Valley National Bancorp Reports 15 Percent Annualized Loan Growth and Fourth Quarter Net Income


WAYNE, N.J., Jan. 31, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Valley National Bancorp (NASDAQ:VLY), the holding company for Valley National Bank, today reported net income for the fourth quarter of 2018 of $77.1 million, or $0.22 per diluted common share, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 earnings of $26.1 million, or $0.09 per diluted common share, and net income of $69.6 million, or $0.20 per diluted common share, for the third quarter of 2018. The fourth quarter of 2017 results included charges mainly due to the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("the Tax Act"). See further details below regarding infrequent items impacting our comparative operating results, including the "Consolidated Financial Highlights" tables.

Key financial highlights for the fourth quarter:

  • Loan Portfolio: Loans increased $924.2 million, or 15.3 percent on an annualized basis, to approximately $25.0 billion at December 31, 2018 from September 30, 2018 largely due to solid organic loan growth within most loan categories. See additional information under the "Loans, Deposits and Other Borrowings" section below.

  • Net Interest Income: Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis of $223.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 increased $5.3 million as compared to the third quarter of 2018 largely due to our solid loan growth and higher rate new loan volumes.

  • Net Interest Margin: Our net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis decreased 2 basis points to 3.10 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018 as compared to 3.12 percent for the third quarter of 2018.  See the "Net Interest Income and Margin" section below for more details.

  • Credit Quality: Net loan charge-offs totaled $1.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2018, as compared to $231 thousand for the third quarter of 2018 and net recoveries of $772 thousand for the fourth quarter of 2017. Non-accrual loans represented 0.35 percent of total loans at December 31, 2018.

  • Provision for Credit Losses: The provision for credit losses increased $1.3 million to $7.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 as compared to third quarter of 2018 largely due to loan growth and, to a lesser extent, higher allocated reserves for taxi medallion loans.

  • Non-Interest Income: Non-interest income increased $5.7 million to $34.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018 from $29.0 million for the third quarter of 2018 largely due to a $6.5 million pre-tax gain realized on the sale of our Visa Class B shares during the fourth quarter.  Partially offsetting this item, Valley also sold all of the private label mortgage-backed securities classified as available for sale in its investment portfolio for an aggregate net loss of $1.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2018.

  • Non-Interest Expense: Non-interest expense increased $2.0 million to $153.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 as compared to the third quarter of 2018.  During the fourth quarter, the amortization of tax credit investments increased by $3.6 million mainly due to the timing of tax credits.  Salary and employee benefits remained relatively unchanged as compared to the third quarter despite the recognition of $2.7 million of severance costs related to our Branch Transformation strategy during the fourth quarter of 2018 (See more information below). Net occupancy and equipment expense increased $1.3 million due to moderate increases in depreciation and repairs and maintenance as compared to the third quarter of 2018.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $1.5 million in professional and legal fees.

  • Efficiency Ratio: Our efficiency ratio was 59.87 percent for the fourth quarter of 2018 as compared to 61.70 percent and 68.30 percent for the third quarter of 2018 and fourth quarter of 2017, respectively.  Excluding severance expense, merger expense, amortization of tax credit investments, litigation reserve expense, net losses on securities transactions, the gain on the sale of Visa Class B shares and branch related asset impairments, if applicable in the period, our adjusted efficiency ratio was 56.68 percent for the fourth quarter of 2018 as compared to 57.84 percent and 57.43 percent for the third quarter of 2018 and fourth quarter of 2017, respectively.  See the "Consolidated Financial Highlights" tables below for additional information regarding this non-GAAP measure.

  • Income Tax Expense: The effective tax rate was 18.99 percent for the fourth quarter of 2018 as compared to 20.60 percent for the third quarter of 2018.  The decline in the effective tax rate was partly caused by a $2.3 million tax benefit related to the adjustment of Tax Act provisional amounts in our final 2017 tax returns completed during the fourth quarter of 2018. For 2019, we currently estimate that our effective tax rate will range from 22 percent to 24 percent.

Ira Robbins, CEO and President commented, "The progress that Valley and all our associates have made over the course of 2018 is tremendous.  We achieved record loan growth, embarked on a multi-year transformation of our delivery channels, and integrated our largest acquisition to date with great success.  As I look forward to 2019 and beyond, I am excited to continue our journey of providing the best possible experience and products to the customers and communities we serve.  All of the actions we are currently taking are expected to provide positive shareholder value over the long-term."

Net Interest Income and Margin

Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis totaling $223.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 increased $52.0 million and $5.3 million as compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 and third quarter of 2018, respectively.  The increase as compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 was largely due to the  acquisition of USAmeriBancorp, Inc. (USAB) on January 1, 2018 and loan growth during 2018.  Interest income on a tax equivalent basis increased $17.6 million to $316.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 as compared to the third quarter of 2018, largely due to an increase of $871.7 million in average loans and a 11 basis point increase in the yield on average loans.  Interest expense of $92.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018 increased $12.3 million from the third quarter of 2018 largely due to higher interest rates on many of our interest bearing deposit products and FHLB borrowings, and a $756.9 million increase in average interest-bearing liabilities.  The increase in average interest-bearing liabilities was largely driven by both brokered and retail time deposit gathering initiatives, partially offset by lower short-term and long-term FHLB borrowings.

The net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis of 3.10 percent for the fourth quarter of 2018 decreased 3 basis points and 2 basis points from 3.13 percent and 3.12 percent for the fourth quarter of 2017 and third quarter of 2018, respectively.  The yield on average interest earning assets increased by 12 basis points on a linked quarter basis due to the higher yields on average loans and investment securities.  The yield on average loans increased to 4.61 percent for the fourth quarter of 2018 from 4.50 percent for the third quarter of 2018, mostly due to the high volume of new loan originations at current market rates. The increased yield on average investment securities was partly caused by a decrease in premium amortization on residential mortgage-backed securities, due to lower prepayments on such financial instruments. The cost of average interest bearing liabilities increased by 17 basis points to 1.72 percent for the fourth quarter of 2018 as compared to the linked third quarter of 2018.  The increase was due to a 23 basis point increase in both the cost of average interest bearing deposits and short-term borrowings, largely driven by higher market interest rates. The cost of average long-term borrowings also increased 21 basis points as compared to the third quarter of 2018 largely due to the change in the composition of such borrowings caused by the maturity and repayment of lower cost borrowings in the second half of 2018.  Our cost of total average deposits was 1.07 percent for the fourth quarter of 2018 as compared to 0.88 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2018.

Branch Transformation

As previously disclosed, Valley embarked on a continued strategy to overhaul its retail network in the second half of 2018. As a result, we identified several branches within New Jersey and New York that did not meet certain internal performance measures. Of those identified, we have closed 11 branches to date and expect to consolidate 9 additional branches by the end of the first quarter 2019.  The estimated annual operating expense savings from the 20 branch closures is expected to be approximately $9 million.  There were no material asset impairments related to actual and future branch closures during the fourth quarter of 2018 as compared to a $1.8 million charge in the third quarter of 2018.  Severance costs related to approved branch staff reductions totaled $2.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2018.

For the remaining branch network, we continue to monitor the operating performance of each branch and implement tailored action plans focused on improving profitability and deposit levels for those branches that underperform.

Loans, Deposits and Other Borrowings

Loans. Loans increased $924.2 million to approximately $25.0 billion at December 31, 2018 from September 30, 2018.  The increase was mainly due to continued strong quarter over quarter organic growth in commercial and industrial, residential mortgage and commercial real estate loans.  The growth within the residential mortgage loan portfolio was also partially driven by the purchase of approximately $105 million of CRA qualifying loans.  During the fourth quarter of 2018, Valley originated $98 million of residential mortgage loans for sale rather than held for investment.  Loans held for sale totaled $35.2 million and $31.7 million at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018, respectively.

Deposits. Total deposits increased $1.9 billion, or 8.3 percent, to approximately $24.5 billion at December 31, 2018 from September 30, 2018 mostly due to a $1.6 billion increase in time deposits from both brokered and retail deposit gathering efforts. During fourth quarter of 2018, Valley continued to increase its use of brokered CDs partly due to their relatively favorable pricing as compared to other available funding sources with similar terms, including FHLB advances. Money market deposit accounts also increased $176.8 million at December 31, 2018 as compared to September 30, 2018 resulting from ongoing retail and commercial account initiatives commenced in the third quarter of 2018. Non-interest bearing deposits; savings, NOW, money market deposits; and time deposits represented approximately 25 percent, 46 percent and 29 percent of total deposits as of December 31, 2018, respectively.

Other Borrowings. Short-term borrowings decreased $849.5 million, or 28.6 percent, to approximately $2.1 billion at December 31, 2018 from September 30, 2018 mostly due to lower levels of short-term FHLB borrowings caused by the success of our current deposit gathering initiatives. Long-term borrowings also decreased $74.5 million, or 4.3 percent, to $1.7 billion at December 31, 2018 from September 30, 2018 due to the normal maturity and repayment of FHLB advances during the fourth quarter of 2018.

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.  At December 31, 2018, our PCI loan portfolio totaled $4.2 billion, or 16.7 percent of our total loan portfolio and included all loans acquired from USAB on January 1, 2018.

Total non-performing assets (NPAs), consisting of non-accrual loans, other real estate owned (OREO) and other repossessed assets totaled $98.6 million at December 31, 2018 compared to $88.7 million at September 30, 2018. The increase in NPAs from September 30, 2018 was mostly due to an increase of $10.0 million in non-accrual loans. The increase in non-accrual loans was primarily related to taxi medallion loans totaling $14.1 million that were reclassified to non-performing commercial and industrial loans during the fourth quarter of 2018 (See further discussion of our taxi medallion lending below), partially offset by better performance in the residential mortgage loan portfolio and one large payoff of a non-accrual commercial real estate loan. Non-accrual loans represented 0.35 percent of total loans at December 31, 2018 as compared to 0.33 percent of total loans at September 30, 2018.

Total accruing past due loans (i.e., loans past due 30 days or more and still accruing interest) increased $9.5 million to $67.7 million, or 0.27 percent of total loans, at December 31, 2018 as compared to $58.2 million, or 0.24 percent of total loans, at September 30, 2018.  The higher level of accruing past due loans was primarily caused by increases of $5.8 million and $4.5 million in total loans past due 30 to 59 days and commercial and industrial loans 90 or more days past due, respectively.

During the fourth quarter of 2018, we continued to closely monitor our NYC and Chicago taxi medallion loans totaling $121.8 million and $8.4 million, respectively, within the commercial and industrial loan portfolio at December 31, 2018. While most 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 December 31, 2018, the medallion portfolio included impaired loans totaling $73.7 million with related reserves of $27.9 million within the allowance for loan losses as compared to impaired loans totaling $66.5 million with related reserves of $26.3 million at September 30, 2018. At December 31, 2018, the impaired medallion loans largely consisted of $58.5 million of non-accrual taxi cab medallion loans classified as doubtful, as well as performing troubled debt restructured (TDR) loans classified as substandard loans.  Additionally, Valley currently has $22.5 million of performing non-impaired taxi medallion loans which are scheduled to mature in 2019, and $18.3 million that mature between 2023 and 2027. If the loans with 2019 maturities became TDRs upon maturity and renewal, an additional reserve of $8.6 million would be required based on the allowance methodology at December 31, 2018.

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 December 31, 2018, September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017:

 December 31, 2018 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
   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*$95,392  2.20% $88,509  2.20% $60,828  2.22%
Commercial real estate loans:           
Commercial real estate26,482  0.21% 29,093  0.24% 36,293  0.38%
Construction23,168  1.56% 21,037  1.49% 18,661  2.19%
Total commercial real estate loans49,650  0.36% 50,130  0.37% 54,954  0.53%
Residential mortgage loans5,041  0.12% 4,919  0.13% 3,605  0.13%
Consumer loans:           
Home equity598  0.12% 576  0.11% 579  0.13%
Auto and other consumer5,614  0.26% 5,341  0.25% 4,486  0.23%
Total consumer loans6,212  0.23% 5,917  0.22% 5,065  0.21%
Total allowance for credit losses$156,295  0.62% $149,475  0.62% $124,452  0.68%
Allowance for credit losses as a % of non-PCI loans  0.75%   0.76%   0.73%
___             
* Includes the reserve for unfunded letters of credit.             
              

Our loan portfolio, totaling $25.0 billion at December 31, 2018, had net loan charge-offs of $1.0 million and $231 thousand for the fourth quarter of 2018 and third quarter of 2018, respectively, as compared to net recoveries of loan charge-offs totaling $772 thousand for the fourth quarter of 2017.  Overall, net loan charge-offs decreased to $658 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.  During the fourth quarter of 2018, we recorded a provision for credit losses totaling $7.9 million as compared to $6.6 million for the third quarter of 2018 and $2.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2017.  Overall, our provision for credit losses was $32.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to $9.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.  The increase in the 2018 provision was largely due to strong loan growth and increased allocated reserves for impaired loans mostly caused by taxi medallion loans.

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 0.62 percent at both December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018, and 0.68 percent at December 31, 2017.  At December 31, 2018, our allowance allocations for losses as a percentage of total loans remained relatively stable in most loan categories as compared to September 30, 2018.

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 11.34 percent, 9.30 percent, 7.57 percent and 8.43 percent, respectively, at December 31, 2018.

Investor Conference Call

Valley will host a conference call with investors and the financial community at 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time, today to discuss the fourth quarter 2018 earnings.  Those wishing to participate in the call may dial toll-free (866) 354-0432 (Conference ID: 4398224).  The teleconference will also be webcast live: https://edge.media-server.com/m6/p/9gtdqchn and archived on Valley's website through Thursday, February 28, 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 $32 billion in assets. Valley is committed to giving people and businesses the power to succeed. Valley operates approximately 226 branches 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:

  • 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 retain USAB’s customers and key employees;
  • the inability to grow customer deposits to keep pace with loan growth;
  • an increase in our allowance for credit losses due higher than expected loan losses within one or more segments of our loan portfolio;
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • the effect of the partial U.S. Government shutdown on levels of economic activity in the markets in which we operate and on levels of end market demand in the economy in general;
  • cyber attacks, computer viruses or other malware that may breach the security of our websites or other systems to obtain unauthorized access to confidential information, destroy data, disable or degrade service, or sabotage our systems;
  • results of examinations by the OCC, 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 trade mark infringement, employment related claims, and other matters;
  • changes in accounting policies or accounting standards, including the new authoritative accounting guidance (known as the current expected credit loss (CECL) model) which may increase the required level of our allowance for credit losses after adoption on January 1, 2020;
  • higher or lower than expected income tax expense or tax rates, including increases or decreases resulting from the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and other changes in tax laws, regulations and case law;
  • our inability or determination not to pay dividends at current levels, or at all, because of inadequate earnings, regulatory restrictions or limitations, changes in our capital requirements or a decision to increase capital by retaining more earnings;
  • unanticipated loan delinquencies, loss of collateral, decreased service revenues, and other potential negative effects on our business caused by severe weather 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, 2017 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 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 Years Ended
 December 31, September 30, December 31, December 31,
($ in thousands, except for share data)2018 2018 2017 2018 2017
FINANCIAL DATA:         
Net interest income$222,053  $216,800  $169,414  $857,203  $660,047 
Net interest income - FTE (1)223,414  218,136  171,394  862,922  668,350 
Non-interest income34,694  29,038  30,159  134,052  111,706 
Non-interest expense153,712  151,681  136,317  629,061  509,073 
Income tax expense18,074  18,046  34,958  68,265  90,831 
Net income77,102  69,559  26,098  261,428  161,907 
Dividends on preferred stock3,172  3,172  3,172  12,688  9,449 
Net income available to common stockholders$73,930  $66,387  $22,926  $248,740  $152,458 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:         
Basic331,492,648  331,486,500  264,332,895  331,258,964  264,038,123 
Diluted332,856,385  333,000,242  265,288,067  332,693,718  264,889,007 
Per common share data:         
Basic earnings$0.22  $0.20  $0.09  $0.75  $0.58 
Diluted earnings0.22  0.20  0.09  0.75  0.58 
Cash dividends declared0.11  0.11  0.11  0.44  0.44 
Closing stock price - high11.51  13.04  12.17  13.28  12.76 
Closing stock price - low8.45  11.25  11.00  8.45  10.71 
CORE ADJUSTED FINANCIAL DATA: (2)         
Net income available to common shareholders, as adjusted$69,478  $69,888  $42,591  $269,897  $179,074 
Basic earnings per share, as adjusted0.21  0.21  0.16  0.81  0.68 
Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted0.21  0.21  0.16  0.81  0.68 
FINANCIAL RATIOS:         
Net interest margin3.08% 3.10% 3.09% 3.09% 3.07%
Net interest margin - FTE (1)3.10  3.12  3.13  3.11  3.11 
Annualized return on average assets0.98  0.91  0.44  0.86  0.69 
Annualized return on avg. shareholders' equity9.23  8.41  4.07  7.91  6.55 
Annualized return on avg. tangible shareholders' equity (2)14.17  12.96  5.71  12.21  9.32 
Efficiency ratio (3)59.87  61.70  68.30  63.46  65.96 
CORE ADJUSTED FINANCIAL RATIOS: (2)         
Annualized return on average assets, as adjusted0.93% 0.96% 0.77% 0.93% 0.80%
Annualized return on average shareholders' equity, as adjusted8.70  8.84  7.14  8.55  7.63 
Annualized return on average tangible shareholders' equity, as adjusted13.36  13.61  10.00  13.20  10.85 
Efficiency ratio, as adjusted56.68  57.84  57.43  57.90  58.93 
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET ITEMS:         
Assets$31,328,729  $30,493,175  $23,907,011  $30,229,276  $23,478,798 
Interest earning assets28,806,620  27,971,712  21,932,517  27,702,911  21,488,498 
Loans24,530,919  23,659,190  18,242,690  23,340,330  17,819,003 
Interest bearing liabilities21,515,197  20,758,249  15,919,382  20,528,920  15,640,317 
Deposits23,702,885  22,223,203  17,812,343  22,418,142  17,456,115 
Shareholders' equity3,340,411  3,307,690  2,562,326  3,304,531  2,471,751 
               


 As of
BALANCE SHEET ITEMS:December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31,
(In thousands)2018 2018 2018 2018 2017
Assets$31,863,088  $30,881,948  $30,182,979  $29,464,357  $24,002,306 
Total loans25,035,469  24,111,290  23,234,716  22,552,767  18,331,580 
Non-PCI loans20,845,383  19,681,255  18,587,015  17,636,934  16,944,365 
Deposits24,452,974  22,588,272  21,640,772  21,959,846  18,153,462 
Shareholders' equity3,350,454  3,302,936  3,277,312  3,245,003  2,533,165 
          
LOANS:         
(In thousands)         
Commercial and industrial$4,331,032  $4,015,280  $3,829,525  $3,631,597  $2,741,425 
Commercial real estate:         
Commercial real estate12,407,275  12,251,231  11,913,830  11,706,228  9,496,777 
Construction1,488,132  1,416,259  1,376,732  1,372,508  851,105 
Total commercial real estate13,895,407  13,667,490  13,290,562  13,078,736  10,347,882 
Residential mortgage4,111,400  3,782,972  3,528,682  3,321,560  2,859,035 
Consumer:         
Home equity517,089  521,797  520,849  549,329  446,280 
Automobile1,319,571  1,288,902  1,281,735  1,222,721  1,208,902 
Other consumer860,970  834,849  783,363  748,824  728,056 
Total consumer loans2,697,630  2,645,548  2,585,947  2,520,874  2,383,238 
 Total loans$25,035,469  $24,111,290  $23,234,716  $22,552,767  $18,331,580 
          
CAPITAL RATIOS:         
Book value per common share$9.48  $9.33  $9.26  $9.16  $8.79 
Tangible book value per common share(2)5.97  5.81  5.75  5.65  6.01 
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (2)6.45% 6.48% 6.56% 6.61% 6.83%
Tier 1 leverage capital7.57  7.63  7.72  7.71  8.03 
Common equity tier 1 capital8.43  8.56  8.71  8.77  9.22 
Tier 1 risk-based capital9.30  9.46  9.65  9.73  10.41 
Total risk-based capital11.34  11.55  11.77  11.89  12.61 
               


 Three Months Ended Years Ended
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES:December 31, September 30, December 31, December 31,
($ in thousands)2018 2018 2017 2018 2017
Beginning balance - Allowance for credit losses$149,475  $143,154  $121,480  $124,452  $116,604 
Loans charged-off:         
Commercial and industrial(909) (833) (532) (2,515) (5,421)
Commercial real estate    (6) (348) (559)
Construction         
Residential mortgage(56)   (42) (223) (530)
Total Consumer(1,194) (1,150) (1,097) (4,977) (4,564)
Total loans charged-off(2,159) (1,983) (1,677) (8,063) (11,074)
Charged-off loans recovered:         
Commercial and industrial566  1,131  1,256  4,623  4,736 
Commercial real estate21  12  22  417  552 
Construction    579    873 
Residential mortgage3  9  113  272  1,016 
Total Consumer530  600  479  2,093  1,803 
Total loans recovered1,120  1,752  2,449  7,405  8,980 
Net (charge-offs) recoveries(1,039) (231) 772  (658) (2,094)
Provision for credit losses7,859  6,552  2,200  32,501  9,942 
Ending balance - Allowance for credit losses$156,295  $149,475  $124,452  $156,295  $124,452 
Components of allowance for credit losses:         
Allowance for loans$151,859  $144,963  $120,856  $151,859  $120,856 
Allowance for unfunded letters of credit4,436  4,512  3,596  4,436  3,596 
Allowance for credit losses$156,295  $149,475  $124,452  $156,295  $124,452 
Components of provision for credit losses:         
Provision for loan losses$7,935  $6,432  $1,118  $31,661  $8,531 
Provision for unfunded letters of credit(76) 120  1,082  840  1,411 
Provision for credit losses$7,859  $6,552  $2,200  $32,501  $9,942 
          
Annualized ratio of total net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans0.02% 0.00% (0.02)% 0.00% 0.01%
Allowance for credit losses as a % of non-PCI loans0.75% 0.76% 0.73% 0.75% 0.73%
Allowance for credit losses as a % of total loans0.62% 0.62% 0.68% 0.62% 0.68%
               


 As of
ASSET QUALITY: (4)December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31,
($ in thousands)2018 2018 2018 2018 2017
Accruing past due loans:         
30 to 59 days past due:         
Commercial and industrial$13,085  $9,462  $6,780  $5,405  $3,650 
Commercial real estate9,521  3,387  4,323  3,699  11,223 
Construction2,829  15,576  175  532  12,949 
Residential mortgage16,576  10,058  7,961  6,460  12,669 
Total Consumer9,740  7,443  6,573  5,244  8,409 
Total 30 to 59 days past due51,751  45,926  25,812  21,340  48,900 
60 to 89 days past due:         
Commercial and industrial3,768  1,431  1,533  804  544 
Commercial real estate530  2,502       
Construction  36    1,099  18,845 
Residential mortgage2,458  3,270  1,978  4,081  7,903 
Total Consumer1,386  1,249  860  1,489  1,199 
Total 60 to 89 days past due8,142  8,488  4,371  7,473  28,491 
90 or more days past due:         
Commercial and industrial6,156  1,618  560  653   
Commercial real estate27  27  27  27  27 
Construction         
Residential mortgage1,288  1,877  2,324  3,361  2,779 
Total Consumer341  282  198  372  284 
Total 90 or more days past due7,812  3,804  3,109  4,413  3,090 
Total accruing past due loans$67,705  $58,218  $33,292  $33,226  $80,481 
Non-accrual loans:         
Commercial and industrial$70,096  $52,929  $53,596  $25,112  $20,890 
Commercial real estate2,372  7,103  7,452  8,679  11,328 
Construction356    1,100  732  732 
Residential mortgage12,917  16,083  19,303  22,694  12,405 
Total Consumer2,655  2,248  3,003  3,104  1,870 
Total non-accrual loans88,396  78,363  84,454  60,321  47,225 
Other real estate owned (OREO)9,491  9,863  11,760  13,773  9,795 
Other repossessed assets744  445  864  858  441 
Total non-performing assets$98,631  $88,671  $97,078  $74,952  $57,461 
Performing troubled debt restructured loans$77,216  $81,141  $83,694  $116,414  $117,176 
Total non-accrual loans as a % of loans0.35% 0.33% 0.36% 0.27% 0.26%
Total accruing past due and non-accrual loans as a % of loans0.62% 0.57% 0.51% 0.41% 0.70%
Allowance for loan losses as a % of non-accrual loans171.79% 184.99% 164.30% 220.26% 255.92%
Non-performing purchased credit-impaired loans (5)$56,125  $75,422  $57,311  $62,857  $38,088 
                    

NOTES TO SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(1Net interest income and net interest margin are presented on a tax equivalent basis using a 21 percent and 35 percent federal tax rate for the periods ending in 2018 and 2017, respectively. 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 Years Ended
 December 31, September 30, December 31, December 31,
($ in thousands, except for share data)2018 2018 2017 2018 2017
Adjusted net income available to common shareholders:         
Net income, as reported$77,102  $69,559  $26,098  $261,428  $161,907 
Less: Gain on the sale of Visa Class B shares (net of tax)*(4,677)     (4,677)  
Add: Losses on securities transactions (net of tax)1,047  56  15  1,677  12 
Add: Severance costs (branch transformation only, net of tax)**1,907      1,907   
Add: LIFT program expense (net of tax)***        5,753 
Add: Branch related asset impairment (net of tax)****  1,304    1,304   
Add: Legal expenses (litigation reserve impact only, net of tax)  1,206    8,726   
Add: Merger related expenses (net of tax)*****(455) 935  1,073  12,494  2,274 
Add: Amortization of tax credit investments (Tax Act impact only)    3,136    3,136 
Add: Income tax (benefit) expense (USAB and Tax Act impacts only)(2,274)   15,441  (274) 15,441 
Net income, as adjusted$72,650  $73,060  $45,763  $282,585  $188,523 
Dividends on preferred stock3,172  3,172  3,172  12,688  9,449 
Net income available to common shareholders, as adjusted$69,478  $69,888  $42,591  $269,897  $179,074 
_____________         
* The gain from the sale of non-marketable securities is included in other non-interest income.
** Severance costs are included in salary and employee benefits expense.
*** LIFT program expenses are primarily within professional and legal fees, and salary and employee benefits expense.
**** Branch related asset impairment is included in net losses on sale of assets within other non-interest income.
*****  Merger related expenses are primarily within salary and employee benefits and other expense.
          
Adjusted per common share data:         
Net income available to common shareholders, as adjusted$69,478  $69,888  $42,591  $269,897  $179,074 
Average number of shares outstanding331,492,648  331,486,500  264,332,895  331,258,964  264,038,123 
Basic earnings, as adjusted$0.21  $0.21  $0.16  $0.81  $0.68 
Average number of diluted shares outstanding332,856,385  333,000,242  265,288,067  332,693,718  264,889,007 
Diluted earnings, as adjusted$0.21  $0.21  $0.16  $0.81  $0.68 
                    


 Three Months Ended Years Ended
 December 31, September 30, December 31, December 31,
($ in thousands, except for share data)2018 2018 2017 2018 2017
Adjusted annualized return on average tangible shareholders' equity:         
Net income, as adjusted$72,650  $73,060  $45,763  $282,585  $188,523 
Average shareholders' equity3,340,411  3,307,690  2,562,326  3,304,531  2,471,751 
Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets1,164,638  1,161,167  732,604  1,163,398  734,200 
Average tangible shareholders' equity$2,175,773  $2,146,523  $1,829,722  $2,141,133  $1,737,551 
Annualized return on average tangible  shareholders' equity13.36% 13.61% 10.00% 13.20% 10.85%
Adjusted annualized return on average assets:         
Net income, as adjusted$72,650  $73,060  $45,763  $282,585  $188,523 
Average assets$31,328,729  $30,493,175  $23,907,011  $30,229,276  $23,478,798 
Annualized return on average assets, as adjusted0.93% 0.96% 0.77% 0.93% 0.80%
Adjusted annualized return on average shareholders' equity:         
Net income, as adjusted$72,650  $73,060  $45,763  $282,585  $188,523 
Average shareholders' equity$3,340,411  $3,307,690  $2,562,326  $3,304,531  $2,471,751 
Annualized return on average shareholders' equity, as adjusted8.70% 8.84% 7.14% 8.55% 7.63%
               


Annualized return on average tangible shareholders' equity:         
Net income, as reported$77,102  $69,559  $26,098  $261,428  $161,907 
Average shareholders' equity3,340,411  3,307,690  2,562,326  3,304,531  2,471,751 
Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets1,164,638  1,161,167  732,604  1,163,398  734,200 
 Average tangible shareholders' equity$2,175,773  $2,146,523  $1,829,722  $2,141,133  $1,737,551 
Annualized return on average tangible shareholders' equity14.17% 12.96% 5.71% 12.21% 9.32%
Adjusted efficiency ratio:         
Non-interest expense$153,712  $151,681  $136,317  $629,061  $509,073 
Less:  Severance expense (branch transformation only, pre-tax)2,662      2,662   
Less:  LIFT program expenses (pre-tax)        9,875 
Less:  Legal expenses (litigation reserve impact only, pre-tax)  1,684    12,184   
Less:  Merger-related expenses (pre-tax)(635) 1,304  1,378  17,445  2,620 
Less:  Amortization of tax credit investments (pre-tax)9,044  5,412  20,302  24,200  41,747 
Non-interest expense, as adjusted142,641  143,281  114,637  572,570  454,831 
Net interest income222,053  216,800  169,414  857,203  660,047 
Non-interest income, as reported34,694  29,038  30,159  134,052  111,706 
Add: Branch related asset impairment (pre-tax)  1,821    1,821   
Add: Losses on securities transactions, net (pre-tax)1,462  79  25  2,342  20 
Less: Gain on the sale of Visa Class B shares (pre-tax)6,530      6,530   
Non-interest income, as adjusted$29,626  $30,938  $30,184  $131,685  $111,726 
Gross operating income, as adjusted$251,679  $247,738  $199,598  $988,888  $771,773 
Efficiency ratio, as adjusted56.68% 57.84% 57.43% 57.90% 58.93%
               


 As Of
 December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31,
($ in thousands, except for share data)2018 2018 2018 2018 2017
Tangible book value per common share:         
Common shares outstanding331,431,217  331,501,424  331,454,025  331,189,859  264,468,851 
Shareholders' equity$3,350,454  $3,302,936  $3,277,312  $3,245,003  $2,533,165 
Less: Preferred Stock209,691  209,691  209,691  209,691  209,691 
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets1,161,655  1,166,481  1,162,858  1,165,379  733,144 
Tangible common shareholders' equity$1,979,108  $1,926,764  $1,904,763  $1,869,933  $1,590,330 
Tangible book value per common share$5.97  $5.81  $5.75  $5.65  $6.01 
Tangible common equity to tangible assets:         
Tangible common shareholders' equity$1,979,108  $1,926,764  $1,904,763  $1,869,933  $1,590,330 
Total assets$31,863,088  $30,881,948  $30,182,979  $29,464,357  $24,002,306 
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets1,161,655  1,166,481  1,162,858  1,165,379  733,144 
Tangible assets$30,701,433  $29,715,467  $29,020,121  $28,298,978  $23,269,162 
Tangible common equity to tangible assets6.45% 6.48% 6.56% 6.61% 6.83%
               


(3The 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)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)

 December 31,
 2018 2017
 (Unaudited)  
Assets   
Cash and due from banks$251,541  $243,310 
Interest bearing deposits with banks177,088  172,800 
Investment securities:   
Held to maturity (fair value of $2,034,943 at December 31, 2018 and $1,837,620 at December 31, 2017)2,068,246  1,842,691 
Available for sale1,749,544  1,493,905 
Total investment securities3,817,790  3,336,596 
Loans held for sale, at fair value35,155  15,119 
Loans25,035,469  18,331,580 
Less: Allowance for loan losses(151,859) (120,856)
Net loans24,883,610  18,210,724 
Premises and equipment, net341,630  287,705 
Bank owned life insurance439,602  386,079 
Accrued interest receivable95,296  73,990 
Goodwill1,084,665  690,637 
Other intangible assets, net76,990  42,507 
Other assets659,721  542,839 
Total Assets$31,863,088  $24,002,306 
Liabilities   
Deposits:   
Non-interest bearing$6,175,495  $5,224,928 
Interest bearing:   
Savings, NOW and money market11,213,495  9,365,013 
Time7,063,984  3,563,521 
Total deposits24,452,974  18,153,462 
Short-term borrowings2,118,914  748,628 
Long-term borrowings1,654,268  2,315,819 
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts55,370  41,774 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities231,108  209,458 
Total Liabilities28,512,634  21,469,141 
Shareholders’ Equity   
Preferred stock, no par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized:   
Series A (4,600,000 shares issued at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017)111,590  111,590 
Series B (4,000,000 shares issued at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017)98,101  98,101 
Common stock (no par value, authorized 450,000,000 shares; issued 331,634,951 shares at December 31, 2018 and 264,498,643 shares at December 31, 2017)116,240  92,727 
Surplus2,796,499  2,060,356 
Retained earnings299,642  216,733 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(69,431) (46,005)
Treasury stock, at cost (203,734 shares at December 31, 2018 and 29,792 shares at December 31, 2017)(2,187) (337)
Total Shareholders’ Equity3,350,454  2,533,165 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$31,863,088  $24,002,306 
        

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

 Three Months Ended Years Ended
 December 31, September 30, December 31, December 31,
 2018 2018 2017 2018 2017
Interest Income         
Interest and fees on loans$282,847  $265,870  $192,537  $1,033,993  $734,474 
Interest and dividends on investment securities:         
Taxable22,399  21,362  18,237  87,306  72,676 
Tax-exempt5,121  5,023  3,673  21,504  15,399 
Dividends3,561  3,981  2,867  13,209  9,812 
Interest on other short-term investments666  805  637  3,236  1,793 
Total interest income314,594  297,041  217,951  1,159,248  834,154 
Interest Expense         
Interest on deposits:         
Savings, NOW and money market32,546  28,775  16,762  108,394  55,300 
Time30,599  20,109  11,975  81,959  42,546 
Interest on short-term borrowings14,092  15,193  3,456  45,930  18,034 
Interest on long-term borrowings and junior subordinated debentures15,304  16,164  16,344  65,762  58,227 
Total interest expense92,541  80,241  48,537  302,045  174,107 
Net Interest Income222,053  216,800  169,414  857,203  660,047 
Provision for credit losses7,859  6,552  2,200  32,501  9,942 
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses214,194  210,248  167,214  824,702  650,105 
Non-Interest Income         
Trust and investment services2,998  3,143  2,932  12,633  11,538 
Insurance commissions3,720  3,646  4,218  15,213  18,156 
Service charges on deposit accounts6,288  6,597  5,393  26,817  21,529 
Losses on securities transactions, net(1,462) (79) (25) (2,342) (20)
Fees from loan servicing2,478  2,573  1,843  9,319  7,384 
Gains on sales of loans, net2,372  3,748  6,375  20,515  20,814 
Bank owned life insurance1,731  2,545  1,633  8,691  7,338 
Other16,569  6,865  7,790  43,206  24,967 
Total non-interest income34,694  29,038  30,159  134,052  111,706 
Non-Interest Expense         
Salary and employee benefits expense80,802  80,778  64,560  333,816  263,337 
Net occupancy and equipment expense27,643  26,295  23,843  108,763  92,243 
FDIC insurance assessment7,303  7,421  5,163  28,266  19,821 
Amortization of other intangible assets4,809  4,697  2,420  18,416  10,016 
Professional and legal fees5,119  6,638  5,727  34,141  25,834 
Amortization of tax credit investments9,044  5,412  20,302  24,200  41,747 
Telecommunication expense2,166  3,327  2,091  12,102  9,921 
Other16,826  17,113  12,211  69,357  46,154 
Total non-interest expense153,712  151,681  136,317  629,061  509,073 
Income Before Income Taxes95,176  87,605  61,056  329,693  252,738 
Income tax expense18,074  18,046  34,958  68,265  90,831 
Net Income77,102  69,559  26,098  261,428  161,907 
Dividends on preferred stock3,172  3,172  3,172  12,688  9,449 
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders$73,930  $66,387  $22,926  $248,740  $152,458 
Earnings Per Common Share:         
Basic$0.22  $0.20  $0.09  $0.75  $0.58 
Diluted0.22  0.20  0.09  0.75  0.58 
Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share0.11  0.11  0.11  0.44  0.44 
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:         
Basic331,492,648  331,486,500  264,332,895  331,258,964  264,038,123 
Diluted332,856,385  333,000,242  265,288,067  332,693,718  264,889,007 
               



 VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
 Quarterly Analysis of Average Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity and
 Net Interest Income on a Tax Equivalent Basis
 Three Months Ended
 December 31, 2018 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
  Average   Avg.  Average   Avg.  Average   Avg.
($ in thousands) Balance  Interest Rate  Balance  Interest Rate  Balance  Interest Rate
Assets                 
Interest earning assets                 
Loans (1)(2)$24,530,919  $282,847  4.61% $23,659,190  $265,871  4.50% $18,242,690  $192,539  4.22%
Taxable investments (3)3,398,396  25,960  3.06% 3,399,910  25,343  2.98% 2,931,144  21,104  2.88%
Tax-exempt investments (1)(3)713,552  6,482  3.63% 730,711  6,358  3.48% 528,681  5,651  4.28%
Interest bearing deposits with banks163,753  666  1.63% 181,901  805  1.77% 230,002  637  1.11%
Total interest earning assets28,806,620  315,955  4.39% 27,971,712  298,377  4.27% 21,932,517  219,931  4.01%
Other assets2,522,109      2,521,463      1,974,494     
Total assets$31,328,729      $30,493,175      $23,907,011     
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                 
Interest bearing liabilities:                 
Savings, NOW and money market deposits$11,186,180  $32,546  1.16% $11,032,866  $28,775  1.04% $9,085,986  $16,762  0.74%
Time deposits6,245,803  30,599  1.96% 4,967,691  20,109  1.62% 3,478,046  11,975  1.38%
Short-term borrowings2,316,020  14,092  2.43% 2,766,398  15,193  2.20% 1,011,130  3,456  1.37%
Long-term borrowings (4)1,767,194  15,304  3.46% 1,991,294  16,164  3.25% 2,344,220  16,344  2.79%
Total interest bearing liabilities21,515,197  92,541  1.72% 20,758,249  80,241  1.55% 15,919,382  48,537  1.22%
Non-interest bearing deposits6,270,902      6,222,646      5,248,311     
Other liabilities202,219      204,590      176,992     
Shareholders' equity3,340,411      3,307,690      2,562,326     
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$31,328,729      $30,493,175      $23,907,011     
Net interest income/interest rate spread (5)  $223,414  2.67%   $218,136  2.72%   $171,394  2.79%
Tax equivalent adjustment  (1,361)     (1,336)     (1,980)  
Net interest income, as reported  $222,053      $216,800      $169,414   
Net interest margin (6)    3.08%     3.10%     3.09%
Tax equivalent effect    0.02%     0.02%     0.04%
Net interest margin on a fully tax  equivalent basis (6)    3.10%     3.12%     3.13%
____________                    


(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 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