UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[x] | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES OR |
[ ] | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES Commission file number 001-11967 |
Delaware | 11-3170868 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer Identification | ||
incorporation or organization) | Number) | ||
One Astoria Federal Plaza, Lake Success, New York | 11042-1085 | ||
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(516) 327-3000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all the 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. YES X NO
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer X Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES NO X
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Classes of Common Stock | Number of Shares Outstanding, October 31, 2007 | |
.01 Par Value | 96,035,932 |
PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page | ||||
Item 1. | Financial Statements (Unaudited): | |||
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at September 30, 2007 | ||||
and December 31, 2006 | 2 | |||
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine Months | ||||
Ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 | 3 | |||
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the | ||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 | 4 | |||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended | ||||
September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 | 5 | |||
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 6 | |||
Item 2. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and | |||
Results of Operations | 13 | |||
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | 44 | ||
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 46 | ||
PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION | ||||
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 47 | ||
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 48 | ||
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 50 | ||
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 50 | ||
Item 4. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders | 50 | ||
Item 5. | Other Information | 50 | ||
Item 6. | Exhibits | 50 | ||
Signature | 51 |
1
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(Unaudited) | |||||||||
At | At | ||||||||
(In Thousands, Except Share Data) | September 30, 2007 |
| December 31, 2006 | ||||||
ASSETS: | |||||||||
Cash and due from banks | $ | 123,314 | $ | 134,016 | |||||
Repurchase agreements | 34,143 | 71,694 | |||||||
Available-for-sale securities: | |||||||||
Encumbered | 1,164,150 | 1,289,045 | |||||||
Unencumbered | 194,212 | 271,280 | |||||||
1,358,362 | 1,560,325 | ||||||||
Held-to-maturity securities, fair value of $3,140,725 and $3,681,514, respectively: | |||||||||
Encumbered | 3,069,897 | 3,442,079 | |||||||
Unencumbered | 140,320 | 337,277 | |||||||
3,210,217 | 3,779,356 | ||||||||
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock, at cost | 180,631 | 153,640 | |||||||
Loans held-for-sale, net | 8,796 | 16,542 | |||||||
Loans receivable: | |||||||||
Mortgage loans, net | 15,576,834 | 14,532,503 | |||||||
Consumer and other loans, net | 376,445 | 439,188 | |||||||
15,953,279 | 14,971,691 | ||||||||
Allowance for loan losses | (78,254 | ) | (79,942 | ) | |||||
Loans receivable, net | 15,875,025 | 14,891,749 | |||||||
Mortgage servicing rights, net | 14,589 | 15,944 | |||||||
Accrued interest receivable | 82,193 | 78,761 | |||||||
Premises and equipment, net | 141,131 | 145,231 | |||||||
Goodwill | 185,151 | 185,151 | |||||||
Bank owned life insurance | 393,899 | 385,952 | |||||||
Other assets | 138,651 | 136,158 | |||||||
Total assets | $ | 21,746,102 | $ | 21,554,519 | |||||
LIABILITIES: | |||||||||
Deposits: | |||||||||
Savings | $ | 1,940,322 | $ | 2,129,416 | |||||
Money market | 352,858 | 435,657 | |||||||
NOW and demand deposit | 1,442,840 | 1,496,986 | |||||||
Liquid certificates of deposit | 1,463,845 | 1,447,462 | |||||||
Certificates of deposit | 8,066,130 | 7,714,503 | |||||||
Total deposits | 13,265,995 | 13,224,024 | |||||||
Reverse repurchase agreements | 3,980,000 | 4,480,000 | |||||||
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York advances | 2,553,000 | 1,940,000 | |||||||
Other borrowings, net | 396,500 | 416,002 | |||||||
Mortgage escrow funds | 167,431 | 132,080 | |||||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 177,501 | 146,659 | |||||||
Total liabilities | 20,540,427 | 20,338,765 | |||||||
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: | |||||||||
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value (5,000,000 shares authorized; | |||||||||
none issued and outstanding) | - | - | |||||||
Common stock, $.01 par value (200,000,000 shares authorized; | |||||||||
166,494,888 shares issued; and 96,203,234 and 98,211,827 | |||||||||
shares outstanding, respectively) | 1,665 | 1,665 | |||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 842,339 | 828,940 | |||||||
Retained earnings | 1,888,432 | 1,856,528 | |||||||
Treasury stock (70,291,654 and 68,283,061 shares, at cost, respectively) | (1,447,809 | ) | (1,390,495 | ) | |||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (57,407 | ) | (58,330 | ) | |||||
Unallocated common stock held by ESOP (5,880,457 and 6,155,918 | |||||||||
shares, respectively) | (21,545 | ) | (22,554 | ) | |||||
Total stockholders' equity | 1,205,675 | 1,215,754 | |||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 21,746,102 | $ | 21,554,519 |
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
2
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
For the | For the | ||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||
September 30, |
| September 30, | |||||||||||
(In Thousands, Except Share Data) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| 2007 |
| 2006 |
| ||||
Interest income: | |||||||||||||
Mortgage loans: | |||||||||||||
One-to-four family | $ | 150,645 | $ | 127,735 | $ | 428,729 | $ | 378,226 | |||||
Multi-family, commercial real | |||||||||||||
estate and construction | 63,052 | 65,933 | 192,160 | 192,178 | |||||||||
Consumer and other loans | 7,472 | 9,099 | 23,478 | 26,918 | |||||||||
Mortgage-backed and other securities | 53,227 | 64,946 | 168,127 | 205,373 | |||||||||
Federal funds sold and repurchase agreements | 337 | 1,266 | 1,812 | 5,205 | |||||||||
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock | 2,899 | 2,049 | 8,246 | 5,535 | |||||||||
Total interest income | 277,632 | 271,028 | 822,552 | 813,435 | |||||||||
Interest expense: | |||||||||||||
Deposits | 116,950 | 102,103 | 341,404 | 275,357 | |||||||||
Borrowings | 79,505 | 78,258 | 229,553 | 234,549 | |||||||||
Total interest expense | 196,455 | 180,361 | 570,957 | 509,906 | |||||||||
Net interest income | 81,177 | 90,667 | 251,595 | 303,529 | |||||||||
Provision for loan losses | 500 | - | 500 | - | |||||||||
Net interest income after provision for loan losses | 80,677 | 90,667 | 251,095 | 303,529 | |||||||||
Non-interest income: | |||||||||||||
Customer service fees | 15,920 | 16,170 | 47,248 | 49,208 | |||||||||
Other loan fees | 1,153 | 983 | 3,481 | 2,755 | |||||||||
Net gain on sales of securities | 1,992 | - | 1,992 | - | |||||||||
Mortgage banking income, net | 155 | 181 | 1,995 | 3,810 | |||||||||
Income from bank owned life insurance | 4,238 | 3,957 | 12,728 | 12,063 | |||||||||
Other | 1,347 | 1,573 | 6,238 | (348 | ) | ||||||||
Total non-interest income | 24,805 | 22,864 | 73,682 | 67,488 | |||||||||
Non-interest expense: | |||||||||||||
General and administrative: | |||||||||||||
Compensation and benefits | 30,587 | 27,584 | 91,757 | 86,423 | |||||||||
Occupancy, equipment and systems | 16,159 | 16,104 | 49,174 | 49,209 | |||||||||
Federal deposit insurance premiums | 388 | 414 | 1,202 | 1,263 | |||||||||
Advertising | 1,390 | 1,839 | 5,282 | 5,668 | |||||||||
Other | 8,020 | 7,374 | 24,956 | 22,280 | |||||||||
Total non-interest expense | 56,544 | 53,315 | 172,371 | 164,843 | |||||||||
Income before income tax expense | 48,938 | 60,216 | 152,406 | 206,174 | |||||||||
Income tax expense | 13,630 | 19,122 | 47,257 | 68,383 | |||||||||
Net income | $ | 35,308 | $ | 41,094 | $ | 105,149 | $ | 137,791 | |||||
Basic earnings per common share | $ | 0.39 | $ | 0.44 | $ | 1.16 | $ | 1.44 | |||||
Diluted earnings per common share | $ | 0.39 | $ | 0.43 | $ | 1.14 | $ | 1.40 | |||||
Dividends per common share | $ | 0.26 | $ | 0.24 | $ | 0.78 | $ | 0.72 | |||||
Basic weighted average common shares | 90,174,456 | 93,944,367 | 90,763,008 | 95,563,670 | |||||||||
Diluted weighted average common and | |||||||||||||
common equivalent shares | 91,543,600 | 96,489,271 | 92,420,702 | 98,137,080 |
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007
Unallocated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | Common | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Additional | Other | Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common | Paid-in | Retained | Treasury | Comprehensive | Held | |||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands, Except Share Data) |
| Total |
| Stock |
| Capital |
| Earnings |
| Stock |
| Loss |
| by ESOP | ||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2006 | $ | 1,215,754 | $1,665 | $828,940 | $ | 1,856,528 | $ | (1,390,495 | ) | $(58,330 | ) | $(22,554 | ) | |||||||||||||
Adjustment to retained earnings upon | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
adoption of EITF Issue No. 06-05 effective | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
January 1, 2007 | (509 | ) | - | - | (509 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | 105,149 | - | - | 105,149 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net unrealized loss on securities | (101 | ) | - | - | - | - | (101 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||
Reclassification of prior service cost | 222 | - | - | - | - | 222 | - | |||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification of net actuarial loss | 658 | - | - | - | - | 658 | - | |||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification of loss on cash flow hedge | 144 | - | - | - | - | 144 | - | |||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income | 106,072 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock repurchased (2,500,000 shares) | (67,369 | ) | - | - | - | (67,369 | ) | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
Dividends on common stock ($0.78 per share) | (71,143 | ) | - | - | (71,143 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options and related tax | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
benefit (495,358 shares issued) | 10,973 | - | 2,394 | (1,553 | ) | 10,132 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
Forfeitures of restricted stock (3,951 shares) | - | - | 117 | (40 | ) | (77 | ) | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation and allocation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
of ESOP stock | 11,897 | - | 10,888 | - | - | - | 1,009 | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2007 | $ | 1,205,675 | $1,665 | $842,339 | $ | 1,888,432 | $ | (1,447,809 | ) | $(57,407 | ) | $(21,545 | ) |
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
|
| 2006 |
| ||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 105,149 | $ | 137,791 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
Net premium amortization on mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities | 13,314 | 10,644 | ||||||
Net amortization of deferred costs on consumer and other loans, other securities and borrowings | 2,956 | 3,325 | ||||||
Net provision for loan and real estate losses | 500 | 121 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 10,068 | 10,426 | ||||||
Net gain on sales of loans and securities | (3,312 | ) | (1,683 | ) | ||||
Originations of loans held-for-sale | (173,007 | ) | (182,174 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from sales and principal repayments of loans held-for-sale | 182,087 | 192,922 | ||||||
Stock-based compensation and allocation of ESOP stock | 11,897 | 9,629 | ||||||
Increase in accrued interest receivable | (3,432 | ) | (23 | ) | ||||
Mortgage servicing rights amortization, valuation allowance adjustments and capitalized amounts, net | 1,355 | 335 | ||||||
Bank owned life insurance income and insurance proceeds received, net | (8,456 | ) | 727 | |||||
Decrease (increase) in other assets | 505 | (8,730 | ) | |||||
Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities | 32,660 | 15,396 | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 172,284 | 188,706 | ||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
Originations of loans receivable | (3,027,656 | ) | (2,140,222 | ) | ||||
Loan purchases through third parties | (320,810 | ) | (266,085 | ) | ||||
Principal payments on loans receivable | 2,333,411 | 2,026,354 | ||||||
Proceeds from sales of non-performing loans | 9,413 | 10,148 | ||||||
Purchases of securities available-for-sale | - | (25 | ) | |||||
Principal payments on securities held-to-maturity | 570,204 | 750,831 | ||||||
Principal payments on securities available-for-sale | 201,966 | 233,158 | ||||||
Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale | 2,218 | - | ||||||
Net (purchases) redemptions of FHLB-NY stock | (26,991 | ) | 5,898 | |||||
Proceeds from sales of real estate owned, net | 893 | 1,222 | ||||||
Purchases of premises and equipment, net of proceeds from sales | (5,968 | ) | (5,009 | ) | ||||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | (263,320 | ) | 616,270 | |||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
Net increase in deposits | 41,971 | 366,551 | ||||||
Net decrease in borrowings with original terms of three months or less | (187,000 | ) | (291,473 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from borrowings with original terms greater than three months | 2,700,000 | 550,000 | ||||||
Repayments of borrowings with original terms greater than three months | (2,420,000 | ) | (1,374,000 | ) | ||||
Net increase in mortgage escrow funds | 35,351 | 40,887 | ||||||
Common stock repurchased | (67,369 | ) | (195,661 | ) | ||||
Cash dividends paid to stockholders | (71,143 | ) | (68,948 | ) | ||||
Cash received for options exercised | 8,579 | 18,388 | ||||||
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements | 2,394 | 4,638 | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 42,783 | (949,618 | ) | |||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (48,253 | ) | (144,642 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 205,710 | 352,037 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 157,457 | $ | 207,395 | ||||
Supplemental disclosures: | ||||||||
Cash paid during the period: | ||||||||
Interest | $ | 560,226 | $ | 503,714 | ||||
Income taxes | $ | 43,823 | $ | 65,165 | ||||
Additions to real estate owned | $ | 4,602 | $ | 702 |
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Astoria Financial Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association and its subsidiaries, referred to as Astoria Federal, and AF Insurance Agency, Inc. As used in this quarterly report, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Astoria Financial Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
In addition to Astoria Federal and AF Insurance Agency, Inc., we have another subsidiary, Astoria Capital Trust I, which is not consolidated with Astoria Financial Corporation for financial reporting purposes in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, revised Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51.” Astoria Capital Trust I was formed in 1999 for the purpose of issuing $125.0 million aggregate liquidation amount of 9.75% Capital Securities due November 1, 2029, or Capital Securities, and $3.9 million of common securities which are 100% owned by Astoria Financial Corporation, and using the proceeds to acquire Junior Subordinated Debentures issued by Astoria Financial Corporation. The Junior Subordinated Debentures total $128.9 million, have an interest rate of 9.75%, mature on November 1, 2029 and are the sole assets of Astoria Capital Trust I. The Junior Subordinated Debentures are prepayable, in whole or in part, at our option on or after November 1, 2009 at declining premiums to November 1, 2019, after which the Junior Subordinated Debentures are prepayable at par value. The Capital Securities have the same prepayment provisions as the Junior Subordinated Debentures. Astoria Financial Corporation has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the Capital Securities along with all obligations of Astoria Capital Trust I under the trust agreement relating to the Capital Securities. See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for restrictions on our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends to us.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial condition as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, changes in our stockholders’ equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and our cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities for the consolidated statements of financial condition as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, and amounts of revenues and expenses in the consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the remainder of the year. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC.
These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our December 31, 2006 audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
6
2.Earnings Per Share, or EPS
The following table is a reconciliation of basic and diluted EPS.
For the Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||
Basic | Diluted | Basic | Diluted | |||||||||||
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) | EPS | EPS(1) | EPS | EPS(2) | ||||||||||
Net income | $ | 35,308 | $ | 35,308 | $ | 41,094 | $ | 41,094 | ||||||
Total weighted average basic | ||||||||||||||
common shares outstanding | 90,174 | 90,174 | 93,944 | 93,944 | ||||||||||
Effect of dilutive securities: | ||||||||||||||
Options | - | 1,222 | - | 2,500 | ||||||||||
Restricted stock | - | 148 | - | 45 | ||||||||||
Total weighted average basic and | ||||||||||||||
diluted common shares outstanding | 90,174 | 91,544 | 93,944 | 96,489 | ||||||||||
Net earnings per common share | $ | 0.39 | $ | 0.39 | $ | 0.44 | $ | 0.43 | ||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||
Basic | Diluted | Basic | Diluted | |||||||||||
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) | EPS | EPS(3) | EPS | EPS(2) | ||||||||||
Net income | $ | 105,149 | $ | 105,149 | $ | 137,791 | $ | 137,791 | ||||||
Total weighted average basic | ||||||||||||||
common shares outstanding | 90,763 | 90,763 | 95,564 | 95,564 | ||||||||||
Effect of dilutive securities: | ||||||||||||||
Options | - | 1,539 | - | 2,544 | ||||||||||
Restricted stock | - | 119 | - | 29 | ||||||||||
Total weighted average basic and | ||||||||||||||
diluted common shares outstanding | 90,763 | 92,421 | 95,564 | 98,137 | ||||||||||
Net earnings per common share |
| $ 1.16 |
| $ 1.14 |
| $ 1.44 |
| $ 1.40 |
(1) | Options to purchase 3,214,867 shares of common stock were outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2007, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. |
(2) | Options to purchase 1,224,100 shares of common stock were outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. |
(3) | Options to purchase 2,568,495 shares of common stock and 71,133 shares of unvested restricted stock were outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. |
3.Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets
Effective January 1, 2007, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 156, “Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140,” which amends SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities” with respect to the accounting for separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. SFAS No. 156 requires all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities to be initially measured at fair value, if practicable, and permits an entity to choose either the amortization method, which is consistent with prior GAAP, or the fair value measurement method for subsequent measurements.
7
Additionally, at the initial adoption, SFAS No. 156 permits a one-time reclassification of available-for-sale securities to trading securities by entities with recognized servicing rights, without calling into question the treatment of other available-for-sale securities, provided that the securities are identified in some manner as offsetting the entity’s exposure to changes in the fair value of servicing assets or servicing liabilities that a servicer elects to subsequently measure at fair value. Upon our adoption of SFAS No. 156, we elected to apply the amortization method for measurements of our mortgage servicing rights, or MSR, and we did not reclassify any of our available-for-sale securities to trading securities.
The following disclosures, which are generally not required in interim period financial statements, are included herein as a result of our adoption of SFAS No. 156 in the first quarter of 2007.
Mortgage Servicing Rights
We own rights to service mortgage loans for investors with aggregate unpaid principal balances of $1.29 billion at September 30, 2007 and $1.36 billion at December 31, 2006, which are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition. We recognize as separate assets the rights to service mortgage loans. The right to service loans for others is generally obtained through the sale of loans with servicing retained. The initial recognition of originated MSR is measured at fair value. The fair value of MSR is estimated by reference to quoted market prices of similar loans sold servicing released. MSR are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income. MSR are assessed for impairment based on fair value at each reporting date. MSR impairment, if any, is recognized in a valuation allowance through charges to earnings. Increases in the fair value of impaired MSR are recognized only up to the amount of the previously recognized valuation allowance. Fees earned for servicing loans are reported as income when the related mortgage loan payments are collected.
We assess impairment of our MSR based on the estimated fair value of those rights on a stratum-by-stratum basis with any impairment recognized through a valuation allowance for each impaired stratum. We stratify our MSR by underlying loan type (primarily fixed and adjustable) and interest rate. The estimated fair values of each MSR stratum are obtained through independent third party valuations through an analysis of future cash flows, incorporating numerous market based assumptions including market discount rates, prepayment speeds, servicing income, servicing costs, default rates and other market driven data. Individual allowances for each stratum are then adjusted in subsequent periods to reflect changes in the measurement of impairment.
At September 30, 2007, our MSR, net, had an estimated fair value of $14.6 million and were valued based on expected future cash flows considering a weighted average discount rate of 9.52%, a weighted average constant prepayment rate on mortgages of 12.48% and a weighted average life of 5.5 years. At December 31, 2006, our MSR, net, had an estimated fair value of $16.0 million and were valued based on expected future cash flows considering a weighted average discount rate of 9.02%, a weighted average constant prepayment rate on mortgages of 13.23% and a weighted average life of 5.3 years.
The fair value of MSR is highly sensitive to changes in assumptions. Changes in prepayment speed assumptions have the most significant impact on the fair value of our MSR. Generally, as interest rates decline, mortgage loan prepayments accelerate due to increased refinance activity, which results in a decrease in the fair value of MSR. As interest rates rise, mortgage loan prepayments slow down, which results in an increase in the fair value of MSR. Thus, any
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measurement of the fair value of our MSR is limited by the conditions existing and the assumptions utilized as of a particular point in time, and those assumptions may not be appropriate if they are applied at a different point in time.
MSR activity is summarized as follows:
(In Thousands) | ||||
Carrying amount before valuation allowance at January 1, 2007 | $20,665 | |||
Additions - servicing obligations that result from | ||||
transfers of financial assets | 1,005 | |||
Amortization | (2,645 | ) | ||
Carrying amount before valuation allowance at September 30, 2007 | 19,025 | |||
Valuation allowance at January 1, 2007 | (4,721 | ) | ||
Recovery of valuation allowance | 285 | |||
Valuation allowance at September 30, 2007 | (4,436 | ) | ||
Net carrying amount at September 30, 2007 | $14,589 |
Mortgage banking income, net, is summarized as follows:
For the Three Months Ended | For the Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | 2007 | 2006 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||||
Loan servicing fees | $ | 985 | $ | 1,073 | $ | 3,052 | $ | 3,392 | ||||||||
Net gain on sales of loans | 323 | 468 | 1,303 | 1,660 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of MSR | (784 | ) | (865 | ) | (2,645 | ) | (2,747 | ) | ||||||||
(Provision for) recovery of valuation | ||||||||||||||||
allowance on MSR | (369 | ) | (495 | ) | 285 | 1,505 | ||||||||||
Total mortgage banking income, net | $ | 155 | $ | 181 | $ | 1,995 | $ | 3,810 |
Repurchase Agreements and Reverse Repurchase Agreements
We purchase securities under agreements to resell (repurchase agreements). These agreements represent short-term loans and are reflected as an asset in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Repurchase agreements totaled $34.1 million at September 30, 2007 and $71.7 million at December 31, 2006. We may sell, loan or otherwise dispose of such securities to other parties in the normal course of our operations. The same securities are to be resold at the maturity of the repurchase agreements. The fair value of the securities held under these agreements was $34.9 million as of September 30, 2007 and $72.6 million as of December 31, 2006. None of the securities held under repurchase agreements were sold or repledged at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006.
We enter into sales of securities under agreements to repurchase with selected dealers and banks (reverse repurchase agreements). Such agreements are accounted for as secured financing transactions since we maintain effective control over the transferred securities and the transfer meets the other criteria for such accounting. Obligations to repurchase securities sold are reflected as a liability in our consolidated statements of financial condition. Reverse repurchase agreements totaled $3.98 billion at September 30, 2007 and $4.48 billion at December 31, 2006. The securities underlying the agreements are delivered to a custodial account for the benefit of the dealer or bank with whom each transaction is executed. The dealers or banks, who may sell, loan or otherwise dispose of such securities to other parties in the normal course of their operations, agree to resell us the same securities at the maturities of the agreements. We retain the right of substitution of collateral throughout the terms of the agreements. The securities underlying the agreements are classified as encumbered securities in our consolidated statements of financial condition.
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4.Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits
The following tables set forth information regarding the components of net periodic cost for our defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plan.
Other Postretirement | |||||||||||||||
Pension Benefits | Benefits | ||||||||||||||
For the Three Months Ended | For the Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 | 2007 |
| 2006 | ||||||||
Service cost | $ | 829 | $ | 864 | $ | 116 | $ | 150 | |||||||
Interest cost | 2,624 | 2,546 | �� | 257 | 283 | ||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | (3,211 | ) | (3,039 | ) | - | - | |||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost | 92 | 92 | 42 | 42 | |||||||||||
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain) | 477 | 796 | (6 | ) | - | ||||||||||
Net periodic cost | $ | 811 | $ | 1,259 | $ | 409 | $ | 475 | |||||||
Other Postretirement | |||||||||||||||
Pension Benefits | Benefits | ||||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended | For the Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 | 2007 |
| 2006 | ||||||||
Service cost | $ | 2,486 | $ | 2,593 | $ | 348 | $ | 450 | |||||||
Interest cost | 7,873 | 7,638 | 770 | 849 | |||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | (9,635 | ) | (9,117 | ) | - | - | |||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost | 276 | 276 | 126 | 126 | |||||||||||
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain) | 1,433 | 2,390 | (17 | ) | - | ||||||||||
Net periodic cost | $ | 2,433 | $ | 3,780 | $ | 1,227 | $ | 1,425 |
5.Income Taxes
Effective January 1, 2007, we adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,” or FIN 48, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. There was no change to the net amount of assets and liabilities recognized in the statement of financial condition as a result of our adoption of FIN 48.
The following disclosures, which are generally not required in interim period financial statements, are included herein as a result of our adoption of FIN 48 in the first quarter of 2007.
We file income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and in New York State and City jurisdictions. Certain of our subsidiaries also file income tax returns in various other state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2003. The Internal Revenue Service commenced an examination of our 2005 federal income tax return in the first quarter of 2007.
At January 1, 2007, we had $9.9 million of net unrecognized tax benefits, all of which would affect our effective income tax rate if recognized. Accruals of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized in income tax expense. At January 1, 2007, we had $3.5 million of such accrued interest payable in addition to our liability for unrecognized tax
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benefits. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we accrued $1.2 million in interest as part of our income tax expense. During the three months ended September 30, 2007, unrecognized tax benefits and related accrued interest were reduced by $3.6 million, with a corresponding reduction in income tax expense, as a result of a lapse in the applicable statute of limitations. It is reasonably possible that a decrease in net unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $3.3 million may occur within the next twelve months as a result of lapses in applicable statutes of limitations.
6.Goodwill Litigation
We are a party to two actions against the United States, involving assisted acquisitions made in the early 1980’s and supervisory goodwill accounting utilized in connection therewith, or goodwill litigation, which could result in a gain.
In one of the actions, entitledThe Long Island Savings Bank, FSB et al vs. The United States, or the LISB goodwill litigation, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims rendered a decision on September 15, 2005 awarding us $435.8 million in damages from the U.S. government. No portion of the $435.8 million award was recognized in our consolidated financial statements. On December 14, 2005, the United States filed an appeal of such award and, on February 1, 2007, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, or Court of Appeals, reversed such award. On April 2, 2007, we filed a petition for rehearing or rehearingen banc.Actingen banc, the appellate court returned the case to the original panel of judges for revision. The panel, on September 13, 2007, withdrew and vacated its earlier opinion and issued a new decision. This decision also reversed the award of $435.8 million in damages awarded to us by the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. We have again filed with the court a petition for rehearing or rehearingen banc.
The other action is entitledAstoria Federal Savings and Loan Association vs. United States.The evidentiary phase of the trial in this action, which commenced on April 19, 2007 before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, has been concluded. Post trial motions and closing arguments are expected to be concluded in the fourth quarter of 2007.
The ultimate outcomes of the two actions pending against the United States and the timing of such outcomes are uncertain and there can be no assurance that we will benefit financially from such litigation. Legal expense related to these two actions has been recognized as it has been incurred.
7.Impact of Accounting Standards and Interpretations
Effective January 1, 2007, we adopted Emerging Issues Task Force, or EITF, Issue No. 06-05, “Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance – Determining the Amount That Could Be Realized in Accordance with FASB Technical Bulletin No. 85-4.” Technical Bulletin No. 85-4, “Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance,” requires that the amount that could be realized under a life insurance contract as of the date of the statement of financial condition should be reported as an asset. The EITF concluded that a policyholder should consider any additional amounts (i.e., amounts other than cash surrender value) included in the contractual terms of the policy in determining the amount that could be realized under the insurance contract. Amounts that are recoverable beyond one year from the surrender of the policy are discounted to present value. Upon adoption of EITF Issue No. 06-05 on January 1, 2007, we recorded an adjustment of $509,000 to reduce retained earnings and our investment in Bank Owned Life Insurance, or BOLI, to discount the deferred acquisition cost component of our BOLI investment to its present value. Adoption of EITF Issue No. 06-05 had no additional effect on the carrying amount of our BOLI investment.
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In June 2007, the FASB ratified a consensus reached by the EITF on Issue No. 06-11, “Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards,” which clarifies the accounting for income tax benefits related to the payment of dividends on equity-classified employee share-based payment awards that are charged to retained earnings under revised SFAS No. 123, “Share-Based Payment.” The EITF concluded 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 nonvested equity shares, nonvested equity share units, and outstanding equity share options should be recognized as an increase to additional paid-in capital. EITF Issue No. 06-11 should be applied prospectively to the income tax benefits that result from dividends on equity-classified employee share-based payment awards that are declared in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year for which interim or annual financial statements have not yet been issued. Retrospective application to previously issued financial statements is prohibited. We do not expect our adoption of EITF Issue No. 06-11 to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
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,” which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. At the effective date, an entity may elect the fair value option for eligible items that exist at that date and report the effect of the first remeasurement to fair value as a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. Subsequent to the effective date, unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are to be reported in earnings.If the fair value option is elected for any available-for-sale or held-to-maturity securities at the effective date, cumulative unrealized gains and losses at that date are included in the cumulative-effect adjustment and those securities are to be reported as trading securities under SFAS No. 115, but the accounting for a transfer to the trading category under SFAS No. 115 does not apply. Electing the fair value option for an existing held-to-maturity security will not call into question the intent of an entity to hold other debt securities to maturity in the future.SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 does not affect any existing accounting literature that requires certain assets and liabilities to be carried at fair value and does not eliminate disclosure requirements included in other accounting standards. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the entity (1) also adopts all of the requirements of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” (2) has not yet issued financial statements for any interim period of the fiscal year of adoption, and (3) chooses early adoption within 120 days of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We did not early adopt SFAS No. 159 as of January 1, 2007 and, therefore, will adopt the standard as of January 1, 2008. We do not expect our adoption of SFAS No. 159 to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies only to fair value measurements already required or permitted by other accounting standards and does not impose requirements for additional fair value measures. SFAS No. 157 was issued to increase consistency and comparability in reporting fair values. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The provisions are to be
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applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the statement is initially applied, with certain exceptions. A transition adjustment, measured as the difference between the carrying amounts and the fair values of certain specific financial instruments at the date SFAS No. 157 is initially applied, is to be recognized as a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings for the fiscal year in which SFAS No. 157 is initially applied. We do not expect our adoption of SFAS No. 157 to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. These statements may be identified by the use of the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions.
Forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our management’s experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors (many of which are beyond our control) that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation, the following:
- the timing and occurrence or non-occurrence of events may be subject tocircumstances beyond our control;
- there may be increases in competitive pressure among financial institutions or fromnon-financial institutions;
- changes in the interest rate environment may reduce interest margins or affect thevalue of our investments;
- changes in deposit flows, loan demand or real estate values may adversely affect ourbusiness;
- changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines may cause our financialcondition to be perceived differently;
- general economic conditions, either nationally or locally in some or all areas inwhich we do business, or conditions in the real estate or securities markets or thebanking industry may be less favorable than we currently anticipate;
- legislative or regulatory changes may adversely affect our business;
- technological changes may be more difficult or expensive than we anticipate;
- success or consummation of new business initiatives may be more difficult orexpensive than we anticipate; or
- litigation or other matters before regulatory agencies, whether currently existing orcommencing in the future, may be determined adverse to us or may delay theoccurrence or non-occurrence of events longer than we anticipate.
We have no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document.
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Executive Summary
The following overview should be read in conjunction with our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, or MD&A, in its entirety.
Astoria Financial Corporation is a Delaware corporation organized as the unitary savings and loan association holding company of Astoria Federal. Our primary business is the operation of Astoria Federal. Astoria Federal's principal business is attracting retail deposits from the general public and investing those deposits, together with funds generated from borrowings, operations and principal repayments on loans and securities, primarily in one-to-four family mortgage loans, multi-family mortgage loans, commercial real estate loans and mortgage-backed securities. Our results of operations are dependent primarily on our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest earned on our assets, primarily our loan and securities portfolios, and the interest paid on our deposits and borrowings. Our earnings are also significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions, particularly changes in market interest rates and U.S. Treasury yield curves, government policies and actions of regulatory authorities.
As the premier Long Island community bank, our goals are to enhance shareholder value while building a solid banking franchise. We focus on growing our core businesses of mortgage lending and retail banking while maintaining superior asset quality and controlling operating expenses. Additionally, we continue to provide returns to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases. We have been successful in achieving these goals over the past several years and that trend has continued into 2007.
The past several months have been highlighted by significant disruption and volatility in the financial and capital marketplaces. This turbulence has been attributable to a variety of factors, including the fallout associated with the subprime mortgage market. One aspect of this fallout has been significant deterioration in the activity of the secondary residential mortgage market. The disruptions have been exacerbated by the acceleration of the softening of the real estate and housing market. We continue to closely monitor the local and national real estate markets and other factors related to risks inherent in our loan portfolio. Subprime mortgage lending, which has been the riskiest sector of the residential housing market, is not a market that we have ever actively pursued. Our loss experience in 2007 has been relatively consistent with our experience over the past several years and in recent years has been primarily attributable to a small number of loans. Additionally, we continue to adhere to prudent underwriting standards. However, based on our evaluation of the foregoing factors, and in recognition of the recent increases in non-performing loans and net loan charge-offs, our 2007 third quarter analyses indicated that a modest provision for loan losses was warranted for the period ended September 30, 2007.
Although these market conditions have generally had a negative impact on a majority of mortgage industry participants, they have also provided positive opportunities for prime portfolio lenders like us. The recent dislocations in the secondary residential mortgage market have led to fewer participants, and thus less competition in mortgage originations, stricter underwriting standards and wider pricing spreads. We expect these conditions will enable us to continue to grow our one-to-four family mortgage loan portfolio while enhancing our credit quality standards.
The turmoil in the mortgage market has impacted the global markets as well as the domestic markets and led to a significant credit and liquidity crisis during the third quarter. In response to the liquidity and credit crisis and potential impact on the overall economy, the Federal Open Market Committee, or FOMC, reduced the Discount Rate and Federal Funds Rate by 50 basis
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points during the 2007 third quarter. These decreases in short-term interest rates have resulted in a more positively sloped yield curve. If this pattern of yield curve steepening continues, it should result in greater opportunities for earning asset growth and the eventual expansion of our net interest margin. The flat-to-inverted yield curve which existed throughout 2006 and into the first half of 2007 limited profitable growth opportunities. We continue to pursue our strategy of emphasizing deposit and loan growth while reducing the securities portfolio through normal cash flow.
Our total loan portfolio increased during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. This increase is primarily due to an increase in one-to-four family mortgage loans as a result of strong loan originations and purchases in 2007, due to our competitive pricing and the previously discussed recent dislocations in the secondary residential mortgage market.
Total deposits increased during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. This increase was primarily attributable to the growth of our certificates of deposit and our Liquid certificates of deposit, or Liquid CDs, during the first half of 2007 resulting from the success of our marketing efforts and competitive pricing strategies which have focused on attracting and retaining these types of deposits. During the 2007 third quarter, as short-term market interest rates declined, retail deposit pricing remained at higher levels as certain financial institutions attempted to sustain their liquidity by offering deposit products with rates well above the market. We have chosen to maintain our deposit pricing discipline, and instead have taken advantage of lower cost borrowings for funding some of our loan growth in the third quarter.
Our securities portfolio decreased from December 31, 2006, which is consistent with our strategy of reducing this portfolio through normal cash flow, as we remain focused on originations of mortgage loans and growth in our loan portfolio. Our borrowings portfolio increased from December 31, 2006, primarily as a result of our use of lower cost borrowings to fund some of our loan growth during the 2007 third quarter.
Net income, the net interest margin and the net interest rate spread for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 decreased compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006. The decreases in net income were primarily due to decreases in net interest income and increases in non-interest expense, partially offset by increases in non-interest income. The decreases in net interest income, as well as the decreases in the net interest margin and the net interest rate spread, were primarily the result of increases in interest expense. The interest rate environment, characterized by a flat-to-inverted yield curve during 2006 and in the first half of 2007, coupled with a very competitive environment for deposits and rising interest rates, resulted in significant increases in the costs of our certificates of deposits, Liquid CDs and borrowings. The increases in non-interest expense were primarily due to increases in compensation and benefits expense and other non-interest expense. The increase in non-interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was primarily due to a net gain on sales of securities in the 2007 third quarter. The increase in non-interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was primarily due to an increase in other non-interest income, resulting from the $5.5 million charge for the termination of our interest rate swap agreements in March 2006, and the net gain on sales of securities, partially offset by decreases in customer service fees and mortgage banking income, net.
The recent decrease in short-term interest rates has produced a more positively sloped U.S. Treasury yield curve, and a more favorable operating environment for us going forward. We expect the yield curve to remain positively sloped for the remainder of 2007 and 2008, which should result in earning asset growth and an expansion of our net interest margin in 2008. Our focus going forward will be to continue to capitalize on the secondary residential mortgage
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market dislocations, which we believe will produce robust quality loan growth. Deposit growth will remain a focus; however, in the near term, if competitive pricing pressures continue, we may continue to fund some of our loan growth with lower cost borrowings and normal cash flow from the securities portfolio. We expect to continue to maintain tangible capital levels between 4.50% and 4.75% .
Available Information
Our internet website address is www.astoriafederal.com. Financial information, including our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports, can be obtained free of charge from our investor relations website at http://ir.astoriafederal.com. The above reports are available on our website immediately after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Such reports are also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Critical Accounting Policies
Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as supplemented by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and June 30, 2007 and this report, contains a summary of our significant accounting policies. Various elements of our accounting policies, by their nature, are inherently subject to estimation techniques, valuation assumptions and other subjective assessments. Our policies with respect to the methodologies used to determine the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of MSR and judgments regarding goodwill and securities impairment are our most critical accounting policies because they are important to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations, involve a higher degree of complexity and require management to make difficult and subjective judgments which often require assumptions or estimates about highly uncertain matters. The use of different judgments, assumptions and estimates could result in material differences in our results of operations or financial condition. These critical accounting policies are reviewed quarterly with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. The following description of these policies should be read in conjunction with the corresponding section of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Allowance for Loan Losses
Our allowance for loan losses is established and maintained through a provision for loan losses based on our evaluation of the probable inherent losses in our loan portfolio. We evaluate the adequacy of our allowance on a quarterly basis. The allowance is comprised of both specific valuation allowances and general valuation allowances.
Specific valuation allowances are established in connection with individual loan reviews and the asset classification process, including the procedures for impairment recognition under SFAS No. 114, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 5 and 15," and SFAS No. 118, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan - Income Recognition and Disclosures, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 114." Such evaluation, which includes a review of loans on which full collectibility is not reasonably assured, considers the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, if any, current and anticipated economic and regulatory conditions, current and historical loss experience of similar loans and other factors that determine risk exposure to arrive at an adequate loan loss allowance.
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Loan reviews are completed quarterly for all loans individually classified by the Asset Classification Committee. Individual loan reviews are generally completed annually for multi-family, commercial real estate and construction loans in excess of $2.5 million, commercial business loans in excess of $200,000, one-to-four family loans in excess of $1.0 million and debt restructurings. In addition, we generally review annually at least fifty percent of the outstanding balances of multi-family, commercial real estate and construction loans to single borrowers with concentrations in excess of $2.5 million.
The primary considerations in establishing specific valuation allowances are the current estimated value of a loan’s underlying collateral and the loan’s payment history. Updated estimates of value are obtained when loans are individually classified by our Asset Classification Committee as either substandard or doubtful, as well as special mention and watch list loans in excess of $2.5 million. For loans meeting these criteria, we update our estimate of the value of the property securing the loan through either an updated appraisal, a visual inspection of the property or a market analysis of comparable homes in the area. For multi-family and commercial real estate loans, we may also perform a cash flow analysis for the property based on current operating financial statements. Other current and anticipated economic conditions on which our specific valuation allowances rely are the impact that national and/or local economic and business conditions may have on borrowers, the impact that local real estate markets may have on collateral values, the level and direction of interest rates and their combined effect on real estate values and the ability of borrowers to service debt. For multi-family and commercial real estate loans, additional factors specific to a borrower or the underlying collateral are considered. These factors include, but are not limited to, the composition of tenancy, occupancy levels for the property, cash flow estimates and the existence of personal guarantees. We also review all regulatory notices, bulletins and memoranda with the purpose of identifying upcoming changes in regulatory conditions which may impact our calculation of specific valuation allowances. The Office of Thrift Supervision, or OTS, periodically reviews our reserve methodology during regulatory examinations and any comments regarding changes to reserves are considered by management in determining valuation allowances.
Pursuant to our policy, loan losses are charged-off in the period the loans, or portions thereof, are deemed uncollectible. The determination of the loans on which full collectibility is not reasonably assured, the estimates of the fair value of the underlying collateral and the assessment of economic and regulatory conditions are subject to assumptions and judgments by management. Specific valuation allowances could differ materially as a result of changes in these assumptions and judgments.
General valuation allowances represent loss allowances that have been established to recognize the inherent risks associated with our lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem loans. The determination of the adequacy of the valuation allowance takes into consideration a variety of factors. We segment our loan portfolio into like categories by composition and size and perform analyses against each category. These include historical loss experience and delinquency levels and trends. We analyze our historical loan loss experience by category (loan type) over 3, 5, 10, 12 and 16-year periods. Losses within each loan category are stress tested by applying the highest level of charge-offs and the lowest amount of recoveries as a percentage of the average portfolio balance during those respective time horizons. The resulting range of allowance percentages is used as an integral part of our judgment in developing estimated loss percentages to apply to the portfolio. We also consider the size, composition, risk profile, delinquency levels and cure rates of our portfolio, as well as our credit administration and asset management philosophies and procedures. In determining our allowance coverage percentages for non-performing loans, we consider our historical loss experience with respect to the ultimate disposition of the underlying collateral. In addition, we
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evaluate and consider the impact that existing and projected economic and market conditions may have on the portfolio, as well as known and inherent risks in the portfolio. We also evaluate and consider the allowance ratios and coverage percentages set forth in both peer group and regulatory agency data and any comments from the OTS resulting from their review of our general valuation allowance methodology during regulatory examinations. Our focus, however, is primarily on our historical loss experience and the impact of current economic conditions. After evaluating these variables, we determine appropriate allowance coverage percentages for each of our portfolio segments and the appropriate level of our allowance for loan losses.
Our allowance coverage percentages are used to estimate the amount of probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio in determining our general valuation allowances. Our evaluation of general valuation allowances is inherently subjective because, even though it is based on objective data, it is management's interpretation of that data that determines the amount of the appropriate allowance. Therefore, we annually review the actual performance and charge-off history of our portfolio and compare that to our previously determined allowance coverage percentages and specific valuation allowances. In doing so, we evaluate the impact the previously mentioned variables may have had on the portfolio to determine which changes, if any, should be made to our assumptions and analyses.
Our loss experience in 2007 has been consistent with our experience over the past several years and in recent years has been primarily attributable to a small number of loans. Our 2007 analyses did not result in any change in our methodology for determining our general and specific valuation allowances or our emphasis on the factors that we consider in establishing such allowances. Accordingly, such analyses did not indicate that any material changes in our allowance coverage percentages were required. However, our recent increases in non-performing loans and net loan charge-offs for the 2007 third quarter resulted in a determination to record a provision for loan losses. The balance of our allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of the probable inherent losses in our loan portfolio at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006.
Actual results could differ from our estimates as a result of changes in economic or market conditions. Changes in estimates could result in a material change in the allowance for loan losses. While we believe that the allowance for loan losses has been established and maintained at levels that reflect the risks inherent in our loan portfolio, future adjustments may be necessary if portfolio performance or economic or market conditions differ substantially from the conditions that existed at the time of the initial determinations.
For additional information regarding our allowance for loan losses, see “Provision for Loan Losses” and “Asset Quality” in this document and Part II, Item 7, “MD&A,” in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Valuation of MSR
MSR are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income. MSR are assessed for impairment based on fair value at each reporting date. MSR impairment, if any, is recognized in a valuation allowance through charges to earnings. Impairment exists if the carrying amount of MSR exceeds the estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of MSR is obtained through independent third party valuations.
As previously discussed, the fair value of MSR is highly sensitive to changes in assumptions. Assuming an increase in interest rates of 100 basis points at September 30, 2007, the estimated fair value of our MSR would have been $1.9 million greater. Assuming a decrease in interest
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rates of 100 basis points at September 30, 2007, the estimated fair value of our MSR would have been $3.8 million lower.
For additional information regarding the assumptions used to value our MSR as well as the impact of changes in those assumptions, see Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1. “Financial Statements (Unaudited).”
Goodwill Impairment
Goodwill is presumed to have an indefinite useful life and is tested, at least annually, for impairment at the reporting unit level. Impairment exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. At September 30, 2007, the carrying amount of our goodwill totaled $185.2 million. When performing the impairment test, if the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired.
On September 30, 2007 we performed our annual goodwill impairment test. We determined the fair value of our reporting unit to be in excess of its carrying amount by $1.35 billion, using the quoted market price of our common stock on our impairment testing date as the basis for determining the fair value. Accordingly, as of our annual impairment test date, there was no indication of goodwill impairment. We would test our goodwill for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of our reporting unit below its carrying amount. The identification of additional reporting units or the use of other valuation techniques could result in materially different evaluations of impairment.
Securities Impairment
Our available-for-sale securities portfolio is carried at estimated fair value, with any unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, reported as accumulated other comprehensive income/loss in stockholders’ equity. Debt securities which we have the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and are carried at amortized cost. The fair values for substantially all of our securities are obtained from an independent nationally recognized pricing service. We use third party brokers to obtain prices for a small portion of the portfolio that we are not able to price using our third party pricing service.
Our investment portfolio is comprised primarily of fixed rate mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by a government sponsored enterprise, or GSE, as issuer. GSE issuance mortgage-backed securities comprised 91% of our securities portfolio at September 30, 2007. Non-GSE issuance mortgage-backed securities at September 30, 2007 comprised 6% of our securities portfolio and had an amortized cost of $282.1 million, 15% of which are classified as available-for-sale and 85% of which are classified as held-to-maturity. Based on the disclosure documents for our non-GSE issuance securities, none were backed by pools consisting primarily of subprime mortgage loans. Our non-GSE issuance securities have either a AAA credit rating or an insurance wrap and they perform similarly to our GSE issuance securities. While the recent mortgage market conditions reflecting credit quality concerns might significantly impact lower grade securities, the impact on our non-GSE securities has not been significant. Based on the high quality of our investment portfolio, we do not believe that current market conditions will significantly impact the pricing of our portfolio or our ability to obtain reliable prices.
The fair value of our investment portfolio is primarily impacted by changes in interest rates. In general, as interest rates rise, the fair value of fixed rate securities will decrease; as interest rates fall, the fair value of fixed rate securities will increase. We conduct a periodic review and
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evaluation of the securities portfolio to determine if the decline in the fair value of any security below its cost basis is other-than-temporary. We generally view changes in fair value caused by changes in interest rates as temporary, which is consistent with our experience. If we deem such decline to be other-than-temporary, the security is written down to a new cost basis and the resulting loss is charged to earnings as a component of non-interest income. At September 30, 2007, we had 218 securities with an estimated fair value totaling $4.40 billion which had an unrealized loss totaling $138.3 million, substantially all of which have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve months. Substantially all of these securities are guaranteed by a GSE as issuer. At September 30, 2007, the impairments are deemed temporary based on the direct relationship of the decline in fair value to movements in interest rates, the estimated remaining life and high credit quality of the investments and our ability and intent to hold these investments until there is a full recovery of the unrealized loss, which may be until maturity. There were no other-than-temporary impairment write-downs during the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary source of funds is cash provided by principal and interest payments on loans and securities. The most significant liquidity challenge we face is the variability in cash flows as a result of changes in mortgage refinance activity. Principal payments on loans and securities totaled $3.11 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and $3.01 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The net increase in loan and securities repayments was primarily the result of an increase in loan repayments for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006, partially offset by a decrease in securities repayments.
In addition to cash provided by principal and interest payments on loans and securities, our other sources of funds include cash provided by operating activities, deposits and borrowings. Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $172.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and $188.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Deposits increased $42.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and $366.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The net increases in deposits for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 are primarily attributable to increases in certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs during 2006 and the first half of 2007 as a result of the success of our marketing efforts and competitive pricing strategies which have focused on attracting these types of deposits. During the 2007 third quarter, as short-term market interest rates declined, retail deposit pricing remained at higher levels. We have maintained our deposit pricing discipline, which has resulted in net deposit outflows, and instead have taken advantage of lower cost borrowings for funding some of our loan growth in the third quarter.
Net borrowings increased $93.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and decreased $1.12 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in net borrowings during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is a result of our use of lower cost borrowings to fund some of our loan growth in the 2007 third quarter. The decrease in net borrowings during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 reflects our strategy of reducing the securities and borrowings portfolios through normal cash flow in response to the flat-to-inverted U.S. Treasury yield curve during that time.
Our primary use of funds is for the origination and purchase of mortgage loans. Gross mortgage loans originated and purchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 totaled $3.35 billion, of which $3.03 billion were originations and $317.4 million were purchases. This compares to gross mortgage loans originated and purchased during the nine months ended
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September 30, 2006 totaling $2.36 billion, of which $2.10 billion were originations and $263.3 million were purchases. Total mortgage loans originated include originations of loans held-for-sale totaling $171.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and $180.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in mortgage loan originations is the result of an increase in one-to-four family loan originations, primarily as a result of mortgage refinance opportunities, our competitive pricing and the recent dislocations in the secondary residential mortgage market, partially offset by a decrease in multi-family and commercial real estate loan originations. Although we remain focused on the origination of one-to-four family, multi-family and commercial real estate loans, we do not believe that current market pricing for multi-family and commercial real estate loans supports aggressively pursuing such loans given the additional risks associated with this type of lending and are currently only originating multi-family and commercial real estate loans in the New York metropolitan area which includes New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
We maintain liquidity levels to meet our operational needs in the normal course of our business. The levels of our liquid assets during any given period are dependent on our operating, investing and financing activities. Cash and due from banks and repurchase agreements, our most liquid assets, totaled $157.5 million at September 30, 2007 and $205.7 million at December 31, 2006. At September 30, 2007, we have $2.63 billion in borrowings with a weighted average rate of 4.80% maturing over the next twelve months. We have the flexibility to either repay or rollover these borrowings as they mature. The previously discussed recent disruption in the credit markets has not impacted our ability to engage in ordinary course borrowings. In addition, we have $7.03 billion in certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs with a weighted average rate of 4.72% maturing over the next twelve months.
The following table details our borrowing, certificate of deposit and Liquid CD maturities and their weighted average rates at September 30, 2007.
Certificates of Deposit | ||||||||||||||
Borrowings | and Liquid CDs | |||||||||||||
Weighted | Weighted | |||||||||||||
Average | Average | |||||||||||||
(Dollars in Millions) |
| Amount |
|
|
| Rate | Amount |
| Rate | |||||
Contractual Maturity: | ||||||||||||||
Within six months | $ | 928 | (1) | 3.84 | % | $ | 4,113 | 4.57 | % | |||||
Seven to twelve months | 1,700 | (2) | 5.32 | 2,914 | 4.94 | |||||||||
Thirteen to thirty-six months | 1,200 | 4.30 | 2,117 | 4.79 | ||||||||||
Thirty-seven to sixty months | 775 | (3) | 4.59 | 373 | 4.98 | |||||||||
Over five years | 2,329 | (4) | 4.77 | 13 | 4.26 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 6,932 | 4.68 | % | $ | 9,530 | 4.75 | % |
(1) | Includes $378.0 million of overnight and other short-term borrowings with a weighted average rate of 4.84%. |
(2) | Includes $1.58 billion of borrowings, with a weighted average rate of 5.34%, which are callable by the counterparty within the next six months. |
(3) | Includes $100.0 million of borrowings, with a rate of 5.02%, which are callable by the counterparty within seven to twelve months and at various times thereafter and $675.0 million of borrowings with a weighted average rate of 4.53%, which are callable by the counterparty within the next thirteen to thirty-six months. |
(4) | Includes $1.00 billion of borrowings, with a weighted average rate of 4.22%, which are callable by the counterparty within the next six months and at various times thereafter and $950.0 million of borrowings, with a weighted average rate of 4.42%, which are callable by the counterparty within thirteen to thirty-six months and at various times thereafter. |
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Additional sources of liquidity at the holding company level have included issuances of securities into the capital markets, including private issuances of trust preferred securities and senior debt.Holding company debt obligations are included in other borrowings. Our ability to continue to access the capital markets for additional financing at favorable terms may be limited by, among other things, market demand, interest rates, our capital levels, Astoria Federal’s ability to pay dividends to Astoria Financial Corporation, our credit profile and ratings and our business model. We do not believe that the previously discussed recent disruption in the credit markets will materially impact our ability to access the capital markets.
Astoria Financial Corporation’s primary uses of funds include payment of dividends, payment of principal and interest on its debt obligations and repurchases of common stock. Astoria Financial Corporation paid principal and interest on its debt obligations totaling $36.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Our payment of dividends and repurchases of our common stock totaled $138.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Our ability to pay dividends, service our debt obligations and repurchase common stock is dependent primarily upon receipt of capital distributions from Astoria Federal. Since Astoria Federal is a federally chartered savings association, there are limits on its ability to make distributions to Astoria Financial Corporation. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, Astoria Federal paid dividends to Astoria Financial Corporation totaling $126.0 million.
On September 4, 2007, we paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share on shares of our common stock outstanding as of the close of business on August 15, 2007 totaling $23.5 million. On October 17, 2007, we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share on shares of our common stock payable on December 3, 2007 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 15, 2007.
During the quarter ended September 30, 2007, we completed our eleventh stock repurchase plan, which was approved by our Board of Directors on December 21, 2005 and authorized the purchase, at management’s discretion, of 10,000,000 shares, or approximately 10% of our common stock outstanding, through December 31, 2007 in open-market or privately negotiated transactions. On April 18, 2007, our Board of Directors approved our twelfth stock repurchase plan authorizing the purchase of 10,000,000 shares, or approximately 10% of our common stock outstanding, in open-market or privately negotiated transactions. Stock repurchases under our twelfth stock repurchase plan commenced immediately following the completion of our eleventh stock repurchase plan on July 30, 2007. Under these plans, during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we repurchased 2,500,000 shares of our common stock, at an aggregate cost of $67.4 million, of which 632,700 shares were acquired pursuant to our twelfth stock repurchase plan. For further information on our common stock repurchases, see Part II, Item 2, “Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.”
See “Financial Condition” for a further discussion of the changes in stockholders’ equity.
At September 30, 2007, Astoria Federal’s capital levels exceeded all of its regulatory capital requirements with a tangible capital ratio of 6.60%, leverage capital ratio of 6.60% and total risk-based capital ratio of 12.08% .. The minimum regulatory requirements are a tangible capital ratio of 1.50%, leverage capital ratio of 4.00% and total risk-based capital ratio of 8.00% . As of September 30, 2007, Astoria Federal continues to be a “well capitalized” institution.
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
We are a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of our business in order to meet the financing needs of our customers and in connection with our overall interest rate risk management strategy. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. In accordance with GAAP, these instruments are either not recorded in the consolidated financial statements or are recorded in amounts that differ from the notional amounts. Such instruments primarily include lending commitments and lease commitments.
Lending commitments include commitments to originate and purchase loans and commitments to fund unused lines of credit. Additionally, in connection with our mortgage banking activities, we have commitments to fund loans held-for-sale and commitments to sell loans which are considered derivative instruments. Commitments to sell loans totaled $28.2 million at September 30, 2007. The fair values of our mortgage banking derivative instruments are immaterial to our financial condition and results of operations. We also have contractual obligations related to operating lease commitments which have not changed significantly from December 31, 2006.
The following table details our contractual obligations at September 30, 2007.
Payments due by period | ||||||||||
Less than | One to | Three to | More than | |||||||
(In Thousands) |
| Total |
| One Year |
| Three Years |
| Five Years |
| Five Years |
Contractual Obligations: | ||||||||||
Borrowings with original terms greater than three months | $6,553,866 | $2,250,000 | $1,200,000 | $775,000 | $2,328,866 | |||||
Commitments to originate and purchase loans (1) | 564,723 | 564,723 | - | - | - | |||||
Commitments to fund unused lines of credit (2) | 402,579 | 402,579 | - | - | - | |||||
Total | $7,521,168 | $3,217,302 | $1,200,000 | $775,000 | $2,328,866 |
(1) | Commitments to originate and purchase loans include commitments to originate loans held-for-sale of $26.7 million. |
(2) | Unused lines of credit relate primarily to home equity lines of credit. |
In addition to the contractual obligations previously discussed, we have contingent liabilities related to assets sold with recourse and standby letters of credit. Contingent liabilities related to assets sold with recourse and standby letters of credit as of September 30, 2007 have not changed significantly from December 31, 2006.
For further information regarding our off-balance sheet arrangements and contractual obligations, see Part II, Item 7, “MD&A,” in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Loan Portfolio
The following table sets forth the composition of our loans receivable portfolio in dollar amounts and in percentages of the portfolio at the dates indicated.
At September 30, 2007 |
| At December 31, 2006 | ||||||||||
Percent | Percent | |||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| Amount |
| of Total |
| Amount |
| of Total | ||||
Mortgage loans (gross): | ||||||||||||
One-to-four family | $11,349,658 | 71.65 | % | $10,214,146 | 68.67 | % | ||||||
Multi-family | 2,989,024 | 18.87 | 2,987,531 | 20.09 | ||||||||
Commercial real estate | 1,044,288 | 6.59 | 1,100,218 | 7.40 | ||||||||
Construction | 89,397 | 0.56 | 140,182 | 0.94 | ||||||||
Total mortgage loans | 15,472,367 | 97.67 | 14,442,077 | 97.10 | ||||||||
Consumer and other loans (gross): | ||||||||||||
Home equity | 331,724 | 2.09 | 392,141 | 2.64 | ||||||||
Commercial | 21,965 | 0.14 | 22,262 | 0.15 | ||||||||
Other | 16,031 | 0.10 | 16,387 | 0.11 | ||||||||
Total consumer and other loans | 369,720 | 2.33 | 430,790 | 2.90 | ||||||||
Total loans (gross) | 15,842,087 | 100.00 | % | 14,872,867 | 100.00 | % | ||||||
Net unamortized premiums and | ||||||||||||
deferred loan costs | 111,192 | 98,824 | ||||||||||
Total loans | 15,953,279 | 14,971,691 | ||||||||||
Allowance for loan losses | (78,254 | ) | (79,942 | ) | ||||||||
Total loans, net | $15,875,025 | $14,891,749 |
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Securities Portfolio
The following table sets forth the amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity at the dates indicated.
At September 30, 2007 |
| At December 31, 2006 | ||||||||||
Estimated | Estimated | |||||||||||
Amortized | Fair | Amortized | Fair | |||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| Cost |
| Value |
| Cost |
| Value | ||||
Securities available-for-sale: | ||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities: | ||||||||||||
REMICs and CMOs (1): | ||||||||||||
GSE issuance | $ | 1,223,679 | $ | 1,162,756 | $ | 1,386,136 | $ | 1,315,254 | ||||
Non-GSE issuance | 43,021 | 40,542 | 51,111 | 47,905 | ||||||||
GSE pass-through certificates | 54,351 | 55,195 | 64,995 | 65,956 | ||||||||
Total mortgage-backed securities | 1,321,051 | 1,258,493 | 1,502,242 | 1,429,115 | ||||||||
FHLMC and FNMA preferred stock | 103,495 | 99,319 | 123,495 | 130,217 | ||||||||
Other securities | 550 | 550 | 1,001 | 993 | ||||||||
Total securities available-for-sale | $ | 1,425,096 | $ | 1,358,362 | $ | 1,626,738 | $ | 1,560,325 | ||||
Securities held-to-maturity: | ||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities: | ||||||||||||
REMICs and CMOs: | ||||||||||||
GSE issuance | $ | 2,952,112 | $ | 2,890,101 | $ | 3,474,662 | $ | 3,386,413 | ||||
Non-GSE issuance | 239,128 | 231,586 | 283,017 | 273,394 | ||||||||
GSE pass-through certificates | 2,309 | 2,378 | 3,484 | 3,570 | ||||||||
Total mortgage-backed securities | 3,193,549 | 3,124,065 | 3,761,163 | 3,663,377 | ||||||||
Obligations of states and political sub- | ||||||||||||
divisions and corporate debt securities | 16,668 | 16,660 | 18,193 | 18,137 | ||||||||
Total securities held-to-maturity | $ | 3,210,217 | $ | 3,140,725 | $ | 3,779,356 | $ | 3,681,514 |
(1)Real estate mortgage investment conduits and collateralized mortgage obligations
Comparison of Financial Condition as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 and Operating Results for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
Financial Condition
Total assets increased $191.6 million to $21.75 billion at September 30, 2007, from $21.55 billion at December 31, 2006. The increase in total assets primarily reflects an increase in loans receivable, partially offset by a decrease in securities.
Our total loan portfolio increased $981.6 million to $15.95 billion at September 30, 2007, from $14.97 billion at December 31, 2006. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in our mortgage loan portfolio. Mortgage loans, net, increased $1.05 billion to $15.58 billion at September 30, 2007, from $14.53 billion at December 31, 2006. This increase was primarily due to an increase in our one-to-four family mortgage loan portfolio. Gross mortgage loans originated and purchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 totaled $3.35 billion, of which $3.03 billion were originations and $317.4 million were purchases. This compares to gross mortgage loans originated and purchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 totaling $2.36 billion, of which $2.10 billion were originations and $263.3 million were purchases. Total mortgage loans originated include originations of loans held-for-sale totaling $171.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and $180.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2006. As previously discussed, the increase
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in mortgage loan originations is the result of an increase in one-to-four family loan originations, partially offset by a decrease in multi-family and commercial real estate loan originations. Mortgage loan repayments increased to $2.15 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $1.81 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
Our mortgage loan portfolio, as well as our originations and purchases, continue to consist primarily of one-to-four family mortgage loans. Our one-to-four family mortgage loans increased $1.14 billion to $11.35 billion at September 30, 2007, from $10.21 billion at December 31, 2006, and represented 71.7% of our total loan portfolio at September 30, 2007. One-to-four family loan originations and purchases totaled $3.00 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and $1.78 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in one-to-four family loan originations is primarily attributable to mortgage refinance opportunities, our competitive pricing and the recent dislocations in the secondary residential mortgage market, as previously discussed.
Our multi-family mortgage loan portfolio totaled $2.99 billion at September 30, 2007 and at December 31, 2006. Our commercial real estate loan portfolio decreased $55.9 million to $1.04 billion at September 30, 2007, from $1.10 billion at December 31, 2006. Multi-family and commercial real estate loan originations totaled $344.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and $559.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. As previously discussed, we do not believe that current market pricing for multi-family and commercial real estate loans supports aggressively pursuing such loans given the additional risks associated with this type of lending. At September 30, 2007, the average loan balance within our combined multi-family and commercial real estate loan portfolio continues to be less than $1.0 million and the average loan-to-value ratio, based on current principal balance and original appraised value, continues to be less than 65%.
Our construction loan portfolio decreased $50.8 million to $89.4 million at September 30, 2007, from $140.2 million at December 31, 2006. This decrease is primarily the result of our decision to not aggressively pursue these types of loans in the current real estate market. Our consumer and other loan portfolio decreased $61.1 million to $369.7 million at September 30, 2007, from $430.8 million at December 31, 2006. This decrease is primarily the result of a decline in consumer demand for home equity lines of credit resulting from increases in the prime rate during the first half of 2006.
Securities decreased $771.1 million to $4.57 billion at September 30, 2007, from $5.34 billion at December 31, 2006. This decrease, which reflects our previously discussed strategy of reducing the securities portfolio, was primarily the result of principal payments received. At September 30, 2007, our securities portfolio is comprised primarily of fixed rate REMIC and CMO securities. The amortized cost of our fixed rate REMICs and CMOs totaled $4.45 billion at September 30, 2007, and had a weighted average coupon of 4.27%, a weighted average collateral coupon of 5.73% and a weighted average life of 3.4 years.
Deposits increased $42.0 million to $13.27 billion at September 30, 2007, from $13.22 billion at December 31, 2006, primarily due to increases in certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs, substantially offset by decreases in savings, money market and NOW and demand deposit accounts.
Certificates of deposit increased $351.6 million to $8.07 billion at September 30, 2007, from $7.71 billion at December 31, 2006. Liquid CDs increased $16.4 million to $1.46 billion at September 30, 2007, from $1.45 billion at December 31, 2006. Our certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs increased primarily as a result of the continued success of our marketing efforts and
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competitive pricing strategies during the first half of 2007. We continue to experience intense competition for deposits. During the 2007 third quarter, as short-term market interest rates declined, retail deposit pricing remained at higher levels. In response, we have taken advantage of lower cost borrowings for funding some of our loan growth in the third quarter, which has resulted in net deposit outflows. Savings accounts decreased $189.1 million since December 31, 2006 to $1.94 billion at September 30, 2007. Money market accounts decreased $82.8 million since December 31, 2006 to $352.9 million at September 30, 2007. NOW and demand deposit accounts decreased $54.1 million since December 31, 2006 to $1.44 billion at September 30, 2007. The decreases in savings, money market and NOW and demand deposits accounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were significantly lower than the decreases we had experienced during the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
Total borrowings, net, increased $93.5 million to $6.93 billion at September 30, 2007, from $6.84 billion at December 31, 2006, primarily due to an increase in Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, or FHLB-NY, advances, partially offset by a decrease in reverse repurchase agreements. The net increase in total borrowings is a result of our use of lower cost borrowings to fund some of our loan growth in the 2007 third quarter. For additional information, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Stockholders' equity decreased $10.1 million to $1.21 billion at September 30, 2007, from $1.22 billion at December 31, 2006. The decrease in stockholders’ equity was the result of dividends declared of $71.1 million and common stock repurchased of $67.4 million. These decreases were partially offset by net income of $105.1 million, stock-based compensation and the allocation of shares held by the employee stock ownership plan, or ESOP, of $11.9 million and the effect of stock options exercised and related tax benefit of $11.0 million.
Results of Operations
General
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2007 decreased $5.8 million to $35.3 million, from $41.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. Diluted earnings per common share decreased to $0.39 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $0.43 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2006. Return on average assets decreased to 0.66% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from 0.76% for the three months ended September 30, 2006. Return on average stockholders’ equity decreased to 11.82% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from 13.06% for the three months ended September 30, 2006. Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity, which represents average stockholders’ equity less average goodwill, decreased to 13.99% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from 15.31% for the three months ended September 30, 2006.
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 decreased $32.7 million to $105.1 million, from $137.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Diluted earnings per common share decreased to $1.14 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $1.40 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Return on average assets decreased to 0.65% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from 0.84% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Return on average stockholders’ equity decreased to 11.67% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from 14.27% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity decreased to 13.79% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from 16.67% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The decreases in the returns on average assets, average stockholders’ equity and average tangible stockholders’ equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007,
27
compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, were primarily due to the decreases in net income.
Net Interest Income
Net interest income represents the difference between income on interest-earning assets and expense on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income depends primarily upon the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the corresponding interest rates earned or paid. Our net interest income is significantly impacted by changes in interest rates and market yield curves and their related impact on cash flows. See Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” for further discussion of the potential impact of changes in interest rates on our results of operations.
For the three months ended September 30, 2007, net interest income decreased $9.5 million to $81.2 million, from $90.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, net interest income decreased $51.9 million to $251.6 million, from $303.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The decreases in net interest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 were primarily the result of increases in interest expense due to the upward repricing of our liabilities which are more sensitive to increases in interest rates than our assets, partially offset by increases in interest income. While the U.S. Treasury yield curve remained flat-to-inverted during 2006 and the first half of 2007, it did so at progressively higher levels of interest rates. These higher interest rates, coupled with a very competitive environment for deposits, resulted in significant increases in the costs of our certificates of deposit, Liquid CDs and borrowings.
The net interest margin decreased to 1.58% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from 1.75% for the three months ended September 30, 2006, and decreased to 1.63% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from 1.93% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The net interest rate spread decreased to 1.46% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from 1.64% for the three months ended September 30, 2006, and decreased to 1.52% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from 1.83% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The decreases in the net interest margin and the net interest rate spread were primarily due to the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities rising more rapidly than the yield on our interest-earning assets. Our borrowings, Liquid CDs and certificates of deposit reprice more frequently, reflecting increases in interest rates more rapidly, than our mortgage loans and securities which have longer repricing intervals and terms. In addition, the average balances of our Liquid CDs and certificates of deposit, which have a higher average cost than our other deposit products, have increased significantly. The average balance of net interest-earning assets decreased $34.1 million to $605.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $639.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, and $50.2 million to $608.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $659.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
The changes in average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and their related yields and costs are discussed in greater detail under “Interest Income” and “Interest Expense.”
Analysis of Net Interest Income
The following tables set forth certain information about the average balances of our assets and liabilities and their related yields and costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006. Average yields are derived by dividing income by the average balance of the related assets and average costs are derived by dividing expense by the average balance of the
28
related liabilities, for the periods shown. Average balances are derived from average daily balances. The yields and costs include amortization of fees, costs, premiums and discounts which are considered adjustments to interest rates.
For the Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||
Average | Average | |||||||||||||||||||
Average | Yield/ | Average | Yield/ | |||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | Balance | Interest | Cost | Balance | Interest | Cost | ||||||||||||||
(Annualized) | (Annualized) | |||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest-earning assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage loans (1): | ||||||||||||||||||||
One-to-four family | $ | 11,171,094 | $ | 150,645 | 5.39 | % | $ | 9,952,037 | $ | 127,735 | 5.13 | % | ||||||||
Multi-family, commercial | ||||||||||||||||||||
real estate and construction | 4,154,097 | 63,052 | 6.07 | 4,268,318 | 65,933 | 6.18 | ||||||||||||||
Consumer and other loans (1) | 384,019 | 7,472 | 7.78 | 468,436 | 9,099 | 7.77 | ||||||||||||||
Total loans | 15,709,210 | 221,169 | 5.63 | 14,688,791 | 202,767 | 5.52 | ||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed and | ||||||||||||||||||||
other securities (2) | 4,711,162 | 53,227 | 4.52 | 5,774,554 | 64,946 | 4.50 | ||||||||||||||
Repurchase agreements | 25,631 | 337 | 5.26 | 95,969 | 1,266 | 5.28 | ||||||||||||||
FHLB-NY stock | 166,938 | 2,899 | 6.95 | 142,998 | 2,049 | 5.73 | ||||||||||||||
Total interest-earning assets | 20,612,941 | 277,632 | 5.39 | 20,702,312 | 271,028 | 5.24 | ||||||||||||||
Goodwill | 185,151 | 185,151 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other non-interest-earning assets | 749,522 | 778,978 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 21,547,614 | $ | 21,666,441 | ||||||||||||||||
Liabilities and stockholders' equity: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest-bearing liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Savings | $ | 1,983,161 | 2,016 | 0.41 | $ | 2,277,608 | 2,309 | 0.41 | ||||||||||||
Money market | 365,919 | 926 | 1.01 | 506,959 | 1,281 | 1.01 | ||||||||||||||
NOW and demand deposit | 1,453,669 | 214 | 0.06 | 1,482,642 | 218 | 0.06 | ||||||||||||||
Liquid CDs | 1,570,599 | 18,501 | 4.71 | 1,243,914 | 15,184 | 4.88 | ||||||||||||||
Total core deposits | 5,373,348 | 21,657 | 1.61 | 5,511,123 | 18,992 | 1.38 | ||||||||||||||
Certificates of deposit | 7,946,982 | 95,293 | 4.80 | 7,505,903 | 83,111 | 4.43 | ||||||||||||||
Total deposits | 13,320,330 | 116,950 | 3.51 | 13,017,026 | 102,103 | 3.14 | ||||||||||||||
Borrowings | 6,687,400 | 79,505 | 4.76 | 7,045,962 | 78,258 | 4.44 | ||||||||||||||
Total interest-bearing liabilities | 20,007,730 | 196,455 | 3.93 | 20,062,988 | 180,361 | 3.60 | ||||||||||||||
Non-interest-bearing liabilities | 345,377 | 344,467 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 20,353,107 | 20,407,455 | ||||||||||||||||||
Stockholders' equity | 1,194,507 | 1,258,986 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' | ||||||||||||||||||||
equity | $ | 21,547,614 | $ | 21,666,441 | ||||||||||||||||
Net interest income/net interest | ||||||||||||||||||||
rate spread (3) | $ | 81,177 | 1.46 | % | $ | 90,667 | 1.64 | % | ||||||||||||
Net interest-earning assets/net | ||||||||||||||||||||
interest margin (4) | $ | 605,211 | 1.58 | % | $ | 639,324 | 1.75 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratio of interest-earning assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
to interest-bearing liabilities | 1.03 | x | 1.03 | x |
(1) | Mortgage loans and consumer and other loans include loans held-for-sale and non-performing loans and exclude the allowance for loan losses. |
(2) | Securities available-for-sale are included at average amortized cost. |
(3) | Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on average interest-earning assets and the average cost of average interest-bearing liabilities. |
(4) | Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets. |
29
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||
Average | Average | |||||||||||||||||||
Average | Yield/ | Average | Yield/ | |||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| Balance |
| Interest |
| Cost |
| Balance |
| Interest |
| Cost | ||||||||
(Annualized) | (Annualized) | |||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest-earning assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage loans (1): | ||||||||||||||||||||
One-to-four family | $ | 10,771,698 | $ | 428,729 | 5.31 | % | $ | 9,921,036 | $ | 378,226 | 5.08 | % | ||||||||
Multi-family, commercial | ||||||||||||||||||||
real estate and construction | 4,194,081 | 192,160 | 6.11 | 4,192,095 | 192,178 | 6.11 | ||||||||||||||
Consumer and other loans (1) | 406,967 | 23,478 | 7.69 | 488,223 | 26,918 | 7.35 | ||||||||||||||
Total loans | 15,372,746 | 644,367 | 5.59 | 14,601,354 | 597,322 | 5.45 | ||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed and | ||||||||||||||||||||
other securities (2) | 4,966,923 | 168,127 | 4.51 | 6,098,527 | 205,373 | 4.49 | ||||||||||||||
Federal funds sold and | ||||||||||||||||||||
repurchase agreements | 45,772 | 1,812 | 5.28 | 145,121 | 5,205 | 4.78 | ||||||||||||||
FHLB-NY stock | 156,955 | 8,246 | 7.00 | 141,577 | 5,535 | 5.21 | ||||||||||||||
Total interest-earning assets | 20,542,396 | 822,552 | 5.34 | 20,986,579 | 813,435 | 5.17 | ||||||||||||||
Goodwill | 185,151 | 185,151 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other non-interest-earning assets | 756,862 | 788,337 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 21,484,409 | $ | 21,960,067 | ||||||||||||||||
Liabilities and stockholders' equity: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest-bearing liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Savings | $ | 2,047,732 | 6,177 | 0.40 | $ | 2,380,057 | 7,164 | 0.40 | ||||||||||||
Money market | 392,785 | 2,933 | 1.00 | 563,485 | 4,135 | 0.98 | ||||||||||||||
NOW and demand deposit | 1,471,293 | 639 | 0.06 | 1,512,951 | 662 | 0.06 | ||||||||||||||
Liquid CDs | 1,585,104 | 57,278 | 4.82 | 981,897 | 32,636 | 4.43 | ||||||||||||||
Total core deposits | 5,496,914 | 67,027 | 1.63 | 5,438,390 | 44,597 | 1.09 | ||||||||||||||
Certificates of deposit | 7,791,434 | 274,377 | 4.70 | 7,513,758 | 230,760 | 4.09 | ||||||||||||||
Total deposits | 13,288,348 | 341,404 | 3.43 | 12,952,148 | 275,357 | 2.83 | ||||||||||||||
Borrowings | 6,645,192 | 229,553 | 4.61 | 7,375,315 | 234,549 | 4.24 | ||||||||||||||
Total interest-bearing liabilities | 19,933,540 | 570,957 | 3.82 | 20,327,463 | 509,906 | 3.34 | ||||||||||||||
Non-interest-bearing liabilities | 349,186 | 345,408 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 20,282,726 | 20,672,871 | ||||||||||||||||||
Stockholders' equity | 1,201,683 | 1,287,196 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' | ||||||||||||||||||||
equity | $ | 21,484,409 | $ | 21,960,067 | ||||||||||||||||
Net interest income/net interest | ||||||||||||||||||||
rate spread (3) | $ | 251,595 | 1.52 | % | $ | 303,529 | 1.83 | % | ||||||||||||
Net interest-earning assets/net | ||||||||||||||||||||
interest margin (4) | $ | 608,856 | 1.63 | % | $ | 659,116 | 1.93 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratio of interest-earning assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
to interest-bearing liabilities | 1.03 | x | 1.03 | x |
(1) | Mortgage loans and consumer and other loans include loans held-for-sale and non-performing loans and exclude the allowance for loan losses. |
(2) | Securities available-for-sale are included at average amortized cost. |
(3) | Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on average interest-earning assets and the average cost of average interest-bearing liabilities. |
(4) | Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets. |
30
Rate/Volume Analysis
The following table presents the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have affected our interest income and interest expense during the periods indicated. Information is provided in each category with respect to (1) the changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate), (2) the changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume), and (3) the net change. The changes attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to volume and the changes due to rate.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Compared to | Compared to | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) |
| Volume |
| Rate |
| Net |
| Volume |
| Rate |
| Net | ||||||||||||
Interest-earning assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage loans: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
One-to-four family | $ | 16,205 | $ | 6,705 | $ | 22,910 | $ | 33,051 | $ | 17,452 | $ | 50,503 | ||||||||||||
Multi-family, commercial | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
real estate and construction | (1,730 | ) | (1,151 | ) | (2,881 | ) | (18 | ) | - | (18 | ) | |||||||||||||
Consumer and other loans | (1,639 | ) | 12 | (1,627 | ) | (4,640 | ) | 1,200 | (3,440 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed and other securities | (12,007 | ) | 288 | (11,719 | ) | (38,160 | ) | 914 | (37,246 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Federal funds sold and | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
repurchase agreements | (924 | ) | (5 | ) | (929 | ) | (3,887 | ) | 494 | (3,393 | ) | |||||||||||||
FHLB-NY stock | 374 | 476 | 850 | 651 | 2,060 | 2,711 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total | 279 | 6,325 | 6,604 | (13,003 | ) | 22,120 | 9,117 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest-bearing liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Savings | (293 | ) | - | (293 | ) | (987 | ) | - | (987 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Money market | (355 | ) | - | (355 | ) | (1,285 | ) | 83 | (1,202 | ) | ||||||||||||||
NOW and demand deposit | (4 | ) | - | (4 | ) | (23 | ) | - | (23 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Liquid CDs | 3,862 | (545 | ) | 3,317 | 21,553 | 3,089 | 24,642 | |||||||||||||||||
Certificates of deposit | 5,031 | 7,151 | 12,182 | 8,662 | 34,955 | 43,617 | ||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings | (4,150 | ) | 5,397 | 1,247 | (24,411 | ) | 19,415 | (4,996 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Total | 4,091 | 12,003 | 16,094 | 3,509 | 57,542 | 61,051 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net change in net interest income | $ | (3,812 | ) | $ | (5,678 | ) | $ | (9,490 | ) | $ | (16,512 | ) | $ | (35,422 | ) | $ | (51,934 | ) |
Interest Income
Interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased $6.6 million to $277.6 million, from $271.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets to 5.39% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from 5.24% for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The average balance of interest-earning assets decreased $89.4 million to $20.61 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $20.70 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets was primarily the result of the overall increase in interest rates over the past several years. The decrease in the average balance of interest-earning assets was due to decreases in the average balances of mortgage-backed and other securities and repurchase agreements, partially offset by increases in the average balances of loans and FHLB-NY stock.
Interest income on one-to-four family mortgage loans increased $22.9 million to $150.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $127.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, which was primarily the result of an increase of $1.22 billion in the average
31
balance of such loans, coupled with an increase in the average yield to 5.39% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from 5.13% for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in the average balance of one-to-four family mortgage loans is the result of strong levels of originations and purchases which have outpaced the levels of repayments over the past year. The increase in the average yield on one-to-four family mortgage loans is primarily due to the impact of the upward repricing of our adjustable rate mortgage loans, coupled with new loan originations at higher interest rates than the rates on the loans being repaid.
Interest income on multi-family, commercial real estate and construction loans decreased $2.8 million to $63.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $65.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, which was the result of a decrease of $114.2 million in the average balance of such loans, coupled with a decrease in the average yield to 6.07% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from 6.18% for the three months ended September 30, 2006. Prepayment penalties totaled $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The decrease in the average balance of multi-family, commercial real estate and construction loans reflects the levels of repayments which outpaced the levels of originations. Our originations of, and yields on, these loans have declined in recent periods due primarily to the competitive market pricing previously discussed.
Interest income on consumer and other loans decreased $1.6 million to $7.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $9.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to a decrease of $84.4 million in the average balance of the portfolio. The average yield was 7.78% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 7.77% for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The decrease in the average balance of consumer and other loans was primarily the result of a decline in consumer demand for home equity lines of credit resulting from increases in the prime rate during the first half of 2006. Home equity lines of credit represented 89.7% of this portfolio at September 30, 2007.
Interest income on mortgage-backed and other securities decreased $11.7 million to $53.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $64.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. This decrease was primarily the result of a decrease of $1.06 billion in the average balance of the portfolio. The average yield was 4.52% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 4.50% for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The decrease in the average balance of mortgage-backed and other securities reflects our previously discussed strategy of reducing the securities portfolio.
Interest income on repurchase agreements decreased $929,000 to $337,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007, primarily due to a decrease of $70.3 million in the average balance of the portfolio. The average yield was 5.26% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 5.28% for the three months ended September 30, 2006. Dividend income on FHLB-NY stock increased $850,000 to $2.9 million for the three months ended September 30 2007, primarily due to an increase in the average yield to 6.95% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from 5.73% for the three months ended September 30, 2006, as a result of increases in the dividend rates paid by the FHLB-NY, coupled with an increase of $23.9 million in the average balance of FHLB-NY stock.
Interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased $9.2 million to $822.6 million, from $813.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets to 5.34% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from 5.17% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, partially offset by a decrease of $444.2 million in the average balance of interest-earning
32
assets to $20.54 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $20.99 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
Interest income on one-to-four family mortgage loans increased $50.5 million to $428.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $378.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, which was primarily the result of an increase of $850.7 million in the average balance of such loans, coupled with an increase in the average yield to 5.31% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from 5.08% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
Interest income on multi-family, commercial real estate and construction loans was $192.2 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006. The average balance of such loans totaled $4.19 billion and the average yield was 6.11% for each of the nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 and 2006. Prepayment penalties totaled $5.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and $5.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
Interest income on consumer and other loans decreased $3.4 million to $23.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $26.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to a decrease of $81.3 million in the average balance of the portfolio, partially offset by an increase in the average yield to 7.69% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from 7.35% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in the average yield on consumer and other loans was primarily the result of an increase in the average yield on our home equity lines of credit due to the increase in the prime rate during the first half of 2006.
Interest income on mortgage-backed and other securities decreased $37.3 million to $168.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $205.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This decrease was primarily the result of a decrease of $1.13 billion in the average balance of the portfolio. The average yield was 4.51% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 4.49% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
Interest income on federal funds sold and repurchase agreements decreased $3.4 million to $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, primarily due to a decrease of $99.3 million in the average balance of the portfolio, partially offset by an increase in the average yield to 5.28% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from 4.78% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in the average yield reflects the federal funds rate increases during the first half of 2006. Dividend income on FHLB-NY stock increased $2.7 million to $8.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, primarily due to an increase in the average yield to 7.00% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from 5.21% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, coupled with an increase of $15.4 million in the average balance of FHLB-NY stock.
Except as otherwise noted, the principal reasons for the changes in the average yields and average balances of the various assets noted above for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 are consistent with the principal reasons for the changes noted for the three months ended September 30, 2007.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased $16.1 million to $196.5 million, from $180.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. This
33
increase was primarily the result of an increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 3.93% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from 3.60% for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities was primarily due to the impact of the increase in interest rates on our certificates of deposit and borrowings, coupled with the increases in the average balances of certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs, which have a higher average cost than our other deposit products. The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities decreased $55.3 million to $20.01 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $20.06 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2006, due to a decrease in the average balance of borrowings, substantially offset by an increase in the average balance of deposits.
Interest expense on deposits increased $14.9 million to $117.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $102.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to an increase of $303.3 million in the average balance of total deposits, coupled with an increase in the average cost of total deposits to 3.51% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from 3.14% for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in the average balance of total deposits was primarily the result of increases in the average balances of certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs, partially offset by decreases in the average balances of savings, money market and NOW and demand deposit accounts primarily as a result of continued competition for these types of deposits. The increase in the average cost of total deposits was primarily due to the impact of higher interest rates on our certificates of deposit, coupled with the increases in the average balances of certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs.
Interest expense on certificates of deposit increased $12.2 million to $95.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $83.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to an increase in the average cost to 4.80% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from 4.43% for the three months ended September 30, 2006, coupled with an increase of $441.1 million in the average balance. During the three months ended September 30, 2007, $2.15 billion of certificates of deposit, with a weighted average rate of 4.85% and a weighted average maturity at inception of fifteen months, matured and $2.23 billion of certificates of deposit were issued or repriced, with a weighted average rate of 4.97% and a weighted average maturity at inception of eleven months. Interest expense on Liquid CDs increased $3.3 million to $18.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $15.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to an increase of $326.7 million in the average balance, partially offset by a decrease in the average cost to 4.71% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from 4.88% for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The increases in the average balances of certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs were primarily a result of the success of our marketing efforts and competitive pricing strategies throughout 2006 and the first half of 2007 which focused on attracting these types of deposits. As previously discussed, during the 2007 third quarter, retail deposit pricing remained very competitive even as short-term market interest rates declined. We maintained our pricing discipline which contributed to the decrease in the average cost of our Liquid CDs in the 2007 third quarter compared to the 2006 third quarter.
Interest expense on savings accounts decreased $293,000 to $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, as a result of a decrease of $294.4 million in the average balance. Interest expense on money market accounts decreased $355,000 to $926,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, as a result of a decrease of $141.0 million in the average balance. The decreases in the average balances of these accounts reflect the previously discussed continued intense competition for deposits.
34
Interest expense on borrowings for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased $1.2 million to $79.5 million, from $78.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to an increase in the average cost to 4.76% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from 4.44% for the three months ended September 30, 2006, partially offset by a decrease of $358.6 million in the average balance. The increase in the average cost of borrowings reflects the upward repricing of borrowings which matured and were refinanced over the past year. The decrease in the average balance of borrowings was primarily the result of our strategy in 2006 of reducing both the securities and borrowings portfolios through normal cash flow, while emphasizing deposit and loan growth.
Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased $61.1 million to $571.0 million, from $509.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 3.82% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from 3.34% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities decreased $393.9 million to $19.93 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $20.33 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
Interest expense on deposits increased $66.0 million to $341.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $275.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to an increase in the average cost of total deposits to 3.43% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from 2.83% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, coupled with an increase of $336.2 million in the average balance of total deposits. The increase in the average cost of total deposits was primarily due to the impact of higher interest rates on our certificates of deposit and Liquid CDs. The increase in the average balance of total deposits was primarily the result of increases in the average balances of Liquid CDs and certificates of deposit, partially offset by decreases in the average balances of savings, money market and NOW and demand deposit accounts. The decreases in savings, money market and NOW and demand deposits accounts during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were significantly lower than the decreases we had experienced during the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
Interest expense on certificates of deposit increased $43.6 million to $274.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $230.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to an increase in the average cost to 4.70% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from 4.09% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, coupled with an increase of $277.7 million in the average balance. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, $5.58 billion of certificates of deposit, with a weighted average rate of 4.76% and a weighted average maturity at inception of fifteen months, matured and $5.65 billion of certificates of deposit were issued or repriced, with a weighted average rate of 4.95% and a weighted average maturity at inception of eleven months. Interest expense on Liquid CDs increased $24.7 million to $57.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $32.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to an increase of $603.2 million in the average balance, coupled with an increase in the average cost to 4.82% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from 4.43% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
Interest expense on savings accounts decreased $1.0 million to $6.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $7.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, as a result of a decrease of $332.3 million in the average balance. Interest expense on money market accounts decreased $1.2 million to $2.9 million for the nine months ended September 30,
35
2007, from $4.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, as a result of a decrease of $170.7 million in the average balance.
Interest expense on borrowings for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 decreased $4.9 million to $229.6 million, from $234.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, resulting from a decrease of $730.1 million in the average balance, partially offset by an increase in the average cost to 4.61% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from 4.24% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
Except as otherwise noted, the principal reasons for the changes in the average costs and average balances of the various liabilities noted above for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 are consistent with the principal reasons for the changes noted for the three months ended September 30, 2007.
Provision for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses was $500,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, reflecting the higher levels of non-performing loans and net loan charge-offs experienced during the 2007 third quarter. No provision for loan losses was recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006. The allowance for loan losses was $78.3 million at September 30, 2007 and $79.9 million at December 31, 2006. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans decreased to 95.06% at September 30, 2007, from 134.55% at December 31, 2006, primarily due to an increase in non-performing loans. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans was 0.49% at September 30, 2007 and 0.53% at December 31, 2006. We believe our allowance for loan losses has been established and maintained at levels that reflect the risks inherent in our loan portfolio, giving consideration to the composition and size of our loan portfolio, charge-off experience and non-accrual and non-performing loans. The balance of our allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of the probable inherent losses in our loan portfolio at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006.
We review our allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis. Material factors considered during our quarterly review are our historical loss experience and the impact of current economic conditions. Our net loan charge-off experience was four basis points of average loans outstanding, annualized, for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and two basis points of average loans outstanding, annualized, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared to three basis points of average loans outstanding, annualized, for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and one basis point of average loans outstanding, annualized, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Net loan charge-offs totaled $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Net loan charge-offs totaled $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Net loan charge-offs included a $1.5 million charge-off in the 2007 third quarter related to a non-performing construction loan which was sold and a $947,000 charge-off in the 2006 third quarter related to a non-performing multi-family loan which was sold in 2006.
The composition of our loan portfolio has remained relatively consistent over the last several years. At September 30, 2007, our loan portfolio was comprised of 72% one-to-four family mortgage loans, 19% multi-family mortgage loans, 7% commercial real estate loans and 2% other loan categories. Our non-performing loans continue to remain at low levels relative to the size of our loan portfolio. Our non-performing loans, which are comprised primarily of mortgage loans, increased $22.9 million to $82.3 million, or 0.52% of total loans, at September
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30, 2007, from $59.4 million, or 0.40% of total loans, at December 31, 2006. This increase was primarily due to an increase of $27.1 million in non-performing one-to-four family mortgage loans, partially offset by a decrease of $6.2 million in non-performing multi-family mortgage loans. We sold non-performing mortgage loans totaling $9.4 million, primarily multi-family and commercial real estate loans, during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The increase in non-performing loans and assets occurred primarily during the 2007 third quarter.
We continue to closely monitor the local and national real estate markets and other factors related to risks inherent in our loan portfolio. Subprime mortgage lending, which has been the riskiest sector of the residential housing market, is not a market that we have ever actively pursued. Our loss experience in 2007 has been relatively consistent with our experience over the past several years and in recent years has been primarily attributable to a small number of loans. Additionally, we continue to adhere to prudent underwriting standards. However, based on our evaluation of the foregoing factors, and in recognition of the recent increases in non-performing loans and net loan charge-offs, our 2007 third quarter analyses indicated that a modest provision for loan losses was warranted for the period ended September 30, 2007.
For further discussion of the methodology used to evaluate the allowance for loan losses, see “Critical Accounting Policies” and for further discussion of our loan portfolio composition and non-performing loans, see “Asset Quality.”
Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased $1.9 million to $24.8 million, from $22.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to a $2.0 million gain on the sale of an equity security in the 2007 third quarter. There were no sales of securities in 2006.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, non-interest income increased $6.2 million to $73.7 million, from $67.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to an increase in other non-interest income and the net gain on sales of securities in the 2007 third quarter, partially offset by decreases in customer service fees and mortgage banking income, net.
Other non-interest income increased $6.6 million to $6.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from a loss of $348,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This increase is primarily due to a $5.5 million charge for the termination of our interest rate swap agreements in March 2006, coupled with a gain recognized in the 2007 second quarter related to insurance proceeds from an individual life insurance policy on a former executive.
Mortgage banking income, net, which includes loan servicing fees, net gain on sales of loans, amortization of MSR and valuation allowance adjustments for the impairment of MSR, decreased $1.8 million to $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $3.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the recovery of the valuation allowance for the impairment of MSR. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we recorded a recovery of $285,000, compared to $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The recoveries recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 primarily reflect decreases in projected loan prepayment speeds. Net gain on sales of loans decreased $357,000 to $1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $1.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to less favorable pricing opportunities for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
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Customer service fees decreased $2.0 million to $47.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $49.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This decrease was primarily the result of decreases in insufficient fund fees related to transaction accounts, ATM fees and other checking charges.
Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expense increased $3.2 million to $56.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $53.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, and increased $7.6 million to $172.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $164.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. These increases were primarily due to increases in compensation and benefits expense and other non-interest expense,partially offset by decreases in advertising expense.
Compensation and benefits expense increased $3.0 million, to $30.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $27.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, and increased $5.4 million to $91.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $86.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. These increases were primarily due to increases in salaries, stock-based compensation, corporate incentive bonuses and ESOP expense, partially offset by decreases in the net periodic cost of pension benefits. The increases in salaries expense primarily reflect normal performance increases over the past year. The increases in stock-based compensation expense reflect the additional expense related to restricted stock granted in December 2006. The increases in ESOP expense primarily reflect an increase in estimated shares to be released in 2007 as compared to 2006. The decreases in the net periodic cost of pension benefits are primarily the result of decreases in the amortization of the net actuarial loss.
Other expense increased $646,000 to $8.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $7.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, and increased $2.7 million to $25.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $22.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. These increases were primarily due to increased legal fees and other costs as a result of the goodwill litigation. See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1, “Financial Statements (Unaudited),” for further discussion of the goodwill litigation.
Advertising expense decreased $449,000 to $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, and decreased $386,000 to $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. These decreases were primarily due to a decrease in print advertising for our deposit products in September 2007.
Our percentage of general and administrative expense to average assets increased to 1.05% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from 0.98% for the three months ended September 30, 2006, and increased to 1.07% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from 1.00% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to the previously discussed increases in non-interest expense. The efficiency ratio, which represents general and administrative expense divided by the sum of net interest income plus non-interest income, was 53.35% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 52.99% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared to 46.96% for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 44.43% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increases in the efficiency ratios were primarily due to the previously discussed decreases in net interest income.
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Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense totaled $13.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, representing an effective tax rate of 27.9%, and $47.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, representing an effective tax rate of 31.0% . Income tax expense totaled $19.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, representing an effective tax rate of 31.8%, and $68.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, representing an effective tax rate of 33.2% . The decrease in the effective tax rate for 2007 was primarily due to a decrease in net unrecognized tax benefits and related accrued interest, resulting from the release of accruals for previous tax positions that have statutorily expired, coupled with a decrease in pre-tax book income without any significant change in the amount of non-temporary differences, such as tax exempt income. For additional information regarding net unrecognized tax benefits, see Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1. “Financial Statements (Unaudited).”
Asset Quality
One of our key operating objectives has been and continues to be to maintain a high level of asset quality. Our concentration on one-to-four family mortgage lending and the maintenance of sound credit standards for new loan originations have resulted in our maintaining a low level of non-performing assets relative to the size of our loan portfolio. Through a variety of strategies, including, but not limited to, aggressive collection efforts and the marketing of non-performing loans and foreclosed properties, we have been proactive in addressing problem and non-performing assets which, in turn, has helped to maintain the strength of our financial condition.
As previously discussed, the composition of our loan portfolio, by property type, has remained consistent over the last several years. At September 30, 2007, our loan portfolio was comprised of 72% one-to-four family mortgage loans, 19% multi-family mortgage loans, 7% commercial real estate loans and 2% other loan categories. This compares to 69% one-to-four family mortgage loans, 20% multi-family mortgage loans, 7% commercial real estate loans and 4% other loan categories at December 31, 2006.
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The following table provides further details on the composition of our one-to-four family and multi-family and commercial real estate mortgage loan portfolios in dollar amounts and in percentages of the portfolio at the dates indicated.
At September 30, 2007 | At December 31, 2006 | |||||||||||
Percent | Percent | |||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| Amount |
| of Total |
| Amount |
| of Total | ||||
One-to-four family: | ||||||||||||
Full documentation interest-only (1) | $ | 5,139,689 | 45.28 | % | $ | 4,023,693 | 39.39 | % | ||||
Full documentation amortizing | 3,247,335 | 28.61 | 3,288,462 | 32.20 | ||||||||
Reduced documentation interest-only (1) (2) | 2,284,176 | 20.13 | 2,149,782 | 21.05 | ||||||||
Reduced documentation amortizing (2) | 678,458 | 5.98 | 752,209 | 7.36 | ||||||||
Total one-to-four family | $ | 11,349,658 | 100.00 | % | $ | 10,214,146 | 100.00 | % | ||||
Multi-family and commercial real estate: | ||||||||||||
Full documentation amortizing | $ | 3,413,667 | 84.64 | % | $ | 3,545,178 | 86.73 | % | ||||
Full documentation interest-only | 619,645 | 15.36 | 542,571 | 13.27 | ||||||||
Total multi-family and commercial real estate | $ | 4,033,312 | 100.00 | % | $ | 4,087,749 | 100.00 | % |
(1) | Interest-only loans require the borrower to pay interest only during the first ten years of the loan term. After the tenth anniversary of the loan, principal and interest payments are required to amortize the loan over the remaining loan term. |
(2) | Reduced documentation loans are comprised primarily of SIFA (stated income, full asset) loans which require a potential borrower to complete a standard mortgage loan application and require the verification of a potential borrower’s asset information on the loan application, but not the income information provided. In addition, SIFA loans require the receipt of an appraisal of the real estate used as collateral for the mortgage loan and a credit report on the prospective borrower. Effective November 1, 2007, we have discontinued originating reduced documentation loans. |
We do not originate negative amortization loans, payment option loans, or other loans with short-term interest-only periods. During the second quarter of 2006, we began underwriting our one-to-four family interest-only adjustable rate mortgage, or ARM, loans based on a fully amortizing thirty year loan. Additionally, effective in 2007, in accordance with federal banking regulatory requirements, we began underwriting our one-to-four family interest-only ARM loans at the fully indexed rate. Based on our underwriting standards and cumulative experience with our interest-only loans, these loans have performed as well as our fully amortizing loan products. The respective allowance coverage factors utilized for interest-only and amortizing loans give appropriate recognition to the potential for increased risk of default (and risk of loss) attributable to payment increases on interest-only loans once principal amortization begins. Our interest-only multi-family and commercial real estate loans do not represent a material component of our loan portfolio.
Our loan-to-value ratios upon origination are low overall and have been consistent over the past several years. The average loan-to-value ratios, based on current principal balance and original appraised value, of total one-to-four family loans outstanding as of September 30, 2007, by year of origination, were 66% for 2007, 67% for 2006, 69% for 2005, 68% for 2004 and 57% for pre-2004 originations. As of September 30, 2007, average loan-to-value ratios, based on current principal balance and original appraised value, of total multi-family and commercial real estate loans outstanding, by year of origination, were 63% for 2007, 67% for 2006, 67% for 2005, 63% for 2004 and 58% for pre-2004 originations.
The average loan-to-value ratios, based on current principal balance and original appraised value, of total one-to-four family loans outstanding as of December 31, 2006, by year of origination, were 67% for 2006, 69% for 2005, 69% for 2004 and 62% for pre-2004 originations. As of
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December 31, 2006, average loan-to-value ratios, based on current principal balance and original appraised value, of total multi-family and commercial real estate loans outstanding, by year of origination, were 62% for 2006, 66% for 2005, 65% for 2004 and 60% for pre-2004 originations.
As previously discussed, subprime mortgage lending, which has been the riskiest sector of the residential housing market, is not a market that we have ever actively pursued. The market does not apply a uniform definition of what constitutes “subprime” lending. Our reference to subprime lending relies upon the “Statement on Subprime Mortgage Lending” issued by the OTS and the other federal bank regulatory agencies, or the Agencies, on June 29, 2007, which further references the “Expanded Guidance for Subprime Lending Programs,” or the Expanded Guidance, issued by the Agencies by press release dated January 31, 2001. In the Expanded Guidance, the Agencies indicated that subprime lending does not refer to individual subprime loans originated and managed, in the ordinary course of business, as exceptions to prime risk selection standards. The Agencies recognize that many prime loan portfolios will contain such accounts. The Agencies also excluded prime loans that develop credit problems after acquisition and community development loans from the subprime arena. According to the Expanded Guidance, subprime loans are other loans to borrowers which display one or more characteristics of reduced payment capacity. Five specific criteria,which are not intended to be exhaustive and are not meant to define specific parameters for all subprime borrowers and may not match all markets or institutions’ specific subprime definitions, are set forth, including having a FICO score of 660 or below. Based upon the definition and exclusions described above, we are a prime lender. Within our loan portfolio, we have loans that, at the time of origination, had FICO scores of 660 or below. However, as we are a portfolio lender we review all data contained in borrower credit reports and do not base our underwriting decisions solely on FICO scores. We believe the aforementioned loans, when made, were amply collateralized and otherwise conformed to our prime lending standards.
Non-Performing Assets
The following table sets forth information regarding non-performing assets at the dates indicated.
At September 30, | At December 31, | |||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) |
| 2007 |
| 2006 | ||||
Non-accrual delinquent mortgage loans | $77,761 | $58,110 | ||||||
Non-accrual delinquent consumer and other loans | 1,453 | 818 | ||||||
Mortgage loans delinquent 90 days or more and | ||||||||
still accruing interest (1) | 3,103 | 488 | ||||||
Total non-performing loans | 82,317 | 59,416 | ||||||
Real estate owned, net (2) | 4,336 | 627 | ||||||
Total non-performing assets |
| $86,653 |
| $60,043 | ||||
Non-performing loans to total loans | 0.52 | % | 0.40 | % | ||||
Non-performing loans to total assets | 0.38 | 0.28 | ||||||
Non-performing assets to total assets | 0.40 | 0.28 | ||||||
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans | 95.06 | 134.55 | ||||||
Allowance for loan losses to total loans | 0.49 | 0.53 |
(1) | Mortgage loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing interest consist solely of loans delinquent 90 days or more as to their maturity date but not their interest due. |
(2) | Real estate acquired as a result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs, and is comprised of one-to-four family properties. |
Non-performing assets increased $26.7 million to $86.7 million at September 30, 2007, from $60.0 million at December 31, 2006. Our ratio of non-performing assets to total assets was
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0.40% at September 30, 2007 and 0.28% at December 31, 2006. Non-performing loans, the most significant component of non-performing assets, increased $22.9 million to $82.3 million at September 30, 2007, from $59.4 million at December 31, 2006. The ratio of non-performing loans to total loans was 0.52% at September 30, 2007 and 0.40% at December 31, 2006. Non-performing mortgage loans, the most significant component of non-performing loans, totaled $80.9 million at September 30, 2007 and $58.6 million at December 31, 2006. The increases in non-performing loans and assets were primarily due to an increase of $27.1 million in non-performing one-to-four family mortgage loans, partially offset by a decrease of $6.2 million in non-performing multi-family mortgage loans. We sold non-performing mortgage loans totaling $9.4 million, primarily multi-family and commercial real estate loans, during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The increase in non-performing loans and assets occurred primarily during the 2007 third quarter. We believe the increase is primarily due to the overall increase in our loan portfolio and to the softening of the real estate market. Despite the increase in non-performing loans at September 30, 2007, our non-performing loans continue to remain at low levels relative to the size of our loan portfolio.
The following table provides further details on the composition of our non-performing one-to-four family and multi-family and commercial real estate mortgage loans in dollar amounts, percentages of the portfolio and loan-to-value ratios, based on current principal balance and original appraised value, at the dates indicated.
At September 30, 2007 | At December 31, 2006 | |||||||||||||||
Percent | Loan | Percent | Loan | |||||||||||||
of | -to- | of | -to- | |||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | Amount | Total | Value | Amount | Total | Value | ||||||||||
Non-performing loans: | ||||||||||||||||
One-to-four family: | ||||||||||||||||
Full documentation interest-only | $17,121 | 25.11 | % | 77 | % | $ 8,513 | 20.70 | % | 77 | % | ||||||
Full documentation amortizing | 19,095 | 28.00 | 70 | 16,404 | 39.89 | 71 | ||||||||||
Reduced documentation interest-only | 20,871 | 30.61 | 72 | 5,945 | 14.46 | 74 | ||||||||||
Reduced documentation amortizing | 11,101 | 16.28 | 66 | 10,262 | 24.95 | 68 | ||||||||||
Total one-to-four family | $68,188 | 100.00 | % | 72 | % | $41,124 | 100.00 | % | 72 | % | ||||||
Multi-family and commercial real estate: | ||||||||||||||||
Full documentation amortizing | $ 9,404 | 100.00 | % | 65 | % | $17,474 | 100.00 | % | 70 | % |
At September 30, 2007, the geographic composition of our non-performing one-to-four family mortgage loans was consistent with the geographic composition of our one-to-four family mortgage loan portfolio and, as of September 30, 2007, did not indicate a negative trend in any one particular geographic location.
We discontinue accruing interest on mortgage loans when such loans become 90 days delinquent as to their interest due, even though in some instances the borrower has only missed two payments. At September 30, 2007, $24.1 million of mortgage loans classified as non-performing had missed only two payments, compared to $17.3 million at December 31, 2006. We discontinue accruing interest on consumer and other loans when such loans become 90 days delinquent as to their payment due. In addition, we reverse all previously accrued and uncollected interest through a charge to interest income. While loans are in non-accrual status, interest due is monitored and income is recognized only to the extent cash is received until a return to accrual status is warranted.
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If all non-accrual loans at September 30, 2007 and 2006 had been performing in accordance with their original terms, we would have recorded interest income, with respect to such loans, of $3.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and $2.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This compares to actual payments recorded as interest income, with respect to such loans, of $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
In addition to non-performing loans, we had $1.7 million of potential problem loans at September 30, 2007, compared to $734,000 at December 31, 2006. Such loans are 60-89 days delinquent as shown in the following table.
Delinquent Loans
The following table shows a comparison of delinquent loans at the dates indicated. Delinquent loans are reported based on the number of days the loan payments are past due, except in the case of mortgage loans 90 days or more which are reported as such when the loans become 90 days delinquent as to their interest due, even though in some cases the borrower has only missed two payments.
At September 30, 2007 | At December 31, 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
60-89 Days | 90 Days or More | 60-89 Days | 90 Days or More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number | Number | Number | Number | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
of | of | of | of | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | Loans | Amount | Loans | Amount | Loans | Amount | Loans | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage loans: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
One-to-four family | 3 | $ 571 | 235 | $68,188 | 2 | $ 92 | 159 | $41,124 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Multi-family | - | - | 20 | 8,390 | - | - | 21 | 14,627 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial real estate | - | - | 4 | 1,014 | - | - | 5 | 2,847 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Construction | - | - | 3 | 3,272 | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
Consumer and other loans | 41 | 1,091 | 34 | 1,453 | 38 | 642 | 33 | 818 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total delinquent loans | 44 | $1,662 | 296 | $82,317 | 40 | $734 | 218 | $59,416 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Delinquent loans to total loans | 0.01% | 0.52% | 0.00% | 0.40% |
Allowance for Loan Losses
The following table sets forth the change in our allowance for losses on loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
(In Thousands) | ||||||
Balance at December 31, 2006 | $ | 79,942 | ||||
Provision charged to operations | 500 | |||||
Charge-offs: | ||||||
One-to-four family | (239 | ) | ||||
Multi-family | (73 | ) | ||||
Commercial real estate | (242 | ) | ||||
Construction | (1,454 | ) | ||||
Consumer and other loans | (522 | ) | ||||
Total charge-offs | (2,530 | ) | ||||
Recoveries: | ||||||
One-to-four family | 4 | |||||
Commercial real estate | 197 | |||||
Consumer and other loans | 141 | |||||
Total recoveries | 342 | |||||
Net loan charge-offs | (2,188 | ) | ||||
Balance at September 30, 2007 | $ | 78,254 |
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ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
As a financial institution, the primary component of our market risk is interest rate risk, or IRR. The objective of our IRR management policy is to maintain an appropriate mix and level of assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet items to enable us to meet our earnings and/or growth objectives, while maintaining specified minimum capital levels as required by the OTS, in the case of Astoria Federal, and as established by our Board of Directors. We use a variety of analyses to monitor, control and adjust our asset and liability positions, primarily interest rate sensitivity gap analysis, or gap analysis, and net interest income sensitivity, or NII sensitivity, analysis. Additional IRR modeling is done by Astoria Federal in conformity with OTS requirements.
Gap Analysis
Gap analysis measures the difference between the amount of interest-earning assets anticipated to mature or reprice within specific time periods and the amount of interest-bearing liabilities anticipated to mature or reprice within the same time periods. Gap analysis does not indicate the impact of general interest rate movements on our net interest income because the actual repricing dates of various assets and liabilities will differ from our estimates and it does not give consideration to the yields and costs of the assets and liabilities or the projected yields and costs to replace or retain those assets and liabilities. Callable features of certain assets and liabilities, in addition to the foregoing, may also cause actual experience to vary from the analysis.
The following table, referred to as the Gap Table, sets forth the amount of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities outstanding at September 30, 2007 that we anticipate will reprice or mature in each of the future time periods shown using certain assumptions based on our historical experience and other market-based data available to us. The Gap Table includes $1.00 billion of callable borrowings classified according to their maturity dates, primarily in the more than five years category, which are callable within one year and at various times thereafter. The classifications of callable borrowings according to their maturity dates are based on our experience with, and expectations of, these types of instruments and the current interest rate environment. As indicated in the Gap Table, our one-year cumulative gap at September 30, 2007 was negative 21.53% compared to negative 21.06% at December 31, 2006.
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At September 30, 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
More than | More than | |||||||||||||||||||||||
One Year | Three Years | |||||||||||||||||||||||
One Year | to | to | More than | |||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | or Less | Three Years | Five Years | Five Years | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest-earning assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage loans (1) | $ 4,618,692 | $5,748,256 | $4,626,201 | $ 406,323 | $15,399,472 | |||||||||||||||||||
Consumer and other loans (1) | 339,891 | 21,847 | 7,356 | - | 369,094 | |||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase agreements | 34,143 | - | - | - | 34,143 | |||||||||||||||||||
Securities available-for-sale | 88,547 | 668,512 | 567,612 | 103,495 | 1,428,166 | |||||||||||||||||||
Securities held-to-maturity | 823,027 | 2,001,936 | 390,728 | 40 | 3,215,731 | |||||||||||||||||||
FHLB-NY stock | - | - | - | 180,631 | 180,631 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total interest-earning assets | 5,904,300 | 8,440,551 | 5,591,897 | 690,489 | 20,627,237 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net unamortized purchase premiums | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
and deferred costs (2) | 33,279 | 35,752 | 30,903 | 2,674 | 102,608 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net interest-earning assets (3) | 5,937,579 | 8,476,303 | 5,622,800 | 693,163 | 20,729,845 | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest-bearing liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Savings | 247,442 | 412,326 | 412,326 | 868,228 | 1,940,322 | |||||||||||||||||||
Money market | 155,016 | 96,141 | 96,141 | 5,560 | 352,858 | |||||||||||||||||||
NOW and demand deposit | 112,963 | 225,938 | 225,938 | 878,001 | 1,442,840 | |||||||||||||||||||
Liquid CDs | 1,463,845 | - | - | - | 1,463,845 | |||||||||||||||||||
Certificates of deposit | 5,562,704 | 2,117,171 | 372,860 | 13,395 | 8,066,130 | |||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings, net | 3,077,373 | 1,199,009 | 774,256 | 1,878,862 | 6,929,500 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total interest-bearing liabilities | 10,619,343 | 4,050,585 | 1,881,521 | 3,644,046 | 20,195,495 | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest sensitivity gap | (4,681,764 | ) | 4,425,718 | 3,741,279 | (2,950,883 | ) | $ 534,350 | |||||||||||||||||
Cumulative interest sensitivity gap | $(4,681,764 | ) | $ (256,046 | ) | $3,485,233 | $ 534,350 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative interest sensitivity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
gap as a percentage of total assets | (21.53 | )% | (1.18 | )% | 16.03 | % | 2.46 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Cumulative net interest-earning | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
assets as a percentage of | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
interest-bearing liabilities | 55.91 | % | 98.25 | % | 121.06 | % | 102.65 | % |
(1) | Mortgage loans and consumer and other loans include loans held-for-sale and exclude non-performing loans and the allowance for loan losses. |
(2) | Net unamortized purchase premiums and deferred costs are prorated. |
(3) | Includes securities available-for-sale at amortized cost. |
NII Sensitivity Analysis
In managing IRR, we also use an internal income simulation model for our NII sensitivity analyses. These analyses measure changes in projected net interest income over various time periods resulting from hypothetical changes in interest rates. The interest rate scenarios most commonly analyzed reflect gradual and reasonable changes over a specified time period, which is typically one year. The base net interest income projection utilizes similar assumptions as those reflected in the Gap Table, assumes that cash flows are reinvested in similar assets and liabilities and that interest rates as of the reporting date remain constant over the projection period. For each alternative interest rate scenario, corresponding changes in the cash flow and repricing assumptions of each financial instrument are made to determine the impact on net interest income.
Assuming the entire yield curve was to increase 200 basis points, through quarterly parallel increments of 50 basis points and remain at that level thereafter, our projected net interest income for the twelve month period beginning October 1, 2007 would decrease by approximately 9.83% from the base projection. At December 31, 2006, in the up 200 basis point scenario, our projected net interest income for the twelve month period beginning January 1, 2007 would have decreased by approximately 10.09% from the base projection. Assuming the entire yield curve was to decrease 200 basis points, through quarterly parallel
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decrements of 50 basis points, and remain at that level thereafter, our projected net interest income for the twelve month period beginning October 1, 2007 would increase by approximately 3.59% from the base projection. At December 31, 2006, in the down 200 basis point scenario, our projected net interest income for the twelve month period beginning January 1, 2007 would have increased by approximately 4.34% from the base projection.
Various shortcomings are inherent in both the Gap Table and NII sensitivity analyses. Certain assumptions may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to market changes. Similarly, prepayment estimates and similar assumptions are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in interest rates may also affect our operating environment and operating strategies as well as those of our competitors. In addition, certain adjustable rate assets have limitations on the magnitude of rate changes over specified periods of time. Accordingly, although our NII sensitivity analyses may provide an indication of our IRR exposure, such analyses are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on our net interest income and our actual results will differ. Additionally, certain assets, liabilities and items of income and expense which may be affected by changes in interest rates, albeit to a much lesser degree, and which do not affect net interest income, are excluded from this analysis. These include income from bank owned life insurance and changes in the fair value of MSR. With respect to these items alone, and assuming the entire yield curve was to increase 200 basis points, through quarterly parallel increments of 50 basis points, and remain at that level thereafter, our projected net income for the twelve month period beginning October 1, 2007 would increase by approximately $3.8 million. Conversely, assuming the entire yield curve was to decrease 200 basis points, through quarterly parallel decrements of 50 basis points, and remain at that level thereafter, our projected net income for the twelve month period beginning October 1, 2007 would decrease by approximately $7.2 million with respect to these items alone.
For further information regarding our market risk and the limitations of our gap analysis and NII sensitivity analysis, see Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk,” included in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
George L. Engelke, Jr., our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Frank E. Fusco, our Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of September 30, 2007. Based upon their evaluation, they each found that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of our business, we are routinely made defendant in or a party to pending or threatened legal actions or proceedings which, in some cases, seek substantial monetary damages from or other forms of relief against us. In our opinion, after consultation with legal counsel, we believe it unlikely that such actions or proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Goodwill Litigation
As previously discussed, we are a party to two actions against the United States, involving assisted acquisitions made in the early 1980’s and supervisory goodwill accounting utilized in connection therewith, which could result in a gain.
On September 15, 2005, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims rendered a decision in the LISB goodwill litigation awarding us $435.8 million in damages from the U.S. government. No portion of the $435.8 million award was recognized in our consolidated financial statements. On December 14, 2005, the United States filed an appeal of such award and, on February 1, 2007, the Court of Appeals reversed such award. On April 2, 2007, we filed a petition for rehearing or rehearingen banc. Actingen banc, the appellate court returned the case to the original panel of judges for revision. The panel, on September 13, 2007, withdrew and vacated its earlier opinion and issued a new decision. This decision also reversed the award of $435.8 million in damages awarded to us by the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. We have again filed with the court a petition for rehearing or rehearingen banc.
The other action is entitledAstoria Federal Savings and Loan Association vs. United States. The evidentiary phase of the trial in this action, which commenced on April 19, 2007 before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, has been concluded. Post trial motions and closing arguments are expected to be concluded in the fourth quarter of 2007.
The ultimate outcomes of the two actions pending against the United States and the timing of such outcomes are uncertain and there can be no assurance that we will benefit financially from such litigation. Legal expense related to these two actions has been recognized as it has been incurred.
McAnaney Litigation
In 2004, an action entitledDavid McAnaney and Carolyn McAnaney, individually and onbehalf of all others similarly situated vs. Astoria Financial Corporation, et al. was commenced in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, or the Court. The action, commenced as a class action, alleges that in connection with the satisfaction of certain mortgage loans made by Astoria Federal, The Long Island Savings Bank, FSB, which was acquired by Astoria Federal in 1998, and their related entities, customers were charged attorney document preparation fees, recording fees and facsimile fees allegedly in violation of the federal Truth in Lending Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, or RESPA, the Fair Debt Collection Act, or FDCA, and the New York State Deceptive Practices Act, and alleging unjust enrichment and common law fraud.
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Astoria Federal previously moved to dismiss the amended complaint, which motion was granted in part and denied in part, dismissing claims based on violations of RESPA and FDCA. The Court further determined that class certification would be considered prior to considering summary judgment. The Court, on September 19, 2006, granted the plaintiff’s motion for class certification. Astoria Federal has denied the claims set forth in the complaint. Both we and the plaintiffs filed motions for summary judgment. The District Court, on September 12, 2007, granted our motion for summary judgment on the basis that all named plaintiffs’ Truth in Lending claims are time barred. All other aspects of plaintiffs’ and defendant’s motions for summary judgment were dismissed without prejudice. The Court found the named plaintiffs to be inadequate class representatives and provided plaintiffs’ counsel an opportunity to submit a motion for the substitution or intervention of new named plaintiffs. Plaintiffs’ counsel has moved the Court to reconsider its decision. We currently do not believe this action will likely have a material adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations. However, no assurance can be given at this time that this litigation will be resolved amicably, that this litigation will not be costly to defend, that this litigation will not have an impact on our financial condition or results of operations or that, ultimately, any such impact will not be material.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
Changes in interest rates may reduce our net income.
Our earnings depend largely on the relationship between the yield on our interest-earning assets, primarily our mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, and the cost of our deposits and borrowings. This relationship, known as the interest rate spread, is subject to fluctuation and is affected by economic and competitive factors which influence market interest rates, the volume and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the level of non-performing assets. Fluctuations in market interest rates affect customer demand for our products and services. We are subject to interest rate risk to the degree that our interest-bearing liabilities reprice or mature more slowly or more rapidly or on a different basis than our interest-earning assets.
In addition, the actual amount of time before mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities are repaid can be significantly impacted by changes in mortgage prepayment rates and market interest rates. Mortgage prepayment rates will vary due to a number of factors, including the regional economy in the area where the underlying mortgages were originated, seasonal factors, demographic variables and the assumability of the underlying mortgages. However, the major factors affecting prepayment rates are prevailing interest rates, related mortgage refinancing opportunities and competition.
Some of our borrowings contain features that would allow them to be called prior to their contractual maturity. This would generally occur during periods of rising interest rates. If this were to occur, we would need to either renew the borrowings at a potentially higher rate of interest, which would negatively impact our net interest income, or repay such borrowings. If we sell securities to fund the repayment of such borrowings, any decline in estimated market value with respect to the securities sold would be realized and could result in a loss upon such sale.
The flat-to-inverted yield curve which existed throughout 2006 and the first half of 2007 limited profitable growth opportunities and continued to put pressure on our net interest rate spread and net interest margin. During the 2007 third quarter, the FOMC decreased the
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Discount Rate and Federal Funds Rate 50 basis points which resulted in a decrease in short-term interest rates and a more positively sloped yield curve. We continue to pursue our strategy of emphasizing deposit and loan growth while reducing the securities portfolio through normal cash flow. However, based on the current retail deposit pricing, we may continue to use lower cost borrowings to fund our loan growth which may result in continued net deposit outflows.
Interest rates do and will continue to fluctuate, and we cannot predict future Federal Reserve Board actions or other factors that will cause rates to change. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that our net interest margin and net interest income will not remain under pressure.
Our results of operations are affected by economic conditions in the New York metropolitan area and other areas.
Our retail banking and a significant portion of our lending business (approximately 42% of our one-to-four family and 93% of our multi-family and commercial real estate mortgage loan portfolios at September 30, 2007) are concentrated in the New York metropolitan area, which includes New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. As a result of this geographic concentration, our results of operations largely depend upon economic conditions in this area, although they also depend on economic conditions in other areas as well.
Decreases in real estate values could adversely affect the value of property used as collateral for our loans. The average loan-to-value ratio of our mortgage loan portfolio is less than 65% based on current principal balances and original appraised values. However, no assurance can be given that the original appraised values are reflective of current market conditions. Adverse changes in the economy caused by inflation, recession, unemployment or other factors beyond our control may also have a negative effect on the ability of our borrowers to make timely loan payments, which would have an adverse impact on our earnings. Consequently, deterioration in economic conditions, particularly in the New York metropolitan area, could have a material adverse impact on the quality of our loan portfolio, which could result in an increase in delinquencies, causing a decrease in our interest income as well as an adverse impact on our loan loss experience, causing an increase in our allowance for loan losses. Such deterioration could also adversely impact the demand for our products and services and, accordingly, our results of operations.
The past several months have been highlighted by significant disruption and volatility in the financial and capital marketplaces. This turbulence has been attributable to a variety of factors, including the fallout associated with the subprime mortgage market. One aspect of this fallout has been significant deterioration in the activity of the secondary residential mortgage market. The disruptions have been exacerbated by the acceleration of the softening of the real estate and housing market. No assurance can be given that these conditions will improve or will not worsen or that such conditions will not result in an increase in delinquencies, causing a decrease in our interest income, or have an adverse impact on our loan loss experience, causing an increase in our allowance for loan losses.
For a summary of other risk factors relevant to our operations, see Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our June 30, 2007 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. There are no other material changes in risk factors relevant to our operations since June 30, 2007 except as discussed above.
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ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table sets forth the repurchases of our common stock by month during the three months ended September 30, 2007.
Total Number | Maximum | |||||||
Total | of Shares | Number of Shares | ||||||
Number of | Average | Purchased as Part | that May Yet Be | |||||
Shares | Price Paid | of Publicly | Purchased Under the | |||||
Period | Purchased | per Share | Announced Plans | Plans | ||||
July 1, 2007 through | ||||||||
July 31, 2007 | 135,000 | $24.47 | 135,000 | 9,982,300 | ||||
August 1, 2007 through | ||||||||
August 31, 2007 | 445,000 | $25.31 | 445,000 | 9,537,300 | ||||
September 1, 2007 through | ||||||||
September 30, 2007 | 170,000 | $26.28 | 170,000 | 9,367,300 | ||||
Total | 750,000 | $25.38 | 750,000 |
During the quarter ended September 30, 2007, we completed our eleventh stock repurchase plan which was approved by our Board of Directors on December 21, 2005 and authorized the purchase, at management’s discretion, of 10,000,000 shares, or approximately 10% of our common stock outstanding, through December 31, 2007 in open-market or privately negotiated transactions. On April 18, 2007, our Board of Directors approved our twelfth stock repurchase plan authorizing the purchase of 10,000,000 shares, or approximately 10% of our common stock outstanding, in open-market or privately negotiated transactions. Stock repurchases under our twelfth stock repurchase plan commenced immediately following the completion of our eleventh stock repurchase plan on July 30, 2007.
ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. Other Information
Not applicable.
ITEM 6. Exhibits
See Index of Exhibits on page 52.
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SIGNATURE
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.
Astoria Financial Corporation | ||||||
Dated: | November 8, 2007 | By: | /s/ | Frank E. Fusco | ||
Frank E. Fusco | ||||||
Executive Vice President, Treasurer | ||||||
and Chief Financial Officer | ||||||
(Principal Accounting Officer) |
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ASTORIA FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Index of Exhibits
Exhibit No. | Identification of Exhibit |
10.1 | Amendment to Astoria Financial Corporation Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Executive Officer by and between Astoria Financial Corporation and George L. Engelke, Jr., entered into as of August 15, 2007. |
10.2 | Amendment to Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Executive Officer by and between Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association and George L. Engelke, Jr., entered into as of August 15, 2007. |
10.3 | Amendment to Astoria Financial Corporation Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Executive Officer by and between Astoria Financial Corporation and Monte N. Redman, entered into as of August 15, 2007. |
10.4 | Amendment to Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Executive Officer by and between Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association and Monte N. Redman, entered into as of August 15, 2007. |
10.5 | Amendment to Astoria Financial Corporation Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Executive Officer by and between Astoria Financial Corporation and Alan P. Eggleston, entered into as of August 15, 2007. |
10.6 | Amendment to Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Executive Officer by and between Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association and Alan P. Eggleston, entered into as of August 15, 2007. |
10.7 | Astoria Financial Corporation Employment Agreement with Executive Officer by and between Astoria Financial Corporation and Frank E. Fusco, entered into as of August 15, 2007. |
10.8 | Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Employment Agreement with Executive Officer by and between Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association and Frank E. Fusco, entered into as of August 15, 2007. |
10.9 | Amendment to Astoria Financial Corporation Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Executive Officer by and between Astoria Financial Corporation and Arnold K. Greenberg, entered into as of August 15, 2007. |
10.10 | Amendment to Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Executive Officer by and between Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association and Arnold K. Greenberg, entered into as of August 15, 2007. |
10.11 | Amendment to Astoria Financial Corporation Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Executive Officer by and between Astoria Financial Corporation and Gerard C. Keegan, entered into as of August 15, 2007. |
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Exhibit No. | Identification of Exhibit |
10.12 | Amendment to Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Executive Officer by and between Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association and Gerard C. Keegan, entered into as of August 15, 2007. |
10.13 | Amendment to Astoria Financial Corporation Employment Agreement with Executive Officer by and between Astoria Financial Corporation and Gary T. McCann, entered into as of August 15, 2007. |
10.14 | Amendment to Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association Employment Agreement with Executive Officer by and between Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association and Gary T. McCann, entered into as of August 15, 2007. |
31.1 | Certifications of Chief Executive Officer. |
31.2 | Certifications of Chief Financial Officer. |
32.1 | Written Statement of Chief Executive Officer furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. Pursuant to SEC rules, this exhibit will not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. |
32.2 | Written Statement of Chief Financial Officer furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. Pursuant to SEC rules, this exhibit will not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. |
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