UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
 

FORM 10-Q
 
 
(Mark One)
xQuarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017
OR
¨

Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from                     to                     
Commission File Number 1-11277 
 
 

VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
New Jersey 22-2477875
(State or other jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
  
1455 Valley Road
Wayne, NJ
 07470
(Address of principal executive office) (Zip code)
973-305-8800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 
 
 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.)    Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large"large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”" "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and “smaller reporting company”"emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one):
Large accelerated filerxAccelerated filer¨Emerging growth company¨
    
Non-accelerated filer
¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the
Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. Common Stock (no par value), of which 254,529,715264,029,734 shares were outstanding as of NovemberAugust 3, 20162017
 


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


1




PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(in thousands, except for share data)
September 30,
2016
 December 31,
2015
June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
Assets(Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  
Cash and due from banks$238,664
 $243,575
$227,830
 $220,791
Interest bearing deposits with banks160,462
 170,225
129,959
 171,710
Investment securities:      
Held to maturity (fair value of $1,891,982 at September 30, 2016 and $1,621,039 at December 31, 2015)1,845,151
 1,596,385
Held to maturity (fair value of $1,828,732 at June 30, 2017 and $1,924,597 at December 31, 2016)1,822,263
 1,925,572
Available for sale1,276,709
 1,506,861
1,464,054
 1,297,373
Total investment securities3,121,860
 3,103,246
3,286,317
 3,222,945
Loans held for sale (includes fair value of $27,868 at September 30, 2016 and $16,832 at December 31, 2015 for loans originated for sale)202,369
 16,382
Loans held for sale (includes fair value of $17,919 at June 30, 2017 and $57,708 at December 31, 2016 for loans originated for sale)
139,576
 57,708
Loans16,634,135
 16,043,107
17,710,760
 17,236,103
Less: Allowance for loan losses(110,697) (106,178)(116,446) (114,419)
Net loans16,523,438
 15,936,929
17,594,314
 17,121,684
Premises and equipment, net294,165
 298,943
290,001
 291,180
Bank owned life insurance390,600
 387,542
393,997
 391,830
Accrued interest receivable63,815
 63,554
69,732
 66,816
Goodwill689,589
 686,339
690,637
 690,637
Other intangible assets, net44,038
 48,882
43,700
 45,484
Other assets639,453
 656,999
583,287
 583,654
Total Assets$22,368,453
 $21,612,616
$23,449,350
 $22,864,439
Liabilities      
Deposits:      
Non-interest bearing$5,092,740
 $4,914,285
$5,197,997
 $5,252,825
Interest bearing:      
Savings, NOW and money market8,759,562
 8,181,362
8,683,028
 9,339,012
Time3,119,881
 3,157,904
3,368,993
 3,138,871
Total deposits16,972,183
 16,253,551
17,250,018
 17,730,708
Short-term borrowings1,433,356
 1,076,991
1,734,444
 1,080,960
Long-term borrowings1,450,818
 1,810,728
1,819,615
 1,433,906
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts41,536
 41,414
41,658
 41,577
Accrued expenses and other liabilities213,487
 222,841
179,714
 200,132
Total Liabilities20,111,380
 19,405,525
21,025,449
 20,487,283
Shareholders’ Equity      
Preferred stock (no par value, authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued 4,600,000 shares at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015)111,590
 111,590
Common stock (no par value, authorized 332,023,233 shares; issued 254,492,480 shares at September 30, 2016 and 253,787,561 shares at December 31, 2015)89,007
 88,626
Preferred stock (no par value, authorized 50,000,000 shares at June 30, 2017; issued 4,600,000 shares at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016)111,590
 111,590
Common stock (no par value, authorized 450,000,000 shares at June 30, 2017; issued 263,990,794 shares at June 30, 2017 and 263,804,877 shares at December 31, 2016)92,423
 92,353
Surplus1,937,572
 1,927,399
2,049,613
 2,044,401
Retained earnings153,531
 125,171
207,177
 172,754
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(34,343) (45,695)(36,679) (42,093)
Treasury stock, at cost (30,574 common shares at September 30, 2016)(284) 
Treasury stock, at cost (19,028 common shares at June 30, 2017 and 166,047 shares at December 31, 2016)(223) (1,849)
Total Shareholders’ Equity2,257,073
 2,207,091
2,423,901
 2,377,156
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$22,368,453
 $21,612,616
$23,449,350
 $22,864,439
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2




VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except for share data)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
Interest Income              
Interest and fees on loans$171,143
 $157,141
 $506,640
 $465,787
$185,860
 $169,426
 $360,874
 $335,497
Interest and dividends on investment securities:              
Taxable14,232
 12,148
 42,487
 39,313
18,928
 14,256
 36,517
 28,255
Tax-exempt4,023
 3,593
 11,447
 10,800
3,943
 3,734
 7,974
 7,424
Dividends1,612
 1,658
 4,408
 5,013
2,137
 1,316
 4,288
 2,796
Interest on federal funds sold and other short-term investments193
 150
 846
 516
279
 296
 610
 653
Total interest income191,203
 174,690
 565,828
 521,429
211,147
 189,028
 410,263
 374,625
Interest Expense              
Interest on deposits:              
Savings, NOW and money market10,165
 5,587
 29,369
 17,493
12,714
 9,961
 22,897
 19,204
Time9,412
 9,535
 28,220
 25,637
10,166
 9,223
 19,719
 18,808
Interest on short-term borrowings3,545
 126
 8,537
 427
5,516
 3,120
 9,417
 4,992
Interest on long-term borrowings and junior subordinated debentures13,935
 25,482
 45,948
 75,649
13,791
 15,269
 26,741
 32,013
Total interest expense37,057
 40,730
 112,074
 119,206
42,187
 37,573
 78,774
 75,017
Net Interest Income154,146
 133,960
 453,754
 402,223
168,960
 151,455
 331,489
 299,608
Provision for credit losses5,840
 94
 8,069
 4,594
3,632
 1,429
 6,102
 2,229
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses148,306
 133,866
 445,685
 397,629
165,328
 150,026
 325,387
 297,379
Non-Interest Income              
Trust and investment services2,628
 2,450
 7,612
 7,520
2,800
 2,544
 5,544
 4,984
Insurance commissions4,580
 4,119
 14,133
 12,454
4,358
 4,845
 9,419
 9,553
Service charges on deposit accounts5,263
 5,241
 15,460
 15,794
5,342
 5,094
 10,578
 10,197
(Losses) gains on securities transactions, net(10) 157
 258
 2,481
Gains (losses) on securities transactions, net22
 (3) (1) 268
Fees from loan servicing1,598
 1,703
 4,753
 4,948
1,831
 1,561
 3,646
 3,155
Gains on sales of loans, net4,823
 2,014
 9,723
 3,034
4,791
 3,105
 8,919
 4,900
Gains (losses) on sales of assets, net310
 (558) 1,009
 (77)
Bank owned life insurance1,683
 1,806
 5,464
 5,188
1,701
 1,818
 4,164
 3,781
Change in FDIC loss-share receivable(313) (55) (872) (3,380)
Other4,291
 4,042
 13,025
 11,802
3,845
 5,300
 7,480
 8,874
Total non-interest income24,853
 20,919
 70,565
 59,764
24,690
 24,264
 49,749
 45,712
Non-Interest Expense              
Salary and employee benefits expense58,107
 54,315
 174,438
 165,601
61,338
 56,072
 125,054
 116,331
Net occupancy and equipment expense20,658
 21,526
 65,615
 65,858
22,609
 22,168
 45,644
 44,957
FDIC insurance assessment4,804
 4,168
 14,998
 11,972
4,928
 5,095
 10,055
 10,194
Amortization of other intangible assets2,675
 2,232
 8,452
 6,721
2,562
 2,928
 5,098
 5,777
Professional and legal fees4,031
 4,643
 13,398
 12,043
4,302
 5,472
 8,997
 9,367
Amortization of tax credit investments6,450
 5,224
 21,360
 14,231
7,732
 7,646
 13,056
 14,910
Telecommunication expense2,459
 2,050
 7,139
 6,101
2,707
 2,294
 5,366
 4,680
Other14,084
 14,494
 45,896
 41,655
13,061
 18,128
 26,921
 31,812
Total non-interest expense113,268
 108,652
 351,296
 324,182
119,239
 119,803
 240,191
 238,028
Income Before Income Taxes59,891
 46,133
 164,954
 133,211
70,779
 54,487
 134,945
 105,063
Income tax expense17,049
 10,179
 46,898
 34,925
20,714
 15,460
 38,785
 29,849
Net Income$42,842
 $35,954
 $118,056
 $98,286
$50,065
 $39,027
 $96,160
 $75,214
Dividends on preferred stock1,797
 2,017
 5,391
 2,017
1,797
 1,797
 3,594
 3,594
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders$41,045
 $33,937
 $112,665
 $96,269
$48,268
 $37,230
 $92,566
 $71,620
Earnings Per Common Share:              
Basic$0.16
 $0.15
 $0.44
 $0.41
$0.18
 $0.15
 $0.35
 $0.28
Diluted0.16
 0.15
 0.44
 0.41
0.18
 0.15
 0.35
 0.28
Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share0.11
 0.11
 0.33
 0.33
0.11
 0.11
 0.22
 0.22
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:      Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:      
Basic254,473,994
 232,737,953
 254,310,769
 232,548,840
263,958,292
 254,381,170
 263,878,103
 254,228,260
Diluted254,940,307
 232,780,219
 254,698,593
 232,565,695
264,778,242
 254,771,213
 264,662,863
 254,575,873
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3




VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
Net income$42,842
 $35,954
 $118,056
 $98,286
$50,065
 $39,027
 $96,160
 $75,214
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:       
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:       
Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities              
Net gains arising during the period4,902
 4,586
 12,550
 2,677
Less reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) included in net income6
 (91) (162) (1,445)
Net gains (losses) arising during the period1,896
 (635) 3,203
 7,648
Less reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income(13) 2
 
 (168)
Total4,908
 4,495
 12,388
 1,232
1,883
 (633) 3,203
 7,480
Non-credit impairment losses on available for sale securities              
Net change in non-credit impairment losses on securities(74) 252
 168
 (200)21
 301
 134
 242
Less reclassification adjustment for accretion of credit impairment losses included in net income(50) (267) (336) (371)(39) 
 (126) (286)
Total(124) (15) (168) (571)(18) 301
 8
 (44)
Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (cash flow hedges)              
Net gains (losses) on derivatives arising during the period1,735
 (6,163) (6,939) (10,291)
Net losses on derivatives arising during the period(873) (2,122) (746) (8,674)
Less reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income2,095
 772
 5,943
 2,714
1,356
 2,107
 2,831
 3,848
Total3,830
 (5,391) (996) (7,577)483
 (15) 2,085
 (4,826)
Defined benefit pension plan              
Amortization of net loss42
 119
 128
 359
59
 43
 118
 86
Total other comprehensive income (loss)8,656
 (792) 11,352
 (6,557)
Total other comprehensive income2,407
 (304) 5,414
 2,696
Total comprehensive income$51,498
 $35,162
 $129,408
 $91,729
$52,472
 $38,723
 $101,574
 $77,910
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


4




VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2016 20152017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income$118,056
 $98,286
$96,160
 $75,214
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization18,593
 15,213
12,549
 12,440
Stock-based compensation7,382
 6,512
6,872
 5,184
Provision for credit losses8,069
 4,594
6,102
 2,229
Net amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on securities and borrowings14,152
 17,595
11,366
 7,047
Amortization of other intangible assets8,452
 6,721
5,098
 5,777
Gains on securities transactions, net(258) (2,481)
Losses (gains) on securities transactions, net1
 (268)
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale337,069
 94,342
303,268
 185,577
Gains on sales of loans, net(9,723) (3,034)(8,919) (4,900)
Originations of loans held for sale(342,989) (86,274)(154,475) (171,123)
(Gains) losses on sales of assets, net(1,009) 77
FDIC loss-share receivable (excluding reimbursements)872
 3,380
Losses (gains) on sales of assets, net453
 (699)
Net change in:      
Trading securities
 14,233
Fair value of borrowings hedged by derivative transactions6,646
 3,270

 6,779
Cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance(5,464) (5,188)(4,164) (3,781)
Accrued interest receivable(261) (199)(2,916) (1,639)
Other assets(2,170) (33,555)(1,521) (17,932)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities(9,888) 12,490
(20,709) (743)
Net cash provided by operating activities147,529
 145,982
249,165
 99,162
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Net loan originations(182,893) (486,862)
Loans purchased(593,769) (1,066,934)
Net loan originations and purchases(707,654) (459,154)
Investment securities held to maturity:      
Purchases(502,833) (201,681)(60,230) (309,507)
Sales
 11,666
Maturities, calls and principal repayments243,764
 321,771
157,351
 134,389
Investment securities available for sale:      
Purchases(557,978) (38,819)(252,770) (432,530)
Sales2,081
 14,022

 2,081
Maturities, calls and principal repayments800,967
 115,397
87,188
 760,312
Death benefit proceeds from bank owned life insurance2,406
 
1,998
 
Proceeds from sales of real estate property and equipment18,243
 10,510
6,822
 9,146
Purchases of real estate property and equipment(17,155) (23,139)(12,976) (15,353)
Reimbursements from the FDIC269
 2,835
Net cash used in investing activities(786,898) (1,341,234)(780,271) (310,616)
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Net change in deposits718,632
 465,747
(480,690) 102,507
Net change in short-term borrowings356,365
 156,160
653,484
 334,853
Proceeds from issuance of long-term borrowings, net385,000
 98,930
560,000
 
Repayments of long-term borrowings(749,000) (100,000)(175,000) (269,000)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock, net
 111,590
Cash dividends paid to preferred shareholders(5,391) (2,017)(3,594) (3,594)
Cash dividends paid to common shareholders(83,821) (76,671)(58,000) (55,857)
Purchase of common shares to treasury(1,700) (2,108)(2,183) (1,615)
Common stock issued, net4,610
 4,993
2,377
 3,491
Net cash provided by financing activities624,695
 656,624
496,394
 110,785
Net change in cash and cash equivalents(14,674) (538,628)(34,712) (100,669)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year413,800
 830,407
392,501
 413,800
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$399,126
 $291,779
$357,789
 $313,131


5





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

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

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

Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2016 20152017 2016
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:      
Cash payments for:      
Interest on deposits and borrowings$115,253
 $121,907
$100,380
 $76,693
Federal and state income taxes24,464
 49,932
7,683
 12,964
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:      
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned$7,611
 $8,711
$5,865
 $2,899
Transfer of loans to loans held for sale174,501
 
225,541
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.







 




6




VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1. Basis of Presentation
The unaudited consolidated financial statements of Valley National Bancorp, a New Jersey corporation (Valley)("Valley"), include the accounts of its commercial bank subsidiary, Valley National Bank (the “Bank”), and all of Valley’s direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated. The accounting and reporting policies of Valley conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and general practices within the financial services industry. In accordance with applicable accounting standards, Valley does not consolidate statutory trusts established for the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities and related trust common securities.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly Valley’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and for all periods presented have been made. The results of operations for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year.
In preparing the unaudited consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, management has made estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated statements of financial condition and results of operations for the periods indicated. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to change are: the allowance for loan losses; the evaluation of goodwill and other intangible assets, and investment securities for impairment; fair value measurements of assets and liabilities; and income taxes. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically and the effects of revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are deemed necessary. While management uses its best judgment, actual amounts or results could differ significantly from those estimates. The current economic environment has increased the degree of uncertainty inherent in these material estimates.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and industry practice have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the SEC. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
In August 2016, we elected to prepay $405 million of FHLB borrowings with various maturity dates in 2018. The prepaid borrowings with a total average cost of 3.69 percent were funded with a new fixed-rate five-year FHLB advance totaling $405 million. The transaction was accounted for as a debt modification under U.S. GAAP. As a result, the new advance has an adjusted annual interest rate of 2.51 percent, after amortization of prepayment penalties totaling $20 million paid to the FHLB.
Note 2. Business Combinations

On January 4, 2016, Masters Coverage Corp., an all-line insurance agency that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank, acquired certain assets of an independent insurance agency located in New York. The purchase price totaled approximately $1.4 million in cash and future cash consideration. The transaction generated goodwill and other intangible assets totaling $701 thousand and $660 thousand, respectively.

2016.
On December 1, 2015, Valley completed its acquisitionApril 27, 2017, Valley's shareholders approved an amendment to Valley's Restated Certificate of CNLBancshares, Inc. (CNL) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, CNLBank, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, a commercial bank with approximately $1.6 billion in assets, $825 million in loans, and $1.2 billion in deposits and 16 branch offices onIncorporation to increase the dateauthorized shares of its acquisition by Valley. The common shareholders of CNL received 0.705 of a share of Valley common stock for each CNL share they owned priorand preferred stock to the merger. The total consideration for the acquisition was approximately $230 million, consisting of 20.6 million450,000,000 shares of Valley's common stock.

and 50,000,000 shares, respectively.

7




During the first quarter of 2016, Valley revised the estimated fair values of the acquired assets as of the acquisition date as the result of additional information obtained. The adjustments mostly related to the fair value of certain purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loans, core deposit intangibles and time deposits which, on a combined basis, resulted in a $2.5 million increase in goodwill (see Note 10 for amount of goodwill as allocated to Valley's business segments). If additional information (that existed at the date of close) becomes available, the fair value estimates for acquired assets and assumed liabilities are subject to change for up to one year after the closing date of the CNL acquisition.
Note 3.2. Earnings Per Common Share
The following table shows the calculation of both basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015.2016.
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
(in thousands, except for share data)(in thousands, except for share data)
Net income available to common shareholders$41,045
 $33,937
 $112,665
 $96,269
$48,268
 $37,230
 $92,566
 $71,620
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding254,473,994
 232,737,953
 254,310,769
 232,548,840
263,958,292
 254,381,170
 263,878,103
 254,228,260
Plus: Common stock equivalents466,313
 42,266
 387,824
 16,855
819,950
 390,043
 784,760
 347,613
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding254,940,307
 232,780,219
 254,698,593
 232,565,695
264,778,242
 254,771,213
 264,662,863
 254,575,873
Earnings per common share:              
Basic$0.16
 $0.15
 $0.44
 $0.41
$0.18
 $0.15
 $0.35
 $0.28
Diluted0.16
 0.15
 0.44
 0.41
0.18
 0.15
 0.35
 0.28

Common stock equivalents represent the dilutive effect of additional common shares issuable upon the assumed vesting or exercise, if applicable, of performance-based restricted stock units, common stock options and warrants to purchase Valley’s common shares. Common stock options and warrants with exercise prices that exceed the average market price of Valley’s common stock during the periods presented have an anti-dilutive effect on the diluted earnings per common share calculation and therefore are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation. Anti-dilutive common stock options and warrants equaled approximately 4.6 million shares for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 5.03.3 million shares for both the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2015.2017 and 4.6 millionsharesfor both the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively.

8




Note 4.3. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table presents the after-tax changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017. 

 Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss 
Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Unrealized Gains
and Losses on
Available for Sale
(AFS) Securities
 
Non-credit
Impairment
Losses on
AFS Securities
 
Unrealized Gains
and (Losses) on
Derivatives
 
Defined
Benefit
Pension Plan
 
 (in thousands)
Balance at June 30, 2016$2,144
 $(564) $(22,470) $(22,109) $(42,999)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications4,902
 (74) 1,735
 
 6,563
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)6
 (50) 2,095
 42
 2,093
Other comprehensive income (loss), net4,908
 (124) 3,830
 42
 8,656
Balance at September 30, 2016$7,052
 $(688) $(18,640) $(22,067) $(34,343)

 Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss 
Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Unrealized Gains
and Losses on
Available for Sale
(AFS) Securities
 
Non-credit
Impairment
Losses on
AFS Securities
 
Unrealized Gains
and (Losses) on
Derivatives
 
Defined
Benefit
Pension Plan
 
 (in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015$(5,336) $(520) $(17,644) $(22,195) $(45,695)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications12,550
 168
 (6,939) 
 5,779
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)(162) (336) 5,943
 128
 5,573
Other comprehensive income (loss), net12,388
 (168) (996) 128
 11,352
Balance at September 30, 2016$7,052
 $(688) $(18,640) $(22,067) $(34,343)
 Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss 
Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Unrealized Gains
and Losses on
Available for Sale
(AFS) Securities
 
Non-credit
Impairment
Losses on
AFS Securities
 
Unrealized Gains
and (Losses) on
Derivatives
 
Defined
Benefit
Pension Plan
 
 (in thousands)
Balance at March 31, 2017$(8,774) $(616) $(10,862) $(18,834) $(39,086)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications1,896
 21
 (873) 
 1,044
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income(13) (39) 1,356
 59
 1,363
Other comprehensive income, net1,883
 (18) 483
 59
 2,407
Balance at June 30, 2017$(6,891) $(634) $(10,379) $(18,775) $(36,679)


98




 Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss 
Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Unrealized Gains
and Losses on
Available for Sale
(AFS) Securities
 
Non-credit
Impairment
Losses on
AFS Securities
 
Unrealized Gains
and (Losses) on
Derivatives
 
Defined
Benefit
Pension Plan
 
 (in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2016$(10,094) $(642) $(12,464) $(18,893) $(42,093)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications3,203
 134
 (746) 
 2,591
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income
 (126) 2,831
 118
 2,823
Other comprehensive income, net3,203
 8
 2,085
 118
 5,414
Balance at June 30, 2017$(6,891) $(634) $(10,379) $(18,775) $(36,679)

The following table presents amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss on a gross and net of tax basis for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015.2016. 
 
Amounts Reclassified from
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
  
Amounts Reclassified from
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss 2016 2015 2016 2015 
Income Statement
Line Item
 2017 2016 2017 2016 Income Statement Line Item
 (in thousands)   (in thousands)  
Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities before tax $(10) $157
 $258
 $2,481
 (Losses) gains on securities transactions, net 22
 $(3) (1) 268
 Gains (losses) on securities transactions, net
Tax effect 4
 (66) (96) (1,036)  (9) 1
 1
 (100) 
Total net of tax (6) 91
 162
 1,445
  13
 (2) 
 168
 
Non-credit impairment losses on AFS securities before tax:                  
Accretion of credit loss impairment due to an increase in expected cash flows 87
 458
 576
 636
 Interest and dividends on  investment securities (taxable) 67
 
 215
 489
 Interest and dividends on investment securities (taxable)
Tax effect (37) (191) (240) (265)  (28) 
 (89) (203) 
Total net of tax 50
 267
 336
 371
  39
 
 126
 286
 
Unrealized losses on derivatives (cash flow hedges) before tax (3,578) (1,323) (10,146) (4,651) Interest expense (2,314) (3,597) (4,832) (6,568) Interest expense
Tax effect 1,483
 551
 4,203
 1,937
  958
 1,490
 2,001
 2,720
 
Total net of tax (2,095) (772) (5,943) (2,714)  (1,356) (2,107) (2,831) (3,848) 
Defined benefit pension plan:                  
Amortization of net loss (71) (205) (215) (616) * (101) (72) (202) (144) *
Tax effect 29
 86
 87
 257
  42
 29
 84
 58
 
Total net of tax (42) (119) (128) (359)  (59) (43) (118) (86) 
Total reclassifications, net of tax $(2,093) $(533) $(5,573) $(1,257)  $(1,363) $(2,152) $(2,823) $(3,480) 
 
*Amortization of net loss is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

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Note 5.4. New Authoritative Accounting Guidance

Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2017-08, "Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20) Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities" shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. ASU No. 2017-08 requires the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The accounting for securities held at a discount does not change and the discount continues to be amortized as an adjustment to yield over the contractual life (to maturity) of the instrument. ASU No. 2017-08
is effective for Valley for the annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018 with early adoption permitted, and is to be applied retrospectively. ASU No. 2017-08 is not expected to have a significant impact on Valley's consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2017-07, "Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost" requires service cost to be reported in the same financial statement line item(s) as other current employee compensation costs. All other components of expense must be presented separately from service cost, and outside any subtotal of income from operations. Only the service cost component of expense is eligible to be capitalized. ASU No. 2017-07 is effective for Valley for its annual and interim reporting periods beginning January1, 2018 with early adoption permitted. ASU No. 2017-07 is not expected to have a significant impact on the presentation on Valley's consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2017-04, "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment" eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (i.e., Step 2 of the current goodwill impairment test guidance) to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, an entity will be required to record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (i.e., measure the charge based on Step 1 of the current guidance). In addition, ASU No. 2017-04 eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. However, an entity will be required to disclose the amount of goodwill allocated to each reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount of net assets. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU No. 2017-04 is effective for Valley for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning January 1, 2020 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the presentation of Valley's consolidated financial statements. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017.

ASU No. 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments" clarifies on how certain cash receipts and cash payments should be classified and presented in the statement of cash flow. The ASU No. 2016-15 includes guidance on eight specific cash flow classification issues.issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 is effective for fiscal yearsValley for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017January 1, 2018 and it should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. ASU No. 2016-15 is not expected to have a significant impact on the presentation of Valley's consolidated financial statements.statements of cash flows.    

ASU No. 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" amends the accounting guidance on the impairment of financial instruments. The ASU No. 2016-13 adds to U.S. GAAP an impairment model (known as the current expected credit loss (CECL) model) that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. Under the new guidance, an entity is required to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. ASU No. 2016-13 is effective for Valley for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2020. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the ASU No. 2016-13 on Valley’s consolidated financial statements. Valley expects that the new guidance will result in an increase in its allowance for credit losses due to several factors, including: (i) the allowance related to Valley loans will increase to include credit losses over the full remaining expected life of the portfolio, and will consider expected future changes in macroeconomic conditions, (ii) the nonaccretable difference (as defined in Note 7) on PCI loans will be recognized as an allowance,

10




offset by an increase in the carrying value of the related loans, and (iii) an allowance will be established for estimated credit losses on investment securities classified as held to maturity. The extent of the increase is under evaluation, but will depend upon the nature and characteristics of the Valley's loan and investment portfolios at the adoption date, and the economic conditions and forecasts at that date.

ASU No. 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting" simplifies several aspects of the stock compensation guidance in Topic 718 and other related guidance. The amendments focus on income tax accounting upon vesting or exercise of share-based payments, award classification, liability classification exception for statutory tax withholding requirements, estimatingrecognition methods for forfeitures within stock compensation expense, and the cash flow presentation. Amendments related to the presentation of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows when an employer withholds shares to meet the minimum statutory withholding requirement should be applied retrospectively.  Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement and the practical expedient for estimating expected term should be applied prospectively. ASU No. 2016-09 isbecame effective for annualValley for reporting periods beginning after December 15,January 1, 2017 and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with an early adoption permitted. ASU No. 2016-09 isdid not expected to have a significant impact on Valley's consolidated financial statements. At adoption, Valley elected to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using the prospective transition method. Valley also elected to continue to estimate the forfeitures of stock awards as a component of total stock compensation expense based on the number of awards that are expected to vest.

ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” requires the recognition of a right of use asset and related lease liability by lessees for leases classified as operating leases under current GAAP. Topic 842, which replaces the current guidance under Topic 840, retains a distinction between finance leases and operating leases. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee also will not significantly change from current GAAP. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize right of use assets and lease liabilities. Topic 842 will be effective for Valley for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2019, with an early adoption permitted. Valley must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for the applicable leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accounting for leases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. Management is currently evaluating the impact of Topic 842 on Valley’s consolidated financial statements.statements by reviewing its existing lease contracts and service contracts that may include embedded leases. Valley expects a gross-up of its consolidated statements of financial condition as a result of recognizing lease liabilities and right of use assets; the extent of such gross-up is under evaluation. Valley does not expect material changes to the recognition of operating lease expense in its consolidated statements of income.

ASU No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10) - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” requires that: (i) equity investments with readily determinable fair values must be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, (2)(ii) equity investments without readily determinable fair values must be measured at either fair value or at cost adjusted for changes in observable prices minus impairment. Changesimpairment with changes in value under either of these methods would be recognized in net income, (3)(iii) entities that record financial liabilities at fair value due to a fair value option election must recognize changes in fair value in other comprehensive income if it is related to instrument-specific credit risk, and (4)(iv) entities must assess whether a valuation allowance is required for deferred tax assets related to available-for-sale debt securities. ASU No. 2016-01 is effective for Valley for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018 and is not expected to have a material effect on Valley’s consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2015-07, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Disclosure for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)", which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which the fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical

11




expedient. ASU No. 2015-07 also removes the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient. ASU No. 2015-07 began effective for Valley for reporting periods after January 1, 2016 and did not have an impact on Valley's fair value measurement disclosures at Note 6.

ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)" implements a common revenue standard that clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) - Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)” and ASU No. 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) - Identifying Performance Obligations

11




and Licensing,” to further clarify the new guidance under Topic 606. ASU No. 2014-09 and its aforementioned amendments are effective on January 1, 2018. ManagementWhile Valley has not identified any material changes in the timing of revenue recognition under the new guidance, its review is currently evaluatingongoing. However, Valley does not expect the new revenue guidance but does not expect it to have a significant impact on Valley’sits consolidated financial statements.
Note 6.5. Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities

Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
 Level 1Unadjusted exchange quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, or identical liabilities traded as assets that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
 Level 2Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly (i.e., quoted prices on similar assets), for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
 Level 3Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).


12




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

The following tables present the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy as reported on the consolidated statements of financial condition at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015.2016. The assets presented under “nonrecurring fair value measurements” in the table below are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments under certain circumstances (e.g., when an impairment loss is recognized). 
September 30,
2016
 Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:June 30,
2017
 Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Recurring fair value measurements:  
Assets              
Investment securities:              
Available for sale:              
U.S. Treasury securities$51,791
 $51,791
 $
 $
$50,097
 $50,097
 $
 $
U.S. government agency securities24,097
 
 24,097
 
46,368
 
 46,368
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions125,290
 
 125,290
 
119,194
 
 119,194
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities966,638
 
 956,266
 10,372
1,163,720
 
 1,154,868
 8,852
Trust preferred securities8,156
 
 6,131
 2,025
6,219
 
 4,341
 1,878
Corporate and other debt securities80,567
 17,579
 62,988
 
67,674
 7,956
 59,718
 
Equity securities20,170
 536
 19,634
 
10,782
 920
 9,862
 
Total available for sale1,276,709
 69,906
 1,194,406
 12,397
1,464,054
 58,973
 1,394,351
 10,730
Loans held for sale (1)
27,868
 
 27,868
 
17,919
 
 17,919
 
Other assets (2)
46,019
 
 46,019
 
26,764
 
 26,764
 
Total assets$1,350,596
 $69,906
 $1,268,293
 $12,397
$1,508,737
 $58,973
 $1,439,034
 $10,730
Liabilities              
Other liabilities (2)
$72,672
 $
 $72,672
 $
$23,902
 $
 $23,902
 $
Total liabilities$72,672
 $
 $72,672
 $
$23,902
 $
 $23,902
 $
Non-recurring fair value measurements:              
Collateral dependent impaired loans (3)
$2,214
 $
 $
 $2,214
$31,489
 $
 $
 $31,489
Loan servicing rights7,358
 
 
 7,358
7,410
 
 
 7,410
Foreclosed assets (4)
1,711
 
 
 1,711
1,340
 
 
 1,340
Total$11,283
 $
 $
 $11,283
$40,239
 $
 $
 $40,239

13




  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
December 31,
2015
 
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
December 31,
2016
 
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Recurring fair value measurements:              
Assets              
Investment securities:              
Available for sale:              
U.S. Treasury securities$549,473
 $549,473
 $
 $
$49,591
 $49,591
 $
 $
U.S. government agency securities29,963
 
 29,963
 
23,041
 
 23,041
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions124,966
 
 124,966
 
119,767
 
 119,767
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities696,428
 
 684,777
 11,651
1,015,542
 
 1,005,589
 9,953
Trust preferred securities8,404
 
 6,262
 2,142
8,009
 
 6,074
 1,935
Corporate and other debt securities77,552
 17,710
 59,842
 
60,565
 8,064
 52,501
 
Equity securities20,075
 1,198
 18,877
 
20,858
 1,306
 19,552
 
Total available for sale1,506,861
 568,381
 924,687
 13,793
1,297,373
 58,961
 1,226,524
 11,888
Loans held for sale (1)
16,382
 
 16,382
 
57,708
 
 57,708
 
Other assets (2)
33,774
 
 33,774
 
29,055
 
 29,055
 
Total assets$1,557,017
 $568,381
 $974,843
 $13,793
$1,384,136
 $58,961
 $1,313,287
 $11,888
Liabilities              
Other liabilities (2)
$50,844
 $
 $50,844
 $
$44,077
 $
 $44,077
 $
Total liabilities$50,844
 $
 $50,844
 $
$44,077
 $
 $44,077
 $
Non-recurring fair value measurements:              
Collateral dependent impaired loans (3)
$15,427
 $
 $
 $15,427
$5,385
 $
 $
 $5,385
Loan servicing rights2,571
 
 
 2,571
6,489
 
 
 6,489
Foreclosed assets (4)
16,672
 
 
 16,672
4,532
 
 
 4,532
Total$34,670
 $
 $
 $34,670
$16,406
 $
 $
 $16,406
 
(1)Loans heldRepresents loans originated for sale (which consist of residential mortgage loans) that are carried at fair value (which consist of residential mortgages)and had contractual unpaid principal balances totaling approximately $27.0$17.5 million and $16.1$58.2 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.
(2)Derivative financial instruments are included in this category.
(3)Excludes PCI loans.
(4)Includes covered (i.e., subject to loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC) other real estate owned totaling $200 thousand and $4.2 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.










14




The changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 20152016 are summarized below: 
 Available for Sale Securities
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2016 2015 2016 2015
 (in thousands)
Balance, beginning of the period$13,101
 $14,712
 $13,793
 $19,309
Total net losses included in other comprehensive income for the period(212) (26) (283) (908)
Sales
 
 
 (2,675)
Settlements(492) (340) (1,113) (1,380)
Balance, end of the period$12,397
 $14,346
 $12,397
 $14,346
 Available for Sale Securities
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (in thousands)
Balance, beginning of the period$11,367
 $12,949
 $11,888
 $13,793
Total net (losses) gains included in other comprehensive income(31) 514
 13
 (71)
Settlements, net(606) (362) (1,171) (621)
Balance, end of the period$10,730
 $13,101
 $10,730
 $13,101

No changes in unrealized gains or losses on Level 3 securities were included in earnings during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015.2016. There were no transfers of assets into or out of Level 3, or between Level 1 and Level 2, during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015.2016.

There have been no material changes in the valuation methodologies used at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 from December 31, 2015.2016.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following valuation techniques were used for financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis. All the valuation techniques described below apply to the unpaid principal balance,excluding any accrued interest or dividends at the measurement date. Interest income and expense are recorded within the consolidated statements of income depending on the nature of the instrument using the effective interest method based on acquired discount or premium.

Available for sale securities.

All U.S. Treasury securities, certain corporate and other debt securities, and certain common and preferred equity securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. The majority of other investment securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. The prices for these instruments are obtained through an independent pricing service or dealer market participants with whom Valley has historically transacted both purchases and sales of investment securities. Prices obtained from these sources include prices derived from market quotations and matrix pricing. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things. Management reviews the data and assumptions used in pricing the securities by its third party provider to ensure the highest level of significant inputs are derived from market observable data. For certain securities, the inputs used by either dealer market participants or an independent pricing service may be derived from unobservable market information (Level 3 inputs). In these instances, Valley evaluates the appropriateness and quality of the assumption and the resulting price. In addition, Valley reviews the volume and level of activity for all available for sale and trading securities and attempts to identify transactions which may not be orderly or reflective of a significant level of activity and volume. For securities meeting these criteria, the quoted prices received from either market participants or an independent pricing service may be adjusted, as necessary, to estimate fair value and this results in fair values based on Level 3 inputs. In determining fair value, Valley utilizes unobservable inputs which reflect Valley’s own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing each security. In developing its assertion of market participant assumptions, Valley utilizes the best information that is both reasonable and available without undue cost and effort.


15




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

The following table presents quantitative information about Level 3 inputs used to measure the fair value of these securities at SeptemberJune 30, 2016:2017: 
Security Type
Valuation
Technique
 
Unobservable
Input
 Range 
Weighted
Average
        
Private label mortgage-backed securitiesDiscounted cash flow Prepayment rate        4.8-20.9%6.2 - 31.6% 12.319.8%
   Default rate     3.8-27.02.6 - 36.7 9.17.5
   Loss severity    45.3-66.747.2 - 66.0 60.660.4

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

For the Level 3 available for sale private labelresidential mortgage-backed securities (consisting of 4 private label securities), cash flow assumptions incorporated independent third party market participant data based on vintage year for each security. The discount rate utilized in determining the present value of cash flows for the mortgage-backed securities was arrived at by combining the yield on orderly transactions for similar maturity government sponsored mortgage-backed securities with (i) the historical average risk premium of similar structured private label securities, (ii) a risk premium reflecting current market conditions, including liquidity risk, and (iii) if applicable, a forecasted loss premium derived from the expected cash flows of each security. The estimated cash flows for each private label mortgage-backed security were then discounted at the aforementioned effective rate to determine the fair value. The quoted prices received from either market participants or independent pricing services are weighted with the internal price estimate to determine the fair value of each instrument.

For the Level 3 available for sale trust preferred securities (consisting of one pooled trust preferred security,security), the resulting estimated future cash flow was discounted at a yield determined by reference to similarly structured securities for which observable orderly transactions occurred. The discount rate was applied using a pricing matrix based on credit, security type and maturity characteristics to determine the fair value. The fair value calculation is received from an independent valuation adviser. In validating the fair value calculation from an independent valuation adviser, Valley reviews the accuracy of the inputs and the appropriateness of the unobservable inputs utilized in the valuation to ensure the fair value calculation is reasonable from a market participant perspective.

Loans held for sale. The conforming residential mortgage loans originated for sale are reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs. The fair values were calculated utilizing quoted prices for similar assets in active markets. To determine these fair values, the mortgages held for sale are put into multiple tranches, or pools, based on the coupon rate and maturity of each mortgage. The market prices for each tranche are obtained from both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The market prices represent a delivery price, which reflects the underlying price each institution would pay Valley for an immediate sale of an aggregate pool of mortgages. The market prices received from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are then averaged and interpolated or extrapolated, where required, to calculate the fair value of each tranche. Depending upon the time elapsed since the origination of each loan held for sale, non-performance risk and changes therein were addressed in the estimate of fair value based upon the delinquency data provided to both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for market pricing and changes in market credit spreads. Non-performance risk did not materially impact the fair value of mortgage loans held for sale at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 20152016 based on the short duration these assets were held, and the high credit quality of these loans.


16




Derivatives. Derivatives are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. The fair value of Valley’s derivatives are determined using third party prices that are based on discounted cash flow analysis using observed market inputs, such as the LIBOR and Overnight Index Swap rate curves. The fair value of mortgage banking derivatives, consisting of interest rate lock commitments to fund residential mortgage loans and forward commitments for the future delivery of such loans (including certain loans held for sale at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015)2016), is determined based on the current market prices for similar instruments provided by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The fair values of most of the derivatives incorporate credit valuation adjustments, which consider the impact of any credit enhancements to the contracts, to account for potential nonperformance risk of Valley and its counterparties. The credit valuation adjustments were not significant to the overall valuation of Valley’s derivatives at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015.2016.

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

The following valuation techniques were used for certain non-financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, including non-performing loans held for sale carried at estimated fair value (less selling costs) when less than the unamortized cost, impaired loans reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral, loan servicing rights other real estate owned and other repossessedforeclosed assets, which are reported at fair value upon initial recognition or subsequent impairment as described below.

Impaired loans. Certain impaired loans are reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral and are commonly referred to as “collateral dependent impaired loans.” Collateral values are estimated using Level 3 inputs, consisting of individual appraisals that are significantlymay be adjusted based on certain discounting criteria. At SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, certain appraisals were discounted based on specific market data by location and property type. During the quarter ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, collateral dependent impaired loans were individually re-measured and reported at fair value through direct loan charge-offs to the allowance for loan losses and/or a specific valuation allowance allocation based on the fair value of the underlying collateral. The collateral dependent loan charge-offs to the allowance for loan losses totaled $3.7$1.9 million and $366$473 thousand for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, and $4.7$2.1 millionand $3.0 million$952 thousand for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively. At SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, collateral dependent impaired loans with a total recorded investment of $2.6$35.2 million were reduced by specific valuation allowance allocations totaling $350 thousand$3.7 million to a reported total net carrying amount of $2.2$31.5 million.

Loan servicing rights. Fair values for each risk-stratified group of loan servicing rights are calculated using a fair value model from a third party vendor that requires inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (Level 3). The fair value model is based on various assumptions, including but not limited to, prepayment speeds, internal rate of return (“discount rate”), servicing cost, ancillary income, float rate, tax rate, and inflation. The prepayment speed and the discount rate are considered two of the most significant inputs in the model. At SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, the fair value model used prepayment speeds (stated as constant prepayment rates) from 0 percent up to 2425 percent and a discount rate of 8.08 percent for the valuation of the loan servicing rights. A significant degree of judgment is involved in valuing the loan servicing rights using Level 3 inputs. The use of different assumptions could have a significant positive or negative effect on the fair value estimate. Impairment charges are recognized on loan servicing rights when the amortized cost of a risk-stratified group of loan servicing rights exceeds the estimated fair value. Valley recorded nonet recoveries of net impairment charges on its loan servicing rights totaling $50 thousand and $51 thousand for the three and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016 and2017, respectively, as compared to net impairment charges totaling $457 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Valley recorded net recoveries of impairment charges totaling $48$265 thousand and $209$457 thousand for three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2015,2016, respectively.

Foreclosed assets. Certain foreclosed assets (consisting of other real estate owned and other repossessed assets), upon initial recognition and transfer from loans, are re-measured and reported at fair value through a charge-off to the allowance for loan losses based upon the fair value of the foreclosed assets. The fair value of a foreclosed asset, upon initial recognition, is typically estimated using Level 3 inputs, consisting of an appraisal that is adjusted based on certain discounting criteria, similar to the criteria used for impaired loans described above. TheThere were no adjustments of the appraisals of foreclosed assets were adjusted up to 4.8 percent at SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017. At SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, foreclosed assets

17




included $1.7$1.3 million of assets that were measured at fair value upon initial recognition or subsequently re-measured during

17




the quarter ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017. The foreclosed assets charge-offs to the allowance for loan losses totaled $245$282 thousand and $629$489 thousand for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, and $1.2 million$994 thousand and $1.5 million$922 thousand for ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively. The re-measurement of foreclosed assets at fair value subsequent to their initial recognition resulted in net losslosses within non-interest expense of $34$290 thousand and $1.3 million for both the three and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017, and $295 thousandand $912 thousand for three and six months ended June 30, 2016, and 2015, respectively and $946 thousand and $1.8 million for nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
Other Fair Value Disclosures

ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments,” requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or non-recurring basis.

The fair value estimates presented in the following table were based on pertinent market data and relevant information on the financial instruments available as of the valuation date. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the entire portfolio of financial instruments. Because no market exists for a portion of the financial instruments, fair value estimates may be based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Fair value estimates are based on existing balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. For instance, Valley has certain fee-generating business lines (e.g., its mortgage servicing operation, trust and investment management departments) that were not considered in these estimates since these activities are not financial instruments. In addition, the tax implications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of the estimates.


18




The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments not measured and not reported at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial condition at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 20152016 were as follows: 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value 
Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value
Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value 
Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Financial assets                
Cash and due from banksLevel 1 $238,664
 $238,664
 $243,575
 $243,575
Level 1 $227,830
 $227,830
 $220,791
 $220,791
Interest bearing deposits with banksLevel 1 160,462
 160,462
 170,225
 170,225
Level 1 129,959
 129,959
 171,710
 171,710
Investment securities held to maturity:                
U.S. Treasury securitiesLevel 1 138,866
 154,042
 138,978
 149,483
Level 1 138,754
 147,656
 138,830
 147,495
U.S. government agency securitiesLevel 2 11,549
 12,106
 12,859
 13,130
Level 2 10,597
 10,802
 11,329
 11,464
Obligations of states and political subdivisionsLevel 2 568,212
 595,525
 504,865
 527,263
Level 2 501,402
 517,830
 566,590
 577,826
Residential mortgage-backed securitiesLevel 2 1,030,165
 1,046,387
 852,289
 855,272
Level 2 1,070,137
 1,062,008
 1,112,460
 1,102,802
Trust preferred securitiesLevel 2 59,800
 45,726
 59,785
 46,437
Level 2 59,814
 48,268
 59,804
 47,290
Corporate and other debt securitiesLevel 2 36,559
 38,196
 27,609
 29,454
Level 2 41,559
 42,168
 36,559
 37,720
Total investment securities held to maturity 1,845,151
 1,891,982
 1,596,385
 1,621,039
 1,822,263
 1,828,732
 1,925,572
 1,924,597
Net loansLevel 3 16,523,438
 16,511,137
 15,936,929
 15,824,475
Level 3 17,594,314
 17,187,164
 17,121,684
 16,756,655
Accrued interest receivableLevel 1 63,815
 63,815
 63,554
 63,554
Level 1 69,732
 69,732
 66,816
 66,816
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock (1)
Level 1 162,584
 162,584
 145,068
 145,068
Level 1 201,116
 201,116
 147,127
 147,127
Financial liabilities                
Deposits without stated maturitiesLevel 1 13,852,302
 13,852,302
 13,095,647
 13,095,647
Level 1 13,881,025
 13,881,025
 14,591,837
 14,591,837
Deposits with stated maturitiesLevel 2 3,119,881
 3,148,902
 3,157,904
 3,203,389
Level 2 3,368,993
 3,375,127
 3,138,871
 3,160,572
Short-term borrowingsLevel 1 1,433,356
 1,433,356
 1,076,991
 1,076,991
Level 1 1,734,444
 1,739,208
 1,080,960
 1,081,751
Long-term borrowingsLevel 2 1,450,818
 1,612,654
 1,810,728
 1,945,741
Level 2 1,819,615
 1,906,668
 1,433,906
 1,523,386
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trustsLevel 2 41,536
 43,751
 41,414
 44,127
Level 2 41,658
 46,298
 41,577
 45,785
Accrued interest payable (2)
Level 1 9,931
 9,931
 13,110
 13,110
Level 1 10,931
 10,931
 10,675
 10,675
 
(1)Included in other assets.
(2)Included in accrued expenses and other liabilities.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of other financial assets and financial liabilities in the table above:

Cash and due from banks and interest bearing deposits with banks. The carrying amount is considered to be a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the short maturity of these items.

Investment securities held to maturity. Fair values are based on prices obtained through an independent pricing service or dealer market participants with whom Valley has historically transacted both purchases and sales of investment securities. Prices obtained from these sources include prices derived from market quotations and matrix pricing. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things (Level 2 inputs). Additionally, Valley reviews the volume and level of activity for all classes of held to maturity securities and attempts to identify transactions which may not be orderly or reflective of a significant level of activity and volume. For securities meeting these criteria, the quoted prices received from either market participants or an independent pricing service

19




may be adjusted, as necessary. If applicable, the adjustment to fair value is derived based on present value cash flow model projections prepared by Valley utilizing assumptions similar to those incorporated by market participants.

19





Loans. Fair values of loans are estimated by discounting the projected future cash flows using market discount rates that reflect the credit and interest-rate risk inherent in the loan. The discount rate is a product of both the applicable index and credit spread, subject to the estimated current new loan interest rates. The credit spread component is static for all maturities and may not necessarily reflect the value of estimating all actual cash flows re-pricing. Projected future cash flows are calculated based upon contractual maturity or call dates, projected repayments and prepayments of principal. Fair values estimated in this manner do not fully incorporate an exit-price approach to fair value, but instead are based on a comparison to current market rates for comparable loans.

Accrued interest receivable and payable. The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate their fair value due to the short-term nature of these items.

Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock. Federal Reserve Bank and FHLB stock are non-marketable equity securities and are reported at their redeemable carrying amounts, which approximate fair value.

Deposits. The carrying amounts of deposits without stated maturities (i.e., non-interest bearing, savings, NOW, and money market deposits) approximate their estimated fair value. The fair value of time deposits is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows using estimated rates currently offered for alternative funding sources of similar remaining maturity.

Short-term and long-term borrowings. The carrying amounts of certain short-term borrowings, including securities sold under agreements to repurchase and FHLB borrowings (and from time to time, federal funds purchased) approximate their fair values because they frequently re-price to a market rate. The fair values of other short-term and long-term borrowings are estimated by obtaining quoted market prices of the identical or similar financial instruments when available. When quoted prices are unavailable, the fair values of the borrowings are estimated by discounting the estimated future cash flows using current market discount rates of financial instruments with similar characteristics, terms and remaining maturity.

Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts. The fair value of debentures issued to capital trusts is estimated utilizing the income approach, whereby the expected cash flows, over the remaining estimated life of the security, are discounted using Valley’s credit spread over the current yield on a similar maturity of U.S. Treasury security or the three-month LIBOR for the variable rate indexed debentures (Level 2 inputs). The credit spread used to discount the expected cash flows was calculated based on the median current spreads for all fixed and variable publicly traded trust preferred securities issued by banks.


20





Note 7.6. Investment Securities

Held to Maturity

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of securities held to maturity at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 20152016 were as follows: 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value
(in thousands)(in thousands)
September 30, 2016       
June 30, 2017       
U.S. Treasury securities$138,866
 $15,176
 $
 $154,042
$138,754
 $8,902
 $
 $147,656
U.S. government agency securities11,549
 557
 
 12,106
10,597
 205
 
 10,802
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:              
Obligations of states and state agencies192,735
 13,353
 
 206,088
249,607
 9,623
 (1,688) 257,542
Municipal bonds375,477
 13,960
 
 389,437
251,795
 8,519
 (26) 260,288
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions568,212
 27,313
 
 595,525
501,402
 18,142
 (1,714) 517,830
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,030,165
 17,642
 (1,420) 1,046,387
1,070,137
 7,658
 (15,787) 1,062,008
Trust preferred securities59,800
 28
 (14,102) 45,726
59,814
 32
 (11,578) 48,268
Corporate and other debt securities36,559
 1,637
 
 38,196
41,559
 927
 (318) 42,168
Total investment securities held to maturity$1,845,151
 $62,353
 $(15,522) $1,891,982
$1,822,263
 $35,866
 $(29,397) $1,828,732
December 31, 2015       
December 31, 2016       
U.S. Treasury securities$138,978
 $10,505
 $
 $149,483
$138,830
 $8,665
 $
 $147,495
U.S. government agency securities12,859
 271
 
 13,130
11,329
 135
 
 11,464
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:              
Obligations of states and state agencies194,547
 10,538
 (10) 205,075
252,185
 6,692
 (1,428) 257,449
Municipal bonds310,318
 11,955
 (85) 322,188
314,405
 6,438
 (466) 320,377
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions504,865
 22,493
 (95) 527,263
566,590
 13,130
 (1,894) 577,826
Residential mortgage-backed securities852,289
 11,018
 (8,035) 855,272
1,112,460
 8,432
 (18,090) 1,102,802
Trust preferred securities59,785
 36
 (13,384) 46,437
59,804
 40
 (12,554) 47,290
Corporate and other debt securities27,609
 1,894
 (49) 29,454
36,559
 1,190
 (29) 37,720
Total investment securities held to maturity$1,596,385
 $46,217
 $(21,563) $1,621,039
$1,925,572
 $31,592
 $(32,567) $1,924,597

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The age of unrealized losses and fair value of related securities held to maturity at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 20152016 were as follows: 
Less than
Twelve Months
 
More than
Twelve Months
 Total
Less than
Twelve Months
 
More than
Twelve Months
 Total
Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
(in thousands)(in thousands)
September 30, 2016           
Residential mortgage-backed securities$185,774
 $(867) $128,211
 $(553) $313,985
 $(1,420)
Trust preferred securities
 
 44,344
 (14,102) 44,344
 (14,102)
Total$185,774
 $(867) $172,555
 $(14,655) $358,329
 $(15,522)
December 31, 2015           
June 30, 2017           
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:                      
Obligations of states and state agencies$6,837
 $(5) $1,965
 $(5) $8,802
 $(10)$63,537
 $(1,688) $
 $
 $63,537
 $(1,688)
Municipal bonds8,814
 (72) 10,198
 (13) 19,012
 (85)4,664
 (26) 
 
 4,664
 (26)
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions15,651
 (77) 12,163
 (18) 27,814
 (95)68,201
 (1,714) 
 
 68,201
 (1,714)
Residential mortgage-backed securities244,440
 (2,916) 162,756
 (5,119) 407,196
 (8,035)622,527
 (11,860) 156,974
 (3,927) 779,501
 (15,787)
Trust preferred securities
 
 45,047
 (13,384) 45,047
 (13,384)
 
 36,883
 (11,578) 36,883
 (11,578)
Corporate and other debt securities2,951
 (49) 
 
 2,951
 (49)4,682
 (318) 
 
 4,682
 (318)
Total$263,042
 $(3,042) $219,966
 $(18,521) $483,008
 $(21,563)$695,410
 $(13,892) $193,857
 $(15,505) $889,267
 $(29,397)
December 31, 2016           
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:           
Obligations of states and state agencies$98,114
 $(1,428) $
 $
 $98,114
 $(1,428)
Municipal bonds27,368
 (466) 
 
 27,368
 (466)
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions125,482
 (1,894) 
 
 125,482
 (1,894)
Residential mortgage-backed securities692,108
 (14,420) 114,505
 (3,670) 806,613
 (18,090)
Trust preferred securities
 
 45,898
 (12,554) 45,898
 (12,554)
Corporate and other debt securities2,971
 (29) 
 
 2,971
 (29)
Total$820,561
 $(16,343) $160,403
 $(16,224) $980,964
 $(32,567)

The unrealized losses on investment securities held to maturity are primarily due to changes in interest rates (including, in certain cases, changes in credit spreads) and, in some cases, lack of liquidity in the marketplace. Within the held to maturity portfolio, the total number of security positions in an unrealized loss position was 52121 at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 74132 at December 31, 2015.2016.

The unrealized losses within the residential mortgage-backed securities category of the held to maturity portfolio at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 mainly related to certain investment grade securities issued by Ginnie Mae.
The unrealized losses existing for more than twelve months for trust preferred securities at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 primarily related to four non-rated single-issuer trust preferred securities issued by bank holding companies. All single-issuer trust preferred securities classified as held to maturity are paying in accordance with their terms, have no deferrals of interest or defaults and, if applicable, the issuers meet the regulatory capital requirements to be considered “well-capitalized institutions” at SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017.
Management does not believe that any individual unrealized loss as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 included in the table above represents other-than-temporary impairment as management mainly attributes the declines in fair value to changes in interest rates and market volatility, not credit quality or other factors. Based on a comparison of the present value of expected cash flows to the amortized cost, management believes there are no credit losses on these securities. Valley does not have the intent to sell, nor is it more likely than not that Valley will be required to sell, the securities contained in the table above before the recovery of their amortized cost basis or maturity.

22




As of SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, the fair value of investments held to maturity that were pledged to secure public deposits, repurchase agreements, lines of credit, and for other purposes required by law, was $860.6$997.2 million.

22




The contractual maturities of investments in debt securities held to maturity at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 are set forth in the table below. Maturities may differ from contractual maturities in residential mortgage-backed securities because the mortgages underlying the securities may be prepaid without any penalties. Therefore, residential mortgage-backed securities are not included in the maturity categories in the following summary.  
September 30, 2016June 30, 2017
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Due in one year$85,384
 $85,388
$53,859
 $54,621
Due after one year through five years181,107
 192,968
210,615
 218,428
Due after five years through ten years369,454
 398,494
325,933
 343,717
Due after ten years179,041
 168,745
161,719
 149,958
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,030,165
 1,046,387
1,070,137
 1,062,008
Total investment securities held to maturity$1,845,151
 $1,891,982
$1,822,263
 $1,828,732
Actual maturities of debt securities may differ from those presented above since certain obligations provide the issuer the right to call or prepay the obligation prior to scheduled maturity without penalty.
The weighted-average remaining expected life for residential mortgage-backed securities held to maturity was 6.57.5 years at SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017.


23




Available for Sale
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of securities available for sale at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 20152016 were as follows: 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value
(in thousands)(in thousands)
September 30, 2016       
June 30, 2017       
U.S. Treasury securities$51,025
 $766
 $
 $51,791
$51,009
 $7
 $(919) $50,097
U.S. government agency securities23,764
 339
 (6) 24,097
46,147
 292
 (71) 46,368
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:              
Obligations of states and state agencies42,466
 1,091
 (40) 43,517
39,286
 336
 (218) 39,404
Municipal bonds80,155
 1,939
 (321) 81,773
79,824
 459
 (493) 79,790
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions122,621
 3,030
 (361) 125,290
119,110
 795
 (711) 119,194
Residential mortgage-backed securities958,531
 11,021
 (2,914) 966,638
1,175,171
 2,564
 (14,015) 1,163,720
Trust preferred securities*10,231
 
 (2,075) 8,156
7,796
 
 (1,577) 6,219
Corporate and other debt securities79,148
 1,623
 (204) 80,567
67,177
 701
 (204) 67,674
Equity securities20,522
 445
 (797) 20,170
10,505
 737
 (460) 10,782
Total investment securities available for sale$1,265,842
 $17,224
 $(6,357) $1,276,709
$1,476,915
 $5,096
 $(17,957) $1,464,054
December 31, 2015       
December 31, 2016       
U.S. Treasury securities$551,173
 $4
 $(1,704) $549,473
$51,020
 $6
 $(1,435) $49,591
U.S. government agency securities29,316
 665
 (18) 29,963
22,815
 232
 (6) 23,041
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:              
Obligations of states and state agencies44,285
 196
 (67) 44,414
40,696
 70
 (424) 40,342
Municipal bonds80,717
 209
 (374) 80,552
80,045
 147
 (767) 79,425
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions125,002
 405
 (441) 124,966
120,741
 217
 (1,191) 119,767
Residential mortgage-backed securities701,764
 3,348
 (8,684) 696,428
1,029,827
 2,061
 (16,346) 1,015,542
Trust preferred securities*10,458
 
 (2,054) 8,404
10,164
 
 (2,155) 8,009
Corporate and other debt securities78,202
 1,239
 (1,889) 77,552
60,651
 436
 (522) 60,565
Equity securities21,022
 575
 (1,522) 20,075
20,505
 1,114
 (761) 20,858
Total investment securities available for sale$1,516,937
 $6,236
 $(16,312) $1,506,861
$1,315,723
 $4,066
 $(22,416) $1,297,373
 
*Includes two pooled trust preferred securities, principally collateralized by securities issued by banks and insurance companies, at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015.2016.


24




The age of unrealized losses and fair value of related securities available for sale at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 20152016 were as follows: 
Less than
Twelve Months
 
More than
Twelve Months
 Total
Less than
Twelve Months
 
More than
Twelve Months
 Total
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
(in thousands)(in thousands)
September 30, 2016           
U.S. government agency securities$
 $
 $4,197
 $(6) $4,197
 $(6)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:           
Obligations of states and state agencies2,607
 (40) 
 
 2,607
 (40)
Municipal bonds
 
 11,012
 (321) 11,012
 (321)
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions2,607
 (40) 11,012
 (321) 13,619
 (361)
Residential mortgage-backed securities145,631
 (566) 138,425
 (2,348) 284,056
 (2,914)
Trust preferred securities
 
 8,155
 (2,075) 8,155
 (2,075)
Corporate and other debt securities20,814
 (7) 15,329
 (197) 36,143
 (204)
Equity securities
 
 14,998
 (797) 14,998
 (797)
Total$169,052
 $(613) $192,116
 $(5,744) $361,168
 $(6,357)
December 31, 2015           
June 30, 2017           
U.S. Treasury securities$548,538
 $(1,704) $
 $
 $548,538
 $(1,704)$49,168
 $(919) $
 $
 $49,168
 $(919)
U.S. government agency securities3,489
 (5) 4,736
 (13) 8,225
 (18)31,236
 (68) 3,808
 (3) 35,044
 (71)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:                      
Obligations of states and state agencies24,359
 (67) 
 
 24,359
 (67)13,118
 (169) 1,628
 (49) 14,746
 (218)
Municipal bonds38,207
 (128) 13,551
 (246) 51,758
 (374)18,302
 (193) 11,059
 (300) 29,361
 (493)
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions62,566
 (195) 13,551
 (246) 76,117
 (441)31,420
 (362) 12,687
 (349) 44,107
 (711)
Residential mortgage-backed securities293,615
 (4,147) 164,010
 (4,537) 457,625
 (8,684)739,362
 (9,680) 136,402
 (4,335) 875,764
 (14,015)
Trust preferred securities
 
 8,404
 (2,054) 8,404
 (2,054)
 
 6,219
 (1,577) 6,219
 (1,577)
Corporate and other debt securities21,203
 (471) 36,137
 (1,418) 57,340
 (1,889)30,335
 (75) 11,034
 (129) 41,369
 (204)
Equity securities
 
 14,273
 (1,522) 14,273
 (1,522)
 
 5,184
 (460) 5,184
 (460)
Total$929,411
 $(6,522) $241,111
 $(9,790) $1,170,522
 $(16,312)$881,521
 $(11,104) $175,334
 $(6,853) $1,056,855
 $(17,957)
December 31, 2016           
U.S. Treasury securities$48,660
 $(1,435) $
 $
 $48,660
 $(1,435)
U.S. government agency securities2,530
 (4) 4,034
 (2) 6,564
 (6)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:           
Obligations of states and state agencies28,628
 (404) 753
 (20) 29,381
 (424)
Municipal bonds42,573
 (506) 11,081
 (261) 53,654
 (767)
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions71,201
 (910) 11,834
 (281) 83,035
 (1,191)
Residential mortgage-backed securities788,030
 (11,889) 132,718
 (4,457) 920,748
 (16,346)
Trust preferred securities
 
 8,009
 (2,155) 8,009
 (2,155)
Corporate and other debt securities32,292
 (294) 15,192
 (228) 47,484
 (522)
Equity securities
 
 14,883
 (761) 14,883
 (761)
Total$942,713
 $(14,532) $186,670
 $(7,884) $1,129,383
 $(22,416)
The unrealized losses on investment securities available for sale are primarily due to changes in interest rates (including, in certain cases, changes in credit spreads) and, in some cases, lack of liquidity in the marketplace. The total number of security positions in the securities available for sale portfolio in an unrealized loss position at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 was 102274 as compared to 291298 at December 31, 2015.2016.
The unrealized losses more than twelve months for the residential mortgage-backed securities category of the available for sale portfolio at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 largely related to several investment grade residential mortgage-backed securities mainly issued by Ginnie Mae and three non-investment grade private label mortgage-backed securities that were previously impaired.Mae.
The unrealized losses more than twelve months for trust preferred securities at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 in the table above largely relate to 2 pooled trust preferred securities with an amortized cost of $10.2$7.8 million and a fair value of $8.2$6.2 million. One of the two pooled trust preferred securities had unrealized loss of $1.3 million$703 thousand and an investment grade rating at SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017.

25





As of SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, the fair value of securities available for sale that were pledged to secure public deposits, repurchase agreements, lines of credit, and for other purposes required by law, was $461.5$703.9 million.
The contractual maturities of investment securities available for sale at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 are set forth in the following table. Maturities may differ from contractual maturities in residential mortgage-backed securities because the mortgages underlying the securities may be prepaid without any penalties. Therefore, residential mortgage-backed securities are not included in the maturity categories in the following summary.
September 30, 2016June 30, 2017
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Due in one year$10,549
 $10,578
$24,831
 $24,752
Due after one year through five years93,945
 95,479
70,802
 74,052
Due after five years through ten years122,929
 125,488
115,497
 114,927
Due after ten years59,366
 58,356
80,109
 78,821
Residential mortgage-backed securities958,531
 966,638
1,175,171
 1,163,720
Equity securities20,522
 20,170
10,505
 10,782
Total investment securities available for sale$1,265,842
 $1,276,709
$1,476,915
 $1,467,054
Actual maturities of debt securities may differ from those presented above since certain obligations provide the issuer the right to call or prepay the obligation prior to scheduled maturity without penalty.
The weighted average remaining expected life for residential mortgage-backed securities available for sale was 9.1 years at SeptemberJune 30, 2016 was 9.3 years.2017.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Analysis

Valley records impairment charges on its investment securities when the decline in fair value is considered other-than-temporary. Numerous factors, including lack of liquidity for re-sales of certain investment securities; decline in the creditworthiness of the issuer; absence of reliable pricing information for investment securities; adverse changes in business climate; adverse actions by regulators; prolonged decline in value of equity investments; or unanticipated changes in the competitive environment could have a negative effect on Valley’s investment portfolio and may result in other-than-temporary impairment on certain investment securities in future periods. Valley’s investment portfolios include private label mortgage-backed securities, trust preferred securities principally issued by bank holding companies (including two pooled trust preferred securities), and corporate bonds and perpetual preferred and common equity securities issued by banks. These investments may pose a higher risk of future impairment charges by Valley as a result of the unpredictable nature of the U.S. economy and its potential negative effect on the future performance of the security issuers and, if applicable, the underlying mortgage loan collateral of the security.

There were no other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities recognized in earnings for the ninethree and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015.2016. At SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, four previously impaired private label mortgage-backed securities (prior to December 31, 2012) had a combined amortized cost and fair value of $10.8$9.1 million and $10.4$8.9 million, respectively, while one previously impaired pooled trust preferred security had an amortized cost and fair value of $2.8 million and $2.0$1.9 million, respectively. The previously impaired pooled trust preferred security was not accruing interest during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015. Additionally, one previously impaired pooled trust preferred security was sold during the first quarter of 2015 for an immaterial gain. See the table and discussion below for additional information.2016.


26




The following table presents the changes in the credit loss component of cumulative other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities classified as either held to maturity or available for sale that Valley has previously recognized in earnings, for which a portion of the impairment loss (non-credit factors) was recognized in other comprehensive income for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015:2016: 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)    
Balance, beginning of period$5,348
 $6,387
 $5,837
 $8,947
$4,767
 $5,348
 $4,916
 $5,837
Accretion of credit loss impairment due to an increase in expected cash flows(87) (458) (576) (636)(67) 
 (216) (489)
Sales
 
 
 (2,382)
Balance, end of period$5,261
 $5,929
 $5,261
 $5,929
$4,700
 $5,348
 $4,700
 $5,348

The credit loss component of the impairment loss represents the difference between the present value of expected future cash flows and the amortized cost basis of the security prior to considering credit losses. The beginning balance represents the credit loss component for debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairment occurred prior to each period presented. The credit loss component increases if other-than-temporary impairments (initial and subsequent) are recognized in earnings for credit impaired debt securities. The credit loss component is reduced if (i) Valley receives cash flows in excess of what it expected to receive over the remaining life of the credit impaired debt security, (ii) the security matures, (iii) the security is fully written down, or (iv) Valley sells, intends to sell or believes it will be required to sell previously credit impaired debt securities.
Realized Gains and Losses

Gross gains (losses)and losses realized on sales, maturities and other investment securities transactions related to investment securities included in earnings were immaterial for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015 were as follows:2016. 
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2016 2015 2016 2015
 (in thousands)
Sales transactions:       
Gross gains$
 $
 $271
 $3,274
Gross losses
 
 
 (947)
 
 
 271
 2,327
Maturities and other securities transactions:       
Gross gains2
 158
 2
 287
Gross losses(12) (1) (15) (133)
 (10) 157
 (13) 154
Total (losses) gains on securities transactions, net$(10) $157
 $258
 $2,481

Valley recognized gross gains from sales transactions of investment securities totaling $3.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 due to the sale of corporate debt securities and trust preferred securities with amortized cost totaling $25.9 million. These transactions included a corporate debt security classified as held to maturity and a previously impaired pooled trust preferred security with amortized costs of $9.8 million and $2.6 million, respectively. Additionally, Valley recognized $947 thousand of gross losses during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 primarily due to the sale of mostly trust preferred securities with a total amortized cost of $8.3 million. The vast majority of the sales of investment securities were due to an investment portfolio re-balancing during the third quarter of 2015 due to changes in our regulatory capital calculation under the new Basel III regulatory capital reform (effective for Valley on January 1, 2015). Under ASC Topic 320, “Investments - Debt and Equity Securities,” the sale of held to

27




maturity securities based upon the change in capital requirements is permitted without tainting the remaining held to maturity investment portfolio.
Note 8.7. Loans

The detail of the loan portfolio as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 20152016 was as follows: 
September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Non-PCI
Loans
 PCI Loans* Total 
Non-PCI
Loans
 PCI Loans* Total
Non-PCI
Loans
 PCI Loans* Total 
Non-PCI
Loans
 PCI Loans* Total
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Loans:                      
Commercial and industrial$2,266,420
 $292,548
 $2,558,968
 $2,156,549
 $383,942
 $2,540,491
$2,417,924
 $213,388
 $2,631,312
 $2,357,018
 $281,177
 $2,638,195
Commercial real estate:                      
Commercial real estate7,178,836
 1,135,019
 8,313,855
 6,069,532
 1,355,104
 7,424,636
8,201,235
 1,029,279
 9,230,514
 7,628,328
 1,091,339
 8,719,667
Construction670,801
 131,767
 802,568
 607,694
 147,253
 754,947
825,196
 55,877
 881,073
 710,266
 114,680
 824,946
Total commercial real estate loans7,849,637
 1,266,786
 9,116,423
 6,677,226
 1,502,357
 8,179,583
9,026,431
 1,085,156
 10,111,587
 8,338,594
 1,206,019
 9,544,613
Residential mortgage2,637,311
 188,819
 2,826,130
 2,912,079
 218,462
 3,130,541
2,569,500
 155,277
 2,724,777
 2,684,195
 183,723
 2,867,918
Consumer:                      
Home equity377,682
 99,138
 476,820
 391,809
 119,394
 511,203
369,372
 81,138
 450,510
 376,213
 92,796
 469,009
Automobile1,121,430
 176
 1,121,606
 1,238,826
 487
 1,239,313
1,150,217
 126
 1,150,343
 1,139,082
 145
 1,139,227
Other consumer524,540
 9,648
 534,188
 426,147
 15,829
 441,976
635,847
 6,384
 642,231
 569,499
 7,642
 577,141
Total consumer loans2,023,652
 108,962
 2,132,614
 2,056,782
 135,710
 2,192,492
2,155,436
 87,648
 2,243,084
 2,084,794
 100,583
 2,185,377
Total loans$14,777,020
 $1,857,115
 $16,634,135
 $13,802,636
 $2,240,471
 $16,043,107
$16,169,291
 $1,541,469
 $17,710,760
 $15,464,601
 $1,771,502
 $17,236,103
 
*
PCI loans include covered loans (mostly consisting of residential mortgage and commercial real estate loans) totaling $76.0$44.5 million and $122.3$70.4 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.

Total non-covered loans (excluding PCI covered loans) include net unearned premiums and deferred loan costs of $10.5$16.7 million and $3.5$15.3 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively. The outstanding balances (representing contractual balances owed to Valley) for PCI loans totaled $2.0$1.7 billion and $2.4$1.9 billion at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.

Valley transferred $174.5$225.5 million of residential mortgage loans from the loan portfolio to loans held for sale during the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017. Exclusive of such transfers, there were no sales of loans from the held for investment portfolio during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015.2016.

Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans (Including Covered Loans)

PCI loans are accounted for in accordance with ASC Subtopic 310-30 and are initially recorded at fair value (as determined by the present value of expected future cash flows) with no valuation allowance (i.e., the allowance for loan losses), and aggregated and accounted for as pools of loans based on common risk characteristics. The difference between the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition and the initial carrying amount (fair value) of the PCI loans, or the “accretable yield,” is recognized as interest income utilizing the level-yield method over the life of each pool. Contractually required payments for interest and principal that exceed the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition, or the “non-accretable difference,” are not recognized as a yield adjustment, as a loss accrual or a valuation allowance. Reclassifications of the non-accretable difference to the accretable yield may occur subsequent to the loan acquisition dates due to increases in expected cash flows of the loan pools. Valley's PCI loan portfolio included covered loans (i.e., loans in which the Bank will share losses with the FDIC under loss-sharing agreements) totaling $76.0$44.5 million and $122.3$70.4 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.


28




The following table presents changes in the accretable yield for PCI loans during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015:2016:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)    
Balance, beginning of period$355,601
 $282,101
 $415,179
 $336,208
$269,831
 $387,120
 $294,514
 $415,179
Accretion(26,730) (24,814) (86,308) (78,921)(23,553) (31,519) (48,236) (59,578)
Balance, end of period$328,871
 $257,287
 $328,871
 $257,287
$246,278
 $355,601
 $246,278
 $355,601

FDIC Loss-Share Receivable

The receivable arising from the loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC is measured separately from the covered loan portfolio because the agreements are not contractually part of the covered loans and are not transferable should the Bank choose to dispose of the covered loans. The FDIC loss share receivable (which is included in other assets on Valley's consolidated statements of financial condition) totaled $7.7$7.1 million and $8.3$7.2 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively. The aggregate effect of changes in the FDIC loss-share receivable was a net reduction in non-interest income of $313 thousand and $55 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $872 thousand and $3.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The larger net reduction during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was mainly caused by the prospective recognition of the effect of additional cash flows from certain loan pools which were covered by commercial loan loss-sharing agreements that expired in March 2015.

Credit Risk Management

For all of its loan types, Valley adheres to a credit policy designed to minimize credit risk while generating the maximum income given the level of risk. Management reviews and approves these policies and procedures on a regular basis with subsequent approval by the Board of Directors annually. Credit authority relating to a significant dollar percentage of the overall portfolio is centralized and controlled by the Credit Risk Management Division and by the Credit Committee. Valley closely monitors economic conditions and loan performance trends to manage and evaluate its exposure to credit risk. A reporting system supplements the management review process by providing management with frequent reports concerning loan production, loan quality, internal loan classification, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies, non-performing, and potential problem loans. Loan portfolio diversification is an important factor utilized by Valley to manage its risk across business sectors and through cyclical economic circumstances.






29




Credit Quality
The following table presents past due, non-accrual and current loans (excluding PCI loans, which are accounted for on a pool basis, and non-performing loans held for sale) by loan portfolio class at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015:2016: 
Past Due and Non-Accrual Loans    Past Due and Non-Accrual Loans    
30-59
Days
Past Due
Loans
 
60-89
Days
Past Due
Loans
 
Accruing Loans
90 Days or More
Past Due
 
Non-Accrual
Loans
 
Total
Past Due
Loans
 
Current
Non-PCI
Loans
 
Total
Non-PCI
Loans
30-59
Days
Past Due
Loans
 
60-89
Days
Past Due
Loans
 
Accruing Loans
90 Days or More
Past Due
 
Non-Accrual
Loans
 
Total
Past Due
Loans
 
Current
Non-PCI
Loans
 
Total
Non-PCI
Loans
(in thousands)(in thousands)
September 30, 2016             
June 30, 2017             
Commercial and industrial$4,306
 $788
 $145
 $7,875
 $13,114
 $2,253,306
 $2,266,420
$2,391
 $2,686
 $
 $11,072
 $16,149
 $2,401,775
 $2,417,924
Commercial real estate:                          
Commercial real estate9,385
 4,291
 478
 14,452
 28,606
 7,150,230
 7,178,836
6,983
 8,233
 2,315
 15,514
 33,045
 8,168,190
 8,201,235
Construction
 
 1,881
 1,136
 3,017
 667,784
 670,801

 854
 2,879
 1,334
 5,067
 820,129
 825,196
Total commercial real estate loans9,385
 4,291
 2,359
 15,588
 31,623
 7,818,014
 7,849,637
6,983
 9,087
 5,194
 16,848
 38,112
 8,988,319
 9,026,431
Residential mortgage9,982
 2,733
 590
 14,013
 27,318
 2,609,993
 2,637,311
4,677
 1,721
 3,353
 12,825
 22,576
 2,546,924
 2,569,500
Consumer loans:                          
Home equity693
 527
 
 820
 2,040
 375,642
 377,682
988
 229
 
 1,306
 2,523
 366,849
 369,372
Automobile2,110
 619
 226
 145
 3,100
 1,118,330
 1,121,430
3,242
 774
 255
 103
 4,374
 1,145,843
 1,150,217
Other consumer343
 88
 
 
 431
 524,109
 524,540
163
 4
 20
 
 187
 635,660
 635,847
Total consumer loans3,146
 1,234
 226
 965
 5,571
 2,018,081
 2,023,652
4,393
 1,007
 275
 1,409
 7,084
 2,148,352
 2,155,436
Total$26,819
 $9,046
 $3,320
 $38,441
 $77,626
 $14,699,394
 $14,777,020
$18,444
 $14,501
 $8,822
 $42,154
 $83,921
 $16,085,370
 $16,169,291
December 31, 2015             
December 31, 2016             
Commercial and industrial$3,920
 $524
 $213
 $10,913
 $15,570
 $2,140,979
 $2,156,549
$6,705
 $5,010
 $142
 $8,465
 $20,322
 $2,336,696
 $2,357,018
Commercial real estate:                          
Commercial real estate2,684
 
 131
 24,888
 27,703
 6,041,829
 6,069,532
5,894
 8,642
 474
 15,079
 30,089
 7,598,239
 7,628,328
Construction1,876
 2,799
 
 6,163
 10,838
 596,856
 607,694
6,077
 
 1,106
 715
 7,898
 702,368
 710,266
Total commercial real estate loans4,560
 2,799
 131
 31,051
 38,541
 6,638,685
 6,677,226
11,971
 8,642
 1,580
 15,794
 37,987
 8,300,607
 8,338,594
Residential mortgage6,681
 1,626
 1,504
 17,930
 27,741
 2,884,338
 2,912,079
12,005
 3,564
 1,541
 12,075
 29,185
 2,655,010
 2,684,195
Consumer loans:                          
Home equity1,308
 111
 
 2,088
 3,507
 388,302
 391,809
929
 415
 
 1,028
 2,372
 373,841
 376,213
Automobile1,969
 491
 164
 118
 2,742
 1,236,084
 1,238,826
3,192
 723
 188
 146
 4,249
 1,134,833
 1,139,082
Other consumer71
 24
 44
 
 139
 426,008
 426,147
76
 9
 21
 
 106
 569,393
 569,499
Total consumer loans3,348
 626
 208
 2,206
 6,388
 2,050,394
 2,056,782
4,197
 1,147
 209
 1,174
 6,727
 2,078,067
 2,084,794
Total$18,509
 $5,575
 $2,056
 $62,100
 $88,240
 $13,714,396
 $13,802,636
$34,878
 $18,363
 $3,472
 $37,508
 $94,221
 $15,370,380
 $15,464,601

Impaired loans. Impaired loans, consisting of non-accrual commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans over $250 thousand and all loans which were modified in troubled debt restructuring, are individually evaluated for impairment. PCI loans are not classified as impaired loans because they are accounted for on a pool basis.



30




The following table presents the information about impaired loans by loan portfolio class at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015:2016:
Recorded
Investment
With No Related
Allowance
 
Recorded
Investment
With Related
Allowance
 
Total
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
Recorded
Investment
With No Related
Allowance
 
Recorded
Investment
With Related
Allowance
 
Total
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
(in thousands)(in thousands)
September 30, 2016         
June 30, 2017         
Commercial and industrial$4,312
 $22,816
 $27,128
 $34,156
 $3,506
$3,933
 $56,304
 $60,237
 $65,809
 $6,746
Commercial real estate:                  
Commercial real estate20,428
 42,363
 62,791
 65,076
 4,152
32,641
 30,629
 63,270
 65,333
 2,751
Construction1,972
 4,326
 6,298
 6,298
 423
679
 2,067
 2,746
 2,746
 218
Total commercial real estate loans22,400
 46,689
 69,089
 71,374
 4,575
33,320
 32,696
 66,016
 68,079
 2,969
Residential mortgage8,706
 9,802
 18,508
 19,983
 708
8,464
 7,725
 16,189
 17,488
 582
Consumer loans:                  
Home equity214
 1,509
 1,723
 1,820
 210
2,888
 663
 3,551
 3,643
 51
Total consumer loans214
 1,509
 1,723
 1,820
 210
2,888
 663
 3,551
 3,643
 51
Total$35,632
 $80,816
 $116,448
 $127,333
 $8,999
$48,605
 $97,388
 $145,993
 $155,019
 $10,348
December 31, 2015         
December 31, 2016         
Commercial and industrial$7,863
 $17,851
 $25,714
 $33,071
 $3,439
$3,609
 $27,031
 $30,640
 $35,957
 $5,864
Commercial real estate:                  
Commercial real estate30,113
 37,440
 67,553
 71,263
 3,354
21,318
 36,974
 58,292
 60,267
 3,612
Construction8,847
 5,530
 14,377
 14,387
 317
1,618
 2,379
 3,997
 3,997
 260
Total commercial real estate loans38,960
 42,970
 81,930
 85,650
 3,671
22,936
 39,353
 62,289
 64,264
 3,872
Residential mortgage7,842
 14,770
 22,612
 24,528
 1,377
8,398
 9,958
 18,356
 19,712
 725
Consumer loans:                  
Home equity263
 1,869
 2,132
 2,224
 295
1,182
 2,352
 3,534
 3,626
 70
Total consumer loans263
 1,869
 2,132
 2,224
 295
1,182
 2,352
 3,534
 3,626
 70
Total$54,928
 $77,460
 $132,388
 $145,473
 $8,782
$36,125
 $78,694
 $114,819
 $123,559
 $10,531
The following tables present by loan portfolio class, the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015:2016: 
Three Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended June 30,
2016 20152017 2016
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Commercial and industrial$31,499
 $293
 $28,892
 $232
$46,283
 $288
 $24,157
 $194
Commercial real estate:              
Commercial real estate58,117
 513
 76,509
 538
60,119
 483
 70,194
 475
Construction6,635
 37
 20,007
 139
2,759
 20
 10,027
 53
Total commercial real estate loans64,752
 550
 96,516
 677
62,878
 503
 80,221
 528
Residential mortgage20,193
 225
 25,336
 208
17,555
 184
 22,922
 234
Consumer loans:              
Home equity2,253
 25
 4,275
 43
4,799
 34
 3,071
 20
Total consumer loans2,253
 25
 4,275
 43
4,799
 34
 3,071
 20
Total$118,697
 $1,093
 $155,019
 $1,160
$131,515
 $1,009
 $130,371
 $976





31




Nine Months Ended September 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
2016 20152017 2016
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Commercial and industrial$28,008
 $727
 $27,570
 $689
$38,371
 $596
 $26,244
 $434
Commercial real estate:              
Commercial real estate66,871
 1,627
 76,900
 1,918
57,722
 808
 71,296
 1,114
Construction8,814
 138
 16,066
 415
2,728
 39
 9,915
 101
Total commercial real estate loans75,685
 1,765
 92,966
 2,333
60,450
 847
 81,211
 1,215
Residential mortgage22,232
 660
 23,261
 707
18,974
 392
 23,262
 436
Consumer loans:              
Home equity2,560
 68
 4,125
 111
4,847
 74
 2,715
 43
Total consumer loans2,560
 68
 4,125
 111
4,847
 74
 2,715
 43
Total$128,485
 $3,220
 $147,922
 $3,840
$122,642
 $1,909
 $133,432
 $2,128
Interest income recognized on a cash basis (included in the table above) was immaterial for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015.2016.
Troubled debt restructured loans. From time to time, Valley may extend, restructure, or otherwise modify the terms of existing loans, on a case-by-case basis, to remain competitive and retain certain customers, as well as assist other customers who may be experiencing financial difficulties. If the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and a concession has been made at the time of such modification, the loan is classified as a troubled debt restructured loan (TDR). Valley’s PCI loans are excluded from the TDR disclosures below because they are evaluated for impairment on a pool by pool basis. When an individual PCI loan within a pool is modified as a TDR, it is not removed from its pool. All TDRs are classified as impaired loans and are included in the impaired loan disclosures above.
The majority of the concessions made for TDRs involve lowering the monthly payments on loans through either a reduction in interest rate below a market rate, an extension of the term of the loan without a corresponding adjustment to the risk premium reflected in the interest rate, or a combination of these two methods. The concessions rarely result in the forgiveness of principal or accrued interest. In addition, Valley frequently obtains additional collateral or guarantor support when modifying such loans. If the borrower has demonstrated performance under the previous terms of the loan and Valley’s underwriting process shows the borrower has the capacity to continue to perform under the restructured terms, the loan will continue to accrue interest. Non-accruing restructured loans may be returned to accrual status when there has been a sustained period of repayment performance (generally six consecutive months of payments) and both principal and interest are deemed collectible.
Performing TDRs (not reported as non-accrual loans) totaled $81.1$109.8 million and $77.6$85.2 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively. Non-performing TDRs totaled $13.0$15.8 million and $21.0$10.6 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.


32




The following tables present loans by loan portfolio class modified as TDRs during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015.2016. The pre-modification and post-modification outstanding recorded investments disclosed in the table below represent the loan carrying amounts immediately prior to the modification and the carrying amounts at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively. 

32


 Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 Three Months Ended
September 30, 2015
Troubled Debt Restructurings
Number
of
Contracts
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Number
of
Contracts
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 ($ in thousands)
Commercial and industrial7
 $6,389
 $6,248
 2
 $1,530
 $1,530
Commercial real estate:           
Commercial real estate1
 1,667
 1,870
 
 
 
Construction2
 2,078
 2,078
 2
 4,974
 3,451
Total commercial real estate3
 3,745
 3,948
 2
 4,974
 3,451
Residential mortgage1
 78
 77
 3
 1,080
 1,050
Consumer1
 23
 18
 
 
 
Total12
 $10,235
 $10,291
 7
 $7,584
 $6,031


Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2015
 Three Months Ended
June 30, 2017
 Three Months Ended
June 30, 2016
Troubled Debt Restructurings
Number
of
Contracts
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Number
of
Contracts
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Number
of
Contracts
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Number
of
Contracts
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
($ in thousands) ($ in thousands)
Commercial and industrial12
 $11,700
 $11,088
 12
 $4,621
 $4,081
 47
 $40,077
 $38,367
 4
 $5,079
 $4,094
Commercial real estate:                       
Commercial real estate4
 8,325
 8,174
 4
 6,562
 6,444
 5
 23,604
 23,604
 2
 6,111
 6,077
Construction2
 2,079
 2,078
 3
 5,474
 4,635
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total commercial real estate6
 10,404
 10,252
 7
 12,036
 11,079
 5
 23,604
 23,604
 2
 6,111
 6,077
Residential mortgage8
 2,300
 2,271
 6
 2,458
 2,420
 2
 549
 545
 5
 1,830
 1,826
Consumer2
 77
 69
 1
 1,081
 1,072
Total28
 $24,481
 $23,680
 26
 $20,196
 $18,652
 54
 $64,230
 $62,516
 11
 $13,020
 $11,997

  Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
 Six Months Ended
June 30, 2016
Troubled Debt Restructurings 
Number
of
Contracts
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Number
of
Contracts
 
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
  ($ in thousands)
Commercial and industrial 53
 $46,315
 $43,660
 6
 $6,456
 $5,437
Commercial real estate:            
Commercial real estate 6
 23,782
 23,777
 3
 6,658
 6,388
Construction 1
 560
 480
 
 
 
Total commercial real estate 7
 24,342
 24,257
 3
 6,658
 6,388
Residential mortgage 5
 1,170
 1,167
 7
 2,222
 2,206
Consumer 
 
 
 1
 55
 53
Total 65
 $71,827
 $69,084
 17
 $15,391
 $14,084

The TDR concessions made during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were mainly extensions of the loan terms. The total TDRs presented in the above table had allocated specific reserves for loan losses totaling $2.4$5.3 million and $602 thousand$2.1 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively. These specific reserves are included in the allowance for loan losses for loans individually evaluated for impairment disclosed in Note 9.8. One commercial and industrial TDR loan totaling $209 thousand was fully charged-off during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016. There were no charge-offs related to TDR modifications during the third quarters of 2016three and 2015 and the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2015.2017.















33




We had four of residentialThe following table presents non-PCI loans modified as TDRs within the previous 12 months for which there was a payment default (90 days or more past due) totaling $1.1 million during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and none for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.2016.

  Three Months Ended
June 30, 2017
 Three Months Ended
June 30, 2016
Troubled Debt Restructurings Subsequently Defaulted 
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
  ($ in thousands)
Commercial and industrial 6
 $5,358
 
 $
Commercial real estate 
 
 2
 1,070
Residential mortgage 
 
 1
 74
Consumer 
 
 1
 30
Total 6
 $5,358
 4
 $1,174
  Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
 Six Months Ended
June 30, 2016
Troubled Debt Restructurings Subsequently Defaulted 
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
  ($ in thousands)
Commercial and industrial 7
 $5,433
 
 $
Commercial real estate 1
 736
 1
 214
Residential mortgage 1
 153
 1
 74
Consumer 
 
 1
 30
Total 9
 $6,322
 3
 $318
Credit quality indicators. Valley utilizes an internal loan classification system as a means of reporting problem loans within commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, and construction loan portfolio classes. Under Valley’s internal risk rating system, loan relationships could be classified as “Pass,” “Special Mention,” “Substandard,” “Doubtful,” and “Loss.” Substandard loans include loans that exhibit well-defined weakness and are characterized by the distinct possibility that Valley will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loans classified as Doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, based on currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. Loans classified as Loss are those considered uncollectible with insignificant value and are charged-off immediately to the allowance for loan losses, and, therefore, not presented in the table below. Loans that do not currently pose a sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories, but pose weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention are deemed Special Mention. Loans rated as Pass do not currently pose any identified risk and can range from the highest to average quality, depending on the degree of potential risk. Risk ratings are updated any time the situation warrants.

34




The following table presents the risk category of loans (excluding PCI loans) by class of loans at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015. 2016. 

Credit exposure - by internally assigned risk ratingPass 
Special
Mention
 Substandard Doubtful Total Non-PCI Loans Pass 
Special
Mention
 Substandard Doubtful Total Non-PCI Loans
(in thousands) (in thousands)
September 30, 2016         
June 30, 2017          
Commercial and industrial$2,158,585
 $46,209
 $59,972
 $1,654
 $2,266,420
 $2,237,178
 $76,419
 $98,034
 $6,293
 $2,417,924
Commercial real estate7,015,861
 79,331
 83,644
 
 7,178,836
 8,063,898
 51,960
 85,377
 
 8,201,235
Construction667,008
 100
 3,693
 
 670,801
 822,602
 364
 2,230
 
 825,196
Total$9,841,454
 $125,640
 $147,309
 $1,654
 $10,116,057
 $11,123,678
 $128,743
 $185,641
 $6,293
 $11,444,355
December 31, 2015         
December 31, 2016          
Commercial and industrial$2,049,752
 $68,243
 $36,254
 $2,300
 $2,156,549
 $2,246,457
 $44,316
 $64,649
 $1,596
 $2,357,018
Commercial real estate5,893,354
 79,279
 96,899
 
 6,069,532
 7,486,469
 57,591
 84,268
 
 7,628,328
Construction596,530
 1,102
 10,062
 
 607,694
 708,070
 200
 1,996
 
 710,266
Total$8,539,636
 $148,624
 $143,215
 $2,300
 $8,833,775
 $10,440,996
 $102,107
 $150,913
 $1,596
 $10,695,612

34




For residential mortgages, automobile, home equity and other consumer loan portfolio classes (excluding PCI loans), Valley also evaluates credit quality based on the aging status of the loan, which was previously presented, and by payment activity.
The following table presents the recorded investment in those loan classes based on payment activity as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015:2016: 
Credit exposure - by payment activity
Performing
Loans
 
Non-Performing
Loans
 
Total Non-PCI
Loans
 
Performing
Loans
 
Non-Performing
Loans
 
Total Non-PCI
Loans
(in thousands) (in thousands)
September 30, 2016     
June 30, 2017      
Residential mortgage$2,623,298
 $14,013
 $2,637,311
 $2,556,675
 $12,825
 $2,569,500
Home equity376,862
 820
 377,682
 368,066
 1,306
 369,372
Automobile1,121,285
 145
 1,121,430
 1,150,114
 103
 1,150,217
Other consumer524,540
 
 524,540
 635,847
 
 635,847
Total$4,645,985
 $14,978
 $4,660,963
 $4,710,702
 $14,234
 $4,724,936
December 31, 2015     
December 31, 2016      
Residential mortgage$2,894,149
 $17,930
 $2,912,079
 $2,672,120
 $12,075
 $2,684,195
Home equity389,721
 2,088
 391,809
 375,185
 1,028
 376,213
Automobile1,238,708
 118
 1,238,826
 1,138,936
 146
 1,139,082
Other consumer426,147
 
 426,147
 569,499
 
 569,499
Total$4,948,725
 $20,136
 $4,968,861
 $4,755,740
 $13,249
 $4,768,989

35




Valley evaluates the credit quality of its PCI loan pools based on the expectation of the underlying cash flows of each pool, derived from the aging status and by payment activity of individual loans within the pool. The following table presents the recorded investment in PCI loans by class based on individual loan payment activity as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015.2016. 
Credit exposure - by payment activity
Performing
Loans
 
Non-Performing
Loans
 
Total
PCI Loans
 
Performing
Loans
 
Non-Performing
Loans
 
Total
PCI Loans
(in thousands) (in thousands)
September 30, 2016     
June 30, 2017      
Commercial and industrial$283,759
 $8,789
 $292,548
 $201,297
 $12,091
 $213,388
Commercial real estate1,123,123
 11,896
 1,135,019
 1,014,923
 14,356
 1,029,279
Construction130,442
 1,325
 131,767
 54,775
 1,102
 55,877
Residential mortgage185,790
 3,029
 188,819
 150,031
 5,246
 155,277
Consumer103,946
 5,016
 108,962
 86,728
 920
 87,648
Total$1,827,060
 $30,055
 $1,857,115
 $1,507,754
 $33,715
 $1,541,469
December 31, 2015     
December 31, 2016      
Commercial and industrial$373,665
 $10,277
 $383,942
 $272,483
 $8,694
 $281,177
Commercial real estate1,342,030
 13,074
 1,355,104
 1,080,376
 10,963
 1,091,339
Construction141,547
 5,706
 147,253
 113,370
 1,310
 114,680
Residential mortgage214,713
 3,749
 218,462
 179,793
 3,930
 183,723
Consumer129,891
 5,819
 135,710
 98,469
 2,114
 100,583
Total$2,201,846
 $38,625
 $2,240,471
 $1,744,491
 $27,011
 $1,771,502
Other real estate owned (OREO) totaled $11.3$10.2 million at both June 30, 2017 and $19.0 millionDecember 31, 2016 (including $1.0 million and $5.0 million$558 thousand of OREO properties which are subject to loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC)FDIC at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.2016). There were no covered OREO properties at June 30, 2017. OREO included foreclosed residential real estate properties totaling $7.4$2.3 million and $7.0$1.6 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively. Residential mortgage and consumer loans secured by residential real estate properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings are in process totaled $7.7$6.2 million and $12.3$7.1 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.



35



Note 9.8. Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses consists of the allowance for loan losses and the allowance for unfunded letters of credit. Management maintains the allowance for credit losses at a level estimated to absorb probable loan losses of the loan portfolio and unfunded letter of credit commitments at the balance sheet date. The allowance for loan losses is based on ongoing evaluations of the probable estimated losses inherent in the loan portfolio, including unexpected additional credit impairment of PCI loan pools subsequent to acquisition. There was no allowance allocation for PCI loan losses at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

The following table summarizes the allowance for credit losses at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015:2016: 
September 30,
2016
 December 31,
2015
June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Components of allowance for credit losses:      
Allowance for loan losses$110,697
 $106,178
$116,446
 $114,419
Allowance for unfunded letters of credit2,217
 2,189
2,175
 2,185
Total allowance for credit losses$112,914
 $108,367
$118,621
 $116,604


36



The following table summarizes the provision for credit losses for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Components of provision for credit losses:              
Provision for loan losses$5,949
 $
 $8,041
 $4,382
$3,710
 $1,363
 $6,112
 $2,092
Provision for unfunded letters of credit(109) 94
 28
 212
(78) 66
 (10) 137
Total provision for credit losses$5,840
 $94
 $8,069
 $4,594
$3,632
 $1,429
 $6,102
 $2,229

The following tables detailtable details activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015:2016:
Commercial
and Industrial
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Residential
Mortgage
 Consumer Unallocated Total
Commercial
and Industrial
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Residential
Mortgage
 Consumer Total
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
           
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2017
         
Allowance for loan losses:                    
Beginning balance$48,025
 $51,877
 $3,495
 $4,691
 $
 $108,088
$51,288
 $56,302
 $3,592
 $4,261
 $115,443
Loans charged-off(3,763) 
 (518) (782) 
 (5,063)(2,910) (139) (229) (1,011) (4,289)
Charged-off loans recovered902
 44
 495
 282
 
 1,723
312
 640
 235
 395
 1,582
Net (charge-offs) recoveries(2,861) 44
 (23) (500) 
 (3,340)(2,598) 501
 6
 (616) (2,707)
Provision for loan losses5,588
 539
 (94) (84) 

 5,949
2,927
 (1,348) 588
 1,543
 3,710
Ending balance$50,752
 $52,460
 $3,378
 $4,107
 $
 $110,697
$51,617
 $55,455
 $4,186
 $5,188
 $116,446
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2015
           
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2016
         
Allowance for loan losses:                    
Beginning balance$41,714
 $44,185
 $5,055
 $5,542
 $6,339
 $102,835
$48,417
 $48,454
 $4,209
 $4,335
 $105,415
Loans charged-off(1,124) (40) (111) (734) 
 (2,009)(493) (414) (151) (697) (1,755)
Charged-off loans recovered2,550
 536
 151
 488
 
 3,725
990
 1,458
 94
 523
 3,065
Net recoveries (charge-offs)1,426
 496
 40
 (246) 
 1,716
497
 1,044
 (57) (174) 1,310
Provision for loan losses4,397
 (2,403) (546) (829) (619) 
(889) 2,379
 (657) 530
 1,363
Ending balance$47,537
 $42,278
 $4,549
 $4,467
 $5,720
 $104,551
$48,025
 $51,877
 $3,495
 $4,691
 $108,088


36



 
Commercial
and Industrial
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Residential
Mortgage
 Consumer Unallocated Total
 (in thousands)
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
           
Allowance for loan losses:           
Beginning balance$48,767
 $48,006
 $4,625
 $4,780
 $
 $106,178
Loans charged-off(5,507) (519) (750) (2,553) 
 (9,329)
Charged-off loans recovered2,418
 1,591
 604
 1,194
 
 5,807
Net (charge-offs) recoveries(3,089) 1,072
 (146) (1,359) 
 (3,522)
Provision for loan losses5,074
 3,382
 (1,101) 686
 
 8,041
Ending balance$50,752
 $52,460
 $3,378
 $4,107
 $
 $110,697
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2015
           
Allowance for loan losses:           
Beginning balance$43,676
 $42,840
 $5,093
 $5,179
 $5,565
 $102,353
Loans charged-off(5,103) (2,780) (499) (2,642) 
 (11,024)
Charged-off loans recovered5,587
 1,686
 395
 1,172
 
 8,840
Net (charge-offs) recoveries484
 (1,094) (104) (1,470) 
 (2,184)
Provision for loan losses3,377
 532
 (440) 758
 155
 4,382
Ending balance$47,537
 $42,278
 $4,549
 $4,467
 $5,720
 $104,551
At December 31, 2015, Valley refined and enhanced its assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, including both changes to look-back periods for certain portfolios, as well as enhancements to its qualitative factor framework. The enhancements were meant to increase the level of precision in the allowance for credit losses. As a result, Valley no longer has an “unallocated” segment in its allowance for credit losses, as the risks and uncertainties meant to be captured by the unallocated allowance have been included in the qualitative framework for the respective loan portfolio segment (reported in the tables above) at September 30, 2016. As such, the unallocated allowance has in essence been reallocated to the applicable portfolios based on the risks and uncertainties it was meant to capture.

37



 
Commercial
and Industrial
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Residential
Mortgage
 Consumer Total
 (in thousands)
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
         
Allowance for loan losses:         
Beginning balance$50,820
 $55,851
 $3,702
 $4,046
 $114,419
Loans charged-off(4,624) (553) (359) (2,132) (7,668)
Charged-off loans recovered1,160
 782
 683
 958
 3,583
Net (charge-offs) recoveries(3,464) 229
 324
 (1,174) (4,085)
Provision for loan losses4,261
 (625) 160
 2,316
 6,112
Ending balance$51,617
 $55,455
 $4,186
 $5,188
 $116,446
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2016
         
Allowance for loan losses:         
Beginning balance$48,767
 $48,006
 $4,625
 $4,780
 $106,178
Loans charged-off(1,744) (519) (232) (1,771) (4,266)
Charged-off loans recovered1,516
 1,547
 109
 912
 4,084
Net (charge-offs) recoveries(228) 1,028
 (123) (859) (182)
Provision for loan losses(514) 2,843
 (1,007) 770
 2,092
Ending balance$48,025
 $51,877
 $3,495
 $4,691
 $108,088
The following table represents the allocation of the allowance for loan losses and the related loans by loan portfolio segment disaggregated based on the impairment methodology at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015.2016. 
Commercial
and Industrial
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Residential
Mortgage
 Consumer Total
Commercial
and Industrial
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Residential
Mortgage
 Consumer Total
(in thousands)(in thousands)
September 30, 2016         
June 30, 2017         
Allowance for loan losses:                  
Individually evaluated for impairment$3,506
 $4,575
 $708
 $210
 $8,999
$6,746
 $2,969
 $582
 $51
 $10,348
Collectively evaluated for impairment47,246
 47,885
 2,670
 3,897
 101,698
44,871
 52,486
 3,604
 5,137
 106,098
Total$50,752
 $52,460
 $3,378
 $4,107
 $110,697
$51,617
 $55,455
 $4,186
 $5,188
 $116,446
Loans:                  
Individually evaluated for impairment$27,128
 $69,089
 $18,508
 $1,723
 $116,448
$60,237
 $66,016
 $16,189
 $3,551
 $145,993
Collectively evaluated for impairment2,239,292
 7,780,548
 2,618,803
 2,021,929
 14,660,572
2,357,687
 8,960,415
 2,553,311
 2,151,885
 16,023,298
Loans acquired with discounts related to credit quality292,548
 1,266,786
 188,819
 108,962
 1,857,115
213,388
 1,085,156
 155,277
 87,648
 1,541,469
Total$2,558,968
 $9,116,423
 $2,826,130
 $2,132,614
 $16,634,135
$2,631,312
 $10,111,587
 $2,724,777
 $2,243,084
 $17,710,760
December 31, 2015         
December 31, 2016         
Allowance for loan losses:                  
Individually evaluated for impairment$3,439
 $3,671
 $1,377
 $295
 $8,782
$5,864
 $3,872
 $725
 $70
 $10,531
Collectively evaluated for impairment45,328
 44,335
 3,248
 4,485
 97,396
44,956
 51,979
 2,977
 3,976
 103,888
Total$48,767
 $48,006
 $4,625
 $4,780
 $106,178
$50,820
 $55,851
 $3,702
 $4,046
 $114,419
Loans:                  
Individually evaluated for impairment$25,714
 $81,930
 $22,612
 $2,132
 $132,388
$30,640
 $62,289
 $18,356
 $3,534
 $114,819
Collectively evaluated for impairment2,130,835
 6,595,296
 2,889,467
 2,054,650
 13,670,248
2,326,378
 8,276,305
 2,665,839
 2,081,260
 15,349,782
Loans acquired with discounts related to credit quality383,942
 1,502,357
 218,462
 135,710
 2,240,471
281,177
 1,206,019
 183,723
 100,583
 1,771,502
Total$2,540,491
 $8,179,583
 $3,130,541
 $2,192,492
 $16,043,107
$2,638,195
 $9,544,613
 $2,867,918
 $2,185,377
 $17,236,103

38




Note 10.9. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
TheGoodwill totaled $690.6 million at both June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. There were no changes into the carrying amountamounts of goodwill as allocated to Valley'sValley’s business segments, or reporting units thereof, for goodwill impairment analysis were: 
 Business Segment / Reporting Unit
 
Wealth
Management*
 
Consumer
Lending
 
Commercial
Lending
 
Investment
Management
 Total
 (in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015$20,517
 $199,119
 $314,260
 $152,443
 $686,339
Goodwill from business combinations701
 697
 1,416
 436
 3,250
Balance at September 30, 2016$21,218
 $199,816
 $315,676
 $152,879
 $689,589
*Valley’s Wealth Management Division is comprised of trust, asset management, and insurance services. This reporting unit is included in the Consumer Lending segment for financial reporting purposes.
Goodwill from business combinations,(as reported in Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the table above, includes the effect of the combined adjustments to the estimated fair values of the acquired assets (including core deposits presented in the table below) and liabilities as of the acquisition date of CNL, and goodwill related to the acquisition of certain assets from an independent insurance agency during the first quarter of 2016 (see Note 2 for further details)year ended December 31, 2016). There was no impairment of goodwill during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015.

38




2016.
The following table summarizes other intangible assets as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015:2016: 
Gross
Intangible
Assets
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Valuation
Allowance
 
Net
Intangible
Assets
Gross
Intangible
Assets
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Valuation
Allowance
 
Net
Intangible
Assets
(in thousands)(in thousands)
September 30, 2016       
June 30, 2017       
Loan servicing rights$68,662
 $(51,301) $(746) $16,615
$75,413
 $(54,253) $(849) $20,311
Core deposits61,504
 (36,230) 
 25,274
43,396
 (21,941) 
 21,455
Other4,087
 (1,938) 
 2,149
4,087
 (2,153) 
 1,934
Total other intangible assets$134,253
 $(89,469) $(746) $44,038
$122,896
 $(78,347) $(849) $43,700
December 31, 2015       
December 31, 2016       
Loan servicing rights$75,932
 $(59,251) $(289) $16,392
$73,002
 $(52,634) $(900) $19,468
Core deposits62,714
 (31,934) 
 30,780
61,504
 (37,562) 
 23,942
Other4,374
 (2,664) 
 1,710
4,087
 (2,013) 
 2,074
Total other intangible assets$143,020
 $(93,849) $(289) $48,882
$138,593
 $(92,209) $(900) $45,484

Loan servicing rights are accounted for using the amortization method. Under this method, Valley amortizes the loan servicing assets in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing revenues. On a quarterly basis, Valley stratifies its loan servicing assets into groupings based on risk characteristics and assesses each group for impairment based on fair value. Impairment charges on loan servicing rights are recognized in earnings when the book value of a stratified group of loan servicing rights exceeds its estimated fair value. See the "Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis" section of Note 65 for additional information regarding the fair valuation and impairment of loan servicing rights.

Core deposits are amortized using an accelerated method and have a weighted average amortization period of 11 years. The line item labeled “Other” included in the table above primarily consists of customer lists and covenants not to compete, which are amortized over their expected lives generally using a straight-line method and have a weighted average amortization period of approximately 20 years. Valley evaluates core deposits and other intangibles for impairment when an indication of impairment exists. No impairment was recognized during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015.2016.

The following table presents the estimated future amortization expense of other intangible assets for the remainder of 20162017 through 2020:2021: 
Loan
Servicing
Rights
 
Core
Deposits
 Other
Loan
Servicing
Rights
 
Core
Deposits
 Other
(in thousands)(in thousands)
2016$1,308
 $1,332
 $74
20174,262
 4,842
 280
$2,719
 $2,356
 $139
20183,361
 4,215
 249
4,503
 4,215
 249
20192,554
 3,671
 235
3,557
 3,671
 235
20201,952
 3,127
 220
2,813
 3,127
 220
20212,115
 2,582
 206

Valley recognized amortization expense on other intangible assets, including net impairment (or recovery of impairment) charges on loan servicing rights, totaling approximately $2.7$2.6 million and $2.2$2.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $8.5 million and $6.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Note 11. Stock–Based Compensation
On April 28, 2016, Valley’s shareholders approved the new 2016 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (the "2016 Stock Plan") administered by the Compensation and Human Resources Committee (the “Committee”) appointed by Valley’s Board of Directors. The purpose of the 2016 Stock Plan is to provide incentives to attract, retain and

39




motivatemonths ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $5.1 million and $5.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Note 10. Stock–Based Compensation
Valley currently has one active employee stock option plan, the 2016 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (the “2016 Stock Plan”), adopted by Valley’s Board of Directors on January 29, 2016 and approved by its shareholders on April 28, 2016. The purpose of the 2016 Plan is to provide additional incentive to officers and key employees of Valley and its subsidiaries, whose substantial contributions are essential to the continued growth and success of Valley, and to attract and retain competent and dedicated officers and other key employees by providing a direct financial interestwhose efforts will result in Valley'sthe continued success, and provide the flexibility to grant equity awards to non-employee directors as partlong-term growth of their compensation. The 2016 Stock Plan will also ensure that Valley has sufficient shares to meet its anticipated long-term equity compensation needs. Effective January 1, 2016, the 2.2 million of common shares remaining under Valley's 2009 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (the "2009 Stock Plan") became available for future grants under the 2016 Stock Plan. Accordingly, Valley will no longer grant new awards under the 2009 Stock Plan.Valley’s business.
Under the 2016 Stock Plan, Valley may award shares to its employees and non-employee directors shares of common stock in the form of stock appreciation rights, both incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units (RSUs). to its employees and non-employee directors. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2016, up to 8.32017, 7.3 million shares of common stock were available for issuance under the 2016 Stock Plan. The essential features of each award are described in the award agreement relating to that award. The grant, exercise, vesting, settlement or payment of an award may be based upon the fair value of Valley’s common stock on the last sale price reported for Valley’s common stock on such date or the last sale price reported preceding such date, except for performance-based awards with a market condition. The grant date fair values of performance-based awards that vest based on a market condition are determined by a third party specialist using a Monte Carlo valuation model.

Restricted Stock. Restricted stock is awarded to key employees, providing for the immediate award of our common stock subject to certain vesting and restrictions under the 2016 Stock Plan. Compensation expense is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the shares. Valley awarded time-based restricted stock totaling 534482 thousand shares and 492498 thousand shares during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, to both executive officers and key employees of Valley. Time-basedThe majority of the awards have vesting periods of three years. Generally, the restrictions on such awards lapse at an annual rate of one-third of the total award commencing with the first anniversary of the date of grant. The average grant date fair value of the restricted stock issuedawards granted during the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 and 2016 was $11.71 per share and $8.77 per share, respectively.
2015 were immaterial.Restricted Stock Units. Valley also awardedgranted 371 thousand shares and 431 thousand and 313 thousandshares of performance-based RSUs under the 2016 Stock Plan during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, to certain executive officers. There were no awards ofofficers for the performance-based RSUs during the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 and 2016, and2015. The RSUs earn dividend equivalents (equal to cash dividends paid on Valley's common stock) over the applicable performance period. Dividend equivalents and accrued interest, per the terms of the agreements, are accumulated and paid to the grantee at the vesting date, or forfeited if the performance conditions are not met.

respectively. The performance-based awards vest based on (i) growth in tangible book value per share plus dividends (75 percent of performance shares) and (ii) total shareholder return as compared to our peer group (25 percent of performance shares). The majority of the performance-basedperformance based awards "cliff" vest after three years based on the cumulative performance of Valley during that time period. The non-performance based awards have vesting periods ranging from threeRSUs earn dividend equivalents (equal to six years. Generally,cash dividends paid on Valley's common stock) over the restrictions on such awards lapse at an annual or bi-annual rate of one-thirdapplicable performance period. Dividend equivalents and accrued interest (if applicable), per the terms of the total award commencing withagreements, are accumulated and paid to the firstgrantee at the vesting date, or second anniversary offorfeited if the date of grant, respectively.performance conditions are not met. The average grant date fair value of non-performance and performance-based restricted stock awardedthe RSUs granted during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 and 2016 was $8.58.$11.05 per share and $8.32 per share, respectively.

Valley recorded total stock-based compensation expense of $2.2$2.7 million and $2.0$2.8 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, and $7.4$6.9 million and $6.5$5.2 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively. The fair values of stock awards are expensed over the shorter of the vesting or required service period. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, the unrecognized amortization expense for all stock-based employee compensation totaled approximately $16.9$16.5 million and will be recognized over an average remaining vesting period of approximately 32.1 years.


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Note 12.11. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Valley enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates.

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk. Valley’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, Valley uses interest rate swaps and caps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the payment of either fixed or variable-rate amounts in exchange for the receipt of variable or fixed-rate amounts from a counterparty.counterparty, respectively. Interest rate caps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up-front premium.

Fair Value Hedges of Fixed Rate Assets and Liabilities. Valley is exposed to changes in the fair value of certain of its fixed rate assets or liabilities due to changes in benchmark interest rates based on one-month LIBOR. From time to time, Valley uses interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in fair value. Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges involve the receipt of variable rate payments from a counterparty in exchange for Valley making fixed rate payments over the life of the agreements without the exchange of the underlying notional amount. For derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. Valley includes the gain or loss on the hedged items in the same income statement line item as the loss or gain on the related derivatives.

Valley terminated an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $125 million in August 2016.  The terminated swap, originally maturing in September 2023, was used to hedge the change in the fair value of Valley’s $125 million of 5.125 percent subordinated notes issued in September 2013. The transaction resulted in an adjusted annual interest rate of 3.32 percent on the subordinated notes, after amortization of the derivative valuation adjustment recorded at the termination date. The subordinated notes had a net carrying value of $137.1 million at September 30, 2016.

Non-designated Hedges. Derivatives not designated as hedges may be used to manage Valley’s exposure to interest rate movements or to provide service to customers but do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting under U.S. GAAP. Derivatives not designated as hedges are not entered into for speculative purposes.

Under a program, Valley executes interest rate swaps with commercial lending customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies. These interest rate swaps with customers are simultaneously offset by interest rate swaps that Valley executes with a third party, such that Valley minimizes its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions. As the interest rate swaps associated with this program do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the customer swaps and the offsetting swaps are recognized directly in earnings.

During 2014,At June 30, 2017, Valley issued $25has one "steepener" swap with a total current notional amount of $14.5 million of market linked certificates of deposit through a broker dealer. Thewhere the receive rate on the swap mirrors the pay rate on the brokered deposits and the rate paid on these types of hybrid instruments isare based on a formula derived from the spread between the long and short ends of the constant maturity swap (CMS) rate curve. This type of instrument is referred to as a "steepener" since it derives its value from the slope of the CMS curve. Valley has determined that these hybrid instruments contain an embedded swap contract which has been bifurcated from the host contract. Valley entered into a swap (with a total notional amount of $25 million) almost simultaneously with the deposit issuance where the receive rate on the swap mirrors the pay rate on the brokered deposits. The bifurcated derivative and the stand alone swap are both marked to market through other non-interest expense. Although these types of instruments do not meet the hedge accounting requirements, the change in fair value of both the bifurcated derivative and the stand alone swap tend to move in opposite directions with changes in three-month LIBOR rate and therefore provide an effective economic hedge.


40




Valley regularly enters into mortgage banking derivatives which are non-designated hedges. These derivatives include interest rate lock commitments provided to customers to fund certain residential mortgage loans to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of such loans. Valley enters into forward commitments for the future delivery of residential mortgage loans when interest rate lock commitments are entered into in order to economically hedge the effect of future changes in interest rates on Valley’s commitments to fund the loans as well as on its portfolio of mortgage loans held for sale.


41




Amounts included in the consolidated statements of financial condition related to the fair value of Valley’s derivative financial instruments were as follows: 
September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Fair Value   Fair Value  Fair Value   Fair Value  
Other Assets Other Liabilities Notional Amount Other Assets Other Liabilities Notional AmountOther Assets Other Liabilities Notional Amount Other Assets Other Liabilities Notional Amount
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:                      
Cash flow hedge interest rate caps and swaps$286
 $25,636
 $907,000
 $1,284
 $24,823
 $907,000
$528
 $31
*$707,000
 $802
 $15,641
 $707,000
Fair value hedge interest rate swaps
 1,273
 8,053
 7,658
 1,306
 133,209

 836
 7,889
 
 986
 7,999
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments$286
 $26,909
 $915,053
 $8,942
 $26,129
 $1,040,209
$528
 $867
 $714,889
 $802
 $16,627
 $714,999
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:                      
Interest rate swaps and embedded derivatives$45,013
 $44,980
 $824,736
 $24,628
 $24,623
 $654,134
$26,058
 $22,870
*$1,288,274
 $25,285
 $25,284
 $1,075,722
Mortgage banking derivatives720
 783
 451,901
 204
 92
 73,438
178
 165
 88,567
 2,968
 2,166
 246,583
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$45,733
 $45,763
 $1,276,637
 $24,832
 $24,715
 $727,572
$26,236
 $23,035
 $1,376,841
 $28,253
 $27,450
 $1,322,305
* The fair value for the Chicago Mercantile Exchange cleared derivative positions is inclusive of accrued interest payable and the portion of the cash collateral representing the variation margin posted with (or by) the applicable counterparties.

Gains (losses)Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) amended their rules to legally characterize the variation margin posted between counterparties to be classified as settlements of the outstanding derivative contracts instead of cash collateral.  Effective January 1, 2017, Valley adopted the new rule on a prospective basis to classify its CME variation margin as a single-unit of account with the fair value of certain cash flow and non-designated derivative instruments. As a result, the fair value of the designated cash flow derivatives and non-designated interest rate swaps cleared with the CME were offset by variation margins totaling $13.0 million and $3.3 million, respectively, and reported in the table above on a net basis at June 30, 2017.

Losses included in the consolidated statements of income and in other comprehensive income, on a pre-tax basis, related to interest rate derivatives designated as hedges of cash flows were as follows: 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense$(3,578) $(1,323) $(10,146) $(4,651)$(2,314) $(3,597) $(4,832) $(6,568)
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income2,962
 (10,588) (11,695) (17,604)
Amount of loss recognized in other comprehensive income(1,482) (3,625) (1,265) (14,657)
The net gains or losses related to cash flow hedge ineffectiveness were immaterial during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015.2016. The accumulated net after-tax losses related to effective cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive loss were $18.6$10.4 million and $17.6$12.5 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.
Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to cash flow interest rate derivatives are reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the hedged variable interest rate liabilities. Valley estimates that $10.4$6.9 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense over the next 12 months.


4142




Gains (losses) included in the consolidated statements of income related to interest rate derivatives designated as hedges of fair value were as follows:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Derivative - interest rate swaps:              
Interest income$129
 $(93) $32
 $10
$52
 $2
 $149
 $(97)
Interest expense(127) 4,302
 6,670
 3,211

 2,069
 
 6,797
Hedged item - loans and borrowings:              
Interest income$(129) $93
 $(32) $(10)$(52) $(2) $(149) $97
Interest expense133
 (4,329) (6,646) (3,270)
 (2,060) 
 (6,779)

The amounts recognized in non-interest expense related to ineffectiveness of fair value hedges were immaterial for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015.2016.

The net gains (losses)losses included in the consolidated statements of income related to derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments were as follows: 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Non-designated hedge interest rate derivatives              
Other non-interest expense$171
 $(263) $(218) $(155)$70
 $(92) $(790) $(389)

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

Valley has agreements with its derivative counterparties providing that if Valley defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then Valley could also be declared in default on its derivative counterparty agreements. Additionally, Valley has an agreement with several of its derivative counterparties that contains provisions that require Valley’s debt to maintain an investment grade credit rating from each of the major credit rating agencies from which it receives a credit rating. If Valley’s credit rating is reduced below investment grade, or such rating is withdrawn or suspended, then the counterparty could terminate the derivative positions and Valley would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, Valley was in compliance with all of the provisions of its derivative counterparty agreements. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, the fair value of derivatives in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk related to these agreements, was $69.3$10.5 million. Valley has derivative counterparty agreements that require minimum collateral posting thresholds for certain counterparties. At SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, Valley had $92.1$43.3 million in collateral posted with its counterparties.counterparties, net of CME variation margin.

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Note 13.12. Balance Sheet Offsetting
Certain financial instruments, including derivatives (consisting of interest rate caps and swaps) and repurchase agreements (accounted for as secured long-term borrowings), may be eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheet and/or subject to master netting arrangements or similar agreements. Valley is party to master netting arrangements with its financial institution counterparties; however, Valley does not offset assets and liabilities under these arrangements for financial statement presentation purposes. The master netting arrangements provide for a single

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net settlement of all swap agreements, as well as collateral, in the event of default on, or termination of, any one contract. Collateral, usually in the form of cash or marketable investment securities, is posted by the counterparty with net liability positions in accordance with contract thresholds. Master repurchase agreements which include “right of set-off” provisions generally have a legally enforceable right to offset recognized amounts. In such cases, the collateral would be used to settle the fair value of the repurchase agreement should Valley be in default. The table below presents information about Valley’s financial instruments that are eligible for offset in the consolidated statements of financial condition as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015.2016.
      Gross Amounts Not Offset        Gross Amounts Not Offset  
Gross Amounts
Recognized
 
Gross Amounts
Offset
 
Net Amounts
Presented
 
Financial
Instruments
 
Cash
Collateral
 
Net
Amount
Gross Amounts
Recognized
 
Gross Amounts
Offset
 
Net Amounts
Presented
 
Financial
Instruments
 
Cash
Collateral
 
Net
Amount
(in thousands)(in thousands)
September 30, 2016           
June 30, 2017           
Assets:                      
Interest rate caps and swaps$45,299
 $
 $45,299
 $
 $
 $45,299
$26,586
 $
 $26,586
 $(3,888) $
 $22,698
Liabilities:                      
Interest rate caps and swaps$71,889
 $
 $71,889
 $
 $(71,889) $
$23,737
 $
 $23,737
 $(3,888) $(9,314)
(1) 
$10,535
Repurchase agreements265,000
 
 265,000
 
 (265,000)*
200,000
 
 200,000
 
 (200,000)
(2) 

Total$336,889
 $
 $336,889
 $
 $(336,889) $
$223,737
 $
 $223,737
 $(3,888) $(209,314) $10,535
December 31, 2015           
December 31, 2016           
Assets:                      
Interest rate caps and swaps$33,570
 $
 $33,570
 $(8,942) $
 $24,628
$26,087
 $
 $26,087
 $(5,268) $
 $20,819
Liabilities:                      
Interest rate caps and swaps$50,752
 $
 $50,752
 $(8,942) $(41,810) $
$41,911
 $
 $41,911
 $(5,268) $(36,643)
(1) 
$
Repurchase agreements475,000
 
 475,000
 
 (475,000)*
165,000
 
 165,000
 
 (165,000)
(2) 

Total$525,752
 $
 $525,752
 $(8,942) $(516,810) $
$206,911
 $
 $206,911
 $(5,268) $(201,643) $
 
*(1)Represents the amount of collateral posted with derivatives counterparties that offsets net liabilities. Actual cash collateral posted with all counterparties totaled $59.6 million and $52.4 million at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
(2)Represents the fair value of non-cash pledged investment securities.

44




Note 14.13. Tax Credit Investments

Valley’s tax credit investments are primarily related to investments promoting qualified affordable housing projects, and other investments related to community development and renewable energy sources. Some of these tax-advantaged investments support Valley’s regulatory compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). Valley’s investments in these entities generate a return primarily through the realization of federal income tax credits, and other tax benefits, such as tax deductions from operating losses of the investments, over specified time periods. These tax credits and deductions are recognized as a reduction of income tax expense.

Valley’s tax credit investments are carried in other assets on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Valley’s unfunded capital and other commitments related to the tax credit investments are carried in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Valley recognizes amortization of tax credit investments, including impairment losses, within non-interest expense of the consolidated statements

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

The following table presents the balances of Valley’s affordable housing tax credit investments, other tax credit investments, and related unfunded commitments at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015.2016.
September 30,
2016
 December 31,
2015
June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Other Assets:      
Affordable housing tax credit investments, net$30,375
 $32,094
$28,559
 $29,567
Other tax credit investments, net60,062
 70,681
36,204
 44,763
Total tax credit investments, net$90,437
 $102,775
$64,763
 $74,330
Other Liabilities:      
Unfunded affordable housing tax credit commitments$5,330
 $7,330
$4,690
 $4,850
Unfunded other tax credit commitments7,428
 12,545
3,582
 7,276
Total unfunded tax credit commitments$12,758
 $19,875
$8,272
 $12,126

The following table presents other information relating to Valley’s affordable housing tax credit investments and other tax credit investments for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015:2016: 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Components of Income Tax Expense:              
Affordable housing tax credits and other tax benefits$1,065
 $1,660
 $3,195
 $4,774
$1,271
 $1,065
 $2,555
 $2,130
Other tax credit investment credits and tax benefits6,118
 7,510
 12,654
 16,031
8,680
 3,268
 14,966
 6,536
Total reduction in income tax expense$7,183
 $9,170
 $15,849
 $20,805
$9,951
 $4,333
 $17,521
 $8,666
Amortization of Tax Credit Investments:              
Affordable housing tax credit investment losses$33
 $543
 $1,392
 $1,516
$358
 $775
 $754
 $1,359
Affordable housing tax credit investment impairment losses128
 451
 328
 979
130
 60
 254
 200
Other tax credit investment losses107
 144
 775
 934
1,060
 594
 1,827
 668
Other tax credit investment impairment losses6,182
 4,086
 18,865
 10,802
6,184
 6,217
 10,221
 12,683
Total amortization of tax credit investments recorded in non-interest expense$6,450
 $5,224
 $21,360
 $14,231
$7,732
 $7,646
 $13,056
 $14,910

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Note 14. Litigation
In the normal course of business, Valley is a party to various outstanding legal proceedings and claims. In the opinion of management, the financial condition, results of operations and liquidity of Valley should not be materially affected by the outcome of such legal proceedings and claims. However, in the event of an unexpected adverse outcome in one or more of our legal proceedings, operating results for a particular period may be negatively impacted. Disclosure is required when a risk of material loss in a litigation or claim is more than remote, even when the risk of a material loss is less than likely. Unless an estimate cannot be made, disclosure is also required of the estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss.
Although there can be no assurance as to the ultimate outcome, Valley has generally denied, or believes it has a meritorious defense and will deny liability in litigation pending against Valley and claims made, including the matter described below. Valley intends to defend vigorously each case against it. Liabilities are established for legal claims when payments associated with the claims become probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated.
Merrick Bank Corporation v. Valley National Bank and American Express Travel Related Services v. Valley National Bank litigation. For about a decade, Valley served as the depository bank for various charter operators under regulations of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and contracts entered into with charter operators under those regulations. The purported intent of the regulations is to afford some protection to the customers of the charter operators. A charter operator has several options with regard to fulfilling its obligations under the regulations, with one option requiring the charter operator to deposit the proceeds of tickets purchased for a charter flight into an FDIC insured bank account. The funds for a flight are released when the charter operator certifies that the flight has been completed. Valley stopped serving as a depository bank for the charter business due to the narrow profit in that business combined with the legal expenses incurred to defend itself in a prior case in which Valley was completely successful and the anticipated legal expenses from the following similar cases that are still pending.
Valley served as the depository bank for Myrtle Beach Direct Air (Direct Air) under a contract between Direct Air and Valley approved by the DOT under the DOT regulations. Direct Air commenced operations in 2007 but in March 2012 Direct Air ceased operations and filed for bankruptcy. Thereafter the United States Justice Department charged three of the principals of Direct Air with criminal fraud; that case is expected to go to trial in March 2018. Merrick Bank Corp. (Merrick) was the merchant bank for Direct Air and processed credit card purchases for Direct Air. Following the bankruptcy of Direct Air, Merrick incurred chargebacks in the approximate amount of $26.2 million when the Direct Air customers whose flights had been canceled obtained a credit from their card issuing banks for the cost of the ticket or other item purchased from Direct Air. Merrick was not able to recover the chargebacks from Direct Air. Direct Air’s depository account at Valley contained approximately $1.0 million at the time Direct Air ceased operations.
Merrick filed an action against Valley with ten counts in December 2013. Valley moved to dismiss five of the counts and, in March 2015, the court dismissed four of the five counts. American Express Travel Related Services (American Express) filed a similar action against Valley claiming about $3.0 million in chargebacks. Five of American Express’ eleven counts have been dismissed. The two cases have now been consolidated in the Federal District Court of New Jersey.
During April 2017, all parties attended a mediation, however it was unsuccessful. Shortly before the mediation, Valley filed summary judgment motions on all of the remaining counts in both the Merrick and American Express cases. Merrick and American Express also filed summary judgment motions against Valley. Valley does not anticipate an immediate decision to be rendered on the motions.
At June 30, 2017, Valley could not estimate an amount or range of reasonably possible losses related to the matter described above. Based upon information currently available and advice of counsel, Valley believes that the eventual outcome of such claims will not have a material adverse effect on Valley’s consolidated financial position. However, in the event of unexpected future developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of the matters, if unfavorable, may be material to Valley’s results of operations for a particular period.

46




Note 15. Business Segments
The information under the caption “Business Segments” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is incorporated herein by reference.

44Note 16. Subsequent Events



USAmeriBancorp, Inc. Merger Agreement

On July 26, 2017, Valley announced its entry into a merger agreement with USAmeriBancorp, Inc. (USAB) headquartered in Clearwater, Florida. USAB largely through its wholly-owned subsidiary, USAmeriBank, has approximately $4.4 billion in assets, $3.6 billion in loans and $3.5 billion in deposits and maintains a branch network of 30 offices. The acquisition will expand Valley's Florida presence and establish a presence in Alabama. The common shareholders of USAB will receive 6.1 shares of Valley common stock for each USAB share they own, subject to adjustment in the event Valley’s average stock price falls below $11.50 or rises above $13.00 prior to closing. Both Valley and USAB have walkaway rights if the volume-weighted average closing price is below $11.00 and USAB has a walkaway right if the volume-weighted average closing price is above $13.50. The transaction is valued at an estimated $816 million, based on Valley’s closing stock price on July 25, 2017. The acquisition is expected to close early in the first quarter of 2018, subject to standard regulatory approvals, shareholder approvals from Valley and USAB, as well as other customary conditions.

Issuance of Series B Preferred Stock
On August 3, 2017, Valley issued 4.0 million shares of its Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual
Preferred Stock, Series B, no par value per share, with a liquidation preference of $25 per share for aggregate consideration of $100 million. Dividends on the preferred stock will accrue and be payable quarterly in arrears, at a fixed rate per annum equal to 5.50 percent from the original issuance date to, but excluding, September 30, 2022, and thereafter at a floating rate per annum equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 3.578 percent. Net proceeds to Valley after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses are expected to be approximately $98.1 million.

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

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

The MD&A contains supplemental financial information, described in the sections that follow, which has been determined by methods other than U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) that management uses in its analysis of our performance. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide information useful to investors in understanding our underlying operational performance, our business and performance trends and facilitates comparisons with the performance of others in the financial services industry. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for or superior to financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures may also be calculated differently from similar measures disclosed by other companies.
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, both in the MD&A and elsewhere, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are not historical facts and include expressions about management’s confidence and strategies and management’s expectations about new and existing programs and products, acquisitions, relationships, opportunities, taxation, technology, market conditions and economic expectations. These statements may be identified by such forward-looking terminology as “should,” “expect,” “believe,” “view,” “opportunity,” “allow,” “continues,” “reflects,” “typically,” “usually,” “anticipate,” or similar statements or variations of such terms. Such forward-looking statements involve certain

47




risks and uncertainties and our actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements in addition to those risk factors disclosed in Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015,2016, include, but are not limited to:

failure to obtain shareholder or regulatory approval for the merger of USAB with Valley or to satisfy other conditions to the merger on the proposed terms and within the proposed timeframe;
delays in closing the merger;
the inability to realize expected cost savings and synergies from the merger of USAB with Valley in the amounts or in the timeframe anticipated;
changes in the estimate of non-recurring charges;
the diversion of management's time on issues relating to the merger;
costs or difficulties relating to integration matters might be greater than expected;
material adverse changes in Valley’s or USAB’s operations or earnings;
an increase or decrease in the stock price of Valley during the 30 day pricing period prior to the closing of the merger which could cause an adjustment to the exchange ratio or give either Valley or USAB the right to terminate the merger agreement under certain circumstances;
the inability to retain USAB’s customers and employees;
weakness or a decline in the U.S. economy, in particularmainly in New Jersey, New York, Metropolitan area (including Long Island)Florida and Florida;
Alabama, as well as an unexpected changesdecline in commercial real estate values within our market interest rates for interest earning assets and/or interest bearing liabilities;areas;
less than expected cost savingsreductions and revenue enhancement from the maturity, modificationValley's cost reduction plans including its earnings enhancement program called "LIFT";
damage verdicts or prepayment of long-term borrowings that mature through 2022;
further prepayment penaltiessettlements or restrictions related to the early extinguishmentexisting or potential litigations arising from claims of high cost borrowings;
less than expected cost savings in 2016 and 2017 from Valley's branch efficiency and cost reduction plans;
lower than expected cash flows from purchased credit-impaired loans;
claims and litigation pertaining tobreach of fiduciary responsibility, negligence, fraud, contractual issues,claims, environmental laws, patent or trade mark infringement, employment related claims, and other matters;
the loss of or decrease in lower-cost funding sources within our deposit base may adversely impact our net interest income and net income;
cyber attacks, computer viruses or other malware that may breach the security of our websites or other systems to obtain unauthorized access to confidential information, destroy data, disable or degrade service, or sabotage our systems;
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, require us to reimburse customers, change the way we do business, or limit or eliminate certain other banking activities;

45




government intervention in the U.S. financial system and the effects of and changes in trade and monetary and fiscalaccounting policies and laws,or accounting standards, including the interest rate policiesnew authoritative accounting guidance (known as the current expected credit loss (CECL) model) which may increase the required level of the Federal Reserve;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 changes in tax laws, regulations and case law;
our inability to pay dividends at current levels, or at all, because of inadequate future earnings, regulatory restrictions or limitations, and changes in the composition of qualifying regulatoryour capital and minimum capital requirements (including those resulting from the U.S. implementation of Basel III requirements);requirements;
higher than expected loan losses within one or more segments of our loan portfolio;
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;
unanticipated credit deterioration in our loan portfolio;
unanticipated loan delinquencies, loss of collateral, decreased service revenues, and other potential negative effects on our business caused by severe weather or other external events;
an unexpected declinesignificant declines in real estate values within our market areas;
the loan portfolio due to the lack of economic expansion, increased competition, large prepayments, changes in accounting policiesregulatory lending guidance or accounting standards, including the potential issuance of new authoritative accounting guidance which may increase the required level of our allowance for credit losses;
higher than expected income tax expense or tax rates, including increases resulting from changes in tax laws, regulationsother factors; and case law;
higher than expected FDIC insurance assessments;
the failure of other financial institutions with whom we have trading, clearing, counterparty and other financial relationships;relationships.
lack of liquidity to fund our various cash obligations;
unanticipated reduction in our deposit base;
48
potential acquisitions that may disrupt our business;
declines in value in our investment portfolio, including additional other-than-temporary impairment charges on our investment securities;
future goodwill impairment due to changes in our business, changes in market conditions, or other factors;
legislative and regulatory actions (including the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and related regulations) subject us to additional regulatory oversight which may result in higher compliance costs and/or require us to change our business model;
our inability to promptly adapt to technological changes;
our internal controls and procedures may not be adequate to prevent losses;
the inability to realize expected revenue synergies from the CNL merger in the amounts or in the timeframe anticipated;
inability to retain customers and employees, including those of CNL; and
other unexpected material adverse changes in our operations or earnings.



Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Valley’s accounting policies are fundamental to understanding management’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations. Our significant accounting policies are presented in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.2016. We identified our policies on the allowance for loan losses, security valuations and impairments, goodwill and other intangible assets, and income taxes to be critical because management has to make subjective and/or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain and because it is likely that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. Management has reviewed the

46




application of these policies with the Audit Committee of Valley’s Board of Directors. Our critical accounting policies are described in detail in Part II, Item 7 in Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.2016.
New Authoritative Accounting Guidance

See Note 54 to the consolidated financial statements for a description of new authoritative accounting guidance including the respective dates of adoption and effects on results of operations and financial condition.

Executive Summary

Company Overview. At SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, Valley had consolidated total assets of approximately $22.4$23.4 billion, total net loans of $16.5$17.6 billion, total deposits of $17.0$17.3 billion and total shareholders’ equity of $2.3$2.4 billion. Our commercial bank operations include branch office locations in northern and central New Jersey, the New York City Boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island;Island, and Florida. Of our current 209 branch network, 67 percent, 18 percent and 15 percent of the branches are located in New Jersey, New York and Florida, respectively. We have grown bothsignificantly in asset size and locations significantly over the past several years primarily through bank acquisitions.acquisitions that expanded our operating footprint into several Florida markets in 2014 and 2015, as well as normal lending activity.

Valley’s most recent bank acquisition was completed on December 1, 2015 when Valley acquired CNLBancshares,USAmeriBancorp, Inc. (CNL) and In July 2017, we announced our entry into a merger agreement with USAmeriBancorp, Inc. (USAB) headquartered in Clearwater, Florida. USAB largely through its wholly-owned subsidiary, CNLBank, a commercial bank withUSAmeriBank, has approximately $1.6$4.4 billion in assets, $825 million$3.6 billion in loans and $1.2$3.5 billion in deposits after purchase accounting adjustments, and maintains a branch network of 1630 offices. The acquisition represents a significant addition to Valley’s Florida franchise, and will meaningfully enhance its presence in the Tampa Bay market, which is Florida’s second largest metropolitan area by population. The acquisition will also bring Valley to the Birmingham, Montgomery, and Tallapoosa areas in Alabama, where USAmeriBank maintains 15 offices oncontributing approximately $1.1 billion of deposits and $520 million in loans.

Each USAB shareholder will receive 6.1 shares of Valley common stock for each share of USAB common stock if Valley’s volume-weighted average closing price during the date of its acquisition30 day trading ending 5 days prior to closing is between $11.50 and $13.00. In the event that the volume-weighted average closing price is less than $11.50, then the exchange ratio shall be $69.00 divided by Valley. The CNL acquisition helped strengthen Valley's Florida branch network (originally established in 2014) covering several major markets in Florida. In late February 2016, we completed the full systems integration of CNLBank's operations intovolume-weighted average closing price. If Valley’s volume-weighted average closing price is greater than $13.00, then the exchange ratio shall be $79.30 divided by the volume-weighted average closing price. Both Valley and realizedUSAB have walkaway rights if the related staffing efficiencies effective April 1, 2016. volume-weighted average closing price is below $11.00 and USAB has a walkaway right if the volume-weighted average closing price is above $13.50. The transaction is valued at an estimated $816 million, based on Valley’s closing stock price on July 25, 2017. The acquisition is expected to close early in the first quarter of 2018, subject to standard regulatory approvals, shareholder approvals from Valley and USAB, as well as other customary conditions.

See Item 1 of Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20152016 for more details regarding our acquisitionother recent acquisitions.


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Earnings Enhancement Program. In December 2016, Valley announced a company-wide earnings enhancement initiative called LIFT. The LIFT program is a review of CNLour business practices with goals of improving our overall efficiency, targeting resources to more value-added activities and delivering on the financial banking experience expected by our customers. During July 2017, we completed the idea generation and approval phase of the LIFT program. As a result of these efforts, we plan to achieve approximately $22 million in total cost reductions and revenue enhancements on an annualized pre-tax run-rate through a combination of workforce reduction and other past merger activity.efficiency and revenue initiatives. We estimate that these changes will result in employee severance and other implementation costs of approximately $11 million, the majority of which will be recorded in the third quarter of 2017. The implementation phase of the initiative enhancements is currently underway and is expected to be fully phased-in over the next 24 months.
As part of the LIFT program and the normal on-going review of our business, we will evaluate the operational efficiency of our entire branch network (consisting of 110 leased and 99 owned office locations at June 30, 2017). This review will ensure the optimal performance of our retail operations, in conjunction with several other factors, including our customers’ delivery channel preferences, branch usage patterns, and the potential opportunity to move existing customer relationships to another branch location without imposing a negative impact on their banking experience.
Preferred Stock Offering. On August 3, 2017, Valley issued 4.0 million shares of its Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B, no par value per share, with a liquidation preference of $25 per share for aggregate consideration of $100 million. Dividends on the preferred stock will accrue and be payable quarterly in arrears, at a fixed rate per annum equal to 5.50 percent from the original issuance date to, but excluding, September 30, 2022, and thereafter at a floating rate per annum equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 3.578 percent. Valley intends to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes and investments in Valley National Bank as regulatory capital. Net proceeds to Valley after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses are expected to be approximately $98.1 million.
Quarterly Results. Net income for the thirdsecond quarter of 20162017 was $42.8$50.1 million, or 0.16$0.18 per diluted common share, compared to $36.0$39.0 million, or 0.15$0.15 per diluted common share, for the thirdsecond quarter of 2015.2016. The $6.8$11.0 million increase in quarterly net income as compared to the same quarter one year ago was largely due to: (i) a $20.2$17.5 million increase in our net interest income mostly due to higher average loan balances (due todriven by both acquired loansstrong organic and organic growth)purchased loan volume over the last 12 months and the prepayment, modification and maturity of $845 million, $405 million and $257 million of high cost long-term borrowings in the fourth quarter of 2015, third quarter of 2016, and the nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, (ii) a $3.9 million$564 thousand decrease in non-interest expense mostly due to lower expense in several categories, including, but not limited to, advertising expense, professional and legal expense, operating losses, branch closing costs, and gains on other real estate owned, partially offset by higher salary and employee benefit expense, (iii) a $426 thousand increase in non-interest income mostly caused by increasesan increase in net gains on sales of residential mortgage loans, and, to a much lesser extent, net gains on sales of assets, partially offset by (iii)(iv) a $5.7$2.2 million increase in the provision for credit losses and (iv) a $4.6 million increase in non-interest expense mostly due to increases in salary and employee benefit expense and amortization of tax credit investments,largely caused by loan growth, and (v) an increase in income tax expense mainly due to higher pre-tax income. See the "Net Interest Income," "Non-Interest Income," and "Non-Interest Expense" sections below for more details on the items above impacting our thirdsecond quarter 20162017 results, as well as other items discussed elsewhere in this MD&A.
Economic Overview and IndicatorsOverview. . During the thirdsecond quarter of 2016,2017, real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at a 2.92.6 percent annual rate after advancing 1.41.2 percent in the first quarter of 2017. The pace of hiring accelerated although wage growth remained somewhat subdued. Overall price growth decelerated notably from the beginning of the year, business fixed investment increased modestly, and residential fixed investment declined as borrowing costs remained higher compared to levels experienced in 2016.
The civilian unemployment rate decreased from 4.5 percent as of March 31, 2017 to 4.4 percent as of June 30, 2017 even as the number of people entering the workforce increased, demonstrating the continued strength of the labor market. The pace of hiring accelerated from a monthly average of 166 thousand for the first quarter of 2017 to 194 thousand in the second quarter of 2016. The pace2017. Measures of hiring picked up somewhat comparedwage growth remain subdued relative to the prior quarter and business fixed investment remained weak. While growth in residential fixed investment has recently slowed, it has been solid over recent quarters reflecting higher levelslevel of disposable income from earlier declines in commodity prices and rising confidence in the health of the labor market.

The labor market continued to improve as the pace of hiring accelerated somewhat from a monthly average of 146 thousand last quarter to 192 thousand in the most recent quarter. The civilian unemployment rate increased from 4.9 percent as of June 30, 2016 to 5.0 percent as of September 30, 2016, but was mostly reflective of an increaseslack in the labor force. Measures of wages have increased, albeit modestly over recent months,market, as measured by the unemployment rate, which may have contributedbe contributing to the growthsoftness in the labor force.household consumption.

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In the thirdsecond quarter of 2016,2017, the pace of U.S. existing home sales decreased compared to the linkedprevious quarter as inventory levels increased. Home prices have appreciated to a level above the prior peak experienced in 2007. In addition, borrowing costs remained higher compared to levels experienced in 2016. The average interest rate of a 30 year fixed rate mortgage during the second quarter and the same period a year ago. However, home sales are expectedof 2017 was 3.98 percent compared to rise from current levels as market conditions remain generally favorable. Higher readings of consumer confidence that has been boosted by a strengthening labor market and higher levels of household disposable income should continue to support the housing market. However, low levels of home inventory may weigh on sales volume.3.59 percent in 2016.     

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PersonalGrowth in personal consumption of goods and services decreased modestlycontinued to grow in the thirdsecond quarter of 2016 after growing at a faster2017 although below the pace experienced in 2016. Although Valley's auto loan origination volumes were somewhat lower in the second quarter of 2017, U.S. automobile sales increased, reflecting confidence in the health of the consumer after a weaker first six monthsquarter of 2016. Slowing sales may2017. Household balance sheets continue to weigh on business inventories that remain at elevated levels which may result in slower overall business investment. Equityimprove as equity and home prices continued to riserose in the thirdsecond quarter of 2016 which2017. Further price appreciation may support consumer spending throughin the final monthssecond half of the year.

2017.
The Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee (FOMC) maintainedraised the target range for the federal funds rate to 1.00 to 1.25 percent at 0.25 to 0.50 percent in their November 2016June 2017 meeting, citing concernsalthough the Committee remained concerned about continued low levels of inflation and inflation expectations. In determining future policy actions, the FOMC will assess progress - both realized and expected - toward its objectives of maximum employment and 2-percent inflation. The FOMC has maintained its existing policy of reinvesting principal payments from its holdings of agency debt and agency mortgage-backed securities in agency mortgage-backed securities and will continue rolling over maturing Treasury securities at auction. This policy should help maintain accommodative financial conditions through at least 2017.conditions. The FOMC has continued to emphasize that changes in monetary policy will be data dependent.

The 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield ended the thirdsecond quarter at 1.602.31 percent, representing a 679 basis point decline from Decemberpoints lower compared with March 31, 2015.2017. The spread between the 2- and 10-year U.S. Treasury note yields endedwas 0.93 percentage at June 30, 2017, 20 basis points lower compared to March 31, 2017.
While we are currently witnessing slightly higher interest rates on pending loan originations within most of our loan pipelines in the early stages of the third quarter of 2016 at 0.83 percentage points, which was 8 basis points2017, we do see some offset potentially coming in the form of higher deposit and 38 basis points lower than June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Residential mortgageborrowing costs in our primary markets. To that end, despite strong loan originations were relatively strong during the third quarter of 2016. We expect the residential mortgage application volume to continue to produce similar levels of originations, as long as the interest rate environment remains accommodative to borrowers. We also continued to see increased demand, forparticularly in commercial real estate and construction loans in the third quarter of 2016, especially within our New York City and New Jersey markets. However, spreads between shorter and longer dated interest rates remain lower compared to the prior year average, and may weigh on our net interest income and margin in future periods. Additionally, the relatively weak pace of personal consumption and overall business investment reported in the third quarter may challengelending, our business operations and results as highlighted throughoutcould be challenged in the remaining MD&A discussion below.




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The followingfuture due to several external factors, including, but not limited to, the decline in the spread between short- and long-term market interest rates and/or slower than expected economic indicators are just a few of the many factors that may be used to assess the market conditions inactivity within our primary markets of northern and central New Jersey, the New York City metropolitan area, and Florida.
 For the Month Ended
 
September 30,
2016
 
June 30,
2016
 
March 31,
2016
 December 31,
2015
 
September 30,
2015
Selected Economic Indicators:         
Unemployment rate:         
U.S.4.90% 4.90% 5.00% 5.00% 5.10%
New York Metro Region (1)
5.20
 4.40
 4.70
 4.40
 5.00
New Jersey5.30
 4.90
 4.40
 4.90
 5.60
New York4.80
 4.80
 4.80
 5.30
 5.30
Miami-Fort Lauderdale Metro Region5.10
 4.60
 4.90
 5.00
 5.70
Florida4.70
 4.70
 5.00
 5.10
 5.20
 Three Months Ended
 
September 30,
2016
 
June 30,
2016
 
March 31,
2016
 December 31,
2015
 
September 30,
2015
2-year U.S. Treasury rate (2)
0.73% 0.77% 0.84% 0.84% 0.69%
10-year U.S. Treasury rate (2)
1.56
 1.75
 1.91
 2.19
 2.22
Real Gross Domestic Product (3)
2.9
 1.20
 1.10
 1.40
 2.00
Change in personal income (4) :
         
New JerseyNA
 2.86
 3.28
 3.65
 4.09
New YorkNA
 2.69
 4.08
 2.89
 4.24
FloridaNA
 4.42
 4.34
 5.00
 5.11
Homeowner vacancy rates:         
New Jersey1.8
 1.90
 1.80
 1.40
 1.40
New York2.20
 2.10
 2.20
 2.40
 1.60
Florida2.30
 2.30
 2.30
 2.70
 2.60
Number of U.S. regional existing home sales (5) :
         
Northeast census region700,000
 756,667
 703,333
 726,667
 713,333
South census region2,173,333
 2,233,333
 2,226,667
 2,116,667
 2,193,333
Number of building permits authorized for new homes (2) :
         
New Jersey1,909
 1,749
 2,581
 2,809
 2,172
New York2,982
 2,322
 2,380
 5,632
 2,638
Florida10,372
 8,664
 8,536
 9,907
 9,141
NA—not available
(1)As reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the NY-NJ-PA Metropolitan Statistical Area.
(2)Quarterly average for the period presented.
(3)Quarterly, compounded annual rate of change.
(4)
Quarterly average, year over year percent change.
(5)Quarterly average, seasonally adjusted annual rate.
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)markets.
Loans. Loans increased by $135.0$261.3 million, or 3.36.0 percent on an annualized basis, to $16.6$17.7 billion at September 30, 2016 from June 30, 20162017 from March 31, 2017 largely due to a $328.8 million net increase of $259.3 million in total commercial real estate loans. The overall loan growth was partially offset by a decrease of $229.2$20.7 million in residential mortgage loans caused in part, by the transfer of $174.5approximately $122 million of performing 30-year fixed rate mortgages to loans held for sale during the third quarter of 2016. The transfer was the result of our continuous efforts to effectively manage the level of interest rate risk on our balance sheet.at June 30, 2017. The sale of these loans is expected to be completed during the fourththird quarter of 20162017 and result in a pre-tax gain of approximately $7$4 million. We also originated for sale $171.9 million of

49




residential mortgage loans during the third quarter. Total new organic loan originations, excluding new lines of credit and purchased loans, totaled over $900 million mostly in the commercial loan categories during the third quarter of 2016. See further details on our loan activities including the covered loan portfolio, under the “Loan Portfolio” section below.
Asset Quality. Our past due loans and non-accrual loans, discussed further below, exclude PCI loans. Under U.S. GAAP, the PCI loans (acquired at a discount that is due, in part, to credit quality) are accounted for on a pool basis and are not subject to delinquency classification in the same manner as loans originated by Valley. All of the loans acquired from CNL in the fourth quarter of 2015 are accounted for as PCI loans. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, PCI loans totaled $1.9$1.5 billion and represented approximately 11.28.7 percent of our total loan portfolio.
Total non-PCI loan portfolio delinquencies (including loans past due 30 days or more and non-accrual loans) as a percentage of total loans decreased to 0.47 percent at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 as compared to 0.490.61 percent at March 31, 2017 mostly due to a decrease in commercial loans past due 30 to 59 days. Non-performing assets (including non-accrual loans) increased by 5.9 percent to $54.6 million at June 30, 20162017 as compared to $51.5 million at March 31, 2017 due to strong collections withina $3.9 million increase in non-accrual loans, partially offset by higher levels of accruing past due loans mostly within the commercial real estate loan portfolio. At September 30, 2016, accruing past due loans totaled $39.2 milliona moderate decline in both foreclosed assets and included $4.7 million of matured performing loans in the normal process of renewal. Overall, our non-performing assets (including non-accrual loans) decreased by 16.7 percent to $51.0 million at September 30, 2016 as compared to $61.3 million at June 30, 2016 mostly due to a 19.7 percent decrease in non-accrual loans to $38.4 million.debt securities.
Our lending strategy is based on underwriting standards designed to maintain high credit quality and we remain optimistic regarding the overall future performance of our loan portfolio. However, due to the potential for future credit deterioration caused by the unpredictable directionfuture strength of the U.S. economiceconomy and political environments, as well as the housing and labor markets, as well as other market factors that may continue to negatively impact the performance of our $140.5

51




million taxi medallion loan portfolio, management cannot provide assurance that our non-performing assets will not increase from the levels reported as of SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017. See the "Non-Performing Assets" section below for further analysis of our asset quality.
Deposits and Other Borrowings. The mix of the deposit categories of total average deposits for the thirdsecond quarter of 20162017 remained relatively unchanged as compared to the secondfirst quarter of 2016.2017. Non-interest bearing deposits represented approximately 30 percent of total average deposits for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, while savings, NOW and money market accounts were 51 percent and time deposits were 19 percent of the total average deposits. Overall, average deposits totaling $16.7totaled $17.3 billion for the thirdsecond quarter of 2016 increased2017 and decreased by $215.4$78.3 million as compared to the secondfirst quarter of 20162017 due, in large part, to increased volumeslower average savings, NOW and money market deposits, partially offset by higher average balances in the other deposit categories. Average savings, NOW and money market deposits declined $246.4 million to $8.8 billion for the second quarter of low cost2017 as compared to the first quarter of 2017 due to fluctuations in commercial and retail deposit accounts, as well as a decrease of approximately $102 million in average brokered money market deposit account balances. Actual ending balances used for loan funding and liquidity purposes, anddeposits also decreased $81.1 million, or 0.5 percent, to a lesser extent, increases in non-interest deposits and retail timeapproximately $17.3 billion at June 30, 2017 from March 31, 2017 mostly due to the aforementioned changes impacting average money market deposits during the thirdsecond quarter of 2016.
In August 2016, we elected2017. However, time deposits increased $153.9 million to prepay $405 million$3.4 billion at June 30, 2017 as compared to March 31, 2017 largely due to new initiatives in our certificate of FHLB borrowings with various maturity dates in 2018. The prepaid borrowings with a total average cost of 3.69 percent were funded with a new fixed-rate five-year FHLB advance totaling $405 million. The transaction was accounted for as a debt modification under U.S. GAAP. As a result, the new advance has an adjusted annual interest rate of 2.51 percent, after amortization of prepayment penalties totaling $20.0 million paid to the FHLB.
Additionally, Valley terminated an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $125 million in August 2016. The terminated swap, originally maturing in September 2023, was used to hedge the changedeposit portfolio which commenced in the fair valuesecond quarter of Valley’s 5.125 percent subordinated notes issued in September 2013. The transaction will result in an adjusted fixed annual interest rate of 3.32 percent on the subordinated notes, after amortization of the derivative valuation adjustment recorded at the termination date. See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our derivative transactions.2017.
Average short-term borrowings increased $221.2$274.8 million, or 18.217.6 percent, to $1.4$1.8 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2016second quarter of 2017 as compared to the secondfirst quarter of 20162017 mostly due to our increased use of short-term FHLB advances starting in late June 2016 for additional liquidity to fund new loan volumes.volumes starting in the first quarter. Actual ending balances for short-term borrowings increased $21.5$89.5 million to $1.4$1.7 billion at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 as compared to June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 mostly due to the higher level of FHLB advances which totaled approximately $1.1 billion at September 30, 2016.

50




a new $100 million repo borrowing used as alternate funding in May 2017.

Average long-term borrowings (which include junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts which are presented separately on the consolidated statements of condition) decreased $104.4 million, or 6.4 percent,increased to $1.5 billion for the third quarter of 2016 from $1.6$1.7 billion for the second quarter of 2016 primarily due2017 and increased$185.4 million as compared to the May 2016 prepaymentfirst quarter of $87 million of FHLB advances assumed in the acquisition of CNL, as well as the maturity and repayment of $75 million and $27 million in high cost FHLB advances during late July and April 2016, respectively. The $87 million prepayment of FHLB borrowings was entirely funded by cash balances that were held as collateral at the FHLB of Atlanta.2017. Actual ending balances for long-term borrowings decreased $94.7also increased $185.6 million to $1.5$1.8 billion at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 as compared to June 30, 2016 March 31, 2017. Both the increases in average and ending balances were primarily due to the maturity and repayment ofnew FHLB advances during July 2016, as well the unamortized portion of the $20 million prepayment penalty related to the debt modification during the third quarter of 2016.with contractual terms between 13 and 15 months.

Selected Performance Indicators. The following table presents our annualized performance ratios for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
Return on average assets0.78% 0.74% 0.72% 0.68%0.86% 0.72% 0.83% 0.69%
Return on average shareholders’ equity7.61
 7.20
 7.04
 6.82
8.27
 6.97
 7.98
 6.75
Return on average tangible shareholders’ equity (ROATE)11.29
 10.36
 10.48
 10.00
11.88
 10.38
 11.48
 10.07

ROATE, which is a non-GAAP measure, is computed by dividing net income by average shareholders’ equity less average goodwill and average other intangible assets, as follows:

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Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Net income$42,842
 $35,954
 $118,056
 $98,286
$50,065
 $39,027
 $96,160
 $75,214
Average shareholders’ equity2,251,461
 1,997,369
 2,236,578
 1,921,578
2,420,848
 2,238,510
 2,410,063
 2,229,040
Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets(733,830) (609,632) (734,788) (611,540)(734,616) (735,115) (735,393) (735,276)
Average tangible shareholders’ equity$1,517,631
 $1,387,737
 $1,501,790
 $1,310,038
$1,686,232
 $1,503,395
 $1,674,670
 $1,493,764
Annualized ROATE11.29% 10.36% 10.48% 10.00%11.88% 10.38% 11.48% 10.07%

Management believes the ROATE measure provides information useful to management and investors in understanding our underlying operational performance, our business and performance trends and the measure facilitates comparisons with the performance of others in the financial services industry. This non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for or superior to financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures may also be calculated differently from similar measures disclosed by other companies.

All of the above ratios are, from time to time, impacted by net gains and losses on securities transactions, net gains on sales of loans and net impairment losses on securities recognized in non-interest income. These amounts can vary widely from period to period due to, among other factors, the level of sales of our investment securities classified as available for sale, the amount of residential mortgage loans originated for sale, and the results of our quarterly impairment analysis of the held to maturity and available for sale investment portfolios. See the “Non-Interest Income” section below for more details.


51




Net Interest Income
Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis totaling $156.3$171.1 million for the thirdsecond quarter of 20162017 increased $2.8$17.6 million and $20.4 million fromas compared to the second quarter of 2016 and thirdincreased $6.4 million as compared to the first quarter of 2015, respectively.2017. Interest income on a tax equivalent basis increased $2.3$12.0 million to $193.4$213.3 million for the thirdsecond quarter of 2017 as compared to the first quarter of 2017 mainly due to a 16 basis point increase in the yield on average loans, and increases of $388.6 million and $131.4 million in average loans and taxable investments, respectively. The increase in yield on average loans for the second quarter of 2017 as compared to the linked first quarter was due to higher market interest rates on new loan originations, and a $3.5 million increase in periodic commercial loan fee income related to derivative interest rate swaps executed with customers. Interest expense of $42.2 million for the second quarter of 2017 increased $5.6 million as compared to the first quarter of 2017. During the second quarter of 2017, our interest expense on deposits increased by approximately $3.1 million from the linked first quarter largely due to an increase in short-term market interest rates, a $101.7 million decrease in our average low cost brokered money market deposit account balances and one more day during the second quarter. Interest expense on short-term and long-term borrowings also increased $1.6 million and $840 thousand, respectively, in the second quarter of 2017 as compared to the first quarter of 2017 due, in part, to increases of $274.8 million and $185.4 million in the average balances, respectively. Average short-term and long-term borrowings increased as compared to the first quarter of 2017 mostly due to new FHLB borrowings used to offset a decline in deposits and fund new loans during the second quarter of 2017.
Average interest earning assets increased to $21.4 billion for the second quarter of 2017 as compared to approximately $19.5 billion for the second quarter of 2016 largely due to strong organic and purchased loan growth over the last 12 month period. The broad-based loan growth within several loan categories since June 30, 2016 was largely supplemented by purchased loans, primarily consisting of participations in multi-family loans and whole 1-4 family loans (that were a mix of qualifying and non-qualifying CRA loans with adjustable and fixed rates) over the last 12 months ended June 30, 2017. Compared to the first quarter of 2017, average interest earning assets increased by $467.2 million from $20.9 billion largely due to continued loan growth. Average loans increased $388.6 million to $17.7 billion for the second quarter of 2017 from the first quarter of 2017 mostly due to organic loan growth within the commercial real estate and other consumer loan portfolios. Average total investments increased $99.7 million during the second quarter of 2017 and helped drive a $21.1 million decline in average overnight cash balances, along with normal

53




fluctuations in overnight cash balances due to the timing of loan originations and additional borrowings to fund such loans.
Average interest bearing liabilities increased $1.3 billion to $15.6 billion for the second quarter of 2017 as compared to the second quarter of 2016 mainly due to increasesgreater use of $317.8 million and $140.3 million in average loans and investments, respectively, partially offset by a 4 basis point decline in the yield on average loans. The decrease in yield on average loans for the third quarter of 2016 as compared to the linked second quarter was due, in part, to a decline in periodic interest income recoveries from non-performing loans (including closed purchased credit-impaired loan pools), as well as a moderate decrease in loan prepayment penalty fees. Interest expense of $37.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 decreased $516 thousand from the second quarter of 2016, and decreased $3.7 million as compared to the third quarter of 2015. During third quarter of 2016, our interest expense on long-term borrowings declined by approximately $1.3 million largely due to the $405 million in FHLB borrowings modified at lower interest rates during August 2016, as well as the maturity of $27 million and $75 million of highboth low cost FHLB borrowings in late April and July 2016, respectively. The reduction in interest expense from the FHLB modifications and repayments was partially offset by higher interest expense on short-term borrowings and interest bearing deposits, which was mostly caused by increases of $221.2 million and $152.2 million in their respective average balances during the third quarter of 2016. The average short-term borrowings increased due to new short-term FHLB borrowings used to fund certain maturities of long-term borrowings over the last two quarters, while average interest bearing deposits increased, in part, due to higher brokered money market deposit account balances.
Average interest earning assets increased to $19.9 billion for the third quarter of 2016 as compared to approximately $17.6 billion for the third quarter of 2015 largely due to the acquired loans and investments totaling $825.5 million and $327.3 million, respectively, in the acquisition of CNL on December 1, 2015, as well as strong organic and purchased loan growth over the last twelve month period. The broad-based loan growth within several loan categories since September 30, 2015 was largely supplemented by purchases of loan participations in multi-family loans and 1-4 family loans totaling a combined $713 million primarily from local third party originators during the last twelve months ended September 30, 2016. Compared to the second quarter of 2016, average interest earning assets increased by $359.3 million from $19.5 billion largely due to organic and purchased loan growth mainly within commercial real estate and other consumer loans during the second and third quarters of 2016, partially offset by a decline in overnight cash balances. Average overnight cash balances declined due to the $87 million prepayment of FHLB advances in May 2016, as well as normal fluctuations in the timing of loan originations and other investment activities. As a result of the loan growth over the last six months, average loans increased $317.8 million from the second quarter of 2016. Our average investments also increased $140.3 million as compared to the linked second quarter of 2016 largely due to the purchase of residential mortgage-backed securities during the third quarter of 2016.
Average interest bearing liabilities increased $1.6 billion to $14.6 billion for the third quarter of 2016 as compared to the third quarter of 2015 mainly due to deposits and other borrowings totaling $1.2 billion and $147.8 million, respectively, assumed in the acquisition of CNL during the fourth quarter of 2015, and a much greater use of short-term FHLB advances since late December 2015 as part of our overall funding and liquidity strategy as well low cost brokered money market deposits.over the last 12 month period. Compared to the secondfirst quarter of 2016,2017, average interest bearing liabilities increased $269.0$325.8 million in the thirdsecond quarter of 20162017 mostly due to higher levels of both short-term FHLB advancesborrowings and brokeredtime deposit account balances, partially offset by lower money market deposit account balances. See additional information under "Deposits and Other Borrowings" in the Executive Summary section above.
TheOur net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis of 3.143.20 percent for the thirdsecond quarter of 2016 was unchanged from2017 increased by 6 basis points as compared to both the second quarter of 2016 and increased 5 basis points as compared to the thirdfirst quarter of 2015.2017. The yield on average interest earning assets decreasedincreased by 214 basis points on a linked quarter basis mostly due to the lowerhigher yield on average loans. The yield on average loans decreased 4increased 16 basis points to 4.134.20 percent for the thirdsecond quarter of 20162017 and was negativelypositively impacted by the aforementioned decreasesincreases in market interest rates and periodic interest income andcommercial loan fees as compared to the secondfirst quarter of 2016. Our2017. The yield on average taxable investment securities decreasedincreased by 6 basis points during the third quarter of 2016 as compared to 2.84 percent for the second quarter of 20162017 from the first quarter of 2017 largely due to increaseda decline in premium amortization expense caused by higherlower principal repayments on residential mortgage-backed securities, as well as the purchases of lower yielding residential mortgage-backed securities issued by Ginnie Mae.securities. The overall cost of average interest bearing liabilities

52




decreased increased by 312 basis points to 1.08 percent during the second quarter of 2017 from 1.050.96 percent in the linked first quarter of 2017. The increase was due, in part, to higher interest rates on most deposits and short-term borrowings and one more day during the second quarter of 2016. The decrease was primarily due to2017, partially offset by a 919 basis point decrease in the cost of long-term borrowings mostly caused by the aforementioned debt modification.new lower cost FHLB borrowings. Our cost of total deposits was 0.470.53 percent for the second quarter of 2017 as compared to 0.45 percent for the first quarter of 2017.
Looking forward, our net interest margin for the third quarter of 2016 and remained unchanged2017 may decline as compared to the second quarter of 2016.
The expected future level of our net2017 due to a decline in variable interest margin is subject toincome items, such as derivative swap and loan fee income, as well as a multitude of conditional, and sometimes unpredictable, factors that can impact theour actual margin results. For example, our margin may continue to face the risk of compression in the future due to, among other factors, the relatively low level of long-term market interest rates, on most interest earning asset alternatives, further repayment of higher yielding interest earning assets, and the re-pricing risk related to interest bearing deposits and short-term borrowings due to a rise in short-term market interest rates. Additionally, our investment portfolios include a large number of residential mortgage-backed securities purchased at a premium. The amortization of such premiums, which impacts both the yield and interest income recognized on such securities, may increase or decrease depending upon the level of principal prepayments and market interest rates. To manage these risks, we continuously explore ways to maximize our mix of interest earning assets with short durations if long-term market rates were to decline below current levels. However, we continuously manageon our balance sheet, and explore ways to reduce ourwhile maintaining a low cost of funds to optimize our net interest margin and overall returns. The aforementioned borrowings repaidincrease in late Julyboth the U.S. and Valley prime rates (to 4.25 percent and 5.25 percent, respectively) in response to the debt modification of $405 millionFederal Reserve's 25 basis point increase in high cost FHLB borrowings during August 2016 are all expected tothe targeted federal funds rate in mid-June 2017 should benefit both our future net interest income and margin. Additionally, potential future loan growth from both the commercial and consumer lending segments (based upon solid loan demandpipelines seen in our primary markets (that has continued into the early stages of the fourththird quarter of 2016)2017) is anticipated to positively impact our future net interest income.



5354





The following table reflects the components of net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2016, June 30, 20162017, March 31, 2017 and SeptemberJune 30, 2015:2016:

Quarterly Analysis of Average Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity and
Net Interest Income on a Tax Equivalent Basis
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
September 30, 2016 June 30, 2016 September 30, 2015June 30, 2017 March 31, 2017 June 30, 2016
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Assets                                  
Interest earning assets:                                  
Loans (1)(2)$16,570,723
 $171,146
 4.13% $16,252,915
 $169,430
 4.17% $14,709,618
 $157,146
 4.27%$17,701,676
 $185,863
 4.20% $17,313,100
 $175,017
 4.04% $16,252,915
 $169,430
 4.17%
Taxable investments (3)2,531,202
 15,844
 2.50
 2,433,896
 15,572
 2.56
 2,070,806
 13,806
 2.67
2,967,729
 21,065
 2.84
 2,836,300
 19,740
 2.78
 2,433,896
 15,572
 2.56
Tax-exempt investments (1)(3)628,951
 6,189
 3.94
 585,948
 5,745
 3.92
 553,225
 5,528
 4.00
581,263
 6,066
 4.17
 612,946
 6,201
 4.05
 585,948
 5,745
 3.92
Federal funds sold and other interest bearing deposits165,956
 193
 0.47
 264,813
 296
 0.45
 263,642
 150
 0.23
166,003
 279
 0.67
 187,118
 331
 0.71
 264,813
 296
 0.45
Total interest earning assets19,896,832
 193,372
 3.89
 19,537,572
 191,043
 3.91
 17,597,291
 176,630
 4.01
21,416,671
 213,273
 3.98
 20,949,464
 201,289
 3.84
 19,537,572
 191,043
 3.91
Allowance for loan losses(109,504)     (107,892)     (105,114)    (116,254)     (115,300)     (107,892)    
Cash and due from banks279,720
 
   294,046
     244,748
    231,960
 
   241,346
     294,046
    
Other assets2,012,532
     2,003,679
     1,792,769
    1,879,853
     1,938,949
     2,003,679
    
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale, net1,890
     2,972
     (9,529)    
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities available for sale, net(15,971)     (18,173)     2,972
    
Total assets$22,081,470
     $21,730,377
     $19,520,165
    $23,396,259
     $22,996,286
     $21,730,377
    
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity                                  
Interest bearing liabilities:                                  
Savings, NOW and money market deposits$8,509,793
 $10,165
 0.48% $8,369,553
 $9,961
 0.48% $7,090,155
 $5,587
 0.32%$8,803,028
 $12,715
 0.58% $9,049,446
 $10,183
 0.45% $8,369,553
 $9,961
 0.48%
Time deposits3,082,100
 9,412
 1.22
 3,070,113
 9,223
 1.20
 3,104,238
 9,535
 1.23
3,290,407
 10,166
 1.24
 3,178,452
 9,553
 1.20
 3,070,113
 9,223
 1.20
Total interest bearing deposits11,591,893
 19,577
 0.68
 11,439,666
 19,184
 0.67
 10,194,393
 15,122
 0.59
12,093,435
 22,881
 0.76
 12,227,898
 19,736
 0.65
 11,439,666
 19,184
 0.67
Short-term borrowings1,439,352
 3,545
 0.99
 1,218,154
 3,120
 1.02
 170,115
 126
 0.30
1,837,809
 5,516
 1.20
 1,563,000
 3,901
 1.00
 1,218,154
 3,120
 1.02
Long-term borrowings (4)1,518,757
 13,935
 3.67
 1,623,136
 15,269
 3.76
 2,582,734
 25,482
 3.95
1,679,691
 13,790
 3.28
 1,494,273
 12,950
 3.47
 1,623,136
 15,269
 3.76
Total interest bearing liabilities14,550,002
 37,057
 1.02
 14,280,956
 37,573
 1.05
 12,947,242
 40,730
 1.26
15,610,935
 42,187
 1.08
 15,285,171
 36,587
 0.96
 14,280,956
 37,573
 1.05
Non-interest bearing deposits5,077,032
     5,013,821
     4,397,325
    5,195,052
     5,138,870
     5,013,821
    
Other liabilities202,975
     197,090
     178,229
    169,424
     173,086
     197,090
    
Shareholders’ equity2,251,461
     2,238,510
     1,997,369
    2,420,848
     2,399,159
     2,238,510
    
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$22,081,470
     $21,730,377
     $19,520,165
    $23,396,259
     $22,996,286
     $21,730,377
    
Net interest income/interest rate spread (5)
 $156,315
 2.87%   $153,470
 2.86%   $135,900
 2.75%
 $171,086
 2.90%   $164,702
 2.88%   $153,470
 2.86%
Tax equivalent adjustment  (2,169)     (2,015)     (1,940)    (2,126)     (2,173)     (2,015)  
Net interest income, as reported  $154,146
     $151,455
     $133,960
    $168,960
     $162,529
     $151,455
  
Net interest margin (6)    3.10%     3.10%     3.05%    3.16%     3.10%     3.10%
Tax equivalent effect    0.04%     0.04%     0.04%    0.04%     0.04%     0.04%
Net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis (6)    3.14%     3.14%     3.09%    3.20%     3.14%     3.14%

5455






The following table reflects the components of net interest income for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015:2016:

Analysis of Average Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity and
Net Interest Income on a Tax Equivalent Basis

Nine Months EndedSix Months Ended
September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Assets                      
Interest earning assets:                      
Loans (1)(2)$16,273,482
 $506,652
 4.15% $14,144,921
 $465,803
 4.39%$17,508,461
 $360,880
 4.12% $16,123,229
 $335,506
 4.16%
Taxable investments (3)2,487,853
 46,895
 2.51
 2,189,527
 44,326
 2.70
2,902,378
 40,805
 2.81
 2,465,941
 31,051
 2.52
Tax-exempt investments (1)(3)594,846
 17,611
 3.95
 543,992
 16,616
 4.07
597,017
 12,267
 4.11
 577,607
 11,422
 3.95
Federal funds sold and other interest bearing deposits285,378
 846
 0.40
 280,663
 516
 0.25
176,502
 610
 0.69
 345,745
 653
 0.38
Total interest earning assets19,641,559
 572,004
 3.88
 17,159,103
 527,261
 4.10
21,184,358
 414,562
 3.91
 19,512,522
 378,632
 3.88
Allowance for loan losses(108,150)     (104,650)    (115,780)     (107,466)    
Cash and due from banks290,124
     319,936
    236,627
     295,384
    
Other assets2,009,780
     1,791,633
    1,909,238
     2,008,389
    
Unrealized losses on securities available for sale, net(1,691)     (4,091)    (17,066)     (3,501)    
Total assets$21,831,622
     $19,161,931
    $23,197,377
     $21,705,328
    
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity                      
Interest bearing liabilities:                      
Savings, NOW and money market deposits$8,404,929
 $29,369
 0.47% $7,103,105
 $17,493
 0.33%8,925,556
 22,898
 0.51% 8,351,921
 19,204
 0.46%
Time deposits3,093,311
 28,220
 1.22
 2,885,922
 25,637
 1.18
3,234,739
 19,719
 1.22
 3,098,978
 18,808
 1.21
Total interest bearing deposits11,498,240
 57,589
 0.67
 9,989,027
 43,130
 0.58
12,160,295
 42,617
   11,450,899
 38,012
 0.66
Short-term borrowings1,240,235
 8,537
 0.92
 184,586
 427
 0.31
1,701,164
 9,417
 1.11
 1,139,583
 4,992
 0.88
Long-term borrowings (4)1,650,999
 45,948
 3.71
 2,578,452
 75,649
 3.91
1,587,494
 26,740
 3.37
 1,717,846
 32,013
 3.73
Total interest bearing liabilities14,389,474
 112,074
 1.04% 12,752,065
 119,206
 1.25%15,448,953
 78,774
 1.02
 14,308,328
 75,017
 1.05
Non-interest bearing deposits5,003,375
     4,313,620
    5,167,116
     4,966,142
    
Other liabilities202,204
     174,668
    171,245
     201,818
    
Shareholders’ equity2,236,569
     1,921,578
    2,410,063
     2,229,040
    
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$21,831,622
     $19,161,931
    $23,197,377
     $21,705,328
    
Net interest income/interest rate spread (5)  $459,930
 2.84%   $408,055
 2.85%  $335,788
 2.89%   $303,615
 2.83%
Tax equivalent adjustment  (6,176)     (5,832)    (4,299)     (4,007)  
Net interest income, as reported  $453,754
     $402,223
    $331,489
     $299,608
  
Net interest margin (6)    3.08%     3.13%    3.13%     3.07%
Tax equivalent effect    0.04%     0.04%    0.04%     0.04%
Net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis (6)    3.12%     3.17%    3.17%     3.11%
 
 
(1)Interest income is presented on a tax equivalent basis using a 35 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 financial 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.


5556





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

Change in Net Interest Income on a Tax Equivalent Basis
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
Compared to September 30, 2015
 Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
Compared to September 30, 2015
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
Compared to June 30, 2016
 Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
Compared to June 30, 2016
Change
Due to
Volume
 
Change
Due to
Rate
 
Total
Change
 
Change
Due to
Volume
 
Change
Due to
Rate
 
Total
Change
Change
Due to
Volume
 
Change
Due to
Rate
 
Total
Change
 
Change
Due to
Volume
 
Change
Due to
Rate
 
Total
Change
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Interest Income:                      
Loans*$19,359
 $(5,359) $14,000
 $67,288
 $(26,439) $40,849
$13,999
 $2,434
 $16,433
 $27,396
 $(2,022) $25,374
Taxable investments2,922
 (884) 2,038
 5,763
 (3,194) 2,569
3,665
 1,828
 5,493
 5,882
 3,872
 9,754
Tax-exempt investments*746
 (85) 661
 1,517
 (522) 995
(46) 367
 321
 391
 454
 845
Federal funds sold and other interest bearing deposits(71) 114
 43
 9
 321
 330
(134) 117
 (17) (418) 375
 (43)
Total increase (decrease) in interest income22,956
 (6,214) 16,742
 74,577
 (29,834) 44,743
Total increase in interest income17,484
 4,746
 22,230
 33,251
 2,679
 35,930
Interest Expense:                      
Savings, NOW and money market deposits1,280
 3,298
 4,578
 3,615
 8,261
 11,876
537
 2,217
 2,754
 1,376
 2,318
 3,694
Time deposits(68) (55) (123) 1,878
 705
 2,583
675
 268
 943
 827
 84
 911
Short-term borrowings2,607
 812
 3,419
 6,028
 2,082
 8,110
1,791
 605
 2,396
 2,883
 1,542
 4,425
Long-term borrowings and junior subordinated debentures(9,869) (1,678) (11,547) (25,986) (3,715) (29,701)517
 (1,996) (1,479) (2,326) (2,947) (5,273)
Total (decrease) increase in interest expense(6,050) 2,377
 (3,673) (14,465) 7,333
 (7,132)
Total increase (decrease) in net interest income$29,006
 $(8,591) $20,415
 $89,042
 $(37,167) $51,875
Total increase in interest expense3,520
 1,094
 4,614
 2,760
 997
 3,757
Total increase in net interest income$13,964
 $3,652
 $17,616
 $30,491
 $1,682
 $32,173
 
*
Interest income is presented on a tax equivalent basis using a 35 percent tax rate.

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Non-Interest Income

The following table presents the components of non-interest income for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015:2016:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Trust and investment services$2,628
 $2,450
 $7,612
 $7,520
$2,800
 $2,544
 $5,544
 $4,984
Insurance commissions4,580
 4,119
 14,133
 12,454
4,358
 4,845
 9,419
 9,553
Service charges on deposit accounts5,263
 5,241
 15,460
 15,794
5,342
 5,094
 10,578
 10,197
(Losses) gains on securities transactions, net(10) 157
 258
 2,481
Gains (losses) on securities transactions, net22
 (3) (1) 268
Fees from loan servicing1,598
 1,703
 4,753
 4,948
1,831
 1,561
 3,646
 3,155
Gains on sales of loans, net4,823
 2,014
 9,723
 3,034
4,791
 3,105
 8,919
 4,900
Gains (losses) on sales of assets, net310
 (558) 1,009
 (77)
Bank owned life insurance1,683
 1,806
 5,464
 5,188
1,701
 1,818
 4,164
 3,781
Change in FDIC loss-share receivable(313) (55) (872) (3,380)
Other4,291
 4,042
 13,025
 11,802
3,845
 5,300
 7,480
 8,874
Total non-interest income$24,853
 $20,919
 $70,565
 $59,764
$24,690
 $24,264
 $49,749
 $45,712

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Insurance commissionsNon-interest income increased $461$426 thousand and $1.7$4.0 million for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, respectively, as compared with the same periods in 2015 mainly due to higher commissions generated from the Bank's insurance agency subsidiary, including additional fees related to certain intangible assets acquired from an independent insurance agency during the first quarter of 2016. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for more details on this acquisition.

Net gains on securities transactions decreased $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared with the same period in 2015 due to an immaterial amount of investment securities sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Net gains during the first nine months of 2015 related to the sale of corporate debt securities and trust preferred securities with a total unamortized cost of approximately $34.2 million, including one corporate debt security classified as held to maturity with amortized cost of $9.8 million during the first quarter of 2015. The sales of these securities were primarily due to an investment portfolio re-balancing during the first quarterincrease in net gains on sales of 2015 due to changes in our regulatory capital calculation under the new Basel III regulatory capital reform (effective for Valley on January 1, 2015). Under ASC Topic 320, “Investments - Debt and Equity Securities,” the sale of held to maturity securities based upon the change in capital requirements is permitted without tainting the remaining held to maturity investment portfolio.loans, partially offset by lower other non-interest income.

Net gains on sales of loans increased $2.8$1.7 million and $6.7$4.0 million for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016 and 2015,2017, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 20152016. The increase was largely duedriven by the completion of the sale of approximately $104 million of performing 30-year fixed rate mortgages transferred to loans held for sale at March 31, 2017. During the second quarter of 2017, we sold a higher volumetotal of $159.9 million of residential mortgage loans originated(including $115.1 million of loans held for sale during three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and the continued success of our low fixed cost mortgage refinance programs. Loans originated for sale (including both new and refinanced loans) increased $118.0 million to $171.9 million for the third quarter of 2016at March 31, 2017) as compared to $54.0 million in the samesecond quarter in 2015.of 2016. During the third quarter of 2016,six months ended June 30, 2017, we sold $149.2$296.5 million of fixed-rate residential mortgage loans as compared to $40.4$182.8 million infor the third quarter of 2015.same period one year ago. Our net gains on sales of loans for each period are comprised of both gains on sales of residential mortgages and the net change in the mark to market gains and losses on our loans heldoriginated for sale and carried at fair value at each period end. The net change in the fair value of loans held for sale resulted in net gainslosses of $696$157 thousand and $660$849 thousand for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, and $346net gains of $848 thousand and $813$123 thousand for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 and 2016, and 2015, respectively. Our decision to either sell or retain our mortgage loan production is dependent upon, among other factors, the levels of interest rates, consumer demand, the economy and our ability to maintain the appropriate level of interest rate risk on our balance sheet. See further discussions of our residential mortgage loan origination activity under the “Loan Portfolio” section of this MD&A below.

Net gains on sales of assets increased $868 thousandOther non-interest income decreased $1.5 million and $1.1$1.4 million for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016, respectively,2017 as compared to the same periods in 2015.2016. The quarter over quarter increasedecrease was mainly as resultlargely due to a decline in net gains on sales of losses on seven branches duringassets for the thirdsecond quarter of 2015 that were closed as part of our on-going branch "right-sizing" effort initiated in the second half of 2015. The increase during the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 as compared to the same periodquarter in 2015 was mainly due to2016 caused by net gains from the sale of two formerclosed branch locations that were closedrecognized in the second quarter of 2016. See the "Branch Efficiency and Cost Reduction Plans" section below for additional information.

The Bank and the FDIC share in the losses on loans and real estate owned as part of the loss-sharing agreements from FDIC-assisted transactions, including loss-sharing agreements acquired from 1st United on November 1, 2014. The asset arising from the loss-sharing agreements is referred to as the “FDIC loss-share receivable” and it is included in "Other assets" on Valley's consolidated statements of financial condition. Within the non-interest income category, we may recognize income or expense related to the change in the FDIC loss-share receivable resulting from (i) a change in the estimated credit losses on the pools of covered loans, (ii) income from reimbursable expenses incurred during the period, (iii) accretion of the discount resulting from the present value of the receivable recorded at the acquisition dates, and (iv) prospective recognition of decreases in the receivable attributable to better than originally estimated cash flows on certain covered loan pools. The aggregate effect of changes in the FDIC loss-share receivable was a net reduction in non-interest income of $313 thousand and $55 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $872 thousand and $3.4

5758




million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The majority of the larger reduction in both the receivable and non-interest income during the the nine months ended September 30, 2015 related to the prospective adjustment to the receivable for better than originally estimated cash flows on certain pools of covered loans since the acquisition. These prospective adjustments were recognized only through the March 2015 expiration date of the related commercial loan loss-sharing agreements from Valley's 2010 FDIC-assisted transactions.

See the “FDIC Loss-Share Receivable Related to Covered Loans and Foreclosed Assets” section below in this MD&A and Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.

Non-Interest Expense

The following table presents the components of non-interest expense for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015:2016:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Salary and employee benefits expense$58,107
 $54,315
 $174,438
 $165,601
$61,338
 $56,072
 $125,054
 $116,331
Net occupancy and equipment expense20,658
 21,526
 65,615
 65,858
22,609
 22,168
 45,644
 44,957
FDIC insurance assessment4,804
 4,168
 14,998
 11,972
4,928
 5,095
 10,055
 10,194
Amortization of other intangible assets2,675
 2,232
 8,452
 6,721
2,562
 2,928
 5,098
 5,777
Professional and legal fees4,031
 4,643
 13,398
 12,043
4,302
 5,472
 8,997
 9,367
Amortization of tax credit investments6,450
 5,224
 21,360
 14,231
7,732
 7,646
 13,056
 14,910
Telecommunications expense2,459
 2,050
 7,139
 6,101
2,707
 2,294
 5,366
 4,680
Other14,084
 14,494
 45,896
 41,655
13,061
 18,128
 26,921
 31,812
Total non-interest expense$113,268
 $108,652
 $351,296
 $324,182
$119,239
 $119,803
 $240,191
 $238,028

Non-interest expense decreased $564 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and increased$2.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared with the same periods in 2016. The increase during the first half of 2017 as compared to the 2016 period was mainly due to higher salary and employee benefits expense, partially offset by decreases in other non-interest expense and amortization of tax credit investments.

Salary and employee benefits expense increased $3.8$5.3 million and $8.8$8.7 million for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016, respectively,2017 as compared to the same periods in 2015 largely2016 mainly due to additional staffing expenses related to our acquisition of CNL on December 1, 2015. However, the increase during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was partially offset by lowerincreased salaries and cash incentive compensation accruals, as well as an increase in net periodic pension income from our frozen qualified pension plan as compared to 2015 period. Ourfor the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. In addition, health careinsurance expenses increased by $547$728 thousand and $719$985 thousand during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, respectively, as compared towith the same periods in 2015. While this increase can be mostly attributed to the CNL acquisition, our2016. Our health care expenses are at times volatile due to self-funding of a large portion of our insurance plan and these medical expenses can and will fluctuate in the future based on our plan experience intoexperience. The increase in salary and employee benefits expense during the foreseeable future.

Net occupancy and equipment expenses decreased $868 thousand for the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 was also attributable to a $1.6 million increase in stock-based compensation expense as compared to the same period of 2015 mainly due to a reduction in branch rental expense caused by the reversal of an accrued lease obligation of a terminated lease for a previously closed branch location during the third quarter of 2016 and lower periodic repairs and maintenance expenses. The decreases were partially offset by an increase in depreciation expense mostly caused by the acquired CNL branches. See the "Branch Efficiency and Cost Reduction Plans" section below for additional information.2016.

FDIC insurance assessments increased $636 thousandProfessional and $3.0legal fees decreased $1.2 million for the three and nine months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016, respectively,2017 as compared to the same periodsperiod in 20152016 largely due to our growth resulting from the CNL acquisitiona decrease in legal fees related to general corporate matters and expansion of our commercial lending segment during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.


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Amortization of intangible assets increased $443 thousand and $1.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2015 mainly due to increases of $577 thousand and $1.8 million in amortization expense of core deposit intangibles during the respective periods of 2016 due to the CNL acquisition.litigation.

Amortization of tax credit investments increased $1.2 million and $7.1decreased $1.9 million for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 as compared with the same period in 2016 respectively,mainly due to the lower level of net tax credit investments held at June 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods in 2015 mainly due to additional purchases of tax-advantaged investments over the last twelve months.June 30, 2016. These investments, while negatively impacting the level of our operating expenses and efficiency ratio, directlyproduce tax credits that reduce our income tax expense and effective tax rate. See Note 1413 to the consolidated financial statements for more details regarding our tax credit investments.

Other non-interest expense increased$4.2income expenses decreased $5.1 million and $4.9 million for ninethe three and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017, respectively, as compared towith the same periodperiods in 20152016 mainly due to declines in part, toboth operating losses and debt prepayment penalties totaling $1.3 millionbranch closing costs and $315 thousand, respectively, during the second quarter of 2016. Withinan increase in net gains on other non-interest expense, we also experienced moderate increases in several items, including debit card and ATM expenses, travel and entertainment, and insurance expense as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015 partly caused by our growth, both organically and through acquisition.real estate owned.

Efficiency Ratios
The efficiency ratio measures total non-interest expense as a percentage of net interest income plus total non-interest income. We believe this non-GAAP measure provides a meaningful comparison of our operational performance and facilitates investors’ assessments of business performance and trends in comparison to our peers in the banking industry. Our overall efficiency ratio, and its comparability to some of our peers, is negatively impacted by the amortization of tax credit investments within non-interest expense and, from time to time, reductions in our non-interest income related to changes in the FDIC loss-share receivable.expense.

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The following table presents our efficiency ratio and a reconciliation of the efficiency ratio adjusted for suchcertain items during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015:

2016:
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2016 2015 2016 2015
 ($ in thousands)
Total non-interest expense$113,268
 $108,652
 $351,296
 $324,182
Less: Amortization of tax credit investments6,450
 5,224
 21,360
 14,231
Total non-interest expense, adjusted$106,818
 $103,428
 $329,936
 $309,951
        
Net interest income$154,146
 $133,960
 $453,754
 $402,223
Total non-interest income24,853
 20,919

70,565
 59,764
Total net interest income and non-interest income$178,999
 $154,879
 $524,319
 $461,987
Less: Change in FDIC loss-share receivable(313) (55) (872) (3,380)
Total net interest income and non-interest income, adjusted$179,312
 $154,934
 $525,191
 $465,367
Efficiency ratio63.28% 70.15% 67.00% 70.17%
Efficiency ratio, adjusted59.57% 66.76% 62.82% 66.60%

Branch Efficiency and Cost Reduction Plans

In the second quarter of 2015, we disclosed a branch efficiency plan to "right-size" our branch network. We, like many in the banking industry, have experienced a significant decline in branch foot traffic as the emergence of self-service technology continues to reshape the banking industry. In response to these shifts in customer preference we have invested in new delivery channels and systems that will modernize the branch banking experience. Mobile

59




banking, remote deposit, enhanced ATMs, online account opening, cash recyclers and complementary online services are part of our modernization plan and will redefine the traditional banking experience at Valley.

As a result of our reviews and the evolution of banking in general, our current plan included the closure and consolidation of 31 branch locations based upon our continuous evaluation of customer delivery channel preferences, branch usage patterns, and other factors. Of the 31 branches, 30 branches were closed as of September 30, 2016 (including 3 Florida branches closed during the third quarter of 2016 and 13 mostly New Jersey branches closed in the second quarter of 2016). The remaining branch, located in Sebastian, Florida, was sold with its deposits totaling approximately $13 million to another financial institution during October 2016. The transaction is expected to result in an immaterial gain for the fourth quarter of 2016.

We have continued to evaluate the operational efficiency of our entire branch network (consisting of 110 leased and 99 owned office locations) to ensure the optimal performance of our retail operations, in conjunction with several other factors, including our customers’ delivery channel preferences, branch usage patterns, and the potential opportunity to move existing customer relationships to another branch location without imposing a negative impact on their banking experience.

In addition to the branch closures, Valley commenced a cost reduction plan in the fourth quarter of 2015 aimed at achieving operational efficiencies through streamlining various aspects of Valley's business model, staff reductions and further utilization of technological enhancements. When both of these plans were consummated, we expected the fully implemented reduction in annual operating expenses to be approximately $18 million. Due to enhancements to the original plans, including the three additional branch closures during the third quarter of 2016, we now believe these savings will ultimately increase to nearly $20 million. These measures are currently on track to save $15 million in pre-tax operating expenses for the full year of 2016, exclusive of the CNL staffing reductions effective April 1, 2016.
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 ($ in thousands)
Total non-interest expense$119,239
 $119,803
 $240,191
 $238,028
Less: Amortization of tax credit investments7,732
 7,646
 13,056
 14,910
Total non-interest expense, adjusted$111,507
 $112,157
 $227,135
 $223,118
        
Net interest income$168,960
 $151,455
 $331,489
 $299,608
Total non-interest income24,690
 24,264

49,749
 45,712
Total net interest income and non-interest income$193,650
 $175,719
 $381,238
 $345,320
Efficiency ratio61.57% 68.18% 63.00% 68.93%
Efficiency ratio, adjusted57.58% 63.83% 59.58% 64.61%
Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $17.0$20.7 million and $10.2$15.5 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, and $46.9$38.8 million and $34.9$29.8 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively. Our effective tax rate was 28.529.3 percent and 22.128.4 percent for the third quarters ofthree months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and 2015, respectively,28.7 percent and 28.4 percent and 26.2 percent for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 and 2016, and 2015, respectively. The increase in effective tax rate during both the three and nine months of 2016 was mostly due to an increase in the marginal tax expense as a result of an increase in income before taxes as compared to the same periods of 2015.

U.S. GAAP requires that any change in judgment or change in measurement of a tax position taken in a prior annual period be recognized as a discrete event in the quarter in which it occurs, rather than being recognized as a change in effective tax rate for the current year. Our adherence to these tax guidelines may result in volatile effective income tax rates in future quarterly and annual periods. Factors that could impact management’s judgment include changes in income, tax laws and regulations, and tax planning strategies. For the remainder of 2016,2017, we anticipate that our effective tax rate will range from 2728 percent to 3031 percent. The effective tax rate is generally lower than the statutory rate primarily due to tax credits derived from our investments in qualified affordable housing projects and other investments related to community development and renewable energy sources, as well as earnings from other tax-exempt investments. See Note 1413 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our tax credit investments.
Business Segments

We have four business segments that we monitor and report on to manage our business operations. These segments are consumer lending, commercial lending, investment management, and corporate and other adjustments. Our reportable segments have been determined based upon Valley’s internal structure of operations and lines of business. Each business segment is reviewed routinely for its asset growth, contribution to income before income taxes and return on average interest earning assets and impairment (if events or circumstances indicate a possible

60




inability to realize the carrying amount). Expenses related to the branch network, all other components of retail banking, along with the back office departments of our subsidiary bank are allocated from the corporate and other adjustments segment to each of the other three business segments. Interest expense and internal transfer expense (for general corporate expenses) are allocated to each business segment utilizing a “pool funding” methodology, which involves the allocation of uniform funding cost based on each segments’ average earning assets outstanding for the period. The financial reporting for each segment contains allocations and reporting in line with our operations, which may not necessarily be comparable to any other financial institution. The accounting for each segment includes internal accounting policies designed to measure consistent and reasonable financial reporting, and may result in income and expense measurements that differ from amounts under U.S. GAAP. Furthermore,

60




changes in management structure or allocation methodologies and procedures may result in changes in reported segment financial data.

The following tables present the financial data for each business segment for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015:2016:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
Consumer
Lending
 
Commercial
Lending
 
Investment
Management
 
Corporate
and Other
Adjustments
 Total
Consumer
Lending
 
Commercial
Lending
 
Investment
Management
 
Corporate
and Other
Adjustments
 Total
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Average interest earning assets$5,038,230
 $11,532,493
 $3,326,109
 $
 $19,896,832
$5,125,615
 $12,576,063
 $3,714,993
 $
 $21,416,671
Income (loss) before income taxes17,071
 46,456
 6,657
 (10,293) 59,891
15,055
 58,387
 9,864
 (12,527) 70,779
Annualized return on average interest earning assets (before tax)1.36% 1.61% 0.80% N/A
 1.20%1.17% 1.86% 1.06% N/A
 1.32%
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
Consumer
Lending
 
Commercial
Lending
 
Investment
Management
 
Corporate
and Other
Adjustments
 Total
Consumer
Lending
 
Commercial
Lending
 
Investment
Management
 
Corporate
and Other
Adjustments
 Total
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Average interest earning assets$4,904,768
 $9,804,850
 $2,887,673
 $
 $17,597,291
$5,099,474
 $11,153,441
 $3,284,657
 $
 $19,537,572
Income (loss) before income taxes12,018
 38,192
 4,291
 (8,368) 46,133
14,160
 47,425
 5,359
 (12,457) 54,487
Annualized return on average interest earning assets (before tax)0.98% 1.56% 0.59% N/A
 1.05%1.11% 1.70% 0.65% N/A
 1.12%
Consumer Lending

This segment, representing approximately 29.828.0 percent of our loan portfolio at SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, is mainly comprised of residential mortgage loans and automobile loans, and to a lesser extent, home equity loans, secured personal lines of credit and automobile loans.other consumer loans (including credit card loans). The duration of the residential mortgage loan portfolio (which represented 17.015.4 percent of our loan portfolio at SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, including covered loans) is subject to movements in the market level of interest rates and forecasted prepayment speeds. The weighted average life of the automobile loans (representing 6.76.5 percent of total loans at SeptemberJune 30, 2016)2017) is relatively unaffected by movements in the market level of interest rates. However, the average life may be impacted by new loans as a result of the availability of credit within the automobile marketplace and consumer demand for purchasing new or used automobiles. The consumer lending segment also includes the Wealth Management Division, comprised of trust, asset management, insurance services, and asset-based lending supportinsurance services.

Average interest earning assets in this segment increased $133.526.1 million to $5.0$5.1 billion for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 as compared to the thirdsecond quarter of 2015.2016. The increase was largely due to continued solid organic growth in secured personal lines of credit over the last 12-month period,and auto loans, partially offset by declinesa decline in auto loan volume and our election to originate a higher volume of residential mortgage loans for sale, rather than investment during 2016. At Septembercaused by a high volume of loan sales into the secondary market. Home equity loan volumes and customer usage of existing home equity lines of credit also steadily declined since June 30, 2016 our consumer lending portfolio also included $111.3 million of PCI loans (mostly consisting of residential mortgage loans and home equity loans) acquired in connection withdespite the

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CNL merger during the fourth quarter of 2015. These increases were partially offset by the transfer of $174.5 million of performing 30-year fixed relatively favorable interest rate mortgages to loans held for sale during the third quarter of 2016.environment.

Income before income taxes generated by the consumer lending segment increased $5.1 million$895 thousand to $17.1$15.1 million for the thirdsecond quarter of 2017 as compared to $14.2 million for the second quarter of 2016 as compared to $12.0 million for the third quarter of 2015 largely due to increasesan increase in net interest income and non-interest income totaling $1.9of $2.1 million and $3.2 million for the third quarter of 2016, respectively, and a decrease of $2.2$1.4 million in internal transfer expense for the second quarter of 2017 as compared to the same periodsperiod in 2015. The increase in net interest income was mainly due to the higher average loan balances since September 30, 2015, partially offset by a 8 basis point decline in the yield on average loans as the new loan volume was generated at current market interest rates below the yield on the average portfolio.2016. The increase in non-interest income was mostly driven by a $2.8$1.7 million increase in the net gains on sales of loans caused by a higherthe increased level of sales volumes during thirdsecond quarter of 2016.2017. The positive impact of the aforementioned items was partially offset by increasesa $2.3 million

61




increase in the provision for creditloan losses and non-interest expense totaling $1.5 million and $698 thousand, respectively,during the three months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the thirdsecond quarterof 2015.2016. See further details in the "Allowance for Credit Losses" section.

The net interest margin on the consumer lending portfolio increased 72 basis points to 2.782.79 percent for the thirdsecond quarter of 20162017 as compared to the same quarter one year ago. The net interest margin was positively impacted by a 154 basis point decreaseincrease in yield on average loans, partially offset by a 2 basis point increase in the costs associated with our funding sources, partially offset by a 8 basis point decline in yield on average loans.sources. The decreaseincrease in our cost of funds was primarilylargely due to higher interest rates on most deposits and short-term borrowings. The increase in the lower cost of our average long-termshort-term borrowings driven bywas mostly due to new FHLB borrowings used to offset a decline in deposits and fund new loans during the prepayment, modification and maturitysecond quarter of high cost borrowings over the last twelve months.2017. See the "Executive Summary" and the "Net Interest Income" sections above for more details on our deposits and other borrowings.
Commercial Lending

The commercial lending segment is comprised of floating rate and adjustable rate commercial and industrial loans and construction loans, as well as fixed rate owner occupied and commercial real estate loans. Due to the portfolio’s mix of interest rate characteristics, commercial lending is Valley’s business segment that is most sensitive to movements in market interest rates. Commercial and industrial loans totaled approximately $2.6 billion and represented 15.414.8 percent of the total loan portfolio at SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017. Commercial real estate loans and construction loans totaled $9.1$10.1 billion and represented 54.857.1 percent of the total loan portfolio at SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017.

Average interest earning assets in this segment increased $1.71.4 billion to $11.5$12.6 billion for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 as compared to the thirdsecond quarter of 2015.2016. This increase was due, in part, to solid organic commercial real estate loan growth across many segments of borrowers and purchases of loan participations in(mostly consisting of multi-family loans (mostly in New York City) totaling over $505$551 million overduring the last 12 months, as well as PCI loans totaling $581 million at September 30, 2016 that were acquired in connection with the CNL merger.months.

For the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, income before income taxes for the commercial lending segment increased $8.3$11.0 million to $46.5$58.4 million as compared to the same quarter of 20152016 mostly due to an increase in net interest income, partially offset by an increasesincrease in the provision for credit losses and internal transfer expense. Net interest income increased $14.412.5 million to $106.8$117.8 million for the thirdsecond quarter of 20162017 as compared to the same period in 20152016 largely due to the aforementioned organic purchased and acquiredpurchased loan growth over the last 12 months. Provision for credit losses increased $4.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to $1.3 million for the third quarter of 2015. See further details in the "Allowance for Credit Losses" section. Internal transfer expense increased $2.5 million$849 thousand during the thirdsecond quarter of 20162017 as compared to the same period in 2015 due, in part, to the acquisition of CNL.2016.

The net interest margin for this segment decreased 73 basis points to 3.703.75 percent for the thirdsecond quarter of 20162017 as compared to the same quarter one year ago as a result of a 221 basis point decline in yield on average loans partially offset byand a 152 basis point decreaseincrease in the cost of our funding sources. The decrease in the yield on loans was primarily due to the new and refinanced commercial loan volumes at current interest rates that are relatively lowlower somewhat lower than compared to

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the overall portfolio yield of our loan portfolio, as well as lower reforecasted yields on certain PCI loan pools recognized duringfor the nine months ended September 30,second quarter of 2016.
Investment Management

The investment management segment generates a large portion of our income through investments in various types of securities and interest-bearing deposits with other banks. These investments are mainly comprised of fixed rate securities and, depending on our liquid cash position, federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks (primarily the Federal Reserve Bank of New York) as part of our asset/liability management strategies. The fixed rate investments are one of Valley’s least sensitive assets to changes in market interest rates. However, a portion of the investment portfolio is invested in shorter-duration securities to maintain the overall asset sensitivity of our balance sheet. See the “Asset/Liability Management” section below for further analysis.

Average interest earning assets in this segment increased $438.4$430.3 million during the thirdsecond quarter of 20162017 as compared to the thirdsecond quarter of 2015.2016. The increase was partlymainly due to $327.3 million of investment securities classified as available for sale that were acquired in connection with the CNL merger and additional investment purchases during the third quarter of 2016 primarily consisting of residential mortgage-backed securities issuedclassified as held for maturity and available for sale in the last 12 months, partially offset by Ginnie Mae.a $98.8 million decrease in average federal funds sold and other interest bearing deposits for the three months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016.

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For the quarter ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, income before income taxes for the investment management segment increased approximately $2.4$4.5 million to $6.7$9.9 million as compared to the thirdsecond quarter in 20152016 mainly due to a $3.1$4.9 million increase in net interest income. The increase in net interest income was mainly driven by the higher average investment balances and higher yields on average investments in the thirdsecond quarter of 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016.

The net interest margin for this segment increased 1230 basis points to 1.962.22 percent for the thirdsecond quarter of 20162017 as compared to the same quarter one year ago largely due to a 1532 basis point decreaseincrease in the yield on average investments partially offset by a 2 basis point increase in costs associated with our funding sources, as well as a 3 basis point decreasesources. The increase in the yield on average investments.investments was largely due to a decline in premium amortization expense caused by lower principal repayments on residential mortgage-backed securities.
Corporate and other adjustments

The amounts disclosed as “corporate and other adjustments” represent income and expense items not directly attributable to a specific segment, including net securities gains and losses not reported in the investment management segment above, interest expense related to subordinated notes, andas well as income and expense from derivative financial instruments.

The pre-tax net loss for the corporate segment moderately increased $3.1 million$70 thousand to $11.4$12.5 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 as compared to the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2015. The higher pre-tax loss was mainly caused by a $3.6 millionincrease in non-interest expense, partially offset by an increase of $740 thousand in internal transfer income as compared to the third quarter of 2015. The increase in non-interest expense during the third quarter of 2016 related to increases in several general expense categories including, but not limited to, salary and employee benefits expense and the amortization of tax credit investments. See further details in the "Non-Interest Expense" section above.2016.


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The following tables present the financial data for each business segment for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015:2016:

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
Consumer
Lending
 
Commercial
Lending
 
Investment
Management
 
Corporate
and Other
Adjustments
 Total
Consumer
Lending
 
Commercial
Lending
 
Investment
Management
 
Corporate
and Other
Adjustments
 Total
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Average interest earning assets$5,110,845
 $11,162,637
 $3,368,077
 $
 $19,641,559
$5,085,438
 $12,423,025
 $3,675,895
 $
 $21,184,358
Income (loss) before income taxes45,332
 137,748
 16,019
 (34,145) 164,954
30,459
 107,765
 19,576
 (22,855) 134,945
Annualized return on average interest earning assets (before tax)1.18% 1.65% 0.63% N/A
 1.12%1.20% 1.73% 1.07% N/A
 1.27%

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Consumer
Lending
 
Commercial
Lending
 
Investment
Management
 
Corporate
and Other
Adjustments
 Total
Consumer
Lending
 
Commercial
Lending
 
Investment
Management
 
Corporate
and Other
Adjustments
 Total
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Average interest earning assets$4,670,699
 $9,474,222
 $3,014,182
 $
 $17,159,103
$5,147,551
 $10,975,678
 $3,389,293
 $
 $19,512,522
Income (loss) before income taxes30,158
 116,283
 11,963
 (25,193) 133,211
28,261
 91,292
 9,362
 (23,852) 105,063
Annualized return on average interest earning assets (before tax)0.86% 1.64% 0.53% N/A
 1.04%1.10% 1.66% 0.55% N/A
 1.08%
Consumer Lending

Average interest earning assets in this segment increased $440.1decreased $62.1 million to $5.1 billion for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016 2017as compared to the same period in 2015.2016. The increasedecrease was largely due to declines in residential mortgage loans and home equity loans. The decline in residential mortgage loans over the aforementioned solid organic growthlast 12 months was largely driven by normal repayment activity, a high percentage of loans originated for sale rather than investment, and the transfer and the sale of approximately $170 million and $104 million of performing fixed rate mortgages

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from loans held for investment portfolio to loans held for sale in the fourth quarter of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017, respectively. The negative impact of the decline average residential mortgage loan balance was partially offset by higher auto and secured personal lines of credit over the last 12-month period, partially offset by declines in auto loan volume and our election to originate a higher volume of residential mortgage loans for sale, rather than investment during 2016.volumes.

Income before income taxes generated by the consumer lending segment increased $15.2$2.2 million to $45.3$30.5 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 as compared to $28.3 million for the same period in 2016 largely due to an increase in non-interest income of $5.5 million and a decrease of $2.6 million in internal transfer expense for the six months ended June 30, 2017as compared to the same period of 2015 largely due toin 2016. The increase in non-interest income was mostly driven by a $11.4$4.0 million increase in net interest income. The increase in net interest income as compared to the same period one year ago was mainly due to additional interest income generated from higher average loan balances. Non-interest income also increased $8.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the same period of 2015 mainly due to a $6.7 million increase in net gains on sales of loans caused by a higher level of sales volumes during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017. The positive impact of the aforementioned items was partially offset by increases of $2.8 million and $2.5 million in the provision for loan losses and non-interest expense, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2015. The positive impact of these items was partially offset by increases in both non-interest expense and internal transfer expense totaling $3.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015.2016.

The net interest margin on the consumer lending portfolio increased 6 basis points toremained unchanged at 2.78 percent for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016 2017as compared to the same period one year ago. However, the net interest margin results were comprised of a 2 basis point decline in 2015 mainly due toyield on average loans which was offset by a 152 basis point decrease in the costs associated with our funding sources, partially offset bysources. The decrease in our cost of funds was primarily due to a 936 basis point decline in yield onthe cost of our average loans. The decrease in yield on average loans was largely caused by purchased, new and refinanced loan volumes that remain at relatively low interest rateslong-term borrowings as compared to six months ended June 30, 2016 largely due to modification and maturity of certain high cost borrowings in the overall yieldsecond half of 2016. See the "Executive Summary" and the "Net Interest Income" sections above for more details on our loan portfolio, as well as repayment of higher yielding loans, including PCI loans.deposits and other borrowings.
Commercial Lending

Average interest earning assets in this segment increased $1.71.4 billion to $11.2$12.4 billion for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 as compared to the same period in 2015.2016. This increase was due, in part, to solid organic commercial real estate loan growth across many segments of borrowers, including new loan production from our

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volumes in New York, New Jersey and Florida markets, and the PCI loans acquired from CNL in December 2015. We also supplemented our organic originations with purchases of loan participations in multi-family loans totaling over $505 million overduring the last 12 months, as well as $505.4 million of PCI loans acquired from CNL.months.

For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, income before income taxes for the commercial lending segment increased $21.5$16.5 million to $137.7$107.8 million as compared to the same period in 2015of 2016 mostly due to an increase in both net interest income and non-interest income, partially offset by an increaseincreases in internal transfer expense and the provision for credit losses.losses and internal transfer expense. Net interest income increased $33.923.4 million to $313.7$230.2 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016 2017as compared to the same period in 20152016 largely due to the aforementioned organic and purchased and acquired loan growth over the last 12 months. The p Non-interest incomerovision for credit losses increased $3.0$1.1 million to $3.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015 largely due to the positive aggregate effect of changes in the FDIC loss-share receivable. See the "Non-interest income" section above$2.3 million for further details. Internal transfer expense increased $10.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015 due, in part, to additional operating expenses related to our growth, including the acquisition of CNL. The provision for credit losses increased $3.8 million during nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015.2016. See further details in the "Allowance for Credit Losses" section below and Note 9section. Internal transfer expense increased $4.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the consolidated financial statements.same period in 2016.

The net interest margin for this segment decreased 197 basis points to 3.753.70 percent for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 as compared to the same period in 2015one year ago as a result of a 349 basis point decline in yield on average loans, partially offset by a 152 basis point decrease in the cost of our funding sources. The decrease in the yield on loans was primarily due to the new and refinanced loan volumes during the past 12 months at currentlower interest rates that are relatively low compared to the overall yield of our loan portfolio, as well as lower reforecasted yields on certain PCI loan pools recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.portfolio.
Investment Management

Average interest earning assets in this segment increased $353.9$286.6 million duringfor the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 as compared to the same period in 2015.2016. The increase was mainly due to purchases of residential mortgage-backed securities classified as held for maturity and available for sale in part,the last 12 months, partially offset by a $169.2 million decrease in average federal funds sold and other interest bearing deposits for the six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the aforementioned investment securities acquiredsame period in connection with the CNL merger and additional purchases of investment securities mostly in the third quarter of 2016.

For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, income before income taxes for the investment management segment increased approximately $4.1$10.2 million to $16.0$19.6 million as compared to the same period of 2015 largelyin 2016 mainly due to a $5.4$10.0 million

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increase in net interest income. The increase in net interest income was mainly driven by the higher average investment balances forand higher yield on average investments during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 as compared to the same period in 2015. This increase was partially offset by higher internal transfer expense totaling $35.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to $34.4 million for the same period in 2015.2016.

The net interest margin for this segment increased 2 40 basis points to 1.882.23 percentfor the for ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 as compared to the same period one year ago largelymostly due to a 38 basis point increase in the 15yield on average investments and a 2 basis point decrease in costs associated with our funding sources, partially offset by a 13 basis point decreasesources. The increase in the yield on average investments drivenwas largely due to a decline in premium amortization expense caused by lower principal repayments of higher yielding investments and additional investments at current low interest rates.on residential mortgage-backed securities during the six months ended June 30, 2017.
Corporate and other adjustments

The pre-tax net loss for the corporate segment increased $10.1 milliondecreased $997 thousand to $35.3$22.9 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 as compared to $23.9 million for the same period of 2015in 2016 mainly due to a $22.6$2.3 million increase in internal transfer income and $1.3 milliondecrease in non-interest expense, partially offset by a $13.2$1.8 million increasedecrease in internal transfernon-interest income. The increase in non-interest expense related to increases in several general expense categories, including, but not limited to, salary and employee benefits expense related to the acquisition of the CNL,and amortization of tax credit investments, andinvestments. Non-interest income decreased largely due to a decline in other non-interest income, as well as a $269 thousand decrease in net gains on securities transactions for the FDIC insurance assessment expense.six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared with the same period in 2016. See further details in the "Non-Interest Income" and "Non-Interest Expense" sectionsections above.

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ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT

Interest Rate Sensitivity

Our success is largely dependent upon our ability to manage interest rate risk. Interest rate risk can be defined as the exposure of our interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities to the movement in interest rates. Our Asset/Liability Management Committee is responsible for managing such risks and establishing policies that monitor and coordinate our sources and uses of funds. Asset/Liability management is a continuous process due to the constant change in interest rate risk factors. In assessing the appropriate interest rate risk levels for us, management weighs the potential benefit of each risk management activity within the desired parameters of liquidity, capital levels and management’s tolerance for exposure to income fluctuations. Many of the actions undertaken by management utilize fair value analysis and attempts to achieve consistent accounting and economic benefits for financial assets and their related funding sources. We have predominately focused on managing our interest rate risk by attempting to match the inherent risk and cash flows of financial assets and liabilities. Specifically, management employs multiple risk management activities such as optimizing the level of new residential mortgage originations retained in our mortgage portfolio through increasing or decreasing loan sales in the secondary market, product pricing levels, the desired maturity levels for new originations, the composition levels of both our interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, as well as several other risk management activities.

We use a simulation model to analyze net interest income sensitivity to movements in interest rates. The simulation model projects net interest income based on various interest rate scenarios over a 12-month and 24-month period. The model is based on the actual maturity and re-pricing characteristics of rate sensitive assets and liabilities. The model incorporates certain assumptions which management believes to be reasonable regarding the impact of changing interest rates and the prepayment assumptions of certain assets and liabilities as of SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017. The model assumes immediate changes in interest rates without any proactive change in the composition or size of the balance sheet, or other future actions that management might undertake to mitigate this risk. In the model, the forecasted shape of the yield curve remains static as of SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017. The impact of interest rate derivatives, such as interest rate swaps and caps, is also included in the model.

Our simulation model is based on market interest rates and prepayment speeds prevalent in the market as of SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017. Although the size of Valley’s balance sheet is forecasted to remain static as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 in our model, the composition is adjusted to reflect new interest earning assets and funding originations coupled with rate

65




spreads utilizing our actual originations during the thirdsecond quarter of 2016.2017. The model also utilizes an immediate parallel shift in the market interest rates at SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017.

The assumptions used in the net interest income simulation are inherently uncertain. Actual results may differ significantly from those presented in the table below due to the frequency and timing of changes in interest rates and changes in spreads between maturity and re-pricing categories. Overall, our net interest income is affected by changes in interest rates and cash flows from our loan and investment portfolios. We actively manage these cash flows in conjunction with our liability mix, duration and interest rates to optimize the net interest income, while structuring the balance sheet in response to actual or potential changes in interest rates. Additionally, our net interest income is impacted by the level of competition within our marketplace. Competition can negatively impact the level of interest rates attainable on loans and increase the cost of deposits, which may result in downward pressure on our net interest margin in future periods. Other factors, including, but not limited to, the slope of the yield curve and projected cash flows will impact our net interest income results and may increase or decrease the level of asset sensitivity of our balance sheet.

Convexity is a measure of how the duration of a financial instrument changes as market interest rates change. Potential movements in the convexity of bonds held in our investment portfolio, as well as the duration of the loan portfolio may have a positive or negative impact on our net interest income in varying interest rate environments. As a result, the increase or decrease in forecasted net interest income may not have a linear relationship to the results reflected in the table above. Management cannot provide any assurance about the actual effect of changes in interest rates on our net interest income.

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The following table reflects management’s expectations of the change in our net interest income over the next 12- month period in light of the aforementioned assumptions. While an instantaneous and severe shift in interest rates was used in this simulation model, we believe that any actual shift in interest rates would likely be more gradual and would therefore have a more modest impact than shown in the table below.
Estimated Change in
Future Net Interest Income
Estimated Change in
Future Net Interest Income
Changes in Interest Rates
Dollar
Change
 
Percentage
Change
Dollar
Change
 
Percentage
Change
(in basis points)($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
+200$(747) (0.12)%$(4,721) (0.72)%
+100867
 0.14
(830) (0.13)
–100(382) (0.06)(23,033) (3.50)

As noted in the table above, a 100 basis point immediate increase in interest rates combined with a static balance sheet where the size, mix, and proportions of assets and liabilities remain unchanged is projected to increasedecrease net interest income over the next 12 months by 0.140.13 percent. The Bank’s sensitivity of our balance sheet to such a movechanges in interestmarket rates at September 30, 2016 decreasedchanged in both size and direction as compared to June 30,December 31, 2016 (which was a decreasean increase of 2.070.03 percent in net interest income over a 12 month period). The improved projectedHowever, the change in sensitivity is not expected to materially impact Valley’s ability to generate net interest income as comparedincome. In addition, we believe the balance sheet remains well-positioned to June 30, 2016 was due, in part,respond positively to several items, including new re-pricing assumptions related to our deposits without stated maturities (based upon a comprehensive study of our deposit sensitivity completed by a third party advisor during the third quarter of 2016) which decreased the overall expected sensitivity of such deposits to changes in interest rates at September 30, 2016.  Additionally, the reduced effectiverising market interest rate on the $405 million of debt modified in August 2016 and the termination ofenvironment. Our current asset sensitivity to a $125 million interest rate swap, which effectively converted the formerly hedged 5.125 percent subordinated notes back to fixed rate instruments with an adjusted yield of 3.32 percent, contributed to the increase in projected net interest income as compared to the June 30, 2016 projection.  See the "Executive Summary" section above for more details on the debt and swap transactions.  The slight decrease in the projected net interest income under a 200100 basis point immediate increase in interest rates scenario (shown inis impacted by, among other factors, asset cash flow and repricing characteristics, complemented by a funding structure that provides for very stable earnings and low volatility. Future changes including, but not limited to, the table above) was partially due toslope of the yield curve and projected cash flows will affect our net interest rate caps on someincome results and may increase or decrease the level of our variable rate loan products.net interest income sensitivity.

Our interest rate swaps and caps designated as cash flow hedging relationships are designed to protect us from upward movements in interest rates on certain deposits and other borrowings based on the prime rate (as reported by The Wall Street Journal) or the three-month LIBOR rate. We have 11Our cash flow hedge interest rate swaps withhad a total notional value of $782$582 million at SeptemberJune 30, 2016 that2017 and currently pay fixed and receive floating rates. We also utilize fair value and non-designated hedge interest rate swaps to effectively convert fixed rate loans, and a much smaller amount of certain brokered certificates of deposit, to floating rate instruments. The cash flow hedges are expected to benefit

66




our net interest income in a rising interest rate environment. However, due to the prolonged low level of market interest rates and the strike rate of these instruments, the cash flow hedge interest rate swaps and cap negatively impacted our net interest income during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016. We expect this2017. This negative trend towill likely continue intobased upon the foreseeable future due to the moderate pace ofcurrent market expectations regarding the Federal Reserve’s current monetary policies which are designed to impact the level of market interest rates. However, $100 million of the $582 million in notional value swaps expired in July 2017 and will reduce the overall negative impact of such instruments on our future net interest income. See Note 1211 to the consolidated financial statements for further details on our derivative transactions.

Despite the negative impact of such derivative transactions, the possibility of an improving U.S. economy, the debt modification of $405 million in high cost FHLB borrowings during August 2016, an additional $75 million in high cost borrowings that matured in July 2016, and solid commercial lending demand and approved new loan pipelines during the fourth quarter of 2016 could all benefit our future net interest income.
Liquidity

Bank Liquidity

Liquidity measures the ability to satisfy current and future cash flow needs as they become due. A bank’s liquidity reflects its ability to meet loan demand, to accommodate possible outflows in deposits and to take advantage of

67




interest rate opportunities in the marketplace. Liquidity management is monitored by our Asset/Liability Management Committee and the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors of Valley National Bank, which review historical funding requirements, current liquidity position, sources and stability of funding, marketability of assets, options for attracting additional funds, and anticipated future funding needs, including the level of unfunded commitments. Our goal is to maintain sufficient liquidity to cover current and potential funding requirements.

The Bank has no required regulatory liquidity ratios to maintain; however, it adheres to an internal liquidity policy. The current policy maintains that we may not have a ratio of loans to deposits in excess of 125 percent or reliance on wholesale funding greater than 25 percent of total funding. The Bank was in compliance with the foregoing policies at SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017.

On the asset side of the balance sheet, the Bank has numerous sources of liquid funds in the form of cash and due from banks, interest bearing deposits with banks (including the Federal Reserve Bank of New York), investment securities held to maturity that are maturing within 90 days or would otherwise qualify as maturities if sold (i.e., 85 percent of original cost basis has been repaid), investment securities available for sale, loans held for sale, and, from time to time, federal funds sold and receivables related to unsettled securities transactions. These liquid assets totaled approximately $2.0$2.1 billion, representing 9.99.7 percent of earning assets, at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and $2.1$1.8 billion, representing 10.78.9 percent of earning assets, at December 31, 2015.2016. Of the $2.0$2.1 billion of liquid assets at SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, approximately $462$704 million of various investment securities were pledged to counterparties to support our earning asset funding strategies. We anticipate the receipt of approximately $436$364 million in principal from securities in the total investment portfolio over the next 12 months due to normally scheduled principal repayments and expected prepayments of certain securities, primarily residential mortgage-backed securities.

Additional liquidity is derived from scheduled loan payments of principal and interest, as well as prepayments received. Loan principal payments (including loans held for sale at SeptemberJune 30, 2016)2017) are projected to be approximately $4.6$4.5 billion over the next 12 months. As a contingency plan for significant funding needs, liquidity could also be derived from the sale of conforming residential mortgages from our loan portfolio, or from the temporary curtailment of lending activities.

On the liability side of the balance sheet, we utilize multiple sources of funds to meet liquidity needs, including retail and commercial deposits, brokered and municipal deposits, and short-term and long-term borrowings. Our core deposit base, which generally excludes fully insured brokered deposits and both retail and brokered certificates of deposit over $250 thousand, represents the largest of these sources. CoreAverage core deposits totaled approximately $15.0$15.3 billion and $14.5$14.7 billion at Septemberfor the six months ended June 30, 20162017 and for the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively.2016, respectively, representing 72.1 percent and 73.9 percent of average earning assets for the respective periods. The level of interest bearing deposits is affected by interest rates offered, which is often influenced by our need for funds and the need to match the maturities of assets and liabilities.


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Additional funding may be provided through deposit gathering networks and in the form of federal funds purchased through our well established relationships with numerous correspondent banks. While there are no firm lending commitments currently in place, management believes that we could borrow approximately $777$727 million for a short time from these banks on a collective basis. The Bank is also a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLB) and has the ability to borrow from them in the form of FHLB Advancesadvances secured by pledges of certain eligible collateral, including but not limited to U.S. government and agency mortgage-backed securities and a blanket assignment of qualifying first lien mortgage loans, consisting of both residential mortgage and commercial real estate loans. In addition to the FHLB Advances, the Bank has pledged such assets to collateralize $250 million in municipal deposit letters of credit issued by the FHLB on Valley’s behalf to secure certain public deposits at September 30, 2016. Furthermore, we are able to obtain overnight borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank via the discount window as a contingency for additional liquidity. At SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, our borrowing capacity under the Federal Reserve's discount window was $1.0$1.1 billion.

We also have access to other short-term and long-term borrowing sources to support our asset base, such as repos (i.e., securities sold under agreements to repurchase). Our short-term borrowings increased $356.4$654 million to $1.4$1.7 billion at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 as compared to December 31, 20152016 due to a $582 million increase in FHLB

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advances, partially offset by decreasesincreases of $175.6$625 million and $50$29 million in
FHLB advances and repo balances, and overnight federal funds purchased, respectively. The overall increase in short-term borrowings was largely driven by higher levels of loan originations (including residential mortgages originatednew FHLB advances were used as alternate funding for sale), repayments of long-term borrowings, and a moderate decline in our usemoney market deposits during the first half of time deposits in our current liquidity/2017, as well as for additional liquidity and loan funding strategies.purposes.
Corporation Liquidity

Valley’s recurring cash requirements primarily consist of dividends to preferred and common shareholders and interest expense on subordinated notes and junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts. As part of our on-going asset/liability management strategies, Valley could also use cash to repurchase shares of its outstanding common stock under its share repurchase program or redeem its callable junior subordinated debentures. These cash needs are routinely satisfied by dividends collected from the Bank. Projected cash flows from the Bank are expected to be adequate to pay preferred and common dividends, if declared, and interest expense payable to subordinated note holders and capital trusts, given the current capital levels and current profitable operations of the bank subsidiary. In addition to dividends received from the Bank, Valley can satisfy its cash requirements by utilizing its own cash and potential new funds borrowed from outside sources or capital issuances. Valley also has the right to defer interest payments on its $41.5 million ofthe junior subordinated debentures, and therefore distributions on its trust preferred securities for consecutive quarterly periods up to five years, but not beyond the stated maturity dates, and subject to other conditions.

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Investment Securities Portfolio

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, we had approximately $1.8 billion and $1.3$1.5 billion in held to maturity and available for sale investment securities, respectively. Our total investment portfolio was comprised of U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government agencies, tax-exempt issuances of states and political subdivisions, residential mortgage-backed securities (including 129 private label mortgage-backed securities), single-issuer trust preferred securities principally issued by bank holding companies (including 2 pooled securities), high quality corporate bonds and perpetual preferred and common equity securities issued by banks at SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017. There were no securities in the name of any one issuer exceeding 10 percent of shareholders’ equity, except for residential mortgage-backed securities issued by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Among other securities, our investments in the private label mortgage-backed securities, trust preferred securities, perpetual preferred securities, equity securities, and bank issued corporate bonds may pose a higher risk of future impairment charges to us as a result of the uncertain direction of the U.S. economyeconomic environment and its potential negative effect on the future performance of the security issuers and, if applicable, the underlying mortgage loan collateral of the security.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Analysis

We may be required to record impairment charges on our investment securities if they suffer a decline in value that is considered other-than-temporary. Numerous factors, including lack of liquidity for re-sales of certain investment securities, absence of reliable pricing information for investment securities, adverse changes in business climate, adverse actions by regulators, or unanticipated changes in the competitive environment could have a negative effect on our investment portfolio and may result in other-than temporary impairment on our investment securities in future periods. See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015,2016, for additional information regarding our impairment analysis by security type.

The investment grades in the table below reflect the most current independent analysis performed by third parties of each security as of the date presented and not necessarily the investment grades at the date of our purchase of the securities. For many securities, the rating agencies may not have performed an independent analysis of the tranches owned by us, but rather an analysis of the entire investment pool. For this and other reasons, we believe the assigned investment grades may not accurately reflect the actual credit quality of each security and should not be viewed in isolation as a measure of the quality of our investment portfolio.


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The following table presents the held to maturity and available for sale investment securities portfolios by investment grades at SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017.
September 30, 2016June 30, 2017
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Held to maturity investment grades:*              
AAA Rated$1,335,441
 $44,757
 $(1,420) $1,378,778
$1,368,246
 $24,681
 $(15,790) $1,377,137
AA Rated237,097
 13,736
 
 250,833
241,927
 9,331
 (26) 251,232
A Rated45,675
 3,185
 
 48,860
35,541
 1,596
 
 37,137
Non-investment grade3,705
 104
 (44) 3,765
3,618
 117
 (41) 3,694
Not rated223,233
 571
 (14,058) 209,746
172,931
 141
 (13,540) 159,532
Total investment securities held to maturity$1,845,151
 $62,353
 $(15,522) $1,891,982
$1,822,263
 $35,866
 $(29,397) $1,828,732
Available for sale investment grades:*              
AAA Rated$1,062,159
 $13,191
 $(2,092) $1,073,258
$1,312,640
 $2,986
 $(15,403) $1,300,223
AA Rated77,181
 2,253
 (1,387) 78,047
56,910
 296
 (236) 56,970
A Rated28,000
 79
 (8) 28,071
21,994
 13
 (57) 21,950
BBB Rated49,242
 842
 (622) 49,462
41,276
 573
 (155) 41,694
Non-investment grade16,553
 321
 (1,606) 15,268
11,860
 737
 (1,346) 11,251
Not rated32,707
 538
 (642) 32,603
32,235
 491
 (760) 31,966
Total investment securities available for sale$1,265,842
 $17,224
 $(6,357) $1,276,709
$1,476,915
 $5,096
 $(17,957) $1,464,054
 
*Rated using external rating agencies (primarily S&P and Moody’s). Ratings categories include the entire range. For example, “A rated” includes A+, A, and A-. Split rated securities with two ratings are categorized at the higher of the rating levels.

The held to maturity portfolio includes $223.2$172.9 million in investments not rated by the rating agencies with aggregate unrealized losses of $14.1$13.5 million at SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017. The unrealized losses for this category primarily relate to 4 single-issuer bank trust preferred issuances with a combined amortized cost of $35.9 million. All single-issuer trust preferred securities classified as held to maturity, including the aforementioned four securities, are paying in accordance with their terms and have no deferrals of interest or defaults. Additionally, we analyze the performance of each issuer on a quarterly basis, including a review of performance data from the issuer’s most recent bank regulatory report to assess the company’s credit risk and the probability of impairment of the contractual cash flows of the applicable security. Based upon our quarterly review at SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, all of the issuers appear to meet the regulatory capital minimum requirements to be considered a “well-capitalized” financial institution and/or have maintained performance levels adequate to support the contractual cash flows of the security.

There was no other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings as a result of Valley's impairment analysis of its securities during the ninethree and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 20152016 as the collateral supporting much of the investment securities has improved or performed as expected.

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Loan Portfolio

The following table reflects the composition of the loan portfolio as of the dates presented:
September 30,
2016
 June 30,
2016
 March 31,
2016
 December 31,
2015
 September 30,
2015
June 30,
2017
 March 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 September 30, 2016 June 30,
2016
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Loans                  
Commercial and industrial$2,558,968
 $2,528,749
 $2,537,545
 $2,540,491
 $2,400,618
$2,631,312
 $2,642,319
 $2,638,195
 $2,558,968
 $2,528,749
Commercial real estate:                  
Commercial real estate8,313,855
 8,018,794
 7,585,139
 7,424,636
 6,960,677
9,230,514
 9,016,418
 8,719,667
 8,313,855
 8,018,794
Construction802,568
 768,847
 776,057
 754,947
 569,653
881,073
 835,854
 824,946
 802,568
 768,847
Total commercial real estate9,116,423
 8,787,641
 8,361,196
 8,179,583
 7,530,330
10,111,587
 9,852,272
 9,544,613
 9,116,423
 8,787,641
Residential mortgage2,826,130
 3,055,353
 3,101,814
 3,130,541
 2,999,262
2,724,777
 2,745,447
 2,867,918
 2,826,130
 3,055,353
Consumer:                  
Home equity476,820
 485,730
 491,555
 511,203
 478,129
450,510
 458,891
 469,009
 476,820
 485,730
Automobile1,121,606
 1,141,793
 1,188,063
 1,239,313
 1,219,758
1,150,343
 1,150,053
 1,139,227
 1,121,606
 1,141,793
Other consumer534,188
 499,914
 455,814
 441,976
 388,717
642,231
 600,516
 577,141
 534,188
 499,914
Total consumer loans2,132,614
 2,127,437
 2,135,432
 2,192,492
 2,086,604
2,243,084
 2,209,460
 2,185,377
 2,132,614
 2,127,437
Total loans (1)(2)
$16,634,135
 $16,499,180
 $16,135,987
 $16,043,107
 $15,016,814
$17,710,760
 $17,449,498
 $17,236,103
 $16,634,135
 $16,499,180
As a percent of total loans:                  
Commercial and industrial15.4% 15.3% 15.8% 15.8% 16.0%14.8% 15.1% 15.3% 15.4% 15.3%
Commercial real estate54.8% 53.3% 51.8% 51.0% 50.1%57.1% 56.5% 55.4% 54.8% 53.3%
Residential mortgage17.0% 18.5% 19.2% 19.5% 20.0%15.4% 15.7% 16.6% 17.0% 18.5%
Consumer loans12.8% 12.9% 13.2% 13.7% 13.9%12.7% 12.7% 12.7% 12.8% 12.9%
Total100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
 
(1)
Includes covered loans subject to loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC (primarily consisting of residential mortgage loans and commercial real estate loans) totaling $44.5 million, $47.8 million, $70.4 million, $76.0 million, and $81.1 million $86.8 million, $122.3 million and $129.5 million at June 30, 2017, March 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016, March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2015, respectively.
(2)Includes net unearned premiums and deferred loan costs of $16.7 million, $15.7 million, $15.3 million, $10.5 million, and $8.3 million, $5.6 million, $3.5 million and $106 thousand at June 30, 2017, March 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016, March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2015, respectively.

Total loans increased $135.0$261.3 million to approximately $16.6$17.7 billion at September 30, 2016 from June 30, 2016.2017 from March 31, 2017. Our loan portfolio includes purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loans, which are loans acquired at a discount that is due, in part, to credit quality. At SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, our PCI loan portfolio decreased $118.3$113.2 million to $1.9$1.5 billion as compared to June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 primarily due to continued larger loan repayments, of which some resulted from continued efforts by management to encourage borrower prepayment. The increase in non-PCI loan portion of the loan portfolio increased $253.3 million (net of $174.5$122 million in performing residential mortgage loans transferred to loans held for sale during the thirdsecond quarter) to approximately $14.8 billion at September 30, 2016 as compared to June 30, 2016was largely due to increasesa $259.3 million increase in total commercial real estate loans and collateralized personal lines of credit within the other consumer loan category discussed further below.loans. During the thirdsecond quarter of 2016,2017, Valley also originated $171.9$36.8 millionof residential mortgage loans for sale rather than investment. Loans held for sale totaled $202.4$139.6 million and $4.5$115.1 million at September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016,2017 and March 31, 2017, respectively. See additional information regarding our residential mortgage loan activities below.

Total commercial and industrial loans increased $30.2decreased $11.0 million from June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 to approximately $2.6 billion at SeptemberJune 30, 2016, despite2017. The loan volumes were outpaced by a $35.4 $30.8 million decline in the PCI loan portion of the portfolio during the thirdsecond quarter of 2016.2017. Exclusive of the decline in PCI loans, the non-PCI commercial and industrial loan portfolio increased by $65.6$19.8 million, or approximately 11.93.3 percent on an annualized basis, to $2.3$2.4 billion at September 30, 2016 from June 30, 2016. This2017 from March 31, 2017. The second quarter growth in non-PCI loans was partially driven by new organic customer relationships originated during the third

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quarter of 2016.largely due to a secured commercial lending arrangement with a large regional auto retailer. In addition to the PCI loan repayments, the level of loan growth within this portfolio continues to be challenged by strong market competition for both new and existing commercial loan borrowers within our primary markets, and relatively stable levels of line of credit usage by our customer base during 2016.markets.

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Commercial real estate loans (excluding construction loans) increased $295.1$214.1 million from March 31, 2017 to $9.2 billion at June 30, 2016 to $8.3 billion at September 30, 20162017 mainly due to a $356.2$250 million, or 20.912.6 percent on an annualized basis, increase in the non-PCI loan portfolio. The increase in non-PCI loans was primarily due to solid organic loan volumes in New York, and New Jersey and Florida, particularly amongst our pre-existing long-term customer base, as well as approximately $99$22 million of loan participations in multi-family loans (mostly in New York City) purchased in September 2016. The purchased participation loans are seasoned loans with expected shorter durations.the second quarter of 2017. Each purchased participation loan was stress-testedis reviewed by Valley under its normal underwriting criteria and stress-tested to further satisfy ourselves as to theirassure its credit quality. The organic loan volumes generated across a broad basedbroad-based segment of borrowers within the commercial real estate portfolio were partially offset by a $61.1$35.9 million decline in the acquired PCI loan portion of the portfolio. Construction loans increased $33.7$45.2 million to $802.6$881.1 million at September 30, 2016 from June 30, 2016.2017 from March 31, 2017. The increase was mostly due to advances on existing construction projects.
Total residential mortgage loans decreased $229.2$20.7 million, or approximately 30.03.0 percent on an annualized basis, to approximately $2.8$2.7 billion at September 30, 2016 from June 30, 20162017 from March 31, 2017 mostly due to the aforementioned transfer of $174.5$122 million in mortgage loans to loans held for sale as well as a large percentage ofand new loans originated for sale rather than investment during the thirdsecond quarter of 2016.2017. Valley sold approximately $149.2$136.6 million of residential mortgage loans originated for sale (including $4.5$115.1 million of loans held for sale at June 30, 2016)March 31, 2017) during the thirdsecond quarter of 2016.2017. New and refinanced residential mortgage loan originations totaled approximately $258.3 million for the third quarter of 2016 as compared to $177.7 million and $115.1$194.4 million for the second quarter of 20162017 as compared to $163.7 million and third$177.7 million for the first quarter of 2015,2017 and second quarter of 2016, respectively. Of the $258.3$194.4 million in total originations, $18.1$23.8 million, or 7.012.3 percent, represented new Florida residential mortgage loans. We expect to continue to sell a large portion of our new fixed rate residential mortgage loan originations as part of our overall interest rate risk management strategies.
Home equity loans decreased $8.9$8.4 million to $476.8$450.5 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 as compared to June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 mostly due to normal repayment activity largely within the PCI loan portion of the portfolio.repayment activity. New home equity loan volumes and customer usage of existing home equity lines of credit continue to be weak, despite the relatively favorable low interest rate environment.
Automobile loans decreasedincreased by $20.2 million$290 thousand to $1.1$1.2 billion at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 as compared to June 30, 2016 as our new indirectMarch 31, 2017. The auto loan volumes continued to not keep pace with the normal portfolio repayment activity in the third quarter of 2016. The decline in indirect auto originations during the first nine months of 2016 was largely caused by current market loan pricing and fee constraints resulting from new regulatory lending guidance. During the third quarter of 2016, management implemented various strategies to enhanceremained relatively unchanged as new auto loan origination volumes including new technology to improve the decision-making process for our auto dealer network. These enhancements and continued growth in our relatively new Florida markets led to much improved new loan volumesdeclined as compared to the linkedfirst quarter of 2017 largely due to slower application activity during the first half of the second quarter of 2016. While we're optimistic that this positive trend2017. Our Florida dealership network contributed over $23 million in auto loan originations, representing approximately 18 percent of Valley's total new auto loan production will continue intofor the fourthsecond quarter of 2016, we can provide no assurance that our2017 as compared to approximately $24 million, or 17 percent, of Valley's total auto loans will not continue to decline in future periods.originations for the first quarter of 2017.
Other consumer loans increased $34.3$41.7 million, or 27.427.8 percent on an annualized basis, to $534.2 million at September 30, 2016 as compared to $499.9$642.2 million at June 30, 20162017 as compared to $600.5 million at March 31, 2017 mainly due to continued growth and customer usage of collateralized personal lines of credit.
We are cautiously optimistic that we will continue to experience overall loan growth primarily within the commercial lending segment during the fourth quarter of 2016 and the foreseeable future. Our approved organic commercial loan pipeline continued to be strong at the end of the third quarter, despite the market competition for high quality commercial credits. However, we can make no assurances that our total loans will increase, or remain at current levels in the future.

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Most of our lending is in northern and central New Jersey, New York City, Long Island and Florida, with the exception of smaller auto and residential mortgage loan portfolios derived from the other neighboring states of New Jersey, which could present a geographic and credit risk if there was another significant broad based economic downturn or a prolonged economic recovery within these regions. We are witnessing new loan activity across Valley's entire geographic footprint, including new loans and solid loan pipelines from our Florida lending operations. Valley’s Florida Division accounted for approximately $90 million of over $1 billion in new and purchased commercial loan volume, excluding lines of credit, during the third quarter of 2016. However, the New Jersey and New York Metropolitan markets continue to account for a disproportionately larger percentage of our lending activity. To mitigate these risks, we are making efforts to maintain a diversified portfolio as to type of borrower and loan to guard against a potential downward turn in any one economic sector. Geographically, we intend tomay make further inroads into the Florida lending market, through acquisition orbank acquisitions (such as our recently announced merger agreement with USAB - See "Executive Summary" section above for details), select de novo branch efforts.efforts or adding lending staff.

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Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans (Including Covered Loans)

PCI loans totaled $1.9$1.5 billion and $2.2$1.8 billion at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively, mostly consisting of loans acquired in business combinations subsequent to 2011 and covered loans in which the Bank will share losses with the FDIC under loss-sharing agreements. Our covered loans, consisting primarily of residential mortgage loans and commercial real estate loans, totaled $76.0$44.5 million and $122.3$70.4 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively. The decrease in covered loans was largely due to the expiration of a commercial loss-sharing agreement acquired from 1st United Bancorp, Inc. effective January 1, 20162017 and the reclassification of such loans to non-covered PCI loans during the first quarter of 2016.2017. Additional information regarding all of our loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.2016.

As required by U.S. GAAP, all of our PCI loans are accounted for underin accordance with ASC Subtopic 310-30. This accounting guidance requires310-30 and are initially recorded at fair value (as determined by the PCI loans to bepresent value of expected future cash flows) with no valuation allowance (i.e., the allowance for loan losses), and aggregated and accounted for as pools of loans based on common risk characteristics. A pool is accounted for as one asset with a single composite interest rate, aggregate fair value and expected cash flows. For PCI loan pools accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30, theThe difference between the contractually required payments due and the cash flows expected to be collected, considering the impact of prepayments, is referred to as the non-accretable difference. The contractually required payments due represent the total undiscounted amount of all uncollected principal and interest payments. Contractually required payments due may increase or decrease for a variety of reasons, e.g. when the contractual terms of the loan agreement are modified, when interest rates on variable rate loans change, or when principal and/or interest payments are received. The Bank estimates the undiscounted cash flows expected to be collected by incorporating several key assumptions including probability of default, loss given default, and the amount of actual prepayments after the acquisition dates. The non-accretable difference, which is neither accreted into income nor recorded on our consolidated balance sheet, reflects estimated future credit losses and uncollectable contractual interest expected to be incurred over the life of the loans. The excess of the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition and the acquisition date over theinitial carrying amount (fair value) of the PCI loans, or the “accretable yield,” is referred torecognized as the accretable yield. This amount is accreted into interest income utilizing the level-yield method over the remaining life of each pool. Contractually required payments for interest and principal that exceed the loans,undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition, or pool of loans, using the level“non-accretable difference,” are not recognized as a yield method. The accretable yield is affected by changes in interest rate indices for variable rate loans, changes in prepayment assumptions, and changes in expected principal and interest payments over the estimated lives of the loans. Prepayments affect the estimated life of PCI loans and could change the amount of interest income, and possibly principal, expected to be collected.adjustment, loss accrual or valuation allowance. Reclassifications of the non-accretable difference to the accretable yield may occur subsequent to the loan acquisition dates due to increases in expected cash flows of the loan pools.

At both acquisitionWe reevaluate expected and subsequent quarterly reporting dates, we use a third party service provider to assist with validation of our assessment of the contractual and estimated cash flows. Valley provides the third party with updated loan-level information derived from Valley’s main operating system, contractually required loan payments and expected cash flows for each loan pool individually reviewed by us. Using this information, the third party provider determines both the contractual cash flows and cash flows expected to be collected. The loan-level information used to reforecast the cash flows was subsequently aggregated on a pool basis. The expected payment data, discount rates, impairment data and changes to the accretable yield received back from the third party were

73




reviewed by Valley to determine whether this information is accurate and the resulting financial statement effects are reasonable.

Similar to contractual cash flows, we reevaluate expected cash flows on a quarterly basis. Unlike contractual cash flows which are determined based on known factors, significant management assumptions are necessary in forecasting the estimated cash flows. We attempt to ensure the forecasted expectations are reasonable based on the information currently available; however, due to the uncertainties inherent in the use of estimates, actual cash flow results may differ from our forecast and the differences may be significant. To mitigate such differences, we carefully prepare and review the assumptions utilized in forecasting estimated cash flows.

On a quarterly basis, Valley analyzeswe also analyze the actual cash flow versus the forecasts at the loan pool level and variances are reviewed to determine their cause. In re-forecastingIf a re-forecast of future estimated cash flow Valleyis necessary, we will adjust the credit loss expectations for the loan pools, as necessary.pools. These adjustments are based, in part, on actual loss severities recognized for each loan type, as well as changes in the probability of default. For periods in which Valley does notwe don't reforecast estimated cash flows, the prior reporting period’s estimated cash flows are adjusted to reflect the actual cash received and credit events which transpired during the current reporting period.

The following tables summarize the changes in the carrying amounts of PCI loans (net of the allowance for loan losses, if applicable), and the accretable yield on these loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.
 Three Months Ended September 30,
 2016 2015
 
Carrying
Amount, Net
 
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying
Amount, Net
 
Accretable
Yield
 (in thousands)
PCI loans:       
Balance, beginning of the period$1,975,401
 $355,601
 $1,571,271
 $282,101
Accretion26,730
 (26,730) 24,814
 (24,814)
Payments received(145,016) 
 (116,493) 
Transfers to other real estate owned
 
 (2,004) 
Balance, end of the period$1,857,115
 $328,871
 $1,477,588
 $257,287
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2016 2015
 
Carrying
Amount, Net
 
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying
Amount, Net
 
Accretable
Yield
 (in thousands)
PCI loans:       
Balance, beginning of the period$2,240,471
 $415,179
 $1,721,601
 $336,208
Accretion83,114
 (83,114) 78,921
 (78,921)
Payments received(462,100) 
 (319,267)  
Transfers to other real estate owned(1,176) 
 (3,084) 
 Other, net(3,194) (3,194) (583) 
Balance, end of the period$1,857,115
 $328,871
 $1,477,588
 $257,287
PCI loans in the table above at September 30, 2015 are presented net of the allocation of the allowance for loan losses totaling $200 thousand. This allowance allocation was established due to a decrease in the expected cash flows for certain pools of covered loans based on higher levels of credit impairment than originally forecasted by us at the acquisition dates. There was no allowance allocation for PCI loan losses at September 30, 2016.
Although we recognized additional credit impairment for certain covered pools prior to 2012, and excluding PCI loans recently acquired from CNL in December of 2015, on an aggregate basis the acquired pools of loans are performing better than originally expected at the acquisition dates. Based on our current estimates, we expect to receive more future cash flows than originally modeled at the acquisition dates. For the pools with better than

74




expected cash flows, the forecasted increase is recorded as a prospective adjustment to our interest income on these loan pools over future periods. The decrease in the FDIC loss-share receivable due to the increase in expected cash flows for covered loan pools, if applicable, is recognized on a prospective basis over the shorter period of the lives of the loan pools and the loss-share agreements accordingly with a corresponding reduction in non-interest income for the period. See section below for further details regarding the FDIC loss-share receivable. Conversely, an increase or decrease in expected future cash flows of covered loans since the acquisition dates will increase or decrease (if applicable) the clawback liability (the amount the FDIC requires us to pay back if certain thresholds are met) accordingly. 




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The following tables summarize the changes in the carrying amounts of PCI loans (net of the allowance for loan losses, if applicable), and the accretable yield on these loans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016.
 Three Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Accretable
Yield
 (in thousands)
PCI loans:       
Balance, beginning of the period$1,654,701
 $269,831
 $2,115,421
 $387,120
Accretion23,553
 (23,553) 28,325
 (28,325)
Payments received(136,785) 
 (167,439) 
Transfers to other real estate owned
 
 (906) 
 Other, net
 
 
 (3,194)
Balance, end of the period$1,541,469
 $246,278
 $1,975,401
 $355,601

 Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Accretable
Yield
 (in thousands)
PCI loans:       
Balance, beginning of the period$1,771,502
 $294,514
 2,240,471
 415,179
Accretion48,236
 (48,236) 56,384
 (56,384)
Payments received(274,735) 
 (317,084) 
Transfers to other real estate owned(3,534) 
 (1,176) 
 Other, net
 
 (3,194) (3,194)
Balance, end of the period$1,541,469
 $246,278
 $1,975,401
 $355,601


FDIC Loss-Share Receivable Related to Covered Loans and Foreclosed Assets

The receivable arising from the loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC is measured separately from the covered loan portfolio because the agreements are not contractually part of the covered loans and are not transferable should the Bank choose to dispose of the covered loans. The FDIC loss share receivable (which is included in other assets on Valley's consolidated statements of financial condition) totaled $7.7$7.1 million and $8.3$7.2 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively. The aggregate effect of changes in the FDIC loss-share receivable was a net reduction in non-interest income of $313 thousand and $55 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $872 thousand and $3.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The larger net reduction during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was mainly caused by the prospective recognition of the effect of additional cash flows from certain loan pools which were covered by commercial loan loss-sharing agreements that expired in March 2015.
Non-performing Assets
Non-performing assets (excluding PCI loans) include non-accrual loans, other real estate owned (OREO), other repossessed assets (consisting(which mainly consist of automobiles) and non-accrual debt securities at SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017. Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when they become past due in excess of 90 days as to payment of principal or interest. Exceptions to the non-accrual policy may be permitted if the loan is sufficiently collateralized and in the process of collection. OREO is acquired through foreclosure on loans secured by land or real estate. OREO and other repossessed assets are reported at the lower of cost or fair value, less cost to sell at the time of acquisition and at the lower of fair value, less estimated costs to sell, or cost thereafter. The level ofOur non-performing assets has decreased 33.3 percent over the last 12 month period to $51.0totaling $54.6 million at SeptemberJune 30, 2017 increased 5.9 percent from March 31, 2017 primarily due to a moderate increase in non-accrual loans, but decreased 11.0 percent as compared to June 30, 2016 mostly due to strong collections within non-accrual loan category over(as shown in the last six months and a steady decline in OREO balances since September 30, 2015. As a result, non-performingtable below). Non-performing assets as a percentage of total loans and non-performing assets declined tototaled 0.31 percent at September 30, 2016 as compared to 0.37and 0.29 percent at June 30, 2016 (as shown in2017 and March 31, 2017, respectively. Overall, we believe total non-performing assets has remained relatively low as a percentage of the table below). total loan portfolio and non-performing assets over the last 12 month period and is reflective of our consistent approach to the loan underwriting criteria for both Valley originated loans and loans purchased from third parties.

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Past due loans and non-accrual loans in the table below exclude PCI loans. Under U.S. GAAP, the PCI loans (acquired at a discount that is due, in part, to credit quality) are accounted for on a pool basis and are not subject to delinquency classification in the same manner as loans originated by Valley. For details regarding performing and non-performing PCI loans, see the "Credit quality indicators" section in Note 87 to the consolidated financial statements.



75




The following table sets forth by loan category accruing past due and non-performing assets on the dates indicated in conjunction with our asset quality ratios: 
September 30, 2016 June 30,
2016
 March 31,
2016
 December 31,
2015
 September 30, 2015June 30, 2017 March 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 September 30,
2016
 June 30, 2016
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Accruing past due loans: (1)
  
30 to 59 days past due:                  
Commercial and industrial$4,306
 $5,187
 $8,395
 $3,920
 $2,081
$2,391
 $29,734
 $6,705
 $4,306
 $5,187
Commercial real estate9,385
 5,076
 1,389
 2,684
 2,950
6,983
 11,637
 5,894
 9,385
 5,076
Construction
 
 1,326
 1,876
 4,707

 7,760
 6,077
 
 
Residential mortgage9,982
 10,177
 14,628
 6,681
 5,617
4,677
 7,533
 12,005
 9,982
 10,177
Consumer3,146
 2,535
 3,200
 3,348
 3,491
Total Consumer4,393
 3,740
 4,197
 3,146
 2,535
Total 30 to 59 days past due26,819
 22,975
 28,938
 18,509
 18,846
18,444
 60,404
 34,878
 26,819
 22,975
60 to 89 days past due:                  
Commercial and industrial788
 5,714
 613
 524
 1,996
2,686
 341
 5,010
 788
 5,714
Commercial real estate4,291
 834
 120
 

 1,415
8,233
 359
 8,642
 4,291
 834
Construction
 
 
 2,799
 
854
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage2,733
 2,326
 3,056
 1,626
 1,977
1,721
 4,177
 3,564
 2,733
 2,326
Consumer1,234
 644
 731
 626
 722
Total Consumer1,007
 787
 1,147
 1,234
 644
Total 60 to 89 days past due9,046
 9,518
 4,520
 5,575
 6,110
14,501
 5,664
 18,363
 9,046
 9,518
90 or more days past due:                  
Commercial and industrial145
 218
 221
 213
 224

 405
 142
 145
 218
Commercial real estate478
 131
 131
 131
 245
2,315
 
 474
 478
 131
Construction1,881
 
 
 
 
2,879
 
 1,106
 1,881
 
Residential mortgage590
 314
 2,613
 1,504
 3,468
3,353
 1,355
 1,541
 590
 314
Consumer226
 139
 66
 208
 166
Total Consumer275
 314
 209
 226
 139
Total 90 or more days past due3,320
 802
 3,031
 2,056
 4,103
8,822
 2,074
 3,472
 3,320
 802
Total accruing past due loans$39,185
 $33,295
 $36,489
 $26,140
 $29,059
$41,767
 $68,142
 $56,713
 $39,185
 $33,295
Non-accrual loans: (1)
                  
Commercial and industrial$7,875
 $6,573
 $11,484
 $10,913
 $12,845
$11,072
 $8,676
 $8,465
 $7,875
 $6,573
Commercial real estate14,452
 19,432
 26,604
 24,888
 22,129
15,514
 15,106
 15,079
 14,452
 19,432
Construction1,136
 5,878
 5,978
 6,163
 5,959
1,334
 1,461
 715
 1,136
 5,878
Residential mortgage14,013
 14,866
 16,747
 17,930
 16,657
12,825
 11,650
 12,075
 14,013
 14,866
Consumer965
 1,130
 1,807
 2,206
 1,634
Total Consumer1,409
 1,395
 1,174
 965
 1,130
Total non-accrual loans38,441
 47,879
 62,620
 62,100
 59,224
42,154
 38,288
 37,508
 38,441
 47,879
Other real estate owned (OREO) (2)
10,257
 10,903
 12,368
 13,563
 14,691
10,182
 10,737
 9,612
 10,257
 10,903
Other repossessed assets307
 369
 495
 437
 369
342
 475
 384
 307
 369
Non-accrual debt securities (3)
2,025
 2,118
 2,102
 2,142
 2,182
1,878
 2,007
 1,935
 2,025
 2,118
Total non-performing assets (NPAs)$51,030
 $61,269
 $77,585
 $78,242
 $76,466
$54,556
 $51,507
 $49,439
 $51,030
 $61,269
Performing troubled debt restructured loans$81,093
 $82,140
 $80,506
 $77,627
 $91,210
$109,802
 $80,360
 $85,166
 $81,093
 $82,140
Total non-accrual loans as a % of loans0.23% 0.29% 0.39% 0.39% 0.39%0.24% 0.22% 0.22% 0.23% 0.29%
Total NPAs as a % of loans and NPAs0.31
 0.37
 0.48
 0.49
 0.51
0.31
 0.29
 0.29
 0.31
 0.37
Total accruing past due and non-accrual loans as a % of loans0.47
 0.49
 0.61
 0.55
 0.59
0.47
 0.61
 0.55
 0.47
 0.49
Allowance for loan losses as a % of non-accrual loans287.97
 225.75
 168.34
 170.98
 176.53
276.24
 301.51
 305.05
 287.97
 225.75


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(1)Past due loans and non-accrual loans exclude PCI loans that are accounted for on a pool basis.
(2)This table excludes covered OREO properties related to FDIC-assisted transactions totaling $558 thousand, $1.0 million, and $1.2 million $2.4 million, $5.0 million, and $5.4 million at December 31, 2016, September 30, 2016, and June 30, 2016, respectively. There were no covered OREO properties at June 30, 2017 and March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, and September 30, 2015, respectively.2017.
(3)Includes other-than-temporarily impaired trust preferred securities classified as available for sale, which are presented at carrying value, net of net unrealized losses totaling $875 thousand, $745 thousand, $817 thousand, $728 thousand, $634 thousand $651 thousand, $610 thousand, $570 thousand, $630 thousand at June 30, 2017, March 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016, March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, September 30, 2015, respectively.

Loans past due 30 to 59 days increased $3.8decreased $42.0 million to $26.8$18.4 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 as compared to March 31, 2017. Within the past due category, commercial and industrial loans decreased $27.3 million mainly due to $19.2 million loans collateralized by New York City (NYC) taxi cab medallions reported in this delinquency category at March 31, 2017 which were current to their contractual payments at June 30, 2016 largely due to a $4.3 million increase2017, as well as normal fluctuations in commercial real estate loans.this early stage delinquency category. Commercial real estate loans increased mainlypast due 30 to 59 days decreased by $4.7 million largely due to two new loan relationships totaling $7.4 million (including a $2.3 million potential problem loan), partially offset by the migration of a $3.8one internally classified relationship totaling $5.9 million potential problem loan into theincluded from this delinquency category at March 31, 2017 to loans past due 60 to 89 days category at SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017. There were no construction loans past due 30 to 59 days at June 30, 2017 as compared to $7.8 million at March 31, 2017 due to a few previously past due loans that were current to their contractual payments at June 30, 2017.

Loans past due 60 to 89 days decreased $472 thousand to $9.0 million at September 30, 2016 as compared to June 30, 2016. Within the category, commercial and industrial loans decreased $4.9increased $8.8 million to $788 thousand at September 30, 2016 from $5.7$14.5 million at June 30, 2016. The decrease was2017 as compared to March 31, 2017 largely due to a $7.9 million increase in past due commercial real estate loans caused, in part, by the aforementioned migration of one internally classified relationship totaling $5.9 million reported within the 30 to 59 days past due delinquency category at March 31, 2017. Commercial and industrial loans also increased $2.3 million to $2.7 million at June 30, 2017 as compared to March 31, 2017 mostly due to one loan relationshipthree loans collateralized by ChicagoNYC taxi cab medallions totaling $5.2 million that was partially charged off by $3.7 million during the third quarter, and the adjusted aggregate carrying value of $1.5 million reclassified to non-accrual loans at September 30, 2016 (See further discussion below). The commercial real estate loan category increased $3.5$2.4 million. Partially offsetting these increases, residential mortgage delinquencies declined $2.5 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 as compared to June 30, 2016 mostly due to the aforementioned potential problem loan totaling $3.8 million that mitigated from loans past due 30 to 59 days reported at June 30, 2016.March 31, 2017.

Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing increased $2.5$6.7 million to $3.3$8.8 million at September 30, 2016 compared to $802 thousand at June 30, 2016. The increase in this delinquency category was mostly2017 as compared to $2.1 million at March 31, 2017 largely due to $1.9 million and $347 thousand ofperforming matured performing construction and commercial real estate loans respectively. These loans were in the normal process of renewal at September 30, 2016.totaling $5.2 million. All of the loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing are considered to be well secured and in the process of collection.

Non-accrual loans decreased $9.4increased $3.9 million to $38.4 million at September 30, 2016 as compared to $47.9$42.2 million at June 30, 20162017 as compared to $38.3 million at March 31, 2017 largely due to several full repayments oftwo impaired commercial real estate and construction loans and one commercial real estate loan totaling $3.4 million transferred to OREO duringChicago taxi medallion relationships (within the third quarter of 2016. As previously noted above, our non-accrual commercial and industrial loans included $1.5category) with a combined total of $5.6 million of loans collateralized by Chicago taxi medallionsthat were placed on non-accrual at SeptemberJune 30, 2016. This impaired loan relationship is the only past due relationship in2017.

At June 30, 2017, our entire taxi medallion loan portfolio totaling $152.0totaled $140.5 million, (including $19.2consisting of $130.4 million and $10.1 million of contractual outstanding balances within our PCI loan portfolio). Of the $152.0 million taxi medallion loan portfolio, $141.0 million and $11.0 million represent New York CityNYC and Chicago taxi medallion loans, respectively. At June 30, 2017, the medallion portfolio included impaired loans of $37.4 million with related reserves of $3.7 million within the allowance for loan losses as compared to impaired loans of $6.3 million with related reserves of $2.6 million at March 31, 2017. At June 30, 2017, the impaired medallion loans largely consisted of performing troubled debt restructured (TDR) loans and the aforementioned non-accrual Chicago taxi cab medallion loans totaling $5.6 million. Loans past due 30 to 59 days and loans past due 60 to 89 days include $809 thousand and $2.4 million of NYC taxi medallions at June 30, 2017, respectively, which are all outstanding to one borrower. We are currently renegotiating the terms of these past due loans. Valley's historical taxi medallion lending criteria has been conservative in regards to capping the loan amounts in relation to market valuations, as well as obtaining personal guarantees and other collateral whenever possible. We willHowever, we continue to closely monitor this portfolio's performance and the potential impact of the changes in market valuationsvaluation for taxi medallions due to relatively new competing services.car service providers and other factors.

OREO properties decreased $646$555 thousand to $10.3 million at September 30, 2016 from $10.9$10.2 million at June 30, 2016. During the quarter ended September 30, 2016, we sold the aforementioned $3.42017 from $10.7 million commercial real estate loan transferred to OREO from non-accrual loans for an immaterial gain. Our residential mortgage loan foreclosure activity remains low due to the nominal amount of individual loan delinquencies within the residential mortgage and home equity portfolios and the average time to complete a foreclosure in the State of New Jersey, which currently exceeds two and a half years.at March 31, 2017. The residential mortgage and consumer loans secured by residential real estate properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings are in-processin process totaled $7.7$6.2 million at SeptemberJune 30, 2016. We believe this lengthy legal process negatively impacts the level of our non-accrual loans and NPAs, and the ability to compare our NPA levels to similar banks located outside of our primary markets as of September 30, 2016.2017.


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Troubled debt restructured loans (TDRs) represent loan modifications for customers experiencing financial difficulties where a concession has been granted. Performing TDRs (i.e., TDRs not reported as loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing or as non-accrual loans) totaled $81.1increased $29.4 million to $109.8 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 as compared to $80.4 million at March 31, 2017 mainly due to taxi medallion loans totaling $33.4 million that were restructured and classified as TDR during the second quarter of 2017. Performing TDRs consisted of 95124 loans (primarily in the commercial and industrial loan and commercial real estate portfolios). On an aggregate basis, the $81.1$109.8 million in performing TDRs at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 had a modified weighted average interest rate of approximately 4.744.53 percent as compared to a pre-modification weighted average interest rate of 4.994.30 percent. The increase in the modified weighted average interest rate of the performing TDRs as compared to the pre-modification weighted average interest rate was largely due to several loans restructured at higher current market interest rates, but with extended loan terms.

Despite the increase in taxi medallion loans classified as TDR and non-accrual loans during the second quarter of 2017, we believe our overall credit quality metrics continued to reflect our solid underwriting standards at June 30, 2017. However, we can provide no assurances as to the future level of our loan delinquencies.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The allowance for credit losses includes the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded commercial letters of credit. Management maintains the allowance for credit losses at a level estimated to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio and unfunded letter of credit commitments at the balance sheet dates, based on ongoing evaluations of the loan portfolio. Our methodology for evaluating the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses includes:
segmentation of the loan portfolio based on the major loan categories, which consist of commercial, commercial real estate (including construction), residential mortgage, and other consumer loans (including automobile and home equity loans);
tracking the historical levels of classified loans and delinquencies;
assessing the nature and trend of loan charge-offs;
providing specific reserves on impaired loans; and
evaluating the PCI loan pools for additional credit impairment subsequent to the acquisition dates.
Additionally, the qualitative factors, such as the volume of non-performing loans, concentration risks by size, type, and geography, new markets, collateral adequacy, credit policies and procedures, staffing, underwriting consistency, loan review and economic conditions are taken into consideration when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit loss methodology and accounting policy are fully described in Part II, Item 7 and Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.2016.

While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate adequacy of the allowance for credit losses is dependent upon a variety of factors largely beyond our control, including the view of the OCC toward loan classifications, performance of the loan portfolio, and the economy. The OCC may require, based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination, that certain loan balances be charged off or require that adjustments be made to the allowance for loan losses when their credit evaluations differ from those of managementmanagement.

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The table below summarizes the relationship among loans, loans charged-off, loan recoveries, the provision for credit losses and the allowance for credit losses for the periods indicated.
Three Months Ended Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended
September 30,
2016
 June 30,
2016
 September 30,
2015
 September 30,
2016
 September 30,
2015
June 30,
2017
 March 31,
2017
 June 30,
2016
 June 30,
2017
 June 30,
2016
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Average loans outstanding$16,570,723
 $16,252,915
 $14,709,618
 $16,273,482
 $14,144,921
$17,701,676
 $17,313,100
 $16,252,915
 $17,508,461
 $16,123,229
Beginning balance - Allowance for credit losses$110,414
 $107,675
 $104,887
 $108,367
 $104,287
117,696
 116,604
 107,675
 116,604
 108,367
Loans charged-off:                  
Commercial and industrial(3,763) (493) (1,124) (5,507) (5,103)(2,910) (1,714) (493) (4,624) (1,744)
Commercial real estate
 (414) 
 (519) (1,864)(139) (414) (414) (553) (519)
Construction
 
 (40) 
 (916)
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage(518) (151) (111) (750) (499)(229) (130) (151) (359) (232)
Consumer(782) (697) (734) (2,553) (2,642)
Total Consumer(1,011) (1,121) (697) (2,132) (1,771)
Total charge-offs(5,063) (1,755) (2,009) (9,329) (11,024)(4,289) (3,379) (1,755) (7,668) (4,266)
Charged-off loans recovered:                  
Commercial and industrial902
 990
 2,550
 2,418
 5,587
312
 848
 990
 1,160
 1,516
Commercial real estate34
 1,458
 535
 1,581
 773
346
 142
 1,458
 488
 1,547
Construction10
 
 1
 10
 913
294
 
 
 294
 
Residential mortgage495
 94
 151
 604
 395
235
 448
 94
 683
 109
Consumer282
 523
 488
 1,194
 1,172
Total Consumer395
 563
 523
 958
 912
Total recoveries1,723
 3,065
 3,725
 5,807
 8,840
1,582
 2,001
 3,065
 3,583
 4,084
Net (charge-offs) recoveries(3,340) 1,310
 1,716
 (3,522) (2,184)(2,707) (1,378) 1,310
 (4,085) (182)
Provision charged for credit losses5,840
 1,429
 94
 8,069
 4,594
3,632
 2,470
 1,429
 6,102
 2,229
Ending balance - Allowance for credit losses$112,914
 $110,414
 $106,697
 $112,914
 $106,697
$118,621
 $117,696
 $110,414
 $118,621
 $110,414
Components of allowance for credit losses:                  
Allowance for loan losses$110,697
 $108,088
 $104,551
 $110,697
 $104,551
$116,446
 $115,443
 $108,088
 $116,446
 $108,088
Allowance for unfunded letters of credit2,217
 2,326
 2,146
 2,217
 2,146
2,175
 2,253
 2,326
 2,175
 2,326
Allowance for credit losses$112,914
 $110,414
 $106,697
 $112,914
 $106,697
$118,621
 $117,696
 $110,414
 $118,621
 $110,414
Components of provision for credit losses:                  
Provision for loan losses$5,949
 $1,363
 $
 $8,041
 $4,382
Provision for losses on loans$3,710
 $2,402
 $1,363
 $6,112
 $2,092
Provision for unfunded letters of credit(109) 66
 94
 28
 212
(78) 68
 66
 (10) 137
Provision for credit losses$5,840
 $1,429
 $94
 $8,069
 $4,594
$3,632
 $2,470
 $1,429
 $6,102
 $2,229
         
Annualized ratio of net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans outstanding0.08% (0.03)% (0.05)% 0.03% 0.02%0.06% 0.03% (0.03)% 0.05% 0.00%
Allowance for credit losses as a % of non-PCI loans0.76
 0.76
 0.79
 0.76
 0.79
0.73
 0.75
 0.76
 0.73
 0.76
Allowance for credit losses as a % of total loans0.68
 0.67
 0.71
 0.68
 0.71
0.67
 0.67
 0.67
 0.67
 0.67

During the thirdsecond quarter of 2016,2017, we recognized net loan charge-offs of $3.3$2.7 million as compared to $1.4 million for the first quarter of 2017, and net loan recoveries of charge-offs totaling $1.3 million and $1.7 million for the second quarter of 2016 and the third quarter of 2015, respectively.2016. The quarter over quarter increase in net loan charge-offs as compared to the first quarter of 2017 was largely due to the $3.7one charged-off impaired loan totaling $1.9 million partial charge-off related to a Chicago taxi medallion relationship within the commercial and industrial loan portfolio.portfolio during the second quarter of 2017.


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During the thirdsecond quarter of 2016,2017, we recorded a $5.8$3.6 million provision for credit losses as compared to a provision of$2.5 million and $1.4 million for the first quarter of 2017 and $94 thousand for the second quarter of 2016, and thirdrespectively. The quarter of 2015, respectively. Theover quarter increase in the provision from the linkedwas due, in part, to solid second quarter of 2016 was mostly due to longer estimated loss emergence periods for most of our commercial loan portfolios based upon our updated annual loss emergence study performed at September 30, 2016, as well as a moderategrowth and an increase in allocated reserves for internally classified loans. The loss emergence period (LEP) assumption represents the estimated average amount of time from the pointimpaired loans at which a loss is incurred to the point at which a loss is confirmed, typically by a charge-off. A longer LEP assumption will increase the level of the allowance for loan losses, and conversely, a shorter LEP will reduce the level of such reserves.June 30, 2017.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the allowance for credit losses to specific loan portfolio categories and the allocations as a percentage of each loan category:
September 30, 2016 June 30, 2016 September 30, 2015June 30, 2017 March 31, 2017 June 30, 2016
Allowance
Allocation
 
Allocation
as a % of
Loan
Category
 
Allowance
Allocation
 
Allocation
as a % of
Loan
Category
 
Allowance
Allocation
 
Allocation
as a % of
Loan
Category
Allowance
Allocation
 
Allocation
as a % of
Loan
Category
 
Allowance
Allocation
 
Allocation
as a % of
Loan
Category
 
Allowance
Allocation
 
Allocation
as a % of
Loan
Category
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)
Loan Category:                      
Commercial and Industrial loans*$52,969
 2.07% $50,351
 1.99% $49,682
 2.07%$53,792
 2.04% $53,541
 2.03% $50,351
 1.99%
Commercial real estate loans:                      
Commercial real estate35,513
 0.43% 35,869
 0.45% 29,950
 0.43%37,180
 0.40% 38,146
 0.42% 35,869
 0.45%
Construction16,947
 2.11% 16,008
 2.08% 12,328
 2.16%18,275
 2.07% 18,156
 2.17% 16,008
 2.08%
Total commercial real estate loans52,460
 0.58% 51,877
 0.59% 42,278
 0.56%55,455
 0.55% 56,302
 0.57% 51,877
 0.59%
Residential mortgage loans3,378
 0.12% 3,495
 0.11% 4,549
 0.15%4,186
 0.15% 3,592
 0.13% 3,495
 0.11%
Consumer loans:                      
Home equity796
 0.17% 968
 0.20% 1,127
 0.24%582
 0.13% 433
 0.09% 968
 0.20%
Auto and other consumer3,311
 0.20% 3,723
 0.23% 3,341
 0.21%4,606
 0.26% 3,828
 0.22% 3,723
 0.23%
Total consumer loans4,107
 0.19% 4,691
 0.22% 4,468
 0.21%5,188
 0.23% 4,261
 0.19% 4,691
 0.22%
Unallocated
 

 
 
 5,720
 
Total allowance for credit losses$112,914
 0.68% $110,414
 0.67% $106,697
 0.71%$118,621
 0.67% $117,696
 0.67% $110,414
 0.67%
 
*Includes the reserve for unfunded letters of credit.

The allowance for credit losses comprised of our allowance for loan losses and reserve for unfunded letters of credit, as a percentage of total loans was 0.68 percent at September 30, 2016 and 0.67 percent at June 30, 2016, as compared to 0.71 percent of total loans at September2017, March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2015.2016. At SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, our allowance allocations for losses as a percentage of total loans remained relatively stable in severalmost loan categories as compared to March 31, 2017, but declined 0.10 basis points for construction loans primarily due to the continued low level of recent loss experience in this portfolio. There were no construction loan charge-offs during the six months endedJune 30, 2016, but increased for commercial2017 and industrial loans due, in part, to the aforementioned increase in the loss emergence period and a higher level of net loan charge-offs and internally classified loans (including taxi medallion loans) at September 30,year ended December 31, 2016. The overall mix of these items, significant loan growth in the commercial real estate and other consumer loan categories of the portfolio, assumptions based on the current economic environment, as well as other qualitative factors impacted our estimate of the allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2016.

During the fourth quarter of 2015, Valley refined and enhanced its assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses by extending the loss look-back period on the majority of its loan portfolios from three years to four years in order to capture more of the current economic cycle as it continued throughout 2015. Valley also enhanced its qualitative factor framework to capture the risks of several factors, including, but not limited to, the impact of changes in capitalization rates on collateral values, concentrations of certain loan types, including multi-family and exculpated loans, the volume of loans purchased from and serviced by third parties, as well as the rate of growth in Valley's real estate portfolios. These enhancements are meant to increase the level of precision in the allowance for credit losses. As a result, Valley no longer has an “unallocated” segment in its allowance for credit losses, as the risks and

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uncertainties meant to be captured by the unallocated allowance have been included in the qualitative framework for the respective portfolios at September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016. As such, the unallocated allowance has in essence been reallocated to the certain portfolios based on the risks and uncertainties it was meant to capture.
Our allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total non-PCI loans (excluding PCI loans with carrying values totaling approximately $1.9$1.5 billion) was 0.73 percent at June 30, 2017, as compared to 0.75 percent and 0.76 percent at both September 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2016, as compared to 0.79 percent at September 30, 2015.respectively. PCI loans including all of the loans acquired from CNL during the fourth quarter of 2015, are accounted for on a pool basis and initially recorded net of fair valuation discounts related to credit which may be used to absorb future losses on such loans before any allowance for loan losses is recognized subsequent to acquisition. Due to the adequacy of such discounts, there were no allowance reserves related to PCI loans at SeptemberJune 30, 2017, March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2016.
Capital Adequacy

A significant measure of the strength of a financial institution is its shareholders’ equity. OurAt both June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, shareholders’ equity totaled approximately $2.3$2.4 billion and represented approximately 1010.3 percent and 10.4 percent of total assets, at both September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.respectively. During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, total shareholders’ equity increased $50.0by $46.7 million which was comprised ofprimarily due to (i) net income of $118.1$96.2 million, (ii) a $5.4 million decrease in our accumulated other comprehensive loss, (iii) a $4.5 million increase attributable to the effect of $11.4 million, (iii)our stock incentive plan, and (iv) net proceeds of $4.2$2.2 million from the re-issuance of treasury and authorized common shares issued under our dividend reinvestment plan totaling a combined 445186 thousand shares, and (iv) an increase of $5.8 million attributable to the effect of our stock incentive plan,shares. These positive changes were partially offset by (v) cash dividends declared on common and preferred stock totaling $84.1 million and $5.4 million, respectively.a combined $61.6 million. See Note 43 to the

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consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding changes in our accumulated other comprehensive loss during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017.
Valley and Valley National Bank are subject to the regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal Reserve Bank and the OCC. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require Valley and Valley National Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of common equity Tier 1 capital, total and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and Tier 1 capital to average assets, as defined in the regulations.

Effective January 1, 2015, Valley implemented the Basel III regulatory capital framework and related Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”). Basel III final rules require a new common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 4.5 percent, Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 6.0 percent, ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0 percent, and minimum leverage ratio of 4.0 percent. The new rule changes included the implementation of a new capital conservation buffer that is added to the minimum requirements for capital adequacy purposes. The capital conservation buffer is subject to a three year phase-in period that started on January 1, 2016, at 0.625 percent of risk-weighted assets and increases each subsequent year by 0.625 percent until reaching its final level of 2.5 percent when fully phased-in on January 1, 2019. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, and December 31, 2015,2016, Valley and Valley National Bank exceeded all capital adequacy requirements with the capital conservation buffer under the Basel III Capital Rules (see tables below).





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The following tables present Valley’s and Valley National Bank’s actual capital positions and ratios under Basel III risk-based capital guidelines at SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015:2016:
Actual 
Minimum Capital
Requirements with Capital Conservation Buffer
 
To Be Well Capitalized
Under Prompt Corrective
Action Provision
Actual 
Minimum Capital
Requirements with Capital Conservation Buffer
 
To Be Well Capitalized
Under Prompt Corrective
Action Provision
Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount RatioAmount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio
 ($ in thousands)
 ($ in thousands)
As of September 30, 2016           
As of June 30, 2017           
Total Risk-based Capital                      
Valley$1,950,848
 11.64% $1,445,052
 8.625% N/A
 N/A
$2,132,436
 11.99% $1,644,928
 9.250% N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank1,890,118
 11.32
 1,440,144
 8.625
 $1,669,732
 10.00%2,076,401
 11.70
 1,641,551
 9.250
 $1,774,650
 10.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital                      
Valley1,461,806
 8.73
 858,654
 5.125
 N/A
 N/A
1,631,680
 9.18
 1,022,523
 5.750
 N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank1,677,204
 10.04
 855,738
 5.125
 1,085.326
 6.50
1,857,730
 10.47
 1,020,423
 5.750
 1,153,522
 6.50
Tier 1 Risk-based Capital                      
Valley1,568,934
 9.36
 1,109,967
 6.625
 N/A
 N/A
1,744,690
 9.81
 1,289,268
 7.250
 N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank1,677,204
 10.04
 1,106,197
 6.625
 1,335,785
 8.00
1,857,730
 10.47
 1,286,621
 7.250
 1,419,720
 8.00
Tier 1 Leverage Capital                      
Valley1,568,934
 7.35
 854,230
 4.00
 N/A
 N/A
1,744,690
 7.69
 907,078
 4.00
 N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank1,677,204
 7.87
 852,343
 4.00
 1,065,429
 5.00
1,857,730
 8.21
 905,662
 4.00
 1,132,078
 5.00


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Actual 
Minimum Capital
Requirements
 
To Be Well Capitalized
Under Prompt Corrective
Action Provision
Actual 
Minimum Capital
Requirements with Capital Conservation Buffer
 
To Be Well Capitalized
Under Prompt Corrective
Action Provision
Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount RatioAmount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio
 ($ in thousands)
 ($ in thousands)
As of December 31, 2015           
As of December 31, 2016           
Total Risk-based Capital                      
Valley$1,910,304
 12.02% $1,271,171
 8.00% N/A
 N/A
$2,084,531
 12.15% $1,480,006
 8.625% N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank1,826,420
 11.53
 1,266,942
 8.00
 $1,583,677
 10.00%2,023,857
 11.82
 1,476,767
 8.625
 $1,712,193
 10.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital                      
Valley1,431,973
 9.01
 715,034
 4.50
 N/A
 N/A
1,590,825
 9.27
 879,424
 5.125
 N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank1,618,053
 10.22
 712,655
 4.50
 1,029,390
 6.50
1,807,201
 10.55
 877,499
 5.125
 1,112,926
 6.50
Tier 1 Risk-based Capital                      
Valley1,543,937
 9.72
 953,378
 6.00
 N/A
 N/A
1,698,767
 9.90
 1,136,816
 6.625
 N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank1,618,053
 10.22
 950,206
 6.00
 1,266,942
 8.00
1,807,201
 10.55
 1,134,328
 6.625
 1,369,755
 8.00
Tier 1 Leverage Capital                      
Valley1,543,937
 7.90
 781,388
 4.00
 N/A
 N/A
1,698,767
 7.74
 878,244
 4.00
 N/A
 N/A
Valley National Bank1,618,053
 8.29
 780,831
 4.00
 976,039
 5.00
1,807,201
 8.25
 876,026
 4.00
 1,095,032
 5.00

The Dodd-Frank Act requires federal banking agencies to issue regulations that require banks with total consolidated assets of more than $10.0 billion to conduct and publish company-run annual stress tests to assess the potential impact of different scenarios on the consolidated earnings and capital of each bank and certain related items over a nine-quarter forward-looking planning horizon, taking into account all relevant exposures and activities. On October 9, 2012, the FRB published final rules implementing the stress testing requirements for banks with total consolidated assets of more than $10.0 billion but less than $50.0 billion. These rules set forth the timing and type of stress test activities, as well as rules governing controls, oversight and disclosure.


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In March 2014, the FRB, OCC, and FDIC issued final supervisory guidance for these stress tests. This joint final supervisory guidance discusses supervisory expectations for stress test practices, provides examples of practices that would be consistent with those expectations, and offers additional details about stress test methodologies. It also emphasizes the importance of stress testing as an ongoing risk management practice.

On July 28, 2016, weWe submitted our latest stress testing results utilizing(utilizing data as of December 31, 2015,2016) to the FRB.FRB on July 27, 2017. The full disclosure of the stress testing results, including the results for Valley National Bank, a summary of the supervisory severely adverse scenario and additional information regarding the methodologies used to conduct the stress test mayat December 31, 2016 will be found onavailable under the Shareholder Relations section of our website (www.valleynationalbank.com) under the Dodd-Frank Act Stress Test Reports section.section when the FRB discloses the results to the public in October 2017. The previous year results (utilizing data as of December 31, 2015) can currently be found on our website.


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Tangible book value per common share is computed by dividing shareholders’ equity less preferred stock, goodwill and other intangible assets by common shares outstanding as follows: 
September 30,
2016
 December 31,
2015
June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
($ in thousands, except for share data)($ in thousands, except for share data)
Common shares outstanding254,461,906
 253,787,561
263,971,766
 263,638,830
Shareholders’ equity$2,257,073
 $2,207,091
$2,423,901
 $2,377,156
Less: Preferred stock111,590
 111,590
111,590
 111,590
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets733,627
 735,221
734,337
 736,121
Tangible shareholders’ equity$1,411,856
 $1,360,280
Tangible common shareholders’ equity$1,577,974
 $1,529,445
Tangible book value per common share$5.55
 $5.36
$5.98
 $5.80
Book value per common share$8.43
 $8.26
$8.76
 $8.59
Management believes the tangible book value per common share ratio provides information useful to management and investors in understanding our underlying operational performance, our business and performance trends and facilitates comparisons with the performance of others in the financial services industry. This non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for or superior to financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This non-GAAP financial measure may also be calculated differently from similar measures disclosed by other companies.
Typically, our primary source of capital growth is through retention of earnings. Our rate of earnings retention is derived by dividing undistributed earnings per common share by earnings (or net income available to common stockholders) per common share. Our retention ratio was 25.037.1 percent for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 as compared to zero30.2 percent for the year ended December 31, 2015. Our rate of earnings retention increased during the nine months of 2016 as compared to the full year of 2015, which was negatively impacted by $51.1 million in pre-tax debt prepayment penalties recognized during the fourth quarter of 2015, and, to a much lesser extent, merger costs from the acquisition of CNL in December 2015.2016. We expect our future retention rateratio to improve during the remainder of 2017 due to, among other factors, synergies realizedsolid loan growth and potential earnings improvement from LIFT, our earnings enhancement initiative to review our business practices with the integrationprimary goal of CNL's back office operations completed in February 2016 and the related CNL staffing reductions effective April 1, 2016, as well as our current branch efficiency and cost reduction plans discussed elsewhere in this MD&A.improving Valley's overall efficiency.
Cash dividends declared amounted to $0.33$0.22 per common share for both the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015.2016. The Board is committed to examining and weighing relevant facts and considerations, including its commitment to shareholder value, each time it makes a cash dividend decision in this economic environment. The Federal Reserve has cautioned all bank holding companies about distributing dividends which may reduce the level of capital or not allow capital to grow in light of the increased capital levels as required under the Basel III rules. Prior to the date of this filing, Valley has received no objection or adverse guidance from the FRB or the OCC regarding the current level of its quarterly common stock dividend.

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Contractual Obligations and Other Matters

For a discussion of Valley’s off-balance sheet arrangements and contractual obligations see information included in Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20152016 in the MD&A section -“Off-Balance- “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” and Notes 1211 and 1312 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk refers to potential losses arising from changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices, and commodity prices. Valley’s market risk is composed primarily of interest rate risk. See page 6765 for a discussion of interest rate sensitivity.

Item 4.Controls and Procedures
Valley’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), with the assistance of other members of Valley’s management, have evaluated the effectiveness of Valley’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly

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Report on Form 10-Q. Based on such evaluation, Valley’s CEO and CFO have concluded that Valley’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
Valley’s CEO and CFO have also concluded that there have not been any changes in Valley’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Valley’s internal control over financial reporting.
Valley’s management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, provides reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. The design of a control system reflects resource constraints and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because there are inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within Valley have been or will be detected.
These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. There can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION 
Item 1.Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of business, we may be a party to various outstanding legal proceedings and claims. There have been no material changes inSee Note 14 to the legal proceedings previously disclosed under Part I, Item 3 of Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-Kconsolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015.further details.

Item 1A.Risk Factors

ThereOther than the additional risk factor described below, there has been no material change in the risk factors previously disclosed under Part I, Item 1A of Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.2016.
The acquisition of USAmeriBancorp, Inc. may not be successful, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operation.
In July 2017, we announced our entry into a merger agreement with USAmeriBancorp, Inc. (USAB) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, USAmeriBank, headquartered in Clearwater, Florida. The acquisition of USAB is subject to several conditions, including the receipt of necessary shareholder and regulatory approvals. The satisfaction of such conditions could delay the acquisition of USAB for a significant period or prevent it from occurring. In addition, both Valley and USAB may terminate the merger agreement under certain circumstances, including but not limited to, if Valley’s share price falls below $11.00 in the preclosing measurement period. If we do not complete the acquisition of USAB or if it is significantly delayed, the expected benefits of such acquisition may not be fully realized, if at all, and we may incur significant expenses and our business and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

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

During the quarter, we did not sell any equity securities not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Purchases of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers during the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 were as follows:

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 
Period 
Total  Number of
Shares  Purchased (1)
 
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans (2)
 
Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the Plans (2)
July 1, 2016 to July 30, 2016 
 $
 
 4,112,465
August 1, 2016 to August 31, 2016 8,358
 9.38
 
 4,112,465
September 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016 666
 9.61
 
 4,112,465
Total 9,024
 $9.40
 
  
Period 
Total  Number of
Shares  Purchased (1)
 
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans (2)
 
Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the Plans (2)
April 1, 2017 to April 30, 2017 
 $
 
 4,112,465
May 1, 2017 to May 31, 2017 2,719
 11.72
 
 4,112,465
June 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017 
 
 
 4,112,465
Total 2,719
 $11.72
 
  
 
(1)Represents repurchases made in connection with the vesting of employee restricted stock awards.
(2)On January 17, 2007, Valley publicly announced its intention to repurchase up to 4.7 million outstanding common shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The repurchase plan has no stated expiration date. No repurchase plans or programs expired or terminated during the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017.


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Item 6.Exhibits
 
(2)Plan of acquisition, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation or succession:
 (2.1)
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 26, 2017, by and between Valley National Bancorp and USAmeriBancorp, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K Current Report filed on July 28, 2017.

(3)Articles of Incorporation and By-laws:
 (3.1)Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report filed on May 8, 2017.
(3.2)Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant's Form 8-K Current Report filed on August 1, 2017.
(3.3)Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.A of the Registrant's Form 10-K Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 29, 2016.
 (3.2)Certificate of Designations relating to the 6.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on June 19, 2015.
(3.3)(3.4)By-laws of the Registrant, as amended and restated, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant'sRegistrant’s Form 8-K Current Report filed on October 28,December 7, 2016.
(10)Material Contracts
Contracts:
 (10.1)Amendment to the Employment Agreement between Valley, Valley National Bank and for Rudy Schupp, dated September 23, 2016.+*
(10.2)Severance LetterUnderwriting Agreement, dated July 27, 2017, by and between the Company and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., as representative of September 21, 2016, between Valley National Bank, Valley National Bancorp and Ira Robbins,the underwriters named therein, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of1.1 to the Registrant'sRegistrant’s Form 8-K Current Report filed on September 27, 2016.+August 1, 2017.
 (10.3)(10.2)Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement amongdated June 28, 2017 between Valley, Valley National Bank Valley National Bancorp and Ira Robbins, dated as of September 21, 2016, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on September 27, 2016.Dianne M. Grenz.+*
 (10.4)(10.3)Severance Letter Agreement dated as of September 21, 2016,June 28, 2017 between Valley, Valley National Bank Valley National Bancorp and Thomas A. Iadanza, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on September 27, 2016.Dianne M. Grenz.+
(10.5)Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement among Valley National Bank, Valley National Bancorp and Thomas A. Iadanza, dated as of September 21, 2016, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on September 27, 2016.+
*
(31.1)Certification pursuant to Securities Exchange Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) signed by Gerald H. Lipkin, Chairman of the Board President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.*
(31.2)Certification pursuant to Securities Exchange Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) signed by Alan D. Eskow, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company.*
(32)Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by Gerald H. Lipkin, Chairman of the Board President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Alan D. Eskow, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company.*
(101)Interactive Data File *
 
*Filed herewith.
+Management contract and compensatory plan or agreement.


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
     
    VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
    (Registrant)
   
Date:   /s/ Gerald H. Lipkin
November 8, 2016August 7, 2017   Gerald H. Lipkin
    Chairman of the Board President
    and Chief Executive Officer
   
Date:   /s/ Alan D. Eskow
November 8, 2016August 7, 2017   Alan D. Eskow
    Senior Executive Vice President and
    Chief Financial Officer

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