on vintage year for each security. The discount rate utilized in determining the present value of cash flows for the mortgage-backed securities was arrived at by combining the yield on orderly transactions for similar maturity government sponsored mortgage-backed securities with (i) the historical average risk premium of similar structured private label securities, (ii) a risk premium reflecting current market conditions, including liquidity risk, and (iii) if applicable, a forecasted loss premium derived from the expected cash flows of each security. The estimated cash flows for each private label mortgage-backed security were then discounted at the aforementioned effective rate to determine the fair value. The quoted prices received from either market participants or independent pricing services are weighted with the internal price estimate to determine the fair value of each instrument.

Loans held for sale. The conforming 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. To determine these fair values, the mortgages held for sale are put into multiple tranches, or pools, based on the coupon rate and maturity of each mortgage. The market prices for each tranche are obtained from both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. 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. The market prices received from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are then averaged and interpolated or extrapolated, where required, to calculate the fair value of each tranche. Depending upon the time elapsed since the origination of each loan held for sale, non-performance risk and changes therein were addressed in the estimate of fair value based upon the delinquency data provided to both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for market pricing and changes in market credit spreads. Non-performance risk did not materially impact the fair value of mortgage loans held for sale at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 based on the short duration these assets were held, and the high credit quality of these loans.

Derivatives. Derivatives are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. The fair value of Valley’s derivatives are determined using third party prices that are based on discounted cash flow analysis using observed market inputs, such as the LIBOR and Overnight Index Swap rate curves. 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 March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017), is determined based on the current market prices for similar instruments provided by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. 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 March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

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 nonrecurring basis, including impaired 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.

Impaired loans. Certain impaired loans are reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral and are commonly referred to as “collateral dependent impaired loans.” Collateral values are estimated using Level 3 inputs, consisting of individual appraisals that may be adjusted based on certain discounting criteria. At March 31,June 30, 2018, certain appraisals were discounted based on specific market data by location and property type. During the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2018, 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. There were noThe collateral

1819




collateral dependent loan charge-offs to the allowance for loan losses were immaterial for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to $219 thousand$1.9 million and $2.1 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2017.June 30, 2017, respectively. At March 31,June 30, 2018, collateral dependent impaired loans with a total recorded investment of $60.9$60.3 million were reduced by specific valuation allowance allocations totaling $20.0$23.3 million to a reported total net carrying amount of $40.9$37.0 million.

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”), 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 March 31,June 30, 2018, the fair value model used prepayment speeds (stated as constant prepayment rates) from 0 percent up to 2524 percent and a discount rate of 8 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 net impairment charges on its loan servicing rights totaling $227$90 thousand and $317 thousand for the three and six months ended March 31, 2018. Valley recorded an immaterial net recovery of net impairment charges on its loan servicing rightsJune 30, 2018, respectively, and $50 thousand and $51 thousand for the three and sixmonths ended March 31, 2017.June 30, 2017, respectively.

Foreclosed assets. Certain foreclosed assets (consisting of other real estate owned and other repossessed 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 an appraisal that is adjusted based on certain discounting criteria, similar to the criteria used for impaired loans described above. There were no discount adjustments of the appraisals of foreclosed assets at March 31,June 30, 2018. At March 31,June 30, 2018, foreclosed assets included $923 thousand$1.2 million of assets that were measured at fair value upon initial recognition or subsequently re-measured during the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2018. The foreclosed assets charge-offs to the allowance for the loan losses totaled $649 thousand and $282 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $1.2 million and $994 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The re-measurement of foreclosed assets at fair value subsequent to their initial recognition resulted in net losses within non-interest expense of $290$145 thousand and $290 thousand for the threesix months ended March 31, 2017. There were no foreclosed assets at their fair value subsequently re-measured at March 31, 2018.June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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

20




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.


19




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 March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows: 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value 
Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value
Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value 
Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Financial assets                
Cash and due from banksLevel 1 $222,311
 $222,311
 $243,310
 $243,310
Level 1 $307,428
 $307,428
 $243,310
 $243,310
Interest bearing deposits with banksLevel 1 274,349
 274,349
 172,800
 172,800
Level 1 164,838
 164,838
 172,800
 172,800
Investment securities held to maturity:                
U.S. Treasury securitiesLevel 1 138,638
 142,731
 138,676
 145,257
Level 1 138,598
 141,605
 138,676
 145,257
U.S. government agency securitiesLevel 2 9,580
 9,437
 9,859
 9,981
Level 2 9,447
 9,280
 9,859
 9,981
Obligations of states and political subdivisionsLevel 2 619,271
 622,491
 465,878
 477,479
Level 2 615,651
 616,786
 465,878
 477,479
Residential mortgage-backed securitiesLevel 2 1,184,757
 1,151,067
 1,131,945
 1,118,044
Level 2 1,185,165
 1,146,450
 1,131,945
 1,118,044
Trust preferred securitiesLevel 2 49,828
 42,790
 49,824
 40,088
Level 2 49,833
 43,334
 49,824
 40,088
Corporate and other debt securitiesLevel 2 46,509
 46,438
 46,509
 46,771
Level 2 31,500
 31,327
 46,509
 46,771
Total investment securities held to maturity 2,048,583
 2,014,954
 1,842,691
 1,837,620
 2,030,194
 1,988,782
 1,842,691
 1,837,620
Net loansLevel 3 22,419,905
 21,819,997
 18,210,724
 17,562,153
Level 3 23,095,954
 22,752,737
 18,210,724
 17,562,153
Accrued interest receivableLevel 1 86,804
 86,804
 73,990
 73,990
Level 1 88,155
 88,155
 73,990
 73,990
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock (1)
Level 1 227,361
 227,361
 178,668
 178,668
Level 1 291,705
 291,705
 178,668
 178,668
Financial liabilities                
Deposits without stated maturitiesLevel 1 17,202,045
 17,202,045
 14,589,941
 14,589,941
Level 1 16,987,360
 16,987,360
 14,589,941
 14,589,941
Deposits with stated maturitiesLevel 2 4,757,801
 4,464,561
 3,563,521
 3,465,373
Level 2 4,653,412
 4,604,918
 3,563,521
 3,465,373
Short-term borrowingsLevel 1 1,618,416
 1,050,044
 748,628
 679,316
Level 1 2,877,912
 2,580,009
 748,628
 679,316
Long-term borrowingsLevel 2 2,353,548
 2,298,069
 2,315,819
 2,453,797
Level 2 2,103,993
 1,812,019
 2,315,819
 2,453,797
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trustsLevel 2 55,109
 55,899
 41,774
 37,289
Level 2 55,196
 48,918
 41,774
 37,289
Accrued interest payable (2)
Level 1 15,177
 15,177
 14,161
 14,161
Level 1 18,608
 18,608
 14,161
 14,161
 
(1)Included in other assets.
(2)Included in accrued expenses and other liabilities.



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Note 7. Investment Securities

Held to Maturity

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of securities held to maturity at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 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)
March 31, 2018       
June 30, 2018       
U.S. Treasury securities$138,638
 $4,093
 $
 $142,731
$138,598
 $3,007
 $
 $141,605
U.S. government agency securities9,580
 30
 (173) 9,437
9,447
 21
 (188) 9,280
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:              
Obligations of states and state agencies354,277
 5,416
 (4,741) 354,952
355,219
 4,940
 (5,862) 354,297
Municipal bonds264,994
 3,960
 (1,415) 267,539
260,432
 3,634
 (1,577) 262,489
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions619,271
 9,376
 (6,156) 622,491
615,651
 8,574
 (7,439) 616,786
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,184,757
 3,162
 (36,852) 1,151,067
1,185,165
 2,493
 (41,208) 1,146,450
Trust preferred securities49,828
 21
 (7,059) 42,790
49,833
 78
 (6,577) 43,334
Corporate and other debt securities46,509
 218
 (289) 46,438
31,500
 119
 (292) 31,327
Total investment securities held to maturity$2,048,583
 $16,900
 $(50,529) $2,014,954
$2,030,194
 $14,292
 $(55,704) $1,988,782
December 31, 2017              
U.S. Treasury securities$138,676
 $6,581
 $
 $145,257
$138,676
 $6,581
 $
 $145,257
U.S. government agency securities9,859
 122
 
 9,981
9,859
 122
 
 9,981
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:              
Obligations of states and state agencies244,272
 7,083
 (1,653) 249,702
244,272
 7,083
 (1,653) 249,702
Municipal bonds221,606
 6,199
 (28) 227,777
221,606
 6,199
 (28) 227,777
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions465,878
 13,282
 (1,681) 477,479
465,878
 13,282
 (1,681) 477,479
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,131,945
 4,842
 (18,743) 1,118,044
1,131,945
 4,842
 (18,743) 1,118,044
Trust preferred securities49,824
 60
 (9,796) 40,088
49,824
 60
 (9,796) 40,088
Corporate and other debt securities46,509
 532
 (270) 46,771
46,509
 532
 (270) 46,771
Total investment securities held to maturity$1,842,691
 $25,419
 $(30,490) $1,837,620
$1,842,691
 $25,419
 $(30,490) $1,837,620

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The age of unrealized losses and fair value of related securities held to maturity at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows: 
Less than
Twelve Months
 
More than
Twelve Months
 Total
Less than
Twelve Months
 
More than
Twelve Months
 Total
Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
(in thousands)(in thousands)
March 31, 2018           
June 30, 2018           
U.S. government agency securities$6,674
 $(173) $
 $
 $6,674
 $(173)$6,527
 $(188) $
 $
 $6,527
 $(188)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:                      
Obligations of states and state agencies$120,794
 $(1,759) $50,493
 $(2,982) $171,287
 $(4,741)125,371
 (2,503) 46,899
 (3,359) 172,270
 (5,862)
Municipal bonds86,817
 (1,385) 534
 (30) 87,351
 (1,415)87,785
 (1,546) 533
 (31) 88,318
 (1,577)
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions207,611
 (3,144) 51,027
 (3,012) 258,638
 (6,156)213,156
 (4,049) 47,432
 (3,390) 260,588
 (7,439)
Residential mortgage-backed securities448,658
 (10,831) 544,329
 (26,021) 992,987
 (36,852)425,381
 (12,139) 555,355
 (29,069) 980,736
 (41,208)
Trust preferred securities95
 (258) 29,673
 (6,801) 29,768
 (7,059)
 
 29,903
 (6,577) 29,903
 (6,577)
Corporate and other debt securities7,211
 (289) 
 
 7,211
 (289)10,478
 (22) 4,731
 (270) 15,209
 (292)
Total$670,249
 $(14,695) $625,029
 $(35,834) $1,295,278
 $(50,529)$655,542
 $(16,398) $637,421
 $(39,306) $1,292,963
 $(55,704)
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)$6,342
 $(50) $53,034
 $(1,603) $59,376
 $(1,653)
Municipal bonds4,644
 (25) 561
 (3) 5,205
 (28)4,644
 (25) 561
 (3) 5,205
 (28)
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions10,986
 (75) 53,595
 (1,606) 64,581
 (1,681)10,986
 (75) 53,595
 (1,606) 64,581
 (1,681)
Residential mortgage-backed securities344,216
 (2,357) 570,969
 (16,386) 915,185
 (18,743)344,216
 (2,357) 570,969
 (16,386) 915,185
 (18,743)
Trust preferred securities
 
 38,674
 (9,796) 38,674
 (9,796)
 
 38,674
 (9,796) 38,674
 (9,796)
Corporate and other debt securities9,980
 (270) 
 
 9,980
 (270)9,980
 (270) 
 
 9,980
 (270)
Total$365,182
 $(2,702) $663,238
 $(27,788) $1,028,420
 $(30,490)$365,182
 $(2,702) $663,238
 $(27,788) $1,028,420
 $(30,490)

The unrealized losses on investment securities held to maturity 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. Within the held to maturity portfolio, the total number of security positions in an unrealized loss position was 345362 at March 31,June 30, 2018 and 152 at December 31, 2017.

The unrealized losses within the residential mortgage-backed securities category of the held to maturity portfolio at March 31,June 30, 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 March 31,June 30, 2018 primarily related to four non-rated single-issuer trust preferred 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 March 31,June 30, 2018.
As of March 31,June 30, 2018, the 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 $1.1 billion.

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The contractual maturities of investments in debt securities held to maturity at March 31,June 30, 2018 are set forth in the table below. Maturities may differ from contractual maturities in residential mortgage-backed securities because the

23




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.  
March 31, 2018June 30, 2018
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Due in one year$29,867
 $29,938
$13,524
 $13,580
Due after one year through five years220,797
 224,495
223,219
 226,330
Due after five years through ten years322,027
 330,712
321,954
 329,369
Due after ten years291,135
 278,742
286,332
 273,053
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,184,757
 1,151,067
1,185,165
 1,146,450
Total investment securities held to maturity$2,048,583
 $2,014,954
$2,030,194
 $1,988,782
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 8.68.4 years at March 31,June 30, 2018.


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Available for Sale
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of securities available for sale at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 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)
March 31, 2018       
June 30, 2018       
U.S. Treasury securities$50,992
 $
 $(2,086) $48,906
$50,986
 $
 $(2,319) $48,667
U.S. government agency securities41,140
 132
 (682) 40,590
39,212
 34
 (1,240) 38,006
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:              
Obligations of states and state agencies114,081
 55
 (1,853) 112,283
110,580
 52
 (2,636) 107,996
Municipal bonds109,876
 321
 (1,306) 108,891
104,922
 281
 (1,670) 103,533
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions223,957
 376
 (3,159) 221,174
215,502
 333
 (4,306) 211,529
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,514,862
 1,708
 (42,495) 1,474,075
1,525,041
 1,330
 (48,525) 1,477,846
Trust preferred securities3,628
 
 (445) 3,183
2,583
 
 (304) 2,279
Corporate and other debt securities55,756
 324
 (494) 55,586
55,629
 219
 (708) 55,140
Total investment securities available for sale$1,890,335
 $2,540
 $(49,361) $1,843,514
$1,888,953
 $1,916
 $(57,402) $1,833,467
December 31, 2017              
U.S. Treasury securities$50,997
 $
 $(1,355) $49,642
$50,997
 $
 $(1,355) $49,642
U.S. government agency securities42,384
 158
 (37) 42,505
42,384
 158
 (37) 42,505
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:              
Obligations of states and state agencies38,435
 158
 (374) 38,219
38,435
 158
 (374) 38,219
Municipal bonds74,752
 477
 (564) 74,665
74,752
 477
 (564) 74,665
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions113,187
 635
 (938) 112,884
113,187
 635
 (938) 112,884
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,239,534
 2,423
 (18,662) 1,223,295
1,239,534
 2,423
 (18,662) 1,223,295
Trust preferred securities3,726
 
 (512) 3,214
3,726
 
 (512) 3,214
Corporate and other debt securities50,701
 623
 (160) 51,164
50,701
 623
 (160) 51,164
Equity securities10,505
 1,190
 (494) 11,201
10,505
 1,190
 (494) 11,201
Total investment securities available for sale$1,511,034
 $5,029
 $(22,158) $1,493,905
$1,511,034
 $5,029
 $(22,158) $1,493,905



24




The age of unrealized losses and fair value of related securities available for sale at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows: 
Less than
Twelve Months
 
More than
Twelve Months
 Total
Less than
Twelve Months
 
More than
Twelve Months
 Total
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
(in thousands)(in thousands)
March 31, 2018           
June 30, 2018           
U.S. Treasury securities$906
 $(11) $48,000
 $(2,075) $48,906
 $(2,086)$901
 $(13) $47,766
 $(2,306) $48,667
 $(2,319)
U.S. government agency securities32,584
 (682) 
 
 32,584
 (682)30,485
 (1,240) 
 
 30,485
 (1,240)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:                      
Obligations of states and state agencies100,090
 (1,557) 7,674
 (296) 107,764
 (1,853)96,617
 (2,301) 8,041
 (335) 104,658
 (2,636)
Municipal bonds71,192
 (937) 12,067
 (369) 83,259
 (1,306)69,301
 (1,251) 12,010
 (419) 81,311
 (1,670)
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions171,282
 (2,494) 19,741
 (665) 191,023
 (3,159)165,918
 (3,552) 20,051
 (754) 185,969
 (4,306)
Residential mortgage-backed securities811,654
 (17,738) 565,498
 (24,757) 1,377,152
 (42,495)875,444
 (21,543) 553,585
 (26,982) 1,429,029
 (48,525)
Trust preferred securities
 
 3,183
 (445) 3,183
 (445)
 
 2,279
 (304) 2,279
 (304)
Corporate and other debt securities24,426
 (284) 4,775
 (210) 29,201
 (494)22,622
 (460) 14,756
 (248) 37,378
 (708)
Total$1,040,852
 $(21,209) $641,197
 $(28,152) $1,682,049
 $(49,361)$1,095,370
 $(26,808) $638,437
 $(30,594) $1,733,807
 $(57,402)
December 31, 2017                      
U.S. Treasury securities$916
 $(2) $48,726
 $(1,353) $49,642
 $(1,355)$916
 $(2) $48,726
 $(1,353) $49,642
 $(1,355)
U.S. government agency securities31,177
 (37) 
 
 31,177
 (37)31,177
 (37) 
 
 31,177
 (37)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:                      
Obligations of states and state agencies13,337
 (131) 7,792
 (243) 21,129
 (374)13,337
 (131) 7,792
 (243) 21,129
 (374)
Municipal bonds31,669
 (256) 12,133
 (308) 43,802
 (564)31,669
 (256) 12,133
 (308) 43,802
 (564)
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions45,006
 (387) 19,925
 (551) 64,931
 (938)45,006
 (387) 19,925
 (551) 64,931
 (938)
Residential mortgage-backed securities406,940
 (2,461) 599,167
 (16,201) 1,006,107
 (18,662)406,940
 (2,461) 599,167
 (16,201) 1,006,107
 (18,662)
Trust preferred securities
 
 3,214
 (512) 3,214
 (512)
 
 3,214
 (512) 3,214
 (512)
Corporate and other debt securities5,855
 (45) 15,115
 (115) 20,970
 (160)5,855
 (45) 15,115
 (115) 20,970
 (160)
Equity securities
 
 5,150
 (494) 5,150
 (494)
 
 5,150
 (494) 5,150
 (494)
Total$489,894
 $(2,932) $691,297
 $(19,226) $1,181,191
 $(22,158)$489,894
 $(2,932) $691,297
 $(19,226) $1,181,191
 $(22,158)
The unrealized losses on investment 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 available for sale portfolio in an unrealized loss position at March 31,June 30, 2018 was 548567 as compared to 327 at December 31, 2017.
The unrealized losses for the residential mortgage-backed securities category of the available for sale portfolio at March 31,June 30, 2018 largely related to several investment grade residential mortgage-backed securities mainly issued by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac.
As of March 31,June 30, 2018, 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$1.0 billion.
The contractual maturities of debt securities available for sale at March 31,June 30, 2018 are set forth in the following table. Maturities may differ from contractual maturities in residential mortgage-backed securities because the mortgages

25




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.
March 31, 2018June 30, 2018
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Due in one year$19,047
 $19,133
$18,801
 $18,876
Due after one year through five years123,697
 120,633
127,790
 124,100
Due after five years through ten years83,785
 83,376
80,582
 79,923
Due after ten years148,944
 146,297
136,739
 132,723
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,514,862
 1,474,075
1,525,041
 1,477,845
Total investment securities available for sale$1,890,335
 $1,843,514
$1,888,953
 $1,833,467
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 available for sale was 8.78.4 years at March 31,June 30, 2018.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Analysis
Valley records impairment charges on its investment 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 private label mortgage-backed securities, trust preferred securities (including one pooled security at March 31,June 30, 2018) and corporate bonds (some issued by banks). These investments 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 and, if applicable, the underlying mortgage loan collateral of the security.

There were no other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities recognized in earnings for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017. Management does not believe that any individual unrealized loss as of March 31,June 30, 2018 included in the investment portfolio tables above representrepresents other-than-temporary impairment as management mainly attributes the declines in fair value to 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 believes there are no credit losses on these securities. Valley does not have the intent to sell, nor is it more likely than not that Valley will be required to sell, the securities contained in the table above before the recovery of their amortized cost basis or maturity.

At March 31,June 30, 2018, four previously impaired private label mortgage-backed securities had a combined amortized cost and fair value of $7.4$7.0 million and $6.5$6.4 million, respectively.

Realized Gains and Losses

Net losses on securities transactions totaled $765$36 thousand and $801 thousand for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, andrespectively. The net losses on securities transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were mainly related to sales of equity securities previously classified as available for sale prior to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01 on January 1, 2018 and a portion of the total municipal securities acquired from USAB. Net gains and losses on securities transactions were immaterial for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.

26




Note 8. Loans

The detail of the loan portfolio as of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was as follows: 
March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Non-PCI
Loans
 PCI Loans* Total 
Non-PCI
Loans
 PCI Loans* Total
Non-PCI
Loans
 PCI Loans* Total 
Non-PCI
Loans
 PCI Loans* Total
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Loans:                      
Commercial and industrial$2,736,170
 $895,427
 $3,631,597
 $2,549,065
 $192,360
 $2,741,425
$3,021,524
 $808,001
 $3,829,525
 $2,549,065
 $192,360
 $2,741,425
Commercial real estate:                      
Commercial real estate8,804,701
 2,901,527
 11,706,228
 8,561,851
 934,926
 9,496,777
9,109,645
 2,804,185
 11,913,830
 8,561,851
 934,926
 9,496,777
Construction950,765
 421,743
 1,372,508
 809,964
 41,141
 851,105
996,702
 380,030
 1,376,732
 809,964
 41,141
 851,105
Total commercial real estate loans9,755,466
 3,323,270
 13,078,736
 9,371,815
 976,067
 10,347,882
10,106,347
 3,184,215
 13,290,562
 9,371,815
 976,067
 10,347,882
Residential mortgage2,817,057
 504,503
 3,321,560
 2,717,744
 141,291
 2,859,035
3,051,429
 477,253
 3,528,682
 2,717,744
 141,291
 2,859,035
Consumer:                      
Home equity372,348
 176,981
 549,329
 373,631
 72,649
 446,280
358,043
 162,806
 520,849
 373,631
 72,649
 446,280
Automobile1,222,253
 468
 1,222,721
 1,208,804
 98
 1,208,902
1,281,303
 432
 1,281,735
 1,208,804
 98
 1,208,902
Other consumer733,640
 15,184
 748,824
 723,306
 4,750
 728,056
768,369
 14,994
 783,363
 723,306
 4,750
 728,056
Total consumer loans2,328,241
 192,633
 2,520,874
 2,305,741
 77,497
 2,383,238
2,407,715
 178,232
 2,585,947
 2,305,741
 77,497
 2,383,238
Total loans$17,636,934
 $4,915,833
 $22,552,767
 $16,944,365
 $1,387,215
 $18,331,580
$18,587,015
 $4,647,701
 $23,234,716
 $16,944,365
 $1,387,215
 $18,331,580
 
*PCI loans include covered loans (mostly consisting of residential mortgage loans) totaling $33.2$31.1 million and $38.7 million at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

Total loans (excluding PCI covered loans) include net unearned premiums and deferred loan costs of $22.0$18.7 million and $22.2 million at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The outstanding balances (representing contractual balances owed to Valley) for PCI loans totaled $5.1$4.9 billion and $1.5 billion at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

There were no transfersValley transferred $263.3 million of residential mortgage loans from the loan portfolio to loans held for sale during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to $103.9$225.5 million of loans transferred during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2017. There were no other sales of loans from the held for investment portfolio during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017.

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.

27





The following table presents information regarding the estimates of the contractually required payments, the cash flows expected to be collected, and the estimated fair value of the PCI loans acquired in the USAB acquisition as of the January 1, 2018 (See Note 2 for more details).:
  (in thousands)
   
Contractually required principal and interest $4,312,988
Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected (non-accretable difference) (94,098)
Expected cash flows to be collected 4,218,890
Interest component of expected cash flows (accretable yield) (474,208)
Fair value of acquired loans $3,744,682

The following table presents changes in the accretable yield for PCI loans during the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period$282,009
 $294,514
$691,086
 $269,831
 $282,009
 $294,514
Acquisition474,208
 

 
 474,208
 
Accretion(65,131) (24,683)(60,536) (23,553) (125,667) (48,236)
Balance, end of period$691,086
 $269,831
$630,550
 $246,278
 $630,550
 $246,278


Credit Risk Management

For all of its loan types, Valley adheres to a credit policy designed to minimize credit risk while generating 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 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.






28




Credit Quality
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 March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: 
Past Due and Non-Accrual Loans    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
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)(in thousands)
March 31, 2018             
June 30, 2018             
Commercial and industrial$5,405
 $804
 $653
 $25,112
 $31,974
 $2,704,196
 $2,736,170
$6,780
 $1,533
 $560
 $53,596
 $62,469
 $2,959,055
 $3,021,524
Commercial real estate:                          
Commercial real estate3,699
 
 27
 8,679
 12,405
 8,792,296
 8,804,701
4,323
 
 27
 7,452
 11,802
 9,097,843
 9,109,645
Construction532
 1,099
 
 732
 2,363
 948,402
 950,765
175
 
 
 1,100
 1,275
 995,427
 996,702
Total commercial real estate loans4,231
 1,099
 27
 9,411
 14,768
 9,740,698
 9,755,466
4,498
 
 27
 8,552
 13,077
 10,093,270
 10,106,347
Residential mortgage6,460
 4,081
 3,361
 22,694
 36,596
 2,780,461
 2,817,057
7,961
 1,978
 2,324
 19,303
 31,566
 3,019,863
 3,051,429
Consumer loans:                          
Home equity642
 602
 
 2,890
 4,134
 368,214
 372,348
686
 278
 
 2,804
 3,768
 354,275
 358,043
Automobile4,170
 854
 362
 88
 5,474
 1,216,779
 1,222,253
5,482
 545
 164
 80
 6,271
 1,275,032
 1,281,303
Other consumer432
 33
 10
 126
 601
 733,039
 733,640
405
 37
 34
 119
 595
 767,774
 768,369
Total consumer loans5,244
 1,489
 372
 3,104
 10,209
 2,318,032
 2,328,241
6,573
 860
 198
 3,003
 10,634
 2,397,081
 2,407,715
Total$21,340
 $7,473
 $4,413
 $60,321
 $93,547
 $17,543,387
 $17,636,934
$25,812
 $4,371
 $3,109
 $84,454
 $117,746
 $18,469,269
 $18,587,015
December 31, 2017                          
Commercial and industrial$3,650
 $544
 $
 $20,890
 $25,084
 $2,523,981
 $2,549,065
$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
11,223
 
 27
 11,328
 22,578
 8,539,273
 8,561,851
Construction12,949
 18,845
 
 732
 32,526
 777,438
 809,964
12,949
 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
24,172
 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
12,669
 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
1,009
 94
 
 1,777
 2,880
 370,751
 373,631
Automobile5,707
 987
 271
 73
 7,038
 1,201,766
 1,208,804
5,707
 987
 271
 73
 7,038
 1,201,766
 1,208,804
Other consumer1,693
 118
 13
 20
 1,844
 721,462
 723,306
1,693
 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
8,409
 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
$48,900
 $28,491
 $3,090
 $47,225
 $127,706
 $16,816,659
 $16,944,365

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 restructuring, are individually evaluated for impairment. PCI loans are not classified as impaired loans because they are accounted for on a pool basis.



29




The following table presents the information about impaired loans by loan portfolio class at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
Recorded
Investment
With No Related
Allowance
 
Recorded
Investment
With Related
Allowance
 
Total
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
Recorded
Investment
With No Related
Allowance
 
Recorded
Investment
With Related
Allowance
 
Total
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
(in thousands)(in thousands)
March 31, 2018         
June 30, 2018         
Commercial and industrial$10,676
 $78,992
 $89,668
 $94,333
 $21,664
$10,241
 $76,929
 $87,170
 $92,073
 $24,817
Commercial real estate:                  
Commercial real estate25,856
 29,122
 54,978
 58,901
 2,656
22,751
 29,705
 52,456
 56,365
 2,972
Construction1,504
 465
 1,969
 1,992
 16
1,800
 463
 2,263
 2,263
 15
Total commercial real estate loans27,360
 29,587
 56,947
 60,893
 2,672
24,551
 30,168
 54,719
 58,628
 2,987
Residential mortgage6,033
 7,997
 14,030
 15,168
 705
6,226
 6,623
 12,849
 13,838
 632
Consumer loans:                  
Home equity1,283
 605
 1,888
 3,004
 60
838
 615
 1,453
 2,115
 72
Total consumer loans1,283
 605
 1,888
 3,004
 60
838
 615
 1,453
 2,115
 72
Total$45,352
 $117,181
 $162,533
 $173,398
 $25,101
$41,856
 $114,335
 $156,191
 $166,654
 $28,508
December 31, 2017                  
Commercial and industrial$9,946
 $75,553
 $85,499
 $90,269
 $11,044
$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
28,709
 29,771
 58,480
 62,286
 2,718
Construction1,904
 467
 2,371
 2,394
 17
1,904
 467
 2,371
 2,394
 17
Total commercial real estate loans30,613
 30,238
 60,851
 64,680
 2,735
30,613
 30,238
 60,851
 64,680
 2,735
Residential mortgage5,654
 8,402
 14,056
 15,332
 718
5,654
 8,402
 14,056
 15,332
 718
Consumer loans:                  
Home equity3,096
 664
 3,760
 4,917
 64
3,096
 664
 3,760
 4,917
 64
Total consumer loans3,096
 664
 3,760
 4,917
 64
3,096
 664
 3,760
 4,917
 64
Total$49,309
 $114,857
 $164,166
 $175,198
 $14,561
$49,309
 $114,857
 $164,166
 $175,198
 $14,561
The following tables present by loan portfolio class, the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017: 
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended June 30,
2018 20172018 2017
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Commercial and industrial$90,069
 $714
 $30,459
 $308
$87,674
 $212
 $46,283
 $288
Commercial real estate:              
Commercial real estate55,493
 616
 55,325
 324
52,729
 563
 60,119
 483
Construction2,217
 23
 2,696
 19
2,244
 16
 2,759
 20
Total commercial real estate loans57,710
 639
 58,021
 343
54,973
 579
 62,878
 503
Residential mortgage14,098
 165
 20,393
 208
12,914
 185
 17,555
 184
Consumer loans:              
Home equity2,026
 33
 4,895
 40
1,794
 33
 4,799
 34
Total consumer loans2,026
 33
 4,895
 40
1,794
 33
 4,799
 34
Total$163,903
 $1,551
 $113,768
 $899
$157,355
 $1,009
 $131,515
 $1,009


30




 Six Months Ended June 30,
 2018 2017
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 (in thousands)
Commercial and industrial$88,865
 $926
 $38,371
 $596
Commercial real estate:       
Commercial real estate54,104
 1,179
 57,722
 808
Construction2,230
 39
 2,728
 39
Total commercial real estate loans56,334
 1,218
 60,450
 847
Residential mortgage13,502
 350
 18,974
 392
Consumer loans:       
Home equity1,910
 66
 4,847
 74
Total consumer loans1,910
 66
 4,847
 74
Total$160,611
 $2,560
 $122,642
 $1,909

Interest income recognized on a cash basis (included in the table above) was immaterial for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017.

30




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 $116.4$83.7 million and $117.2 million as of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Non-performing TDRs totaled $24.3$54.1 million and $27.0 million as of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.


31




The following tables present loans by loan portfolio class modified as TDRs during the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017. The pre-modification and post-modification outstanding recorded investments disclosed in the tabletables below represent the loan carrying amounts immediately prior to the modification and the carrying amounts at March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 

 Three Months Ended June 30,
 Three Months Ended
March 31, 2018
 Three Months Ended
March 31, 2017
 2018 2017
Troubled Debt Restructurings 
Number
of
Contracts
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Number
of
Contracts
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Number
of
Contracts
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Number
of
Contracts
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 ($ in thousands) ($ in thousands)
Commercial and industrial 6
 $3,908
 $3,777
 9
 $10,282
 $9,235
 11
 $8,822
 $8,575
 47
 $40,077
 $38,367
Commercial real estate:                        
Commercial real estate 1
 196
 195
 1
 177
 173
 5
 3,975
 3,971
 5
 23,604
 23,604
Construction 1
 32
 23
 1
 560
 480
 1
 532
 491
 
 
 
Total commercial real estate 2
 228
 218
 2
 737
 653
 6
 4,507
 4,462
 5
 23,604
 23,604
Residential mortgage 3
 587
 581
 3
 621
 622
 2
 393
 389
 2
 549
 545
Consumer 1
 88
 86
 
 
 
Total 12
 $4,811
 $4,662
 14
 $11,640
 $10,510
 19
 $13,722
 $13,426
 54
 $64,230
 $62,516

  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2018 2017
Troubled Debt Restructurings 
Number
of
Contracts
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Number
of
Contracts
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
  ($ in thousands)
Commercial and industrial 15
 $10,554
 $10,170
 53
 $46,315
 $43,660
Commercial real estate:            
Commercial real estate 6
 4,170
 4,164
 6
 23,782
 23,777
Construction 2
 564
 503
 1
 560
 480
Total commercial real estate 8
 4,734
 4,667
 7
 24,342
 24,257
Residential mortgage 5
 980
 963
 5
 1,170
 1,167
Consumer 1
 88
 85
 
 
 
Total 29
 $16,356
 $15,885
 65
 $71,827
 $69,084

The total TDRs presented in the above table had allocated specific reserves for loan losses totaling $958 thousand and $2.0of approximately $5.3 million at March 31, for both June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.2017. These specific reserves are included in the allowance for loan losses for loans individually evaluated for impairment disclosed in the "Impaired Loans" section above. There were no charge-offs related to TDR modifications during the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


3132




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 three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 Three Months Ended June 30,
 Three Months Ended
March 31, 2018
 Three Months Ended
March 31, 2017
 2018 2017
Troubled Debt Restructurings Subsequently Defaulted 
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
 ($ in thousands) ($ in thousands)
Commercial and industrial 
 $
 1
 $2,000
 4
 $3,212
 6
 $5,358
Commercial real estate 1
 165
 2
 807
Residential mortgage 
 
 1
 321
Total 1
 $165
 4
 $3,128
 4
 $3,212
 6
 $5,358
  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2018 2017
Troubled Debt Restructurings Subsequently Defaulted 
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
  ($ in thousands)
Commercial and industrial 4
 $3,212
 7
 $5,433
Commercial real estate 
 
 1
 736
Residential mortgage 
 
 1
 153
Total 4
 $3,212
 9
 $6,322
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.
The following table presents the credit exposure by internally assigned risk rating by class of loans (excluding PCI loans) at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 based on the most recent analysis performed. performed:

Credit exposure - by internally assigned risk rating Pass 
Special
Mention
 Substandard Doubtful Total Non-PCI Loans Pass 
Special
Mention
 Substandard Doubtful Total Non-PCI Loans
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
March 31, 2018          
June 30, 2018          
Commercial and industrial $2,569,935
 $62,434
 $84,437
 $19,364
 $2,736,170
 $2,853,692
 $62,369
 $56,095
 $49,368
 $3,021,524
Commercial real estate 8,716,586
 33,000
 55,115
 
 8,804,701
 9,019,309
 35,200
 55,136
 
 9,109,645
Construction 949,675
 358
 732
 
 950,765
 994,407
 523
 1,772
 
 996,702
Total $12,236,196
 $95,792
 $140,284
 $19,364
 $12,491,636
 $12,867,408
 $98,092
 $113,003
 $49,368
 $13,127,871
December 31, 2017                    
Commercial and industrial $2,375,689
 $62,071
 $96,555
 $14,750
 $2,549,065
 $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
 8,447,865
 48,009
 65,977
 
 8,561,851
Construction 808,091
 360
 1,513
 
 809,964
 808,091
 360
 1,513
 
 809,964
Total $11,631,645
 $110,440
 $164,045
 $14,750
 $11,920,880
 $11,631,645
 $110,440
 $164,045
 $14,750
 $11,920,880

33




At March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the commercial and industrial loans with doubtful risk ratings of substandard and doubtful in the above table partlymostly consisted of performing TDR taxi medallion loans and non-accrual taxi medallion loans, respectively.

32




loans.
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 March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: 
Credit exposure - by payment activity 
Performing
Loans
 
Non-Performing
Loans
 
Total Non-PCI
Loans
 
Performing
Loans
 
Non-Performing
Loans
 
Total Non-PCI
Loans
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
March 31, 2018      
June 30, 2018      
Residential mortgage $2,794,363
 $22,694
 $2,817,057
 $3,032,126
 $19,303
 $3,051,429
Home equity 369,458
 2,890
 372,348
 355,239
 2,804
 358,043
Automobile 1,222,165
 88
 1,222,253
 1,281,223
 80
 1,281,303
Other consumer 733,514
 126
 733,640
 768,250
 119
 768,369
Total $5,119,500
 $25,798
 $5,145,298
 $5,436,838
 $22,306
 $5,459,144
December 31, 2017            
Residential mortgage $2,705,339
 $12,405
 $2,717,744
 $2,705,339
 $12,405
 $2,717,744
Home equity 371,854
 1,777
 373,631
 371,854
 1,777
 373,631
Automobile 1,208,731
 73
 1,208,804
 1,208,731
 73
 1,208,804
Other consumer 723,286
 20
 723,306
 723,286
 20
 723,306
Total $5,009,210
 $14,275
 $5,023,485
 $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 March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.2017:
Credit exposure - by payment activity 
Performing
Loans
 
Non-Performing
Loans
 
Total
PCI Loans
 
Performing
Loans
 
Non-Performing
Loans
 
Total
PCI Loans
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
March 31, 2018      
June 30, 2018      
Commercial and industrial $867,135
 $28,292
 $895,427
 $776,200
 $31,801
 $808,001
Commercial real estate 2,877,254
 24,273
 2,901,527
 2,785,190
 18,995
 2,804,185
Construction 419,991
 1,752
 421,743
 378,495
 1,535
 380,030
Residential mortgage 498,036
 6,467
 504,503
 470,447
 6,806
 477,253
Consumer 190,560
 2,073
 192,633
 174,411
 3,821
 178,232
Total $4,852,976
 $62,857
 $4,915,833
 $4,584,743
 $62,958
 $4,647,701
December 31, 2017            
Commercial and industrial $172,105
 $20,255
 $192,360
 $172,105
 $20,255
 $192,360
Commercial real estate 924,574
 10,352
 934,926
 924,574
 10,352
 934,926
Construction 39,802
 1,339
 41,141
 39,802
 1,339
 41,141
Residential mortgage 135,745
 5,546
 141,291
 135,745
 5,546
 141,291
Consumer 76,901
 596
 77,497
 76,901
 596
 77,497
Total $1,349,127
 $38,088
 $1,387,215
 $1,349,127
 $38,088
 $1,387,215
Other real estate owned (OREO) totaled $13.8$11.8 million and $9.8 million at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. OREO included foreclosed residential real estate properties totaling $10.1$8.1 million and $7.3 million at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Residential mortgage and consumer loans secured by residential real estate properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings are in process totaled $3.9$1.8 million and $3.8 million at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

3334



Note 9. Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses consists of the allowance for loan losses and the allowance for unfunded letters of credit. Management maintains the allowance for credit losses at a level estimated to absorb probable loan losses of the loan portfolio and unfunded letter of credit commitments at 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 March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
The following table summarizes the allowance for credit losses at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: 
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Components of allowance for credit losses:      
Allowance for loan losses$132,862
 $120,856
$138,762
 $120,856
Allowance for unfunded letters of credit3,842
 3,596
4,392
 3,596
Total allowance for credit losses$136,704
 $124,452
$143,154
 $124,452
The following table summarizes the provision for credit losses for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Components of provision for credit losses:          
Provision for loan losses$10,702
 $2,402
$6,592
 $3,710
 $17,294
 $6,112
Provision for unfunded letters of credit246
 68
550
 (78) 796
 (10)
Total provision for credit losses$10,948
 $2,470
$7,142
 $3,632
 $18,090
 $6,102
The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017:
Commercial
and Industrial
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Residential
Mortgage
 Consumer Total
Commercial
and Industrial
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Residential
Mortgage
 Consumer Total
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2018
         
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2018
         
Allowance for loan losses:                  
Beginning balance$57,232
 $54,954
 $3,605
 $5,065
 $120,856
$66,546
 $56,679
 $4,100
 $5,537
 $132,862
Loans charged-off(131) (310) (68) (1,211) (1,720)(642) (38) (99) (1,422) (2,201)
Charged-off loans recovered2,107
 369
 80
 468
 3,024
819
 15
 180
 495
 1,509
Net recoveries (charge-offs)1,976
 59
 12
 (743) 1,304
177
 (23) 81
 (927) (692)
Provision for loan losses7,338
 1,666
 483
 1,215
 10,702
7,534
 (2,844) 443
 1,459
 6,592
Ending balance$66,546
 $56,679
 $4,100
 $5,537
 $132,862
$74,257
 $53,812
 $4,624
 $6,069
 $138,762
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2017
         
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2017
         
Allowance for loan losses:                  
Beginning balance$50,820
 $55,851
 $3,702
 $4,046
 $114,419
$51,288
 $56,302
 $3,592
 $4,261
 $115,443
Loans charged-off(1,714) (414) (130) (1,121) (3,379)(2,910) (139) (229) (1,011) (4,289)
Charged-off loans recovered848
 142
 448
 563
 2,001
312
 640
 235
 395
 1,582
Net (charge-offs) recoveries(866) (272) 318
 (558) (1,378)(2,598) 501
 6
 (616) (2,707)
Provision for loan losses1,334
 723
 (428) 773
 2,402
2,927
 (1,348) 588
 1,543
 3,710
Ending balance$51,288
 $56,302
 $3,592
 $4,261
 $115,443
$51,617
 $55,455
 $4,186
 $5,188
 $116,446

3435



 
Commercial
and Industrial
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Residential
Mortgage
 Consumer Total
 (in thousands)
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
         
Allowance for loan losses:         
Beginning balance$57,232
 $54,954
 $3,605
 $5,065
 $120,856
Loans charged-off(773) (348) (167) (2,633) (3,921)
Charged-off loans recovered2,926
 384
 260
 963
 4,533
Net recoveries (charge-offs)2,153
 36
 93
 (1,670) 612
Provision for loan losses14,872
 (1,178) 926
 2,674
 17,294
Ending balance$74,257
 $53,812
 $4,624
 $6,069
 $138,762
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
         
Allowance for loan losses:         
Beginning balance$50,820
 $55,851
 $3,702
 $4,046
 $114,419
Loans charged-off(4,624) (553) (359) (2,132) (7,668)
Charged-off loans recovered1,160
 782
 683
 958
 3,583
Net (charge-offs) recoveries(3,464) 229
 324
 (1,174) (4,085)
Provision for loan losses4,261
 (625) 160
 2,316
 6,112
Ending balance$51,617
 $55,455
 $4,186
 $5,188
 $116,446


36



The following table represents the allocation of the allowance for loan losses and the related loans by loan portfolio segment disaggregated based on the impairment methodology at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Loans individually evaluated for impairment represent Valley's impaired loans. Loans acquired with discounts related to credit quality represent Valley's PCI loans.
Commercial
and Industrial
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Residential
Mortgage
 Consumer Total
Commercial
and Industrial
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Residential
Mortgage
 Consumer Total
(in thousands)(in thousands)
March 31, 2018         
June 30, 2018         
Allowance for loan losses:                  
Individually evaluated for impairment$21,664
 $2,672
 $705
 $60
 $25,101
$24,817
 $2,987
 $632
 $72
 $28,508
Collectively evaluated for impairment44,882
 54,007
 3,395
 5,477
 107,761
49,440
 50,825
 3,992
 5,997
 110,254
Total$66,546
 $56,679
 $4,100
 $5,537
 $132,862
$74,257
 $53,812
 $4,624
 $6,069
 $138,762
Loans:                  
Individually evaluated for impairment$89,668
 $56,947
 $14,030
 $1,888
 $162,533
$87,170
 $54,719
 $12,849
 $1,453
 $156,191
Collectively evaluated for impairment2,646,113
 9,698,719
 2,803,027
 2,326,353
 17,474,212
2,934,354
 10,051,628
 3,038,580
 2,406,262
 18,430,824
Loans acquired with discounts related to credit quality895,427
 3,323,270
 504,503
 192,633
 4,915,833
808,001
 3,184,215
 477,253
 178,232
 4,647,701
Total$3,631,208
 $13,078,936
 $3,321,560
 $2,520,874
 $22,552,578
$3,829,525
 $13,290,562
 $3,528,682
 $2,585,947
 $23,234,716
December 31, 2017                  
Allowance for loan losses:                  
Individually evaluated for impairment$11,044
 $2,735
 $718
 $64
 $14,561
$11,044
 $2,735
 $718
 $64
 $14,561
Collectively evaluated for impairment46,188
 52,219
 2,887
 5,001
 106,295
46,188
 52,219
 2,887
 5,001
 106,295
Total$57,232
 $54,954
 $3,605
 $5,065
 $120,856
$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
$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
2,463,566
 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
192,360
 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
$2,741,425
 $10,347,882
 $2,859,035
 $2,383,238
 $18,331,580
Note 10. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
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*Business Segment / Reporting Unit*
Wealth
Management
 
Consumer
Lending
 
Commercial
Lending
 
Investment
Management
 Total
Wealth
Management
 
Consumer
Lending
 
Commercial
Lending
 
Investment
Management
 Total
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2017$21,218
 $200,103
 $316,258
 $153,058
 $690,637
$21,218
 $200,103
 $316,258
 $153,058
 $690,637
Goodwill from business combinations
 85,649
 238,052
 64,554
 388,255

 85,649
 238,052
 64,554
 388,255
Balance at March 31, 2018$21,218
 $285,752
 $554,310
 $217,612
 $1,078,892
Balance at June 30, 2018$21,218
 $285,752
 $554,310
 $217,612
 $1,078,892
 
*Wealth Management is comprised of trust, asset management and insurance services. This reporting unit is included in the Consumer Lending segment for financial reporting purposes.

During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, goodwill from business combinations set forth in the table above relates to the acquisition of USAB (see Note 2 for further details). Certain estimates for acquired assets and assumed liabilities are subject to change for up to one year after the acquisition date. There was no impairment of goodwill during three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017.

3537




The following table summarizes other intangible assets as of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: 
Gross
Intangible
Assets
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Valuation
Allowance
 
Net
Intangible
Assets
Gross
Intangible
Assets
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Valuation
Allowance
 
Net
Intangible
Assets
(in thousands)(in thousands)
March 31, 2018       
June 30, 2018       
Loan servicing rights$82,879
 $(58,440) $(244) $24,195
$84,956
 $(59,975) $(154) $24,827
Core deposits80,470
 (19,911) 
 60,559
80,470
 (23,002) 
 57,468
Other3,945
 (2,212) 
 1,733
3,945
 (2,274) 
 1,671
Total other intangible assets$167,294
 $(80,563) $(244) $86,487
$169,371
 $(85,251) $(154) $83,966
December 31, 2017              
Loan servicing rights$79,138
 $(57,054) $(471) $21,613
$79,138
 $(57,054) $(471) $21,613
Core deposits43,396
 (24,297) 
 19,099
43,396
 (24,297) 
 19,099
Other4,087
 (2,292) 
 1,795
4,087
 (2,292) 
 1,795
Total other intangible assets$126,621
 $(83,643) $(471) $42,507
$126,621
 $(83,643) $(471) $42,507

Loan servicing rights 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. Impairment charges on loan servicing rights are recognized in earnings when the book value of a stratified group of loan servicing rights exceeds its estimated fair value. See the "Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis" section of Note 6 for additional information regarding the fair valuation and impairment of loan servicing rights.

Core deposits are amortized using an accelerated method and have a weighted average amortization period of 10 years. The line item labeled “Other” included in the table above primarily consists of customer lists and covenants not to compete, which are amortized over their expected lives generally using a straight-line method and have a weighted average amortization period of approximately 20 years. On January 1, 2018, Valley recorded approximately $44.6 million and $1.4 million of core deposit intangibles and loan servicing rights, respectively, resulting from the USAB acquisition. Valley evaluates core deposits and other intangibles for impairment when an indication of impairment exists. No impairment was recognized during the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017.

The following table presents the estimated future amortization expense of other intangible assets for the remainder of 2018 through 2022: 
Loan
Servicing
Rights
 
Core
Deposits
 Other
Loan
Servicing
Rights
 
Core
Deposits
 Other
(in thousands)(in thousands)
2018$4,460
 $9,224
 $187
$3,155
 $6,134
 $125
20194,816
 10,961
 235
5,148
 10,961
 235
20203,873
 9,607
 220
4,160
 9,607
 220
20212,997
 8,252
 206
3,243
 8,252
 206
20222,400
 6,898
 191
2,608
 6,898
 191

Valley recognized amortization expense on other intangible assets, including net impairment (or recovery of impairment) charges on loan servicing rights, totaling approximately $4.3$4.6 million and $2.5$2.6 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $8.9 million and $5.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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Note 11. Stock–Based Compensation
Valley currently has one active employee stock option plan, the 2016 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (the “2016 Stock Plan”), adopted by Valley’s Board of Directors on January 29, 2016 and approved by its shareholders on April 28, 2016. The purpose of the 2016 Plan is to provide additional incentive to officers and key employees of Valley and its subsidiaries, whose substantial contributions are 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. As of March 31,June 30, 2018, 5.65.5 million shares 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 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.
In connection with the USAB acquisition on January 1, 2018, Valley assumed pre-existing stock awards consisting of options for 1.8 million shares of Valley common stock (of which options for 1.2 million936 thousand shares remained outstanding as of March 31,June 30, 2018) at a weighted average exercise price of $4.97$5.49 and 336 thousand time-based RSUs (of which 199179 thousand remained outstanding as of March 31,June 30, 2018). The stock plan under which the stock awards were issued is no longer active.
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. Valley awarded time-based restricted stock totaling 1.11.2 million shares and 393482 thousand shares during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, to both executive officers and key employees of Valley. The majority of the awards have vesting periods of three years. Generally, the restrictions on such awards lapse at an annual rate of one-third of the total award commencing with the first anniversary of the date of grant. The average grant date fair value of the restricted stock awards granted during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017 was $11.81$11.86 per share and $11.66$11.71 per share, respectively.
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). Valley granted 450446 thousand and 371 thousand shares of performance-based RSUs to certain executive officers for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The performance-based RSUs will vest and be issued as common stock based on the attainment of (i) growth in tangible book value per share plus dividends (75 percent of the RSU award) and (ii) total shareholder return as compared to our peer group (25 percent of the RSU award). 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 stock) over the applicable performance period. Dividend equivalents and accrued interest (if applicable), 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 granted during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017 was $12.35 per share and $11.05 per share, respectively.

Valley recorded total stock-based compensation expense of $8.0$4.2 million and $4.1$2.7 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017.2017, and $12.2 million and $6.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The fair values of stock awards are expensed over the shorter of the vesting or required service period. As of March 31,June 30, 2018, the unrecognized amortization expense for all stock-based employee compensation totaled approximately $27.5$24.3 million and will be recognized over an average remaining vesting period of 2.42.3 years.

3739




Note 12. Revenue Recognition
On January 1, 2018, Valley adopted ASU 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 ASC Topic 606.
Performance obligations. 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 table presents non-interest income for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Trust and investment services$3,230
 $2,744
$3,262
 $2,800
 $6,492
 $5,544
Insurance commissions3,821
 5,061
4,026
 4,358
 7,847
 9,419
Service charges on deposit accounts7,253
 5,236
6,679
 5,342
 13,932
 10,578
Losses on securities transactions, net(765) (23)
(Losses) gains on securities transactions, net(36) 22
 (801) (1)
Fees from loan servicing2,223
 1,815
2,045
 1,831
 4,268
 3,646
Gains on sales of loans, net6,753
 4,128
7,642
 4,791
 14,395
 8,919
Bank owned life insurance1,763
 2,463
2,652
 1,701
 4,415
 4,164
Other7,973
 4,296
11,799
 7,985
 19,772
 12,281
Total non-interest income$32,251
 $25,720
$38,069
 $28,830
 $70,320
 $54,550

The following revenues from the table above are within the scope of ASC Topic 606:

Trust and investments services. Trust and investments services include fees 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 the service period specified in the contract.

Service charges on deposit accounts. Service charges on deposit accounts include fees from 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.

Other income. Other income within the scope of ASC Topic 606 within this revenue category includes 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.

3840




Note 13. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

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.

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, respectively. 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.

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.

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 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.

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 the 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 used to manage interest rate risk in assets or liabilities. Changes in the fair value in credit derivatives are recognized directly in earnings. At March 31,June 30, 2018, Valley had 1113 credit swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $63.4$73.4 million related to risk participation agreements. 

At March 31,June 30, 2018, Valley has one "steepener" swap with a total current notional amount of $14.5$14.3 million where the receive rate on the swap mirrors the pay rate on the brokered deposits and 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 alone swap tend to move in opposite directions with changes in the three-month LIBOR rate and therefore provide an effective economic hedge.


41




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

39




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: 
March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Fair Value   Fair Value  Fair Value   Fair Value  
Other Assets Other Liabilities Notional Amount Other Assets Other Liabilities Notional AmountOther Assets Other Liabilities Notional Amount Other Assets Other Liabilities Notional Amount
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:                      
Cash flow hedge interest rate caps and swaps$644
 $119
 $607,000
 $650
 $81
 $607,000
Cash flow hedge interest rate swaps and caps$
 $32
 $482,000
 $650
 $81
 $607,000
Fair value hedge interest rate swaps
 507
 7,717
 
 637
 7,775

 419
 7,657
 
 637
 7,775
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments$644
 $626
 $614,717
 $650
 $718
 $614,775
$
 $451
 $489,657
 $650
 $718
 $614,775
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:                      
Interest rate swaps and embedded derivatives$25,132
 $29,270
 $2,731,500
 $25,696
 $23,494
 $1,687,005
$29,834
 $37,135
 $2,996,861
 $25,696
 $23,494
 $1,687,005
Mortgage banking derivatives206
 223
 109,385
 71
 118
 113,233
298
 316
 126,994
 71
 118
 113,233
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$25,338
 $29,493
 $2,840,885
 $25,767
 $23,612
 $1,800,238
$30,132
 $37,451
 $3,123,855
 $25,767
 $23,612
 $1,800,238

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 and 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. As a result, the fair value of the designated cash flow derivative assets, designated and non-designated interest rate swaps liabilities were offset by variation margins posted by (with) the applicable counterparties totaling $11.1$15.9 million, $796 thousand and $9.9$8.2 million, respectively, and reported in the table above on a net basis at March 31,June 30, 2018. The fair value of the designated cash flow derivatives and non-designated interest rate swaps cleared with the CME were offset by variation margins totaling $9.5 million and $951 thousand, respectively, and reported in the table above on a net basis at December 31, 2017.

(Losses) gains included in the consolidated statements of income and in other comprehensive (loss) income, on a pre-tax basis, related to interest rate derivatives designated as hedges of cash flows were as follows: 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense$(1,451) $(2,518)$(866) $(2,314) $(2,317) $(4,832)
Amount of gain recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income2,751
 217
637
 (1,482) 3,388
 (1,265)

42




The accumulated net after-tax losses related to effective cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive loss were $5.4$4.3 million and $8.3 million at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 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 $2.6$1.7 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense over the next 12 months.

40




Gains (losses) included in the consolidated statements of income related to interest rate derivatives designated as hedges of fair value were as follows:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Derivative - interest rate swaps:          
Interest income$131
 $97
$88
 $52
 $219
 $149
Hedged item - loans:          
Interest income$(131) $(97)$(88) $(52) $(219) $(149)

Fee income related to derivative interest rate swaps executed with commercial loan customers totaled $3.3$4.4 million and $661 thousand$4.1 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $7.7 million and $4.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and was included in other non-interest income.
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 March 31, 2018.June 30, 2018:
 March 31, 2018
 (in thousands)
Hedged item - loans: 
Loan receivable - carrying amount$8,224
Cumulative fair value adjustment(507)
  June 30, 2018
Line Item in the Statement of Financial Position in Which the Hedged Item is Included Carrying Amount of the Hedged Asset Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Included in the Carrying Amount of the Hedged Asset
  (in thousands)
Loans $8,076
 $419

The net gains (losses) included in the consolidated statements of income related to derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments were as follows: 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Non-designated hedge interest rate derivatives          
Other non-interest expense$218
 $(860)$230
 $70
 $448
 $(790)

Credit Risk Related Contingent 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

43




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 March 31,June 30, 2018, Valley was in compliance with all of the provisions of its derivative counterparty agreements. As of March 31,June 30, 2018, 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 $2.4$2.1 million. Valley has derivative counterparty agreements that require minimum collateral posting thresholds for certain

41




counterparties. At March 31, 2018,The aggregate fair value of collateral Valley had $41.3 million in collateral posted with counterparties net of CME and LCH variation margins.related to derivative contracts totaled $4.4 million at June 30, 2018.
Note 14. Balance Sheet Offsetting
Certain financial instruments, including derivatives (consisting of interest rate capsswaps and swaps)caps) and repurchase agreements (accounted for as secured long-term borrowings), may be eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheet and/or subject to master netting arrangements or similar 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. The table below presents information about Valley’s financial instruments that are eligible for offset in the consolidated statements of financial condition as of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
      Gross Amounts Not Offset        Gross Amounts Not Offset  
Gross Amounts
Recognized
 
Gross Amounts
Offset
 
Net Amounts
Presented
 
Financial
Instruments
 
Cash
Collateral
 
Net
Amount
Gross Amounts
Recognized
 
Gross Amounts
Offset
 
Net Amounts
Presented
 
Financial
Instruments
 
Cash
Collateral
 
Net
Amount
(in thousands)(in thousands)
March 31, 2018           
June 30, 2018           
Assets:                      
Interest rate caps and swaps$25,776
 $
 $25,776
 $(725) $
 $25,051
Interest rate swaps$29,834
 $
 $29,834
 $(336) $
 $29,498
Liabilities:                      
Interest rate caps and swaps$29,896
 $
 $29,896
 $(725) $(1,874)
(1) 
$27,297
Interest rate swaps$37,586
 $
 $37,586
 $(336) $(1,645)
(1) 
$35,605
Repurchase agreements150,000
 
 150,000
 
 (150,000)
(2) 

150,000
 
 150,000
 
 (150,000)
(2) 

Total$179,896
 $
 $179,896
 $(725) $(151,874) $27,297
$187,586
 $
 $187,586
 $(336) $(151,645) $35,605
December 31, 2017                      
Assets:                      
Interest rate caps and swaps$26,346
 $
 $26,346
 $(5,376) $
 $20,970
Interest rate swaps and caps$26,346
 $
 $26,346
 $(5,376) $
 $20,970
Liabilities:                      
Interest rate caps and swaps$24,212
 $
 $24,212
 $(5,376) $(8,141)
(1) 
$10,695
Interest rate swaps and caps$24,212
 $
 $24,212
 $(5,376) $(8,141)
(1) 
$10,695
Repurchase agreements200,000
 
 200,000
 
 (200,000)
(2) 

200,000
 
 200,000
 
 (200,000)
(2) 

Total$224,212
 $
 $224,212
 $(5,376) $(208,141) $10,695
$224,212
 $
 $224,212
 $(5,376) $(208,141) $10,695
 
(1)Represents the amount of collateral posted with derivativesderivative counterparties that offsets net liability positions. Actual cash collateral posted with all counterparties totaled $41.3 million and $51.4 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
(2)Represents the fair value of non-cash pledged investment securities.

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Note 15. Tax Credit Investments

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 (CRA). 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

42




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 of the consolidated statements of income using the equity method of accounting. An impairment loss is recognized when the fair value of the tax credit investment is less than its carrying value.

The following table presents the balances of Valley’s affordable housing tax credit investments, other tax credit investments, and related unfunded commitments at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Other Assets:      
Affordable housing tax credit investments, net$40,568
 $22,135
$40,226
 $22,135
Other tax credit investments, net35,976
 42,015
31,129
 42,015
Total tax credit investments, net$76,544
 $64,150
$71,355
 $64,150
Other Liabilities:      
Unfunded affordable housing tax credit commitments$5,256
 $3,690
$4,978
 $3,690
Unfunded other tax credit commitments12,682
 15,020
4,773
 15,020
Total unfunded tax credit commitments$17,938
 $18,710
$9,751
 $18,710

The following table presents other information relating to Valley’s affordable housing tax credit investments and other tax credit investments for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017: 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Components of Income Tax Expense:          
Affordable housing tax credits and other tax benefits$1,821
 $1,284
$1,429
 $1,271
 $3,250
 $2,555
Other tax credit investment credits and tax benefits5,485
 6,286
5,680
 8,680
 11,165
 14,966
Total reduction in income tax expense$7,306
 $7,570
$7,109
 $9,951
 $14,415
 $17,521
Amortization of Tax Credit Investments:          
Affordable housing tax credit investment losses$986
 $396
$(319) $358
 $667
 $754
Affordable housing tax credit investment impairment losses587
 124
515
 130
 1,102
 254
Other tax credit investment losses537
 767
1,253
 1,060
 1,790
 1,827
Other tax credit investment impairment losses3,164
 4,037
3,021
 6,184
 6,185
 10,221
Total amortization of tax credit investments recorded in non-interest expense$5,274
 $5,324
$4,470
 $7,732
 $9,744
 $13,056

45




Note 16. 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 reasonably be made. 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. Valley recognized $10.5 million within professional and legal fees during the first quarter of 2018 for such liabilities.
The following is a description of significant litigation and claims made against Valley.

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Merrick Bank Corporation, American Express Travel Related Services, and JetPay Merchant Services LLC v. Valley National Bank. For about a decade, Valley served as the depository bank for various charter operators under regulations of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and contracts entered into with charter operators under those regulations. Valley stopped serving as a depository bank for the charter business several years ago. Valley served as the depository bank for Myrtle Beach Direct Air (Direct Air). Direct Air, a charter operator, commenced operations in 2007 but in March 2012 Direct Air ceased operations and filed for bankruptcy. Merrick Bank Corporation (Merrick) was the merchant bank for Direct Air and processed credit card purchases for Direct Air. Following the bankruptcy of Direct Air, Merrick incurred chargebacks in the approximate amount of $26.2 million when the Direct Air customers whose flights had been canceled obtained a credit from their card issuing banks for the cost of the ticket or other item purchased from Direct Air. JetPay Merchant Services LLC (JetPay) was the payment processor for Direct Air. American Express Travel Related Services (American Express) also incurred chargebacks related to Direct Air. Merrick filed an action against Valley in December 2013. American Express and JetPay filed a similar action against Valley in 2014. All the cases were consolidated in the Federal District Court of New Jersey. In April 2018, Valley settled all the claims brought against it by the parties.
Maritza Gaston and George Gallart v. Valley National Bancorp and Valley National Bank. OnIn April 6, 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 most Branch Service Managers are classified by Valley as “exempt” employees and do not receive overtime pay, plaintiff’splaintiffs' counsel claims that all Branch Service Managers perform non-exempt duties, and should therefore be classified as non-exempt hourly employees and be paid overtime for any time worked in excess of 40 hours per week. Valley filed an answer disputing Plaintiffs’ allegations. Plaintiffs filed a formal Noticenotice for Conditional Certificationconditional certification of the Class,class, which was granted by the Federal Magistrate onin December 6, 2017. OnIn January 5, 2018, Valley filed an Objection Briefobjection requesting that the Federal Judge assigned to this case overturn the Federal Magistrate’s Order for Certification. The Court has not acted on that request. Plaintiffs and Valley have agreed to enter into non-binding mediation. A mediation whichsession was held in June 2018 and another session is presently scheduled foranticipated to occur in late August or early September 2018. At June 2018. Because the action is in a preliminary stage,30, 2018, Valley iswas unable to estimate an amount or range of reasonably possible loss.
Note 17. Business Segments
The information under the caption “Business Segments” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is incorporated herein by reference.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following MD&A should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report. The words "Valley," the "Company," "we," "our" and "us" refer to Valley National Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiaries, unless we indicate otherwise. Additionally, Valley’s principal subsidiary, Valley National Bank, is commonly referred to as the “Bank” in this MD&A.

The MD&A contains supplemental financial information, described in the sections that follow, which has been determined by methods other than U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (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. These non-GAAP financial measures may also be calculated differently from similar measures disclosed by other companies.
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, 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 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,” “will,” “opportunity,” “allow,” “continues,” “reflects,” “typically,” “usually,” “anticipate,” or similar statements or variations of such terms. Such forward-looking statements involve certain

46




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 disclosed in Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, include, but are not limited to:

weakness or a decline 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 risk that the businesses of Valley and USAB may not be combined successfully, or such combination may take longer or be more difficult, time-consuming or costly to accomplish than expected;
the diversion of management's time on any remaining issues relatingrelated to the USAB merger integration;
the inability to realize expected cost savings and synergies from the merger of USAB with Valley in the amounts or in the timeframe anticipated;
the inability to retain USAB’s customers and employees;
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 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;
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;
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;
the loss of or decrease in lower-cost funding sources within our deposit base may adversely impact our net interest income and net income;
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;

45




results of examinations by the OCC, the FRB, the 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;
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;
our inability or determination not to pay dividends at current levels, or at all, because of inadequate future earnings, regulatory restrictions or limitations, changes in our capital requirements or a decision to increase capital by retaining more earnings;
higher than expected loan losses within one or more segments of our loan portfolio;
unanticipated loan delinquencies, loss of collateral, decreased service revenues, and other potential negative effects on our business caused by severe weather 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.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Valley’s accounting policies are fundamental to understanding management’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations. At March 31,June 30, 2018, we identified our policies on the allowance for loan losses, purchased credit-impaired loans, security valuations and impairments, 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

47




different conditions or using different assumptions. Management has reviewed the application of these policies with the Audit Committee of Valley’s Board of Directors. Our critical accounting policies are described in detail in Part II, Item 7 in Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Purchased credit-impaired loans became a significant portion of our loan portfolio during the first quarter of 2018 due to our acquisition of USAmeriBancorp, Inc.USAB on January 1, 2018 and, as a result, a new critical accounting policy at March 31,starting in the first quarter of 2018. See the "Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans" section elsewhere in this MD&A and Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for more information on the accounting policy for purchased credit-impaired loans and the other significant accounting policies of Valley.
New Authoritative Accounting Guidance

See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for a description of new authoritative accounting guidance, including the respective dates of adoption and effects on results of operations and financial condition.

Executive Summary

Company Overview. At March 31,June 30, 2018, Valley had consolidated total assets of approximately $29.5$30.2 billion, total net loans of $22.4$23.1 billion, total deposits of $22.0$21.6 billion and total shareholders’ equity of $3.2$3.3 billion. Our commercial bank operations include branch office locations in northern and central New Jersey, the New York City Boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island, Florida and Alabama. Of our current 237 branch network, 59 percent, 16 percent, 19 percent and 6 percent of the branches are located in New Jersey, New York, Florida and Alabama, respectively. Despite significant branch consolidation activity mainly in 2016, we have significantly grown both in asset size and locations over the past several years primarily through bank acquisitions.

USAmeriBancorp, Inc. On January 1, 2018, Valley completed its acquisition of USAmeriBancorp, Inc. (USAB)USAB and its wholly-owned subsidiary, USAmeriBank, headquartered in Clearwater, Florida. USAB had approximately

46




$5.1 $5.1 billion in assets, $3.7 billion in net loans and $3.6 billion in deposits and maintained a branch network of 29 offices. The acquisition represents a significant addition to Valley’s Florida franchise, specifically in the Tampa Bay market. The acquisition also brought Valley to the Birmingham, Montgomery, and Tallapoosa areas in Alabama, where Valley now operates 15 branch office locations. The common shareholders of USAB received 6.1 shares of Valley common stock for each USAB share they owned. The total consideration for the acquisition was approximately $737 million, and the transaction resulted in $388 million of goodwill and $46 million of core deposit intangible assets subject to amortization. Full systems integration is expected to bewas completed in the second quarter of 2018.2018 with minimal disruption to our customers.

Branch Transformation. Over the past six months, Valley has embarked on a 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. Our new model is going to place greater emphasis on service, sales, advisory and efficiency. We are in the process of upgrading many staff and training components, as well as placing greater importance on mobile and digital implementation and customer education and encouragement of those products. Valley's branch transformation will also focus on the repositioning, re-branding, functionality, aesthetics, and in many cases, reducing the square footage of our branches.

With that, we have updated our internal branch profitability and growth requirements, initially analyzing our New Jersey and New York network. We have identified 74 branches out of 177 within New Jersey and New York that presently do not meet our minimum hurdles for success. Of the 74 identified we expect to consolidate about 20 branches by the end of the first quarter 2019, resulting in an approximate estimated annual operating expense savings of $9 million.

For the remaining 54 branches, we are implementing tailored action plans focused on improving profitability and deposit levels as well as upgrades in staffing and training, within a defined timeline. Should the remaining branches not experience improvement within the associated timeline, they will be reviewed for potential consolidation as well.

48





While we expect the consolidation process, repositioning and renovations to be mostly complete by the end of 2020, it is important to recognize the evolving retail banking landscape combined with the Bank's renewed expectation regarding profitability will make this activity a more permanent piece of Valley's 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 to achieve approximately $22 million in total cost reductions and revenue enhancements on an annualized pre-tax run-rate after the LIFT program is fully phased-in by June 30, 2019.

Mostly during the second half of 2017,At June 30, 2018, Valley implemented severalhad completed LIFT enhancements that resulted in pre-tax cost reductions of $5.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. These enhancements and others recently completed in the first quarter of 2018 resulted in total pre-tax cost reductions of approximately $3.4 million in the first quarter of 2018. The implemented enhancements to date under the LIFT program are expected towill result in cost reductions of approximately $13.5 million on an annualized pre-tax basis beginning in the second quarter of 2018.

Branch Transformation. We are currently performing a comprehensive evaluationgreater than 60 percent of the operational efficiency$22 million annual goal as compared to approximately 40 percent of our entire branch network. This reviewsuch goal at March 31, 2018. We believe 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 ensure the optimal performance of our retail operations, in conjunction with several other factors, including our customers’ delivery channel preferences, branch usage patterns, and the potential opportunity to move existing customer relationships to another branch location without imposing a negative impact on their banking experience. We anticipate providing phase one details of this initiative in conjunction with our second quarter of 2018 earnings release in July 2018.ultimately be realized.

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. On December 22, 2017, the President signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act) into law. As a result, the federal corporate income tax rate decreased from 35 percent to 21 percent effective January 1, 2018. See the "Income Taxes" section below for more details.
Quarterly Results. Net income for the firstsecond quarter of 2018 was $42.0$72.8 million, or $0.12$0.21 per diluted common share, compared to $46.1$50.1 million, or $0.17$0.18 per diluted common share, for the firstsecond quarter of 2017. The $4.1$22.7 million decreaseincrease in quarterly net income as compared to the same quarter one year ago was largely due to: (i) a $52.8 million increase in non-interest expense mostly caused by additional operating costs related to the acquisition of USAB, including merger expenses of $13.4 million (mostly within salary and employee benefits and professional and legal fees), additional salary and employee benefit expense largely related to our expanding team of residential mortgage loan consultants and technology personnel and a $12.4 million increase in professional and legal expense mostly related to additional litigation reserves of $10.5 million, (ii) a $8.5 millionincrease in our provision for credit losses mainly driven by specific reserves allocated to impaired taxi medallion loans, partially offset by (iii) a $45.7$45.9 million increase in our net interest income mostly due to higher average loan balances driven by acquired loans from USAB and strong organic loan volumes over the last 12 months, as well asand, to a much lesser extent, the full benefit of reduced interest expense resulting from $405 million of long-term borrowings modifications in the third quarter of 2017, (iv)(ii) a $6.5$9.2 million increase in non-interest income mostly caused, in part, by an increase in net gains on sales of residential mortgage loans swap fee income from commercial loan customers, and higher fees resulting from the USAB acquisition and (v)(iii) a $4.9$1.8 million decrease in income tax expense mostly due in part, to the reduced corporate tax rate under the Tax Act.Act, partially offset by (iv) a $30.7 million increase in non-interest expense mostly caused by additional operating costs related to the acquisition of USAB, including merger expenses of $3.2 million, and additional salary and employee benefit expense largely related to our expanding team of residential mortgage loan consultants and technology personnel, and (v) a $3.5 millionincrease in our provision for credit losses mainly driven by higher reserves allocated to impaired taxi medallion loans. See the "Net Interest Income," "Non-Interest Income," "Non-Interest Expense", and "Income Taxes" sections below for more details on the items above impacting our firstsecond quarter 2018 results, as well as other items discussed elsewhere in this MD&A.
Economic Overview. During the firstsecond quarter of 2018, real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at a 2.34.1 percent annual rate after advancing 2.92.0 percent in the fourthfirst quarter of 2017.2018. This represented the fastest rate of growth in

47




during a quarter since the firstthird quarter of a calendar year since 2015.2014. The pace of hiring was largely unchanged while private wages for all employees accelerated somewhat and measures of core inflation approachedrose back near the Federal Reserve’s two2 percent target. On balance,Over recent months, the trade weighted U.S. dollar index declined further inadvanced notably compared to the first quarter supporting higherwhich may weigh on import and overall prices. Additionally, consumer spending and residential fixedbusiness investment slowedadvanced during the first three monthssecond quarter of the year while businessresidential fixed investment remained solid.weak.
    
The civilian unemployment rate during the first quarter, was unchangeddeclined from 4.1 percent as of Decemberat March 31, 2017 as the number of people entering the workforce increased, demonstrating continued strength of the labor market.2018 to 4.0 percent at June 30, 2018. The pace of hiring was mostly unchanged from the prior linked quarter. The monthly average change in payrolls was approximately 221 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to 202211 thousand in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 207 thousand in the second quarter of 2018. On
Based on the quarterly average, quarterly measures ofthe 12-month change in wage growth picked up notably asaccelerated to 2.71 percent in the year over year changesecond quarter of 2018 compared to 2.66 percent in hourly earnings for all private employees increased tothe prior quarter which represented the highest level since the second quartermiddle of 2009.

49




    
Business investment, which includes investment in structures, equipment and software, remainedadvanced at a solid rate compared to the prior quarter. Private nonresidential fixed investment advanced 6.17.3 percent in the firstsecond quarter of 2018 compared to an increase of 6.811.5 percent in the fourthfirst quarter of 2017. Alternatively,2018. Offsetting this, investment in residential structures decelerated,remained weak, declining 1.1 percent from the previous quarter. Over recent periods, the weakness was largely attributed to lower levels of new construction for multifamily housing units. Growth in private residential fixed investment was essentially flatunits; however, in the first quarter compared to 12.8 percent growth in the fourthsecond quarter of 2017 asthis year investment in multifamily structures declined 1.5 percentincreased 10.8 percent. The weakness in the first three months of the year.quarter was largely attributed to investment in single family structures which declined 4.5 percent.

Growth in personalPersonal consumption of goods and services decelerated modestlygrew notably in the second quarter of 2018. The pace of growth accelerated to 4.0 percent in the second quarter compared to 0.5 percent in the first quarter of 2018.the year. The decelerationacceleration was largely attributed to a declinebroad based including growth in both durable goods which include items such as motor vehicles, furnishing and other household equipment. While homenondurable goods. Home prices rose further in the firstsecond quarter of 2018 while equity market volatility increased notablydeclined which may have adversely impactedbenefited consumer spending. More recently, volatility has subsided somewhat which in combination with further price appreciation in housing may support consumer spending into the end of the year.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)(FOMC or Committee) increased the target range for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to a range of 1.50 to 1.75 to 2.00 percent at their MarchJune 2018 meeting. The Committee remained vigilant aboutviewed that the continued low levelsrisks to the economic outlook were roughly balanced between their two objectives of inflationprice stability and maximum employment. Further, the Committee expects - based on realized and expected labor market conditions and inflation expectations, but expects economic conditions to further warrant- additional gradual rate increases this year. In determining futurein the target range for the federal funds rate. The FOMC continued its policy, actions, the FOMC assesses progress (both realized and expected) toward its objectives of maximum employment and two percent inflation. Beginningwhich was initiated in October 2017, the FOMC hasof gradually reducedreducing the Federal Reserve's securities holdings by decreasing reinvestment of principal payments from those securities. The FOMC has continued to emphasize that changes in monetary policy will be data dependent.
    
The 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield ended the firstsecond quarter at 2.742.85 percent, 2911 basis points higher compared with DecemberMarch 31, 2017.2018. The spread between the 2- and 10-year U.S. Treasury note yields ended the firstsecond quarter of 2018 at 0.470.33 percentage points, 4point, 14 basis points lower compared to the end of the fourthfirst quarter of 2018 and 18 basis points lower compared to December 31, 2017.
    
Market interest rates, on average, remained above levels experiencedOn a year over year basis, loan growth for all commercial banks in 2017. Despite higher ratesthe U.S. accelerated modestly from 4.0 percent in the first quarter of 2018 to 4.8 percent in the second quarter despite higher borrowing costs and banks reporting weaker demand for most loan products. In the second quarter of the year, residential mortgage loanthe Bank’s originations for its consumer products increased largely due to our sales efforts in the purchase loan market.modestly. In addition, wethe Bank continued to see solid demand for commercial real estate and construction loans across our geographies in the firstsecond quarter of 2018. However, should demand weaken for commercial loans and the spread between yields on longeryield curve further compress, these conditions may challenge our business operations and shorter dated securities continueresults, as highlighted throughout the remaining MD&A discussion below.
On a year over year basis, loan growth for all commercial banks in the U.S. accelerated modestly from 4.0 percent in the first quarter of 2018 to contract, this environment4.8 percent in the second quarter despite higher borrowing costs and banks reporting weaker demand for most loan products. In the second quarter of the year, the Bank’s originations for its consumer products increased modestly. In addition, the Bank continued to see solid demand for commercial real estate and construction loans across our geographies in the second quarter of 2018. However, should demand weaken for commercial loans and the yield curve further compress, these conditions may challenge our business operations and results, as highlighted throughout the remaining MD&A discussion below.
Loans. Loans increased $4.2 billion$681.9 million, or 12.1 percent on an annualized basis, to approximately $22.6$23.2 billion at June 30, 2018 from March 31, 2018 from December 31, 2017 largely due to $3.7 billion in acquired PCI loans from USAB on January 1, 2018. The remaining increase was mainly due to strong quarter over quarter organic growth in total commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans and residential mortgage loans. Additionally, we sold $234.2During the second quarter of 2018, Valley also originated $219 million of residential mortgage loans resulting in pre-tax gains of $6.8for sale rather than held for investment. Residential mortgage loans held for sale totaled $32.7 million during the first quarter of 2018.and $15.1 million at June 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively.

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We are optimistic that our lending activity will continue to be brisk during the remainder of 2018, despite the expectation for a gradual increaserisk of potential setbacks in customer loan demand due to higher market interest rates or other negative market and while not anticipated, any potential setbacks that could occur.economic factors. For the full year 2018, we have established a goalcurrently expect to grow our overall loan portfolio in the range of 78 to 910 percent, adjusted for the recent USAB acquisition and loan sales. However, there can be no assurance that we will

50




achieve such levels given the potential for unforeseen changes in consumer confidence, the economy and other market conditions, or that the overall loan portfolio balance will not decline from March 31,June 30, 2018. See further details on our loan activities under the “Loan Portfolio” section below.
Asset Quality. Our past due loans and non-accrual loans discussed further 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. Our PCI loan portfolio totaled $4.9$4.6 billion, or 21.820.0 percent of our total loan portfolio, at March 31,June 30, 2018 and included $3.6 billionis largely comprised of loans acquired from USAB.
Total accruing past due non-PCI loans (i.e., loans past due 30 days or more and still accruing interest) decreased $47.3were $33.3 million, or 0.14 percent of total loans, at June 30, 2018 and remained relatively unchanged as compared to $33.2 million, or 0.15 percent of total loans, at March 31, 2018 as compared to $80.5 million, or 0.44 percent of total loans, at December 31, 2017.2018. Total non-performing assets, consisting of non-accrual loans, other real estate owned (OREO) and other repossessed assets increased $17.5$22.1 million to $75.0$97.1 million at March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to DecemberMarch 31, 20172018 mainly due to increasesan increase of $24.1 million in non-accrual loans, andpartially offset by a $2.0 million decline in OREO during the firstsecond quarter of 2018. OREO totaled $13.8 millionThe increase in non-accrual loans was primarily related to taxi medallion loans totaling $31.1 million. As a result, non-accrual loans increased to 0.36 percent of total loans at June 30, 2018 as compared to 0.27 percent of total loans at March 31, 2018 and included $4.1 million of acquired OREO from USAB.2018.
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 strength of the U.S. economy and the housing and labor markets, as well as other market factors that may continue to negatively impact the performance of our $136.1$134.9 million taxi medallion loan portfolio, management cannot provide assurance that our non-performing assets will not increase from the levels reported as of March 31,June 30, 2018. See the "Non-Performing Assets" section below for further analysis of our asset quality.
Deposits and Other Borrowings. The mix of the deposit categories of total average deposits for the second quarter of 2018 remained stable as compared to the first quarter of 2018 reflected awith moderate decline inbalance shifts to both non-interest bearing deposits and corresponding increase in time deposits as compared tofrom the fourth quarter of 2017.other deposit categories. Average non-interest bearing deposits, savings, NOW and money market deposits, and time deposits represented approximately 28 percent, 5150 percent and 2122 percent of total deposits as of March 31,June 30, 2018, respectively. Overall, average deposits totaled $21.9$21.8 billion for the second quarter of 2018 and decreased by $35.5 million as compared to the first quarter of 2018, and increased by $4.1 billion as compared to the fourth quarter of 2017, and actual ending balances for deposits increased $3.8 billiondecreased $319.1 million to approximately $22.0$21.6 billion at June 30, 2018 from March 31, 2018 from December 31, 2017.2018. The increasesdecreases in both average and ending deposit balances were largely due to run-off within the $3.6 billion ofNOW and money market deposit accounts caused, in part, by strong market competition for deposits, assumed from USAB on January 1, 2018. The remaining increases were largely due to the continued success of our time depositas well as normal fluctuations in municipal and other interest bearingescrow deposit initiatives commencingaccount balances. In response, Valley implemented several new deposit gathering campaigns and strategies in 2017.the later part of the second quarter of 2018 and July 2018 to better position its deposit offerings for both consumers and businesses.
Average short-term borrowings increased $476.1$679.6 million to $1.5$2.2 billion for the firstsecond quarter of 2018 as compared to the fourthfirst quarter of 2017.2018. Actual ending balances for short-term borrowings also increased $869.8 million$1.3 billion to $1.6$2.9 billion at March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to DecemberMarch 31, 2017.2018. Both the increases in average and ending short-term borrowings were largely due to $650 million of borrowings assumed in the USAB acquisition, consisting of FHLB borrowings and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. The change in average short-term borrowings was also impacted by significant repayments ofnew FHLB advances used for normal loan funding activity and liquidity purposes, and supplementing the expected short term decline in the latter half of the fourth quarter of 2017 caused by deposit growth and a slight shift to additional long-term borrowings in our funding composition.deposits at June 30, 2018.
Average long-term borrowings (which include junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts which are presented separately on the consolidated statements of condition) increaseddecreased by $88.3$148.4 million to $2.4$2.3 billion for the firstsecond quarter of 2018 as compared to the fourthfirst quarter of 2017.2018. Actual ending balances for long-term borrowings also increased $37.7decreased $249.6 million to $2.4$2.1 billion at March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to DecemberMarch 31, 2017.2018. Both the increasesdecreases in average and ending long-term borrowings were due, in part, to subordinated notesa few FHLB advance maturities and junior subordinated debentures issueda moderate shift to capital trusts assumed in the USAB acquisition.short-term borrowings at June 30, 2018.

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Selected Performance Indicators. The following table presents our annualized performance ratios for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 20172018
2017
Return on average assets0.57% 0.80%0.98% 0.86%0.78% 0.83%
Return on average assets, as adjusted0.84
 0.80
1.01
 0.86
0.93
 0.83
        
Return on average shareholders’ equity5.10
 7.69
8.88
 8.27
6.99
 7.98
Return on average shareholders’ equity, as adjusted7.48
 7.69
9.17
 8.27
8.33
 7.98
        
Return on average tangible shareholders’ equity (ROATE)7.90
 11.09
13.76
 11.88
10.82
 11.48
ROATE, as adjusted11.57
 11.09
14.21
 11.87
12.91
 11.48

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 the 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 is computed as follows:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Net income, as reported$41,965
 $46,095
$72,802
 $50,065
 $114,767
 $96,160
Add: Losses on securities transactions (net of tax)446
 13
Add: Losses (gains) on securities transactions (net of tax)26
 (13) 574
 1
Add: Legal expenses (litigation reserve impact only, net of tax)7,520
 

 
 7,520
 
Add: Merger related expenses (net of tax)*9,575
 
2,326
 
 12,014
 
Add: Income Tax Expense (USAB charge and Tax Act impacts only)2,000
 
Add: Income Tax Expense (USAB charge impact only)
 
 2,000
 
Net income, as adjusted$61,506
 $46,108
$75,154
 $50,052
 $136,875
 $96,161
 
* Merger related expenses are primarily within salary and employee benefits and professional and legal fees.other expense.

Adjusted annualized return on average assets is computed by dividing adjusted net income by average assets, as follows:
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2018
2017
 ($ in thousands)
Net income, as adjusted$61,506
 $46,108
Average assets$29,291,703
 $22,996,286
Annualized return on average assets, as adjusted0.84% 0.80%


50



 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2018
2017 2018 2017
 ($ in thousands)
Net income, as adjusted$75,154
 $50,052
 $136,875
 $96,161
Average assets$29,778,210
 $23,396,259
 $29,536,301
 $23,197,377
Annualized return on average assets, as adjusted1.01% 0.86% 0.93% 0.83%

Adjusted annualized return on average shareholders' equity is computed by dividing adjusted net income by average shareholders' equity, as follows:

52




Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Net income, as adjusted$61,506
 $46,108
$75,154
 $50,052
 $136,875
 $96,161
Average shareholders' equity$3,289,815
 $2,399,159
$3,279,616
 $2,420,848
 $3,284,687
 $2,410,063
Annualized return on average shareholders' equity, as adjusted7.48% 7.69%9.17% 8.27% 8.33% 7.98%

ROATE and adjusted ROATE are computed by dividing net income and adjusted net income, respectively, by average shareholders’ equity less average goodwill and average other intangible assets, as follows:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Net income$41,965
 $46,095
$72,802
 $50,065
 $114,767
 $96,160
Net income, as adjusted$61,506
 $46,108
$75,154
 $50,052
 $136,875
 $96,161
Average shareholders’ equity$3,289,815
 $2,399,159
$3,279,616
 $2,420,848
 $3,284,687
 $2,410,063
Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets(1,164,230) (736,178)(1,163,575) (734,616) (1,163,901) (735,393)
Average tangible shareholders’ equity$2,125,585
 $1,662,981
$2,116,041
 $1,686,232
 $2,120,786
 $1,674,670
Annualized ROATE7.90% 11.09%13.76% 11.88% 10.82% 11.48%
Annualized ROATE, as adjusted11.57% 11.09%14.21% 11.87% 12.91% 11.48%

In addition to the items used to calculate the net income, as adjusted, in the tables above, our net income is, from time to time, impacted by net gains on sales of loans and net impairment losses on securities recognized in non-interest income. These amounts can vary widely from period to period due to, among other factors, the amount of residential mortgage loans originated for sale and the results of our quarterly impairment analysis of the held to maturity and available for sale investment portfolios. See the “Non-Interest Income" section below for more details.
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. DuringFor the first quarter ofthree and six months ended June 30, 2018, Valley elected to reclassify fee income related to derivative interest rate swaps executed with commercial loan customers totaling $3.3 million and $7.7 million, respectively, from interest and fees on loans to other non-interest income within the presentation of our net interest margin below and 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.

Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis totaling $209.1$212.3 million for the second quarter of 2018 increased $45.3 million and $3.1 million as compared to the second quarter of 2017 and first quarter of 2018, respectively. The increase as compared to the second quarter of 2017 was largely due to the USAB acquisition effective January 1, 2018. Interest income on a tax equivalent basis increased $12.6 million to $281.6 million for the second quarter of 2018 as compared to the first quarter of 2018 mainly due to a $537.2 million increase in average loans and an 8 basis point increase in the yield on average loans. Interest expense of $69.4 million for the second quarter of 2018 increased $45.1 million and $37.7$9.5 million as compared to the first quarter of 2017 and fourth quarter of 2017, respectively,2018 largely due to the USAB acquisition. Interest incomehigher interest rates on many of our interest bearing deposit products and short-term borrowings, as well as a tax equivalent basis increased $49.1$679.6 million to $269.0 million for the first quarter of 2018 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 mainly due to a $4.1 billion increase in average loans, partially offset by a lower yield on average investment securities. The decrease in yield on average investments for the first quarter of 2018 as compared to the linked fourth quarter was due, in part, to a lower tax equivalent yield on non-taxable securities caused by the Tax Act. Interest expense of $59.9 million for the first quarter of 2018 increased $11.4 million as compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 largely driven by the interest bearing liabilities assumed from USAB and organic growth from our current deposit gathering initiatives.short-term borrowings.

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Average interest earning assets increased $5.8 billion to $26.8$27.3 billion for the firstsecond quarter of 2018 as compared to the firstsecond quarter of 2017 largely due to $3.7 billion and $522.6 million of loans and investments, respectively, acquired from USAB on January 1, 2018, as well as strong organic loan growth over the last 12 month period. Compared to the fourth

53




first quarter of 2017,2018, average interest earning assets increased by $4.8 billion$506.2 million from $21.9$26.8 billion largely due to the USAB acquisition and continued organic loan growth.growth during the first half of 2018. Average loans increased $4.1$537.2 million to $22.8 billion to $22.3 billion for the second quarter of 2018 from the first quarter of 2018 from the fourth quarter of 2017mainly due to the loans acquired from USAB and organic loan growth within the commercial real estate loan, commercial and industrial loans and residential mortgage loan portfolios.
Average total investmentsinterest bearing liabilities increased $682.9 million during$4.5 billion to $20.1 billion for the firstsecond quarter of 2018 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 mostly due to the investments acquired from USAB.
Average interest bearing liabilities increased $4.4 billion to $19.7 billion for the first quarter of 2018 as compared to the firstsecond quarter of 2017 mainly due to $3.4 billion of interest bearing liabilities assumed in the USAB acquisition and deposit growth primarily from time deposit and money market account initiatives, as well as greater use of both short- and long-term FHLB advances as part of our overall funding and liquidity strategy over the last 12 month period. Compared to the fourthfirst quarter of 2017,2018, average interest bearing liabilities increased $3.8 billion$439.3 million in the firstsecond quarter of 2018 mostly due to greater use of short-term borrowings and higher average time deposits, partially offset by run-off in the assumed interest bearing liabilities from USAB.NOW and money market deposit accounts, including some seasonal fluctuations in municipal and other escrow balances. See additional information under "Deposits and Other Borrowings" in the Executive Summary section above.

Our net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis of 3.11 percent for the second quarter of 2018 decreased by 1 basis point and 2 basis points from 3.12 percent and 3.13 percent for the second quarter of 2017 and first quarter of 2018, remained unchanged as compared to both the first quarter of 2017 and the fourth quarter of 2017.respectively. The yield on average interest earning assets increased by 111 basis pointpoints on a linked quarter basis mostly due to an increase in the yieldhigher yields on both average loans partially offset by a decline in yield on average investment securities and two less daystaxable investments, as well as one more day during the firstsecond quarter of 2018. The yield on average loans increased by 48 basis points to 4.264.34 percent for the firstsecond quarter of 2018 as compared to the fourthfirst quarter of 20172018 due to the high volume of new loan originations but was partially offset by somewhat elevated repayments of high yielding loans over the last six month period, as well as moderately lower accretion on the pre-existing purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loan portfolio (exclusive of recently acquired USAB loans).at current market rates. The yield on average taxable and non-taxable investment securities inincreased 28 basis points to 3.02 percent for the second quarter of 2018 as compared to the first quarter of 2018 decreased by 14 basis pointsdue, in part, to purchases of higher yielding securities over the last six months and 37 basis points, respectively, as compared to the fourth quarterpositive impact of 2017.increased market interest rates on the variable rate portion of our securities portfolio. The overall cost of average interest bearing liabilities was 1.22increased 16 basis points to 1.38 percent for the firstsecond quarter of 2018 and remained unchanged as compared to the linked fourthfirst quarter of 2017.2018 due to 12 and 47 basis point increases in the cost of average interest bearing deposits and short-term borrowings, respectively, largely driven by higher market interest rates. Our cost of total average deposits was 0.76 percent for the second quarter of 2018 as compared to 0.68 percent for the first quarter of 2018 as compared to 0.65 percent for the fourth quarter of 2017 due to a slight shift in average non-interest bearing deposits within the mix of total average deposits.2018.
Looking forward, we expect modest pressure on the level of our net interest margin for the third quarter of 2018 as compared to the second quarter of 2018 due to be relatively unchanged as comparedstrong market competition for deposits and the need to the first quarter of 2018.fund our targeted loan growth. However, our net interest margin may decline as compared to the firstsecond quarter of 2018 due to a multitude of other conditional and sometimes unpredictable factors that can impact our actual margin results. For example, our margin may continue to face the risk of compression in the future due to, among other factors, the relatively low level of long-term market interest rates, further repayment of higher yielding interest earning assets, and the re-pricing risk related to interest bearing deposits and short-term borrowings due to a rise in short-term market interest rates. Additionally, our investment portfolios include a large number of residential mortgage-backed securities purchased at a premium. The amortization of such premiums, which impacts both the yield and interest income recognized on such securities, may increase or decrease depending upon the level of principal prepayments and market interest rates. To manage these risks, we continuously explore ways to maximize our mix of interest earning assets on our balance sheet, while maintaining a low cost of funds to optimize our net interest margin and overall returns. The current level of weighted average interest rates on new loan originations, as well as the higher rates on variable rate loans due to the increase in both the U.S. and Valley prime rates (to 4.755.00 percent and 5.755.875 percent, respectively) in response to the Federal Reserve's 25 basis point increase in the targeted federal funds rate in the latter half of MarchMid-June 2018 should benefit both our future net interest income and margin.

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The following table reflects the components of net interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2018, March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 and March 31,June 30, 2017:

Quarterly Analysis of Average Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity and
Net Interest Income on a Tax Equivalent Basis
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 March 31, 2017June 30, 2018 March 31, 2018 June 30, 2017
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Assets                                  
Interest earning assets:                                  
Loans (1)(2)$22,302,991
 $237,587
 4.26% $18,242,690
 $192,539
 4.22% $17,313,100
 $174,356
 4.03%$22,840,235
 $247,691
 4.34% $22,302,991
 $237,587
 4.26% $17,701,676
 $181,723
 4.11%
Taxable investments (3)3,401,743
 23,262
 2.74
 2,931,144
 21,104
 2.88
 2,836,300
 19,740
 2.78
3,438,842
 25,950
 3.02
 3,401,743
 23,262
 2.74
 2,967,805
 21,065
 2.84
Tax-exempt investments (1)(3)741,001
 7,242
 3.91
 528,681
 5,651
 4.28
 612,946
 6,201
 4.05
750,896
 7,138
 3.80
 741,001
 7,242
 3.91
 581,263
 6,066
 4.17
Federal funds sold and other interest bearing deposits305,071
 926
 1.21
 230,002
 637
 1.11
 187,118
 331
 0.71
226,986
 839
 1.48
 305,071
 926
 1.21
 166,003
 279
 0.67
Total interest earning assets26,750,806
 269,017
 4.02
 21,932,517
 219,931
 4.01
 20,949,464
 200,628
 3.83
27,256,959
 281,618
 4.13
 26,750,806
 269,017
 4.02
 21,416,747
 209,133
 3.91
Allowance for loan losses(123,559)     (120,560)     (115,300)    (134,741)     (123,559)     (116,254)    
Cash and due from banks259,190
 
   240,425
     241,346
    274,557
 
   259,190
     231,960
    
Other assets2,423,553
     1,865,737
     1,938,949
    2,428,459
     2,423,553
     1,879,853
    
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities available for sale, net(18,287)     (11,108)     (18,173)    (47,024)     (18,287)     (16,047)    
Total assets$29,291,703
     $23,907,011
     $22,996,286
    $29,778,210
     $29,291,703
     $23,396,259
    
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity                                  
Interest bearing liabilities:                                  
Savings, NOW and money market deposits$11,175,982
 $22,317
 0.80% $9,085,986
 $16,762
 0.74% $9,049,446
 $10,183
 0.45%$10,978,067
 $24,756
 0.90% $11,175,982
 $22,317
 0.80% $8,803,028
 $12,715
 0.58%
Time deposits4,594,368
 14,616
 1.27
 3,478,046
 11,975
 1.38
 3,178,452
 9,553
 1.20
4,700,456
 16,635
 1.42
 4,594,368
 14,616
 1.27
 3,290,407
 10,166
 1.24
Total interest bearing deposits15,770,350
 36,933
 0.94
 12,564,032
 28,737
 0.91
 12,227,898
 19,736
 0.65
15,678,523
 41,391
 1.06
 15,770,350
 36,933
 0.94
 12,093,435
 22,881
 0.76
Short-term borrowings1,487,272
 5,732
 1.54
 1,011,130
 3,456
 1.37
 1,563,000
 3,901
 1.00
2,166,837
 10,913
 2.01
 1,487,272
 5,732
 1.54
 1,837,809
 5,516
 1.20
Long-term borrowings (4)2,432,543
 17,232
 2.83
 2,344,220
 16,344
 2.79
 1,494,273
 12,950
 3.47
2,284,132
 17,062
 2.99
 2,432,543
 17,232
 2.83
 1,679,691
 13,790
 3.28
Total interest bearing liabilities19,690,165
 59,897
 1.22
 15,919,382
 48,537
 1.22
 15,285,171
 36,587
 0.96
20,129,492
 69,366
 1.38
 19,690,165
 59,897
 1.22
 15,610,935
 42,187
 1.08
Non-interest bearing deposits6,111,684
     5,248,311
     5,138,870
    6,168,059
     6,111,684
     5,195,052
    
Other liabilities200,039
     176,992
     173,086
    201,043
     200,039
     169,424
    
Shareholders’ equity3,289,815
     2,562,326
     2,399,159
    3,279,616
     3,289,815
     2,420,848
    
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$29,291,703
     $23,907,011
     $22,996,286
    $29,778,210
     $29,291,703
     $23,396,259
    
Net interest income/interest rate spread (5)
 $209,120
 2.80%   $171,394
 2.79%   $164,041
 2.87%
 $212,252
 2.75%   $209,120
 2.80%   $166,946
 2.83%
Tax equivalent adjustment  (1,522)     (1,980)     (2,173)    (1,500)     (1,522)     (2,126)  
Net interest income, as reported  $207,598
     $169,414
     $161,868
    $210,752
     $207,598
     $164,820
  
Net interest margin (6)    3.10%     3.09%     3.09%    3.09%     3.10%     3.08%
Tax equivalent effect    0.03%     0.04%     0.04%    0.02%     0.03%     0.04%
Net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis (6)    3.13%     3.13%     3.13%    3.11%     3.13%     3.12%






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The following table reflects the components of net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:

Analysis of Average Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity and
Net Interest Income on a Tax Equivalent Basis
 Six Months Ended
 June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
 ($ in thousands)
Assets           
Interest earning assets:           
Loans (1)(2)$22,573,097
 $485,278
 4.30% $17,508,461
 $356,079
 4.07%
Taxable investments (3)3,420,395
 49,212
 2.88
 2,902,505
 40,805
 2.81
Tax-exempt investments (1)(3)745,976
 14,380
 3.86
 597,017
 12,267
 4.11
Federal funds sold and other interest bearing deposits265,813
 1,765
 1.33
 176,502
 610
 0.69
Total interest earning assets27,005,281
 550,635
 4.08
 21,184,485
 409,761
 3.87
Allowance for loan losses(129,181)     (115,780)    
Cash and due from banks266,916
     236,627
    
Other assets2,426,020
     1,909,238
    
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities available for sale, net(32,735)     (17,193)    
Total assets$29,536,301
     $23,197,377
    
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity           
Interest bearing liabilities:           
Savings, NOW and money market deposits11,076,478
 47,073
 0.85% 8,925,556
 22,898
 0.51%
Time deposits4,647,705
 31,251
 1.34
 3,234,739
 19,719
 1.22
Total interest bearing deposits15,724,183
 78,324
 1.00
 12,160,295
 42,617
 0.70
Short-term borrowings1,828,932
 16,645
 1.82
 1,701,164
 9,417
 1.11
Long-term borrowings (4)2,357,928
 34,294
 2.91
 1,587,494
 26,740
 3.37
Total interest bearing liabilities19,911,043
 129,263
 1.30
 15,448,953
 78,774
 1.02
Non-interest bearing deposits6,140,027
     5,167,116
    
Other liabilities200,544
     171,245
    
Shareholders’ equity3,284,687
     2,410,063
    
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$29,536,301
     $23,197,377
    
Net interest income/interest rate spread (5)  $421,372
 2.78%   $330,987
 2.85%
Tax equivalent adjustment  (3,022)     (4,299)  
Net interest income, as reported  $418,350
     $326,688
  
Net interest margin (6)    3.10%     3.08%
Tax equivalent effect    0.02%     0.04%
Net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis (6)    3.12%     3.12%
 
(1)Interest income is presented on a tax equivalent basis using a 21 percent and 35 percent federal tax rate for 2018 and 2017, 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 financial condition.

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(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.


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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 us 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
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Compared to March 31, 2017Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Compared to June 30, 2017 Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
Compared to June 30, 2017
Change
Due to
Volume
 
Change
Due to
Rate
 
Total
Change
Change
Due to
Volume
 
Change
Due to
Rate
 
Total
Change
 
Change
Due to
Volume
 
Change
Due to
Rate
 
Total
Change
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Interest Income:                
Loans*$52,671
 $10,560
 $63,231
$55,242
 $10,726
 $65,968
 $107,911
 $21,288
 $129,199
Taxable investments3,872
 (350) 3,522
3,494
 1,391
 4,885
 7,432
 975
 8,407
Tax-exempt investments*1,258
 (217) 1,041
1,649
 (577) 1,072
 2,909
 (796) 2,113
Federal funds sold and other interest bearing deposits279
 316
 595
131
 429
 560
 409
 746
 1,155
Total increase in interest income58,080
 10,309
 68,389
60,516
 11,969
 72,485
 118,661
 22,213
 140,874
Interest Expense:                
Savings, NOW and money market deposits2,824
 9,310
 12,134
3,681
 8,360
 12,041
 6,491
 17,684
 24,175
Time deposits4,476
 587
 5,063
4,830
 1,639
 6,469
 9,331
 2,201
 11,532
Short-term borrowings(197) 2,028
 1,831
1,127
 4,270
 5,397
 755
 6,473
 7,228
Long-term borrowings and junior subordinated debentures6,981
 (2,699) 4,282
4,605
 (1,333) 3,272
 11,594
 (4,040) 7,554
Total increase in interest expense14,084
 9,226
 23,310
14,243
 12,936
 27,179
 28,171
 22,318
 50,489
Total increase in net interest income$43,996
 $1,083
 $45,079
$46,273
 $(967) $45,306
 $90,490
 $(105) $90,385
 
*
Interest income is presented on a tax equivalent basis using a 21 percent and 35 percent federal tax rate.
rate for 2018 and 2017, respectively.

5457




Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income increased $6.5$9.2 million and $15.8 million for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to the same periodperiods of 2017. The following table presents the components of non-interest income for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Trust and investment services$3,230
 $2,744
$3,262
 $2,800
 $6,492
 $5,544
Insurance commissions3,821
 5,061
4,026
 4,358
 7,847
 9,419
Service charges on deposit accounts7,253
 5,236
6,679
 5,342
 13,932
 10,578
Losses on securities transactions, net(765) (23)
(Losses) gains on securities transactions, net(36) 22
 (801) (1)
Fees from loan servicing2,223
 1,815
2,045
 1,831
 4,268
 3,646
Gains on sales of loans, net6,753
 4,128
7,642
 4,791
 14,395
 8,919
Bank owned life insurance1,763
 2,463
2,652
 1,701
 4,415
 4,164
Other7,973
 4,296
11,799
 7,985
 19,772
 12,281
Total non-interest income$32,251
 $25,720
$38,069
 $28,830
 $70,320
 $54,550

Insurance commissions decreased $1.2$1.6 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to the first quarter ofsame period in 2017 mainly due to lower volumes of business generated by the Bank's insurance agency subsidiary.

Service charges on deposit accounts increased $2.0$1.3 million and $3.4 million for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to the first quarter ofsame periods in 2017 mostly driven by the acquisition of USAB on January 1, 2018.

Net gains on sales of loans increased $2.6$2.9 million and $5.5 million for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to the first quarter ofsame periods in 2017 largely due to a higher volume of residential mortgage loans originated for sale duringand better spreads resulting in higher gains on transactions executed in the firstsecond quarter of 2018. Residential mortgage loan originations (including both new and refinanced loans) increased $208.5$242.8 million to $372.2$437.2 million for the firstsecond quarter of 2018 as compared to $163.7from $194.4 million for the firstsecond quarter of 2017. During the firstsecond quarter of 2018, we sold $234.2$195 million of residential mortgages originated for sale as compared to $159.9$160 million of residential mortgage loans sold during the firstsecond quarter of 2017. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, we sold $430 million of residential mortgage loans as compared to $297 million for the same period one year ago. 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 originated for sale and carried at fair value at each period end. The net change in the fair value of loans held for sale resulted in net losses of $167$432 thousand and net gains of $267$167 thousand for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and net gains of $265 thousand and $848 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. See further discussions of our residential mortgage loan origination activity under the “Loan Portfolio” section of this MD&A below.

Other non-interest income increased $3.7$3.8 million and $7.5 million for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to the first quarter ofsame periods in 2017. The increase during the quarter was mostlydue, in part, to the aggregate effect of changes in the FDIC loss-share receivable which amounted to a net gain of $745 thousand for the second quarter of 2018 as compared to net reductions of $452 thousand for the same quarter in 2017, as well as a $699 thousand insurance recovery. The increase for the first half of 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017 was largely due to a $2.9 million increase in fee income related to derivative interest rate swaps executed with commercial loan customers which totaled $3.3$7.7 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to $661 thousand$4.8 million for the firstsix months ended June 30, 2017, and the aforementioned items for the second quarter of 2017.2018. Swap fee income totaled $4.4 million and $4.1 million for the second quarters of 2018 and 2017, respectively.



5558




Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense increased $52.8$30.7 million and $83.5 million for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period inperiods of 2017. The following table presents the components of non-interest expense for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Salary and employee benefits expense$93,292
 $65,927
$78,944
 $63,564
 $172,236
 $129,491
Net occupancy and equipment expense27,924
 23,035
26,901
 22,609
 54,825
 45,644
FDIC insurance assessment5,498
 5,127
8,044
 4,928
 13,542
 10,055
Amortization of other intangible assets4,293
 2,536
4,617
 2,562
 8,910
 5,098
Professional and legal fees17,047
 4,695
5,337
 4,302
 22,384
 8,997
Amortization of tax credit investments5,274
 5,324
4,470
 7,732
 9,744
 13,056
Telecommunications expense3,594
 2,659
3,015
 2,707
 6,609
 5,366
Other16,830
 11,649
18,588
 10,835
 35,418
 22,484
Total non-interest expense$173,752
 $120,952
$149,916
 $119,239
 $323,668
 $240,191

Salary and employee benefits expense increased $27.4$15.4 million and $42.7 million for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to the first quarter ofsame periods in 2017. The increase wasincreases were due, in part, to the additional staffing costs and $9.6related to the USAB acquisition, including $9.8 million of change in control, severance and retention expenses related tofor the USAB acquisition,six months ended June 30, 2018, as well as increases in both cash and stock-based incentive compensation expense. In addition to normal increases in annual compensation, Valley has also increased its investment in boththe technology and home mortgage consultant teams over the last 12-month period.

Net occupancy and equipment expense increased $4.9$4.3 million and $9.2 million for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period ofperiods in 2017 mainly due to higher technology equipment related expense and increased occupancy and other costs related to the 29-branch network acquired from USAB. Net occupancy and equipment expense included $1.1 million of USAB and higher seasonal cleaning and maintenancemerger related expenses partly due to weather conditions infor the Northeast region duringsix months ended June 30, 2018. Merger expenses within the firstcategory were immaterial for the second quarter of 2018.

Professional and legal fees increased $12.4$13.4 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to the first quarter ofsame period in 2017 mainly due to a $10.5 million charge related to an increase in our litigation reserves during the first quarter of 2018, as well as $815 thousand of merger related expenses in the first six months of 2018. See Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.information regarding litigation matters.

Amortization of other intangible assets increased $1.8$2.1 million and $3.8 million for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018as compared to the same periodperiods in 2017. The increase was primarilyincreases were mainly due to higher amortization expense of core deposit intangibles (CDI) during the first quartersix months of 2018 caused by $45.9 million of such intangibles generated by the USAB acquisition, as well as a moderate increase in the amortization expense of loan servicing rights.acquisition. See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for more details.

Other non-interest expensesexpense increased $5.2$7.8 million and $12.9 million for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to the same periodperiods in 2017 mainly due to moderate increases in several significant components of other expense, such as data processing, travel and entertainment, debit card and ATM expense, postage, and stationery and print expenses during the firstsecond quarter of 2018 largely caused by our growth both organically and through the acquisition of USAB. Other non-interest expense also included $2.6 million and $5.0 million of USAB merger related expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018.


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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

56




impacted by the amortization of tax credit investments, as well as infrequent charges within non-interest expense resulting from litigation reserves and merger expenses related to the acquisition of USAB.

The following table presents our efficiency ratio and a reconciliation of the efficiency ratio adjusted for certain items during the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Total non-interest expense$173,752
 $120,952
$149,916
 $119,239
 $323,668
 $240,191
Less: Amortization of tax credit investments (pre-tax)5,274
 5,324
(4,470) (7,732) (9,744) (13,056)
Less: Legal expenses (litigation reserve impact only, pre-tax)10,500
 

 
 (10,500) 
Less: Merger related expenses (pre-tax)
13,369
 
(3,248) 
 (16,776) 
Total non-interest expense, adjusted$144,609
 $115,628
$142,198
 $111,507
 $286,648
 $227,135
          
Net interest income$207,598
 $161,868
$210,752
 $164,820
 $418,350
 $326,688
Total non-interest income32,251
 25,720
38,069
 28,830

70,320
 54,550
Total net interest income and non-interest income$239,849
 $187,588
$248,821
 $193,650
 $488,670
 $381,238
Efficiency ratio72.44% 64.48%60.25% 61.57% 66.23% 63.00%
Efficiency ratio, adjusted60.29% 61.64%57.15% 57.58% 58.66% 59.58%

Management continuously monitors its expenses in an effort to optimize Valley's performance. Based upon these efforts and our revenue goals, we seek to achieve an adjusted efficiency ratio (as defined above) of 54 percent or less by the fourth quarter of 2018. However, we can provide no assurance that our adjusted efficiency ratio will meet our target or remain at the level reported for the third quarter of 2018.
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 totaled $19.0 million for the second quarter of 2018 as compared to $13.2 million and $20.7 million for the first quarter of 2018 as compared to $35.0and second quarter of 2017, respectively, and $32.1 million and $18.1$38.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2017six months ended June 30, 2018 and first quarter of 2017, respectively. Our effective tax rate was 20.7 percent, 23.9 percent 57.3and 29.3 percent for the second quarter of 2018, first quarter of 2018, and second quarter of 2017, respectively, and 21.9 percent and 28.228.7 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decline in the effective tax rate from the first quarter of 2018 was largely attributable to a $2 million charge included in income tax expense for the first quarter of 2018 fourth quarter of 2017, and first quarter of 2017, respectively. The higher income tax expense and effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2017 reflects a $15.4 million charge resulting from the re-measurement of Valley's estimated net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017 under the Tax Act. The first quarter of 2018 also included a $2 million charge related to effect of the USAB acquisition on our state deferred tax assets.

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. Management is currently evaluating the effect of this new legislation on our net deferred tax asset and future tax expense. We anticipate that we will realize an immaterial tax benefit during the third quarter of 2018 due to the write up of our net deferred tax asset and, prospectively, our state tax expense will increase.


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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. For the remainder of 2018, we currently estimate that our effective tax rate will range from 2021 percent to 2223 percent primarily reflecting the impacts of the Tax Act,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 Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our tax credit investments.
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 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” methodology,

57




which involves the allocation of uniform funding cost based on each segment's average earning assets 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.

The following tables present the financial data for each business segment for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
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$5,901,208
 $16,401,783
 $4,447,815
 $
 $26,750,806
$6,005,266
 $16,834,969
 $4,416,724
 $
 $27,256,959
Income (loss) before income taxes15,047
 66,966
 9,069
 (35,933) 55,149
15,713
 78,640
 11,761
 (14,351) 91,763
Annualized return on average interest earning assets (before tax)1.02% 1.63% 0.82% N/A
 0.82%1.05% 1.87% 1.07% N/A
 1.35%
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
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$5,044,814
 $12,268,286
 $3,636,364
 $
 $20,949,464
$5,125,615
 $12,576,061
 $3,715,071
 $
 $21,416,747
Income (loss) before income taxes15,404
 49,378
 9,712
 (10,328) 64,166
15,055
 58,387
 9,864
 (12,527) 70,779
Annualized return on average interest earning assets (before tax)1.22% 1.61% 1.07% N/A
 1.23%1.17% 1.86% 1.06% N/A
 1.32%


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Consumer Lending

This segment, representing approximately 25.926.3 percent of our loan portfolio at March 31,June 30, 2018, is 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 14.715.2 percent of our loan portfolio at March 31,June 30, 2018) is subject to movements in the market level of interest rates and forecasted prepayment speeds. The weighted average life of the automobile loans (representing 5.45.5 percent of total loans at March 31,June 30, 2018) 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.

Average interest earning assets in this segment increased $856.4879.7 million to $5.9$6.0 billion for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to the firstsecond quarter of 2017. The increase was largely due to $365.9 million and $109.8 million of residential mortgage loans and home equity loans, respectively, acquired from USAB on January 1, 2018 and loan growth mainly from new and refinanced residential mortgage loan originations held for investment and collateralized personal lines of credit over the last 12 months.

Income before income taxes generated by the consumer lending segment decreased $357increased $658 thousand to $15.0$15.7 million for the firstsecond quarter of 2018 as compared to $15.4$15.1 million for the firstsecond quarter of 2017 largely2017. The net interest income and non-interest income increased $5.1 million and $2.8 million for the second quarter of 2018 as compared to the second quarter of 2017. The increase in net interest income was mostly due to increasesthe increase in average loans and a higher overall yield on such loans, while the increase in non-interest expense, internal transfer expense and provision for loan losses, partially offset by an increase in net

58




interest income.income was mainly due to higher gains on sales of residential mortgage loans. Non-interest expense increased $4.9$5.7 million for the firstsecond quarter of 2018 as compared to the same quarter of 2017 mainly due to higher salaries and employee benefits expenses related to the USAB acquisition. The internal transfer expense increased $1.4$1.8 million for the firstsecond quarter of 2018 as compared to the same quarter of 2017. The provision for loan losses increased $1.2 million largely due to loan growth. See further detail in the "Allowance for Credit Losses" section. The negative impact of the aforementioned items was partially offset by a $6.5 million increase in net interest income mostly due to the increase in average loans, as well as a higher overall yield on such loans.

The net interest margin on the consumer lending portfolio increased 4decreased 6 basis points to 2.822.73 percent for the firstsecond quarter of 2018 as compared to the same quarter one year ago mainly due to a 24 basis point increase in yield on average loans, partially offset by a 2023 basis point increase in the costs associated with our funding sources. Thesources, partially offset by a 17 basis point increase in yield was mainly due to higher market interest rates on new loan volumes.average loans. The increase in our 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 2017 and 2018 and strong competition for deposits specificallynew and existing deposits. The increase in our New Jersey and New York markets.loan yield was mainly due to higher market interest rates on new loan volumes. See the "Executive Summary" and the "Net Interest Income" sections above for more details on our deposits and other borrowings.
Commercial Lending

The commercial lending segment is 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 $3.6$3.8 billion and represented 16.116.5 percent of the total loan portfolio at March 31,June 30, 2018. Commercial real estate loans and construction loans totaled $13.1$13.3 billion and represented 58.057.2 percent of the total loan portfolio at March 31,June 30, 2018.

Average interest earning assets in this segment increased $4.14.3 billion to $16.4$16.8 billion for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to the firstsecond quarter of 2017. This increase was mostly due to approximately $3.3 billion of commercial PCI loans acquired from USAB, organic loan growth and, to a much lesser extent, purchases of loan participations during the last 12 months.


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For the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, income before income taxes for the commercial lending segment increased $17.6$20.3 million to $67.0$78.6 million as compared to the same quarter of 2017 due to increases in net interest income and non-interest income, partially offset by increases in the internal transfer expense, non-interest expense and the provision for loan losses.2017. Net interest income increased $37.638.3 million to $149.3$152 million for the firstsecond quarter of 2018 as compared to the same quarter in 2017 largely due to higher average balances, as well as an increase in yield on new loan originations. Non-interest income increased $4.0 million for the first quarter of 2018 as compared to the same quarter in 2017 mainly due to fee income related to derivative interest rate swaps executed with commercial loan customers which totaled $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to $661 thousand for the first quarter of 2017. Internal transfer expense and non-interest expense increased $8.9$12.4 million and $7.9$2.6 million, respectively, during the firstsecond quarter of 2018 as compared to the same quarter in 2017 due, in part, to the USAB acquisition. The provision for credit losses increased $7.2$3.7 million to $9.2$5.1 million during the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to $2.0$1.4 million for the firstsecond quarter of 2017 due to higher allocated reserves related to impaired loans and loan growth. See further details in the "Allowance for Credit Losses" section in this MD&A.

The net interest margin for this segment remained unchanged at 3.64decreased 1 basis point to 3.61 percent for the firstsecond quarter of 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017 aslargely due to a 20 basis point increase in yield on average loans was offset by a 2023 basis point increase in the cost of our funding sources.sources, mostly offset by a 22 basis point increase in yield on average loans.


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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 Federal 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 in this segment increased $811.5$701.7 million during the firstsecond quarter of 2018 as compared to the firstsecond quarter of 2017. The increase was largely due to investment securities acquired from USAB and a $118.0$61.0 million increase in average federal funds sold and other interest bearing deposits for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to the same quarter of 2017.

For the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2018, income before income taxes for the investment management segment decreased $643 thousandincreased $1.9 million to $9.1$11.8 million as compared to the firstsecond quarter in 2017 mainlylargely due to a $1.6 million increase in the internal transfer expense, partially offset by $1.7$2.6 million increase in net interest income. The increase in net interest income was mainly driven by the higher average investment balances and better yields on new investments purchased during the first quartersix months of 2018 as compared to the first quarter of 2017, partially offset by lower yield on securities.2018.

The net interest margin for this segment decreased 2611 basis points to 1.992.11 percent for the firstsecond quarter of 2018 as compared to the same quarter of 2017 largely due to a 6 basis point decrease in the yield on average investments and a 2023 basis point increase in costs associated with our funding sources.sources, partially offset by a 12 basis point increase in the yield on average investments. The decreaseincrease in the yield on average investments was partly due to the repaymentpurchases of higher yielding securities over the last 12 months.six months and the positive impact of increased market interest rates on the variable rate portion of our securities portfolio.
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, and interest expense related to subordinated notes, as well as other infrequent charges related to bank acquisitions and litigation reserves.

The pre-tax net loss for the corporate segment increased $25.6$1.8 million to $35.9$14.4 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to the firstsecond quarter in 2017. The increase in the net loss for this segment was mainly due to an increase in non-interest expense, partially offset by an increase in internal transfer income. The non-interest expense increased $39.9$22.3 million to $125.4105.3 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2017. This increase was largely due to charges related to higher salaries and employee benefits, net occupancy and equipment, and other non-interest expenses. See further details in the "Non-

63




Interest Expense" section above. Internal transfer income increased $15.8 million to $86.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the second quarter in 2017.

The following tables present the financial data for each business segment for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
Consumer
Lending
 
Commercial
Lending
 
Investment
Management
 
Corporate
and Other
Adjustments
 Total
 ($ in thousands)
Average interest earning assets$5,953,524
 $16,619,573
 $4,432,184
 $
 $27,005,281
Income (loss) before income taxes30,760
 145,606
 20,830
 (50,284) 146,912
Annualized return on average interest earning assets (before tax)1.03% 1.75% 0.94% N/A
 1.09%
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
 
Consumer
Lending
 
Commercial
Lending
 
Investment
Management
 
Corporate
and Other
Adjustments
 Total
 ($ in thousands)
Average interest earning assets$5,085,438
 $12,423,023
 $3,676,024
 $
 $21,184,485
Income (loss) before income taxes30,459
 107,765
 19,576
 (22,855) 134,945
Annualized return on average interest earning assets (before tax)1.20% 1.73% 1.07% N/A
 1.27%

Consumer Lending

Average interest earning assets in this segment increased$868.1 million to $6.0 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2018as compared to the same period in 2017. The increase was largely due to $365.9 million and $109.8 million of residential mortgage loans and home equity loans, respectively, acquired from USAB on January 1, 2018 and loan growth mainly from new and refinanced residential mortgage loan originations held for investment and collateralized personal lines of credit over the last 12 months.

Income before income taxes generated by the consumer lending segment increased $301 thousandto $30.8 millionfor the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to $30.5 million for the same period in 2017 largely due to increases of $11.7 million and $3.5 million in net interest income and non-interest income, respectively. The increased net interest income was mostly due to higher average loans and yields on new loan volumes, while the increase in non-interest income was largely due to higher gains on sales of residential mortgage loans. Non-interest expense increased $10.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017 mainly due to higher salaries and employee benefits expenses related to the USAB acquisition. The internal transfer expense increased $3.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017. The provision for loan losses increased $1.0 million largely due to loan growth. See further detail in the "Allowance for Credit Losses" section.

The net interest margin on the consumer lending portfolio decreased 1 basis point to 2.77 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period one year ago mainly due to a 21 basis point increase in the costs associated with our funding sources, mostly offset by a 20 basis point increase in yield on average loans. The increase in our 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 2017 and 2018 and intense competition for deposits specifically in our New Jersey and New York markets. The increase in yield was mainly due to higher

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market interest rates on new loan volumes. See the "Executive Summary" and the "Net Interest Income" sections above for more details on our deposits and other borrowings.
Commercial Lending

Average interest earning assets in this segment increased$4.2 billion to $16.6 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017. This increase was mostly due to approximately $3.3 billion of commercial PCI loans acquired from USAB, organic loan growth and, to a much lesser extent, purchases of loan participations during the last 12 months.

For the six months ended June 30, 2018, income before income taxes for the commercial lending segment increased $37.8 millionto $145.6 million as compared to the same period in 2017. Net interest income increased$76.0 million to $301.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017 largely due to higher average balances, as well as an increase in yield on new loan originations. Non-interest income increased $4.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017 mainly due to fee income related to derivative interest rate swaps executed with commercial loan customers which totaled $7.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to $4.8 million for the same period in 2017. Internal transfer expense and non-interest expense increased $21.3 million and $10.5 million, respectively, during the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017 due, in part, to the USAB acquisition. The provision for credit losses increased $11.0 million to $14.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to $3.4 million for the same period in 2017 due to higher allocated reserves related to impaired loans and loan growth. See further details in the "Allowance for Credit Losses" section in this MD&A.

The net interest margin for this segment increased 1 basis point to 3.63 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017 as a 22 basis point increase in yield on average loans was partially offset by a 21 basis point increase in the cost of our funding sources.
Investment Management

Average interest earning assets in this segment increased $756.2 million during the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017. The increase was largely due to investment securities acquired from USAB and an $89.3 million increase in average federal funds sold and other interest bearing deposits for the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017.

For the six months ended June 30, 2018, income before income taxes for the investment management segment increased $1.3 million to $20.8 million as compared to the same period in 2017 mainly due to a $4.3 million increase in net interest income, partially offset by a $3.2 million increase in the internal transfer expense. The increase in net interest income was mainly driven by the higher average investment balances during the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017, partially offset by lower yield on tax-exempt securities caused, in part, by the changes in tax law.

The net interest margin for this segment decreased 18 basis points to 2.05 percentfor the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017 largely due to a 21 basis point increase in costs associated with our funding sources, partially offset by a 3 basis point increase in the yield on average investments. The increase in the yield on average investments was partly due to purchases of higher yielding securities mainly over the last six months and the positive impact of increased market interest rates on the variable rate portion of our securities portfolio.
Corporate and other adjustments

The pre-tax net loss for the corporate segment increased $27.4 million to $50.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017. The increase in the net loss for this segment was mainly due to an increase in non-interest expense, partially offset by a decrease in internal transfer income. The non-interest expense increased $62.2 million to $230.7 millionfor the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the six

65




months ended June 30, 2017. This increase was largely due to higher salaries and employee benefits expenses related to the USAB acquisition and charges related to USAB merger expense and professional and legal fees for litigation reserves recognized during the first quarterhalf of 2018. See further details in the "Non-Interest Expense" section above. Internal transfer income increased $11.9$27.7 million to $86.0$172.1 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to the first quartersame period in 2017.
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

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utilize fair value analysis and attemptsattempt 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 March 31,June 30, 2018. The model assumes immediate changes in interest rates without any proactive change in the composition or size of the balance sheet, or other future actions that management might undertake to mitigate this risk. In the model, the forecasted shape of the yield curve remains static as of March 31,June 30, 2018. The impact of interest rate derivatives, such as interest rate swaps and caps, is also included in the model.

Our simulation model is based on market interest rates and prepayment speeds prevalent in the market as of March 31,June 30, 2018. Although the size of Valley’s balance sheet is forecasted to remain static as of March 31,June 30, 2018 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 the firstsecond quarter of 2018. The model also utilizes an immediate parallel shift in the market interest rates at March 31,June 30, 2018.

The assumptions used in the net interest income simulation are inherently uncertain. Actual results may differ significantly from those presented in the table below 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.


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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 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 of 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.

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Estimated Change in
Future Net Interest Income
Estimated Change in
Future Net Interest Income
Changes in Interest Rates
Dollar
Change
 
Percentage
Change
Dollar
Change
 
Percentage
Change
(in basis points)($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
+200$26,830
 3.13%$(3,900) (0.42)%
+10014,935
 1.74
(782) (0.09)
–100(40,192) (4.68)(29,558) (3.24)

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 increase net interest income over the next 12 months by 1.740.09 percent. The Bank’s sensitivity to changes in market rates changed in both size and directiondeclined as compared to December 31, 2017 (which projected a decrease of 0.35 percent in net interest income over a 12 month period). The change in interest ratethe sensitivity of our balance sheet partiallysince December 31, 2017 was primarily due to the impact of the interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities acquired from USAB acquisition in the first quarter of 2018, remains within our current objectives for generating2018. However, the net interest income. In addition, we believe the balance sheet remains well-positioned to respond positively to a rising market interest rate environment. Our current asset sensitivity toof the acquired financial instruments was largely mitigated by a 100 basis point immediatesignificant increase in interest rates is impacted by, among other factors, asset cash flow and repricing characteristics, complemented by a funding structure that provides for very stable earnings and low volatility.short-term borrowings during the second quarter of 2018. Future changes including, but not limited to, 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.

Our interest rate swaps and cap designated as cash flow hedging relationships are designed to protect us from upward movements in interest rates on certain deposits and other borrowings based on the three-month LIBOR rate or the prime rate (as reported by The Wall Street Journal). Our cash flow interest rate swaps had a total notional value of $482 million at March 31,June 30, 2018 and currently pay fixed and receive floating rates. We also utilize fair value and non-designated hedge interest rate swaps to effectively convert fixed rate loans, and a much smaller amount of certain brokered certificates of deposit, to floating rate instruments. The cash flow hedges are expected to benefit our net interest income in a rising interest rate environment. However, due to the relatively low level of market interest rates and the strike rate of these instruments, the cash flow hedge interest rate swaps and cap negatively impacted our net interest income during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018. This negative trend will likely continue based upon the current market expectations regarding the Federal Reserve’s monetary policies which are designed to impact the level of market interest rates. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for further details on our derivative transactions.
Liquidity

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 monitored by our Asset/Liability Management Committee and the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors of Valley National Bank, which review historical funding requirements, current liquidity position, sources and stability of funding, marketability of

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assets, options for attracting additional funds, and anticipated 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 maintains that we may not have a ratio of loans to deposits in excess of 125 percent or reliance on wholesale funding greater than 25 percent of total funding. The Bank was in compliance with the foregoing policies at March 31,June 30, 2018.


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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 liquid assets totaled approximately $2.4 billion, representing 9.28.9 percent of earning assets, at March 31,June 30, 2018 and $2.0 billion, representing 9.3 percent of earning assets, at December 31, 2017. Of the $2.4 billion of liquid assets at March 31,June 30, 2018, approximately $1.1$1.0 billion of various investment securities were pledged to counterparties to support our earning asset funding strategies. We anticipate the receipt of approximately $428 million in principal from securities in the total investment portfolio over the next 12 months due to normally scheduled principal repayments and expected prepayments of certain securities, primarily residential mortgage-backed securities.

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 March 31,June 30, 2018) are projected to be approximately $6.2$6.1 billion over the next 12 months. 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. Average core deposits totaled approximately $19.4$19.6 billion and $15.4 billion for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and for the year ended December 31, 2017, respectively, representing 72.7 percent and 71.8 percent of average earning assets for the respective periods. 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.

Additional funding may be provided through deposit gathering networks and in the form of federal funds purchased through our well established relationships with numerous correspondent banks. While there are no firm lending commitments currently in place, management believes that we could borrow approximately $707 million for a short timeterm from these banks on a collective basis. The Bank is also a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLB) 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. Furthermore, we are able to obtain overnight borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank via the discount window as a contingency for additional liquidity. At March 31,June 30, 2018, our borrowing capacity under the Federal Reserve's discount window was $1.1 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 increased $869.8 million$2.1 billion to $1.6$2.9 billion at March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to December 31, 2017 largely due to $650 million of borrowings assumed in the USAB acquisition, consisting of FHLB borrowings and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. The remaining increase was mostly due to new FHLB advances used for normal loan funding activity and liquidity purposes during the first quarterhalf of 2018. Additionally, we assumed $650 billion of borrowings in the USAB acquisition, consisting of FHLB borrowings and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. The change in short-term borrowings is generally driven by the levels of loan originations (including residential mortgages originatedboth for sale),

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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.
Corporation Liquidity

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

63




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

As of March 31,June 30, 2018, we had $2.0 billion and $1.8 billion in held to maturity and available for sale investment securities, respectively. Our total investment portfolio was comprised of U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government agencies,agency securities, tax-exempt issuances of states and political subdivisions, residential mortgage-backed securities (including 9 private label mortgage-backed securities), single-issuer trust preferred securities principally issued by bank holding companies (including 1 pooled security) and high quality corporate bonds issued by banks at March 31,June 30, 2018. 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.

Among other securities, our investments in the private label mortgage-backed securities, trust preferred securities and bank issued corporate bonds 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 and, if applicable, the underlying mortgage loan collateral of the security.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Analysis

We may be required to record impairment charges on our investment securities if they suffer a decline in value that is considered other-than-temporary. Numerous factors, including lack of liquidity 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 investment securities in future periods. See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for additional information regarding our impairment analysis by security type.

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.

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The following table presents the held to maturity and available for sale investment securities portfolios by investment grades at March 31, 2018.June 30, 2018:
March 31, 2018June 30, 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)
Held to maturity investment grades:*              
AAA Rated$1,558,038
 $11,134
 $(38,128) $1,531,044
$1,557,675
 $9,178
 $(43,161) $1,523,692
AA Rated295,004
 4,910
 (1,708) 298,206
290,368
 4,329
 (1,922) 292,775
A Rated40,002
 617
 (313) 40,306
39,984
 547
 (321) 40,210
BBB Rated3,000
 49
 
 3,049
Non-investment grade3,509
 87
 (16) 3,580
7,413
 57
 (1,149) 6,321
Not rated152,030
 152
 (10,364) 141,818
131,754
 132
 (9,151) 122,735
Total investment securities held to maturity$2,048,583
 $16,900
 $(50,529) $2,014,954
$2,030,194
 $14,292
 $(55,704) $1,988,782
Available for sale investment grades:*              
AAA Rated$1,658,739
 $1,335
 $(44,756) $1,615,318
$1,669,102
 $965
 $(52,074) $1,617,993
AA Rated104,307
 84
 (1,463) 102,928
96,485
 70
 (1,907) 94,648
A Rated36,916
 54
 (466) 36,504
43,431
 143
 (481) 43,093
BBB Rated20,710
 150
 (223) 20,637
12,145
 67
 (272) 11,940
Non-investment grade7,286
 369
 (1,641) 6,014
20,281
 587
 (1,450) 19,418
Not rated62,377
 548
 (812) 62,113
47,509
 84
 (1,218) 46,375
Total investment securities available for sale$1,890,335
 $2,540
 $(49,361) $1,843,514
$1,888,953
 $1,916
 $(57,402) $1,833,467
 
*Rated using external rating agencies (primarily S&P and Moody’s). Ratings categories include the 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 investments 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 $152.0$131.8 million in investments not rated by the rating agencies with aggregate unrealized losses of $10.4$9.2 million at March 31,June 30, 2018. The unrealized losses for this category included $6.8$6.6 million of unrealized losses related to four single-issuer bank trust preferred issuances with a combined amortized cost of $36.0 million. All single-issuer trust preferred securities classified as held 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 upon our quarterly review at March 31,June 30, 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 three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017 as the collateral supporting much of the investment securities has improved or performed as expected.

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Loan Portfolio

The following table reflects the composition of the loan portfolio as of the dates presented:
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 September 30,
2017
 June 30,
2017
 March 31,
2017
June 30,
2018
 March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 September 30, 2017 June 30,
2017
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Loans                  
Commercial and industrial$3,631,597
 $2,741,425
 $2,706,912
 $2,631,312
 $2,642,319
$3,829,525
 $3,631,597
 $2,741,425
 $2,706,912
 $2,631,312
Commercial real estate:                  
Commercial real estate11,706,228
 9,496,777
 9,351,068
 9,230,514
 9,016,418
11,913,830
 11,706,228
 9,496,777
 9,351,068
 9,230,514
Construction1,372,508
 851,105
 903,640
 881,073
 835,854
1,376,732
 1,372,508
 851,105
 903,640
 881,073
Total commercial real estate13,078,736
 10,347,882
 10,254,708
 10,111,587
 9,852,272
13,290,562
 13,078,736
 10,347,882
 10,254,708
 10,111,587
Residential mortgage3,321,560
 2,859,035
 2,941,435
 2,724,777
 2,745,447
3,528,682
 3,321,560
 2,859,035
 2,941,435
 2,724,777
Consumer:                  
Home equity549,329
 446,280
 448,842
 450,510
 458,891
520,849
 549,329
 446,280
 448,842
 450,510
Automobile1,222,721
 1,208,902
 1,171,685
 1,150,343
 1,150,053
1,281,735
 1,222,721
 1,208,902
 1,171,685
 1,150,343
Other consumer748,824
 728,056
 677,880
 642,231
 600,516
783,363
 748,824
 728,056
 677,880
 642,231
Total consumer loans2,520,874
 2,383,238
 2,298,407
 2,243,084
 2,209,460
2,585,947
 2,520,874
 2,383,238
 2,298,407
 2,243,084
Total loans *
$22,552,767
 $18,331,580
 $18,201,462
 $17,710,760
 $17,449,498
$23,234,716
 $22,552,767
 $18,331,580
 $18,201,462
 $17,710,760
As a percent of total loans:                  
Commercial and industrial16.1% 15.0% 14.9% 14.8% 15.1%16.5% 16.1% 15.0% 14.9% 14.8%
Commercial real estate58.0% 56.4% 56.3% 57.1% 56.5%57.2% 58.0% 56.4% 56.3% 57.1%
Residential mortgage14.7% 15.6% 16.2% 15.4% 15.7%15.2% 14.7% 15.6% 16.2% 15.4%
Consumer loans11.2% 13.0% 12.6% 12.7% 12.7%11.1% 11.2% 13.0% 12.6% 12.7%
Total100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
 
*Includes net unearned premiums and deferred loan costs of $18.7 million, $22.0 million, $22.2 million, $18.5 million, and $16.7 million and $15.7 million at June 30, 2018, March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017, September 30, 2017 and June 30, 2017 and March 31, 2017, respectively.

Loans increased $4.2 billion$681.9 million to approximately $22.6$23.2 billion at June 30, 2018 from March 31, 2018 from December 31, 2017 largely due to $3.7 billion in acquired PCI loans from USAB on January 1, 2018. The remaining increase was mainly due to strong quarter over quarter organic growth in total commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans and residential mortgage loans. During the firstsecond quarter of 2018, Valley also originated $228$219 million of residential mortgage loans for sale rather than held for investment. Residential mortgage loans held for sale totaled $8.4$32.7 million and $15.1 million at June 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively.

Total commercial and industrial loans increased $890.2$197.9 million from December 31, 2017 to approximately $3.6 billion at March 31, 2018 to approximately $3.8 billion at June 30, 2018, despite the $87.4 million decline in the PCI loan portion of the portfolio during the second quarter of 2018. Exclusive of the decline in PCI loans, the non-PCI commercial and industrial loans increased by $285.4 million, or 41.7 percent on an annualized basis, mostly due to $721.6 million in PCI loans acquired from USAB and strong quarter over quarter organic growth largely withinduring the newly expanded Florida markets.second quarter of 2018.

Commercial real estate loans (excluding construction loans) increased $2.2 billion$207.6 million from December 31, 2017 to $11.7 billion at March 31, 2018 mostly due to $2.0$11.9 billion at June 30, 2018, net of a normal decline in PCI loans acquired from USAB. Theloans. During the second quarter of 2018, non-PCI loans increased $242.9$304.9 million, or 11.313.9 percent on an annualized basis, due to solid organic loan volumes in our primary markets, including approximately $129 milliongenerated across a broad based segment of loans fromborrowers within the new Florida markets.commercial real estate portfolio. Construction loans increased $521.4$4.2 million (net of a $41.7 million decline in PCI loans) to $1.4 billion at June 30, 2018 from March 31, 2018 from December 31, 2017 largely due to $384.5 million 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.2018.

Total residential mortgage loans increased $462.5$207.1 million to approximately $3.3$3.5 billion at June 30, 2018 from March 31, 2018 from December 31, 2017 mostly due to $365.9 million in PCI loans acquiredstrong production from USAB and new and refinanced loan originations held for investment. Ourour growing team of home mortgage consultants continued to produce strong

66




origination volumes during the firstsecond quarter of 2018. New and refinanced residential mortgage loan originations totaled approximately $437 million for the second quarter of 2018 as compared to $372 millionand $194 million for the first quarter of 2018 as compared to $291 million and $164 million for the fourth quarter of 2017 and first second

71




quarter of 2017, respectively. We sold approximately $195 million of residential mortgage loans during the second quarter of 2018.
Home equity loans totaling $549.3$520.8 million at March 31,June 30, 2018 increaseddecreased by $103.0$28.5 million as compared to DecemberMarch 31, 20172018 partly due to $109.8a decline of $14.2 million ofin the PCI loans acquired from USAB. Exclusiveloan portion of the acquired loans, newportfolio during the second quarter of 2018. New home equity loan volumes and customer usage of existing home equity lines of credit continuescontinue to be weak. We believe this trend may continue in 2018 due to many factors, including the recent Tax Act changes that limit the deductibility of mortgage interest expense for homeowners.
Automobile loans increased by $13.8$59.0 million, or 4.619.3 percent on an annualized basis, to $1.2$1.3 billion at March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to DecemberMarch 31, 2017. However, the overall new auto2018. Overall loan origination volumes decreased approximately 12.9 percentimproved during the firstsecond quarter of 2018 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 mainlylargely due to the impact of inclement weather on auto sales in the Northeast region.region during the first quarter of 2018. Our Florida dealership network contributed over $35$41 million in auto loan originations, representing approximately 2422 percent of Valley's total new auto loan production during the firstsecond quarter of 2018 and was relatively consistent with the linked fourthfirst quarter of 2017.2018.
Other consumer loans increased $20.8$34.5 million to $783.4 million at June 30, 2018 as compared to $748.8 million at March 31, 2018 as compared to $728.1 million at December 31, 2017 partlymostly due to $10.6 million of PCI loans acquired from USAB and continued growth and customer usage of collateralized personal lines of credit.
Most of our lending is in northern and central New Jersey, New York City, Long Island, Florida and, to a much lesser extent, Alabama, with the exception of smaller auto and residential mortgage loan portfolios derived from other neighboring states, which could present a geographic and credit risk if there was another significant broad based economic downturn within these regions. 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.
Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans

PCI loans increased $3.5$3.2 billion to $4.9$4.6 billion at March 31,June 30, 2018 from $1.4 billion at December 31, 2017, mainly due to $3.7 billion in acquiredof PCI loans acquired from USAB on January 1, 2018. Our PCI loans also 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 primarily of residential mortgage and other consumer loans, totaled $33.2$31.1 million and $38.7 million at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

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

67




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

72




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 annual 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 was subsequently aggregated on a pool basis. The expected payment data, discount rates, impairment data and changes to the accretable yield were 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.
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 table summarizes the changes in the carrying amounts of PCI loans and the accretable yield on these loans for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017.2017:
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended June 30,
2018 20172018 2017
Carrying
Amount
 
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Accretable
Yield
Carrying
Amount
 
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Accretable
Yield
(in thousands)(in thousands)
PCI loans:              
Balance, beginning of the period$1,387,215
 $282,009
 $1,771,502
 $294,514
$4,915,833
 $691,086
 $1,654,701
 $269,831
Acquisition3,744,682
 474,208
 
 
Accretion65,131
 (65,131) 24,683
 (24,683)60,536
 (60,536) 23,553
 (23,553)
Payments received(281,050) 
 (137,950) 
(328,620) 
 (136,785) 
Transfers to other real estate owned(145) 
 (3,534) 
(48) 
 
 
Balance, end of the period$4,915,833
 $691,086
 $1,654,701
 $269,831
$4,647,701
 $630,550
 $1,541,469
 $246,278

 Six Months Ended June 30,
 2018 2017
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Accretable
Yield
 (in thousands)
PCI loans:       
Balance, beginning of the period$1,387,215
 $282,009
 $1,771,502
 $294,514
Acquisition3,744,682
 474,208
 
 
Accretion125,667
 (125,667) 48,236
 (48,236)
Payments received(609,670) 
 (274,735) 
Transfers to other real estate owned(193) 
 (3,534) 
Balance, end of the period$4,647,701
 $630,550
 $1,541,469
 $246,278


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Non-performing Assets
Non-performing assets (excluding PCI loans) include non-accrual loans, other real estate owned (OREO) and other repossessed assets (which consist of automobiles) at March 31,June 30, 2018. 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 cost or fair value, less estimated costs to sell, thereafter. Our non-performing assets totaling $75.0$97.1 million at June 30, 2018 increased29.5 percent and 77.9 percent from March 31, 2018 increased 30.4 percent from December 31, 2017 and 45.5 percent from March 31,June 30, 2017, respectively, (as shown in the table below). The increase from March 31, 2017in non-performing assets at June 30, 2018 was mainly due to higherthe addition of $31.1 million of taxi medallion loans to non-accrual loan balances within the commercial and industrial and residential loan categories, as well as higher OREO balances.loans during the second quarter of 2018. Non-performing assets as a percentage of total loans and non-performing assets totaled 0.33 percent and 0.310.42 percent at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Overall, we believe total non-performing assets has remained relatively low as a percentage of the total loan portfolio and non-performing assets over the last 12 month period and is reflective of our consistent approach to the loan underwriting criteria for both Valley originated loans and loans purchased from third parties.June 30, 2018. 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 details regarding performing and non-performing PCI loans, see the "Credit quality indicators" section in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.


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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: 
 March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 September 30,
2017
 June 30,
2017
 March 31, 2017
 ($ in thousands)
Accruing past due loans:* 
30 to 59 days past due:         
Commercial and industrial$5,405
 $3,650
 $1,186
 $2,391
 $29,734
Commercial real estate3,699
 11,223
 4,755
 6,983
 11,637
Construction532
 12,949
 
 
 7,760
Residential mortgage6,460
 12,669
 7,942
 4,677
 7,533
Total Consumer5,244
 8,409
 5,205
 4,393
 3,740
Total 30 to 59 days past due21,340
 48,900
 19,088
 18,444
 60,404
60 to 89 days past due:         
Commercial and industrial804
 544
 3,043
 2,686
 341
Commercial real estate
 
 626
 8,233
 359
Construction1,099
 18,845
 2,518
 854
 
Residential mortgage4,081
 7,903
 1,604
 1,721
 4,177
Total Consumer1,489
 1,199
 1,019
 1,007
 787
Total 60 to 89 days past due7,473
 28,491
 8,810
 14,501
 5,664
90 or more days past due:         
Commercial and industrial653
 
 125
 
 405
Commercial real estate27
 27
 389
 2,315
 
Construction
 
 
 2,879
 
Residential mortgage3,361
 2,779
 1,433
 3,353
 1,355
Total Consumer372
 284
 301
 275
 314
Total 90 or more days past due4,413
 3,090
 2,248
 8,822
 2,074
Total accruing past due loans$33,226
 $80,481
 $30,146
 $41,767
 $68,142
Non-accrual loans:*         
Commercial and industrial$25,112
 $20,890
 $11,983
 $11,072
 $8,676
Commercial real estate8,679
 11,328
 13,870
 15,514
 15,106
Construction732
 732
 1,116
 1,334
 1,461
Residential mortgage22,694
 12,405
 12,974
 12,825
 11,650
Total Consumer3,104
 1,870
 1,844
 1,409
 1,395
Total non-accrual loans60,321
 47,225
 41,787
 42,154
 38,288
Other real estate owned (OREO)13,773
 9,795
 10,770
 10,182
 10,737
Other repossessed assets858
 441
 480
 342
 475
Non-accrual debt securities
 
 2,115
 1,878
 2,007
Total non-performing assets (NPAs)$74,952
 $57,461
 $55,152
 $54,556
 $51,507
Performing troubled debt restructured loans$116,414
 $117,176
 $113,677
 $109,802
 $80,360
Total non-accrual loans as a % of loans0.27% 0.26% 0.23% 0.24% 0.22%
Total NPAs as a % of loans and NPAs0.33
 0.31
 0.30
 0.31
 0.29
Total accruing past due and non-accrual loans as a % of loans0.41
 0.70
 0.40
 0.47
 0.61
Allowance for loan losses as a % of non-accrual loans220.26
 255.92
 284.70
 276.24
 301.51


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 June 30,
2018
 March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 September 30,
2017
 June 30,
2017
 ($ in thousands)
Accruing past due loans:* 
30 to 59 days past due:         
Commercial and industrial$6,780
 $5,405
 $3,650
 $1,186
 $2,391
Commercial real estate4,323
 3,699
 11,223
 4,755
 6,983
Construction175
 532
 12,949
 
 
Residential mortgage7,961
 6,460
 12,669
 7,942
 4,677
Total Consumer6,573
 5,244
 8,409
 5,205
 4,393
Total 30 to 59 days past due25,812
 21,340
 48,900
 19,088
 18,444
60 to 89 days past due:         
Commercial and industrial1,533
 804
 544
 3,043
 2,686
Commercial real estate
 
 
 626
 8,233
Construction
 1,099
 18,845
 2,518
 854
Residential mortgage1,978
 4,081
 7,903
 1,604
 1,721
Total Consumer860
 1,489
 1,199
 1,019
 1,007
Total 60 to 89 days past due4,371
 7,473
 28,491
 8,810
 14,501
90 or more days past due:         
Commercial and industrial560
 653
 
 125
 
Commercial real estate27
 27
 27
 389
 2,315
Construction
 
 
 
 2,879
Residential mortgage2,324
 3,361
 2,779
 1,433
 3,353
Total Consumer198
 372
 284
 301
 275
Total 90 or more days past due3,109
 4,413
 3,090
 2,248
 8,822
Total accruing past due loans$33,292
 $33,226
 $80,481
 $30,146
 $41,767
Non-accrual loans:*         
Commercial and industrial$53,596
 $25,112
 $20,890
 $11,983
 $11,072
Commercial real estate7,452
 8,679
 11,328
 13,870
 15,514
Construction1,100
 732
 732
 1,116
 1,334
Residential mortgage19,303
 22,694
 12,405
 12,974
 12,825
Total Consumer3,003
 3,104
 1,870
 1,844
 1,409
Total non-accrual loans84,454
 60,321
 47,225
 41,787
 42,154
Other real estate owned (OREO)11,760
 13,773
 9,795
 10,770
 10,182
Other repossessed assets864
 858
 441
 480
 342
Non-accrual debt securities
 
 
 2,115
 1,878
Total non-performing assets (NPAs)$97,078
 $74,952
 $57,461
 $55,152
 $54,556
Performing troubled debt restructured loans$83,694
 $116,414
 $117,176
 $113,677
 $109,802
Total non-accrual loans as a % of loans0.36% 0.27% 0.26% 0.23% 0.24%
Total NPAs as a % of loans and NPAs0.42
 0.33
 0.31
 0.30
 0.31
Total accruing past due and non-accrual loans as a % of loans0.51
 0.41
 0.70
 0.40
 0.47
Allowance for loan losses as a % of non-accrual loans164.30
 220.26
 255.92
 284.70
 276.24
 
* Past due loans and non-accrual loans exclude PCI loans that are accounted for on a pool basis.

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Loans past due 30 to 59 days decreased $27.6increased $4.5 million to $21.3$25.8 million at March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to December 31, 2017 largely due to decreases across most of the loan types mostly due to improved performance. Construction loans past due 30 to 59 days decreased by $12.4 million mainly due to 2 loan relationships included in this category at December 31, 2017 which were current to their contractual payments at March 31, 2018. The commercial real estate loans past due 30 to 59 days decreased $7.5 million at March 31, 2018 largely due to increases in several loan types. Commercial and industrial loans increased $1.4 million mainly due to NYC taxi medallion loans at the first quarter refinanceearly stage of 3delinquency reported within this category at June 30, 2018 that are subsequently performing matured loansto their contractual terms or in the normal process of renewal included at December 31, 2017.renewal.

Loans past due 60 to 89 days decreased $21.0$3.1 million to $7.5$4.4 million at June 30, 2018 as compared to March 31, 2018 mainly due to decreases across most of the loan types within this delinquency category. Construction loans decreased $1.1 million due to the migration of one potential problem loan relationship at March 31, 2018 as compared to December 31, 2017 mostly due to a $17.7 million decrease in constructionthe non-accrual loans category at June 30, 2018. Residential loan delinquencies within this past due category. This decrease was mainlycategory decreased $1.5 million largely due to a few loan relationships in the normal process of renewal or collection that were included in this loan category at December 31, 2017.improved performance.

Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing increaseddecreased $1.3 million to $3.1 million at June 30, 2018 as compared to $4.4 million at March 31, 2018 as comparedmainly due to $3.1 million at December 31, 2017.improved performance. 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 $13.1$24.1 million to $84.5 million at June 30, 2018 as compared to $60.3 million at March 31, 2018 mainly due to taxi medallion loans totaling $31.1 million (See further discussion of our taxi medallion lending below) moved to non-accrual status during the second quarter of 2018. As a result, non-accrual loans increased to 0.36 percent of total loans at June 30, 2018 as compared to $47.2 million at December 31, 2017 mainly due to increases in residential and commercial and industrial loan delinquencies. Non-accrual residential mortgage loans increased by $10.3 million at March 31, 2018 from December 31, 2017 and represent 0.680.27 percent of total residential mortgage loans at March 31, 2018. While we can provide no assurances, we believe the overall performance of the residential mortgage loan portfolio is stable and the increase does not present an expected negative future trend in credit quality. Commercial and industrialIn addition, non-accrual construction loans increased $4.2 million from December 31, 2017 mainly$368 thousand due to a $4.6the aforementioned $1.1 million classified loan that was placed on non-accrual at March 31, 2018. Non-accrual classified taxi cab medallions included within thismigrated from the 90 days or more past due delinquency category, totaled $13.9 million and $14.2 millionpartially offset by one non-accrual loan totaling $732 thousand reported at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. See further discussionthat paid-off during the second quarter of our taxi cab medallion loan portfolio below.2018.

During the firstsecond quarter of 2018, we continued to closely monitor our NYC and Chicago taxi medallion loans totaling $125.9 million and $9.0 million, respectively, within the commercial and industrial loan portfolio.portfolio at June 30, 2018. While the vast majority of the taxi medallion loans are currently performing, negative trends in the market valuations of the underlying taxi medallion collateral could impact the future performance and internal classification of this portfolio. At March 31, 2018, the NYC and Chicago taxi medallion loans totaling $126.8 million and $9.3 million, respectively, were largely classified as substandard and special mention loans. The criticized loan classifications are primarily due to the elevated general risk associated with the current medallion market. At March 31,June 30, 2018, the medallion portfolio included impaired loans totaling $65.0$64.7 million with related reserves of $19.9$23.2 million within the allowance for loan losses as compared to impaired loans totaling $63.9$65.0 million with related reserves of $9.1$19.9 million at DecemberMarch 31, 2017.2018. At March 31,June 30, 2018, the impaired medallion loans largely consisted of performing troubled debt restructured (TDR) loans classified as substandard loans, as well as $13.9$44.7 million of non-accrual taxi cab medallion loans classified as doubtful loans.doubtful. Our non-accrual taxi medallion loans increased from $13.9 million at March 31, 2018 primarily due to weakened levels of cash flow, collateral and guarantor support in relation to several previously impaired TDR loans, and not due to actual loan performance.
Valley's historical taxi medallion lending criteria had been conservative in regards to capping the loan amounts in relation to market valuations, as well as obtaining personal guarantees and other collateral in certain instances. However, the severe decline in the market valuation of taxi medallions has adversely affected the estimated fair valuation of these loans and, as a result, increased the level of our allowance for loan losses at March 31,June 30, 2018 (See the "Allowance for Credit Losses" section below). Potential further declines in the market valuation of taxi medallions could also negatively impact the future performance of this portfolio. For example, a 25 percent decline in our current estimated market value of the taxi medallions would require additional allocated reserves of approximately $10.5$10 million within the allowance for loan losses based upon the impaired taxi medallion loan balances at March 31,June 30, 2018. Additionally, Valley currently has $32.1 million of performing non-impaired taxi medallion loans which are scheduled to mature during 2018 and 2019, and $21.0 million that mature between 2023 and 2027. If the loans with 2018 and 2019 maturities became TDRs upon maturity and renewal, an additional reserve of $9.9 million would be required based on the allowance methodology at June 30, 2018. 
OREO properties increased $4.0decreased $2.0 million to $11.8 million at June 30, 2018 from $13.8 million at March 31, 2018 from $9.8 million at December 31, 2017 primarily due to higher volume of sales of OREO properties acquired inproperties. Net gains and losses on the USAB acquisitionsale of OREO were immaterial during the first quarter ofsix months ended June 30, 2018. See Note 2 to

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the consolidated financial statements for further details. The residential mortgage and consumer loans secured by residential real estate properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings are in process totaled $3.9$1.8 million at March 31,June 30, 2018.

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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 $762 thousand$32.7 million to $83.7 million at June 30, 2018 as compared to $116.4 million at March 31, 2018 as comparedmainly due to $117.2taxi medallion loans totaling $27.9 million at December 31, 2017.migrating to non-accrual loans category. Performing TDRs consisted of 139101 loans (primarily in the commercial and industrial loan and commercial real estate portfolios). at June 30, 2018. On an aggregate basis, the $116.4$83.7 million in performing TDRs at March 31,June 30, 2018 had a modified weighted average interest rate of approximately 4.455.46 percent as compared to a pre-modification weighted average interest rate of 4.304.83 percent. The increase in the modified weighted average interest rate of the performing TDRs as compared to the pre-modification weighted average interest rate was largely due to loans restructured at higher current market interest rates, but with extended loan terms.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The allowance for credit losses includes the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded commercial letters of credit. Management maintains the allowance for credit losses at a level estimated to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio 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 and industrial, commercial real estate (including construction), residential mortgage, 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 credit loss methodology and accounting policy are fully described in Part II, Item 7 and Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate adequacy of the allowance for credit losses is dependent upon a variety of factors largely beyond our control, including the view of the OCC toward loan classifications, performance of the loan portfolio, and the economy. The OCC 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.

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The table below summarizes the relationship among loans, loans charged-off, loan recoveries, the provision for credit losses and the allowance for credit losses for the periods indicated.
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 March 31,
2017
June 30,
2018
 March 31,
2018
 June 30,
2017
 June 30,
2018
 June 30,
2017
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Average loans outstanding$22,302,991
 $18,242,690
 $17,313,100
$22,840,235
 $22,302,991
 $17,701,676
 $22,573,097
 $17,508,461
Beginning balance - Allowance for credit losses124,452
 121,480
 116,604
136,704
 124,452
 117,696
 124,452
 116,604
Loans charged-off:              
Commercial and industrial(131) (532) (1,714)(642) (131) (2,910) (773) (4,624)
Commercial real estate(310) (6) (414)(38) (310) (139) (348) (553)
Construction
 
 

 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage(68) (42) (130)(99) (68) (229) (167) (359)
Total Consumer(1,211) (1,097) (1,121)(1,422) (1,211) (1,011) (2,633) (2,132)
Total charge-offs(1,720) (1,677) (3,379)(2,201) (1,720) (4,289) (3,921) (7,668)
Charged-off loans recovered:              
Commercial and industrial2,107
 1,256
 848
819
 2,107
 312
 2,926
 1,160
Commercial real estate369
 22
 142
15
 369
 346
 384
 488
Construction
 579
 

 
 294
 
 294
Residential mortgage80
 113
 448
180
 80
 235
 260
 683
Total Consumer468
 479
 563
495
 468
 395
 963
 958
Total recoveries3,024
 2,449
 2,001
1,509
 3,024
 1,582
 4,533
 3,583
Net recoveries (charge-offs)1,304
 772
 (1,378)
Net (charge-offs) recoveries(692) 1,304
 (2,707) 612
 (4,085)
Provision charged for credit losses10,948
 2,200
 2,470
7,142
 10,948
 3,632
 18,090
 6,102
Ending balance - Allowance for credit losses$136,704
 $124,452
 $117,696
$143,154
 $136,704
 $118,621
 $143,154
 $118,621
Components of allowance for credit losses:              
Allowance for loan losses$132,862
 $120,856
 $115,443
$138,762
 $132,862
 $116,446
 $138,762
 $116,446
Allowance for unfunded letters of credit3,842
 3,596
 2,253
4,392
 3,842
 2,175
 4,392
 2,175
Allowance for credit losses$136,704
 $124,452
 $117,696
$143,154
 $136,704
 $118,621
 $143,154
 $118,621
Components of provision for credit losses:              
Provision for losses on loans$10,702
 $1,118
 $2,402
$6,592
 $10,702
 $3,710
 $17,294
 $6,112
Provision for unfunded letters of credit246
 1,082
 68
550
 246
 (78) 796
 (10)
Provision for credit losses$10,948
 $2,200
 $2,470
$7,142
 $10,948
 $3,632
 $18,090
 $6,102
Annualized ratio of net (recoveries) charge-offs to average loans outstanding(0.02)% (0.02)% 0.03%
Annualized ratio of net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans outstanding0.01% (0.02)% 0.06% (0.01)% 0.05%
Allowance for credit losses as a % of non-PCI loans0.78
 0.73
 0.75
0.77
 0.78
 0.73
 0.77
 0.73
Allowance for credit losses as a % of total loans0.61
 0.68
 0.67
0.62
 0.61
 0.67
 0.62
 0.67

During the firstsecond quarter of 2018 and fourth quarter of 2017, we recognized net loan charge-offs totaling $692 thousand and $2.7 million, respectively, as compared to net recoveries of loan charge-offs totalingof $1.3 million and $772 thousand, respectively, as compared to net loan charge-offs of $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2017.2018. The net loan recoveries during the first quarter of 2018 were mainly due to a $1.6 million recovery of a previously charged-off commercial and industrial loan, as well as the continued lowoverall level of loan charge-offs.charge-offs has continued to be low, despite a moderate increase in automobile loan charge-offs within the total consumer category during the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017.

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During the firstsecond quarter of 2018, we recorded a $10.9$7.1 million provision for credit losses as compared to $2.2$10.9 million and $2.5$3.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018 and the second quarter of 2017, respectively. The quarter over quarter increase inFor the first half of 2018, the provision wasfor credit losses increased $12.0 million as compared to the same period in 2017 mainly due to higher specific reserves allocated to impaired taxi medallion loans at March 31,June 30, 2018, as well as strong non-PCI loan growth during the first quarterhalf of 2018.

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The following table summarizes the allocation of the allowance for credit losses to specific loan portfolio categories and the allocations as a percentage of each loan category:
March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 March 31, 2017June 30, 2018 March 31, 2018 June 30, 2017
Allowance
Allocation
 
Allocation
as a % of
Loan
Category
 
Allowance
Allocation
 
Allocation
as a % of
Loan
Category
 
Allowance
Allocation
 
Allocation
as a % of
Loan
Category
Allowance
Allocation
 
Allocation
as a % of
Loan
Category
 
Allowance
Allocation
 
Allocation
as a % of
Loan
Category
 
Allowance
Allocation
 
Allocation
as a % of
Loan
Category
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Loan Category:                      
Commercial and Industrial loans*$70,388
 1.94% $60,828
 2.22% $53,541
 2.03%$78,649
 2.05% $70,388
 1.94% $53,792
 2.04%
Commercial real estate loans:                      
Commercial real estate36,109
 0.31% 36,293
 0.38% 38,146
 0.42%33,234
 0.28% 36,109
 0.31% 37,180
 0.40%
Construction20,570
 1.50% 18,661
 2.19% 18,156
 2.17%20,578
 1.49% 20,570
 1.50% 18,275
 2.07%
Total commercial real estate loans56,679
 0.43% 54,954
 0.53% 56,302
 0.57%53,812
 0.40% 56,679
 0.43% 55,455
 0.55%
Residential mortgage loans4,100
 0.12% 3,605
 0.13% 3,592
 0.13%4,624
 0.13% 4,100
 0.12% 4,186
 0.15%
Consumer loans:                      
Home equity547
 0.10% 579
 0.13% 433
 0.09%604
 0.12% 547
 0.10% 582
 0.13%
Auto and other consumer4,990
 0.25% 4,486
 0.23% 3,828
 0.22%5,465
 0.26% 4,990
 0.25% 4,606
 0.26%
Total consumer loans5,537
 0.22% 5,065
 0.21% 4,261
 0.19%6,069
 0.23% 5,537
 0.22% 5,188
 0.23%
Total allowance for credit losses$136,704
 0.61% $124,452
 0.68% $117,696
 0.67%$143,154
 0.62% $136,704
 0.61% $118,621
 0.67%
 
*Includes the reserve for unfunded letters of credit.
The allowance for credit losses comprised of our allowance for loan losses and reserve for unfunded letters of credit, as a percentage of total loans was 0.610.62 percent, 0.680.61 percent and 0.67 percent at June 30, 2018, March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 and March 31,June 30, 2017, respectively. At March 31,June 30, 2018, our allowance allocations for losses as a percentage of total loans decreased acrossremained relatively unchanged as compared to March 31, 2018 for most loan categories, as compared to December 31, 2017 mainlyexcept for commercial and industrial loans which increased 0.11 percent largely due to higher loan balances resulting from the USAB acquisition on January 1, 2018specific reserves for impaired taxi medallion loans and, the prolonged low level of net loan charge-offs in the portfolio.to a much lesser extent, internally classified loans.
Our allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total non-PCI loans (excluding PCI loans with carrying values totaling approximately $4.9$4.6 billion) was 0.77 percent, 0.78 percent and 0.73 percent and 0.75 percent at June 30, 2018, March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 and March 31,June 30, 2017, respectively. PCI loans 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 June 30, 2018, March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 and March 31,June 30, 2017.
Capital Adequacy

A significant measure of the strength of a financial institution is its shareholders’ equity. At March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, shareholders’ equity totaled approximately $3.2$3.3 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, and represented 11.010.9 percent and 10.6 percent of total assets, respectively. During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, total shareholders’ equity increased by $711.8$744.1 million primarily due to (i) the additional capital of $737.2 million issued in the USAB acquisition, (ii) net income of $42.0$114.8 million, (iii) a $4.4an $8.6 million increase attributable to the effect of our stock incentive plan and (iv) net proceeds of $1.0 million from the re-issuance of treasury and authorized common shares issued under our dividend reinvestment plan totaling a combined 87 thousand shares. These positive changes were partially offset by (i) cash dividends declared on common and preferred stock totaling a

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combined $39.8$79.5 million, (ii) $18.1$23.1 million of other comprehensive losses, and (iii) a $14.9 million net cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings for the adoption of new accounting guidance as of January 1, 2018. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding changes in our accumulated other comprehensive loss during the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018.

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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 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 of a new capital conservation buffer that is added to the minimum requirements for capital adequacy purposes. The capital conservation buffer is 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 when fully phased-in on January 1, 2019. As of January 1, 2018, Valley and Valley National Bank are required to maintain a capital conservation buffer of 1.875 percent. As of March 31,June 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, Valley and Valley National Bank exceeded all capital adequacy requirements with the capital conservation buffer required to be phased in at these dates under the Basel III Capital Rules (see tables below).

The following tables present Valley’s and Valley National Bank’s actual capital positions and ratios under Basel III risk-based capital guidelines at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
Actual 
Minimum Capital
Requirements
 
To Be Well Capitalized
Under Prompt Corrective
Action Provision
Actual 
Minimum Capital
Requirements
 
To Be Well Capitalized
Under Prompt Corrective
Action Provision
Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount RatioAmount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio
 ($ in thousands)
 ($ in thousands)
As of March 31, 2018           
As of June 30, 2018           
Total Risk-based Capital                      
Valley$2,652,962
 11.89% $2,204,143
 9.875% N/A
 N/A
$2,699,896
 11.77% $2,264,603
 9.875% N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank2,570,201
 11.54
 2,200,234
 9.875
 $2,228,085
 10.00%2,613,737
 11.42
 2,260,587
 9.875
 $2,289,202
 10.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital                      
Valley1,957,453
 8.77
 1,422,928
 6.375
 N/A
 N/A
1,997,937
 8.71
 1,461,959
 6.375
 N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank2,333,497
 10.47
 1,420,404
 6.375
 1,448,255
 6.50
2,370,583
 10.36
 1,459,366
 6.375
 1,487,981
 6.50
Tier 1 Risk-based Capital                      
Valley2,172,258
 9.73
 1,757,734
 7.875
 N/A
 N/A
2,212,742
 9.65
 1,805,949
 7.875
 N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank2,333,497
 10.47
 1,754,617
 7.875
 1,782,468
 8.00
2,370,583
 10.36
 1,802,746
 7.875
 1,831,361
 8.00
Tier 1 Leverage Capital                      
Valley2,172,258
 7.71
 1,126,989
 4.00
 N/A
 N/A
2,212,742
 7.72
 1,146,571
 4.00
 N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank2,333,497
 8.29
 1,125,457
 4.00
 1,406,821
 5.00
2,370,583
 8.28
 1,144,983
 4.00
 1,431,229
 5.00


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 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, 2017           
Total Risk-based Capital           
Valley$2,258,044
 12.61% $1,656,575
 9.25% N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank2,185,967
 12.23
 1,653,088
 9.25
 $1,787,122
 10.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital           
Valley1,651,849
 9.22
 1,029,763
 5.75
 N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank1,961,316
 10.97
 1,027,595
 5.75
 1,161,629
 6.50
Tier 1 Risk-based Capital           
Valley1,864,279
 10.41
 1,298,397
 7.25
 N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank1,961,316
 10.97
 1,295,663
 7.25
 1,429,698
 8.00
Tier 1 Leverage Capital           
Valley1,864,279
 8.03
 928,484
 4.00
 N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank1,961,316
 8.47
 926,459
 4.00
 1,158,074
 5.00

The Dodd-Frank Act requiresrequired federal banking agencies to issue regulations that require banks with total consolidated assets of more than $10.0 billion to conduct and publish company-run annual stress tests to assess the potential impact of different scenarios on the consolidated earnings and capital of each bank and certain related items over a nine-quarter forward-looking planning horizon, taking into account all relevant exposures and activities.

In 2014,May 2018, the FRB, OCC,Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and FDIC issued final supervisory guidance for theseConsumer Protection Act (“EGRRCPA”) was enacted which altered several provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, including requirements of company-run stress tests. The guidance provides supervisory expectations for stress test practices, examplesWith the enactment, bank holding companies with assets of practices that would be consistent with those expectations, and details about stress test methodologies. It also emphasizes the importance ofless than $100 billion are no longer subject to company-run stress testing as an ongoing risk management practice.

We submitted our latest stress testing results (utilizing data as of December 31, 2016) to the FRB on July 27, 2017. The full disclosurerequirements in section 165(i)(2) of the stress testing results,Dodd-Frank Act, including the results for Valley National Bank,publishing a summary of the supervisory severely adverse scenario and additional information regardingresults. Subsequently, the methodologies usedOCC issued a letter to conducteach covered bank with assets less than $100 billion that officially communicated an extension, through November 25, 2019, with respect to the stress test may be found under "Regulatory Disclosures" withintests that would have been required for the Shareholder Information section of our website www.valleynationalbank.com. Under current law,2018 and 2019 stress-test cycles. While Valley will beis no longer required to submitpublish company-run annual stress tests, it continues to internally run stress tests of its stress testing results (utilizing data as of December 31, 2017)capital position that are subject to the FRBreview by July 31, 2018 and disclose the results to the public in October 2018.

Valley's primary regulators.
Tangible book value per common share is computed by dividing shareholders’ equity less preferred stock, goodwill and other intangible assets by common shares outstanding as follows: 
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
($ in thousands, except for share data)($ in thousands, except for share data)
Common shares outstanding331,189,859
 264,468,851
331,454,025
 264,468,851
Shareholders’ equity$3,245,003
 $2,533,165
$3,277,312
 $2,533,165
Less: Preferred stock(209,691) (209,691)209,691
 209,691
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets(1,165,379) (733,144)1,162,858
 733,144
Tangible common shareholders’ equity$1,869,933
 $1,590,330
$1,904,763
 $1,590,330
Tangible book value per common share$5.65
 $6.01
$5.75
 $6.01
Book value per common share$9.16
 $8.79
$9.26
 $8.79
Management believes the tangible book value per common share ratio provides information useful to management and 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. This non-GAAP financial

76




measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for or superior to financial measures calculated in

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accordance with U.S. GAAP. This non-GAAP financial measure may also be calculated differently from similar measures disclosed by other companies.
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) per common share. Our retention ratio was 5.733.3 percent for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 as compared to 24.1 percent for the year ended December 31, 2017. Our retention ratio decreasedincreased from the year ended December 31, 2017, mostly due tohowever it was negatively impacted by infrequent charges, including legal expenses related to litigation reserves, USAB merger expense and a $2 million charge to income tax expense related to the effect of the USAB acquisition on our state deferred tax assets.assets during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Our retention ratio is expected to improve during the remainder of 2018 due to, among other factors, higher earnings and the expected lower effective tax rate, solidfrom continued loan growth, synergies from the USAB acquisition, including the full systems integration expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2018, and further implementation of our LIFT initiatives.
Cash dividends declared amounted to $0.11$0.22 per common share for both the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 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 of 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.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Contractual Obligations and Other Matters

For a discussion of Valley’s off-balance sheet arrangements and contractual obligations see information included in Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 in the MD&A section - “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” and Notes 13 and 14 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk refers to potential losses arising from changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices, and commodity prices. Valley’s market risk is composed primarily of interest rate risk. See page 6066 for a discussion of interest rate sensitivity.

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

(a) Disclosure controls and procedures. Valley’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), with the assistance of other members of Valley’s management, have evaluated the effectiveness of Valley’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Based on such evaluation, Valley’s CEO and CFO have concluded that, as a result of the material weakness in Valley’s internal control over financial reporting previously disclosed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the “2017 10-K”), Valley’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of March 31,June 30, 2018.

As previously disclosed in Valley’sthe 2017 10-K, as of December 31, 2017, management identified the following material weakness in internal controls: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

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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 has 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,governance. During the second quarter of 2018, management continued to refine and continues to refineimplement such enhancements. Management is still evaluating these new controls and procedures. Once placed in operation for a sufficient period of time, Valley will subject them to appropriate tests in order to determine whether they are operating effectively.

(b) Changes in internal controls over financial reporting. As discussed above, management has continued to remediate the underlying causes of the material weakness disclosed in the 2017 10-K. Other than the plan for remediation described above, there has been no change in Valley’s internal control over financial reporting in the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2018 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Valley’s internal control over financial reporting.

Valley’s management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, provides reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. The design of a control system reflects resource constraints and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their

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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 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 controls 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.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION 
Item 1.Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of business, we may be a party to various outstanding legal proceedings and claims. See Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.

Item 1A.Risk Factors

There has been no material change in the risk factors previously disclosed under Part I, Item 1A of Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.


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Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

During the quarter, we did not sell any equity securities not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Purchases of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers during the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 were as follows:

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 
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)
January 1, 2018 to January 31, 2018 80,641
 $12.49
 
  
February 1, 2018 to February 28, 2018 164,056
 12.71
 
  
March 1, 2018 to March 31, 2018 19,179
 12.65
 
  
Total 263,876
 $12.63
 
  
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)
April 1, 2018 to April 30, 2018 32,458
 $12.08
 
 4,112,465
May 1, 2018 to May 31, 2018 2,584
 12.95
 
 4,112,465
June 1, 2018 to June 30, 2018 7,088
 12.59
 
 4,112,465
Total 42,130
 $12.58
 
  
 
(1)Represents repurchases made in connection with the vesting of employee restricted stock awards.
(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 March 31,June 30, 2018.

Item 6.Exhibits
 
(3)Articles of Incorporation and By-laws:
 (3.1)
 (3.2)
(31.1)
(31.2)
(32)
(101)Interactive Data File *
 
*Filed herewith.


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements 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
    (Registrant)
   
Date:   /s/ Ira Robbins
May 9,August 8, 2018   Ira Robbins
    President
    and Chief Executive Officer
   
Date:   /s/ Alan D. Eskow
May 9,August 8, 2018   Alan D. Eskow
    Senior Executive Vice President and
    Chief Financial Officer

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