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Valley National Bancorp Reports Solid Second Quarter Earnings, Loan Growth and Net Interest Margin Expansion

Posted : Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:03:54 GMT
Author : Valley National Bancorp
Category : Press Release
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WAYNE, N.J., July 16 NY-Valley-National
WAYNE, N.J., July 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Valley National Bancorp (NYSE: VLY) ("Valley"), the holding company for Valley National Bank, today announced second quarter and six months results for 2008. Net income for the second quarter of 2008 was $41.5 million compared to $39.7 million for the same period in 2007. Adjusted for a five percent stock dividend issued on May 23, 2008, fully diluted earnings per common share were $0.33 for the second quarter of 2008 compared to $0.31 for the same quarter of 2007. All common per share data presented below was adjusted to reflect the stock dividend. The results do not reflect the acquisition of Greater Community Bancorp ("Greater Community"), which was completed on July 1, 2008.
Net income was $73.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $89.1 million for the same period in 2007. The decline in net income was mainly attributable to an after tax one-time gain of $10.3 million ($16.4 million pre-tax) recognized on the sale of a Manhattan office building in the first quarter of 2007 and an after tax decline of $4.6 million ($7.4 million pre-tax) in trading income. Fully diluted earnings per common share were $0.58 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to $0.70 per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
Set forth below are highlights that occurred during the second quarter of 2008:
-- Net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis increased for the third consecutive quarter, up $6.9 million from the first quarter of 2008. The increase was primarily due to a 40 basis point decline in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities during the quarter. Net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis increased 13 basis points from the first quarter of 2008 to 3.48 percent as the reduced cost of funds and strong loan volume during the quarter more than offset a 20 basis point decline in the yield on interest earning assets.
-- Total loans grew by $376.6 million, or 17.4 percent on an annualized basis, to over $9.0 billion at June 30, 2008 compared to total loans at March 31, 2008 as Valley experienced solid linked quarter growth in commercial mortgage, residential mortgage, commercial, and automobile loans.
-- Valley's home equity and residential mortgage loan delinquencies remained below the banking industry averages. At June 30, 2008, Valley's $538 million home equity portfolio consisting of over 14,200 loans had only 11 loans past due 30 days or more. These loans totaled $727 thousand or 0.14 percent of the portfolio. At the same time, Valley's residential mortgage portfolio totaling $2.2 billion and approximately 9,100 total loans had 49 loans past due 30 days or more. These loans totaled $7.6 million or 0.34 percent of the portfolio. On July 14, 2008, SNL Financial ranked Valley's home equity loan portfolio the 8th best-performing portfolio among publicly traded banks and thrifts with more than $100 million in home equity lines of credit on their books during the twelve months ended March 31, 2008. See "Credit Quality" section below for more details.
-- Valley National Bank's capital ratios were all above the "well capitalized" regulatory requirements at June 30, 2008. Valley anticipates no change in its regular quarterly cash dividend to common shareholders during the remainder of 2008.
-- Net gains on securities transactions declined $1.1 million from the linked first quarter of 2008 mainly due to Valley's recognition of an other- than-temporary impairment charge of $1.4 million ($841 thousand after-taxes) on the equity securities of two financial institutions and one FHLMC ("Freddie Mac") government sponsored, investment grade perpetual callable preferred security.
-- Net trading losses declined $2.9 million from the linked first quarter of 2008 mainly due to the change in the fair value of Valley's junior subordinated debentures carried at fair value.
-- A reduction in Valley's deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $6.5 million (See "Income Tax Expense" section below).
-- Valley opened three new branches, including its fourth branch location in Brooklyn, New York. Valley also opened branches in Jersey City and Piscataway, New Jersey during the quarter.
Chairman's Comments
Gerald H. Lipkin, Chairman, President and CEO noted that, "We are very pleased with Valley's second quarter results and the expansion of our net interest margin. Our core operating results remain solid and Valley's balance sheet is well-positioned for the future. Reflective of this, loan growth continued to be a very positive factor for us during the second quarter. During the second quarter of 2008, Valley's commercial loan portfolio grew over 24 percent on an annualized basis, while the commercial mortgage, residential, and automobile loan portfolios also experienced growth. We believe much of our commercial and commercial mortgage loan growth during the second quarter was the result of new quality customer relationships which came from other financial institutions which were unable to compete due to their own capital limitations caused by today's market.
Valley's primary strength is its straight-forward lending practices. Management has avoided the use of non-traditional, higher-risk loan products that could jeopardize precious capital and potentially create solvency and liquidity issues. Valley's delinquency levels remained relatively low with total loans past due in excess of 30 days declining to 0.82 percent of our total loan portfolio of $9.0 billion at June 30, 2008 as compared to 0.93 percent of total loans at March 31, 2008 and 1.00 percent of total loans at December 31, 2007. These numbers continue to demonstrate the strong performance of our loan portfolio and management's dedication to conservative loan underwriting standards.
On July 1, 2008, we were pleased to announce that the merger of Greater Community with and into Valley was completed just 104 days after Valley's signing of the merger agreement. The addition of Greater Community's 16 full- service branches in our primary northern New Jersey market expanded Valley's branch network to 193 locations and strengthened our position within this very competitive and desirable market. Most importantly, Valley has focused on the retention of the branch and lending staff of Greater Community in continuing Valley's relationship-based approach to customer service. Management anticipates no change in the level of cost saves forecasted for this in-market transaction. Full systems integration into Valley is expected to be completed by August 31, 2008 and we believe that it will be a relatively seamless transition for all of Greater Community's former customers."
Credit Quality
Management believes that Valley's credit quality is strong with delinquencies and losses remaining relatively low, despite the difficulties being reported by many other financial institutions. Valley's focus has been and continues to be on originating traditional prime grade mortgage loans. With a loan portfolio totaling over $9.0 billion, net loan charge-offs for the second quarter of 2008 were $4.9 million compared to $3.9 million for the first quarter of 2008, and $3.1 million for the second quarter of 2007. The provision for credit losses was $5.8 million for the second quarter of 2008 compared to $4.0 million for the first quarter of 2008, and $2.4 million for the second quarter of 2007. The quarterly provision is the result of Valley's quarterly analyses of the loan portfolio and, among other factors, reflects the increase in the size and rate of growth of the loan portfolio, the level of net loan charge-offs, delinquencies and the current economic environment.
The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans declined 3 basis points to 0.84 percent at June 30, 2008 as compared to March 31, 2008 and decreased 4 basis points as compared to December 31, 2007. The quarter over quarter decline was mainly the result of solid quarter over quarter loan growth, including expansion in loan categories with historically low net charge-off rates, such as Valley's residential mortgage portfolio which grew by 18.7 percent on an annualized basis during the second quarter of 2008. The following table summarizes the allocation of the allowance for credit losses to specific loan categories and the allocation as a percentage of each loan category:


June 30, 2008March 31, 2008
 AllocationAllocation
  as a % of as a % of
 Allowance  loan  Allowance   loan
 Allocation   categoryAllocationcategory
Loan category:(Dollars in thousands)

Commercial* $35,330  2.10%  $32,0712.02%

Mortgage:
  Construction   11,676  2.92%   11,7992.96%
  Residential mortgage3,364  0.15%3,3100.16%
  Commercial mortgage10,177  0.40%9,6110.39%
Total mortgage loans 25,217  0.49%   24,7200.50%

Consumer:
  Home equity 1,549  0.29%1,6110.30%
  Other consumer 10,041  0.61%9,7170.62%
Total consumer loans 11,590  0.53%   11,3280.54%

Unallocated   3,812NA 6,911  NA
$75,949  0.84%  $75,0300.87%

* Includes the reserve for unfunded letters of credit


December 31, 2007
Allocation
 as a % of
 Allowance loan
 Allocation  category
Loan category:   (Dollars in thousands)

Commercial*  $31,6382.02%

Mortgage:
  Construction11,7482.92%
  Residential mortgage 3,1240.15%
  Commercial mortgage  8,7880.37%
Total mortgage loans  23,6600.49%

Consumer:
  Home equity  1,6340.29%
  Other consumer   9,1810.60%
Total consumer loans  10,8150.52%

Unallocated8,822  NA
 $74,9350.88%

* Includes the reserve for unfunded letters of credit


Total non-performing assets, consisting of non-accrual loans, other real estate owned and other repossessed assets, totaled $36.1 million, or 0.40 percent of loans at June 30, 2008 compared to $33.3 million, or 0.38 percent of loans at March 31, 2008.
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing increased $3.4 million to $11.2 million, or 0.12 percent of total loans at June 30, 2008 compared to $7.8 million, or 0.09 percent at March 31, 2008 due to a $3.4 million increase in matured performing loans in the normal process of renewal. Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing include matured performing loans in the normal process of renewal which totaled approximately $5.6 million and $2.2 million at June 30, 2008 and March 31, 2008, respectively. Total loans past due in excess of 30 days declined to 0.82 percent of total loans at June 30, 2008 compared with 0.93 percent of total loans at March 31, 2008 and include matured performing loans in the normal process of renewal totaling approximately $10.7 million and $10.6 million at June 30, 2008 and March 31, 2008, respectively.
Loans and Deposits
During the quarter, loans increased $376.6 million, or 17.4 percent on an annualized basis, to $9.0 billion at June 30, 2008. The linked quarter increase in loans is mainly comprised of increases in commercial mortgage, residential mortgage, commercial, automobile and other consumer loans of $120.9 million, $99.2 million, $96.1 million, $48.5 million and $15.8 million, respectively, partially offset by a $4.2 million decrease in home equity loans. Valley's lending operations continue to benefit from the dislocation in the credit markets and the expansion of its lending teams through Valley's growing branch network.
During the quarter, deposits decreased $40.2 million, or 1.9 percent on an annualized basis, to approximately $8.4 billion at June 30, 2008 mainly due to a $75.9 million decrease in time deposits as older high yielding certificates of deposit matured. Offsetting the decrease in time deposits, non-interest bearing accounts increased $22.3 million and lower cost savings, NOW, and money market accounts increased $13.3 million during the quarter. Much of the increases continue to come from deposit initiatives at Valley's de novo branches, as well as increased customer demand for such products in light of the turmoil in the current financial markets. Future deposit growth is expected to be dependent on earning asset demand combined with the rates dictated by market competition versus the cost of alternative funding sources.
Investments
As part of management's regular quarterly review for impairment of marketable securities, Valley recognized an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $1.4 million ($841 thousand after-taxes) on equity securities of two financial institutions and one Freddie Mac government sponsored, investment grade perpetual callable preferred security. Prior to the impairment charge, these investment securities had a total book value of approximately $6.5 million.
At June 30, 2008, Valley owned a total of eleven investment grade perpetual callable preferred securities issued by either Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae with a total book value of $78.7 million and unrealized losses totaling $3.5 million. The continued turbulence in the residential and sub-prime markets has caused these investments to further decline in value. Valley continues to closely monitor these investments, as well as the entire investment portfolio. Although, Valley believes the recent declines in market value are temporary, Valley cannot guarantee that it will not need to record additional impairment charges if market values do not recover in the future.
Net Interest Income and Margin
Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis was $103.9 million for the second quarter of 2008, a $6.5 million increase from the same quarter of 2007 and an increase of $6.9 million from the linked quarter ended March 31, 2008. The linked quarter increase was mainly a result of a decline in funding costs of $7.3 million, or 40 basis points, and strong loan growth, partially offset by a 20 basis point decrease in yield on average interest earning assets. The declines in funding cost and the yield on average interest earning assets resulted mainly from a decrease in interest rates as the average target Federal funds rate decreased 114 basis points from the linked quarter in response to four rate cuts by the Federal Reserve totaling 225 basis points over the first six months of 2008.
The net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis was 3.48 percent for the second quarter of 2008, an increase of 13 basis points from 3.35 percent for the linked quarter ended March 31, 2008 and an increase of 3 basis points from 3.45 percent for the prior year second quarter. The cost of average interest bearing liabilities decreased 40 basis points from the first quarter of 2008 mainly due to a decrease in the cost of deposits. The yield on average interest earning assets decreased by 20 basis points on a linked quarter basis mainly due to a 30 basis point decrease in yield on average total loans as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2008. The decrease in yield on average total loans was partially the result of the Federal Reserve rate cuts during the six months ended June 30, 2008.
Valley's cost of total deposits remained relatively low by industry standards at 1.83 percent for the second quarter of 2008 compared to 2.18 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2008. The decrease of 35 basis points was primarily due to lower interest rates on savings, NOW and money market accounts, and normal repricing of time deposit maturities at lower interest rates during the second quarter of 2008.
Non-Interest Income
Second quarter of 2008 compared with second quarter of 2007
Non-interest income for the second quarter of 2008 decreased $4.4 million, or 19.9 percent from $22.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 mainly due to a $2.3 million decline in net gains on sales of loans as Valley sold approximately $240 million of residential mortgage loans held for sale during the 2007 period. Net gains on securities transactions decreased $1.0 million as compared to the second quarter of 2007 due to Valley's recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $1.4 million ($841 thousand after- taxes) on equity securities issued by two financial institutions and one Freddie Mac government sponsored perpetual callable preferred security during the second quarter of 2008. Insurance premiums also declined $539 thousand due to higher sales volume during the second quarter of 2007.
Second quarter of 2008 compared with first quarter of 2008
Non-interest income for the second quarter of 2008 decreased approximately $1.2 million to $18.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 from $19.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2008. Other non-interest income decreased $2.0 million from the first quarter of 2008 mainly due to a $1.6 million gain in the prior quarter resulting from the mandatory redemption of a portion of the Class B Visa (member bank) shares as part of the Visa Inc. initial public offering that occurred in March of 2008. Insurance premiums declined $1.1 million in the second quarter due to higher quarterly bonus commissions received from insurance carriers during the first quarter of 2008. Net gains on securities transactions also declined $1.1 million during the second quarter mainly due to Valley's recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $1.4 million ($841 thousand after-taxes) on equity securities issued by two financial institutions and one Freddie Mac preferred security. Partially offsetting these decreases, net trading losses declined $2.9 million from the linked first quarter of 2008 mainly due to the change in the fair value of Valley's junior subordinated debentures carried at fair value.
Non-Interest Expense
Second quarter of 2008 compared with second quarter of 2007
Non-interest expense increased by $368 thousand to $64.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 from $63.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007. Professional and legal fees increased $485 thousand and salary and employee benefits expense increased by a combined $405 thousand as compared to the second quarter of 2007 mainly due to organizational growth through the expansion of Valley's branch network. Advertising expense declined $465 thousand as compared to the 2007 period due to a reduction in Valley branding promotions in 2008.
Second quarter of 2008 compared with first quarter of 2008
Non-interest expense decreased $3.5 million, or 5.2 percent to $64.0 million for the second quarter of 2008 from $67.5 million for the linked quarter ended March 31, 2008. Salary and employee benefits decreased $2.1 million mainly due to a $1.0 million decrease in stock award expense during the second quarter of 2008 mostly related to immediate expense recognized for awards granted to several retirement eligible employees during the first quarter of 2008, as well as a decline in payroll taxes. Net occupancy and equipment expense also decreased $706 thousand from the linked quarter as Valley experienced normal seasonal declines in utilities and other maintenance expenses.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense was $9.3 million for the second quarter of 2008, reflecting an effective tax rate of 18.3 percent, compared with $12.5 million for the second quarter of 2007, reflecting an effective tax rate of 24.0 percent. The decrease compared to the second quarter of 2007 was primarily due to a reduction in Valley's deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $6.5 million during the second quarter of 2008, partially offset by increased state taxes caused by tax law changes in the State of New York during 2008.
For the third and fourth quarters of 2008, Valley anticipates that its effective tax rate will approximate 29 percent as compared to 22.4 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2008. 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 and state income tax laws.
De novo Branch Program
In the second quarter of 2008, Valley continued its branch expansion plan which focuses on finding attractive building sites and expanding our presence in the New Jersey counties and towns neighboring our current office locations, as well as in Manhattan, Kings and Queens Counties in New York. During the first six months of 2008, eight new branch offices were opened, including Valley's first two locations in Queens and its fourth branch office in Brooklyn. Valley anticipates opening approximately six additional de novo branches through the remainder of 2008. Generally, new branches can add immediate franchise value; however, the additional operating costs and capital requirement will have a negative impact on non-interest expense and net income for several years as the branch operations become individually profitable.
About Valley
Valley is a regional bank holding company, headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, with nearly $14.0 billion in assets after its completion of the merger with Greater Community on July 1, 2008. Its principal subsidiary, Valley National Bank, currently operates 193 branches in 131 communities serving 14 counties throughout northern and central New Jersey and Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. Valley is the largest commercial bank headquartered in New Jersey and is committed to providing the most convenient service, the latest in product innovations and an experienced and knowledgeable staff with a high priority on friendly customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Valley offers a wide range of deposit products, mortgage loans and cash management services to consumers and businesses including products tailored for the medical, insurance and leasing business. Valley's comprehensive delivery channels enable customers to bank in person, by telephone or online.
For more information about Valley National Bank and its products and services, please visit www.valleynationalbank.com or call Customer Service 24/7 at 1-800-522-4100.
Forward Looking Statements
The foregoing contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are not historical facts and include expressions about management's confidence and strategies and management's expectations about new and existing programs and products, relationships, opportunities, taxation, technology and market conditions. These statements may be identified by such forward-looking terminology as "expect," "believe," "view," "opportunity," "allow," "continues," "reflects," "typically," "usually," "anticipate," or similar statements or variations of such terms. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: unanticipated changes in the financial markets and the resulting unanticipated effects on financial instruments in Valley's investment portfolio; unanticipated changes in the direction of interest rates; volatility in earnings due to certain financial assets and liabilities held at fair value; the occurrence of an other-than-temporary impairment to investment securities classified as available for sale or held to maturity; stronger competition from banks, other financial institutions and other companies; changes in loan, investment and mortgage prepayment assumptions; insufficient allowance for credit losses; a higher level of net loan charge- offs and delinquencies than anticipated; the inability to realize expected cost savings and synergies from the merger of Greater Community with Valley in the amounts or in the timeframe anticipated; material adverse changes in Valley's operations or earnings; the inability to retain Greater Community's customers and employees; a decline in the economy in Valley's primary market areas, mainly in New Jersey and New York; changes in relationships with major customers; changes in effective income tax rates; higher or lower cash flow levels than anticipated; inability to hire or retain qualified employees; a decline in the levels of deposits or loss of alternate funding sources; 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; adoption, interpretation and implementation of new or pre-existing accounting pronouncements; the development of new tax strategies or the disallowance of prior tax strategies; operational risks, including the risk of fraud by employees or outsiders and unanticipated litigation pertaining to Valley's fiduciary responsibility; and the inability to successfully implement new lines of business or new products and services.


   Valley National Bancorp
  Consolidated Financial Highlights

Selected Financial Data

Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended
(in thousands,   June 30,   June 30,
 except for share data)  2008   2007   20082007
FINANCIAL DATA:
Net interest income$102,578 $95,781   $198,160$191,953
Net interest income
 - FTE (2)  103,915  97,382200,940 195,150
Non-interest income  17,954  22,403 37,181  62,059
Non-interest expense 63,959  63,591131,437 126,404
Income tax expense9,290  12,526 21,038  34,197
Net income   41,483  39,679 73,066  89,113
Weighted average number
 of shares outstanding (3):

 Basic  125,954,880 126,305,781125,923,025 126,619,527
 Diluted126,068,172 126,816,438126,041,018 127,141,695

Per share data (3):
 Basic earnings   $0.33   $0.31  $0.58   $0.70
 Diluted earnings  0.330.31   0.580.70
 Cash dividends declared   0.200.20   0.400.40
 Book value7.557.35   7.557.35
 Tangible book value (1)   5.955.69   5.955.69
 Closing stock price - high   19.31   23.70  19.49   23.98
 Closing stock price - low15.77   21.35  15.77   21.35

FINANCIAL RATIOS:
Net interest margin   3.44%3.39%  3.37%  3.39%
Net interest margin -
 FTE (2)  3.48 3.45   3.42   3.45
Annualized return on
 average assets   1.28 1.30   1.14   1.46
Annualized return on average
 shareholders' equity17.2016.98  15.24  19.25
Annualized return on average
 tangible shareholders'
 equity (1)  21.7621.89  19.33  24.90
Efficiency ratio (4) 53.0653.81  55.85  49.76

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET ITEMS:
Assets $12,960,231  $12,195,790$12,771,342 $12,177,491
Interest earning
 assets 11,940,528   11,299,934 11,758,613  11,310,493
Loans8,897,0048,181,248  8,718,408   8,236,758
Interest bearing
 liabilities10,024,2609,305,357  9,856,731   9,308,699
Deposits 8,353,9008,339,489  8,267,683   8,358,654
Shareholders' equity   964,914  934,727959,077 925,760



   Valley National Bancorp
  Consolidated Financial Highlights

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

   Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)   June 30, June 30,
  2008 2007   2008  2007
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES:
Beginning of period $75,030   $75,533   $74,935   $74,718
Provision for credit losses   5,800 2,388 9,800 4,298
Charge-offs  (5,447)   (4,058)  (10,049)   (5,788)
Recoveries  566   912 1,263 1,547
End of period   $75,949   $74,775   $75,949   $74,775
Components:
 Allowance for loan losses  $73,729   $72,442   $73,729   $72,442
 Reserve for unfunded letters of
 credit   2,220 2,333 2,220 2,333
 Allowance for credit losses$75,949   $74,775   $75,949   $74,775



   As of June 30,
 2008 2007
BALANCE SHEET ITEMS:
Assets  $12,987,718   $12,319,087
Loans 9,044,095 8,180,141
Deposits  8,372,403 8,332,469
Shareholders' equity951,331   926,602
CAPITAL RATIOS:
Tier 1 leverage ratio  7.51% 7.79%
Risk-based capital - Tier 19.51  9.99
Risk-based capital - Total Capital11.25 11.86
ASSET QUALITY:
Non-accrual loans   $27,559   $28,843
Other real estate owned   4,416 1,055
Other repossessed assets  4,158 1,044
Total non-performing assets $36,133   $30,942
Loans past due 90 days or more and
 still accruing $11,249$6,686

ASSET QUALITY RATIOS:
Non-performing assets to total loans   0.40%0.38%
Loans past due 30 days or more to total loans  0.82 0.80
Allowance for credit losses to total loans 0.84 0.91
Annualized net charge-offs to average loans0.20 0.10



   Valley National Bancorp
  Consolidated Financial Highlights

NOTES TO SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(1) This press release contains certain supplemental financial
information, described in the following notes, which has been
determined by methods other than Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles ("GAAP") that management uses in its analysis of Valley's
performance.  Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures
provide information useful to investors in understanding Valley's
financial results and facilitates comparisons with the performance of
peers within the financial services industry.

Tangible book value and return on average tangible equity, which
represent non-GAAP measures, are computed as follows:
 - Tangible book value is computed by dividing total shareholders'
   equity less goodwill and other intangible assets by shares
   outstanding.
 - Return on average tangible equity is computed by dividing net
   income by average shareholders' equity less average goodwill and
   average identifiable intangible assets.



Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands,June 30, June 30,
 except for share data)   20082007 20082007
 Tangible Book Value
 Common shares
  outstanding 125,975,875 126,033,258  125,975,875 126,033,258
 Shareholders' equity$951,331$926,602 $951,331$926,602
 Less: Goodwill and other
 intangible assets201,738 209,731  201,738 209,731
 Tangible shareholders'
  equity $749,593$716,871 $749,593$716,871
 Tangible book value$5.95   $5.69$5.95   $5.69

 Return on Average Tangible
  Equity
 Net income   $41,483 $39,679  $73,066 $89,113
 Average shareholders'
  equity $964,914$934,727 $959,077$925,760
 Less: Average goodwill
  and other intangible
  assets  202,410 209,714  203,104 209,956
 Average tangible
  shareholders' equity   $762,504$725,013 $755,973$715,804
 Annualized return on
  average tangible
  shareholders' equity 21.76%  21.89%   19.33%  24.90%

(2) Net interest income and net interest margin are presented on a tax
equivalent basis using a 35 percent federal tax rate. Valley believes
that this presentation provides comparability of net interest income
and net interest margin arising from both taxable and tax-exempt
sources and is consistent with industry practice and SEC rules.

(3) Share data reflects the five percent stock dividend issued on May 23,
2008.

(4) The efficiency ratio measures Valley's total non-interest expense as a
percentage of net interest income plus total non-interest income.


SHAREHOLDER RELATIONS
Requests for copies of reports and/or other inquiries should be directed
to Dianne Grenz, Director of Shareholder and Public Relations, Valley
National Bancorp, 1455 Valley Road, Wayne, New Jersey, 07470, by telephone
at (973) 305-3380, by fax at (973) 696-2044 or by e-mail at
dgrenz@valleynationalbank.com.



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

 June 30,  December 31,
   20082007
Assets
Cash and due from banks $277,208 $218,896
Interest bearing deposits with banks   9,4739,569
Federal funds sold36,3009,000
Investment securities:
 Held to maturity, fair value of
  $605,708 at June 30, 2008 and
  $548,353 at December 31, 2007  651,156  556,113
 Available for sale1,864,6961,606,410
 Trading securities   67,457  722,577
   Total investment securities 2,583,3092,885,100
Loans held for sale, at fair value 4,1622,984

Loans  9,044,0958,496,221
 Less: Allowance for loan losses (73,729) (72,664)
 Net loans 8,970,3668,423,557

Premises and equipment, net  235,645  227,553
Bank owned life insurance279,758  273,613
Accrued interest receivable   54,699   56,578
Due from customers on acceptances
 outstanding   5,5748,875
Goodwill 179,735  179,835
Other intangible assets, net  22,003   24,712
Other assets 329,486  428,687
   Total Assets  $12,987,718  $12,748,959

Liabilities
Deposits:
 Non-interest bearing $1,973,667   $1,929,555
 Interest bearing
  Savings, NOW and money market3,463,3903,382,474
  Time 2,935,3462,778,975
   Total deposits  8,372,4038,091,004

Short-term borrowings432,560  605,154
Long-term borrowings (includes fair
 value of $41,359 for a Federal Home
 Loan Bank advance at December 31, 2007)   2,949,1522,801,195
Junior subordinated debentures
 issued to capital trust, at fair value  162,969  163,233
Bank acceptances outstanding   5,5748,875
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   113,729  130,438
   Total Liabilities  12,036,387   11,799,899

Shareholders' Equity*
Preferred stock, no par value,
 authorized 30,000,000 shares; none issued --
Common stock, no par value,
 authorized 190,886,088 shares;
 issued 128,493,557
 shares at June 30, 2008 and
  128,503,294 shares at December 31, 2007 45,287   43,185
Surplus  879,360  879,892
Retained earnings125,906  104,225
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (37,435) (12,982)
Treasury stock, at cost (2,517,682
 common shares  at June 30, 2008 and
 2,659,220 common shares at
 December 31, 2007)  (61,787) (65,260)

   Total Shareholders' Equity951,331  949,060
   Total Liabilities and
Shareholders' Equity $12,987,718  $12,748,959

* Share data reflects the 5% common stock dividend issued on May 23, 2008.



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

 Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended
   June 30,   June 30,
  2008 2007  2008 2007
Interest Income
Interest and fees on
 loans $134,613 $139,588 $270,242 $278,535
Interest and dividends
 on investment securities:
 Taxable 36,065   32,477   70,207   65,525
 Tax-exempt   2,4702,9105,1355,807
 Dividends2,3451,9934,5974,030
Interest on federal
 funds sold and other
 short-term
 investments4064,1881,9026,388
  Total interest income 175,899  181,156  352,083  360,285

Interest Expense
Interest on deposits:
 Savings, NOW and
  money market   11,155   19,216   25,220   38,634
 Time27,162   33,143   57,650   64,907
Interest on short-term
 borrowings   2,2124,5224,5198,500
Interest on long-term
 borrowings and junior
 subordinated debentures 32,792   28,494   66,534   56,291
  Total interest expense 73,321   85,375  153,923  168,332
Net Interest Income 102,578   95,781  198,160  191,953
Provision for credit
 losses   5,8002,3889,8004,298
Net interest income
 after provision for
 credit losses   96,778   93,393  188,360  187,655
Non-Interest Income
Trust and investment
 services 1,7441,8413,5123,621
Insurance premiums2,2642,8035,6365,764
Service charges on
 deposit accounts 7,0416,946   13,622   12,642
(Losses) gains on
 securities transactions,
 net   (958)  44 (813)  70
Trading (losses) gains, net(301)(121)  (3,492)   3,905
Fees from loan servicing  1,1951,3942,4472,784
Gains on sales of loans, net3912,691  7244,362
(Losses) gains on sale
 of assets, net  (8) 230   85   16,603
Bank owned life insurance 2,9052,8886,1455,015
Other 3,6813,6879,3157,293
 Total non-interest income   17,954   22,403   37,181   62,059
Non-Interest Expense
Salary expense   30,138   29,152   60,301   57,680
Employee benefit expense  6,8977,478   15,852   15,439
Net occupancy and
 equipment expense   12,775   12,698   26,256   24,714
Amortization of intangible
 assets   1,4021,8663,1483,790
Professional and legal fees   1,8971,4124,1863,067
Advertising 341  806  7171,742
Other10,509   10,179   20,977   19,972
 Total non-interest expense  63,959   63,591  131,437  126,404
Income before income taxes   50,773   52,205   94,104  123,310
Income tax expense9,290   12,526   21,038   34,197
Net Income  $41,483  $39,679  $73,066  $89,113

Earnings Per Share:*
   Basic  $0.33$0.31$0.58$0.70
   Diluted 0.33 0.31 0.58 0.70
Cash Dividends
 Declared Per Common Share*0.20 0.20 0.40 0.40
Weighted Average
 Number of Shares
 Outstanding:*
   Basic125,954,880  126,305,781  125,923,025  126,619,527
   Diluted  126,068,172  126,816,438  126,041,018  127,141,695

* Share data reflects the 5% common stock dividend issued on May 23, 2008.



Valley National Bancorp
(dollars in thousands)
 For the periods ended

Loan Portfolio6/30/2008  3/31/2008   12/31/2007   9/30/2007  6/30/2007

Commercial Loans $1,680,337  $1,584,190  $1,563,150  $1,665,169 $1,517,184

Mortgage Loans:
  Construction  399,279 399,069 402,806 408,969470,592
  Residential
   Mortgage   2,228,197   2,128,949   2,063,242   1,933,321  1,873,943
  Commercial
   Mortgage   2,564,605   2,443,719   2,370,345   2,282,669  2,262,290
Total Mortgage5,192,081   4,971,737   4,836,393   4,624,959  4,606,825
 Loans

Consumer Loans:
  Home Equity   537,913 542,162 554,830 554,859555,306
  Credit Card 9,459   9,338  10,077   9,290  9,105
  Automobile  1,531,537   1,483,067   1,447,838   1,433,178  1,391,801
  Other Consumer 92,768  76,990  83,933  83,009 99,920
Total Consumer
 Loans2,171,677   2,111,557   2,096,678   2,080,336  2,056,132
Total Loans  $9,044,095  $8,667,484  $8,496,221  $8,370,464 $8,180,141


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

   Quarter End - 6/30/2008

   Average   Avg.
   Balance Interest  Rate
Assets
Interest earning assets:
   Loans (1)(2)  $8,897,004$134,619 6.05%
   Taxable investments (3)2,723,835  38,410 5.64%
   Tax-exempt investments
(1)(3)  244,551   3,800 6.22%
   Federal funds sold and other
interest bearing deposits75,138 406 2.16%
Total interest earning
 assets  11,940,528 177,235 5.94%
Other assets  1,019,703
   Total Assets $12,960,231

Liabilities and shareholders'
  equity
Interest bearing liabilities:
   Savings, NOW and money
market deposits  $3,479,046 $11,155 1.28%
   Time deposits  2,981,166  27,162 3.64%
   Short-term borrowings555,799   2,212 1.59%
   Long-term borrowings (4)   3,008,249  32,792 4.36%
Total interest bearing
 liabilities 10,024,260  73,321 2.93%
Non-interest bearing
  deposits1,893,688
Other liabilities77,369
Shareholders' equity964,914
Total liabilities and
 shareholders' equity   $12,960,231
Net interest income/interest
  rate spread (5)103,9143.01%
Tax equivalent adjustment (1,336)
Net interest income, as
  reported  $102,578
Net interest margin (6)  3.44%
Tax equivalent effect0.04%
Net interest margin on a
  fully tax equivalent
  basis (6)  3.48%



 Quarter End - 3/31/2008

  AverageAvg.
  Balance  Interest  Rate
Assets
Interest earning assets:
   Loans (1)(2)  $8,539,812$135,638 6.35%
   Taxable investments (3)2,590,800  36,394 5.62%
   Tax-exempt investments
(1)(3)  254,701   4,100 6.44%
   Federal funds sold and other
interest bearing deposits   191,384   1,496 3.13%
Total interest earning
 assets  11,576,697 177,628 6.14%
Other assets  1,005,756
   Total Assets $12,582,453

Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Interest bearing liabilities:
   Savings, NOW and money
market deposits  $3,386,570 $14,065 1.66%
   Time deposits  2,918,671  30,488 4.18%
   Short-term borrowings406,726   2,307 2.27%
   Long-term borrowings (4)   2,977,234  33,742 4.53%
 Total interest bearing
  liabilities 9,689,201  80,602 3.33%
Non-interest bearing deposits 1,876,223
Other liabilities63,789
Shareholders' equity953,240
 Total liabilities and
  shareholders' equity  $12,582,453
Net interest income/interest
  rate spread (5)97,026 2.81%
Tax equivalent adjustment(1,444)
Net interest income, as
  reported  $95,582
Net interest margin (6)  3.30%
Tax equivalent effect0.05%
Net interest margin on a
  fully tax equivalent
  basis (6)  3.35%



Quarter End - 12/31/07

  AverageAvg.
  Balance   Interest Rate
Assets
Interest earning assets:
   Loans (1)(2)  $8,362,192$140,365 6.71%
   Taxable investments (3)2,649,378  37,684 5.69%
   Tax-exempt investments
(1)(3)  262,269   4,178 6.37%
   Federal funds sold and
 other interest bearing
 deposits69,533 809 4.65%
Total interest earning
 assets  11,343,372 183,036 6.45%
Other assets  1,037,171
Total Assets$12,380,543

Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Interest bearing liabilities:
   Savings, NOW and money
market deposits  $3,407,805 $17,825 2.09%
   Time deposits  2,969,684  33,876 4.56%
   Short-term borrowings487,852   4,489 3.68%
   Long-term borrowings (4)   2,548,503  30,055 4.72%
 Total interest bearing
  liabilities 9,413,844  86,245 3.66%
Non-interest bearing deposits 1,929,133
Other liabilities90,122
Shareholders' equity947,444
 Total liabilities and
  shareholders' equity  $12,380,543
Net interest income/interest
  rate spread (5) 96,7912.79%
Tax equivalent adjustment (1,473)
Net interest income, as
  reported   $95,318
Net interest margin (6)  3.36%
Tax equivalent effect0.05%
Net interest margin on a
  fully tax equivalent
  basis (6)  3.41%



Quarter End - 9/30/07

   Average   Avg.
   Balance Interest  Rate
Assets
Interest earning assets:
   Loans (1)(2)  $8,207,941$141,210 6.88%
   Taxable investments (3)2,549,294  35,732 5.61%
   Tax-exempt investments
   (1)(3)   260,094   4,223 6.49%
   Federal funds sold and other
 interest bearing deposits  267,262   3,505 5.25%
Total interest
 earning assets  11,284,591 184,670 6.55%
Other assets931,828
Total Assets$12,216,419

Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Interest bearing liabilities:
   Savings, NOW and money
market deposits  $3,430,218 $19,236 2.24%
   Time deposits  3,055,620  35,891 4.70%
   Short-term borrowings441,227   4,656 4.22%
   Long-term borrowings (4)   2,453,424  28,962 4.72%
 Total interest bearing
   liabilities9,380,489  88,745 3.78%
Non-interest bearing deposits 1,903,502
Other liabilities 1,069
Shareholders' equity931,359
 Total liabilities and
  shareholders' equity  $12,216,419
Net interest income/interest
  rate spread (5) 95,9252.77%
Tax equivalent adjustment (1,511)
Net interest income, as
  reported   $94,414
Net interest margin (6)  3.35%
Tax equivalent effect0.05%
Net interest margin on a
  fully tax equivalent
  basis (6)  3.40%



Quarter End - 6/30/07

   Average   Avg.
   Balance  Interest Rate
Assets
Interest earning assets:
   Loans (1)(2)  $8,181,248$139,622 6.83%
   Taxable investments (3)2,525,972  34,470 5.46%
   Tax-exempt investments
(1)(3)  277,274   4,477 6.46%
   Federal funds sold and other
 interest bearing deposits  315,440   4,188 5.31%
Total interest earning
 assets  11,299,934 182,757 6.47%
Other assets895,856
Total Assets$12,195,790

Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Interest bearing liabilities:
   Savings, NOW and money
market deposits  $3,503,061 $19,216 2.19%
   Time deposits  2,898,393  33,143 4.57%
   Short-term borrowings419,937   4,522 4.31%
   Long-term borrowings (4)   2,483,966  28,494 4.59%
 Total interest bearing
   liabilities9,305,357  85,375 3.67%
Non-interest bearing deposits 1,938,035
Other liabilities17,671
Shareholders' equity934,727
 Total liabilities and
   shareholders' equity $12,195,790
Net interest income/interest
  rate spread (5) 97,3822.80%
Tax equivalent adjustment (1,601)
Net interest income, as
  reported   $95,781
Net interest margin (6)  3.39%
Tax equivalent effect0.06%
Net interest margin on a
  fully tax equivalent
  basis (6)  3.45%

(1) Interest income is presented on a tax equivalent basis using a 35
percent federal tax rate.
(2) Loans are stated net of unearned income and include non-accrual loans.
(3) The yield for securities that are classified as available for
sale is based on the average historical amortized cost.
(4) Includes junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts which
are presented separately on the consolidated statements of condition.
(5) Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average
yield on interest earning assets and the average cost of interest
bearing liabilities and is presented on a fully tax equivalent basis.
(6) Net interest income as a percentage of total average interest earning
 assets.
SOURCE Valley National Bancorp

Copyright © 2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.




Article : Valley National Bancorp Reports Solid Second Quarter Earnings, Loan Growth and Net Interest Margin Expansion
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