10-Q 1 d10q.htm FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDING JUNE 30, 2006 Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ending June 30, 2006
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2006

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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one):

Large Accelerated Filer  þ                Accelerated Filer  ¨                Non-accelerated Filer  ¨

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 116,922,601 shares were outstanding as of August 7, 2006.

 



Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page Number

PART I

  

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  
  

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

   3
  

Consolidated Statements of Income Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 and 2005

   4
  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 and 2005

   5
  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – June 30, 2006

   6

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   14

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   36

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   36

PART II

  

OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

   37

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

   37

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   38

Item 4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   38

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

   39

SIGNATURES

   40

 

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PART 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except for share data)

 

      June 30,
2006
    December 31,
2005
 

Assets

    

Cash and due from banks

   $ 221,364     $ 246,119  

Interest bearing deposits with banks

     12,301       13,926  

Federal funds sold

     10,000       —    

Investment securities:

    

Held to maturity, fair value of $1,182,556 at June 30, 2006 and $1,218,081 at December 31, 2005

     1,215,678       1,229,190  

Available for sale

     1,886,641       2,038,894  

Trading securities

     1,922       4,208  
                

Total investment securities

     3,104,241       3,272,292  
                

Loans held for sale

     —         3,497  

Loans

     8,335,692       8,130,457  

Less: Allowance for loan losses

     (75,696 )     (75,188 )
                

Net loans

     8,259,996       8,055,269  
                

Premises and equipment, net

     195,185       182,739  

Bank owned life insurance

     186,831       182,789  

Accrued interest receivable

     56,448       57,280  

Due from customers on acceptances outstanding

     12,241       11,314  

Goodwill

     180,718       179,898  

Other intangible assets, net

     34,040       37,456  

Other assets

     156,450       193,523  
                

Total Assets

   $ 12,429,815     $ 12,436,102  
                

Liabilities

    

Deposits:

    

Non-interest bearing

   $ 2,001,717     $ 2,048,218  

Interest bearing:

    

Savings, Now and money market

     3,808,398       4,026,249  

Time

     2,761,152       2,495,534  
                

Total deposits

     8,571,267       8,570,001  
                

Short-term borrowings

     343,898       582,575  

Long-term borrowings

     2,475,377       2,245,570  

Bank acceptances outstanding

     12,241       11,314  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     82,521       94,732  
                

Total Liabilities

     11,485,304       11,504,192  
                

Shareholders’ Equity*

    

Preferred stock, no par value, authorized 30,000,000 shares; none issued

     —         —    

Common stock, no par value, authorized 173,139,309 shares; issued 116,943,418 shares at June 30, 2006 and 116,985,373 shares at December 31, 2005

     41,250       39,302  

Surplus

     882,589       741,456  

Retained earnings

     66,650       177,332  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (45,060 )     (24,036 )

Less: Treasury stock, at cost, 39,296 common shares at June 30, 2006 and 92,320 shares at December 31, 2005

     (918 )     (2,144 )
                

Total Shareholders’ Equity

     944,511       931,910  
                

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 12,429,815     $ 12,436,102  
                

* Share data reflects a five percent common stock dividend issued on May 22, 2006.

See accompanying notes to consolidated statements.

 

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VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except for share data)

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

      2006    2005    2006    2005

Interest Income

           

Interest and fees on loans

   $ 133,672    $ 111,183    $ 261,100    $ 212,377

Interest and dividends on investments securities:

           

Taxable

     35,745      36,007      71,990      70,200

Tax-exempt

     2,974      3,155      6,047      6,136

Dividends

     1,362      1,432      2,791      2,121

Interest on federal funds sold and other short-term investments

     573      291      795      397
                           

Total interest income

     174,326      152,068      342,723      291,231
                           

Interest Expense

           

Interest on deposits:

           

Savings, NOW, and money market

     18,865      12,073      35,888      20,707

Time

     26,095      15,739      47,816      28,658

Interest on short-term borrowings

     4,142      3,769      9,553      7,119

Interest on long-term borrowings

     26,887      20,647      52,588      40,314
                           

Total interest expense

     75,989      52,228      145,845      96,798
                           

Net Interest Income

     98,337      99,840      196,878      194,433

Provision for loan losses

     3,117      925      4,411      1,677
                           

Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses

     95,220      98,915      192,467      192,756
                           

Non-Interest Income

           

Trust and investment services

     1,931      1,619      3,613      3,196

Insurance premiums

     2,779      2,773      5,418      6,063

Service charges on deposits accounts

     5,938      5,921      11,528      10,864

Gains on securities transactions, net

     553      585      1,507      2,318

Gains on trading securities, net

     302      471      678      907

Fees from loan servicing

     1,489      1,788      3,076      3,562

Gains on sales of loans, net

     529      559      1,194      1,067

Bank owned life insurance

     2,039      1,753      4,042      3,312

Other

     3,827      3,863      7,700      7,401
                           

Total non-interest income

     19,387      19,332      38,756      38,690
                           

Non-Interest Expense

           

Salary expense

     27,053      27,004      53,569      51,446

Employee benefit expense

     6,713      7,121      13,885      13,778

Net occupancy and equipment expense

     11,139      10,064      22,724      19,899

Amortization of other intangible assets

     2,183      2,340      4,371      4,076

Professional and legal fees

     2,065      1,885      3,998      3,847

Advertising

     2,450      2,459      4,249      4,433

Other

     10,307      9,604      19,876      18,644
                           

Total non-interest expense

     61,910      60,477      122,672      116,123
                           

Income Before Income Taxes

     52,697      57,770      108,551      115,323

Income Tax Expense

     11,911      18,779      26,854      38,064
                           

Net Income

   $ 40,786    $ 38,991    $ 81,697    $ 77,259
                           

Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:*

           

Basic

     116,883,643      114,805,491      116,868,333      111,937,007

Diluted

     117,408,282      115,240,814      117,328,091      112,410,101

Earnings Per Common Share:*

           

Basic

   $ 0.35    $ 0.34    $ 0.70    $ 0.69

Diluted

     0.35      0.34      0.70      0.69

Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share*

     0.22      0.21      0.43      0.41

 

* Share data reflects a five percent common stock dividend issued on May 22, 2006.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

    

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
      2006     2005  

Cash Flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 81,697     $ 77,259  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     7,969       7,136  

Amortization of compensation costs pursuant to long-term stock incentive plans

     2,592       1,925  

Provision for loan losses

     4,411       1,677  

Net amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on securities

     2,140       2,087  

Amortization of other intangible assets

     4,371       4,076  

Gains on securities transactions, net

     (1,507 )     (2,318 )

Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale

     25,448       12,682  

Gains on sales of loans held for sale, net

     (1,194 )     (1,067 )

Origination of loans held for sale

     (21,344 )     (15,619 )

Purchases of trading securities

     (99,284 )     (127,341 )

Proceeds from sales of trading securities

     101,570       127,506  

Net increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance

     (4,042 )     (3,312 )

Net decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable and other assets

     46,887       (19,226 )

Net decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities

     (9,088 )     (47,732 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     140,626       17,733  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale

     3,119       61,226  

Proceeds from maturities, redemptions and prepayments of investment securities available for sale

     162,779       203,478  

Purchases of investment securities available for sale

     (49,774 )     (401,618 )

Purchases of investment securities held to maturity

     (70,427 )     (70,175 )

Proceeds from maturities, redemptions and prepayments of investment securities held to maturity

     83,184       129,066  

Net increase in loans made to customers

     (209,133 )     (210,239 )

Cash paid, net of cash and cash equivalents in acquisitions

     1,217       93,018  

Purchases of premises and equipment, net of sales

     (20,301 )     (9,435 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (99,336 )     (204,679 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Net increase in deposits

     1,266       239,550  

Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings

     (238,677 )     71,217  

Advances of long-term borrowings

     657,000       323,310  

Repayments of long-term borrowings

     (427,193 )     (258,029 )

Dividends paid to common shareholders

     (48,976 )     (44,513 )

Purchases of common shares to treasury

     (2,397 )     (3,633 )

Common stock issued, net of cancellations

     1,307       1,394  
                

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (57,670 )     329,296  
                

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (16,380 )     142,350  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     260,045       163,371  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 243,665     $ 305,721  
                

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid during the period for interest on deposits and borrowings

   $ 143,838     $ 93,335  

Cash paid during the period for federal and state income taxes

     41,072       44,308  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1.    Basis of Presentation

The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Valley National Bancorp, a New Jersey corporation (“Valley”) and its principal wholly-owned subsidiary, Valley National Bank (“VNB”), a national banking association. 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 June 30, 2006 and for all periods presented have been made. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year.

The unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and industry practice. Certain information and footnote disclosure normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and industry practice has been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Valley’s December 31, 2005 audited financial statements filed on Form 10-K. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions which affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reported periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

On May 22, 2006, Valley issued a five percent stock dividend to shareholders of record on May 8, 2006. All common share and per common share data presented in the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes below were adjusted to reflect the dividend.

 

Note 2.    Earnings Per Common Share

For Valley, the numerator of both the basic and diluted earnings per common share is net income. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in the denominator for diluted earnings per common share is increased over the denominator used for basic earnings per common share by the effect of potentially dilutive common stock equivalents utilizing the treasury stock method. For Valley, common stock equivalents are common stock options outstanding.

 

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The following table shows the calculation of both basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005:

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

     2006    2005    2006    2005

Net income (in thousands)

   $ 40,786    $ 38,991    $ 81,697    $ 77,259
                           

Basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding

     116,883,643      114,805,491      116,868,333      111,937,007

Plus: Common stock equivalents

     524,639      435,323      459,758      473,094
                           

Diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding

     117,408,282      115,240,814      117,328,091      112,410,101
                           

Earnings per share:

           

Basic

   $ 0.35    $ 0.34    $ 0.70    $ 0.69

Diluted

     0.35      0.34      0.70      0.69

Common stock equivalents for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 exclude common stock options of approximately 723 thousand and 778 thousand, and 832 thousand and 830 thousand, respectively, because the exercise prices exceeded the average market value. Inclusion of these common stock equivalents would be anti-dilutive to the diluted earnings per common share calculation.

 

Note 3.    Stock –Based Compensation

Effective January 1, 2006, Valley adopted SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”), which amends SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and supercedes APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” Valley adopted SFAS 123R using the modified prospective method, as required for companies that previously adopted the fair-value based method under SFAS No. 123. The modified prospective method requires that compensation cost be recognized beginning with the effective date 1) based on the requirements of SFAS 123R for all new stock-based awards granted after the effective date and 2) based on the requirements of SFAS 123R for the portion of stock-based awards for which the requisite service has not been rendered that are outstanding as of the effective date.

Under the 1999 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan, Valley may grant options to its employees for up to 6.3 million shares of common stock in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock awards. The total 6.3 million shares authorized for issuance under the plan include an additional 1.8 million shares approved by Valley’s shareholders on April 5, 2006. The exercise price of each option is equal to the fair market value of Valley’s stock on the date of grant. An option’s maximum term is ten years and subject to a vesting schedule. At June 30, 2006, approximately 2.5 million shares remain available for issuance under the plan.

For options granted prior to November 1, 2005, Valley estimated the fair value of each option grant on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on certain assumptions including dividend yield, stock volatility, risk free rate of return and the expected term. The fair value of each option is expensed over its vesting period. For options granted subsequent to October 31, 2005, the fair value of each option grant on the date of grant is estimated using a binomial option pricing model. The results are based on assumptions for dividend yield, stock volatility, risk free interest rates, contractual term, employee turnover and expected exercise rates. The fair value of each option is expensed over its vesting period.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, Valley recorded stock-based employee compensation expense for incentive stock options of $490 thousand and $1.1 million, and $329 thousand and $660 thousand, respectively. Of the $1.1 million recognized during the first half of 2006, $119 thousand was for the immediate expensing of all options granted in 2006 to retirement eligible employees and $178 thousand for options granted prior to Valley’s adoption of the fair value provisions of SFAS No. 123 on

 

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January 1, 2002. Valley will continue to amortize the remaining estimated cost of these grants, totaling approximately $4.7 million, over the vesting period of approximately five years. Stock-based employee compensation cost under the fair value method was measured using the following weighted-average assumptions for options granted in 2006 and 2005:

 

     1/2006
to 6/2006
    11/2005
to 12/2005
    1/2005
to 10/2005
 

Risk-free interest rate

   4.4 -4.6  %   4.4 -4.6  %   4.6 %

Dividend yield

   3.7     3.7     3.6  

Volatility

   20.0     20.0     22.6  

Expected term (in years)

   9.0     9.0     7.7  

 

Note 4.    Comprehensive Income

Valley’s comprehensive income consists of unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale and derivative financial instruments, net of tax. The following table shows each component of comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2006     2005     2006     2005  
     (in thousands)  

Net income

   $ 40,786     $ 38,991     $ 81,697     $ 77,259  
                                

Other comprehensive (losses) income, net of tax:

        

Net change in unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale (“AFS”)

     (10,038 )     12,895       (21,726 )     (2,464 )

Less reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income on AFS

     (356 )     (357 )     (976 )     (1,442 )

Net change in unrealized gains and losses on derivatives used in cash flow hedging relationships

     123       319       160       (903 )

Less reclassification adjustment for gains and losses on derivatives included in net income

     854       (21 )     1,518       (253 )
                                

Other comprehensive (losses) income

     (9,417 )     12,836       (21,024 )     (5,062 )
                                

Total comprehensive income

   $ 31,369     $ 51,827     $ 60,673     $ 72,197  
                                

 

Note 5.    Business Combinations and Dispositions

The following business combinations were accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the results of operations of the acquired companies have been included in Valley’s results of operations since the date of acquisition. Under this method of accounting, the purchase price is allocated to the respective assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values, net of applicable income tax effects. The excess cost over fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.

On April 4, 2006, Masters Coverage Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of VNB, acquired RISC, Inc., an independent insurance agency. RISC, Inc. is an all-line wholesale insurance agency offering property and casualty, life and health insurance. The purchase was a cash acquisition totaling $1.2 million with subsequent potential earn-out payments over a five year period. The transaction generated approximately $820 thousand

 

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in goodwill and $380 thousand in other intangible assets. Other intangible assets consist of customer lists and covenants not to complete with a weighted average amortization period of seven years.

Pro forma results of operations for RISC, Inc. for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 are not included as the acquisition did not have a material impact on Valley’s financial statements.

On March 31, 2005, Valley acquired Shrewsbury Bancorp (“Shrewsbury”), the holding company for Shrewsbury State Bank, a commercial bank which had approximately $425 million in assets and 12 branch offices located in 10 communities in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The purchase price of $135.9 million was paid through a combination of Valley’s common stock and cash totaling $113.4 million and $22.5 million, respectively. The transaction generated approximately $68.5 million in goodwill and $11.8 million in core deposits subject to amortization. Shrewsbury State Bank was merged into VNB as of the acquisition date.

On June 3, 2005, Valley acquired NorCrown Bank (“NorCrown”), a commercial bank which had approximately $622 million in assets and 15 branch offices located in 12 communities in Essex, Hudson and Morris Counties in New Jersey. The purchase price of $141.0 million was paid through a combination of Valley’s common stock and cash totaling $70.5 million and $70.5 million, respectively. The transaction generated approximately $91.1 million in goodwill and $6.3 million in core deposits subject to amortization. NorCrown was merged into VNB as of the acquisition date.

Pro forma results of operations for Shrewsbury and NorCrown for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 are not included as the acquisitions did not have a material impact on Valley’s financial statements.

 

Note 6.    Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 156, “Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets – An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 140.” This standard amends the guidance in SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities.” Among other requirements, SFAS No. 156 clarifies when a servicer should separately recognize servicing assets and servicing liabilities and permits an entity to choose either the “Amortization Method” or “Fair Value Measurement Method” for subsequent measurement of each class of such assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 156 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. Earlier adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year, provided the entity has not issued financial statements. Valley will adopt SFAS No. 156 as of January 1, 2007. Valley does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

On July 13, 2006, FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,” was issued. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 also prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The new FASB standard also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Earlier application is permitted as long as the entity has not yet issued financial statements, including interim financial statements, in the period of adoption. Valley will adopt FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007. Management is currently evaluating how the provisions of FIN 48 will affect Valley’s financial condition or results of operations upon adoption.

 

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Note 7.    Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Valley reports goodwill and other intangible assets within its corporate and other adjustments business segment. No impairment losses on goodwill or other intangibles were incurred in the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005.

The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the six months ended June 30, 2006 and the year ended December 31, 2005:

 

     June 30,
2006
   December 31,
2005
     (in thousands)

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 179,898    $ 18,732

Goodwill from business combinations

     820      161,166
             

Balance at end of period

   $ 180,718    $ 179,898
             

The following table summarizes other intangible assets as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005:

 

     Gross
Intangible
Assets
   Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Intangible
Assets
     (in thousands)

June 30, 2006

       

Loan servicing rights

   $ 78,557    $ (62,537 )   $ 16,020

Core deposits

     31,333      (16,611 )     14,722

Other

     6,395      (3,097 )     3,298
                     

Total other intangible assets

   $ 116,285    $ (82,245 )   $ 34,040
                     

December 31, 2005

       

Loan servicing rights

   $ 78,443    $ (60,634 )   $ 17,809

Core deposits

     31,333      (15,100 )     16,233

Other

     6,015      (2,601 )     3,414
                     

Total other intangible assets

   $ 115,791    $ (78,335 )   $ 37,456
                     

Loan servicing rights are amortized in proportion to actual principal mortgage payments received to reflect actual portfolio conditions. Core deposits are amortized using an accelerated method and have a weighted average amortization period of 11 years. Other, consisting of customer lists and covenants not to compete, are amortized over their expected life using a straight line method and have a weighted average amortization period of 10 years. Valley recognized amortization expense on other intangible assets of $4.4 million and $4.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

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The following presents the estimated future amortization expense of other intangible assets:

 

     Loan
Servicing
Rights
   Core
Deposits
   Other
     (in thousands)

2006

   $ 2,331    $ 1,412    $ 554

2007

     3,658      2,586      928

2008

     2,742      2,303      281

2009

     2,122      2,013      259

2010

     1,567      1,739      258

Thereafter

     3,600      4,669      1,018
                    

Total

   $ 16,020    $ 14,722    $ 3,298
                    

 

Note 8.    Pension Plan

Valley has a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of its employees. The determination of the benefit obligation and pension expense is based upon actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts. Those assumptions include the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the rate of increase in future compensation levels.

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic pension expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2006     2005     2006     2005  
     (in thousands)  

Service cost

   $ 1,123     $ 1,017     $ 2,201     $ 2,003  

Interest cost

     953       865       1,906       1,731  

Expected return on plan assets

     (1,208 )     (1,062 )     (2,416 )     (2,124 )

Amortization of prior service cost

     31       38       62       76  

Amortization of net loss

     100       62       200       124  
                                

Net periodic pension expense

   $ 999     $ 920     $ 1,953     $ 1,810  
                                

 

Note 9.    Guarantees

Guarantees that have been entered into by Valley include standby letters of credit of $211.6 million as of June 30, 2006. Standby letters of credit represent the guarantee by Valley of the obligations or performance of a customer in the event the customer is unable to meet or perform its obligations to a third party. Of the total standby letters of credit, 53.4 percent are secured and, in the event of non performance by the customer, Valley has rights to the underlying collateral, which includes commercial real estate, business assets (physical plant or property, inventory or receivables), marketable securities and cash in the form of bank savings accounts and certificates of deposit. Valley had a $788 thousand liability recorded as of June 30, 2006 relating to the standby letters of credit.

 

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Note 10.    Junior Subordinated Debentures Issued To Capital Trust

In November 2001, Valley established VNB Capital Trust I (“Trust”), a Delaware statutory business trust, for the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities and related trust common securities. The proceeds from such issuances were used by the Trust to purchase an equivalent amount of junior subordinated debentures issued by Valley. The junior subordinated debentures, which are the sole assets of the Trust, are unsecured obligations of Valley, and are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all present and future senior and subordinated indebtedness and certain other financial obligations of Valley. Valley wholly owns all of the common securities of the Trust.

The table below summarizes the outstanding junior subordinated debentures and the related trust preferred securities issued by the Trust as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005:

 

     VNB Capital Trust I  
     ($ in thousands)  

Junior Subordinated Debentures:

  

Principal balance

   $ 206,186  

Annual interest rate

     7.75 %

Stated maturity date

     December 15, 2031  

Call date

     November 7, 2006  

Trust Preferred Securities:

  

Face value

   $ 200,000  

Annual distribution rate

     7.75 %

Issuance date

     November 2001  

Distribution dates (1)

     Quarterly  

(1) All cash distributions are cumulative.

The trust preferred securities are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, upon repayment of the junior subordinated debentures at the stated maturity date or upon redemption on a date no earlier than November 7, 2006. Prior to the redemption date, the junior subordinated debentures may be redeemed by Valley (in which case the trust preferred securities would also be redeemed) after the occurrence of certain events that would have a negative tax effect on Valley or the Trust, would cause the trust preferred securities to no longer qualify as Tier 1 capital, or would result in the Trust being treated as an investment company. The Trust’s ability to pay amounts due on the trust preferred securities is solely dependent upon Valley making payment on the related junior subordinated debentures. Valley’s obligation under the junior subordinated debentures and other relevant trust agreements, in aggregate, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by Valley of the Trust’s obligations under the trust preferred securities issued. Valley has the right to defer payment of interest on the debentures and, therefore, distributions on the trust preferred securities, for up to five years, but not beyond the stated maturity date in the table above.

The trust preferred securities described above are included in Valley’s consolidated Tier 1 capital and total capital at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005. In March 2005, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System issued a final rule allowing bank holding companies to continue to include qualifying trust preferred capital securities in their Tier 1 capital for regulatory capital purposes, subject to a 25% limitation to all core (Tier 1) capital elements, net of goodwill less any associated deferred tax liability. The amount of trust preferred securities and certain other elements in excess of the limit could be included in total capital, subject to restrictions. The final rule provides a five-year transition period, ending March 31, 2009, for application of the aforementioned quantitative limitation. As of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, 100% of the trust preferred securities qualified as Tier I capital under the final rule adopted in March 2005.

 

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Note 11.    Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

During 2004, Valley entered into interest rate swap transactions which effectively converted $300 million of its prime-based floating rate commercial loans to a fixed rate. This interest rate swap involved the receipt of fixed-rate amounts in exchange for variable-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying principal amount. Valley has designated this interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge in accordance with SFAS No. 133. During 2005, Valley entered into a $9.7 million amortizing notional interest rate swap to hedge changes in the fair value of a fixed rate loan that it made to a commercial borrower. Valley has designated the interest rate swap as a fair value hedge according to SFAS 133. The changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap are recorded through earnings and are offset by the changes in fair value of the hedged fixed rate loan.

Derivatives designated as cash flow or fair value hedges had an aggregate fair value of $165 thousand at June 30, 2006 and $3.0 million at December 31, 2005, and were included in other liabilities. Unrealized losses of $96 thousand at June 30, 2006 and $1.8 million at December 31, 2005, for derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are included in the statement of comprehensive income, net of related income taxes of $69 thousand and $1.2 million, respectively. No hedge ineffectiveness existed on cash flow or fair value hedges during the six months ended June 30, 2006.

Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest income as interest payments are received on the applicable variable and fixed rate loans. For the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, an unrealized loss of $2.6 million and an unrealized gain of $429 thousand, respectively, were reclassified out of other comprehensive income as the hedged forecasted transactions occurred and recognized as a component of interest income. During July 2006, an unrealized loss of approximately $96 thousand, net of tax, was reclassified out of other comprehensive income and realized as a reduction to interest income on the $300 million in cash flow hedges, which expired on August 1, 2006.

 

Note 12.    Business Segments

The information under the caption “Business Segments” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

The following MD&A should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report. The MD&A contains supplemental financial information, described in the sections that follow, which has been determined by methods other than accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) that management uses in its analysis of Valley’s performance. Valley’s management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide information useful to investors in understanding the underlying operational performance of Valley, its business and performance trends and facilitates comparisons with the performance of others in the financial services industry.

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 an (*) or such forward-looking terminology as “expect,” “anticipate,” “look,” “view,” “opportunities,” “allow,” “continues,” “reflects,” “believe,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “estimates” or similar statements or variations of such terms. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Valley assumes no obligation for updating any such forward-looking statement at any time. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

 

    unanticipated changes in the direction of interest rates;

 

    competition from banks and other financial institutions;

 

    changes in loan, investment and mortgage prepayment assumptions;

 

    insufficient allowance for loan losses;

 

    a higher level of net loan charge-offs and delinquencies;

 

    changes in relationships with major customers;

 

    changes in effective income tax rates;

 

    higher or lower cash flow levels than anticipated;

 

    inability to hire and retain qualified employees;

 

    slowdown in levels of deposit growth;

 

    a decline in the economy in New Jersey and New York;

 

    a decrease in loan origination volume;

 

    a change in legal and regulatory barriers including issues related to compliance with anti-money laundering (“AML”) and bank secrecy act (“BSA”) laws;

 

    the development of new tax strategies or the disallowance of prior tax strategies; and

 

    unanticipated litigation pertaining to fiduciary responsibility.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The accounting and reporting policies followed by Valley conform, in all material respects, to GAAP. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management has made estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated statements of condition and results of operations for the periods indicated. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Valley’s accounting policies are fundamental to understanding management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations. The most significant accounting policies followed by Valley are presented in Note 1 to consolidated financial statements included in Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. Valley has identified its policies on the allowance for loan losses and income taxes to be critical because management has to make subjective and/or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain and could be most subject to revision as new information becomes available. Management has reviewed the application of these policies with the Audit Committee of Valley’s Board of Directors.

The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses is considered a critical accounting estimate because it requires significant judgment and the use of estimates related to the amount and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans based on historical loss experience, and consideration of current economic trends and conditions, all of which may be susceptible to significant change. The loan portfolio also represents the largest asset type on the statement of consolidated financial condition. Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements in Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 describes the methodology used to determine the allowance for loan losses and a discussion of the factors driving changes in the amount of the allowance for loan losses is included in this MD&A.

The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in an entity’s financial statements or tax returns. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in Valley’s consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Fluctuations in the actual outcome of these future tax consequences could impact Valley’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

In connection with determining its income tax provision under SFAS No. 109, Valley maintains a reserve related to certain tax positions and strategies that management believes contain an element of uncertainty. Periodically, Valley evaluates each of its tax positions and strategies to determine whether the reserve continues to be appropriate. Notes 1 and 14 of the notes to consolidated financial statements in Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 include additional discussion on the accounting for income taxes.

 

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Executive Summary

Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was $81.7 million compared to $77.3 million for the same period in 2005, an increase of 5.7 percent. Adjusting for a five percent stock dividend issued on May 22, 2006, fully diluted earnings per common share were $0.70 for the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared to $0.69 per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2005. All common share data presented below was adjusted to reflect the stock dividend.

Net income for the second quarter of 2006 was $40.8 million compared to $39.0 million for the second quarter of 2005, an increase of 4.6 percent. Fully diluted earnings per common share were $0.35 for the second quarter of 2006, compared to $0.34 per common share in the same quarter of 2005.

During the second quarter of 2006 net interest income declined by $204 thousand from the first quarter of 2006 as the result of a $6.1 million, or 26 basis points increase in the cost of interest bearing liabilities. However, Valley’s cost of total deposits remained relatively low by industry standards at 2.11 percent for the second quarter of 2006 compared to 1.85 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2006. The increase was only 26 basis points, while the average federal funds rate increased approximately 47 basis points from the first quarter. Additionally, the yield on average total loans continues to improve as it increased 54 basis points from the same period a year ago and a 23 basis point increase from the first quarter of 2006.

During the second quarter short-term interest rates climbed higher as the Federal Reserve raised the target fed funds rate for the 16th and 17th time since June 2004, while the yield curve remained relatively flat during the period. Valley continues to utilize various funding sources to support loan growth. During the first six months of 2006, Valley repriced and entered into nearly $800 million of short and long-term borrowings at an average interest rate of 4.42 percent with an average life of 2  1/2 years. During the second quarter of 2006, market interest rates on wholesale funds escalated, making deposits a better funding alternative. Valley’s deposit growth initiatives coupled with enhanced marketing efforts have returned solid results during the second quarter as deposits increased over 10.0 percent on an annualized basis. Additionally, new checking and saving account originations during the first six months in 2006 approached nearly 39 thousand compared to 33 thousand during the same period last year.

The provision for loan losses was $3.1 million for the second quarter of 2006 compared to $1.3 million for the first quarter of 2006. The increased provision during the quarter reflects growth in the loan portfolio, the level of net loan charge-offs and the economic environment.

Non-interest income was unchanged from the first quarter of 2006, totaling approximately $19.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006, and increased $55 thousand from $19.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005. Non-interest expense increased by $1.4 million, or 2.4 percent to $61.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 from $60.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 due to a $1.1 million increase in net occupancy and equipment expense and a $703 thousand increase in other non-interest expense. The increase in net occupancy and equipment expense is mainly attributed to the acquisition of NorCrown on June 3, 2005, which added 15 offices to Valley’s branch network. Other non-interest expense increased due to moderately higher data processing, postage, telephone, and service fees mainly caused by the branch expansion.

Income tax expense as a percentage of income before income taxes was 22.6 percent for the three months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to 26.8 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2006. The decline was mainly due to the settlement of income tax examinations during the second quarter of 2006.

 

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During the second quarter, loans increased 2.1 percent, or 8.6 percent on an annualized basis, to approximately $8.3 billion at June 30, 2006 compared to $8.2 billion at March 31, 2006. The linked quarter growth in loans is mainly comprised of increases in construction, commercial, and automobile loans of $59.2 million, $43.5 million and $39.3 million, respectively. The increase is mainly attributable to new originations augmented slightly by an increase in commercial loan line usage. Loans increased $497 million, or 6.3 percent, from $7.8 billion at June 30, 2005 mainly due to organic growth in commercial, commercial mortgage, and automobile loans.

During the quarter deposits increased $212.2 million, or 10.2 percent on an annualized basis, from $8.4 billion at March 31, 2006. The increase in deposits reflects Valley’s deposit growth initiatives introduced in the first quarter of 2006 and carried through to the second quarter. The largest increases were in time deposits and money market accounts, partially offset by a decrease in municipal deposits. For the remainder of 2006, deposit growth is expected to be dependent on the rates dictated by market competition versus the cost of alternative funding sources.* Valley intends to maintain a funding strategy dependent on VNB’s consolidated earning asset mix.*

For the quarter ended June 30, 2006, Valley achieved an annualized return on average shareholders’ equity (“ROE”) of 17.25 percent and an annualized return on average assets (“ROA”) of 1.33 percent which includes intangible assets. Valley’s annualized return on average tangible shareholders’ equity (“ROATE”) was 22.31 percent for the quarter ended June 30, 2006. The comparable ratios for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, were an annualized ROE of 18.41 percent, an annualized ROA of 1.35 percent, and an annualized ROATE of 22.51 percent.

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:

 

     Three Months Ended
June, 30
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2006     2005     2006     2005  
     ($ in thousands)  

Net income

   $ 40,786     $ 38,991     $ 81,697     $ 77,259  
                                

Average shareholders’ equity

   $ 946,018     $ 847,214     $ 943,184     $ 781,730  

Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets

     (214,874 )     (154,263 )     (215,693 )     (100,446 )
                                

Average tangible shareholders’ equity

   $ 731,144     $ 692,951     $ 727,491     $ 681,284  
                                

Annualized ROATE

     22.31 %     22.51 %     22.46 %     22.68 %
                                

Net Interest Income

Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis decreased $1.6 million, or 1.6 percent, to $100.0 million for the second quarter of 2006 over the same quarter of 2005, and increased $2.4 million, or 1.2 percent to $200.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 over the same period last year. The decrease from the second quarter of 2005 was mainly a result of an 87 basis point increase in funding costs totaling $23.8 million. The increase for the six months ended June 30, 2006 as compared to the same period last year was due to the interest bearing assets and liabilities acquired from Shrewsbury and NorCrown, organic loan growth, and higher yields on interest earning assets, partially offset by the higher cost of deposits and borrowings.

For the second quarter of 2006, average loans increased $762.8 million or 10.2 percent while average investment securities decreased $73.4 million or 2.2 percent over the same period in 2005. Compared to the first quarter of 2006, average loans grew by $92.0 million, while the average investment securities decreased $76.1 million due

 

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to normal principal paydowns and a reallocation of these funds to better position the balance sheet. Average loans increased at an accelerated pace during the second quarter of 2006 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2006 mainly due to organic and seasonal growth in commercial, construction, and automobile loans.

Average interest bearing liabilities for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 increased approximately $588.2 million, or 6.7 percent compared with the quarter ended June 30, 2005 and increased $11.4 million compared with the quarter ended March 31, 2006. Average interest bearing deposits increased $258.1 million, or 4.1 percent for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005 and increased $91.0 million, or 1.4 percent compared with the quarter ended March 31, 2006. The increase from the linked quarter was mainly due to a $154.2 million increase in average time deposits, partially offset by a $63.2 million decline in average savings, NOW and money market balances due in a large part to lower government deposits. Government deposits decreased as management shifted to lower cost funding through long-term Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances combined with an increase in average time deposits and non-interest bearing deposits from a quarter ago. Average short-term borrowings decreased $120.2 million, or 22.4 percent for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period last year, and decreased $150.5 million, or 26.6 percent compared with the quarter ended March 31, 2006 primarily due to lower customer overnight repurchase agreement and federal funds purchased balances during the second quarter of 2006. Average long-term borrowings, which includes mostly FHLB advances and securities sold under agreements to repurchase, increased $450.3 million, or 23.0 percent for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same quarter in 2005 and increased $70.9 million, or 3.0 percent compared with the quarter ended March 31, 2006. Short-term and long-term borrowings are used as funding alternatives to deposits and are evaluated based upon need, cost and term.

Interest on loans, on a tax equivalent basis, increased $6.2 million, or 4.9 percent for the second quarter of 2006 compared to the first quarter of 2006 due to increased loan volume and a 23 basis point increase in the average loan yield. Interest from investments, on a tax equivalent basis, decreased $716 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the quarter ended March 31, 2006 mainly due to lower average balances as Valley continues to position the balance sheet for the long-term and move away from low yielding fixed rate securities. During the second quarter of 2006, the Federal Reserve increased short-term interest rates two more times which increased the average federal funds rate approximately 47 basis points from the first quarter of 2006. Valley’s prime rate moved in conjunction with each interest rate increase which, combined with the loan growth, helped drive interest income higher during the quarter as compared to the linked quarter.

Interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2006 increased $6.1 million, or 8.8 percent compared with the quarter ended March 31, 2006 mainly due to an overall rise in deposit rates caused by pressures on deposit pricing from the market place and higher borrowing cost due to the rise in short and long-term interest rates. Higher volumes within the time deposit and long-term borrowings categories also contributed to the elevated cost of funds compared to a quarter ago.

 

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The following table reflects the components of net interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2006, March 31, 2006 and June 30, 2005:

Quarterly Analysis of Average Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity and

Net Interest Income on a Tax Equivalent Basis

 

     Three Months Ended  
     June 30, 2006     March 31, 2006     June 30, 2005  
     Average
Balance
    Interest     Average
Rate
    Average
Balance
    Interest     Average
Rate
    Average
Balance
    Interest     Average
Rate
 
     ($ in thousands)  

Assets

                  

Interest earning assets:

                  

Loans (1)(2)

   $ 8,243,355     $ 133,710     6.49 %   $ 8,151,381     $ 127,472     6.26 %   $ 7,480,523     $ 111,225     5.95 %

Taxable investments (3)

     2,919,614       37,107     5.08       2,990,948       37,674     5.04       2,960,641       37,439     5.06  

Tax-exempt investments (1)(3)

     292,738       4,577     6.25       297,505       4,726     6.35       325,138       4,854     5.97  

Federal funds sold and other interest bearing deposits

     45,313       573     5.06       17,624       222     5.04       34,900       291     3.34  
                                                                  

Total interest earning assets

     11,501,020     $ 175,967     6.12       11,457,458     $ 170,094     5.94       10,801,202     $ 153,809     5.70  
                                                

Allowance for loan losses

     (76,303 )         (75,534 )         (71,585 )    

Cash and due from banks

     210,429           206,442           226,964      

Other assets

     723,569           712,731           638,111      

Unrealized loss on securities available for sale

     (63,874 )         (46,219 )         (11,004 )    
                                    

Total assets

   $ 12,294,841         $ 12,254,878         $ 11,583,688      
                                    

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

                  

Interest bearing liabilities:

                  

Savings, NOW and money market deposits

   $ 3,853,598     $ 18,865     1.96 %   $ 3,916,783     $ 17,023     1.74 %   $ 3,993,938     $ 12,073     1.21 %

Time deposits

     2,683,610       26,095     3.89       2,529,421       21,721     3.43       2,285,187       15,739     2.75  
                                                                  

Total interest bearing deposits

     6,537,208       44,960     2.75       6,446,204       38,744     2.40       6,279,125       27,812     1.77  

Short-term borrowings

     415,298       4,142     3.99       565,787       5,411     3.82       535,485       3,769     2.82  

Long-term borrowings

     2,410,614       26,887     4.46       2,339,703       25,701     4.39       1,960,288       20,647     4.21  
                                                                  

Total interest bearing liabilities

     9,363,120     $ 75,989     3.25       9,351,694     $ 69,856     2.99       8,774,898     $ 52,228     2.38  
                                                

Non-interest bearing deposits

     1,966,216           1,939,995           1,921,119      

Other liabilities

     19,487           22,870           40,457      

Shareholders’ equity

     946,018           940,319           847,214      
                                    

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 12,294,841         $ 12,254,878         $ 11,583,688      
                                                                  

Net interest income/interest rate spread (4)

     $ 99,978     2.87 %     $ 100,238     2.95 %     $ 101,581     3.32 %
                                                

Tax equivalent adjustment

       (1,641 )         (1,697 )         (1,741 )  
                                    

Net interest income, as reported

     $ 98,337         $ 98,541         $ 99,840    
                                    

Net interest margin (5)

       3.42 %       3.44 %       3.70 %

Tax equivalent effect

       0.06         0.06         0.06  
                              

Net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis (5)

       3.48 %       3.50 %       3.76 %
                              

 

(1) Interest income is presented on a tax equivalent basis using a 35 percent 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) 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.

 

(5) Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest earning assets.

 

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The following table reflects the components of net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005:

Analysis of Average Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity and

Net Interest Income on a Tax Equivalent Basis

 

     Six Months Ended  
     June 30, 2006     June 30, 2005  
     Average
Balance
    Interest     Average
Rate
    Average
Balance
    Interest     Average
Rate
 
     ($ in thousands)  

Assets

            

Interest earning assets:

            

Loans (1)(2)

   $ 8,197,622     $ 261,182     6.37 %   $ 7,234,991     $ 212,459     5.87 %

Taxable investments (3)

     2,955,084       74,781     5.06       2,885,716       72,321     5.01  

Tax-exempt investments (1)(3)

     295,108       9,303     6.30       324,368       9,440     5.82  

Federal funds sold and other interest bearing deposits

     31,545       795     5.04       23,547       397     3.37  
                                            

Total interest earning assets

     11,479,359     $ 346,061     6.03       10,468,622     $ 294,617     5.63  
                                

Allowance for loan losses

     (75,921 )         (68,984 )    

Cash and due from banks

     208,447           210,865      

Other assets

     718,180           572,761      

Unrealized loss on securities available for sale

     (55,095 )         (9,934 )    
                        

Total assets

   $ 12,274,970         $ 11,173,330      
                        

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

            

Interest bearing liabilities:

            

Savings, NOW and money market deposits

   $ 3,885,016     $ 35,888     1.85 %   $ 3,827,252     $ 20,707     1.08 %

Time deposits

     2,606,941       47,816     3.67       2,189,973       28,658     2.62  
                                            

Total interest bearing deposits

     6,491,957       83,704     2.58       6,017,225       49,365     1.64  

Short-term borrowings

     490,127       9,553     3.90       562,939       7,119     2.53  

Long-term borrowings

     2,375,355       52,588     4.43       1,924,974       40,314     4.19  
                                            

Total interest bearing liabilities

     9,357,439     $ 145,845     3.12       8,505,138     $ 96,798     2.28  
                                

Non-interest bearing deposits

     1,953,178           1,839,784      

Other liabilities

     21,169           46,678      

Shareholders’ equity

     943,184           781,730      
                        

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 12,274,970         $ 11,173,330      
                                            

Net interest income/interest rate spread (4)

     $ 200,216     2.91 %     $ 197,819     3.35 %
                                

Tax equivalent adjustment

       (3,338 )         (3,386 )  
                        

Net interest income, as reported

     $ 196,878         $ 194,433    
                        

Net interest margin (5)

       3.43 %       3.71 %

Tax equivalent effect

       0.06         0.07  
                    

Net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis (5)

 

    3.49 %       3.78 %
                    

 

(1) Interest income is presented on a tax equivalent basis using a 35 percent 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) 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.

 

(5) Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest earning assets.

 

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Table of Contents

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

Change in Net Interest Income on a Tax Equivalent Basis

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30, 2006

   

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2006

 
     Compared with June 30, 2005     Compared with June 30, 2005  
     Change
Due to
Volume
    Change
Due to
Rate
    Total
Change
    Change
Due to
Volume
    Change
Due to
Rate
    Total
Change
 
     (in thousands)  

Interest Income:

            

Loans (1)

   $ 11,888     $ 10,597     $ 22,485     $ 29,734     $ 18,989     $ 48,723  

Taxable investments

     (521 )     189       (332 )     1,751       709       2,460  

Tax-exempt investments (1)

     (498 )     221       (277 )     (888 )     751       (137 )

Federal funds sold and other interest bearing deposits

     103       179       282       162       236       398  
                                                

Total increase in interest income

     10,972       11,186       22,158       30,759       20,685       51,444  
                                                

Interest Expense:

            

Savings, NOW and money market deposits

     (438 )     7,230       6,792       317       14,864       15,181  

Time deposits

     3,080       7,276       10,356       6,161       12,997       19,158  

Short-term borrowings

     (969 )     1,342       373       (1,017 )     3,451       2,434  

Long-term borrowings

     4,966       1,274       6,240       9,865       2,409       12,274  
                                                

Total increase in interest expense

     6,639       17,122       23,761       15,326       33,721       49,047  
                                                

Increase (decrease) in net interest income

   $ 4,333     $ (5,936 )   $ (1,603 )   $ 15,433     $ (13,036 )   $ 2,397  
                                                

(1) Interest income is presented on a tax equivalent basis using a 35 percent tax rate.

Non-Interest Income

The following table presents the components of non-interest income for each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
     2006    2005    2006    2005
     (in thousands)

Trust and investment services

   $ 1,931    $ 1,619    $ 3,613    $ 3,196

Insurance premiums

     2,779      2,773      5,418      6,063

Service charges on deposits accounts

     5,938      5,921      11,528      10,864

Gains on securities transactions, net

     553      585      1,507      2,318

Gains on trading securities, net

     302      471      678      907

Fees from loan servicing

     1,489      1,788      3,076      3,562

Gains on sales of loans, net

     529      559      1,194      1,067

Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”)

     2,039      1,753      4,042      3,312

Other

     3,827      3,863      7,700      7,401
                           

Total non-interest income

   $ 19,387    $ 19,332    $ 38,756    $ 38,690
                           

 

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Table of Contents

Non-interest income represents 10.0 percent and 10.2 percent of total interest income plus non-interest income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, non-interest income increased $55 thousand and $66 thousand, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2005.

Income from trust and investment services increased $312 thousand, or 19.3 percent for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005, and increased $417 thousand, or 13.0 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005. Both increases were mainly due to higher managed account fees in the second quarter of 2006.

Insurance premiums were relatively unchanged for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005, and decreased $645 thousand, or 10.6 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005. The insurance premiums decline for the six month period was due to lower title insurance revenues as a result of less mortgage refinancing activity, as seen industry-wide.

Service charges on deposit accounts were relatively unchanged for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005, and increased $664 thousand, or 6.1 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005. Service charges on deposit accounts increased during the six month period primarily due to deposit accounts acquired from the two mergers in 2005 and additional income earned from higher ATM activity.

Gains on securities transactions, net decreased $811 thousand, or 35.0 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005. The year-to-date decline in investment securities gains is mainly attributable to reduced sales activity in mortgage-backed securities during the first half of 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005.

Fees for loan servicing decreased $299 thousand, or 16.7 percent, for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005, and declined $486 thousand, or 13.6 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005. The decreases are mainly due to smaller balances of loans serviced resulting from refinance and payoff activity. Valley has not acquired additional loan servicing portfolios to offset the decline in servicing assets due to the current interest rate environment and the risks associated with prepayment and refinancing.

BOLI income increased $286 thousand, or 16.3 percent, for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005, and improved $730 thousand, or 22.0 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005. BOLI income increased primarily due to a higher yield on the underlying investment securities as well as additional income from the $5.1 million in BOLI acquired from Shrewsbury on March 31, 2005.

 

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Table of Contents

Non-Interest Expense

The following table presents the components of non-interest expense for each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
     2006    2005    2006    2005
     (in thousands)

Salary Expense

   $ 27,053    $ 27,004    $ 53,569    $ 51,446

Employee benefit expense

     6,713      7,121      13,885      13,778

Net occupancy and equipment expense

     11,139      10,064      22,724      19,899

Amortization of other intangible assets

     2,183      2,340      4,371      4,076

Professional and legal fees

     2,065      1,885      3,998      3,847

Advertising

     2,450      2,459      4,249      4,433

Other

     10,307      9,604      19,876      18,644
                           

Total non-interest expense

   $ 61,910    $ 60,477    $ 122,672    $ 116,123
                           

Non-interest expense increased $1.4 million, or 2.4 percent for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005, and increased $6.5 million, or 5.6 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005. Both increases were mainly due to the acquisition of NorCrown on June 3, 2005, which added 15 offices to Valley’s branch network. The acquisition of Shrewsbury on March 31, 2005 and the addition of five de novo branches in the last twelve months also contributed to the increase for the six months ended June 30, 2006.

Valley strives to control its efficiency ratio and expenses as a means of producing increased earnings for its shareholders. The efficiency ratio measures a bank’s total non-interest expense as a percentage of net interest income plus total non-interest income. Valley’s efficiency ratio was 52.6 percent and 52.1 percent for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively, compared with 50.8 percent and 49.8 percent for the same periods in 2005. The increase is primarily due to additional operating expenses related to the acquired and de novo branches, as well as slower growth in net interest income caused by the flat yield curve and the competitive pricing of deposits.

Salary and employee benefit expense decreased $359 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005, and increased $2.2 million, or 3.4 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005. The increase during the six month period was primarily due to additional expense to support the expanded branch operations including the two acquisitions, as well as costs related to new business development. At June 30, 2006, Valley’s full-time equivalent staff was 2,507 compared with 2,487 at June 30, 2005.

Net occupancy expense increased $1.1 million, or 10.7 percent for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005, and increased $2.8 million, or 14.2 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005. The increases were largely due to the acquisitions in the first and second quarter of 2005. The addition of five de novo branches since June 30, 2005 also contributed to the increase for the six months ended June 30, 2006.

Other non-interest expense increased $703 thousand, or 7.3 percent for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005, and increased $1.2 million, or 6.6 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with the same period in 2005 due to moderate increases in data processing, postage, telephone, and service fees mainly caused by our branch growth from the two acquisitions in 2005 and the five additional de novo branches.

 

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Table of Contents

Income Taxes

Income tax expense as a percentage of income before income taxes was 22.6 percent and 32.5 percent for the second quarter of 2006 and 2005, respectively, and was 24.7 percent and 33.0 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005. The decreases were mainly due to lower state income tax expense, settlement of income tax examinations, and an increase in low income housing tax credits from a year ago.

For the remainder of 2006, Valley anticipates an effective tax rate of approximately 27.0 percent.* The rate is projected based upon management’s judgment regarding future results and could vary due to changes in income, tax planning strategies and federal or state income tax laws.

Business Segments

Valley has four business segments it monitors and reports on to manage its business operations. These segments are consumer lending, commercial lending, investment management, and corporate and other adjustments. Lines of business and actual structure of operations determine each segment. Each is reviewed routinely for its asset growth, contribution to income before income taxes and return on average interest earning assets. Expenses related to the branch network, all other components of retail banking, along with the back office departments of the bank and fair value hedges are allocated from the corporate and other adjustments segment to each of the other three business segments. Valley’s Wealth Management and Insurance Services Division, comprised of trust, investment and insurance services, is included in the consumer lending segment. The financial reporting for each segment contains allocations and reporting in line with Valley’s operations, which may not necessarily be compared to any other financial institution. The accounting for each segment includes internal accounting policies designed to measure consistent and reasonable financial reporting.

The following tables present the financial data for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30, 2006  
     Consumer
Lending
    Commercial
Lending
    Investment
Management
    Corporate
and Other
Adjustments
    Total  
     (in thousands)  

Average interest earning assets

   $ 3,857,373     $ 4,385,982     $ 3,257,665     $ —       $ 11,501,020  

Income (loss) before income taxes

     17,080       29,764       14,931       (9,078 )     52,697  

Return on average interest earning assets before income taxes

     1.77 %     2.71 %     1.83 %     0.00 %     1.83 %

 

     Three Months Ended June 30, 2005  
     Consumer
Lending
    Commercial
Lending
    Investment
Management
    Corporate
and Other
Adjustments
    Total  
     (in thousands)  

Average interest earning assets

   $ 3,618,636     $ 3,858,075     $ 3,324,491     $ —       $ 10,801,202  

Income (loss) before income taxes

     18,465       26,835       20,373       (7,903 )     57,770  

Return on average interest earning assets before income taxes

     2.04 %     2.78 %     2.45 %     0.00 %     2.14 %

 

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Table of Contents

Consumer Lending

For the three months ended June 30, 2006, income before income taxes decreased $1.4 million to $17.1 million, compared with the three months ended June 30, 2005. The return on average interest earning assets before income taxes decreased to 1.77 percent compared with 2.04 percent for the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to higher internal transfer expense and a decline in net interest income. Average interest earning assets increased $238.7 million or 6.6 percent, resulting in an increase in interest income, more than offset by the increase in interest expense due to higher funding costs. Average interest rates on loans increased 34 basis points to 5.78 percent, while the interest expense associated with funding sources increased 67 basis points to 2.46 percent.

Commercial Lending

For the three months ended June 30, 2006, income before income taxes increased $2.9 million to $29.8 million compared with the three months ended June 30, 2005 due to an increase in net interest income, partially offset by an increase in internal transfer expense and higher provision for loan losses. The return on average interest earning assets before income taxes was 2.71 percent compared with 2.78 percent for the prior year period. Average interest earning assets increased $527.9 million, or 13.68 percent, primarily due to loan growth attributable to new originations augmented slightly by an increase in commercial loan line usage. Average interest rates on loans increased 79 basis points to 7.08 percent primarily due to increases in the prime lending rate and the interest expense associated with funding sources increased 67 basis points to 2.46 percent.

Investment Management

For the three months ended June 30, 2006, income before income taxes decreased $5.4 million to $14.9 million compared with the three months ended June 30, 2005, primarily due to a decrease in net interest income, as a result of higher cost of funds. The return on average interest earning assets before income taxes decreased to 1.83 percent compared with 2.45 percent for the prior year period. The yield on interest earning assets, which includes federal funds sold, increased 8 basis points to 5.41 percent and the interest expense associated with funding sources increased 67 basis points to 2.46 percent. Average interest earning assets decreased $66.8 million or 2.0 percent due to normal principal paydowns and a reallocation of these funds to better position the balance sheet. The investment portfolio is comprised predominantly of mortgage-backed securities.

Corporate Segment

The corporate and other adjustments segment represents income and expense items not directly attributable to a specific segment including net gains on securities transactions not classified in the investment management segment above, interest expense related to the junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trust, interest expense related to $100 million in subordinated notes issued in July 2005, as well as income and expense from derivative financial instruments and service charges on deposit accounts. The loss before income taxes for the corporate segment increased by $1.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared with $7.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005, due to higher interest resulting from the $100 million in subordinated notes and the negative effect of certain cash flow hedge derivatives, offset by higher internal transfer income.

 

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Table of Contents

The following tables present the financial data for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005:

 

     Six Months Ended June 30, 2006  
     Consumer
Lending
    Commercial
Lending
    Investment
Management
    Corporate
and Other
Adjustments
    Total  
     (in thousands)  

Average interest earning assets

   $ 3,854,559     $ 4,343,063     $ 3,281,737     $ —       $ 11,479,359  

Income (loss) before income taxes

     34,274       59,589       31,233       (16,545 )     108,551  

Return on average interest earning assets before income taxes

     1.78 %     2.74 %     1.90 %     0.00 %     1.89 %

 

     Six Months Ended June 30, 2005  
     Consumer
Lending
    Commercial
Lending
    Investment
Management
    Corporate
and Other
Adjustments
    Total  
     (in thousands)  

Average interest earning assets

   $ 3,554,067     $ 3,678,214     $ 3,236,341     $ —       $ 10,468,622  

Income (loss) before income taxes

     37,213       51,052       41,255       (14,197 )     115,323  

Return on average interest earning assets before income taxes

     2.09 %     2.78 %     2.55 %     0.00 %     2.20 %

Consumer Lending

For the six months ended June 30, 2006, income before income taxes decreased $2.9 million to $34.3 million, compared with the six months ended June 30, 2005. The return on average interest earning assets before income taxes decreased to 1.78 percent compared with 2.09 percent for the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to higher internal transfer expense and a decline in net interest income. Average interest earning assets increased $300.5 million or 8.45 percent, resulting in an increase in interest income, which was more than offset by the increase in interest expense due to higher funding costs. The increase in average interest earning assets was driven by Valley’s expanded dealer network and acquisitions of NorCrown and Shrewsbury in 2005. Average interest rates on loans increased 32 basis points to 5.71 percent, while the interest expense associated with funding sources increased 66 basis points to 2.36 percent.

Commercial Lending

For the six months ended June 30, 2006, income before income taxes increased $8.5 million to $59.6 million compared with the six months ended June 30, 2005 due to an increase in net interest income, partially offset by increases in internal transfer expense and provision for loan losses. The return on average interest earning assets before income taxes was 2.74 percent compared with 2.78 percent for the prior year period. Average interest earning assets increased $664.8 million or 18.1 percent, primarily due to loans acquired from the two acquisitions in 2005 and organic loan growth. Average interest rates on loans increased 75 basis points to 6.93 percent primarily due to increases in the prime lending rate. The interest expense associated with funding sources increased 66 basis points to 2.36 percent.

 

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Table of Contents

Investment Management

For the six months ended June 30, 2006, income before income taxes decreased $10.0 million to $31.2 million compared with the six months ended June 30, 2005, due to a decrease in net interest income, lower non-interest income primarily from lower net gains on securities transactions, as well as an increase in internal transfer expense. The return on average interest earning assets before income taxes decreased to 1.90 percent compared with 2.55 percent for the prior year period. The yield on interest earning assets, which includes federal funds sold, increased 11 basis points to 5.37 percent and the interest expense associated with funding sources increased 66 basis points to 2.36 percent. Average interest earning assets increased $45.4 million or 1.4 percent primarily due to the acquisition of NorCrown and Shrewsbury during 2005. The investment portfolio is comprised predominantly of mortgage-backed securities.

Corporate Segment

The corporate and other adjustments segment represents income and expense items not directly attributable to a specific segment including net gains on securities transactions not classified in the investment management segment above, interest expense related to the junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trust, interest expense related to $100 million in subordinated notes issued in July 2005, as well as income and expense from derivative financial instruments and service charges on deposit accounts. The loss before income taxes for the corporate segment increased by $2.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with $14.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005, due to higher interest resulting from the $100 million in subordinated notes, the negative effect of certain cash flow hedge derivatives and higher non-interest expense, offset by higher internal transfer income.

ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT

Interest Rate Sensitivity

Valley’s success is largely dependent upon its ability to manage interest rate risk. Interest rate risk can be defined as the exposure of Valley’s interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities to the movement in interest rates. Valley’s Asset/Liability Management Committee is responsible for managing such risks and establishing policies that monitor and coordinate Valley’s sources, uses and pricing of funds.

Valley uses 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 twelve and twenty-four 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 June 30, 2006. The model assumes changes in the levels of interest rates without any proactive change in the balance sheet by management. In the model, the forecasted shape of the yield curve remains static as of June 30, 2006.

 

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Based on the simulation model which assumes immediate changes in interest rates at June 30, 2006, management believes that Valley’s net interest income would change over a one-year period due to changes in interest rates as follows:

 

Immediate

Changes in

Levels of

Interest Rates

   Change in Net Interest
Income Over One Year
Horizon
 
   At June 30, 2006  
  

Dollar

Change

   

Percentage

Change

 
    
     ($ in thousands)  

+2.00%

   $ 21,122     5.05 %

+1.00

     10,854     2.60  

(1.00)

     (11,736 )   (2.81 )

(2.00)

     (25,659 )   (6.14 )

Potential movements in the convexity of the bond and loan portfolio may have a positive or negative impact to Valley’s 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 Valley’s net interest income.

Valley’s net interest margin is affected by changes in interest rates and cash flows from its loan and investment portfolios. Valley actively manages these cash flows in conjunction with its liability mix, duration and rates to optimize the net interest margin, while prudently structuring the balance sheet to manage changes in interest rates. In the current interest rate environment, short-term rates have escalated while long-term rates have remained relatively low causing a flat yield curve and net interest margin pressure as deposits and short-term borrowings reprice at higher interest rates faster than loans and investments.

During 2004, Valley entered into interest rate swap transactions which effectively converted $300 million of its prime-based floating rate loans to a fixed rate. Valley’s objective in using derivatives is to add stability to net interest income and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. As anticipated, this swap no longer represented a benefit to net interest income during the six months ended June 30, 2006, and had a negative effect on net interest income until it expired on August 1, 2006. As a result of the swap’s expiration, Valley expects an additional $2.9 million in interest income will be generated during the remainder of 2006 based on the repricing of the $300 million in prime-based floating rate loans at prevailing interest rates.*

Liquidity

Liquidity measures the ability to satisfy current and future cash flow needs as they become due. Maintaining a level of liquid funds through asset/liability management seeks to ensure that liquidity needs are met at a reasonable cost. On the asset side, liquid funds are maintained in the form of cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, investment securities held to maturity maturing within one year, investment securities available for sale and loans held for sale. Liquid assets totaled $2.2 billion at June 30, 2006 and $2.3 billion at December 31, 2005, representing 19.1 percent and 20.6 percent, respectively, of earning assets and 17.6 percent and 18.9 percent, respectively, of total assets at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.

On the liability side, Valley utilizes multiple sources of funds to meet liquidity needs. Valley’s core deposit base, which generally excludes certificates of deposit over $100 thousand as well as brokered certificates of deposit, represents the largest of these sources. Core deposits averaged approximately $7.4 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and $7.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2005, representing 64.3 percent and 66.6 percent, respectively, of average earning assets. The level of interest bearing deposits is affected by interest rates offered, which is often influenced by Valley’s need for funds and the need to balance its net interest margin. Brokered certificates of deposit totaled $117.9 million and $63.1 million at June 30,

 

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2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. Federal funds lines, repurchase agreements, FHLB advances and large dollar certificates of deposit, generally those over $100 thousand are also used as alternative funding sources as determined by management. Average short-term borrowings and certificates of deposit over $100 thousand amounted to $1.6 billion for the six month period ended June 30, 2006 and the year ended December 31, 2005.

Additional liquidity is derived from scheduled loan and investment payments of principal and interest, as well as prepayments received. For the six months ended June 30, 2006, proceeds from maturities, redemptions and prepayments of investment securities amounted to $246.0 million. Additional liquidity could be derived from residential mortgages, commercial mortgages, auto and home equity loans, as these are all marketable portfolios.

As of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, Valley had approximately $1.9 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively, of investment securities available for sale recorded at their fair value. As of June 30, 2006, the investment securities available for sale had a net unrealized loss of $45.0 million, net of deferred taxes, compared with a net unrealized loss of $22.3 million, net of deferred taxes, at December 31, 2005. This change was primarily due to changes in market interest rates. These securities are not considered trading account securities, which may be sold on a continuous basis, but rather, are securities which may be sold to meet the various liquidity and interest rate requirements of Valley. As of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, Valley had a total of $1.9 million and $4.2 million, respectively, in trading account securities, which were utilized to fund purchases for customers of Valley’s broker-dealer subsidiary.

Valley’s held to maturity investment portfolio includes approximately $457.0 million in trust preferred securities issued by other financial institutions that contain call option provisions beginning in December 2006 through the second quarter of 2007. The call options are continuous after the call date and the likelihood of the issuer exercising the call option is dependent on a variety of factors. These factors include the issuers’ need for capital, the level of interest rates, the ability to obtain financing through new debt instruments available in the market, any premium that may be payable to the trust preferred security holders and the potential write-off of unamortized issuance costs. The majority of these trust preferred securities have call premiums equal to three to four percent of the outstanding balance. If all the trust preferred securities were called at their earliest respective call dates, Valley could incur losses on securities transactions, net of tax, totaling approximately $2.7 million and $3.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2006 and the six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively.* Valley cannot determine the likelihood that any of these securities will be called before their stated maturity dates.

Valley’s recurring cash requirements consist primarily of dividends to shareholders and interest expense on long-term debt payable to VNB Capital Trust I. These cash needs are routinely satisfied by dividends collected from its subsidiary bank along with cash and earnings on investments owned. Projected cash flows from these sources are expected to be adequate to pay dividends and interest expense payable to VNB Capital Trust I, given the current capital levels and current profitable operations of its subsidiary.* In addition, Valley may repurchase shares of its outstanding common stock under its share repurchase program.* The cash required for these purchases of shares have previously been met by using its own funds, dividends received from its subsidiary bank as well as borrowed funds.

 

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Loan Portfolio

The following table reflects the composition of the loan portfolio as of the periods presented:

 

     June 30,
2006
    March 31,
2006
    December 31,
2005
    September 30,
2005
    June 30,
2005
 
     ($ in thousands)  

Commercial

   $ 1,492,688     $ 1,449,207     $ 1,449,919     $ 1,414,639     $ 1,363,119  
                                        

Total commercial loans

     1,492,688       1,449,207       1,449,919       1,414,639       1,363,119  

Construction

     515,683       456,478       471,560       459,935       457,258  

Residential mortgage

     2,093,694       2,099,696       2,083,004       2,061,366       2,044,101  

Commercial mortgage

     2,311,897       2,298,239       2,234,950       2,230,586       2,189,195  
                                        

Total mortgage loans

     4,921,274       4,854,413       4,789,514       4,751,887       4,690,554  

Home equity

     570,500       559,118       565,960       571,441       559,049  

Credit card

     8,279       8,061       9,044       8,764       8,849  

Automobile

     1,234,005       1,194,749       1,221,525       1,233,125       1,104,749  

Other consumer

     108,946       95,252       94,495       101,956       112,665  
                                        

Total consumer

     1,921,730       1,857,180       1,891,024       1,915,286       1,785,312  
                                        

Total loans

   $ 8,335,692     $ 8,160,800     $ 8,130,457     $ 8,081,812     $ 7,838,985  
                                        

As a percent of total loans:

          

Commercial loans

     17.9 %     17.8 %     17.8 %     17.5 %     17.4 %

Mortgage loans

     59.0 %     59.5 %     58.9 %     58.8 %     59.8 %

Consumer loans

     23.1 %     22.7 %     23.3 %     23.7 %     22.8 %
                                        

Total

     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
                                        

During the second quarter of 2006, Valley’s total loan portfolio grew by $174.9 million, or 8.6 percent on an annualized basis, as commercial, construction, automobile loans made significant contributions after seasonally light growth in the loan portfolio for the first quarter of 2006.

Commercial loans increased $43.5 million, or 12.0 percent on an annualized basis, from March 31, 2006 to approximately $1.5 billion at June 30, 2006 primarily due to organic growth augmented slightly by an increase in commercial loan line usage. New business initiatives continue to build a pipeline of future commercial loan closings which should translate into continued commercial loan growth as the year progresses.*

Mortgage loans increased $66.9 million, or 5.5 percent on an annualized basis, to $4.9 billion at June 30, 2006 from a quarter ago. Construction loans increased $59.2 million mainly due to new and existing business development.

Consumer loans increased $64.6 million, or 13.9 percent on an annualized basis, to $1.9 billion at June 30, 2006 primarily due to a $39.3 million increase in automobile loans. Automobile volumes were higher compared to the first quarter of 2006 as sales are typically slower during the winter months. Home equity, credit card, and other consumer loans also grew during the second quarter due to Valley’s expanded branch network and marketing efforts.

 

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Non-performing Assets

Non-performing assets include non-accrual loans and other real estate owned (“OREO”). Loans are generally placed on a 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 is reported at the lower of cost or fair value at the time of acquisition and at the lower of fair value, less estimated costs to sell, or cost thereafter. Levels of non-performing assets remain relatively low as a percentage of the total loan portfolio and OREO as shown in the table below.

Non-accrual loans decreased $3.9 million to $29.0 million at June 30, 2006 from $32.9 million at March 31, 2006. The decrease was partially due to one commercial loan relationship and decreases in SBA loans totaling $4.0 million in non-accrual loans.

Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing, which were not included in the non-performing category, are presented in the following table. These loans increased $4.7 million to $7.4 million at June 30, 2006 from $2.6 million at March 31, 2006. Valley does not believe that the increase from the prior quarter represents a negative trend in the loan portfolio.* The increase is primarily due to two additional commercial loans totaling $3.6 million at June 30, 2006. Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing also include matured commercial mortgage loans in process of renewal which totaled approximately $1.3 million and $519 thousand as of June 30, 2006 and March 31, 2006, respectively. These loans represent most loan types and are generally well secured and in the process of collection. Valley cannot predict that the low levels of past due loans will continue.

Total loans past due in excess of 30 days were 0.65 percent of all loans at June 30, 2006, 0.74 percent at March 31, 2006, 0.89 percent at December 31, 2005, 0.73 percent at September 30, 2005, and 0.69 percent at June 30, 2005. Valley strives to keep the loans past due in excess of 30 days at these current low levels, however, there is no guarantee that these low levels will continue.

The following table sets forth non-performing assets and accruing loans, which were 90 days or more past due as to principal or interest payments on the dates indicated in conjunction with asset quality ratios for Valley:

 

     June 30,
2006
    March 31,
2006
    December 31,
2005
    September 30,
2005
    June 30,
2005
 
     ($ in thousands)  

Loans past due in excess of 90 days and still accruing

   $ 7,374     $ 2,627     $ 4,442     $ 6,816     $ 4,984  
                                        

Non-accrual loans

     29,015       32,907       25,794       24,192       25,037  

Other real estate owned

     1,728       2,157       2,023       1,628       1,083  
                                        

Total non-performing assets

   $ 30,743     $ 35,064     $ 27,817     $ 25,820     $ 26,120  
                                        

Troubled debt restructured loans

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —    
                                        

Non-performing loans as a % of loans

     0.35 %     0.40 %     0.32 %     0.30 %     0.32 %

Non-performing assets as a % of loans

     0.37 %     0.43 %     0.34 %     0.32 %     0.33 %

Allowance for loans losses as a % of non-performing loans

     260.89 %     230.64 %     291.49 %     310.76 %     299.79 %

 

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Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level estimated to absorb probable loan losses in the loan portfolio. The allowance is based on ongoing evaluations of the probable estimated losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Valley’s methodology for evaluating the appropriateness of the allowance consists of several significant elements, which include the allocated allowance, specific allowances for identified problem loans, portfolio segments and an unallocated allowance.

At June 30, 2006, the allowance for loan losses totaled $75.7 million compared with $75.2 million at December 31, 2005. The allowance was adjusted by provisions charged against income and loans charged-off, net of recoveries. Net loan charge-offs were $3.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared with $584 thousand for three months ended March 31, 2006, and $936 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2005. The increase in net loan charge-offs is mainly due to charge-offs totaling $2.2 million on two commercial loans, which were on non-accrual. The increased provision during the quarter reflects growth in the loan portfolio, the level of net loan charge-offs and the economic environment.

The following table summarizes the relationship among loans, loans charged-off, loan recoveries, the provision for loan losses and the allowance for loan losses on the dates indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
     June 30,
2006
    March 31,
2006
    June 30,
2005
    June 30,
2006
    June 30,
2005
 
     ($ in thousands)  

Average loans outstanding

   $ 8,243,355     $ 8,151,381     $ 7,480,523     $ 8,197,622     $ 7,234,991  
                                        

Beginning balance:

          

Allowance for loan losses

   $ 75,898     $ 75,188     $ 69,029     $ 75,188     $ 65,699  

Loans charged-off

     (3,845 )     (1,394 )     (1,886 )     (5,239 )     (3,264 )

Recoveries

     526       810       950       1,336       1,695  
                                        

Net charge-offs

     (3,319 )     (584 )     (936 )     (3,903 )     (1,569 )

Provision charged to operations

     3,117       1,294       925       4,411       1,677  

Additions from acquisitions

     —         —         6,041       —         9,252  
                                        

Ending balance:

          

Allowance for loan losses

   $ 75,696     $ 75,898     $ 75,059     $ 75,696     $ 75,059  
                                        

Ratio of annualized net charge-offs to average loans outstanding

     0.16 %     0.03 %     0.05 %     0.10 %     0.04 %

Ratio of allowance for loan losses to total loans outstanding

     0.91 %     0.93 %     0.96 %     0.91 %     0.96 %

 

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Investment Securities

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of investment securities held to maturity at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:

INVESTMENT SECURITIES HELD TO MATURITY

 

     June 30, 2006    December 31, 2005
     Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   

Fair

Value

   Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   

Fair

Value

     (in thousands)

U.S. Treasury securities, and other government agencies and corporations

   $ 38,404    $ —      $ (2,259 )   $ 36,145    $ 38,405    $ 1    $ (1,300 )   $ 37,106

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     244,129      1,594      (2,841 )     242,882      229,474      3,114      (908 )     231,680

Mortgage-backed securities

     371,124      28      (20,209 )     350,943      399,521      89      (11,041 )     388,569

Other debt securities

     462,911      3,093      (12,528 )     453,476      463,526      6,150      (7,214 )     462,462

FRB & FHLB stock

     99,110      —        —         99,110      98,264      —        —         98,264
                                                         
   $ 1,215,678    $ 4,715    $ (37,837 )   $ 1,182,556    $ 1,229,190    $ 9,354    $ (20,463 )   $ 1,218,081
                                                         

The total number of security positions in the securities held to maturity portfolio in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2006 was 256 compared to 183 at December 31, 2005. Management does not believe that any individual unrealized loss as of June 30, 2006 represents an other-than-temporary impairment. The unrealized losses reported for mortgage-backed securities relate primarily to securities issued by FNMA, FHLMC and private institutions, while unrealized losses reported in other debt securities consists of trust preferred securities. These unrealized losses are primarily due to changes in interest rates. Valley has the intent and ability to hold the securities contained in the previous table for a time necessary to recover the unamortized cost.*

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of investment securities available for sale at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:

INVESTMENT SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

 

     June 30, 2006    December 31, 2005
     Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   

Fair

Value

   Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
     (in thousands)

U.S. Treasury securities, and other government agencies and corporations

   $ 431,423    $ 36    $ (13,489 )   $ 417,970    $ 403,305    $ 66    $ (7,572 )   $ 395,799

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

     52,997      1,057      (72 )     53,982      71,299      1,865      (31 )     73,133

Mortgage-backed securities

     1,437,315      1,589      (59,893 )     1,379,011      1,565,000      2,981      (32,989 )     1,534,992

Equity securities

     36,421      564      (1,307 )     35,678      35,496      381      (907 )     34,970
                                                         
   $ 1,958,156    $ 3,246    $ (74,761 )   $ 1,886,641    $ 2,075,100    $ 5,293    $ (41,499 )   $ 2,038,894
                                                         

The total number of security positions in the securities available for sale portfolio in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2006 was 387 compared to 369 at December 31, 2005. Management does not believe that any individual unrealized loss as of June 30, 2006 represents an other-than-temporary impairment. The unrealized losses for the U.S. Treasury securities and other government agencies and corporations are mainly on notes issued by FNMA and FHLMC and the unrealized losses reported for mortgage-backed securities relate primarily to securities issued by FNMA, FHLMC and private institutions. These unrealized losses are due to changes in interest rates. Valley has the intent and ability to hold the securities contained in the previous table for a time necessary to recover the unamortized cost.*

 

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Capital Adequacy

A significant measure of the strength of a financial institution is its shareholders’ equity. At June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, shareholders’ equity totaled $944.5 million and $931.9 million, respectively, or 7.6 percent and 7.5 percent of total assets, respectively. The increase in total shareholders’ equity for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was the result of net income, partly offset by an increase in accumulated comprehensive losses and cash dividends paid.

Included in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income at June 30, 2006 was a $45.0 million net unrealized loss on investment securities available for sale, net of deferred tax compared with a $22.3 million unrealized loss, net of deferred tax at December 31, 2005. Also, included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income at June 30, 2006 was a $96 thousand unrealized loss on derivatives, net of deferred tax related to cash flow hedging relationships compared with an unrealized loss of $1.8 million, net of deferred tax at December 31, 2005.

On April 5, 2006, Valley declared a five percent stock dividend issued on May 22, 2006 to shareholders of record on May 8, 2006 and increased the annual cash dividend rate to $0.86 per common share, on an after-stock dividend basis, representing an increase of approximately two percent.

On May 14, 2003, Valley’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to approximately 2.9 million shares of Valley’s outstanding common stock. Purchases may be made from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions generally not exceeding prevailing market prices. As of June 30, 2006, Valley had repurchased approximately 85 thousand shares of its common stock under this program at an average cost of $22.34 per share. Repurchased shares are held in treasury and are expected to be used for general corporate purposes.* Valley’s Board of Directors had previously authorized the repurchase of up to approximately 12.2 million shares of Valley’s outstanding common stock on August 21, 2001 (“2001 Program”). Valley repurchased 22 thousand shares at an average cost of $22.33 per share during the first quarter of 2006, completing the purchase of shares available under the 2001 program.

Risk-based guidelines define a two-tier capital framework. Tier 1 capital consists of common shareholders’ equity and eligible long-term borrowing related to VNB Capital Trust I, less disallowed intangibles and adjusted to exclude unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred tax. Total risk-based capital consists of Tier 1 capital, VNB’s subordinated borrowings and the allowance for loan losses up to 1.25 percent of risk-adjusted assets. Risk-adjusted assets are determined by assigning various levels of risk to different categories of assets and off-balance sheet activities.

 

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Valley’s and VNB’s actual capital positions and ratios at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, under risk-based capital guidelines are presented in the following table:

 

     Actual     Minimum Capital
Requirements
    To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
     Amount    Ratio     Amount    Ratio     Amount    Ratio  
     ($ in thousands)  

As of June 30, 2006

               

Total Risk-based Capital

               

Valley

   $ 1,165,497    12.4 %   $ 751,208    8.0 %   $ N/A    N/A %

VNB

     1,069,610    11.4       748,881    8.0       936,102    10.0  

Tier I Risk-based Capital

               

Valley

     989,800    10.5       375,604    4.0       N/A    N/A  

VNB

     893,914    9.6       374,441    4.0       561,661    6.0  

Tier I Leverage Capital

               

Valley

     989,800    8.2       483,780    4.0       N/A    N/A  

VNB

     893,914    7.4       482,372    4.0       602,965    5.0  

As of December 31, 2005

               

Total Risk-based Capital

               

Valley

     1,130,377    12.2       743,858    8.0       N/A    N/A  

VNB

     1,042,339    11.3       741,323    8.0       926,654    10.0  

Tier I Risk-based Capital

               

Valley

     955,189    10.3       371,929    4.0       N/A    N/A  

VNB

     867,151    9.4       370,662    4.0       555,993    6.0  

Tier I Leverage Capital

               

Valley

     955,189    7.8       488,464    4.0       N/A    N/A  

VNB

     867,151    7.1       487,148    4.0       608,935    5.0  

Valley’s capital position includes $200 million of trust preferred securities issued by VNB Capital Trust I in November 2001. Upon the adoption of FIN 46 in 2003, Valley de-consolidated VNB Capital Trust I. In March 2005, the Federal Reserve Board issued a final rule that would continue to allow the inclusion of trust preferred securities in Tier I capital, but with stricter quantitative limits. The new quantitative limits will become effective on March 31, 2009. The aggregate amount of trust preferred securities and certain other capital elements would be limited to 25 percent of Tier I capital elements, net of goodwill. The amount of trust preferred securities and certain other elements in excess of the limit could be included in total capital, subject to restrictions. Based on the final rule, Valley includes all of its $200 million in trust preferred securities in Tier I capital. See Note 10 for additional information.

 

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Book value per share amounted to $8.08 at June 30, 2006 and $7.97 at December 31, 2005. Tangible book value per share amounted to $6.24 at June 30, 2006 and $6.11 at December 31, 2005. Tangible book value, which is a non-GAAP measure, is computed by dividing shareholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets by common shares outstanding, as follows:

 

     June 30,
2006
    December 31,
2005
 
     (in thousands, except for share data)  

Common shares outstanding

     116,904,122       116,893,053  
                

Shareholders’ equity

   $ 944,511     $ 931,910  

Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets

     (214,758 )     (217,354 )
                

Tangible shareholders’ equity

   $ 729,753     $ 714,556  
                

Tangible book value per share

   $ 6.24     $ 6.11  
                

The primary source of capital growth is through retention of earnings. Valley’s rate of earnings retention, derived by dividing undistributed earnings per common share by net income per common share was 38.6 percent at June 30, 2006 compared with 40.3 percent at June 30, 2005. Cash dividends declared amounted to $0.43 per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2006, equivalent to a dividend pay-out ratio per diluted common share of 61.4 percent, compared with 59.7 percent for the same period in 2005. Valley’s Board of Directors continues to believe that cash dividends are an important component of shareholder value and at its current level of performance and capital, Valley expects to continue its current dividend policy of a quarterly cash distribution of earnings to its shareholders.*

Management has estimated that the fair value of the 75 real properties owned by Valley exceeds book value by approximately $200 million and could potentially represent a source of capital.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

See page 27 for a discussion of interest rate sensitivity.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Valley’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, with the assistance of other members of Valley’s management, have evaluated the effectiveness of Valley’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on such evaluation, Valley’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that Valley’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Valley’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have also concluded that there have not been any changes in Valley’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2006 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.

 

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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.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of business, Valley may be a party to various outstanding legal proceedings and claims. In the opinion of management, except for the lawsuit noted below, the consolidated statements of financial condition or results of operations of Valley should not be materially affected by the outcome of such legal proceedings and claims.

Two lawsuits against Valley were filed by United Bank and Trust Company and American Express Company in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York. Each plaintiff alleges, among other claims, that Valley breached its contractual and fiduciary duties to it in connection with Valley’s activities as a depository for Southeast Airlines, a now defunct charter airline carrier. Valley believes it has meritorious defenses to this action, although Valley cannot provide any assurances that it will prevail in the litigation or be able to settle the litigation for an immaterial amount. In connection with this litigation, Valley has brought a separate declaratory judgment action in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey against one of its insurance carriers in which Valley seeks an order from the court that the litigation is covered by Valley’s insurance policy with that carrier.

The AML/BSA laws have imposed far-reaching and substantial requirements on financial institutions. The enforcement policy of the OCC with respect to AML/BSA compliance recently has been vigorously applied throughout the industry, with regulatory action taking various forms.

Valley believes that its policies and procedures with respect to combating money laundering are effective and that Valley’s AML/BSA policies and procedures are reasonably designed to comply with applicable standards. Due to uncertainties in the requirements for and enforcement of AML/BSA laws and regulations, Valley cannot provide assurance that in the future it will not face a regulatory action, adversely affecting its ability to acquire banks and thrifts, or open new branches. However, Valley is not prohibited from acquiring banks, thrifts or opening branches based upon its most recently completed regulatory examination.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

 

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

Purchases of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers:

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES (1)

 

Period

   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
   Average
Price Paid
Per Share
   Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans
   Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the Plans (2)

4/1/2006 - 4/30/2006

   —      —      —      2,809,203

5/1/2006 - 5/31/2006

   —      —      —      2,809,203

6/1/2006 - 6/30/2006

   —      —      —      2,809,203
                   

Total

   —      —      —      2,809,203
                   

(1) Share data reflects a five percent stock dividend issued on May 22, 2006.

 

(2) On May 14, 2003, Valley publicly announced its intention to repurchase 2,894,063 outstanding common shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. No repurchase plans or programs expired or terminated during the three months ended June 30, 2006.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

On April 5, 2006, the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Valley National Bancorp was held. A total of 94,084,088 of Valley’s shares were present or represented by proxy at the meeting. Valley’s shareholders took the following actions:

Proposal #1 — Voted upon the election of 14 persons, named in the Proxy Statement, to serve as directors of Valley for the ensuing year. All directors were elected and there was no solicitation in opposition to management’s nominees as listed in the Proxy Statement. The following is a list of directors elected at the Annual Meeting with the number of votes “For” and “Withheld”. There were no abstentions in regards to the election of directors.

 

     Number of Votes

Name

   For    Withheld

Andrew B. Abramson

   92,595,126    1,488,962

Pamela R. Bronander

   92,442,222    1,371,866

Eric P. Edelstein

   92,645,877    1,438,211

Mary J. Steele Guilfoile

   92,869,092    1,214,996

H. Dale Hemmerdinger

   92,404,460    1,679,628

Graham O. Jones

   92,495,155    1,588,933

Walter H. Jones, III

   84,131,958    9,952,130

Gerald Korde

   92,648,150    1,435,938

Michael L. LaRusso

   92,403,001    1,681,087

Gerald H. Lipkin

   92,638,979    1,445,109

Robinson Markel

   92,541,077    1,543,011

Robert E. McEntee

   92,617,592    1,466,496

Richard S. Miller

   90,694,696    3,389,392

Barnett Rukin

   92,644,486    1,439,602

 

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Proposal #2 — Approved the amendment to Valley’s 1999 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan:

 

     Number of
Votes

For

   57,519,384

Against/Withheld

   7,920,835

Abstained

   1,554,367

Broker Non-Votes

   27,092,502

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

(3)     

Articles of Incorporation and By-laws:

 

A.     Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.

 

B.     By-laws of the Registrant, as amended are incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003.

(10)      Material Contracts
  

A.     Benefit Equalization Plan*

 

B.     Amendment No. 1 to Benefit Equalization Plan*

 

C.     Amendment No. 2 to Benefit Equalization Plan*

 

D.     Amendment No. 3 to Benefit Equalization Plan*

 

E.     Amendment No. 4 to Benefit Equalization Plan*

 

F.      Participant Agreement for Benefit Equalization Plan*

(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, 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, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company.*

* Filed herewith

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

   

VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP

(Registrant)

Date: August 8, 2006

   

/s/ Gerald H. Lipkin

   

Gerald H. Lipkin

   

Chairman of the Board, President

and Chief Executive Officer

Date: August 8, 2006

   

/s/ Alan D. Eskow

   

Alan D. Eskow

   

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

 

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EXHIBITS INDEX

 

Exhibit Number  

Exhibit Description

(10)   Material Contracts
            A.   Benefit Equalization Plan
            B.   Amendment No. 1 to Benefit Equalization Plan
            C.   Amendment No. 2 to Benefit Equalization Plan
            D.   Amendment No. 3 to Benefit Equalization Plan
            E.   Amendment No. 4 to Benefit Equalization Plan
            F.   Participant Agreement for Benefit Equalization Plan
(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, 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, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company.