Basis of Presentation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

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 June 30, 2020 and for all periods presented have been made. The results of operations for the three and six months ended on June 30, 2020 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, 2019.

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 amounts as of the balance sheet dates may be materially different than the amounts and values reported due to the inherent uncertainty in the estimation process. Also, future amounts and values could differ materially from those estimates due to changes in values and circumstances after the balance sheet date.

Impact of COVID-19. During the first half of 2020, economies throughout the world were severely disrupted by the effects of quarantines, business closures, and the reluctance of individuals to leave their homes as a result of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Our primary market areas within New Jersey, New York, Florida and Alabama have all experienced significant outbreaks and disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The full impact of COVID-19 is unknown and still evolving. The outbreak and any preventative or protective actions that Valley or its customers have taken or may take in respect of this virus have resulted and may continue to result in extended periods of disruption to Valley, its customers, service providers, and third parties. Any future financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time but may materially affect the business and Valley’s financial condition and results of operations. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts Valley’s results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. Banking and financial services have been designated essential businesses; therefore, Valley’s operations are continuing, subject to certain modifications to business practices imposed to safeguard the health and wellness of Valley’s customers and employees, and to comply with applicable government directives.