VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP - Quarter Report: 2021 March (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
| ☒ | Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 | ||||
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2021
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) | ||||||||||||||||
| One Penn Plaza | |||||||||||||||||
| New York, | NY | 10119 | |||||||||||||||
| (Address of principal executive office) | (Zip code) | ||||||||||||||||
973-305-8800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbols | Name of exchange on which registered | ||||||
| Common Stock, no par value | VLY | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC | ||||||
| Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, no par value | VLYPP | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC | ||||||
| Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B, no par value | VLYPO | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC | ||||||
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 ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files.) Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one):
| Large accelerated filer | ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | ||||||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Emerging growth company | ☐ | ||||||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
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 405,884,672 shares were outstanding as of May 7, 2021.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page Number | ||||||||
| PART I | ||||||||
| Item 1. | ||||||||
| Item 2. | ||||||||
| Item 3. | ||||||||
| Item 4. | ||||||||
| PART II | ||||||||
| Item 1. | ||||||||
| Item 1A. | ||||||||
| Item 2. | ||||||||
| Item 6. | ||||||||
1
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(in thousands, except for share data)
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| Assets | (Unaudited) | ||||||||||
| Cash and due from banks | $ | 280,915 | $ | 257,845 | |||||||
| Interest bearing deposits with banks | 1,352,918 | 1,071,360 | |||||||||
| Investment securities: | |||||||||||
| Equity securities | 32,973 | 29,378 | |||||||||
| Available for sale debt securities | 1,116,221 | 1,339,473 | |||||||||
Held to maturity debt securities (net of allowance for credit losses of $1,070 at March 31, 2021 and $1,428 at December 31, 2020) | 2,389,956 | 2,171,583 | |||||||||
| Total investment securities | 3,539,150 | 3,540,434 | |||||||||
| Loans held for sale, at fair value | 232,068 | 301,427 | |||||||||
| Loans | 32,686,416 | 32,217,112 | |||||||||
| Less: Allowance for loan losses | (342,880) | (340,243) | |||||||||
| Net loans | 32,343,536 | 31,876,869 | |||||||||
| Premises and equipment, net | 323,841 | 319,797 | |||||||||
| Lease right of use assets | 242,190 | 252,053 | |||||||||
| Bank owned life insurance | 535,620 | 535,209 | |||||||||
| Accrued interest receivable | 107,790 | 106,230 | |||||||||
| Goodwill | 1,382,442 | 1,382,442 | |||||||||
| Other intangible assets, net | 67,972 | 70,449 | |||||||||
| Other assets | 769,569 | 971,961 | |||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | 41,178,011 | $ | 40,686,076 | |||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Deposits: | |||||||||||
| Non-interest bearing | $ | 10,053,026 | $ | 9,205,266 | |||||||
| Interest bearing: | |||||||||||
| Savings, NOW and money market | 17,081,105 | 16,015,658 | |||||||||
| Time | 5,451,078 | 6,714,678 | |||||||||
| Total deposits | 32,585,209 | 31,935,602 | |||||||||
| Short-term borrowings | 1,084,666 | 1,147,958 | |||||||||
| Long-term borrowings | 2,242,931 | 2,295,665 | |||||||||
| Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts | 56,152 | 56,065 | |||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 266,407 | 276,675 | |||||||||
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 282,976 | 381,991 | |||||||||
| Total Liabilities | 36,518,341 | 36,093,956 | |||||||||
| Shareholders’ Equity | |||||||||||
Preferred stock, no par value; 50,000,000 authorized shares: | |||||||||||
Series A (4,600,000 shares issued at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020) | 111,590 | 111,590 | |||||||||
Series B (4,000,000 shares issued at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020) | 98,101 | 98,101 | |||||||||
Common stock (no par value, authorized 650,000,000 shares; issued 405,801,304 shares at March 31, 2021 and 403,881,488 shares at December 31, 2020) | 142,435 | 141,746 | |||||||||
| Surplus | 3,651,948 | 3,637,468 | |||||||||
| Retained earnings | 672,651 | 611,158 | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (17,005) | (7,718) | |||||||||
Treasury stock, at cost (3,766 common shares at March 31, 2021 and 22,490 common shares at December 31, 2020) | (50) | (225) | |||||||||
| Total Shareholders’ Equity | 4,659,670 | 4,592,120 | |||||||||
| Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | $ | 41,178,011 | $ | 40,686,076 | |||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2
VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except for share data)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Interest Income | |||||||||||
| Interest and fees on loans | $ | 313,181 | $ | 333,068 | |||||||
| Interest and dividends on investment securities: | |||||||||||
| Taxable | 13,166 | 21,933 | |||||||||
| Tax-exempt | 3,356 | 3,926 | |||||||||
| Dividends | 1,871 | 3,401 | |||||||||
| Interest on federal funds sold and other short-term investments | 224 | 1,465 | |||||||||
| Total interest income | 331,798 | 363,793 | |||||||||
| Interest Expense | |||||||||||
| Interest on deposits: | |||||||||||
| Savings, NOW and money market | 11,125 | 34,513 | |||||||||
| Time | 11,093 | 42,814 | |||||||||
| Interest on short-term borrowings | 1,758 | 4,707 | |||||||||
| Interest on long-term borrowings and junior subordinated debentures | 15,155 | 16,420 | |||||||||
| Total interest expense | 39,131 | 98,454 | |||||||||
| Net Interest Income | 292,667 | 265,339 | |||||||||
| (Credit) provision for credit losses for held to maturity securities | (358) | 759 | |||||||||
| Provision for credit losses for loans | 9,014 | 33,924 | |||||||||
| Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses | 284,011 | 230,656 | |||||||||
| Non-Interest Income | |||||||||||
| Trust and investment services | 3,329 | 3,413 | |||||||||
| Insurance commissions | 1,558 | 1,951 | |||||||||
| Service charges on deposit accounts | 5,103 | 5,680 | |||||||||
| Losses on securities transactions, net | (118) | (40) | |||||||||
| Fees from loan servicing | 2,899 | 2,748 | |||||||||
| Gains on sales of loans, net | 3,513 | 4,550 | |||||||||
| (Losses) gains on sales of assets, net | (196) | 121 | |||||||||
| Bank owned life insurance | 2,331 | 3,142 | |||||||||
| Other | 12,814 | 19,832 | |||||||||
| Total non-interest income | 31,233 | 41,397 | |||||||||
| Non-Interest Expense | |||||||||||
| Salary and employee benefits expense | 88,103 | 85,728 | |||||||||
| Net occupancy and equipment expense | 32,259 | 32,441 | |||||||||
| FDIC insurance assessment | 3,276 | 3,876 | |||||||||
| Amortization of other intangible assets | 6,006 | 5,470 | |||||||||
| Professional and legal fees | 6,272 | 6,087 | |||||||||
| Amortization of tax credit investments | 2,744 | 3,228 | |||||||||
| Telecommunication expense | 3,160 | 2,287 | |||||||||
| Other | 18,393 | 16,539 | |||||||||
| Total non-interest expense | 160,213 | 155,656 | |||||||||
| Income Before Income Taxes | 155,031 | 116,397 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 39,321 | 29,129 | |||||||||
| Net Income | 115,710 | 87,268 | |||||||||
| Dividends on preferred stock | 3,172 | 3,172 | |||||||||
| Net Income Available to Common Shareholders | $ | 112,538 | $ | 84,096 | |||||||
3
VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (continued)
(in thousands, except for share data)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Earnings Per Common Share: | |||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.28 | $ | 0.21 | |||||||
| Diluted | 0.28 | 0.21 | |||||||||
| Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share | 0.11 | 0.11 | |||||||||
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding: | |||||||||||
| Basic | 405,152,605 | 403,519,088 | |||||||||
| Diluted | 407,636,765 | 405,424,123 | |||||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
4
VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 115,710 | $ | 87,268 | |||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: | |||||||||||
| Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities | |||||||||||
| Net (losses) gains arising during the period | (10,436) | 26,068 | |||||||||
| Less reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income | 44 | 27 | |||||||||
| Total | (10,392) | 26,095 | |||||||||
| Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (cash flow hedges) | |||||||||||
| Net gains (losses) on derivatives arising during the period | 174 | (1,057) | |||||||||
| Less reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income | 651 | 438 | |||||||||
| Total | 825 | (619) | |||||||||
| Defined benefit pension plan | |||||||||||
| Amortization of actuarial net loss | 280 | 172 | |||||||||
| Total other comprehensive (loss) income | (9,287) | 25,648 | |||||||||
| Total comprehensive income | $ | 106,423 | $ | 112,916 | |||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
5
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
| Common Stock | Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred Stock | Shares | Amount | Surplus | Retained Earnings | Other Comprehensive Loss | Treasury Stock | Total Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2020 | $ | 209,691 | 403,859 | $ | 141,746 | $ | 3,637,468 | $ | 611,158 | $ | (7,718) | $ | (225) | $ | 4,592,120 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | 115,710 | — | — | 115,710 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | (9,287) | — | (9,287) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends declared: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock, Series A, $0.39 per share | — | — | — | — | (1,797) | — | — | (1,797) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock, Series B, $0.34 per share | — | — | — | — | (1,375) | — | — | (1,375) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock, $0.11 per share | — | — | — | — | (45,281) | — | — | (45,281) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Effect of stock incentive plan, net | — | 1,939 | 689 | 14,480 | (5,764) | — | 175 | 9,580 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - March 31, 2021 | $ | 209,691 | 405,798 | $ | 142,435 | $ | 3,651,948 | $ | 672,651 | $ | (17,005) | $ | (50) | $ | 4,659,670 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
| Common Stock | Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred Stock | Shares | Amount | Surplus | Retained Earnings | Other Comprehensive Loss | Treasury Stock | Total Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2019 | $ | 209,691 | 403,278 | $ | 141,423 | $ | 3,622,208 | $ | 443,559 | $ | (32,214) | $ | (479) | $ | 4,384,188 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| — | — | — | — | (28,187) | — | — | (28,187) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - January 1, 2020 | 209,691 | 403,278 | 141,423 | 3,622,208 | 415,372 | (32,214) | (479) | 4,356,001 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | 87,268 | — | — | 87,268 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | 25,648 | — | 25,648 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends declared: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock, Series A, $0.39 per share | — | — | — | — | (1,797) | — | — | (1,797) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock, Series B, $0.34 per share | — | — | — | — | (1,375) | — | — | (1,375) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock, $0.11 per share | — | — | — | — | (44,979) | — | — | (44,979) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Effect of stock incentive plan, net | — | 466 | 190 | 1,828 | (2,065) | — | 279 | 232 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - March 31, 2020 | $ | 209,691 | 403,744 | $ | 141,613 | $ | 3,624,036 | $ | 452,424 | $ | (6,566) | $ | (200) | $ | 4,420,998 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
6
VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 115,710 | $ | 87,268 | |||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 13,848 | 14,734 | |||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | 5,465 | 3,684 | |||||||||
| Provision for credit losses | 8,656 | 34,683 | |||||||||
| Net amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on securities and borrowings | 8,293 | 6,685 | |||||||||
| Amortization of other intangible assets | 6,006 | 5,470 | |||||||||
| Losses on securities transactions, net | 118 | 40 | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale | 357,108 | 168,392 | |||||||||
| Gains on sales of loans, net | (3,513) | (4,550) | |||||||||
| Originations of loans held for sale | (287,765) | (147,981) | |||||||||
| Losses (gains) on sales of assets, net | 196 | (121) | |||||||||
| Net change in: | |||||||||||
| Cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance | (2,331) | (3,142) | |||||||||
| Accrued interest receivable | (1,560) | (1,716) | |||||||||
| Other assets | 204,729 | (401,849) | |||||||||
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities | (111,562) | 122,426 | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 313,398 | (115,977) | |||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||
| Net loan originations and purchases | (475,142) | (667,555) | |||||||||
| Equity securities: | |||||||||||
| Purchases | (1,878) | (5,214) | |||||||||
| Sales | 319 | — | |||||||||
| Held to maturity debt securities: | |||||||||||
| Purchases | (407,793) | (103,192) | |||||||||
| Maturities, calls and principal repayments | 184,163 | 118,541 | |||||||||
| Available for sale debt securities: | |||||||||||
| Purchases | — | (238,488) | |||||||||
| Sales | 41,134 | — | |||||||||
| Maturities, calls and principal repayments | 164,235 | 88,688 | |||||||||
| Death benefit proceeds from bank owned life insurance | 1,628 | 1,184 | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of real estate property and equipment | 1,742 | 6,352 | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of loans held for investment | — | 30,020 | |||||||||
| Purchases of real estate property and equipment | (8,042) | (9,235) | |||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (499,634) | $ | (778,899) | |||||||
7
| VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (continued) (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||
| Net change in deposits | $ | 649,607 | $ | (200,035) | |||||||
| Net change in short-term borrowings | (63,292) | 1,002,375 | |||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of long-term borrowings, net | — | 725,242 | |||||||||
| Repayments of long-term borrowings | (51,769) | (42,128) | |||||||||
| Cash dividends paid to preferred shareholders | (3,172) | (3,172) | |||||||||
| Cash dividends paid to common shareholders | (45,526) | (44,682) | |||||||||
| Purchase of common shares to treasury | (542) | (2,094) | |||||||||
| Common stock issued, net | 5,723 | (1,358) | |||||||||
| Other, net | (165) | (130) | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 490,864 | 1,434,018 | |||||||||
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 304,628 | 539,142 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 1,329,205 | 434,687 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 1,633,833 | $ | 973,829 | |||||||
| Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: | |||||||||||
| Cash payments for: | |||||||||||
| Interest on deposits and borrowings | $ | 37,997 | $ | 104,797 | |||||||
| Federal and state income taxes | 5,855 | 4,215 | |||||||||
| Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities: | |||||||||||
| Transfer of loans to other real estate owned | $ | 141 | $ | 2,750 | |||||||
| Transfer of loans to loans held for sale | — | 30,020 | |||||||||
| Lease right of use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities | 21 | 3,121 | |||||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
8
VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1. Basis of Presentation
The unaudited consolidated financial statements of Valley National Bancorp, a New Jersey corporation (Valley), include the accounts of its commercial bank subsidiary, Valley National Bank (the Bank), and all of Valley’s direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated. The accounting and reporting policies of Valley conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and general practices within the financial services industry. In accordance with applicable accounting standards, Valley does not consolidate statutory trusts established for the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities and related trust common securities. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly Valley’s financial position, results of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows at March 31, 2021 and for all periods presented have been made. The results of operations for the three months ended on March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year or any subsequent interim period.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and industry practice have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the SEC. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Correction of an Immaterial Error. Valley's previously reported consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was revised to reflect an adjustment for an intercompany account that was not properly eliminated in consolidation. The adjustment resulted in a decrease in the “Net change in deposits” line item from a decrease of $168.8 million, to a decrease of $200.0 million and a corresponding decrease in the “Net change in cash and cash equivalents” line item, from an increase of $570.3 million to an increase of $539.1 million. The effect of these revisions was immaterial to the interim period.
Significant Estimates. In preparing the unaudited consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, management has made estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated statements of financial condition and results of operations for the periods indicated. Material estimates that require application of management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgment and are particularly susceptible to change include: the allowance for credit losses, the evaluation of goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, and income taxes. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are deemed necessary. While management uses its best judgment, actual amounts or results could differ significantly from those estimates. The current economic environment has increased the degree of uncertainty inherent in these material estimates. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Also, future amounts and values could differ materially from those estimates due to changes in values and circumstances after the balance sheet date.
9
Note 2. Earnings Per Common Share
The following table shows the calculation of both basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands, except for share data) | |||||||||||
| Net income available to common shareholders | $ | 112,538 | $ | 84,096 | |||||||
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding | 405,152,605 | 403,519,088 | |||||||||
| Plus: Common stock equivalents | 2,484,160 | 1,905,035 | |||||||||
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding | 407,636,765 | 405,424,123 | |||||||||
| Earnings per common share: | |||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.28 | $ | 0.21 | |||||||
| Diluted | 0.28 | 0.21 | |||||||||
Common stock equivalents represent the dilutive effect of additional common shares issuable upon the assumed vesting or exercise, if applicable, of restricted stock units and common stock options to purchase Valley’s common shares. Common stock options with exercise prices that exceed the average market price per share of Valley’s common stock during the periods presented may have an anti-dilutive effect on the diluted earnings per common share calculation and therefore are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation along with restricted stock units. Potential anti-dilutive weighted common shares were immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to 1.9 million shares for the three months ended March 31, 2020.
Note 3. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table presents the after-tax changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2021:
| Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available for Sale (AFS) Securities | Unrealized Gains and Losses on Derivatives | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | $ | 33,290 | $ | (3,906) | $ | (37,102) | $ | (7,718) | |||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassification | (10,436) | 174 | — | (10,262) | |||||||||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income | 44 | 651 | 280 | 975 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net | (10,392) | 825 | 280 | (9,287) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2021 | $ | 22,898 | $ | (3,081) | $ | (36,822) | $ | (17,005) | |||||||||||||||
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The following table presents amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss on a gross and net of tax basis for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | 2021 | 2020 | Income Statement Line Item | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized losses on AFS securities before tax | $ | (59) | $ | (40) | Losses on securities transactions, net | |||||||||||||||
| Tax effect | 15 | 13 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total net of tax | (44) | (27) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized losses on derivatives (cash flow hedges) before tax | (915) | (615) | Interest expense | |||||||||||||||||
| Tax effect | 264 | 177 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total net of tax | (651) | (438) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Defined benefit pension plan: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of actuarial net loss | (388) | (236) | * | |||||||||||||||||
| Tax effect | 108 | 64 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total net of tax | (280) | (172) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total reclassifications, net of tax | $ | (975) | $ | (637) | ||||||||||||||||
| * | Amortization of actuarial net loss is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost recognized within other non-interest expense. | ||||
Note 4. New Authoritative Accounting Guidance
New Accounting Guidance Adopted in 2021
Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2020-08, "Codification Improvements to Subtopic 310-20, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs" provides clarification and affects the guidance previously issued by ASU No. 2017-08 “Receivables -Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities.” ASU No. 2020-08 clarifies that an entity should reevaluate whether a debt security with multiple call dates is within the scope of paragraph 310-20-35-33. For each reporting period, to the extent that the amortized cost basis of an individual callable debt security exceeds the amount repayable by the issuer at the next call date, the premium should be amortized to the next call date, unless the guidance to consider estimated prepayments is applied. Valley adopted ASU No. 2020-08 on January 1, 2021 and the new guidance did not have a significant impact on Valley’s consolidated financial statements.
New Accounting Guidance issued in 2021
ASU No. 2021-01 "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)" extends some of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 848’s optional expedients to derivative contracts impacted by the discounting transition, including for derivatives that do not reference LIBOR or other reference rates that are expected to be discontinued. ASU No. 2021-01 is effective for all entities immediately upon issuance and may be elected retrospectively to eligible modifications as of any date from the beginning of the interim period that includes March 12, 2020, or prospectively to new modifications made on or after any date within the interim period including January 7, 2021 and it can be applied through December 31, 2022, similar to the other reference rate reform relief provided under Topic 848. The ASU No. 2021-01 is not expected to have a significant impact on Valley’s consolidated financial statements.
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Note 5. Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities
ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements” establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
•Level 1 - Unadjusted exchange quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, or identical liabilities traded as assets that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
•Level 2 - Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly (i.e., quoted prices on similar assets) for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
•Level 3 - Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring and Non-Recurring Basis
The following tables present the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy as reported on the consolidated statements of financial condition at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The assets presented under “non-recurring fair value measurements” in the tables below are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments under certain circumstances (e.g., when an impairment loss is recognized).
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| March 31, 2021 | Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recurring fair value measurements: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity securities (1) | $ | 29,724 | $ | 19,742 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
| Available for sale: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | 51,199 | 51,199 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency securities | 24,010 | — | 24,010 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Obligations of states and political subdivisions | 72,722 | — | 72,593 | 129 | |||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 878,336 | — | 878,336 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other debt securities | 89,954 | — | 89,954 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total available for sale debt securities | 1,116,221 | 51,199 | 1,064,893 | 129 | |||||||||||||||||||
Loans held for sale (2) | 232,068 | — | 232,068 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Other assets (3) | 155,633 | — | 155,633 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 1,533,646 | $ | 70,941 | $ | 1,452,594 | $ | 129 | |||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other liabilities (3) | $ | 22,503 | $ | — | $ | 22,503 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | $ | 22,503 | $ | — | $ | 22,503 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
| Non-recurring fair value measurements: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Collateral dependent loans | $ | 38,883 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 38,883 | |||||||||||||||
| Loan servicing rights | 682 | — | — | 682 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreclosed assets | 1,683 | — | — | 1,683 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 41,248 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 41,248 | |||||||||||||||
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| Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recurring fair value measurements: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity securities (1) | $ | 26,379 | $ | 18,600 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
| Available for sale: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | 51,393 | 51,393 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency securities | 26,157 | — | 26,157 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Obligations of states and political subdivisions | 79,950 | — | 79,135 | 815 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 1,090,022 | — | 1,090,022 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other debt securities | 91,951 | — | 91,951 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total available for sale | 1,339,473 | 51,393 | 1,287,265 | 815 | |||||||||||||||||||
Loans held for sale (2) | 301,427 | — | 301,427 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Other assets (3) | 387,452 | — | 387,452 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 2,054,731 | $ | 69,993 | $ | 1,976,144 | $ | 815 | |||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other liabilities (3) | $ | 156,281 | $ | — | $ | 156,281 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | $ | 156,281 | $ | — | $ | 156,281 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
| Non-recurring fair value measurements: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Collateral dependent impaired loans | $ | 35,228 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 35,228 | |||||||||||||||
| Loan servicing rights | 15,603 | — | — | 15,603 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreclosed assets | 7,387 | — | — | 7,387 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 58,218 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 58,218 | |||||||||||||||
(1)Includes equity securities measured at net asset value (NAV) per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient totaling $10.0 million and $7.8 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. These securities have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
(2)Represents residential mortgage loans held for sale that are carried at fair value and had contractual unpaid principal balances totaling approximately $226.6 million and $286.4 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
(3)Derivative financial instruments are included in this category.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following valuation techniques were used for financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis. All the valuation techniques described below apply to the unpaid principal balance, excluding any accrued interest or dividends at the measurement date. Interest income and expense are recorded within the consolidated statements of income depending on the nature of the instrument using the effective interest method based on acquired discount or premium.
Equity securities. The fair value of equity securities largely consists of a publicly traded mutual fund, a Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) investment fund that is carried at quoted prices in active markets and privately held CRA funds measured at NAV.
Available for sale debt securities. U.S. Treasury securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. The majority of other investment securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. The prices for these instruments are obtained through an independent pricing service or dealer market participants with whom Valley
14
has historically transacted both purchases and sales of investment securities. Prices obtained from these sources include prices derived from market quotations and matrix pricing. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things. Management reviews the data and assumptions used in pricing the securities by its third-party provider to ensure the highest level of significant inputs are derived from market observable data. In addition, Valley reviews the volume and level of activity for all available for sale securities and attempts to identify transactions which may not be orderly or reflective of a significant level of activity and volume.
In calculating the fair value of one impaired special revenue bond (within obligations of states and political subdivisions in the table above) under Level 3, Valley prepared its best estimate of the present value of the cash flows to determine an internal price estimate. In determining the internal price, Valley utilized recent financial information and developments provided by the issuer, as well as other unobservable inputs which reflect Valley’s own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing of the defaulted security. A quoted price received from an independent pricing service was weighted with the internal price estimate to determine the fair value of the instrument at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
Loans held for sale. Residential mortgage loans originated for sale are reported at fair value using Level 2 inputs. The fair values were calculated utilizing quoted prices for similar assets in active markets. The market prices represent a delivery price, which reflects the underlying price each institution would pay Valley for an immediate sale of an aggregate pool of mortgages. Non-performance risk did not materially impact the fair value of mortgage loans held for sale at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 based on the short duration these assets were held, and the credit quality of these loans.
Derivatives. Derivatives are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. The fair values of Valley’s derivatives are determined using third-party prices that are based on discounted cash flow analysis using observed market inputs, such as the LIBOR, Overnight Index Swap and Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) curves for all cleared derivatives. The fair value of mortgage banking derivatives, consisting of interest rate lock commitments to fund residential mortgage loans and forward commitments for the future delivery of such loans (including certain loans held for sale at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020), is determined based on the current market prices for similar instruments. The fair values of most of the derivatives incorporate credit valuation adjustments, which consider the impact of any credit enhancements to the contracts, to account for potential nonperformance risk of Valley and its counterparties. The credit valuation adjustments were not significant to the overall valuation of Valley’s derivatives at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis
The following valuation techniques were used for certain non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, including collateral dependent loans reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral, loan servicing rights and foreclosed assets, which are reported at fair value upon initial recognition or subsequent impairment as described below.
Collateral Dependent Loans. Collateral dependent loans are loans when foreclosure of the collateral is probable, or where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and substantially all of the repayment is expected from the collateral. Collateral dependent loans are reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral. Collateral values are estimated using Level 3 inputs, consisting of individual third-party appraisals that may be adjusted based on certain discounting criteria. Certain real estate appraisals may be discounted based on specific market data by location and property type. At March 31, 2021, collateral dependent loans were individually re-measured and reported at fair value through direct loan charge-offs to the allowance for loan losses based on the fair value of the underlying collateral. At March 31, 2021, collateral dependent loans, primarily consisting of taxi medallion loans, with a total amortized cost of $111.5 million were reduced by specific allowance for loan losses allocations totaling $72.6 million to a reported total net carrying amount of $38.9 million.
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Loan servicing rights. Fair values for each risk-stratified group of loan servicing rights are calculated using a fair value model from a third-party vendor that requires inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (Level 3). The fair value model is based on various assumptions, including but not limited to, prepayment speeds, internal rate of return (discount rate), servicing cost, ancillary income, float rate, tax rate, and inflation. The prepayment speed and the discount rate are considered two of the most significant inputs in the model. At March 31, 2021, the fair value model used a blended prepayment speed (stated as constant prepayment rates) of 16.9 percent and a discount rate of 9.6 percent for the valuation of the loan servicing rights. A significant degree of judgment is involved in valuing the loan servicing rights using Level 3 inputs. The use of different assumptions could have a significant positive or negative effect on the fair value estimate. Impairment charges are recognized on loan servicing rights when the amortized cost of a risk-stratified group of loan servicing rights exceeds the estimated fair value. At March 31, 2021, certain loan servicing rights were re-measured at fair value totaling $682 thousand. See Note 8 for additional information.
Foreclosed assets. Certain foreclosed assets (consisting of other real estate owned and other repossessed assets included in other assets), upon initial recognition and transfer from loans, are re-measured and reported at fair value using Level 3 inputs, consisting of a third-party appraisal less estimated cost to sell. When an asset is acquired, the excess of the loan balance over fair value, less estimated selling costs, is charged to the allowance for loan losses. If further declines in the estimated fair value of the asset occur, an asset is re-measured and reported at fair value through a write-down recorded in non-interest expense. The adjustments to the appraisals of foreclosed assets ranged from 2.9 percent to 18 percent at March 31, 2021.
Other Fair Value Disclosures
ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments,” requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or non-recurring basis.
The fair value estimates presented in the following table were based on pertinent market data and relevant information on the financial instruments available as of the valuation date. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the entire portfolio of financial instruments. Because no market exists for a portion of the financial instruments, fair value estimates may be based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
Fair value estimates are based on existing balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. For instance, Valley has certain fee-generating business lines (e.g., its mortgage servicing operation, trust and investment management departments) that were not considered in these estimates since these activities are not financial instruments. In addition, the tax implications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of the estimates.
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The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments not measured and not reported at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial condition at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were as follows:
| Fair Value Hierarchy | March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying Amount | Fair Value | Carrying Amount | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and due from banks | Level 1 | $ | 280,915 | $ | 280,915 | $ | 257,845 | $ | 257,845 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest bearing deposits with banks | Level 1 | 1,352,918 | 1,352,918 | 1,071,360 | 1,071,360 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity securities (1) | Level 3 | 3,249 | 3,249 | 2,999 | 2,999 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Held to maturity debt securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | Level 1 | 68,031 | 74,179 | 68,126 | 75,484 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government agency securities | Level 2 | 5,659 | 5,795 | 6,222 | 6,513 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Obligations of states and political subdivisions | Level 2 | 454,021 | 465,674 | 470,259 | 484,506 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Level 2 | 1,787,211 | 1,797,741 | 1,550,306 | 1,589,655 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trust preferred securities | Level 2 | 37,354 | 30,728 | 37,348 | 30,033 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other debt securities | Level 2 | 38,750 | 39,244 | 40,750 | 41,421 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total held to maturity debt securities (2) | 2,391,026 | 2,413,361 | 2,173,011 | 2,227,612 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loans | Level 3 | 32,343,536 | 32,113,414 | 31,876,869 | 31,635,060 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued interest receivable | Level 1 | 107,790 | 107,790 | 106,230 | 106,230 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock (3) | Level 2 | 247,158 | 247,158 | 250,116 | 250,116 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits without stated maturities | Level 1 | 27,134,131 | 27,134,131 | 25,220,924 | 25,220,924 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits with stated maturities | Level 2 | 5,451,078 | 5,448,891 | 6,714,678 | 6,639,022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings | Level 1 | 1,084,666 | 1,060,430 | 1,147,958 | 1,151,478 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term borrowings | Level 2 | 2,242,931 | 2,242,747 | 2,295,665 | 2,405,345 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts | Level 2 | 56,152 | 45,863 | 56,065 | 57,779 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accrued interest payable (4) | Level 1 | 19,972 | 19,972 | 18,839 | 18,839 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Represents equity securities without a readily determinable fair value measured at cost less impairment, if any.
(2)The carrying amount is presented gross without the allowance for credit losses.
(3)Included in other assets.
(4)Included in accrued expenses and other liabilities.
Note 6. Investment Securities
Equity Securities
Equity securities carried at fair value totaled $33.0 million and $29.4 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. At March 31, 2021, Valley's equity securities consisted of one publicly traded money market mutual fund, CRA investments both publicly traded and privately held and, to a lesser extent, equity securities without readily determinable fair values.
Available for Sale Debt Securities
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of available for sale debt securities at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were as follows:
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| Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 50,027 | $ | 1,172 | $ | — | $ | 51,199 | |||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency securities | 22,899 | 1,123 | (12) | 24,010 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Obligations of states and political subdivisions: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Obligations of states and state agencies | 36,075 | 793 | — | 36,868 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | 35,223 | 637 | (6) | 35,854 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total obligations of states and political subdivisions | 71,298 | 1,430 | (6) | 72,722 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 852,398 | 27,254 | (1,316) | 878,336 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other debt securities | 87,960 | 2,076 | (82) | 89,954 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,084,582 | $ | 33,055 | $ | (1,416) | $ | 1,116,221 | |||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 50,031 | $ | 1,362 | $ | — | $ | 51,393 | |||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency securities | 25,067 | 1,103 | (13) | 26,157 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Obligations of states and political subdivisions: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Obligations of states and state agencies | 40,861 | 970 | (32) | 41,799 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | 37,489 | 731 | (69) | 38,151 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total obligations of states and political subdivisions | 78,350 | 1,701 | (101) | 79,950 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 1,050,369 | 40,426 | (773) | 1,090,022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other debt securities | 89,689 | 2,294 | (32) | 91,951 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,293,506 | $ | 46,886 | $ | (919) | $ | 1,339,473 | |||||||||||||||
The age of unrealized losses and fair value of the related available for sale debt securities at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were as follows:
| Less than Twelve Months | More than Twelve Months | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency securities | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,430 | $ | (12) | $ | 1,430 | $ | (12) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | 6,847 | (6) | — | — | 6,847 | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 67,489 | (984) | 23,251 | (332) | 90,740 | (1,316) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other debt securities | 22,120 | (82) | — | — | 22,120 | (82) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 96,456 | $ | (1,072) | $ | 24,681 | $ | (344) | $ | 121,137 | $ | (1,416) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency securities | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,479 | $ | (13) | $ | 1,479 | $ | (13) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Obligations of states and political subdivisions: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Obligations of states and state agencies | — | — | 1,010 | (32) | 1,010 | (32) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | 6,777 | (69) | — | — | 6,777 | (69) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions | 6,777 | (69) | 1,010 | (32) | 7,787 | (101) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 41,418 | (500) | 27,911 | (273) | 69,329 | (773) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other debt securities | 12,517 | (32) | — | — | 12,517 | (32) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 60,712 | $ | (601) | $ | 30,400 | $ | (318) | $ | 91,112 | $ | (919) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Within the available for sale debt securities portfolio, the total number of security positions in an unrealized loss position was 61 and 58 at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
As of March 31, 2021, the fair value of available for sale debt securities that were pledged to secure public deposits, repurchase agreements, lines of credit, and for other purposes required by law, was $691.4 million.
The contractual maturities of available for sale debt securities at March 31, 2021 are set forth in the following table. Maturities may differ from contractual maturities in residential mortgage-backed securities because the mortgages underlying the securities may be prepaid without any penalties. Therefore, residential mortgage-backed securities are not included in the maturity categories in the following summary.
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||
| Amortized Cost | Fair Value | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Due in one year | $ | 13,361 | $ | 13,421 | |||||||
| Due after one year through five years | 77,866 | 79,806 | |||||||||
| Due after five years through ten years | 92,143 | 94,029 | |||||||||
| Due after ten years | 48,814 | 50,629 | |||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 852,398 | 878,336 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,084,582 | $ | 1,116,221 | |||||||
Actual maturities of available for sale debt securities may differ from those presented above since certain obligations provide the issuer the right to call or prepay the obligation prior to scheduled maturity without penalty.
The weighted average remaining expected life for residential mortgage-backed securities available for sale was 3.4 years at March 31, 2021.
Impairment Analysis of Available For Sale Debt Securities
Valley's available for sale debt securities portfolio includes corporate bonds and revenue bonds, among other securities. These types of securities may pose a higher risk of future impairment charges by Valley as a result of the unpredictable nature of the U.S. economy and its potential negative effect on the future performance of the security issuers, including due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Available for sale debt securities in unrealized loss positions are evaluated for impairment related to credit losses on a quarterly basis. Valley has evaluated available for sale debt securities that are in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2021 included in the table above and has determined that the declines in fair value are mainly attributable to market volatility, not credit quality or other factors. Based on a comparison of the present value of expected cash flows to the amortized cost, management recognized no impairment during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and, as a result, there was no allowance for credit losses for available for sale debt securities at March 31, 2021.
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Held to Maturity Debt Securities
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of debt securities held to maturity at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were as follows:
| Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 68,031 | $ | 6,148 | $ | — | $ | 74,179 | |||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency securities | 5,659 | 136 | — | 5,795 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Obligations of states and political subdivisions: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Obligations of states and state agencies | 254,991 | 6,390 | (141) | 261,240 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | 199,030 | 5,406 | (2) | 204,434 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total obligations of states and political subdivisions | 454,021 | 11,796 | (143) | 465,674 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 1,787,211 | 29,249 | (18,719) | 1,797,741 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trust preferred securities | 37,354 | 52 | (6,678) | 30,728 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other debt securities | 38,750 | 566 | (72) | 39,244 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,391,026 | $ | 47,947 | $ | (25,612) | $ | 2,413,361 | |||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 68,126 | $ | 7,358 | $ | — | $ | 75,484 | |||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency securities | 6,222 | 291 | — | 6,513 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Obligations of states and political subdivisions: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Obligations of states and state agencies | 262,762 | 8,060 | (105) | 270,717 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | 207,497 | 6,292 | — | 213,789 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total obligations of states and political subdivisions | 470,259 | 14,352 | (105) | 484,506 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 1,550,306 | 39,603 | (254) | 1,589,655 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trust preferred securities | 37,348 | 50 | (7,365) | 30,033 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other debt securities | 40,750 | 672 | (1) | 41,421 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,173,011 | $ | 62,326 | $ | (7,725) | $ | 2,227,612 | |||||||||||||||
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The age of unrealized losses and fair value of related debt securities held to maturity at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were as follows:
| Less than Twelve Months | More than Twelve Months | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Obligations of states and political subdivisions: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Obligations of states and state agencies | $ | 809 | $ | (30) | $ | 5,521 | $ | (111) | $ | 6,330 | $ | (141) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | 1,328 | (2) | — | — | 1,328 | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions | 2,137 | (32) | 5,521 | (111) | 7,658 | (143) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 903,746 | (18,713) | 1,838 | (6) | 905,584 | (18,719) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trust preferred securities | — | — | 29,322 | (6,678) | 29,322 | (6,678) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other debt securities | 2,928 | (72) | — | — | 2,928 | (72) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 908,811 | $ | (18,817) | $ | 36,681 | $ | (6,795) | $ | 945,492 | $ | (25,612) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Obligations of states and state agencies | $ | 5,546 | $ | (105) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 5,546 | $ | (105) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 21,599 | (245) | 2,470 | (9) | 24,069 | (254) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trust preferred securities | — | — | 28,630 | (7,365) | 28,630 | (7,365) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate and other debt securities | 10,749 | (1) | — | — | 10,749 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 37,894 | $ | (351) | $ | 31,100 | $ | (7,374) | $ | 68,994 | $ | (7,725) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Within the held to maturity portfolio, the total number of security positions in an unrealized loss position was 39 and 13 at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
As of March 31, 2021, the fair value of debt securities held to maturity that were pledged to secure public deposits, repurchase agreements, lines of credit, and for other purposes required by law, was $1.5 billion.
The contractual maturities of investments in debt securities held to maturity at March 31, 2021 are set forth in the table below. Maturities may differ from contractual maturities in residential mortgage-backed securities because the mortgages underlying the securities may be prepaid without any penalties. Therefore, residential mortgage-backed securities are not included in the maturity categories in the following summary.
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||
| Amortized Cost | Fair Value | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Due in one year | $ | 26,173 | $ | 26,306 | |||||||
| Due after one year through five years | 228,929 | 239,320 | |||||||||
| Due after five years through ten years | 149,406 | 152,366 | |||||||||
| Due after ten years | 199,307 | 197,628 | |||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 1,787,211 | 1,797,741 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,391,026 | $ | 2,413,361 | |||||||
Actual maturities of held to maturity debt securities may differ from those presented above since certain obligations provide the issuer the right to call or prepay the obligation prior to scheduled maturity without penalty.
The weighted-average remaining expected life for residential mortgage-backed securities held to maturity was 5.8 years at March 31, 2021.
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Credit Quality Indicators
Valley monitors the credit quality of the held to maturity debt securities through the use of the most current credit ratings from external rating agencies. The following table summarizes the amortized cost of held to maturity debt securities by external credit rating at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
| AAA/AA/A Rated | BBB rated | Non-investment grade rated | Non-rated | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 68,031 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 68,031 | |||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency securities | 5,659 | — | — | — | 5,659 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Obligations of states and political subdivisions: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Obligations of states and state agencies | 222,683 | — | 5,632 | 26,676 | 254,991 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | 157,212 | — | — | 41,818 | 199,030 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions | 379,895 | — | 5,632 | 68,494 | 454,021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 1,787,211 | — | — | — | 1,787,211 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trust preferred securities | — | — | — | 37,354 | 37,354 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other debt securities | — | 8,000 | — | 30,750 | 38,750 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,240,796 | $ | 8,000 | $ | 5,632 | $ | 136,598 | $ | 2,391,026 | |||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 68,126 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 68,126 | |||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government agency securities | 6,222 | — | — | — | 6,222 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Obligations of states and political subdivisions: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Obligations of states and state agencies | 228,286 | — | 5,650 | 28,826 | 262,762 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | 166,408 | — | — | 41,089 | 207,497 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions | 394,694 | — | 5,650 | 69,915 | 470,259 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 1,550,306 | — | — | — | 1,550,306 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trust preferred securities | — | — | — | 37,348 | 37,348 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other debt securities | — | 5,000 | — | 35,750 | 40,750 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investment securities held to maturity | $ | 2,019,348 | $ | 5,000 | $ | 5,650 | $ | 143,013 | $ | 2,173,011 | |||||||||||||||||||
Obligations of states and political subdivisions include municipal bonds and revenue bonds issued by various municipal corporations. At March 31, 2021, most of the obligations of states and political subdivisions were rated investment grade and a large portion of the "non-rated" category included TEMS securities secured by Ginnie Mae securities. Trust preferred securities consist of non-rated single-issuer securities, issued by bank holding companies. Corporate bonds consist of debt primarily issued by banks.
Allowance for Credit Losses for Held to Maturity Debt Securities
Valley has a zero loss expectation for certain securities within the held to maturity portfolio, and therefore it is not required to estimate an allowance for credit losses related to these securities under the CECL standard. After an evaluation of qualitative factors, Valley identified the following securities types which it believes qualify for this exclusion: U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government agency securities, residential mortgage-backed securities issued by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and collateralized municipal bonds called TEMS.
At March 31, 2021, held to maturity debt securities were carried net of allowance for credit losses totaling $1.1 million and $1.4 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Valley recorded a credit
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(negative) provision for credit losses of $358 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and a provision for credit losses of $759 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2020. There were no net charge-offs of debt securities in the respective periods.
Note 7. Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans
The detail of the loan portfolio as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was as follows:
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Loans: | |||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial: | |||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | 4,784,017 | $ | 4,709,569 | |||||||
| Commercial and industrial PPP loans * | 2,364,627 | 2,152,139 | |||||||||
| Total commercial and industrial loans | 7,148,644 | 6,861,708 | |||||||||
| Commercial real estate: | |||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | 16,923,627 | 16,724,998 | |||||||||
| Construction | 1,786,331 | 1,745,825 | |||||||||
| Total commercial real estate loans | 18,709,958 | 18,470,823 | |||||||||
| Residential mortgage | 4,060,492 | 4,183,743 | |||||||||
| Consumer: | |||||||||||
| Home equity | 409,576 | 431,553 | |||||||||
| Automobile | 1,444,883 | 1,355,955 | |||||||||
| Other consumer | 912,863 | 913,330 | |||||||||
| Total consumer loans | 2,767,322 | 2,700,838 | |||||||||
| Total loans | $ | 32,686,416 | $ | 32,217,112 | |||||||
*Represents SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, net of unearned fees totaling $57.2 million and $43.2 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
Total loans includes net unearned discounts and deferred loan fees of $108.6 million and $95.8 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Net unearned discounts and deferred loan fees include the non-credit discount on purchased credit deterioration (PCD) loans and net unearned fees related to PPP loans at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
Accrued interest on loans, which is excluded from the amortized cost of loans held for investment, totaled $92.4 million and $90.2 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and is presented separately in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
Valley transferred and sold approximately $30.0 million of residential mortgage loans from the loan portfolio to loans held for sale during the three months ended March 31, 2020. Excluding the loan transfers, there were no other sales of loans from the held for investment portfolio during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
Credit Risk Management
For all of its loan types, Valley adheres to a credit policy designed to minimize credit risk while generating the maximum income given the level of risk appetite. Management reviews and approves these policies and procedures on a regular basis with subsequent approval by the Board of Directors annually. Credit authority relating to a significant dollar percentage of the overall portfolio is centralized and controlled by the Credit Risk Management Division and by the Credit Committee. A reporting system supplements the management review process by providing management with frequent reports concerning loan production, loan quality, internal loan classification,
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concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies, non-performing, and potential problem loans. Loan portfolio diversification is an important factor utilized by Valley to manage its risk across business sectors and through cyclical economic circumstances. See Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 for further details.
Credit Quality
The following table presents past due, current and non-accrual loans without an allowance for credit losses by loan portfolio class at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
| Past Due and Non-Accrual Loans | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 30-59 Days Past Due Loans | 60-89 Days Past Due Loans | 90 Days or More Past Due Loans | Non-Accrual Loans | Total Past Due Loans | Current Loans | Total Loans | Non-Accrual Loans Without Allowance for Credit Losses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial and industrial | $ | 3,763 | $ | 1,768 | $ | 2,515 | $ | 108,988 | $ | 117,034 | $ | 7,031,610 | $ | 7,148,644 | $ | 10,618 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial real estate: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial real estate | 11,655 | 5,455 | — | 54,004 | 71,114 | 16,852,513 | 16,923,627 | 41,706 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | — | — | — | 71 | 71 | 1,786,260 | 1,786,331 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total commercial real estate loans | 11,655 | 5,455 | — | 54,075 | 71,185 | 18,638,773 | 18,709,958 | 41,706 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage | 16,004 | 2,233 | 2,472 | 33,655 | 54,364 | 4,006,128 | 4,060,492 | 17,218 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Home equity | 737 | 147 | — | 6,411 | 7,295 | 402,281 | 409,576 | 48 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Automobile | 4,421 | 770 | 390 | 368 | 5,949 | 1,438,934 | 1,444,883 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 322 | 104 | 27 | 513 | 966 | 911,897 | 912,863 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total consumer loans | 5,480 | 1,021 | 417 | 7,292 | 14,210 | 2,753,112 | 2,767,322 | 48 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 36,902 | $ | 10,477 | $ | 5,404 | $ | 204,010 | $ | 256,793 | $ | 32,429,623 | $ | 32,686,416 | $ | 69,590 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Past Due and Non-Accrual Loans | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
30-59 Days Past Due Loans | 60-89 Days Past Due Loans | 90 Days or More Past Due Loans | Non-Accrual Loans | Total Past Due Loans | Current Loans | Total Loans | Non-Accrual Loans Without Allowance for Credit Losses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | 6,393 | $ | 2,252 | $ | 9,107 | $ | 106,693 | $ | 124,445 | $ | 6,737,263 | $ | 6,861,708 | $ | 4,075 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | 35,030 | 1,326 | 993 | 46,879 | 84,228 | 16,640,770 | 16,724,998 | 32,416 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | 315 | — | — | 84 | 399 | 1,745,426 | 1,745,825 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total commercial real estate loans | 35,345 | 1,326 | 993 | 46,963 | 84,627 | 18,386,196 | 18,470,823 | 32,416 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage | 17,717 | 10,351 | 3,170 | 25,817 | 57,055 | 4,126,688 | 4,183,743 | 11,610 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Home equity | 953 | 492 | — | 4,936 | 6,381 | 425,172 | 431,553 | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Automobile | 8,056 | 1,107 | 245 | 338 | 9,746 | 1,346,209 | 1,355,955 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 1,248 | 224 | 26 | 535 | 2,033 | 911,297 | 913,330 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total consumer loans | 10,257 | 1,823 | 271 | 5,809 | 18,160 | 2,682,678 | 2,700,838 | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 69,712 | $ | 15,752 | $ | 13,541 | $ | 185,282 | $ | 284,287 | $ | 31,932,825 | $ | 32,217,112 | $ | 48,151 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit quality indicators. Valley utilizes an internal loan classification system as a means of reporting problem loans within commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, and construction loan portfolio classes. Under Valley’s internal risk rating system, loan relationships could be classified as "Pass," "Special Mention," "Substandard," "Doubtful," and "Loss." Substandard loans include loans that exhibit well-defined weakness and are characterized by the distinct possibility that Valley will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loans classified as Doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, based on currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. Loans classified as Loss are those considered uncollectible with insignificant value and are charged-off immediately to the allowance for loan losses, and, therefore, not presented in the table below. Loans that do not currently pose a sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories but pose weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention are deemed Special Mention. Loans rated as Pass do not currently pose any identified risk and can range from the highest to average quality, depending on the degree of potential risk. Risk ratings are updated any time the situation warrants.
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The following table presents the internal loan classification risk by loan portfolio class by origination year based on the most recent analysis performed at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
| Term Loans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | Prior to 2017 | Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis | Revolving Loans Converted to Term Loans | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk Rating: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pass | $ | 1,091,421 | $ | 2,438,605 | $ | 560,364 | $ | 515,645 | $ | 191,930 | $ | 454,483 | $ | 1,637,014 | $ | 296 | $ | 6,889,758 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Special Mention | 1,027 | 1,599 | 8,714 | 6,874 | 3,365 | 17,601 | 66,443 | 37 | 105,660 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Substandard | 975 | 15,664 | 4,870 | 9,704 | 1,226 | 4,217 | 25,264 | 361 | 62,281 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Doubtful | — | — | 2,742 | — | 16,844 | 71,359 | — | — | 90,945 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total commercial and industrial | $ | 1,093,423 | $ | 2,455,868 | $ | 576,690 | $ | 532,223 | $ | 213,365 | $ | 547,660 | $ | 1,728,721 | $ | 694 | $ | 7,148,644 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk Rating: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pass | $ | 703,940 | $ | 3,102,368 | $ | 3,001,631 | $ | 2,148,025 | $ | 1,691,885 | $ | 5,314,508 | $ | 195,069 | $ | 14,597 | $ | 16,172,023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Special Mention | — | 55,142 | 74,513 | 44,406 | 45,899 | 193,439 | 1,235 | — | 414,634 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Substandard | 576 | 22,623 | 17,031 | 38,564 | 74,244 | 181,107 | 2,531 | 92 | 336,768 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Doubtful | — | — | — | — | — | 202 | — | — | 202 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total commercial real estate | $ | 704,516 | $ | 3,180,133 | $ | 3,093,175 | $ | 2,230,995 | $ | 1,812,028 | $ | 5,689,256 | $ | 198,835 | $ | 14,689 | $ | 16,923,627 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk Rating: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pass | $ | 55,347 | $ | 154,819 | $ | 99,815 | $ | 106,566 | $ | 15,422 | $ | 42,957 | $ | 1,229,949 | $ | — | $ | 1,704,875 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Special Mention | — | — | 1,035 | — | — | 6,265 | 48,111 | — | 55,411 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Substandard | — | 32 | 21 | 246 | — | 17,842 | 7,904 | — | 26,045 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total construction | $ | 55,347 | $ | 154,851 | $ | 100,871 | $ | 106,812 | $ | 15,422 | $ | 67,064 | $ | 1,285,964 | $ | — | $ | 1,786,331 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Term Loans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | Prior to 2016 | Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis | Revolving Loans Converted to Term Loans | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk Rating: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pass | $ | 3,058,596 | $ | 605,112 | $ | 556,284 | $ | 212,215 | $ | 162,483 | $ | 337,484 | $ | 1,677,559 | $ | 350 | $ | 6,610,083 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Special Mention | 819 | 10,236 | 2,135 | 9,502 | 10,228 | 14,165 | 49,883 | 51 | 97,019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Substandard | 5,215 | 3,876 | 12,481 | 1,798 | 4,215 | 12,965 | 18,913 | 462 | 59,925 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Doubtful | — | 5,203 | 1 | 17,010 | 2,596 | 69,871 | — | — | 94,681 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total commercial and industrial | $ | 3,064,630 | $ | 624,427 | $ | 570,901 | $ | 240,525 | $ | 179,522 | $ | 434,485 | $ | 1,746,355 | $ | 863 | $ | 6,861,708 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk Rating: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pass | $ | 3,096,549 | $ | 3,052,076 | $ | 2,230,047 | $ | 1,767,528 | $ | 1,798,137 | $ | 3,916,990 | $ | 199,145 | $ | 15,532 | $ | 16,076,004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Special Mention | 50,193 | 68,203 | 44,336 | 48,813 | 66,845 | 109,295 | 1,705 | — | 389,390 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Substandard | 18,936 | 17,049 | 30,997 | 59,618 | 11,541 | 118,725 | 2,531 | — | 259,397 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Doubtful | — | — | — | — | — | 207 | — | — | 207 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total commercial real estate | $ | 3,165,678 | $ | 3,137,328 | $ | 2,305,380 | $ | 1,875,959 | $ | 1,876,523 | $ | 4,145,217 | $ | 203,381 | $ | 15,532 | $ | 16,724,998 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk Rating: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pass | $ | 145,246 | $ | 120,800 | $ | 111,174 | $ | 15,497 | $ | 47,971 | $ | 20,029 | $ | 1,199,034 | $ | — | $ | 1,659,751 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Special Mention | — | 1,043 | — | — | 9,996 | 17,414 | 47,311 | — | 75,764 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Substandard | — | 26 | 246 | 2,628 | 17 | 380 | 7,013 | — | 10,310 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total construction | $ | 145,246 | $ | 121,869 | $ | 111,420 | $ | 18,125 | $ | 57,984 | $ | 37,823 | $ | 1,253,358 | $ | — | $ | 1,745,825 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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For residential mortgages, automobile, home equity and other consumer loan portfolio classes, Valley also evaluates credit quality based on the aging status of the loan, which was previously presented, and by payment activity. The following table presents the amortized cost in those loan classes based on payment activity by origination year as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
| Term Loans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | Prior to 2017 | Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis | Revolving Loans Converted to Term Loans | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performing | $ | 219,558 | $ | 732,027 | $ | 725,885 | $ | 594,844 | $ | 508,177 | $ | 1,212,780 | $ | 44,041 | $ | — | $ | 4,037,312 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90 days or more past due | — | 2,478 | 2,814 | 2,489 | 3,645 | 11,754 | — | — | 23,180 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | $ | 219,558 | $ | 734,505 | $ | 728,699 | $ | 597,333 | $ | 511,822 | $ | 1,224,534 | $ | 44,041 | $ | — | $ | 4,060,492 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer loans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Home equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performing | $ | 1,890 | $ | 8,179 | $ | 9,917 | $ | 10,612 | $ | 7,550 | $ | 17,181 | $ | 304,404 | $ | 48,364 | $ | 408,097 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90 days or more past due | — | — | — | — | — | 96 | 573 | 810 | 1,479 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total home equity | 1,890 | 8,179 | 9,917 | 10,612 | 7,550 | 17,277 | 304,977 | 49,174 | 409,576 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Automobile | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performing | 214,566 | 411,821 | 397,409 | 240,852 | 128,960 | 50,506 | — | — | 1,444,114 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90 days or more past due | — | 42 | 141 | 247 | 208 | 131 | — | — | 769 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total automobile | 214,566 | 411,863 | 397,550 | 241,099 | 129,168 | 50,637 | — | — | 1,444,883 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Consumer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performing | 7,230 | 7,056 | 5,375 | 6,552 | 1,076 | 5,613 | 879,552 | — | 912,454 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90 days or more past due | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 408 | 409 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total other consumer | 7,230 | 7,056 | 5,375 | 6,552 | 1,076 | 5,613 | 879,553 | 408 | 912,863 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Consumer | $ | 223,686 | $ | 427,098 | $ | 412,842 | $ | 258,263 | $ | 137,794 | $ | 73,527 | $ | 1,184,530 | $ | 49,582 | $ | 2,767,322 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Term Loans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | Prior to 2016 | Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis | Revolving Loans Converted to Term Loans | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performing | $ | 730,764 | $ | 778,161 | $ | 684,761 | $ | 582,650 | $ | 380,723 | $ | 943,616 | $ | 64,798 | $ | — | $ | 4,165,473 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90 days or more past due | — | 3,085 | 4,212 | 3,464 | 4,144 | 3,365 | — | — | 18,270 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total residential mortgage | $ | 730,764 | $ | 781,246 | $ | 688,973 | $ | 586,114 | $ | 384,867 | $ | 946,981 | $ | 64,798 | $ | — | $ | 4,183,743 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer loans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Home equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performing | $ | 8,580 | $ | 10,634 | $ | 11,756 | $ | 8,886 | $ | 5,340 | $ | 15,393 | $ | 318,869 | $ | 50,879 | $ | 430,337 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90 days or more past due | — | — | — | — | 25 | 83 | 378 | 730 | 1,216 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total home equity | 8,580 | 10,634 | 11,756 | 8,886 | 5,365 | 15,476 | 319,247 | 51,609 | 431,553 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Automobile | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performing | 426,121 | 438,181 | 272,075 | 151,523 | 50,853 | 16,550 | — | — | 1,355,303 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90 days or more past due | 19 | 108 | 173 | 223 | 35 | 94 | — | — | 652 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total automobile | 426,140 | 438,289 | 272,248 | 151,746 | 50,888 | 16,644 | — | — | 1,355,955 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Consumer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performing | 12,271 | 5,558 | 6,815 | 1,112 | 1,077 | 5,314 | 880,748 | — | 912,895 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90 days or more past due | — | — | — | — | — | 22 | 5 | 408 | 435 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total other consumer | 12,271 | 5,558 | 6,815 | 1,112 | 1,077 | 5,336 | 880,753 | 408 | 913,330 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Consumer | $ | 446,991 | $ | 454,481 | $ | 290,819 | $ | 161,744 | $ | 57,330 | $ | 37,456 | $ | 1,200,000 | $ | 52,017 | $ | 2,700,838 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Troubled debt restructured loans. From time to time, Valley may extend, restructure, or otherwise modify the terms of existing loans, on a case-by-case basis, to remain competitive and retain certain customers, as well as assist other customers who may be experiencing financial difficulties. If the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and a concession has been made at the time of such modification, the loan is classified as a troubled debt restructured loan (TDR).
Generally the concessions made for TDRs involve lowering the monthly payments on loans through either a reduction in interest rate below a market rate, an extension of the term of the loan without a corresponding adjustment to the risk premium reflected in the interest rate, or a combination of these two methods. The concessions may also involve payment deferrals but rarely result in the forgiveness of principal or accrued interest. In addition, Valley frequently obtains additional collateral or guarantor support when modifying such loans. If the borrower has demonstrated performance under the previous terms of the loan and Valley’s underwriting process shows the borrower has the capacity to continue to perform under the restructured terms, the loan will continue to accrue interest. Non-accruing restructured loans may be returned to accrual status when there has been a sustained period of repayment performance (generally consecutive months of payments) and both principal and interest are deemed collectible.
Performing TDRs (not reported as non-accrual loans) totaled $67.1 million and $57.4 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Non-performing TDRs totaled $91.5 million and $92.8 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
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The following table presents the pre- and post-modification amortized cost of loans by loan class modified as TDRs during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. Post-modification amounts are presented as of March 31, 2021 and 2020.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Troubled Debt Restructurings | Number of Contracts | Pre-Modification Amortized Carrying Amount | Post-Modification Amortized Carrying Amount | Number of Contracts | Pre-Modification Amortized Carrying Amount | Post-Modification Amortized Carrying Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | 5 | $ | 13,744 | $ | 13,307 | 16 | $ | 13,144 | $ | 12,630 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | 2 | 4,197 | 4,185 | 1 | 3,863 | 3,855 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage | 6 | 1,528 | 1,518 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer | 1 | 170 | 168 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 14 | $ | 19,639 | $ | 19,178 | 17 | $ | 17,007 | $ | 16,485 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The total TDRs presented in the above table had allocated allowance for loan losses of $3.4 million and $7.9 million at March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. There were $5.1 million and $791 thousand of charge-offs mainly related to TDRs for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Valley did not extend any commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans have been modified as TDRs during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
Loans modified as TDRs within the previous 12 months and for which there was a payment default (90 or more days past due) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Troubled Debt Restructurings Subsequently Defaulted | Number of Contracts | Amortized Cost | Number of Contracts | Recorded Investment | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | 16 | $ | 12,384 | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage | 3 | 655 | 1 | 154 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 19 | $ | 13,039 | 1 | $ | 154 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Forbearance. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact to certain customers, Valley implemented short-term loan modifications such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or delays in payment that are insignificant, when requested by customers. Generally, the modification terms allow for a deferral of payments for up to 90 days, which Valley may extend for an additional 90 days. Any extensions beyond this period were done in accordance with applicable regulatory guidance. As of March 31, 2021, Valley had approximately $284 million of outstanding loans remaining in their payment deferral period under short-term modifications as compared to $361 million of loans in deferral at December 31, 2020. Under the applicable guidance, none of these loans were classified as TDRs at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
Loans in Process of Foreclosure. Other real estate owned (OREO) totaled $4.5 million and $5.1 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. OREO included foreclosed residential real estate properties totaling $413 thousand and $1.0 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Residential mortgage and consumer loans secured by residential real estate properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings are in process totaled $1.8 million and $1.9 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
Collateral dependent loans. Loans are collateral-dependent when the debtor is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the sale or operation of the collateral. When Valley determines that foreclosure is probable, the collateral dependent loan balances are written down to the estimated
30
current fair value (less estimated selling costs) resulting in an immediate charge-off to the allowance, excluding any consideration for personal guarantees that may be pursued in the Bank’s collection process.
The following table presents collateral dependent loans by class as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | 110,169 | $ | 106,239 | |||||||
| Commercial real estate | 60,647 | 41,562 | |||||||||
| Residential mortgage | 32,144 | 28,176 | |||||||||
| Home equity | 49 | 50 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 203,009 | $ | 176,027 | |||||||
Commercial and industrial loans are primarily collateralized by taxi medallions in the table above.
Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans
The following table summarizes the allowance for credit losses for loans at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Components of allowance for credit losses for loans: | |||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses | $ | 342,880 | $ | 340,243 | |||||||
| Allowance for unfunded credit commitments | 11,433 | 11,111 | |||||||||
| Total allowance for credit losses for loans | $ | 354,313 | $ | 351,354 | |||||||
The following table summarizes the provision for credit losses for loans for the periods indicated:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Components of provision for credit losses for loans: | |||||||||||
| Provision for loan losses | $ | 8,692 | $ | 33,851 | |||||||
| Provision for unfunded credit commitments | 322 | 73 | |||||||||
| Total provision for credit losses for loans | $ | 9,014 | $ | 33,924 | |||||||
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The following table details the activity in the allowance for loan losses by loan portfolio segment for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Commercial and Industrial | Commercial Real Estate | Residential Mortgage | Consumer | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | 131,070 | $ | 164,113 | $ | 28,873 | $ | 16,187 | $ | 340,243 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loans charged-off | (7,142) | (382) | (138) | (1,138) | (8,800) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Charged-off loans recovered | 1,589 | 69 | 157 | 930 | 2,745 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (charge-offs) recoveries | (5,553) | (313) | 19 | (208) | (6,055) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for loan losses | 891 | 10,436 | (1,720) | (915) | 8,692 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ending balance | $ | 126,408 | $ | 174,236 | $ | 27,172 | $ | 15,064 | $ | 342,880 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for losses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | 104,059 | $ | 45,673 | $ | 5,060 | $ | 6,967 | $ | 161,759 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Impact of ASU 2016-13 adoption* | 15,169 | 49,797 | 20,575 | 6,990 | 92,531 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning balance, adjusted | 119,228 | 95,470 | 25,635 | 13,957 | 254,290 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans charged-off | (3,360) | (44) | (336) | (2,565) | (6,305) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Charged-off loans recovered | 569 | 93 | 50 | 794 | 1,506 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (charge-offs) recoveries | (2,791) | 49 | (286) | (1,771) | (4,799) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for loan losses | 11,000 | 16,066 | 4,107 | 2,678 | 33,851 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ending balance | $ | 127,437 | $ | 111,585 | $ | 29,456 | $ | 14,864 | $ | 283,342 | |||||||||||||||||||
* Includes a $61.6 million increase representing the estimated expected credit losses for PCD loans as a result of the ASU 2016-13 adoption on January 1, 2020.
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The following table represents the allocation of the allowance for loan losses and the related loans by loan portfolio segment disaggregated based on the allowance measurement methodology at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
| Commercial and Industrial | Commercial Real Estate | Residential Mortgage | Consumer | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Individually evaluated for credit losses | $ | 73,574 | $ | 4,663 | $ | 773 | $ | 516 | $ | 79,526 | |||||||||||||||||||
Collectively evaluated for credit losses | 52,834 | 169,573 | 26,399 | 14,548 | 263,354 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 126,408 | $ | 174,236 | $ | 27,172 | $ | 15,064 | $ | 342,880 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Individually evaluated for credit losses | $ | 144,101 | $ | 80,234 | $ | 39,488 | $ | 2,936 | $ | 266,759 | |||||||||||||||||||
Collectively evaluated for credit losses | 7,004,543 | 18,629,724 | 4,021,004 | 2,764,386 | 32,419,657 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 7,148,644 | $ | 18,709,958 | $ | 4,060,492 | $ | 2,767,322 | $ | 32,686,416 | |||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Individually evaluated for credit losses | $ | 73,063 | $ | 1,338 | $ | 1,206 | $ | 264 | $ | 75,871 | |||||||||||||||||||
Collectively evaluated for credit losses | 58,007 | 162,775 | 27,667 | 15,923 | 264,372 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 131,070 | $ | 164,113 | $ | 28,873 | $ | 16,187 | $ | 340,243 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Individually evaluated for credit losses | $ | 131,057 | $ | 61,754 | $ | 35,151 | $ | 1,631 | $ | 229,593 | |||||||||||||||||||
Collectively evaluated for credit losses | 6,730,651 | 18,409,069 | 4,148,592 | 2,699,207 | 31,987,519 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 6,861,708 | $ | 18,470,823 | $ | 4,183,743 | $ | 2,700,838 | $ | 32,217,112 | |||||||||||||||||||
Note 8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill totaled $1.4 billion at both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. There were no changes to the carrying amounts of goodwill allocated to Valley’s business segments, or reporting units thereof, for goodwill impairment analysis (as reported in Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020).
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, there were no triggering events that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of any reporting unit below its carrying amount. There was no impairment of goodwill recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
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The following table summarizes other intangible assets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
| Gross Intangible Assets | Accumulated Amortization | Valuation Allowance | Net Intangible Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan servicing rights | $ | 106,679 | $ | (84,163) | $ | (74) | $ | 22,442 | |||||||||||||||
| Core deposits | 101,160 | (56,669) | — | 44,491 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 3,945 | (2,906) | — | 1,039 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total other intangible assets | $ | 211,784 | $ | (143,738) | $ | (74) | $ | 67,972 | |||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan servicing rights | $ | 103,150 | $ | (80,340) | $ | (865) | $ | 21,945 | |||||||||||||||
| Core deposits | 101,160 | (53,747) | — | 47,413 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 3,945 | (2,854) | — | 1,091 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total other intangible assets | $ | 208,255 | $ | (136,941) | $ | (865) | $ | 70,449 | |||||||||||||||
Loan servicing rights are accounted for using the amortization method. Under this method, Valley amortizes the loan servicing assets over the period of the economic life of the assets arising from estimated net servicing revenues. On a quarterly basis, Valley stratifies its loan servicing assets into groupings based on risk characteristics and assesses each group for impairment based on fair value. Impairment charges on loan servicing rights are recognized in earnings when the book value of a stratified group of loan servicing rights exceeds its estimated fair value. Valley recorded net recoveries of impairment charges on its loan servicing rights totaling $791 thousand and net impairment charges totaling $109 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. See the “Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis” section of Note 5 for additional information regarding the fair valuation.
Core deposits are amortized using an accelerated method and have a weighted average amortization period of 8.9 years. The line item labeled “Other” included in the table above primarily consists of customer lists and covenants not to compete, which are amortized over their expected lives generally using a straight-line method and have a weighted average amortization period of approximately 7.6 years. Valley evaluates core deposits and other intangibles for impairment when an indication of impairment exists. No impairment was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
The following table presents the estimated future amortization expense of other intangible assets for the remainder of 2021 through 2025:
| Loan Servicing Rights | Core Deposits | Other | |||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | $ | 3,675 | $ | 8,685 | $ | 154 | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 4,097 | 9,876 | 191 | ||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 3,187 | 8,146 | 131 | ||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2,495 | 6,537 | 117 | ||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 1,975 | 4,929 | 103 | ||||||||||||||
Valley recognized amortization expense on other intangible assets, including net (recoveries of) impairment charges on loan servicing rights, totaling approximately $6.0 million and $5.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Note 9. Stock–Based Compensation
On April 19, 2021, Valley's shareholders approved the Valley National Bancorp 2021 Incentive Compensation Plan (the 2021 Plan) administered by the Compensation and Human Resources Committee (the Committee) as appointed
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by Valley's Board of Directors. The purposes of the 2021 Plan are to provide additional incentives to officers and key employees of Valley and its subsidiaries, whose substantial contributions are essential to the continued growth and success of Valley, and to attract and retain officers, other employees and non-employee directors whose efforts will result in the continued and long-term growth of Valley's business. Upon shareholder approval of the 2021 Plan, Valley ceased granting new awards under the Valley National Bancorp 2016 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (the 2016 Plan).
Under the 2021 Plan, Valley may issue awards to its officers, employees and non-employee directors in amounts up to 9 million shares of common stock (less one share for every share granted after December 31, 2020 under the 2016 Plan) in the form of stock appreciation rights, both incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units (RSUs). If after December 31, 2020 any award granted under the 2016 Plan is forfeited, expires, settled for cash, withheld for tax obligations, or otherwise does not result in the issuance of all or a portion of the shares subject to such award, the shares will be added to the 2021 Plan's share reserve. The essential features of each award are described in the award agreement relating to that award. The grant, exercise, vesting, settlement or payment of an award may be based upon the fair value of Valley's common stock on the last sale price reported for Valley's common stock on such date or the last sale price reported preceding such date, except for performance-based awards with a market condition. The grant date fair values of performance-based awards that vest based on a market condition are determined by a third-party specialist using a Monte Carlo valuation model.
Valley granted 1.1 million and 1.0 million of time-based RSUs during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Generally, time-based RSUs vest ratably over a three-year period. The average grant date fair value of the RSUs granted during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $11.75 per share and $10.79 per share, respectively.
Valley granted 604 thousand and 589 thousand of performance-based RSUs to certain executive officers for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The performance-based RSU awards include RSUs with vesting conditions based upon certain levels of growth in Valley's tangible book value per share plus dividends and RSUs with vesting conditions based upon Valley's total shareholder return as compared to its peer group. The RSUs “cliff” vest after three years based on the cumulative performance of Valley during that time period. The RSUs earn dividend equivalents (equal to cash dividends paid on Valley's common stock) over the applicable performance period. Dividend equivalents are accumulated and paid to the grantee at the vesting date or forfeited if the performance conditions are not met. The grant date fair value of the RSUs granted during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $11.75 per share and $10.82 per share, respectively.
Valley recorded total stock-based compensation expense of $5.5 million and $4.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The fair values of stock awards are expensed over the shorter of the vesting or required service period. As of March 31, 2021, the unrecognized amortization expense for all stock-based employee compensation totaled approximately $32.9 million and will be recognized over an average remaining vesting period of 2.16 years.
Note 10. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Valley enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates.
Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk. Valley’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, Valley uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the payment of either fixed or variable-rate amounts in exchange for the receipt of variable or fixed-rate amounts from a counterparty, respectively.
Non-designated Hedges. Derivatives not designated as hedges may be used to manage Valley’s exposure to interest rate movements or to provide service to customers but do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting under U.S. GAAP. Derivatives not designated as hedges are not entered into for speculative purposes.
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Valley executes interest rate swaps with commercial lending customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies. These interest rate swaps with customers are simultaneously offset by interest rate swaps that Valley executes with a third party, such that Valley minimizes its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions. As these interest rate swaps do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the customer swaps and the offsetting swaps are recognized directly in earnings.
Valley sometimes enters into risk participation agreements with external lenders where the banks are sharing their risk of default on the interest rate swaps on participated loans. Valley either pays or receives a fee depending on the participation type. Risk participation agreements are credit derivatives not designated as hedges. Credit derivatives are not speculative and are not used to manage interest rate risk in assets or liabilities. Changes in the fair value in credit derivatives are recognized directly in earnings. At March 31, 2021, Valley had 25 credit swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $215.5 million related to risk participation agreements.
At March 31, 2021, Valley had two “steepener” swaps, each with a current notional amount of $10.4 million where the receive rate on the swap mirrors the pay rate on the brokered deposits and the rates paid on these types of hybrid instruments are based on a formula derived from the spread between the long and short ends of the constant maturity swap (CMS) rate curve. Although these types of instruments do not meet the hedge accounting requirements, the change in fair value of both the bifurcated derivative and the stand alone swap tend to move in opposite directions with changes in the three-month LIBOR rate and therefore provide an effective economic hedge.
Valley regularly enters into mortgage banking derivatives which are non-designated hedges. These derivatives include interest rate lock commitments provided to customers to fund certain residential mortgage loans to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of such loans. Valley enters into forward commitments for the future delivery of residential mortgage loans when interest rate lock commitments are entered into in order to economically hedge the effect of future changes in interest rate on Valley's commitments to fund the loans as well as on its portfolio of mortgage loans held for sale.
Amounts included in the consolidated statements of financial condition related to the fair value of Valley’s derivative financial instruments were as follows:
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Assets | Other Liabilities | Notional Amount | Other Assets | Other Liabilities | Notional Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash flow hedge interest rate swaps | $ | — | $ | 88 | $ | 1,100,000 | $ | — | $ | 179 | $ | 1,100,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments | $ | — | $ | 88 | $ | 1,100,000 | $ | — | $ | 179 | $ | 1,100,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps and other derivatives * | $ | 153,859 | $ | 17,956 | $ | 9,375,183 | $ | 387,008 | $ | 154,025 | $ | 8,889,557 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage banking derivatives | 1,774 | 4,459 | 446,943 | 444 | 2,077 | 321,486 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | $ | 155,633 | $ | 22,415 | $ | 9,822,126 | $ | 387,452 | $ | 156,102 | $ | 9,211,043 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
* Other derivatives include risk participation agreements.
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange and London Clearing House variation margins are classified as a single-unit of account with the cash flow hedges and over-the-counter (OTC) non-designated derivative instruments. As a result, the fair value of the applicable derivative assets and liabilities are reported net of variation margin at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 in the table above.
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Gains (losses) included in the consolidated statements of income and other comprehensive income (loss), on a pre-tax basis, related to interest rate derivatives designated as hedges of cash flows were as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense | $ | (915) | $ | (615) | |||||||
| Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income | 177 | (1,480) | |||||||||
The accumulated net after-tax losses related to effective cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive loss were $3.1 million and $4.0 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to cash flow interest rate derivatives are reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the hedged variable interest rate liabilities. Valley estimates that $2.7 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense over the next 12 months.
The net (gains) losses included in the consolidated statements of income related to derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments were as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Non-designated hedge interest rate swaps and credit derivatives | |||||||||||
| Other non-interest expense | $ | (1,785) | $ | 89 | |||||||
Other non-interest income included fee income related to non-designated hedge derivative interest rate swaps (not designated as hedging instruments) executed with commercial loan customers totaling $6.2 million and $14.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Credit Risk Related Contingent Features. By using derivatives, Valley is exposed to credit risk if counterparties to the derivative contracts do not perform as expected. Management attempts to minimize counterparty credit risk through credit approvals, limits, monitoring procedures and obtaining collateral where appropriate. Credit risk exposure associated with derivative contracts is managed at Valley in conjunction with Valley’s consolidated counterparty risk management process. Valley’s counterparties and the risk limits monitored by management are periodically reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.
Valley has agreements with its derivative counterparties providing that if Valley defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then Valley could also be declared in default on its derivative counterparty agreements. Additionally, Valley has an agreement with several of its derivative counterparties that contains provisions that require Valley’s debt to maintain an investment grade credit rating from each of the major credit rating agencies from which it receives a credit rating. If Valley’s credit rating is reduced below investment grade, or such rating is withdrawn or suspended, then the counterparty could terminate the derivative positions and Valley would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements. As of March 31, 2021, Valley was in compliance with all of the provisions of its derivative counterparty agreements. As of March 31, 2021, the fair value of derivatives in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk related to these agreements, was $11.6 million. Valley has derivative counterparty agreements that require minimum collateral posting thresholds for certain counterparties.
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Note 11. Balance Sheet Offsetting
Certain financial instruments, including certain OTC derivatives (mostly interest rate swaps) and repurchase agreements (accounted for as secured long-term borrowings), may be eligible for offset in the consolidated statements of financial condition and/or subject to master netting arrangements or similar agreements. OTC derivatives include interest rate swaps executed and settled bilaterally with counterparties without the use of an organized exchange or central clearing house (presented in the table below). The credit risk associated with bilateral OTC derivatives is managed through obtaining collateral and enforceable master netting agreements.
Valley is party to master netting arrangements with its financial institution counterparties; however, Valley does not offset assets and liabilities under these arrangements for financial statement presentation purposes. The master netting arrangements provide for a single net settlement of all swap agreements, as well as collateral, in the event of default on, or termination of, any one contract. Collateral, usually in the form of cash or marketable investment securities, is posted by the counterparty with net liability positions in accordance with contract thresholds. Master repurchase agreements which include “right of set-off” provisions generally have a legally enforceable right to offset recognized amounts. In such cases, the collateral would be used to settle the fair value of the repurchase agreement should Valley be in default. The total amount of collateral held or pledged cannot exceed the net derivative fair values with the counterparty.
The table below presents information about Valley’s financial instruments eligible for offset in the consolidated statements of financial condition as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
| Gross Amounts Not Offset | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Amounts Recognized | Gross Amounts Offset | Net Amounts Presented | Financial Instruments | Cash Collateral (1) | Net Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps | $ | 151,185 | $ | — | $ | 151,185 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 151,185 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps | $ | 17,956 | $ | — | $ | 17,956 | $ | — | $ | (11,602) | $ | 6,354 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | 300,000 | — | 300,000 | (300,000) | (2) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 317,956 | $ | — | $ | 317,956 | $ | (300,000) | $ | (11,602) | $ | 6,354 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps | $ | 150,487 | $ | — | $ | 150,487 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 150,487 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps | $ | 150,487 | $ | — | $ | 150,487 | $ | — | $ | (150,487) | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | 300,000 | — | 300,000 | (300,000) | (2) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 450,487 | $ | — | $ | 450,487 | $ | (300,000) | $ | (150,487) | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Cash collateral pledged to our counterparties in relation to market value exposures of OTC derivative contacts in a liability position.
(2) Represents the fair value of non-cash pledged investment securities.
Note 12. Tax Credit Investments
Valley’s tax credit investments are primarily related to investments promoting qualified affordable housing projects, and other investments related to community development and renewable energy sources. Some of these tax-advantaged investments support Valley’s regulatory compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). Valley’s investments in these entities generate a return primarily through the realization of federal income tax
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credits, and other tax benefits, such as tax deductions from operating losses of the investments, over specified time periods. These tax credits and deductions are recognized as a reduction of income tax expense.
Valley’s tax credit investments are carried in other assets on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Valley’s unfunded capital and other commitments related to the tax credit investments are carried in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Valley recognizes amortization of tax credit investments, including impairment losses, within non-interest expense in the consolidated statements of income using the equity method of accounting. After initial measurement, the carrying amounts of tax credit investments with non-readily determinable fair values are increased to reflect Valley's share of income of the investee and are reduced to reflect its share of losses of the investee, dividends received and impairments, if applicable.
The following table presents the balances of Valley’s affordable housing tax credit investments, other tax credit investments, and related unfunded commitments at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Other Assets: | |||||||||||
| Affordable housing tax credit investments, net | $ | 19,190 | $ | 20,074 | |||||||
| Other tax credit investments, net | 45,275 | 47,301 | |||||||||
Total tax credit investments, net | $ | 64,465 | $ | 67,375 | |||||||
| Other Liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Unfunded affordable housing tax credit commitments | $ | 1,379 | $ | 1,379 | |||||||
| Unfunded other tax credit commitments | — | — | |||||||||
| Total unfunded tax credit commitments | $ | 1,379 | $ | 1,379 | |||||||
The following table presents other information relating to Valley’s affordable housing tax credit investments and other tax credit investments for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Components of Income Tax Expense: | |||||||||||
| Affordable housing tax credits and other tax benefits | $ | 897 | $ | 1,234 | |||||||
| Other tax credit investment credits and tax benefits | 2,685 | 1,300 | |||||||||
Total reduction in income tax expense | $ | 3,582 | $ | 2,534 | |||||||
| Amortization of Tax Credit Investments: | |||||||||||
| Affordable housing tax credit investment losses | $ | 543 | $ | 554 | |||||||
Affordable housing tax credit investment impairment losses | 341 | 418 | |||||||||
| Other tax credit investment losses | 173 | 544 | |||||||||
| Other tax credit investment impairment losses | 1,687 | 1,712 | |||||||||
| Total amortization of tax credit investments recorded in non-interest expense | $ | 2,744 | $ | 3,228 | |||||||
Note 13. Business Segments
Valley has four business segments that it monitors and reports on to manage Valley’s business operations. These segments are consumer lending, commercial lending, investment management, and corporate and other adjustments. Valley’s reportable segments have been determined based upon its internal structure of operations and lines of business. Each business segment is reviewed routinely for its asset growth, contribution to income before income taxes and return on average interest earning assets and impairment (if events or circumstances indicate a possible
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inability to realize the carrying amount). Expenses related to the branch network, all other components of retail banking, along with the back office departments of the Bank are allocated from the corporate and other adjustments segment to each of the other three business segments. Interest expense and internal transfer expense (for general corporate expenses) are allocated to each business segment utilizing a transfer pricing methodology, which involves the allocation of operating and funding costs based on each segment's respective mix of average earning assets and/or liabilities outstanding for the period. The financial reporting for each segment contains allocations and reporting in line with Valley’s operations, which may not necessarily be comparable to any other financial institution. The accounting for each segment includes internal accounting policies designed to measure consistent and reasonable financial reporting and may result in income and expense measurements that differ from amounts under U.S. GAAP. Furthermore, changes in management structure or allocation methodologies and procedures may result in changes in reported segment financial data.
The following tables represent the financial data for Valley’s four business segments for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer Lending | Commercial Lending | Investment Management | Corporate and Other Adjustments | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average interest earning assets | $ | 7,049,252 | $ | 25,533,227 | $ | 4,803,740 | $ | — | $ | 37,386,219 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | $ | 60,845 | $ | 252,336 | $ | 19,509 | $ | (892) | $ | 331,798 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 6,415 | 23,235 | 4,371 | 5,110 | 39,131 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income (loss) | 54,430 | 229,101 | 15,138 | (6,002) | 292,667 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Credit) provision for credit losses | (2,635) | 11,676 | (385) | — | 8,656 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net interest income (loss) after provision for credit losses | 57,065 | 217,425 | 15,523 | (6,002) | 284,011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-interest income | 13,685 | 7,713 | 2,331 | 7,504 | 31,233 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-interest expense | 19,849 | 25,531 | 1,777 | 113,056 | 160,213 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Internal transfer expense (income) | 19,502 | 70,555 | 13,277 | (103,334) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 31,399 | $ | 129,052 | $ | 2,800 | $ | (8,220) | $ | 155,031 | |||||||||||||||||||
Return on average interest earning assets (pre-tax) | 1.78 | % | 2.02 | % | 0.23 | % | N/A | 1.66 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer Lending | Commercial Lending | Investment Management | Corporate and Other Adjustments | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average interest earning assets | $ | 7,217,144 | $ | 22,782,284 | $ | 4,674,647 | $ | — | $ | 34,674,075 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | $ | 68,255 | $ | 264,875 | $ | 31,769 | $ | (1,106) | $ | 363,793 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 19,700 | 62,186 | 12,760 | 3,808 | 98,454 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income (loss) | 48,555 | 202,689 | 19,009 | (4,914) | 265,339 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for credit losses | 6,785 | 27,139 | 759 | — | 34,683 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net interest income (loss) after provision for credit losses | 41,770 | 175,550 | 18,250 | (4,914) | 230,656 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-interest income | 14,677 | 15,599 | 3,142 | 7,979 | 41,397 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-interest expense | 19,871 | 24,158 | 387 | 111,240 | 155,656 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Internal transfer expense (income) | 20,335 | 64,196 | 13,175 | (97,706) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 16,241 | $ | 102,795 | $ | 7,830 | $ | (10,469) | $ | 116,397 | |||||||||||||||||||
Return on average interest earning assets (pre-tax) | 0.90 | % | 1.80 | % | 0.67 | % | N/A | 1.34 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
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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 in Part 1, Item 1 of this report. The words "Valley," the "Company," "we," "our" and "us" refer to Valley National Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiaries, unless we indicate otherwise. Additionally, Valley’s principal subsidiary, Valley National Bank, is commonly referred to as the “Bank” in this MD&A.
The MD&A contains supplemental financial information, described in the sections that follow, which has been determined by methods other than U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) that management uses in its analysis of our performance. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide information useful to investors in understanding our underlying operational performance, our business and performance trends and facilitate comparisons with the performance of others in the financial services industry. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for or superior to financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures may also be calculated differently from similar measures disclosed by other companies.
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, both in the MD&A and elsewhere, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are not historical facts and include expressions about management’s confidence and strategies and management’s expectations about our business, new and existing programs and products, acquisitions, relationships, opportunities, taxation, technology, market conditions and economic expectations, including the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our businesses and financial results and conditions. These statements may be identified by such forward-looking terminology as “should,” “expect,” “believe,” “view,” “will,” “opportunity,” “allow,” “continues,” “would,” “could,” “typically,” “usually,” “anticipate,” or similar statements or variations of such terms. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties and our actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to:
•the continued impact of COVID-19 on the U.S. and global economies, including business disruptions, reductions in employment and an increase in business failures, specifically among our clients;
•the continued impact of COVID-19 on our employees and our ability to provide services to our customers and respond to their needs as more cases of COVID-19 may arise in our primary markets;
•potential judgments, claims, damages, penalties, fines and reputational damage resulting from pending or future litigation and regulatory and government actions, including as a result of our participation in and execution of government programs related to the COVID-19 pandemic or as a result of our actions in response to, or failure to implement or effectively implement, federal, state and local laws, rules or executive orders requiring that we grant forbearances or not act to collect our loans;
•the impact of forbearances or deferrals we are required or agree to as a result of customer requests and/or government actions, including, but not limited to our potential inability to recover fully deferred payments from the borrower or the collateral;
•the risks related to the discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate and other reference rates, including increased expenses and litigation and the effectiveness of hedging strategies;
•damage verdicts or settlements or restrictions related to existing or potential class action litigation or individual litigation arising from claims of violations of laws or regulations, contractual claims, breach of fiduciary responsibility, negligence, fraud, environmental laws, patent or trademark infringement, employment related claims, and other matters;
•a prolonged downturn in the economy, mainly in New Jersey, New York, Florida and Alabama, as well as an unexpected decline in commercial real estate values within our market areas;
•higher or lower than expected income tax expense or tax rates, including increases or decreases resulting from changes in uncertain tax position liabilities, tax laws, regulations and case law;
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•the inability to grow customer deposits to keep pace with loan growth;
•a material change in our allowance for credit losses under CECL due to forecasted economic conditions and/or unexpected credit deterioration in our loan and investment portfolios;
•the need to supplement debt or equity capital to maintain or exceed internal capital thresholds;
•greater than expected technology related costs due to, among other factors, prolonged or failed implementations, additional project staffing and obsolescence caused by continuous and rapid market innovations;
•the loss of or decrease in lower-cost funding sources within our deposit base, including our inability to achieve deposit retention targets under Valley's branch transformation strategy;
•cyber-attacks, computer viruses or other malware that may breach the security of our websites or other systems to obtain unauthorized access to confidential information, destroy data, disable or degrade service, or sabotage our systems;
•results of examinations by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and other regulatory authorities, including the possibility that any such regulatory authority may, among other things, require us to increase our allowance for credit losses, write-down assets, reimburse customers, change the way we do business, or limit or eliminate certain other banking activities;
•our inability or determination not to pay dividends at current levels, or at all, because of inadequate earnings, regulatory restrictions or limitations, changes in our capital requirements or a decision to increase capital by retaining more earnings;
•unanticipated loan delinquencies, loss of collateral, decreased service revenues, and other potential negative effects on our business caused by severe weather, the COVID-19 pandemic or other external events;
•unexpected significant declines in the loan portfolio due to the lack of economic expansion, increased competition, large prepayments, changes in regulatory lending guidance or other factors; and
•the failure of other financial institutions with whom we have trading, clearing, counterparty and other financial relationships.
A detailed discussion of factors that could affect our results is included in our SEC filings, including the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Valley’s accounting policies are fundamental to understanding management’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations. At March 31, 2021, we identified our policies on the allowance for credit losses, goodwill and other intangible assets, and income taxes to be critical accounting policies because management has to make subjective and/or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain and because it is likely that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. Management has reviewed the application of these policies with the Audit Committee of Valley’s Board of Directors. Our critical accounting policies are described in detail in Part II, Item 7 in Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
New Authoritative Accounting Guidance
See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for a description of new authoritative accounting guidance, including the respective dates of adoption and effects on results of operations and financial condition.
Executive Summary
Company Overview. At March 31, 2021, Valley had consolidated total assets of approximately $41.2 billion, total net loans of $32.3 billion, total deposits of $32.6 billion and total shareholders’ equity of $4.7 billion. Our commercial bank operations include branch office locations in northern and central New Jersey, the New York City
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Boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island, Florida and Alabama. Of our current 226 branch network, 58 percent, 17 percent, 18 percent and 7 percent of the branches are in New Jersey, New York, Florida and Alabama, respectively. Despite targeted branch consolidation activity, we have significantly grown both in asset size and locations over the past several years primarily through bank acquisitions.
Impact of COVID-19. During the first quarter 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic continued to cause uncertainty, volatility and disruption in financial markets and in governmental, commercial and consumer activity in the United States and globally, including the markets that we serve. However, the overall level of economic activity and our outlook improved during the first quarter 2021 largely due to government stimulus programs, central bank policies, strong vaccine rollout efforts and consumers and businesses eager to return to a state of normalcy after almost a year of lockdowns.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, signed into law on March 11, 2021, is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package intended to continue to facilitate the recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This new law combined with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 signed into law on December 27, 2020, provides, amongst other stimulus, additional funding under the SBA's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Valley's PPP loan portfolio increased $212.5 million to $2.4 billion at March 31, 2021 from December 31, 2020, which was net of over $630 million of PPP loans forgiven by the SBA during the first quarter 2021. During the second quarter 2021, Valley originated approximately $108 million of additional PPP loans through May 4, 2021, which was the last day the SBA's PPP loan application window was open for most lenders.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact on certain customers and in accordance with provisions set forth by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Valley implemented short-term loan modifications, such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or delays in payment that are insignificant, when requested by customers. Generally, the modification terms allow for a deferral of payments for up to 90 days, which Valley may extend for an additional 90 days. Any extensions beyond this period were made in accordance with applicable regulatory guidance. As of March 31, 2021, Valley had $284 million of outstanding loans remaining in their payment deferral period under short-term modifications representing approximately 0.9 percent of our total loan portfolio at March 31, 2021 as compared to $361 million, or 1.1 percent of total loans at December 31, 2020.
We continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 closely, as well as any effects that may result from the CARES Act, Enhancement Act and other government stimulus or Federal Reserve actions. However, the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will impact our operations and financial results during the second quarter 2021 and beyond is highly uncertain. See the "Operating Environment" section of MD&A for more details.
We continue to closely monitor local conditions in the areas we serve and will take actions as circumstances warrant, which may necessitate certain branch or other office closures and reduced lobby services. Our business continuity plan continues to remain in effect with many of our non-customer facing employees continuing to work remotely.
Quarterly Results. Net income for the first quarter 2021 was $115.7 million, or $0.28 per diluted common share, compared to $87.3 million, or $0.21 per diluted common share, for the first quarter 2020. The $28.4 million increase in quarterly net income as compared to the same quarter one year ago was largely due to:
•a $27.3 million increase in net interest income mainly due to (i) lower rates on our deposit products combined with a continued customer shift to deposits without stated maturities, (ii) continued run-off of higher cost time deposits, (iii) interest and fee income from PPP loans, and (iv) the prepayment of $534 million of long-term FHLB advances with a combined weighted average interest rate of 2.48 percent in December 2020; and
•a $26.0 million decrease in our provision for credit losses mainly due to the improved economic forecast component of the reserve as compared to March 31, 2020,
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partially offset by:
•a $10.1 million decrease in non-interest income mainly caused by lower commercial loan customer swap fees and a decrease in gains on the sales of residential mortgage loans;
•a $4.6 million increase in non-interest expense due to higher salary and employee benefits expense and increases in data processing costs and telecommunication expense; and
•a $10.2 million increase in income tax expense.
See the “Net Interest Income”, “Non-Interest Income”, “Non-Interest Expense”, and “Income Taxes” sections below for more details on the items above impacting our first quarter 2021 results.
Operating Environment. During the first quarter 2021, real gross domestic product expanded 6.4 percent compared to 4.3 percent growth in the fourth quarter 2020. The acceleration in growth was broad-based as a result of increased investments and households consumption for a range of goods and services. Economic activity is likely to remain strong as COVID-19 cases are expected to decline and vaccination rates in the country increase. In addition, the recent passage of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 should further support this outlook. The Federal Reserve continued to assist economic activity and the return to sustained expansion. At their meeting in March, the Federal Open Market Committee maintained the target range for the federal funds rate between 0.00 and 0.25 percent.
The 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield ended the first quarter at 1.74 percent, 81 basis points higher compared with December 31, 2020. The spread between the 2- and 10-year U.S. Treasury note yields ended the first quarter 2021 at 1.58 percent, a 78 basis point widening as compared to the end of the fourth quarter 2020.
For all commercial banks in the U.S., loans and leases declined approximately 3.2 percent on an annual basis in the first quarter 2021 compared to the previous linked quarter. For the industry, banks reported that demand for commercial and industrial lending remains weak. For commercial real estate loans, conditions were mixed. While demand picked up considerably for loans secured by multifamily residential structures, the environment remains challenged for loans secured by nonfarm nonresidential structures.
In the first quarter 2021, Valley's originations increased across most products, particularly from residential mortgage and consumer lending. Valley also benefited from a stronger origination pipeline for non-PPP commercial and industrial and commercial real estate loans across its geographies, particularly in Florida, partly driven by expansion of its lending teams. However, should loan demand weaken or the expected recovery from the pandemic in Valley's primary markets be prolonged, our business operations and results could be adversely impacted, as highlighted elsewhere in this MD&A.
Loans. Loans increased $469.3 million to approximately $32.7 billion at March 31, 2021 from December 31, 2020.
The increase was largely due to new loan volumes within the commercial and industrial, commercial real estate and automobile loan portfolios in the first quarter 2021. Within commercial and industrial loans, PPP loans increased $212.5 million to approximately $2.4 billion at March 31, 2021 from December 31, 2020. Our first quarter new and refinanced loan originations included approximately $288 million of residential mortgage loans originated for sale rather than investment. Net gains on sales of residential loans were $3.5 million and $16.0 million in the first quarter 2021 and fourth quarter 2020, respectively. See further details on our loan activities under the “Loan Portfolio” section below.
Asset Quality. Total non-performing assets (NPAs), consisting of non-accrual loans, other real estate owned (OREO), other repossessed assets and a non-accrual debt security increased $16.0 million to $210.5 million at March 31, 2021 as compared to December 31, 2020. Non-accrual loans increased $18.7 million to $204.0 million at March 31, 2021 as compared to December 31, 2020 mainly due to one commercial real estate loan and an increase in non-accrual residential mortgage loans partially caused by the migration of loans previously reported in the 60-89
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days past due category at December 31, 2020. Non-accrual loans represented 0.62 percent of total loans at March 31, 2021, as compared to 0.58 percent at December 31, 2020.
Total accruing past due loans (i.e., loans past due 30 days or more and still accruing interest) decreased $46.2 million to $52.8 million, or 0.16 percent of total loans, at March 31, 2021 as compared to $99.0 million, or 0.31 percent of total loans, at December 31, 2020 mainly due to declines in early stage delinquencies for most loan categories. See further details in the "Non-performing Assets" section below.
Deposits and Other Borrowings. Average non-interest bearing deposits; savings, NOW and money market deposits; and time deposits represented approximately 30 percent, 52 percent and 18 percent of total deposits as of March 31, 2021, respectively. Overall, average deposits increased by $79.4 million to $31.8 billion for the first quarter 2021 as compared to the fourth quarter 2020. Our mix of the deposit categories within total average deposits for the first quarter 2021 as compared to the fourth quarter 2020 experienced a continued shift of maturing time deposits and consumer preference to non-maturity deposit account due to the low level of interest rates.
Actual ending balances for deposits increased $649.6 million to approximately $32.6 billion at March 31, 2021 from December 31, 2020 largely due to increases of $847.8 million and $1.1 billion in the non-interest bearing and non-maturity interest bearing deposit categories, respectively, partially offset by a $1.3 billion decrease in time deposits. The decrease in time deposits was driven by normal run-off of maturing retail and brokered CDs with some continued migration of retail balances to more liquid deposit product categories. Total brokered deposits (consisting of both time and money market deposit accounts) decreased approximately $800 million to $2.3 billion at March 31, 2021 as compared to $3.1 billion at December 31, 2020. Non-interest bearing deposits; savings, NOW and money market deposits; and time deposits represented approximately 31 percent, 52 percent and 17 percent of total deposits as of March 31, 2021, respectively. While we believe the current operating environment will likely continue to be favorable for Valley’s deposit gathering initiatives, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to maintain deposit levels at or near those reported at March 31, 2021.
Average short-term borrowings decreased $148.1 million to $1.2 billion for the first quarter 2021 as compared to the fourth quarter 2020 due to reductions in our excess liquidity levels. Average long-term borrowings (including junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts which are presented separately on the consolidated statements of financial condition) decreased by $456.4 million to $2.3 billion for the first quarter 2021 as compared to the fourth quarter 2020 mainly due to the prepayment of $534 million of long-term FHLB borrowings in December 2020.
Actual ending balances for short-term borrowings decreased by $63.3 million to $1.1 billion at March 31, 2021 from the fourth quarter 2020 due to the decline in overnight borrowings. Long-term borrowings decreased by $52.7 million to $2.2 billion at March 31, 2021 as compared to December 31, 2020 mainly attributable to the normal maturities of FHLB advances.
Selected Performance Indicators. The following table presents our annualized performance ratios for the periods indicated:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Return on average assets | 1.14 | % | 0.92 | % | |||||||
| Return on average assets, as adjusted | 1.14 | 0.93 | |||||||||
| Return on average shareholders’ equity | 9.96 | 7.92 | |||||||||
| Return on average shareholders’ equity, as adjusted | 9.97 | 8.01 | |||||||||
| Return on average tangible shareholders’ equity (ROATE) | 14.49 | 11.84 | |||||||||
| ROATE, as adjusted | 14.50 | 11.97 | |||||||||
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Adjusted return on average assets, adjusted return on average shareholders' equity, ROATE and adjusted ROATE included in the table above are non-GAAP measures. Management believes these measures provide information useful to management and investors in understanding our underlying operational performance, business and performance trends, and the measures facilitate comparisons of our prior performance with the performance of others in the financial services industry. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for or superior to financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures may also be calculated differently from similar measures disclosed by other companies. The non-GAAP measure reconciliations are presented below.
Adjusted net income is computed as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Net income, as reported | $ | 115,710 | $ | 87,268 | |||||||
| Add: Losses on securities transactions (net of tax) | 85 | 29 | |||||||||
Add: Merger related expenses (net of tax) (*) | — | 936 | |||||||||
| Net income, as adjusted | $ | 115,795 | $ | 88,233 | |||||||
(*) Merger related expenses are primarily within professional and legal fees, and other non-interest expense.
In addition to the items used to calculate net income, as adjusted, in the table above, our net income is, from time to time, impacted by fluctuations in the level of net gains on sales of loans and swap fees recognized from commercial loan customer transactions. These amounts can vary widely from period to period due to, among other factors, the amount of residential mortgage loans originated for sale, loan portfolio sales and commercial loan customer demand for certain products. See the “Non-Interest Income” section below for more details.
Adjusted annualized return on average assets is computed by dividing adjusted net income by average assets, as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Net income, as adjusted | $ | 115,795 | $ | 88,233 | |||||||
| Average assets | $ | 40,770,731 | $ | 38,116,850 | |||||||
| Annualized return on average assets, as adjusted | 1.14 | % | 0.93 | % | |||||||
Adjusted annualized return on average shareholders' equity is computed by dividing adjusted net income by average shareholders' equity, as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Net income, as adjusted | $ | 115,795 | $ | 88,233 | |||||||
| Average shareholders' equity | $ | 4,645,400 | $ | 4,408,585 | |||||||
| Annualized return on average shareholders' equity, as adjusted | 9.97 | % | 8.01 | % | |||||||
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ROATE and adjusted ROATE are computed by dividing net income and adjusted net income, respectively, by average shareholders’ equity less average goodwill and average other intangible assets, as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 115,710 | $ | 87,268 | |||||||
| Net income, as adjusted | 115,795 | 88,233 | |||||||||
| Average shareholders’ equity | $ | 4,645,400 | $ | 4,408,585 | |||||||
Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets | 1,451,750 | 1,460,988 | |||||||||
| Average tangible shareholders’ equity | $ | 3,193,650 | $ | 2,947,597 | |||||||
| Annualized ROATE | 14.49 | % | 11.84 | % | |||||||
| Annualized ROATE, as adjusted | 14.50 | % | 11.97 | % | |||||||
Net Interest Income
Net interest income consists of interest income and dividends earned on interest earning assets, less interest expense on interest bearing liabilities, and represents the main source of income for Valley.
Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis totaling $293.6 million for the first quarter 2021 increased $4.8 million and $27.2 million as compared to the fourth quarter 2020 and first quarter 2020, respectively. The increase as compared to the fourth quarter 2020 was mainly due to (i) increased interest and fee income from PPP loans, (ii) continued run-off of higher cost time deposits, (iii) the prepayment of $534 million of long-term FHLB advances with a combined weighted average interest rate of 2.48 percent in December 2020, and (iv) lower rates on our deposit products combined with a continued customer shift to deposits without stated maturities. Interest expense of $39.1 million for the first quarter 2021 decreased $7.0 million as compared to the fourth quarter 2020. Interest income on a tax equivalent basis in the first quarter 2021 decreased by $2.3 million to $332.7 million as compared to the fourth quarter 2020 mainly due to lower overall yields on average taxable investment securities and loans and a decline in average balances within the investment portfolio due to normal repayment activity, partially offset by a $8.7 million increase in interest and fees on PPP loans caused by recognition of fee income on loans forgiven by the SBA during the first quarter 2021.
Average interest earning assets increased $2.7 billion to $37.4 billion for the first quarter 2021 as compared to the first quarter 2020 primarily due to organic loan growth over the 12-month period, including $2.3 billion of PPP loans. As compared to the fourth quarter 2020, average interest earning assets decreased by $420.3 million from $37.8 billion partly driven by lower level of excess liquidity held in overnight interest bearing deposits with banks. The decrease in average overnight interest bearing deposits with banks was largely caused by funds used in the prepayment of long-term FHLB borrowings totaling $534 million in December 2020.
Average interest bearing liabilities decreased $280.9 million to $26.0 billion for the first quarter 2021 as compared to the first quarter 2020 primarily due to the repayments of long-term FHLB advances and a decline in overnight borrowings, partially offset by higher average deposit levels caused by general increases in customer balances. As compared to the fourth quarter 2020, average interest bearing liabilities decreased by $754.0 million in the first quarter 2021 mainly due to decreases in long- and short-term borrowings largely attributable to the December 2020 prepayment and normal maturities of FHLB advances, respectively, as we reduced our reliance on wholesale funding sources. See additional information under "Deposits and Other Borrowings" in the Executive Summary section above.
Our net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis of 3.14 percent for the first quarter 2021 increased by 8 basis points and 7 basis points from 3.06 percent and 3.07 percent for the first quarter 2020 and fourth quarter 2020, respectively. The yield on average interest earning assets increased by 2 basis points on a linked quarter basis,
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mostly due to the higher yield on the PPP loan portfolio and reduced excess liquidity held in overnight investments. The yield on average loans decreased by 1 basis point to 3.85 percent for the first quarter 2021 as compared to the fourth quarter 2020. This decrease was mainly due to new and refinanced loan originations at lower market interest rates and two less days during the first quarter 2021, which were mostly offset by the increased yield on our PPP loan portfolio. The overall cost of average interest bearing liabilities decreased 9 basis points to 0.60 percent for the first quarter 2021 as compared to the linked fourth quarter 2020, largely due to the lower rates offered on deposit products, maturing time deposits and a 4 basis point decrease in the average cost of short-term borrowings. Our cost of total average deposits was 0.28 percent for the first quarter 2021 as compared to 0.33 percent for the fourth quarter 2020.
Looking forward, we expect moderate ongoing interest rate pressures on our net interest margin for the second quarter 2021 and beyond due to the low level of market rates and the potential negative impact on the overall yield on new and refinanced loan originations. However, we are also encouraged by the continued potential opportunity to repay or reprice stated maturity deposits and borrowings maturing at low costs during the remainder of 2021. On April 1, 2021, we elected to call and prepay $60 million of subordinated notes that were bearing interest of 6.25 percent per annum and had an original contractual maturity date of April 1, 2026.
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The following table reflects the components of net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2020:
Quarterly Analysis of Average Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity and
Net Interest Income on a Tax Equivalent Basis
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average Balance | Interest | Average Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest earning assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans (1)(2) | $ | 32,582,479 | $ | 313,206 | 3.85 | % | $ | 32,570,902 | $ | 313,993 | 3.86 | % | $ | 29,999,428 | $ | 333,068 | 4.44 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Taxable investments (3) | 3,111,116 | 15,037 | 1.93 | 3,204,974 | 16,491 | 2.06 | 3,557,913 | 25,334 | 2.85 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tax-exempt investments (1)(3) | 513,809 | 4,248 | 3.31 | 506,748 | 4,227 | 3.34 | 585,987 | 4,970 | 3.39 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest bearing deposits with banks | 1,178,815 | 224 | 0.08 | 1,523,876 | 260 | 0.07 | 530,747 | 1,465 | 1.10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest earning assets | 37,386,219 | 332,715 | 3.56 | 37,806,500 | 334,971 | 3.54 | 34,674,075 | 364,837 | 4.21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses | (347,262) | (329,748) | (256,675) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and due from banks | 312,882 | 283,239 | 312,762 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | 3,373,506 | 3,503,259 | 3,378,372 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gains on securities available for sale, net | 45,386 | 45,693 | 8,316 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 40,770,731 | $ | 41,308,943 | $ | 38,116,850 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities and shareholders’ equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest bearing liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Savings, NOW and money market deposits | $ | 16,617,762 | $ | 11,125 | 0.27 | % | $ | 15,606,081 | $ | 11,706 | 0.30 | % | $ | 13,239,382 | $ | 34,513 | 1.04 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 5,844,524 | 11,093 | 0.76 | 7,005,804 | 14,368 | 0.82 | 8,897,934 | 42,814 | 1.92 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest bearing deposits | 22,462,286 | 22,218 | 0.40 | 22,611,885 | 26,074 | 0.46 | 22,137,316 | 77,327 | 1.40 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings | 1,168,617 | 1,758 | 0.60 | 1,316,706 | 2,097 | 0.64 | 1,322,699 | 4,707 | 1.42 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term borrowings (4) | 2,323,279 | 15,155 | 2.61 | 2,779,632 | 17,967 | 2.59 | 2,775,049 | 16,420 | 2.37 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest bearing liabilities | 25,954,182 | 39,131 | 0.60 | 26,708,223 | 46,138 | 0.69 | 26,235,064 | 98,454 | 1.50 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-interest bearing deposits | 9,373,000 | 9,143,953 | 6,694,102 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other liabilities | 798,149 | 874,438 | 779,099 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shareholders’ equity | 4,645,400 | 4,582,329 | 4,408,585 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 40,770,731 | $ | 41,308,943 | $ | 38,116,850 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net interest income/interest rate spread (5) | $ | 293,584 | 2.96 | % | $ | 288,833 | 2.85 | % | $ | 266,383 | 2.71 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax equivalent adjustment | (917) | (913) | (1,044) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income, as reported | $ | 292,667 | $ | 287,920 | $ | 265,339 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net interest margin (6) | 3.13 | % | 3.05 | % | 3.06 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax equivalent effect | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis (6) | 3.14 | % | 3.06 | % | 3.07 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
_____________
(1)Interest income is presented on a tax equivalent basis using a 21 percent federal tax rate.
(2)Loans are stated net of unearned income and include non-accrual loans.
(3)The yield for securities that are classified as available for sale is based on the average historical amortized cost.
(4)Includes junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts which are presented separately on the consolidated
statements of financial condition.
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(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.
The following table demonstrates the relative impact on net interest income of changes in the volume of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities and changes in rates earned and paid by us on such assets and liabilities. Variances resulting from a combination of changes in volume and rates are allocated to the categories in proportion to the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each category.
Change in Net Interest Income on a Tax Equivalent Basis
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Compared to March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||
| Change Due to Volume | Change Due to Rate | Total Change | |||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest Income: | |||||||||||||||||
| Loans* | $ | 27,174 | $ | (47,036) | $ | (19,862) | |||||||||||
| Taxable investments | (2,894) | (7,403) | (10,297) | ||||||||||||||
| Tax-exempt investments* | (599) | (123) | (722) | ||||||||||||||
| Interest bearing deposits with banks | 844 | (2,085) | (1,241) | ||||||||||||||
| Total increase (decrease) in interest income | 24,525 | (56,647) | (32,122) | ||||||||||||||
| Interest Expense: | |||||||||||||||||
| Savings, NOW and money market deposits | 7,134 | (30,522) | (23,388) | ||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | (11,474) | (20,247) | (31,721) | ||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings | (495) | (2,454) | (2,949) | ||||||||||||||
| Long-term borrowings and junior subordinated debentures | (2,841) | 1,576 | (1,265) | ||||||||||||||
| Total decrease in interest expense | (7,676) | (51,647) | (59,323) | ||||||||||||||
| Total increase (decrease) in net interest income | $ | 32,201 | $ | (5,000) | $ | 27,201 | |||||||||||
*Interest income is presented on a tax equivalent basis using 21 percent as the federal tax rate.
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Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income decreased $10.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the same period of 2020. The following table presents the components of non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Trust and investment services | $ | 3,329 | $ | 3,413 | |||||||
| Insurance commissions | 1,558 | 1,951 | |||||||||
| Service charges on deposit accounts | 5,103 | 5,680 | |||||||||
| Losses on securities transactions, net | (118) | (40) | |||||||||
| Fees from loan servicing | 2,899 | 2,748 | |||||||||
| Gains on sales of loans, net | 3,513 | 4,550 | |||||||||
| (Losses) gains on sales of assets, net | (196) | 121 | |||||||||
| Bank owned life insurance | 2,331 | 3,142 | |||||||||
| Other | 12,814 | 19,832 | |||||||||
| Total non-interest income | $ | 31,233 | $ | 41,397 | |||||||
Net gains on sales of loans decreased $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020. Our net gains on sales of loans for each period are comprised of both gains on sales of residential mortgages and the net change in the mark to market gains and losses on our loans originated for sale and carried at fair value at each period end. The net decrease from the change in the fair value of loans held for sale totaled $9.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to a $867 thousand increase for the three months ended March 31, 2020. During the first quarter 2021, we sold approximately $347.6 million of residential mortgage loans as compared to $301.2 million (including $30.0 million of pre-existing residential mortgage loans sold from our loan portfolio) during the first quarter 2020. See further discussion of our residential mortgage loan origination activity under the “Loan Portfolio” section of this MD&A below.
Bank owned life insurance income decreased $811 thousand for the first quarter 2021 as compared to the first quarter 2020 partly due to lower yields on the underlying fixed income investments held by insurance policies.
Other non-interest income decreased $7.0 million for the first quarter 2021 as compared to the same quarter in 2020 primarily due to an $8.0 million decrease in fee income related to derivative interest rate swaps executed with commercial lending customers. Swap fee income totaled $6.2 million and $14.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
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Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expense increased $4.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the same period of 2020. The following table presents the components of non-interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Salary and employee benefits expense | $ | 88,103 | $ | 85,728 | |||||||
| Net occupancy and equipment expense | 32,259 | 32,441 | |||||||||
| FDIC insurance assessment | 3,276 | 3,876 | |||||||||
| Amortization of other intangible assets | 6,006 | 5,470 | |||||||||
| Professional and legal fees | 6,272 | 6,087 | |||||||||
| Amortization of tax credit investments | 2,744 | 3,228 | |||||||||
| Telecommunications expense | 3,160 | 2,287 | |||||||||
| Other | 18,393 | 16,539 | |||||||||
| Total non-interest expense | $ | 160,213 | $ | 155,656 | |||||||
Salary and employee benefits expense increased $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the same period of 2020. The increase was partly due to increases in health insurance and stock-based incentive compensation expenses totaling $1.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The three months ended March 31, 2020 included an expense of $1.8 million related to a special bonus paid to hourly employees impacted by COVID-19.
Other non-interest expense increased $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the same period of 2020 largely due to higher data processing costs, including approximately $605 thousand of costs related to our PPP loan program.
See Notes 8 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements for information regarding the amortization of other intangible assets and tax credit investments, respectively.
Efficiency Ratio
The efficiency ratio measures total non-interest expense as a percentage of net interest income plus total non-interest income. We believe this non-GAAP measure provides a meaningful comparison of our operational performance and facilitates investors’ assessments of business performance and trends in comparison to our peers in the banking industry. Our overall efficiency ratio, and its comparability to some of our peers, is negatively impacted primarily by the amortization of tax credit investments, as well as infrequent charges within non-interest income and expense, including, but not limited to, merger expenses.
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The following table presents our efficiency ratio and a reconciliation of the efficiency ratio adjusted for certain items during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Total non-interest expense | $ | 160,213 | $ | 155,656 | |||||||
| Less: Amortization of tax credit investments (pre-tax) | 2,744 | 3,228 | |||||||||
Less: Merger related expenses (pre-tax) | — | 1,302 | |||||||||
| Total non-interest expense, adjusted | $ | 157,469 | $ | 151,126 | |||||||
| Net interest income | $ | 292,667 | $ | 265,339 | |||||||
| Total non-interest income | 31,233 | 41,397 | |||||||||
| Add: Losses on securities transactions, net (pre-tax) | 118 | 40 | |||||||||
| Total net interest income and non-interest income | $ | 324,018 | $ | 306,776 | |||||||
| Efficiency ratio | 49.46 | % | 50.75 | % | |||||||
| Efficiency ratio, adjusted | 48.60 | % | 49.26 | % | |||||||
Income Taxes
Income tax expense totaled $39.3 million for the first quarter 2021 as compared to $38.0 million and $29.1 million for the fourth quarter 2020 and first quarter 2020, respectively. Our effective tax rate was 25.4 percent, 26.5 percent and 25.0 percent for the first quarter 2021, fourth quarter 2020 and first quarter 2020, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate as compared to the fourth quarter 2020 was mainly due to an increase in the excess stock compensation benefit for the first quarter 2021.
U.S. GAAP requires that any change in judgment or change in measurement of a tax position taken in a prior annual period be recognized as a discrete event in the quarter in which it occurs, rather than being recognized as a change in effective tax rate for the current year. Our adherence to these tax guidelines may result in volatile effective income tax rates in future quarterly and annual periods. Factors that could impact management’s judgment include changes in income, tax laws and regulations, and tax planning strategies.
Business Segments
We have four business segments that we monitor and report on to manage our business operations. These segments are consumer lending, commercial lending, investment management, and corporate and other adjustments. Our reportable segments have been determined based upon Valley’s internal structure of operations and lines of business. Each business segment is reviewed routinely for its asset growth, contribution to income before income taxes and return on average interest earning assets and impairment (if events or circumstances indicate a possible inability to realize the carrying amount). Expenses related to the branch network, all other components of retail banking, along with the back office departments of the Bank are allocated from the corporate and other adjustments segment to each of the other three business segments. Interest expense and internal transfer expense (for general corporate expenses) are allocated to each business segment utilizing a transfer pricing methodology, which
involves the allocation of operating and funding costs based on each segment's respective mix of average earning assets and/or liabilities outstanding for the period. The financial reporting for each segment contains allocations and reporting in line with our operations, which may not necessarily be comparable to any other financial institution. The accounting for each segment includes internal accounting policies designed to measure consistent and reasonable financial reporting and may result in income and expense measurements that differ from amounts under U.S. GAAP. Furthermore, changes in management structure or allocation methodologies and procedures may result in changes in reported segment financial data.
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The following tables present the financial data for each business segment for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer Lending | Commercial Lending | Investment Management | Corporate and Other Adjustments | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average interest earning assets | $ | 7,049,252 | $ | 25,533,227 | $ | 4,803,740 | $ | — | $ | 37,386,219 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | 31,399 | 129,052 | 2,800 | (8,220) | 155,031 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annualized return on average interest earning assets (before tax) | 1.78 | % | 2.02 | % | 0.23 | % | N/A | 1.66 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer Lending | Commercial Lending | Investment Management | Corporate and Other Adjustments | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average interest earning assets | $ | 7,217,144 | $ | 22,782,284 | $ | 4,674,647 | $ | — | $ | 34,674,075 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | 16,241 | 102,795 | 7,830 | (10,469) | 116,397 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annualized return on average interest earning assets (before tax) | 0.90 | % | 1.80 | % | 0.67 | % | N/A | 1.34 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Consumer Lending
This consumer lending segment represented 20.9 percent of our loan portfolio at March 31, 2021, and was mainly comprised of residential mortgage loans and automobile loans, and to a lesser extent, home equity loans, secured personal lines of credit and other consumer loans (including credit card loans). The duration of the residential mortgage loan portfolio (which represented 12.4 percent of our loan portfolio at March 31, 2021) is subject to movements in the market level of interest rates and forecasted prepayment speeds. The weighted average life of the automobile loans (representing 4.4 percent of total loans at March 31, 2021) is relatively unaffected by movements in the market level of interest rates. However, the average life may be impacted by new loans as a result of the availability of credit within the automobile marketplace and consumer demand for purchasing new or used automobiles. The consumer lending segment also includes the Wealth Management and Insurance Services Division, comprised of trust, asset management, and insurance services.
Average interest earning assets in this segment decreased $167.9 million to $7.0 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the first quarter 2020. The decrease was largely due to continued residential mortgage loan refinance activity and a higher percentage of mortgage loans originated for sale rather than held for investment over the last 12 month period. Automobile loan demand was also tempered during the onset of the pandemic before steadily strengthening in the fourth quarter 2020 and first quarter 2021.
Income before income taxes generated by the consumer lending segment increased $15.2 million to $31.4 million for the first quarter 2021 as compared to the first quarter 2020 largely due to a $9.4 million decrease in the provision for loan losses coupled with a $5.9 million increase in net interest income. The decrease in the provision for loan losses was mainly due to the improvement in the economic forecast component of the allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2021 as compared to March 31, 2020. See further details in the "Allowance for Credit Losses" section of this MD&A. The increase in net interest income was largely driven by lower funding costs, partially offset by lower yields on consumer loans and the decline in average loan balances.
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The net interest margin on the consumer lending portfolio increased 40 basis points to 3.09 percent for the first quarter 2021 as compared to the first quarter 2020 mainly due to a 73 basis point decrease in the costs associated with our funding sources, partially offset by a 33 basis point decrease in the yield on average loans. The decrease in our funding costs was largely due to the lower rates offered on deposit products, maturing time deposits and an 82 basis point decrease in the average cost of short-term borrowings. The 33 basis point decrease in loan yield was due to lower yielding new and refinanced loan volumes. See the "Executive Summary" and the "Net Interest Income" sections above for more details on our net interest margin and funding sources.
Commercial Lending
The commercial lending segment is comprised of floating rate and adjustable rate commercial and industrial loans and construction loans, as well as fixed rate owner occupied and commercial real estate loans. Due to the portfolio’s interest rate characteristics, commercial lending is Valley’s business segment that is most sensitive to movements in market interest rates. Commercial and industrial loans totaled approximately $7.1 billion and represented 21.9 percent of the total loan portfolio at March 31, 2021. Commercial real estate loans and construction loans totaled $18.7 billion and represented 57.2 percent of the total loan portfolio at March 31, 2021.
Average interest earning assets in this segment increased approximately $2.8 billion to $25.5 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the first quarter 2020. The increase was mostly due to the origination of PPP loans totaling $2.4 billion within the commercial and industrial portfolio at March 31, 2021, as well as organic commercial real estate loan growth over most of the last 12 month period.
For the three months ended March 31, 2021, income before income taxes for the commercial lending segment increased $26.3 million to $129.1 million as compared to the first quarter 2020 mainly driven by an increase in net interest income combined with a decline in the provision for credit losses. Net interest income for this segment increased $26.4 million to $229.1 million for the first quarter 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020 primarily due to lower funding costs and interest and fee income largely resulting from PPP loans. The provision for credit losses decreased by $15.5 million mainly due to the improvement in the economic forecast component of the allowance for loan losses as compared to March 31, 2020. The positive impact of the aforementioned items was partially offset by a decrease in non-interest income and higher internal transfer expense. Non-interest income decreased $7.9 million to $7.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the first quarter 2020 mainly due to an $8.0 million decrease in swap fee income related to derivative interest rate swaps executed with commercial loan customers. Internal transfer expense increased $6.4 million for the first quarter 2021 as compared to the first quarter 2020 partly due to general increases related to organic growth in our business.
The net interest margin for this segment increased 3 basis points to 3.59 percent for the first quarter 2021 as compared to the first quarter 2020 due to a 73 basis point decrease in the cost of our funding sources, which was mostly offset by a 70 basis point decrease in the yield on average loans.
Investment Management
The investment management segment generates a large portion of our income through investments in various types of securities and interest-bearing deposits with other banks. These investments are mainly comprised of fixed rate securities and, depending on our liquid cash position, federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks (primarily the Federal Reserve Bank of New York) as part of our asset/liability management strategies. The fixed
rate investments are one of Valley’s least sensitive assets to changes in market interest rates. However, a portion of the investment portfolio is invested in shorter-duration securities to maintain the overall asset sensitivity of our balance sheet. See the “Asset/Liability Management” section below for further analysis.
Average interest earning assets in this segment increased $129.1 million during the first quarter 2021 as compared to the first quarter 2020 primarily due to a $648.1 million increase in average interest bearing deposits with banks, partially offset by a $519.0 million decrease in average investment securities. The increase in average overnight interest bearing deposits with banks was due, in part, to a lower rate of reinvestment of normal repayments within our investment securities portfolio.
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For the first quarter 2021, income before income taxes for the investment management segment decreased $5.0 million to $2.8 million as compared to the first quarter 2020 mostly due to a $3.9 million decrease in net interest income, partially offset by a lower provision for credit losses. The decrease in net interest income was primarily due to normal repayments of higher yielding securities and the low yields on the increased overnight investment balances. The provision for credit losses decreased $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the first quarter 2020.
The net interest margin for this segment decreased 37 basis points to 1.26 percent for the first quarter 2021 as compared to the same quarter in 2020 largely due to a 110 basis point decrease in the yield on average investments, partially offset by a 73 basis point decrease in our cost of funding. The decrease in the yield on average investments as compared to the first quarter 2020 was largely driven by principal repayments on higher yielding residential mortgage-backed securities, acceleration of premium amortization expense related to the increased prepayment of mortgage-backed securities and purchases of lower yielding investment securities over the last 12 months.
Corporate and other adjustments
The amounts disclosed as “corporate and other adjustments” represent income and expense items not directly attributable to a specific segment, including net securities gains and losses not reported in the investment management segment above, interest expense related to subordinated notes, amortization and impairment of tax credit investments, as well as non-core items, including merger expenses.
The corporate segment recognized pre-tax losses of $8.2 million and $10.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The decline in the pre-tax loss for the first quarter 2021 was largely due to a $5.6 million increase in internal transfer income, partially offset by a $1.8 million increase in non-interest expense. The increase in non-interest expense was largely driven by increases in salaries and employee benefits expenses, higher data processing and telecommunication expenses, partially offset by a decrease in amortization of tax credit investments. See further details in the "Non-Interest Income" and "Non-Interest Expense" sections of this MD&A.
ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT
Interest Rate Sensitivity
Our success is largely dependent upon our ability to manage interest rate risk. Interest rate risk can be defined as the exposure of our interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities to the movement in interest rates. Our Asset/Liability Management Committee is responsible for managing such risks and establishing policies that monitor and coordinate our sources and uses of funds. Asset/Liability management is a continuous process due to the constant change in interest rate risk factors. In assessing the appropriate interest rate risk levels for us, management weighs the potential benefit of each risk management activity within the desired parameters of liquidity, capital levels and management’s tolerance for exposure to income fluctuations. Many of the actions undertaken by management utilize fair value analysis and attempt to achieve consistent accounting and economic benefits for financial assets and their related funding sources. We have predominantly focused on managing our interest rate risk by attempting to match the inherent risk and cash flows of financial assets and liabilities. Specifically, management employs multiple risk management activities such as optimizing the level of new residential mortgage originations retained in our mortgage portfolio through increasing or decreasing loan sales in the secondary market, product pricing levels, the desired maturity levels for new originations, the composition levels of both our interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, as well as several other risk management activities.
We use a simulation model to analyze net interest income sensitivity to movements in interest rates. The simulation model projects net interest income based on various interest rate scenarios over a 12-month and 24-month period. The model is based on the actual maturity and re-pricing characteristics of rate sensitive assets and liabilities. The model incorporates certain assumptions which management believes to be reasonable regarding the impact of changing interest rates and the prepayment assumptions of certain assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2021. The model assumes immediate changes in interest rates without any proactive change in the composition or size of the
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balance sheet, or other future actions that management might undertake to mitigate this risk. In the model, the forecasted shape of the yield curve remains static as of March 31, 2021. The impact of interest rate derivatives, such as interest rate swaps, is also included in the model.
Our simulation model is based on market interest rates and prepayment speeds prevalent in the market as of March 31, 2021. Although the size of Valley’s balance sheet is forecasted to remain static as of March 31, 2021 in our model, the composition is adjusted to reflect new interest earning assets and funding originations coupled with rate spreads utilizing our actual originations during the first quarter 2021. The model also utilizes an immediate parallel shift in market interest rates at March 31, 2021.
The assumptions used in the net interest income simulation are inherently uncertain. Actual results may differ significantly from those presented in the table below due to the frequency and timing of changes in interest rates and changes in spreads between maturity and re-pricing categories. Overall, our net interest income is affected by changes in interest rates and cash flows from our loan and investment portfolios. We actively manage these cash flows in conjunction with our liability mix, duration and interest rates to optimize the net interest income, while structuring the balance sheet in response to actual or potential changes in interest rates. Additionally, our net interest income is impacted by the level of competition within our marketplace. Competition can negatively impact the level of interest rates attainable on loans and increase the cost of deposits, which may result in downward pressure on our net interest margin in future periods. Other factors, including, but not limited to, the slope of the yield curve and projected cash flows will impact our net interest income results and may increase or decrease the level of asset sensitivity of our balance sheet.
Convexity is a measure of how the duration of a financial instrument changes as market interest rates change. Potential movements in the convexity of bonds held in our investment portfolio, as well as the duration of the loan portfolio may have a positive or negative impact on our net interest income in varying interest rate environments. As a result, the increase or decrease in forecasted net interest income may not have a linear relationship to the results reflected in the table below. Management cannot provide any assurance about the actual effect of changes in interest rates on our net interest income.
The following table reflects management’s expectations of the change in our net interest income over the next 12- month period considering the aforementioned assumptions. While an instantaneous and severe shift in interest rates was used in this simulation model, we believe that any actual shift in interest rates would likely be more gradual and would therefore have a more modest impact than shown in the table below.
| Estimated Change in Future Net Interest Income | |||||||||||
| Changes in Interest Rates | Dollar Change | Percentage Change | |||||||||
| (in basis points) | ($ in thousands) | ||||||||||
| +200 | $ | 58,608 | 5.01 | % | |||||||
| +100 | 28,837 | 2.46 | |||||||||
| –100 | (43,263) | (3.70) | |||||||||
| –200 | (70,355) | (6.01) | |||||||||
As noted in the table above, a 100 basis point immediate increase in interest rates combined with a static balance
sheet where the size, mix, and proportions of assets and liabilities remain unchanged is projected to increase net interest income over the next 12 month period by 2.46 percent. Management believes the interest rate sensitivity remains within an acceptable tolerance range at March 31, 2021. However, the level of net interest income sensitivity may increase or decrease in the future as a result of several factors, including potential changes in our balance sheet strategies, the slope of the yield curve and projected cash flows.
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Liquidity and Cash Requirements
Bank Liquidity
Liquidity measures the ability to satisfy current and future cash flow needs as they become due. A bank’s liquidity reflects its ability to meet loan demand, to accommodate possible outflows in deposits and to take advantage of interest rate opportunities in the marketplace. Liquidity management is carefully performed and routinely reported by our Treasury Department to two board committees. Among other actions, Treasury reviews historical funding requirements, current liquidity position, sources and stability of funding, marketability of assets, options for attracting additional funds, and anticipated future funding needs, including the level of unfunded commitments. Our goal is to maintain sufficient liquidity to cover current and potential funding requirements.
The Bank has no required regulatory liquidity ratios to maintain; however, it adheres to an internal liquidity policy. The current policy maintains that we may not have a ratio of loans to deposits in excess of 110 percent or reliance on wholesale funding greater than 25 percent of total funding. The Bank was in compliance with the foregoing policies at March 31, 2021.
Valley's short and long-term cash requirements include contractual obligations under borrowings, deposits, payment related to leases, capital expenditures and other purchase commitments. In the ordinary course of operations, the Bank also enters into various financial obligations, including contractual obligations that may require future cash payments. Management believes the Bank has the ability to generate and obtain adequate amounts of cash to meet its short-term and long-term obligations as they come due by utilizing various cash resources described below.
On the asset side of the balance sheet, the Bank has numerous sources of liquid funds in the form of cash and due from banks, interest bearing deposits with banks (including the Federal Reserve Bank of New York), investment securities held to maturity that are maturing within 90 days or would otherwise qualify as maturities if sold (i.e., 85 percent of original cost basis has been repaid), investment securities available for sale, loans held for sale, and from time to time, federal funds sold and receivables related to unsettled securities transactions. Total liquid assets were approximately $3.1 billion, representing 8.2 percent of earning assets at March 31, 2021 and $3.1 billion, representing 8.3 percent of earning assets at December 31, 2020. Of the $3.1 billion of liquid assets at March 31, 2021, approximately $691.4 million of various investment securities were pledged to counterparties to support our earning asset funding strategies. We anticipate the receipt of approximately $697 million in principal payments from securities in the total investment portfolio over the next 12 month period due to normally scheduled principal repayments and expected prepayments of certain securities, primarily residential mortgage-backed securities.
Additional liquidity is derived from scheduled loan payments of principal and interest, as well as prepayments received. Loan principal payments (including loans held for sale at March 31, 2021) are projected in accordance with their scheduled contractual terms to be approximately $9.8 billion over the next 12 month period. As a contingency plan for any liquidity constraints, liquidity could also be derived from the sale of conforming residential mortgages from our loan portfolio or alleviated from the temporary curtailment of lending activities.
On the liability side of the balance sheet, we utilize multiple sources of funds to meet liquidity needs, including retail and commercial deposits, brokered and municipal deposits, and short-term and long-term borrowings. Our core deposit base, which generally excludes fully insured brokered deposits and both retail and brokered certificates of deposit over $250 thousand, represents the largest of these sources. Average core deposits totaled approximately $28.4 billion and $25.8 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and for the year ended December 31, 2020, respectively, representing 75.9 percent and 69.8 percent of average earning assets for the respective periods. The level of interest bearing deposits is affected by interest rates offered, which is often influenced by our need for funds and the need to match the maturities of assets and liabilities.
Additional funding may be provided through deposit gathering networks and in the form of federal funds purchased through our well established relationships with numerous banks. While these lending lines are uncommitted, management believes that the Bank could borrow approximately $1.5 billion from these banks on a collective basis.
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The Bank is also a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLB) and has the ability to borrow from them in the form of FHLB advances secured by pledges of certain eligible collateral, including but not limited to U.S. government and agency mortgage-backed securities and a blanket assignment of qualifying first lien mortgage loans, consisting of both residential mortgage and commercial real estate loans. Additionally, Valley's collateral pledged to the FHLB may be used to obtain Municipal Letters of Credit (MULOC) to collateralize certain municipal deposits held by Valley. At March 31, 2021, Valley had $700 million of MULOCs outstanding for this purpose. Furthermore, we can obtain overnight borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York via the discount window as a contingency for additional liquidity. At March 31, 2021, our borrowing capacity (excluding added capacity available to us by pledging PPP loans) under the Federal Reserve Bank's discount window was $1.6 billion.
We also have access to other short-term and long-term borrowing sources to support our asset base, such as repos (i.e., securities sold under agreements to repurchase). Short-term borrowings (consisting of FHLB advances, repos, and from time to time, federal funds purchased) decreased approximately $63.3 million to $1.1 billion at March 31, 2021 as compared to December 31, 2020 primarily driven by normal maturities.
Corporation Liquidity
Valley’s recurring cash requirements primarily consist of dividends to preferred and common shareholders and interest expense on subordinated notes and junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts. As part of our on-going asset/liability management strategies, Valley could also use cash to repurchase shares of its outstanding common stock under its share repurchase program or redeem its callable junior subordinated debentures. These cash needs are routinely satisfied by dividends collected from the Bank. Projected cash flows from the Bank are expected to be adequate to pay preferred and common dividends, if declared, and interest expense payable to subordinated note holders and capital trusts, given the current capital levels and current profitable operations of the Bank. In addition to dividends received from the Bank, Valley can satisfy its cash requirements by utilizing its own cash and potential new funds borrowed from outside sources or capital issuances. Valley also has the right to defer interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures, and therefore distributions on its trust preferred securities for consecutive quarterly periods up to five years, but not beyond the stated maturity dates, and subject to other conditions.
Investment Securities Portfolio
As of March 31, 2021, we had $33.0 million, $1.1 billion and $2.4 billion in equities, available for sale debt securities and held to maturity debt securities, respectively. Our equity securities portfolio is mainly comprised of a money market mutual fund and investments in public and private Community Reinvestment Act funds. Our held to maturity and available for sale debt securities portfolios were comprised of U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government agency securities, tax-exempt and taxable issuances of states and political subdivisions, residential mortgage-backed securities, single-issuer trust preferred securities principally issued by bank holding companies, and high quality corporate bonds. Among other securities, our available for sale debt securities include securities such as bank issued and other corporate bonds, as well as municipal special revenue bonds, that may pose a higher risk of future impairment charges to us as a result of the uncertain economic environment and its potential negative effect on the future performance of the security issuers.
There were no securities in the name of any one issuer exceeding 10 percent of shareholders’ equity, except for residential mortgage-backed securities issued by Ginnie Mae and Fannie Mae. Certain securities with limited marketability and/or restrictions, such as Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stocks, are carried at cost and are included in other assets.
Allowance for Credit Losses and Impairment Analysis
Available for sale debt securities. Available for sale debt securities in unrealized loss positions are evaluated for impairment related to credit losses at least quarterly. In assessing whether a credit loss exists, we compare the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security.
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If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis for the security, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded, limited to the amount the fair value is less than amortized cost basis. Declines in fair value that have not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses, such as declines due to changes in market interest rates, are recorded through other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.
We have evaluated all available for sale debt securities that are in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2021 and determined that the declines in fair value are mainly attributable to changes in market volatility, due to factors such as interest rates and spread factors, but not attributable to credit quality or other factors. Based on a comparison of the present value of expected cash flows to the amortized cost, management recognized no impairment charges during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and, as a result, there was no allowance for credit losses for available for sale debt securities at March 31, 2021.
Held to maturity debt securities. Valley estimates the expected credit losses on held to maturity debt securities that have loss expectations using a discounted cash flow model developed by a third party. Valley has a zero loss expectation for certain securities within the held to maturity portfolio, including U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. agency securities, residential mortgage-backed securities issued by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and collateralized municipal bonds, which are excluded from the model. Assumptions used in the model for pools of securities with common risk characteristics include the historical lifetime probability of default and severity of loss in the event of default, with the model incorporating several economic cycles of loss history data to calculate expected credit losses given default at the individual security level. Held to maturity debt securities were carried net of allowance for credit losses totaling $1.1 million and $1.4 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Valley recorded a credit (negative) provision for credit losses of $358 thousand during the first quarter 2021 and a provision for credit losses of $759 thousand for the first quarter 2020, respectively. There were no net charge-offs of debt securities in the respective periods.
Investment grades. The investment grades in the table below reflect the most current independent analysis performed by third parties of each security as of the date presented and not necessarily the investment grades at the date of our purchase of the securities. For many securities, the rating agencies may not have performed an independent analysis of the tranches owned by us, but rather an analysis of the entire investment pool. For this and other reasons, we believe the assigned investment grades may not accurately reflect the actual credit quality of each security and should not be viewed in isolation as a measure of the quality of our investment portfolio.
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The following table presents the held to maturity and available for sale debt securities portfolios by investment grades at March 31, 2021:
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available for sale investment grades: * | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| AAA Rated | $ | 949,878 | $ | 30,036 | $ | (1,329) | $ | 978,585 | |||||||||||||||
| AA Rated | 25,149 | 616 | — | 25,765 | |||||||||||||||||||
| A Rated | 6,161 | 155 | — | 6,316 | |||||||||||||||||||
| BBB Rated | 29,330 | 612 | (8) | 29,934 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-investment grade | 11,847 | — | (12) | 11,835 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Not rated | 62,217 | 1,636 | (67) | 63,786 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,084,582 | $ | 33,055 | $ | (1,416) | $ | 1,116,221 | |||||||||||||||
| Held to maturity investment grades: * | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| AAA Rated | $ | 2,051,782 | $ | 41,064 | $ | (18,749) | $ | 2,074,097 | |||||||||||||||
| AA Rated | 175,740 | 5,485 | (2) | 181,223 | |||||||||||||||||||
| A Rated | 13,274 | 360 | — | 13,634 | |||||||||||||||||||
| BBB Rated | 8,000 | 450 | (72) | 8,378 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-investment grade | 5,632 | — | (111) | 5,521 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Not rated | 136,598 | 588 | (6,678) | 130,508 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,391,026 | $ | 47,947 | $ | (25,612) | $ | 2,413,361 | |||||||||||||||
| * | Rated using external rating agencies. Ratings categories include the entire range. For example, “A rated” includes A+, A, and A-. Split rated securities with two ratings are categorized at the higher of the rating levels. | ||||
The unrealized losses in the AAA rated category of the held to maturity debt securities (in the above table) are mainly related to residential mortgage-backed securities issued by Ginnie Mae and Fannie Mae. The investment securities held to maturity portfolio included $136.6 million of investments not rated by the rating agencies with aggregate unrealized losses of $6.7 million at March 31, 2021 related to four single-issuer bank trust preferred issuances with a combined amortized cost of $36.0 million.
See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our investments securities portfolio.
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Loan Portfolio
The following table reflects the composition of the loan portfolio as of the dates presented:
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | September 30, 2020 | June 30, 2020 | March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | 4,784,017 | $ | 4,709,569 | $ | 4,625,880 | $ | 4,670,362 | $ | 4,998,731 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial PPP loans | 2,364,627 | 2,152,139 | 2,277,465 | 2,214,327 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total commercial and industrial * | 7,148,644 | 6,861,708 | 6,903,345 | 6,884,689 | 4,998,731 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | 16,923,627 | 16,724,998 | 16,815,587 | 16,571,877 | 16,390,236 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | 1,786,331 | 1,745,825 | 1,720,775 | 1,721,352 | 1,727,046 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total commercial real estate | 18,709,958 | 18,470,823 | 18,536,362 | 18,293,229 | 18,117,282 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage | 4,060,492 | 4,183,743 | 4,284,595 | 4,405,147 | 4,478,982 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Home equity | 409,576 | 431,553 | 457,083 | 471,115 | 481,751 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Automobile | 1,444,883 | 1,355,955 | 1,341,659 | 1,369,489 | 1,436,734 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 912,863 | 913,330 | 892,542 | 890,942 | 914,587 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total consumer loans | 2,767,322 | 2,700,838 | 2,691,284 | 2,731,546 | 2,833,072 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total loans* | $ | 32,686,416 | $ | 32,217,112 | $ | 32,415,586 | $ | 32,314,611 | $ | 30,428,067 | |||||||||||||||||||
| As a percent of total loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | 21.9 | % | 21.3 | % | 21.3 | % | 21.3 | % | 16.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | 57.2 | 57.3 | 57.2 | 56.6 | 59.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage | 12.4 | 13.0 | 13.2 | 13.6 | 14.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer loans | 8.5 | 8.4 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 9.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
* Includes net unearned discount and deferred loan fees of $108.6 million, $95.8 million, $116.2 million, $131.3 million, and $76.4 million at March 31, 2021, December 31, 2020, September 30, 2020, June 30, 2020, and March 31, 2020, respectively. Net unearned discounts and deferred loan fees included $57.2 million, $43.2 million, $54.4 million and $62.1 million of net unearned fees related to PPP loans at March 31, 2021, December 31, 2020, September 30, 2020, and June 30, 2020, respectively.
Commercial and industrial loans increased $286.9 million, or 16.7 percent on an annualized basis, to $7.1 billion at March 31, 2021 as compared to December 31, 2020 mostly due to the $212.5 million increase in PPP loans, which was net of over $630 million of PPP loans forgiven by the SBA during the first quarter 2021. Valley expects the majority of these borrowers to qualify for loan forgiveness under the guidelines of the SBA program, which impact our ability to grow the commercial and industrial loan portfolio. Non-PPP commercial and industrial loans increased $74.4 million, or 6.3 percent, at March 31, 2021 as compared to December 31, 2020 mostly due to expansion of our lending teams during the first quarter 2021, as well as stronger demand in certain customer segments, including healthcare lending.
Commercial real estate loans (excluding construction loans) increased $198.6 million, or 4.8 percent on an annualized basis, to $16.9 billion at March 31, 2021 from December 31, 2020 reflecting the recovery of our loan commitment pipeline near the end of 2020. Construction loans increased $40.5 million to $1.8 billion at March 31, 2021 from December 31, 2020. Construction demand in our Florida markets, which have mostly reopened during the current COVID-19 pandemic, remains robust as compared to the Northeast and we intend to be strategically competitive for the strongest borrowers and projects in that market.
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Residential mortgage loans declined $123.3 million, or 11.8 percent on an annualized basis during the first quarter 2021 mainly due to continued refinance activity and a higher percentage of loans originated for sale rather than held for investment. New and refinanced residential mortgage loan originations totaled approximately $550.6 million for the first quarter 2021 as compared to $542.3 million and $358.9 million for the fourth quarter 2020 and first quarter 2020, respectively. Of the total originations in the first quarter 2021, approximately $288 million of residential mortgage loans were originated for sale rather than held for investment. During the first quarter 2021, we sold approximately $348 million (including $301 million of residential mortgage loans held for sale at December 31, 2020). We may continue to sell a large portion of our new fixed rate residential mortgage loan originations during the second quarter 2021 based upon normal management of the interest rate risk and mix of the interest earning assets on our balance sheet.
Home equity loans moderately increased $22.0 million to $409.6 million at March 31, 2021 from December 31, 2020. New home equity loan volumes and customer usage of existing home equity lines of credit continue to be modest, despite the favorable low interest rate environment.
Automobile loans increased by $88.9 million, or 26.2 percent on an annualized basis, to $1.4 billion at March 31, 2021 as compared to December 31, 2020 due to strong consumer demand seen across the auto industry during the first quarter 2021. Our Florida dealership network contributed $43.8 million in auto loan originations, representing approximately 18 percent of new loans, during the first quarter 2021 as compared to $27.7 million, or 17 percent of new loans, during the fourth quarter 2020.
Other consumer loans decreased $467 thousand to $912.9 million at March 31, 2021 as compared to $913.3 million at December 31, 2020 mainly due to tempered usage and demand within our collateralized personal lines of credit portfolio.
Most of our lending is in northern and central New Jersey, New York City, Long Island and Florida, except for smaller auto and residential mortgage loan portfolios derived from other neighboring states of New Jersey. To mitigate our geographic risks, we make efforts to maintain a diversified portfolio as to type of borrower and loan to guard against a potential downward turn in any one economic sector.
For the remainder of 2021, we remain cautiously optimistic about overall loan growth, exclusive of PPP loans. In the early stages of the second quarter 2021, our loan origination pipelines remain robust and organic growth opportunities, especially in Florida, appear to be closer to pre-pandemic levels. During the first quarter 2021, approximately 50 percent of our commercial loan growth come out of Florida. However, there can be no assurance that those positive trends will continue, or balances will not decline from March 31, 2021 given the potential for unforeseen changes in consumer confidence, the economy, and other market conditions. We believe that many of our SBA PPP loans will be eligible for forgiveness in 2021 in accordance with the rules of this program and is highly likely to result in a large reduction in these loan balances.
Non-performing Assets
Non-performing assets (NPA) include non-accrual loans, other real estate owned (OREO), other repossessed assets (which primarily consists of automobiles and taxi medallions) and non-accrual debt securities at March 31, 2021. Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when they become past due in excess of 90 days as to payment of principal or interest. Exceptions to the non-accrual policy may be permitted if the loan is sufficiently collateralized and in the process of collection. OREO is acquired through foreclosure on loans secured by land or real estate. OREO and other repossessed assets are reported at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated cost to sell. Our NPAs increased $16.0 million to $210.5 million at March 31, 2021 as compared to December 31, 2020 mainly due to a $18.7 million increase in non-accrual loans in the first quarter 2021. NPAs as a percentage of total loans and NPAs totaled 0.64 percent and 0.60 percent at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively (as shown in the table below). We believe our total NPAs has remained relatively low as a percentage of the total loan portfolio over the past 12 months, despite the uptick in non-accrual borrowers mainly caused by COVID-19 pandemic. The level of NPAs is reflective of our consistent approach to the loan underwriting criteria for both Valley originated loans and loans purchased from third parties. For additional details, see the "Credit quality indicators" section in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.
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Our lending strategy is based on underwriting standards designed to maintain high credit quality and we remain optimistic regarding the overall future performance of our loan portfolio. However, due to the potential for future credit deterioration caused by the uncertain path of the recovery from the COVID -19 pandemic and a number of our borrowers that are still performing under forbearance agreements, management cannot provide assurance that our non-performing assets will not increase substantially from the levels reported at March 31, 2021.
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The following table sets forth by loan category accruing past due and non-performing assets at the dates indicated in conjunction with our asset quality ratios:
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | September 30, 2020 | June 30, 2020 | March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accruing past due loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 30 to 59 days past due: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | 3,763 | $ | 6,393 | $ | 6,587 | $ | 6,206 | $ | 9,780 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | 11,655 | 35,030 | 26,038 | 13,912 | 41,664 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | — | 315 | 142 | — | 7,119 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage | 16,004 | 17,717 | 22,528 | 35,263 | 38,965 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Consumer | 5,480 | 10,257 | 8,979 | 12,962 | 19,508 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total 30 to 59 days past due | 36,902 | 69,712 | 64,274 | 68,343 | 117,036 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 60 to 89 days past due: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | 1,768 | 2,252 | 3,954 | 4,178 | 7,624 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | 5,455 | 1,326 | 610 | 1,543 | 15,963 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | — | — | — | — | 49 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage | 2,233 | 10,351 | 3,760 | 4,169 | 9,307 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Consumer | 1,021 | 1,823 | 1,352 | 3,786 | 2,309 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total 60 to 89 days past due | 10,477 | 15,752 | 9,676 | 13,676 | 35,252 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90 or more days past due: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | 2,515 | 9,107 | 6,759 | 5,220 | 4,049 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | — | 993 | 1,538 | — | 161 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage | 2,472 | 3,170 | 891 | 3,812 | 1,798 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Consumer | 417 | 271 | 753 | 2,082 | 1,092 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total 90 or more days past due | 5,404 | 13,541 | 9,941 | 11,114 | 7,100 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total accruing past due loans | $ | 52,783 | $ | 99,005 | $ | 83,891 | $ | 93,133 | $ | 159,388 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-accrual loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | 108,988 | $ | 106,693 | $ | 115,667 | $ | 130,876 | $ | 132,622 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | 54,004 | 46,879 | 41,627 | 43,678 | 41,616 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | 71 | 84 | 2,497 | 3,308 | 2,972 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage | 33,655 | 25,817 | 23,877 | 25,776 | 24,625 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Consumer | 7,292 | 5,809 | 7,441 | 6,947 | 4,095 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total non-accrual loans | 204,010 | 185,282 | 191,109 | 210,585 | 205,930 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other real estate owned (OREO) | 4,521 | 5,118 | 7,746 | 8,283 | 10,198 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other repossessed assets | 1,857 | 3,342 | 3,988 | 3,920 | 3,842 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-accrual debt securities | 129 | 815 | 783 | 1,365 | 531 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total non-performing assets (NPAs) | $ | 210,517 | $ | 194,557 | $ | 203,626 | $ | 224,153 | $ | 220,501 | |||||||||||||||||||
Performing troubled debt restructured loans | $ | 67,102 | $ | 57,367 | $ | 58,090 | $ | 53,936 | $ | 48,024 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total non-accrual loans as a % of loans | 0.62 | % | 0.58 | % | 0.59 | % | 0.65 | % | 0.68 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total NPAs as a % of loans and NPAs | 0.64 | 0.60 | 0.62 | 0.69 | 0.72 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total accruing past due and non-accrual loans as a % of loans | 0.79 | 0.88 | 0.85 | 0.94 | 1.20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for loan losses as a % of non-accrual loans | 168.07 | 183.64 | 170.08 | 147.03 | 137.59 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans past due 30 to 59 days decreased $32.8 million to $36.9 million at March 31, 2021 as compared to December 31, 2020. Commercial real estate loans past due 30 to 59 days decreased $23.4 million to $11.7 million at March 31, 2021 as compared December 31, 2020 largely due to a $12.3 million matured loan (in the process of restructuring its terms) reported in this delinquency category at December 31, 2020 and the migration of one $8.4
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million commercial real estate loan to non-accrual status at March 31, 2021. Consumer loan delinquencies decreased by $4.8 million to $5.5 million at March 31, 2021 as compared December 31, 2020 partly due to improved customer performance and results of our collection efforts during the first quarter 2021.
Loans past due 60 to 89 days decreased $5.3 million to $10.5 million at March 31, 2021 as compared to December 31, 2020 mainly due to a decline in the residential loans category, partially offset by higher commercial real estate loan delinquencies. Residential loans past due 60 to 89 days decreased by $8.1 million as compared to December 31, 2020 partly due to loans that migrated to non-accrual status at March 31, 2021. Commercial real estate loan delinquencies increased $4.1 million at March 31, 2021 as compared to December 31, 2020 largely due to one $4.6 million potential problem loan reported in this delinquency category at March 31, 2021.
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest decreased $8.1 million to $5.4 million at March 31, 2021 as compared to $13.5 million at December 31, 2020 largely due to a $6.6 million decrease in the commercial and industrial loan category, as well as lower commercial real estate and residential mortgage loan delinquencies. The decrease in commercial and industrial loans past due 90 or more days was primarily due to premium finance loans (related to two insurance carriers) totaling $6.1 million reclassified to non-accrual status during the first quarter 2021. All of the loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing reported at March 31, 2021, including $2.5 million of premium finance loans (collateralized by insurance policies) within commercial and industrial loans, are considered to be well secured and in the process of collection.
Non-accrual loans increased $18.7 million to $204.0 million at March 31, 2021 as compared to $185.3 million at December 31, 2020 mostly driven by one $8.4 million commercial real estate loan and a $7.8 million increase in non-accrual residential mortgage loans which was partially caused by the migration of loans previously reported in the 60-89 days past due category at December 31, 2020.
We continue to closely monitor our non-performing New York City and Chicago taxi medallion loans totaling $87.2 million and $6.6 million, respectively, within the commercial and industrial loan portfolio at March 31, 2021. Due to continued negative trends in estimated fair valuations of the underlying taxi medallion collateral, a weak operating environment for ride services and uncertain borrower performance, all of the taxi medallion loans are on non-accrual status. The low level of the market valuation of taxi medallions adversely affected the estimated fair valuation of these loans and the allowance for loan losses related to such loans at March 31, 2021and December 31, 2020. At March 31, 2021, non-accrual taxi medallion loans totaling $93.8 million and had related reserves of $63.2 million, or 67.2 percent of such loans, within the allowance for loan losses as compared to $97.5 million with related reserves of $66.4 million, or 68.1 percent of such loans, at December 31, 2020.
Potential further declines in the market valuation of taxi medallions and the stressed operating environment within both New York City and Chicago due to the COVID-19 pandemic could also negatively impact the future performance of this portfolio. For example, a 25 percent further decline in our current estimated market value of the taxi medallions would require additional allocated reserves of $6.9 million within the allowance for loan losses based upon taxi medallion loan balances at March 31, 2021. See the "Allowance for Credit Losses" section below for further details on our reserves.
OREO properties decreased $597 thousand to $4.5 million at March 31, 2021 from $5.1 million at December 31, 2020. Net gains and losses from the sales of OREO properties were immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. The residential mortgage and consumer loans secured by residential real estate properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings are in process totaled $1.8 million and $1.9 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
TDRs represent loan modifications for customers experiencing financial difficulties where a concession has been granted. Performing TDRs (i.e., TDRs not reported as loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing or as non-accrual loans) increased $9.7 million to $67.1 million at March 31, 2021 as compared to $57.4 million at December 31, 2020. Performing TDRs consisted of 86 loans at March 31, 2021. On an aggregate basis, the $67.1
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million in performing TDRs at March 31, 2021 had a modified weighted average interest rate of approximately 4.60 percent as compared to a pre-modification weighted average interest rate of 4.70 percent.
Loan Forbearance. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact to certain customers, Valley implemented short-term loan modifications such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or delays in payment that are insignificant, when requested by customers. Generally, the modification terms allow for a deferral of payments for up to 90 days, which Valley may extend for an additional 90 days. Any extensions beyond this period were done in accordance with applicable regulatory guidance.
The following table presents the outstanding loan balances and number of loans in an active payment deferral period under short-term modifications as of March 31, 2021:
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||
| Amount | Number of loans | ||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | 10,287 | 61 | ||||||||
| Commercial real estate | 227,194 | 45 | |||||||||
| Residential mortgage | 43,857 | 104 | |||||||||
| Consumer | 2,971 | 140 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 284,309 | 350 | ||||||||
During the first quarter 2021, active loan forbearances decreased from approximately 610 loans with total outstanding balances of $361 million remaining as of December 31, 2020.
Higher Risk COVID-19 Credit Exposures. Valley has identified certain borrower industries that may pose a higher risk of credit losses to us due to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The following table presents non-PPP loans and active deferrals in the COVID-19 exposure industries at March 31, 2021:
| March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-PPP loan balance | % of non-PPP loans | Active deferrals | % of total industry loans | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retail trade | $ | 585,346 | 1.9 | % | $ | 15,976 | 2.7 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Hotels and hospitality | 504,853 | 1.7 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Doctors and surgery | 494,391 | 1.6 | 12,974 | 2.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurants and food service | 323,197 | 1.1 | 19,068 | 5.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Entertainment and recreation | 224,650 | 0.7 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,132,437 | 7.0 | % | $ | 48,018 | 2.3 | % | |||||||||||||||
As of March 31, 2021, Valley had outstanding loans of approximately $2.1 billion, or 7.0 percent of total loans (excluding PPP loans), that were made to borrowers in these industries. Active deferrals in this category totaled $48.0 million, or 2.3 percent of total loans in COVID-19 exposed industries at March 31, 2021, as compared to $50.1 million, or 2.3 percent of total loans at December 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2021, approximately 88 percent of loans within the higher risk industries were pass-rated under Valley’s internal risk rating system.
Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans
The allowance for credit losses (ACL) for loans includes the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded credit commitments. Under CECL, our methodology to establish the allowance for loan losses has two basic components: (1) a collective reserve component for estimated expected credit losses for pools of loans that share common risk characteristics and (2) an individual reserve component for loans that do not share risk characteristics, consisting of collateral dependent, TDR, and expected TDR loans. Valley also maintains a separate allowance for unfunded credit commitments mainly consisting of undisbursed non-cancellable lines of credit, new loan commitments and commercial letters of credit.
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Valley estimated the collective ACL using a current expected credit losses methodology which is based on relevant information about historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the loan balances. In estimating the component of the allowance on a collective basis we use a transition matrix model which calculates an expected life of loan loss percentage for each loan pool by generating probability of default and loss given default metrics. The metrics are based on the migration of loans from performing to loss by credit quality rating or delinquency categories using historical life-of-loan analysis periods for each loan portfolio pool and the severity of loss based on the aggregate net lifetime losses. The model's expected losses based on loss history are adjusted for qualitative factors. Among other things, these adjustments include and account for differences in: (i) the impact of the reasonable and supportable economic forecast, relative probability weightings and reversion period, (ii) other asset specific risks to the extent they do not exist in the historical loss information, and (iii) net expected recoveries of charged off loan balances. These adjustments are based on qualitative factors not reflected in the quantitative model but are likely to impact the measurement of estimated credit losses. The expected lifetime loss rate is the life of loan loss percentage from the transition matrix model plus the impact of the adjustments for qualitative factors. The expected credit losses are the product of multiplying the model’s expected lifetime loss rate by the exposure at default at period end on an undiscounted basis.
Valley utilizes a two-year reasonable and supportable forecast period followed by a one-year period over which estimated losses revert to historical loss experience for the remaining life of the loan on a straight-line basis. The forecasts consist of a multi-scenario economic forecast model to estimate future credit losses and is governed by a cross-functional committee. The committee meets each quarter to determine which economic scenarios developed by Moody's will be incorporated into the model, as well as the relative probability weightings of the selected scenarios, based upon all readily available information. The model projects economic variables under each scenario based on detailed statistical analyses. We have identified and selected key variables that most closely correlated to our historical credit performance, which include: GDP, unemployment and the Case-Shiller Home Price Index.
For the first quarter 2021, we continued to incorporate a probability weighted three-scenario economic forecast, including Moody's Baseline, S-3 and S-4 scenarios. At March 31, 2021, Valley assigned a higher weighting to Moody’s Baseline scenario as compared to December 31, 2020 with less emphasis on Moody’s S-3 and S-4 downside scenarios. This change reflects positive economic developments including federal stimulus and increasing vaccination levels that are expected to lead to improved economic conditions during the remainder of 2021. This increased optimism could still be tempered by continued COVID-19 hot spots in various locales, relatively weak labor market conditions and other factors.
The Moody's Baseline forecast carried the highest weighting in our three-scenario forecast and including the following assumptions at March 31, 2021:
•GDP expansion by over 6.2 percent in the second quarter 2021;
•Unemployment of 6 percent in the second quarter 2021 and improving to 4.1 percent by the first quarter 2023; and
•A U.S. economy poised for robust growth due to approximately $2 trillion in fiscal support entering the economy via the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the COVID-19 relief legislation passed at the end of 2020; including substantial stimulus checks, unemployment insurance, rental, childcare and food assistance, aid to small businesses, airlines, schools and state and local governments.
See more details regarding our allowance for credit losses for loans in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.
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The table below summarizes the relationship among loans, loans charged-off, loan recoveries, the provision for credit losses and the allowance for credit losses for loans for the periods indicated.
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Average loans outstanding | $ | 32,582,479 | $ | 32,570,902 | $ | 29,999,428 | |||||||||||
Beginning balance - Allowance for credit losses for loans | 351,354 | 335,328 | 164,604 | ||||||||||||||
Impact of ASU No. 2016-13 adoption on January 1, 2020 * | — | — | 37,989 | ||||||||||||||
Allowance for purchased credit deteriorated (PCD) loans * | — | — | 61,643 | ||||||||||||||
| Beginning balance, adjusted | 351,354 | 335,328 | 264,236 | ||||||||||||||
| Loans charged-off: | |||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | (7,142) | (3,281) | (3,360) | ||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | (382) | (1) | (44) | ||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage | (138) | (250) | (336) | ||||||||||||||
| Total consumer | (1,138) | (1,670) | (2,565) | ||||||||||||||
| Total charge-offs | (8,800) | (5,202) | (6,305) | ||||||||||||||
| Charged-off loans recovered: | |||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | 1,589 | 160 | 569 | ||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | 65 | 890 | 73 | ||||||||||||||
| Construction | 4 | 372 | 20 | ||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage | 157 | 44 | 50 | ||||||||||||||
| Total consumer | 930 | 734 | 794 | ||||||||||||||
| Total recoveries | 2,745 | 2,200 | 1,506 | ||||||||||||||
| Net charge-offs | (6,055) | (3,002) | (4,799) | ||||||||||||||
| Provision charged for credit losses | 9,014 | 19,028 | 33,924 | ||||||||||||||
| Ending balance - Allowance for credit losses for loans | $ | 354,313 | $ | 351,354 | $ | 293,361 | |||||||||||
Components of allowance for credit losses for loans: | |||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses | $ | 342,880 | $ | 340,243 | $ | 283,342 | |||||||||||
Allowance for unfunded credit commitments | 11,433 | 11,111 | 10,019 | ||||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses for loans | $ | 354,313 | $ | 351,354 | $ | 293,361 | |||||||||||
Components of provision for credit losses for loans: | |||||||||||||||||
| Provision for credit losses for loans | $ | 8,692 | $ | 18,213 | $ | 33,851 | |||||||||||
| Provision for unfunded credit commitments | 322 | 815 | 73 | ||||||||||||||
| Total provision for credit losses for loans | $ | 9,014 | $ | 19,028 | $ | 33,924 | |||||||||||
Annualized ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding | 0.07 | % | 0.04 | % | 0.06 | % | |||||||||||
* The adjustment represents an increase in the allowance for credit losses for loans as a result of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 effective January 1, 2020.
Net loan charge-offs totaled $6.1 million for the first quarter 2021 as compared to $3.0 million and $4.8 million for the fourth quarter 2020 and first quarter 2020, respectively. The increase in net loan charge-offs for the first quarter 2021 was mainly due to partial charge-offs of certain taxi medallion loans and a full charge-off of a $1.9 million unsecured, non-performing commercial and industrial loan relationship. The partial charge-offs of taxi medallion loans totaled $3.3 million for the first quarter 2021 as compared to $2.3 million and $1.3 million for the fourth quarter 2020 and the first quarter 2020, respectively. The overall level of loan charge-offs (as presented in the above table) continues to trend within management's expectations for the credit quality of the loan portfolio.
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The following table summarizes the allocation of the allowance for credit losses for loans to loan portfolio categories and the allocations as a percentage of each loan category:
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance Allocation | Allocation as a % of Loan Category | Allowance Allocation | Allocation as a % of Loan Category | Allowance Allocation | Allocation as a % of Loan Category | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan Category: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and Industrial loans | $ | 126,408 | 1.77 | % | $ | 131,070 | 1.91 | % | $ | 127,437 | 2.55 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | 153,680 | 0.91 | 146,009 | 0.87 | 97,876 | 0.60 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | 20,556 | 1.15 | 18,104 | 1.04 | 13,709 | 0.79 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total commercial real estate loans | 174,236 | 0.93 | 164,113 | 0.89 | 111,585 | 0.62 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage loans | 27,172 | 0.67 | 28,873 | 0.69 | 29,456 | 0.66 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Home equity | 4,199 | 1.03 | 4,675 | 1.08 | 4,463 | 0.93 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Auto and other consumer | 10,865 | 0.46 | 11,512 | 0.51 | 10,401 | 0.44 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total consumer loans | 15,064 | 0.54 | 16,187 | 0.60 | 14,864 | 0.52 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total allowance for loan losses | 342,880 | 1.05 | 340,243 | 1.06 | 283,342 | 0.93 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for unfunded credit commitments | 11,433 | 11,111 | 10,019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total allowance for credit losses for loans | $ | 354,313 | $ | 351,354 | $ | 293,361 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for credit losses for loans as a % loans | 1.08 | % | 1.09 | % | 0.96 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The allowance for credit losses for loans, comprised of our allowance for loan losses and unfunded credit commitments (including letters of credit), as a percentage of total loans was 1.08 percent, 1.09 percent and 0.96 percent at March 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2020, respectively. During the first quarter 2021, we recorded a $9.0 million provision for credit losses as compared to $19.0 million and $33.9 million for the fourth quarter 2020 and the first quarter 2020, respectively. The provision in the first quarter 2021 reflects, among other factors, additional reserves related to non-PPP loan growth and certain segments of our commercial real estate portfolio, partially offset by the lower qualitative reserves for customers impacted by the pandemic and the improvement in our economic forecast component of the reserve as compared to December 31, 2020.
At March 31, 2021, the allowance allocations for credit losses as a percentage of total loans increased in the commercial real estate and construction loan categories while decreasing slightly for most other loan categories as compared to December 31, 2020. The allocated reserves as a percentage of commercial and industrial loans declined by 14 basis points partially due to the loan charge-offs in the first quarter 2021 within this loan category, as well as the increase in PPP loans guaranteed by the SBA with no related allowance at March 31, 2021. The allowance for credit losses for loans as a percentage of non-PPP loans was 1.17 percent at both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
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Capital Adequacy
A significant measure of the strength of a financial institution is its shareholders’ equity. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, shareholders’ equity totaled approximately $4.7 billion and $4.6 billion, respectively, which represented 11.3 percent of total assets. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, total shareholders’ equity increased by $67.6 million primarily due to net income of $115.7 million and a $9.7 million increase attributable to the effect of our stock incentive plan. These positive changes were partially offset by cash dividends declared on common and preferred stock totaling a combined $48.5 million and an increase in other comprehensive loss of $9.3 million.
Valley and Valley National Bank are subject to the regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal Reserve Bank and the OCC. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require Valley and Valley National Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of common equity Tier 1 capital, total and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and Tier 1 capital to average assets, as defined in the regulations.
We are required to maintain common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 4.5 percent, Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 6.0 percent, ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0 percent, and minimum leverage ratio of 4.0 percent, plus a 2.5 percent capital conservation buffer added to the minimum requirements for capital adequacy purposes. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, Valley and Valley National Bank exceeded all capital adequacy requirements (see table below).
For regulatory capital purposes, in connection with the Federal Reserve Board’s final interim rule as of April 3, 2020, 100 percent of the CECL Day 1 impact to shareholders' equity equaling $28.2 million after-tax will be deferred over a two-year period ending January 1, 2022, at which time it will be phased in on a pro-rata basis over a three-year period ending January 1, 2025. Additionally, 25 percent of the reserve build since adoption (i.e., provision for credit losses less net charge-offs) will be phased in over the same time frame.
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The following table presents Valley’s and Valley National Bank’s actual capital positions and ratios under Basel III risk-based capital guidelines at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
| Actual | Minimum Capital Requirements | To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provision | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Risk-based Capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valley | $ | 3,887,829 | 12.76 | % | $ | 3,199,331 | 10.50 | % | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valley National Bank | 3,937,010 | 12.93 | 3,197,660 | 10.50 | $ | 3,045,390 | 10.00 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 Capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valley | 3,071,590 | 10.08 | 2,132,888 | 7.00 | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valley National Bank | 3,699,612 | 12.15 | 2,131,773 | 7.00 | 1,979,504 | 6.50 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Risk-based Capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valley | 3,286,431 | 10.79 | 2,589,935 | 8.50 | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valley National Bank | 3,699,612 | 12.15 | 2,588,582 | 8.50 | 2,436,312 | 8.00 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Leverage Capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valley | 3,286,431 | 8.37 | 1,570,427 | 4.00 | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valley National Bank | 3,699,612 | 9.42 | 1,570,198 | 4.00 | 1,962,747 | 5.00 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Risk-based Capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valley | $ | 3,802,223 | 12.64 | % | $ | 3,159,019 | 10.50 | % | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valley National Bank | 3,839,922 | 12.76 | 3,158,842 | 10.50 | $ | 3,008,421 | 10.00 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 Capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valley | 2,991,085 | 9.94 | 2,106,013 | 7.00 | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valley National Bank | 3,607,625 | 11.99 | 2,105,894 | 7.00 | 1,955,473 | 6.50 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Risk-based Capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valley | 3,205,926 | 10.66 | 2,557,301 | 8.50 | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valley National Bank | 3,607,625 | 11.99 | 2,557,158 | 8.50 | 2,406,736 | 8.00 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Leverage Capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valley | 3,205,926 | 8.06 | 1,591,852 | 4.00 | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valley National Bank | 3,607,625 | 9.07 | 1,591,457 | 4.00 | 1,989,321 | 5.00 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tangible book value per common share is computed by dividing shareholders’ equity less preferred stock, goodwill and other intangible assets by common shares outstanding as follows:
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| ($ in thousands, except for share data) | |||||||||||
| Common shares outstanding | 405,797,538 | 403,858,998 | |||||||||
| Shareholders’ equity | $ | 4,659,670 | $ | 4,592,120 | |||||||
| Less: Preferred stock | 209,691 | 209,691 | |||||||||
| Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets | 1,450,414 | 1,452,891 | |||||||||
| Tangible common shareholders’ equity | $ | 2,999,565 | $ | 2,929,538 | |||||||
| Tangible book value per common share | $ | 7.39 | $ | 7.25 | |||||||
| Book value per common share | $ | 10.97 | $ | 10.85 | |||||||
Management believes the tangible book value per common share ratio provides information useful to management and investors in understanding our underlying operational performance, our business and performance trends and
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facilitates comparisons with the performance of others in the financial services industry. This non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for or superior to financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This non-GAAP financial measure may also be calculated differently from similar measures disclosed by other companies.
Typically, our primary source of capital growth is through retention of earnings. Our rate of earnings retention is derived by dividing undistributed earnings per common share by earnings (or net income available to common shareholders) per common share. Our retention ratio was approximately 60.7 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to 52.7 percent for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Cash dividends declared amounted to $0.11 per common share for each of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. The Board is committed to examining and weighing relevant facts and considerations, including its commitment to shareholder value, each time it makes a cash dividend decision.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Contractual Obligations and Other Matters
For a discussion of Valley’s off-balance sheet arrangements and contractual obligations see information included in Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 in the MD&A section - “Liquidity and Cash Requirements” and Notes 10 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.
| Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | ||||
Market risk refers to potential losses arising from changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices, and commodity prices. Valley’s market risk is composed primarily of interest rate risk. See page 55 for a discussion of interest rate sensitivity.
| Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | ||||
(a) Disclosure controls and procedures. Valley maintains disclosure controls and procedures which, consistent with Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), are defined to mean controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that Valley files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to Valley’s management, including Valley’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Valley’s CEO and CFO, with the assistance of other members of Valley’s management, have evaluated the effectiveness of Valley’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on such evaluation, Valley’s CEO and CFO have concluded that Valley’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
(b) Changes in internal controls over financial reporting. Valley’s CEO and CFO have also concluded that there have not been any changes in Valley’s internal control over financial reporting in the quarter ended March 31, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Valley’s internal control over financial reporting.
Valley has not experienced any material impact to Valley’s internal controls over financial reporting due to the fact that most of Valley’s employees responsible for financial reporting are working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Valley is continually monitoring and assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Valley’s internal controls over financial reporting to minimize the impact to their design and operating effectiveness.
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Valley’s management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A system of internal control, no matter how well conceived and operated, provides reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system of internal control are met. The design of a system of internal control reflects resource constraints and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because there are inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within Valley have been or will be detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns occur because of a 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 internal control 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, we are a party to various outstanding legal proceedings and claims. There have been no material changes in the legal proceedings, if any, previously disclosed under Part I, Item 3 of Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
| Item 1A. | Risk Factors | ||||
There have been no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in the section titled "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of Valley’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
| Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | ||||
During the quarter, we did not sell any equity securities not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Purchases of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers during the three months ended March 31, 2021 were as follows:
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
| Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) | Average Price Paid Per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans (2) | Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 1, 2021 to January 31, 2021 | 1,034 | $ | 9.81 | — | 4,112,465 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| February 1, 2021 to February 28, 2021 | 467,351 | 10.62 | — | 4,112,465 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021 | 10,714 | 12.85 | — | 4,112,465 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 479,099 | $ | 10.66 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Represents repurchases made in connection with the vesting of employee restricted stock awards.
(2)On January 17, 2007, Valley publicly announced its intention to repurchase up to 4.7 million outstanding common shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The repurchase plan has no stated expiration date. No repurchase plans or programs expired or terminated during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
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| Item 6. | Exhibits | ||||
| (3) | Articles of Incorporation and By-laws: | ||||||||||
| (3.1) | |||||||||||
| (3.2) | |||||||||||
| (10) | Material Contracts | ||||||||||
| (10.1) | |||||||||||
| (10.2) | |||||||||||
| (10.3) | |||||||||||
| (10.4) | |||||||||||
| (31.1) | |||||||||||
| (31.2) | |||||||||||
| (32) | |||||||||||
| (101) | Interactive Data File (XBRL Instance Document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document) ** | ||||||||||
| (104) | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | ||||||||||
| * | Filed herewith. | ||||
| ** | Furnished herewith | ||||
| + | Management contract and compensatory plan or arrangement. | ||||
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| VALLEY NATIONAL BANCORP | |||||||||||||||||
| (Registrant) | |||||||||||||||||
| Date: | /s/ Ira Robbins | ||||||||||||||||
| May 7, 2021 | Ira Robbins | ||||||||||||||||
| Chairman of the Board, President | |||||||||||||||||
| and Chief Executive Officer | |||||||||||||||||
| (Principal Executive Officer) | |||||||||||||||||
| Date: | /s/ Michael D. Hagedorn | ||||||||||||||||
| May 7, 2021 | Michael D. Hagedorn | ||||||||||||||||
| Senior Executive Vice President and | |||||||||||||||||
| Chief Financial Officer | |||||||||||||||||
| (Principal Financial Officer) | |||||||||||||||||
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