UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

ý QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended
March 31, 2008
 
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:
000-14294
 

GREATER COMMUNITY BANCORP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New Jersey
22-2545165
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
   
55 Union Boulevard, Totowa, New Jersey
07512
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(973) 942-1111
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
 
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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 for 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.
ý YES    ¨ NO
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “small reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer ¨
Accelerated filer ý
Non-accelerated filer    ¨ (do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
¨ YES    [ ý 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, $0.50 par value, 8,721,646 shares outstanding at   April 30, 2008.


 
 

 

TABLE O F CONTENTS


 
PAGE
 
   
 
   
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2
   
 
3
   
 
3
   
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11
   
19
   
20
   
   
 
   
20
   
22
   
23
   


 


PART I – FINA N CIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  Financial Statements.

GREATER CO M MUNITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES (Unaudited)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data)

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
ASSETS
           
CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS - Non interest-bearing
  $ 21,750     $ 16,801  
FEDERAL FUNDS SOLD
    24,090       7,640  
                 Total cash and cash equivalents
    45,840       24,441  
DUE FROM BANKS - Interest-bearing
    4,751       4,868  
INVESTMENT SECURITIES - Available-for-sale
    76,702       82,283  
INVESTMENT SECURITIES - Held-to-maturity (aggregate fair values of
   $10,690 and $12,213 at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively)
    11,638       12,878  
                 Total investment securities
    88,340       95,161  
LOANS AND LEASES, net of unearned income
    809,677       802,865  
  Less:  Allowance for loan and lease losses
    (11,326 )     (11,188 )
                 Net loans and leases
    798,351       791,677  
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, net
    12,464       12,505  
ACCRUED INTEREST RECEIVABLE
    4,303       4,318  
INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE JOINT VENTURE
    870       870  
BANK-OWNED LIFE INSURANCE
    16,130       15,955  
GOODWILL
    11,574       11,574  
OTHER ASSETS
    15,455       14,621  
    TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 998,078     $ 975,990  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
DEPOSITS:
               
Non interest-bearing
  $ 164,315     $ 166,550  
Interest-bearing checking
    79,702       99,319  
Money market
    200,282       193,884  
Savings
    66,725       67,433  
Time deposits less than $100
    155,200       150,523  
Time deposits $100 and over
    84,287       71,763  
                  Total deposits
    750,511       749,472  
SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE
    6,374       4,729  
FHLB ADVANCES
    132,500       112,500  
SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
    24,743       24,743  
ACCRUED INTEREST PAYABLE
    4,913       4,942  
OTHER LIABILITIES
    6,098       7,215  
                 Total liabilities
    925,139       903,601  
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
               
Common stock, par value $0.50 per share: 20,000,000 shares authorized, 8,721,646 and
       8,709,940 shares outstanding at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively
    4,361       4,355  
Additional paid-in capital
    63,296       63,139  
Retained earnings
    4,819       4,787  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    463       108  
                Total shareholders' equity
    72,939       72,389  
   TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 998,078     $ 975,990  
                 
                 
                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 


GREATER COMMUNITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDA T ED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
INTEREST INCOME:
           
   Loans and leases, including fees
  $ 13,585     $ 12,614  
   Investment securities
    1,280       1,394  
   Federal funds sold and deposits with banks
    163       606  
             Total interest income
    15,028       14,614  
                 
INTEREST EXPENSE:
               
   Deposits
    4,862       5,050  
   Short-term borrowings
    1,560       1,366  
   Long-term borrowings
    422       507  
             Total interest expense
    6,844       6,923  
                 
NET INTEREST INCOME
    8,184       7,691  
                 
PROVISION FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES
    328       313  
            Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses
    7,856       7,378  
                 
NON-INTEREST INCOME:
               
   Service charges on deposit accounts
    598       681  
   Commissions and fees
    334       318  
   Loan fee income
    264       238  
   Gain on sale of investment securities
    -       141  
   Loss on impaired investment securities
    (13 )     -  
   Bank-owned life insurance
    175       136  
   All other income
    85       107  
             Total non-interest income
    1,443       1,621  
                 
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE:
               
   Salaries and employee benefits
    3,879       3,746  
   Occupancy and equipment
    985       976  
   Regulatory, professional and other fees
    749       542  
   Computer services
    230       253  
   Office expenses
    262       248  
   Interest on income taxes
    6       120  
   Merger agreement termination fee
    700       -  
   Other operating expenses
    504       598  
            Total non-interest expense
    7,315       6,483  
                 
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
    1,984       2,516  
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
    685       788  
                 
NET INCOME
  $ 1,299     $ 1,728  
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic
    8,717       8,623  
Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted
    8,731       8,642  
                 
Earnings per share - Basic
  $ 0.15     $ 0.20  
Earnings per share - Diluted
  $ 0.15     $ 0.20  
                 
                 
                 
                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 


GREATER COMMUNITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLID A TED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(in thousands)

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
             
NET INCOME
  $ 1,299     $ 1,728  
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME NET OF TAX:
               
   Unrealized securities gains arising during period
    347       75  
   Less: reclassification for gains (losses) included in net income
    (8 )     93  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    355       (18 )
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
  $ 1,654     $ 1,710  


CONSOLID A TED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)

   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
   
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
                           
Three Months Ended March 31, 2008
                         
                               
BALANCE:  January 1, 2008
  $ 4,355     $ 63,139     $ 4,787     $ 108     $ 72,389  
Net income
    -       -       1,299       -       1,299  
Exercise of stock options
    5       135       -       -       140  
Vesting of restricted stock
    1       1       -       -       2  
Stock-based compensation
    -       18       -       -       18  
Cash dividends declared, $0.145 per share 1
    -       -       (1,267 )     -       (1,267 )
Tax benefit from dividends on unvested restricted stock
    -       3       -       -       3  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
    -       -       -       355       355  
BALANCE:  March 31, 2008
  $ 4,361     $ 63,296     $ 4,819     $ 463     $ 72,939  
                                         
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007
                                 
                                         
BALANCE:  January 1, 2007
  $ 4,201     $ 58,633     $ 3,963     $ 778     $ 67,575  
Net income
    -       -       1,728       -       1,728  
Exercise of stock options
    3       40       -       -       43  
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    -       21       -       -       21  
Issuance of common stock
    7       233       -       -       240  
Stock-based compensation
    -       9       -       -       9  
Cash dividends declared, $0.137 per share 1
    -       -       (1,183 )     -       (1,183 )
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
    -       -       -       (18 )     (18 )
BALANCE:  March 31, 2007
  $ 4,211     $ 58,936     $ 4,508     $ 760     $ 68,415  
   
1 Adjusted for stock dividends.
 
   
   
   
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 


GREATER COMMUNITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLID A TED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(in thousands)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income
  $ 1,299     $ 1,728  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
    Depreciation and amortization
    330       301  
    Premium amortization (discount accretion) on securities, net
    (2 )     (16 )
    Provision for loan and lease losses
    328       313  
    Gain on sale of securities, net
    -       (141 )
    Loss on impaired investment securities
    13       -  
    Stock-based compensation
    18       9  
    Tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    -       21  
    Tax benefit from dividends on unvested restricted stock
    3       -  
    Increase (decrease) in accrued interest receivable
    15       (416 )
    Increase in bank-owned life insurance and other assets
    (1,210 )     (509 )
    (Decrease) increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities
    (1,144 )     405  
          Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (350 )     1,695  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
    Available-for-sale investment securities
               
         Purchases
    (1,973 )     (12,419 )
         Sales
    -       1,201  
         Maturities and principal paydowns
    8,097       5,399  
    Held-to-maturity investment securities
               
         Purchases
    -       (2,023 )
         Maturities and principal paydowns
    1,242       7,950  
    Decrease in interest-bearing deposits with banks
    117       14,392  
    Increase in loans and leases
    (7,002 )     (26,254 )
    Purchase of premises and equipment
    (289 )     (766 )
    Increase in investment in real estate
    -       (19 )
          Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    192       (12,539 )
                 
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
    Increase in deposit accounts
    1,039       32,311  
    Decrease in federal funds purchased
    -       (10,000 )
    Increase in securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    1,645       1,365  
    Increase in FHLB advances
    20,000       -  
    Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (1,267 )     (1,183 )
    Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    140       43  
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    -       240  
          Net cash provided by financing activities
    21,557       22,776  
                 
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
  $ 21,399     $ 11,932  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
    24,441       53,869  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
  $ 45,840     $ 65,801  
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
          Cash paid during the period for interest on deposits and borrowings
  $ 6,873     $ 5,932  
          Cash paid during the period for federal and state income taxes
    300       710  
                 
                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 


N OTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


Note 1.    Basis of Presentation
 
In the opinion of management, these unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all disclosures necessary to present fairly the Company's consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2008, the consolidated statements of income and consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity and consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.  The financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods. Certain information and footnote disclosure normally included in financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements and notes thereto included in Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
 
Note 2.    Dividends
 
On March 19, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a $0.145 per share cash dividend payable April 30, 2008 to shareholders of record on April 18, 2008.
 
Note 3.    Earnings Per Share
 
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the reporting period.  Diluted earnings per share is derived similarly to basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive common shares, principally stock options and restricted shares, were issued during the reporting period utilizing the Treasury stock method.  There are no securities that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share. All weighted average actual shares and per share information in the financial statements have been adjusted retroactively for the effect of stock dividends. The following table presents a reconciliation of the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
 

(in thousands, except per share data)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 1,299     $ 1,728  
                 
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding
    8,717       8,623  
    Plus: common stock equivalents
    14       19  
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
    8,731       8,642  
                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.15     $ 0.20  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.15     $ 0.20  
 
Note 4.   Stock-Based Compensation
 
The Company has three stock-based compensation plans (collectively, the “Plans”):
 
 
§
2001 Stock Option Plan for Nonemployee Directors (the “2001 Directors Plan”)
 
 
§
2001 Employee Stock Option Plan (the “2001 Employee Plan”)
 
 
§
2006 Long-Term Stock Compensation Plan (the “2006 Plan”)
 
The following table presents the amount of cumulatively granted awards, net of cancellations, through March 31, 2008. Authorized awards and grants are adjusted for changes from recapitalization, such as stock dividends, in accordance with the terms of the respective Plans.
 
 
 
Stock Options
 
Awards
Authorized
   
Cumulative
Granted,
Net of
Cancellations
   
Awards
Available for
Grant
 
2001 Directors Plan
    69,853       62,769       -  
2001 Employee Plan
    374,213       242,851       -  
2006 Plan 1
    315,187       15,785       299,402  
                         
Restricted Stock
                       
2006 Plan 1
    105,0633       22,774       82,289  
                         
1  The 2006 Plan provides for a total of 420,250 authorized awards, of which a maximum of 105,063 awards may be in restricted stock.
 
 
For the 2001 Plans, the option exercise price equals the market price on the grant date. For the 2006 Plan, the option exercise price equals the market price on the date following the grant date. Except for the 2006 Plan, all options have a 10 year contractual term and are fully vested. The 2006 Plan allows the Board of Directors to grant awards under varying contractual terms and vesting schedules. There are no further awards available for grant under the 2001 Plans.
 
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 (Revised), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS No. 123(R))” for all share-based payments, using the modified prospective transition method.  Under this transition method, compensation cost recognized includes compensation cost for all share-based awards granted on or subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company elected to retain its method of valuation for share-based awards granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model which was also used for the Company’s pro forma information previously required under SFAS No. 123.  The Company is recognizing compensation expense for its awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award (straight-line attribution method).
 
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions of  EITF Issue No. 06-11, Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards ("EITF 06-11"). EITF 06-11 states that a realized income tax benefit from dividends or dividend equivalents that are charged to retained earnings and are paid to employees for equity classified unvested equity shares, unvested equity share units, and outstanding equity share options should be recognized as an increase in additional paid-in capital. The amount recognized in additional paid-in capital for the realized income tax benefit from dividends on those awards should be included in the pool of excess tax benefits available to absorb potential future tax deficiencies on share-based payment awards. The Company’s adoption of EITF 06-11 did not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
The Company did not grant any stock options or restricted stock awards during the three months ended March 31, 2008.  Total stock-based compensation expense before tax recognized in earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 was approximately $18,000 and $9,000, respectively.
 
As of March 31, 2008, there was approximately $48,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options. That cost is expected to be recognized over a remaining requisite service period of 2.48 years.
 
Stock option transactions under the Company’s Plans for the three months ended March 31, 2008 are summarized in the following table:
 

 



 
Stock Options
 
Number
of
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (years)
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2008
    124,314     $ 14.14              
Granted
    -       -              
Exercised
    (9,978 )     13.99             18,088  
Forfeited
    -       -                
Outstanding at March 31, 2008
    114,336     $ 14.15       4.34       418,374  
Exercisable at March 31, 2008
    102,496     $ 14.04       4.26       386,816  
                                 
The aggregate intrinsic values in the table above represent total pre-tax intrinsic values calculated by multiplying the number of in-the-money shares times the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the first quarter of 2008 and the exercise price.
 
The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 was $18,088 and $60,659, respectively. Exercise of stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 resulted in cash receipts of approximately $139,640 and $42,884, respectively.
 
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2008.
 
   
Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
Range of
Exercise Prices
 
Number of
Shares
Outstanding
 
Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual Life
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 
Number of
Shares
Exercisable
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
$8.01 to $12.68
 
23,708
 
2.93 years
 
$11.80
 
23,708
 
$11.80
$14.60 to $15.87
 
90,628
 
4.71 years
 
$14.76
 
78,788
 
$14.71
   
114,336
             
102,496
   
                         
Restricted stock transactions under the Company’s Plans for the three months ended March 31, 2008 are summarized in the table below:
 
Restricted Stock
 
Number
of
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Grant
Date Fair
Value
   
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (years)
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2008
    22,324     $ 17.83        
Granted
    -       -        
Vested
    (1,728 )   $ 18.01        
Forfeited
    -       -        
Outstanding at March 31, 2008
    20,596     $ 17.81       2.08  
                         
Weighted average grant date fair value of awards granted during the period
          $ -          
 
As of March 31, 2008, there was approximately $361,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock. That cost is expected to be recognized over a remaining requisite service period of 2.87 years.
 

 



 
The following table summarizes information about restricted stock outstanding at March 31, 2008:
 
   
Restricted Stock Outstanding
Range of Grant
Date Fair Values
 
Number of
Shares
Outstanding
 
Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual Life
 
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
$17.15 to $18.01
 
20,596
 
2.08 years
 
$17.81
 
Note 5.                      Business Segments
 
The Company applies the aggregation criteria set forth under SFAS No. 131 to create reportable business segments. There has been no change in the basis of segmentation or in the basis of measurement of segment profit or loss since its presentation in the Company’s 2007 Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
The following tables present total revenue and net income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 and total assets as of the respective period-ends for the Company’s business segments.  All significant intersegment accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
 
(in thousands)
 
At and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008
 
   
Total
Company
   
Community
Banking
   
Leasing
   
Corporate
and Other   2
 
Net interest income
  $ 8,184     $ 7,361     $ 823     $ -  
Non-interest income 1
    1,456       1,274       199       (17 )
Total revenue
    9,640       8,635       1,022       (17 )
Provision for loan and lease losses
    328       100       228       -  
Loss on impaired investment securities
    (13 )     (13 )     -       -  
Non-interest expense
    7,315       6,782       550       (17 )
Income before provision for income taxes
    1,984       1,740       244       -  
Provision for income taxes
    685       592       93       -  
Net income
  $ 1,299     $ 1,148     $ 151     $ -  
                                 
Total assets at period-end
  $ 998,078     $ 990,432     $ 86,726     $ (79,080 )

(in thousands)
 
At and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007
 
   
Total
Company
   
Community
Banking
   
Leasing
   
Corporate
and Other   2
 
Net interest income
  $ 7,691     $ 7,020     $ 671     $ -  
Non-interest income 1
    1,480       1,386       111       (17 )
Total revenue
    9,171       8,406       782       (17 )
Provision for loan and lease losses
    313       223       90       -  
Gain on sale of investment securities
    141       141       -          
Non-interest expense
    6,483       6,015       485       (17 )
Income before provision for income taxes
    2,516       2,309       207       -  
Provision for income taxes
    788       711       77       -  
Net income
  $ 1,728     $ 1,598     $ 130     $ -  
                                 
Total assets at period end
  $ 975,890     $ 969,911     $ 72,617     $ (66,638 )
 
  1 Excludes non-recurring gains which are reported separately.
  2 Includes intersegment eliminations.
 
Note 6. Directors’ Retirement Plan
 
The Company has a noncontributory nonqualified directors’ retirement plan for substantially all of the nonemployee directors of the Company and Greater Community Bank. The directors’ retirement plan is designed to provide retirement benefits to those nonemployee directors who, at retirement age, will have a minimum of 15 years of service on their respective Board(s).  The components of net periodic plan costs for the directors’ retirement plan were as follows:
 



 

(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Service cost
  $ 3     $ 5  
Interest cost
    4       4  
   Net periodic benefit expense
  $ 7     $ 9  

The Company expects to incur a total of approximately $25,000 in net periodic benefit expense in 2008 relative to the directors’ retirement plan.
 
Note 7.   Income Taxes
 
The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases.  Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of the changes in tax laws and rates of the date of enactment.
 
When tax returns are filed, some tax positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any.  Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority.  The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the consolidated balance sheets along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.
 
Interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits are classified as non-interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. For the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company recorded interest on taxes of approximately $6,000 and $120,000, respectively.  The interest recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was in connection with a state tax liability of $3.3 million, net of federal benefit, which was recorded as a provision for income taxes in the fourth quarter of 2006.
 
Note 8.   Fair Value Measurements
 
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”), which provides a framework for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles. SFAS No. 157 applies to all financial instruments that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis in the financial statements.
 
SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The Standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1
 
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
   
Level 2
 
Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
   
Level 3
 
Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.  Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or other valuation techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

 


Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
The following table presents the assets and liabilities reported on the consolidated balance sheets at their fair value as of March 31, 2008 by level within the SFAS No. 157 fair value measurement hierarchy.
 
(in thousands)
       
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
 
   
Assets/Liabilities
Measured at
Fair Value
March 31, 2008
   
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 (Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Assets:
                       
     Investment securities available-for-sale
  $ 76,702     $ 1,047     $ 75,655     $ -  
 
The fair value of investment securities available-for-sale is the market value based on quoted market prices, when available. If listed quotes are not available, fair value is based upon quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or, due to the limited market activity of the instrument, externally developed models that use significant observable inputs.  There was no change in the valuation techniques used to measure fair value of available-for-sale securities in the three months ended March 31, 2008.
 
Interest income on the assets in the preceding table is recorded within the consolidated statements of income depending on the nature of the instrument using the effective interest method based on the acquired discount or premium.
 
Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
 
Certain assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). The following table presents the assets and liabilities carried on the consolidated balance sheets by level within the SFAS No. 157 hierarchy as of March 31, 2008, for which a nonrecurring change in fair value has been recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2008.
 
(in thousands)
 
Carrying Value at March 31, 2008
       
   
Total
   
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 (Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total Fair
Value Losses
for the
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
2008
 
Assets:
                             
    Impaired loans
  $ 4,494     $ -     $ -     $ 4,494     $ 250  
 
Impaired loans are included in loans and leases, net of unearned income in the consolidated balance sheets. A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans consist primarily of nonaccruing and renegotiated loans. Interest payments received on impaired loans are recorded as interest income unless collection of the remaining recorded investment is doubtful, in which event interest payments received are recorded as reductions of principal.
 
The fair value of impaired loans is derived in accordance with SFAS No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan .  Fair value is determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. There was no change in the valuation techniques used to measure fair value of impaired loans in the three months ended March 31, 2008.
 
The valuation allowance for impaired loans is included in the allowance for loans and leases in the consolidated balance sheets. The valuation allowance for impaired loans at March 31, 2008 was $450,000 which included an allowance for $250,000 for fair value losses for the three months ended March 31, 2008.
 
Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 provides all entities with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The objective of SFAS No. 159 is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities


differently without having to apply the complex provisions of hedge accounting. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008 and opted not to report any additional financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Note 9.  Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
None.
 
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s consolidated financial condition as of March 31, 2008 and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 should be read in conjunction with the consolidated audited financial statements, including notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and the other information therein. The consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2008, the consolidated statements of income and the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 are unaudited but include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of such data.  As used herein, the term "Company" refers to Greater Community Bancorp and subsidiaries and the term "GC Bank" refers to Greater Community Bank. Unless otherwise indicated, data is presented for the Company and its subsidiaries in the aggregate.
 
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts and include expressions about management's confidence and strategies and its expectations about new and existing programs and products, relationships, opportunities, technology and market conditions. These statements may be identified by such forward-looking terminology as “projected,” “expect,” “look,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “may,” “will,” or similar statements or variations of such terms. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, the ability of GC Bank to generate deposits and loans and leases, attract qualified employees, the direction of interest rates, continued levels of loan and lease quality and origination volume, continued relationships with major customers including sources for loans and leases, the effects of economic conditions and legal and regulatory barriers and structure, as well as the risks described in Part I, Item 1A. of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement at any time.
 
Merger with Valley National Bancorp
 
On March 19, 2008, the Company announced that it had entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Valley National Bancorp ("Valley"), pursuant to which the Company will merge with and into Valley, with Valley being the surviving corporation, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.  In April 2008, Valley filed regulatory applications or notices with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Reserve to gain approval for the merger and the actions contemplated in the merger agreement.  In addition, on April 22, 2008, Valley filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") that contains the proxy statement/prospectus that will be used in connection with the issuance of Valley common stock in the merger and the special meeting of the Company's shareholders to approve the merger.  The date of the special meeting of shareholders of the Company to approve the merger, as well as the record date for the special meeting, will be set forth in the definitive proxy statement-prospectus that will be part of the amended registration statement to be filed with the SEC.
 
Additional Information and Where to Find it
 
In connection with the proposed merger, Valley has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-150373) with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The registration statement contains a preliminary proxy statement-prospectus. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE, BECAUSE IT WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION.  Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of the registration statement (when available) and other documents filed by Valley and Greater Community with the Commission at the Commission’s web site at www.sec.gov.  Valley’s documents may be accessed and downloaded for free at Valley’s web site at http://www.valleynationalbank.com/filings.html or by directing a request to Dianne M. Grenz, First Senior Vice President, Valley National Bancorp, at 1455 Valley Road, Wayne, New Jersey 07470, telephone (973) 305-3380, and Greater Community’s documents may be accessed and downloaded for free
 


at http://www.greatercommunity.com/framecorp2.html or by directing a request to Anthony M. Bruno, Jr., Chairman, President and CEO, Greater Community Bancorp, at 55 Union Boulevard, Totowa, New Jersey 07512, telephone (973) 942-1111.
 
Participants in the Solicitation
 
This communication is not a solicitation of a proxy from any security holder of Greater Community Bancorp. However, Valley, Greater Community, their respective directors and executive officers and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Greater Community’s shareholders in respect of the proposed transaction.  Information regarding the directors and executive officers of Valley may be found in its definitive proxy statement relating to its 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which was filed with the Commission on March 6, 2008 and can be obtained free of charge from Valley’s website.  Information regarding the directors and executive officers of Greater Community may be found in its 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the Commission on March 12, 2008 and can be obtained free of charge from Greater Community’s website.  Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the definitive proxy statement-prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available.
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
The foregoing contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such statements are not historical facts and include expressions about management’s confidence and strategies and management’s expectations about new and existing programs and products, relationships, opportunities, taxation, technology and market conditions.  These statements may be identified by such forward-looking terminology as “expect,” “believe,” “view,” “opportunity,” “allow,” “continues,” “reflects,” “typically,” “usually,” “anticipate,” or similar statements or variations of such terms.  Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: failure to obtain shareholder or regulatory approval for the merger of Greater Community with Valley or to satisfy other conditions to the merger on the proposed terms and within the proposed timeframe; the inability to realize expected cost savings and synergies from the merger of Greater Community with Valley in the amounts or in the timeframe anticipated; changes in the estimate of non-recurring charges; costs or difficulties relating to integration matters might be greater than expected; material adverse changes in Valley’s or Greater Community’s operations or earnings; the inability to retain Greater Community’s customers and employees; or a decline in the economy in Valley’s primary market areas, mainly in New Jersey and New York. Greater Community assumes no obligation for updating any such forward-looking statement at any time.
 
Significant Accounting Policies, Judgments and Estimates
 
The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) and general practices within the financial services industry. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
The Company considers that the determination of the allowance for loan and lease losses involves a higher degree of judgment and complexity than its other significant accounting policies.  The allowance for loan and lease losses is calculated with the objective of maintaining an allowance level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable credit losses in the loan and lease portfolios. Management’s determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on periodic evaluations of the loan and lease portfolios and other relevant factors.  However, this evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates, including, among others, expected default probabilities, loss given default, expected commitment usage, the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, and general amounts based on historical loss experience. The process also considers economic conditions, uncertainties in estimating losses and inherent risks in the loan and lease portfolios. All of these factors may be susceptible to significant change. To the extent actual outcomes differ from management estimates, additional provisions for loan and lease losses may be required that would adversely impact earnings in future periods.
 
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax effects of temporary differences, net operating loss carry forwards and tax credits.  Deferred tax assets are subject to management’s judgment based upon available evidence that future realization is more likely than not.  If management determines that the Company may be unable to realize all or part of net deferred tax assets in the future, a direct charge to income tax expense may be required to reduce the recorded value of the net deferred tax asset to the expected realizable amount.
 


The Company accounts for purchased goodwill in accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Intangible Assets , which includes a requirement to test goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. The Company evaluates goodwill for potential impairment annually and between annual tests in certain circumstances in accordance with provisions of SFAS No. 142.
 
Business Overview
 
The Company is registered with the Federal Reserve Board as a bank holding company and is designated by the Federal Reserve Board as a financial holding company.  Its primary business is banking, which it conducts in northern New Jersey through its wholly-owned New Jersey chartered bank subsidiary, GC Bank.  GC Bank offers commercial and retail banking products and services, and securities brokerage services are offered through a third party provider.  Highland Capital Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of GC Bank, is engaged in the business of leasing equipment to small and mid-sized businesses on a national basis.
 
Greater Community Title LLC (“GC Title”), wholly-owned by the Company, through Community Title LLC, which is 49% owned by GC Title, provides title services and title insurance. Greater Community Insurance Services, LLC, which is 50% owned by the Company, provides traditional insurance products through a joint venture with a nonaffiliated limited liability company.
 
Financial services providers are challenged by intense competition, changing customer demands, increased pricing pressures and the ongoing impact of deregulation and industry consolidation. This is more so for traditional loan and deposit services due to continuous competitive pressures as both banks and nonbanks compete for customers with a broad array of banking, investment and capital market products. Despite the challenges and competition, key strengths of personalized service and local delivery continue to attract high-quality business to the Company. Highly focused personalized customer service provides a basis for differentiation in today’s environment where banks and other financial service providers target the same customer.  The Company has a commitment to building customer relationships and delivering quality service to the community banking market.
 
Earnings Summary
 
Consolidated
Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $1.3 million, decreasing $429,000 compared to $1.7 million reported for the same period in 2007.  Diluted earnings per share for the period were $0.15 compared with $0.20 per share for the same period in the prior year.  First quarter earnings were impacted, among other things, by a $700,000 charge to operations in connection with the previously announced termination of the merger agreement with Oritani Financial Corp., as well as other merger-related costs.
 
The annualized returns on average equity and average assets for the three months ended March 31, 2008 were 7.18% and 0.53%, respectively, compared with 10.37% and 0.74% for the same period in the prior year.
 
Business Segments
 
The Company applies the aggregation criteria set forth under SFAS No. 131 to create two reportable business segments, Community Banking and Leasing.
 
Community Banking and Leasing contributed $1.1 million and $151,000, respectively, to the Company’s net income for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to net income of $1.6 million and $130,000, respectively, for the same three months in 2007. Compared to the first quarter of 2007, Community Banking’s first quarter 2008 earnings were impacted, among other things, by a $700,000 charge to operations in connection with the previously announced termination of the merger agreement with Oritani Financial Corp., as well as other merger-related costs.
 
Net Interest Income
 
Net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 increased $493,000, or 6.4%, to $8.2 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2007.  The net interest rate spread between average earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities increased 15 basis points to 2.88%, from 2.73%, between the three-month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, as decreases in the cost of deposits and borrowings more than offset the decrease in the earning asset yield. The increase in the net interest rate spread was largely attributable to decreases in market interest rates that occurred within the last six months. The net interest margin was 3.60% for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to 3.58% for the same period in 2007.
 
The following table presents consolidated average balances of assets, liabilities and shareholders' equity including amounts of interest income and expense on the related items, and the average yields and rates for the periods indicated.
 



 
(tax equivalent basis, dollars in thousands) 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
Average
   
Interest
   
Yield/
   
Average
   
Interest
   
Yield/
 
ASSETS
 
Balance
   
Earned/Paid
   
Rate
   
Balance
   
Earned/Paid
   
Rate
 
Earning Assets:
                                   
Investment securities
  $ 90,268     $ 1,344       5.99 %   $ 102,319     $ 1,462       5.80 %
Due from banks - interest-bearing
    5,088       55       4.35 %     14,513       188       5.25 %
Federal funds sold
    15,182       108       2.86 %     31,524       418       5.38 %
Loans and leases, net unearned income 1
    809,942       13,585       6.75 %     730,518       12,614       7.00 %
            Total earning assets
    920,480       15,092       6.59 %     878,874       14,682       6.78 %
Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses
    (11,325 )                     (10,130 )                
All other assets
    77,131                       79,195                  
           Total assets
  $ 986,286                     $ 947,939                  
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                               
Interest-bearing Liabilities:
                                               
   Int-bearing checking, money market and savings
  $ 352,604     $ 2,181       2.49 %   $ 364,153     $ 2,911       3.24 %
   Time deposits
    232,321       2,681       4.64 %     192,937       2,139       4.50 %
   Federal funds and other borrowings 2
    131,604       1,560       4.77 %     112,067       1,366       4.94 %
   Subordinated debentures
    24,743       422       6.86 %     24,743       507       8.31 %
          Total interest-bearing liabilities
    741,272       6,844       3.71 %     693,900       6,923       4.05 %
Non interest-bearing deposits
    161,321                       169,545                  
Other liabilities
    10,926                       16,905                  
Shareholders' equity
    72,767                       67,589                  
          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 986,286                     $ 947,939                  
                                                 
Net interest income and rate spread
            8,248       2.88 %             7,759       2.73 %
Tax equivalent basis adjustment
            (64 )                     (68 )        
Net interest income
          $ 8,184                     $ 7,691          
Net interest margin 3
                    3.60 %                     3.58 %
                                                 
Includes nonaccrual loans and leases, the effect of which is to reduce the yield on loans and leases.
Includes federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to purchase, and FHLB advances. 
Net interest income divided by total earning assets.
 
 
Provision for Loan and Lease Losses
 
The provision for loan and lease losses for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $328,000, compared to $313,000 for the same prior-year period. The provision for the three months ended March 31, 2008 generally followed the pattern of loan and lease growth and was consistent with asset quality. Management regularly evaluates the rate of provision for loan and lease losses as part of its evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses.
 
Non-Interest Income
 
Non-interest income totaled $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, decreasing $178,000 from the same prior-year period. Non-interest income for the quarter declined primarily due to a decrease in gains on sales of investment securities of $141,000, a decrease in service charges on deposit accounts of $83,000, a decrease in all other income of $22,000, and from a loss recognized on impaired investment securities of $13,000. All other income declined primarily due to a decrease in rental income from third parties. Offsets to these decreases included increases in commissions and fees and loan fee income of $16,000 and $26,000, respectively.
 
Non-Interest Expense
 
Non-interest expense totaled $7.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, increasing $832,000 from the same period in 2007.  Included in the increase was a $700,000 charge to operations in connection with the previously announced termination of the merger agreement with Oritani Financial Corp.
 
Salaries and benefits expense increased $133,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to the same year-ago period. Over this time the Company increased its complement of revenue-producing staff, primarily in the lending function.  At March 31, 2008, the Company employed 201 full-time equivalent staff, compared with 196 at March 31, 2007.
 
 
 
Occupancy and equipment expense totaled $985,000 for the three-month period, approximating that of the same period a year ago. Regulatory, professional and other fees increased $207,000, primarily due to legal fees in connection with the previous merger agreement with Oritani Financial Corp. Interest on taxes declined $114,000 from the prior-year first quarter. Other operating expenses decreased $94,000 compared to the same 2007 period, primarily in advertising costs.
 
Provision for Income Taxes
 
The provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2008 totaled $685,000, compared to $788,000 for the same period in 2007.  The provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2008 included a charge of approximately $50,000 pertaining to a problem with the transmittal of a prior year’s tax return and related payment.  Effective tax rates were 34.5% and 31.3% for the three-month 2008 and 2007 periods, respectively.
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
ASSETS
 
Between December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008, total assets increased $22.1 million to $998.1 million. The increase was primarily attributable to growth in cash and cash equivalents, largely funded by an increase in FHLB advances.
 
Loans and Leases
 
Loans and leases, net of unearned income, increased from December 31, 2007 to March 31, 2008 by $6.8 million, or 0.8%, to $809.7 million. Increases occurred primarily in construction loans, comprised of advances on prior commitments, and lease receivables. The following table reflects the composition of the loan and lease portfolio as of the dates indicated.
 

(in thousands)
 
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Loans secured by 1 to 4 family residential properties
  $ 140,482     $ 144,164  
Loans secured by multifamily residential properties
    47,384       46,756  
Loans secured by nonresidential properties
    442,724       441,171  
Loans to individuals
    5,692       7,227  
Commercial loans
    40,171       42,648  
Construction loans
    46,968       37,819  
Lease financing receivables, net
    86,898       83,604  
Other loans
    715       774  
     Total loans and leases
    811,034       804,163  
          Less:  Unearned income
    (1,357 )     (1,298 )
     Loans and leases, net of unearned income
  $ 809,677     $ 802,865  
 
Nonperforming Assets
 
Nonperforming assets include nonaccruing loans and leases, renegotiated loans, loans and leases past due 90 days and accruing and other real estate owned. At March 31, 2008, nonperforming loans and leases totaled $4.9 million, or 0.61% of total loans and leases, increasing 36 basis points from the level reported at December 31, 2007. Nonaccruing loans and leases increased $2.9 million during the period. The increase primarily consisted of four commercial real estate loans and one residential mortgage loan.
 
The following table reflects the composition of the Company’s nonperforming assets as of the dates indicated. The Company had no other real estate owned and no loans and leases past due 90 days and accruing at these dates.
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Nonaccruing loans and leases
  $ 4,898     $ 1,984  
Renegotiated loans
    21       37  
     Total nonperforming loans and leases
  $ 4,919     $ 2,021  
     Total nonperforming assets
  $ 4,919     $ 2,021  
                 
Nonperforming assets to total assets
    0.49 %     0.21 %
Nonperforming loans and leases to total loans and leases
    0.61 %     0.25 %
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, interest income of $118,000 and $57,000, respectively, would have been recorded on nonaccrual loans and leases if they had been current throughout the periods.
 



 
Impaired Loans
 
A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans consist primarily of nonaccruing and renegotiated loans. Interest payments received on impaired loans are recorded as interest income unless collection of the remaining recorded investment is doubtful, in which event interest payments received are recorded as reductions of principal.
 
As of the dates indicated, the Company’s recorded investment in impaired loans, the related valuation allowance and interest income recognized were as follows:

(in thousands)
 
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Recorded investment
  $ 4,494     $ 1,510  
Valuation allowance
    450       200  
                 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Average recorded investment
  $ 1,646     $ 1,427  
Interest income recognized
    1       -  
 
The valuation allowance for impaired loans is included in the allowance for loan and lease losses on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
 
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
 
The allowance for loan and lease losses is maintained at a level estimated to absorb probable losses in the loan and lease portfolio. The methodology for evaluating the adequacy of the allowance consists of several significant criteria, which include a specific allowance for identified impaired and classified loans and a general allowance allocated to segments of the portfolio and homogeneous categories of loans and leases which possess similar risk characteristics.
 
Between December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008, the allowance for loan and lease losses increased $138,000 to $11.3 million. The provision for loan and lease losses totaled $328,000 for the three-month period, while net charge-offs were $190,000. The allowance constituted 1.40% of total loans and leases on March 31, 2008 and 1.37% on March 31, 2007. Management believes the allowance for loan and lease losses at March 31, 2008 is adequate.
 
The following table reflects transactions affecting the allowance for loan and lease losses for the three-month periods indicated.


(dollars in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Balance at January 1
  $ 11,188     $ 10,022  
Charge-offs:
               
     Lease financing receivables
    (189 )     (67 )
     Credit cards and related plans
    (15 )     -  
      (204 )     (67 )
Recoveries:
               
     Commercial
    1       1  
     Lease financing receivables
    13       3  
      14       4  
Net charge-offs
    (190 )     (63 )
Provision charged to operations
    328       313  
Balance at March 31
  $ 11,326     $ 10,272  
                 
Net charge-offs to average loans and leases (annualized)
    (0.08% )     (0.03% )

 


Investment Securities
 
Investment securities totaled $88.3 million at March 31, 2008 and $95.2 million at December 31, 2008. Portfolio activity during the period included approximately $2.0 million in securities purchases and $9.3 million in principal paydowns, maturities and sales.  Change in volume mix included a $1.2 million decrease in securities held-to-maturity and a $5.6 million decrease in securities available-for-sale.
 
LIABILITIES
 
Between December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008, total liabilities increased $21.5 million to $925.1 million.  The net increase was primarily attributable to a $20.0 million increase in FHLB advances.
Deposits
 
Total deposits for the three-month period ended March 31, 2008 increased nominally from $749.5 million to $750.5 million. A decrease in interest-bearing checking of $19.6 million was more than offset by increases in money market deposits and total time deposits of $6.4 million and $17.2 million, respectively, as depositors sought higher-yielding instruments in a declining interest rate environment.
 
Subordinated Debentures
 
During 2002 the Company issued $24.0 million of 8.45% junior subordinated debentures (the “2002 Debentures”) due June 30, 2032 to GCB Capital Trust II (“Trust II”), a Delaware statutory business trust and an unconsolidated subsidiary of the Company whose equity securities are wholly-owned by the Company.  The 2002 Debentures were Trust II’s sole asset. Trust II issued 2,400,000 shares of trust preferred securities, $10 face value. The preferred securities were redeemable on or after June 30, 2007 and were redeemed by the Company on July 2, 2007. On July 2, 2007, GCB Capital Trust III (“Trust III”), a Delaware statutory business trust sponsored by the Company and formed as an unconsolidated subsidiary, issued and sold 24,000 trust preferred securities with a liquidation price of $1,000 per preferred security, or $24.0 million in the aggregate.  The Company received the $24.0 million derived from the issuance of the trust preferred securities in return for junior subordinated debentures issued by the Company to Trust III. The trust preferred securities were issued and sold in a private placement as part of a pooled offering.  The trust preferred securities are subject to mandatory redemption when the junior subordinated debentures mature on July 30, 2037. The Company may, with regulatory approval, redeem the debentures and the trust preferred securities at any time on or after July 30, 2017.  The annual interest rate for the debentures issued by the Company to Trust III is fixed at 6.96% for the first 10 years and thereafter will reset quarterly at a variable rate equal to the 3-month LIBOR rate plus 1.40% per annum.
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”), which provides a framework for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles. SFAS No. 157 applies to all financial instruments that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis.
 
SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The Standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1
 
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
   
Level 2
 
Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
   
Level 3
 
Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.  Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or other valuation techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

 


Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
The following table presents the assets and liabilities reported on the consolidated balance sheets at their fair value as of March 31, 2008 by level within the SFAS No. 157 fair value measurement hierarchy.
 
(in thousands)
       
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
 
   
Assets/Liabilities
Measured at
Fair Value
March 31, 2008
   
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 (Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Assets:
                       
     Investment securities available-for-sale
  $ 76,702     $ 1,047     $ 75,655     $ -  
 
The fair value of investment securities available-for-sale is the market value based on quoted market prices, when available. If listed quotes are not available, fair value is based upon quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or, due to the limited market activity of the instrument, externally developed models that use significant observable inputs.
 
Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
 
Certain assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). The following table presents the assets and liabilities carried on the consolidated balance sheets by level within the SFAS No. 157 hierarchy as of March 31, 2008, for which a nonrecurring change in fair value has been recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2008.
 
(in thousands)
 
Carrying Value at March 31, 2008
   
Total Fair
 
   
Total
   
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 (Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Value Losses
for the
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
2008
 
Assets:
                             
    Impaired loans
  $ 4,494     $ -     $ -     $ 4,494     $ 250  
 
The fair value of impaired loans is derived in accordance with SFAS No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan .  Fair value is determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
 
The valuation allowance for impaired loans is included in the allowance for loans and leases in the consolidated balance sheets. The valuation allowance for impaired loans at March 31, 2008 was $450,000 and included an allowance of $250,000 for fair value losses for the three months ended March 31, 2008.
 
Liquidity
 
The Company manages its liquidity primarily under the direction of GC Bank’s Asset/Liability Management Committee. Liquidity is monitored regularly and managed to meet loan demand, the possible outflow of deposits and for other obligations. Primary sources of liquidity at March 31, 2008 totaled $127.3 million, or 12.8% of total assets, consisting of investment securities available-for-sale, cash and cash equivalents and interest-bearing due from banks, compared to $111.6 million, or 11.4% of total assets, at December 31, 2007.
 
As of March 31, 2008, the aggregate amount of contractual obligations and other commitments requiring potential cash outflows had not changed materially compared to the amounts reported at December 31, 2007.
 
Operating, Investing and Financing Cash
 
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $45.8 million at March 31, 2008, an increase of $21.4 million from December 31, 2007. The increase was largely due to net cash provided by financing activities of $21.6 million, primarily from an increase of $20.0 million in FHLB advances. Net cash provided by investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2008 amounted to $192,000 and net cash used in operating activities amounted to $352,000.
 



 
Capital Adequacy, Regulatory Capital Ratios and Dividends
 
Total shareholders' equity of $72.9 million at March 31, 2008 was 7.3% of total assets, increasing $550,000 compared with $72.4 million or 7.4% of total assets at December 31, 2007.  The increase was primarily attributable to retained earnings and proceeds from the exercise of stock options during the period.
 
The Company is subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Board. GC Bank is subject to regulation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. Such regulators have promulgated risk-based capital guidelines that require the Company and GC Bank to meet those guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, and certain off-balance sheet items, calculated as risk-adjusted assets under regulatory accounting practices.
 
The Company and GC Bank remain well-capitalized for regulatory purposes and management believes present capital is adequate to support contemplated future internal growth. The Company reviews capital requirements, expansion strategies and related capital alternatives on an ongoing basis.
 
The following table provides selected regulatory capital ratios and required minimum regulatory capital ratios for the Company and GC Bank at March 31, 2008.
 
                           
To Be Well-Capitalized
 
                           
Under Prompt
 
               
For Capital
   
Corrective Action
 
  (dollars in thousands)
 
Actual
   
Adequacy Purposes
   
Provisions
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
Total risk-based capital
                                   
   Greater Community Bancorp
  $ 95,245       11.40 %   $ 66,839       8.00 %     n/a       n/a  
   Greater Community Bank
    92,193       11.07 %     66,625       8.00 %   $ 83,282       10.00 %
                                                 
Tier 1 risk-based capital
                                               
   Greater Community Bancorp
    84,625       10.13 %     33,416       4.00 %     n/a       n/a  
   Greater Community Bank
    81,795       9.82 %     33,318       4.00 %     49,977       6.00 %
                                                 
Tier 1 leverage capital
                                               
   Greater Community Bancorp
    84,625       8.68 %     38,998       4.00 %     n/a       n/a  
   Greater Community Bank
    81,795       8.42 %     38,857       4.00 %     48,572       5.00 %
                                                 
n/a = not applicable
                                               

In the last two quarters of 2007 and the first quarter of 2008 the Company declared cash dividends at the rate of $0.145 per share, or an annual rate of $0.58 per share.
 
The Company's Board of Directors believes that dividends are an important component of shareholder value. The payment of dividends in the future is discretionary with the Board of Directors and will depend on the Company’s operating results and financial condition, tax considerations and other factors.
 
Some Specific Factors Affecting Future Results of Operations
 
Future movement of interest rates cannot be predicted with certainty.  The Company’s interest rate risk profile is positioned in such a way that moderate increases in interest rates likely will not have a significant impact on the results of operations.  However, because overall future performance is dependent on many other factors, past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results.
 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Q u alitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
 
The Company manages interest rate risk and market risk by identifying interest rate risk exposures using simulation analysis, economic value at risk and gap analysis models.  There has been no material change in the Company’s assessment of its sensitivity to market risk since its presentation in its 2007 Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 



 
Item 4.  Controls and Proc e dures.
 
(a)  Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
 
Management of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“1934 Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that all information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the 1934 Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms.
 
(b)  Changes in internal control over financial reporting.
 
No significant change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting has occurred during the quarterly period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II - OTHER I NFORMATION
 
Item 1.  Legal Pro c eedings.
 
The Company and its subsidiaries are parties in the ordinary course of business to litigation involving collection matters, contract claims and other miscellaneous causes of action arising from their business. Management does not consider that any such proceedings depart from usual routine litigation, and in its judgment neither the Company's consolidated financial position nor its results of operations will be affected materially by any present proceedings.
 
Item 1A.  Risk F a ctors.
 
On March 19, 2008, the Company announced that it had entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Valley National Bancorp ("Valley"), pursuant to which the Company will merge with and into Valley, with Valley being the surviving corporation, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. There are a number of risks associated with a merger of this sort, including, but not limited to, risks related to regulatory and shareholder approvals, consummation of the merger, failure to receive contemplated merger consideration, failure of the merged company to achieve anticipated benefits, and similar merger-related risks . These risks will be fully described in the definitive proxy statement-prospectus to be distributed to Company shareholders in connection with the merger.
 
There has been no other material change in the Company’s risk factors from that which were presented in the Company’s 2007 Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
 
None.
 
Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
 
None.
 
Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
 
None.
 
Item 5.  Other Information.
 
On May 7, 2008, the Company and GC Bank entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Change In Control, Confidentiality and Non-Compete Agreement with Stephen J. Mauger, the Company's and GC Bank's Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer.  Pursuant to the terms of the amendment, the amount of any change of control payment made to Mr. Mauger will not be reduced for any salary paid to him following the change in control.  In addition, the amendment provides that Mr. Mauger will be eligible to receive a $100,000 stay-on bonus to be paid in increments over 90 days following the closing of the
 


Valley merger.  This summary of the amendment is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the amendment, which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to this Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 6.  Exhibits.
 
An Exhibit Index has been filed as part of this report and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
 
 


SIG N ATURES
 
 
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.
 


 
GREATER COMMUNITY BANCORP
     
     
Date: May 7, 2008
By:
/s/ Stephen J. Mauger
   
Stephen J. Mauger
   
Senior Vice President, Treasurer
   
and Chief Financial Officer






Exhibit I n dex
 


Exhibit
 No.
 
Description of Exhibit
 
       
*
Amendment No. 1 to Change in Control, Confidentiality and Non-Compete Agreement of Stephen J. Mauger dated May 7, 2008 among Greater Community Bancorp, Greater Community Bank and Stephen J. Mauger
 
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 
       
       
       
 
*
Designates management or compensatory agreements, plans or arrangements
 
 
 
 
23
 
 
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