Valley National Bancorp Reports Increased Second Quarter Net Income and Strong Commercial Loan Growth


NEW YORK, July 25, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Valley National Bancorp (NASDAQ:VLY), the holding company for Valley National Bank, today reported net income for the second quarter of 2019 of $76.5 million, or $0.22 per diluted common share, as compared to the second quarter of 2018 earnings of $72.8 million, or $0.21 per diluted common share, and net income of $113.3 million, or $0.33 per diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2019. Excluding all non-core charges and income, our adjusted net income was $78.8 million, or $0.23 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2019, $75.2 million, or $0.22 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2018, and $74.9 million, or $0.22 per diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2019.  See further details below, including a reconciliation of our adjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure) in the "Consolidated Financial Highlights" tables.

Key financial highlights for the second quarter:

  • Loan Portfolio: Loans increased $379.0 million, or 6.0 percent on an annualized basis, to approximately $25.8 billion at June 30, 2019 from March 31, 2019. The increase was largely due to strong organic loan growth within the commercial and industrial loan and commercial real estate loan categories.  Additionally, we sold approximately $223 million of residential mortgage loans resulting in total pre-tax gains of $3.9 million in the second quarter of 2019.

  • Net Interest Income and Margin: Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis of $221.4 million for the second quarter of 2019 increased $1.5 million as compared to the first quarter of 2019. Our net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis of 2.96 percent for the second quarter of 2019 decreased by 2 basis points from 2.98 percent for the first quarter of 2019.  See the "Net Interest Income and Margin" section below for more details.

  • Provision for Credit Losses: The provision for credit losses decreased $5.9 million to $2.1 million for the second quarter of 2019 as compared to $8.0 million for the first quarter of 2019.

  • Credit Quality: Net loan charge-offs totaled $3.0 million for the second quarter of 2019 as compared to $5.3 million for the first quarter of 2019. Non-accrual loans represented 0.37 percent of total loans at both June 30, 2019 and March 31, 2019.

  • Non-interest Income: Non-interest income decreased $80.1 million to $27.6 million for the second quarter of 2019 as compared to the first quarter of 2019 mainly due to a $78.5 million gain on the sale leaseback of 26 locations in the first quarter.  Additionally, we recognized net impairment losses on securities of $2.9 million related to one municipal bond (in default of its contractual payments) during the second quarter of 2019.

  • Non-interest Expense: Non-interest expense decreased $6.1 million to $141.7 million for the second quarter of 2019 as compared to the first quarter of 2019.  Overall, non-interest expense declined largely as expected due to infrequent charges related to severance expense and other than temporary impairment of certain tax credit investments totaling $4.8 million and $2.4 million, respectively, recognized during the first quarter of 2019.

  • Efficiency Ratio: Our efficiency ratio was 57.19 percent for the second quarter of 2019 as compared to 45.29 percent and 60.25 percent for the first quarter of 2019 and second quarter of 2018, respectively. Our adjusted efficiency ratio was 54.58 percent for the second quarter of 2019 as compared to 54.79 percent and 57.14 percent for the first quarter of 2019 and second quarter of 2018, respectively.

  • Income Tax Expense: The effective tax rate was 26.5 percent for the second quarter of 2019 as compared to 33.5 percent for the first quarter of 2019. The first quarter of 2019 effective tax rate reflected an additional provision for income taxes of $12.1 million related to uncertain tax liability positions.  Our uncertain tax liabilities totaled $12.3 million at June 30, 2019 and relate to renewable energy tax credits and other tax benefits previously recognized from investments in the DC Solar funds. For the remainder of 2019, we currently estimate that our effective tax rate will range from 25 percent to 27 percent.

  • Performance Ratios: Annualized return on average assets (ROA), shareholders’ equity (ROE) and tangible ROE were 0.94 percent, 8.79 percent, and 13.16 percent for the second quarter of 2019, respectively. Annualized ROA, ROE and tangible ROE, adjusted for non-core charges, was 0.96 percent, 9.05 percent, and 13.55 percent for the second quarter of 2019, respectively. See the "Consolidated Financial Highlights" tables below for additional information regarding our non-GAAP measures.

On June 26, 2019, Valley announced that it will acquire Oritani Financial Corp. (“Oritani”) and  its principal subsidiary, Oritani Bank, headquartered in Washington Township, New Jersey. The merger will double Valley's market share in demographically attractive Bergen County and enhance its presence in Hudson County. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019.  The merger is subject to a number of pending conditions, including customary regulatory approvals and Valley and Oritani shareholder approvals.

Ira Robbins, CEO and President commented, "We are pleased with our second quarter core earnings and our continued progress towards achieving our long-term operating efficiency goals. During the quarter, we accomplished our loan growth target of six percent, net of mortgage sales, through a mix of new and existing client relationships within our markets. While the margin experienced some compression as compared to the first quarter of 2019, we believe our balance sheet is well positioned for the second half of 2019.  Additionally, we are very excited about our recently announced acquisition of Oritani and the strength it will add to our franchise.  Both Valley and Oritani employees have already commenced joint integration planning and together are working hard to build the synergies expected from the transaction."

Net Interest Income and Margin

Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis totaling $221.4 million for the second quarter of 2019 increased  $9.1 million as compared to the second quarter of 2018 and increased $1.5 million as compared to the first quarter of 2019. The increase as compared to the first quarter of 2019 was largely due to a combination of higher loan yield and average loan balances, partly offset by higher costs of deposits and  lower interest income from investment securities mainly caused by higher premium amortization and repayments of higher yielding securities. Interest income on a tax equivalent basis increased $7.4 million to $328.9 million for the second quarter of 2019 as compared to the first quarter of 2019 mainly due to an 8 basis point increase in yield on average loans and a $297.7 million increase in average loans. Interest expense of $107.5 million for the second quarter of 2019 increased $5.9 million as compared to the first quarter of 2019 largely due to higher costs for both money market and certificate of deposit accounts.

Our net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis of 2.96 percent for the second quarter of 2019 decreased by 15 basis points and 2 basis points from 3.11 percent and 2.98 percent for the second quarter of 2018 and first quarter of 2019, respectively, largely due to time deposits repricing at higher market rates in the early stages of the second quarter of 2019 and other increased funding costs. The yield on average interest earning assets increased by 5 basis points on a linked quarter basis mostly due to the increase in the yield on loans. The yield on average loans increased by 8 basis points to 4.65 percent for the second quarter of 2019 as compared to the first quarter of 2019 largely due to higher yield on new loan volumes, accretable  yield on PCI loans and a modest increase in loan prepayment penalties in the second quarter of 2019. The overall cost of average interest bearing liabilities increased 11 basis points to 1.93 percent for the second quarter of 2019 as compared to the linked first quarter of 2019 due to 11 and 6 basis point increases in the cost of average interest bearing deposits and long-term borrowings, respectively.  The increase in deposit costs was largely due to the aforementioned time deposits repricing in the second quarter of 2019.  The increase in the cost of long-term borrowings was mostly caused by the maturity of a few lower cost borrowings.  Our cost of total average deposits was 1.27 percent for the second quarter of 2019 as compared to 1.20 percent for the first quarter of 2019.

Branch Transformation and Sale-Leaseback

Approximately one year ago, we established the foundation of what the transformation of our branch network would look like in coming years.  At that time, we identified 74 branches that did not meet certain internal performance measures, including 20 branches that were closed and consolidated by the end of the first quarter of 2019. For the remaining 54 branches, we implemented tailored action plans focused on improving profitability and deposit levels, as well as upgrades in staffing and training, within a defined timeline.

We are pleased to announce that the majority of the 54 branches have seen measurable success in terms of relative cost of deposits, deposit mix and overall balance growth. However, some locations have not met our established performance targets.  As such, we expect to close approximately 10 branches by the end of the second quarter of 2020.

During March 2019, Valley closed a sale-leaseback transaction for 26 of its previously announced 29 properties to be sold.  Valley expects to close the sale of the remaining three properties, which remain subject to the buyer's due diligence, during the second half of 2019.  The sale of the remaining properties is expected to result in a pre-tax net gain of more than $3 million.

Loans, Deposits and Other Borrowings

Loans. Loans increased $379 million to approximately $25.8 billion at June 30, 2019 from March 31, 2019. The increase was mainly due to continued strong quarter over quarter organic growth in commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans, as well as an increase in construction loan advances during the second quarter of 2019. During the second quarter of 2019, we originated $111 million of residential mortgage loans for sale rather than held for investment and sold approximately $116 million of pre-existing loans from our residential mortgage loan portfolio. Residential mortgage loans held for sale totaled $36.6 million and $31.9 million at June 30, 2019 and March 31, 2019, respectively.

Deposits. Total deposits decreased $133.6 million to approximately $24.8 billion at June 30, 2019 from March 31, 2019 largely due to a $339.1 million decrease in savings, NOW and money market deposits. Non-interest bearing deposits also decreased by $24.3 million to $6.3 billion at June 30, 2019 from March 31, 2019. Brokered deposits totaling $3.2 billion (consisting of both time and money market deposit accounts) at June 30, 2019 remained relatively unchanged from March 31, 2019. However, time deposits increased  $229.9 million to $7.3 billion at June 30, 2019 as compared to March 31, 2019 largely due to new retail customer balances resulted from our successful promotional campaigns in the early stages of the second quarter. Non-interest bearing deposits; savings, NOW, money market deposits; and time deposits represented approximately 26 percent, 45 percent and 29 percent of total deposits as of June 30, 2019, respectively.

Other Borrowings. Short-term borrowings and long-term borrowings increased $325.2 million and $300.5 million at June 30, 2019, respectively, as compared to March 31, 2019 largely due to new FHLB borrowings used for loan growth funding and additional liquidity purposes.

Credit Quality

Non-Performing Assets. 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 $3.8 billion, or 14.6 percent, of our total loan portfolio at June 30, 2019.

Total non-performing assets (NPAs), consisting of non-accrual loans, other real estate owned (OREO), other repossessed assets and non-accrual debt securities increased $3.4 million to $106.7 million at June 30, 2019 as compared to March 31, 2019 mainly due to increase of $3.1 million in non-accrual loans during the second quarter of 2019.  Non-accrual loans increased largely due to two new non-performing loans within the commercial real estate loan category at June 30, 2019. However, non-accrual loans represented 0.37 percent of total loans at June 30, 2019 which percentage remained unchanged as compared to March 31, 2019.

Total accruing past due loans (i.e., loans past due 30 days or more and still accruing interest) were $67 million, or 0.26 percent of total loans, at June 30, 2019 as compared to $82 million, or 0.32 percent of total loans, at March 31, 2019. The $15 million decrease from March 31, 2019 was mainly due to a decline  in loans 30 to 59 days past due.  The decrease in loans 30 to 59 days past due was mostly driven by better performance in the commercial real estate portfolio and the normal renewal of a $15.0 million matured performing loan reported in this delinquency category at March 31, 2019.

During the second quarter of 2019, we continued to closely monitor our New York City and Chicago taxi medallion loans totaling $113.2 million and $7.8 million, respectively, within the commercial and industrial loan portfolio at June 30, 2019. While most of the taxi medallion loans are currently performing, negative trends in market valuations of the underlying taxi medallion collateral could impact the future performance and internal classification of this portfolio. At June 30, 2019, the taxi medallion portfolio included impaired loans totaling $78.3 million with related reserves of $29.5 million within the allowance for loan losses as compared to impaired loans totaling $79.6 million with related reserves of $29.6 million at March 31, 2019. At June 30, 2019, the impaired taxi medallion loans largely consisted of $67.7 million of non-accrual loans and $10.6 million of performing troubled debt restructured (TDR) loans classified as substandard loans.

Additionally, Valley currently has $13.7 million of performing non-impaired taxi medallion loans which are scheduled to mature in 2019, and $14.0 million that mature between 2023 and 2028. If the loans with 2019 maturities became TDRs upon maturity and renewal, an additional reserve of $5.8 million would be required based on the allowance methodology at June 30, 2019.

Allowance for Credit Losses. The following table summarizes the allocation of the allowance for credit losses to specific loan categories and the allocation as a percentage of each loan category (including PCI loans) at June 30, 2019, March 31, 2019, and June 30, 2018:

 June 30, 2019 March 31, 2019 June 30, 2018
   Allocation   Allocation   Allocation
   as a % of   as a % of   as a % of
 Allowance Loan Allowance Loan Allowance Loan
 Allocation Category Allocation Category Allocation Category
            
            
            
            
            
 ($ in thousands)
Loan Category:           
Commercial and industrial loans*$97,358  2.11% $99,210  2.20% $78,649  2.05%
Commercial real estate loans:           
Commercial real estate23,796  0.19% 24,261  0.19% 33,234  0.28%
Construction25,182  1.65% 23,501  1.62% 20,578  1.49%
Total commercial real estate loans48,978  0.34% 47,762  0.34% 53,812  0.40%
Residential mortgage loans5,219  0.13% 5,139  0.13% 4,624  0.13%
Consumer loans:           
Home equity505  0.10% 523  0.10% 604  0.12%
Auto and other consumer6,019  0.26% 6,327  0.29% 5,465  0.26%
Total consumer loans6,524  0.23% 6,850  0.25% 6,069  0.23%
Total allowance for credit losses$158,079  0.61% $158,961  0.63% $143,154  0.62%
Allowance for credit losses as a %           
of non-PCI loans  0.72%   0.74%   0.77%
_           
            
* Includes the reserve for unfunded letters of credit.              

Our loan portfolio, totaling $25.8 billion at June 30, 2019, had net loan charge-offs totaling $3.0 million for the second quarter of 2019 as compared to $5.3 million and $692 thousand for the first quarter of 2019 and second quarter of 2018, respectively.  Gross loan charge-offs related to taxi medallion loans within the commercial and industrial loan category were $2.3 million and $1.3 million for the second quarter of 2019 and first quarter of 2019, respectively.  There were no taxi medallion loan charge-offs during the second quarter of 2018.

During the second quarter of 2019, we recorded a $2.1 million provision for credit losses as compared to $8.0 million and $7.1 million for the first quarter of 2019 and the second quarter of 2018, respectively. The second quarter of 2019 provision was largely due to loan growth.  The provision declined as compared to the first quarter of 2019 partly due to a $1.6 million decrease in reserves for unfunded letters of credit (reported in the commercial and industrial loans category in the table above) and lower reserves for internally criticized loans, as well as moderate declines in the expected incurred losses in several loan categories.

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 0.61 percent, 0.63 percent and 0.62 percent at June 30, 2019, March 31, 2019 and June 30, 2018, respectively. At June 30, 2019, the allowance allocations for losses as a percentage of total loans remained relatively stable as compared to March 31, 2019 for most loan categories, however, allocation for commercial and industrial loans declined 0.09 percent partly due to the aforementioned decrease in the reserves for unfunded letters of credit.

Capital Adequacy

Valley's regulatory capital ratios continue to reflect its well capitalized position. Valley's total risk-based capital, Tier 1 capital, Tier 1 leverage capital, and common equity Tier 1 capital ratios were 11.39 percent, 9.43 percent, 7.62 percent and 8.59 percent, respectively, at June 30, 2019.

Investor Conference Call

Valley will host a conference call with investors and the financial community at 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time, today to discuss the second quarter of 2019 earnings. Those wishing to participate in the call may dial toll-free (866) 354-0432. The teleconference will also be webcast live: https://edge.media-server.com/m6/p/s4ncumwm [edge.media-server.com] and archived on Valley's website through Friday, August 23, 2019. Investor presentation materials will be made available prior to the conference call at www.valley.com.

About Valley

As the principal subsidiary of Valley National Bancorp, Valley National Bank is a regional bank with approximately $33 billion in assets. Valley is committed to giving people and businesses the power to succeed. Valley operates many convenient branch locations across New Jersey, New York, Florida and Alabama, and is committed to providing the most convenient service, the latest innovations and an experienced and knowledgeable team dedicated to meeting customer needs. Helping communities grow and prosper is the heart of Valley’s corporate citizenship philosophy. To learn more about Valley, go to www.valley.com or call our Customer Service Center at 800-522-4100.

Forward Looking Statements

The foregoing 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,” “opportunity,” “allow,” “continues,” “reflects,” “typically,” “usually,” “anticipate,” or similar statements or variations of such terms. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. 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 include, but are not limited to:

  • failure to obtain shareholder or regulatory approval for the acquisition of Oritani or to satisfy other conditions to the merger on the proposed terms and within the proposed timeframe;
  • the inability to realize expected cost savings and synergies from the Oritani merger in amounts or in the timeframe anticipated;
  • costs or difficulties relating to Oritani integration matters might be greater than expected;
  • material adverse changes in Valley’s or Oritani’s operations or earnings;
  • the inability to retain customers and qualified employees of Oritani;
  • the inability to repay $635 million of higher cost FHLB borrowings in conjunction with the Oritani merger;
  • developments in the DC Solar bankruptcy and federal investigations that could require the recognition of additional tax provision charges related to uncertain tax liability positions;
  • due diligence issues or other matters prevent the expected sale and leaseback of three branch properties or expenses that reduce the additional pre-tax net gain expected to be recognized in the  second half of 2019;
  • higher or lower than expected income tax expense or tax rates, including increases or decreases resulting from changes in uncertain tax position liabilities, tax laws, regulations and case law;
  • 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 inability to grow customer deposits to keep pace with loan growth;
  • an increase in our allowance for credit losses due to higher than expected loan losses within one or more segments of our loan portfolio;
  • less than expected cost savings from Valley's branch transformation strategy;
  • greater than expected technology related costs due to, among other factors, prolonged or failed implementations, additional project staffing and obsolescence caused by continuous and rapid market innovations; 
  • 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;
  • cyber-attacks, computer viruses or other malware that may breach the security of our websites or other systems to obtain unauthorized access to confidential information, destroy data, disable or degrade service, or sabotage our systems;
  • results of examinations by the OCC, 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;
  • 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 trademark infringement, employment related claims, and other matters;
  • changes in accounting policies or accounting standards, including the new authoritative accounting guidance (known as the current expected credit loss (CECL) model) which may increase the required level of our allowance for credit losses after adoption on January 1, 2020;
  • our inability or determination not to pay dividends at current levels, or at all, because of inadequate earnings, regulatory restrictions or limitations, changes in our capital requirements or a decision to increase capital by retaining more earnings;
  • unanticipated loan delinquencies, loss of collateral, decreased service revenues, and other potential negative effects on our business caused by severe weather 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.

A detailed discussion of factors that could affect our results is included in our SEC filings, including the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

We undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in our expectations.  Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

#     #     #
-Tables to Follow-

VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 30, March 31, June 30, June 30,
($ in thousands, except for share data)2019 2019 2018 2019 2018
FINANCIAL DATA:         
Net interest income$220,234  $218,648  $210,752  $438,882  $418,350 
Net interest income - FTE (1)221,392  219,925  212,252  441,317  421,372 
Non-interest income27,603  107,673  38,069  135,276  70,320 
Non-interest expense141,737  147,795  149,916  289,532  323,668 
Income tax expense27,532  57,196  18,961  84,728  32,145 
Net income76,468  113,330  72,802  189,798  114,767 
Dividends on preferred stock3,172  3,172  3,172  6,344  6,344 
Net income available to common shareholders$73,296  $110,158  $69,630  $183,454  $108,423 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:         
Basic331,748,552  331,601,260  331,318,381  331,675,313  331,024,531 
Diluted332,959,802  332,834,466  332,895,483  332,929,359  332,599,991 
Per common share data:         
Basic earnings$0.22  $0.33  $0.21  $0.55  $0.33 
Diluted earnings0.22  0.33  0.21  0.55  0.33 
Cash dividends declared0.11  0.11  0.11  0.22  0.22 
Closing stock price - high10.78  10.73  13.26  10.78  13.38 
Closing stock price - low9.75  9.00  11.91  9.00  11.19 
CORE ADJUSTED FINANCIAL DATA: (2)         
Net income available to common shareholders, as adjusted$75,589  $71,764  $71,982  $147,353  $130,531 
Basic earnings per share, as adjusted0.23  0.22  0.22  0.44  0.39 
Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted0.23  0.22  0.22  0.44  0.39 
FINANCIAL RATIOS:         
Net interest margin2.95% 2.96% 3.09% 2.95% 3.10%
Net interest margin - FTE (1)2.96  2.98  3.11  2.97  3.12 
Annualized return on average assets0.94  1.40  0.98  1.17  0.78 
Annualized return on avg. shareholders' equity8.79  13.35  8.88  11.04  6.99 
Annualized return on avg. tangible shareholders' equity (2)13.16  20.29  13.76  16.65  10.82 
Efficiency ratio (3)57.19  45.29  60.25  50.43  66.23 
CORE ADJUSTED FINANCIAL RATIOS: (2)         
Annualized return on average assets, as adjusted0.96% 0.93% 1.01% 0.95% 0.93%
Annualized return on average shareholders' equity, as adjusted9.05  8.83  9.17  8.94  8.33 
Annualized return on average tangible shareholders' equity, as adjusted13.55  13.42  14.21  13.48  12.91 
Efficiency ratio, as adjusted54.58  54.79  57.14  54.68  58.56 
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET ITEMS:        
Assets$32,707,144  $32,296,070  $29,778,210  $32,502,744  $29,536,301 
Interest earning assets29,877,384  29,562,907  27,256,959  29,721,015  27,005,281 
Loans25,552,415  25,254,733  22,840,235  25,404,396  22,573,097 
Interest bearing liabilities22,328,544  22,344,028  20,129,492  22,336,243  19,911,043 
Deposits24,699,238  24,782,759  21,846,582  24,740,767  21,864,210 
Shareholders' equity3,481,519  3,394,688  3,279,616  3,438,344  3,284,687 
               


 As Of
BALANCE SHEET ITEMS:June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30,
(In thousands)2019 2019 2018 2018 2018
Assets$33,027,741  $32,476,991  $31,863,088  $30,881,948  $30,182,979 
Total loans25,802,162  25,423,118  25,035,469  24,111,290  23,234,716 
Non-PCI loans22,030,205  21,418,778  20,845,383  19,681,255  18,587,015 
Deposits24,773,929  24,907,496  24,452,974  22,588,272  21,640,772 
Shareholders' equity3,504,118  3,444,879  3,350,454  3,302,936  3,277,312 
          
LOANS:         
(In thousands)         
Commercial and industrial$4,615,765  $4,504,927  $4,331,032  $4,015,280  $3,829,525 
Commercial real estate:         
Commercial real estate12,798,017  12,665,425  12,407,275  12,251,231  11,913,830 
Construction1,528,968  1,454,199  1,488,132  1,416,259  1,376,732 
Total commercial real estate14,326,985  14,119,624  13,895,407  13,667,490  13,290,562 
Residential mortgage4,072,450  4,071,237  4,111,400  3,782,972  3,528,682 
Consumer:         
Home equity501,646  513,066  517,089  521,797  520,849 
Automobile1,362,466  1,347,759  1,319,571  1,288,902  1,281,735 
Other consumer922,850  866,505  860,970  834,849  783,363 
Total consumer loans2,786,962  2,727,330  2,697,630  2,645,548  2,585,947 
Total loans$25,802,162  $25,423,118  $25,035,469  $24,111,290  $23,234,716 
          
CAPITAL RATIOS:         
Book value per common share$9.93  $9.75  $9.48  $9.33  $9.26 
Tangible book value per common share (2)6.45  6.26  5.97  5.81  5.75 
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (2)6.71% 6.63% 6.45% 6.48% 6.56%
Tier 1 leverage capital7.62  7.58  7.57  7.63  7.72 
Common equity tier 1 capital8.59  8.53  8.43  8.56  8.71 
Tier 1 risk-based capital9.43  9.38  9.30  9.46  9.65 
Total risk-based capital11.39  11.37  11.34  11.55  11.77 
               


 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES:June 30, March 31, June 30, June 30,
($ in thousands)2019 2019 2018 2019 2018
Beginning balance - Allowance for credit losses$158,961  $156,295  $136,704  $156,295  $124,452 
Loans charged-off:         
Commercial and industrial(3,073) (4,282) (642) (7,355) (773)
Commercial real estate    (38)   (348)
Residential mortgage  (15) (99) (15) (167)
Total Consumer(1,752) (2,028) (1,422) (3,780) (2,633)
Total loans charged-off(4,825) (6,325) (2,201) (11,150) (3,921)
Charged-off loans recovered:         
Commercial and industrial1,195  483  819  1,678  2,926 
Commercial real estate22  21  15  43  384 
Residential mortgage9  1  180  10  260 
Total Consumer617  486  495  1,103  963 
Total loans recovered1,843  991  1,509  2,834  4,533 
Net (charge-offs) recoveries(2,982) (5,334) (692) (8,316) 612 
Provision for credit losses2,100  8,000  7,142  10,100  18,090 
Ending balance - Allowance for credit losses$158,079  $158,961  $143,154  $158,079  $143,154 
Components of allowance for credit losses:         
Allowance for loan losses$155,105  $154,381  $138,762  $155,105  $138,762 
Allowance for unfunded letters of credit2,974  4,580  4,392  2,974  4,392 
Allowance for credit losses$158,079  $158,961  $143,154  $158,079  $143,154 
Components of provision for credit losses:         
Provision for loan losses$3,706  $7,856  $6,592  $11,562  $17,294 
Provision for unfunded letters of credit(1,606) 144  550  (1,462) 796 
Provision for credit losses$2,100  $8,000  $7,142  $10,100  $18,090 
Annualized ratio of total net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans0.05% 0.08% 0.01% 0.07% (0.01)%
Allowance for credit losses as a % of non-PCI loans0.72% 0.74% 0.77% 0.72% 0.77%
Allowance for credit losses as a % of total loans0.61% 0.63% 0.62% 0.61% 0.62%
               


 As of
ASSET QUALITY: (4)June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30,
($ in thousands)2019 2019 2018 2018 2018
Accruing past due loans:         
30 to 59 days past due:         
Commercial and industrial$14,119  $5,120  $13,085  $9,462  $6,780 
Commercial real estate6,202  39,362  9,521  3,387  4,323 
Construction  1,911  2,829  15,576  175 
Residential mortgage19,131  15,856  16,576  10,058  7,961 
Total Consumer11,932  6,647  9,740  7,443  6,573 
Total 30 to 59 days past due51,384  68,896  51,751  45,926  25,812 
60 to 89 days past due:         
Commercial and industrial4,135  1,756  3,768  1,431  1,533 
Commercial real estate354  2,156  530  2,502   
Construction1,342      36   
Residential mortgage3,635  3,635  2,458  3,270  1,978 
Total Consumer1,484  990  1,386  1,249  860 
Total 60 to 89 days past due10,950  8,537  8,142  8,488  4,371 
90 or more days past due:         
Commercial and industrial3,298  2,670  6,156  1,618  560 
Commercial real estate    27  27  27 
Residential mortgage1,054  1,402  1,288  1,877  2,324 
Total Consumer359  523  341  282  198 
Total 90 or more days past due4,711  4,595  7,812  3,804  3,109 
Total accruing past due loans$67,045  $82,028  $67,705  $58,218  $33,292 
Non-accrual loans:         
Commercial and industrial$76,216  $76,270  $70,096  $52,929  $53,596 
Commercial real estate6,231  2,663  2,372  7,103  7,452 
Construction  378  356    1,100 
Residential mortgage12,069  11,921  12,917  16,083  19,303 
Total Consumer1,999  2,178  2,655  2,248  3,003 
Total non-accrual loans96,515  93,410  88,396  78,363  84,454 
Other real estate owned (OREO)7,161  7,317  9,491  9,863  11,760 
Other repossessed assets2,358  2,628  744  445  864 
Non-accrual debt securities (5)680         
Total non-performing assets$106,714  $103,355  $98,631  $88,671  $97,078 
Performing troubled debt restructured loans$74,385  $73,081  $77,216  $81,141  $83,694 
Total non-accrual loans as a % of loans0.37% 0.37% 0.35% 0.33% 0.36%
Total accruing past due and non-accrual loans as a % of loans0.63% 0.69% 0.62% 0.57% 0.51%
Allowance for losses on loans as a % of non-accrual loans160.71% 165.27% 171.79% 184.99% 164.30%
Non-performing purchased credit-impaired loans (6)$55,085  $56,182  $56,125  $75,422  $57,311 
                    

NOTES TO SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(1)Net interest income and net interest margin are presented on a tax equivalent basis using a 21 percent federal tax rate. Valley believes that this presentation provides comparability of net interest income and net interest margin arising from both taxable and tax-exempt sources and is consistent with industry practice and SEC rules.
   
(2)This press release contains certain supplemental financial information, described in the Notes below, which has been determined by methods other than U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") that management uses in its analysis of Valley's performance. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide information useful to investors in understanding Valley's financial results. Specifically, Valley provides measures based on what it believes are its operating earnings on a consistent basis and excludes material non-core operating items which affect the GAAP reporting of results of operations. Management utilizes these measures for internal planning and forecasting purposes. Management believes that Valley's presentation and discussion, together with the accompanying reconciliations, provides a complete understanding of factors and trends affecting Valley's business and allows investors to view performance in a manner similar to management. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for GAAP basis measures and results and Valley strongly encourages investors to review its consolidated financial statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies' non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names.


 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 30, March 31, June 30, June 30,
($ in thousands, except for share data)2019 2019 2018 2019 2018
Adjusted net income available to common shareholders:         
Net income, as reported$76,468  $113,330  $72,802  $189,798  $114,767 
Less: Gain on sale leaseback transactions (net of tax)(a)  (55,707)   (55,707)  
Add: Net impairment losses on securities (net of tax)2,078      2,078   
Add: (Gains) losses on securities transaction (net of tax)(8) 23  26  15  574 
Add: Severance expense (net of tax)(b)  3,433    3,433   
Add: Tax credit investment impairment (net of tax)(c)  1,757    1,757   
Add: Legal expenses (litigation reserve impact only, net of tax)        7,520 
Add: Merger related expenses (net of tax)(d)    2,326    12,014 
Add: Income tax expense (e)223  12,100    12,323  2,000 
Net income, as adjusted$78,761  $74,936  $75,154  $153,697  $136,875 
Dividends on preferred stock3,172  3,172  3,172  6,344  6,344 
Net income available to common shareholders, as adjusted$75,589  $71,764  $71,982  $147,353  $130,531 
__________         
(a) The gain on sale leaseback transactions is included in gains on the sales of assets within other non-interest income.  
(b)  Severance expense is included in salary and employee benefits expense.    
(c) Impairment is included in the amortization of tax credit investments.    
(d)  Merger related expenses are primarily within salary and employee benefits and other expense.    
(e)  Income tax expense (benefit) related to reserves for uncertain tax positions in 2019 and USAB and the Tax Act in the 2018 periods.
Adjusted per common share data:         
Net income available to common shareholders, as adjusted$75,589  $71,764  $71,982  $147,353  $130,531 
Average number of shares outstanding331,748,552  331,601,260  331,318,381  331,675,313  331,024,531 
Basic earnings, as adjusted$0.23  $0.22  $0.22  $0.44  $0.39 
Average number of diluted shares outstanding332,959,802  332,834,466  332,895,483  332,929,359  332,599,991 
Diluted earnings, as adjusted$0.23  $0.22  $0.22  $0.44  $0.39 
Adjusted annualized return on average tangible shareholders' equity:         
Net income, as adjusted$78,761  $74,936  $75,154  $153,697  $136,875 
Average shareholders' equity3,481,519  3,394,688  3,279,616  3,438,344  3,284,687 
Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets1,156,703  1,160,510  1,163,575  1,158,596  1,163,901 
Average tangible shareholders' equity$2,324,816  $2,234,178  $2,116,041  $2,279,748  $2,120,786 
Annualized return on average tangible shareholders' equity, as adjusted13.55% 13.42% 14.21% 13.48% 12.91%
Adjusted annualized return on average assets:         
Net income, as adjusted$78,761  $74,936  $75,154  $153,697  $136,875 
Average assets$32,707,144  $32,296,070  $29,778,210  $32,502,744  $29,536,301 
Annualized return on average assets, as adjusted0.96% 0.93% 1.01% 0.95% 0.93%
               


 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 30, March 31, June 30, June 30,
($ in thousands)2019 2019 2018 2019 2018
Adjusted annualized return on average shareholders' equity:         
Net income, as adjusted$78,761  $74,936  $75,154  $153,697  $136,875 
Average shareholders' equity$3,481,519  $3,394,688  $3,279,616  $3,438,344  $3,284,687 
Annualized return on average shareholders' equity, as adjusted9.05% 8.83% 9.17% 8.94% 8.33%
Annualized return on average tangible shareholders' equity:         
Net income, as reported$76,468  $113,330  $72,802  $189,798  $114,767 
Average shareholders' equity3,481,519  3,394,688  3,279,616  3,438,344  3,284,687 
Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets1,156,703  1,160,510  1,163,575  1,158,596  1,163,901 
Average tangible shareholders' equity$2,324,816  $2,234,178  $2,116,041  $2,279,748  $2,120,786 
Annualized return on average tangible shareholders' equity13.16% 20.29% 13.76% 16.65% 10.82%
Adjusted efficiency ratio:         
Non-interest expense, as reported$141,737  $147,795  $149,916  $289,532  $323,668 
Less: Severance expense (pre-tax)  4,838    4,838   
Less: Legal expenses (litigation reserve impact only, pre-tax)        10,500 
Less: Merger-related expenses (pre-tax)    3,248    16,776 
Less: Amortization of tax credit investments (pre-tax)4,863  7,173  4,470  12,036  9,744 
Non-interest expense, as adjusted$136,874  $135,784  $142,198  $272,658  $286,648 
Net interest income220,234  218,648  210,752  438,882  418,350 
Non-interest income, as reported27,603  107,673  38,069  135,276  70,320 
Add: Net impairment losses on securities (pre-tax)2,928      2,928   
Add: (Gains) losses on securities transactions, net (pre-tax)(11) 32  36  21  801 
Less: Gain on sale leaseback transaction (pre-tax)  78,505    78,505   
Non-interest income, as adjusted$30,520  $29,200  $38,105  $59,720  $71,121 
Gross operating income, as adjusted$250,754  $247,848  $248,857  $498,602  $489,471 
Efficiency ratio, as adjusted54.58% 54.79% 57.14% 54.68% 58.56%
               


 As of
 June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30,
($ in thousands, except for share data)2019 2019 2018 2018 2018
Tangible book value per common share:         
Common shares outstanding331,788,149  331,732,636  331,431,217  331,501,424  331,454,025 
Shareholders' equity$3,504,118  $3,444,879  $3,350,454  $3,302,936  $3,277,312 
Less: Preferred stock209,691  209,691  209,691  209,691  209,691 
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets1,155,250  1,158,245  1,161,655  1,166,481  1,162,858 
Tangible common shareholders' equity$2,139,177  $2,076,943  $1,979,108  $1,926,764  $1,904,763 
Tangible book value per common share$6.45  $6.26  $5.97  $5.81  $5.75 
Tangible common equity to tangible assets:        
Tangible common shareholders' equity$2,139,177  $2,076,943  $1,979,108  $1,926,764  $1,904,763 
Total assets33,027,741  32,476,991  31,863,088  30,881,948  30,182,979 
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets1,155,250  1,158,245  1,161,655  1,166,481  1,162,858 
Tangible assets$31,872,491  $31,318,746  $30,701,433  $29,715,467  $29,020,121 
Tangible common equity to tangible assets6.71% 6.63% 6.45% 6.48% 6.56%


(3)The efficiency ratio measures Valley's total non-interest expense as a percentage of net interest income plus total non-interest income.
(4)Past due loans and non-accrual loans exclude purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loans.  PCI loans are accounted for on a pool basis under U.S. GAAP and are not subject to delinquency classification in the same manner as loans originated by Valley.
(5)Represents an other-than-temporarily impaired municipal bond security classified as available for sale presented at its carrying value at June 30, 2019.
(6)Represent PCI loans meeting Valley's definition of non-performing loan (i.e., non-accrual loans), but are not subject to such classification under U.S. GAAP because the loans are accounted for on a pooled basis and are excluded from the non-accrual loans in the table above.
   
SHAREHOLDERS RELATIONS
Requests for copies of reports and/or other inquiries should be directed to Tina Zarkadas, Assistant Vice President, Shareholder Relations Specialist, Valley National Bancorp, 1455 Valley Road, Wayne, New Jersey, 07470, by telephone at (973) 305-3380, by fax at (973) 305-1364 or by e-mail at tzarkadas@valley.com.

VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(in thousands, except for share data)

 June 30, December 31,
 2019 2018
  (Unaudited)  
Assets   
Cash and due from banks$276,291  $251,541 
Interest bearing deposits with banks178,905  177,088 
Investment securities:   
Held to maturity (fair value of $2,184,792 at June 30, 2019 and $2,034,943 at December 31, 2018)2,168,236  2,068,246 
Available for sale1,679,350  1,749,544 
Total investment securities3,847,586  3,817,790 
Loans held for sale, at fair value36,641  35,155 
Loans25,802,162  25,035,469 
Less: Allowance for loan losses(155,105) (151,859)
Net loans25,647,057  24,883,610 
Premises and equipment, net312,627  341,630 
Lease right-of-use assets283,348   
Bank owned life insurance442,343  439,602 
Accrued interest receivable99,065  95,296 
Goodwill1,084,665  1,084,665 
Other intangible assets, net70,585  76,990 
Other assets748,628  659,721 
Total Assets$33,027,741  $31,863,088 
Liabilities   
Deposits:   
Non-interest bearing$6,327,789  $6,175,495 
Interest bearing:   
Savings, NOW and money market11,107,952  11,213,495 
Time7,338,188  7,063,984 
Total deposits24,773,929  24,452,974 
Short-term borrowings2,387,784  2,118,914 
Long-term borrowings1,800,182  1,654,268 
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts55,544  55,370 
Lease liabilities307,405  3,125 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities198,779  227,983 
Total Liabilities29,523,623  28,512,634 
Shareholders’ Equity   
Preferred stock, no par value; 50,000,000 authorized shares:   
Series A (4,600,000 shares issued at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018)111,590  111,590 
Series B (4,000,000 shares issued at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018)98,101  98,101 
Common stock (no par value, authorized 450,000,000 shares; issued 332,101,525 shares at June 30, 2019 and 331,634,951 shares at December 31, 2018)116,571  116,240 
Surplus2,804,059  2,796,499 
Retained earnings412,190  299,642 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(35,131) (69,431)
Treasury stock, at cost (313,376 common shares at June 30, 2019 and 203,734 common shares at December 31, 2018)(3,262) (2,187)
Total Shareholders’ Equity3,504,118  3,350,454 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$33,027,741  $31,863,088 
        

VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except for share data)

    
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 30, March 31, June 30, June 30,
 2019 2019 2018 2019 2018
Interest Income         
Interest and fees on loans$296,934  $288,277  $247,690  $585,211  $485,276 
Interest and dividends on investment securities:         
Taxable22,489  22,876  22,222  45,365  43,545 
Tax-exempt4,356  4,804  5,639  9,160  11,360 
Dividends2,795  3,174  3,728  5,969  5,667 
Interest on federal funds sold and other short-term investments1,168  1,093  839  2,261  1,765 
Total interest income327,742  320,224  280,118  647,966  547,613 
Interest Expense         
Interest on deposits:         
Savings, NOW and money market38,020  36,283  24,756  74,303  47,073 
Time40,331  38,171  16,635  78,502  31,251 
Interest on short-term borrowings14,860  12,549  10,913  27,409  16,645 
Interest on long-term borrowings and junior subordinated debentures14,297  14,573  17,062  28,870  34,294 
Total interest expense107,508  101,576  69,366  209,084  129,263 
Net Interest Income220,234  218,648  210,752  438,882  418,350 
Provision for credit losses2,100  8,000  7,142  10,100  18,090 
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses218,134  210,648  203,610  428,782  400,260 
Non-Interest Income         
Trust and investment services3,096  2,904  3,262  6,000  6,492 
Insurance commissions2,649  2,525  4,026  5,174  7,847 
Service charges on deposit accounts5,827  5,903  6,679  11,730  13,932 
Gains (losses) on securities transactions, net11  (32) (36) (21) (801)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities(2,928)     (2,928)  
Portion recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes)         
Net impairment losses on securities recognized in earnings(2,928)     (2,928)  
Fees from loan servicing2,367  2,430  2,045  4,797  4,268 
Gains on sales of loans, net3,930  4,576  7,642  8,506  14,395 
(Losses) gains on sales of assets, net(564) 77,720  (125) 77,156  (222)
Bank owned life insurance2,205  1,887  2,652  4,092  4,415 
Other11,010  9,760  11,924  20,770  19,994 
Total non-interest income27,603  107,673  38,069  135,276  70,320 
Non-Interest Expense         
Salary and employee benefits expense76,183  83,105  78,944  159,288  172,236 
Net occupancy and equipment expense29,700  27,886  26,901  57,586  54,825 
FDIC insurance assessment4,931  6,121  8,044  11,052  13,542 
Amortization of other intangible assets4,170  4,311  4,617  8,481  8,910 
Professional and legal fees4,145  5,271  5,337  9,416  22,384 
Amortization of tax credit investments4,863  7,173  4,470  12,036  9,744 
Telecommunication expense2,351  2,268  3,015  4,619  6,609 
Other15,394  11,660  18,588  27,054  35,418 
Total non-interest expense141,737  147,795  149,916  289,532  323,668 
Income Before Income Taxes104,000  170,526  91,763  274,526  146,912 
Income tax expense27,532  57,196  18,961  84,728  32,145 
Net Income76,468  113,330  72,802  189,798  114,767 
Dividends on preferred stock3,172  3,172  3,172  6,344  6,344 
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders$73,296  $110,158  $69,630  $183,454  $108,423 
                    

VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except for share data)

    
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 30, March 31, June 30, June 30,
 2019 2019 2018 2019 2018
Earnings Per Common Share:         
Basic$0.22  $0.33  $0.21  $0.55  $0.33 
Diluted0.22  0.33  0.21  0.55  0.33 
Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share0.11  0.11  0.11  0.22  0.22 
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:         
Basic331,748,552  331,601,260  331,318,381  331,675,313  331,024,531 
Diluted332,959,802  332,834,466  332,895,483  332,929,359  332,599,991 
               


VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
Quarterly Analysis of Average Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity and
Net Interest Income on a Tax Equivalent Basis
 
 Three Months Ended
 June 30, 2019 March 31, 2019 June 30, 2018
  Average   Avg.  Average   Avg.  Average   Avg.
($ in thousands) Balance Interest Rate  Balance Interest Rate  Balance Interest Rate
Assets                 
Interest earning assets:               
Loans (1)(2)$25,552,415  $296,934  4.65% $25,254,733  $288,277  4.57% $22,840,235  $247,691  4.34%
Taxable investments (3)3,453,676  25,284  2.93% 3,390,609  26,050  3.07% 3,438,842  25,950  3.02%
Tax-exempt investments (1)(3)658,727  5,514  3.35% 689,675  6,081  3.53% 750,896  7,138  3.80%
Interest bearing deposits with banks212,566  1,168  2.20% 227,890  1,093  1.92% 226,986  839  1.48%
Total interest earning assets29,877,384  328,900  4.40% 29,562,907  321,501  4.35% 27,256,959  281,618  4.13%
Other assets2,829,760      2,733,163      2,521,251     
Total assets$32,707,144      $32,296,070      $29,778,210     
Liabilities and shareholders' equity                 
Interest bearing liabilities:                 
Savings, NOW and money market deposits$11,293,885  $38,020  1.35% $11,450,943  $36,283  1.27% $10,978,067  $24,756  0.90%
Time deposits7,047,319  40,331  2.29% 7,214,863  38,171  2.12% 4,700,456  16,635  1.42%
Short-term borrowings2,380,294  14,860  2.50% 2,011,428  12,549  2.50% 2,166,837  10,913  2.01%
Long-term borrowings (4)1,607,046  14,297  3.56% 1,666,794  14,573  3.50% 2,284,132  17,062  2.99%
Total interest bearing liabilities22,328,544  107,508  1.93% 22,344,028  101,576  1.82% 20,129,492  69,366  1.38%
Non-interest bearing deposits6,358,034      6,116,953      6,168,059     
Other liabilities539,047      440,401      201,043     
Shareholders' equity3,481,519      3,394,688      3,279,616     
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$32,707,144      $32,296,070      $29,778,210     
                  
Net interest income/interest rate spread (5)  $221,392  2.47%   $219,925  2.53%   $212,252  2.75%
Tax equivalent adjustment  (1,158)     (1,277)     (1,500)  
Net interest income, as reported  $220,234      $218,648      $210,752   
Net interest margin (6)    2.95%     2.96%     3.09%
Tax equivalent effect    0.01%     0.02%     0.02%
Net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis (6)    2.96%     2.98%     3.11%

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


Contact: Alan D. Eskow
  Senior Executive Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer
  973-305-4003